The Rainbow and The Tiger

Chapters

Chapter 2: Human in Tiger's Clothing
Chapter 3: A Night in Africa
Chapter 4: Savanna of the Sabertooth
Chapter 5: Welcome to the Jungle
Chapter 6: The First Encounter
Chapter 7: New Ties
Chapter 8: Past and Prowess
Chapter 9: Why Me!?
Chapter 10: Past Struggles
Chapter 11: Pranks and Blood
Chapter 12: Something Off
Chapter 13: Tooth and Claw
Chapter 14: The Stone's Magic
Chapter 15: A Tiger in The House
Chapter 1: A Ferocious Alliance

Chapter 2: Human in Tiger's Clothing

Cold hard metal. That was the first thing that Twilight Sparkle felt as she slowly stirred back into the waking world. Her eyes fluttered as she tried to force herself awake, vaguely aware of the headache pounding like a hammer against a nail. As she shook her head to soothe it, she took in her surroundings, finding herself in complete and utter darkness.

“Hello?” Twilight croaked out, her voice coming out tired and strained as she sat up on her knees. She squinted her eyes, trying to get a better view of where she was, but found herself unsuccessful. “Is anybody there? Fluttershy? Pinkie Pie? Applejack? Rainbow Dash? Are any of you here?”

Her voice carried throughout the darkness, making it echo like she was trapped in some sort of cave. Getting no response, she then decided to figure out where she was and see if there was any way out. As she sat up, Twilight immediately realized that she couldn’t move her arms or feet and that they were bound tightly. Just as she figured this out, she fell over again and landed face-first on something cold and hard.

“Ow! What the…?!” Twilight hissed, wincing. After taking a moment to deal with the new pain in her head, she reached out with her bound hands. She ran her hands over a cold, hard, and steely surface. Twilight automatically knew that she was in a cage, and judging from how it felt beneath her, it was a powerfully built one.

‘A cage! I’m inside of a cage!’ Twilight thought, sitting herself up as if the cage floor had suddenly become red hot. ‘But… that doesn’t make any sense! How can I be stuck inside a giant cage?!’

As her mind raced with possibilities, she heard whimpering behind her. She whipped around to the source, looking around the cage for an animal. At first, she thought it was one of the wild sorts, but as it came again, she found it to be anything but.

“Spike?!” Twilight gasped, recognizing the scared sounds of her pet dog. Her fear of being eaten turned to concerned excitement as she tried to search for her loyal companion. “Spike! Is that you?!”

“…Twilight?” came Spike’s groggy voice. Judging by his tone, he was clearly not doing well, and it made Twilight’s worry increase. “Are… are you there?”

“Yes! Yes, Spike; it’s me!” She raised her voice as loud as she could so Spike would hear her. “Where are you?!”

“I… I-I don’t know. It looks like I’m in some sort of cage,” Spike replied, unaware that Twilight was there with him. Twilight heard a jingling sound, giving her the impression that Spike was getting up on his paws. “Are you here…? I can’t really see you.”

“I’m here!” Twilight kept her voice as loud as possible. “Come to where I’m shouting! Just listen to the sound of my voice and you should be able to find me!”

Spike didn’t reply, but the sound of running made up for it as he scurried over to Twilight’s location. Thanks to her constant shouting, and his sensitive hearing and sight, it took Spike no time to find her. He barked elatedly as he ran up to her, leaping onto her open lap and licking her face repeatedly.

“Spike! Thank goodness you’re okay!” Twilight cried, nuzzling him with her face as Spike’s little tail wagging behind him. As he buried his face in her bosom, she checked him over to see if there were any injuries on him. “Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?”

“No, I don’t think so,” Spike replied, snorting softly. “All I can remember is suddenly passing out and waking up… here.” He looked around at the cage, his sensitive eyes allowing him to see through the darkness. “Where… are we?”

“I don’t know...” Twilight got up onto her knees. “I know that we’re in a cage of some sorts. And a rather sturdy one at that. The question is, how did we end up in here?”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Spike murmured. “I can’t remember a single thing! My head feels like it got stomped by a deer or something. I’m feeling a headache just thinking about it.”

“Try not to force it to come Spike.” Twilight instructed gently. “In the state you’re in, you may have a harder time recalling what happened to us. Just let the pain go away and you should have a better time grasping things.”

“Okay… if it’ll help my head stop feeling like it’s made of lead, then I guess I have no choice.” Spike hung his head. He suddenly stopped in his tracks; head snapping up as his nostrils flared.

“What is it?” Twilight asked, her curiosity instantly piqued. “Do you smell something?”

“Yeah, I do… it’s something familiar,” Spike replied, closing his eyes as he took a few more deep sniffs. His eyes popped open wide as he looked at Twilight. “Pinkie Pie…! I can smell Pinkie Pie here!”

Twilight’s eyes widened, her efforts to get free from the ropes coming to such an abrupt stop that she nearly face-planted onto the cage floor again. Once she managed to right herself on her knees again, she asked, “Really? Pinkie Pie is in here with us?”

“She is!” Spike nodded, his tail wagging again as he continued to sniff. “And she wasn’t the only one here either.! Fluttershy was here too!”

“Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie?” Twilight repeated, feeling her elation grow. “What about Applejack and Rainbow Dash?! Are they here too?”

“…No, I can’t smell either of them anywhere.” Spike’s face became downcast as he looked up at Twilight. “I don’t think they’re even anywhere around here. Do you know where they could be?”

“No, but I do know that if we don’t get out of wherever we are soon, we’re going to be in trouble,” Twilight said, her worry coming back. “First things first though… we need to find Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy and get out of here quick! Can you find them anywhere around here?”

Spike was about to reply but paused when he heard groaning coming from behind Twilight. He looked behind her and felt his eyes widen upon seeing another person lying just a couple feet away from them. As soon as he saw the mass of pink fluffy curly hair, he knew he had found who he was going to look for.

“Um, I think I already found Pinkie Pie, Twilight.” The dog pointed a claw behind Twilight.

Eyes widening, Twilight turned around and saw the shifting and bound from of Pinkie Pie. In her shock and excitement, she once again tried to get up, temporarily forgetting that she was still bound with rope and Spike was in her lap. She shouted in pain as she fell to the cage’s hard floor again, narrowly hearing the surprised yelp coming from Spike as she squashed him beneath her chest. As he squirmed out from under her, she tried to wake Pinkie up.

“Pinkie Pie?! Pinkie Pie! Can you hear me?!” Twilight asked desperately, watching as the other girl continued to groan. “Pinkie Pie, please! Answer me! Please, wake up!”

It took a couple more agonizing seconds of watching Pinkie groan and shift on the floor, but she eventually managed to get herself awake. Opening her tired baby blue eyes, Pinkie took in her surroundings, trying to figure out just where she was, before locking eyes with a worried Twilight and Spike.

“Twilight? Spike…? Is that you guys?” Pinkie asked, her normally cheery voice coming out as soft and weak. She didn’t wait for a reply as she tried to move, quickly finding herself unable. “What’s going on? Why can’t I move?”

“Don’t move,” Twilight said, her voice calming yet urgent like a nurse instructing a hospital patient. “We’re all in a cage right now, and you and I are tied together by rope. Don’t try to move too much right now okay?”

“We’re…in a cage? What’re you talking abo-” Another groan left Pinkie as a sharp stab of pain flew within her head. “Ugh, my head feels swimmy wimmy no good yucky…!”

“We told you not to move.” Spike grumbled, frowning at Pinkie as he sat by her head. “Just lie still, okay? You're probably in a lot of pain right now and you may have more than just a nasty headache. Lie still and it should lessen somewhat.”

Pinkie nodded, obeying Spike’s orders as she let herself go limp on the cage floor. As she relaxed her body, she turned to Twilight. “What’s going on? Do you know why we’re tied up?”

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out right now, Pinkie Pie,” came Twilight’s grave reply as she searched around the cave. “We don’t know where we are right now, but we’re not the only one’s here. Fluttershy’s with us too, but we can’t see her anywhere around here. And there’s no sign of Applejack or Rainbow Dash either.”

“W-what?! Dashie and Applejack aren’t here with us?!” Pinkie cried, her grogginess washing away in an instant at the revelation.

“No Pinkie, they’re not.” Spike replied solemnly. “I tried detecting their scent, but I’m not finding them anywhere. They’re most likely somewhere else around here… wherever here is at least.”

“Oh noooo…” Pinkie whined, her face contorting into a child-like pout. “Applejack and Rainbow Dash are in danger somewhere! They must be so alone out there! Cold and alone while we’re all the way over here tied up and stuck inside a cage like bad doggies! What are we going to do?!”

“Calm down Pinkie Pie.” Twilight said, using her most soothing voice as she moved over and laid herself on Pinkie Pie. “I know you’re scared about what’s happening, but please, don’t over worry yourself. We don’t know what’s happened to them, or if they’re in danger. They could be somewhere safe and doing all they can to look for us.”

“You don’t know that!” Pinkie Pie shouted, shooting to her knees and pressing her face right up against Twilight’s. “We may not know that they’re in super-duper danger, but we don’t know that they’re Okie dokie lokie either! They could be in the same position as we are! Tied up and bound like dynamite about to be put inside of a party cannon! Sure, we don’t know if that’s happening to them right now, but I reeeeeeeally don’t wanna think about it!”

“We don’t either Pinkie Pie. That’s exactly why we’re saying not to freak out so much.” Spike retorted, getting himself in between the two girls. “Rainbow Dash and Applejack might not be here with us, but that doesn’t mean that they’re completely helpless. Applejack has survival skills that’ll help if they’re trapped in some sort of wilderness. She’ll take care of both herself and Rainbow Dash if it comes down to it. Both of them are pretty good fighters too. Taking that all into account, do you think they’re in that much danger?”

Pinkie opened her mouth to argue, but stopped as the implications of Spike’s words sank in. As she thought over them, she realized that the dog made a valid point. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash were formidable fighters, and while the latter was not used to being in the wilderness so much, the former more than made up for that. With Applejack’s knowledge of survival in the wild, and both her and Rainbow’s skills in martial arts, both would not be easy targets to take down. While it didn’t assure Pinkie that they’d be totally okay, it did give her some reassurance that both of them would have a fighting chance. Especially if it meant that they could regroup with them again.

“Well, when you put it that way, it doesn’t really sound like they’re in immediate danger.” Pinkie murmured, Spike’s words managing to calm her down. “I’m still really, really, reeeeeally worried about them, even if they have all that super-duper extra important stuff!”

“We are too Pinkie Pie. Believe me, you’re not alone here.” Twilight nodded, resting her head on Pinkie’s shoulder comfortingly. As much as she wanted to hug the party girl, her tied hands prevented her from doing so, so this was the best she could offer. “Even so, we shouldn’t let that worry cloud our judgement. We need to have faith that they know what they’re doing and how to look for us. They’re our friends… there’s no way they’re gonna just leave us.”

“Yeah, that’s right!” Spike nodded, wagging his tail optimistically. “Applejack and Rainbow Dash are strong and determined! Not to mention they’re both really stubborn and it takes a lot for them to give up on something.” He smiled as his teeth gleaming in what little light was inside of the cage. “Who knows? Maybe they’re out there looking for us right now!”

“I wouldn’t be so quick to count on that, little pup.”

Spike yelped in surprise as he and the girls jumped at the deep rumbling voice. Two cat beasts stood in front of the cage. The first one was small, much smaller than the typical adult male lion; roughly the size of an adult male jaguar. A pelt the color of blood covered his body, contrasting with his short grassy green and pale white mane. His eyes glowed like the rising sun. The cat beast next to him was far larger, orange making up his own pelt while an jet-black mane covered his head, neck, and chest. His eyes were a burning yellow, and his ears were pointed. Completing their appearance was a set of gleaming razor-sharp teeth. His lips stretched into an amused grin at the girls’ slackened jaws of disbelief.

“GAH!” Spike cried, leaping off of Twilight’s lap and backing up into Pinkie. “What are thosethings? And what are theydoing here?”

“Well, well, well, look who’s up and kicking.” The first cat beast said, his tone matching the look on his scarred face. “Did you all have a nice nap?”

Twilight’s heart stopped. “Wha… what in the world? Did… did that thing just…?”

“Talk?” The other cat beast finished for her, tilting his head as if Twilight had suddenly asked a very complicated question. “Why yes, my companion did talk. And for the record, we’re Danger Beasts, or Cat Beasts if that’s simpler for you. Is this your first time seeing an animal that can talk?”

“No, but this is the first time that we’re seeing a Cat Beast talk! Heck it’s even our first time seeing a Cat Beast!” Pinkie replied, looking more amazed than anything else. “And speaking of which, how are you talking anyway?! I thought that animals weren’t able to do that!”

“T-they can’t! No animal can except Spike!” Twilight cried, managing to find her voice as her brain tried to process what she was seeing. And hearing. “There have been no findings or reports that any animal has ever been able to talk! We’re supposed to be the only ones! I don’t know how this is even possible?!”

“I see you three are quite taken aback by my ability,” The first Danger Beast replied, the amusement in his voice not diminishing as he sat down. “I can’t blame you. Who would expect an animal, let alone a Big Cat, speaking human? No one, that’s who!” He chuckled as his whiskers twitched. “I would be just as shocked if our roles were reversed.”

“…Okay, all shock about seeing a talking cat aside…” Spike said, deciding to take charge of the questioning. “Who are you and where are we? And more importantly, what the heck are we trapped in? Are you the one who put us in there or are you actually here to get us out?”

“My name is Bladed Claw, and this smaller cat beast here is Bloody Knife; thank you for asking. Not many people who meet us do that ” Bladed Claw layed down on the soft dirt. “As for your second question, you’re currently inside my tent. I’m sorry there aren’t any torches to light it up. I didn’t want to burn it down to the ground.” He paused to blow at the thick bangs of his mane. “Thirdly, you guys are currently in a cage that you can’t see because of the darkness. And the reason why you’re in there… is because we put you in there.”

The trio gasped.

“Y-you put us in here?” Twilight asked, her shock giving way to confusion. “We’re trapped inside of this cage… b-because of you?”

“That’s right,” Bladed Claw replied smoothly. “We dropped you in this little cage right after we ambushed you during your little safari through Tanzania. You should have seen the looks on your faces when we jumped out and took you by surprise. It was like seeing your worst nightmares come to life! So hilarious!”

“Safari? What are you…” Spike began, but stopped as his mind began to wander into space. A moment later he gasped and his mouth dropped open in horror. “Oh no…”

“Hmmm, it looks like your little friend has finally figured it out.” Bloody Knife commented, staring at the dog with interest. “Is it all coming back to you now, little pup?”

“Spikey?” Pinkie asked, turning her attention to the now frightened dog. “What’s the matter? Why do you look so scared?”

Shaking his head, Spike faced her and Twilight, his eyes wide. “Girls, it’s them! They were the guys that attacked us! Who ambushed us and the rest of the girls!”

“Ambushed?” Twilight repeated, growing more and more confused. “Spike, what are you going on about?”

“The attack!” Spike cried, the intensity behind his reply causing Pinkie and Twilight to jump. “Don’t you remember? The safari Fluttershy planned for us?! Those strange group of guys that turned into animals while we were still riding in the jeep?!” He pointed a claw towards the Danger Beast duo. “It was them! They kidnapped us and tried to kidnap the others!”

Pinkie Pie and Twilight both reeled back, surprised by the information. For a moment, they didn’t really believe him, but then both girls found themselves also thinking back. Pieces of the puzzle slowly began to form into place and recognition soon dawned. They all turned and stared at Bloody Knife and Bladed Claw, who watched them like a group of cubs roughhousing.

“It looks like it’s all coming back,” Bloody Knife said softly. “Yes, Bladed Claw and I were among those that caught you all on your little safari. I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting to be easy. We were more than prepared for any sort of retaliation, but it looks like we may have overestimated you lot.” He shrugged nonchalantly as he rested his face on one of his paws. “Oh well. Better safe than sorry, I suppose.”

“I… I can’t believe it. I never thought that we’d actually be kidnapped on a safari. And by a group of talking cats no less.” Twilight murmured, staring at the metallic cage floor as she struggled to process the information. “Wait! Where’s Fluttershy?!”

Bladed Claw raised an eyebrow, one of his ears flicking. “I beg your pardon?”

“Fluttershy! Our other friend with the pink hair!” Twilight elaborated. “You said that there were six of us when you caught us and that two of us managed to escape!” She looked around the cage. “Where are you keeping Fluttershy?!”

“Ah, the adorably timid girl that was apparently taking charge of the safari you were on. Yes, we remember her… ” Bladed Claw said as he managed to catch on. “Well, we do have her with us just like you three. You have no need to worry about her being lost out there in the savanna. On the other paw… she’s in a bit of a tight spot here along with the rest of you.”

“Tight spot?” Spike asked, narrowing his emerald eyes at the larger Cat Beast. “What do you mean? Do you have her locked up in a cage just like us?”

“Why no, of course not.” Bloody Knife replied, waving a paw. “However, we do have her here, tied up just like the rest of you, so we won’t have to worry about her escaping either. Although, we did have to gag her, since she was screaming quite a lot.” A claw came to one of his ears. “I can still feel my ears ringing just thinking about it.”

“What?!” Pinkie cried, her high-pitched voice echoing through the darkness of the tent. “How could you do something so mean?! What did Fluttershy ever do to you?!”

“Other than nearly making us go deaf, nothing really.” Bladed Claw replied, snickering a bit before a jab to his side by Bloody Knife silenced him. “As for it being mean, it may seem like it. We can assure you though, that it was for a very good reason.”

“A good reason?!” Spike growled, his teeth gleaming in the darkness as he bared them. “What ‘good reason’ do you have to hogtie our friend and treat her as if she’s a decoration out on display?!”

“I’m that glad you asked, little pup. Because it’s a reason more shocking than you could ever imagine.” Bloody Knife replied, grinning sickly. “See, there is an ancient stone hidden somewhere here, deep within the heart of the savanna. It is called the Mookarina Stone, said to have been forged by a god who came here long before our great grandparents were born. We don’t know the full story behind it, but from what we learned, it has the power to make a human or an animal an even more lethal killer by making us faster, stronger, even able to breathe fire.”

“A stone that… can make you a better killer?” Twilight blinked. “There’s an ancient artifact that can actually do something like that?”

“Indeed, there is.” Bladed Claw swished his tail back and forth with glee. “ Sorry for just doing that out of the blue to you by the way. We didn’t really wanna take any chances with you getting away. Especially your little furry companion there.” He ignored the look of hatred Spike shot him as he continued. “It is a powerful stone. So much so that it can turn people into the deadliest hunters ever to grace the face of this earth, living or dead. It is the most sought after thing ever to exist in this land, and if we can get it within our grasp, we can make quite the fortune.”

“And Fluttershy comes into this how?” Spike asked, his tone expressing all the confusion he had even though his face showed none of it. “If all you're doing is searching for some stone, then there isn’t any need to have Fluttershy in the first place, let alone the rest of us! What can she possibly do to help”

“Good question.” Bloody Knife’s grin was like something from a nightmare. “See, while the Mookarina Stone is powerful, it cannot quite work on its own. It needs something to help it get going. Something that only humans themselves can provide.” A stifling pause floated throughout the room before the cat beast broke it. “And that… is the blood of a live and kicking human being. One with magic powers. So when a little birdie told me of a girl who could speak to animals, I knew we couldn’t pass up the chance.”

Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Spike’s minds all froze like sheets of ice.

“H…human blood?” Twilight breathed, her lip shaking like she was just emerging from ice cold water. “You have to have human blood to activate the Mookarina Stone? That’s why you kidnapped Fluttershy and took her hostage? To use her blood for the stone?!”

“I wouldn’t say take all her blood. Merely borrow just enough of it to be able to make the Mookarina Stone come back to life and start working again.” Bloody Knife replied, waving his paw this way and that in a futile attempt to sugarcoat the answer to Twilight’s question. “Though if you want it to put it that way, then yes. We need your little friend’s blood to bring back the power that was sealed away for centuries. Otherwise we will not be able to gain the tools needed for us to accomplish our goal.”

“You… you’re crazy! Completely and totally bonkers!” Pinkie Pie shouted, managing to bring herself out of her shock. “Do you really think that Fluttershy would go through with something like that?! To give her blood away so you can wake up some stone that gives you animal powers?! She’d sooner give you her Stare than do something like that!”

“We believe you on that one. Your friend said the same thing when we told her of our plans to kill every animal we can in this wild land. Although, I’m not quite sure what you mean by this ‘Stare’ thing. I may have to ask her about it later...” Bladed Claw chuckled. “As for whether or not she’s willing, you don’t need to worry about that. We already have her subdued and confined somewhere nice and secluded. It’s not like she’ll be able to go anywhere while she’s in that state.” His smile fell as he rubbed at one of his ears, as if he suddenly felt a fly trying to enter its way into it.

“Seriously?!” Spike shouted, his growl coming out in a low rumble as his claws scraped against the cage floor. “What in the hell is wrong with you?! Do you have no regard for sentient life at all?!”

“… No, we don’t actually.” Bloody Knife replied, the bluntness behind his statement causing the trio to recoil. He smiled maliciously as his yellow eyes burned with glee. “If it’s any consolation, once we have what we want, you’ll have her back as if nothing had ever happened. Though she may be a bit more…dried up than usual”

“You… you’re both sick! Absolutely sick!” Twilight shouted, her eyes holding a mixture of disbelief and disgust as she writhed within her bonds. “I can’t believe you’d hold money and power over human life! Let alone the lives of five innocent girls! All for a stone that may not even work anymore! You’re monsters! Complete and total monsters!”

“Yes, I suppose we are. But at least we’re monsters with a purpose,.” Bladed Claw said, laughing at the look of hate Twilight sent his way. After collecting himself, he got up and stretched before shaking of his head and nodding to Bloody Knife. “Well, we’d better get going. We need to check up on your friend and make sure she hasn’t fainted from shock again. Of course, given how much we terrified her the first time, that’s rather unlikely. We’ll be back over here to check up on you later… if you’re still conscious when we do.”

“You won’t get away with this, you… big MEANIES!!” Pinkie angrily shouted after them as they headed towards the tent’s exit. “Just you wait, we’ll get out of this cage and get our friends back! And when we do, we’ll make you wish you never messed with the Elements of Friendship!”

“We’ll see about that little girl.” Bladed claw purred as he and Bloody Knife laughed. “We will certainly see~.”

As the Danger Beast duo was exiting the tent, its flaps suddenly flew open. It took a second for Bladed Claw and Bloody Knife to realize that it was not a gust of wind, but a full-grown male hawk-eagle that was apparently trying to make it inside the tent. The feline duo watched as the raptor landed on the ground, flapping its wings frantically and screeching. Both lions instantly became alarmed.

“Harpy? What the heck are you doing here?” Bladed Claw asked, making his way over to the bird. “I thought that you were back over with the others?”

Harpy looked over at the bigger cat beast, his incessant flapping coming to an end as he fought to catch his breath. He screeched again, all of it coming out in short quick spurts as he struggled to tell the lions something.

“Whoa, hold on there, little bird. Take it easy before you get your feathers all messed up.” Bloody Knife held a paw up to the bird in a silent command to calm down. In an instant, the raptor went silent, as if that single gesture was enough to quiet him down. Once he was certain that Harpy was calmed, he continued, “Much better. Now, would you mind telling us why you suddenly came to one of our secret tents unannounced? You looked like you were trying to escape the talons of a fish eagle. Whatever has you this scared, it has got to be important.”

Harpy gave another screech as he nodded frantically, his large orange eyes wide with panic and terror as he spread his wings. Holding his foreleg out, Bladed claw let the raptor rest on his paw, taking no mind of the talons digging into his flesh. Harpy then proceeded to go into a full-on ramble to the Danger Beasts, using gestures with his wings. The girls and dog watched as the two lions listened intently, paying close attention to their expressions to see any change. It didn’t take it long for that change to come in both their faces, which could’ve only been described as shock and anger.

“What?! You say who with who?!” The cat beast all but yelled, looking at the bird with wide eyes. He leaned in close to the bird, his orange eyes glowing like flames in a fireplace. “Are you sure it was really them?”

“Hey, what are you guys doing?” Pinkie Pie piped up, looking in between the bird and the Danger Beasts.

The raptor and lions ignored herl, the former continuing with its endless screeching and squawks. At last it stopped, letting the tent dissolve into the silence it had before both parties met one another. Seconds later, Bloody Knife let out a roar, his paw that Harpy perched on meeting the ground with an echoing thud.

“Dammit! Of all the times that little brat had to come and rear his ugly striped head, he had to pick now” The crimson cat beast roared, his tail thrashing as he bared his teeth in fury. “And just when we got through with him last time! I thought he’d be dead!!”

“I hear you there. I never thought that he’d show up again. Especially given what happened last time.” Bladed Claw said, sighing as he rubbed his jet-black mane. “Oh well, nothing we can do about it now. We’ll just have to see if we can get those girls Harpy saw away from him. That is, if he doesn’t try to snap our necks like Cape Buffalo.”

“Hey! Are you guys not hearing me or something?!” Pinkie Pie shouted, her voice raised so high that both cats and the hawk-eagle jumped. “What the heck are you guys talking about?! What was that bird saying to you?!”

“Jeez, you have quite the voice, don’t you? You’re almost as loud as that timid one.” Bloody Knife pinned his ears back in an effort to dampen Pinkie’s shouting. “Well, our scouter Harpy here has detected a tiger wandering the plains not too far from here. He also saw two humans traveling alongside him… two human girls, to be precise.”

“Two girls?” Spike asked, a look of hope on his face. “Are you talking about our friends, Rainbow Dash and Applejack?!”

“Well… Harpy did tell us that one of the girls had rainbow hair, while the other was wearing some sort of hat.” Bloody Knife replied. “But, if those are the friends you’re looking for, then I suppose so.”

“Jackie… Jackie and Dashie… they’re alive!” Pinkie whispered, her baby blue eyes beginning to water. “You hear that you guys?! Jackie and Dashie are both alive and okay?! They’re not dead! They’re both still alive! Alive!”

“They’re really okay… thank God!” Twilight said, nearly falling to the floor again from the weight of the sheer relief she felt. Said relief lasted for a good three seconds, before it was replaced with something else, and she looked back up at the cat beasts. “Wait a minute… did you just say that Applejack and Rainbow Dash were with a tiger?!”

“Yes,” Bladed Claw replied, the tuft of his tails swaying back and forth as he licked his lips. “Is that so shocking?”

“To me, yes! It is! Very shocking!” Twilight shouted, staring at him “Tigers don’t live in Africa! None of them do! Their home range isn’t even anywhere near it! They’re supposed to be in the more isolated pockets of the world like India, Russia, and Sumatra! How did that eagle of yours find the world’s biggest modern cat on earth in the African Savanna?!”

“Okay, the reason why Harpy was able to find the "tiger" he saw outside, is because that "tiger" isn’t like the tigers you're familiar with.”

“It’s not?” Spike asked, his mind already putting the pieces together. “You’re telling us that he’s like you guys?”

“Only in the sense that he can turn into a vicious big cat just like us.” Bladed Claw replied, gesturing to his own feline body. “Other than that, he’s the complete opposite from us in every way. I wouldn’t be surprised if he went ahead and formed a little alliance with your two friends to get you back. We’ll have to do something about that.”

“Wait, so… a guy that can turn into a tiger teamed up with Jackie and Dashie??” Pinkie asked, tilting her head as she looked at the ceiling. “Wow… this day is really turning out to be on heck of a doozie! Then again, with how many adventures we’ve been on, this wouldn’t be the first one. Still, holy cow!”

“Holy cow is right.” Bloody Knife muttered.“What should we do, Captain? Should we send out a group of our men and women out to take care of them? I can even do it myself if you’d like.”

The other Cat Beast shook his head. “No need. Even with the new alliance that they’ve gained, they’re hardly a threat to us. With the numbers we have and the power we’ve obtained, there’s no chance in hell they’re able to get the drop on us. You can let them be.” He then looked to his fellow cat beast, rubbing his chin in thought. “That said, you may want to have some of our team be on the lookout. With how much time has passed since we last met, he’s bound to have learned to navigate this place. We may have to put a few more guards on watch. Just in case.”

“Well… alright then. If that is what you wish.” Bloody Knife murmured, looking at the older lion uncertainly. “It seems a bit extensive, but if you believe that is the best option, then it shall be done.”

“Good.” Bladed Claw nodded in satisfaction before turning back to the hostages. “I hate to have to cut this meeting so short, but Bloody Knife and I have to go. Business calls . We’ll try to come back before you guys end up becoming lunch for the hyenas. If you survive that long.”

“Are you serious?! You’re just going to leave us here in this tent?! Alone in the dark?!” Twilight exclaimed incredulously. “What if someone comes and takes us?! Or worse! What if other carnivores like a pride of lions, or a clan of hyenas, or even a leopard comes by and finds us?! They’ll more than likely make a meal out of us by the time you get back! If you even come back at all!”

