Tambelon School of Knighthoodby Catrina37ChaptersCMC Camping TripThe New KidTambelon's School of KnighthoodTrouble with AhuizotlScorpan's TrainingThe Final ExamThe Challenge of HonorScorpan's Happy EndingCMC Camping TripChapter 1: CMC Camping Trip It’s a bright, sunny day in Sweet Apple Acres. The apples shined brightly by the sun, making them right for the picking; and a small, green lizard is peacefully sunbathing on a nearby rock. This was no ordinary day... Applejack and Apple Bloom are preparing for their camping trip in Winsome Falls. They are not only going with Scootaloo, Sweetie Bell, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash, but also Scorpan, Thorne, and Rep. The sisters are just packing up and ready to meet the others. “Ready for our camping trip, Apple Bloom?” Applejack asks. “Ready, Sis,” Apple Bloom replies. “Let’s get goin' then.” Wagons rolling, the Apple Sisters head out to meet the others at the intended destination. **** Apple Bloom and Applejack arrive moments later to see Scorpan and Thorne meeting them. Thorne was laying on a tree branch, watching the clouds until he noticed Apple Bloom and Applejack coming. Scorpan was drawing some pictures on the ground with a stick when he noticed the Apple sister coming. he goes over and greets them. "Hey, Applejack!" he greets with a wave. “Howdy, Scorpan,” Applejack greets them, “Nice of y’all to meet us here.” “Well Thorne did want to get to know the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and when he heard of your camping trip, he saw it as a chance to bond with them,” Scorpan says. "Well you caught me red-handed," Thorne admits with a chuckle. Thorne then decides to use the branch he was on to swing down on the ground, so he could be at eye level with the others. “Where’s Rarity and Sweetie Belle?” Thorne asks. “Knowing her, bringing her bare necessities,” Applejack says cynically. They suddenly see Rarity and Sweetie Belle coming up the hill. Sweetie Belle is hauling a carriage full of Rarity’s “necessities” while she wears her finest outdoor ensemble. “Rarity, why didn’t you take the whole boutique?” Thorne mocks. “Laugh all you want, but you will thank me once I make the finest outdoor outfits in Equestria,” Rarity says while snubbing Thorne. Sweetie Belle is struggling to haul up her sister’s things when Thorne approaches her. “How about if I haul that stuff for you?” Thorne offers. “Thanks, Thorne,” Sweetie Belle says. Thorne takes the harness and puts it on himself. Then, he hauls Rarity’s stuff, like it was no problem, much to Sweetie Belle's amazement. “Let’s get up and meet the others,” Scorpan says. “Thorne is mighty helpful,” Applejack says. “Yeah. Hard to believe he used to be a part of Ahuizotl’s crew,” Scorpan says. “Wait. He used to be Ahuizotl’s friend?” A surprised Rarity asks. “I’ll explain tonight once we get settled. The three of us want to tell the Cutie Mark Crusaders a story about how we became knights.” The group walk uphill to where the campsite is. **** Moments later... The group of six arrived at their camping spot. The sun's rays were shining through the trees, and the birds like it was the light of their show. The sweet sounds entered harmoniously into everyone's ears. But a new sound came as the gang was nearing a stop. The sound of fast-flying and zooming came from the sky. They knew there is only one pony who can make those sounds: Rainbow Dash. They see her coming in, with Scootaloo on her back, enjoying the ride. "Wahoo!" they cheerfully shout. Pretty soon, Rainbow Dash makes a perfect landing, landing her hooves on the ground with not a single scrape made in the dirt. Scootaloo hops off of Rainbow Dash's back with no problem at all. "Hey guys," Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo greet. "Hey, Rainbow Dash. Hey, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle greet. The crusaders immediately get into a group hug, happy that each of them made it to the camp. "You got here just in time, rainbow Dash," Applejack says to Rainbow Dash. "Eh, you know me. In ten seconds flat, I'd be right here. Even with Scootaloo by my side," Rainbow Dash brags. When the crusaders end their group hug, Apple bloom and Sweetie Belle couldn't help but notice that there was one more friend who still wasn't there. They also saw Scootaloo smiling, as if she knows something they don't. "Where's rep?" Apple Bloom asks Scootaloo. They suddenly hear the sound of a bird coming. "CAAAWWWW!!!" Scootaloo points her hoof in the direction where the sound came from, showing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle that where ever the bird was, it is heading their way. They turn around to see that she was right. It was rep, and he is in the form of a peregrine falcon, flying below the trees with magnificent grace and ease. He spots a place to land at the campsite, across from the ponies and knights. As soon as he lands on the ground, he transforms back into his lizard form. Hi, everybody," Rep says with a wave. "Hey, Rep," Scorpan responds as he and the others wave to him, "Glad you could make it." "Me too," Rep says in agreement, "It's nice to be in tune with nature every now and then. Don't you think?" "Yay," Thorne agrees. "Do you all want to grab some firewood for the night?" Applejack asks the knights. "Sure," the knights respond. "It would be our honor. Be back in a few minutes," Thorne tells the ponies. It didn't take long, but the knights were soon out of sight in search of firewood. Just then, Rarity starts to remember something very important that Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo weren't told about yet. "Oh! Rainbow Dash! Scootaloo! You're never going to believe what Scorpan told us before we came here!" Rarity says with excitement. "Really?" Rainbow Dash says before she flies in front of Rarity, "What is it?!" "Scorpan told us that Throne was once part of Ahuizotl's Brigade." "Whoa! No way!" "Yeah," Apple Bloom says excitedly, "and tonight, they're gonna be telling us the story about how they met and became heroic knights." "That's so cool!" I can't wait for them to tell us! It'll be so awesome!" Scootaloo says while flapping her wings with exuberance. "I'm mighty excited, too," Applejack chimes in, "Right now, lets just get everything ready so we can hear their story tonight." **** That night, everyone has put up their tents and set up the campfire. As a reward, they roasted marshmallows, for a snack, even adding them to chocolate and graham crackers to make s'mores. "It's too bad Catrina couldn't come with us. I bet she would have loved coming out here," Sweetie Belle says while roasting a marshmallow. "You and me both, Sweetie Belle," Rep says while roasting a marshmallow, "But, as much as I'd like for her to come, she and Twilight wanted to do some magic time together." After Rep finishes roasting his marshmallow, he takes out some chocolate and graham crackers, and combines them altogether to make a s'more. With a lick of his lips, he takes a bite into it, and enjoys his delicious snack. “So Scorpan, you said that Thorne use to be one of Ahuizotl’s friends,” Scootaloo says. “Yeah. How did someone Thorne change from a member of the Ahuizotl Jerk Club to a knight like you?” Rainbow Dash asks. “If you all sit down by the campfire, we’ll tell you the story of how we started out,” Rep says. All the ponies sit themselves down at the campfire, ready to hear the whole story. “Well Ponies,” Thorne starts, “My story contains some not-so-proud moments.” “It all began long before Grogar took over Tambelon, back when we were kids like the Cutie Mark Crusaders…” Rep begins the story. The New KidCh. 2: The New Kid It was a rainy day in Tambelon (centuries ago), and a carriage pulls up in front of the school gates. The sign reads “Tambelon School of Knighthood.” A young and depressed Scorpan gets out of the carriage with nothing but a burlap bag with a few things in it. “Scorpan had just arrived at the Tambelon School of Knighthood,” Rep narrates the story, “His family were once farmers until a fire broke out on their home and burned everything to the ground. Scorpan was the only one who survived. When our true king, the Moochik, found out, he had Scorpan enrolled at our school, for it was famous for turning the young of Tambelon into true knights. We learned about combat, history, magic, and the music that fills our kingdom. Anyway, Scorpan was about to enter when Ahuizotl and his crew blocked his way.” “I was among them at the time, and if you think Ahuizotl is a villain now, you should have seen him back then,” Thorne said. As he looked at the school, he began to feel anxious just by looking at how big the building is. With a deep breathe though, he calmed himself and walked toward the school doors with his burlap bag in tow. Scorpan is about to enter the school when he sees a young Ahuizotl and Thorne, along with a golden griffon and a huge minotaur kid with muscles, blocking his way while glaring at him. “Since when did this school bring in charity cases?” Ahuizotl sneers. Deciding to ignore their insults, Scorpan walks past them so he wouldn't do anything out of line on his first day. “Tch. Guess that’s one family of lowly commoners this kingdom doesn’t need,” Ahuizotl says, upsetting Scorpan enough to hit him and make him rub the side of his face in pain. Ahuizotl hits him back; the Minotaur punches him too; and the griffin claws his right arm. All Thorne could do is watch as his friends beat up Scorpan and kick his bag, releasing his stuff onto the ground. But, just when the beating would almost never end... "Stop!!!" a large, masculine voice booms. They finally quit. Out o the corner of everyone's eyes, a huge red centaur with a Viking beard and golden armor steps in front of a fallen Scorpan. With him is a Centaur teen who looks like him, except no beard and no armor. “What’s the meaning of this, Ahuizotl!?!” the centaur bellows as they stare at him. “G-General Torarc!” Ahuizotl says while trembling, “So dreadfully sorry. Just a little misunderstanding, Sir.” “Even children from farming families are to be treated with respect! Now pick up his things and leave!” “Yes, General.” Ahuizotl and his friends began to pick up Scorpan’s things post haste. The young centaur trots to Scorpan and extends his hand to help him. “You okay, Newbie?” he asks. “A few bruises, but I’ll live,” Scorpan replies as the centaur helps him up. “I’m Tirek.” “Scorpan," Scorpan introduces himself while shaking his hand, "Who are those guys?” “Ahuizotl and his gang. They are spoiled brats from rich elite families. Ahuizotl thinks that just because his dad’s the Duke, he can make trouble all he wants and get bailed out of it. I advise you not to get him riled up.” “Don’t worry. The pain I feel will remind me.” “After they pick up your stuff, how about if I take you to your room?” "That would be great," Scorpan responds with a smile. “So Tirek use to be a nice guy and a knight-in-training?” Sweetie Belle shockingly asks. “Yeah. His dad is General Torarc, best knight and second-in-command to the Moochik,” Scorpan says, “Anyway, Tirek took me to my room like he promised…” **** Tirek takes Scorpan to his room safely. "I hope my new roommate is nicer than the thugs I first met," Scorpan says in nervousness. “Well you’re in luck, Scorpan,” Tirek says, “Your roommate is a nice guy." Tirek opens the door, and Scorpan sees two beds. One of them is occupied by a younger Rep "Scorpan, this is Rep. He comes from a long line of shapeshifting chameleons who serve the Moochik.” “Hi there. It's nice to meet you," Rep greets, extending his hand for a handshake. In turn, Scorpan shook Rep's hand in greeting. While they shake hands, Rep notices the bruises Scorpan had on him. "I see you got to know Ahuizotl pretty well,” Rep says. “You can tell by the bruises, huh?” Scorpan says. “Yeah, but don’t let him get you down. He thinks everyone’s beneath him. Last year, when I looked at him funny, he tied my tail in knots.” “And he got put in detention for it, too.” Tirek chuckles. Scorpan smiles to their whimsy and cheers up. “I think we cheered him up,” Tirek whispers to Rep, “Scorpan, why don’t you get settled? Rep will be giving you a tour of the school tomorrow.” “Sounds great, Tirek,” Scorpan responds, "But won't it contradict with class though?" "Class doesn't start until the day after tomoroow, so it's the perfect time," Tirek informs Scorpan, "I'll see you later." Tirek leaves the room to go back to his room. Scorpan unpacks his stuff until he gets out something that made him pause. it was a picture. A picture of him, his dad, and his older brother. He looks at them for a moment before shedding a tear. “Scorpan, is it? I heard about your family, and I’m real sorry about what happened,” Rep gives his condolences. “Thanks, Rep. I don’t even know how that fire got started. My father was always real careful,” Scorpan says, “Our farm always made the best vegetable is Windfall Valley.” “Huh? Did you say Windfall Valley?” “Yeah. Why?” “I…heard that valley is known for its natural beauty. What was your family like?” “Well. My mom died when I was born. My father and brother were all I had. My brother Capron would always help me build a scarecrow for each of our crops, and my dad taught everything about farming.” “Sounds like you and your family were close.” “We were, and I can’t help but miss them.” “I understand. It proves that you are never gonna forget them. After the tour, I’ll introduce you to another friend of mine.” “It would be nice to know some more kids here,” Scorpan says, “Good night, Rep.” “Good night, Scorpan.” While Scorpan is sound asleep, Rep's head began to work its gears. he is very concern about where Scorpan's farm was. “Ahuizotl and his group were assigned there during our survival training exercise,” he says to himself, “Could he have been responsible?” Tambelon's School of KnighthoodCh. 