Raging Star

Chapters

S1: Ep.1 - The Mighty Ape
S1: Ep.2 - Foreshadowing
S1: Ep.3 - Into the Wild
S1: Ep. 4 - Rock the Dragon
S1: Ep. 5 - Dog Eat Dog
S1: Ep.6 - Do You Believe in Magic?
S1: Ep. 7 - Bear With It
S1: Ep. 8 - Revelation (Pt.1)
S1: Ep. 9 - Revelation (Pt. 2)
S1: Ep.10 - Breaking Point
S1: Ep.11 - Reflection

S1: Ep.1 - The Mighty Ape

"Do not allow it into the city!" an Equestrian soldier panicked. His horn lit up with a swell of magic, channeling the energy into his palms. Holding his hands high, this Unicorn unleashed a volley of burning flames at the beast before him. His mind raced with solutions as his last assault held no effect on the rampaging ape. The monster reared its head in annoyance, staring spitefully at its assailer.

"GRROOOOAR!!!"

"GAAAAH!" Before the Unicorn could react, an enlarged fist crashed into the ground, burying the colt in a forever descending pit of earth. The resulting shockwave upset the balance of every soldier in the perimeter, disarming the stumbling ponies. The giant ape unleashed a massive roar into the night, sweeping his leg about the floor and scattering the war machines that threatened to fire at him.

"I want all non-magical users to focus their rounds at this thing's feet! Every damn Unicorn in this area better launch the best magic burst they can muster! This creature will not be allowed into Manehattan!" the nearest soldier ordered.

"Sir, our weapons are ineffective and our magic only pisses it off. Where is that support?!"

“The Princesses are coming soldier, until then we gotta keep this monkey from ravaging the city. As long as it remains on the outskirts we’ll be fine!”

“What in Tartarus?!” a stray voice announced in the ensuing chaos. The giant ape had finished leveling a mountain side, clearing the surrounding trees as well as the lives of the ponies who had tried to halt its wave of destruction. Its mouth gaped open, filling with a bright red hue.

“Mother of Celestia,” the commanding officer uttered in sudden disbelief. A ray of light escaped the monster’s mouth, tearing through the air and landing in the unsuspecting city miles away. Manehattan ruptured violently, lighting up in a terrifying explosion of fire and smoke.

“Sonofa-” A large wave of energy seeped out of the great ape then, blowing away the tiny life forms and scrawny metal machines surrounding it. Screams of pain and horror echoed throughout that night as the great ape stood proudly stood over its fruitful carnage, beating its chest in a glorious act of victory. Soldiers lay sprawled about the ground, either dead or very close to it. The beast continued its march, uncaring of anything in its path. The rumbling of its steps shook the very foundation of Equestria. Every breath leveled mountains, and every swipe drastically scarred the landscape, leaving nothing but a trail of smote ruin behind.

*****

"What do you know of this, sister?" Princess Luna asked.

"According to local authorities, a star crashed on the outskirts of Manehattan. When they went to investigate, they found a tiny primate morphing into the great ape our forces are fighting against now," Celestia answered. The wind whipped about her hair as they flew through the night sky. She peered over at her younger sister and chuckled. "You are wearing your Gala dress?"

"I uh...was informed at a very ill-timed moment. Still, I could not let my carnal desires overrule my duties as Princess of the Night," Luna quickly responded. Celestia's laugh caused her to blush further. "This is no time for jokes sister! Equestria is in danger!"

"Relax sister," Celestia replied. "I only mean to lighten the mood."

"There is nothing to make light of at this time. I only wish you would not be so lax as often."

"Are you scolding me?" Celestia playfully asked with a hand over her chest. Suddenly, the two sisters ceased their flight, remaining still in midair. "My word..." the older muttered.

"Have we not arrived with posthaste?! Surely this beast cannot be so powerful?" Luna cried out. Her form glided over the area below, searching for a stirring of any kind. Celestia's eyes wandered further, making note of the increasing trail of damage leading towards Manehattan.

"I will continue the pursuit Luna. Meet me when you have finished," Celestia ordered flying off once more.

Luna scanned the floor in a desperate frenzy. She rested her hooves on the smoking ground below, covering her mouth with grief stricken hands. A faint groan sounded through the wreckage, prompting the lunar princess to teleport over the charred body of an Equestrian knight.

"My faithful soldier, what news have you of this beast?" Luna whispered gently. Her fingers caressed the pony's face, wiping away the blood staining his mouth.

"Un-stoppable," the soldier was finally able to stutter out. "My princess...forgive us," he winced before taking his last breath.

"No, forgive us," Luna said sorrowfully. She placed the colt down, positioning his arms over his breastplate. Her head hung low, inaudible words escaping her praying lips. As she rose from her prostrate position, a faint glimmer caught her eye, perched high upon a mountain side. She lifted into the air, examining the spherical object before her. Imbedded in the mountain was a strange metallic orb. Her hands moved over the metal, activating some sort of strange mechanism allowing access into the ball.

"It's a vessel of some kind," she concluded. Within the confines of the tiny ball were littered wires and various lighted buttons and sounds. Luna examined the cockpit closer, staring at the tiny seat inside. Her body squeezed inside the ship, albeit a little painfully. As her flank rested on the seat, she began to fiddle with the ship, her fingers dancing about the controls awkwardly. She lifted her arm and tugged on a wire, tripping an alarm of some kind.

"FZZZZ.... Gree... FZZZZ... ings... KRZZZ... Kaizoruu.... BVVVV... KRSHHH... Wake up... KSSHHHH... Kaizoruu... KSHHH..." The same message repeated an innumerable number of times despite Luna's persistence to silence it. After a moment of frustration, she exited the pod and brought her gaze up to the adjacent cliff side, awed at the sudden appearance of a second moon.

"What?!" Luna peered inquisitively at the holographic image, startled that her shadow suddenly eclipsed its image. The words of her elder sister pervaded her thoughts once more, striking the lunar princess with fear.

“If this is the case, then even my sister is clearly outmatched,” Luna concluded. She zipped into the sky, feeling out Celestia’s presence. The moment she locked on, her body vanished in an afterimage.

*****

“Damn it!” Celestia yelled. Her battered figure crashed through several more buildings before colliding with the concrete floor of the crumbling city. She gripped her arm in pain, panting hard as she struggled to rise. “I don’t understand. Magic doesn’t affect this creature,” she gasped.

“Defend the Princess!” a soldier commanded, firing his gun at the ape. His platoon proceeded to follow, emptying their magazines in vain. The great ape lifted his foot, bringing the appendage down hard onto the floor. An explosion rang through the city, smoke and debris flying through the air as a result of the potent attack.

“I don’t believe…I’m the one who needs defending,” Celestia bit out through clenched teeth. Her hands held the ape’s foot in place just meters above the cowering platoon. Her eyes bore the same aura as her horn, filling her hands with a burning ferocity. “EVACUATE THE CITY! I SHALL DEAL WITH THIS BEAST!!!” She commanded. Nopony gave an argument, fleeing the scene as quickly as they could.

Celestia pushed through the pain of her burning arms, shoving the ape’s foot high enough to stumble it backwards. The great ape crashed onto the ground, thrashing about wildly in a fit of blind rage. Whole structures vanished with every toss and turn as the beast finally regained its footing. Overcome with rage, it singled out the beautifully beaten princess on the ground below.

“C’mon then big boy,” Celestia bantered, flinging into the air. The mighty ape crashed his palms together, hoping to enclose the mare in his grasp. Celestia quickly teleported out of its range, meeting the monster face-to-face.

“Solar Flare!”

A blinding ray of sunlight emanated from her being, panicking the beast even more. Its arms began to flare about wildly, crashing into the buildings around it. The ape gripped its face in pain, stomping around in frustration. In a desperate attempt to hit its target, it opened its mouth, spitting beams of powerful energy into the sky. Celestia quickly interceded, deflecting the stray attacks back at its originator.

“GRAAAAOOOR!!! ROOOOAR!!!!” bellowed the enraged monster.

“And that’s not even my best move,” Celestia bragged. Holding her hands together, she summoned a flux of magic to manifest before her body. As her palms separated, so too did the strings of golden aura around her. The magic threads hooked onto her fingertips and she laced the bumbling beast in a flurry of magic string. The great ape tripped over its own feet, crashing once more onto the floor, struggling to free itself from the solar princess’s bind.

“Sister!” Luna’s voice rang from above.

“Luna! Look, I’m winning!” Celestia grinned.

“But not for long,” Luna declared as she descended to Celestia’s level.

“So negative dear sister,” Celestia moaned.

“Nay, I speak the truth! Sister I am sure the only way to truly defeat this thing is to rid the sky of the moon,” Luna explained.

“What a ludicrous way of defeating a giant monster, are you so certain? My plan happens to be working fine,” Celestia interrupted, giving her threads a tug.

“Listen to me for once!” Luna shouted. “You said that the locals discovered this beast in mid-transformation. The star it fell from was a space vessel of some sort. I saw it with my own eyes.”

“Alien huh?”

“Not only that, but I discovered a voice recording prompting it awake, followed by an image of the moon. I sincerely believe the moon has something to do with its transformation,” Luna concluded.

“Even so, do you have any idea how long it would take for you to lower the moon? You just raised it dear sister!” Celestia grunted out. The beast’s last attempt at freedom nearly succeeded.

“Well I have to try,” Luna proposed taking position in the sky. “Continue your bout with the creature, and I will try to rid the sky of the moon.”

“Finally, enough with the jibber-jabber,” Celestia mumbled under her breath. She strengthened her binds on the beast, warranting louder roars and more frantic flailing. She shifted her sight to Luna who had already begun to lower the pale orb. “Tsk, at this rate it’ll take all night,” Celestia chuckled. Suddenly her fingers twisted in pain and she released her hold on the ape.

The monster stirred violently, jumping to its feet and beating its chest once again. It lifted its eyes heavenward, intent on destroying the colorfully haired, fair-coated, winged Unicorn. The beast lifted a large piece of rubble underneath itself, holding the object over its head. With a mighty charge, it flung the building at the two princesses. Celestia flew in direct opposition, holding her palm out and yelling a battle cry as a wave of magic poured out of her hand and into the torpedoing rock.

The rubble blasted into tiny fragments, completely shattered by the magic beam. The attack did not halt at the boulder however, and continued its journey to the chest of the rampaging beast. The great ape roared defiantly, allowing the attack to collide with his fur. As expected, the magic held no effect on the creature. It beat its chest again, howling loudly into the air.

“I’ve had enough of this damn dirty ape,” Celestia complained, gathering her magic into her right hand once more. She examined the sky, the moon nearly halfway down now. Luna still required more time. She was capable enough to handle the task on her own, yet she was expending more energy than usual and occasionally exited her trance mode in order to catch her breath.

“Hey! Stinky! Over here!” Celestia yelled out, vanishing behind the beast. The mighty ape spun around, roaring as if he was declaring his supremacy over the solar princess. Celestia smirked at his motion, and lifted her right fist into the air. “Chew on this!” She shouted out, throwing a magic infused punch at the creature. The ape countered, launching a strike of its own. Its fist collided with Celestia’s, rupturing the air and splitting the sound barrier at the apex of the struggle.

The monster’s strength proved too much however, overpowering the solar princess and pushing her back into another pile of damaged infrastructure and concrete. The ape filled its mouth with energy once more, releasing a barrage of fiery red beams into the pile of stones Celestia had crashed into. Upon the last explosion, the entire area remained engulfed in flames, devoid of any sign of life.

Satisfied with his its latest victory, the great ape turned its attention to the vulnerable Luna in the sky above it. The howl it emitted into the air startled the lunar princess from her trance, causing a shift in the setting moon.

"No, I was almost there," Luna commented searching for her sister. "Celestia? Celestia where are you?!" she called. A giant fist crashed into her body then, pummeling her into the floor. The great ape howled again, now in midair and eyed the crippled lunar princess below it. Dropping its weight, the ape slammed into the ground, landing on top of Luna's body. She screamed in excruciating pain, gasping at the last interval for a breath of air. The ape removed its foot, allowing her to take in one breath before bringing its foot down once again. Her last exhale forced out another agonizing scream.

The ape released its pressure, kicking Luna's beaten form into a nearby building and howling victoriously into the night. Before it could continue its wake of carnage, a flaming circle formed behind the monster, lifting stray pieces of debris into the air. Rising out of the flaming ring of fire was Princess Celestia, holding a very irate countenance. The blood leaking from her forehead did not even phase her, and she wiped the drizzle that fell from her lips. Although it was unwilling to notice, her body had changed, taking on a more beefed form. Her eyes lit up with a different hue, resonating with fury. Her hair flowed endlessly with the surge of power that encircled her, followed closely by her ever flowing ethereal tail.

"No words, just you and me," Celestia sternly exhaled. The manic monstrosity rushed the princess, striking with its fist. Celestia conjured an afterimage, vanishing out of sight once more. Her figure reappeared in front of the dazed ape, releasing the same blinding flash from before. Again the mighty ape clawed at its eyes, roaring in pain. The solar princess cocked her arm back, striking an explosive jab into the beast’s muzzle. She finished with a powerful uppercut, launching it into the air. The princess chanted a verse, summoning the golden locks from before and ensnared the great ape yet again, this time lifting the brute higher into the air, tugging at the magical rope with all of her might. With one final thrust she threw down the beast, rocking the ground with a powerful tremor.

“Luna!” Celestia cried out, as the fiend calmed in its state of incapacitation. A burst of dark magic eliminated the surrounding rubble encasing the lunar princess. She held her side wearily, and gasped for breath.

“I am…here,” she choked out, coughing up her bloodied insides. Celestia glided down to her sister and placed her hands over her body. Luna rested on her older sibling, her breathing regulating with every passing moment. “I think…it broke a few ribs,” Luna commented.

“Can you still lower the moon? I do not think I have given you much time,” Celestia asked suddenly as she finished her spell.

“Yes. Just be sure to cover me this time,” Luna spat back. Taking to the air once more, Princess Luna resumed her position in the sky and entered her trance state. Celestia carefully eyed the stirring beast below, recreating the magical netting to keep it contained.

“Quickly Luna,” Celestia commanded as the ape forced open its eyes. A hefty roar bellowed from its mouth, its teeth glistening in the departing moonlight. The creature struggled to free itself, maddened beyond belief by the latest attempt to subdue it. Rather than flail about meaninglessly, it began another oral energy blast. “My magic WILL NOT stop that attack!” Celestia shouted impatiently.

“I am nearly finished sister, just a moment!” Luna strained. The moon sidled along the night sky, covering up its last few lunar rays behind the dark twilight of the horizon. A few more seconds, and the moon had completely vanished from sight.

The great ape inhaled one final time, ready to release its charge, but instead choked on its own attack. The monster growled furiously, shrinking in form and stature rapidly, decreasing smaller and smaller until only a hairless monkey remained in the ensnaring bondage of Celestia’s web.

“Impossible!” Luna cried out, descending to the ground. Celestia dropped her spell, consequently reducing her power at the same time. She returned to her petite figure and joined her sister below, staring inauspiciously at the sleeping naked child.

“This thing…was that thing?” Celestia inquired, bending down closer to it. The species was different for sure; none that she had ever seen or even knew existed. It held the face of a primate, yet bore nothing in resemblance aside from the tail. Luna lifted the creature from the ground, holding it as if it were a newborn pony of her own. “What are you doing, drop that beast!” Celestia yelled angrily.

“But sister! Tis only a child! A baby! Perhaps it was sent to our planet because it needed help! Or maybe it is the last of its kind,” Luna quickly rebuked.

“It was an alien life form sent to eliminate the planet. You said so yourself. The recording in its ship and the image of the moon is proof enough,” Celestia argued back.

“That was before I realized it was a child!” Luna disputed. Celestia groaned in frustration, stamping about up and down the crumbled streets of Manehattan.

“Do you not realize that thing almost killed us, and very well killed countless of other ponies?! We were charged with its destruction and you want to house it!?”

“I never said that!” Luna interceded. “I never said that. I only meant that perhaps we could just…send it away.” Her hands brushed over the child's brown hair. Her vision following the suddenly apparent monkey tail at the end of its spinal column.

“I don’t suppose you know how to operate alien machinery?” Celestia inquired with a hand on her hip.

“No…I don’t,” Luna answered still engrossed with the odd tail.

“Princesses!” a voice called out in the distance. Both mares eyed the frantic knight rushing to meet them. “Princess Celestia, all ponies have been evacuated from the city. We heard that the struggle ceased and they sent me to confirm it. Has the beast been destroyed?” The soldier’s eye grazed both princesses before falling onto the naked body of the tailed figure in Luna’s arms.

“Princess Luna, what is that in your arms?” He asked.

“Never mind it soldier,” Celestia intervened. “I need you to tell our Captain to count our losses and begin the immediate reconstruction of Manehattan. I will have a detailed report available at a later date. For now we must be able to house these ponies and console them in this great crisis,” Celestia said, constantly having to regain the soldier’s eye contact. “Am I understood?!” She shouted.

“Er, yes ma’am!” the Earth steed replied and began running off. “Hey, where’s the moon?” He asked himself looking about as he departed.

“Damn it Luna. Damn it! I have to give a statement about this creature to the residents of Equestria and help rebuild Manehattan, not to mention sum up condolences and compensation for the soldiers and civilians whose lives were lost in this engagement!” Celestia yelled out furiously. She pointed aggressively at the sleeping boy in her arms. “I will not allow that thing to thrive in Equestria!”

“Then it won’t!” Luna yelled in opposition. The baby monkey stirred awake, disrupted from its nap by the quarrel of the two princesses and began wailing loudly. “Look, you woke it up,” Luna said hushing it.

“It crushed you under those adorable little feet you know,” Celestia said disgustedly. Luna glared at her sister and stuck her nose in the air.

“I don’t care what you say; I do not think it should be killed,” Luna said firmly. Celestia chuckled and waved her fingers through her hair. She wiped the blood off of her head and walked over to her sister cradling the baby monster.

“Then you take care of it,” she said, wiping the blood onto its nose.

“Sister!” Luna objected moving in for a strike. Celestia vanished out of the way, appearing behind Luna then. She did the same, smearing her blood over her sibling’s muzzle.

“I was only trying to be 'less lax,' as one pony put it." She soared into the sky slightly, hovering over her sister. "Know this, whatever you choose to do with this creature that involves it remaining alive, should anything happen, all of Equestria’s blood will be on your hands…and his, apparently,” Celestia giggled looking up from its crotch. Luna was finally able to quell its cries after her sister had flown away, though she was still enraged with Celestia's insensitivity.

“Hush little being. I do not hold anything against you. It is not your fault that inside dwells a terrible beast of darkness. In fact, I sympathize with thee young one,” Luna whispered rocking back and forth. She removed the smudge of her sister off of the baby and herself, and lifted into the air as well. She meant well, but the only problem was that she knew not how to handle the situation currently. Who would dare bear this ticking time bomb?

“Are you certain you are able to do as you promised?” Luna asked nervously.

“I promise you your highness, a few years under my care and this thing will be as tranquil as your most behaved ponies,” the orange haired Minotaur snorted out.

“I find the fact that you are even willing to take this monster rather disturbing,” Celestia objected apathetically.

“I humbly present my services with the best of intentions. I wish to strengthen the international delicacies of our races.”

“Delegacies,” Celestia corrected with utmost perception. The Minotaur snorted embarrassingly and chuckled.

“My dear sister, do you think it wise to send off this precarious primate into the hands of this brambling brute before us?” Celestia then asked, fixing her critical gaze upon Luna then.

“I believe,” Luna began, staring at the sleeping baby in her arms, “I believe doing so would allow him to live as he most likely was intended to, and as Princess of the Night, until I am able to meet him at an age of adequate cognitive skill, I shall refrain from raising a full moon in order to keep the world from effectively...blowing up.” She said that last part with a little distaste on her lips.

Celestia glanced back over to the still prostrate Minotaur and sighed.

“Very well then, I suppose as long as a full moon isn’t raised, and you Minotaurs keep up the necessary amount of work to preoccupy the beast, I shall allow it to live,” she decreed.

“I thank you very much Princess Celestia,” the Minotaur said bowing profusely and kissing the floor. Luna gave her sister a thankful expression as well, only to be rebuffed by Celestia’s precarious scowl.

“What of the child’s name?” the Minotaur asked.

“Well, he fell from a shooting star, and was rather rambunctious when he awoke,” Luna said pouring too much thought into it for her sister to respect.

“That’s putting it lightly. I’m glad to see you can shrug off the countless lives that beast has taken so easily. Call it Raging Star for all I care, just get it out of my sight,” Celestia spat out. She rose, exiting the chamber in a hassled fury.

“Ignore my insensitive sister Mr. Satyan, she knows not of what this child suffers from,” Luna said. Her eyes met that of the orange Minotaur before her, and the child suddenly left her arms and entered his. She smiled at the slumbering figure and looked back at the gruff oxen cradling the delicate infant. “No doubt it is the right thing to do, to send Raging Star to your country. There he will be…fulfilled,” Luna struggled to say.

“You are very correct Princess, I will make sure that when he sees you again, it will be through changed eyes,” Satyan vowed, bowing one last time. “Now then, I suppose you will have to aid your sister in repairing the damage it has caused in Equestria, no? The faster the child vanishes, the quicker ponies will forget.”

“Yes, indeed. I shall do just that,” Luna said, sneaking a final glance at the tailed boy in the Minotaur’s arms. “Guards, escort Mr. Satyan out please.” She waited in that spot, frozen in place until Mr. Satyan and the baby were out of sight.

Author's Note

Hello all! I've been compelled to write a Saiyan in Equestria fic now, and I think I'm loving it. This is just another side story I had to get on "paper" before it vanished, but I hope you enjoy regardless. I will often add a chapter to this if I'm feeling unmotivated to work on my other story or another poof pops into my head.

Yeah, anthro ponies. For the sake of myself and you readers, I have decided to keep terminology similar. The races will be called as such, e.g. Unicorn, Pegasi, etc. and you've pretty much figured out the rest.
Also, you may notice Celestia is a little OOC. I wanted it that way folks, otherwise I wouldn't have written it. IT has ALT. Universe tag for a reason -_-

The S1 stands for Saga 1, as I intend on making this a very prolongued Fic :)
This is the first chapter of the Minotaur Uprising Saga!

BTW, REALLY wanted to blow up the moon....but figured I didn't need to go that far considering there aren't Dragonballs in this fic...

S1: Ep.2 - Foreshadowing

“I’m going to kill that monkey!!!” The enraged Minotaur shrieked. He stamped his hooves on the ground. Steam rolled out of his nose and ears, clouding his already furious bloodshot eyes.

“I’d like to see you try!” Raging Star yelled back.

“Raging Star! Stop! Obey your master!” Mr. Satyan charged into the rock field, swooping past the on looking workers mesmerized by another one of the crazy monkey’s unruly antics. The tiny body of the seven-year old terror sprung into the air, hands open wide and reaching for his opponent’s jugular. “I said STOP!” Satyan’s voice boomed throughout the rock farm, startling everybody back to work; everybody except the boisterous Raging Star.

Mr. Satyan reached down, grabbing the chain along the floor and tugged viciously, tripping up Raging Star and a few other Minotaur. The boy fell flat on his face, yelling obscenities into the dirt as Satyan approached closer. The orange-coated bull clamped onto Raging Star’s tail and tugged, causing a painful yelp to escape from the boy into the dusty cracked earth.

“When I say quit it, I mean it boy!” Satyan roared. He used his free hand to clutch onto Raging Star’s spikey hair, bringing his face off of the ground. Raging Star clenched his teeth tighter as Satyan lifted higher.

“GAAAHHH! Okay! Okay! I’m done! Let go!” he screamed. Satyan snorted furiously into Raging Star’s face and slammed his head onto the ground. Releasing the boy’s tail, the Minotaur eyed his other workers savagely and bellowed throughout the farm.

“If anybody else wants to end up like Raging Star, keep this shit up!” Satyan peered at the gasping boy underneath his hooves and snorted again, stomping away this time and motioning toward the other guilty party. “What did he do this time?” Satyan asked.

“I was just trying to humble the little runt,” the other Minotaur said, spitting on the ground.

“That is not your job worm. I better not see you so much as even look at that boy again, understand?!” The cowering Minotaur did not eye his master, but nodded in agreement.

The slaves resumed work, bashing the infinite throng of stones that littered Satyan Square. Raging Star rose slowly, wrapping his tail around his waist and wiping away the dirt clogged over his eyes and mouth.

“What are you looking at?” He whispered indignantly at the Minotaur next to him.

“Don’t start that again Raging Star,” a younger Minotaur called from across the chain.

“Shut up Mighty Frey,” Raging Star threatened, lifting his hammer. He brought the head down onto the stone in front of him, shattering the rock in one blow. “I am the strongest one here, Brute Force was being a big bully teasing me like that!”

“Nobody cares how strong you are kid,” the same Minotaur replied coldly. As he brought his hammer up a soft grunt escaped his lips. He released a satisfied snort as the tool collided with the boulder below, chipping another piece onto the ground. “What matters is how many stones you’ve crushed in a day. And with your strength you’d think you’d have the best output at Satyan Square.”

“Output shmoutput, It’s not my fault I’m a little slower than you guys!” Raging Star complained. “Mr. Satyan’s the one who gave me the oversized hammer and the biggest chains in the field. If he wanted me to do better he would treat me like he does you jerks!”

“We all get treated the same Raging Star,” Mighty Frey commented back, straining as he brought down another strike. “You just want to feel different. You already look different.”

The tailed boy growled feverishly. Lifting his tool again he swung down over and over against the mighty boulders that littered the farm. His tantrum did not cease until the handle of his hammer snapped, shattering the iron head in conjunction with the last boulder. Raging Star stood there, gripping the broken handle and glaring vengefully at the young Mighty Frey across from him.

“I swear… One of these days I’m going to crush your skull between my fingers!” he roared, further breaking his damaged tool.

“That’s your seventh hammer this month. Saytan is going to have your hide,” Mighty Frey said indifferently, resuming his work.

*****

“You broke your hammer again,” a feminine voice whispered from over the counter.

“How do you know that?” Raging Star asked, holding his tray out. The female Minotaur motioned with her eyes to the boy’s bloodied knuckles. He sighed exasperatedly and tapped the empty tray on the counter. The Minotaur filled his plate and urged him to move along.

Despite the twirling fans above, the heated hall did not cool. The room stunk of dried sweat and animal urine, the latter becoming more credible with every stain that lined the floors and walls. The only solace to be found was in the mediocre slop served to the working bulls of Satyan Square. Even that proved unfulfilling to the child.

“Don’t think Satyan has your back monkey boy,” a very familiar and annoying voice snarled.

“He sure was tuggin’ hard enough on it,” Raging Star replied.

“Don’t play smart with me boy,” Brute Force shouted. His fist slammed into the table. “I haven’t forgotten what you did to my neck! I’ll wring yours twice as hard!”

“You’ll need muscles in order to do that,” Raging Star teased. He lifted the fork to his mouth but suddenly dropped it. The small clanging sound of metal turned into a loud struggle as the entire table flipped over.

“You want muscles little runt?! I’ll show you muscles!”

“GUURK!” Raging Star choked out. His hands flailed about, clawing desperately at the oversized arm the Minotaur held him in. Their struggle shifted to the floor, Raging Star still locked in Brute Force’s crushing hold.

“Who’s going to save your ass now? Who’s going to save you now?!” Brute Force yelled thrashing around the floor with every violent jerk Raging Star made to get free. The tiny body of the monkey child lunged to and fro, seeking a way to escape the intolerable hold. Raging Star gasped for breath, unable to do anything at the moment. The room became dark and he began to feel light headed.

“Let him go Brute Force!” a voice cried out. The pissed Minotaur turned his head and received a powerful kick from the young Mighty Frey. He did not loosen his grip however, taking the hit and crashing among the other tables and workers with the monkey child still in his possession.

“I am going to make sure this runt dies! Forget the consequences! I’ll meet up with you in Tartarus and we can continue our little game there for all of eternity!” Brute Force chuckled out. He maddeningly glared at Raging Star as he uttered his last sentence.

Raging Star could feel life slipping away from him. Everything was becoming darker and quieter, and the dizziness in his head amplified to an excruciating degree. His movements slowed, and he did not fight against his captor as robustly as before.

“N-no… I don’t wanna die… I don’t wanna die!” Raging Star screamed in his head. A new sensation ignited over his body, refueling the soul of the depleted child. Brute Force cried out in surprise, dropping his grip as Raging Star’s body surfaced with a boiling aura of visible energy.