“Fat chance of that happening.” Bladed Claw laughed, as he walked over to the cage. “This cage is made of the hardest obsidian steel ever. It’s so tough that not even rhinos or elephants are able to break through it. And if a hyena tried to bite through it, the most it’d accomplish is a trip to the dentist! As far as we’re concerned, you're plenty safe in this cage. Not that you’re able to escape either.”

Pinkie Pie paused, looking at the lion as if he had suddenly given an answer to a very complicated question. “Hold on, back up… what did you just say?”

“I… said that there isn’t any way you can escape from this cage.” Bladed Claw repeated, quirking a brow. “Did you not hear me say that?”

“Oh no, I heard you,” Pinkie replied, a change coming to her tone. “It’s just that you just suddenly gave me an idea.”

“And what, pray tell, is that?” Bloody Knife asked dryly. “If it’s a plan to try to escape, then you may as well forget about it. Trust me when I say, you are tucked nice and tight in there.”

“We are, are we?” Pinkie asked as she smiled. A smile that Spike and Twilight knew only Pinkie herself could conjure up. “Then I guess you wouldn’t mind if I tried, this?!”

Without warning, Pinkie’s entire body glowed bright pink. As the light enveloped her, her hair began to float, as if she was submerged in water. Said hair went upright, forming into a poofy pink jackhammer.

“What in the hell?!” Bladed Claw shouted, jumping away from the cage like it had suddenly caught on fire. He stared at Pinkie in shock. “What in God’s name is that?! What did you do?!”

“What did I do? Good question!” Pinkie said, smirking at the Cat Beasts and the slack-jawed bird in the background. “I just created a way to escape from all of you! Well, for me to escape from you, but you get the point!”

“Okay, so?” A frown formed on Bloody Knife’s face. “Real nice trick there, girl. What’s that gonna do for you? Drill a hole through the strongest cages that we have?”

The grin on Pinkie’s face suddenly got wider, to the point where it seemed to stretch all the way to her ears. “Why don’t we find out, little kitties~?”

“Pinkie? What are you doing?” Spike took a step towards her.

With a tone that matched the look on her face and the deep-seated regret in her eyes, she finally spoke, using the softest voice either Spike or Twilight had ever heard from her. “Spikey… Twilight… I’ll be back soon~.”

With those words, her hair suddenly came to life, jetting up and down as a jackhammer noise erupted from the mass of curly fluff. Pinkie then closed her eyes and dipped her head down, letting the tip of her hair touch the surface. Not even a split second later, the obsidian cage floor exploded on contact, creating a hole big enough for a human to fit through. Without any hesitation, Pinkie leaped into the air and plunged into the hole, letting her hair drill through the ground as she vanished into the earth below.

“She’s gone…!” Bloody Knife shouted. “That’s impossible! That cage is supposed to be the strongest in our arsenal! No one can dent it, let alone make a hole in it! How the hell did she do that?!”

“I don’t know, but I know that was not good. Not a good sign!” Bladed Claw snarled, his eyes glowing with panic. “Now that she’s gone, she’s going to go and find Baagh Raaja and her other friends! She needs to be stopped!”

“Don’t bother.” Bloody Knife protested, the command in his voice stopping Bladed Claw in his tracks. “There’s no point in trying to chase after her. One girl won’t survive a place like this for long. The lions, leopard, or hyenas will make short work of her. Plus, we still have her other friends, not really much of a win for them if you ask me.”

“That… is actually a very good point.” Bladed Claw admitted, his fear washing away. “Still… if she does somehow manage to survive and get help? What if she somehow runs into her other two friends? Or even Baagh Raaja? What then?”

“As I said before, there is hardly any need to worry. Three girls and one lousy boy that can turn into a Danger Beast aren’t much of a threat if you really think about it” Bloody Knife shot back. “Though if it’ll quell your fears, then feel free to have a few more team members guard our base.”

Bladed Claw swallowed. “Actually, you know what? I think I’ll just let her go.”

“Very well then, if that’s what you want,” Bloody Knife said dismissively, giving a playful tail swat as he turned to the remaining hostages. “I suppose we’ll be off now. I would stay and chat some more, but we’ve wasted enough time. Try not to make too much noise while we’re gone…or else we may have to gag you too.”

Both Cat Beasts laughed, then they turned tail and walked over to the entrance of the tent, letting their heads push the flaps open to exit. A flash of sunlight washed inside the tent for a split second, allowing Twilight and Spike to see the equipment, tools, and something else that happened to be inside. As quickly as it came the light was gone, leaving the two as alone as they were before.

The blazing sun hovered over the African horizon as Rainbow Dash and Applejack trudged their way across the plains. Grass and fallen leaves crunched under the weight of the shoes as they stepped across them, doing their best to avoid any flies in front of them. Baagh Raaja brought up the rear, keeping a close eye far ahead of the girls for anything that might pop out in front of them. Animals from baboons to impalas littered the area like a colony of ants, watching the trio with interest as they passed by. Unaware of the real reason why the trio was together, and why they were in this particular spot.

“How’re things going over where you are, girls?” Baagh Raaja asked, his ears perked forward. “Any luck in your search?”

Applejack, who had been fanning her face with her hat, stopped and looked back at the tiger. With a sigh, she set her hat back on her head. “Nah Raaja. No luck on findin’ the spot where those men tried to get our blood. We haven’t even managed to find the spot where some of the trees were destroyed. This here grove was a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be.”

“You’re telling me, AJ.” Rainbow nodded, giving a toss of her hair. “We’ve been searching through this grove for hours and we still haven’t found where those hunters camped! I thought we would’ve been able to find it by now! How is it that we can’t find an ambush spot that may as well be the size of a giant swimming pool?!”

“Well, this is a pretty big grove that you guys are in,” Raaja muttered, quickening his pace a bit to get closer to the girls. “A lot of places here are pretty big. So much so that it’s really easy for you to get lost if you don’t know your way around it. Only difference is that I’ve had much more experience searching my way around places like this.”

“Well, seein’ it from that perspective, Ah can kinda see why it’s normal fer you t’ be so used to it,. Must’ve taken a lot of time and skill to be able to know which way yer goin in these parts,” Applejack commented, looking around at the ebony grove. “Then again, with critters like you, Ah bet it was a real nice piece o’ cake fer ya.”

“It was… beneficial to say the least. It definitely helped me know the ins and outs of where I was. As well as the best escape routes and hunting areas whenever I had an encounter with other creatures.” Raaja admitted. “Granted, it was still a pain in the ass to go through. All of that constant walking and scent marking can really take a toll on any cat. Especially when you’re a loner constantly on the lookout for lion prides and groups of sabertooths who want to make a meal out of you or just rip you apart or take your territory. Or, in your case, use you for some diabolical scheme.”

“You mean like with us?” Rainbow laughed bitterly. Had she looked behind her at the cat, he would’ve seen him pause in mid-step, biting his lip in an attempt to bite back a curse. “We definitely hear you there on that one, buddy. Most of all on the evil scheme part. I mean, we were the ones who were in the middle of it. If anyone knows what that’s like, it’s bound to be us. Especially since we were the chosen targets.”

“Right… I-I’m sorry.” Raaja said softly, internally swatting himself upside the head. “That was out of line. I didn’t mean to say that… I….”

“Don’t worry, sugar, it’s fine. You were jus’ makin’ a point as all.” Applejack dismissed it. “It ain’t like we haven’t been constantly reminded o’ what happened to’ us… and how we just ran off when we had the chance. Ah know we didn’t have any choice in the matter, but still… it doesn’t mean that Ah don’t feel like a rotten apple because of it.”

“Even though that metaphor doesn’t make sense, I get how you feel.. And if I wasn’t… well, a solitary feline and a lion instead of a tiger.” Raaja murmured, still feeling a bit guilty about what he blurted out. “Like you said, though, none of that matters now. What’s done is done . All that matters is finding some way to get your friends back. And to do that, we’ll need to find where you guys were attacked. If we can find it at all in this grove…”

“Yeah… hopefully.” Rainbow Dash nodded, rubbing one of her arms. As she turned to look away from a lone baboon, she paused to look at something. Applejack instantly noticed her friend stop, making her and Raaja soon follow suit.

“Somethin’ the matter Rainbow?” Applejack asked giving her friend a curious head tilt. “Why’d ya stop all of a sudden?”

“Huh? Oh, I’m sorry AJ, I was just looking at one of the trees.” Rainbow said, blinking as she looked at the farmer. “I saw that it had a few slashes all across it… and holy shit, are they deep.”

“Wait? What did you say?” Raaja said, snapping his head towards Rainbow. “Did you say you just slash marks on a tree? Which one?”

“That one, right over there.” Rainbow pointed over to where she had been looking. “They’re right on that tree. The one with all of the twisted branches.”

Raaja felt his heart skip a beat, and he turned to where Rainbow was painting, feeling a sense of dread. The dread only grew deeper when he laid eyes on the tree the girl was pointing at, seeing the cruelly twisted snake-like branches that hovered over them like a wooden chandelier. As the tiger traced the tree with his gaze, his feeling of unease grew stronger, reaching a tipping point when he finally spotted the slashes in between the base of the tree and where the branches started.

“Girls, those are not slash marks,” he finally said, turning back to the girls. “Something did cut into that tree. But it wasn’t made by a sword. Or even a dagger.”

“They ain’t?” Applejack asked, both she and Rainbow coming up to the tiger. “Then what in the hay are they? Were they made by some sort of critter that lives out here?”

“Yeah, they definitely are.” He and the duo of girls headed over to the damaged tree. “Just look at it. The depth of these slashes isn’t consistent with any weapon made by a human. They aren’t deep enough for any sword or dagger, either. Not to mention they’re almost identical Like they were made from a paw instead of a hand-made weapon.”

“A paw?” Rainbow asked quizzically, reaching out and running a hand down the torn bark. “Are you saying that this was made by a lion or something like that?”

“Yeah, these were definitely made by a lion. If not that, then by a Homotherium. Like the ones that we encountered back at my hunting spot.” Baagh Raaja took a moment to sniff the claw marks. He frowned as he hopped off of the tree, a small cloud of dust rising from underneath his paws. “I don’t know if they’re still in the area or not, but it’s best if we keep our guard up. There is a good possibility that they will still be around here, either looking for intruders or suitable prey. Our best bet is to get out of here as quickly as possible before they detect any trace of us and try to follow us. Or even worse, eat us.”

“Well, Ah fer one definitely don’t wanna become no meal fer no wild animal. And Ah know Dash here ain’t up fer that either. So, I know it’ll be good fer us to keep one eye open whenever we need to git some quick shut eye.” Applejack nodded, leaning against the tree and eyeing the deformed bark with scrutiny. “That reminds me… ya know a good spot where we can rest up, Raaja? We’ve been walkin’ ‘round fer a pretty long time an’ I’m feelin’ all but ready to plop down on a pile o’ hay and sleep like a rattlesnake in a burrow.”

“I hate to say it, but I’m feeling the same way.” Rainbow added as she struggled to keep herself standing. “We’ve been walking around this place forever and I’m starting to get tired the more we go on. I really wanna keep going so we can find where the others are, but… I just don’t think I can go another step.” She reached up to her chest and ran a finger through the red gemstone hanging from it. “Plus, my Equestrian Magic is almost out, and I’m pretty sure AJ’s is too. I used up a lot of it when we escaped those poachers and fought you and those other furballs. If I use any more before it’s all the way full again, I’m gonna be in even more of a tight spot than I was before.”

“With how you girls look right now, I’m surprised you were able to keep up for this long.” Raaja commented, only now taking notice of just how spent both girls looked. “We can see if there’s anywhere that we can rest for the night, but it’s best not to do it here. I forgot to mention this earlier, but this tree here isn’t slashed for no reason. It’s actually a symbol of a conquered territory.”

“Territory?” Rainbow asked in alarm. “Are you telling me that we’re in some sort of big cat’s home?”

“Yes, Rainbow Dash, we are. A lion pride’s territory to be exact” Raaja continued, his brows furrowing. “However, we’re not just in any typical lion pride territory. No… we’re in the territory of the legendary Titan Pride.”

“The… Titan Pride?” Rainbow Dash blinked hard, feeling a tingle go down her spine for a reason that she could not explain. After sharing a look with Applejack, she focused back on the tiger and asked, “There’s a pride of lions that’s actually called that around here?”

“Believe it or not, there is.” Raaja replied, his tone making it sound like it was the most shocking thing to ever be heard. “There aren’t many prides here that have simple names like that. Most prides have names that are more exotic, with many people here not really knowing the meaning behind them.” He shook his head as his face grew serious again. “Even so, that’s what they’re called. And they have a very good reason to be called that.”

“Let me guess, they like to take down critters a lot bigger than they are?” Applejack asked, giving off the air that she didn’t know the answer.

“Got it in on the nose there.” Raaja nodded. “These lions are not like any other. A lot of prides are known for hunting bigger than normal game, though the normal lion pride only does that during times of sheer desperation. The Titan Pride though? They hunt the heavyweights practically year-round. Dry-Season, Wet Season, it doesn’t matter to them. if they so much as see an opportunity to take down a buffalo, elephant, hippo, or even a giraffe, they will take it; regardless of the changing seasons. I’ve seen these lions take down full grown adult rhinos like they were taking down a mere zebra! Or even an impala! That is how good they are at hunting. And believe me when I say, they are efficient in what they do.”

“They can really take down a whole rhinoceros?!” Rainbow asked in disbelief. She looked down at her shoes, her eyes big like she was staring at them for the very first time. “Wow… now that sounds scary. If a pride of lions can take down a rhino, the toughest animal around here, then this Titan Pride must be really bad news.”

“Trust me, they totally are.” Raaja agreed, one of his paws coming up to run down the tree. He stared into the cuts embedded into it, like he was staring into a trio of black holes that suddenly emerged from within the tree. “I haven’t really had any confrontation with them myself, but I’ve seen it happen with other lions who weren’t as lucky. Most of the time they’re wise and keep a respectable distance away from the pride. Other lions who weren’t… well, let’s just say that they left the Titan Pride with more than just physical wounds.”

“…Ah wanna know what ya mean by that, but a part of me is tellin’ me that Ah really don’t.” Applejack said fearfully, her gut churning inside of her like a knot was being twisted inside. “Mah Granny always told me t’ go by what mah gut says, most of all when Ah really feel it so… Ah’m not gonna ask.”

“Good choice.” Raaja said with a nod of approval. He stood there in silence for a second before he looked up at the sky, seeing the sun set over the mountains beyond the savanna. “It’s almost dusk. The sun is going down and things will be pretty active once it gets completely dark. We’d better find a place to camp before the more nocturnal animals get up and go on their nightly hunts. Once morning hits, we gotta leave as soon as possible, lest the Homotheriums catch us around here and give us a not so warm welcome.”

“Wait Homotheriums...again?” Applejack asked, having caught what Raaja had said as she rested against the tree. “There are villagers around in this area?”

“Yes,” Baagh Raaja replied neutrally. “Not many live near the Titan pride’s territory for a multitude of reasons, but there’s one group that is an exception. I’m not divulging too much of it, but I'll just tell you that they are not cats that you want to mess with.”

“Is that because they’re in a bigger group themselves?” Applejack guessed, eyeing the tiger with a curious, if not sympathetic look.

“Yes, they are. They, like all of the cats here, are ones that are very protective of their territory and fight us simply for that reason. Along with trying to keep their fellow group members safe.” Baagh Raaja rebutted. “It’s just that these Homotheriums in particular are a lot more… confrontational when it comes to keeping rivals at bay. So much so that they’re willing to get downright physical with the bigger predators here. Even ones like me.” He ran a paw over his shoulder, slowing down at the scars as if trying to add emphasis to his point. “Like I said, I won’t go into too much detail but… let’s just say that I had the misfortune of experiencing their might firsthand. As you can plainly see.”

“Eeyup, we can certainly see alright.” Applejack nodded, forcing down a wince at the vicious healed wounds. “So, where do ya suppose we should find shelter? Ah don’t mean t’ sound like Ah’m hopeless, but… Ah’m not exactly trained in survivin’ in this here place. Ah’m more used to bein’ outdoors back where me, Dash an’ th’ others live. Like the Whitetail Woods an’ such.”

“If you guys want, I can look for a place to sleep.” Rainbow said, scanning the area around them. “I mentioned before I don’t have that much Equestrian Magic left, but I can use just a little bit to go up one of those trees and scan the area. I may be able to find something like a giant tree or even a cave.”

“I’d say try to find a tree.” Raaja suggested, gently patting the on next to them. “I hate to say it, but caves are a lot less suitable to be in than trees. It’ll make it easier for a lion or a hyena to find us, since lions can’t climb very high and hyenas can’t climb at all. Of course, leopards are a lot better at climbing, but they won’t really be too hard to handle. Especially if I’m there to keep them away. They’re stealthy and savage, but they're wise, and they know when to fight and flee. We’re better off in a tree than a cave where all predators will be able to find you easily.”

“Alright then, we’ll go with that.” Rainbow Dash concluded as she got up, dusting whatever dust or grime that was on her clothes. “Sit tight guys! I’ll be right back!”

Without waiting for a reply from either of them, the Rainbow gave a swift turn and sped off into the ebony grove. A trail of multiple colors dragged behind her as animals nearby spooked in surprise, running into the bushes or scurrying into the trees, giving alarms all the while. Less than ten seconds later, she came back, the force behind her stop making clouds of dust blow into Applejack and Raaja’s faces. Before they could shake it from their eyes or clear it from their throats, the other girl broke the silence.

“Okay, I’m back.” She grinned humorously as the two glared at her. “I was able to find this huge tree from outside this grove. Its branches are pretty thick and there are a lot of leaves covering it, but it looks more than stable enough for us to be able to climb in.”

“Are you sure it’s safe?” Baagh Raaja asked, raising an eyebrow. “You didn’t see or hear any other animals around or in it. No leopard, baboons, or lions? Or Homotheriums?”

“Nope, it’s completely clear!” Rainbow assured, giving a thumbs up. “I even did a quick scan around the tree just in case there were any monkeys or things like that inside. All I got was a shaky tree and a rustling of leaves; that tree is completely clear and danger free.”

“Good work there, Rainbow Dash. Ah knew we could count on you,” Applejack said approvingly, giving her friend a rough pat on the back. “Ah’m supposing that yer gonna take us there yerself?”

“Yep! Sure am! After spending so much time walking around in the sun, there’s no way I’m gonna spend another minute doing that!” Rainbow replied, her hands resting on her hips for a second before holding them out. “Now come on and grab onto my hands! The sooner we get there, the better!”

Applejack and grabbed onto Rainbow’s hand, making sure to get a firm grip on them in case they let go, although Baagh Raaja was a bit hesitant, and understandably so.

“This….is an issue. I can’t drag you around Baagh Raaja, you’re simply too big.” Rainbow said

“Actually you can, I can-” before Baagh Raaja could finish Applejack lifted him up from his stomach.

“Wait, what are you….oh no you aren’t gonna..” Baagh Raaja commented

“Yep, sorry sugarcube.”

Baagh Raaja flailed his legs. “WAIT NO NO NO NO NO NO-” he yelled before Applejack threw him into the air and he was screaming loudly. As Baagh Raaja flew through the air he passed by a flock of Egyptian Geese and when he felt himself descending he flapped his legs but he plummeted through the top of the tree, bouncing off a branch or two on the way down, and then crashed to the ground and crashed to the ground. Applejack grabbed onto Rainbow’s hand and then they dashed through the grove, passing by a herd of wildebeest that scattered.

“Alright guys, we made it!” Rainbow exclaimed, gesturing to the tree as if it was her most prized possession. “What did I tell you huh? A pretty big tree, isn’t it?”

“It’s… really somethin’ alright,” Applejack commented, taken aback by the sheer size of it. “Ah don’t think Ah’ve ever seen a tree this huge before; probably in the Everfree Forest, but not anywhere else. Hey Raaja, have you seen a tree this big before? Raaja?”

Upon hearing no response from the tiger, both girls looked over to see the tiger sprawled out on his side, groaning from the effects of being thrown a long distance. Both girls cringed upon seeing a small pile of puke next to him, along with the rubbing Raaja was doing to his stomach with his paws.

“Uh… Raaja?” Rainbow uttered, moving her way to the feline. “Are you doing okay there?”

His first response was to give the girl a nice good tail swipe to the face before actually replying. “Oh, I don’t know! Does it look like I’m okay!? I just got thrown into the air over a grove at heights that not even the eagles fly at! And I feel like an African Rock Python about to regurgitate a full-grown Thompson’s Gazelle! Taking all that into consideration, do you really need to ask if I’m okay?”

“Nope… probably not,” Applejack murmured, rubbing the back of her head. “Sorry about that, that was the first thing that popped into mah head and so I just went with it.” She knelt down and held her hand out. “Here, can ya git up?”

“Y-yeah, I think so… God above, that hurt so much.” Raaja groaned, grabbing onto Applejack’s hand and hoisting himself up. Once he was able to keep his stomach from feeling like it was leaping into his throat, he gave a shake of his body before looking at the girls. “Geez, you really went pretty crazy back there, didn’t you Applejack? Don’t ever do that again. If you try I will despise you for eternity”. “Okay okay Raaja.” Applejack said sheepishly, blushing in embarrassment as the tiger sent an ashen faced look at her. In an attempt to get the heat turned away from her, she quickly changed the subject to the tree. “So? How does the tree look, Raaja? Ya think it’s good enough for us to hide in?”

“It’s… a bit crowded from where I’m standing.” Raaja replied, his annoyance turning to calculation as he observed the tree. “The branches all look really packed together, and it looks like it’ll be a bit hard to move around. But it does seem relatively safe for you to hide in for the night until the next morning. We may end up having to encounter some baboons or a leopard or two, but that’s nothing that we can’t handle.” He reared up and placed his paws on the tree, feeling as much of it as he could. “The only problem is how we’re going to get up there.”

“Yeah, Ah was actually gonna ask ya ‘bout that.” Applejack murmured, playing with some of her hair. “No offense to ya Raaja, but ya ain’t exactly climbin’ material. Just like ya mentioned, and how mah friend Fluttershy told me, the leopard is the only Big Cat that’re really made fer climbin’. And while I’m sure you can somewhat climb yerself, however limited it is, it don’t look like you can get very high. So … how’re ya gonna git us up there?”

“…I… have an idea how to get all three of us in this tree…” Raaja replied quietly, looking off to the side. “Although, that means doing something else in front of you two. Or rather… revealing something to you guys.”

“Revealing something?” Rainbow’s brows rose in interest. “Reveal what?”

Baagh Raaja gave no reply, pushing himself off of the tree and slowly stepping from the two girls. He stared at them for a moment as if they had suddenly drawn weapons on him while they stared back with looks of inquisitiveness. His eyes trailed to the ground as his paws shifted this way and that, his tail giving nervous swings. A tense round of silence descended upon the trio as Raaja struggled to find the words for what he was going to say next as to try to soften what was soon going to come. Finally, he sighed and let his eyes pierce into the two girls’ own, replying to Rainbow’s question with just two three simple words.

“Prepare to be amazed.”

A bright blue aura suddenly appeared around the tiger’s body. The misty aura travelled from his nose to his tail as his fur floated like he was under water. Rainbow Dash and Applejack recoiled, and were about to ask what was going on, only for something else to catch their eye. Baagh Raaja had started to change.

“What in tarnation?” Applejack breathed.

No other words other than those could describe the feelings both girls had as they watched the tiger transform before their very eyes. His striped orange fur receded within his body, being replaced by human skin with enough tan to confirm he liked to be out in the sun for long periods of time. The paws making up Raaja’s feet grew thinner and longer, the toes growing shorter while the claws grew duller and gave way to human toes, fingers and nails. His tail grew shorter and retreated while his whiskers vanished into his cheeks, his ears turning to that of a human’s. Finally, his clothing and hair appeared, with the clothing being that of a wildebeest’s hide while the hair was a deep silky chocolate brown going down to his shoulders; the color matching his now brown eyes. The one thing that remained as any proof of his former appearance was the large slash marks going across his face, letting the girls know just who exactly this human man was.

“Holy crap…” Rainbow whispered, the feeling of the wind blowing in her face pulling her out of her stupor as if telling her to focus. “Baagh Raaja… is that you?”

“In the flesh,” Raaja stated, shrugging as he gave a little smile with a single fang poking from the corner of his mouth. “Pretty shocking, I know. Bet you weren’t really expecting me to have a human form as well, were you? And this is what I was going to do until someone chucked me in the air.”

“No! We were definitely not!” Applejack shouted, the sudden rising in her volume causing a few nearby guinea fowl to take to the air. “Ah mean look at you! One minute you’re this big hulkin’ cat that can probably take down the strongest horses back at mah farm, and the next minute yer this hulk of a man that could probably give mah big brother a run fer his money! How’re you even able to go into that form at all?!

Raaja pursed his lips. “It’s… something that I can’t really put into words. It’s not something that’s super hard for me to do, but it’s not easy to explain either. It’s just… something that I can do at will. One second I’m like this, and the next second, I can be what you all just saw. Like a metamorphosis, kind of like a Skinwalker, you know what I mean?”

“Huh… while I don’t know what the heck a Skinwalker is, I think I can get what you’re saying,” Rainbow replied, looking Raaja up and down and taking in his lean, yet muscular appearance. “I have to say Raaja, you look really badass. Didn’t think you’d be this good looking. If you were back where me and AJ live, there’s no doubt girls in CHS would be all over you.”

“Oh, please spare me the flattery,” Raaja snorted giving a wave of his hand. “While I’m sure that the women where you’re from would be all over me in this form, I’d rather not indulge in that possibility. I don’t really like being in this form anywhere near as much as I do my tiger form.” A frown came to his face as his lips curled back, giving a snarl that was almost like that of a tiger’s. “As a matter of a fact, I hate it.”

“You… hate it?” Applejack asked in surprise, not at all expecting to hear those words from the now human tiger’s mouth. Before Applejack could ask him to elaborate, something clicked in her mind, and her eyes went from perplexed to understanding. “Oh… wait… I suppose that it has to do with the, um… things humans do to the animals?”

“Something along those lines.” Raaja nodded, softness returning to his face. “Never mind, it’s not really important. If you want to know more details, I’ll tell you about it later. You wanted to get up the tree, right?”

“Er, yeah Ah did.” Applejack uneasily rubbed one arm. “Are ya… gonna carry me up there?”

“Yes, that was the original plan.” Raaja said, taking a few steps closer as he turned around and knelt down. “Go on and get on. Don’t worry about weighing me down. I’m a pretty strong guy, so I shouldn’t have any problem carrying you.”

“Alright then, if ya say so.” Applejack nodded, walking over and leaning in behind Raaja. As she wrapped her arms and legs around his neck and waist, she suddenly asked, “Wait, so how’re ya gonna actually climb up this here tree in this new form? I don’t doubt you can climb other trees but this one looks pretty darn smooth. Got any fancy tools for that?”

Raaja said nothing. He just grinned as he looked back at the farmer, holding his hands out and swinging them downward. Immediately, his nails extended and turned into the claws of a cat, curved, sleek, and sharp; perfect tools for climbing. Wordlessly he leapt up the side of the tree and dug his claws in, his toenails turning into claws to do the same. Almost as if he was still a tiger, he began to climb up the tree, moving with surprising swiftness as his claws stabbed into the smooth bark. He continued this way until he reached the branches, grabbing one of them and hoisting both of them up.

“Whoa nelly, that was fast!” Applejack praised him as Raaja set her down on the ground. “Who knew that you were such a good climber! I mean, I had a feelin’ you were good, but land sakes”

“It wasn’t that hard really,” Raaja murmured, resting on one of the branches. “I’ve been doing tree climbing for all of my life, both in my tiger and human form. And while I prefer one over the other, I find it pretty useful to be able to climb in either one” He grinned at her. “And besides, it’s not like you were that hard to carry up this tree anyway.”

“Uh, what do ya mean by that?” Applejack asked, brows furrowing in confusion. “Are ya sayin’ that Ah’m skinny?”

‘Ah shit. I forgot that women were sensitive about their weight. Dammit Baagh Raaja!’ Raaja thought, mentally kicking himself for being so careless with his words. “No of course not. I’ve just saying that with you holding onto me like you did, it made it a lot easier to carry you.”

“Yep! It totally would’ve!” Rainbow Dash suddenly piped up, appearing right behind the duo. “I mean, who in their right mind would try to climb up a tree with only their feet while carrying someone in their arms?!”

“What…?! What in the…?! How did you get up here?!” Raaja shouted after managing to get his heart back to beating at a considerable rate. “You were standing all the way down there! A forty-foot drop! How in the hell did you climb up so quickly?!”

“Uh, I didn’t climb. I ran.” Rainbow rolled her eyes before tapping at her gemstone. “And I have Equestrian Magic, remember? As well as super speed? I just used that once you guys managed to find a good spot up here. Granted, I could’ve just waited until you came down to get me up here, but…” She gave a little shrug along with a laugh. “…well, AJ knows how I am at this point. Not really willing to wait around for anything!”

“Oh, right… forgot about that,.” Raaja muttered, his disbelief quickly deflating. As Applejack gave Rainbow Dash a heated look, the transformed man looked down at the bottom of the tree, muttering under his breath. “And just when I forgot that you guys had magic and used it to fight off those Homotherium that we ran into earlier. My mind really is all over the place today.”