3: Tambelon’s School of Knighthood The next day, Rep is showing Scorpan around the school. After seeing several rooms, they came to their next stop: the combat training room. “And this is where Combat Training takes place,” he says. Scorpan is amazed as he sees other students like him, training to become knights. They were sparring in hand-to-hand combat, practice jousting, and run through an obstacle course with magical traps and illusions of monsters. "Amazing sight, isn't it?" Rep says, knowing how amazed Scorpan must be about the training. "Yay," Scorpan responds. “There’s two more stops we need to make,” Rep says, “The next stop is the Main Hall.” **** Scorpan and Rep walk through the Main Hall. There, Rep wanted to show Scorpan something: a mural of the Medallion of Knighthood (The same medallion that Twilight used as the Key of Magic centuries later). “And that is the Medallion of Knighthood,” Rep continues. “Woooow!” Scorpan says with awe. Just by looking at it, Scorpan couldn't take his eyes of the mural of a golden piece of jewelry. "Something tells me that the medallion is very special," Scorpan points out. "It is. To have this medallion is a great honor. Only a few elite members are able to get that medallion for following the Four Codes of Tambelon: Courage of the Heart, Love for Another, Inner Strength Within, and Self-Sacrifice for Others, ” Rep informs. "I can definitely tell that Ahuizotl is the opposite of those things." "Yay, his is." The two boys couldn't resist laughing about that, knowing that he's likely not going to get the medallion with the personality he has. “So what’s the last stop?” Scorpan asks. “Follow me and I’ll show you,” Rep says. **** Their final stop is the Magic Lab. It is where young sorcerers and enchantresses learn magic and make potions. For Rep, this wasn't just about showing him the room, but to introduce him to a friend of his, and that's who he's looking for right now. he then spots her: a young Catrina mixing a brew for an assignment given to her by her teacher. “Hey, Catrina,” he calls to her. “Hey Rep,” she says, “Who’s your new friend?” “This is Scorpan, my new roommate.” “So you’re the new kid I heard about,” Catrina talks to Scorpan, “I’m Catrina.” “Catrina and I have been friends since we came into the school last year. She’s from a long line of gypsy sorceresses and is here for the magic program,” Rep says. “I heard Ahuizotl gave you a hard time on your first day.” “How’d you know about that?” “He was in the Headmaster’s quarters getting yelled at along with his friends. Half the school almost heard him. If it makes you any better, most of the school hates him.” “I thought he and his friends are the popular kids.” “More like the most feared kids. Everyone, including the teachers, hate him. The only reason he’s here is because his father, Duke Coatl, pulled a few strings to get him enrolled.” “Tch. Probably to get rid of him,” Rep says under breathe. “Yeah,” Scorpan agrees. “Just be careful. If he sees you as a threat for the Medallion, he’ll do whatever it takes to run you out of the school,” Catrina warns. “Don’t worry,” Scorpan assures her, “He’s not gonna drive me out.” “Is that so, Farm Boy?” Ahuizotl's voice says out of nowhere. The three furture heroes turn around to find him standing across the hallway, looking at Scorpan with a threatening grin. "What do you want?" Rep says. "I just came here for class, but I could not help but overhear your conversation," Ahuizotl tells them, "So, farm boy, is what you say so?" “Yeah! That’s so! I am not letting you force me out of this school just to get the Medallion.” “Well I am the strongest and most athletic student at this school! If anyone deserves that medallion, it’s me! My family has earned the Medallion of Knighthood for centuries, and I am not about to break a family tradition. And no country commoner who sleeps in hay is going to stop me.” **** “I can’t help but feel our farmer heritage has been insulted!” Applejack says in aggravation. “Me too, Applejack,” Apple Bloom agrees, "The nerve of him!" “I felt the same way,” Thorne tells the Apples, "Things were about to get worse though, much worse than the insults." Trouble with AhuizotlCh. 4: Trouble with Ahuizotl “Sounds like that ruffian was trying to run you out by crushing your spirit,” Rarity said. "That's what he's doing alright," Scorpan points out. “What happened next?” Scootaloo asks. “Well that night, I was asleep in my room…” Scorpan continues. **** Young Scorpan is fast asleep in his and Rep’s room when his clock struck four o’clock in the morning and he got up quickly. “Father! Capron!” he calls. At the sound of Scorpan's voice, Rep slowly got up. He rubbed his eyes and yawned because of how tired he was at that time of the morning. “It’s 4 in the morning, Scorpan,” Rep says with a yawn. “Sorry, Rep. Every day at four in the morning, Dad and my brother would wake me up and we would have a big breakfast before we start doing chores.” “You wake up before sunset?” “Uh-huh. Our farm was big, and we had a lot of animals and crops to tend to.” “Wow! Better go back to sleep, Scorpan. We have class tomorrow.” "Okay. Good night, Rep." "Good night." And just like that, Rep was back to sleep. But Scorpan, he couldn't go back to sleep now. Getting up at this hour made him miss his family and his home more and more. As he stared up at the ceiling, he sheds a tear, knowing that the life he once had was gone. However, he didn't stay up forever. He went back to sleep. **** That morning, Rep and Scorpan are in the cafeteria getting breakfast: toast and eggs. Just by looking at the food, Scorpan's stomach growled, and he licked his lips at how tantalizing breakfast looked. but right when the chef hands him breakfast...he is cut by Ahuizotl. He takes the tray away from him and starts scarfing down his food “Thanks for breakfast, Farm Boy!” he scoffs as he walks away. Scorpan growls angrily at Ahuizotl, ready to do the first thing that came into his mind: choke him. However, before anything else can happen, Tirek stops him, and hands him another tray of food. “I’ve seen Ahuizotl take other people’s food a million times,” he says, “Plus, I need to make sure you don’t get thrown out for something you’ll regret.” “Thank you, Tirek,” Scorpan says. "Scorpan!" a voice calls out. Turning to the direction of the voice, Scorpan and Tirek find Rep and Catrina are already at their table they picked. "Scorpan! over here!" Catrina calls. Happy to find some familiar and supportive faces inviting him, he strolls over to their table and sits down with them. They are about to eat up when they are shadowed by three large figures, and you can guess who they are. “Excuse us, Rejects, but this is our table,” Ahuizotl said with his arms crossed. “But I thought that table over there is your table,” Rep points to the one next to them. “That was our table last week. This is our table as of this week. So scram!” Each of the thugs (except Thorne) got behind the three friends. They throw them out of their chairs and onto their food, making a mess. As Thorne watched, he is starting to feel bad about standing by while Ahuizotl hurts them and the other kids in his school. It was time to stop being silent. “Ahuizotl, that wasn’t fair!” he speaks up, “They had this table first.” “What’s your point, Thorne?” he snaps. “His point is you shouldn’t take something that doesn’t belong to you!” a voice states. Ahuizotl turns around and sees the Headmaster and Ruler of Tambelon: the Moochik. The Moochik is a green-wearing gnome who rules the kingdom with compassion and justice for all those who live in Tambelon and spread the music of the bells. “Lord Moochik! What a pleasant surprise! What are you doing here?” Ahuizotl asks nervously. “General Torarc and his son told me you’ve been giving our new student trouble!” The Moochik sternly says, “All students who come through our doors are to be welcome to the school. They should not be judged based on whether they come from. may it be nobility or farm life. If I or my general so much as see a single bruise on Scorpan, you and your friends will be thrown out of school! Am I clear?” “As the Crystal Empire, your majesty,” Ahuizotl bows his head. “Good. Now then, you and your friends will be eating outside for the rest of the school year, so that you won't cause anymore disruptions to Scorpan or his friends.” As Ahuizotl and his friends walk outside, he sees a smirk Tirek waving at him with a satisfying smirk and realizes he squealed on him. “I’ll figure out a way to beat Scorpan and teach Tirek not to mess with me,” he mumbles. **** In combat training, Scorpan is sparring with Thorne. The two boys were sword fighting, and so far, neither one was going down. But that soon changes when Scorpan knocks Thorne down. Not wanting to leave him down, he holds his hand and offers to help him up. "Why would you want to help me?" Thorne asks. "It's the least I can do since you stuck up for me," Scorpan says while lifting him up, "Besides, it' the honorable thing to do. “Thank you, Scorpan,” Thorne says. Suddenly, Ahuizotl pulls Thorne away with his tail. “Do not associate with him, Thorne!” Ahuizotl shouts, “He’s just a poor orphan with fleas.” He and his crew walk away with Thorne in tow, leaving Scorpan in sorrow. Tirek puts his hand on Scorpan’s shoulder. “Ahuizotl is just getting under your skin, Scorpan,” Tirek assures him, “He’s just trying to pick a fight with you so you would end up expelled.” “What’s his problem with me, Tirek?” Scorpan asks. “His family has earned the Medallion of Knighthood for centuries, but Ahuizotl hasn’t done anything to earn it due to his narcissism and arrogance. His father is putting a lot of pressure on him, so he tries to scare away any students he sees as a threat to his goal. I think when he sees you, he sees a farm boy who is also a hard worker. He wants to scare you away because that coward is afraid of you.” **** “What your brother said does make sense,” Apple Bloom says, “We had the same problem with my cousin Babs Seed. She only bullied us because she was scared herself.” “What happened next, Boys?” Rarity asks. “That night, Ahuizotl decided to pull out the big guns and really deliver his bullying…” Thorne continues. **** That night, Ahuizotl and his thugs pick the lock on Scorpan and Rep’s door with a burlap bag that is just Scorpan’s size. When his clock chimed four AM, Scorpan wakes up, and Ahuizotl throws the bag over him and traps him inside. **** When morning light comes, Scorpan is still tied up in the bag and over a well. Ahuizotl lets go of the pulley, causing Scorpan to fall until he reaches the water. “Help! Someone help!” he yells as he coughs out the water. Ahuizotl and his thugs run off, but Thorne decides to stay and help Scorpan out. “Hold on, Scorpan!” he says, “I’ll go get help!” Moments later, Thorne got Tirek, Rep, Catrina, and General Torarc to pull Scorpan out of the well. “Would have flown out of there, but the well was too narrow for me to stretch my wings,” Scorpan says. “How did you get into that well?” Tirek asks. “I don’t know! I remember waking up at four in the morning like always, and then someone threw a bag over me.” “It was Ahuizotl! Catrina says, “Thorne told us.” “Thorne?” “Yeah. Believe it or not, he saved you,” Torarc says. Everyone by then looked at Thorne with confusion and wonder. “Thorne? Why would you help Scorpan?” Rep inquires, “Aren't you supposed to be Ahuizotl’s friend.” “Actually, I only joined him to prevent myself from getting bullied since I’m so small. He just uses me for the small jobs like spying.” “How do we know you’re not spying for him now?” A distrustful Catrina asks. “I did last night when Ahuizotl wanted to know where Scorpan’s old farm home. When I told him, he got real nervous and wanted Scorpan gone.” “Why would he want to know where I’m from?” Scorpan says. “Let me worry about that,” Torarc said, “Right now you have morning classes to get to.” With a nod, Scorpan hurries off to his morning classes. Tirek, Catrina, and Thorne followed behind. General Torarc was about to follow as well, until rep speaks up to get his attention. “General?” Rep whispers to get his attention, "Permission to speak to you in private, Sir?" "Permission granted," Torarc replies. Torarc and Rep walk over to an empty courtyard to talk in private. it was the only place they felt for sure they could have a private conversation without getting eavesdropped by someone. Particularly by Ahuizotl and his crew. “What’s on your mind, Rep?” Torarc asks him. “You know that Scorpan is from Windfall Valley?” Rep asks the General. “Of course, I heard it’s very lovely there.” “Ahuizotl and his friends were assigned there as part of our survival training around the same time the fire started at Scorpan’s old home. I think Ahuizotl either got careless with the campfire, or he did that for fun.” “Knowing Ahuizotl, he’d get rid of whoever is beneath him. You go on to class, Rep I have to talk to the Moochik about something.” Right away, Rep runs to class while Torarc goes to see the Moochik. Scorpan's TrainingCh. 