“What is that?!” the stunned bull stammered out. Raging Star knelt on the ground, clutching his neck and taking in as many breaths as he could. The manic energy still surrounded the boy, pushing down on everybody in the building. Raging Star rose, infuriated beyond compare, gritting his teeth savagely. Blood streamed down his palm as his fingernails cut deep into his clenched fists.

“I am going to kill you, and everyone in this room!” Raging Star declared heatedly. He leapt from his stance, charging once more at Brute Force, this time fists pumped and ready to strike. The startled Minotaur raised his arms in defense, blocking Raging Star’s first strike. Raging Star proceeded with another bone shattering punch, wailing heavily on Brute Force’s arms. The Minotaur screamed in pain at every interval, removing his battered limbs from the raged assault of the monkey beast. He quickly realized this was the wrong move and suffered a devastating blow to the chest from Raging Star.

Brute Force lifted off of the floor, flying backwards until he crashed out of the mess hall and into the dirt road leading towards the farming fields. Raging Star halted his attack, breathing heavily in place; his left arm outstretched in a perfect follow-through punch. The ground where he had taken off and landed was ripped apart, splintered into thousands of tiny wood fragments. A giant hole presented itself at the end of the hall, bloody and wide. The soft groaning of a severely injured Minotaur hummed within the small confines of the broken building. Mighty Frey, who had been observing from the side, crossed his arms.

“Mr. Satyan will not be pleased,” he muttered.

“Who cares about him?” Raging Star shouted.

“You need to calm down boy,” Mighty Frey said moving up suddenly. “Any more trouble and you’ll get us all locked up,” he said walking over to the feral child.

“Don’t touch me Frey!” Raging Star screamed, unleashing more energy. Mighty Frey shielded his face, blown back by the sheer power the primate child exuded off. Raging Star attacked, forcing Mighty Frey to dodge to the left. Raging Star crashed into the mess of tables and chairs behind Mighty Frey becoming more enraged that he had missed his target.

“Stay away Raging Star, you’ll hurt more than me if you keep this up. Think about everybody else,” the young Minotaur tried to reason to the child.

“I don’t care about anybody else. I’m going to make sure there is no ‘anybody else!’” Raging Star charged again, starting on all fours and springing into the air for another failed assault. Mighty Frey ducked, allowing the boy to pass over top of him and brought his hand up, clutching at Raging Star’s tail. The small boy immediately shrieked in pain, losing every ounce of energy he had just possessed. The Minotaur youth brought the boy over his head again, slamming him on the ground and holding tightly to the boy’s weakest spot.

“I said cool it!” Mighty Frey snorted out.

“OWWW! AUUUGH! LET GO! LET GO!” Raging Star pleaded in writhing pain. Mighty Frey released his grip, allowing Raging Star the chance to calm down. After a few moments, the monkey boy rose up, tears falling from his face. “I hate you stupid Minotaur,” he said looking around the room.

“We stupid Minotaur are all that you know. Without us, you’ve got nothing,” Mighty Frey said still panting. They both turned their heads to see a very cross Mr. Satyan standing in the doorway of the hall, dragging the incapacitated body of Brute Force behind him.

“Raging Star…” the orange coated Minotaur snorted, tossing Brute Force’s body into the room. “Clean this mess up and get to your quarters,” he ordered of the rest of the flock. “As for the monkey, he’ll be coming with me.”

*****

“How many lashes this time kid?” Mighty Frey asked as Raging Star walked by. He glanced over at the kid, examining his body thoroughly. A small chuckle caused Raging Star’s eyes to dart in Mighty Frey’s direction. “I bet he used the iron whip. There’s still not a scratch on you,” Mighty Frey said.

“Why aren’t you sleeping?” the sniffling boy asked. He rubbed the sore areas of his body. “It may not show but it still hurts!”

“I can’t sleep comfortably now, knowing there’s a homicidal maniac in my cabin,” Frey snorted. For once Raging Star did not answer, and instead gazed at the incomplete crescent that filled the night sky. “The whole lot of them are fearful for their lives. They won’t relax till you’re either dead or they know Satyan can control you,” Frey continued.

“Satyan will never control me,” Raging Star said still looking at the moon. “It’s funny. At night time it feels like I’m the strongest I can be. But…” He trailed off gaining Mighty Frey’s curiosity.

“I noticed that you look at the moon a lot,” the young Minotaur commented. “What kind of primate creature stares at the moon all night and has the strength of twenty golems?”

“Mr. Satyan says I’m not even from this world,” Raging Star grumbled kicking a stone away.

“A demon straight from Tartarus. I’d believe it after what happened tonight,” Frey said.

“I’m not a demon!” Raging Star shouted directly at Mighty Frey.

“You’re also not a Minotaur. Or a Griffon, or a Pony… Heck you’re not even a Monkey,” Frey added. “Maybe we’ll never know who or what you are, but I will say this. You’ve been the most excitement this farm has ever had in a while.” Frey left his post and headed into the gloomy shack, leaving Raging Star alone in the moonlit dark.

Raging Star glanced at the moon one last time and entered as well. He traversed the silent bunks until he found his way to his cot in the back of the room. Tiny murmurs sounded throughout the night, but Raging Star drowned the noised from his mind. Getting in bed, he shut his eyes and tried to listen for that sweet voice that comforted him every night since his arrival at Satyan Square. He didn’t know where it came from or who even spoke such kind words to him, but it didn’t really matter however, as long as he could recreate the vision in his mind.

“I don’t… hold anything against you,” Raging Star said softly, lulling himself to sleep.

*****

“He grows more powerful by the day, and I’m barely able to contain him as it is. I need enhancements Wizard,” Satyan complained flexing his right arm. “I cannot proceed until I know I can keep him bent under my will.”

“You seek darker magic Minotaur. Something that requires more stout payment than a few precious gems,” the hooded figure spoke from in front of the roaring fireplace.

“I’ll pay whatever I can. A small fortune is nothing compared to the riches of Equestria,” Satyan declared. He motioned about the room and snorted in exasperation. “I’ve waited long enough. Raging Star is just upon the cusp of maturity that Princess Luna requires, but I’m not yet ready to go ahead with this!”

“Relax Satyan,” the figure responded moving over to the irritated Minotaur. “I did not say I couldn’t provide this.” An unholy aura radiated from the figure’s forehead consequently manifesting in his hands.

“I’ve never seen such magic before,” Satyan said in awe.

“Tis nothing to gloat about Mr. Satyan,” the Unicorn replied. His cloak flapped wildly in the yellowish aura that whipped about his body. “If you truly wish to control this beast of a boy, then I require something more personal from you.”

“What are you doing?” Satyan cried out as mystical runes began to etch themselves into the enamel of his floor boards.

“I am servicing my client,” the Unicorn said in a distorted pitch. “Sell me your soul Satyan, and I will grant you immeasurable power, power that can tame the beast hidden within Raging Star!”

“Y-yes! Of course! Grant it to me, I’ll give anything to become that monkey’s controller!” Satyan responded without delay.

“Then it is done. The ritual shall commence,” the demonic Unicorn stated. Black flames began sprouting from his hands and his eyes, running down the caster’s body and filling the scratched crevices of the runes below. “Shadows of Equine, pour into my being and grant me the power to make this Minotaur’s dreams come true!”

Satyan watched as the Unicorn became engulfed in the dark flames that sprang from his body. A hellish glow danced off of the tongues of the embers and shot at the unsuspecting Minotaur. He growled painfully, holding back every impulse to cry and shout, allowing the flames to circle him as well. As if caught in a deep trance, he began to lose consciousness and suddenly submitted himself fully to the whim of the dark magic.

“You simple foal,” the Unicorn chortled out. “This power will eventually be your undoing, but for now it shall provide you with the necessary strength you require. Enjoy it while it lasts!” the Unicorn finished, laughing maliciously at the transforming Minotaur. Satyan fell to the floor with a thud, smoke rolling off of his body like a smoldering crater. The spell caster waited for a response, and was overjoyed at the mile wide grin that sprung from the shadows of his client’s face.

“My dear magician,” Satyan said still smiling. “I must thank you for your generosity.”

“You gave me your payment in full Satyan,” the Unicorn said turning to leave. “Surely your slaves will notice a significant difference… If they haven’t already.” The cloaked mage pointed to the lit shack in the field stirring with curious Minotaur. Satyan snorted out angrily and stormed past his acquaintance.

“Till next time Satyan. I await the moment when we can enact your brilliant master plan,” the Unicorn said.

“With this new power that may be sooner than you think,” Satyan responded charging out of the door. A malevolently shadowed portal opened up from behind the Unicorn, and the Pony entered chuckling silently to himself. With a snap of the fingers, he was gone.

Satyan burst through the fields of endless stones in the direction of the disobedient flock. The strides it took to reach the shack were not as excessive as before, and Satyan could feel a renewed strength flow through him as he bounded into the air, landing in front of the startled slaves.

“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?” Satyan roared out.

“W-we heard a loud noise… And saw… The factory from afar. Th-th-there was tremor and w-we thought it-it might have been the monkey,” a male Minotaur sputtered out. Satyan lifted his face from the shrinking bull and chuckled.

“No need to worry; that was just a malfunction in one of the gem chambers. I have it completely under control,” Satyan said forming an invigorating fist. “Even so, you are not permitted to be up this late. I am feeling rather generous this evening however, so I expect ALL of you to return to your cots now.”

The bull nodded furiously, motioning his bunk-mates inside. Satyan remained fixated outside of the shack and inhaled deeply, grinning at the pale crescent in the night sky. He walked over to the other shacks, eyeing each cot inside and searching for the one Raging Star remained housed in.

“One step closer. I am one step closer to realizing my dream, and you will be the instrument of it all Raging Star,” Satyan said leering at the sleeping child.

Author's Note

It's off to a slow start, but at least it's going. I realize that unlike a tv show or anime, I don't have the luxury of drawing out a scenario for fifteen minutes, and to write like that would be boring and dull, so while I mentioned these will be in arcs and whatnot, they will be somewhat short so as to not become repetitive or boring to read. I will move it along as I see fit, and I don't see staying much longer in this region of the fic.

S1: Ep.3 - Into the Wild

Raging Star trudged along the dusty earth, forlornly dragging his new hammer across the ground. The shallow ravine created by his inattentiveness extended from the main troupe of smashers to a small secluded area of the plot his unit resided in. After the passing of yesterday’s events, the monkey boy’s demeanor fell along with everybody’s already lowly opinion of him. Brute Force was unable to work, forcing Raging Star’s unit to hustle double-time.

“We shouldn’t be punished for his mistakes!” one of the workers groaned.

“Quiet! If you make it angry it’ll kill you!” another Minotaur shushed.

“Better I be dead than labor under these conditions!” the same Minotaur cried out.

“We might as well be dead tied to that thing,” said another. Raging Star bit each comment with overwhelming distaste. All morning they had been fearful of even walking near him. Now that it came closer to the afternoon, their tempers were high and their fuses short. Raging Star’s was even shorter.

“Shaddup!” the sweat laden boy yelled. His hammer came crashing through a stone, forcefully expelling chipped debris everywhere. "I wouldn't have to punch you out if you all minded your own business!" Raging Star said just as forcefully.

“I’m sick of you!” an older Minotaur bellowed suddenly dropping his hammer. “Ever since you came along our already awful lives have gotten worse! Mr. Satyan used to take care of us, now he sits inside his factory all day forced to develop stronger tools to keep you in check! Nobody can sleep because they’re scared of you, and everybody is forced to work harder because you can hit bigger stones!”

“Don’t whine to me about having a bad life!” Raging Star shouted back. “It’s not my fault you stupid Minotaur aren’t as strong as me!”

“I don’t know why he brought you here that day,” the enraged bull began snorting wildly.

“It’s no use complaining about it old man,” Mighty Frey suddenly interjected. “All you’re going to do is repeat what happened yesterday, and then we’ll all be in trouble. You idiots don’t realize that Raging Star would be better off if you just left him alone. It’s the Minotaur causing the problems, not the Monkey.”

“Who’s side are you on Mighty?!” the old bull shouted. “You were the best worker here until that thing showed up! Why aren’t you as upset as we are?!”

“Because I know when I’m beat,” Mighty Frey said glaring at Raging Star. “I’ve hated Raging Star since the very first day he could hold a hammer. But I know better than to challenge the authority of my Master, and tackle someone stronger than me.”

“But we saw you stop him last night! We all know his weakness is that freaky tail of his! He’s powerless without that thing!” a stray worker cried.

“Why don’t we just kill him now, and be rid of this beast?” a different worker suggested.

“Satyan won’t like that,” Mighty Frey objected insistently. “Everyone knows his rule against hurting Raging Star. Brute Force had to learn the hard way. If you jackasses want to end up like him then keep talking the way you are!”

“Why is Satyan so protective of him? Why does that bull care so much for that freak?”

“Does he not care for his own species?!”

The trifling turmoil morphed into a tumultuous riot. Minotaur everywhere began shouting and accusing Raging Star as the origin of their problems. The tiny boy covered his ears in trembling, forcing the sea of expletives and jarring insults away.

“SHADDUP!!!” he yelled out raising his voice to an ear splitting wail. “Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!” Raging Star spat the words out of his mouth. “I don’t need you bastards yelling at me,” Raging Star cried out to the boisterous crowd, “and I don’t need you trying to defend me,” he finished his scream at Mighty Frey.

“We won’t stand for this!” someone from the crowd called out in response. “Mr. Satyan can’t get rid of all of us. I’m not working until Raging Star is either dead or gone!” The rebellious Minotaur snorted in liberation as his hammer dropped to the floor. Many others began doing the same, roaring victoriously into the air.

“You dumbasses don’t know what you’re doing!” Mighty Frey yelled vainly. His shout was barely audible to himself as the inundating mob began swarming after Raging Star. The monkey boy held his hammer firmly, expecting the first assailer as if on instinct. He swung his hammer into the skull of an approaching Minotaur and killed the bull. Only those within reach could enter the fight as everyone was held in place by their shackles. Raging Star swung madly, hoping to frighten off some of the crazies.

“STAND DOWN!” a large voice shouted through the roaring riot. Even Raging Star stood awed by Satyan’s incredible voice. Had he always held that pitch of authority? It seemed different. “I expected a field of stone crumblers, and yet all I find are misbehaving workers. Why shouldn’t you all just die right now?!” Satyan bellowed.

“Mr. Satyan, hear us out!” said one of the more adamant workers. “We work endlessly for your enterprise as slaves under your will. However, before Raging Star arrived, you were a kind Master and treated us like valued workers! We want things to be that way again! Get rid of that horrid monkey!”

Satyan perched dissonantly over the bull and released a fierce snort in the male’s face. “What would you have me do, sir?” Satyan asked lowly.

“Uh, well I… It’s just…”

“If you’re going to ask me to bend some rules, at least do it with some confidence! All I see now is a bunch or derelicts waiting to be hung!” Satyan said furiously.

“We’re your only workers! You can’t threaten to kill us like that!” somebody announced deep within the crowd. Satyan grinned maliciously and chuckled to himself.

“Can’t I? Very well then,” Satyan whispered just audibly enough for Mighty Frey to hear. The young Minotaur recoiled at his Master’s statement. Pushing his way through the crowd, he motioned over to Raging Star who was standing over three lifeless forms drowned in the dirty mud their blood drenched out on the floor. “You’ve caused me a great deal of trouble boy. But I finally have my ace,” Satyan grinned.

“It seems I’ve inadvertently caused a rift in my workers’ output,” Satyan announced. “I have to admit, even with Raging Star’s immense strength, output has been lacking, and I can only guess that is because of the tailed boy, correct?” Small murmurs found their way to the front agreeing with the statement. “So I’m offering a proposition! If you diehards want Raging Star to leave, I’ll allow you to get rid of him personally!”

“What?!” Raging Star cried out.

“That’s right, but there is a catch,” Satyan revealed suddenly. “If I allow this, Raging Star must not live. If he manages to escape, it’ll be the death of you all!”

“Escape?!”

“I will release you all on the condition that you bring Raging Star back to me dead. He will be allowed one day’s journey head start into the wilderness. We’ll follow him and hunt him down. Sound like fun?” Satyan snorted leering at the frightened boy as he finished his last statement. Removing the nose ring from his snout, Satyan bent over and twisted the ring so that it formed and “S” hook and latched onto the lock on Raging Star’s ankle.

“You’d better run. A failsafe in your lock allows everyone else to flee in case you ever got free of your shackles. Its magic embedded, so the spell will wear off once I unlock it.”

“Damn you,” Raging Star snarled. “I work my butt off and get beatings from you just so that I can run away before everyone else kills me?!”

“Attaboy,” Satyan mocked snapping the lock in half. Raging Star’s ankle freed, subsequently sending a magical surge throughout the entire field. Snaps of liberation sounded throughout the camp resulting in roars and shouts of acclamation. At first Raging Star stood overwhelmed with wave after wave of unsettled emotion. There was no doubt he could easily fight against a full grown Minotaur, but against so many was another thing. He trembled wildly, darting his head back and forth looking for some sign of safety.

“Why, why is this happening all of a sudden?!” he screamed and locked eyes with Mighty Frey.

“Run you idiot!” the young Minotaur shouted. Raging Star snapped into reality and took off. He ran as fast as his body would carry him, which was actually considerably quick. Dust kicked up behind his trail and he was off of the property within mere moments. “He’s fast!” Mighty Frey said in shock.

“Well, looks like I’m going to have to shorten the lapse period,” Satyan chuckled. “In one hour, we hunt!”

Raging Star continued his pace until the roaring cheers were no longer audible. The scorching heat from above suddenly winded down as a flurry of shadows danced over his body. The cracked earth under his toes gradually began to soften until small tufts of green tickled his underfoot. His hand rested upon the dead trunk of a decaying tree after he finally stopped. He didn’t know how long he had ran, or in what direction he had gone. All he could do was clench his fists and beat into the empty log next to him.

“Why?! Why?! What did I do to deserve this?! I hate this place, I hate this world, and I hate everything!” Raging Star shouted, splintering the broken trunk. Unsatisfied with his victim, he charged over to a healthier sapling and launched punch after furious punch into the tough green wood. Sap and other secretions coated his bloody hands, sending stinging sensations throughout his body as he unleashed his fury on the poor tree. Eventually Raging Star brought down another target and proceeded to the next.

“It’s… not… fair,” he said in incomplete sobs. The small boy fell to his knees, surrounded by the deforested patch of wood that he had run into earlier. “At least… at least I’m out that rat hole,” Raging Star said to himself, rising sluggishly from his decrepit slump. Minotaur lands were very unpredictable. He sought some sort of sign as to his whereabouts, however as he shifted in each direction, he saw only vast wilderness and undisturbed foliage. Not too long ago he was fleeing from a more arid section of the country. Now it seemed as if he had by chance gone astray into some extemporary forest in the middle of nowhere.

Examining the forest further, Raging Star stepped back some realizing just how large it was. Looming ominously over him, he felt as if the dark entrance were a mouth of some unknown creature seeking to devour him. He shifted his glance back to inhospitable dunes of grass and emptiness and gulped in premonition as his body slowly edged closer to the gaping hole in the woods. The deeper he descended, the denser the forest became until eventually he found himself enveloped on all sides by branches and twigs of every kind.

“This place is huge,” Raging Star said to himself as he traversed the mossy undergrowth of the current area he was in. Many of the alien-like greenery was new to him, as Satyan Square held little to no trees, and definitely no flowers or fungi apart from the mold of the shoddy living quarters. Raging Star halted his trek as a peculiar scent wafted across his nose. “Water!” he cried out in joy and took off in the direction of the sweet scent.

Immediately after arriving at the running stream, Raging Star collapsed in comfort, breathing in gulp after gulp of water. His face surfaced from lack of oxygen, but he didn’t care. A small laugh found its way through his large pants of breath. He leaned in for another full guzzle. Never before had he taken in so much water at once. He was almost unsure of how much he could drink, or even if too much was possible for his body to consider.

“Great!” Raging Star inhaled breaking the surface again. He wiped his face off and set his feet in the moving river as well. The refreshing current danced lightly over his feet, prompting a relaxing sigh from the young boy. His tail unraveled from around his waist and laid limp next his slumped body. For once in his life, he felt comfort, and the monkey child was not in a hurry to escape from it. A low grumble from the pit of his gut finally prompted the boy to rise and search for something to satisfy this new sensation.

“Crap, I forgot to eat. Satyan released me before lunch,” Raging Star groaned clutching his abdomen tightly. “Stupid jerk! Leaving me all alone in the wild by myself! How am I supposed to find food out here?!” He crossed the river boisterously searching for something to eat. Although raving hungry, he resisted the urge to just pick something growing from the ground and place it in his mouth. The further he walked, the more he realized that aside from the gruel served in the mess hall every meal time, he had no clue what was considered edible and what wasn’t.

“Damn it I can’t starve out here! There’s gotta be something I can eat!” he complained. A sudden dash of movement flashed in the corner of his eye. “Who’s there?!” Raging Star cried out suddenly. There was no reply. He shrugged off the feeling and took another step. Raging Star took one more step and remained still. In the last two movements he had felt the same presence from earlier, attributing it to some sort of wild animal. Rather than dart about quickly, he closed his eyes and allowed his ears to survey the area.

The sound of the rushing river pervaded the boy’s ears at the heart of the scene. He waited until it became completely silent again and raised his foot. He brought it down on the ground and heard the stalking creature again. Raging Star could not recognize the scent of the animal, but some unexplainable presentiment led him on to believe it was hostile.

“I know you’re there so you might as well come out!” Raging Star shouted into the empty forest. “Don’t mess with me you big stupid ugly ass!” The forest floor slithered alive as a large crack in the earth expanded into a giant mound of dirt. Raging Star leapt out of the way, just barely dodging whatever had burst through the ground.

“Big, stupid, ugly, ass?!” a deep raspy voice croaked out. “How dare you refer to me as that?!” The hidden monster tore through the clogs of earth still covering him and surfaced fully, revealing a large pair of crimson eyes. A low grumble resonated out of the coarse lips of the emerald scaled horned lizard. Its hulking tail swept through a cluster of trees, clearing the thicket behind it.

“What the hell are you?!” Raging Star cried out in terror. He’d never seen something so big or frightening for that matter.

“I am Terrano, the guardian of this forest! And you are a vandalizing, thieving, freak!” Terrano roared standing at full posture. The mighty dragon loomed meters above Raging Star, higher than Mr. Satyan ever did.

“I didn’t steal anything! You got it wrong stupid head!” the tailed boy shouted back through a swell of fear.

“Lies!” Terrano yelled blowing musky yellow spores from his throat. “I watched as you tore down several trees and proceeded to drink from my stream. You entered my domain without my permission and expect to live? Foolish creature. Terrano will make sure you never destroy again!”

The earthen dragon brought his head down in a massive chomp, missing Raging Star by mere inches. The startled boy was able to roll away and gain his footing well enough to dart deeper into the forest. Terrano fervently bellowed his frustration and took off after the boy, tearing through the forest all the same.

“Hey! You’re messing up your home too!” Raging Star yelled, trying to distract the reptile.

“I can repopulate the forest on a whim. My saliva holds special growth properties, thus the forest is safe from my rampage!” Terrano argued back taking another chomp. Raging Star ducked and rolled back, slipping past the dragon yet again. Terrano did not uproot the tree he bit into, but rather released his hold as several new branches spontaneously sprouted from the tooth holes in the trunk.

“Why don’t you just spit on your stupid forest and leave me alone then, I’m sorry!” Raging Star called out.

“I will not allow you to exist in these woods foul beast! You will pay for hurting the trees!” Terrano growled continuing the chase.

“Foul beast?! Look who’s talking!” Raging Star cried darting madly through the woods.

“You summoned me, Mr. Satyan?” Mighty Frey asked rhetorically. The orange coated bull held his back to the young Minotaur, staring out of the large window behind his desk. Mighty Frey glanced over the bulky shoulder of his master to perhaps understand what he was peering at.

“Have you finished applying the tags into our hunters?” Satyan asked in response, snapping Frey back into attention.

“Yes sir, every bull and cow is equipped with a nose ring according to your specifications,” Frey said.

“Well done Mighty Frey. I knew it was best to confide everything in you instead of all of the other fools I’ve got tied to this dump,” Satyan said sharply.

“Sir? I don’t quite… follow,” Frey responded. Mr. Satyan finally graced the young Minotaur with his gaze, despite Frey’s reluctance to look him back in the eyes.

“I didn’t think you would, but then again I didn’t tell you everything now did I?”

“I still don’t understand,” Frey continued.

“Mighty Frey, Satyan Square has been in the Satyan family for generations,” the orange Minotaur began, walking about the room. “What started as a simple dig for my great-great-grandfather turned into a monopoly business for rare and exclusive gems of value. Sure there were some… modifications in employee leasing but our profits have never been higher. We export gems all over the country, because Minotaur lands are just rich with treasure. I’d even go as far to say we’re right up there with dragons when it comes to hoarding.”

“Why are you explaining to me stuff I already know?” Mighty Frey wondered.

“It’s simple Frey,” Satyan said grimacing at a large finely cut diamond resting on his desk. “I don’t care about it anymore.” Upon finishing his statement, Satyan drove his fist through the gemstone, shattering the rock and destroying his desk in the process. Mighty Frey flinched at the sudden outburst. He remained erect, yet taken aback all the while.

“I’m sick of these stupid rocks,” Satyan uttered again. “This land, I hate it! Nothing grows out here Frey, there is no livelihood to be found in crushing stones for worthless gmes!”

“They are not worthless Mr. Satyan,” Frey began but was cut off.

“Not in monetary value you fool, intrinsic value!” Satyan declared heatedly. “Half of those thickheads down there don’t even understand the meaning of the words,” Satyan continued. “There is no life to live here in these wasted lands, and it’s all the fault of those revolting ponyfolk!”

“You’re telling me that your motivation is some ancient war that took place before even your time?” Mighty Frey said moving out of place.

“Don’t you see Mighty Frey?!” Satyan bellowed, halting Frey’s advance. “That night that I saw the shooting star changed everything. I was so lucky to be so close by when that boy landed.”

“What were you doing in Equestria?”

“It was glorious!” Satyan shouted, ignoring Frey’s inquiry. “Such a powerful beast; even the Unicorn’s magic held no effect on it! With that kind of power Equestria can be wiped clean of the pony scourge. We Minotaur will be left to take over and finally reside in the land that was originally given to us! No more crackled dirt, no more dusty gems, and no more infertility!” Satyan laughed wildly as he presented his speech.

“Equestria is your goal?” Frey finally realized.

“And Raging Star is the means to an end,” Satyan said still chuckling madly. “I will usher in a new age for the Minotaur race. They’ll observe me as a god, and with that monkey at my beck and call, no one can stand up to me!”

“Then why did you let him go?” Mighty Frey’s expression hardened as he asked.

“Because he is not yet ready.”

“All of these years, you promised Princess Luna of Equestria that you’d manage his temperament. The beatings, the insults, the rigorous conditions he endured…”

“I promised that mare that the next time she saw that runt, it would be through changed eyes. My eyes,” Satyan grinned. “Equestria is rightfully ours Frey,” he said returning to his earlier position in front of the panned window. “We were forced out by their kind, so we will kindly return the favor.”

“What about everyone else at the farm? Didn’t you say Raging Star was to be killed upon sight? How do you intend on using him if he’s dead?” Mighty Frey pondered.

“Like I said earlier, I am still conditioning the boy. He will never improve if the right conditions are never met,” Satyan said mischievously. Frey swallowed the urge to ask what the orange bull meant. The murderous intent in his eyes shot speculation after speculation into Frey’s mind. “Many of those workers are prisoners of our own land anyway. No one will miss them when they’re gone.”

“A means to an end,” Mighty Frey said fearfully. Satyan smiled eerily and nodded.

“Give the order to march. Inform them that I’ve set you directly under me. No command is to be questioned, lest they discover Unicorns aren’t the only beings with magical gifts,” Satyan threatened forming a ghostly aura within his clenched fist.

“You have that much confidence in Raging Star that he’ll be able to slay a thousand Minotaur alone in the wilderness?” the young Frey asked.

“You haven’t seen him during a full moon Mighty Frey,” Satyan replied. “I promise you, it’ll be quite a show.”

Author's Note

A bit fast paced? I hope so. I felt going back to the conversation between Satyan and Frey was a turn off, but I wanted to establish Satyan's plan via anime-esque dialogue sequence. I think it turned out well.