“Eeyup, ya really are hon’.” Applejack chuckled, patting Raaja’s hairy head before the warning look that he sent her made her stop. “Anyway, what should we do now? We got ourselves a good spot t’ keep outta danger, and we don’t really have to worry about losin’ sleep. Should we start buildin’ a shelter ‘in case it start’s rainin’ or’ somethin’ tries t’ git us?”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about it raining fer one. It’s the middle of dry season so we won’t be seeing even a drop of water for the next three and a half months,” Raaja replied, swinging his legs like he was a little boy on a tire swing. “Still, it would be a good idea if you two built a shelter to keep yourselves comfortable. And to make sure that no leopard or baboons try to get in and give you a scare. As for me, I’m going to go see if I can find us some backup.”

“Backup?” Applejack stopped in her reach for a fruit that she saw within the giant tree. “You mean there are more like you ‘round this here savanna?”

“I don’t know,” Baagh Raaja confirmed, looking out into the sky. “But there are plenty of predators out here. While they’re not as big in numbers as the poachers, they're pretty abundant. When I mention our situation to them, I’m sure I can get at least a few predators to help. With that said, maybe it’s not such a bad thing we were in the Titan Pride’s territory.”

“You’re really gonna try to convince those guys to help us?” Rainbow guessed, watching as Raaja nodded. “How do you know that they’ll be able to help us? I mean, not that I doubt that you’ll be able to convince them, but from our first encounter with you, you’re not someone who likes being around humans very much. And I get the feeling that these allies of yours feel the same way.”

“Yeah, they kind of are,” Raaja replied, giving a little smile. “Believe it or not, it’s actually our job to guard the stone from those who intend to use its powers for their own purpose. I understand that you’re apprehensive about meeting them, but you shouldn’t worry about that too much. Once I explain why you’re really here, they’re bound to help. Or at the very least be civil once they know that you’re not a threat.”

“I really hope ya do, sugarcube,” Applejack said nervously. “After the fight we had with you today, the last thing Ah want is a bunch o’ cats trying to turn me into some sort o’ chew toy. Mah dog Winona has more than enough o’ those back home. Ah do not want her t’ have to use me like one too. Not even in th’ next eight lifetimes o’ mah Granny Smith.”

“I’ll be sure that they don’t do that.,” Baagh Raaja said, his tone half playful and half serious as he rolled his eyes. He then got up and stretched, closing his eyes as the blue aura from before appeared around his body again. “Alright, I’ll head off now. Make sure you have that shelter built by the time I get back, and don’t come down from the tree unless it’s an absolute emergency. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Sure thing, dude,.” Rainbow Dash said as Raaja made his way down the tree. “Try not to get yourself too banged up okay? Me and AJ had enough of that happen to us, and we really don’t want a tough guy like you to have his ass handed to him. So make sure you come back to us in one piece, alright?”

“Right back at you.” Raaja nodded, almost a little fist pump to the athlete, but drew his arm back, making Rainbow raise an eyebrow. With a salute, he pushed himself off of the tree, turning around and stretching his body out as he underwent another transformation. No sooner did he hit the ground he was back into his tiger form again, as if he never even turned human in the first place. With a final wave to the girls, he took off into the grove in search of allies, leaving Applejack and Rainbow Dash to make their nightly shelter.

‘Alright, now that that’s taken care off, let’s see if I can find some reinforcements, ’Baagh Raaja thought as he sped his way through the trees. ‘You sit tight Bladed Claw! I’m coming for you and your little group of cronies! When I do, I’m going to make you pay for all you’ve done to me all those years ago, Just you wait, you bastard!’

Chapter 3: A Night in Africa

The moonlight pierced through the savanna, casting light like the sun across the grass and creating shadows with the trees. Baagh Raaja walked through the tall grass, looking to both sides of his path. He stopped and turned his head to look behind him. Seeing nothing, he walked on. Up ahead lay a small patch of acacia trees. He walked towards the patch of trees and found a waterhole, where he crouched down slowly and folded his ears down on his head.

“-Good, now all I need to do is wait.” Baagh Raaja thought as he stared at the waterhole.

As he waited, he watched as a herd of impala walked out of the acacia forest and drank at the waterhole. One of the impala lifted its head up, its ears moving. Rumbling sounds could be heard from the trees and out from the forest came the matriarch walking to the waterhole with the rest of the elephants following close behind. The impala left the waterhole when one elephant came to the spot they were drinking at. The elephants sucked water into their trunks and sprayed it into their mouths, while a young calf sprayed mud into the air.

Baagh Raaja’s legs were stiff, his muscles tensed, and only his eyes moved to look around. The matriarch raised her tail, lifted her ears, and turned towards the thick acacia brush. She lifted her trunk high, then she turned and trumpeted to the others. Out from the cover, a pride of lions gave chase, and the elephants scattered. There were more than thirty lions on the attack.

The adult elephants grouped together and tried to encircle the calves as they ran, protecting all but one. One of the females was slower than the rest and she ran with her juvenile calf. The lions caught up with them. Unable to outrun them, the mother elephant charged. She swung her trunk at them, but they kept out of reach. Three lions leaped onto her backside, grabbing her attention and she gave chase. Baagh Raaja followed them, watched them from the cover, and saw what they were doing. In truth, the lions being chased by the female were doing as they planned. While those lions distracted her, the rest of the pride attacked the juvenile. Two lions pounced onto it, while the other grabbed on the backside and flanks, drawing blood from their prey, they dragged it to the ground as the young elephant thrashed its trunk and trumpeted. The mother turned to her offspring and watched as one lion clamped its jaws around its throat and another down on the trunk. The mother looked on as the rest of the pride rushed over to join the others. The mother stood silent, and walked off into the night. As Baagh Raaja watched, his stomach twisted, and he looked away from the sight.

“-I wish I could save you…..”

Baagh Raaja slowly turned his head back to the kill site, the lions had already begun eating the young elephant’s hindquarters. The lioness released her grip on the trunk, but she looked to her front, ears erect, growling, and waving her tail upwards. A male lion with muscular forelimbs and a big, bushy, black mane casually approached the kill. However, as Baagh Raaja looked on, he saw the big male wasn’t alone. From the trees, a human girl with pink skin and bushy pink hair walked very hesitantly at first. The big male looked back and raised his tail up and the girl, although still somewhat hesitant, slowly joined him.

“-What the!?” Baagh Raaja thought as he watched .

The lioness trotted right up to the male and got very close to his face, staring him in the eye. “Talamba! Why is there a human with you!? They’re forbidden to be here!!” The lioness said as she unsheathed her claws.

“I know they are, but she’s not a threat. In fact, she escaped from the clutches of Danger Beasts.” Talamba said as he maintained eye contact with the lioness.

“Danger Beasts!? Those unlawful beasts!!?” the lioness yelled

“Yes, from what I understand, they’re going after the Mookarina Stone.” Talamba replied while looking at Pinkie Pie

“Why am I not surprised? Well then, we must go after them once we get our energy back,” The lioness responded

“No, wait! Plenty of them are larger than you girls are! You won’t stand a chance! And I need to find two of my friends!” Pinkie said as she waved her arms rapidly.

“No, but there is strength in numbers. We’ll simply get some backup.” The lioness replied as she looked Pinkie in the eye.

“You mean like that huge tiger over there?” Pinkie asked while pointing west.

Baagh Raaja’s jaw dropped once again and his eyebrow twitched. “-How did she even know I was here!!?? She didn’t even look in my direction!”

“Uhh….what’s a tiger?” Talamba asked, raising an eyebrow

“OOOOOHHHH Right, a tiger is a huge cat that’s orange with black stripes with a white belly and there’s one right there in the patch of trees.” Pinkie Pie answered, pointing to Baagh Raaja once more.

“So that’s what they’re actually called. We’ve seen one before, but we’ve always called it a fire beast,” The lioness responded

“And this tiger has been with your friends for a while.” Baagh Raaja began walking out from the trees. When he made it out into the open, the lions’ eyes widened.

“Wait….she was RIGHT? HOW!!?” Talamba yelled with a raised eyebrow.

Pinkie Pie dashed at Baagh Raaja, stretched her body and looked him in the face. “You do!!? Take me to them!” she demanded as she raised her arm.

The lioness turned and began walking to the dead elephant. “We’ll be here, to provide you with some food.”

“Thanks, now let’s go, Baagh Raaja!” Pinkie said before she sprinted into the trees.

Baagh Raaja didn’t even move his legs, but he turned his head behind him. “....... How did she even know my name!?”

Rainbow Dash lay on one of the tree branches on her back. While breathing she caught a scent, but the smell was odd, something she never smelled before. She kept sniffing the air until she quickly opened her eyes and sat up. Rainbow couldn’t see anything, so she sniffed the air again, only to see it was coming from the limbs above her. Rainbow turned to Applejack who was snoring and was laying on her side with her hands under her head.

Rainbow slowly walked off the branch and when she got to Applejack, she shook her. “Applejack, wake up!”

“What the hay is going on?” Applejack asked while getting up.

“Do you smell that?” Rainbow Dash asked while looking above her.

Applejack looked at her with a frown and her arms crossed “That’s seriously what you woke me up for?”

“I know it sounds stupid but, I also have this feeling something’s…….off.” Rainbow replied while looking at her.

Applejack sniffed the air to try to get the scent, then looked back at Rainbow Dash. “I don’t smell anything, sugarcube. Now go back to sleep.”

“How do you not smell that?” Rainbow Dash asked

From the branches above, a male Dinofelis, a jaguar-sized cat with small sabers, a muscular body, brownish gold in color and black dots for spots, jumped at Rainbow Dash.

“GAH!!!!” Rainbow yelled as she quickly got out of the way. Applejack grabbed her geode and stood still, staring at the saber toothed feline, and then yet another unexpected thing happened: the Dinofelis also spoke.

“What do you think you’re doing here?” the Dinofelis growled

Applejack and Rainbow Dash both dropped their jaws. “You can talk too? Are all of you people who can turn into animals!?” Applejack asked while pointing at him.

The Dinofelis turned his head towards Applejack, and sat down. “No, I am a normal animal, and my name is Sulu.”

“Okay hold on! First, we bump into animals that should be extinct, then we meet a teenage boy who can turn into a tiger, and now we meet a normal whatever you are that can talk to humans…….just how the heck is this possible!!?” Rainbow Dash asked, squeezing her eyes shut and putting her hands on her head.

“Unless this somehow was caused by Equestrian magic eons ago,” Applejack suggested

“No, this is not Equestrian magic,” Sulu said with a confused look

But before he could say anything else, a familiar voice came from below. “Hey girls, you won’t believe who I found, come see!”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack both climbed to the outer edges of the limbs. They saw Baagh Raaja standing at the base of the tree, but with him, Pinkie Pie was bouncing up and down, waving her arms. “Pinkie!!!” both girls said.

Rainbow Dash clenched her geode and flew to the ground. Applejack on the other hand was in a bit of a pickle. “Uhh...how am I supposed to get down?” Applejack asked

Sulu walked right next to Applejack and lowered his body. “Climb on my back.”

Without hesitation, Applejack climbed onto Sulu’s back, wrapping her arms around his neck. Sulu slowly walked on the tree limb, then he descended down the tree’s massive trunk headfirst with Applejack clinging tightly.

Once Sulu got off the tree, Applejack immediately climbed off of him and sprinted towards Pinkie Pie, hugging her tightly. “I was so worried something may have happened to you.,” Pinkie said as she squeezed Applejack.

“How did you escape?” Applejack asked as she let go of Pinkie

“I simply drilled my way out.” Pinkie answered, pointing to her hair.

Baagh Raaja raised an eyebrow. “You drilled your way out?”

“Yep” Pinkie answered.

“Have they done anything horrible to the others?” Rainbow Dash asked

“Yeah, Bladed Claw decided he was gonna starve Fluttershy!!” Pinkie replied

Baagh Raaja uttered a deep, chilling growl. His claws unsheathed, his teeth bared. The girls looked at him with wide open eyes. “Take me to him…..now.” Baagh Raaja hissed as he looked at Pinkie.

Pinkie began scratching her head, and backed away from Baagh Raaja. “I would buuuuuut….”

“But what!!!??” Baagh Raaja yelled

Sulu got himself right in front of Baagh Raaja, and looked him straight in his eyes. “Calm yourself!” Baagh Raaja inhaled a deep breath of oxygen, then exhaled and sat down.

“I’ve heard a few stories about Bladed Claw and his gang from migratory birds. We must be in a big group to take him down.” Sulu said as he looked towards the girls.

“We bumped into the Titan pride, they killed a young elephant and they’ve decided to share it with us, so you guys can get some food before we head out,” Baagh Raaja replied as he got up and began walking

“Wait, aren’t you coming? Why?” Rainbow Dash asked

Baagh Raaja stopped, and turned to Rainbow Dash “I’ll….just get a wildebeest or something,. I’ll catch up with you later.” He then turned back and walked off into the night.

“Well, that’s just weird, why in the hay would he decline to eat with us tonight?” Applejack asked, placing her hand on her hat.

“Maybe he just doesn’t like elephant meat?” Rainbow Dash suggested as she shrugged.

“Come along, we best not keep the pride waiting,” Sulu told them as Pinkie Pie took the lead and started walking.

Sulu, Talamba, the lioness, and the girls sat around a small fire,and a large boulder behind them with the girls eating small chunks of cooked elephant meat. “Thanks for letting us eat some of your kill.” Rainbow Dash said

“You’re welcome,” The lioness replied

“We’ll rest here for the night, I imagine you must be tired after the hunt and eating all that meat.” Sulu said while laying in front of a small tree

“You bet we are, right girls?” The lioness asked

“Most definitely.” The rest of the pride answered as they were laying down

Sulu got up on his feet. “So, you girls want to know the answer to all of your questions?” he asked

Applejack perked up. “Yeah, like how is all this even possible?” she asked

Sulu walked over to the boulder, and he turned back around and sat down. He placed his paw on his chest and cleared his throat, then he began.

“A very long time ago-”

Pinkie raised her arms in fists “WOO-HOO Story time!!!”

“Yes….like I was saying, there was a powerful being who took the form of a white feline with rounded ears, an erect mane like a zebra, yellow eyes, and had a pair of white wings like an eagle. His name was Karu, and he was the being that created the land we lay upon, the maker of all life.”

“In other words a god?” Rainbow asked

“Yes, In creating life, he also created a few laws for all creatures to abide by. The laws were to never kill for pleasure, never destroy the land, never harm your offspring, no being shall betray their own family, nor shall they harm those who save them, no family member shall choose who another settles down with, and do not kill to eradicate competitors if you don’t need to hunt to survive.”

Applejack lowered her eyebrows “Somehow I feel we humans are attacked.”

“ Actually the laws were made right before before humans existed. While Karu could create life, he had a limited ability to protect it from catastrophe. With his limited magic, he created this place, a zone where all creatures could be safe if they wanted to go there. Many animals came here either by walking , flying or by Karu teleporting them here from other places, so now, there are some animals here that were not here before.”

“So that means….this part of Africa might have kangaroos!” Rainbow said

Applejack lifted her head “Or maybe bison!”

Pinkie gasped again “Or maybe even...PANDAS!!!”

“Anyway...Years passed, and things began to change, as now humans were very common, and some of them wanted to be able to hunt like big cats, and some of the big cats wanted to be able to use fire like humans. Karu trusted them, and thus he decided to grant the big cats the ability to transform into humans. The humans who wanted to hunt like big cats wanted to be unique from the rest, so Karu created furry belts for them to wear that allowed them to transform into what we call Danger Beasts. That way their children could decide if they wanted to have the ability of their parents. Karu did not do the same for the cats because they can’t simply take off a belt.”

“Huh, sounds like fashion even Rarity would hate.” Rainbow chuckled

“Little did Karu know that this was perhaps his biggest mistake. The Danger Beasts began to break all the laws he created, and this led to a war between the Danger Beasts and the big cats. This was a bloody battle, and though the Danger Beasts gave it their all, the big cats won because they were more experienced, and the surviving Danger Beasts went into hiding. But it didn’t end there. You see, Karu had a brother called Tarak. Unlike Karu, he could only create stones and was always jealous of his brother’s ability to create life, and so he decided that he would create the Mookarina Stone.”

Applejack scratched her head “A jealous brother....why does that sound familiar?”

“He tried to get the humans and Danger Beasts to touch it, and with it, they would become even better killers than they already were. However, Karu intervened and he fought with Tarak. Karu killed Tarak, but he too was fatally wounded. Before he passed on, however, he placed the Mookarina Stone in this place. He had the predators chase the humans out of this place, and gave them the ability to talk in the tongues of man. He also changed the Mookarina Stone in a way that its power can only be used if touched by the blood of a being with magical powers as he was now too weak to destroy the stone completely. With his last act, he told the predators to protect the land from humans, right before he died from his wounds.”

Pinkie began sobbing “WHYYYY!!! Why did you have to go Karu!!? WHY!!??”

“There there,” Talamba patted her shoulder

“As for the cats in the battle, most of them decided to never transform into humans again for fear that greed would turn them evil. A very few continued on as humans, as they found human life easier for them and to this day, there are some but not many humans who can turn into large cats, but they do not for their instincts never kick in. But if those humans were to live in the wild, their instincts would slowly kick in.”

“Whoa! That’s so cool!!” Rainbow Dash replied.

Pinkie’s eyes widened, and gasped. “So that’s why Talamba attacked me.”

“Well, I’ll be!” Applejack said while tilting her hat.

“And my family took it upon ourselves to be the storytellers of the land, that way the new generations remember our past,” Sulu said as he leaped off the boulder.

“So you’re basically a history teacher,” Rainbow Dash said

“You could say that,” Sulu replied as he lay back down.

From behind them, a twig snapped in the distance. They turned around to see Baagh Raaja returning to the site, walking across the clearing to the other side of the trees. “Well look who decided to finally show up,” Applejack remarked

Baagh Raaja turned his head to her. “Hey, catching prey isn’t easy. I had to try five different times to catch something, and I killed an ostrich in case you were wondering,” he said as he stood in the clearing.

Applejack began to yawn. “Well, I’m gonna turn in for the night.” She stretched out her arms and lay down on the ground. The cats yawned and placed their heads on their paws and Pinkie just plopped down on the ground and started snoring.

Rainbow Dash looked at Baagh Raaja, watching him keep walking to the other trees, away from the pride. “-Weird, why doesn’t he come to sleep with everyone else?” Rainbow Dash thought before she got up and followed him. Baagh Raaja walked into a spot in the acacia woods and lay down, stretched his body, and fell asleep. Looking back, Rainbow Dash saw they were a good distance away from the others, she looked back at Baagh Raaja, and back to where the pride was, then she quietly walked to a tree close to him, laid herself down, and closed her eyes.

Chapter 4: Savanna of the Sabertooth

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Chapter 5: Welcome to the Jungle

In the heat of the day, a mother warthog rested with her piglets underneath an acacia tree. She twitched her ears and turned her head, looking out to the grasslands. She saw a pride of lions, along with a pack of sabertooths, a pair of human girls, and a tiger coming her way. With a raise of her tail, her piglets get up and they flee. While walking, Applejack glanced at Partak who was walking next to Talamba.

“Sooo of all the animals, which one do you hate the most?” she asked.

Partak turned his head. “I don’t actually despise any creature,” he answered.

“Uh huh, sure.” Talamba scoffed.

Applejack noticed Baagh Raaja staring off into the distance. “Well Raaja, what about you?” she asked him.

Baagh Raaja stared at her, then turned back. “Cows.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash raised their brows. “...Cows?...of all the things you could’ve chosen you hate...cows?...Why?” Rainbow asked.

Baagh Raaja turned. “That’s none of your concern,” he sternly replied.

Partak turned his head. “What exactly is a cow?” he said with a lifted brow.

Applejack placed her hand on her hat. “Oh...right. A cow is like a buffalo, only the horns are different and they come in different colors.”

Partak lifted his brow higher. “Ah, I see.”

In the front Sulu stopped, and the lionesses and sabertooths paused. Baagh Raaja took a step forward, but he stopped. He, Talamba, and Partak turned their heads to a patch of woodland. Rainbow Dash walked right next to Baagh Raaja and opened her mouth slightly, but then a creaking noise came. Rainbow looked at the trees and saw an acacia tree fall, but behind the tree was an elephant. This elephant, however, was different. The elephant had ears smaller than its head. Its tusks were longer than a man’s height and straighter than an african elephant’s. It walked next to a lone acacia tree; its shoulders exceeded the very top.

Applejack, Rainbow, and Pinkie dropped their jaws. . “Whoa...that...that thing makes the elephants at the zoo look tiny!” Rainbow exclaimed while pointing at the elephant.

Applejack widened her eyes. “Yeah no kiddin! Ah wonder what’s called though.”

Pinkie scratched her chin. “Maabye it’s just called the gigantic elephant?”

Baagh Raaja turned to Pinkie. “Actually it’s called a Paleoloxodon. Paleoloxodon namadicus from the looks of it,” he said before looking at the elephant.

Talamba raised a brow. “A pa-what? We just call them Straight-Tuskers.” he replied.

Applejack looked at Talamba. “You know what ah’ll just stick with calling them that,.” she responded.

“Straight-Tuskers it is!” Pinkie said while raising her arms.

“You all, come here!” Sulu yelled. The big cats trotted to the front, while the girls ran up to Sulu. He was standing at the edge of what looked like a cliff. The girls walked right next to Baagh Raaja, whose eyes Rainbow noticed were twitching. When she looked down she saw a jungle stretching for miles, the birds were singing, and the tree tops were completely blanketed by the sunlight.

Rainbow widened her eyes. “Coooolll!”

Baagh Raaja gritted his teeth. “Y-you’re kidding right? You mean to tell me there was a JUNGLE here!? And I’m just NOW learning this!? That knowledge would’ve made my life much easier!” he yelled, echoing through the canopy and making the birds fly off.

Sulu began walking down the cliffside. “We mustn't waste time, we have to keep moving,” he ordered. A lioness followed him, along with the rest of the lions. Baagh Raaja’s blue aura began to rise and his transformation began once more while the sabertooths were beginning their descent. Talamba and Partak watched with big eyes as Baagh Raaja’s form turned from tiger to human. Once fully transformed he glanced towards the cats before making his way down with Talamba and Partak keeping their stares.

As their group made their way through the jungle, the cats had to keep swatting at plants. Baagh Raaja, who was back in tiger form, took in the view of the jungle, with patches of light touching the forest floor and the shadows that blanketed the ground. The sounds of monkeys echoed in the trees, and a Sambar fled on the approach of the cats. Taking in a deep breath of air and exhaling, he felt a warm tingle inside him. As she was walking, Applejack began to notice the sunlight was fading away. She looked up and saw the clouds clumping together, covering the sun and turning the sky gray. Applejack rushed to Sulu and got to his side. “Ah think we should start looking for shelter, those clouds don’t look good.”

Before Sulu could react, thunder shot from the sky, and the first drops of rain fell. Baagh Raaja frowned, and Talamba’s mane became soaked. Soon the rains came down hard. Game trails were starting to run with water, the treetops blew, leaves fell, and as the group kept moving, it began to hail. The hail hit Talamba on his head, back, and neck. He looked up at Baagh Raaja. “Don’t you just love this weather?” he asked.

Partak turned to Baagh Raaja with his ears folded and his brow lowered. “And you thought life would be easier in a jungle.”

Baagh Raaja rolled his eyes. “I’m just saying tigers are more at home here.”

Rainbow Dash stopped. “Hold on, do you hear that?” The group stopped and listened. They could hear a loud, crashing sound coming right in their direction. They turned to see what was making the commotion and it wasn’t long before a flash flood rushed through the jungle, sweeping up everything in its path. Bagh Raaja and the big cats folded their ears and widened their eyes along with the girls.

“OH CRAAAAAAPP!! GET TO HIGH GROUND NOW!!!” Talamba screamed before they ran for their lives. The lions sprinted faster than the sabertooths, Talamba ran and caught up to the head lioness, Sulu sprinted, and Baagh Raaja charged through the undergrowth like a buffalo. Applejack and Pinkie both dashed through the vegetation. Rainbow touched her geode, but before she could make a mad dash she tripped over a root.

“Gah!” She crashed on the forest floor, and while trying to get up she saw the water right in front of her as she was caught in the flood. Pinkie and Applejack were next to be engulfed by the water, then Baagh Raaja got caught and then the rest of the group was swept up in the flood. Baagh Raaja paddled through the water. t first the current was too strong, but he didn’t back down. With each stroke of his paws he got closer to the surface, and finally, with one final stroke he breached the surface. With his strength he managed to keep his head above water.

Baagh Raaja looked around. “Anyone! Someone! Where are you!?” he shouted

Talamba surfaced, gasping deeply. “Hey! Anybody!” he yelled.

Partak broke through the water, and he searched until he saw Talamba and Baagh Raaja. Not long after, the other sabertooths began to surface, and then the lionesses started to come up, stroking through the water to stay afloat. “Oh good, you’re all alive!” Partak exclaimed.

Baagh Raaja began to swim to Talamba. “Where’s Sulu!?” he asked, stroking through the current.

Sulu popped his head through the water and gasped for air and saw Partak swimming to him. “There he is,” Talamba responded.

Applejack’s voice came about. “Guys! We’re over here!” she yelled.

The cats looked to her direction, and saw both Applejack and Pinkie. But they weren’t swimming, rather Pinkie’s hair had gotten much larger, big enough that she and Applejack were sitting on it like a raft. “Is...is her HAIR carrying Applejack?” Talamba asked.

“Everyone, over here!” the head lioness yelled. The group looked over and saw the rest of the group swimming to a cave on the side of a hill. Each one was climbing onto shore one at a time for the most part, as one sabertooth carried a lioness on his back. The girls grabbed a pair of floating branches and paddled their way to the cave while the cats continued to swim. Applejack was the first to get off, and Pinkie’s hair deflated after she reached land. Baagh Raaja came on land next, Partak was carrying Sulu and he climbed on next, then Talamba finally climbed on.

“LAND!!” Talamba yelled before he plopped down onto the earth. However, Applejack looked around, and then she looked again rapidly.

“Wait, where’s Rainbow!?” she asked, scratching her head. The group looked around, and they couldn’t see her anywhere. They quickly ran out of the cave and looked across the water for any signs of her. They didn’t see her anywhere.

Applejack began to sweat. “RAINBOW! RAINBOW!!” she shouted, her voice echoing through the land.

“RAINBOW DASH!!” Pinkie screamed as she waved her arms rapidly. Baagh Raaja looked on at the flowing water, the floating logs, and a sambar carcass that floated past them.

Baagh Raaja stood, his pupils shrunk, and shook. “-No...not again!” he thought.

xxx

Farther up the flood, the logs were still floating. Suddenly Rainbow Dash blasted through the water. She quickly scrambled onto a log. She tried to flap her wings, however, she didn’t get airborne. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw her wings were soaked.

Rainbow Dash felt her heart begin to pound harder. “Oh no! My wings!” she yelled.

She looked around for anyone, but she couldn’t see anyone. “GUYS! APPLEJACK! PINKIE! BAAGH! SOMEONE!” she screamed.

Once more, there was no response, only the continuous stretch of flood was in sight. “Where are they?” she asked before all of a sudden a lot of punctures dug into her leg, and she felt herself being pulled under the water.

Under the surface, she looked below her and her heart started pounding even harder. Blood. Her blood was flowing through the water, and it was apparent why. She was being pulled down by a crocodile. Rainbow tried to punch the crocodile in the snout but to no avail, then she tried to punch it in the eyes. It let her go for a brief moment, only to grab her again and pull her deeper. As she kept beating the crocodile, she felt something with her teeth, not a toothache, but as if they were...changing. Rainbow punched the crocodile in the eyes again, but it kept its grip this time. Then, suddenly, she felt her instincts get stronger, and then, to her surprise, she bit the crocodile in the face, one of her teeth puncturing the eye. The crocodile let go of her leg, and this time it swam away while blood came out from its eye. Quickly she made her way up to the surface and gasped for air. She noticed high ground and with the last ounces of her strength made it to shore, but after she climbed onto the land she fell over on her side. She slowly began to close her eyes as she felt her blood oozing from her leg, breathing heavily and then her eyes closed entirely.

In the morning, the sun shone very brightly against the forest floor which was now covered in puddles. Out of the thick vegetation, a male Gigantopithecus walked on his knuckles out into a game trail covered by the flood, finding some fallen fruit as a result. Before he could reach for it, he heard the voices of the group. He smelled the air and picked up the unmistakable scent of cats, only he smelled an entire group of them and thus quickly abandoned the fruit.

“RAINBOW!” Applejack shouted through the forest.

Pinkie was up in a tree, looking around the canopy. “RAINBOW WHERE ARE YOU!?” she screamed.

Baagh Raaja looked from side to side while the rest of the group split up to cover more ground. “WHERE ARE YOU!?” he roared.

He lowered his head. “I wish she wasn’t sleeping close to me!” he said to himself.

Applejack turned to him with a raised brow. “-Huh? What the hay is he talkin about?” she thought.