5: Scorpan’s Training The Moochik is in his chambers, signing proclamations with a large white quill. His signing came to an abrupt stop when he hears a knock on his door. He turns himself around in his chair and faces the door. “Come in,” the Moochik says. To his great surprise, Torarc enters the room. “Torarc? what brings you here?” Moochik asks. “It's Ahuizotl. He dropped Scorpan in the well at the courtyard this morning,” he informs. “That boy! If it wasn’t for his father being a part of my council, he wouldn’t even be here.” “That’s what I want to talk to you about. Scorpan won’t fight back against Ahuizotl because he doesn’t want to get kicked out. Tirek and I already talked, and I want to take him under my wing.” “You do?” “I’ve been watching him during combat training yesterday. Scorpan has a lot of potential to become a knight. He even helped Thorne up after sparring, and that bat took part in his bullying. There’s a lot of honor in him. Besides, if Ahuizotl continues to bully him, Scorpan needs to learn to defend himself. Sooner or later, Ahuizotl will challenge him, and Scorpan needs to be prepared when that happens.” “Indeed, and if anyone can turn a simple farm boy into a knight, it’s you, Old Friend.” “Also, some disturbing info has been revealed. Ahuizotl was camping at Windfall Valley around the time the fire at Scorpan’s old home happened. It can’t be a coincidence.” “Whether it is or not, we can’t accuse Ahuizotl of anything without proof. We’ll just have to wait until Ahuizotl’s arrogance becomes his downfall.” **** In Ahuizotl’s room, they are having a meeting that afternoon. Ahuizotl is pacing around with worry. “What’s wrong, Ahuizotl?” ask the griffin, “I think we gave it to Scorpan really good.” “It’s not enough!” he yells, “We need to get him out of the school now!” “Why? He’s just a farm boy,” the minotaur says. "He's not just any farm boy you...you..." Before he can complete his words of anger, he decided to calm and compose himself, as he couldn't find his next words. “Thorne says that farm boy is from Windfall Valley! And in case you don't remember, we camped there days ago.” “That’s where we set fire to the crops for fun!” the griffin says. “Exactly! If the Moochik finds out, we’ll not only be expelled from school; we’ll be in exile.” “Not to mention what your father will do to you if you don’t get the Medallion,” the Minotaur added. “That’s the worst thing that worries me: becoming a disgrace in his eyes. We must do what we can to get rid of Scorpan.” **** “Sounds like he had two good motives to want you out bad: to get the Medallion and to prevent his awful secret from getting out in Tambelon,” Rainbow Dash said. “That vandal! The nerve of him to burn your farm just for laughs!” Rarity commented. “What happened next?” Sweetie Belle asks. “The following day, we were getting our rooms ready for inspection…” Rep continues. **** “We better get everything ready before Lord Sour’ee gets here,” a young Rep says. “What do you know about him, Rep?” Scorpan asks. “He the strictest assistant headmaster in the world. He expects every kid to follow the rules and have their rooms neat. Even Ahuizotl is afraid of him.” They had just finished making their beds. After they have finished, they see their room in perfect order. “It took half the morning to get everything done, but it was worth it,” Scorpan says. “You said it, Scorpan,” Rep says, “Let’s go down and get lunch before inspection starts.” While Scorpan and Rep walk to the cafeteria, Ahuizotl uses a hair clip to pick the lock on door like last time. Then, he the griffin, and the minotaur start messing up the room as best as they can. They broke, smashed, and tore apart the room with their bare claws. **** A few minutes later, Scorpan and Rep are walking with Lord Sour’ee, who is a donkey in a fancy black tux and a monocle. “Now then, as assistant headmaster, I will write down points on how ell you take care of your room. But if your room is a mess, it will be reported to the Moochik so fast, you won't even have time to think” he informs them. “Don’t worry, Lord Sour’ee,” Scorpan assures, “We perfected our room just the way you like it.” Scorpan is about to open the door when he notices the door knob is loose. “The door knob feels funny,” Scorpan says. He suddenly realizes that someone has broken in and hurries into the room. He, Rep, and Lord Sour’ee find it a mess. Everything is smashed, broken, or out of place. Even the picture of Scorpan’s family is smashed. "Looks like a tornado hit your room," Lord Sour'ee says bluntly. “Honest, Lord Sour’ee!” Rep says, “Our room was perfect when we left for lunch!” Lord Sour’ee suddenly sees a tuft of blue fur on one of the broken lamps. “Scorpan, do you have any blue fur on you?” Lord Sour’ee inquires. “It’s all beige and brown color,” Scorpan says, “Why do you ask?” “Because you boys had an invader.” He shows them the tuft of hair, and Scorpan recognizes it. “Ahuizotl!” He suddenly sees Rep packing up a few of his unbroken stuff. “Rep, what are you doing?” Scorpan asks. “Packing up,” Rep replies, “I’m gonna see about a room transfer.” “You’re not serious, are you!?” “It’s not worth staying here if Ahuizotl is gonna cause trouble for us.” “Well I’m not gonna leave just because Ahuizotl wants me to.” “Doesn’t he scare you at all, Scorpan?” “He does, Rep, but a guy like him doesn’t deserve the Medallion of Knighthood. If we leave, it’ll give him complete power over us. Besides, I’m not gonna leave anyone to be harmed by a bully like him. I’m staying here no matter what he does to me.” “Well if you’re staying, then so will I.” Astonished by Scorpan's bravery, Rep is inspired to do the same thing "If you're staying, then so am I." Rep drops his bag, and they both start to clean up. Lord Sour’ee is impressed by Scorpan’s courage. He walks outside, gets out a special pad with a list with the Four Codes on it, and checks off where it says “Courage of the Heart.” “Torarc is right,” he says to himself, “Scorpan does have potential.” **** “The next day, I got called into the combat room,” Scorpan narrates, “General Torarc summoned me to have a talk.” Scorpan enters the combat room and sees Tirek and his father. “You summoned me, General Torarc?” Scorpan nervously asks. “I have Scorpan. I just wanted to talk.” “What about?” “I’ve been watching you, Scorpan, and I think you have what it takes to become a true knight. ” Scorpan felt shocked. He had no idea that his training was so good, it impressed the general. "Thank you, Sir, but I'm not sure-" Before he could finish his sentence, Scorpan was cut off by Torarc when he raised his hand to pause. "I know what you're going to say. That’s why I decided to become your mentor" “My mentor?” “You have a good heart, my boy, but you lack combat skills. Besides, once I’m done, you’ll be able to take Ahuizotl on.” “Really?” “You’ll have to be trained. If he wants you out of the school bad enough, he may issue the Challenge of Honor.” “What’s that?” “It’s a combat challenge to determine who should get the Medallion,” Tirek informs, “Winner will get the Medallion, but the loser will be cast out of the school.” Scorpan gulps and felt nervous about Ahuizotl becoming that desperate to get rid of him. Then, he thought that training under the greatest generals in Tambelonian history would help him against Ahuizotl. “When can we start training, General?” **** “Over the past few months, Tirek and I trained together under his father’s wing. He had us spare with each other and run us ragged over the obstacle course. During that time, Tirek and I formed a close bond. The two of us were as close as real brothers Nothing could break our bond. Then, one day, during our training in the Badlands, we were doing some rock climbing when suddenly…” Scorpan and Tirek were rock-climbing together under Torarc’s supervision. Scorpan is ahead of Tirek. Tirek’s far right foot stepped onto a small ledge when the ledge broke, causing him to slip. “HELP!!” he screams. “Tirek! Take my hand!” Scorpan shouts as he reaches for his friend. Tirek grabs his hand, and Scorpan struggles as he flaps his wings to carry the both of them up to safety. “Scorpan, I’m too heavy! Save yourself!” Tirek pleads. “No! I’m not letting a friend get hurt!” Scorpan says as he slowly reaches the top of the cliff. The finally get to the edge and land safely on top. “Scorpan, you could have hurt yourself,” Tirek said. “You’re the first friend I’ve made since coming, Tirek, and I never let my friends down,” Scorpan states. Lord Sour’ee saw the whole and checked off “Love for another”. “Not only does he have honor,” he says, “This boy has a lot of heart.” The Final ExamCh. 6: The Final Exam “After a whole year went by, our final exams into knighthood came. We are going up against Ahuizotl and his crew, including Thorne, in the obstacle course. In it, our goal was to put our best skills to the test and work as a team as we go against monsters and traps. This test determines if we have the inner strength to become a knight…” Scorpan explains. Scorpan’s team is made up of Catrina, Rep, and Tirek, while Ahuizotl’s team is his usual group. The two groups are at the starting line as the student body, as well as the Moochik, Torarc, and Ahuizotl’s father, Duke Coatl, watch from the stands. His father is giving him angry eyes, making him both nervous and determined to win. Scorpan reaches his hand to wish Ahuizotl good luck. “May the best knight-in-training win,” he says. “I plan to, Farm Boy,” Ahuizotl says with determination. A loud bell sounds and both groups run from the starting line. Rep shape shifts into a dragon and flies ahead, but the griffin bumps him to get him off course. Catrina casts a spell on the griffin and turned him into a nightingale. “Lucky for him,” she says, “The spell will wear off in a couple minutes.” **** The first obstacle is a thicket of thorns. To get through, they must use their special talents to evade the thorns without getting scratched. Ahuizotl and his gang are the first through, Thorne and the Griffin are carrying Ahuizotl and the Minotaur, much to their dismay. Scorpan and the others notice this. “Hey! Ahuizotl’s cheating!” Rep says. “He’s not even using his own abilities!” Tirek states. “I have an idea,” Scorpan says, “Catrina, can you use your magic to turn the three of us into Breezies?” “You got it, Scorpan!” Catrina says as she waves her wand and turns Tirek, Scorpan, and herself into breezies (fairy-like ponies). Rep turns himself into a breezie using his shape-shifting power. At their small size, they fly through the thorny vines and fly past Ahuizotl and his crew. **** They finally made it past the thorns without getting a scratch, changed back, and onward to the second obstacle: Dragon Fire Fields. In Dragon Fire Fields, geysers of fire shoot out simultaneously. Both teams have to figure out how to cross it without getting burned. “How are we gonna get past the fire geysers?” Rep asks. “I learned about them in class,” Scorpan says, “We just gotta time it just right. Each geyser goes off every ten seconds. We’ll count to ten on each of them and stop.” “That’s using your head, Scorpan,” Tirek said. The heroes run for ten seconds and then stop before the geyser ignited. They continue to repeat that pattern as Ahuizotl and his crew watch. “They’re ahead of us! What’ll we do?” the griffin asks. “We make sure they burn!” Ahuizotl says. The jerks run after them. Scorpan and his friends are about to reach the end when the Minotaur stomps on the ground, creating small earthquakes that made the heroes lose their balance and fall. “That’s enough!” an outraged Thorne says, “This isn’t fair play, Ahuizotl!” “Do not talk to me like that, you flying rodent!” Ahuizotl says as he grabs Thorne by the neck. Ahuizotl and his friends run to get ahead of Scorpan’s team. Unfortunately, the small earthquakes caused fire to erupt from the cracks. Both teams are dodging the fire simultaneously. Unfortunately, Thorne is surrounded by it and the flames burned his left wing. “Ahuizotl! Help me!” Thorne pleads. “Sorry, but I’m not going to lose this because of a straggler,” Ahuizotl says. “I thought we were friends!” “You thought wrong, you foolish bat!” Ahuizotl and his other friends leave Thorne behind, leaving him to scream as the fire got worse. The others see that the fire is getting worse, unleashing Tirek's first survival instinct. “We have to move now!” Tirek says. “But we can’t leave Thorne behind!” Scorpan says. “Scorpan’s right!” Rep says, “We have to save Thorne!” “You guys go ahead and tell the Moochik what’s going on! I’m gonna save Thorne!” “But Scorpan…!” Catrina is about to say. “I’m not gonna lose my friends the way I lost my family! Go!” Scorpan’s friends reluctantly did what Scorpan said, but Tirek stayed as Scorpan went back to get Thorne. “Well I’m not gonna lose one who is like a brother to me,” he mumbles to himself. **** Thorne is twinging in fear over the blazes that surround him. Then, a vine appears from the sky. He looks up and sees Scorpan holding one end of the vine tightly. “Thorne, grab hold! I’m gonna pull you out!” he shouted. Thorne grabs the other end of the vine and climbs up as Scorpan pulls him out. Unfortunately for Scorpan, one of the branches of the tree falls, breaking his wing and making him and Thorne fall into the circle of fire. “Scorpan, are you hurt?” Thorne asks out of concern. “My wing is hurt!” Scorpan replies, “I can’t fly us out.” “Then we’re trapped!” Thorne panics. Scorpan suddenly hears Tirek calling him. He turns around and sees Tirek pushing a huge, old tree until it fell into the fire circle. “Scorpan, get out of there!” Scorpan picks Thorne up and puts him on his back. Then, he uses the tree as a bridge and gets them both out of the circle safely. **** Back at the finish line, everyone, including Rep, Catrina, and the Moochik are eagerly awaiting. “If they’re not here in three minutes, I’m going back there to get them,” Rep says. They suddenly see Tirek trotting in with a hurt Scorpan and Thorne riding on his back. Torarc and the Moochik run to see the boys. “Are you boys alright?” Torarc asks. “I’m fine, Father, but Scorpan and Thorne have burns on their wings,” Tirek says. Slowly and gently, Scorpan and Thorne come off of Tirek's back. Torarc and the Moochik inspect the two to see where the burns are. "How did this happen?" the Moochik asks with concern. “Ahuizotl is responsible!” Thorne says, “He didn’t even use his "special" abilities. He had us cheat for him! He even got Will Two Strong to cause the fire in the fields to get worse!” “Is this true, Ahuizotl?!” Torarc angrily asks. “That’s not all! You know how that fire that killed Scorpan’s family and destroyed his home? Ahuizotl started it by setting the crops on fire for fun.” “You rat with wings! You helped me during-Oh NOOOO!!!” Ahuizotl screams realizing he just confessed to his crime. “Ahuizotl, you have failed the final exams!” The Moochik says, “Scorpan and his team won because they used their abilities to help each other unlike your team. You and your friends are to report to the palace tomorrow! I will need time to come up with a proper punishment!” "This is an outrage!" a voice yells with anger. All head turn to see Duke Coatl walking toward them with an angry look on his face. "Coatl? What is it about this you object?" Torarc asks. "That is Duke Coatl to you, General. And there is plenty I object about what is happening." "Coatl. You saw what happened. Your son and his team could have hurt or killed someone! And they just confessed to burning down the home of one of our future knights!" the Moochik reminded him. "Scorpan is a farmer! He has no worth as a knight whatsoever! Neither are those who follow him!" Coatl angrily yells. Those words he just said came much to the shock and gasp of everyone, except Ahuizotl, who seems proud of his father standing up for him. "May I also remind that that is my son you aimed to punish. I am the Duke of this city, and the father of Ahuizotl, and I say his punishment does not fall through!" he orders the king. "Coatl? You dare make that kind of command to your king in defiance of his orders?" Toarac yells with anger. "I do not care if he is the King of Tambelon or ruler of the world! I