S1: Ep. 4 - Rock the Dragon

“Come on out little monkey.” Frothy dew crept along the ground, seeking out the hidden intruder within the dense forest. Terrano crept just as silently, exhaling more of the sticky breath with each step. Clumps of sod and decayed soil softened his trampling as his form stretched and weaved through the intricately designed forest. He slowed his movements, catching wind of Raging Star’s scent and chuckled softly to himself. Terrano’s tail buried itself underground, and the earthen dragon remained still. Small pockets of vibrations collided with his scales, yielding a smile under the dragon’s snout.

“You’re there!” Terrano’s tail exited the earth, smashing into a nearby tree. A shaky figure within the leaves came stumbling out, plummeting to the ground, forced into submission by a great claw. The dragon’s talons dug deep into the dirt, permitting its palm to press against Raging Star’s body. The tailed boy resisted, pushing against the crushing force of his oppressor. Terrano’s grin slowly turned into a frustrated scowl as he brought down his second claw over the first.

“Get off of me!” Raging Star’s voice rocked the dragon allowing him one good push. The upheaval forced Terrano’s claws to fly directly into his snout. Raging Star rose to his feet, slipping under the incensed dragon and back into the forest. Purple flames danced upon the treetops of Terrano’s forest, spilling out of his jaws with each agonizing cry.

“Come on, where is the stupid tree line?” Raging Star stopped again when he was sure the danger was gone. He cursed himself for failing to seek out the tree line as he fled. Terrano was wearing him out, and without a clear exit, there was no way Raging Star would survive. Hunger attacked the boy as powerfully as fear, adding to his sense of fatigue.

“Insolent boy,” Terrano muttered calmer than Raging Star expected. “You cannot hide in my forest.” A mossy claw shot from under Raging Star, forcing the boy to lunge forward into a bramble of thorny bushes. Terrano’s form sprung from the earth once more, and spewed vivid violet flames into the undergrowth. Raging Star leapt from his position, hoping to cling onto a low enough branch for support. The dragon’s tail interrupted Raging Star again, crashing into his side before he could complete the motion. A broken trail of splintered wood and uprooted plants led Terrano to the damaged body.

“Damn it,” Raging Star muttered in a low whine. Before he could rise, he found himself lodged in a roll of soil and wedged between the mighty claws of his relentless hunter.

“I was originally going to eat you,” Terrano said in a low growl. “I’ve decided that instead, you will become part of my collection. I’ve torn up the forest quite a bit because of you, and I believe there is a price to pay for that.”

“So… hungry,” Raging Star groaned. Terrano exhaled forcefully, grinning at his captive’s dismay. Raging Star’s eyes watered and he threw up violently. Sulfurous spores attached themselves to his face as he gasped for fresh air.

“Delicious isn’t it?” Terrano chuckled. “Soon you’ll come to enjoy the earth as I do. Allow me to show you my lair,” the emerald dragon said. Using his free arm, Terrano dug into the earth, though it appeared as if the soil simply parted at his command. Suddenly, Raging Star’s vision no longer held any of the green forest, but the dark mustiness of the dirty grave Terrano was building. Lower and lower the two went, diving deep into the unknown underground.

“Two hours,” Terrano said as Raging Star peered through the thick shadow. “Two hours in an oxygen deprived burrow. You must not be of this world.” His enormous jaw opened wide, clamping down on an oddly shaped gourd. Terrano’s munch snapped Raging Star into full consciousness. His nose caught the sweet scent, commanding his stomach to howl unforgivingly into the chasm. Terrano stopped, examining the large fruit in his claw and grinned widely after noticing Raging Star’s interest. He took another bite, slowing down enough for the boy to see his teeth slice through the fruit and rip into his mouth. As he chewed, streams of fluid drizzled down his mouth. He made a satisfying gulp at the end of his demonstration.

“Please… give me… some…” Raging Star’s voice was thin. He tried to move his arms, but found no strength to traffic his limbs. His neck remained as the only joint he could move. The boy’s body held just as firmly as his arms and legs, stuck to what could have been the wall.

“No oxygen and you can see in the dark? That’s some magic you possess boy,” Terrano praised. He ate again, exaggerating each chew as he feasted. Taking advantage of his guest’s immobility, Terrano stomped over to Raging Star and held the fruit out just inches away from the boy. “I grow these underground,” Terrano explained whisking it away as Raging Star attempted to eat.

“They mature from the very essence of the forest, becoming sweeter and more satisfying with every year. Depending on the condition of the forest, they could be considered a natural cure-all,” Terrano bragged, finished the gourd in one gulp. Residual spray splattered on Raging Star’s face as the earthen dragon smacked his chops together. The captive boy could hear him digging, but kept his eyes shut and his head low. The sweet aroma tickled his nostrils again, and just as quickly vanished.

“Would you like some?” Terrano asked suddenly. Raging Star’s head propped up, his throat searching for a reply. “If you don’t say anything, then I won’t give you any. Beg to me, worm.” Raging Star opened his mouth to speak, but nothing sounded. A tiny whine broke through the dark, followed by a gasp and two coughs.

“You’re almost dead, so I don’t see why I shouldn’t at least let you have a bite. I’ll wait until your very last breath,” Terrano snickered. His snout came dangerously close to the boy, and he held up the large fruit in front of Raging Star. The freshly exposed gourd hung inches away, sopping wet with savory secretions. Raging Star gasped twice more, the second higher than the first. At that moment, Terrano shoved the gourd into the wall smothering Raging Star within its meat.

“Enjoy it runt! You’ll become a part of this forest along with the rest of the compost!” Terrano’s arm held firmly, encased in the dirt wall of his burrow. For a moment, he remained still, unsure of why he hadn’t released his hold. A grin spread over his face amidst the absence of noise and he removed his arm, checking under his soiled crop.

“I’ll kill you!” Raging Star emerged from the gourd, smashing his fist under Terrano’s gaping jaw. Terrano’s head crashed into the ceiling along with his shattered fangs. Raging Star let loose a flurry of punches into the underside of the dragon’s jaw. He did not stop, continuing on even after he and the dragon broke the surface of the earth. “Go die you asshole!” Raging Star was able to exclaim after inhaling. He whipped his body around and rammed his heel into Terrano’s throat.

The dragon crashed into the forest below, flattening a row of trees next to his flowing stream. Raging Star took in several deep breaths and coughed wildly, spitting out dirt and other minerally solids. He brought his head down, and stared below. The boy’s eyes instantly widened as his throat felt for a scream. His stomach shot into his chest, worsening during his rapid descent. Raging Star was finally able to release his stockpile several meters from the floor. His eyes shut, preparing for impact. Unable to escape, he waited… two seconds… six seconds… 14 seconds?

The overwhelming sense of dread abandoned his body, and he nearly stumbled backwards after opening his eyes, squatting safely on the ground with his feet planted firmly in the soil of the forest.

“What happened?” The question ran continuously through is mind, but his body gave out. Raging Star planted his rear into the dirt before he could sum up a logical answer. His entire body shook, though he couldn’t explain why. Looking up from his slumped position, Raging Star spotted the corpse of a large emerald scaled lizard. His eyes locked onto his bruised hands then. Burning droplets fell into his open palms before he fell forward, burying his face into the dirt.

3 Days Later

“Mr. Satyan, please rise.” Luna remained as poised as she could. The mere sight of the orange coated Minotaur caused tiny spasms within her gut. Celestia sat directly to her sister’s left, lounging uninterestedly within her throne. “It’s been a while hasn’t it?” Celestia continued after Satyan stood at full attention.

“Almost seven years to the day,” the bold Minotaur replied.

“Six years and seven months since you took that thing,” Celestia said.

“Speaking of Raging Star,” Luna interrupted, catching the gaze of her sister and the bull, “how is the child? I assume you came without him because he is not yet… cultured? Is it wise to leave him without your supervision?”

“One question at a time Your Highness,” Satyan answered. “It won’t do you any good to worry. As for your inquiries, Raging Star is great. We’ve learned a lot from each other in this unique experience you’ve granted us.”

“I certainly see a change in you,” Celestia commented.

“Why thank you,” Satyan remarked with a huff. “I worked him hard and disciplined the bra… brazen boy well enough to respond to certain social ques. I can assure you, he’ll be as civilized as a simple blueblood.”

“Then why have you not brought him with you?” Luna’s angst was painfully obvious.

“In time Princess,” Satyan replied. “Making a diamond out of this rock is a fine process. There’s more to it than laborious chores. Chiseling is an art form you know?”

“Interesting how delicate this process is. You’ve invested so much time into it, and yet you decide to appease us with words rather than show us the product,” Celestia pointed out. Her eyes narrowed in Satyan’s direction. He simply bowed in acknowledgement to her claims.

“I can understand your skepticism Milady, but I can promise without a doubt that Raging Star will be as easy to control as a puppet.”

“We do not want to control him,” Luna said quickly. “We want him to live among us. We wished for you to quell his anger, not rid him of his emotions.”

“Speak for yourself,” Celestia said to her sister.

“I am,” Luna said without thinking.

“I only meant it as a figure of speech,” Satyan responded. “It seems my visit has done the complete opposite of what I had hoped.”

“It’s not your fault,” Luna said. Her eyes fell towards her lap while she clasped her hands together.

“How long must we wait Satyan? When will it be comfortable for Raging Star to visit?”

“Allow me six more months,” Satyan entreated of the solar princess. “By then he will be well enough to walk all over the city. Everypony will be surprised at first, but after they see how he’s become, they’ll come to accept him for who he really is.”

“How does a Minotaur become accustomed to the Pony culture?” Luna wondered.

“I have hired outside help in regards to this matter,” Satyan said. “Every so often a Unicorn visits my estate. I’ve used him to familiarize Raging Star with the customs and practices of Equestria.”

“You must pay well,” Celestia said smirking.

“I own a diamond factory Your Highness. This is beside the point however. My visitation was to merely update you on the status of Raging Star in person, seeing as how I was so close to Equestria this time,” Satyan said in a bow.

“Six months,” Luna mused openly. “That’ll put his arrival close to the Summer Sun Festival.”

“As if I didn’t have enough to worry about then,” Celestia complained.

“Do not fret my princesses,” Satyan intervened. “We shall visit the festival as a troupe of traveling Minotaur. I figured it would be best to introduce Raging Star publically, as to limit the opinions one might have of his unique appearance.”

“How so? Would you introduce him to Equestria?”

“No,” Satyan flatly responded. “Princess Luna shall, along with your approval of Raging Star Princess Celestia.”

“It makes sense,” Luna said out loud. “Nopony would recognize him as he was a massive monster during the accident.”

“I’m sure the monkey tail isn’t a direct giveaway,” Celestia interjected into her sister’s thoughts. Luna shook herself back to her senses.

“Stop being so pessimistic sister,” Luna shouted. “We have a chance to redeem a creature of life that would otherwise have been destroyed.”

“Luna…” Celestia’s tone mimicked the stinging pinching of her brow. “I understand what you considered of it when it was an infant, but we’re talking about a potential weapon with a basic understanding of its abilities. I’m sure it’s come to realize that it can perform extraordinary feats.”

“I understand your concern princess, but you have no reason to doubt my methods,” Satyan tried to relate again.

“Oh, don’t I?” Celestia interrupted suddenly. “I’ve got enough to worry about in this kingdom. If I also have to keep an animal in check just so it doesn’t destroy half of Equestria when the local bakery runs out of sweets, then consider my judgment final on Raging star!” Her voice rose to a fever pitch at the crux of her statement. The solar princess eyed her sister critically, biting her lip to avoid speaking any higher.

“Sister, I…”

“That thing will be under your watch. I want nothing to do with him. Should I find one reason to believe you’ve lost control over that monkey, I won’t hesitate to use my half, understood?” Celestia’s voice drowned out whatever plea Luna had planned to make.

“I understand that much,” Luna replied. “What I do not understand is how aggressive you’ve been as of late!”

“Don’t pretend like you don’t know,” Celestia replied. “I’m still paying for the damages he caused in Manehattan seven years ago. Ponies are just now coping with the sudden appearance and disappearance of a giant monkey. The Griffon Republic refuses to believe that it wasn’t a freak weapon accident, and they’re not the only ones concerned about an entire city vanishing in one night.”

“I seem to be intruding now,” Satyan stated. “If it pleases the princesses, I shall leave and we can discuss this under better conditions.”

“It seems you’ve only just arrived though,” Celestia had to say before Satyan moved. “Why don’t you stay the night? It’s not often somepony visits Canterlot to request an audience with its rulers for only ten minutes.”

“I understand this could have been sorted out through a simple letter, but as I said earlier, I happened to be in the neighborhood. I make it a personal matter of mine to speak with my clients in person occasionally.”

“Once every seven years,” Celestia mumbled under her breath.

“Forgive us Satyan,” Luna said then. “Your arrival was just ill timed. We met under strange conditions and spoke very little over the manner of Raging Star. If you cannot stay, then allow us some time to consider what you’ve shared before leaving.”

“Consider all you wish. I just remembered I have some errands to run while I am here,” Satyan said. “I shall remain within Canterlot for the next few hours. Afterwards I will be gone.” The Minotaur bowed again, making for the exit with extra effort this time.

“I find it odd that seven years with a manic monkey has improved his condition,” Celestia said crossing her arms. “If anything, it’s made him look worse.”

Mr. Satyan descended the regal steps of his hosts’ dwelling, followed closely by a pair of escorts donning the solar insignia. At the castle entrance he shook the guards, following closely behind a pair of aristocratic nobles. He snorted in disgust after the colt made a jesting insinuation about his wealth, grimacing even further at the mare’s fake chuckle. Were he not so closed in, he probably would have stripped them both of their haughty nature.

“I see you scheming. Need I remind you that until you have the monkey, I cannot help you?” A hooded pony walked alongside Satyan, holding his hands behind his draping cloak.

“Every moment that I linger breeds more of distaste to my senses,” Satyan confessed quietly. “I was merely performing some recon. I do not plan to strike now.”

“I thought it odd to find you within Canterlot’s walls without the boy. Your visit truly was unexpected to say the least. Are you having second thoughts?”

“Never; I was taking a mental note of the security about Canterlot and the caliber of the guards. The Summer Sun festival will take place in Canterlot next year. I will use this winter to condition Raging Star further.” Satyan revealed.

“You’ve invested so much into the boy,” the Unicorn chuckled. “I’m still benefitting from your awful soul.”

“That’s only half too. I admit I’ve lost some of my aesthetical zeal, but these new powers make up for my lackluster personality.” Satyan’s fist conducted a surge of electrical energy as he finished his sentence.

“I’ll leave you be then. You’ve got enough of a suspicious aura about you. A wandering Pony will only draw more of it,” the mage said. He branched off from the Minotaur and vanished into the large crowd. Seeking a secluded area of the city, Satyan lifted into the air and took off towards home.

3 Days Earlier

“This is… incredible,” Mighty Frey gawked. Satyan snorted, proudly crossing his arms in response to Frey’s bewilderment.

“I must admit. I wasn’t expecting the runt to travel this way.” Satyan’s laughter filled the air, cutting through the shock and complete terror currently saturating the area. A multitude of derelict Minotaur stood shaking in their hooves as they gaped at the ruined forest in front of them.

“You think this was Raging Star?” Mighty Frey asked Satyan after coming over his shock.

“I know it was. Who else can take on a spirit of the forest if not a crazy homicidal monkey? Besides,” Satyan said walking over to a fallen tree, “these trees were punched down. You can see the monkey’s fists in the bark.”

“He killed Terrano,” a nearby Minotaur peeped. The crowd filled with nervous chatter as Satyan and Frey observed the edge of the shriveled forest. Every tree was withered beyond comprehension. The massive river in the middle dried up, leaving a trail of smoothed mud and shiny stone in the center of a pile of sticks. Terrano’s skeleton laid strewn about, crudely stripped of meat in the more obvious areas of feast.

“He ate Terrano,” Satyan corrected. The chatter within the crowd intensified. The orange bull turned to his associate and drew them away from the multitudes. “I am leaving.”

“What?”

“Raging Star has killed a dragon. Not just any dragon, but Terrano the Earth Spirit,” Satyan said. “Many tribes in these countries still worship such a creature, and if news got out that Terrano was killed in Minotaur territory, I’m sure the ponies will hear about it.”

“So what if they do, will they automatically assume the boy did it?” Frey asked.

“I need to divert all attention away from the Land of Tauros until the boy can be trained in his ape form. I promised a civilized, well behaved Pony, and one without magical abilities that can kill dragons,” Satyan explained.

“What would you have me do then?”

“Keep the hunt going. He couldn’t have gotten far. Fan out in platoons of about three. Order the workers to attack on sight. It’ll provoke him enough to fight back.” Satyan mused over this idea for a little while. The decayed trees provided a cluttered vision beyond the forest. Past the woods was more deserted grassland, though Satyan could make out a few rocky hills in the distance.

“Will he not be killed? He may be powerful but he’s inexperienced. One wrong move and a worker could have the advantage.” Frey said suddenly.

“Make sure that doesn’t happen then.” Satyan was distant, as if indifferent in his responses.

“Okay,” Mighty Frey snorted staring in the same direction of his superior.

“The boy has made it out of Minotaur country,” Satyan said.

“Are you sure?”

“Our lands border that of Diamond Dogs. Satyan Square used to be a part of Diamond Dog territory, as was this patch of dead land. Beyond the grass lies rocky soil and gem-filled earth. He’ll have a Tartarus of a time there,” Satyan said grinning.

“We’ll be breaking international laws taking a hunting party through Sapphira,” Frey contemplated.

“No we won’t,” Satyan responded. “I’ll just have to visit Canine on my way to Canterlot. Caninenites are rather understanding, more so than those who dwell in Sapphira. I’ll speak to their King and we’ll have free roam as long as we don’t make too much trouble.”

“Being the master over a gem factory has its perks I suppose,” Frey said snorting. “With all your connections, it’s a wonder why you aren’t some sort of diplomat for Tauros.”

“Politics and money… I’ll make sure I have enough time for both after Equestria is mine. I’ll even put you in power Mighty Frey. You’ve been so helpful.” Satyan jabbed the young Minotaur playfully in the side and returned to his party.

“Just a means to an end,” Mighty Frey snorted, following Satyan.

Author's Note

Next time on Raging Star!

"Who are you?" Raging Star peered into the darkness through the rusty bars of the underground prison.

"The name's Lulamoon. Voilolà Lulamoon," the beautiful Unicorn answered.

*****

"I was seperated from my family. My daughter and husband have probably moved on, but I keep believing I'll see them again," Voilolà shared. Raging Star sat quietly, staring at the pale moon through the poor excuse of a window the cave had.

*****

"You'll help me escape right?" Voilolà pleaded.

"As long as you show me how to use magic like you promised," Raging Star declared.

*****

"Get them!" shouted an incensed Roxie. The Diamond Dog leader howled into the dark crevises of the cave, summoning more of her litter.

*****

"Do it Raging Star, exactly as I showed you!" Voilolà shouted between Roxie's paws.

"Ursara Minor!!!!" Raging Star cried out holding his hands out in an offensive stance...

S1: Ep. 5 - Dog Eat Dog

Raging Star slid down the gravely slope of one of the many hills the gorge contained. He had escaped the confines of the forest and dearly wished for the shade of the trees again. The stone and granite underfoot cut at his feet, despite their callous dexterity. He coughed as a cloud of dust invaded his lungs, wiping his eyes for the nth time from the gritty debris.

His slide ended as he set foot on another road. He peered over the mountain taking note of the steep decline below. So far he had relied on the natural slope of the gorge to get down. The closer he got to the bottom however, the steeper the roads became.

“Damn, I have to follow the road,” Raging Star complained. He looked to his left, and then to his right, unsure of which way led down. “I really wish I could fly,” he moaned. The boy stared at his feet, waiting for his body to do… something. He had flown before he thought. How else did he punch Terrano that high into the air?

“I didn’t fall on the ground either. I had to have flown!” Raging Star looked over the edge again, considering the consequences of falling. The next road was quite a ways down, and if he missed, he would tumble past it for sure. His sight extended beyond the canyon road however and towards his goal, a flowing stream of water at the bottom.

“Too bad Terrano’s river dried up. I hope that water is as good as his.” The boy perched over the edge, mesmerized by the allure of the stream. Two days had passed since he last had something to eat or drink, however he felt the call for thirst override the need for food. Raging Star swallowed what little moisture remained in his mouth and sniffed the air, taking in the refreshing scent of the water. His nose stuck out a little too far however, and he suddenly found himself reaching for the edge of the cliff.

“Wait; no, no, no!” Raging Star tipped forward, unable to remain balanced. The wall of the gorge quickly became directly vertical with his body as he found himself in a terrifying free-fall. “Come on! Fly, fly, fly, fly,” Raging Star screamed all the way down, pushing for something to come out. He concentrated hard, but to no avail. As he opened his eyes, the ground became clearer and he tried again.

“Stop!” his cry echoed throughout the gorge, but that did not work either. Failing to muster the latent power he had demonstrated many times before, his body collided with the ground, creating a small crater in the gravel of the gorge floor.

“OWWWWW!!!! DAMMIT THAT HURT!” Raging Star clutched his head and scrunched into a fetal position within the small hole he had created. He rocked back and forth, shedding a few tears before painfully removing his arms from his cranium. The next area he inspected was his legs, which stung, but were miraculously unharmed. The boy’s arms felt a little sore but they were fine too.

“Well… at least I didn’t die,” Raging Star was able to force out. The pain still shot through his body, but it was far better than the alternative. A few miles of walking and he would be okay. As he stumbled about to try and recalibrate his senses, the scent of water invaded his nostrils again. He turned around and climbed out of the small crater and into the tiny cool stream.

“Thank you… whoever,” Raging Star sighed. His face submerged, albeit not that deep, but just enough for him to take in some water. “Gah, it’s bitter.” Raging Star spat out some sand but dipped his head in again. It was bitter, but it was also water.

Before he was able to lift his head, Raging Star felt the weight of his head dip into the mud of the stream. The boy struggled out of the grime, floating into the air suddenly. He flung his limbs about wildly as the tension at the back of his skull increased.

“Feisty little one!” a raspy growl said next to the raised child.

“Little what you mean,” said a smoother sounding voice. Raging Star escaped the grasp of his captor and faced his opponents readily.

“Bring it on then,” Raging Star exclaimed putting his fists up. “I killed a dragon so you better watch out!”

“He speaks like a warrior, yet looks like a wimp,” the first voice chortled. The iron clad bulldog crossed his arms and snarled intimidatingly. A crudely shaped blade hung at his side. Adjacent to the gray dog stood a slimmer figure. She too wore the same makeshift armor, yet her paws were garbed with brown gloves and she sported a blue cape behind her form. Both wore a spikey black collar, however each held different jewels as tags. The female dog smirked at the boy’s ferocity and drew her rapier in response to Raging Star’s challenge.

“What a strange little creature you are. If you’re so strong, then show Roxie your dragon killing!” the white coated poodle challenged back, taking her stance.

“You’ll be sorry you messed with me,” Raging Star shouted charging forward. Roxie sneered at her opponent, side stepping as Raging Star bulleted by. The monkey screeched to a stop and turned around, charging again. Roxie turned around and flashed her cape, catching Raging Star within and tossing him around her body in a swift pirouette. The disoriented boy stumbled out of the other side and fell to the floor.

“Dragon slayer? Pink primate is more like Dragon fodder,” the bulldog teased.

“Bo is right. You are beneath Roxie little monkey,” the Diamond Dog said, sheathing her blade. “Roxie will fight you with her claws instead. More fitting for the monkey to die by her paws than her sword.”

“I don’t care how you fight me, I’m going to kill you right now,” Raging Star threatened standing up. Roxie charged first, taking off with astounding speed. Her rush caught Raging Star off guard and her paw slammed into his face. The boy flew back, skidding along the ground violently.

“Monkey’s head is hard…” Roxie said smiling. She caressed her paw before running towards the child.

“Stupid bitch,” Raging Star said and jumped to his feet. Roxie attacked again, throwing several jabs into Raging Star’s torso. Despite her power, the child endured each hit, the dog’s blows failing in comparison to Terrano’s assaults. Raging Star waited for a pause in between her hits and tossed in a few punches of his own. Roxie dodged each attack, countering the boy’s last punch with a high kick.

Again the child stumbled back from his opponent’s blow. Raging Star’s head teemed with pain, but his opponent winced as well, clutching her hind leg.

“Why are you hurt? You hit the monkey!” Bo shouted.

“Shut up Bo! Roxie needs to concentrate,” the poodle groaned. Raging Star recovered from his injury faster than she expected. “Why does Monkey not have injuries?!” Roxie wondered bringing up her arms in defense. She ducked and dodged every one of Raging Star’s feral strikes, however refused to throw another punch herself.

“Roxie is not fighting back?!” Bo called out suddenly.

“Roxie is thinking of a strategy!” she barked back spinning over Raging Star.

“Little boy is giving you problem. I will deal with him!” Bo shouted rushing in.

“Go away Bo!” Roxie commanded, but the bulldog did not heed. He barked wildly and bared his canines at Raging Star. The tailed boy took his attention off of Roxie and faced his new opponent. Bo drew his bastard blade and swung down at Raging Star. The boy raised his arms instinctively, covering his face. Bo’s blade crashed into Raging Star’s skin, shattering upon impact.

“W-what?” Bo cried, shaken beyond belief. Raging Star stood awed as well, unsure of what just happened. Taking advantage of the lull, Roxie jumped forward and slammed her fists into the back of Raging Star’s skull. Raging Star cried out in pain as he stumbled forward. The boy gave one last swing before falling unconscious on the ground.

“Monkey boy broke my sword,” Bo growled angrily.

“Monkey did not. Bo broke his sword, monkey just has tough body,” Roxie said flexing her wrists. “Roxie wants to use the boy. Bring him back to camp,” she said clutching her paws.

“You’re the boss,” Bo said and lifted Raging Star onto his shoulder.

“And get Roxie some ice.”

***

Raging Star awoke, though he had to blink a few times before he was convinced his eyes had opened. His head stung, but not as badly as his nostrils did. He covered his nose in disgust, wondering what had to have died to stink worse than Terrano. He sat still, trying to gather his thoughts and recall what had happened. As he stood he found the ceiling lower than expected and knocked his head once more.

“What is it with this place and head banging?” Raging Star shuffled forward, recognizing all too well that familiar metallic scrapping against the floor. He shook his arms, confirming his fear. The rattling chains chimed throughout the pitch black cavern heightening his anxiety. The boy continued forward, walking until his face collided with a cool metallic substance. His hands grabbed onto the slender poles and he felt out bars of iron as well as a cage door. He roared angrily and shook the bars of his prison.

“I just got out, why did you throw me back in?!” Raging Star called into the darkness.

“Got out? I’ve been the only prisoner here for ages,” the darkness answered. Raging Star squinted into the dark, his eyes finally adjusting. He saw what appeared to be a body of equine form. Her mane was messy and she was covered in filthy rags in substitute for proper clothes. Despite the squalor of her body, her face revealed itself as supreme beauty.

“You have nice eyes,” Raging Star commented out loud. Staring at this mare was somewhat nostalgic, though he couldn’t understand why.

“You can see my eyes?” the mare asked. She began to approach to the cage unrestrained unlike Raging Star. “It’s pitch black down here. How can you see anything?”

“My eyes I guess,” Raging Star replied.

“Impressive. You don’t seem to embody any magic of some sort, yet you can see clearly in the dark.”

“Well, my eyes have to get used to it first,” Raging Star said flatly. “That’s not important, where am I?” he asked suddenly recalling his situation.

“Underground,” the mare answered stepping closer to the cage. She had no difficulty navigating in the void. “You are in Roxie’s den, the leader of the Diamond Dogs.”

“Roxie, that’s that stupid mutt that fought me at the gorge!” Raging Star released the bars and slumped on the floor.

“You fought against Roxie?” the mare asked sitting as well. “How did you keep up with her?”

“What’s that on your head?” Raging Star asked then, catching the pony off guard.

“Oh, this? It’s a horn. I use it to manipulate magic, I’m a Unicorn.”

“Magic? Mr. Satyan mentioned something about spells when he made my chains,” Raging Star muttered lowly.

“I’m sorry, we haven’t introduced ourselves,” the Unicorn said brushing her mane back. “It’s getting a little awkward speaking to each other like this. I’m Viololá. Viololá Lulamoon.”

“They call me Raging Star,” the boy answered back staring oddly at the Unicorn’s extended hand.

“They who?” Viololá asked.

“Minotaurs,” Raging Star answered in a snort. “I escaped and then ran into Roxie. Now she’s trapped me!”