In the skies above, Harpy, the martial eagle soared over them, watching them search for Rainbow. He turned around and flapped through the air and continued soaring, passing over trees and landing on a ledge. He began calling, and from the trees, Bladed Claw and Bloody Knife walked to him.

“What is it Harpy?” Bladed Claw asked.

He lowered his head and Harpy shrieked into his ear, and Bladed Claw began to grin. “Really?” He lifted his head back up and walked to the ledge, peering over the jungle.

Bloody Knife approached. “What is it, boss?” he asked.

Bladed Claw turned his head. “Apparently Rainbow Dash has been separated from the others. Either that or she’s dead,” he answered.

“Are you saying we should look for her?” Bloody Knife asked.

Bladed Claw turned back to the jungle. “Yes, especially since apparently the girls and Baagh Raaja got some...help. This might give us the chance to kill her off and make that group of there's a bit smaller,” he replied.

“What if we end up encountering them? More specifically, if Baagh Raaja sees you?” Bloody Knife asked.

Bladed Claw dug his claws into the earth and scratched it. Then he turned back to him. “That won’t happen, we’ll move quietly through the jungle.”

Bloody Knife widened his eyes. “You’re really gonna take the chance?” he asked.

Bladed Claw turned around. “If it means making that group a bit weaker, then yes. Now get some men together,” he ordered.

Bloody Knife bowed his head and ran off to the camp. Bladed Claw soon followed him into the jungle.

Night had come again, the moonlight cast across the waters of a river. But it was not a silent night. “RAINBOW!!” Applejack shouted.

“RAINBOW DASH!!” she shouted once more.

“DASHIE!” Pinkie yelled, scaring a herd of Rusa Deer across the river.

“RAINBOW!” both girls shouted in unison.

Sulu watched this, and he walked over to the girls. “Girls, night has fallen, if she’s still alive she’s resting and we must do the same as she’d likely be tired after being caught in the flood,.” he said to them, placing a paw on Applejack’s shoulder.

Applejack turned around. “But what if something finds her and mauls her while she’s sleeping!?” she asked.

Pinkie got right up in Sulu’s face. “And we were caught in the flood yet we’re out here looking for her!”

Sulu pushed her back and then sat down. “Yes, but for all we know she could’ve been in the water for a long time, much longer than we were. The pride itself is getting exhausted and we must keep our energy up if we’re going to find her. And it’s not guaranteed she’s even still alive so for all we know a tiger or a leopard or a crocodile has killed her already,” he explained to them.

Applejack and Pinkie looked across the river into the dark jungle, and looked back at Sulu. “You promise we’ll keep looking in the morning?” Applejack asked.

Sulu nodded. “I promise, but again, I cannot promise that we will find her.”

Talamba walked up to them. “We’ll keep looking for days if we have to,” he reassured her

Partak was resting nearby and then got up and made his way over to the girls. “And we shall search even into the thickest parts of this jungle.” he told them.

Partak placed his paw on his chest. “Pack’s honor.”

Applejack and Pinkie began to form tears and Applejack wrapped her arms around Patak’s neck, Pinkie doing the same to Talamba. “Thank ya,” Applajack said.

Baagh Raaja watched as he stood close by to them, then continued to walk to the river. He walked away from the group and found a pair of boulders and placed himself next to them, sitting and staring up into the sky.

His blue aura began to come around again, and he walked to the river's edge, watching himself as his tiger features turned to human features, all except for the massive scar on his face.

.“-You shouldn’t have slept close to me that night Rainbow. Now...you’re probably gone because of it. Why...WHY does this happen to me?”

Chapter 6: The First Encounter

Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes. “-W-Wha?....Where am I?” she thought.

She looked outside, seeing the sunlight gleaming off of the foliage, and a monitor lizard walking by and disappearing into the forest. She glanced up to see a rock roof and two rock walls.

“A cave? I remember being near the water before things went black. How’d I get here?” she thought

Rainbow tried getting up, but a pain in her leg stopped her. Looking down, she saw teeth marks on her calf. Before she could further inspect it, a thundering roar swept through the jungle. Rainbow’s skin tingled and her heart raced. “I know that roar!” she thought before looking towards the cave’s exit.

She could hear the sound of footsteps coming her way. “Thanks a bunch Baagh Raaja! I-” she said before a large male tiger with a thick build and the size of Baagh Raaja entered the cave carrying a rusa deer.

He approached Rainbow before dropping the deer. “Who’s Baagh Raaja?” he asked as he laid down and began eating the rump.

Rainbow stared. “Oh...uuhh...he’s someone I know. I heard you roar and I thought you were him,.” she replied, scratching her head.

The tiger lifted his head. “Well, sorry to disappoint you. I roared at a leopard who was gonna come in here.”

Rainbow crawled to him. “Thanks for saving me, but...why did you save me? I mean...isn’t it your job to attack people?” she asked with a raised brow.

“Yes but there’s no way you’re an actual threat, so letting you die would’ve been pointless. Speaking of which, why are you doing here anyway?” he asked.

Rainbow sat up straight, glancing to the side. “It’s...a long story. But it involves a gang of Danger Beasts going for the Mookarina Stone.”

The tiger’s eyes got big. “WHAT!!?” he yelled as he shot up from the ground.

The tiger turned towards the exit. “You stay here, I’m getting my friends to help out.”

Rainbow raised her arm towards him. “Wait! I can help you,” she said.

The tiger raised an eyebrow. “How? Your leg is wounded so you can’t walk normal,” he replied

Rainbow lowered her head. “No.” She grabbed onto her geode. “But I can fly,” she said before her pony ears and wings appeared on her in a flash of light.

The tiger’s jaw dropped. “H-HOW!!?”

Rainbow began to get up. “That’s...also a long story,.” she responded while using the cave wall to get on her feet.

The tiger turned back to her. “Tell you what, you fly up and find your friends while I round mine up and we meet back here,” he said.

Rainbow made it to her feet. “Sounds like a plan...uuhh what’s your name?” she asked.

“Name’s Konda,” the tiger said while turning back around.

Rainbow put her hand to her chest. “Rainbow Dash.”

“Now go!” the tiger said before sprinting into the jungle.

Rainbow Dash limped out of the cave. Her wings lifted her from the ground and she dashed into the sky. She passed through the canopy and when she looked down she saw a clearing with tall grasses occupied by a herd of water buffalo. Rainbow passed over the clearing, scanning for any signs of her friends, but mostly all she saw was the treetops and the river.

A herd of banteng cattle strolled through the forest, grazing on the forest floor. The females, light brown in color, kept watch while the dark brown bull bellowed his warning to other bulls. The cries of a sambar made the banteng lift their heads up and dash into the jungle. Flashes of orange and brownish gold sped through the forest, causing a muntjac to flee, langurs to sound their alarms, and a tapir to flee into the water.

Baagh Raaja and Talamba ran into a clearing where the mere sight of them made a herd of gaur flee. Baagh Raaja breathed deeply “RAINBOW!!” he yelled

Talamba panted, trotted over to one of the clearing’s edges. “RAINBOW DASH!!” he yelled before he and Baagh Raaja ran to the other side of the clearing, reentering the jungle. They ran past a herd of Stegodon elephants that looked in their direction and darted through a creek. Baagh Raaja looked from both sides while Talamba looked above him.

“WHERE ARE YOU RAINBOW!?” Talamba yelled before he tripped, causing him to fall over and roll in a wheel and slide on his face. Baagh Raaja stopped and turned as Talamba got up, his face covered in dirt, and checked his paw for any damage.

Talamba put his paw down. “Why did this have to happen? Why couldn’t this have been avoided?” he asked.

Baagh Raaja turned back around. “I don’t know! It seems this kind of thing always happens to me!” he replied.

Talamba raised a brow. “What are you talking about?”

Baagh Raaja froze for a moment, then shook his head. “...That’s none of your business.”

Talamba approached Baagh Raaja. “Well, if you say so.”

A scream flew through the air, Talamba and Baagh Raaja pricking their ears and lifting their heads.

“Rainbow!!” they both said in unison.

They bolted through the jungle, not slowing down, looking forward and not breaking their glances. Not even a king cobra they passed made them stop, rather the snake slithered out of their path. The big cats ran over tall plants and trampled ferns and they both leaped over a fallen log.

Rainbow’s cries echoed through the forest. “HEEEELLLPP!! HEEEEEEELLLLLLPPP!!!” Tthe noises kept ringing into their ears as if it were deafening them.

They got much closer to her screams and stopped dead in their tracks. The sight before them made them gasp and widen their eyes. Rainbow Dash was on the ground, caught in a net, trying to get the net off of her, but it was hooked in the ground. There, next to her, stood a band of the Danger Beasts. One in human form, holding a net gun in his arms and walking up to Rainbow, was Bladed Claw. Upon the sight of him, Baagh Raaja felt as if a spark was lit inside him. His paws clenched, his breathing turning to hisses, and his ears folded back as he kept his glare on Bladed Claw.

Rainbow Dash continued struggling to escape the net, but before she could make any further attempt, Bladed Claw slammed his paw on her back, pinning her on her stomach. She looked up at him and saw his narrowed pupils and his bared fangs. “Well little lady...I hope you enjoyed your life,” he snarled.

The spark inside Baagh Raaja became a fire as he burst out from the foliage and slammed into Bladed Claw, sending them both in a rolling ball of fur. Talamba charged out from cover and began ripping into the net. Baagh Raaja pinned Bladed Claw on his back before Bladed Claw threw him off.

Bladed Claw got up and stared at his attacker. “B-Baagh Raaja!” he stuttered.

Baagh Raaja bared his teeth and unsheathed his claws. “You…” he hissed.

Baagh Raaja approached Bladed Claw while Bladed Claw lowered himself to the ground, folding his ears back and moving backwards. Baagh Raaja stared at him intently into his eyes and growled. Bladed Claw looked around and saw only Talamba ripping the net, setting Rainbow Dash free, the rest of his band was also looking around, moving rapidly but staying close to each other.

Bladed Claw chuckled, and lifted himself up. “Is he all you brought with you?” he asked with a smirk.

A roar once again blasted through the canopy. Looking behind him, Bladed Claw lost his smirk when he saw a large group of tigers charging at his band and then engaging with them. Baagh Raaja was now the one with the smirk.

Bladed Claw’s eyes widened. “WHAT!? Where did they come from!!?”

Rainbow Dash looked at Bladed Claw. “Let’s just say I made a new friend,” she replied.

Talamba smiled “Sweet!”

Baagh Raaja lunged at Bladed Claw and nearly got in the back of his neck, but the Danger Beast’s mane got in the way and Bladed Claw managed to claw his shoulder, making him roar in pain. The pair reared up on their hind legs and swatted like heavyweight boxers, clawing into each other’s skin.

Rainbow Dash and Talamba watched as Baagh Raaja clashed with Bladed Claw, the pair noticing the expression on Baagh Raaja’s face as he sank his fangs into Bladed Claw’s shoulder. Konda and a brown Danger Beast rolled in front of Talamba and Rainbow Dash, the Danger Beast throwing the tiger off of him, only for Konda to pin him down and bite into his neck. Konda held him down with his forepaws, as the Danger Beast tried to scratch into his side but to no avail.

Rainbow Dash watched with her eyes wide open, her breathing slowing as she heard the sound of the Danger Beast’s neck breaking and him struggling for air. Talamba lifted his tail to cover her eyes as he looked on. There was one loud snap, and Talamba could see the light in the Danger Beast’s eyes fade away as Konda released his grip on his neck.

Turning around, Rainbow Dash saw the other Danger Beasts had been killed, and seeing how many there were compared to the tigers, it was clear the tigers outnumbered the Danger Beasts. She got up, seeing Konda with the blood of his rival on his muzzle. Baagh Raaja roared and pinned Bladed Claw to the ground against his back. He placed his paw on Claw’s neck and stared into his eyes. Baagh Raaja growled and lowered himself to grab his throat. Suddenly he stopped, sniffed the air and at that moment, Talamba saw a mist-like substance coming their way. He began to shiver.

“Smoke! FIRE!!” Konda screamed.

Talamba groaned. “Wonderful. First we go through a flash flood, now we’ve got a wildfire. What’s next?” he asked.

Rainbow looked at Baagh Raaja. “Come on, Baagh Raaja! We have to go!” she said.

Baagh Raaja looked at her with his brows down. “Not until I sink my fangs into his throat!!” he replied.

Konda approached Baagh Raaja. “But the fire’s speeding up! You’ll be burned by the time you kill him!” he reasoned.

Baagh Raaja looked back down at Bladed Claw, keeping his paw on his throat. “Then I’ll cut his throat!!” he yelled.

Baagh Raaja lifted his paw as he unsheathed his claws, but he stopped. He twitched his ears and looked behind him and listened. It was as if thunder was coming their way. Baagh Raaja looked into the sky and saw no grey clouds anywhere. He glanced towards the forest again, hearing the thundering getting closer. Plants began to fall to the ground and points became visible.

Talamba dashed off into the jungle, Konda and the other tigers followed suit. Baagh Raaja looked on, only now he could see a herd of giant water buffalo coming his way. Rainbow Dash took off into the sky, Baagh Raaja lept off of Bladed Claw and sprinted in the direction the others went, while Bladed Claw ran off in the opposite direction.

Baagh Raaja looked behind him. The buffalo herd was nowhere in sight. Looking above, he could see Rainbow soaring below the clouds. She looked down at Baagh Raaja and stopped for a moment and pointed forward. Baagh Raaja looked ahead, and saw a big rock towering over the jungle ahead. He continued sprinting towards it and saw Talamba and the tiger climbing the rock. Rainbow landed on it, and when Baagh Raaja got there he leaped onto the rock wall, his claws catching the ridgidy surface and started climbing. Looking up, he saw Partak and Sulu looking down on him, pacing back and forth along the edge. Baagh Raaja pulled himself onto the top, looking back he could see the fire burning several miles of jungle, the pitch black smoke rising in the sky, and fire getting closer to the rock.

Rainbow Dash looked at Baagh Raaja, but before she could walk to him, Partak got in front of her. “Are you all alright?” he asked.

Pinkie Pie hugged her, nearly suffocating her. “DAASSHHIIEE!!!!” she yelled before releasing her grip, letting Rainbow breathe.

Applejack squeezed Rainbow. “Rainbow! Thank God you’re okay! When we got up here and didn’t see you here when the fire broke out, we were getting so worried!” she said.

She looked down and noticed the injuries on Rainbow’s leg. “W-what happened to yer leg!?” she asked.

Rainbow Dash unwrapped Applejack’s arms. “A crocodile attacked me,” she answered.

“A CROCODILE!?” Applejack and Pinkie yelled in unison.

Rainbow scratched her head. “Yeah I...bit into it’s eye and it let go.” she said.

Applejack lifted a brow. “You...bit...a crocodile!?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Rainbow replied.

Applejack hugged Rainbow Dash. “I don’t care how ya did it, I’m just glad we found you,” she said.

A voice came from behind Applejack. “You mean I found her and those two came along and we fought your enemy.” Applejack turned to see Konda walking up.

Talamba sat himself next to Rainbow. “Yeah, give the tiger the credit, not yourself!” he ranted.

Applejack blushed. “Oh, sorry,” she said.

Rainbow placed her hand on Applejack’s shoulder. “Speaking of which, you should be more worried about Baagh Raaja,” she told her.

Applejack touched her hand. “Why’s that?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja was pacing back and forth with his eyes facing the rock surface. “I...I was so close! I could’ve killed him right there, but no! Fate just has to put in a fire and a stampede to interfere!!” he yelled before swiping at the rock beneath him and scratching the surface.

Applejack froze for a moment. “Y-you wanted to kill him?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja turned his head. “Applejack. He was about to kill Rainbow Dash. He’s a murderer!” he snarled.

Rainbow Dash got in front of Applejack. “So you’re just gonna kill him!? How’s that supposed to make you better than him?” she asked, looking him in the eye.

Sulu watched and trotted over to the girls. He walked right in between Rainbow Dash and Baagh Raaja. “This may seem wrong, but it is justified.” he said.

Rainbow blinked. “HOW!? Did you not hear him say he wanted to kill somebody!!??”

Sulu walked closer to her and sat down .“I understand your concern, but from the stories birds have told me, Bladed Claw and his gang have broken every law of the wild, and breaking some of the laws is punishable by death,” he responded.

Applejack raised a brow. “They are?” she and Rainbow Dash said in unison.

Sulu nodded.

Applejack held her hat in her hands. “Then...I guess we’re some to talk, I mean, we do have a death penalty,.” she said.

Talamba frowned. “In that case you are!” he yelled while waving a paw rapidly

Sulu got back up and walked up to Konda. “Who are you?” he asked.

Konda held his head high and stood straight. “Konda, and these are my friends,” he answered.

Sulu dipped his head. “Thank you for your help, and welcome to our group,” he said.

Rainbow Dash took another glance at Baagh Raaja. He breathed heavily and kept pacing. She tried walking to him. “Uh, Raaja-”

Baagh Raaja turned to her. “I’m fine.” he growled before continuing with his pacing

Rainbow Dash kept looking at him. “-Baagh, you clearly aren’t fine, I mean you literally just said you wanted to kill someone. There’s obviously something else going on with you, why won’t you tell us what it is?” she thought.

The stars glowed in the night sky, the moon cast its light on the forest canopy with only some of it touching the forest floor. A herd of gaurs grazed in a forest clearing, each adult lifting its head up and smelling the air. Sulu, Talamba, and the girls rest by a large rock. Applejack placed rocks in a small circle before placing a pile of wood in the middle. She grabbed a pair of rocks and rubbed them together, creating sparks, leading to a fire building up.

Rainbow held her knee. “How long do you think it’ll take for my leg to heal?” she asked.

Applejack moved over to her. “Ah’d don’t know sugarcube, but I’m guessing weeks,.” she answered.

Sulu lifted his ears and head. “Actually, I know of a healer who can make something that will fix your leg much quicker.”

“You do?” Rainbow asked.

Pinkie Pie got up in her face. “Well duh silly! He travels all over this place, remember?”

Rainbow sat straight up. “Yeah but knowing someone who can fix my leg faster? In a jungle? That’s incredible! How do they do it?” she asked with her eyes bigger.

Sulu lifted himself up. “I don’t know. But I do know that the healing process goes faster with food in the stomach,” he said, looking at Partak who just came out of the forest.

Partak looked at Sulu. “Agreed old friend, are you ready for the hunt?”

Sulu nodded. “Of course.”

Pinkie’s eyes got really big. “OOOOHHH!! What do you think they’ll catch?”

“No idea, as long as the belly’s full, I don’t care,” Tambala said, shrugging his shoulders.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at him as he lay near the fire. “But why aren’t you going to hunt?” Rainbow Dash asked

Talamba moved his eyes from side to side. “Someone’s gotta keep an eye on ya,” he said before laying his head back down.

Sulu rolled his eyes. “Regardless, we’ll be back soon,” he said before they went off into the jungle.

As they walked through the jungle, they saw Baagh Raaja walking past a clearing, twitching his ears and moving his head. Sulu and Partak walked up to him. “Baagh Raaja,” Partak said

Baagh Raaja turned his head to them. “What do you want?” he asked sternly.

“We’re going out hunting, would you like to join us?” Partak asked.

Baagh Raaja stood still, his eyes didn’t move, and his body shook. His paws shook as well and he unsheathed his claws, and his breathing became heavy. Partak and Sulu both raised a brow. “Uuhh Baagh Raaja, are you okay?” Partak asked.

Baagh Raaja shut his eyes. “NOO!!” he shouted, echoing through the forest.

He opened his eyes back up, and saw Sulu and Partak both blinking and their brows raised. “S-sorry about that. No thank you.,” he said before walking off.

Konda watched from behind the trees and ran after Baagh Raaja. “Hey,” he said as he caught up with him.

He looked at Baagh Raaja who rolled his eyes. “What was that all about?” Konda asked.

Baagh Raaja didn’t look at Konda. “What was what?” he asked.

Konda got in front of him. “You acted weird when Sulu and Partak invited you to hunt with them. Why?” he asked.

Baagh Raaja looked away from him. “I-I just like being alone,” he replied, lowering his head.

Konda lowered his brows. “Yeah, that’s clearly not the case. But seeing as though you won’t talk about it, I’ll wait until you’re ready.” He walked off into the jungle. Baagh Raaja kept walking through the clearing and into the forest, finding himself at a river. He lowered himself and began lapping at the water. “-Why can’t anyone just leave me alone?” he asked while drinking, then he got up and walked back into the jungle.

Author's Note

Thanks to Norm De Plume for editing!

Chapter 7: New Ties

While the moonlight covered the canopy, a troop of Gigantopithecus gathered leaves and placed them on the ground. A male stood on his knuckles and feet, watching the jungle for signs of danger. Baagh Raaja walked slowly, watching the male as he moved. He twitched an ear and moved on, giving the apes a wide berth. He walked slightly faster and sniffed the air and slunk past a large rock. Suddenly he stopped. Up ahead, the sound of footsteps came closer to him. Baagh Raaja lowered himself to the ground and folded his ears. He crept toward the sound and found a small herd of water buffalo grazing in a clearing. Their horns were curved and as long as the elephant grasses behind them, their shoulders nearly reaching the top. The buffaloes stayed close to each other, but there was one that caught Baagh Raaja’s attention. A bull was grazing farther from the rest, but unlike them it’s ribs were showing. Baagh Raaja locked eyes on it.

Baagh Raaja crept towards the elephant grass. “-Just a few more steps,” he thought

However, he froze when one of the bulls looked up. His target on the other hand, moved even farther from the herd. Right in Baagh Raaja’s direction.

“- That’s right, come to me big guy.” Baagh Raaja thought as he saw the buffalo move towards him. He crouched down even lower, steadied his haunches, and waited. The buffalo kept his head to the ground as he walked. Baagh Raaja was still as a log while he watched. The buffalo was now within striking range, but his head was pointing straight at Baagh Raaja. Baagh Raaja felt his heart beating faster as he waited for the buffalo to turn away. Finally, the buffalo turned to its side, and Baagh Raaja lunged from the forest edge and landed on the buffalo's back. The buffalo bucked while Baagh Raaga bit into the back of the neck with his paws placed on the jaw and shoulder. The buffalo turned to the other side, carrying him with it, despite this, Baagh Raaja held on and with his powerful forelimbs got the buffalo to the ground. Before he could get to the throat, Baagh Raaja felt something sharp stab his side and found himself falling on his back. One of the bulls had attacked him and before he could get back up, the bull rammed into him, sending him flying in the air and into a tree trunk headfirst. Upon impact he fell back to the ground, eyes closed but still breathing, although slower than normal. The buffalo trotted back to his wounded herdmate and sniffed the wounds on the neck and shoulder while the rest of the herd trotted to them.

“Uuugghhh” Baagh Raaja moaned as he opened his eyes. As he lifted his head up, a rocky roof became visible over his head. Looking ahead, a glimmer of sunlight covered his face.

Baagh Raaja kept turning his head. “-A cave?...The others must’ve dragged me he..wait, there wasn’t a cave where we were. At least, not one I was aware of anyway and...why does the cave floor feel soft?” He looked down and underneath him lay the hide of a water buffalo. The skin on the face and tail were absent, and only the top half of the leg skin was present. Yet the fur was just soft enough for him to lay on.

“-Okay...I’m only gonna guess Applejack skinned it, I mean, she’s the only one who could do that,” he thought as he started to get up. As he rose though, a bit of pain burst from his shoulder. Looking at his side, he saw a wound covered by a green substance resembling slime, yet at the same time, the flesh around it looked as though it was growing. Baagh Raaja raised a brow at it.

A female voice came from the cave entrance. “Well look who’s awake.” Baagh Raaja turned his head and saw something that made his eyes widen and his jaw drop. Walking in the cave was a being as large as a lion, with the body of a cat with golden fur and rounded ears, but she had the head and long straight hair of a human girl. Her hair was white with golden stripes and her eyes were dark brown. In her mouth were pink flowers that she placed into a wooden bowl.

Baagh Raaja kept staring at her. “Wha….huh?? Okay this has to be a dream. There’s no way you could be real,” he said, stepping backwards.

The catgirl walked up to him. “Well, you’re not dreaming, and in case you don’t believe me..” she said before she struck him across the face. Baagh Raaja shook it off and looked back at her.

“This...isn’t a dream? You’re real??” he asked with wide eyes.

The catgirl nodded. “Yes, yes I am. One of our members found you in the jungle all knocked out,” she explained before looking at his wound

Baagh Raaja frowned. “ Soooo...basically I got attacked by a buffalo and someone else was there...and they didn’t bother helping me!?” he hissed, folding his ears back.

“As far as I know, they just found you unconscious,” the catgirl replied, looking into his eyes.

Another female voice entered the cave. “I see he’s awake.” Baagh Raaja looked again to see a being just like the first one, only she was black, and her eyes were as yellow as the sun.

She strutted right up to Baagh Raaja. “Who are you?” she asked, looking as if she was looking deep into his soul.

“I am Baagh Raaja. And you?” he asked with a straightened-up pose.

The black catgirl sat down. “I am Night Sky, leader of our clan and this is River Sand, our healer. What are you doing in our land?” she asked with a raised brow.

Baagh Raaja took yet another step back. “Long story, but to shorten it up, I’m on a quest for the Mookarina Stone with many others to stop a group of Danger Beasts from gaining its power,” he answered.

Night Sky got back up. “How do we know you aren’t lying?” she asked with her pupils become narrow.

Baagh Raaja stepped closer to her. “Because you’re probably gonna hear voices calling my name echo through the jungle,” he answered.

“Well it's been hours and we haven’t heard anyone yelling, you’ll stay here until that happens,.” she replied, turning around to exit the cave.

Baagh Raaja rushed up to her. “Says who?” he growled.

Night Sky giggled. “Well aren’t you gullible?” she said with a grin. Baagh Raaja frowned and sat down on his haunches and folded his ears.

“Oh great!!” he moaned with a hint of sarcasm. River Sand walked up to him and placed herself between him and Night Sky and got eye contact with him.

“You must stay here until your leg heals which will take a couple more hours,” she ordered, flicking her tail.

Baagh Raaja raised a brow. “Hours? What do you mean hours? Bones take a lot longer to heal last time I checked,” he remarked.

River Sand smiled. “With the stuff I make, injuries heal much faster,” she replied while walking back to the buffalo hide.

Night Sky started to exit the cave. “I’ll send a patrol out to find your group.”

“Hey!” Baagh Raaja said, making Night Sky stop at the entrance and look back at him.

“Thank you,” he said, bowing his head in respect.

Night Sky nodded “It’s my pleasure,” she replied before exiting the cave.

High up in the canopy, the langurs and Proboscus monkeys were eating leaves. On the nearby branches, a clouded leopard was stalking, slowly moving its paws and locked its eyes on a young langur. But before it could pounce, a cry echoed through the canopy. “Baagh Raaja!!” The sound of Rainbow Dash yelling caused the monkeys to flee. The clouded leopard snarled and leaped to another tree.

A flash of rainbow dashed through the jungle, making the rusa deer flee. Behind it were Talamba, Konda, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie sprinting, yet failing to catch up with Rainbow Dash. Talamba inhaled deeply. “This is awesome isn’t it? First we lose Rainbow Dash, and now we’ve gotta find Baagh Raaja. Now isn’t that dandy?” he asked, looking at the ground for any roots to avoid tripping over. Looking ahead, Rainbow Dash was nowhere in sight and they came to an abrupt stop. Pinkie Pie took deep breaths while Applejack leaned against a tree as the big cats panted.

“Guys! Over here!!” Rainbow Dash yelled, Konda pricked his ears and ran off. Talamba trotted right behind him while the girls simply jogged along.

Looking ahead, Konda saw Rainbow Dash standing next on the edge of a clearing looking at a tree. The group stopped. Konda looked down and saw the grass was matted, as if something was laying there. Right next to the grass were buffalo tracks leading towards the tall grass up ahead. “Oof, looks like he got pummeled by a buffalo.” Talamba said.

Rainbow Dash got in front of Konda on her knees and knuckles. Konda raised an eyebrow as Rainbow sniffed the ground and walked along as if she were following a trail. “What...is she doing?” he asked.

Applejack rubbed her face with fingers. “Ah don’t know! She’s been acting weird like this nearly the whole time we’ve been out here!!” she replied with a hand on her hip.

Rainbow Dashed rushed to Konda and pointed. “Two others dragged him off,” she said.

Konda raised his brow even higher. “What do you mean by two others?” he asked.

“Just two others! Now come on!!” Rainbow Dashed sprinted off into the jungle, leaving the others in the dust. Once more, the others had to run after her as that was the only way they’d be able to catch up. Suddenly Rainbow Dash lookd to her sides, not seeing anyone next to her, raised a brow and stopped and looked back. She saw the others running after her and waited. When they caught up she blushed and giggled a little while Konda frowned at her. They walked for a small distance, but Talamba stopped. He twitched his ears and looked to his left. Konda and the girls looked at him. Konda sniffed the air and looked back at Talamba.

“I don’t smell anything,” he said before walking back ahead.

