Author's Note

Sorry about the delay in updating. I have been healing from a broken ankle that require surgery during the ninth of January. What a way to kick off the new year huh? Anyway here is the latest chapter of The Beast of War.

Night of the Wolf

It wasn't until nightfall that Zen-Aku and his companions had finally stopped at a safe place to set up camp. The girls were accomplishing the tasks set before them while Zen-Aku went to gather food and medicinal plants. "So this Zenaku feller just showed up and killed the men chasing you?" Applejack asked while gathering wood for the fire.

"That's right Applejack." Rarity answered "And he did it as though he was bored." Rarity then continued her task of making some garments from the fabric that the Apple family had in the attic.

"So how we do we know that doesn't make him some coldblooded killer?"

"If he was some 'coldblooded killer', then why did he bother saving any of us at all?"

"Maybe it's cause he wants us for himself!"

"I'll have you know Applejack, that he is nothing more than a gentleman." Rarity stated haughtily. Before Applejack can retort her sister and friends came back from getting water from the river nearby. "Is everything alright?" Applebloom asked with her head tilt to the side.

"We're fine lil' sis."

"We were just discussing our unique friend Applebloom." Rarity said while inspecting her work. "Well it's not my best work but it will do for now." Rarity then distributed the clothing to the rest and made sure they fit everyone.

"He's kinda cool, not as cool as Rainbow Dash but a close second!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"And did ya hear his music?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Before any further discussion can continue, Zen-Aku emerged from the foliage surround the camp with an assortment of edible plants. His senses ever alert as he set his findings down and sat down on one of the stones. "I found us enough food for at least a two day journey, if we ration it wisely." Zen-Aku stated.

"What about you Mr. Zen-Aku?" Applebloom asked.

"As an Org I do not require food as you do young one."

"What's an Org?"

"Something that I rather not discuss at this time." Zen-Aku then looked towards his companions. "You may want to eat right now and get some rest. I will take the night watch and we will leave camp at dawn." Zen-Aku then got back up and walked towards the foliage before jumping onto a tree branch. The girls decided to heed his advice and ate their rations before laying down to rest. When Zen-Aku was sure that the girls were asleep he allowed his thoughts to wander.

His thoughts were on the situation he found himself in and the questions that came with it. Why was he sent here? How was he going to save these people? If it were any other Org, they wouldn't even care so why does he? All these questions were buzzing around in his head like an angry wasp nest and it was driving him insane. 'I have been sent here by some sort of force without a means of figuring out who or what did this.' He thought. He then brought out his flute dagger and began to play his tune and began to gather his thoughts once more.

Late into the night

Zen-Aku's eyes continue to scan the area for any signs of danger when his ears picked up a sound. Something was coming near his companions, but is it friend or foe? Zen-Aku stealthily leaped from his branch and blended into the darkness. His dagger poised to strike as he continued to listen and watch. A shadowed figure stumbled out of the foliage looking around as if it was lost. Before the figure can get its' bearings Zen-Aku leaped tackled it to the ground.

"HEY GET OFF ME!" the person cried as they continued to struggled. The cry wakes everyone up and see Zen-Aku pinning downed someone. Rarity let out a scream and Applejack went over to help.

"Who are you and why are you here?" Zen-Aku demanded. His dagger at the stranger's neck.

"Flash Sentry!" Flash cried out. "Please for the love of Celestia and Luna, don't kill me!" Zen-Aku looked to the others.

"Does his name sound familiar to any of you and do you believe we can trust him?"

"Yes it does, but let's find out why he was here in the first place." Applejack answered as her eyes narrowed "Before we start trusting him."

"Very well." Zen-Aku replied. He glared back at Flash. "Care to answer the lady's question or do we do things another way."

Flash's eyes widen and began to answer all their questions. Apparently word of Zen-Aku had quickly spread further than anticipated and Flash was a part of some underground resistance force that was trying and failing to stop the Caribou. Flash was sent to find and recruit Zen-Aku to the cause. Zen-Aku pondered about this and came up with a compromise.

"I will join your cause Flash Sentry, however I will do things my way and without their knowing." Zen-Aku stated.

"Then why join at all?" Flash asked.

"You misjudged me. This arrangement is to make sure that neither party involved will compromise the other in case of capture."

"Oh I get it!" Scootaloo exclaimed "That way the Caribou won't know any critical information about the resistance. Oh this is just like a spy movie!"

"Except if we get capture there will be no easily escaping death traps." Sweetie Belle stated with some worry in her voice.

"Rest assured Sweetie Belle that I will defend you and your friends to the very end." Zen-Aku said calmly. He then looked towards Flash. "Will you join us on our journey as we may need a Pegasus?"

"As long as you are serious about joining the resistance, I don't see why not." Flash stated with his hand out. Zen-Aku took the offer and shook Flash's hand in agreement.

"Then get some sleep everyone." Zen-Aku ordered. "For we have a long journey ahead of us."

"Where are we going?" Rarity ask.

"To the Unicorn Kingdom" Zen-Aku stated looking off into the distance.