“Minotaurs, amazing…” Viololá’s voice trailed off a little. “You escaped from Minotaurs and went head-to-head with Roxie. I’m surprised that such a small creature could do so much.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” Raging Star shot up and bared his teeth. “I’m stronger than I look lady. I even killed a dragon!”

“Well, I didn’t mean to offend you Mr. Warrior,” Viololá said chuckling a little. “I honestly wasn’t poking fun Raging Star. It’s just a little difficult to see a…”

“I don’t know what I am,” Raging Star finished for the mare. Viololá merely nodded.

“Roxie had to have cheated if she beat you then,” the Unicorn said.

“Her friend attacked me,” Raging Star continued. “I think she called him Bo. He hit me with his sword.”

“Sword? But you didn’t have a cut on you when they brought you in.”

“It broke.” The boy rattled the iron bars again.

“I noticed your tail, that’s very odd. A monkey tail attached to a hairless monkey.”

“That’s what the Minotaurs called me too,” the boy responded pulling at his chains.

“How come you were chained up before Roxie found you?” Viololá asked after a long pause.

“I don’t know,” Raging Star answered. “I worked hard and Mr. Satyan said I was unwanted by my family.” Silence engulfed the room then. Neither one spoke, Viololá waiting for Raging Star to continue and he waiting for her to prod more. Finally, Raging Star broke the silence. “As long as I could remember I was stuck in chains. I didn’t have a life before.”

“I see,” Viololá replied. A soft blue light poured into the room. The tailed boy lifted his head in amazement. His mouth gaped open at the shining orb within Viololá’s hand. Her horn also lit up with the same hue. Raging Star had to squint at first, but through the light he could see her face more clearly.

Her mane was more than messy. In fact, it seemed as though there were parts that were torn off. The rags covering her body did little to hide her exposed coat, and her hooves were caked with dried mud and dirt.

“I feel sorry for you,” she started to say, but received a violent scare from Raging Star.

“Don’t give me your pity!” his voice clamored throughout the entire cavern, forcing Viololá to reel back. The bars he had slammed his body against bent outward some, dislodging a few bolts.

“I did not mean it like that,” Viololá quickly apologized. “I only meant to agree with you, to agree that you are a very strong individual.” The mare’s voice cracked a little. She brought her light down and snuffed out the magic. “I couldn’t imagine being born in captivity.”

“Where are you from?” Raging Star asked, still upset but not entirely enraged.

“I’m from a city called Manehattan. It was a place in the land of Equestria, home to the pony race,” Viololá began. “I was separated from my family many years ago, when a strange monster attacked the city. At that time, Equestria was unstable, and many neighboring nations took advantage of our rulers’ plight.”

“So, you had a family?” Raging Star interrupted. He couldn’t tell if she nodded, but a small sigh escaped her lips after he asked.

“While the city was being rebuilt a band of pirates attacked and carted off some 400 ponies. I was among of them. They sold us across the country, and I was shipped over here.” Viololá began drawing in the dirt. “The princesses didn’t do a thing. It’s not like they could anyway. A whole city vanished and a giant monster came and gone.”

“What about your family?” Raging Star softened his tone.

“My daughter and husband,” Viololá chuckled at first. She said nothing for a moment before resuming, “they’ve no clue as to where I am. I don’t know if they’re even still alive, and the same could be said for me.”

“So what do you do here?” Raging Star asked changing the subject.

“I look for gems and the like. Roxie’s made a killing since she bought me. I remember her saying that one of her competitors was a Minotaur named Satyan,” Viololá replied.

“I busted up rocks for Mr. Satyan. I guess Roxie is going to make me do that here,” Raging Star deduced. Before Viololá could speak, a loud clang resonated throughout the area. The mare jumped back as the sound rang again from Raging Star’s direction.

“What are you doing?!” she asked lighting up the cave once more. Raging Star had pulled his chains free and was beating against the cage door.

“I’m getting out!” he cried.

“Those are steel bars. You’ll never break them,” Viololá gasped.

“Watch me,” Raging Star said. Viololá gawked at the unbelievable strength the boy possessed. Each hit loosened the bars more and more, however she knew the noise would stop eventually. Another light source flooded the cavern then, forcing Viololá to drop her spell. The orange glow spread throughout the room and fell directly upon the violent child.

“Stop it,” an iron wearing mutt barked. Two more guards bolted into the room with spears and chains, confronting Raging Star. The cage had not been knocked down yet, allowing the dogs time to unlatch their metal whips. One of the guards jabbed his spear into the cage only to have it jerked away from him and snapped in two.

“Bind the monkey!” the other guard shouted releasing his whip. The metal chain shot through the prison bars and wrapped around Raging Star’s wrists and neck. Both dogs tugged madly at the boy but failed to cease his assault. Raging Star pulled in the opposite direction, sending both guards headfirst into the cage bars.

“I need backup,” the remaining guard howled. “Pony,” he shouted then glaring at Viololá. “Pony, stop him! Use your magics!” Viololá nodded and held out her hand. Her horn lit up and a blanket of magic wrapped itself around Raging Star.

“What?!” Raging Star glared angrily at the pony and roared expletives as he struggled in the wrap. “Why are you helping them? I thought you were a prisoner too!”

“I am,” Viololá began but was drowned out by a squad of heavily armored mastiffs. The troupe stormed into the room and ripped the door off of the worn cage. Raging Star writhed around violently on the floor, scattering the guards about the room. Noone knew how to handle him.

“Use your stronger magic Pony,” the same guard from before commanded. Viololá obeyed and intensified the binding spell. Raging Star tensed up even more as the blanket tightened around him.

“V-Viololá!” Raging Star screamed out. One of the mastiffs moved in, gripping the flailing boy in his paws tightly. He still fought back however, squirming vigorously despite the level of capture he was in.

“More power,” the guard commanded.

“That’s as strong as I can muster,” Viololá said. Raging Star pushed against the spell with all of his might. A warm sensation enveloped his body suddenly and his arms and legs began to loosen. Viololá’s magic flickered suddenly, and she collapsed in pain. Her hold remained, but Raging Star pushed harder.

“What is this?” the mastiff holding the boy shouted. Raging Star roared louder, causing a visible flame to appear over his body. The red energy burned the dog and he dropped Raging Star whimpering in pain.

“The monkey is using magic,” another guard said.

Raging Star gave one final push and broke the spell binding his body. Viololá screamed in pain as her magic forcefully ceased. Raging Star now free launched a strike at the nearest guard, breaking through the armor and knocking him into the wall. The remaining platoon charged all at once only to be blown away by an invisible wave of energy.

“We need Roxie,” the mutt at the entrance whined tucking his tail between his legs. Raging Star eyed him next, causing the mutt to flee. Only Viololá remained, and Raging Star’s anger burned hotter than ever. He ran over to the pony and latched onto her neck.

“Why did you help them?!” Raging Star’s voice thundered throughout the cave.

“I… was forced…” the mare sputtered out grasping at her captive’s arm. Her mind raced for a solution as the oppressive tyke bore down harder. She couldn’t believe she was being subdued by a child.

“You’re a liar!” Raging Star yelled forming a fist with his free hand.

“No, wait!” Viololá pleaded. Tears streamed down her face and her breath began to fade. Raging Star stared at her with bloodthirsty eyes, ready to strike. Before he could raise his fist however, his mind flashed to an earlier memory. Viololá’s face was illuminated by the light of the outside, flooding Raging Star’s mind with the compassionate countenance of another mare. This was not the pony before him, but one of a darker coat and ethereal mane.

“You…” Raging Star said, loosening his grip. He dropped his fist, subsequently forgetting his anger and halting the previous flow of power. Viololá was able to inhale and coughed heavily while holding her throat. Raging Star backed away slowly still gazing upon the pony’s appalling state.

“Thank… you…” she coughed out.

Raging Star did not reply. He simply growled in frustration and realized it had happened again. He lost control and felt something from within. The feeling had left as quickly as it had come, and the boy hated it with a passion.

“Watch out!” Viololá suddenly shouted. Raging Star looked up from his thoughts and found a powerful kick colliding into his face. He did not have time to even recoil as his back suffered several powerful strikes at the base of his spine. His assailant did not hesitate, even robbing him of the ability to cry out in pain as a swift jab slid into his throat. Finally his opponent swept the balance away from under him, bringing her paw furiously into the boy’s gut. Within a matter of seconds Raging Star was again out cold.

Author's Note

So... I know this chapter isn't what I previewed in the last one, but cool your jets. I decided to prolong this part of the story because It didn't feel right having Raging Star bust out in the same chapter. Enjoy the sudden twist!

S1: Ep.6 - Do You Believe in Magic?

Again the tailed boy was forced to open his eyes into darkness. The many times he was forced to come to was becoming a bit distressing. He was sure it wasn’t healthy, though that thought was immediately pushed aside as a white muzzle poked closely in front of his face.

“Roxie is glad to see you are awake finally,” she said in a chuckle. Raging Star tried to move his limbs, however found that he was once more held in deep bondage. This time however, his appendages had been stretched to their limit. A tug or pull on any end resulted in a sharp pain at the boy’s joints. After struggling for a minute, he decided to leave it be.

“Good,” Roxie growled. “Roxie wouldn’t want you to lose your arms and legs now,” the poodle cackled walking towards a large stone carved throne. She sat her flank on the rock and barked a command to the nearest guard. The dog brought her a large chunk of meat of which she proceeded to chomp upon.

“What do you want from me,” Raging Star finally asked focusing on the steak between Roxie’s teeth.

“Roxie would like to use you,” the dog said through a full mouth. “You will help Roxie with her crusade and then Roxie will sell you when she wants.” The poodle swallowed and grinned at her prisoner. “Ask Roxie what happens if you don’t.”

“Like bull I will,” Raging Star spat out. Bo barked from behind the chained boy and tugged lightly on a chain dangling from the wall. Raging Star jerked his head away from behind him and screamed in pain as his arms and legs stretched further apart.

“Ask Roxie,” Roxie said again licking her chops.

“Okay!” Raging Star gasped. “What if I don’t?!”

Bo released his grip and the boy’s muscles relaxed.

Roxie left her spot and lifted the boy’s head up after stroking his head. She glared down viciously while she spoke, “Roxie will cut off that fuzzy wuzzy little tail of yours. Then, she will poke out your eyes, slowly. Poor monkey will forever be blind, and tailless!”

“Is that all?” Raging Star chortled between short breaths.

“Why does Monkey ask Roxie, ‘is that all?’” Roxie once more lifted his head, though this time by his hair. “Roxie is a master of torture!”

“Nah, not really,” the boy replied. “Mr. Satyan was much worse.”

“Mr. Satyan, of Satyan Square?” Roxie’s face contorted in disgust. She contemplated something for a minute before shrugging off the thought. “Mr. Satyan,” she laughed. “You are not a Minotaur. Only Minotaur work for Mr. Satyan.”

“You’re not a pony,” Raging Star said then irking Roxie suddenly. “You have a pony slave and are a dog. Mr. Satyan had a monkey slave and is a Minotaur.” Roxie motioned to Bo then who tugged harder on the chain. Raging Star wailed awfully loud throughout the cavern. The pain intensified as Roxie knelt under him.

“Feels like fire, yes?” Roxie asked. “Never speak about my pony. Never speak about my pony,” Roxie growled. She ordered Bo to release and Raging Star was able to relax once more. “Since Roxie’s methods are weak to you, she’ll show monkey boy how much more of a hell it is in Roxie’s Den.” The poodle whistled into the air and sat down once more.

“You summoned me?” Viololá inquired from the side. Raging Star eyed the Unicorn critically. She returned the glance, though her face was lit with concern.

“Monkey is having hard time adjusting to his new life. Roxie wants you to welcome him properly.” The grin on her face couldn’t have been wider.

“You don’t mean…” Viololá began to protest, but was hit hard across the face.

“Do not question Roxie slave,” the poodle snarled. From within her armor straps, Roxie removed a vial of purple liquid and handed it to the Unicorn. The poodle barked roughly, and insisted she take the vial from her. Viololá hesitantly agreed, keeping her eyes on the floor as she approached Raging Star.

“Viololá,” Raging Star whispered. “Why are you listening to her? Use your magic!”

The Unicorn did not reply. She raised her hands and placed them on either side of the boy’s face. As she closed her eyes, her horn began to glow something bright. A violent red aura burst from her palms then and surged over Raging Star’s body.

“VioloLAAAAAAH!!!!” Raging Star cried painfully. The searing burns flashed hot over his entire body, causing him to flinch and suffer from both his chains and the fire. Viololá shouted a cry as well and released her hold, shuffling her hands over themselves and blowing into her palms. Raging Star cooled down, but his face teemed with sweat. Although the intense burning radiated throughout his body, his visage remained unscathed. The melting sensation did not disappear either.

Removing the lid of the vial, the Unicorn opened the boy’s mouth and the slimy substance snailed down his throat. Raging Star coughed a couple of times, trying to shake off the horrid after taste.

“Still not hot enough for you?” Roxie’s bark forced her slave to flinch. “You are Roxie’s now. Viololá put a magic spell on you. Silly Monkey has to obey Roxie, or the magic will blow up inside and… POP!” Roxie’s paw snap ushered two guards into the room. They detached Raging Star from the chains and tossed him in front of Roxie. “Get up,” Roxie ordered.

Raging Star remained slumped on the ground, breathing heavily. He shifted his eyes in her direction and politely held up his middle finger. Roxie snarled and barked the command more rigorously. Unwilling to submit, Raging Star instead laughed.

“Please listen,” Viololá whispered from behind him. The boy chuckled more and remained still on the ground. Roxie reduced her sudden fangs into a light smile. She crossed her arms and waited. Suddenly Raging Star felt bloated. Filling up inside and getting bigger.

“What?!” A forceful surge through his chest forced the boy onto his feet. It felt like his body was expanding exponentially, but he remained unchanged. The fibers of his being were being stretched and an agonizing pain swelled over his body. He couldn’t seem to catch a break today.

“Listen to Roxie and the pain will stop,” Roxie said calmly. Raging Star yelled obscene remarks rather than comply, and his body convulsed violently to the ground. He shrunk into a tiny ball and continued his screaming.

“Raging Star, listen!” Viololá shouted.

“Say you will obey Roxie! Say you will serve her!” the dog shouted then, kicking the downed boy.

“I’ll… serve you!” Raging Star gasped out. The tearing stopped. Raging Star lay on the floor in a weary slump, glaring maliciously at his new captor. Roxie bent down and licked her tool. The boy could not react. Her saliva coated his face and she chuckled at the success of her methods.

“Welcome to Roxie’s Den,” she said.

“You have to obey her if you don’t want to die,” Viololá said in the darkness. Raging Star sat as far away from her as he could. He was a little glad the cage that contained him kept the two separated. She was the last person he wanted to see.

“So that’s why you didn’t help,” Raging Star replied. “You would’ve turned into a big mess.”

“I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you,” the Unicorn’s voice softened.

“Instead of telling me, you fed me that stuff too.”

“I had no choice; you know what would’ve happened.” The tailed boy audibly disapproved. “At least you don’t have to wear chains,” Viololá tried to lighten the mood. “The cage is only there to keep you and me separated.”

“It stinks down here,” Raging Star commented off topic. Viololá took the hint and closed her mouth.

“I didn’t know you could use magic,” she said again after a while. Raging Star did not budge. “That was incredible, what you did. It blew away all of those guards.”

“I don’t remember,” Raging Star interjected. “I know I did that stuff, but I don’t remember how or why I can’t do it on my own!”

“I can relate,” Viololá said. “In the beginning stages of our lives, Unicorns give out magic spurts until they learn how to control the outbursts.”

“I want to learn,” the boy cut in again. “I want to learn how to control it… then maybe I can get back at Mr. Satyan.” Raging Star clenched his fists together, trying to amass something from before. After a few seconds, he roared loudly and smashed his hands into the ground.

“I… I could probably teach you.” For the first time since they began speaking, Raging Star turned around. Viololá stood directly in front of the cage, illuminating the darkness with her magic. “No, I can teach you,” she corrected herself.

“You won’t explode?”

“Roxie’s serum only works when she gives a command, so all we need to do is keep it a secret. She doesn't think you can perform magic as far as I can tell.” Raging Star jumped to his feet.

"What if she does find out? The moment she tells us not to we'll die."

"Not if we take the antidote," Viololá revealed.

“You can get it?” She nodded in response.

“I’m allowed to explore the caverns periodically. The only reason I haven’t tried an escape before is because these brutes outnumber and out power me,” she began. “However, with you in the equation, we just might be able to do it.”

“If it means getting out of here, I’ll learn a thing or two from you,” Raging Star said more as a compromise than an agreement. Nevertheless, Viololá chuckled and nodded as well.

“We have some time before they start a shift for you,” the Unicorn stated, increasing her magic light further. The boy shielded his eyes. “I don’t have the expertise to teach you everything, but if I can just get you to understand the basics, we should be fine.”

“Just hurry up and show me!” The boy stamped his foot on the ground.

“We lost him in the gorge,” a Minotaur worker reported to Mighty Frey. Mighty peered over the edge of the cliff.

“How did he cover so much ground? He’s half my height,” the young Minotaur pondered.

“He did kill Terrano, Mighty Frey,” the worker recalled. Mighty waved off the bull and continued to study the massive fissure in the ground.

“Summon a small party of scouts,” he commanded suddenly. “They’ll follow me into the gorge and we’ll hunt for the boy then. Perhaps we can flush him out.”

“With all due respect sir,” the worker began, “It’s been days. Raging Star is gone, and Satyan is also gone. We don’t care what happens to the brat, all we wanted was for him to be gone.”

“You stressed your discontent with Mr. Satyan, did you not?”

“We were just a little unhappy,” the worker stammered. “I didn’t think we would be stuck in the wild for so long. Many of us are hungry and tired, not to mention rumors of deserters have been floating around.”

“Deserters can desert; they’ll die in the wilderness. Satyan made it clear that if we didn’t catch Raging star we would all die. He’ll kill us personally.” Mighty Frey held his stoic countenance despite his partner’s pleas.

“He’s only one Minotaur,” the worker snorted. “If he kills us, he’ll have no more workers for his farm.”

“And that’s what troubles me.” Mighty’s comment caused the bull to flinch. “He seems fine with that. I’m not.”

“How would he even go about doing that? It’s not like he has magic or anything.”

“Enough,” Mighty snorted out. “Bring me my scouting party.” The worker hurried off, leaving the young Minotaur to stand solemnly over the large gorge. His muscles tensed as he thought about the newfound abilities Satyan had possessed. The conversation between him and the orange bull replayed over and over again. He was right. The workers would not understand, nor would they care. The worst part of it was that they were all going to die for Satyan’s cause. Unwillingly.

“Here is your posse.” Mighty Frey jerked his head sideways. His eyes rested upon four healthy and well maintained Minotaur. The young bull stepped down from his perch and ordered the group to follow as he began to descend the mountainous terrain.

“If Satyan should return before I, let him know of my situation.” The worker nodded, and Mighty Frey leapt off of the first ledge landing about one story down. The bottom was distant, but the young bull continued his leaps. His group followed in the same manner, scaling the gorge side and heading deeper into the abyss.

“Mighty Frey,” one of the Minotaur called, “We have company.” Mighty glanced at the wall side and noticed the subtle movements as well. He halted his decline, landing on the nearest road and awaited the ambush. A grey paw exploded from the earth and latched onto the Minotaur’s left hoof. Mighty Frey lifted his leg up, dragging the surprised Diamond Dog from the earth and lifting him into the air.

“Why are Minotaur in Sapphira?!” the mutt barked. Mighty brought his hoof down, smashing the dog into the ground. From above, a few more dogs announced their arrival. Each drew a blade and shield, surrounding the unarmed Minotaur.

“Kill the bull!” one of the dogs chanted.

“He’ll make good meat,” another said licking its chops.

“You’ll make a good punching bag,” Mighty Frey responded charging in. The dog nearest him swung his blade down, however recoiled after it bounced off of the Minotuar’s horn. Mighty unleashed a slew of punches, forcing the flailing dog over the cliff. The remaining canines attacked, however the bull stamped his foot into the ground, forcing the ledge to crumble and break. Mighty leapt over his assailers and watched as they disappeared in the landslide.

“Mighty, we’ll meet you down there,” one of the Minotaur called out in the midst of his battle. The young bull agreed and continued his descent, using the still moving earth as a faster means of transportation.

“So much for a scouting mission,” he said to himself. The bull’s attempt at light hearted relief vanished again as three more dogs emerged from the landslide and began their chase after Mighty. “Damn dogs,” he complained and hastened his pace. The Minotaur exited on another level road, waiting for his enemies.

The giant mastiffs landed on the same ledge, and withdrew their maces. Mighty charged in again, moving faster than his opponents. His fist sped into the torso of one of the canines, however, the metal plating absorbed most of the assault. Unable to get away in time, the dog swung his mace, smacking Frey across the jaw. The Minotaur stumbled back, wiping the blood off of his face.

“We’re not looking for trouble,” Mighty Frey tried to reason now. “I’m searching for a weird monkey with spikey hair. He is mine, have you seen him?” The dogs peered at each other and then back at Frey, snarling in disgust.

“Minotaur want Roxie’s pet!” one of the mastiffs said.

“We won’t let you steal Monkey!” another barked.

“At least you answered my question,” Mighty Frey replied fixing his stance. Rather than charging forward this time, he urged a dog to make the first move. One of the mastiffs lumbered over to the Minotaur, cocking his weapon back for a swing. Frey fell to his knees, ducking just under the assault and rising back up to connect an uppercut strike. The dog yelped as his exposed chin shattered from the attack. Mighty Frey lifted the mace now, switching back to the offensive.

“Kill stupid cow!”

“I’ll kill you!” The Minotaur countered the dog’s strike with his own and chucked the mace into the mastiff’s muzzle. Disoriented from the strike, Frey was able to sweep his legs under the dog's. It fell to the floor unable to move. The last one barked wildly before recklessly sprinting in. Mighty Frey smirked, dodging the canine’s cumbersome attacks. Within the intervals of his assaults, Frey generously contributed his share of the punch and kicks until the large animal keeled over in exhaustion.

“Captured by Diamond Dogs. He’s either really stupid or really weak,” Mighty Frey commented leaping off of the ledge. His hoof met the bottom of the gorge in complete satisfaction. A small stream trickled through, leading to wherever. The opposite direction however held promise. A cloud of dust could be seen from the distance, kicked up by the stampeding paws of the Diamond Dogs of Sapphira Gorge.

“We are here!” a Minotaur called out from above, landing behind Frey. The remaining bodies gathered and stared at the force charging right at them.

“I’m guessing he is that way,” a different Minotaur stated. Mighty Frey did not reply. He exhaled deeply and inhaled again, waiting for his heart to regulate. After he had finished, the young bull took off, followed closely by his impromptu comrades.

"Try it again," Viololá said. She held her hands out in front of her chest, "like this. Visualize the energy seeping out of you and into your palm."

"Damn it Viololá I can't!" Raging Star threw his hands down and growled. "How do you do it so easily?"

"Unicorns have horns. They allow the displacement of magic rather easily. Channeling it to the hands is the hard part. I can see why you can't grasp it, but I don't know what else on you would be like my horn," she replied. The boy held his hands out again frowned.

"Sometimes," he started, "sometimes it feels like my heart is on fire. Whenever I get angry and that fire surrounds me, it feels like my chest is where it is hottest."

"You... you think you channel energy through your heart?"

"I don't know what I think!" His voice echoed throughout the cavern.

"No need to get so upset, I'm trying to help you. If anything, I should be frustrated that you're not understanding it at all," the Unicorn said. She exhaled slowly and grabbed the boy's hands.

"What are you...?"

"Shut up, and listen," she replied. "When a Unicorn wants to use magic, she'll gather the energy into her horn, and she can leave it at that. On the chance that she'd want to manipulate the magic through other appendages, she simply channels that magic to any other part of her body."

"Why are we going over this again?" Raging Star asked biting his lip.

"So we need to find a way to gather the energy into your heart. Then channel it through your hands." Viololá closed her eyes, prompting Raging Star to do the same. "Concentrate. Feel the magic from within and store it in your heart. I know its there, you just have to gather it into one point."

"Easier said than done," the boy remarked.

"It helps if you're quiet," the Unicorn snapped back. "I can feel it all around you boy, you just need to focus it into one location." Slowly, Viololá removed her hands, placing Raging Star's in the correct position.

"Feel the energy," Raging Star whispered.

"Once you've grabbed hold of it, force it into your palms. Expel it in the area you want it to come out," Viololá instructed.

The tailed boy stood silent for a long time, his teacher watching on carefully. A faint glimmer flashed over his hands suddenly. The Unicorn held her tongue, anxious to tell the boy that he had done it. A few moments later, the energy manifested brighter than before lingered a second longer than before.

"You've done it," she said in a small gasp. "I've never seen anypony get it so fast. You..." she suddenly stopped as Raging Star continued the exercise. The energy formed again, larger in size and greater in power. The boy's hair began to drift in an invisible wind as a visible aura circled his body. "Raging Star, stop."

"I don't want to," the boy replied, opening his eyes. The aura intensified. The ball of energy within his hands dissipated around his form and augmented the flowing fire around him.

"Raging Star, if you don't stop they'll figure us out!"

"Let em come! I'll kill them all!"

"Not yet!" Viololá pleaded. "We need the antidote first. Once Roxie commands you to stop and you don't you'll die. Then where will you be?"

"Then I'll kill her before that happens," Raging Star said. The Unicorn stumbled back from the pressure of the boy's energy. Never before had she felt something so incredible. She had to think fast, or her partner's bull-headedness would kill them both.

"Wait," she called out again, "I can teach you something else! Something that will kill Roxie in one hit! Probably even Mr. Satyan!" Raging Star glared in her direction. "Yes, yes I know a spell that will help you focus your energy further into an attack."

"Then teach me," the boy commanded. Viololá planted her hooves into the ground.

"Not until you calm down. Calm down first, and I'll show you. The attack doesn't work if you're wasting energy like that," she replied. Raging Star growled in her direction and ceased his power. The pressure in the room vanished and the boy cracked his knuckles in anticipation.

"I've mastered how to control my magic, now teach me this attack."

Author's Note

Figured I give ya'll some Mighty Frey action. I was thinking of killing him off soon, but I rather like him as a character now. I may keep him around as like the Piccolo of the story.

S1: Ep. 7 - Bear With It

Mighty Frey stood in opposition of the panting litter. He and the remaining Minotaur remained silent, staring down the army that was about to pounce on them. A solitary figure began pushing his way through the crowd. He shoved away from the army and marched over to the small party in front of him.

“Why are Minotaur in Shapphira?” Bo asked to Mighty Frey.

“Stupid bulls want Roxie’s monkey,” another dog answered. Bo sniffed Frey, subsequently sneezing in his face.

“How do you know about monkey boy?” Bo asked, keeping his paw on the hilt of his new blade.

“Raging Star is ours,” Frey answered. “He escaped from our farm and we’re trying to get him back.”

“You are too late,” Bo snickered. “Monkey Star is in Roxie’s Den. No one goes in Roxie’s Den. Minotaur must leave before Bo has to kill him!” Bo withdrew his new bastard blade and pointed it at Mighty’s snout.

“We’re not leaving without Raging Star,” Mighty said, shoving Bo’s sword away. Bo barked and swung at Mighty. The Minotaur grabbed his attacker’s arm and twisted it over, snapping a few bones in the process. The mutt’s blade fell, and Mighty shattered it as he shifted his hooves into proper stance. He lifted his leg and bucked the dog into the raving crowd.

Bo crashed into the forward line. Every one of them howled at the bulls. “Kill them!” Bo screamed.

“That’s odd,” Viololá started, perking her ear up. Raging Star sat on the floor, panting heavily and rubbing his left hand.

“What? Why did we stop?” he asked.

“It’s past midday, I know this,” the Unicorn said. She rose to her feet and hurried over to the prison door.

“Viololá, let me practice more!” Raging Star called. She shushed him and peered through the bars of the door. Raging Star quieted as well, listening for whatever it was she was trying to hear. “I don’t get it, what you doing?”

“A guard should have arrived by now,” she stated. “You were supposed to begin working today under my watch, but neither of us has been taken into the mines.”

“So they’re slow today, who cares? We’re trying to escape so that will make the job easier.” Raging Star got up and stretched his arms. He urged Viololá over once more, but she refused.

“We’re done for the day. If you exhaust your magic you won’t be able to work.”

“I don’t want to work… Get that stupid antidote and then we can leave.”

“Just cool it boss,” Viololá hissed. “Something is up. No one is here.”