Talamba kept staring into the jungle. Around him he only saw the dark green foliage and heard the songs of birds and the bellowing of gaurs. He looked ahead, seeing the others had walked ahead of him and he couldn’t see them. Suddenly he felt a large mass pounce on his side, sending him to the ground. Looking up he saw a female being with the body of a large cat, rounded ears, long straight orange hair, and the head of a human. Her fur was a light brown with two orange stripes on her back.

Talamba raised an eyebrow and the catgirl pressed her paw on his neck. “Who are you!? And what are you doing on our territory!!?” she yelled.

Talamba shook his head. “Better question, what the heck are you!?” he asked.

The catgirl narrowed her pupils and growled. Talamba closed his eyes, waiting for the killing blow. Nothing happened. He heard a flashing sound and a mass getting off of him and a yelp of pain. He opened his eyes to see the catgirl wasn’t on him, but he heard a struggle. Looking at where the sounds of struggle were coming from, he folded his ears, widened his eyes and his jaw dropped. Konda, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie had arrived at the scene. They stopped dead in their tracks and froze. Rainbow Dash was right on top of the catgirl with her jaws clamped on the back of her neck with one hand on her back and the other on her head. The catgirl tried to get back up but failed to do so as Rainbow Dash clamped down even harder. On the tips of Rainbow Dash’s fingers, there were what appeared to be claws and Pinkie Pie took a step back when she saw the catgirl’s neck bleeding. Applejack looked at Rainbow’s eyes and slowed her breathing, for her eyes were of a bright gold rather than the purple color.

“Rainbow Dash....” Applejack whispered as she stepped back.

The catgirl growled “Get off me!!” and with all her strength managed to get up and slam Rainbow Dash against a tree, forcing her to let go.

Rainbow Dash got up on all fours and growled. The catgirl looked at her attacker as they circled each other, seeing her own blood on this human's teeth which looked more like fangs. The catgirl growled back and folded her ears against her head. With a sudden onrush, Rainbow Dash charged at her on all fours, and she was too quick for the catgirl to evade her and dug her teeth into her shoulder. The catgirl yelped and bit into Rainbow’s arm, sinking her claws into her leg in return.

Rainbow Dash roared in pain, then the catgirl slammed Rainbow Dash to the ground and placed a paw on her head. She looked down on Rainbow Dash, baring her teeth and panting as her pupils narrowed and she growled and lowered her head to Rainbow’s. Rainbow Dash kicked her side, but no blood was drawn as her shoes covered any claws she may have had on her feet. The catgirl simply placed her hind paw on her leg and looked back into Rainbow’s eyes. Suddenly Konda rushed forward and put himself right in front of the catgirl.

“Wait!” he pleaded, making the catgirl look up at him. “Can’t we just talk this out?” he asked. The catgirl growled. “No, not really. I always finish a fight!” she replied.

Konda unsheathed his claws before roars came out from the jungle. The catgirl perked her head up and looked behind her. Talamba and the girls turned around to see the rest of the group trotting to them with Partak and Sulu in the front with the rest behind them. Before she knew it, the catgirl was surrounded by tigers, smilodons, and lionesses growling and snarling at her, forcing her to stay put and lower herself to the ground. Konda stood over Rainbow Dash whose golden color started to disappear from her eyes and claws turn back into fingernails and fangs morph into human teeth. She shook her head and looked to see Konda standing over her and a female human-large cat hybrid submitting to the group.

“Thanks a bunch guys, she nearly killed me!” Talamba said, walking up to Partak.

Partak turned his head to the lion. “We heard your roars from across the jungle and figured you were in trouble,” he replied while Sulu trotted past him and entered the ring the group had made and walked up to the catgirl who lifted her head up and met his gaze.

“Wildfire,” he said.

The catgirl got back up. “Sulu?” she asked.

Sulu sat down. “We’re simply looking for a friend,.” he responded.

Wildfire sat down as well. “Are you talking about a tiger with a big scar on his face?” she asked.

Talamba perked up. “Yep, that’s the one!” he said.

Wildfire lowered her eyebrows and got back up. “You know you could’ve just said that so she didn’t attack me!” she yelled, pointing to Rainbow Dash whose lips were stained with blood.

Rainbow raised a brow. “What are you talking about?” she asked as she got out from under Konda.

The group tilted their heads and stared at her. Wildfire just stood still, twitching her eyebrow and growling. “Are you serious!?? You literally have my blood on you!! Don’t believe me? Just look at your fingers.”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and lifted her hands up to her face. She raised her eyebrows and curved them more and her eyes widened. She froze, then looked at Wildfire and saw the wounds on her neck and shoulder and looked back down at her hands. They were covered in blood from her fingertips down to her palms.

“I...I did this?” she whispered.

“Yes.” Wildfire hissed. “You did this.”

Wildfire turned around and walked past Sulu and through the group and nearly entered the jungle. She turned around and looked at the group who were looking at her as if she were some sort of criminal.

Wildfire tilted her head. “Follow” she said before walking into the forest.

Talamba was the first to follow her. “Well...that was much easier than last time.” He smirked before walking through the foliage. The lionesses followed suit, then the tigers and the smilodons. Applejack and Pinkie Pie both looked at Rainbow Dash with their eyebrows raised and pulled together, concerned, before they walked quickly behind the others. Rainbow Dash kept looking at her hands before shaking her head and following the group.

As the group followed Wildfire, Rainbow Dash kept looking at her friends, at one point Applejack glanced at her, but quickie looked away and walked faster, getting right next to Partak. Pinkie would walk casually, but then go slightly faster for a short moment. Rainbow Dash was in the back, all by herself. A tigress and lioness looked back at her and stopped. Rainbow Dash caught up with them and they walked together. Looking ahead, the group saw more large cat-human beings. They looked at the cats with folded ears and some stepped back. Wildfire stopped, as walking towards her was a female with short, straight white hair. Her fur was white as a cloud and her eyes were amber in color. But unlike the others, she was large, at least as large as Baagh Raaja himself.

She walked right in front of Wildfire. “Sister, who are these pests you’ve brought here?” she asked with venom in her voice.

Konda growled. “Pest!? Who are you calling a pest!?” he yelled.

“Yeah! How about you say that to my face you feline wannabe!!!” Talamba yelled while waving a paw in the air.

The white catgirl looked at Talamba like he was her arch enemy. “Oooorrr I could kill you instead. In fact, I’ve just now planned to celebrate your death.” She hissed

Talamba chuckled. “Planned? You know it’s weird you planned something because it ain’t what your mother said about your conception!” he replied.

The catgirl narrowed her pupils and unsheathed her claws, however Wildfire got between her and Talamba. “Sister. These are the friends of that scarred tiger we found last night,” she explained.

“Then they should wait outside of our territory. They don’t belong here.” The catgirl growled.

Wildfire stood up straight. “And last time I checked, you weren’t in charge and I’m second in command, so who are you to order me around!?” she asked.

“Enough sisters!” An authorative female voice said from above.

The group looked up and saw Night Sky walking down from a small cave. The rest of her kind stepped out of her way as if they were making a path for her. “I do apologize for my sister’s behavior. Amber Eye can be a bit protective of our land.,” she said.

Amber Eye growled. “Well excuse me if my overprotectiveness keeps intruders off our land! Speaking of which, why did you allow that tiger into our home?” she asked, digging her claws into the ground.

Night Sky didn’t flinch. “He couldn’t just be left in the forest, he needed help,” she reasoned.

Applejack stood there with her arms crossed and a brow raised. “Oh great, sister drama. As if I didn’t have enough of that at home.” she thought before pulling her hat down.

“Do we really need to listen to this?” Pinkie Pie thought with a frown on her face.

“We shouldn’t waste our time helping creatures like him. He’s a competitor! A threat to our prey Night Sky!” Amber Eye yelled.

Rainbow Dash came to the group and lifted her arm with her finger pointing up. “Actually...he grew up in the savanna so...he wasn’t always a competitor.” she said.

Amber Eye gave Rainbow Dash a death glare. “You stay out of this human filth!!” she hissed.

Rainbow’s eyes began to turn bright gold and her teeth started to turn back into canines. Sulu took notice and stepped in front of her. “Easy Rainbow,” he said.

“Amber Eye, that’s no way to talk to guests,” Night Sky said, stepping up to Amber Eye.

Amber Eye stood taller. “Well since you’re so inviting to intruders, I challenge you for your position!” she proclaimed.

“Are you serious!? Just for letting us come get our friend!!? That’s stupid!” Rainbow Dash yelled as the gold in her eyes expanded.

Amber Eye glanced at Rainbow. “Then perhaps when I’m done with her, I’ll deal with you next.,” she remarked.

“Try me missy!” Rainbow Dash screamed before trying to lunge at her, however Partak held her down with his paw. He looked at Amber Eye with his brows lowered.

“This is very dishonorable, Amber Eye. You're much bigger than she is, you’d win easily!” he told her as she stared back at him.

“Does it look like I care?” she hissed.

Night Sky lowered her head. “Sister, I will not fight. I know when I’m outmatched.”

Amber Eye grinned. “Good, then I-” She was cut off by Wildfire who got right next to Night Sky, unsheathing her claws.

“I’ll fight with you, Night Sky!” she announced.

Night Sky looked at her sister. “Don’t be a ridiculous sister, the rules say a fight must be one on one.” she said.

Out of nowhere, a thundering roar echoed through the jungle, making the big cats and girls lift their heads up and the cat-human beings jump. They looked up, and outside of another cave stodd Baagh Raaja in his human form, but the upper part of his wildebeest skin clothing was absent, revealing four large scars across his chest. The blue aura surrounded his body and his tiger features came back. Once fully transformed he charged straight at Amber Eye and got right between her and Night Sky. “Then I’ll fight in her place!!” he proclaimed

Amber Eye froze for a moment, and moved her eyes up and down. “Well, make your move.,” Baagh Raaja said, stepping towards her.

“It’s...i-it’s...it’s...j--just...n-not the right time or p-place,” Amber Eye stuttered

“What do you mean?” Baagh Raaja growled. “You literally were challenging your sister right here! Now fight me!!” He swiped at her with his claws unsheathed. Amber Eye stepped back and lowered herself, not taking her eyes off of her challenger.

Baagh Raaja scowlled “So...that’s it huh? All talk but no fighting,” he said before turning back to his group. The gold in Rainbow’s eyes were disappearing. “Yeah!! Not so tough now are you!?” she said, pointing at Amber Eye.

“Talk about all bark and no bite,” Applejack remarked

Pinkie Pie bounced. “No kidding! She’s such a scaredy cat!” she said as Amber Eye walked away.

Sulu walked up to Night Sky, making her take notice of him. “Night Sky”

“Sulu.” she responded, then smiled.“You may stay here if you like,” she said before walking off.

Talamba walked up to Baagh Raaja. “You better watch out, Baagh Raaja, the girls are looking at you,.” he said. Baagh Raaja looked over and saw a small group of female cat-human beings looking at him and giggling, making Baagh Raaja blush.

“Well...this sure ain’t somethin ya see every day,” Applejack said with her arm around Pinkie Pie but still trying to be a bit of a distance away from Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow saw Applejack scoot away from her, and her smile disappeared and she wrapped her arms around her stomach “No AJ, it isn’t.” she thought, before looking at Baagh Raaja and then at the girls looking at him. “But why do I feel like I have to keep those girls away from Baagh Raaja?”

Chapter 8: Past and Prowess

Author's Note

Thanks to Norm De Plume for being such an amazing editor! (Seriously, he's a live saver).

Chapter 8: Past and Prowess

Rainbow Dash held onto Baagh Raaja’s fur as he walked toward River Sand’s cave. Upon entering, she saw River feasting on a dead langur. River Sand pricked her ears and looked up to see Baagh Raaja walking in with Rainbow on his back. She stepped to the cave wall as Baagh Raaja walked next to the buffalo hide. He lowered himself to the ground, Rainbow Dash placed one foot on the hide, then slowly lifted her wounded leg off of him. River Sand walked to the other side of the hide as Rainbow lay down on the hide. “There ya go,” Baagh Raaja said before turning back around and exiting the cave.

River Sand looked at Rainbow Dash’s leg. “Don’t worry, I have just the thing,” she said before turning and grabbing a bottle made of bamboo with her mouth. She sat down and let go of the bottle. She sat still for a moment, pressing her front paws together and moving them side to side. Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow, but a small glimmer of green light began covering the catgirl’s arms and legs. Her legs became less muscular, then her front toes got skinnier, and her feet became flatter.Her dew claws turned to thumbs,her front paws were now hands, and her back paws were now human feet. Rainbow Dash dropped her jaw as River Sand poured a slimy green substance onto her hand. She smeared the substance onto the wounds, making Rainbow Dash grunt.

“What is that stuff?” Rainbow asked.

River Sand sealed the bottle. “This is Colongo sap. It comes from the Colongo trees.”

Before Rainbow Dash could react, she felt as if something was growing on her leg. Looking down, she saw the substance inside her wounds and the holes getting smaller. She widened her eyes as the bite mark disappeared entirely. Moving her leg up and down, she felt no pain. “Whoa…” She turned her head to River Sand.

“How...how does it do that!?” she asked with her eyes still wide.

River Sand grinned. “The Colongo tree sap has medicinal properties given to it by Karu, long before our ancestors came here. He originally placed the trees here to see how they would do before spreading them further out. But...he was killed before that could happen.” she replied.

Rainbow Dash scratched her head. “Speaking of history, do you mind telling me how you guys...you know...?”

“Are like this?” River Sand responded, pointing to her ear.

Rainbow Dash tilted her head. “Yeah…” she replied.

“A long time ago, before the great battle between the danger beasts and big cats, up in the north, there was a massive war between two tribes over land.” River Sand placed herself right in front of Rainbow Dash.

“Oh so you’re more recent arrivals?” she asked with her hand raised and her palm flat in the air.

River Sand nodded. “Yes. During the war, blood was spilled, spears sank into flesh, and homes were burned down. To escape the war, many families went south towards the jungle to keep their children safe from the rival tribe.”

Rainbow’s eyes widened. “Wait, kids were killed in the war?” she asked.

“Unfortunately,” River Sand said with her hands in her lap.

Rainbow scratched her head. “Yeesh.”

River Sand tightened her hands into fists. “Despite their efforts, the rival tribe caught up to them. They had won the war, and the families begged, thinking they’d be accepted into the tribe. It turned out that their rivals came after them to destroy any potential revenge plans and killed them. The children ran away before the adults were killed, but were being followed by the tribe. Eventually they found this jungle. The tribe couldn’t find them and gave up.”

“Whoa…” Rainbow Dash replied.

River Sand crossed her legs and unwrapped her hands. “After that, the children were on their own. At night they couldn’t sleep due to the animals that prowled. But then one night, one of them saw a white glow in the forest, and out from the forest came Karu himself. He had pity for them, and told them he would give them the abilities of a big cat so they could survive more easily, but the kids wanted to stand out, in that they didn’t want to look completely like cats. With a simple flick of his tail, a white light covered them, and their fur, tails, claws, and fangs grew and their ears changed entirely. The years passed and when they grew into adults, they began wanting kids of their own, but there was just one problem. They were all girls.”

Rainbow Dash waved her hands from side to side. “Wait wait wait wait. If that was the case then how come there are boys around here?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

River Sand lowered her brows. “I was getting to that. On another night, Karu came again, and with a twitch of his ear something amazing happened. One of the girls became pregnant a week later, and then two more were expecting, and when they gave birth they had all boys. Then others became pregnant, and Karu visited them again, telling them that he had given them the ability to have offspring without the help of a boy. From there, the clan grew, and we’ve lived here ever since. To this day, we still have this ability. So under the right circumstances I can have a baby without a boyfriend. Although it would be a boy. We can only have girls with...you know...” she explained before getting up on her legs and taking the bottle away from Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow sat still for a moment. “...I...have no words for that.” she said, slightly shaking her head. She raised her brow once again. “But...how come all of you are teenagers? Are there any adults here at all?” she asked.

River Sand stood still, tightening her grip on the bottle. “There were. But one night they all went to the little waterhole they made...but they never came back. Night Sky and I went there, only to find them...dead.” she answered before two tears rolled down her face.

“Oh...I-I’m so sorry!” Rainbow Dash replied.

Outside the cave entrance, a pair of footsteps was closing in, making River Sand turn her head towards the entrance. Looking ahead, Rainbow Dash saw Applejack and Pinkie Pie entering the cave. Applejack took her hat off while Pinkie touched two fingertips together and moved them up and down.

“We’re...sorry for trying to avoid ya, it’s just…” Applejack raised her hat up closer to her chin.

Pinkie separated her fingers “Really scary how you wounded Wildfire,” she said while standing behind Applejack.

Rainbow Dash looked down. “It’s okay. I get it,” she said.

“So we’re good then?” Applejack asked, offering a fist bump to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow fist bumped back. “Yeah.”

Applejack put her hat back on. “And if it makes you feel any better, you aren’t the only one having a hard time,” she said with a smirk.

Rainbow Dash got off the hide. “Well yeah, Wildfire’s-”

Pinkie laughed. “She’s not talking about her, I’m talking about Baagh Raaja.”

Rainbow chuckled. “No kidding. Him getting hurt and separated from us-”

“I’m not talking about that! I’m talking about the ladies,” Pinkie replied.

Applejack nodded. “We just saw him walk by that group of girls who were looking at him earlier. They were checking him out again, he blushed and trotted away quickly.” She chuckled.

Rainbow Dash lowered her eyebrows and clenched her fists. “They were what!?” she asked in a deep growl.

Applejack and Pinkie smirked. “Course then again, you two would make a cute couple.” Applejack said, rubbing her thumb and finger on her chin.

Rainbow Dash unclenched her fists. “Say what now?” she asked.

Pinkie bounced. “Yeah! You two would be great together!” she teased, winking.

“What!? No way that’s happening!” she said, crossing her arms.

Applejack smiled wider. “Really? Cause it sounds like you’re...jealous.” she said, pointing at Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash slightly blushed and uncrossed her arms. “I am not jealous!”

“Then how come you didn’t like that other girls checked him out?” Pinkie asked.

Rainbow Dash was still for a moment, moving her eyes. “I...I just felt like I had to keep them away from him for some reason,” she answered, looking away and scratching her head.

Both girls giggled. “Yeah you’re definitely jealous,” Applejack said.

Rainbow’s face got redder. “No I’m not! I’ve told you guys before, I don’t want a boyfriend! A guy would have to be like Tarzan to get me attracted,” she asserted with her arms crossed again while looking her friends in the eyes.

Applejack smirked again. “But...Baagh Raaja’s like Tarzan, they both live in the wild and fight wild animals. Although Tarzan doesn’t turn into a tiger,” she said, pointing as Pinkie was giggling.

Rainbow Dash’s face got even redder and she looked away. “Guys, just shut up!” she mumbled.

The stars shone in the black sky above, the moonlight blanketing the treetops once again as an orangutan and her infant were sleeping in their nest in the canopy. A few feet away from the pair, a pair of glowing eyes peered at them. A black leopard crouched down and moved slowly towards the apes. The leopard stopped, just a few inches from them. It twitched its tail, claws unsheathed, and a shriek echoed through the forest.

A small fire burned in front of a large tree and was surrounded by nearly the entire group. Most were sleeping, but the girls, Wildfire, Night Sky, Talamba, Konda, Sulu, and Partak lay around the fire. Talamba twitched his ears and the girls looked in the direction of the cry. Wildlife was gorging on a wild boar she had killed. Her face was covered in blood and she never lifted her face off the carcass. She paused for a moment, and looked up to see Talamba and the girls looking at her. “What? I love pig meat.” she said before gorging on the pig some more.

Applejack placed her elbow on her knee. “Well where we come from we have different types of pig meat.”

Wildfire lifted her head. “So do we, wild boars and bearded pigs,” she replied.

Applejack shook her head. “What I meant was we do all kinds of stuff with pig meat, we turn it into sausage, bacon, ham, and so on. All from just one type of pig.”

Wildfire blinked and then shrugged. “Eh, I prefer more variety.”

Rainbow Dash looked around the group. “Say, where’s Baagh Raaja?” she asked.

“No clue,” Sulu said as he shook his head.

Partak shrugged. “I have no idea.”

Talamba frowned. “How am I supposed to know?” he asked.

“I think I saw him head that way,” Konda said before yawning.

Night Sky stretched her front paws. “If you go that way you’ll find a clearing, maybe he went there,” she said while tilting her head past the big tree.

Rainbow Dash got up off the ground. “Thanks, I’m gonna go check on him. Just to make sure he doesn’t get into any more trouble.” She touched her geode and dashed off through the jungle. She stopped and looked around. Hearing rustling through the foliage, she turned swiftly towards it.

The orangutan infant came running out from the foliage. Rainbow Dash got down on her knees and reached out her hand to the infant. The orangutan backed away slowly and shivered. Rainbow Dash smiled, and the orangutan began slowly walking up to her. Rainbow Dash felt as if the inside of her was warm, however, the orangutan shrieked as a reticulated python struck out at the young ape, pulling it back and began wrapping it’s coils around it. Rainbow Dash fell backwards and breathed heavily. She looked at the python as it squeezed the life out of the infant. Her heart was clenching, but she looked away and dashed off again.

“It’s how predators make a living. It’s how they survive,” she thought as she ran through the jungle.

Suddenly she stopped. Up ahead she saw Baagh Raaja sitting under a tree in human form, looking up at the stars. Rainbow Dash moved the ferns out of her way and approached him. “Hey” she said, making Baagh Raaja jerk his head up.

“Just wanted to make sure you weren’t getting into any trouble again.” Rainbow Dash giggled.

Baagh Raaja sat still for a little, and then frowned. “Rainbow Dash, why can’t you leave me be?” he asked in a snarky voice.

Rainbow Dash stepped back. “Yeesh, what’s your problem?” she asked with a raised brow.

“Tigers…” He looked away from her and to the ground. “. . .are supposed to be solitary.”

Rainbow Dash placed her hands on her hips. “Tigers aren’t anti-social ya know, Konda’s hanging with the rest of us and he’s a tiger.”

Baagh Raaja got up. “It’s not even just that, but you’re also so nosey!” he yelled.

Rainbow Dash crossed her arms “...Nosey? How?” she asked as her brows lowered.

Baagh Raaja flinged his arms up in the air. “You always ask me about stuff that’s none of your business, and frankly, it’s getting annoying!” he yelled once more.

Rainbow Dash’s fists clenched and unwrapped her arms. “WHAT?!” she screamed, echoing through the jungle. Baagh Raaja’s eyes were wide, and his brows were raised to the point where wrinkles formed on his forehead. “None of my business!? That’s what you think!? I literally just get concerned about you!” Rainbow pointed her finger at him. “Why is it so bad for me to worry about you? I was worried sick when you got separated from us! We all were. But you think it’s bad for me to worry about you!?” she yelled, getting in his face.

Baagh Raaja stepped backwards. “Well-”

“Do you not want a social life!? Is that it!, huh!?” Rainbow Dash yelled with her arms in the air.

Baagh Raaja rolled his eyes. “Can you just go already?” he asked.

Rainbow Dash growled. “You wanna be anti-social the rest of your life? Fine!” she replied before dashing off into the jungle.

Baagh Raaja turned and walked away from the tree before the blue aura returned and his tiger form came back. “Would it really kill them to leave me alone?” he thought before stopping.

Out from behind a boulder, he noticed Amber Eye walking though the jungle. “Amber Eye? What’s that coward doing out here alone?” he thought as he moved toward her.

He stopped dead in his tracks and looked away then shook his head. “Then again it’s none of my-” He paused, closed his eyes, and inhaled.

Baagh Raaja exhaled in a sigh. “Business...great. Now look who’s being nosey.” He walked past the foliage and found himself in another clearing full of sambar and rusa deer along with egrets.

He looked out at the deer, scanning for any signs of weakness. “Okay. In the morning, I’ll apologize to her. We'll work together on this thing better if we aren’t mad at each other. But I can’t tell her about my past. I just can’t.” He thought before noticing some foliage tumbling on the edge of the clearing. He hunkered down and waited, only for the buffalo bulls to walk into the clearing, and at the very front was the bull he attacked that now had scars on it’s back.

“Yeah...no, I’m not doing this again.” Baagh Raaja got back up and walked away from the clearing quickly. He walked slowly, moving his ears to the sounds in the night. While walking he stumbled upon a game trail and immediately began following it.

Following the trail, he saw some deer tracks going off the trail and followed them. Up ahead he saw a waterhole surrounded by trees. Peering into the water, he saw glowing eyes on the surface. Baagh Raaja rolled his eyes and walked down toward the waterhole. Looking at the eyes, he saw they sank below the water and he saw ripples going toward the opposite side.

At the waterhole, he lowered his body and started drinking. While doing so he noticed a v-shaped snout moving towards him. He snarled and stepped into the water and swatted at the reptile. The head of a saltwater crocodile burst through the water and nearly grabbed Baagh Raaja by the head. The crocodile, much longer than him, hissed while Baagh Raaja growled and stuck the crocodile’s face. The crocodile lunged again, only for Baagh Raaja to dodge again and sink his teeth into it’s leg.

The crocodile whacked his side with his tail, forcing him to let go. The crocodile almost bit his paw, but was met with claws in his snout. Baagh Raaja dodged the crocodile’s next lunge before leaping onto it’s back and biting into the back of the neck. The crocodile shook and thrashed through the water, but Baagh Raaja held onto the twenty one foot reptile with his jaws and claws, digging them into the unarmored sides. The thrashing began to slow down and only then did Baagh Raaja release his grip and got off. The crocodile swam back into the deeper water as Baagh Raaja walked back to the bank and continued drinking. Through the ripples of his drinking, he noticed yellow light gleaming off the surface. He looked over and his jaw slightly dropped “Huh?”

On the surface he saw a young woman surrounded by a yellow aura. Her skin color was similar to his own, her eyes were blue, and her hair was long and white. She stood there with her hands at her waist. “How...what the heck is happening!?” he thought as he stepped away from the water.

“Open up,” the woman said.

In a flash of white light, she vanished. Baagh Raaja shook his head rapidly. “What...just...happened,” he said to himself.

A female voice came from behind him. “You must open up.”

He turned around and saw the woman again, his jaw dropped and his eyes were huge. “...M-Mom?” he asked, stepping toward her.

The woman approached him. “This is the only time I’ll be able to talk to you while you’re alive, for I don’t have the magic of the great spirits. You must open up.” The white light began enveloping her.

Baagh Raaja rushed at her. “Wait! What do you mean!?” he asked before she disappeared again.

Baagh Raaja fell to the ground and looked down. His eyes began watering. “Mom...I miss you...why did you have to leave me so early?” he asked before tears rolled out of his eyes.

While the group was around the fire, Talamba saw Rainbow Dash zoom out of the jungle and into the group. “So...how’d that go?” he asked.

Rainbow Dash pouted. “Apparently Mr. Anti-social thinks I’m nosey for being concerned about him,” she replied before sitting next to Applejack.

“What!? Why?” Wildfire asked.

Rainbow Dash growled. “I don’t know! He won’t me!!” she answered.

Applejack patted her back. “Ah don’t worry Rainbow, all couples get into fights.” she said.

“But in a healthy relationship, they always make up,” Pinkie Pie said with her finger pointing at the sky as her elbow was on her leg.

Rainbow Dash raised a brow. “Wait, couple?” she asked.

Talamba, Konda, Sulu, and Partak got up and lined up together. “Rainbow and Baagh Raaja sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g.” they sang.

Rainbow’s face reddened. “I’m not in love with him! We’re not a couple!!” she yelled.

Konda smirked. “Are you sure? You sure argue like one,” he said.

Partak layed back down. “So if you aren’t a couple, when are you getting together?” he asked.

Rainbow Dash looked him in the eyes. “Never.”

Sulu rested his head on how paws. “Really? Because a little birdie told us you felt you had to keep other girls away from him,” he said before chuckling.

Rainbow’s enite face was now red. “Applejack!” she yelled.

Applejack giggled. “Sorry, ah couldn't help it.”

Chapter 9: Why Me!?

In his tiger form, Baagh Raaja slept under a tree close to the waterhole. The sunlight began blanketing him, making his fur shine brightly. Once the light reached his eyelids, he slowly opened them. He lifted his head, stared into the morning sky, and stretched out while yawning. He got up and walked to the waterhole and looked across the water’s surface, spotting his rival from the previous night.

Baagh Raaja growled, and the crocodile hissed and swam in the opposite direction. He looked down at his reflection for a moment before lapping up water with his tongue. He then walked away from the water and towards the forest. Passing a flock of jungle fowl and an argus pheasant, he found the group waking up and stretching. Looking ahead, he spotted Rainbow Dash stretching her arms out and yawning. He walked into the group and when Rainbow Dash noticed him, she lowered her brows, crossed her arms and looked away from him.

“Uuuhh...good morning?” he softly chuckled. Rainbow Dash still didn’t look at him. Wildfire yawned and saw them in front of her. “Look, I’m sorry about what I said last night. Sometimes I just...get cranky.” he said.

“Cranky?” Rainbow Dash turned her head. “About what?”

Baagh Raaja rubbed his paw in the dirt and folded his ears. “About...having to get saved after getting wounded,” he said, slightly raising his foot.