will not allow my son to be punished just because a farmer's mud hold was burned!" Coatl responds. "Then I'm afraid I have no choice," the Moochik voices up. The general and duke turned to find their king looking at the duke with much dismay and disappointment. He walks over to the duke, ready to do and say something like it was something that should have been done a long time ago. "Coatl. As King of Tambelon, I want every high authority and I to be in harmony with one another, and to work together to keep the peace in the city," the Moochik says to him. Everyone who was watching looked at one another, wondering what was about to happen. Even Ahuizotl grew nervous with sweat as he saw what events were transpiring in front of him. "However, since you have proven yourself as rebellious to my orders, do nothing but overlook what events of evil transpired, and dare to make your demands to your king, I will have no choice but to strip you of your title and position as Duke of Tambelon," he says to him. After he said that, he ripped off the golden badge that represented his position. Everyone gasped to what just happened. What it was that made Ahuizotl's family so important, was taken away like it was nothing but a mothball. Ahuizotl saw it with shock and his mouth open agape. His father looks at him with scorn and anger, making the young blue beast quiver with fear to what was going to happen. Duke Coatl, who felt like his dignity and world was ripped apart in front of his eyes, ran away like everything has turned upside down to him. "What's going to happen to him, General?" Scorpan asks. "We'll worry about that later," Torarc tells him. “Right now! These young ones have celebrating!” Lord Sour’ee says, “I have been monitoring you kids all through the year, and each of you have shown qualities of the code, especially you, Scorpan. You showed courage of the heart by willing to face Ahuizotl’s bullying no matter how he scares you; You showed love for another when you forgot about your training and saved Tirek’s life; and you showed self-sacrifice for others when you were willing to save your friends from the fire even if it means risking your life and losing to Ahuizotl.” “What about his inner strength?” Thorne asks. “He showed that through his sense of honor and skills in leadership. You have done well, my boy. Enough to earn the Medallion of Knighthood.” “Thank you, Lord Sour’ee!” Scorpan excitedly says. “Don’t thank me, Scorpan. You’ve earned this honor.” Everyone surrounds the team and congratulates them for their excellent work. All except for Ahuizotl, who is jealous of Scorpan, and angered that his family's honor has been taken away. “He won’t live long enough to have that Medallion,” he growls as he leaves. The Challenge of HonorCh. 7: The Challenge of Honor “Sounds like you passed that exam with flyin’ colors,” Applejack says. “And that ruffian Ahuizotl got what he deserves,” Rarity said. “Unfortunately, he was not going to take it lying down!” Thorne said, “A week passed and the Pendant Ceremony was starting. All of us are about to get our pendants and leave for the summer.” “I can’t wait to go swimming!” Rep says, “I know this watering hole just outside of Tambelon.” Scorpan wasn’t paying too much attention. He’s too be busy thinking about how alone he’ll be with no family to reunite with or a home to go back to. "What am I going to do?" Scorpan thinks to himself. “You okay, Scorpan?” Catrina asks, “You should be happy to get the Medallion of Knighthood.” “I am, Catrina,” Scorpan says, “It’s just…well…you guys have families to go home to. I’m not sure what I’m gonna do in the summer.” Rep and Catrina felt sorry for Scorpan not having a home to go to. All of a sudden, Tirek and his father arrives. “Scorpan, we’ve been looking for you,” Tirek said. “We have a special surprise for you after the ceremony,” Torarc said. “You do?” Scorpan said, "What is it?" "If we told you now, it wouldn't be a surprise," Torarc says with a chuckle. “Yeah, and we think it’s a surprise you’ll like,” Tirek said, “See you after the ceremony.” Tirek leaves with his dad to help get everything ready. Scorpan watched as they left. He couldn't wait to see what the surprise is. "Must be a big surprise," Scorpan says to himself. **** Later, the ceremony begins as the Moochik stands before the crowd in the Town Square along with five medallions like the one Scorpan once gave to Tirek. “Citizens of Tambelon! We have gathered in the Town Square today to reward a new generation of Knighthood. Five young students have been chosen among the Tambelon School of Knighthood for showing exemplary work and emulating the Four Codes of Tambelon Knighthood!” The four friends are awaiting their time to come on stage when Thorne arrives, a little late, catching his breath like he was in a race. “Thorne, where have you been?” Catrina asks, “The ceremony is already starting!” “Sorry, but Ahuizotl is close by and he looks very unhappy,” Thorne warns everyone while he was catching his breath. "What could Ahuizotl possibly want?" Scorpan asks. “I don't know, but be careful, Scorpan!” Thorne warns Scorpan. “Don’t worry, Thorne,” Scorpan says, “Torarc and the Moochik are here.” “He won’t care. They said that he is expelled as of after the ceremony. He has nothing left to lose.” “We better keep an eye out for him,” Catrina said. “You’re right, Catrina,” Rep said, “It’ll only be a matter of time before he challenges Scorpan for the Medallion.” **** “Now let me introduce the students who have earned this great honor this year,” the Moochik continues, “Rep Chamel, son of Lieutenant Chamel!” The audience cheers as Rep goes up, and bows as the Moochik puts the first medallion around his neck. After that, Rep stands next to the Moochik. “Catrina of the Romani Magic Clan!” Catrina goes up to accept her reward just as Rep did. After she gets her Medallion, she stands beside Rep. “Tirek, Son of General Torarc!” Tirek goes up to accept his reward. The audience applauds to him as he stands with pride. “Good luck, Scorpan,” Thorne says. “Thanks, Thorne, but you earned the Medallion of Knighthood as well,” Scorpan says. “It’s not the Medallion I’m wishing you luck for.” “Thorne of the Myo Family!” Thorne goes up and accept his reward. The audience cheers for him, and he stands beside Tirek. “And finally, the most excellent student, and the first of his family to step forth into our school and become one step closer to being a knight. This final medallion goes to...Scorpan of Windfall Valley!” Scorpan goes upstage to accept the Medallion of Knighthood he worked all year for, the audience were acclaiming to all he has done to get this far. Before the Moochik could give it to him, a familiar loud scream calls out to Scorpan. "Scorpan!" the voice screamed Every face in the area found out who it was: Ahuizotl, standing at the entrance of the Town Square, and carrying two swords with him like he means business. “Scorpan! You will not gain that medallion and destroy my honor any further!” he screams. “Get lost, Ahuizotl!” Tirek sneered, “You’re not part of the school anymore.” “I can still get what is mine by force. I challenge you for the Medallion of Knighthood!” Everyone, including Scorpan’s friends, gasp that Ahuizotl has finally issued the Challenge of Honor. “I accept Ahuizotl!” Scorpan replies, “Name your challenge!” “It will be a swordfight to the death. That is why I have brought these," he says as he shows them the swords. “There’s no death in the Challenge of Honor!” Tirek said. “There is in my challenge! I have nothing left to lose!” Ahuizotl throws Scorpan a sword to make it fair (in his favor anyway). “Be careful, Scorpan!” Catrina advised him. “Don’t worry, Catrina,” Scorpan said while assuring his friends. Ahuizotl walks up behind him and tries to cut his wings off. “Watch out, Scorpan!” Thorne cries. Scorpan flew up and dodges Ahuizotl’s sneak attack with only a cut on his left wing. “Ahuizotl, you dishonorable mutt face!” Tirek angrily calls him. “Mutt face?” a shocked Ahuizotl says. “You despicable animal!” Scorpan yells as they clash swords with each other. Ahuizotl kicks Scorpan against the tree and swings his sword at him, but he misses and gets his sword stuck in a tree as Scorpan runs. Scorpan dodges his sword as he swings it and blocks the last strike with his own sword. Both struggle against one another when Ahuizotl trips him with his tail claw, causing them both to fall and giving Scorpan a chance to flip Ahuizotl off of himself. Unfortunately for Ahuizotl, his tail got caught in a lit torch, causing him to leap and scream in panic as it catches fire. “My tail! Hot! Hot!” he screams. That only infuriates Ahuizotl further. He flings his sword behind Scorpan’s and thrusts it out of his hand and into a big pine tree. Ahuizotl is about ready to strike when rocks begin falling on his head. He looks up and sees Rep as a dragon. Rep provided the distraction Scorpan needed to sneak behind Ahuizotl and get his sword. Ahuizotl takes one of the rocks and beams Rep with it, causing to lose concentration of his shapeshifting and to fall. Luckily, Catrina caught him with levitating power and lowered him to the ground gently. Scorpan is about to reach the tree when he hears Ahuizotl chuckling as he got closer. Ahuizotl is about to charge at him when someone grabs his tail: Thorne. “You’re fighting dirty, Ahuizotl!” Thorne states, “There’s nothing honorable about this fight!” “You traitorous, winged rodent!” Ahuizotl shouts as he grabs Thorne by the neck with his tail and chokes him. Thorne allowed Scorpan enough time to pull his sword out of the tree. “Leave him alone, Ahuizotl!” Scorpan cries, “Your fight is with me; not Thorne!” Ahuizotl forgets about Thorne and throws him to Tirek. Scorpan flies up the tree to gain high ground as Ahuizotl climbs up and chases after him. Scorpan makes it to the top of the tree, but he can’t see Ahuizotl through the branches. He looks around hoping to spot him before he can attack. Unfortunately, Ahuizotl comes up from behind and grabs Scorpan by the neck, ready to make his final blow. “Now to permanently clip your wings, Farm Boy!” he shouts before he can strike. Scorpan uses his sword to cut the top branch they are both on, making Ahuizotl let go of him as he falls and crashes. Scorpan flies down and lands in front of Ahuizotl. “Finish me off,” Ahuizotl pleads, “You earned that right.” Looking him over, Scorpan felt tempted to finish off the one guy who gave him trouble in school, but made him lose everything he had ever known and loved. Instead of killing him though, Scorpan drops his sword, declaring the match over. “Forget it, Ahuizotl” he says, “I don’t play by those kind of rules.” With that said, Scorpan begins to walk back to his friends. With Scorpan's back turned, Ahuizotl tries to stab him with his own sword, but before he could, Thorne unleashes a sonic screech loud enough to break the sword into a million pieces. “Ahuizotl!” the Moochik calls him out, “You have no honor or anything worthy of being a knight! You are hereby banished from Tambelon! Leave and never return!” “You’ll regret that decision, Moochik!” he promises, “One day, I will become the most powerful knight in all the world, and I will have my revenge on all of Tambelon! You’ll see!” With his ears down, he runs to the exit of the city. As Ahuizotl leaves, he sees his father with a look of disappointment and his back turned, saddening Ahuizotl. Scorpan's Happy EndingCh. 8: Scorpan’s Happy Ending Moments later, Scorpan bows before the Moochik as he wraps his medallion around his neck. “You have earned this honor, Scorpan, with your hard work and heart. You are a true knight.” “Thank you, Lord Moochik, and I promise to be the best knight Tambelon has ever seen,” Scorpan pledges. The audience acclaims him again, not only for beating Ahuizotl and winning the Medallion, but for his commitment and pledge as a knight. Scorpan spots Tirek and Torarc, watching him with proud smiles. That was when he remembered that they have a surprise for him. He flies to Torarc and Tirek to hear what their surprise is. “You said you wanted to tell me something after the ceremony,” Scorpan says. “Yeah. Tirek and I talked,” Torarc says, “and since you don’t have a home to go to for the summer, we want you to be a part of our family.” For Scorpan, what the general said made the cheers around him seem distant compared to what he, Tirek, and Toarac were standing around and talking about. He felt his world go higher and higher. “You do?” “Yeah, Scorpan. Over the school year, you’ve been like family to us,” Tirek says, “Besides, I always wanted a younger brother.” Scorpan hugs the two of them with tears of joy coming down his eyes. He now has what he wanted all this time: a family to return home to. “And we’re a part of your new family as well Scorpan,” Thorne says as he, Rep, and Catrina group hug with him. As the group continues to hug, the Moochik watches as the scene continues. A tear of joy came down his eye to the happy ending brought to Scorpan. **** “And the four of us became a team ever since,” Thorne says as he finishes the story. “That was the most rootin’ adventure story I’ve ever heard,” Applejack says. “I especially love the sword fighting part at the end! The way you showed Ahuizotl a thing or two! It was like something out of a Daring Do story!” Rainbow Dash enthusiastically says. “Indeed. That ruffian got what he deserved for the horrid way he’s treated you all,” Rarity adds. “And when we return to Ponyville, we can’t wait to write in the lesson you just taught us,” Sweetie Belle says. "Lesson?" Scorpan says with a puzzled look. “Why? What did we teach you kids?” Rep asks. “That whether the reward is a medallion, a cutie mark, or a new friendship, all those things must be earned by one’s heart,” Apple Bloom says, "And that you can earn that reward no matter who you are, not whether or not you come from a first-class background." “A good lesson to learn I must say,” Rarity says. “Well I’m going to earn my reward while hauling Rarity’s stuff through the trip,” Thorne says. “And what reward would that be, Thorne?” Scorpan asks. “Bigger muscles so that Fluttershy would fall for me,” Thorne says while showing off what muscle he has. Everyone laughs to Thorne’s idea. So with that, everyone is having the best camping trip ever, the stars shine bright over them as they have a good time.