A loud metallic grinding echoed from the other side of the cell block. Two dogs entered, leading Roxie down the hall and towards their section.

“Where is the boy?” she barked. Viololá pointed in the corner towards the other cell. Raging Star glared at Roxie, clenching his fists and biting his teeth. “Come to Roxie,” she said. He remained still. “Come here,” she growled.

Raging Star’s body began to burn again. He fell on the floor and dug his hands into the dirt. He crawled over to the front of the cell where the burning immediately ceased. His eyes darted upward, assaulting Roxie with a critical glare. She simply grinned wagging her paw in his direction.

“What do you want meanie?” he asked.

“Someone is looking for you,” she said. “Minotaur want to take you away, but Roxie doesn’t want that. Roxie also knows you don’t want that.”

“Mr. Satyan is here?” The boy’s eyes widened. She knelt down to his level.

“Do Roxie a favor boy,” she said. “Kill the Minotaur, and Roxie won’t give you back to them.”

“I can kill them all,” he replied. “But why would I do it for you? I would just kill you too.” Viololá urged the boy to stay quiet, but he did not listen.

“Roxie will try again.” The poodle cleared her throat. “You will kill Minotaur and you will not kill Roxie.” Raging Star punched the floor, cursing under his breath. Roxie looked towards the ceiling of the den, a smirk lining the side of her face.

“The Minotaur are stronger than us!” a diamond dog yelped. Bo growled at the five brutes in the middle, tearing into his forces like a granite hog.

“Do not let them reach the den,” he barked. He clutched his arm, kneeling on the ground, totally useless in this situation. Suddenly, a paw emerged from the ground, white and unblemished. His trepidation melted away.

“Roxie is here,” he chuckled. The poodle burst through the earth, raising her muzzle into the air and howling throughout the gorge. The battle before her ceased immediately. The bulls in the middle of the gorge flinched at the tiny figure in front of her.

“Raging Star,” Mighty Frey gasped.

“There you go, kill the bulls for Roxie,” the poodle ordered. The boy looked at the five Minotaur in front of him. His face wrinkled and he growled.

“Not one of them is Satyan!” he shouted. Roxie growled back.

“I don’t care, kill them!”

“You said Mr. Satyan was here!” Raging Star protested. He caught wind of Mighty Frey then and clenched his teeth harder together.

“Never has Roxie met such an unruly child,” she muttered. Mighty Frey laughed.

“You must not have gotten to know him. He’s got the biggest mouth and poorest attitude ever.”

“Shut up!” The boy clenched his fists together and bent his knees. The four workers behind Mighty shuffled back, but the young bull remained stalwart.

“At least take a real fighting stance,” he snorted, preparing himself. “Why are you taking orders from Diamond Dogs? I thought you didn’t like what to be told.”

“I said shut up!” Raging Star yelled back. “I don’t care if Satyan isn’t here anymore… You’ll do just fine. I have to repay you for grabbing my tail from before.”

“If you can even touch me,” the bull replied.

“We can help the monkey,” Bo whispered to Roxie.

“No,” she ordered. “I told him to do it. If he doesn’t, monkey will explode, and we don’t want that.”

“Still taking orders. I figured several days in the wilderness would have toughened you up,” Mighty said. “I can understand the incompetence though; all you managed to do was beat up an old lizard.” Raging Star did not reply. Good, Mighty thought. All I have to do is wait for him to make a mistake and then it’ll be over. The problem won’t be winning, the problem will be getting out of here with his body…

“Mighty, what do we do?” one of the Minotaur asked. The young bull remained silent.

“Our best bet is to rile him up,” he said after a while.

“Are you mad? You know how he acts when he gets upset!”

“That’s what I’m counting on,” Mighty replied. “You should try to keep these dogs off of me when I do get him.”

“Why aren’t they interfering?” a worker wondered. Mighty surveyed the faces of the dogs. They were studying him and the boy carefully.

“They must not want to be caught in the crossfire,” he concluded.

“Hurry up and move you stupid cow!” Raging Star screamed. Mighty put his gaze back on the boy. He had matured in combat. Unlike before, he wasn’t recklessly charging in. Mighty would have to make the first strike this time.

He took off, charging for the boy. Raging Star did the same, running at the bull with equal ferocity. Both met in the center, clutching each other’s hands in a test of strength. Mighty towered over the small boy, but the tailed child did not let up. Raging Star pushed back, forcing Mighty’s hooves to dig into the ground.

“You… little…” The bull retreated, causing Raging Star to stumble forward.

He lunged in again and kicked the boy in the gut. Raging Star stumbled back, clutching his abdomen. Mighty followed up with swift roundhouse, but Raging Star blocked the attack. The boy performed a roundhouse kick of his own, however Mighty Frey brought his arm up in defense. Raging Star remained in the air, just long enough for the bull to ram into the boy’s body. He flew back, rolling on the ground from the charge.

“Oww…” Raging Star groaned, rubbing his chest.

“Get up boy,” Roxie barked. “Show this cow how much Roxie has bettered you.”

“Shut… up,” he replied, wiping something off of his face. Mighty Frey stood strong in pose, awaiting another attack. Raging Star moved in, jumping off of the floor at the last second. He swung his right leg at Mighty’s head, but the bull blocked. Mighty grabbed the boy’s leg with his other hand and hurled Raging Star onto the floor. He repeated the slam four times and tossed him towards a wall.

“I just might win this,” Mighty snorted.

Raging Star quickly rebounded in the air. Using the wall as a springboard, he launched off and cocked his fist back. Mighty could not move fast enough as the boy sped straight at him, smashing into the bull’s jaw with his punch. Mighty stumbled and Raging Star landed opposite of him. He then attacked the bull’s back, throwing a few punches into his spine and finally repelling him away with a jump-kick.

“I’m not finished yet,” the tailed boy announced as Mighty spun around. Raging Star had already closed the distance between the two and began throwing manic punches everywhere. Mighty Frey ducked, dodged, and blocked against the storm.

“You’re still too green!” he shouted, breaking through an assault and interrupting the boy’s combo. Mighty’s fist smashed into Raging Star’s face. He brought his right leg up and high-kicked the boy into the sky. Mighty then jumped into the air and finished his attack with a devastating roundhouse, rocketing the boy into a blanket of bedrock and stone within the side of the gorge.

“Damn it,” Raging Star moaned, falling out of the hole in the wall. He rose up slowly, and clutched his left shoulder.

“We might be evenly matched in strength,” Mighty began, “but when it comes to technique, I have you beat. Without proper form, all of that power is wasted.”

“I don’t need stupid martial arts to beat you!” Raging Star yelled, forming a fist with his uninjured hand. The wind began to pick up.

“No, get back!” the young bull ordered to his men. The other Minotaur retreated, taking to higher ground. He turned back to Raging Star who had begun to mass a visible shield of energy around him. His hair began to float and the air pressure in the gorge increased.

“Leave them,” Roxie ordered just as Bo began to follow. “Monkey is doing something strange… what is it?”

“You stupid bull,” Raging Star growled. “we’re not equal at all… I outrank you, because I have magic!” Mighty flinched. “I wanted to save this move for Mr. Satyan, but maybe you can tell him what he has to look forward to now!”

Raging Star cocked his arm back and the energy began pooling in his open palm. A light blue ball of aura formed in the space, decorated with blinding stars. He closed his hand, forming a fist with the energy and was on top of Mighty faster than the bull could blink.

“Magic?!” It was all he had time to say. Raging Star slammed his fist into Mighty’s torso.

“Ursa Minor!!!” Beams of light poured from the point of contact. A single flash enveloped the whole area and Mighty Frey was pushed away by a powerful wave of energy. The deafening roar of the attack shook the entire gorge, and the newly formed bear-shaped fissure in the wall opposite of Raging Star began to collapse in on itself.

“The… the monkey can do… magic?!” Roxie gasped. Her entire litter exclaimed at the sight.

“Some guards said he could,” Bo informed the poodle then. She whipped around and smacked him.

“Why did you not tell Roxie?!”

“He stopped! I said don’t tell in case it was just accident and Roxie thinks I’m a liar!”

“Bo is stupid then,” Roxie growled. She hurried over to Raging Star and withdrew her rapier. “Monkey,” she said, “enough fighting. Roxie orders you to come back to den, forget killing Minotaur.”

“No, I have to kill him, him and all of them,” Raging Star said, glaring at the other bodies above the gorge.

“No, we will order retreat,” Roxie barked. “Roxie wants to know more about your magic, and maybe she can teach you how to fight for real,” she finished, smiling at the last thought. Raging Star roared into the pile of rubble and then walked away, Roxie following closely after. She ordered the litter to scatter, and they vanished into the earth.

“Mighty Frey is in there,” one of the Minotaur said from above, surveying the rubble.

“What will Satyan say?”

“What will he do if Mighty is not the one to take the blame is a better question,” another answered. “Let’s see if he’s still alive.” The four bulls descended again. They started pulling off mounds of rock and dirt, searching for some sign of the young bull. Suddenly, a spot of earth exploded and a bloody hand reached out from under the debris.

“He’s there,” one of the workers exclaimed. They pulled the bull out of the wreckage, slowly backing away in horror.

“Where did they go?” Mighty groaned.

“They retreated, something we have to do now,” a worker said. Mighty wiped his face, blood streaming down his head and mouth. His coat was burned where Raging Star had hit and his entire body ached.

“He did get stronger… I hope Satyan is happy,” Mighty coughed, spitting up blood.

“Why would he be happy?”

“Nevermind,” the young bull rebuked. “Let’s go.”

“How did you come to learn magic?” Roxie asked, slouching in her throne. Raging Star knelt at the bottom of the steps, though it really wasn’t his choice as to how he was positioned at the moment.

“I told you, I found out by accident,” he responded, face stuck to the floor.

“Roxie does not believe that,” she sang. “Roxie thinks Viololá had something to do with it.” The Unicorn darted her eyes to the boy on the floor.

“Roxie is not going to punish you though,” she said. “Instead, Roxie will use your magic.”

“With all due respect, Roxie,” Viololá interrupted, “Raging Star can use magic, but he does not know how to control it. One mess up and he could destroy the entire mine.”

“Why were you teaching him magic?” she asked of her slave. The pony hesitated.

“I kept bugging her about the light,” Raging Star answered. “She kept making a stupid light and I wanted to know how.”

“And Roxie is supposed to believe that you can do magic attacks from so little knowledge?”

“Like I said,” Viololá entered, “he is dangerous right now until his magic can be controlled properly.” Roxie eyed the two slaves, rubbing under her chin. Raging Star tried to glance upward, but a searing pain in his gut stopped him.

“Can you teach him to obey Roxie, like you?”

“I can, and I will.” For a while, the poodle sat in silence and studied the two forms below her. She chuckled a little and ordered the boy to rise.

“Roxie will let you learn magic from her pony, but you must not use it to hurt her, okay?” The tone in her voice boiled all of Raging Star’s nerves. He nodded slightly and she smiled. “Now, Roxie knows Minotaur will try to attack again, but with more force. So Viololá will train you until you become strong enough to beat all of them.”

“And then what?” Raging Star growled.

“And then you live the rest of your life here until you die,” she cackled.

“He’s learned magic now?” Satyan bit a piece of fruit and chewed slowly. “I’ve been gone for about a week and you let things get this out of hand too. Twenty-five deserters and you get yourself beat up.” He tossed the item away and forcefully wiped his mouth.

“I apologize, but many of the Minotaur have no more motivation to chase after the brat,” Mighty said. He sat opposite of the orange bull, arms crossed and heavily bandaged. The tent fluttered from the wind outside, and a cold breeze grazed the young bull as the entrance flap flowed open some.

“I told you to think of something.”

“What am I going to tell them? How can I get them to stay without revealing your plan?” Satyan mused over the thought. He rose from his seat and stepped outside, Mighty following close behind.

“It’s a cool night, Mighty Frey,” he said.

“Y-yes sir, but what-”

“It was a night like tonight when he first appeared.” Both of them stood over a rock perch, gazing down at the small camp below. A good number of workers remained, but less than what they had begun with. “It’s a full moon.”

“A full moon… I haven’t seen one in a very long time,” Mighty commented. “There’s no way to tell with all this cloud cover either.”

“You're right,” Satyan said. “I’ve kept track of the nights. Sometimes the sky is blanketed with heavy cloud cover. Would you like to know why?” The other bull looked at his master in response.

"Equestrian Pegasi, Mighty Frey. They cloud our skies on a would-be full moon night."

“Pegasi handle the weather in Equestria though, not all over the world.” Satyan chuckled at the young bull's observation.

"You're correct," he replied. "But it was a condition given unto me by the princesses the night I received the boy. I was to act as if the full moon were still intact, but to be completely honest, a full moon hasn't risen in over seven years."

"That's... impossible. The Equines are responsible for the celestial bodies, so why would they do that?"

"Assurance, Young Frey," the orange bull answered.

“Why would that be significant? It’s just a moon.”

“That’s just it,” Satyan said with a grin. “The moon is the most significant thing to my plan.” Mighty looked at the orange bull with disconcerting eyes. “That is how we unlock the beast,” Satyan revealed.

“What?” Mighty exhaled the words more so than uttered them. Satyan laughed at the young bull’s petrified countenance.

“I will inform the other Minotaur of our plan.”

“What?”

“Is that all you can say boy?” Satyan snorted. “If they’re lacking faith, I’ll promise them liberation. A land full of gems and what not. If they help me, they will be set free, without any criminal charges whatsoever.”

“And you don’t actually intend on doing that do you?”

“They’ll all either die in the wilderness, or under Raging Star’s feet.” Satyan inhaled deeply and exhaled the crisp night air.

Mighty could not help but feel uncomfortable around him, especially after the enchantment that cloaked Unicorn had performed. Now both his master and Raging Star possesed magic, and that would leave him nowhere in their league. He hated it. He was being used by Satyan to condition a brat to rule over the world, and every instance he put his life at risk, there was no guarantee that Satyan would provide coverage.

“He is almost ready,” Satyan whispered to himself, though audibly enough for Mighty to catch. “I will take back what is rightfully mine.”

Author's Note

Okay, I'm stalling now... seriously, three chapters in Sapphira? This is turning out like an actual DBZ production. Next chapter will be a change of scenery, I promise. For now, enjoy~

EDIT: This chapter has been updated for continuity problems.

S1: Ep. 8 - Revelation (Pt.1)

“Do you realize how close we came to getting caught? All because you let your anger get the best of you,” Viololá scolded toward the sulking boy in the cave.

“It wasn’t strong enough,” Raging Star said sullenly. “I could still feel Mighty Frey’s presence after the attack.”

“Are you listening to me?!” The Unicorn threw her arms up and released a hushed screech. “If we’re going to escape,” she began, “we have to be more careful about how we go about casting magic now, understand?”

“I understand,” the boy replied. “I understand that I’ve wasted enough time in this hole, and I think it’s about time we get out of here.”

“Is nothing I say getting through that thick head of yours?”

“It is, and I don’t like it at all!” Raging Star growled back. “What’s stopping you from swiping that antidote?”

“How about your Minotaur friends?” Viololá answered. “Because of them, guard has doubled and Roxie is more cautious than ever.”

“Then we’ll just have to wait.”

“What? What happened to ‘getting out now?’” Viololá asked with her arms crossed. Raging Star smiled.

“Satyan knows I’m here, so he’ll try to bust me out. He’ll kill Roxie and then we leave in the chaos.”

“You… You thought of that?” The boy frowned.

“What’s that supposed to mean? I’m not stupid you know,” he shouted.

“Could’ve fooled me,” the mare replied.

***

“The moon is still high. Good,” Satyan chuckled. The orange bull motioned for his army to march. The multitude of workers began the trek down the gorge. Mighty Frey stood next to Satyan, watching as each bull and cow passed under the both of them without so much as a word.

“This is what it’s like to be feared?”

“This is what it is like to be respected,” Satyan corrected the young bull. “I promised them freedom, as I said I would. I spent the last several decades earning their trust, and now that we have a definite location of the boy, they believe in my aptitude as a leader.”

“And then you lead them on to their deaths,” Mighty Frey finished.

“You seem to have a problem with that, Mighty,” Satyan grunted, turning around. “Tell me, what is on your mind. Aren’t you excited that we’re so close to victory?”

“Actually,” the young bull interjected, “I’m not.” The bull’s master sheathed his grin behind a low scowl.

“How so?”

“The fact that you would sentence them to their deaths like this… just for your own gain? I don’t feel entirely right doing that,” Mighty stated.

“Is that so? It would appear as if you don’t wish to see Equestria in our possession, am I right?” Satyan approached the younger bull; a dark haze glassed over his eyes.

“I don’t care for it, not after what I went through today.” Mighty stepped back, but did not falter in making his statement.

“Heh, Raging Star buries you under some rocks and you suddenly want out? You must be weaker than I imagined,” Satyan snorted. “And to think, I confided everything of my plans in you.”

“Then you made a mistake,” the other bull snorted. “I only went along with your plan to get back at Raging Star for making my life hell at the plantation. It seems though, he’s progressed far enough to where I can’t even touch him.”

“Well, he certainly shows much more prospect than you right now,” Satyan growled. “Yes, you’re right. I could care less about those fools down there, and this fool right here. All I want is Equestria, and Raging star will be my weapon to achieve that!”

“Do what you want,” Mighty Frey said, turning away. “I no longer wish to serve under you.”

“Where are you going?” Satyan bellowed. He was suddenly in front of the other bull. “Don’t forget, you still belong to me whether you want to be my right-hand or not.”

“Maybe if we were back at the farm, and I was still in chains, I would consider that a threat,” Mighty replied. “But you liberated me the moment I agreed to be a part of your plan, and it’s not our custom to go back on our word. You, however, intend to do that more than enough for our whole race.”

“Then your decision is made?” Satyan smirked at the young bull’s nod. “Wrong answer, son.” Energy swirled around his body in a flurry of red lightning and shadowy flames. Mighty Frey stood back, overwhelmed by the sheer power Satyan was giving off by simply standing in front of him.

“Is that necessary?” he screamed, blocking his face from the howling energy.

“Your punishment must match the crime,” Satyan replied with a wide smile. “Heresy and treason is punishable by death!” He smashed a fist into the young bull’s gut, bringing the wounded Minotaur to his knees. “What a weakling,” Satyan grunted, kicking Mighty away. “That’s only two percent of my full power.”

Damn it, Mighty thought, struggling to rise. First Raging Star… now Satyan… is there no end to this?

“This should be enough to finish it,” Satyan growled, pointing his finger at Mighty. “Say hello to everybody when they meet you in Tartarus, and don’t forget to thank them for me.” Energy collected at the orange bull’s index finger and fired into his victim’s chest.

The force lifted Mighty Frey off of his knees and into the air. He glared at Satyan one last time before plummeting below, out of sight. The orange Minotaur snorted in satisfaction and powered down. With his energy returning to normal, he looked over the moonlit horizon, towards the gorge that housed his weapon. A smirk lined his face again and he leapt off of the spire in the sky to join his forces below.

***

“Roxie, scouts have located Minotaur around the gorge. They are led by an orange bull with a golden ring in his snout!”

“Then he is here,” Roxie said, staring at the wall behind the soldier. “Roxie knows of Mr. Satyan. He’s the owner of Satyan Square, biggest rock farm in his country.” The poodle smiled and rose from her seat. “But he has no power and is without a proper army,” she added.

“There are… lots of Minotaur, Roxie,” the guard replied.

“But they are workers, yes?” she asked. “Roxie has soldiers, and he has slaves. Not to mention, she’ll have Raging Star on her side. He’ll kill Satyan, and then Roxie will be the only gem factory in this hemisphere!”

“What do we do then?” the dog asked.

“Let the stupid cows into the gorge,” she replied, removing her pauldrons and cape from their hanging rack. “When they are trapped, we will kill them all.” She unsheathed her rapier, and swung it around a few times before resting it back into its jewel encrusted sleeve. “Report all warriors to the armory,” she ordered. “Ditch the iron armor, and garb Roxie’s soldiers in the diamond suits.”

“What about Roxie? She has no diamond armor.”

“Roxie,” she chuckled, “has her special suit already. She wears it everyday.”

“What now?” Viololá asked aloud, peering through the cell bars. Various barks and scattered movements began to fill the air.

“He’s probably on his way,” Raging Star replied to her.

“How would you know that?”

“I think it’s the magic,” he said with a shrug. “I’ve always been able to feel others’ energy, just not as great until now, like back when I was fighting Mighty Frey.”

“You can’t mean you’ve already become so adept at magic in such a short time?” The pony looked at the boy up and down and swallowed. Something was different about him, but it hadn’t even been a day. How could his power rise so quickly?

“It must be night time,” he said then, staring at his cellmate as well. “I can’t explain it, but I feel stronger whenever it’s night. Especially when I stand under the moon’s light.”

“What an odd thing to experience,” she said. “You know, the moon’s tied to a very special pony in Equestria. She’s in charge of making sure it comes up every night.”

“Then I’ll have to thank her in person if I ever see her,” Raging Star said. “Because the moon is the only way I was able to make it through Satyan Square every night.”

“They are coming, hurry you dogs!” The shout echoed throughout the cavern and caught both prisoners’ attentions. “Minotaur are invading. Roxie says to keep prisoners safe and deal with the pests!”

“Hey,” Raging Star called out to the mutt.

“Shut up, you!” he barked back.

“I’m getting out of here tonight,” the boy sneered at the guard. “Just you watch.” Viololá rolled her eyes at his gaudiness.

“Don’t be too sure,” the dog snarled. “Roxie is more powerful than you think!”

“I don’t care about her fight with Satyan,” the boy spat back. “I’m getting out of here whether she wins or not, and I’m willing to bet she won’t.”

“How dare you!”

“Don’t listen to him!” the Unicorn intervened. “He’s just a stupid boy who likes to talk.”

“You’re right about that,” the guard replied. “I’ll be sure to let Roxie know you think she’ll lose.” The mutt hurried away, barking some commands and vanishing into the cacophony of working bodies.

“There you go again, running your mouth,” Viololá scolded.

“But it’s the truth,” the boy replied. “We’ll both be out of here by the end of the night.

“Prepare arms!” Bo announced at the head of the line. His army drew their weapons, blades of fine steel and shields of great worth. The bulldog clutched in his grasp an improved bastard blade, forged from the secret caverns below the earth. His reflection stared back at him, strong and ready to strike.

“Roxie does not let us use this equipment often,” a commanding officer announced. “We wear it proud because it displays the strength of Roxie’s Den, and the power of the Diamond Dog race!” Cheers and howls filled the canyon. Roxie stood at the front lines, arms crossed and silent.

“The boys are ready Roxie,” Bo panted. “Bo is excited as well. I can’t wait to shred a Minotaur with my blade!”

“You and the litter may have all that you wish,” Roxie said from her perch. “Leave the orange one to Roxie.”

From the distance, a cloud of dust began to form. As it grew larger, a tumultuous thumping began to emanate from the line of bodies charging at the Diamond Dogs. At the head of the masses was a brightly shaded orange bull.

“Minotaur, show these mutts your true strength!” Satyan roared. His followers erupted in a great shout of their own. “Kill these dogs and any treasure you find will be yours!”

Roxie removed herself from her perch and began charging at the roaring crowd ahead of her. The dogs behind her barked and howled furiously before moving in as well. Satyan increased his speed, charging at a rate faster than a Minotaur could even imagine. The two leading figures were then lost in the waves of battle as each side collided in full force. In the inevitable clash, Satyan shot his fist out at Roxie’s muzzle. The poodle countered by ducking under the attack and thrusting her rapier into Satyan’s gut.

“You’re fast for a Minotaur,” Roxie commented. Her blade rested alone in the air where Satyan should’ve been stabbed. He instead was behind the poodle, about to strike. She rolled out of the way and swiped at the bull’s legs with her own. The attack didn’t even stun him.

“You’re weak for an alpha,” he replied. He grabbed her legs and brought her upward. His other fist slammed into her breastplate as he released his hold. The force sent Roxie flying towards the Minotaur army.

She regained her form in the air and landed on the ground perfectly. A Minotaur worker assaulted her from behind, but she spun around in a pirouette with her blade held outward. The Minotaur ran into the trap, sliced open in a few swift slashes. Two more ambushed her from the air, swinging their weapons down hard.

Roxie jumped, sliding past their crude tools and relinquishing their heads from their bodies in one quick motion. Before they hit the floor, she kicked each of their decapitated forms at the orange bull below.

Satyan knocked each body out of his way as they came flying towards him. Behind the last body was Roxie, blade poised to strike. Satyan dodged each strike, and kicked his opponent away in a pause between the assaults.

“Annoying pest,” he growled.

“Damn that bull,” Roxie said, clutching her side.

“I’ll admit, you should be dead already from my attacks, so you must be wearing some impressive armor,” Satyan said.

“Mythreal,” Roxie announced, panting. “It can withstand even a strike from a dragon. But the real question is, how does one like yourself acquire such speed? Minotaur are known for their bulk, not their agility.”

“I have my ways,” the Minotaur snorted. “You can simply hand over the boy and I’ll end this right now,” Satyan continued.

“What makes you think that your pitiful boars can stop Roxie’s army? You should beg Roxie for the end, because she holds all of the cards.”

“So you think,” Satyan replied, strengthening his stance.

Roxie grinned and barked into the air. Two pairs of paws erupted from the dirt, clutching onto the Minotaur’s ankles. The Diamond Dogs burst from the dirt and clamped their jaws into his thighs. From behind, a large pit bull grappled Satyan in a double shoulder lock, biting down onto the bull’s neck as well.

“Yes, so I do,” she replied, sprinting in for a stab. Satyan roared at his opponent, slowing her advance and rattling the dogs around him. He increased his power some, and blew away the animals chaining him down.

“Then you thought wrong!” After freeing himself, he charged at Roxie who had tried to regain her footing.

“Stop, Roxie orders you to stop!”

“And why would I do that?” Satyan chuckled. He continued the charge, yet somehow, he began to feel odd. A hot stinging sensation drilled its way outward, forcing the Minotaur to rethink his current strategy. He clutched his gut and bellowed wildly as the pain intensified. “What is this?”

“Poison, of Roxie’s concoction,” the poodle laughed. “Roxie made sure to line her soldiers’ teeth and claws in the liquid. It gives Roxie full control over your body. Disobey, and you will explode from the inside out!”

“A poison? Is that it?”

“Do not think you can overcome it. Even the monkey boy cannot resist its power.” Satyan rose to his hooves after the pain began to fade.

“Roxie is in control, so order your slime to quit, now,” she barked.

“No,” he replied, clenching his fists. He exhaled deeply and assumed a squat in front of the dumbfounded poodle.

“Do you wish to die? Do it or you will die!”

“Like bull I will,” Satyan chuckled. He strained in his stance, groaning at first and visibly disrupting the blood flow in his body. Veins lined his forehead and biceps as his groans turned into shouts. Roxie could feel the wind pick up as the Minotaur began screaming into the night. Her eyes widened as a whirlwind began to form around the bull, much like she had seen before.

“It can’t be,” she stammered.

Satyan continued to power up, rupturing the earth as he amassed the evil magic within his body outward. His eyes changed, burning deep with rage, becoming as black as the darkest abyss. A glowing red pupil shone in the dark, barely filling the void with light. His muscles expanded and his fur deepened in hue.

“Stop it, stop it! Roxie commands it!” she cried out. The surrounding area watched in terror as the Minotaur commander grew in size, standing a good three feet above the poodle now. The whipping winds ceased their howling and a small electrical storm was left in the wake of the chaos. The lightning eventually dissipated as well, leaving behind a frightening monster of a beast looming over the shaking Diamond Dog.

“Your little poison has no effect on me now,” Satyan chuckled. He snorted loudly, drawing what appeared to be a loogie from deep within his throat. He brought the mass to his mouth and spat out a gooey purple liquid onto the floor. “It has been purged from my system,” he finished.

“Even so,” Roxie growled, “Roxie will still kill you! She has a secret weapon as well!” Whistling into the air, a couple of Diamond Dogs began burrowing deep into the earth. Satyan smiled as if knowing what they were going to retrieve.

“It’s a shame you need a boy to deal with me,” Satyan growled. “But you won’t live long enough to see the outcome.”

“Roxie… is not afraid of you!” the poodle barked, summoning a few of her soldiers to attack Satyan. The dogs swung their blades at the Minotaur, yet he remained still, allowing the swords to collide with his fur. Every one of them shattered upon impact.

“Then why order your lackeys to do the dirty work?” he replied to her. Satyan took a step, but Bo had halted his advance.

“Stay away from Roxie, or Bo will destroy you!”