“Baagh Raaja you liar!” he thought.

Wildfire shot up from the ground and trotted right to him. “Well excuse me for giving a crap about your well being.” She growled with her pupils narrowed.

Baagh Raaja unfolded his ears and put his foot down. “It’s not that I’m ungrateful, it’s just that was the first time I’ve ever been wounded by a buffalo,” he said.

“If that isn’t the biggest lie you've ever told I don’t know what is.,” he thought, mentally slapping himself.

He shook his head. “But anyway, am I back on your good side Rainbow?” he asked.

Rainbow Dash stood still for a moment with a brow raised and then shrugged. “Sure,” she said before walking ahead of him.

Wildfire walked past him as well, and he trotted next to her. “Hey Wildfire.”

“Yeah?” she asked, turning her head.

He looked around before giving her his attention. “Is it normal for Amber Eye to walk by herself at night?”

Wildfire smiled. “First off, yes it is, and second, isn’t that nosey?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes. Don’t rub it in,” he said as Wildfire walked further ahead.

“On the bright side, that’s normal for her,.” he thought as he walked, trying to spot Rainbow Dash.

“Hey tough guy?” a voice said from behind him.

“Huh?” he thought before turning his head to see a catgirl with brown eyes, white fur with a black stripe down her back, and a tail with black hair long enough to touch her shoulders.

Baagh Raaja raised an eyebrow. “Are you talking to me?” he asked.

She walked much closer to him. “Of course, who else would I be talking to?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja shrugged. “I dunno, one of the other guys?” he said before looking around for other males.

The girl appeared as though she were unfazed. “I could, but their scars aren’t as impressive.” she replied.

“You...think so?” he asked.

She got even closer to him. “Sure. And I saw the way you fought that crocodile,” the girl said as she stared into his eyes.

Baagh Raaja started to blush. “So you saw that huh?” he asked while trying to avoid eye contact as much as possible.

“She SAW that!? Great! I just wanted to go back to my normal life after this. Now that she saw me defeat a huge crocodile, I’ll never be able to get rid of her.” He frowned mentally, but kept looking straight ahead.

“What do you say big guy? Mind if I stroll with you?” she asked as she got even closer to him.

Once again, Baagh Raaja rolled his eyes. “Alright fine.”

“Thanks” she replied before rubbing on his side.

Baagh Raaja just kept walking with a frown. “Well, at least it can’t get any worse.” He looked ahead and folded his ears, lowering his head.

“Then again, judging from the death glare Rainbow’s giving that girl, it probably can.”

A sounder of wild boars rooted through the soil with their piglets. One of the sows pricked her ears up; there were sounds coming towards them. She squealed and bolted deeper into the jungle, followed by the rest of the sounder. Bladed Claw swatted foliage out of his way with his claws while a few men behind him chopped plants down with machetes. Twilight and Spike sat in their cage as four men carried it with two large branches. Bladed Claw stopped and twitched one of his ears.

“Stop,” he ordered, and his men froze in their tracks. Spike got up and Twilight looked into the jungle. From the forest came small, deep rumbles and the sounds of crashing foliage. A herd of elephants emerged from the forest and walked in front of the poachers. Bladed Claw looked on with a small grin and Twilight’s jaw dropped, her eyes were as big as watermelons. These elephants had the small ears of asian elephants, yet they were only as tall as a grown man, and their tusks were long with small curves at the end. In some of them the tusks grew close enough together that their trunks were held sideways of the tusks.

Bloody Knife looked on as the herd walked past them. “Whoa, after we’re done at the stone, we’ll have to come back to get some ivory,” he said with a smile.

Bladed Claw nodded. “In this region, there’s plenty of ivory to go around,” he said before walking again.

“Prehistoric...animals!?” Twilight asked.

Bladed Claw turned his head towards her. “Yeah…” he said.

Twilight’s hair began to frizzle. “There are….prehistoric...animals here...and I’m stuck in a cage!!” she said as her eyes began to gain a wild look. Spike covered his eyes with his ears and Bloody Knife turned his attention to her.

Twilight’s teeth grated and she started giggling. “Must. Break. FRREE!!! Must study animals. Must be famous!!. Must see prehistoric animals!!” she said while kicking her legs and chuckling as if she were an evil witch. She bounced up and down and banged against the bars.

Bloody Knife stared at her blankly. “Uuuhhh...is she gonna be okay?” he asked.

“Honestly, I have no idea. But we’re poachers, not therapists. Now let’s keep moving,” he ordered and the group walked on as Twilight acted as though she was losing her marbles.

As the group continued to walk, some of them began noticing more sunlight was hitting them. Looking up, they noticed the tree cover. “Everyone, we’re here!” Sulu shouted.

The group rushed up next to him and they saw a large river flowing in front of them. Beyond was a large mosaic of savanna, marshes, and woodlands. It was teeming with herds of cape buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, thomson’s gazelles, and waterbucks running through the shallower waters. A pod of hippos almost completely submerged in the water and crocodiles basked along the shores, while a herd of Deinotherium walked across the plains and a pair of Pachycrocuta hyenas lay under a tree. “Whoa,” Night Sky said.

Konda stared blankly at the sight before him. “Wow” Partak said.

“Look at all those zebras and wildebeests!!” Rainbow Dash said, pointing at the herds.

Talamba smiled. “Okay it’s settled. I like this savanna better than the last one,” he said to the lionesses who nodded in agreement.

“Me too!” Pinkie Pie yelled, bouncing up and down.

Applejack scratched her head. “You know, this place reminds me of that one region in Africa. The...uuhh..Olasavo?...or is it Okavana?” she asked.

Pinkie Pie placed a hand on her shoulder. “I think you mean Okavango.”

“Yeah that’s it!” Applejack exclaimed, snapping her fingers.

Sulu nodded. “It is beautiful. And this is the region the Mookarina Stone is in, so we must keep moving on,” he said before entering the river.

Rainbow Dash looked at Baagh Raaja and noticed as he looked at the landscape, a tear formed in the corner of his eye. “Are you okay Baagh Raaja?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja shook his head. “Yeah, I’m fine,” he said before jumping into the water.

Rainbow Dash and Wildfire followed suit, diving into the water and swimming to the shore. When Rainbow Dash was close to the shore, Wildfire held out her tail, letting her grab it so she could pull her onto the bank. They continued forward, the herd of zebras and wildebeests looking at them and keeping their eyes on them. Wildfire looked at the ground and screamed, startling the others and she jumped into a tree and shook.

Baagh Raaja trotted under the tree. “Yeesh, what’s your problem?” he asked.

“SNAKE!!” she yelled, scaring the herd and sending them into a stampede.

The blue aura formed around Baagh Raaja and his human features started to reappear. Rainbow Dash placed her hand on her hip. “What are you-”

“I handle snakes better like this,” Baagh Raaja said when his transformation was complete.

He went into the grass, moving it aside and peered into it. He saw a serpentine tail moving into the grass and slowly went around it and waited for a moment. Suddenly he grabbed it behind the head and lifted it to take a closer look. “Wildfire, it’s an Egg-Eating Snake.”

“So?” she asked.

“It’s a baby,” he said, walking closer to her.

“So?”

“It isn’t venomous,” he assured her.

“So?”

Baagh Raaja saw its mouth open. “It doesn’t even have teeth.”

“I don’t care! Just get that slimy thing away from me!!” Wildfire yelled, pointing in the direction he got the snake from.

“Snakes aren’t slimy,” he said.

“NNOOOWWW!!” she screamed, echoing through the savanna and causing birds to fly out of the trees.

Baagh Raaja sighed and walked away from Wildfire and released the snake. The blue aura returned and his tiger features began to come back. “The next time you see a snake, I won’t move it away.” he said.

Wildfire leaped down from the tree and saw Rainbow Dash looking at the catgirl who walked with Baagh Raaja earlier getting close to him again. “Hey Rainbow, how come you’ve been giving her dirty looks?” she asked.

Rainbow lowered her head and crossed her arms. “I...I don’t know.”

Wildfire raised a brow. “What do you mean you don’t know?” she replied, sitting down.

“It’s just that whenever I see other girls act that way around him, I feel something go off inside of me that makes me want to fight them, but I don’t see any reason to. And we’re on the same side, so it’d be stupid,.” Rainbow Dash replied before walking ahead of her.

Wildfire chuckled before looking at her again. “I thought you said you didn’t love Baagh Raaja.”

Rainbow Dash crossed her arms again. “And I was honest when I said so.”

Wildfire smirked. “Really? That’s not what your instincts are telling you.” She giggled.

“I mean it!” Rainbow Dash said, slightly blushing.

“It’s okay, it’s totally normal for you to feel that way. You have cat-like instincts, so it’s normal to have a territorial instinct.,” Wildfire responded.

Rainbow Dash growled. “Can you please stop, I’m not in love with him!” she said, blushing even more.

Talamba placed himself next to her. “But where’s the fun in that?” he asked.

Chapter 10: Past Struggles

In the skies above, the dark clouds gathered in the night sky, covering the stars. The light of the moon was blocked by the coming clouds.

High up in an acacia tree, Sulu stood, peering over the marsh. The group was lying down at the base of the tree, some laying on top of others. Rainbow Dash was snoring while Pinkie used Talamba like a pillow. Applejack’s hat was tilted down her forehead.

Suddenly Sulu growled, awaking the others. Applejack yawned, turned her head, and walked over to the three to look up at Sulu. Sulu looked at her and slightly moved his head forward. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie joined Applejack and dropped their jaws at the herd of zebra and wildebeest grazing and moving along. The herd was huge, numbering in the hundreds at least. “Ah don’t think ah’ve ever seen so many animals in one place,” Applejack said

Talamba walked over to them and yawned. “Well, they do have many things hunting them,” he said as he stretched his back. From behind him, Konda, a few other tigers, Night Sky, Wildfire, and some of the lionesses walked past them, heading toward the herd.

“Wait, you’re not gonna try hunting them, are you?” Applejack asked, pointing at the herd.

Konda turned around and faced the girls. “Why not?” he asked with a smirk.

Pinkie gasped. “There’s so many of them! It’ll be harder to sneak up on them!” she exclaimed.

Konda only rolled his eyes. “So? I like a challenge,” he replied before continuing to walk towards the herd with the hunting party. Talamba turned around and went back to the spot he was sleeping in. Baagh Raaja had just opened his eyes and yawned, stretching out his paws.

The girls approached the lion. “Hey Talamba, aren’t you gonna help with the hunt?” Applejack asked, pointing her thumb towards the herd.

Talamba put his head down and looked away from them. “Male lions normally don’t hunt so no,” he said. Applejack crossed her arms and Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. Pinkie shook her head and crouched down next to him.

“Just saying, that would be a nice thing to do for your ladies,” Pinkie said, making him groan a bit. Applejack grabbed his mane and pulled, making Talamba growl and try pulling free.

“So get up lazy bones!” Applejack yelled before activating her geode and lifting him up and placing him on his paws. Talamba froze, then glared at Applejack.

Talamba growled. “I’m not lazy! I guard the territory from other males-”

“Well this ain’t your territory!” Applejack exclaimed, slightly raising her voice.

“Enough!” Partak walked in between them and turned his attention to Applejack.

“We need to focus on getting food, if he wants to stay behind, fine.” Partak said before walking towards the herd to join the hunting group. A flash of lightning cracked in the thundering clouds. The clouds were much darker now, and another lightning bolt hit the earth in the distance. Rain began pouring down to the ground, covering Talamba’s mane. The lion frowned and groaned while blinking a few times.

“Grreeaaat” he hissed.

Baagh Raaja got up and trotted in the rain. “Yeah! Perfect!” he cheered.

Talamba frowned at him. “Why are you so happy?” he asked.

“A dark stormy night is the perfect time to hunt.” Talamba raised an eyebrow. “You’re less visible and the rain makes detecting your scent more difficult,” Baagh Raaja explained. Talamba however, only rolled his eyes.

“I prefer hunting on bright sunny days thank you very much,” he said before walking towards the patch of trees along the nearby river.

Rainbow Dash smirked. “And when was the last time you did that?” she asked.

“Can we just go hunting already?” Partak asked

Applejack and Pinkie went ahead of Partak while Talamba continued his way to the trees. He nearly started walking again until he noticed Baagh Raaja walking away from the group. “Going on your own again?” he asked.

Baagh Raaja kept walking. “Yes, yes I am.” he said without even turning his head. Rainbow Dash stood for a moment and looked at Partak;, he looked away and started walking again. Rainbow Dash touched her geode and dashed into the sky as another lightning bolt struck the ground. Looking down, she saw Baagh Raaja heading into the open savanna and followed. Baagh Raaja stopped for a moment and sniffed the ground.

“The only downside to rain is it makes following a trail harder.” he thought before looking around. He kept walking with Rainbow Dash on his tail, leaving tracks in the mud. A screech came from above, causing a group of banded mongooses to flee. Looking into the sky, Baggh Raaha saw a vulture soaring to the west and he followed. The vulture led him to a cape buffalo carcass. The carcass, however, had owners. A clan of thirty spotted hyenas ripped into the carcass and removed organs and flesh, one even cracked a bone. Rainbow Dash hovered as Baagh Raaja growled. He charged at the clan, roaring at them. The hyenas lifted their heads up and began whooping to each other. The clan started to run away from the carcass, leaving Baagh Raaja standing in front of it, roaring once more.

He turned around and looked down at the carcass, he opened his jaws before Rainbow Dash’s voice reached his ears. “Oh so it’s okay for you to take food away from hyenas but it’s horrible when we try taking yours?” He frowned, and looked up to see Rainbow Dash landing with her arms crossed and her brows lowered. Baagh Raaja exhaled deeply at her.

“In case you haven’t figured it out already, getting a meal isn’t easy for us, so why hunt when you can take from others?” he responded before placing his paw on the head.

Rainbow Dash sighed and uncrossed her arms. “Just so you know, when we first saw you we decided to let you eat your fill before taking the carcass.”

Baagh Raaja moved his eyes side to side. “Hyenas can eat anything on a carcass, even the bones, so by the time they were done eating, there probably wouldn’t have been anything left. On a side note, why are you following me?” he asked, stepping off the head.

Rainbow Dash walked up to him and put her hand on his cheek. “I didn’t want you to be alone again. I know you don’t like it when I do this, but I can’t leave you alone all the time,” she said, looking into his eyes.

Baagh Raaja moved his head from her hand. “Fine. Since you’re here, you can have some of this buffalo.” He turned to the neck and grabbed onto it.

“You know what your problem is?” Rainbow Dash asked, approaching him.

Baagh Raaja stopped, dropping the carcass. “What?”

Rainbow Dash placed her hand on his shoulder. “You’re insincere. Whenever you look down or something, you always tell me you’re fine when you clearly aren’t and I can tell something’s bothering you but instead of expressing your feelings, you get away from us when resting or hunting.”

“Yeah well I-”

“Listen.” She put her hands on his cheeks. “If there’s something bothering you, you can tell me. I’ll listen.”

Baagh Raaja looked away for a moment, then turned back to her. “Can we get to a drier place first?”

Rainbow Dash nodded. “Sure.” Baagh Raaja grabbed the carcass and began dragging it with Rainbow Dash following him once again. They headed towards a wooded spot and upon entering, Rainbow Dash tapped his shoulder, pointing towards a cave. Baagh Raaja dragged it into the cave and dropped it and shook the water off himself, getting Rainbow Dash even wetter.

The blue aura formed around Baagh Raaja again, and he sat down while his human form came into view. “I’ve tried keeping this away from everyone, but you’ve made that impossible, at least with you.” He looked away from her with his arms crossed on his knees. Rainbow Dash sat down and looked at him.

“My mother was a paleontologist. She was the kindest woman I’ve known. She met my father a long time ago, but when he learned she was pregnant, he left her in a heartbeat, leaving her to care for my twin brother and I.”

“Wait, you were a twin?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Baagh Raaja nodded. “Yes. Some time later my mom found a baby girl abandoned in the savanna and she adopted her,” he said, placing his hand on the cave floor, coarse cave dirt.

Rainbow Dash gasped. “Someone abandoned her!! That’s horrible!” she said, raising her voice.

Baagh Raaja touched her hand, feeling the softness of it. Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. “Despite the fact my dad wasn’t present, she loved us with all her heart. We lived in the Okavango region of Botswana in those years and any time I could, I'd catch snakes with my brother.”

Rainbow Dash smiled. “Of course you would,” she said, placing her hand on his shoulder.

But Baagh Raaja didn’t move, but kept going. “But one time we got lost when looking for snakes. We were missing for weeks, and that’s when our tiger instincts awakened, and we could turn into juvenile tigers. When we were rescued we hugged our mom tightly, but our new ability was revealed to the people. The minute they saw what we could do, they avoided us, ran when they saw us, and the rest of my family disowned us because…” Tears began rolling from his eyes as he bared his teeth that began looking tiger-like. Rainbow Dash looked at him, then at his hand on hers, then back up.

“Because they wanted nothing to do with us because of us turning into tigers!” he roared, echoing in the cave. Rainbow Dash wrapped her arms around him and patted his shoulder.

“Easy, easy,” she said in a calm tone before looking back up at him and letting go.

Baagh Raaja looked at her with a small smile, then looked away. “And so we were alone. But we had each other. At least...until the incident.” he croaked.

“Incident?” Rainbow Dash asked, getting closer to him.

“On a bright day, we were all relaxing when...when…” His tears got bigger, and dripped down his cheeks even faster. He squeezed his legs with his arm, then felt the soft hand of Rainbow Dash on his cheek, wiping a tear away.

Baagh Raaja was silent for a bit, then spoke again. “When Bloody Knife jumped through the window.”

Rainbow Dash widened her eyes. “Bloody Knife!?”

“My mom immediately got herself between us and him, and with a wooden chair she hit him repeatedly. But then…” He croaked. “but then...Bladed Claw broke into the house.” he said, with many tears flowing on his face and his eyes were becoming red.

Rainbow Dash wiped another tear away. “Him too?”

“Mmhmm.” Baagh Raaja croaked, nodding slightly

“You know him!?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja turned his head away from her. “He...he...he swiped the chair out of her hands and...grabbed her in his jaws and snapped her neck like a twig.” Baagh Raaja burst even more tears, covered his eyes with his hand and sobbed. Rainbow’s eyes began to water, her arms crossed on her stomach, looking at this seemingly tough guy cry as though he were a small child.

She hugged him tightly, nearly squeezing his ribs. “It’s okay, you don’t have to say anymore.”

Baagh Raaja felt the warmth of her body start to flow through him, and shook his head. “No. I started it, I’m finishing it. Bladed Claw then grabbed me, Bloody Knife grabbed my sister and brother. I bit and scratched, but nothing worked. They took us to their camp and told us someone told him we could turn into tigers. He made us transform, but he growled at us. My brother transformed into a white tiger, and because they can’t blend in as well, he had two of his men hold my sister and I down while he killed my brother.”

Rainbow Dash covered her mouth with her hand. “He...killed a child!?”

Baagh Raaja tightened his grip on his legs. “Yes. He wanted me to help in their hunts, but I never killed anything, any trapped animal I freed. After a while, Bladed Claw got so angry he struck me across the face. My sister threw rocks at him.”

Rainbow Dash stared at his scar. “He...he gave you that scar?”

Baagh Raaja’s tears started to come back. “He...he grabbed her and carried her to a waterfall and had someone else drag me along. When we got there he dropped her from the waterfall. Just to show me he could kill me in more ways than one.” Baagh Raaja said as he wiped his tears away.

Rainbow Dash widened her eyes. “How...how could he!?” she screamed, startling a troop of olive baboons.

Baagh Raaja looked at her with his own big eyes and looked away again. “Then I did it. I set a serval free from a trap. He tried to kill me. But before he could do so, a herd of elephants charged at him and the gang. I don’t know if they thought their calves were in danger or if they wanted to save me, but I ran as fast as I could. For the first time in my life, I was alone.”

Rainbow Dash scratched her head, and looked out the cave entrance. “Is that why you won’t hunt elephant calves?” she asked him

“They’re the reason I’m even still alive, so how could I?” he responded.

Rainbow Dash looked back at him and smiled. “That’s great you won’t. That’s something you should be proud of.” she said, patting his back.

“The next day, a male lion found me and I discovered that I can talk to predators due to my ability. He took pity on me and let me into his pride. I was happy, I had a stable family again and a dad who cared about me, something I never had before. But...before I knew it, Bladed Claw and gang caught up to me again and killed them. My new father died in his claws. He pinned me to the ground, but stopped, and grinned. He carried me away again and sold me to an animal show.” He hissed, his eyes started to turn bright gold. He then saw Rainbow Dash looking at him with her eyes watering yet again. Baagh Raaja took a deep breath and his eyes became brown again.

“He sold you!?” she asked with a small tear running down her cheek.

“They...they made me do things that never came instinctively, and whenever I messed up they struck me with a whip or a cane. I was covered in bruises, and I was barely fed and became more aggressive. I was on display in a cage. Held back by chains. The people never saw me as a person in trouble, all they saw was a monster. During a show, I couldn’t take it anymore and I attacked the ringmaster and ran away. While running from them, I found this place. No people dared follow me here, so I stayed. Whenever a lion or scimitar pride saw me I ran away.” He looked at Rainbow Dash who was wiping away her own tears.

“Why? Did you think they’d attack you?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja shook his head. “No. Rainbow, I've already lost two families. If I get another family, I’ll just lose them again!” he answered.

Rainbow Dash got up on her knees. “Baagh Raaja. Don’t think like that.”

Baagh Raaja turned to her. “Why? Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t.” he ordered.

Rainbow Dash looked into his eyes and grabbed his wildebeest hide. “Back then, you were only a kid. You couldn’t have done anything to save them. But things have changed. Look at how much bigger and stronger you are. Heck, you just chased off an entire clan of hyenas, you even fought Partak!” she said.

Baagh Raaja only raised a brow. “But I lost-”

“I know you lost to him, but you fought because you could. Would you have done that as a kid?” she asked, touching his shoulder again.

“N-no.” he replied.

“Exactly. But now, if someone threatens your family, you can do something about it. My point is, you shouldn’t do this to yourself over what you couldn’t do as a kid. You’re a great guy, an awesome hunter and fighter. There would’ve been a pride that would’ve loved to have you as part of their family,” she said to him with both hands on his shoulders.

“You think so?” he asked before looking out the cave.

Rainbow Dash hugged him again. “I know so, tough guy.” She looked up at him. “You can’t let the past affect you badly. Promise me you will never let the past affect you in a bad way,” she said, looking him in the eye again.

Baagh Raaja smiled and hugged back. “I promise.”

They held each other for a moment, but then Baagh Raaja saw the carcass with the tongue hanging out. “So...you wanna eat some of this?”

Rainbow Dash let go of him. “Yeah, I’m starving.”

As the thunder echoed through the land, the herd grazed with some looking around the savanna before putting their heads back down. In the tall grass, Applejack and Pinkie crouched down on their bellies. With them was Konda. They looked across the herd, then Konda tapped Applejack’s leg. Applejack looked at him and he pointed his head at a zebra with a wound on it’s thigh. Applejack tapped Pinkie and pointed at the zebra. She nodded and they moved slowly, and once in range Konda snuck up on the right where he joined Night Sky and Wildfire who were crouched in the tall grass. The wounded zebra was on the edge of the herd, and it walked closer to the girls who jumped from the grass and yelled and charged. The zebra brayed, sending the herd running.

Up ahead, Konda, Night Sky and Wildfire charged from the grass, and cut the zebra with a few wildebeests from the rest of the herd. The lionesses burst from cover and cut the zebra away from the wildebeests and kept chasing after it. Suddenly, Partak lunged from the grass and knocked the zebra to the ground with his size and forearms. With one paw on the shoulder and the other on the head he drove his canines into the throat. Blood came oozing from the throat. The rest of the hunters stood and waited. Before long, the zebra stopped breathing and the light in its eyes was gone. Partak released his grip. The rest of the hunters walked up to the zebra, and from a distance, Talamba was trotting up to the carcass. He stopped and walked up to them and got in between Night Sky and Konda.

“Good, I’m hungry!” he said before laying down to eat.

Night Sky got right up to him and frowned. “Uh, what do you think you’re doing?” she asked.

“Getting a bite to eat.” Talamba responded

“And what makes you think you’ll eat first?” she asked with raised brow.

Talamba looked at the carcass then at Night Sky. “Because I always eat first.”

Konda chuckled. “Well guess what bud. You didn’t help in the hunt, so you eat last.” he said.

Talamba groaned. “Oh come on!” he yelled.

Konda walked up to him and got in his face. “Or actually, you can make yourself useful and hunt something on your own,” he said as Talamba frowned.

“What’s the matter? Is that too hard for you? Is that why you need your females to hunt for you?” Wildfire asked with big eyes .

Applejack and Pinkie giggled. “It shouldn’t be hard for ya, you are the king of the beasts after all.” Applejack said.

Konda laughed then looked at Applejack. “King of the beasts? Please, I could totally kick his rear end!” he said before laughing even more.

Talamba growled. “You know what, I have to put up with this. I’ll just HYENAS!!!” He charged past Applejack and Pinkie at a hyena clan nearby the kill and tackled one and bit it on the neck. He snapped its neck and chased after the rest.

“DIE! Come over here so I can kill ya!!” he yelled as he chased the hyenas before breaking a hyena’s spine with a swipe from his paw.

Applejack and Pinkie blinked. “Shouldn’t we try to stop him?” Pinkie asked.

A lioness got in front of them. “No. We tried, but he killed many hyenas the next day. We don’t know how he got that way, but we just let him go.” she said before returning to the kill.

Pinkie and Applejack kept watching Talamba chasing the hyenas who were scattered across the place. “I knew lions and hyenas didn’t like each other but...yeesh.” Applejack said.

Talamba caught a hyena in his paws and looked down at it. “Hahahaha!! DDIIIEEE!!” he yelled before delivering a bite to the neck.

Out from the river, Bladed Claw and Bloody Knife watched as the gang made it across one at a time. They looked across the land, seeing a herd of buffaloes run at the sight of them. Bloody Knife looked up at his master who was grinning.

“Well boss, this should be the place,” he said before walking again.

In her cage, Twilight noticed Bladed Claw staring into the distance and the expression on his face. “What are you smiling about?”

He peered at the girl, then looked away. “Oh, just that this place feels like somewhere I’ve been before.”

Chapter 11: Pranks and Blood

The sky grew darker, still covered by a blanket of gray. In a patch of woodland a river rushed through the area, cutting the woodland in half. On one side a herd of wildebeest drank from the river. One of the wildebeest lifted its head up and sniffed the air. It bolted off into the trees and the rest of the herd followed, kicking up dirt and mud. Sulu had entered the riverbank, followed by the rest of the group. “Alright everyone, We can rest here for now.”

“Finally!” Talamba exclaimed, plopping on his side. “My paws are killing me!”

Wildfire stretched out her back and yawned. “I could use a nap.” Partak and Konda had lain down on their bellies and yawned and Partak placed his head on his paws. Applejack and Pinkie Pie sat down in the dirt, both stretching their arms. Rainbow Dash looked over at Baagh Raaja who looked around him, and then turned back into the trees.

Night Sky noticed Baagh Raaja leaving. “Where are you going?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja stopped and turned his head. “I’m gonna see if I can find some impala,” he answered before entering the woodland. Rainbow Dash grabbed her geode, forcing her wings to appear, and launched into the air. Flying above, she mostly just saw trees, but managed to glimpse Baagh Raaja on the ground. Baagh Raaja stopped, twitched his ears, and looked around. He took one step forward and stopped again.

“Are you following me Rainbow?” he asked, not even turning his head.

Rainbow Dash blushed and Baagh Raaja turned around and saw her. “Hehehe...sorry,” she said, scratching the back of her head.

Baagh Raaja smirked. “I don’t mind you hanging around me after last night, just as long as you don’t give me away,” he said

“Really?” Rainbow Dash asked

“Yeah, so you might want to get out of the sky so you’re not as visible,” Baagh Raaja said before walking again. Rainbow Dash landed on the ground and followed. She watched as Baagh Raaja sniffed the ground and then made a face that made him look like he was snarling, yet his tongue was sticking out. Rainbow Dash lifted an eyebrow, then a scent entered her nose. She sniffed, and got on her hands on the ground and sniffed the earth. Baagh Raaja watched with bigger eyes.

Rainbow Dash sprung up “OOOH dead meat up ahead!” she cheered. She paused and shook her head and then blinked.

“Did I just say that?” she asked, looking at Baagh Raaja.

Baagh Raaja chuckled, making Rainbow Dash raise her brow even higher. “Relax, when you’re a predator it’s perfectly normal to be attracted to carrion,” he said

Rainbow Dash wrapped her arms around herself. “But that’s the thing! I’m a human! I’m not supposed to be like that!” she said, looking him in his eyes.

Baagh Raaja just stared. “Well your new instincts disagree,” he replied, walking ahead of her. Rainbow Dash turned and followed, but still kept her arms around her.

Rainbow Dash sighed. “At least I have control over them.” Baagh Raaja slightly turned his head to her, but turned it back. A smile came across his face and his eyes widened a little and chuckled a little.