CMC Camping TripChapter 1: CMC Camping Trip It’s a bright, sunny day in Sweet Apple Acres. The apples shined brightly by the sun, making them right for the picking; and a small, green lizard is peacefully sunbathing on a nearby rock. This was no ordinary day... Applejack and Apple Bloom are preparing for their camping trip in Winsome Falls. They are not only going with Scootaloo, Sweetie Bell, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash, but also Scorpan, Thorne, and Rep. The sisters are just packing up and ready to meet the others. “Ready for our camping trip, Apple Bloom?” Applejack asks. “Ready, Sis,” Apple Bloom replies. “Let’s get goin' then.” Wagons rolling, the Apple Sisters head out to meet the others at the intended destination. **** Apple Bloom and Applejack arrive moments later to see Scorpan and Thorne meeting them. Thorne was laying on a tree branch, watching the clouds until he noticed Apple Bloom and Applejack coming. Scorpan was drawing some pictures on the ground with a stick when he noticed the Apple sister coming. he goes over and greets them. "Hey, Applejack!" he greets with a wave. “Howdy, Scorpan,” Applejack greets them, “Nice of y’all to meet us here.” “Well Thorne did want to get to know the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and when he heard of your camping trip, he saw it as a chance to bond with them,” Scorpan says. "Well you caught me red-handed," Thorne admits with a chuckle. Thorne then decides to use the branch he was on to swing down on the ground, so he could be at eye level with the others. “Where’s Rarity and Sweetie Belle?” Thorne asks. “Knowing her, bringing her bare necessities,” Applejack says cynically. They suddenly see Rarity and Sweetie Belle coming up the hill. Sweetie Belle is hauling a carriage full of Rarity’s “necessities” while she wears her finest outdoor ensemble. “Rarity, why didn’t you take the whole boutique?” Thorne mocks. “Laugh all you want, but you will thank me once I make the finest outdoor outfits in Equestria,” Rarity says while snubbing Thorne. Sweetie Belle is struggling to haul up her sister’s things when Thorne approaches her. “How about if I haul that stuff for you?” Thorne offers. “Thanks, Thorne,” Sweetie Belle says. Thorne takes the harness and puts it on himself. Then, he hauls Rarity’s stuff, like it was no problem, much to Sweetie Belle's amazement. “Let’s get up and meet the others,” Scorpan says. “Thorne is mighty helpful,” Applejack says. “Yeah. Hard to believe he used to be a part of Ahuizotl’s crew,” Scorpan says. “Wait. He used to be Ahuizotl’s friend?” A surprised Rarity asks. “I’ll explain tonight once we get settled. The three of us want to tell the Cutie Mark Crusaders a story about how we became knights.” The group walk uphill to where the campsite is. **** Moments later... The group of six arrived at their camping spot. The sun's rays were shining through the trees, and the birds like it was the light of their show. The sweet sounds entered harmoniously into everyone's ears. But a new sound came as the gang was nearing a stop. The sound of fast-flying and zooming came from the sky. They knew there is only one pony who can make those sounds: Rainbow Dash. They see her coming in, with Scootaloo on her back, enjoying the ride. "Wahoo!" they cheerfully shout. Pretty soon, Rainbow Dash makes a perfect landing, landing her hooves on the ground with not a single scrape made in the dirt. Scootaloo hops off of Rainbow Dash's back with no problem at all. "Hey guys," Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo greet. "Hey, Rainbow Dash. Hey, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle greet. The crusaders immediately get into a group hug, happy that each of them made it to the camp. "You got here just in time, rainbow Dash," Applejack says to Rainbow Dash. "Eh, you know me. In ten seconds flat, I'd be right here. Even with Scootaloo by my side," Rainbow Dash brags. When the crusaders end their group hug, Apple bloom and Sweetie Belle couldn't help but notice that there was one more friend who still wasn't there. They also saw Scootaloo smiling, as if she knows something they don't. "Where's rep?" Apple Bloom asks Scootaloo. They suddenly hear the sound of a bird coming. "CAAAWWWW!!!" Scootaloo points her hoof in the direction where the sound came from, showing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle that where ever the bird was, it is heading their way. They turn around to see that she was right. It was rep, and he is in the form of a peregrine falcon, flying below the trees with magnificent grace and ease. He spots a place to land at the campsite, across from the ponies and knights. As soon as he lands on the ground, he transforms back into his lizard form. Hi, everybody," Rep says with a wave. "Hey, Rep," Scorpan responds as he and the others wave to him, "Glad you could make it." "Me too," Rep says in agreement, "It's nice to be in tune with nature every now and then. Don't you think?" "Yay," Thorne agrees. "Do you all want to grab some firewood for the night?" Applejack asks the knights. "Sure," the knights respond. "It would be our honor. Be back in a few minutes," Thorne tells the ponies. It didn't take long, but the knights were soon out of sight in search of firewood. Just then, Rarity starts to remember something very important that Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo weren't told about yet. "Oh! Rainbow Dash! Scootaloo! You're never going to believe what Scorpan told us before we came here!" Rarity says with excitement. "Really?" Rainbow Dash says before she flies in front of Rarity, "What is it?!" "Scorpan told us that Throne was once part of Ahuizotl's Brigade." "Whoa! No way!" "Yeah," Apple Bloom says excitedly, "and tonight, they're gonna be telling us the story about how they met and became heroic knights." "That's so cool!" I can't wait for them to tell us! It'll be so awesome!" Scootaloo says while flapping her wings with exuberance. "I'm mighty excited, too," Applejack chimes in, "Right now, lets just get everything ready so we can hear their story tonight." **** That night, everyone has put up their tents and set up the campfire. As a reward, they roasted marshmallows, for a snack, even adding them to chocolate and graham crackers to make s'mores. "It's too bad Catrina couldn't come with us. I bet she would have loved coming out here," Sweetie Belle says while roasting a marshmallow. "You and me both, Sweetie Belle," Rep says while roasting a marshmallow, "But, as much as I'd like for her to come, she and Twilight wanted to do some magic time together." After Rep finishes roasting his marshmallow, he takes out some chocolate and graham crackers, and combines them altogether to make a s'more. With a lick of his lips, he takes a bite into it, and enjoys his delicious snack. “So Scorpan, you said that Thorne use to be one of Ahuizotl’s friends,” Scootaloo says. “Yeah. How did someone Thorne change from a member of the Ahuizotl Jerk Club to a knight like you?” Rainbow Dash asks. “If you all sit down by the campfire, we’ll tell you the story of how we started out,” Rep says. All the ponies sit themselves down at the campfire, ready to hear the whole story. “Well Ponies,” Thorne starts, “My story contains some not-so-proud moments.” “It all began long before Grogar took over Tambelon, back when we were kids like the Cutie Mark Crusaders…” Rep begins the story.
The New KidCh. 2: The New Kid It was a rainy day in Tambelon (centuries ago), and a carriage pulls up in front of the school gates. The sign reads “Tambelon School of Knighthood.” A young and depressed Scorpan gets out of the carriage with nothing but a burlap bag with a few things in it. “Scorpan had just arrived at the Tambelon School of Knighthood,” Rep narrates the story, “His family were once farmers until a fire broke out on their home and burned everything to the ground. Scorpan was the only one who survived. When our true king, the Moochik, found out, he had Scorpan enrolled at our school, for it was famous for turning the young of Tambelon into true knights. We learned about combat, history, magic, and the music that fills our kingdom. Anyway, Scorpan was about to enter when Ahuizotl and his crew blocked his way.” “I was among them at the time, and if you think Ahuizotl is a villain now, you should have seen him back then,” Thorne said. As he looked at the school, he began to feel anxious just by looking at how big the building is. With a deep breathe though, he calmed himself and walked toward the school doors with his burlap bag in tow. Scorpan is about to enter the school when he sees a young Ahuizotl and Thorne, along with a golden griffon and a huge minotaur kid with muscles, blocking his way while glaring at him. “Since when did this school bring in charity cases?” Ahuizotl sneers. Deciding to ignore their insults, Scorpan walks past them so he wouldn't do anything out of line on his first day. “Tch. Guess that’s one family of lowly commoners this kingdom doesn’t need,” Ahuizotl says, upsetting Scorpan enough to hit him and make him rub the side of his face in pain. Ahuizotl hits him back; the Minotaur punches him too; and the griffin claws his right arm. All Thorne could do is watch as his friends beat up Scorpan and kick his bag, releasing his stuff onto the ground. But, just when the beating would almost never end... "Stop!!!" a large, masculine voice booms. They finally quit. Out o the corner of everyone's eyes, a huge red centaur with a Viking beard and golden armor steps in front of a fallen Scorpan. With him is a Centaur teen who looks like him, except no beard and no armor. “What’s the meaning of this, Ahuizotl!?!” the centaur bellows as they stare at him. “G-General Torarc!” Ahuizotl says while trembling, “So dreadfully sorry. Just a little misunderstanding, Sir.” “Even children from farming families are to be treated with respect! Now pick up his things and leave!” “Yes, General.” Ahuizotl and his friends began to pick up Scorpan’s things post haste. The young centaur trots to Scorpan and extends his hand to help him. “You okay, Newbie?” he asks. “A few bruises, but I’ll live,” Scorpan replies as the centaur helps him up. “I’m Tirek.” “Scorpan," Scorpan introduces himself while shaking his hand, "Who are those guys?” “Ahuizotl and his gang. They are spoiled brats from rich elite families. Ahuizotl thinks that just because his dad’s the Duke, he can make trouble all he wants and get bailed out of it. I advise you not to get him riled up.” “Don’t worry. The pain I feel will remind me.” “After they pick up your stuff, how about if I take you to your room?” "That would be great," Scorpan responds with a smile. “So Tirek use to be a nice guy and a knight-in-training?” Sweetie Belle shockingly asks. “Yeah. His dad is General Torarc, best knight and second-in-command to the Moochik,” Scorpan says, “Anyway, Tirek took me to my room like he promised…” **** Tirek takes Scorpan to his room safely. "I hope my new roommate is nicer than the thugs I first met," Scorpan says in nervousness. “Well you’re in luck, Scorpan,” Tirek says, “Your roommate is a nice guy." Tirek opens the door, and Scorpan sees two beds. One of them is occupied by a younger Rep "Scorpan, this is Rep. He comes from a long line of shapeshifting chameleons who serve the Moochik.” “Hi there. It's nice to meet you," Rep greets, extending his hand for a handshake. In turn, Scorpan shook Rep's hand in greeting. While they shake hands, Rep notices the bruises Scorpan had on him. "I see you got to know Ahuizotl pretty well,” Rep says. “You can tell by the bruises, huh?” Scorpan says. “Yeah, but don’t let him get you down. He thinks everyone’s beneath him. Last year, when I looked at him funny, he tied my tail in knots.” “And he got put in detention for it, too.” Tirek chuckles. Scorpan smiles to their whimsy and cheers up. “I think we cheered him up,” Tirek whispers to Rep, “Scorpan, why don’t you get settled? Rep will be giving you a tour of the school tomorrow.” “Sounds great, Tirek,” Scorpan responds, "But won't it contradict with class though?" "Class doesn't start until the day after tomoroow, so it's the perfect time," Tirek informs Scorpan, "I'll see you later." Tirek leaves the room to go back to his room. Scorpan unpacks his stuff until he gets out something that made him pause. it was a picture. A picture of him, his dad, and his older brother. He looks at them for a moment before shedding a tear. “Scorpan, is it? I heard about your family, and I’m real sorry about what happened,” Rep gives his condolences. “Thanks, Rep. I don’t even know how that fire got started. My father was always real careful,” Scorpan says, “Our farm always made the best vegetable is Windfall Valley.” “Huh? Did you say Windfall Valley?” “Yeah. Why?” “I…heard that valley is known for its natural beauty. What was your family like?” “Well. My mom died when I was born. My father and brother were all I had. My brother Capron would always help me build a scarecrow for each of our crops, and my dad taught everything about farming.” “Sounds like you and your family were close.” “We were, and I can’t help but miss them.” “I understand. It proves that you are never gonna forget them. After the tour, I’ll introduce you to another friend of mine.” “It would be nice to know some more kids here,” Scorpan says, “Good night, Rep.” “Good night, Scorpan.” While Scorpan is sound asleep, Rep's head began to work its gears. he is very concern about where Scorpan's farm was. “Ahuizotl and his group were assigned there during our survival training exercise,” he says to himself, “Could he have been responsible?”