“Worm,” the Minotaur said and took another step. Bo swung his sword at the bull’s neck, but Satyan lifted his finger up in defense. “Little puppies shouldn’t play with knives,” he chuckled, breaking the weapon by flexing his index finger.

“You’re not a Minotaur,” Roxie screeched. “You’re a monster!”

“Duly noted,” Satyan replied, building up energy in the same raised finger. Roxie barked several commands into the air, causing the dogs to retreat. She shoved Bo out of the way and bolted off past Satyan.

“Flee!” she cried out. “Flee and protect Roxie!”

“You never stood a chance,” Satyan said and held his arm high. The ball of magic began firing smaller beams into the air, targeting and stabbing through the Diamond Dogs within the gorge. One shot was enough to penetrate their armor and end their lives. Roxie peered back, stunned at the slaughter taking place. She hastened her pace, making for the safety of the den, but yelped loudly as a beam of energy burned its way through her armor and into the adjacent wall. She fell to the ground, as did every dog that stood in Satyan’s path.

***

“Roxie is dead!” one of the guards below the earth cried. The news spread throughout the catacombs, sending the den into a panic.

In the dungeon, the guards were working swiftly to excavate the gems and precious metals and began transporting them to secret areas of the mine. Raging Star and Viololá were being escorted in the same tunnels, deeper into the earth.

“I don’t believe it…” Viololá muttered. “Roxie is actually dead. Guess we don’t need that antidote now.”

“So why are we still in chains!?” the boy expressed furiously.

“You fool,” she rebuked. “We’re trying to escape, not get ourselves killed. The other dogs are in autopilot right now. That means, their orders are to get us to safety and then transport the goods to areas around Sapphira. If we bide our time a little longer, we can escape without having to deal with a crazed Minotaur!”

“I’ll take Satyan on,” Raging Star roared. “I have magic now, and he’ll be powerless against me!”

“Whoa, what’s that?!” Viololá asked as the earth began to tremble. Raging Star glanced towards the ceiling. For a moment, he remained still. Then, his body began to tremble. The once powerful gaze he gave his companion softened, and assumed a more submissive state.

“N-no way, that can’t be right… That’s not possible!” The Unicorn looked at her companion and urged an explanation. “Did you feel that?”

“I’ve felt it since we started moving,” she replied. “It’s an enormous amount of magic energy. The kind I’ve only felt in ancient relics.”

“But… but it’s familiar… It’s Satyan’s energy,” Raging Star said. “How does he know magic?”

“Let’s not wait around to find out!” the Unicorn replied and began moving again. The earth started to shake, causing the Diamond Dogs surrounding the duo to whimper with their tails tucked in. Another violent rupture forced them to flee, abandoning the prisoners in a long, dark tunnel.

“What the hell?! Where does this lead?” Raging Star asked.

“Somewhere that’s not here, come on!” Viololá cried, bolting down the tunnel. Raging Star followed after her, all the while keeping track of the large power approaching them.

“How do you know when we’ve reached the end?”

“When we see light,” Viololá answered the boy. “This tunnel leads to the surface, I know this much.”

“Alright, I trust you,” Raging Star said. The Unicorn peered behind her and gave the boy a smile.

“Thanks,” she replied. He, in return, faced away from her and pouted. “It’s not much further, I can see where the tunnel ends.”

“Good, because I’m dying for some fresh-” Raging Star was cut off as a large mound of dirt and rocks fell in between himself and Viololá. The cave-in knocked the boy on his rear, filling the cavern with suffocating dust and debris.

“Raging Star?! Raging Star, can you hear me?” cried the voice of the Unicorn on the other side.

“Yeah,” the boy coughed. “I’m fine. It’ll take more than a little dirt to kill me.”

“Hold on, I’m going to try to break through.”

“What?” The boy stared at the dirt mound. She was trying to rescue him? When the exit was only a few more meters away? “Just go, I’ll find another way out. I can probably punch my way through.”

“Don’t try to act all macho on me, boy,” Viololá rang from the other side. “This will only take a minute. I’ll use my magic to break through without causing another cave-in.” Raging Star did not reply. He wasn’t sure how to. Was she serious? Was she actually going to try and save him? He wanted more time to ponder the question, but a sharp chill bulleted through his body, freezing the boy in place.

“Viololá, you gotta go!” he called out, turning towards the other end of the cavern.

“I just said don’t be so dramatic!”

“No,” Raging Star shouted back, “It’s Satyan, he’s found me. If you’re caught in the crossfire, you’ll die!”

“And if he catches you, you’ll die!”

“Why do you care if I live or not, you don’t know me!” The tunneling on the other side stopped. The boy turned his head and watched as a light glow began to outline the fallen rock. The collapsed earth pushed away to the side, forming two support pillars on either side of the cave wall. In the opening stood the female pony, glaring at the tailed boy with harsh eyes.

“No, I don’t, not really,” she answered. “But where I come from, we don’t just leave other ponies to their deaths, and we sure as Tartarus don’t leave behind a friend.”

“What makes you think I’m your friend?” Raging Star snapped back.

“Well, you’re the only other sentient contact I’ve had since a drooling mutt dragged me away from my country,” she started, walking over to him. She kneeled down to his level and wiped away some dirt on his face. He swatted her hand away, and growled. “Not to mention, you just told me to leave out of concern for my well being.” With that, she smiled.

“N-no, that’s not why I did that!” he stammered back. “I just didn’t want you to get in the way! You’d be too much of a distraction if I have to trample over your body to fight!”

“Whatever, tough guy,” she responded and started back through the tunnel. “Are you coming? Or are you gonna let him catch us?” The boy stamped his foot on the ground and crossed his arms.

“I’m not your friend,” he muttered, following her again. “You’re just going to help me escape, and then we’re splitting up.”

“And where would you go?”

“It doesn’t matter,” he replied. “No one seems to want me anywhere, so maybe I’ll just hide away and live alone.”

“Got any chips and dip for that pity party?” Viololá asked. Raging Star looked at her and scowled.

“Smart ass,” he remarked. Thier quest, however, was once again interrupted by a massive tremor throughout the earth.

“This guy wants you that bad, huh?”

“I don’t know why!” Raging Star cried, regaining his footing. “He thinks it’s some kind of game, sending me into the wild, and now hunting me like an animal!”

“Oh, but you must not know how much fun it’s been then!” A gruff voice sounded from above. Raging Star bolted over to Viololá, shoving her out of the way as a dark figure crashed through the earth, directly on top of where she just was.

“H-he’s huge!” she cried as the settling dust revealed the brute.

“Bigger than the last time I saw him,” Raging Star said, swallowing some fear.

“Flattery won’t get you anywhere. You know that, boy!”

“Okay, so you found me, what now?” he asked the Minotaur.

“Isn’t it obvious? I want to see how much you’ve progressed! Show me what a few days in the elements has done to you,” Satyan responded.

“So that’s what this is about?! You wanted to test my strength? Busting up rocks wasn’t good enough for you!?” Satyan rammed his fist into the boy’s face. Raging Star flew back past Viololá and skid along the ground before crashing into the wall.

“Get back up, I know you can take a punch,” he snorted.

“You! You monster! How can you just smack a child around like that?” Viololá screamed. She rose to her hooves and formed two magic spheres in the palm of her hands. She launched both attacks at Satyan, who stood idle as the attacks crashed into his body.

“If this is all Equestria has to offer, taking it over will be a cinch,” the Minotaur chuckled. Not even a scratch lined his body.

The Unicorn stepped back and summoned the magic energy again. This time, she formed two fists and brought them together, spreading the magic all around her body. Blue flames arose around her as the energy whirled freely about the cave. The embers lit up the cavern in a light blue hue. Viololá Lulamoon crouched down, bringing her guard up as well and increasing the flow of magic that streamed from her horn.

“What do you mean, taking it over?” she asked, burning hot with anger. “I thought you just wanted the boy?”

“I do want him, he’s essential to my plan,” Satyan replied. “But I don’t need to inform you about that.” He charged in, ramming into the Unicorn with his horns pointed out. Viololá thrust her arms out in response, grabbing Satyan and halting his attack. He lifted upward, bringing his opponent to the ceiling. Viololá slammed into the dirt, but held on tight. As Satyan brought his head down for another strike, she released her hold and somersaulted over him.

The mare landed on her hooves and swung them about, kicking at Satyan’s legs. He withstood the attack and looked over his shoulder, grinning.

“Why does everyone do that as if it’ll work?” he laughed, and lifted his leg into the air. He brought it down, sending a massive shockwave throughout the tunnel. The crater of which he formed in the ground birthed a speeding fissure heading right towards the Unicorn. She formed a barrier underneath her body and sprinted over the gaping hole in the earth, floating above the crack with her magic. Energy gathered in her hands, and she unleashed volley after volley of magic blasts at the burly Minotaur. Satyan brought his arms up, resisting each assault.

“Damn it, he’s too strong! Even for my magic,” Viololá shouted. “I’m going to have to do that technique!” Satyan dropped his guard and prepared for the charging Unicorn. She increased her speed, and brought one of her fists up, cocking it back for a strike.

“You must have spent too much time with the brat if you’re just going to go charging at me,” Satyan laughed. He held out his hand and released several balls of dark magic at the Unicorn. She evaded each one and leapt at the Minotaur with her fist still in the air. Satyan swung now, swiping at the Unicorn in the air. He followed through with his chop, yet there was no target in front of him.

“I’m behind you, you turd!” Viololá screamed. All of her magic gathered into her fist, turning her hand into a bright, blue, burning orb. “Ursara Minor!” She rammed her fist into Satyan’s back, knocking the Minotaur off of his hooves. A roaring bear erupted from the burst of magic, tearing into and mauling him about the cave. The creature gave one final bite before igniting into larger flames and exploding, throwing both bodies away from each other. The attack had upset the earth further, causing dirt and rock to collapse once more.

Viololá waited for the cloud to vanish, hoping to see her enemy defeated, or at least wounded enough so she could escape. Her body began to shake and her horn throbbed. As the dust settled, she reeled back, eyes opened wide and mouth gaped.

“Tactful, I’ll give you that,” Satyan snorted as small blue embers licked about his physique.

“How did you survive that?” Viololá huffed. “I put all of my energy into that attack.”

“You managed to singe some of my fur, so don’t lose heart too much,” he chortled. With a forceful exhale, the flames over his body extinguished themselves. The exhausted Unicorn slumped on the ground as dirt and sand moved freely about, altering the cavern walls.

“You can’t be real,” she gasped. “How could someone as strong as you claim to need a boy as a tool?” The grin on Satyan’s face grew into a large smile. Viololá shuddered at the expression.

“Because, Raging Star houses a power that exceeds even my own. I shall harness that power, and we will be unstoppable!” His laughter filled the collapsing cave. Viololá jumped to her hooves and rushed over to Raging Star’s body.

“Wake up, we have to get out of here!” she shouted, shaking him.

“Don’t hit… so hard…” he replied, stirring finally.

“Raging Star, we’re going to die if you don’t help us escape!”

“You’re worried about dying from a little dirt?” Satyan bellowed from across the cave. “Forget the earth, worry about the demon in front of you!” The bull assumed his previous horse stance and began charging his magic again. With a loud exclamation, he thrust his hands outward, causing a large explosion within the closed space. Immediately, the sky could be seen, and the falling dirt was replaced with a billowing cloud of dust. Wind graced the trio’s faces and the cool night air refreshed their bodies.

“What in the world?” the Unicorn muttered, still clutching onto the boy.

“Well now, we won’t have to worry about that pesky cave-in,” Satyan said, dusting off his shoulders. “Wake the boy up now, so I can really test my strength.”

“What? What is that in your hand?” Viololá asked.

“The key to my success,” Satyan gloated. He pressed the red button in the middle of the device, and it flashed a bright light into the air. The clouds parted, revealing the stoic crescent moon. The device began to flash a different light now, one that overshadowed the sickle in the sky.

“Is that a… full moon?!” Satyan grinned at the Unicorn’s inquiry.

“It’s your death, Pony.”

Author's Note

Hey Folks! Just like Goku I return after a long awaited... err, wait!
I've got my drive back thanks to Budokai, and now I feel like I just had a senzu bean. In other news, here's a longer chapter this time. I promised escape from Sapphira, and while I didn't say where our characters are, they're done with that place.

I'm about to update the Power Level Blog (make a new one entirely) and then continue working on my other stories. As it stands, we're halfway through the first season of this fic. Yay! and expect greater battles to come.

S1: Ep. 9 - Revelation (Pt. 2)

“Good morning,” Raging Star moaned, pulling his face off of the floor.

“Right on time,” Satyan chortled. Viololá glanced down at the boy and held him close to her chest. “What are you doing?!”

“Yeah, what are you doing?!” Raging Star struggled out of her grasp, but she held on tight.

“Stop squirming, I’m trying to save you from… something!” the Unicorn shouted.

“You dare interfere with my plans?!” Satyan roared, zooming over to both of them. Viololá teleported out of the way and placed her hand over Raging Star’s neck.

“Sorry kid, but whatever that bull is planning involves you and the moon, and I can’t let that happen,” she said.

“What are you-?” Raging Star stopped mid-sentence as Viololá sent an electrical surge through his body. He fell limp and slouched in her arms. She then blew a hole in the ground and tossed the boy inside, shielding him from the light of the moon.

“I will mount your head on my horn!” Satyan exclaimed, catching up to Viololá now. She braced herself as the Minotaur charged into her body with a powerful headbutt. The magic barrier she had created seconds earlier shattered as she went flying through the landscape and into a dirt wall.

“I don’t know what your game is,” Viololá started, pulling herself off of the crater she had created, “but I won’t let you do anything to Raging Star!”

“You foal,” Satyan snorted. “You don’t even realize what you’re protecting.”

“I know that he’s a confused little boy who grew up under an oppressive rule, and nopony deserves that,” she argued.

“So you sympathize with a monster because of its origins?” Satyan created two large magic spheres and hurled them at the Unicorn. She powered up and deflected both blasts, charging skyward now in an assault of her own.

“I’m doing this because I know Raging Star has a chance at life with me, but with you, he’ll endure nothing but pain!”

She met the Minotaur in the air and unleashed strike after strike of magic blasts, but the augmented bull avoided each one. He spun around, avoiding her latest volley and whipped her face with his tail, knocking her off balance. He then grabbed Viololá by the mane and kneed her in the gut. She choked, coughing out blood and saliva. Satyan smirked and dropped her from the air. Her body crashed into the ground and she lay curled up on the floor, coughing and twitching.

“If only you knew how much pain this boy has caused, maybe you’d have a change of heart about him,” Satyan said, gliding over to the spot where the boy was. He unearthed Raging Star and levitated the child into the sky.

“Raging Star,” Viololá choked out, straining to look at the floating boy. “What… is he doing?”

“Now then, show us that beautiful face of yours,” Satyan laughed.

A tiny heartbeat was all that Raging Star could hear. Suddenly, the beating grew louder and began to increase in rate. Before his mind could regain consciousness, something else invaded. As if blocking out his rational thought, this swelling instinct poured into his body and enveloped his entire being. Darkness was all that the boy could see and feel, followed by rage and power. Raging Star was lost, lost in the swirling void of his inherent nature. The beast had now awoken.

“What is that?” Viololá gasped, watching as Raging Star’s body began to convulse in the air. Satyan laughed maniacally and threw the child on the ground. He landed on his feet, shifting the ground a level lower than it originally was. His roar filled the night air. He stomped on the ground, holding his hands out and gnashing his teeth. His body grew in size exponentially until he towered over even Satyan. A deep brown fur spread all over his body, ravishing his clothes and skin.

“I give you Raging Star’s true form, the Mighty Ape!” Satyan declared just as the child finished his transformation. The howl from the beast rang out over the canyons of Sapphira. Minotaur from the gorge halted their pillage due to the beast’s cry. Raging Star swung his arm sideways, shattering a nearby rock spire. His mouth gaped open and a purple beam erupted from his throat, soaring through the sky. Viololá shielded her eyes from the resulting explosion miles away.

The ape directed its attention to the charging crowd of Minotaur and remaining Diamond Dogs. The movement attracted him, and he gave pursuit, curious of what exactly to do with these new playthings. The bodies on the ground stopped and watched in horror as Raging Star unleashed a beam of light from his mouth. The attack collapsed a hillside, burying anything caught in the landslide.

“Take what you can and go!” one of the Minotaur shouted. “I didn’t sign up for giant monster killing!”

“You see death, yet you do not run? You Ponyfolk are strange,” Satyan snorted. The Unicorn did not budge. Raging Star continued his rampage, ignorant of all things around him. Viololá stared at the monster and fell to her knees.

“It was you…” she whispered. “You… that night that the monster attacked… that was you,” she said again, tears swelling up in her eyes.

“I have no clue what you’re babbling about, but I need to regain my mens’ confidence. Finally, I can fight at my full power,” the orange Minotaur gloated.

“Full power?”

“Of course,” he replied with a smirk. “I wouldn’t waste all of it on someone as weak as yourself.”

“What do you intend to do with that thing?” She asked, looking at the ape.

“I’m going to make it heel,” Satyan responded, exerting a large amount of dark magic around his body. “I’m going to make it heel and then use it to conquer Equestria!”

Viololá lifted off of the ground and flew back as a result of the fallout. Whatever veins he had left hidden in his body were now exposed. Every muscle seemed to bulge outward, ludicrously augmented in the shining light of the moon. The Minotaur’s eyes were completely taken over, lacking anything save a crimson glare of power. Magic freely circulated his body like an endless river, adding onto whatever unholy power this being possessed.

“What power… I’ve never felt anything like it!” the Unicorn cried. She shuddered at the thought of these two dangerous forces clashing in the immediate area. It was obvious Satyan cared no more about her, so she quickly fled, making for safer ground out of the canyons. “Raging Star… it all makes sense now,” she said to herself. An explosion from behind caused her to turn her head. Her eyes widened at the flattened landscape in front of the ape.

Wait, you can’t just leave, she thought to herself then, stopping on a hill. Even if the Minotaur can stop him, he’ll eventually use Raging Star against Equestria. She shook her head. “It’s not my concern,” she argued with herself. “I’ll go home and warn the Princesses.” Before she moved, Raging Star’s sapient face flashed in her mind.

What about the boy? Didn’t you say you’d try to help him? “He’s not a boy, he’s a monster,” she shouted, staring at the beast. “He’s the monster that separated me from my family… he’s the reason I was sold into slavery, the reason I wasted seven years of my life rotting in a cell!”

She struggled with herself, wanting to move on, yet strangely glued in place. Another bright light escaped Raging Star’s mouth. He could still actually hit her from this far away with that range. As the urge to escape began to overtake the feeling to stay, Viololá planted her hooves firmly in the ground as she witnessed the massive creature stumbling to the side suddenly. She formed a pair of magic lenses and peered through them, magnifying her vision across the earth. Raging Star stumbled once more, and she could see from what. Mr. Satyan had just swung his fist.

“You see, even my punches are enough to make this creature bend to my whim,” Satyan announced, hovering high over his followers below.

“D-did you know Mr. Satyan could do that?” a worker asked.

“I didn’t even know he could fly!” responded another one.

“Men, gaze upon the true monster that Raging Star is! See what would have become if I just set him free? Why do you think then that I kept him imprisoned at camp, under my careful watch?” Satyan glided over to the enraged ape and formed a magic sphere in his palms. He released the energy into a fiery red beam that shot Raging Star in the shoulder. The ape howled, grabbing its shoulder and falling backwards, causing a large tremor to shake the earth.

“No way, there’s no way that’s Raging Star!” a worker cried out. “But the tail… the monkey tail!”

“It has to be him. No wonder he was always so strong, he was a giant monkey this whole time!”

“And Satyan was doing the world a favor by housing him.”

“We were wrong, we should’ve just left the boy alone!”

“I’m glad you have seen the error of your ways,” Satyan shouted from above. “Now you see that everything I do has a purpose.”

“We are sorry, Mr. Satyan for ever doubting you!” a worker grovelled. The multitude did the same, begging the bull for forgiveness and cheering him on against the beast.

“However, I cannot let sin go unpunished,” he said. The workers looked up, stopping their worship. “You have all rallied against me, and I haven’t punished you like I always have. How can I call myself a bull if I don’t honor my code?”

“W-wait, what are you saying?!” the crowd cried out. Some jumped to their feet and began to run. Others stood in place, unable to move from the spot.

“It’s been a pleasure having you serve me, but you know the penalty for disobedience on such a large scale. The infestation must be purged,” Satyan laughed. Raging Star appeared behind the bull, mouth gaped open and ready to fire upon his back. Just as the attack fired, Satyan vanished in an afterimage, exposing his workers to the beam.

“No, Mr. Satyan! Mr. Satyaaaaaaaan!” The cries of his name vanished along with the immediate landscape. The entire canyon erupted in an explosion, clearing the plateaus and rocky landscape. Raging Star himself was pushed back by the close proximity of the attack, though he did not relent. Satyan’s afterimage had only infuriated him even more. He released volley after volley of fire, trying to hit his target.

“Now come one, I know you have better aim than that!” Satyan shouted, rushing in and smashing the ape in the jaw. Raging Star’s head flew back, but he recovered and brought his arms up to grab his assailant. Satyan shot his arms out in response, holding back the clamp that was the giant ape’s hands.

“Groooooar!!!!” Raging Star howled, increasing his force. Satyan pushed harder, but the ape did the same. The orange bull retreated, descending below the monster and out of its grasp. As he flew up for an uppercut, the ape lifted his chin in the air, causing Satyan to fall short of the attack. Raging Star brought his chin back down, knocking it into Satyan. The bull plummeted to the earth, and the ape raised his feet up high. He pounded the ground where Satyan landed several times, finishing off his assault with a satisfied leap. The resulting force shattered the ground, spreading cracks and fissures all around the country side.

“What a fight,” Viololá said, watching from afar. “To be able to clear the landscape with a single breath… what unholy place spawned this monster?” She began to lose her footing over the mountain due to the coming shockwaves sent out by Raging Star’s leap. Her body fell forward, back down the ravine and into the gorge. She caught herself in time, and made it to the top of a high rock spire, still a good distance away. She could see Raging Star inspecting the ground where a tiny dot suddenly crashed into the earth. She assumed that was Satyan.

The Unicorn increased her magnification, and cringed as Raging Star’s snout was violently latched upon by an oppressive hand.

“That was a dirty trick,” Satyan chuckled, holding the beast’s snout low to the ground. The ape struggled to free itself, but Satyan held on firmly. He cocked his free arm back and swung at Raging Star’s face, knocking the ape backwards. He fell over again, clutching his snout and rolling about frantically. “That was dirtier.”

“I feel… I feel like I have to do something,” Viololá said to herself. “I know that he’s that beast from seven years ago, but I can’t watch him be bullied by this guy.” Her gaze shifted from the battle to the sky. Her eyes widened as the realization suddenly flooded her mind. “I’ll have to do something about that then.”

“Come on Raging Star, show me how wild you can really become!” Satyan flew into the air and created two large energy balls in his hands. He released both attacks on the ape, resulting in another massive combustion. Raging Star emerged from the attack, mouth gaped open and arms flailing about, trying to strike the Minotaur. Satyan avoided the swipes, but was struck from the side by the ape’s tail.

He fell to the earth, creating a large crater in the ground upon impact. The bull erupted from the ground, clinging onto a large boulder as he rocketed back towards the ape boy. Satyan swung the rock at Raging Star, but he swatted the bull away, firing several mouth beams at him simultaneously.

“What? Is he actually getting better as the fight progresses?” Satyan crashed into the side of a mountain, lodged firmly within. Raging Star appeared in front of him now and brought his fist into the side of the mountain. It collapsed, burying Satyan underneath the rubble. The ape rested his feet on the mound and pounded his chest, roaring into the night. The earth below the beast began to rumble then, and he peered down as a flash of light emanated from the rocky debris.

The mountain exploded again, pushing Raging Star away and leaving a very battered Minotaur bull floating in the air.

“You will not get the best of me,” Satyan growled. “I will control you!” He rushed the ape and threw in several hard punches, rocking the monster’s body back and forth. To finish off his opponent, the Minotaur threw his hands together and fired a wave of energy. The attack crashed into Raging Star, knocking him back on his tail.

The ape responded faster than Satyan expected, tossing several mountain-sized boulders in his direction. Satyan snorted out some hot air and blasted each one away with some magic. Upon obliterating the last barrage, Raging Star’s face emerged from the smoke and crashed into Satyan. The bull fell to the floor again, though instead of allowed to rise, his was submitted to the ground as Raging Star stomped on his back.

“GROOOOAR!!!! RAWWWWWR!!!!” The cries and howls of the beast echoed throughout the night. Satyan let out a battle cry of his own and lifted his body up, pushing against the floor with his hands. Raging Star stumbled, allowing Satyan enough room to escape. He flew up to the ape’s face and fired a beam into the monster’s eye. Raging Star howled manically, jumping up and down and grabbing at his face.

“I wonder how you’d like it if I mishandled your backside!” Satyan shouted, swooping down to Raging Star’s tail. He grabbed onto the ape’s posterior extension and pulled, hard. Raging Star howled louder, falling onto his knees and pounding his fists into the ground. “I knew it, it’s still your one and only weak spot,” the Minotaur snorted.

The ape turned his head and glared at the bull. Satyan reeled back and suddenly lifted off of the ground. He was still holding onto the tail as it met the earth once more. Raging Star turned around to face his foe, one-eyed and growling audibly enough to count as a roar. He opened his mouth again, and fired several blasts into the new crater, widening the hole and burning up the surrounding area. Satyan lay in the rubble, beaten to a bloody mess.

“H-he can’t be… this much more… powerful than I,” he choked out. The ape leaned over and snarled at the bull. Satyan growled back, rising from the destruction and knocking the ape with a brutal uppercut. “No! I refuse to lose! You will bend under my command!!!”

Before Raging Star could counter, Satyan was already behind him, smashing furiously into the ape’s back. Raging Star turned around to attack, but Satyan had moved on, assaulting the beast in the snout. He then charged an incredulous amount of magic around his body and rammed into the ape, lifting Raging Star off of his feet and into the side of a mountain. Blood spilled from Raging Star’s mouth.

The ape coughed, trying to stand up straight. Satyan backed away once again and held out his hand. Magic lined his palms as a glowing rune began to spread from under Raging Star. The ape examined the growing pentagram under his feet and stared at the bull.

“You want to know what’s up? I’ll tell you,” Satyan said between short breaths. “I underestimated you in this form, but there’s no way I can lose now. I’ve broken most of your ribs, and you’ve sustained enough damage to be subjected to my spell now.”

As if in defiant response, Raging Star barked at the floating Minotaur. He quickly winced in pain however, and fell to one knee.

“Now, I welcome you as my eternal slave once more, Raging Star!” Satyan lifted his arm up and began chanting. The runes below the ape burst from the ground and wrapped themselves over his body. They began to brand his fur, singing the hairs on his body and tattooing his skin. Satyan watched gleefully as the ape stayed put, unable to even resist. However, he stopped the spell as a new presence entered the area.

“Like I said,” the voice, female in nature, sounded from behind. “I won’t let you take Raging Star!” The Minotaur faced the Unicorn, ready to strike, but dodged an incoming attack by her. The spell zipped over Raging Star and landed a great distance away, exploding in the background.

“I will end you now,” Satyan said, flying over to Viololá. “You’ve interfered too much!” The Unicorn threw her hands in front of her face and shut her eyes tight. Her horn flashed a bright white, and Satyan stopped, grabbing his face and screaming in pain.

“Ursa Major!” Viololá cried out, throwing her hands together. Her palms ignited in sapphire flames as the spell fired a wave of destructive magic at the bull. Satyan was launched back, enveloped again by the ferocious constellation brought to life. His body spun and vaulted out of control until the attack ceased, leaving him on the ground to face the sky.

“Haha… I still have the advantage… my spell will have taken the bo- What?!” Satyan’s eyes widened. From the corner of his eye, he could see the beast shift drastically in size and form. He was getting smaller and smaller by the second. The Minotaur gazed skyward now, and shouted explicatives into the night. The moon, the full moon had vanished. “But, the spell won’t work unless…!”

“I made sure to take care of the moon,” Viololá announced. “That moment I attacked, it was never meant for you.”

“Why you… I’ll kill you!” Satyan tried to get up, but could not move. “What? What did you do to me? What form of magic can overpower mine?”

“It’s the Ursa Major spell, a magic attack passed down the Lulamoon lineage. Upon perfecting such a technique, the spell will render the victim paralyzed, forever. It can only be performed once, and I figured now was a good a time as any.”

