An Equestrian tale!

Artcraft was feverishly studying, aware of what he believed would happen if he became a failure, perhaps this had become his purpose, to become more knowledgeable, to endure this pain and rise above his obstacles. However, at this point, only time could give Artcraft the answers he craves, the wanton to realize that purpose.

Starboom was slowly revealing the truth and more knowledge to him, information that would hopefully provide Artcraft with answers, or at the very least, some guidance. At times it feels as if Artcraft was slowly losing his grip on reality, losing himself and his sanity, he couldn't let that happen, could he?

It almost felt like the insanity itself was slowly clawing its way into his mind, trying to take it over and refusing to want to let go. It felt both horrible and strangely liberating at the same time. But why? Artcraft just couldn't figure that out for the life of him. But it was time to begin his training with Starboom again, he'll have time to think about that later.

Both Starboom and Artcraft were outside again, ready to train. "Artcraft! Show me what you've learned!" Commanded Starboom as he beckoned Artcraft closer to test his progress to magic. He was genuinely curious as to how far he could stretch Artcraft's magic abilities.

"Yes master, I'll show you that I'm ready!" Said Artcraft as he readied his horn to cast a spell, the first one being a defense spell. If experience has ever taught Artcraft anything it's that he'd have to go all out. He understood what Starboom could take and what he was capable of. Starboom launched a magic beam from his horn towards Artcraft. Just as it was about to hit him, the beam bounced off of his magic barrier spell.

"Not bad Artcraft! But I know you've got more in you than that. Under my tutelage, you'll learn to be stronger and master all of your magic abilities. Now keep trying!" Commanded Starboom as he lunged at Artcraft to strike him. The blow shattered his magic barrier, grazed his cheek, and knocked him back, staggering him some. "You got hit, my pupil! Pay attention! Practice dodging and mastering your magic!" Commanded Starboom.

"Yes, Master! I'll improve! Watch this!" Shouted Artcraft as he managed to collect his magic again, the effort was straining him, but he had to persevere, his body was glowing green again and he teleported behind Starboom just as Starboom was starting to charge him again, readying his magic blast to Starboom's blind spot. "Here you go, Master! The result of my training!" Shouted Artcraft.

This was a mistake as his shouting alerted Starboom to his presence, allowing Starboom plenty of time to react to Artcraft's 'sneak attack'. He managed to intercept Artcraft's blast and lock him into a choke hold, his hand wrapped around Artcraft's neck and holding his smaller body in the air. "Bit of advice Artcraft, when you plan a stealth attack, don't let your enemy know that you're there! That would defeat the purpose of being stealthy!" Stated Starboom.

Once Starboom released his grip on Artcraft's neck, he then backhanded Artcraft away from him, causing his body to bounce backward and him to hit the ground, face first. Artcraft managed to get back up, weakly so, but getting hit like that by someone so big would do that to someone. "Now come at me Artcraft!" Commanded Starboom as he awaited Artcraft's next move.

"Yes master, I'll do my best this time for sure!" Said Artcraft with confidence. He then readied up a second shield and cautiously watched Starboom, waiting for the right opportunity to strike.

"You'll do more than your best, especially if you seek revenge against the princesses, they will never go down without a brutal fight!" Stated Starboom as he also made his barrier spell appear. Starboom charged an additional magic blast to break through Artcraft's second shield effortlessly, causing his body to fly backward again and lay sprawled on the ground.

"You're still wet behind the ears Artcraft, there is still so much more for you to learn. Begin again! But this time, focus your magic, concentrate it into a beam of energy like you did last time, then release it at me." Commanded Starboom.

"Yes master, I will!" Said a now more confident Artcraft. They continued their training, more magic shots being fired, Artcraft was getting more and more stronger for every day that had passed up to that moment. The more knowledge he gained, the more Starboom was pleased. Because he knew that it would get his plans that much closer to fruition.

"Here it comes master!!! AARRGGHH!!!" Yelled Artcraft as he was readying up his next attack. "I'll show you that I have what it takes! I'll put everything I have into this blast!" Said Artcraft as he released his magic towards Starboom who still had his stone-cold face as always.

"I don't think so Artcraft!" Shouted Starboom as he shielded his body with just his two hands, taking Artcraft's attack into them and making the spell fizzle. Then it disappeared completely, Starboom reached out his hand and said. "Enough! It's getting late out. That's all for today, you're getting better at Artcraft! Keep doing what you're doing and you'll get your revenge sooner than you think!" Said Starboom as he and Artcraft both entered the house to end the day.

Now it has been 9 years since Artimus and Julie died. Artcraft has been trained and abused to become colder, more brutal, and more emotionless. The soldiers were ordered to keep Artcraft down and continue kicking him until he either cried, which happened often, or finally snapped and became the weapon that Starboom had always wanted.

If he failed, which also happened a lot, he was sent back into his 'room'. which in truth, was kinda better than most prison cells, but still bad all the same. it was adorned with a library, a toilet, a hay bed, a small table for his studies, and a picture frame of his parents, the only thing he ever had to remember them by to give Artcraft motivation for revenge. The time to strike would happen soon, Starboom was happily awaiting that day when he could have his revenge against the princesses.