Tambelon's School of KnighthoodCh. 3: Tambelon’s School of Knighthood The next day, Rep is showing Scorpan around the school. After seeing several rooms, they came to their next stop: the combat training room. “And this is where Combat Training takes place,” he says. Scorpan is amazed as he sees other students like him, training to become knights. They were sparring in hand-to-hand combat, practice jousting, and run through an obstacle course with magical traps and illusions of monsters. "Amazing sight, isn't it?" Rep says, knowing how amazed Scorpan must be about the training. "Yay," Scorpan responds. “There’s two more stops we need to make,” Rep says, “The next stop is the Main Hall.” **** Scorpan and Rep walk through the Main Hall. There, Rep wanted to show Scorpan something: a mural of the Medallion of Knighthood (The same medallion that Twilight used as the Key of Magic centuries later). “And that is the Medallion of Knighthood,” Rep continues. “Woooow!” Scorpan says with awe. Just by looking at it, Scorpan couldn't take his eyes of the mural of a golden piece of jewelry. "Something tells me that the medallion is very special," Scorpan points out. "It is. To have this medallion is a great honor. Only a few elite members are able to get that medallion for following the Four Codes of Tambelon: Courage of the Heart, Love for Another, Inner Strength Within, and Self-Sacrifice for Others, ” Rep informs. "I can definitely tell that Ahuizotl is the opposite of those things." "Yay, his is." The two boys couldn't resist laughing about that, knowing that he's likely not going to get the medallion with the personality he has. “So what’s the last stop?” Scorpan asks. “Follow me and I’ll show you,” Rep says. **** Their final stop is the Magic Lab. It is where young sorcerers and enchantresses learn magic and make potions. For Rep, this wasn't just about showing him the room, but to introduce him to a friend of his, and that's who he's looking for right now. he then spots her: a young Catrina mixing a brew for an assignment given to her by her teacher. “Hey, Catrina,” he calls to her. “Hey Rep,” she says, “Who’s your new friend?” “This is Scorpan, my new roommate.” “So you’re the new kid I heard about,” Catrina talks to Scorpan, “I’m Catrina.” “Catrina and I have been friends since we came into the school last year. She’s from a long line of gypsy sorceresses and is here for the magic program,” Rep says. “I heard Ahuizotl gave you a hard time on your first day.” “How’d you know about that?” “He was in the Headmaster’s quarters getting yelled at along with his friends. Half the school almost heard him. If it makes you any better, most of the school hates him.” “I thought he and his friends are the popular kids.” “More like the most feared kids. Everyone, including the teachers, hate him. The only reason he’s here is because his father, Duke Coatl, pulled a few strings to get him enrolled.” “Tch. Probably to get rid of him,” Rep says under breathe. “Yeah,” Scorpan agrees. “Just be careful. If he sees you as a threat for the Medallion, he’ll do whatever it takes to run you out of the school,” Catrina warns. “Don’t worry,” Scorpan assures her, “He’s not gonna drive me out.” “Is that so, Farm Boy?” Ahuizotl's voice says out of nowhere. The three furture heroes turn around to find him standing across the hallway, looking at Scorpan with a threatening grin. "What do you want?" Rep says. "I just came here for class, but I could not help but overhear your conversation," Ahuizotl tells them, "So, farm boy, is what you say so?" “Yeah! That’s so! I am not letting you force me out of this school just to get the Medallion.” “Well I am the strongest and most athletic student at this school! If anyone deserves that medallion, it’s me! My family has earned the Medallion of Knighthood for centuries, and I am not about to break a family tradition. And no country commoner who sleeps in hay is going to stop me.” **** “I can’t help but feel our farmer heritage has been insulted!” Applejack says in aggravation. “Me too, Applejack,” Apple Bloom agrees, "The nerve of him!" “I felt the same way,” Thorne tells the Apples, "Things were about to get worse though, much worse than the insults."
Trouble with AhuizotlCh. 4: Trouble with Ahuizotl “Sounds like that ruffian was trying to run you out by crushing your spirit,” Rarity said. "That's what he's doing alright," Scorpan points out. “What happened next?” Scootaloo asks. “Well that night, I was asleep in my room…” Scorpan continues. **** Young Scorpan is fast asleep in his and Rep’s room when his clock struck four o’clock in the morning and he got up quickly. “Father! Capron!” he calls. At the sound of Scorpan's voice, Rep slowly got up. He rubbed his eyes and yawned because of how tired he was at that time of the morning. “It’s 4 in the morning, Scorpan,” Rep says with a yawn. “Sorry, Rep. Every day at four in the morning, Dad and my brother would wake me up and we would have a big breakfast before we start doing chores.” “You wake up before sunset?” “Uh-huh. Our farm was big, and we had a lot of animals and crops to tend to.” “Wow! Better go back to sleep, Scorpan. We have class tomorrow.” "Okay. Good night, Rep." "Good night." And just like that, Rep was back to sleep. But Scorpan, he couldn't go back to sleep now. Getting up at this hour made him miss his family and his home more and more. As he stared up at the ceiling, he sheds a tear, knowing that the life he once had was gone. However, he didn't stay up forever. He went back to sleep. **** That morning, Rep and Scorpan are in the cafeteria getting breakfast: toast and eggs. Just by looking at the food, Scorpan's stomach growled, and he licked his lips at how tantalizing breakfast looked. but right when the chef hands him breakfast...he is cut by Ahuizotl. He takes the tray away from him and starts scarfing down his food “Thanks for breakfast, Farm Boy!” he scoffs as he walks away. Scorpan growls angrily at Ahuizotl, ready to do the first thing that came into his mind: choke him. However, before anything else can happen, Tirek stops him, and hands him another tray of food. “I’ve seen Ahuizotl take other people’s food a million times,” he says, “Plus, I need to make sure you don’t get thrown out for something you’ll regret.” “Thank you, Tirek,” Scorpan says. "Scorpan!" a voice calls out. Turning to the direction of the voice, Scorpan and Tirek find Rep and Catrina are already at their table they picked. "Scorpan! over here!" Catrina calls. Happy to find some familiar and supportive faces inviting him, he strolls over to their table and sits down with them. They are about to eat up when they are shadowed by three large figures, and you can guess who they are. “Excuse us, Rejects, but this is our table,” Ahuizotl said with his arms crossed. “But I thought that table over there is your table,” Rep points to the one next to them. “That was our table last week. This is our table as of this week. So scram!” Each of the thugs (except Thorne) got behind the three friends. They throw them out of their chairs and onto their food, making a mess. As Thorne watched, he is starting to feel bad about standing by while Ahuizotl hurts them and the other kids in his school. It was time to stop being silent. “Ahuizotl, that wasn’t fair!” he speaks up, “They had this table first.” “What’s your point, Thorne?” he snaps. “His point is you shouldn’t take something that doesn’t belong to you!” a voice states. Ahuizotl turns around and sees the Headmaster and Ruler of Tambelon: the Moochik. The Moochik is a green-wearing gnome who rules the kingdom with compassion and justice for all those who live in Tambelon and spread the music of the bells. “Lord Moochik! What a pleasant surprise! What are you doing here?” Ahuizotl asks nervously. “General Torarc and his son told me you’ve been giving our new student trouble!” The Moochik sternly says, “All students who come through our doors are to be welcome to the school. They should not be judged based on whether they come from. may it be nobility or farm life. If I or my general so much as see a single bruise on Scorpan, you and your friends will be thrown out of school! Am I clear?” “As the Crystal Empire, your majesty,” Ahuizotl bows his head. “Good. Now then, you and your friends will be eating outside for the rest of the school year, so that you won't cause anymore disruptions to Scorpan or his friends.” As Ahuizotl and his friends walk outside, he sees a smirk Tirek waving at him with a satisfying smirk and realizes he squealed on him. “I’ll figure out a way to beat Scorpan and teach Tirek not to mess with me,” he mumbles. **** In combat training, Scorpan is sparring with Thorne. The two boys were sword fighting, and so far, neither one was going down. But that soon changes when Scorpan knocks Thorne down. Not wanting to leave him down, he holds his hand and offers to help him up. "Why would you want to help me?" Thorne asks. "It's the least I can do since you stuck up for me," Scorpan says while lifting him up, "Besides, it' the honorable thing to do. “Thank you, Scorpan,” Thorne says. Suddenly, Ahuizotl pulls Thorne away with his tail. “Do not associate with him, Thorne!” Ahuizotl shouts, “He’s just a poor orphan with fleas.” He and his crew walk away with Thorne in tow, leaving Scorpan in sorrow. Tirek puts his hand on Scorpan’s shoulder. “Ahuizotl is just getting under your skin, Scorpan,” Tirek assures him, “He’s just trying to pick a fight with you so you would end up expelled.” “What’s his problem with me, Tirek?” Scorpan asks. “His family has earned the Medallion of Knighthood for centuries, but Ahuizotl hasn’t done anything to earn it due to his narcissism and arrogance. His father is putting a lot of pressure on him, so he tries to scare away any students he sees as a threat to his goal. I think when he sees you, he sees a farm boy who is also a hard worker. He wants to scare you away because that coward is afraid of you.” **** “What your brother said does make sense,” Apple Bloom says, “We had the same problem with my cousin Babs Seed. She only bullied us because she was scared herself.” “What happened next, Boys?” Rarity asks. “That night, Ahuizotl decided to pull out the big guns and really deliver his bullying…” Thorne continues. **** That night, Ahuizotl and his thugs pick the lock on Scorpan and Rep’s door with a burlap bag that is just Scorpan’s size. When his clock chimed four AM, Scorpan wakes up, and Ahuizotl throws the bag over him and traps him inside. **** When morning light comes, Scorpan is still tied up in the bag and over a well. Ahuizotl lets go of the pulley, causing Scorpan to fall until he reaches the water. “Help! Someone help!” he yells as he coughs out the water. Ahuizotl and his thugs run off, but Thorne decides to stay and help Scorpan out. “Hold on, Scorpan!” he says, “I’ll go get help!” Moments later, Thorne got Tirek, Rep, Catrina, and General Torarc to pull Scorpan out of the well. “Would have flown out of there, but the well was too narrow for me to stretch my wings,” Scorpan says. “How did you get into that well?” Tirek asks. “I don’t know! I remember waking up at four in the morning like always, and then someone threw a bag over me.” “It was Ahuizotl! Catrina says, “Thorne told us.” “Thorne?” “Yeah. Believe it or not, he saved you,” Torarc says. Everyone by then looked at Thorne with confusion and wonder. “Thorne? Why would you help Scorpan?” Rep inquires, “Aren't you supposed to be Ahuizotl’s friend.” “Actually, I only joined him to prevent myself from getting bullied since I’m so small. He just uses me for the small jobs like spying.” “How do we know you’re not spying for him now?” A distrustful Catrina asks. “I did last night when Ahuizotl wanted to know where Scorpan’s old farm home. When I told him, he got real nervous and wanted Scorpan gone.” “Why would he want to know where I’m from?” Scorpan says. “Let me worry about that,” Torarc said, “Right now you have morning classes to get to.” With a nod, Scorpan hurries off to his morning classes. Tirek, Catrina, and Thorne followed behind. General Torarc was about to follow as well, until rep speaks up to get his attention. “General?” Rep whispers to get his attention, "Permission to speak to you in private, Sir?" "Permission granted," Torarc replies. Torarc and Rep walk over to an empty courtyard to talk in private. it was the only place they felt for sure they could have a private conversation without getting eavesdropped by someone. Particularly by Ahuizotl and his crew. “What’s on your mind, Rep?” Torarc asks him. “You know that Scorpan is from Windfall Valley?” Rep asks the General. “Of course, I heard it’s very lovely there.” “Ahuizotl and his friends were assigned there as part of our survival training around the same time the fire started at Scorpan’s old home. I think Ahuizotl either got careless with the campfire, or he did that for fun.” “Knowing Ahuizotl, he’d get rid of whoever is beneath him. You go on to class, Rep I have to talk to the Moochik about something.” Right away, Rep runs to class while Torarc goes to see the Moochik.