“You… you bi-”

“I’ll be taking Raging Star now, as he seems to be back to his normal form. We’ll never see you again. I hope you die here, Satyan,” Viololá said, walking away.

“Damn you! Damn you ponies! Why would you protect such a creature?” Viololá stopped and peered back at Satyan.

“I know what he did, and I can’t find it in my heart to forgive him at the moment,” she began. “But you intend on using him to destroy Equestria, and I can’t allow you to do that. I feel it’s better to house this beast, than let him fall into the wrong hands.”

“Hahaha, listen to yourself… you sound pathetic. Your race will be wiped out, and I will herald in a new age. After Equestria, I may just end up taking over the whole world!”

“I’ll let you mull over those thoughts then, since that’s all you’ll be able to do. I’m sure the Princesses would like to know of your plan,” Viololá stated, moving on now. She ignored the shouts and cries of the raging Minotaur, and peered down the mountainside to see a small, naked, sleeping boy. She descended the cliff and stood over Raging Star’s body.

I should just leave you here along with him... The thought entered her mind for a second, but she leaned down and picked the boy up. His body was bruised and bloody, and his breathing was labored. All damage he had sustained previously transferred to his smaller form. Viololá closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. Her horn began to glow a soft green and the aura covered the boy’s body. The more superficial wounds and flesh scars began to heal, but eventually she had to stop and could no longer help him.

“The rest will have to heal on its own,” she said. She turned around again and witnessed the carnage that had befallen this land. She shuddered at the thought of all of Equestria looking like this. The scene reminded her of Manehattan all those years ago. She had to look away, and studied the peaceful look on the boy’s face.

“You… you…” She didn’t know what she was trying to say. Viololá sighed and still holding the child, she departed, leaving behind the wasteland he had created.

“So close… I was so close,” Satyan growled. He tried once again to move, but his body refused him. He tried to use his magic, but found that even that had been immobilized. Suddenly, his body returned to normal, and all the pain that had been suppressed from the battle ravaged his being.

“That doesn’t look too pleasant,” a shaded figure spoke from the side. Satyan turned his head, despite the pain and snorted at the cloaked stallion.

“Shut up, can you help me?”

“My my, telling me to ‘shut up,’ and then expecting my grace? Where have your manners gone, Mr. Satyan. Don’t tell me the magic has corrupted you that easily?”

“Your magic was useless against the boy. I could not capture him,” Satyan moaned.

“And now, you are stuck on the ground, all of your pressure points, and magic nodes suppressed to an incredible degree, might I add?” The figure chuckled softly.

“It was that damn Unicorn,” Satyan spat.

“Hey, I’m one of those ‘damn Unicorns,’” the stallion responded. He walked over to Satyan’s body and held his hands out. An orange glow surrounded the Minotaur’s body as the stallion moved his arms back and forth. “Quite an impressive technique,” he commented.

“Can you undo it?”

“Of course, I’m just marveling in the beauty of it,” he replied. “All of your pressure points have been abused, and every node in your body that circulates magic has been pinched shut.”

“Undo the spell!”

“Bah, fine, have it your way,” the stallion said, snapping his fingers. Satyan immediately jumped up, flexing every part of his body in relief.

“Hmph… I suppose you’ll want payment for that?” Satyan asked then, rubbing his wrists.

“You promised me quite a hefty sum, remember? I’ll just add this little session to that tab. As it stands though, it doesn’t seem like you will meet your end of the bargain,” the Unicorn said with a raised brow.

“A minor setback,” Satyan replied.

“You have no clue how to use such magic,” the Unicorn berated. “You wasted too much time showing off, that’s why your target escaped.”

“Don’t preach to me, pony,” Satyan growled. The Unicorn smirked.

“Really, have you not heard of the expression, ‘Don’t bite the hoof that feeds you?’” The Unicorn pulled his arm back, as if yanking an invisible piece of rope. Satyan lunged forward, and groaned painfully as a burning red flame began to escape his body.

“What are you doing?!”

“As easily as I gave you those powers, I can take them away,” the Unicorn said grimly. Satyan grunted, trying to win his side of the tug-of-war. “So, listen,” the Unicorn hissed, releasing his grasp. The flame retreated back inside of Satyan.

“Y-yes,” the Minotaur said.

“We have more than enough chances to try this again, but rather than let the beast fall under your control so prematurely, why don’t you let things run their course?”

“What do you mean?”

“No doubt the other Unicorn will try and take Raging Star back to Equestria. She will do so and warn the Princesses of the monster within, but she has no clue that they already know of the boy.”

“How does this help us?”

“Wait until he is in Equestria, then place him under your control. It’ll be much easier to launch a surprise attack rather than take a twenty story ape stomping through various countries, alerting the Equestrians ahead of time!”

“Fine, then I’ll just keep a close eye on them.”

“To ensure that you no longer screw up, I shall accompany you from this point onward,” the Unicorn said then. Satyan groaned. “What? You’ve extinguished your entire fighting force. And besides, in your current state, you’re no match for him, or even the Unicorn, Lulamoon.”

“Once my magic recovers-” Satyan tried to say, but was stopped.

“It won’t, not for a very long time,” the Unicorn chuckled. “That kind of magic takes a while to restore, and you went wasting it away tonight! On Diamond Dogs!”

“Just how long were you watching?”

“Long enough!” the pony replied with a huff. “By the way, way to steal my thunder with the whole, ‘I’ll even take over the world next’ rant.” Satyan put his head down.

“I was caught in the moment…”

“Clearly,” the Unicorn replied. “You will get Equestria as I promised… and I will get the rest of the world, capisce?”

Author's Note

We're moving on. So ends the little Saga we had in Sapphira. What comes next? Well, Viololá and Raging Star are still miles away from Equestria, so they'll have to trek the vast wilderness to return home. I wanted to get out of this part of the story so badly because I have a few good filler-like, yet important chapters to publish before moving onto them arriving in Equestria.

Anyway, enjoy the latest chapter!

S1: Ep.10 - Breaking Point

The sun baked the earth in a scorching wave of heat, it beat down upon the backs of its two victims as they trudged through the dusty wastelands of Sapphira. To be more precise, our heroes found themselves just along its outskirts, traveling for an undeterminable amount of time. Suddenly, the younger of the travelers stopped, catching the attention of his companion.

“Viololá… Viololá… Viololá, please… I’m hungry,” Raging Star moaned, holding onto his gut.

“How many times have I told you,” she huffed, wiping the sweat from her brow,” we don’t have any food to eat?”

“Use your magic!” the child cried. She growled at him and knocked the boy in the head.

“It’s not that easy! You need energy to use magic, and I don’t have any energy right now!”

“OWW! You had enough energy to hit me just now,” he yelled, grabbing his head.

“You idiot, that hurt me more than it hurt you!” the Unicorn replied, massaging her hand.

“We’re going to die out here,” he said, falling onto his back. He scratched his chest with his tail, and used it to wipe some sweat off of his body. Viololá decided to sit down as well, muttering something to herself while she watched Raging Star. “I still don’t get why you couldn’t save my clothes,” he said then, turning his head towards her.

“I told you,” she started, “your pants got caught on some briars while we were trying to escape. It was either you or your pants, and personally, I thought they were dirty anyways.”

“So you decide to stitch me a skirt?!”

“It’s not a skirt, you brat!” Viololá shouted. “It’s just a temporary covering until I can find some material to make pants out of!” Raging Star groaned again, laying on the floor with his tongue hanging out.

“It reminds me of Satyan Square,” he said. Viololá’s ears perked up. “The heat… the dirt… It’s all too familiar.”

“It must have been hard,” she replied, moving a strand of hair behind her ears.

“It was,” he said, closing his eyes now. “I can’t believe I’m still alive either.”

“I don’t doubt your survival skills,” Viololá chuckled nervously. Anything stupid enough to attack you would agree, she thought.

“How did we escape again?” The inevitable question rang in her ears. “All I remember is you, and being next to somethings really nice and soft.”

“Watch what you say, boy,” Viololá chuckled. She paused for a moment, trying to word the explanation carefully. “A giant monster,” she finally said after a while.

“Huh?” Raging Star sat up. “A monster?”

“A giant monster woke up from the gorge below, and it started attacking Satyan,” she began. “We were able to escape in the confusion, but a rock fell on your head and I had to carry you away.”

“Did… Did it kill him?”

“I don’t know,” Viololá replied. Raging Star smirked.

“Good,” he said, shocking the Unicorn.

“Good?!” Viololá jumped up. “That madman is chasing you down to kill you, and because he’s not dead you think it’s good?”

“Of course I do!” the boy shouted back. “Satyan is my kill. No one else can do it except for me! Not some monster, not some horse-”

Horse?! Viololá was tempted to throw a punch.

“It’ll be me, and only me,” Raging Star finished.

“You are the strangest child I’ve ever met,” she groaned. “Any person in their right mind would do well to stay away from someone like him.”

“I’m not crazy!” the boy yelled. “I just got issues with him.”

“Well, you have issues all right,” she replied.

“Whatever,” he said back, crossing his arms. “Where are we even going?”

“Equestria,” the Unicorn answered. “My home.”

“I don’t want to go to a stupid horse country,” he spat. “I want to go someplace that’ll make me strong enough to kill that dumb cow!”

“Well, Equestria isn’t just some stupid horse country,’” Viololá argued. “There happens to exist two powerful sisters that know a lot about magic.”

“Magic? Two sisters?”

“Ha, not some dumb horse country now, is it?” the Unicorn teased. Raging Star blew a raspberry and crossed his arms again.

“Whatever, like some dumb Unicorns are going to be able to teach me how to fight.”

“Not Unicorns,” Viololá smirked. “Alicorns.”

“That sounds even stupider,” the boy yawned. Viololá swung her hand to smack him again, but he successfully ducked under the assault. “Whatever-corns, unless they can help me smash Satyan’s face in, I’m not interested.”

“Really now? Even though when we get there we’ll be greeted with food and proper clothing? I’m sure the princesses can also teach you more powerful magic than I have,” the Unicorn said.

“I told you, I’m not going.”

The mare rose to her hooves and brushed her legs off, growling at the little boy in the dirt. He growled back, firmly stamping his feet on the ground as he also lifted himself up.

“I saved you, remember?” she asked.

“Thanks,” Raging Star began, which caused Viololá to back up some, “but I told you that once we escaped, I would be going someplace else on my own.”

“You stubborn…”

“So, if you really want to help, you can tell me where I can find the strongest race in this world.”

“No can do, boy,” she huffed, grabbing him by the tail. He flinched a little, his knees buckling under the pressure in his fuzzy extension.

“H-hey! S-stop!”

“Wow, that really does weaken you, doesn’t it?” she asked, tugging on it a little more.

“Cut the crap! Let me go!” he groaned, slamming his fist on the ground.

“I can’t really do that, I think you should come with me,” she tried to say again.

“I don’t want to go with you!”

“Why not?!”

“You’re really asking that while pulling on my tail?!” He strained against the grip on his tail, slowly rising from his knees. His face nearly split from the pain, but he fought on, flexing his tail muscles in sporadic intervals. He gave one final push and Viololá was forced to let go, repelled back by a powerful shove. She stumbled, but quickly regained her balance. Raging Star was panting, sweat rolling off of him in cascading buckets. He nearly retched on the floor, but Viololá stopped him.

“That tail is a powerful weakness,” she observed. “No wonder you wrap it around your waist. It’s still a hazard though.”

“Don’t act like you didn’t do anything! I should kill you right now!”

“All I’ll do is grab your tail then,” she scoffed. “I have you right under my thumb now, and I don’t need to physically grab it either.”

“Even more of a reason to leave you,” he sighed, rubbing his tail.

“Listen,” Viololá started again, “I don’t mean to come off as I do, Raging Star. It’s just that I can’t leave you alone out here. It wouldn’t be okay on my conscious.” She smiled at him, but he turned away. “I know you don’t want anyone to go with you, and I understand why you wouldn’t, but I can promise you that if you go with me, it’ll be a lot better than being alone.”

“You’re not my mother, you’re not my parent, you’re not even my species, so I don’t have to listen to you,” he replied. “Stop trying to be nice to me, I know you hate me too.”

“What? Why would I hate you?”

“I can smell it, idiot,” he growled. “I’m not being funny either. I can actually smell the emotions you’re giving off, and a lot of your feelings are of anger and hate. I thought you wanted me to go.”

Viololá dropped her head and rubbed her arm. She walked over to Raging Star and squatted down to his level.

“If you can smell my feelings, then you must know there’s some part of me that doesn’t feel like that--some part of me that feels for you, Raging Star,” she said softly.

“That’s what’s confusing me… you’re all over the place and jumbled up. I can’t trust anything you say,” he told her.

“Fair enough,” she said, standing up again. “I still think it’ll be worth your while to come with me. If anything, the ponies in Equestria could at least help you with your magic. After that, you would be strong enough to face anything that came against you.”

“I can handle myself already,” he rebuttled.

“I think when you see how strong the alicorn sisters are, you’ll want to improve your magic. They’re probably as strong as Satyan,” she teased again. The boy sighed, walking off in the adjacent direction.

“Do what you want, but I’m going this way!” he shouted.

“Seriously?!” Viololá choked, chasing after him after clearing her throat. “I can’t just let you go!” I really can’t let you go because you’d go on a rampage at the sight of a moon… but I can’t tell him that…

“If you can prove to me that I really need you to help me survive, then I’ll go with you to Equestria,” Raging Star told her without stopping.

“You were the one just asking for food a minute ago!” the Unicorn scolded, rushing over to him. Raging Star removed his shoulder from her grasp and sprung forward, evading another quick grab. As he bounded away, his foot tripped a thin piece of wire resulting in a loud crack from an adjacent rock quarry. A large boulder flew from the quarry spiraling quickly at Raging Star’s head.

“Duck!” Viololá called out, taking cover. Rather than listen to the Unicorn, Raging Star turned on his heels and faced the flying projectile. It crashed into his face, shattering into thousands of smaller fragments. He fell on his back as the shower of rocks piled on top of his flattened body.

“We got one!” A hoarse cry sounded from behind the rock spires. Viololá jerked her head over towards the formations and saw three winged figures leap over the grounded boulders, making their way towards the two.

“Dragons,” she muttered.

“The other one is still awake,” a crimson scaled dragon hissed.

“Look at that, it’s a pony,” the one from before, a deep forest green-hued drake chuckled. “It’s been a while since I had pony.” He rubbed his scaly pot belly and licked his lips.

“Enough fooling,” the last dragon hissed, flaring his electric yellow spines. His sky-blue scales reflected the harsh sunlight over Viololá’s body. “Kill her, and then we can eat.”

“Hey, who’s eating without me!?” Raging Star shouted, breaking free from his tomb. The three dragons took off into the air, landing a few feet away from the duo. They stared at the boy, mouths gaped open and wings stooped low. Viololá sighed, placing a hand over her chest.

“Th-that’s impossible… We hit him square in the head!” the green dragon stammered.

“Maybe you used a clog of dirt instead of a rock,” the blue one hissed at the smaller red reptile.

“I know a rock when I see one, and I loaded the trap with a freakin’ boulder!”

“Hey!” The dragons focused on the small boy. “I heard someone say food!”

“Shut up, kid!” the blue dragon roared. “We were talking about you and your pony friend. You’re both going to be food for us!”

“So, do you still think you can do fine without me?” Viololá asked, rising to her hooves.

“I’ve killed a dragon before… One a lot bigger than these three,” he replied.

“What’s that?” the red one shrieked. “You’ve killed a dragon before? Ha!”

“Real cute kid, but a hatchling can completely overpower a full grown pony,” the blue dragon chuckled. “And you… I don’t know what you are, but whatever it is, it’s no match for our superior race!”

“That’s just like that Terrano guy, he was all talk too, but I showed him!” The three drakes took a step back in unison.

“Stop spewing bull, kid,” the blue dragon growled. The spines over his head and back began to erect higher. “No way a runt like you could even tickle Terrano!”

“He tasted pretty good too,” Raging Star said, sneering at the trio. Viololá placed a hand over her face and shook her head.

“That’s enough!” the green dragon shouted, spitting out a few flames as he spoke. “I won’t have you talk about my kin like that!”

“Hey Viololá,” Raging Star said, grinning at the Unicorn. She raised her eyebrow at him and crossed her arms. “I’ll show you that I don’t need you after all. I can hunt all on my own!”

“What do you mean hunt?” she asked.

“Dragon meat is yummy, and I want it in my tummy!” he sang. Shivers ran down the Unicorn’s spine and she gagged a little.

“You’ll be in mine after I’m through with you!” the dragon cried, gliding over to Raging Star. his powerful wings thrust him forward at a blinding speed, forcing Viololá to cover her face from the kicked up debris.

“It’s dangerous here!” she shouted, jumping out of the way. As she landed, four sets of iron bars sprung from the ground and enclosed her in a rusty metal cage. She fell to the floor from the surprise and was quickly detained by an oppressive claw from one of the spaces between the bars. Her face was forced to the floor and her arms and legs bound.

“I know all about Unicorn magic,” the red dragon’s voice came from behind her. You can’t perform spells when you’re bent over like this. How embarassing for you!”

She struggled in his grasp, but he planted his talons firmly over the back of her head and used his free arm to pull on the binds he had wrapped over her. She let out a short gasp and winced in pain. The dragon lifted her up by the bind and forced her to bend over again, but made sure she was able to see the battle unfurl between the tailed boy and the winged beast.

“Kick his ass, Raging Star,” she said into the dirt.

“If you like dragon so much, eat this!” the green brute shouted, swinging his fist at Raging Star’s head. the boy ducked under the attack and lunged forward, tackling the dragon in the gut and pulling both of them onto the floor.

“What?!” the blue dragon hissed, electricity surging up and down his spikes now.

“Just let me tenderize the meat!” Raging Star yelled, throwing his fists into the downed dragon. The reptile blocked and dodged as many hits as he could, but the boy was releasing furious flurry after flurry, wearing down the drake’s defense. The dragon waited for a lull in the barrage and lifted off the ground with his wings, upsetting Raging Star’s balance on him. He grabbed the boy by the hair and slammed his unoccupied fist into the child’s gut.

Raging Star cried out, releasing some fluids before being tossed into the sky. The dragon jumped into the air and kicked upwards at the boy, performing a single flip from his follow-through. He grabbed the boy’s body again and performed several somersaults in the sky. Without stopping a single movement, he chucked the boy to the earth and began his own descent, smashing into Raging Star’s back just as the child crashed into the dirt.

“No!” Viololá shrieked. The red dragon tugged on her binds and she let out a small whimper.

“Dead as a door-huh?” the green dragon started, but was suddenly launched off of the boy’s body.

“Ouch…” Raging Star moaned, rubbing his face and back. “You cheated… flying into the air like that!”

“How are you still moving?!” the green dragon asked, sitting in the dirt. “I stomped right on your spine! Your whole skeletal structure should be liquid right now!”

“You’re not that fat,” Raging Star growled, charging at the vulnerable lizard. “I told you I killed Terrano, so now I’ll kill you!” He jumped into the air and clasped his hands together, balling both of them up and raising his arms high. As he swung down, his attack collided with a different set of scales, and a sharp tingly pain danced all over the child’s body.

“Stop using his name like that,” the blue-scaled drake hissed, flaring his wings and spines to their fullest. Electricity crackled over his body and he released a steady blanket of smoke from his nostrils. “You won’t disrespect dragons anymore!” Raging Star exploded off of the dragon’s defense, twitching occasionally as he stood up.

“Hey, I wasn’t fighting you!” His body flinched a few more times. As he steadied his breathing, he regained full control over his arms and legs. “You have powers too?”

“I’m a dragon,” the lizard said, spitting out a lightning bolt from his mouth. It struck the ground in front of him, leaving a smoking crater of charred earth as the light vanished. “We all have powers.”

“Like it matters,” the boy growled. “I’m still going to smash your snout in!” He charged again, dodging the rain of lightning that poured from the blue dragon’s throat. Just as he was close enough to strike, the lizard roared at the child, summoning a blue sphere to surround himself and his partner. Raging Star crashed into the shield, receiving another barrage of vicious volts throughout his body.

“I like my food fried!” The dragon withdrew his shield and swung his tail around, knocking Raging Star into the stone quarry they had originally sprouted from. “Then again, I don’t like my meat too tough.” The green drake chuckled on the floor, and his blue companion helped him to his feet.

“Raging Star!” Viololá screamed, her arms being pulled back on as she cried out.

“Shut up, you’re next!” the red dragon growled.

“Let’s go check on the boy, make sure he’s dead,” the blue one chuckled.

“Nobody can survive that,” the green one replied. “4,000 volts of pure death!”

“It’s not the voltage,” the other corrected. “It’s the amps! 4,000 volts backed by the 300 natural amperes coursing through my veins. Still, you’re right. No one can survive that.” Both dragons walked over to the crumbling quarry and peered at the smashed rock underneath them. A grin lined their faces at the sight of the child’s hand poking out from under the rubble.

“Kill the pony now,” the blue one said, waving his claw at the crimson dragon by the cage.

“With pleasure,” he chuckled, billowing smoke from his mouth. “I’ll make it just hot enough to singe the fur off of your coat,” he growled into her ear.

All three dragons suddenly turned their heads toward the now trembling pile of rocks. Their eyes opened wide and they circled the quarry in a cautious perimeter, making sure to put enough distance between themselves and the low tremors.

“Impossible,” the blue one choked.

“Wh-what is he?!” the red dragon gasped.

“M-monster!” the green one cried as a fountain of energy exploded from the quarry.

The force shoved the dragons away, clearing the area immediately around the now crouching child. He held his arms out at his sides, exuding a visible flaming aura around his being. Viololá’s cage rattled from the amount of energy that was escaping from the boy. Raging Star furrowed his brow at the three shaking lizards before him, but a smug grin replaced his ill countenance.

“I told you, I’ve killed a dragon before,” he said, taking a step forward. The three drakes scrambled to their feet and took an offensive stance towards the small monkey.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve killed Terrano!” the blue one cried, flaring his wings out. His spines erected higher than before, giving off manic sparkles of electricity. The wind current changed, blowing dust in Raging Star’s direction now.

“We’re the Elemental Brothers, and we’ll still kill you and your friend!” The crimson dragon exposed his front claws and blew out a cloud of black smoke. His scales began to break apart, and steam poured out of his broken skin. The fissures on the surface of his body burned a bright red as his scales deepened in hue. Lava oozed from his mouth, like a hungry predator salivating over his next meal.

“Terrano was a relative of mine,” the green drake hissed. His scales sprouted vines and the dry earth under him moistened. The dragon’s eyes narrowed onto the child as his scales now transformed into a granite coat of armor. A hazy green fog rolled off his lips, littered with tiny yellow spores. “I’ll make you pay if you really did kill him.”

“You know, you guys are really making me mad!” Raging Star growled. “I’m tired, hungry, and a little annoyed that you tried to kill me. I’ll make sure to end your lives for good!”

“What does he think he’s doing, talking all high and mighty like that?” Viololá gasped. She used her magic to break free from the iron bars. After cutting herself loose, she quickly put some distance between herself and the four bodies in the center of the wasteland. As much as she wanted to get involved (mostly to prove Raging Star wrong about their debate earlier), she knew it was out of her hand.

“He can’t tell friend from foe when he’s like that, hmm?” A deeply aged voice sounded from behind the Unicorn. She jumped, spinning around next to strike her ambusher. Her fist collided with a scaly palm and she let out a small gasp as the reptilian creature laced his fingers over her hand.

“Get off of me!” she cried, pulling her arm away.

“Wait!” the creature cried out, shrinking it’s extended neck into the base of its shell. “I do not wish to fight! I am merely passing through, like you are.”

“Wha-? A Tortoise?” Viololá asked, lowering her stance. The bipedal tortoise chuckled, revealing his head again, this time at a not-so-extringent level. He appeared very well aged in his face, yet his form was as stalwart and full as if he were a young lad. The only exception to this was that he carried an oddly shaped walking stick in his other hand.

“Toh To Ga,” the tortoise said, bowing. “My name.”

“Oh… um… Viololá,” the stunned Unicorn replied. She was gawking at the insane outfit the ancient reptile had on. He was garbed rather unconventionally, sporting loose fitting pants with a sash around his waist, almost reminiscent of Raging Star’s last pair. Over his body hung a large overcoat, decorated in bright colors of all kinds. It wasn’t the flurry of hues that caught Viololá’s attention as much as the intricate pattern woven into the fabric.

“It’s rude to stare,” he said rather bluntly, walking ahead of the speechless Unicorn. “You were just about to watch your friend, weren’t you?”

“He uh… I mean, yeah,” she replied.

“Well then, we’ll get to formalities a little later,” he replied without facing her. “I need to see something about this child. I could feel his presence since you both stepped foot in this part of Sapphira.”

“You can feel-?”

“Didn’t I say we’d forgo the formalities until later?” he scolded. “I think we’d spend our time more wisely by watching the coming events unfold.” He directed the Unicorn’s attention to the four figures staring each other down a few hundred yards away. She remembered then what was going on, and took a position next to the short tortoise.

“Just don’t overdo it,” she whispered, her gaze grazing Raging Star. “And please remember that I’m not your enemy.”

“We’ll see about that,” Toh replied.

“Roll over this kid!” the blue dragon roared, charging Raging Star first. A streak of lightning trailed behind the dragon, charring the ground he tread upon. Before Raging Star could blink, the blue one swung his claws, zipping his arms wildly about and striking the boy’s body with sharp electrical shocks.

The tailed child held his arms up in defense, shielding his face from all the strikes, but exposing his torso. The blue dragon kept his assault up, orbiting around Raging Star at intense speeds.

The green dragon inhaled deeply and brought his right leg up. He smashed it into the ground, launching a colossal chunk of earth into the air. The entire piece rivaled in size to a second story building and spanned as wide as a train boxcar. He grabbed the rock and tossed it higher into the sky. The red dragon flew into the air and inhaled. He spewed his magma breath all over the boulder, setting anything flammable on the earth ablaze and melting it down to a meldable texture.

From below, the lightning dragon caught the sight of the fireball above and halted his barrage. He released another field of electrical energy as a protective sphere and zipped into the sky behind the floating island. The earthen dragon held the rock high with some telekinetic power as the blazing drake continued to douse the floating field. Finally, the lightning dragon rammed into the rock, using his sparks around his field to split it into thousands of red hot coals.

“I present to you,” he started to say,

“Rain of Tartarus!” the other two shouted. The green dragon brought his hands down and the coals fell towards their target below. The lightning dragon zoomed behind each one and gave it a strong tail whip, increasing the rate of their descent.

“That won’t stop me!” Raging Star yelled, releasing more energy from his body. As the meteors fell, he smacked, bashed, and slammed each one out of the way.

“No, no, no, that won’t do,” Toh said, shaking his head.

“What?” Viololá asked, pointing at the child. “He’s pushing back the offense!”

“He’s flailing his arms about and getting lucky,” Toh said rather sternly. “There is no form in his technique, if one would even call it that.”

Raging Star waited for a the last meteor to fly at him and held his arms open wide. The rock landed in his grasp and he swung it around, firing it back at the two dragons in the air. The Lightning one was able to dodge the flying rock, and the magma dragon shattered the boulder as it approached him.

The green drake stomped violently on the ground, causing spires of dirt and rock to shoot out at Raging Star’s feet. He leapt out the way and danced along the ground, edging closer to the pounding lizard with each step.

“Watch out, he’s coming for you!” the two dragons in the air shouted at their stomping partner. The green one quit his shuffle and sprayed his sulfurous mist at the child. Raging Star stopped, and jumped away as the yellow fog latched onto his makeshift covering. The spores ate at his clothes, eventually exposing his lower half to the sneering dragons before him.

“Oh my…Great…” Viololá sighed, placing her face in her palm.

“At least he’s not shameful about it,” Toh chuckled.

“Look at little winkie here,” the blue dragon guffawed.

“I don’t know what race you are,” the green giant chuckled, “but I’m pretty sure you reproduce asexually. There’s no way you’d screw anyone with that!”

“At least I have something down there,” Raging Star spat back. “And I don’t need to gang up on a little kid like some wimp to prove it.”

“Oh ho, talking smack now?!” the green dragon roared. “I’m gonna sit on you, and then we’ll see if I don’t have anything down there!” He flared his wings and charged at Raging Star, cocking his fist back for a punch. Raging Star bent his knees and waited. The dragon lunged forward, throwing his fist at the small boy.

Raging Star crossed his arms, and took the full force of the green drake’s attack. The ground beneath him split and his body rocked, but he stood firm.