“Until you go into a rogue state,” he said, turning around to face Rainbow Dash.

“Excuse me?” she asked, unwrapping her arms and putting a hand on her hip.

“There will be a time when your instincts will go crazy, to the point where you won’t be able to control them, and you’ll go on a killing spree, leaving a trail of flesh and blood,” Baagh Raaja explained in a deep haunting tone.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes got big. “W-What?”

“And then someone would have to kill you,” he said, very casually

Rainbow Dash felt her heart race, and she breathed rapidly. “Oh no no no no no this can’t be happening this can’t be happening!” She plopped on the ground in front of a tree, holding herself tightly.

“And you know what else will happen?” Baagh Raaja asked, approaching her.

“What?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking as if she were to have a heart attack.

“Gotcha!” Baagh Raaja yelled, and laughed so hard he found himself rolling around on his back, hitting the ground with a paw.

Rainbow Dash growled and spring up and punched Baagh Raaja’s shoulder. “Hey, it’s not funny!” she yelled as her face turned as red as a tomato.

Baagh Raaja looked at her. “Says you, you should’ve seen the look on your face!” He continued laughing

Rainbow Dash crossed her arms. “Let’s just keep going, ” she growled., Baagh Raaja managed to get up and his laughs became softer as they went on.

Suddenly Rainbow Dash came to a stop. Baagh Raaja stopped and saw the corpse of a rock python laying in their path. “A python?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Baagh Raaja got closer, and put his head down to it. Then he smiled again. “You know what we can do with this right?” he asked.

Rainbow Dash raised her brow again. “What are you talking about?” she asked.

Back at the riverbank, Wildfire yawned as she stretched her front legs and back. “That was a good nap,” she said before going to the river’s edge for a drink.

Baagh Raaja had just come out of the woodland. “Hey Wildfire!” Wildfire lifted her head from the water and turned around to him.

“I killed a wild pig, want some of it?” he asked.

Wildlife's eyes expanded like a blooming flower and her mouth drooled a little. “OOH yes!” she exclaimed before rushing into the trees right past Baagh Raaja who simply walked into the trees. Wildfire slowed down and looked back at him, blushing a little and giggled. Once Baagh Raaja had caught up she walked again, but at a quick pace.

“So what type of’-” Wildfire stopped to see the dead python coiled up. She screamed, her back hairs stuck up and her tail stood straight up. Baagh Raaja laughed so hard he once again fell on his back and Rainbow Dash, who had been hiding in a tree fell out of it and rolled on the ground laughing with her arms around her stomach. The both of them began to calm down when they saw Wildfire laying on her back with her eyes closed.

Baagh Raaja tapped her with his paw “Uh, Wildfire? Hello.”

“...I...think it worked a little too well.” Rainbow Dash said before Baagh Raaja grabbed her tail in his mouth and began dragging her out of the woodland. Night Sky was laying on a rock, taking in her surroundings. She took a deep breath and exhaled, but she twitched her ear at the sound of someone emerging from the trees. Baagh Raaja and Rainbow Dash had returned with Wildfire in tow. Night Sky immediately leapt off the rock and ran towards them.

She got in front of Baagh Raaja and stared him in the eyes. “What happened?” she sternly asked.

Baagh Raaja released his grip. “She’s fine, she’s passed out,” he said before grabbing her tail again and dragging her to the water.

“WHAT!?” Night Sky screamed, waking up everyone.

Baagh Raaja placed Wildfire so she was sideways to the river. He entered the water and with one swipe splashed water on her face. She woke up immediately. “Are you alright sister?” Night Sky asked.

Wildfire shot up from the ground and growled. “YOU JERKS! THAT WASN’T FUNNY! I COULD’VE HAD A HEART ATTACK!!” she screamed.

Rainbow Dash moved both her arms up and down. “Calm down, we're sorry.”

“We’re sorry,.” Baagh Raaja said after exiting the water

Wildfire’s snarling disappeared, replaced with a small smile. “Oh you’ll be sorry alright Baagh Raaja, WHEN I RIP OFF YOUR NUTSACK!” she exploded, nearly lunging at Baagh Raaja. Night Sky stepped on her tail.

“Sister, calm down. There’s no need for violence,.” she said in a calm tone.

Amber Eye watched and walked up to her sisters. “Night Sky, perhaps I should take her on a hunt to calm her down. For wild pigs?” she suggested.

Baagh Raaja froze, his eyes blinked, and he backed away slightly at Wildfire’s death glare. “...Fine. Let’s go,” she said before the two walked off into the woodland. Baagh Raaja remained motionless for a moment. Rainbow Dash and Night Sky started at him.

“I uh...I’ll get something to eat as well,” he finally said before crossing the river and entering the woodland with his tail between his legs. Rainbow Dash watched on and heard giggling behind her. Turning around it was from a few cat-girls, including the one who walked with Baagh Raaja.

The sky was getting darker. The group had moved under the trees. Baagh Raaja exited the woodland and crossed the river and joined them. He was carrying an impala buck by the neck in his jaws. The blue aura covered his body and his human form returned. He raised one of his fingers, the nail extended, turning into a claw. He pierced into the impala’s neck and cut the skin around it. He then grabbed a bit of the skin and pulled the hide off the flesh. “What are you doing?” Talamba asked.

“I’m cooking,” Baagh Raaja said before ripping the head off with his bare hands. “Step one is to remove the hide.”

Rainbow Dash watched. “You cook?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja ripped out the internal organs with his claws and hands. “Yeah. I sometimes get in the mood for cooked meat.” he answered.

Talamba rolled his eyes. “For the record dude, you’re weird,” he said.

Konda walked next to Talamba. “Hey, the guy had his manhood threatened, give him a break,.” he said, making Talamba step back and fold his ears. Applejack placed her hands on her hips and watched.

“Huh, ya know, I never thought you were the type who’d cook,” she said, peering at the skinned animal. Pinkie Pie rushed in and bounced in the air.

“I did!” she said. Baagh Raaja looked at her with a raised brow.

“Wait, how did you-” before he could finish Applejack and Rainbow Dash crossed their arms .

“It’s Pinkie Pie. Don’t question it. I know better.” they both said in unison.

Baagh Raaja only stared for a moment, then shook his head and looked back at the carcass. “Alright. If you say so,” he said. He turned to the rest of the woodland, but before he could take another step, roars echoed in the distance. Growls and roars went back and forth. Night Sky looked around, her eyes got larger and her breathing became more rapid.

“My sisters!” she yelled before sprinting in the direction of the roars. Baagh Raaja was the next to charge, Konda and Partak followed suit. The girls ran after them and then Talamba joined in and ran past Applejack and Pinkie Pie. Before they knew it they exited the woodland and found themselves on open savanna again, running past a herd of gemsbok antelope and a matriarchal herd of Deinotherium elephants. The roars and growls got louder, the snarls of pain echoed across the savanna. Night Sky’s heart was racing, not paying attention to the puff adder in the tall grass while the others went around it. Suddenly the growls and roars stopped. Night Sky stopped for a moment, then sprinted off again, not giving the others a chance to catch their breath. Night Sky stopped once again, this time the other stopped. They walked next to her, and what they saw made them gasp. Amber Eye and Wildfire both lay on the group. Amber Eye was covered in claw marks and was breathing, yet she couldn’t keep her eyes open at all times. Partak was the first to walk to her.

“W-what happened?” he asked

Amber Eye snarled. “What does look like sabertooth? We were attacked!” she yelled before collapsing her head on the ground. Konda and Partak both got beside her and helped her on her feet. Baagh Raaja, the girls, and Talamba then looked at Night Sky. She was looking at Wildfire, standing still. They got closer, and saw why. Wildfire was also covered in claw marks, and a bite mark on one of her front legs. However, her throat was slit. Blood oozed from the wound, and created a small puddle of it in the dirt. The light in her eyes was gone, and her mouth was slightly open. Tears formed in the girls’ eyes, and Pinkie Pie hugged Applejack who held her tighter than a python squeezing it’s victim. Talamba allowed Rainbow Dash to lean on him. Partak, Konda, and Amber Eye lowered their heads. Baagh Raaja sniffed the ground, and growled.

“Bladed Claw,” he hissed. “His stench reeks here. Along with two of his cronies.”

He looked at Night Sky again, who kept her gaze on Wildfire, but now the first tear rolled down her face. Finally she plopped herself on top of her and began sobbing. A great pain took hold of Baagh Raaja’s chest as he watched Night Sky crying. He walked over to her and nuzzled her head with his nose. She placed her head under his neck and cried.

Partak walked over to Night Sky “She’s with a great spirit now. We must bury her now,.” he said.

“I’ll help with the digging,” Baagh Raaja offered

Applejack released her grip on Pinkie Pie. “I’ll help too.”

At the campsite, the tents stood high, and the men were mostly lying around or napping. Bloody Knife walked through the camp and noticed a trio coming into the camp. Two Danger Beasts, paws and fangs covered in blood had arrived. Between them was Bladed Claw. His lips were covered in blood, claw marks were on his back and shoulders. “So, how’d it go boss?” Bloody Knife asked.

Bladed Claw smiled. “Successful. We’ve made some progress in this battle. One less pest to deal with.”

Chapter 12: Something Off

Two days had passed. The sky was clear, and the group was walking across the savanna. A giraffe was feeding on a nearby acacia tree, wrapping his tongue around the thorny branches. Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Pinkie Pie walked behind Baagh Raaja. Suddenly Pinkie Pie placed her hand on her stomach. “Uh girls, something’s happening.” she said.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash turned around. “What do you mean Pinkie?” Applejack asked. Baagh Raaja twitched his ear and turned his head. He raised one of his eyebrows but kept walking. Pinkie Pie looked down. “I feel something...warm inside.” she said, putting her other hand on her stomach. Baagh Raaja took his head back a little.

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. “Eh?”

“Like-” Pinkie paused seconds before shooting fire out of her mouth. Baagh Raaja leaped out of the way, Konda and Partak ducked. The others ahead leapt out of the way. One tigress snarled, and a sabertooth growled.

“WHOA!!” Sulu yelled while looking back. His ears were folded and he lowered his body.

“WHAT THE!?” Night Sky yelled before leaping and pushing Sulu out of the way. The groups turned around and looked at Pinkie Pie. Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood motionless while Pinkie slightly blushed and smiled, giving small chuckles. Baagh Raaja walked up to Pinkie Pie somewhat slowly. Pinkie Pie held her hands behind her back and moved her foot from side to side.

Baagh Raaja stared at Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie Pie, how did you-” he said before Talamba trotted right in front of him and got right up in Pinkie Pie’s face. He growled with his teeth bared, and unsheathed his claws.

“ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME!?” he screamed, echoing across the savanna and scaring off a herd of nearby wildebeests. Pinkie Pie froze.

“Uh no,” she said, slightly looking away from him.

Talamba growled again. “YOU NEARLY ROASTED ME!!” he yelled before Baagh Raaja stepped on his tail, making him turn around and growl. Baagh Raaja stared into his eyes. Talamba folded his ears back and lowered his head. Partak walked up to them and turned his head to Talamba.

“Calm down Talamba, it was an accident,” he said in a calm tone that put Pinkie Pie more at ease. Partak walked closer to her. Night Sky, Sulu, and Konda walked to the scene while Baagh Raaja lifted his paw off Talamba’s tail.

Partak then looked at Pinkie. “But how the heck did you shoot fire from your mouth?” he asked.

Pinkie looked down at her stomach and put her hand back on it. “I just felt something warm and then it just came out,” she replied. The group spoke amongst themselves and Night Sky raised an eyebrow, while Konda just blinked. Baagh Raaja blinked repeatedly before shaking his head “What? Are you trying to say you’re really warm?” he asked, sitting down.

Pinkie Pie shook her head. “No that’s not it. It felt as though something’s wrong.” Everyone just stood in silence for a moment, as if they were the most confused crowd in all of history. Baagh Raaja turned around.

“...Okay River Sand, I think you have your next patient,” he said, making River Sand’s ears prick up.

“Coming!” she said before running up to Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie waved her hands in front of her. “No no I'm fine, something’s just wrong,” she said.

River Sand just paused before closing her eyes and slightly shaking her head. “Pinkie, that makes no sense.” she said.

Applejack placed her hand on River Sand’s shoulder. “That’s Pinkie for ya,” she replied with a wink. Pinkie Pie shook her head rapidly, to the point where it looked as though it would fall off. When she grabbed her head she began to speak.

“No! There’s something wrong around here, or rather, something wrong with someone else!” she said.

“What?” Baagh Raaja asked.

“She speaks nonsense,” a powerful feminine voice said. The group turned their heads around to see Amber Eye walking through the group. Lionesses moved out of her way as she made her way towards Pinkie Pie. “The only one here with something wrong is her,” she said, giving Pinkie Pie a piercing gaze. Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at each other, then back at Amer Eye who was standing as tall as possible.

Rainbow Dash stepped forward. “Well the thing is, when Pinkie gets this kind of stuff, there’s always something going on.”

Amber Eye only rolled her eyes and looked away from Rainbow Dash. “Rubbish.” she scoffed.

Pinkie Pie grinned and placed a finger on her cheek. “Well, I can tell you that you were born during the wet season in the jungle.” she said.

Amber Eye’s eyes widened. She turned around to Pinkie Pie and froze. “H-How do you-” she said before Applejack and Rainbow Dash cut her off.

“Don’t question it, I know better,” both said, pointing their fingers up in the air. Amber Eye lowered her brows and growled. Pinkie Pie looked at her and suddenly, something deep down was telling her something. Then her eyes widened.

“Wait, it’s you!” she said, pointing at Amber Eye. “You’re what’s wrong here!” Amber Eye snarled at Pinkie. Baagh Raaja, Konda, Talamba, and Partak looked at Amber Eye.

Night Sky walked in front of Pinkie Pie. “Oh come now Pinkie, there’s no way she could be causing your issue.”

“Yes she is!” she shouted, flapping her arms rapidly like a bird. She paused for a moment, then her eyes narrowed and she started intensely at Amber Eye.

“In fact, Bladed Claw didn’t kill Wildfire, she did!” she finally said, pointing at Amber Eye. The entire group looked at Amber Eye, Rainbow Dash and Applejack stood with their eyes wide and their jaws slightly dropped.

Amber Eye stood taller than before. “No I didn’t.” she growled “Bladed Claw did.”

Applejack crossed her arms and lowered her brows. “Then how did he kill her?” she asked.

Amber Eye started at Applejack, claws unsheathed and pupils narrowing. “Why would you think I killed her?”

“And why can’t you answer the question?” Applejack asked in a louder tone.

Amber Eye rolled her eyes. “I do not need to answer a question about something I didn’t commit.” she said before turning around.

“But you were there when it happened. Answer the question.” Applejack said, raising her voice.

“I don’t need this,” Amber Eye said, walking away, but she didn’t get far before Baagh Raaja blocked her path.

His eyes pierced through hers, his claws were unsheathed, and he made a deep growl that went through the cat-girl. “Answer her. Now,” he snarled. Amber Eye simply lowered herself and folded her ears.

Applejack took a few steps forward. “And another thing, why do you act submissively to Baagh Raaja?” she asked, pointing her finger “Yeah, you don’t do that with anyone else.”

Pinkie Pie simply frowned and crossed her arms. “Because she fears him.” The big cats looked at Pinkie Pie, some moved towards her a little while others simply raised their brows.

“But why?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Pinkie Pie never looked at Rainbow Dash, rather she kept her focus on Amber Eye. “Because she’s the little birdie who told Bladed Claw about him and his brother a long time ago.” Rainbow Dash froze. Baagh Raaja looked at Pinkie Pie. He felt cold for a moment, but soon the ice inside him began to thaw. Amber Eye looked at him and took a few steps back. Rainbow Dash stepped forward, in front of Pinkie Pie.

“Baagh Raaja told me about his past, he did have a twin brother, and an adopted sister.” she said, now the big cats started to growl. Some got their claws out, Baagh Raaja moved his shoulders as if he were about to pounce.

Pinkie Pie saw the group’s reaction, but did not react. “And she took Wildfire away from everyone to lure her to Bladed Claw and the others, that’s when she killed her. Bladed Claw gave her the wounds to make it look like she was attacked and they left their scent all over the place so we would blame him instead of her.”

Amber Eye looked around her, the growls got deeper, and one tiger even roared. She stared once more at Pinkie Pie. “Shut up you little-” The fire inside Baagh Raaja burst, and he lunged at Amber Eye. The cat-girl froze in place, but Partak pinned Baagh Raaja with his front limbs.

Baagh Raaja tried striking at Amber Eye, then looked at Partak as if he wanted to kill him. “Let go of me, Partak!” he roared.

Partak looked down at Baagh Raaja. “Let Night Sky handle this.”

Baagh Raaja’s inner fire grew, and now he could feel his whole body heat up. “I WENT THROUGH HELL BECAUSE OF HER! I HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO DEAL WITH HER MYSELF!!” he yelled, yet Partak didn’t even flinch. The rest of the group however, took a few steps back.

Except for Konda who walked up to him. “Baagh Raaja, just let her deal with it. Besides, it's not like you can break free,” he said, tilting his head to Partak’s paws. Baagh Raaja simply growled.

The rest of the group began to form a ring around Amber Eye, fangs were bared, and each one looked like they’d attack at any moment. “Traitor.” Sulu hissed. Amber Eye looked around frantically, but to no avail as she was trapped.

Night Sky entered the ring and approached her sister. “Sister. How...how could you!?” she growled.

A pair of male smilodons pinned Amber Eye to the ground. “Get off me!” she snarled.

Partak lowered his brows and growled. “My sons will do no such thing. They do not tolerate traitors,” he said, his sons nodding in agreement. Amber Eye looked up at her sister, whose teeth were bared and she was creating a deep growl.

However, she stopped, and looked away from Amber Eye, then focused her attention back to her. “I refuse to stoop down to your level. But you are to leave and never come back.” The smilodons got off of Amber Eye, and an opening formed in the ring. She took one last look and growled before sprinting off into the savanna.

Night Sky took a deep breath, then exhaled. “Well, what are you all standing around for? We’ve wasted enough time with this,” she said before walking to the front. The rest of the group followed her lead and Sulu ran up to Night Sky. Partak got off of Baagh Raaja. He looked out in the direction Amber Eye ran in, then looked at Pinkie Pie who was walking ahead of him with the other girls.

He ran up to the girls. “Pinkie Pie.”

Pinkie turned around and saw him coming to them. “What do I owe the pleasure?” she asked, bowing somewhat to him.

Baagh Raaja smiled. “Thank you. For revealing the truth.”

Pinkie Pie looked up at him and smiled back. “Aw it was nothing!” she said.

“Nothing? Pinkie, you just revealed a traitor. And...growing up, I believed Bladed Claw was my real enemy. But now, I know who my real biggest enemy is.” he said, looking out onto the savanna.

Applejack looked at Baagh Raaja, then at Rainbow Dash and grinned. “Speaking of which, you telling RD about your past? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say y’all are getting’ close.” Rainbow Dash blushed, and Baagh Raaja frowned.

“Oh shut up Applejack,” Rainbow Dash mumbled.

Amber Eye ran across the savanna, passing by a herd of elands and a troop of Olive baboons. One of them gave out an alarm and the whole troop fled into the trees. She stopped and breathed heavily. Looking back she still felt her body temperature rise. She looked down at her paws, then sniffed the air. She lifted her head up with a smile and ran off. It wasn’t long before she saw the danger beasts walking “-There they are!” she sprinted to them. Bladed Claw was walking in the front with Bloody Knife, behind them, Spike, Twilight, and Fluttershy were in their cages being carried by men holding large branches sticking through the cages.

“Bladed Claw!” Bladed Claw twitched his ear then turned his head. He saw Amber Eye running towards them. He stopped, the whole group stopped as well. Twilight dropped her jaw at the sight of a girl-large cat hybrid and Spike shook his head before taking another look.

Amber Eye stopped in front of Bladed Claw and was again breathing heavily. “Amber Eye, what are you doing here?” he asked.

Amber Eye finally caught her breath. “I...I was found out.” Bladed Claw narrowed his pupils. “How?” he asked with venom in his voice.

Amber Eye once again stood tall. “The pink girl with the puffy hair had some feeling something was wrong. She revealed me.” she answered.

Bladed Claw unsheathed his claws and scratched the ground. “I see.”

Amber Eye stood there with a lifted brow. “You believe me?”

Bladed Claw nodded “That same girl drilled through the cage and into the ground to escape us.” he said, with his eyes on the ground.

Amber Eye was unfazed at his comment. “Oh...so-”

“You have failed me. And now you will pay the price.” Bladed Claw said, unsheathing the rest of his claws and baring his teeth.

Amber Eye stood there with her eyes widened. “But-but you...you said I’d get the power of the Mookarina Stone! A long time ago! You said I could use it to get revenge on my sisters!” She raised her voice.

Bladed Claw gave a deep growl. “After having that pathetic Baagh Raaja and his brother, I no longer tolerate those who fail me.” he replied, moving his shoulders up and down.

Amber Eye snarled and unsheathed her claws. Her own pupils narrowed. “If you think you can kill me easily, you’re in for a surprise.”

Bladed Claw lunged at her, but Amber Eye dodged the attack and struck his face. Both reared on their hind legs and swatted at one another. Their claws dug into each other’s shoulders.

Amber Eye delivered a swipe to Bladed Claw’s face, giving him three wounds on the side of his face. She then rammed Bladed Claw to the ground, only to get rolled over by him and on her back. With her legs she threw him off and he landed on his side.

Both quickly got back up. Bladed Claw lifted his paw for a strike, but a sharp pain entered the back of his neck, then on his shoulder and side. Looking over, Bladed Claw growled, Bloody Knife had leaped onto him and was now biting his neck and clawing him in the side and shoulder.

Twilight and Spike gasped. Bladed Claw thrashed around. “GET OFF ME!” he yelled, and threw Bloody Knife off.

Bloody Knife landed on his feet. Both looked at each other for a moment, then Bladed Claw snarled. “You...you traitorous-” However, before he could strike, the other men began transforming into their feline forms. They all gave him piercing glares and growled and snarled. The group started to approach him, making him take a few steps back.

Amber Eye smiled. “Like I said, you were in for a surprise.” Bladed Claw looked at her, then at his gang. “How could you? All of you!?” he asked.

Bloody Knife began walking to Amber Eye. “You see, Bladed Claw, we decided we liked her better on the night she came to us in the jungle. She convinced us to do this if you tried betraying her. With her in charge, we can get around this land better and find tons of animals to make money from once we get the stone’s power. But you’re simply in the way.” he answered before sitting down next to Amber Eye. Spike widened his eyes and looked over at Bloody Knife.

“Is this really happening!?” he asked, raising his voice.

Amber Eye glared at him. “Yes little dog, it is.” she answered. One of the danger beasts roared and began moving closer to Bladed Claw, followed by the rest of the group. Bladed Claw folded his ears and turned around and began running. His gang started to give chase, and it wasn’t long before the first danger beast leapt onto his back. Bladed Claw struck at him with his paw, but another one attacked him from behind. He swirled around to pin him, but soon two more leapt onto him and pinned him down. Each danger beast sank their fangs into his flesh and clawed into him.

Twilight looked over at Spike. “Don’t look Spike.” she said to him calmly. The little puppy then covered his eyes and shook. Meanwhile, the sound of a bone breaking echoed in the air. Twilight looked at the scene, and Bladed Claw screamed to the point where he was heard across the savanna. More breaking sounds came from the scene.

Finally, the group walked away from the scene, and Bladed Claw himself was still breathing, yet most of his skin was ripped off. Some of his ribs were broken, his abdomen was torn open, and his throat was ripped out. Blood was running out of him, and the light in his eyes began to fade, and finally, he stopped breathing altogether.

The danger beasts gathered around Amber Eye and Bloody Knife. The second in command looked at the cat-girl. “So what now boss?” he asked.

Amber Eye looked at him with a grin. “We keep moving.”

Chapter 13: Tooth and Claw

The sun shone brightly across the grasslands. The heatwaves beat down on the plains. A white rhinoceros layed down in a pool of mud. Oxpeckers hopped across its skin, one grabbed a tick and swallowed it whole. Not far away, the group was walking under the blazing sun. Talamba was panting, while the girls were sweating. Baagh Raaja looked out to the grasslands, looking at the giraffe standing under the shade of a tree. Sulu only looked ahead, not paying attention to anything around them. In the distance was a series of high hills covered in small acacia trees. On the side of one hill was a cave. Sulu stopped. The rest of the group stopped. Sulu turned his head behind him. “We’re here.”

He turned back around and kept walking. The group picked up the pace and followed. As they got closer to the cave they began to trot. When climbing the hill, Talamba slipped and fell on his jaw. He slid back down the hill, then growled, got back up, and went back up. Sulu and Night Sky were the first ones to enter the cave, followed by Konda and Partak. Baagh Raaja looked back at the girls, then went on to enter the cave. Upon entering, Pinkie Pie’s eyes widened at the size of the cave’s interior. As they kept walking, a bright, white light began to shine on their faces. Going deeper into the cave, they entered a large chamber, and inside was a shining white stone bigger than an elephant.

Baagh Raaja dropped his jaw. “Whoa.”

“Wow,” Rainbow Dash said, staring at the stone. Applejack and Pinkie Pie walked up and touched it, looking up at the stones’ height.

Night Sky walked up to the stone. “It’s beautiful!” she said, placing a paw on it.

Konda stood next to Partak. “So, this is the stone we’ve come all this way to protect,” he said, taking in the view.

Talamba lifted his paw. “You know, I thought this thing would be smaller, like, the size of my paw smaller,” he said, looking at his paw.

Partak chuckled. “I was thinking the same thing.”

Rainbow Dash looked around, seeing everyone looking at the stone. “Well, here we are, now what?” she asked. Baagh Raaja walked up to her and turned his head back at the stone.

“It’s obvious isn’t it? All we have to do is wait for them to come,” he replied

Sulu looked at Baagh Raaja and walked up to Rainbow Dash. “Baagh Raaja’s right. Get some rest, regain your strength. Stay in here so you’ll surprise them. I’ll keep watch,” he ordered before running out of the chamber. The big cats and cat-people began to lie down. Talamba, on the other hand, straight up plopped down to the ground. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie sat down.

“How long do you think it’ll be before they get here?” Rainbow Dash asked, making Baagh Raaja prick his ear.

Applejack held her legs in her arms against her chest. “Ah don’t know. I actually hope it takes a while.”

Rainbow Dash raised a brow. “Why?”

Applejack placed a hand on the ground. “Rainbow Dash, this isn’t like the other times we’ve faced danger, this is basically a war. We could easily all die in this.”

Pinkie Pie moved closer to Rainbow Dash. “She’s right, Rainbow, it’s not guaranteed we’ll survive.”

Baagh Raaja got up and walked over to the girls. “Exactly. Speaking of which, we need a battle plan,” he said, catching the attention of Partak who immediately got up and walked to him.

“A plan? Do you have one in mind?” he asked.

Baagh Raaja nodded. “I think I might. Everyone, huddle,” he replied, getting everyone’s attention and making them gather around him.

“Here’s what we’re gonna do,” Baagh Raaja said. “Night Sky and I will be in the very front. Partak, Konda, you and the other tigers and smilodons are the biggest and most powerful, you’ll be able to take out more Danger Beasts so you guys will be behind us.”

Partak nodded. “I agree with that.”

“Will do.” Konda replied.

Baagh Raaja turned to Talamba. “Talamba, you and your lionesses along with the cat-people are smaller so you’ll be behind them.”

Talamba snarled. “Are you trying to say I’m weak?” he asked.

Baagh Raaja rolled his eyes. “No, I’m saying the bigger guys can give you a head start.”

Applejack moved closer to Baagh Raaja. “What about us?”

Baagh Raaja stared back at her. “Applejack, you’ll be with the tigers and smilodons due to your strength. Rainbow Dash will be in the air, dashing like crazy if needed. Pinkie, you do whatever you think of doing,” he ordered

Pinkie Pie blinked. “Uh, okay.”

Rainbow Dash grabbed her geode and her wings appeared, and she began to hover. “Then we can charge into battle!”

“No, we can’t.” Baagh Raaja replied.

Rainbow Dash looked down at Baagh Raaja. “What? Why not?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja moved to the center of the circle. “We don’t have a lot of endurance. Instead of running straight at the enemy, we’ll trot to them to save energy. We’ll let them sprint towards us so they will use more energy,” he answered

Sulu returned to the chamber, running at full speed. “They’re coming! They’re coming, get ready!” he ordered.

Rainbow Dash flew out, as the rest of the group walked to the cave’s entrance. They lowered themselves at the mouth of the cave and in the front, Night Sky and Baagh Raaja watched as the Danger Beasts were moving in on the hills. In the front were Bloody Knife and Amber Eye who had a smirk on her face. Baagh Raaja growled deeply at the sight of the traitor leading the Danger Beasts. They got almost close to the base of the hills. Amber Eye inhaled and exhaled. “Well boys, we’re here.” she said, making the gang grin and cheer.