Scorpan's TrainingCh. 5: Scorpan’s Training The Moochik is in his chambers, signing proclamations with a large white quill. His signing came to an abrupt stop when he hears a knock on his door. He turns himself around in his chair and faces the door. “Come in,” the Moochik says. To his great surprise, Torarc enters the room. “Torarc? what brings you here?” Moochik asks. “It's Ahuizotl. He dropped Scorpan in the well at the courtyard this morning,” he informs. “That boy! If it wasn’t for his father being a part of my council, he wouldn’t even be here.” “That’s what I want to talk to you about. Scorpan won’t fight back against Ahuizotl because he doesn’t want to get kicked out. Tirek and I already talked, and I want to take him under my wing.” “You do?” “I’ve been watching him during combat training yesterday. Scorpan has a lot of potential to become a knight. He even helped Thorne up after sparring, and that bat took part in his bullying. There’s a lot of honor in him. Besides, if Ahuizotl continues to bully him, Scorpan needs to learn to defend himself. Sooner or later, Ahuizotl will challenge him, and Scorpan needs to be prepared when that happens.” “Indeed, and if anyone can turn a simple farm boy into a knight, it’s you, Old Friend.” “Also, some disturbing info has been revealed. Ahuizotl was camping at Windfall Valley around the time the fire at Scorpan’s old home happened. It can’t be a coincidence.” “Whether it is or not, we can’t accuse Ahuizotl of anything without proof. We’ll just have to wait until Ahuizotl’s arrogance becomes his downfall.” **** In Ahuizotl’s room, they are having a meeting that afternoon. Ahuizotl is pacing around with worry. “What’s wrong, Ahuizotl?” ask the griffin, “I think we gave it to Scorpan really good.” “It’s not enough!” he yells, “We need to get him out of the school now!” “Why? He’s just a farm boy,” the minotaur says. "He's not just any farm boy you...you..." Before he can complete his words of anger, he decided to calm and compose himself, as he couldn't find his next words. “Thorne says that farm boy is from Windfall Valley! And in case you don't remember, we camped there days ago.” “That’s where we set fire to the crops for fun!” the griffin says. “Exactly! If the Moochik finds out, we’ll not only be expelled from school; we’ll be in exile.” “Not to mention what your father will do to you if you don’t get the Medallion,” the Minotaur added. “That’s the worst thing that worries me: becoming a disgrace in his eyes. We must do what we can to get rid of Scorpan.” **** “Sounds like he had two good motives to want you out bad: to get the Medallion and to prevent his awful secret from getting out in Tambelon,” Rainbow Dash said. “That vandal! The nerve of him to burn your farm just for laughs!” Rarity commented. “What happened next?” Sweetie Belle asks. “The following day, we were getting our rooms ready for inspection…” Rep continues. **** “We better get everything ready before Lord Sour’ee gets here,” a young Rep says. “What do you know about him, Rep?” Scorpan asks. “He the strictest assistant headmaster in the world. He expects every kid to follow the rules and have their rooms neat. Even Ahuizotl is afraid of him.” They had just finished making their beds. After they have finished, they see their room in perfect order. “It took half the morning to get everything done, but it was worth it,” Scorpan says. “You said it, Scorpan,” Rep says, “Let’s go down and get lunch before inspection starts.” While Scorpan and Rep walk to the cafeteria, Ahuizotl uses a hair clip to pick the lock on door like last time. Then, he the griffin, and the minotaur start messing up the room as best as they can. They broke, smashed, and tore apart the room with their bare claws. **** A few minutes later, Scorpan and Rep are walking with Lord Sour’ee, who is a donkey in a fancy black tux and a monocle. “Now then, as assistant headmaster, I will write down points on how ell you take care of your room. But if your room is a mess, it will be reported to the Moochik so fast, you won't even have time to think” he informs them. “Don’t worry, Lord Sour’ee,” Scorpan assures, “We perfected our room just the way you like it.” Scorpan is about to open the door when he notices the door knob is loose. “The door knob feels funny,” Scorpan says. He suddenly realizes that someone has broken in and hurries into the room. He, Rep, and Lord Sour’ee find it a mess. Everything is smashed, broken, or out of place. Even the picture of Scorpan’s family is smashed. "Looks like a tornado hit your room," Lord Sour'ee says bluntly. “Honest, Lord Sour’ee!” Rep says, “Our room was perfect when we left for lunch!” Lord Sour’ee suddenly sees a tuft of blue fur on one of the broken lamps. “Scorpan, do you have any blue fur on you?” Lord Sour’ee inquires. “It’s all beige and brown color,” Scorpan says, “Why do you ask?” “Because you boys had an invader.” He shows them the tuft of hair, and Scorpan recognizes it. “Ahuizotl!” He suddenly sees Rep packing up a few of his unbroken stuff. “Rep, what are you doing?” Scorpan asks. “Packing up,” Rep replies, “I’m gonna see about a room transfer.” “You’re not serious, are you!?” “It’s not worth staying here if Ahuizotl is gonna cause trouble for us.” “Well I’m not gonna leave just because Ahuizotl wants me to.” “Doesn’t he scare you at all, Scorpan?” “He does, Rep, but a guy like him doesn’t deserve the Medallion of Knighthood. If we leave, it’ll give him complete power over us. Besides, I’m not gonna leave anyone to be harmed by a bully like him. I’m staying here no matter what he does to me.” “Well if you’re staying, then so will I.” Astonished by Scorpan's bravery, Rep is inspired to do the same thing "If you're staying, then so am I." Rep drops his bag, and they both start to clean up. Lord Sour’ee is impressed by Scorpan’s courage. He walks outside, gets out a special pad with a list with the Four Codes on it, and checks off where it says “Courage of the Heart.” “Torarc is right,” he says to himself, “Scorpan does have potential.” **** “The next day, I got called into the combat room,” Scorpan narrates, “General Torarc summoned me to have a talk.” Scorpan enters the combat room and sees Tirek and his father. “You summoned me, General Torarc?” Scorpan nervously asks. “I have Scorpan. I just wanted to talk.” “What about?” “I’ve been watching you, Scorpan, and I think you have what it takes to become a true knight. ” Scorpan felt shocked. He had no idea that his training was so good, it impressed the general. "Thank you, Sir, but I'm not sure-" Before he could finish his sentence, Scorpan was cut off by Torarc when he raised his hand to pause. "I know what you're going to say. That’s why I decided to become your mentor" “My mentor?” “You have a good heart, my boy, but you lack combat skills. Besides, once I’m done, you’ll be able to take Ahuizotl on.” “Really?” “You’ll have to be trained. If he wants you out of the school bad enough, he may issue the Challenge of Honor.” “What’s that?” “It’s a combat challenge to determine who should get the Medallion,” Tirek informs, “Winner will get the Medallion, but the loser will be cast out of the school.” Scorpan gulps and felt nervous about Ahuizotl becoming that desperate to get rid of him. Then, he thought that training under the greatest generals in Tambelonian history would help him against Ahuizotl. “When can we start training, General?” **** “Over the past few months, Tirek and I trained together under his father’s wing. He had us spare with each other and run us ragged over the obstacle course. During that time, Tirek and I formed a close bond. The two of us were as close as real brothers Nothing could break our bond. Then, one day, during our training in the Badlands, we were doing some rock climbing when suddenly…” Scorpan and Tirek were rock-climbing together under Torarc’s supervision. Scorpan is ahead of Tirek. Tirek’s far right foot stepped onto a small ledge when the ledge broke, causing him to slip. “HELP!!” he screams. “Tirek! Take my hand!” Scorpan shouts as he reaches for his friend. Tirek grabs his hand, and Scorpan struggles as he flaps his wings to carry the both of them up to safety. “Scorpan, I’m too heavy! Save yourself!” Tirek pleads. “No! I’m not letting a friend get hurt!” Scorpan says as he slowly reaches the top of the cliff. The finally get to the edge and land safely on top. “Scorpan, you could have hurt yourself,” Tirek said. “You’re the first friend I’ve made since coming, Tirek, and I never let my friends down,” Scorpan states. Lord Sour’ee saw the whole and checked off “Love for another”. “Not only does he have honor,” he says, “This boy has a lot of heart.”
The Final ExamCh. 6: The Final Exam “After a whole year went by, our final exams into knighthood came. We are going up against Ahuizotl and his crew, including Thorne, in the obstacle course. In it, our goal was to put our best skills to the test and work as a team as we go against monsters and traps. This test determines if we have the inner strength to become a knight…” Scorpan explains. Scorpan’s team is made up of Catrina, Rep, and Tirek, while Ahuizotl’s team is his usual group. The two groups are at the starting line as the student body, as well as the Moochik, Torarc, and Ahuizotl’s father, Duke Coatl, watch from the stands. His father is giving him angry eyes, making him both nervous and determined to win. Scorpan reaches his hand to wish Ahuizotl good luck. “May the best knight-in-training win,” he says. “I plan to, Farm Boy,” Ahuizotl says with determination. A loud bell sounds and both groups run from the starting line. Rep shape shifts into a dragon and flies ahead, but the griffin bumps him to get him off course. Catrina casts a spell on the griffin and turned him into a nightingale. “Lucky for him,” she says, “The spell will wear off in a couple minutes.” **** The first obstacle is a thicket of thorns. To get through, they must use their special talents to evade the thorns without getting scratched. Ahuizotl and his gang are the first through, Thorne and the Griffin are carrying Ahuizotl and the Minotaur, much to their dismay. Scorpan and the others notice this. “Hey! Ahuizotl’s cheating!” Rep says. “He’s not even using his own abilities!” Tirek states. “I have an idea,” Scorpan says, “Catrina, can you use your magic to turn the three of us into Breezies?” “You got it, Scorpan!” Catrina says as she waves her wand and turns Tirek, Scorpan, and herself into breezies (fairy-like ponies). Rep turns himself into a breezie using his shape-shifting power. At their small size, they fly through the thorny vines and fly past Ahuizotl and his crew. **** They finally made it past the thorns without getting a scratch, changed back, and onward to the second obstacle: Dragon Fire Fields. In Dragon Fire Fields, geysers of fire shoot out simultaneously. Both teams have to figure out how to cross it without getting burned. “How are we gonna get past the fire geysers?” Rep asks. “I learned about them in class,” Scorpan says, “We just gotta time it just right. Each geyser goes off every ten seconds. We’ll count to ten on each of them and stop.” “That’s using your head, Scorpan,” Tirek said. The heroes run for ten seconds and then stop before the geyser ignited. They continue to repeat that pattern as Ahuizotl and his crew watch. “They’re ahead of us! What’ll we do?” the griffin asks. “We make sure they burn!” Ahuizotl says. The jerks run after them. Scorpan and his friends are about to reach the end when the Minotaur stomps on the ground, creating small earthquakes that made the heroes lose their balance and fall. “That’s enough!” an outraged Thorne says, “This isn’t fair play, Ahuizotl!” “Do not talk to me like that, you flying rodent!” Ahuizotl says as he grabs Thorne by the neck. Ahuizotl and his friends run to get ahead of Scorpan’s team. Unfortunately, the small earthquakes caused fire to erupt from the cracks. Both teams are dodging the fire simultaneously. Unfortunately, Thorne is surrounded by it and the flames burned his left wing. “Ahuizotl! Help me!” Thorne pleads. “Sorry, but I’m not going to lose this because of a straggler,” Ahuizotl says. “I thought we were friends!” “You thought wrong, you foolish bat!” Ahuizotl and his other friends leave Thorne behind, leaving him to scream as the fire got worse. The others see that the fire is getting worse, unleashing Tirek's first survival instinct. “We have to move now!” Tirek says. “But we can’t leave Thorne behind!” Scorpan says. “Scorpan’s right!” Rep says, “We have to save Thorne!” “You guys go ahead and tell the Moochik what’s going on! I’m gonna save Thorne!” “But Scorpan…!” Catrina is about to say. “I’m not gonna lose my friends the way I lost my family! Go!” Scorpan’s friends reluctantly did what Scorpan said, but Tirek stayed as Scorpan went back to get Thorne. “Well I’m not gonna lose one who is like a brother to me,” he mumbles to himself. **** Thorne is twinging in fear over the blazes that surround him. Then, a vine appears from the sky. He looks up and sees Scorpan holding one end of the vine tightly. “Thorne, grab hold! I’m gonna pull you out!” he shouted. Thorne grabs the other end of the vine and climbs up as Scorpan pulls him out. Unfortunately for Scorpan, one of the branches of the tree falls, breaking his wing and making him and Thorne fall into the circle of fire. “Scorpan, are you hurt?” Thorne asks out of concern. “My wing is hurt!” Scorpan replies, “I can’t fly us out.” “Then we’re trapped!” Thorne panics. Scorpan suddenly hears Tirek calling him. He turns around and sees Tirek pushing a huge, old tree until it fell into the fire circle. “Scorpan, get out of there!” Scorpan picks Thorne up and puts him on his back. Then, he uses the tree as a bridge and gets them both out of the circle safely. **** Back at the finish line, everyone, including Rep, Catrina, and the Moochik are eagerly awaiting. “If they’re not here in three minutes, I’m going back there to get them,” Rep says. They suddenly see Tirek trotting in with a hurt Scorpan and Thorne riding on his back. Torarc and the Moochik run to see the boys. “Are you boys alright?” Torarc asks. “I’m fine, Father, but Scorpan and Thorne have burns on their wings,” Tirek says. Slowly and gently, Scorpan and Thorne come off of Tirek's back. Torarc and the Moochik inspect the two to see where the burns are. "How did this happen?" the Moochik asks with concern. “Ahuizotl is responsible!” Thorne says, “He didn’t even use his "special" abilities. He had us cheat for him! He even got Will Two Strong to cause the fire in the fields to get worse!” “Is this true, Ahuizotl?!” Torarc angrily asks. “That’s not all! You know how that fire that killed Scorpan’s family and destroyed his home? Ahuizotl started it by setting the crops on fire for fun.” “You rat with wings! You helped me during-Oh NOOOO!!!” Ahuizotl screams realizing he just confessed to his crime. “Ahuizotl, you have failed the final exams!” The Moochik says, “Scorpan and his team won because they used their abilities to help each other unlike your team. You and your friends are to report to the palace tomorrow! I will need time to come up with a proper punishment!” "This is an outrage!" a voice yells with anger. All head turn to see Duke Coatl walking toward them with an angry look on his face. "Coatl? What is it about this you object?" Torarc asks. "That is Duke Coatl to you, General. And there is plenty I object about what is happening." "Coatl. You saw what happened. Your son and his team could have hurt or killed someone! And they just confessed to burning down the home of one of our future knights!" the Moochik reminded him. "Scorpan is a farmer! He has no worth as a knight whatsoever! Neither are those who follow him!" Coatl angrily yells. Those words he just said came much to the shock and gasp of everyone, except Ahuizotl, who seems proud of his father standing up for him. "May I also remind that that is my son you aimed to punish. I am the Duke of this city, and the father of Ahuizotl, and I say his punishment does not fall through!" he orders the king. "Coatl? You dare make that kind of command to your king in defiance of his orders?" Toarac yells with anger. "I do not care if he is the King of Tambelon or ruler of the world! I will not allow my son to be punished just because a farmer's mud hold was burned!" Coatl responds. "Then I'm afraid I have no choice," the Moochik voices up. The general and duke turned to find their king looking at the duke with much dismay and disappointment. He walks over to the duke, ready to do and say something like it was something that should have been done a long time ago. "Coatl. As King of Tambelon, I want every high authority and I to be in harmony with one another, and to work together to keep the peace in the city," the Moochik says to him. Everyone who was watching looked at one another, wondering what was about to happen. Even Ahuizotl grew nervous with sweat as he saw what events were transpiring in front of him. "However, since you have proven yourself as rebellious to my orders, do nothing but overlook what events of evil transpired, and dare to make your demands to your king, I will have no choice but to strip you of your title and position as Duke of Tambelon," he says to him. After he said that, he ripped off the golden badge that represented his position. Everyone gasped to what just happened. What it was that made Ahuizotl's family so important, was taken away like it was nothing but a mothball. Ahuizotl saw it with shock and his mouth open agape. His father looks at him with scorn and anger, making the young blue beast quiver with fear to what was going to happen. Duke Coatl, who felt like his dignity and world was ripped apart in front of his eyes, ran away like everything has turned upside down to him. "What's going to happen to him, General?" Scorpan asks. "We'll worry about that later," Torarc tells him. “Right now! These young ones have celebrating!” Lord Sour’ee says, “I have been monitoring you kids all through the year, and each of you have shown qualities of the code, especially you, Scorpan. You showed courage of the heart by willing to face Ahuizotl’s bullying no matter how he scares you; You showed love for another when you forgot about your training and saved Tirek’s life; and you showed self-sacrifice for others when you were willing to save your friends from the fire even if it means risking your life and losing to Ahuizotl.” “What about his inner strength?” Thorne asks. “He showed that through his sense of honor and skills in leadership. You have done well, my boy. Enough to earn the Medallion of Knighthood.” “Thank you, Lord Sour’ee!” Scorpan excitedly says. “Don’t thank me, Scorpan. You’ve earned this honor.” Everyone surrounds the team and congratulates them for their excellent work. All except for Ahuizotl, who is jealous of Scorpan, and angered that his family's honor has been taken away. “He won’t live long enough to have that Medallion,” he growls as he leaves.