“Is that all you got?” he said, smirking.

“How did you-?” the dragon gasped, but began to tremble.

“Come on, your insults hurt worse than that.”

Raging Star now held the dragon’s wrist in his grip.

“H-hey, let go!” the dragon hissed, struggling in the bind.

“What are you doing! Kill him! He’s just a kid!” the blue one shouted.

“He’s got one heck of a grip!” the dragon cried, using his other claw to pry the child off. Raging Star swiftly held the other wrist in his grasp and began to laugh. His face still held that evil intent and his smile seemed to grow wider as he realized his victim was helpless.

“I don’t know why,” he said, “I don’t know why but it’s making me happy to see you in pain.” Raging Star twisted the dragon’s wrists, and the beast howled into the air.

“Knock it off!” he roared, blowing his mossy breath at the child. Raging Star let go and circled around the chubby lizard. He stomped down on the dragon’s tail, and the beast cried out in pain once more. When the gas had evaporated, Raging Star jumped over the dragon and grabbed his arms yet again.

“What did you say about your arms? ‘Tear them off?’”

“Shut up you-ARGH!” the granite dragon bellowed. Both of his arms flopped to his side, swinging loosely as he stumbled about, crying in pain. Broken chips of stone crumbled to the floor.

“Sweet Celestia,” Viololá gasped, covering her mouth. Toh watched silently, observing the malicious grin that still lined the boy’s face.

“You know… I’ve wanted to do that to somebody for a long time now,” Raging Star said. “Good thing you guys came here. Now I can vent a little!”

“Sonofa…” the red dragon muttered, gazing at his partner below.

“I’ll kill him!” the blue one cried, flying down in a streak of light. He appeared before Raging Star as fast as lightning and began scratching at the boy. Raging Star pulled up his arms in defense again and ignored the stinging that was circulating throughout his body. The electricity hurt, but for some reason that was only making him feel better.

“Stop playing around and kill me then!” he shouted, breaking the dragon’s combo with his voice. In the moment that it took for the blue one to regain his balance, Raging Star and already latched onto his arm and pulled him close. With his free hand, pumped his arm through the lizard’s torso. “Nevermind, looks like I got to you first.”

“Outrageous,” Toh To Ga scoffed. “He must be some kind of animal to mercilessly attack his opponent like that!”

“He’s lost it,” Viololá muttered. “He nearly snapped my neck the last time he was like this…”

“So you knew about this boy’s rage?”

“It’s… not new to me,” she replied. “I knew he had some pent up anger… but this is something else entirely. It’s like… he’s getting off on causing them pain.” She winced as Raging Star retracted his arm. The dragon coughed up blood and stumbled back, holding his gut. Raging Star flicked his wrist, spraying the blood on the ground.

“One punch… All I needed was one punch and I might’ve been able to take him…”

“Y-you… Damn you… Damn,” the blue one coughed. His electric fervor died and his spines drooped.

“You see!” Raging Star shouted, “all I needed was one punch! But he got to me first!”

“What are you talking about!” the blue one cried, walking back towards his disarmed partner. “You’re crazy!”

“Just one punch! Like this!” Raging Star burst forward, surprising the two stunned dragons. He smashed his fist into the stone dragon, shattering the chubby drake’s chest. His scales returned to their original green tint and he fell on the floor, laying face down and on top of his broken arms.

“AUUUGH! It hurts! Get me up!”

“Bastard!” the blue dragon choked, falling to his knees. Blood now lined his entire hand and streamed steadily down his body. He felt weak, and his vision began to fade.

“Here, let me help,” Raging Star said, holding his palm out towards the dragon. “My friend taught me this.” A ball of green energy formed in the child’s palm. It grew larger and larger, dangerously exceeding a controllable size.

“You taught him that?!” Toh To Ga yelled.

“No!” Viololá’s voice cracked. “I only taught him how to draw out his magic!”

“He’s not stopping… He doesn’t have control over his chi!” Toh To Ga grabbed the Unicorn’s hand and pulled her away. “We don’t want to be around when he releases that!” She followed him, turning her head back to try and catch a glimpse of Raging Star.

He’s more dangerous than I thought… I have to warn the princesses more than ever now!

“Let’s get out of here!” the red dragon panicked, flying away.

“Don’t leave us!” the green one sobbed.

“Get… back… here!” the blue one coughed. Raging Star looked up and smirked.

“Actually, he’ll be the first to leave,” he chuckled, swinging his arm around and upwards. “Time to die!” Raging Star released the magic blast, his feet digging into the earth and tearing up the ground from the recoil. The energy wave pursued its target like a mad demon, eventually catching up to the red drake.

“NOOOO!” the dragon yelled, flipping around and holding his arms out. He tried to catch the blast, but was instantly vaporized, exploding into a giant cloud of dust in the air.

“That should’ve been Satyan…” the boy growled, his grin disappearing. “That should’ve been Mr. Satyan in that blast… but instead, it was a stupid, smelly DRAGON!!!” Raging Star’s energy spiked once more and he rushed over to the blue lizard.

He grabbed the creature by the bottom jaw and squeezed. The dragon’s jaw broke and he threw both of his hands together. Another blast charged in his palms and he fired it point blank, leaving nothing but a scorched mark in the dirt.

“Get on with it,” the last dragon said. “Just end it already!”

“If you’re in such a hurry to die,” the child replied, cocking his head to the side.

“That’ll be enough, boy,” Toh To Ga entered from the side. Raging Star turned his head and growled at the ancient tortoise. He furrowed his brow at Viololá, who flinched.

“There’s that hate again,” he said to her. She swallowed, trembling some.

“Leave your opponent. You’ve clearly proven that you’re the better fighter.” Toh slammed his staff on the floor. “He’s in no shape to defend himself.”

“Like I care about that!” the boy shouted, facing the tortoise fully. “If you want to die too, just keep talking!”

“It would be a million years too early for you to even fight me, let alone kill me.”

“Is that a challenge?!”

“Raging Star, calm down, please,” Viololá pleaded. “You’ve proven yourself… You don’t need to continue.”

“Ha! You think I’m doing this to prove something?!” The boy laughed. “I’m doing this because it’s fun. I’d destroy this whole planet if I had the power to!” The Unicorn did not reply. She looked towards the stoic tortoise and backed away, accepting the inevitable conclusion to this confrontation.

“Your chi is all over the place,” Toh To Ga said. “You’ll kill yourself if you keep letting it all out like that.”

“Shut up!” Raging Star formed two spiraling orbs in his outstretched fists. “That’s it… I’ve had it with everything! I’ll tear this whole place apart!”

“What’s wrong with you!” Viololá shouted. Raging Star increased his magic and brought his fists close to his side. The spiraling orbs began to glitter with a starry overtone. The magic danced around his fingers like a weaving snake. “No, not that, Raging Star, don’t use the Ursara Minor!”

“Then you shouldn’t have shown me how,” he chuckled.

“I’ve had enough of this,” Toh To Ga interjected, tossing his staff on the floor. He shuffled over to the boy and held his hands behind his shell. Toh peered at the incapacitated dragon and helped him to his feet. “I suggest you leave.”

The drake obeyed, flying off as fast as he could. Raging Star’s eyes darted in the dragon’s direction and he took off, chasing the lizard. Toh To Ga stepped in, blocking Raging Star’s path.

“Okay… you get to die now,” the boy fumed, charging at the old tortoise. “Ursara…!”

“You won’t get too far,” Toh said, shifting his body to the right. His right foot slid outwards, and he raised his right hand up, facing an open palm at the child. His left arm rested gently by his side, and he planted his left foot firmly into the ground.

Raging Star tossed his first punch. “Minor!” the boy shouted, swinging his energy filled fist at the tortoise. Toh To Ga flicked his right wrist, bringing it down so that Raging Star’s hand would glide right over it. With the next flick, he pushed the boy’s attack off course and brought his left hand up, palm open once again to strike the child in the throat. Immediately, the energy in both of his hands vanished, and he lost control of his body.

Toh’s body fluidly transitioned from a right stance into a forward horse-stance. His left hand clamped over Raging Star’s neck and his right arm hung loosely by his side just as his left had moments before. He shifted his footing so that he was completely inverted from his last position, bringing his left arm down as he slid his right foot back.

Within seconds, Raging Star was pinned on the ground, with the tortoise holding a grip over the back of his neck.

“Calm down,” he said, raising his right index claw and touching Raging Star’s forehead. The child struggled at first, but began to relax. Toh To Ga replaced his index claw with his whole hand and murmured something in a low voice. An orange glow lit up the space between the old tortoise’s palm and Raging Star’s head. The boy halted all movement, and laid there, breathing quietly.

“You could’ve reached for his tail,” Viololá chimed in after a moment. Toh To Ga looked over to her and smiled.

“I did not want to harm him, just calm him down.”

“You… you can let go!” Raging Star said, huffing and puffing.

“I believe I can,” the tortoise chuckled. “I’ve quelled your hate, for the moment anyway.”

“Hmph, kill joy,” the boy bit, picking himself off of the floor. “The heck happened to my skirt?”

“It wasn’t a skirt!” Viololá shouted.

“You do not remember what just happened?” The Tortoise squinted at the boy.

“I remember it all,” he replied. “I just wish it all didn’t happen so fast… or happen in a red blur anyway.”

“Most interesting,” the old reptile mused. “I’m actually surprised to see you’re still standing as well.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I’ve sapped nearly all of your energy.”

“You… What?!” Raging Star flinched. The pain from the battle began to kick in and he suddenly was overpowered by fatigue.

“A little late, but I suspected as much,” Toh To Ga said, grinning.

“Damn you… stupid turtle…” The boy collapsed.

“Tortoise,” the reptile corrected.

S1: Ep.11 - Reflection

“Ursara Minor!” Raging Star shot his arm forward, unleashing a powerful wave of energy at Satyan. The Minotaur was engulfed in blue flames, ripping and tearing at him as he tumbled about in the air. Raging Star’s attack vanished, leaving Satyan on his hands and knees. The Minotaur huffed and puffed heavily, glaring upward at the boy standing over him.

“Damn you, Raging Star,” he gasped.

“Not so powerful anymore, huh?” the boy asked, bringing his voice to a shout. “Do you still want to see my full power?!”

“You insolent… AH!” Satyan tried to lunge at the child, but the boy stepped to the side and swung down, cutting through the Minotaur’s arm with his own.

“Die!” Raging Star shouted, smashing his fist into Satyan’s face. Suddenly, a bright flash of light engulfed both bodies, and Raging Star felt his feet leave the ground. “What?!”

“We’ll die together!” Satyan smirked. The boy looked down and saw that his chest had a powerful arm lodged inside of it.

“No!” he cried, spitting up blood.

“Hahahahaha! Now, die!” Satyan shouted, ripping his arm out of Raging Star’s side.

“Raging Star, you’re not going to die!” Viololá’s voice resonated in the background.

His eyes opened.

“You’re not going to die!” she said again. This time, her voice sounded closer. Immediately, Raging Star became aware of his surroundings. Viololá had him in her grasp, restraining him with her magic.

“W-what? Where am I?”

“You really don’t remember? That can’t be good for your brain.” Viololá sighed and let the boy go. He jerked around after she released her grip, but then regained control of his body.

“Shut up,” Raging Star groaned, clutching his head and falling back down on the mattress he was sitting on. “Where are those dragons? Where’s the turtle?”

“Tortoise,” Toh corrected from the side. He held a platter in his hand with a bowl of rice and a steaming cup of liquid. “I’ll have you identifying your species correctly soon enough,” he chuckled, setting the tray down next to Raging Star. “How are you feeling?”

“Like crap!” Raging Star growled, pulling the covers over his face. “My body aches, and I feel like I haven’t eaten for weeks!” At that instant, his stomach gurgled painfully, and he sprung up and eyed the bowl of rice. “That reminds me,” he slurped, grabbing for the bowl.

“Truly marvelous, that he can give such an output of energy and still breathe,” Toh To Ga mused. “Hey! That’s not food, if you want some more just ask!” Toh shouted as Raging Star began to bite at the bowl.

“He hasn’t really eaten in a while,” Viololá said.

“Neither have you, yet you relented after a single bowl!”

“Hey, old fart, I want some more! Give me more of this stuff!” Raging Star burped, chugging the drink in the cup.

“Be careful with that tea! It’s not meant to be drunk all at once!” Toh exclaimed, rushing towards Raging Star.

Raging Star swallowed, and then gagged a little. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes, letting out a long yawn afterwards. His eyes drooped low and he burped up a small exhaust of tea refuse. His head collided with the pillow, and he began to snore.

“What was in there?!” Viololá asked, feeling the child’s head.

“It’s… an elixir I’ve made from the resources of the desert,” Toh replied, picking up the bowl and tray, “to be consumed in small increments, as it is a powerful drug. It heals the body from the inside out, starting with its organs. In order to repair a broken body in such a short amount of time, it has to slow the functionality of the body, and consuming excess amounts like he did could result in a coma-inducing state of healing.”

“Coma-inducing?!” Viololá cried. “That’s not good! Will he wake up?”

“Eventually,” Toh replied with a sigh. “Though it could take days, maybe even weeks for the drug to wear—”

“Are you still talking?!” Raging Star asked, launching himself from his bed. Both Viololá and Toh To Ga screamed, falling backwards into each other.

“Y-y-you’re.. a-awake…!” Toh To Ga gasped. “Impossible… There was enough elixir in there to keep you under for a few months!”

“Really? Well, whatever that stuff was, it sure did do the trick,” Raging Star grinned. He leapt up from his spot and flexed his body, laughing as he was able to jump up and down without a problem. “Hey, you haven’t refilled my bowl,” he said suddenly.

“Oh, your bowl?” Toh To Ga asked, looking down at the tray. “Ah… Well, perhaps it would be better if you just follow me to the kitchen, now that you seem to be able to move.”

“Nice! I hope you have something with flesh in there!”

“Ack! What are you, a savage?!”

“You’d be surprised,” Viololá said to the old tortoise.

“I already am,” he replied, motioning for his guests to follow him. They stepped out of the shady hut and into a densely vegetated jungle. A line of rope trailed from the tops of the hut behind them towards a section in the middle of the jungle. A large decorated tree trunk, adorned with various relics of the land branched off at its split top, leading to other sections within the jungle.

“The kitchen is in the central hut,” Viololá explained. “I helped carry you over to it when you first arrived.”

“Oh yeah, I was knocked unconscious again, huh?” Raging Star rubbed the back of his head. “Dang it… if this keeps up, I won’t have much of a brain left.”

“Who says you even had one in the first place?” Viololá asked. “You act more on your animalistic instinct than your brain. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were bred for war and nothing else!”

"So then, you sure that you know better?" he chuckled, flexing his arms again. He stretched the entire time that they had spent walking to Toh's central hut. Viololá watched him closely, her mouth slightly agape as she scanned his torso. Her body quivered at the sight of his body--It was completely healed, not a scratch or blemish to be found.

"Ah, we're here," Toh stated, brushing aside some drooping vines and allowing his guests to enter before himself. He set the contents in his claws down and motioned over to a large steaming pot, removing the tin lid and stirring the contest with a wooden spoon. "This is supposed to be dinner tonight, but I suppose I could spare some for the moment," he said, grabbing another bowl and filling it with the creamy red sauce from the pot.

Raging Star's mouth watered at the sight of the stew. A plume of mixed spices and herbs traveled through his nose, exciting his appetite even more. Toh To Ga strained some softened potatoes and wonderfully fried vegetables over the dish, adding a nice helping of rice on the side. He closed the lid, the clang signaling Raging Star to step forward and hold his hands out, and Toh To Ga handed him the bowl.

"I strongly encourage you to savor the flavor, because I--"

"More of that stuff, please!" Raging Star interrupted. Toh nearly fell to his knees and puffed his chest at the child.

"You didn't even taste it, I bet!"

"Sure I did, it was good and I want more, gosh I even said please!" Raging Star growled.

“Mr. Ga, I would just give him the food… The alternative would bear undesirable results,” Viololá gulped.

“Oh, I plan to,” he replied, quickly refilling the dish. Raging Star greedily grabbed the bowl and began eating once again.

“More to the point, Raging Star, Mr. Ga here had an interesting proposal he wanted to share with you.” Raging peered around the edge of the raised bowl and moaned. He looked at Viololá and huffed.

“Whatever he wants, I don’t care.”

“You terrible brat!” Toh shouted, swiping the bowl away.

“Hey! I was eating that!” Raging cried.

“I offer to help you control your massive power, and you respond by not even hearing me out?!” Toh To Ga growled at him and tossed the dish into the sink behind him.

“Listen, old man, I don’t need help with anything! I’m strong enough as it is, and I don’t need any help from you or some stupid ponies to beat up Mr. Satyan!”

“I suppose that’s why you did so well against him when he showed up,” Toh replied.

Raging Star growled. “How do you know about that?!” He came close to the hermit’s face and held a fist up. “The only reason he beat me that time was because I hesitated. I choked up, but next time will be different!”

“Is that so? Well, has your pony friend cared to explain to you why you woke up with nigh a memory of your escape from Diamond Dog territory?”

Viololá gasped, motioning at the tortoise, but he did not stop.

“Y-yeah… She told me that a big monster came and… attacked him.” He looked at her now, but she quickly turned away.

“I planned on breaking this to you a little softer, but you have drawn my claw, and I see no further reason to mask your identity from yourself,” Toh replied. Raging Star looked at him, but said nothing and tilted his head to the side. Toh To Ga sighed and pointed at him, coldly staring back. “You are the giant monster.”

“What? Me?!” Raging Star chuckled at first, then began to laugh. “I thought you were smart, that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Dismiss it all you want, but there is no escaping your heritage. Whatever you are, you are capable of a destructive force beyond that this world has even conceived,” Toh continued.

Raging Star quieted down, and frowned. He crossed his arms and spat on the floor. “Gee, thanks… It’s awful nice of you to say I’m strong, but you don’t have to call me a monster too!” He pointed at Viololá. “She told me a giant monster came out of the ground, not that I turned into a monster. I’d believe her over you, even if she is just as bad!”

Viololá swallowed and cleared her throat. “Raging Star,” she said.

He turned to her and nodded. She cleared her throat again, but still refused to look him in the eyes.

“What… What is it?” he asked.

“I might have… fabricated some things when I told you about what happened before,” she stammered.

“You mean, you lied?” he asked.

“A giant monster did indeed attack Satyan, but it didn’t come from the ground… It came out from inside of you.”

Raging Star stopped breathing. He stared at her, mouth agape slightly and remained silent. Suddenly his hands closed into fists and his brow furrowed. A raspy growl emanated from his throat and he glared at the unicorn in front of him.

“You… You said… But you said…”

“I know what I said, but that’s only because I didn’t understand what actually happened,” she replied.

Raging Star took a step forward, but Toh To Ga was already in front of Viololá.

“Now then, there’s no need for that,” he said. “You would’ve been told sooner or later, and better sooner than later.”

“How… How is that better?!” Raging Star asked. “You mean… I had Satyan pinned… I had him beat… And we RAN AWAY?!” A powerful wind blew through the kitchen, rattling all of the pots and pans.

“It wasn’t like that!” Viololá shouted back. “Yes, you were fighting him on his level, but he was still stronger than you! He nearly killed you! I had to stop him, and I had to get you away!”

“Who the hell are you to decide what to do with my life?!” the boy screamed. A bright red aura began to surround him.

“Raging Star—” Toh began to say but was cut off.

“I’m the one who saved your life! I’m the one who helped you escape from Roxie’s Den! I’m the one who carried you around with me even though you destroyed my life!” Viololá yelled back.

Raging Star, dropped his arms, and the wind died down. The energy around him vanished, but he still fixed his glare upon her.

“I didn’t destroy your life, you were sold into slavery, you told me that yourself.”

“Yes, I did,” she began. “But what I didn’t tell you was that the reason I was sold into slavery was because of you, seven years ago, when you first appeared as that horrific ape!”

Raging Star could not respond. He looked at Viololá’s face, and saw the hate that he felt back in the desert. He turned away and grunted, though refrained from speaking.

“Raging Star,” Toh chimed in now, “Seven years ago, Equestria was plagued by a terrible monster…”

The Equestrian military was powerless against this raging beast. One night, on a powerful full moon evening, a giant ape emerged from the mountains and began destroying the city of Manehattan. Only when the princesses intervened was the monster stopped, however, it was unclear as to what they did with the beast, for by the time they had vanquished it, it vanished.

“I can see now that instead of destroying it, they instead sent it far away, perhaps in hopes of it never again emerging,” he finished.

“Shortly after the destruction,” Viololá started now, “rebuilding began, but not without great hardship. Many families were broken, and lots of ponies died. The other nations took advantage of this opportunity and invaded Equestria while it was weak, and I was one of their spoils of war.”

Viololá’s voice began to crack, and she sniffed some dribble from her nostrils. Raging Star turned around now, looking at her tear-streaked face.

“I was separated from my family, stolen into the night by some bandits and sold as a slave to Roxie and her mutts. I spent seven years not knowing if I’d ever see my husband again… My daughter…”

“So then, why?” Raging Star spoke up. The other two looked at him. His face did not contort like theirs, but he was no longer fixated with his stern countenance. “Why did you still help me, knowing this?”

“Satyan was planning on using you as a weapon,” Viololá replied. Raging Star flinched. “I decided… I decided to keep him from doing that, because I refuse to let you run wild like that again!”

“But… You said…”

“I told you I was taking you to the alicorn sisters to help you get stronger, but really I was keeping you away from him—from Satyan.”

“Grr… It still doesn’t make sense!” he cried. “I understand you don’t want me to transform… but why didn’t you just kill me when you had the chance then?”

“Believe me… I wanted to,” she replied. “I wanted so bad to hurt you. I wanted to make you pay for what you did to me and my people… But… when I looked down at you after you had passed out, I didn’t see a monster… I saw a child. I saw a helpless boy, thrown into a cold world and forced to be in exile, and for what? Because he didn’t realize what he was?”

“What… do you mean?” he asked, leaning in closer.

“I guess, I felt sorry for you. I felt sorry for what you were, because even if you are an uncontrollable beast, you’re also still a living creature, and when you told me that you didn’t remember ANY of what you did, that only cemented my reasoning,” she said.

“I’m not certain what species simply throws a child into the wild and hopes it grows up, but that’s not how we do things in Equestria… And if it really was the princesses that sent you away, then I’ll just have to talk with them about that personally!”

“Why do you care so much about me? What’s wrong with you?” Raging Star asked.

“You could call it a motherly instinct,” she said in a half-smile. “My reasoning is still two-fold, however—I keep you away from Satyan, and I show you what it means to truly be loved.”

“L-loved?!” Raging Star growled at the word. “What makes you think I need your stupid love, or your sympathy?!”

“Because I believe you can actually use your power for good instead of evil!” Raging Star calmed down again after she had said this. She fixed her gaze upon Raging Star and gave him a stern glare this time. “Before we escaped, I was able to use a technique on Satyan to paralyze him.”

“You what?! How?”

“Ugh, that’s not important! What is important is that I didn’t stick around to make sure if the effect was permanent, and if it isn’t, that madman is going to hunt us down in order to use your power to destroy my home!”

“I want to stop that from happening, so I reasoned that if we found a way to control this monster inside of you, then you can stop Satyan and prevent the disaster from seven years ago from happening again.”

“You really thought this through, didn’t you?” Toh To Ga interrupted. She nodded.

“I saw Satyan trying to perform a spell to put a leash on that ape form of yours, but it didn’t work. I figured, if you can control it, then you can use it against him, that way you get to do what you want to him, and I get to return home, and save my country.”

“In essence, not a bad plan,” Toh entered again. “Viololá has discussed this with me prior to your awakening, and I agreed to help her, lest you break free of your reins and transform again. Although, I did expect you to recover a little more before taking this on.”

“I know this puts a damper on our already strained relationship, but I came up front with you about it all this time, no more secrets, Raging Star,” Viololá said. “I wanted to wait until the time was right, and it seems now is that time.

Raging Star stared at her, his eyes examining every inch of her body, from her gestures to her lip movement, and even down to her heartbeat. He could feel the tension tearing at her soul as she explained herself, and it ate him up inside. Despite all she had claimed he put her through, she was willing to still help him.

“It’s the only way everyone gets what they want.” Her words came back into focus. “Raging Star, please.”

“Fine, okay, whatever… I’ll do it,” he said, looking at the floor.

“Thank you,” she replied.

“That was… more intense than I anticipated,” Toh claimed. “Regardless, that was the easy part. Now comes the next step.”

Both Viololá and Raging Star turned in his direction. He chuckled and led them both back outside, taking a branching route from the main path this time. Instead of more oasis trees, this area led to a very dry and dusty landscape. A solitary cave sprouted from the ground, darker than the deepest black either of them had seen. In front was a crisp, clean pool of water, bubbling slightly in various locations.

“A hot spring?” Viololá asked.

“Not really,” Toh To Ga replied. “This is my meditation pond. This is the gateway into one’s spirit, the path to one’s energy, the road to spiritual enlightenment.”

“I still don’t get it, do I need to take a bath or something?” Raging Star asked.

“Not quite,” Toh said. “You can drink from the pool, but unless you conquer the demons within you, it’ll taste as bitter as a dried leaf in this desert. Face your inner conflicts and succeed in defeating them, then this spring will help you unlock your true power.”

“Amazing,” Viololá gasped. “That’s unlike any magic I’ve ever heard of.”

“It’s not magic, it’s simply enlightenment,” he said. “Though I suppose the water itself is magical in its properties.”

“Alright, so, how do I face my inner demons?” Raging Star asked. Toh To Ga pointed to the dark hole in the rock-face before them.

“That cave is the entrance to your soul, boy.”

“That cave?”

“Did I stutter? Yes, that cave. You, and only you can enter.” He looked at Raging Star and smiled. “Though, I doubt you’ll do fine, being as you are.”

“Is this still all that enlightenment mumbo jumbo?”

The tortoise looked at Raging Star and grinned. “Nope, this time, it’s magic. You’ll know what I mean.”

Raging Star looked at Viololá and sighed. He approached the mouth of the cave, taking one solid step after the other, until he was just feet away from it. His steps lightened, and he began to approach at a slower pace. His eyes caught glimpses of swirling shadows and an unforgiving, cold void. A certain eminence poured out of the cave and washed over his body.

“Oh, one more thing,” Toh To Ga shouted from across the pond. “There is a difference between beating your demons, and controlling your demons, remember that when the time comes!”

“So, what do I have to do to win?!” he shouted back.

“That is up to you, and how you decide to control this power of yours!”

Raging Star turned back to the cave entrance and growled. He clenched his hands into fists and adjusted his footing, standing firm in front of the darkness. His eyes focused on the path ahead, and his body was ready to go.

“Alright… Let’s see how much of a monster I really am then,” he said, walking into the shadows ahead. For a while, he didn’t stop. Raging Star kept going, refusing to turn around. Darkness completely engulfed him, and he could feel it creep over his body. He held his hand out and concentrated some energy into his palm until a light blue aura broke through the darkness.

“That’s better,” he said, and kept walking. It wasn’t long until a speck of light poked up from the horizon. Raging Star saw the growing exit and laughed, putting out his guide and running straight for the yellow glow. “Is this all? Was that my big challenge?” He didn’t care. The light grew with each passing step until the roof of the cave became visible now.

“Almost there,” he told himself and continued running. He broke free of the dark expanse of the cave and let out a cry of victory as his feet landed onto a soft patch of green grass. “Whoo Hoo! I made it!” He shouted, laughing victoriously.

“That wasn’t so hard… I’m not afraid of the dark or anything. That stupid turtle got me worked up for nothing.”

“Hey!” another voice cried out suddenly from afar. Raging Star turned around, and discovered the source of the noise.

“Who the heck is that?”

“What the hell are you doing in my world?!” the voice called again, getting closer.

“What do you mean, your world, this is my soul! Erm… Spirit, or something…” Raging Star shouted back.

“Exactly,” the voice replied, in a tone akin to that of the boy himself. Raging Star examined the figure before him and began to shake. His body could feel a tremendous energy exuding from the figure before him, but that wasn’t the culprit of his shakes.

“Y-you… You are…”

“You,” the other boy said, glaring at Raging Star. His eyes were dark, solid black and icy cold. His face held multiple wrinkles that helped to advertise the disdain upon his visage, and he held a stance that threatened to attack at any moment. The other child also had a tail, however, it was fully flared, swinging about like a snake listening to a charmer’s tune.

“Like I asked last time,” he said, contempt just spewing from his lips, “What the hell are you doing in my home?!”