The Challenge of HonorCh. 7: The Challenge of Honor “Sounds like you passed that exam with flyin’ colors,” Applejack says. “And that ruffian Ahuizotl got what he deserves,” Rarity said. “Unfortunately, he was not going to take it lying down!” Thorne said, “A week passed and the Pendant Ceremony was starting. All of us are about to get our pendants and leave for the summer.” “I can’t wait to go swimming!” Rep says, “I know this watering hole just outside of Tambelon.” Scorpan wasn’t paying too much attention. He’s too be busy thinking about how alone he’ll be with no family to reunite with or a home to go back to. "What am I going to do?" Scorpan thinks to himself. “You okay, Scorpan?” Catrina asks, “You should be happy to get the Medallion of Knighthood.” “I am, Catrina,” Scorpan says, “It’s just…well…you guys have families to go home to. I’m not sure what I’m gonna do in the summer.” Rep and Catrina felt sorry for Scorpan not having a home to go to. All of a sudden, Tirek and his father arrives. “Scorpan, we’ve been looking for you,” Tirek said. “We have a special surprise for you after the ceremony,” Torarc said. “You do?” Scorpan said, "What is it?" "If we told you now, it wouldn't be a surprise," Torarc says with a chuckle. “Yeah, and we think it’s a surprise you’ll like,” Tirek said, “See you after the ceremony.” Tirek leaves with his dad to help get everything ready. Scorpan watched as they left. He couldn't wait to see what the surprise is. "Must be a big surprise," Scorpan says to himself. **** Later, the ceremony begins as the Moochik stands before the crowd in the Town Square along with five medallions like the one Scorpan once gave to Tirek. “Citizens of Tambelon! We have gathered in the Town Square today to reward a new generation of Knighthood. Five young students have been chosen among the Tambelon School of Knighthood for showing exemplary work and emulating the Four Codes of Tambelon Knighthood!” The four friends are awaiting their time to come on stage when Thorne arrives, a little late, catching his breath like he was in a race. “Thorne, where have you been?” Catrina asks, “The ceremony is already starting!” “Sorry, but Ahuizotl is close by and he looks very unhappy,” Thorne warns everyone while he was catching his breath. "What could Ahuizotl possibly want?" Scorpan asks. “I don't know, but be careful, Scorpan!” Thorne warns Scorpan. “Don’t worry, Thorne,” Scorpan says, “Torarc and the Moochik are here.” “He won’t care. They said that he is expelled as of after the ceremony. He has nothing left to lose.” “We better keep an eye out for him,” Catrina said. “You’re right, Catrina,” Rep said, “It’ll only be a matter of time before he challenges Scorpan for the Medallion.” **** “Now let me introduce the students who have earned this great honor this year,” the Moochik continues, “Rep Chamel, son of Lieutenant Chamel!” The audience cheers as Rep goes up, and bows as the Moochik puts the first medallion around his neck. After that, Rep stands next to the Moochik. “Catrina of the Romani Magic Clan!” Catrina goes up to accept her reward just as Rep did. After she gets her Medallion, she stands beside Rep. “Tirek, Son of General Torarc!” Tirek goes up to accept his reward. The audience applauds to him as he stands with pride. “Good luck, Scorpan,” Thorne says. “Thanks, Thorne, but you earned the Medallion of Knighthood as well,” Scorpan says. “It’s not the Medallion I’m wishing you luck for.” “Thorne of the Myo Family!” Thorne goes up and accept his reward. The audience cheers for him, and he stands beside Tirek. “And finally, the most excellent student, and the first of his family to step forth into our school and become one step closer to being a knight. This final medallion goes to...Scorpan of Windfall Valley!” Scorpan goes upstage to accept the Medallion of Knighthood he worked all year for, the audience were acclaiming to all he has done to get this far. Before the Moochik could give it to him, a familiar loud scream calls out to Scorpan. "Scorpan!" the voice screamed Every face in the area found out who it was: Ahuizotl, standing at the entrance of the Town Square, and carrying two swords with him like he means business. “Scorpan! You will not gain that medallion and destroy my honor any further!” he screams. “Get lost, Ahuizotl!” Tirek sneered, “You’re not part of the school anymore.” “I can still get what is mine by force. I challenge you for the Medallion of Knighthood!” Everyone, including Scorpan’s friends, gasp that Ahuizotl has finally issued the Challenge of Honor. “I accept Ahuizotl!” Scorpan replies, “Name your challenge!” “It will be a swordfight to the death. That is why I have brought these," he says as he shows them the swords. “There’s no death in the Challenge of Honor!” Tirek said. “There is in my challenge! I have nothing left to lose!” Ahuizotl throws Scorpan a sword to make it fair (in his favor anyway). “Be careful, Scorpan!” Catrina advised him. “Don’t worry, Catrina,” Scorpan said while assuring his friends. Ahuizotl walks up behind him and tries to cut his wings off. “Watch out, Scorpan!” Thorne cries. Scorpan flew up and dodges Ahuizotl’s sneak attack with only a cut on his left wing. “Ahuizotl, you dishonorable mutt face!” Tirek angrily calls him. “Mutt face?” a shocked Ahuizotl says. “You despicable animal!” Scorpan yells as they clash swords with each other. Ahuizotl kicks Scorpan against the tree and swings his sword at him, but he misses and gets his sword stuck in a tree as Scorpan runs. Scorpan dodges his sword as he swings it and blocks the last strike with his own sword. Both struggle against one another when Ahuizotl trips him with his tail claw, causing them both to fall and giving Scorpan a chance to flip Ahuizotl off of himself. Unfortunately for Ahuizotl, his tail got caught in a lit torch, causing him to leap and scream in panic as it catches fire. “My tail! Hot! Hot!” he screams. That only infuriates Ahuizotl further. He flings his sword behind Scorpan’s and thrusts it out of his hand and into a big pine tree. Ahuizotl is about ready to strike when rocks begin falling on his head. He looks up and sees Rep as a dragon. Rep provided the distraction Scorpan needed to sneak behind Ahuizotl and get his sword. Ahuizotl takes one of the rocks and beams Rep with it, causing to lose concentration of his shapeshifting and to fall. Luckily, Catrina caught him with levitating power and lowered him to the ground gently. Scorpan is about to reach the tree when he hears Ahuizotl chuckling as he got closer. Ahuizotl is about to charge at him when someone grabs his tail: Thorne. “You’re fighting dirty, Ahuizotl!” Thorne states, “There’s nothing honorable about this fight!” “You traitorous, winged rodent!” Ahuizotl shouts as he grabs Thorne by the neck with his tail and chokes him. Thorne allowed Scorpan enough time to pull his sword out of the tree. “Leave him alone, Ahuizotl!” Scorpan cries, “Your fight is with me; not Thorne!” Ahuizotl forgets about Thorne and throws him to Tirek. Scorpan flies up the tree to gain high ground as Ahuizotl climbs up and chases after him. Scorpan makes it to the top of the tree, but he can’t see Ahuizotl through the branches. He looks around hoping to spot him before he can attack. Unfortunately, Ahuizotl comes up from behind and grabs Scorpan by the neck, ready to make his final blow. “Now to permanently clip your wings, Farm Boy!” he shouts before he can strike. Scorpan uses his sword to cut the top branch they are both on, making Ahuizotl let go of him as he falls and crashes. Scorpan flies down and lands in front of Ahuizotl. “Finish me off,” Ahuizotl pleads, “You earned that right.” Looking him over, Scorpan felt tempted to finish off the one guy who gave him trouble in school, but made him lose everything he had ever known and loved. Instead of killing him though, Scorpan drops his sword, declaring the match over. “Forget it, Ahuizotl” he says, “I don’t play by those kind of rules.” With that said, Scorpan begins to walk back to his friends. With Scorpan's back turned, Ahuizotl tries to stab him with his own sword, but before he could, Thorne unleashes a sonic screech loud enough to break the sword into a million pieces. “Ahuizotl!” the Moochik calls him out, “You have no honor or anything worthy of being a knight! You are hereby banished from Tambelon! Leave and never return!” “You’ll regret that decision, Moochik!” he promises, “One day, I will become the most powerful knight in all the world, and I will have my revenge on all of Tambelon! You’ll see!” With his ears down, he runs to the exit of the city. As Ahuizotl leaves, he sees his father with a look of disappointment and his back turned, saddening Ahuizotl.
Scorpan's Happy EndingCh. 8: Scorpan’s Happy Ending Moments later, Scorpan bows before the Moochik as he wraps his medallion around his neck. “You have earned this honor, Scorpan, with your hard work and heart. You are a true knight.” “Thank you, Lord Moochik, and I promise to be the best knight Tambelon has ever seen,” Scorpan pledges. The audience acclaims him again, not only for beating Ahuizotl and winning the Medallion, but for his commitment and pledge as a knight. Scorpan spots Tirek and Torarc, watching him with proud smiles. That was when he remembered that they have a surprise for him. He flies to Torarc and Tirek to hear what their surprise is. “You said you wanted to tell me something after the ceremony,” Scorpan says. “Yeah. Tirek and I talked,” Torarc says, “and since you don’t have a home to go to for the summer, we want you to be a part of our family.” For Scorpan, what the general said made the cheers around him seem distant compared to what he, Tirek, and Toarac were standing around and talking about. He felt his world go higher and higher. “You do?” “Yeah, Scorpan. Over the school year, you’ve been like family to us,” Tirek says, “Besides, I always wanted a younger brother.” Scorpan hugs the two of them with tears of joy coming down his eyes. He now has what he wanted all this time: a family to return home to. “And we’re a part of your new family as well Scorpan,” Thorne says as he, Rep, and Catrina group hug with him. As the group continues to hug, the Moochik watches as the scene continues. A tear of joy came down his eye to the happy ending brought to Scorpan. **** “And the four of us became a team ever since,” Thorne says as he finishes the story. “That was the most rootin’ adventure story I’ve ever heard,” Applejack says. “I especially love the sword fighting part at the end! The way you showed Ahuizotl a thing or two! It was like something out of a Daring Do story!” Rainbow Dash enthusiastically says. “Indeed. That ruffian got what he deserved for the horrid way he’s treated you all,” Rarity adds. “And when we return to Ponyville, we can’t wait to write in the lesson you just taught us,” Sweetie Belle says. "Lesson?" Scorpan says with a puzzled look. “Why? What did we teach you kids?” Rep asks. “That whether the reward is a medallion, a cutie mark, or a new friendship, all those things must be earned by one’s heart,” Apple Bloom says, "And that you can earn that reward no matter who you are, not whether or not you come from a first-class background." “A good lesson to learn I must say,” Rarity says. “Well I’m going to earn my reward while hauling Rarity’s stuff through the trip,” Thorne says. “And what reward would that be, Thorne?” Scorpan asks. “Bigger muscles so that Fluttershy would fall for me,” Thorne says while showing off what muscle he has. Everyone laughs to Thorne’s idea. So with that, everyone is having the best camping trip ever, the stars shine bright over them as they have a good time.