Baagh Raaja left his hiding spot and stood at the mouth of the cave. “And let us stop you right there,” he said.

Amber Eye saw him standing at the cave. He began to move forward. Rainbow Dash flew past him. Night Sky and the others came behind him. They walked back to the base of the hill. Right behind Baagh Raaja and Night Sky the tigers and smilodons stood with Appeljack. The lions and cat-people stood behind them with Talamba in the middle.

Amber Eye struck the ground. “Oh you’ve got to be kidding me.”

Night Sky looked at Amber Eye. “Sister, I gave you a chance to live your life, and this is what you do with it?” she asked.

Amber Eye rolled her eyes. “Spare me that type of talk. I no longer take orders from you, I do as I please,” she snarled.

Night Sky stood firm. “Amber Eye, you’ve already taken one life, how many more do you need to take?” she asked, echoing across the field.

Amber Eye smirked. “One life?...about that sister, do you remember when I ran away for a while?” she said, walking back and forth.

Night Sky raised a brow. “Y-Yes, but what does that have to-” she stopped for a moment, then stared at her sister who was still pacing. “Amber Eye...you...you…”

Amber Eye stopped pacing. “That’s right, sister, I’m the one responsible for our parents’ death. When I ran away, I ended up meeting Bladed Claw outside of this place. I told him everything about us, and our home, including the Mookarina Stone,” she announced, stomping a paw to the ground.

The other cat-people roared and growled, unsheathing their claws and raising the fur on their backs and necks as their pupils narrowed. The lions got in front of them, making them stay where they were.

Night Sky growled deeply. “So you’re how they knew about the stone!?”

Baagh Raaja turned his head to Night Sky. “Well she told him about my brother and I, why should we be surprised?” he asked.

Amber Eye stared intensely at Night Sky. “I told him about how one got leadership, that the chosen cub is the heir. You were chosen by our parents. Bladed Claw had me return home, but he gave me poison that I put into the waterhole made by the adults and, well, you know,” she said before looking at Bloody Knife who got closer to her.

Konda twitched an eyelid. “Good grief, so even as a kid you were dangerous?” he asked.

Amber Eye went back to pacing. “With our parents out of the way, you were in charge and chose Wildfire as second in command. I did not challenge you right away because he told me he would return when he had people with magical powers whose blood would activate the stone’s ancient power. He said with his help, I’d eliminate both you and Wildfire,.” she said, making the Danger Beasts chuckle.

Night Sky’s pupils narrowed. “I’ve had enough of this,” she said before Baagh Raaja placed a forelimb in front of her.

“Not yet,” he said, making her stay in place. Night Sky took a deep breath before stepping back.

“When you two were gone, I’d take over, and I’d have our clan join forces with this gang, and we’d all have the stone’s power.” Amber Eye said, making the cat-people roar even louder than before.

Night Sky could only growl. “Our clan has too much honor to do that sister.”

Amber Eye stopped pacing once again. “I used to disagree, but I see now you’re right on that. Oh well, I don’t need them.”

Bloody Knife smiled. “That’s right boss, you’ve got us,” he said.

Baagh Raaja took one step forward. “Amber Eye, this is your last chance to turn back.” he said, catching her by surprise.

Amber Eye only hissed. “Oh, I don’t think so.”

She roared and sprinted towards Baagh Raaja and Night Sky. The Danger Beasts charged right behind her, with Bloody Knife sprinting to his top speed. The tigers, smilodons, lions, and cat-people didn’t move. They growled and hissed. Applejack and Pinkie Pie looked at each other and nodded. They both made their hands into fists as the big cats lowered their bodies, ready to spring at the order. Night Sky was about to charge when Baagh Raaja once again blocked her.

“Hold your ground,” he ordered, this time though, the cat-girl growled.

The Danger Beasts were getting closer. Amber Eye raised an eyebrow at the fact that her enemies weren’t charging. She grinned, and her pupils narrowed. “What’s the matter? Too afraid to charge?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja looked at Night Sky, then behind him. He stared at their enemies and finally, he let out his roar that echoed across the savanna. He and Night Sky began to trot. The rest of them started to trot, roaring as loud as possible. Rainbow Dash watched from above, looking on as she began to feel as if she was watching a movie.

Baagh Raaja slammed into a yellow Danger Beast, pinning him on his back. The Danger Beast threw him off, making him fall on his side, but instead of lying there for a moment he shot himself back up and slashed the Danger Beasts face, taking out one of his eyes, making it roar in pain. The Danger Beast suddenly felt a sharp pain in his neck and much more weight on him forcing him on the ground as Baagh Raaja sank his canines into the back of his neck. The Danger Beast pierced into his shoulder with his hind claws but to no avail as Baagh Raaja tightened his grip before hearing the bones snap. The Danger Beasts eyes were starting to lose their light and he stopped kicking Baagh Raaja. He released his grip and heard the head hitting the ground before running towards another Danger Beast.

Night Sky collided with a blue danger beast, both of them swatted at one another before Night Sky shoved him on his side. The Danger Beast kicked her face with his hind paws before throwing himself on her back and biting into her neck, making her yowl. She shook from side to side but failed to throw him off, leading her to bite one of his hind legs. The Danger Beast screamed before Night Sky slammed him into the ground, forcing him off of her. The Danger Beast growled before something pierced his throat. Looking down, he saw Night Sky with her jaws clamped around his throat. He slashed her back and kicked her belly, but Night Sky refused to let go as he gasped for air. His breathing started to slow down, and finally, he qut breathing altogether. Night Sky let go of him, allowing his body to lay in place as sh ran deeper into the battle.

Partak pinned a Danger Beast to the ground before feeling lots of weight on him. Looking back, he saw another Danger Beast had leapt onto his back. Partak twirled around, throwing him off. The other Danger Beast got up. Partak stared down the two Danger Beasts, growling at them until one of them lunged. Partak struck its face. The other one charged at him and the smilodon struck his neck, knocking him off balance. Partak felt a sharp pain in the back of his neck but rather than looking behind him, he roared, “Get off me!” and threw the Danger Beast off. Partak struck his neck and he could hear the sounds of bones breaking. Victorious, Partak turned around and chased the other Danger Beast.

Another Danger Beast watched the chase. He growled and gave chase. He felt something pull on his tail, and he couldn’t run further. “Oh no ya don’t!” Applejack said before hurling the Danger Beast to the side. The Danger Beast got back up as Applejack clenched her fists.

The Danger Beast hissed. He unsheathed his claws. “Why you little-” The Danger Beast felt something on his back. Immediately something sharp was in his neck. Talamba had his jaws clamped on his thoat. His claws were on the Danger Beast’s chest. Applejack heard the Danger Beast rasping for air. The light in the Danger Beasts eyes disappeared. Talamba let go, and could taste the blood. Applejack and Talamba saw Night Sky on the back of a Danger Beast and ran after her.

A Danger Beast saw them running towards the fighting pair. He started to chase after them. Konda jumped in his way. The two growled. “Yeah, I don’t think so, twerp,” Konda said, walking up to the Danger Beast.

The Danger Beast snarled. “Fine. I’ll just have to deal with you first!!” They reared up and the Danger Beast struck Konda’s face. Konda struck his snout, leaving a pair of gashes on it. The Danger Beast clawed his shoulder and Konda struck his head in return, knocking him off balance. Konda pinned him on his side, but the Danger Beast clawed into his side, making him roar. Konda was pinned on his back, but he bit the Danger Beast’s shoulder and kicked his head with his hind claws and paws. The Danger Beast hissed and tried biting Konda’s feet, however, Konda got back up with the Danger Beast’s shoulder in his mouth and threw him. The Danger Beast got back up and took deep breaths.

Konda, tasting blood, grinned. “Tougher than I thought you were,” he said, walking up to the Danger Beast.

The Danger Beast grinned “Good!” he said before lunging at Konda. Konda blocked him with a paw swipe before the Danger Beast struck his snout. Konda clawed his eye. The Danger Beast roared. Konda pinned the Danger Beast, placing his paw on his head.

Konda looked down on the Danger Beast “But I’m afraid you’ll just be on the death toll,” he said before sinking his fangs into the Danger Beasts throat. He kicked the tiger’s side. Konda heard him gasp for air. He held on tighter. The Danger Beast’s breathing slowed down. He was silent. Konda released his grip and left the body.

Rainbow Dash looked on, seeing the blood spill. She spotted a pair of Danger Beasts in front of a pair of cages. In one was Twilight and Spike, and in the other was Fluttershy. The two Danger Beasts were clashing with a pair of cat-boys. One of them was struggling. “Time for a sonic rainboom!” she said, going high up into the air, reaching maximum velocity. Suddenly she made the boom. She turned around and dove towards the Danger Beast. The Danger Beast pinned the cat-boy. Rainbow Dash slammed into him. The cat-boy got up and ran into the battle. The Danger Beast ran off into the savanna.

Rainbow Dash jumped with a hand raised into a fist. “Aw yeah!!” She turned around and ran to Twilight’s cage. “Twilight!”

Twilight smiled. “Rainbow Dash! Oh thank goodness you’re alright!” she said, wiggling towards the door. Rainbow Dash grabbed a rock and smashed the lock until it came loose.

Spike ran out of the cage. “Finally!” he said, jumping around outside.

Rainbow Dash turned and saw Fluttershy with her mouth covered in rope. “Fluttershy!” She grabbed a cage bar and held the rock. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you outta here.” Rainbow Dash smashed the rock against the lock. However, a Danger Beast saw her smashing the lock and he charged at her.

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Rainbow, look out!!” she said. Rainbow Dash turned around and saw the Danger Beast charging at her. She lifted her wings, about to take off. But in what seemed like a split second, Baagh Raaja collided into the Danger Beast. He grabbed the Danger Beast by the back of the neck. They heard the neck snap. Baagh Raaja dropped the Danger Beast.

Spike looked as though he was about to throw up. “Oh my gosh.”

Baagh Raaja looked at Rainbow Dash and nodded. He charged back into the crowd and rammed into another Danger Beast. Rainbow Dash smashed the lock again and again, destroying it. She opened the cage and grabbed Fluttershy. She looked around, but didn’t find anything to cut the ropes. Pinkie Pie dashed in and hugged Twilight and Fluttershy.

She looked at the ropes and grinned. “Don’t worry, girls! Pinkie’s come to the rescue!” Pinkie Pie grabbed her hair and started to pat it repeatedly. She grabbed the rock from Rainbow Dash’s hand and rubbed down her hair. She tossed the rock and her hair gleamed in the sunlight. In a single motion she cut Twilight’s ropes and in another, the ropes around Fluttershy’s body. Fluttershy grabbed the rope in her mouth and pulled it off her head. She immediately hugged Rainbow Dash, to the point where she turned bluer than normal. She let go of Rainbow Dash, then looked at the fight. They heard the roars, growls, and yowls of the felines.

Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight. “Care to give us a hand?” she asked.

Twilight began to laugh maniacally. “Don’t mind if I do!” she said with crazy eyes. Purple auras began to form around her hands, and she levitated five Danger Beasts and smashed them to the ground repeatedly while laughing even louder.

Rainbow Dash took off from the ground. “Let's do this!!” she said before dashing into the battle. Fluttershy grabbed Spike and ran to the nearest tree and climbed up it as quick as a baboon.

Baagh Raaja struck the jaw of a Danger Beast, he could feel the wet blood on his paw, he heard the jaw crack as the Danger Beast screamed. Clamping down on his throat, he could taste the blood that was warm. The Danger Beast made no effort to fight back. His breathing stopped. Baagh Raaja dropped the Danger Beast. Baagh Raaja twitched his ear, a scream had come. Looking behind himself, he saw the cat-girl he walked with with a Danger Beast. Her leg was in the Danger Beast’s mouth. “I need to get to her!” he thought before charging at the Danger Beast. The cat-girl bit the Danger Beast’s neck. She hung on tightly. He shook rapidly. She dug into his shoulder. He threw her off. He struck. Baagh Raaja stopped in his tracks.

The cat-girl felt something dripping from her neck.

She smelled blood.

Her blood.

She collapsed.

Her throat was slit.

The fire inside Baagh Raaja reawakened. He charged again. The Danger Beast stepped on her shoulder. Before he could finish her, Baagh Raaja slammed into him. Baagh Raaja grabbed the Danger Beast by the neck. He slammed him to the ground.

The cat-girl heard a cracking sound.

Baagh Raaja sank his canines into the Danger Beasts skull.

He dropped the Danger Beast, and trotted to the cat-girl.

Baagh Raaja felt something wet. He looked down, and saw her blood on his paw. The cat-girl looked up at him and placed a paw on his chest. She smiled “Go get 'em big guy...go…” Her paw dropped. The light in her eyes was fading. Baagh Raaja closed his eyes for a second. He growled, and charged back into the fight.

Twilight was still smashing a few Danger Beasts to the ground. In the grass however, Bloody Knife moved slowly behind her. His body was low to the ground. When he got just a few feet from her, he moved his shoulders, ready to strike. He twitched his ear, sensing someone running towards him. Sulu rammed into his side. Both rolled in a ball. Bloody Knife threw Sulu off of him. Sulu got back up, growling. Bloody Knife snarled “Get outta my way sabertooth!”

“I will not allow you to use her blood for the stone!” Sulu said before lunging. Bloody Knife dodged. He struck Sulu’s head. Sulu clawed his neck. Both struck at each other’s heads and chests. Bloody Knife flipped Sulu on his back and Sulu kicked his face and his claws raked flesh. Bloody Knife roared, giving Sulu time to flip Bloody Knife over. Bloody Knife put his paws on Sulu’s head. He kicked his head, but Sulu struck his legs. Bloody Knife bit his leg, causing Sulu to yowl before Bloody Knife dragged him onto his side and pinned him.

“I’ve had to deal with humans like you, always getting in the way,” he hissed, looking into the dinofelis’s eyes.

Sulu let out a deep growl. “We cannot let you break the ancient laws created by the great Karu,” he replied.

Bloody Knife rolled his eyes. “Do you really think we care?” he asked.

Sulu narrowed his eyes.“I don’t. It was your kind who fought for Tarak eons ago,” He kicked in Bloody Knife’s side. Bloody Knife struck his legs. Sulu pinned Bloody Knife.He put his paw on his head, and another on his shoulder. Bloody Knife kicked his side.

“And it’s why we fight today in the second battle for the Mookarina Stone!” Sulu said before biting into Bloody Knife’s throat. The sharp pain entered his neck. Sulu held on. Soon, he stopped breathing. Sulu released his grip. Blood oozed from Bloody Knife’s neck. Sulu panted.

Applejack twirled a Danger Beast in the air. “Ha! So far, so good.” she said before tossing him into a tree. Applejack screamed as a sharp, sudden pain entered her side. A Danger Beast had bitten her.

Rainbow Dash and Twilight turned their heads, and saw the Danger Beast bite her arm. “Applejack!” Rainbow Dash said. The Danger Beast shook her in his jaws. He bit her other arm. Something inside Rainbow Dash snapped. She clenched her fists. Twilight saw a blue aura form around her.

“Rainbow Dash?” Twilight said, watching fur grow from Rainbow’s back. Suddenly, she roared. She dashed towards the Danger Beast. Rainbow Dash slammed into him, biting into his neck.

Applejack looked up and saw Rainbow Dash. Her eyes got larger, she gasped. Rainbow Dash was in tiger form. She heard the neck snap. River Sand arrived next to Applejack. She lifted her on her back and carried her to the cave.

Rainbow Dash looked around. She saw a Danger Beast standing over a dead lioness. She dashed at him, slammed into a rolling ball.

Talamba looked at Rainbow Dash with a raised brow. “Huh?”

Spike’s jaw dropped. “What just...happened?” he asked.

Twilight was still for a moment. “...Since when could she do that!?” she asked, flailing her arms.

Pinkie Pie zoomed next to her. “I’ll explain later,” she answered before zooming back into the battle.

Baagh Raaja looked around, and saw Rainbow Dash pin the Danger Beast down and clamp down on his throat. He looked on with a smile. “Well, that happened. Finally.”

“Yes it did,” Sulu said, running next to him.

Night Sky slit a Danger Beast's throat. She watched as the life in his eyes went away. She started breathing rapidly.

“Tired, sister?”

She turned around and saw Amber Eye smiling, walking up to her. Her claws were unsheathed, and her pupils narrowed.

Night Sky stood tall, unsheathing her claws. “If I’m to die today, then so be it.” she said, roaring.

Amber Eye was unfazed. “Oh goodie, and Wildfire’s not here to back you up,.” she said before striking Night Sky’s face. Amber Eye held her down with one paw.

“You and Wildfire were always mother and father’s favorites!” Amber Eye snarled before sinking her claws into Night Sky’s side. She bit Night Sky’s neck, and slammed her to the ground. She struck Night Sky’s face, back, side, and shoulder.

Night Sky coughed up blood. “They never paid attention to me because I was different.” Amber Eye said, striking her face again. Amber Eye put her paw on her neck, and looked into her eyes.

Amber Eye growled. “Their love was all on you. And I’ve hated the both of you for it,.” she bit into her leg. Night Sky screamed.

Baagh Raaja twitched his ear. He saw Amber Eye biting Night Sky. “Night Sky!” Baagh Raaja said before sprinting towards Amber Eye.

She let go of Night Sky. Her sister coughed up even more blood. She began to breathe heavily. She looked at her sister. Amber Eye once again pinned her. “Then why haven’t you killed me already?” she croaked.

“Because I only get to kill you once.” Amber Eye lowered herself to Night Sky’s neck. She felt something crash into her. It knocked her off of Night Sky. She got up and saw Baagh Raaja standing over Night Sky. He growled, his neck fur was raised. Night Sky looked up and smiled.

Baagh Raaja walked closer to Amber Eye. “So, it’s all come to this,.” he hissed.

Amber Eye’s pupils narrowed again. “So it has.” She began walking, both were now circling each other.

“Where’s Bladed Claw?” Baagh Raaja asked.

Amber Eye growled. “The gang killed him. So you can’t get your revenge.,” she said, snarling at him. Baagh Raaja gave a deep growl. He stared at Amber Eye.

“Actually, I can,” he said, keeping his eye on the cat-girl

Amber Eye froze. Her pupils widened, and she lowered herself slightly and hissed. “What’s wrong? Don’t have it in you to fight?” Baagh Raaja asked, moving towards her.

Amber Eye’s pupils narrowed again, and she growled deeply. “I will not lose my chance to gain the stone’s power!” she roared, and lunged at him.

Baagh Raaja blocked her swipe before they reared up. Baagh Raaja struck her face, making Amber Eye hiss before striking his nose, leaving a small gash. Baagh Raaja struck her head, growling, Amber Eye clawed his shoulder, making Baagh Raaja roar from the pain. He slammed her down on her side and she kicked his side rapidly. Amber Eye also dug her claws in his back, making him try biting her hind paws, giving her time to roll onto him. Baagh Raaja threw her off him, and when they got back up they reared up again. Baagh Raaja clawed her side, making her growl and strike his head. Baagh Raaja pushed her back and struck her face, Amber Eye roared and slashed at his snout, making another gash. Baagh Raaja snarled and dug his claws into her shoulder.

Night Sky watched the battle. She tried to get up, but she fell down. “Night Sky!” River Sand ran to her, and dragged her on her back.

“River Sand…” Night Sky said, trying to watch the fight longer.

Night Sky attempted to get off her, River Sand looked at her in the eye. “C’mon let’s go!” she said before heading to the cave.

Baagh Raaja bit into Amber Eye’s paw. She yowled as her bones were crushed. Amber Eye dug her claws into his neck. Baagh Raaja threw her to the ground. He pinned her. He struck her head. Amber Eye felt pressure on her throat. Baagh Raaja had put his paw on it. He looked into her eyes, growling. Amber Eye kicked his stomach. Baagh Raaja didn’t move, and kept staring in her eyes.

She raised a brow. “What are you doing?” she asked, rasping. Baagh Raaja removed his paw. “I only get to kill you once.” He clamped onto her throat. She started gasping for air. She kicked him even harder. Baagh Raaja maintained his grip. Blood began coming out of her mouth. She tried clawing on his shoulder. Baagh Raaja strengthened his grip. Her kicking began to slow down. The light in her eyes was fading. Soon, she stopped moving altogether.

Baagh Raaja let go of her. Her head plopped to the ground. He began breathing lightly. He looked around, and saw the surviving Danger Beasts fleeing with the tigers, lions, cat-people, and smilodons chasing them for a short distance. Rainbow Dash ran a bit farther than the rest. One of the Danger Beasts, a blue one, looked back. He growled before running off.

Everyone was quiet. They looked at each other, chuckled a little, then they all roared together.

Baagh Raaja looked down at Amber Eye, then he gave a roar, one that was heard for miles.

Chapter 14: The Stone's Magic

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Chapter 15: A Tiger in The House

In the morning rays, the grass gleamed in the light. Inside the shed, Baagh Raaja still sat on the table, looking out the window. He had bags under his eyes and he yawned. “I should probably get some sleep. Why didn’t I do that in the first place?” he thought as he got off the table. His blue aura began coming back and his tiger features started to return. “I’ll be more comfy in tiger form.” One he fully transformed, he laid down on the floor and put his paws under his head before resting his jaw on them. He began to close his eyes, however, a dog began barking, and right after a radio was turned on and rock music began playing. Baagh Raaja growled “So...this is why my family never lived in a place like this,” he thought while covering his ears with his paws.

Rainbow Dash opened the back door and carried a fold-up chair with her. She unfolded it and laid down in it in the sun. There was something in the grass that caught her eye, what seemed to be a trail of matted down circles in the grass. “Why is part of the grass matted down?” she thought before getting up and walking to the circles. Looking ahead, she saw they led to the shed. She opened the doors and gasped. Baagh Raaja jerked his head up and looked at her.

“Oh...hi Rainbow,” he said before getting up off the floor.

Rainbow Dash stared at him for a moment as he was transforming back into human form. “Baagh Raaja what are you doing here!?” she asked while getting in the shed herself.

Baagh Raaja yawned. “I came to visit you,” he answered.

Rainbow Dash was taken aback. “You...came out here...at night...just to see me again?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja rubbed his eye. “Yep, I was in here all night,” he said, stretching out his arms.

Rainbow Dash simply put two of her fingers between her eyes on the top of her nose and shook her head. “Why didn’t you write saying you were coming?”

Baagh Raaja crossed his arms. “I wanted to make it a surprise.”

Rainbow Dash slightly giggled. “Well, you got your wish,” she said before walking out of the shed and looking in both yards next to her house. “Okay come on, the coast is clear,” she told him, and they quickly moved into the house. They walked into the living room and Rainbow Dash walked in front of the couch. “You can sleep on the couch if you want,” she said.

Baagh Raaja smiled. “Thanks,” he said before plopping down on the couch and snoring.

Rainbow Dash hugged herself and grinned. “Baagh Raaja’s actually here, in my home!” Suddenly there was knocking at the door. Baagh Raaja immediately woke back up and grunted. Rainbow Dash opened the door and saw Rarity and Sunset Shimmer standing at the doorway with large plastic bags in their hands.

Rarity smiled and waved. “Hello darling!” she said.

Sunset waved and leaned on the door frame. “Hey Rainbow!”

Rainbow Dash fist bumped Sunset. “Hey, what’s up?” she asked.

Sunset scratched the back of her head. “I ended up cooking way too much food,” she said, slightly kicking the ground.

Rarity giggled. “My mother did the same, so we figured we would bring you some of it.”

Rainbow Dash moved to the side of the doorway. “You can put it on the table,” she said, pointing her thumb towards the dining room.

Sunset and Rarity walked in. “Alright-” Rarity paused. Sunset gave her a weird look until she turned and saw Baagh Raaja sitting on the couch and frowning.

“Hiii,” he said, slowly waving his hand and grumbling.

Sunset’s eyes widened. “Whoa.”

Rarity’s eyes gleamed as she looked all over him. “My my what a muscular one you are!” she said, holding his arm up.

Baagh Raaja rolled his eyes. “Yeah, and I’m a light sleeper also.”

Sunset crossed her armrs and grinned. “So you’re the mighty Baagh Raaja.”

Baagh Raaja turned his head to her, ignoring the girl who was staring at his biceps. “Yes, yes I am,” he said in a deep, grumbling tone.

Sunset shook his hand. “Well it was nice to meet you,” she said before making her way to the door.

Rarity finally stopped staring at his biceps and grabbed the food and placed it on the table. She began making her way to the door. “Yes it was nice to meet you indeed.” Baagh Raaja had no reaction whatsoever. Rarity nearly walked out the door.

Sunset waved before leaving. “See ya Rainbow.”

“Toodle-loo,” Rarity said before she left as well.

Rainbow Dash looked at Baagh Raaja. “See, I told you the girls would swoon over you,” she said, poking his chest.

“Yep,” he said before letting his head fall on the couch and snoring once again.

Baagh Raaja began opening his eyes. He yawned and stretched his arms. Looking around, he saw Rainbow Dash walking in, carrying a pair of mugs in her hands. “Sleep well?” she asked

Baagh Raaja grinned and chuckled. “Yes I finally did.”

Rainbow Dash giggled before handing him a mug. “Here.”

Baagh Raaja grabbed the mug handle and looked down in it, seeing a brown liquid with marshmallows. “Hot Chocolate, right?” he asked.

Rainbow Dash nodded “Yep,” before sitting on the couch next to him.

Baagh Raaja looked back down at the beverage. “Never had one before,” he said before taking a sip. “Mmm tasty.” He took a few gulps of it before something clicked in his head. “Say, where are your parents? It just occurred to me that I haven’t seen them.”

Rainbow Dash suddenly lowered her brows and looked away for a moment, then looked back at him. “They’re...gone.” she said.

Baagh Raaja froze, and stared at her for a short moment before speaking. “I-I’m so sorry about that. What happened?” he asked. Rainbow Dash looked away again. Baagh Raaja also looked away for a bit before looking back at her. “It’s okay, you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.”

Rainbow Dash looked back at him, then put her mug on the small table in front of them. She pulled her legs close to her and hugged them. “I came home from work one day and I was home alone. A couple hours went by and they still didn’t show up. I heard knocking at the door and a pair of policemen were standing there. My parents died in a car crash. They hit a moose on the road.” Tears began rolling down her face. She started wiping them away. Baagh Raaja placed a hand on the side of her face and wiped a tear away with his thumb.

“So you’ve been living by yourself?” he asked.

“Mmhmm.” She kept looking at him. “My aunt and uncle co-signed the lease to this apartment so I could live here,” she said before she wiped another tear away. Baagh Raaja hugged her tightly. She rested her face on his shoulder and sobbed. She sniffed before lifting her head and looking at the TV. “Hey, do you wanna watch a movie or two? It’s Saturday so I have more time.”

Baagh Raaja looked at the TV “Sure.”

Nighttime had come, and in the living room, Rainbow Dash and Baagh Raaja were on the couch staring at the TV screen. The credits began rolling. “How many movies did we end up actually watching?” Baagh Raaja asked.

Rainbow Dash got up and got the disc out. “About five.” she answered.

Baagh Raaja looked outside, seeing the dark night. “I better get going, it’ll be daylight in the savanna,” he said before hugging Rainbow Dash.

They stopped hugging and Rainbow Dash fistbumped him. “See ya.”

“So long!” he said as his blue aura came back and he transformed back into tiger form. He opened the door and saw himself out. He began to sprint, jumping over the wooden fence and dashing off into the forest. He ran farther from the road and deeper into the trees. Before long he found the big rock and ran through the portal. The Mookarina Stone was the first thing he saw, then he ran to the entrance of the cave where he was greeted by Night Sky who was laying on a rock.

“Well there he is,” she said with a smile.

Konda walked up to him. “So, how was your date?” he asked.

Baagh Raaja snarled. “It wasn’t a date,” he said.

River Sand had just arrived. “Suuuurrree it wasn’t,” she said before grinning.

Talamba was walking up to him. “You can’t tell us otherwise dude,” he said before sitting.

Baagh Raaja rolled his eyes. “Alright look, Rainbow Dash and I have something in common. We’re both orphans,” he said.

Everyone paused, except for Night Sky. “What?”

“What happened?” Konda asked.

Baagh Raaja sat down. “Her parents died in a car crash with a moose,” he answered.

Talamba raised a brow. “What’s a moose?” he asked.

Baagh Raaja looked at Talamba. “It’s a large deer with weird lips, anyway, I wanted to ask you a favor.”

Rainbow Dash had just put on her pajamas and was getting ready to head to bed before she heard knocking on the back door. She went back down the stairs and opened the door, finding Baagh Raaja at the door panting “Baagh Raaja?” she started giggling. “I figured you’d come back but this soon?”

Baagh Raaja continued panting. “Would you like to come to the savanna with me tomorrow night?” he asked, finally catching his breath.

Rainbow Dash grinned. “Well, you did come here so I guess I should be fair,” she answered.

“Great!” Baagh Raaja said before turning around.

Rainbow Dash stuck her arm out of the doorway. “Wait, why didn’t you simply write to me asking that?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja turned his head back around. “Just wanted to see the reaction on your face,” he said before jumping over the fence again.

The sun was beginning to set on the neighborhood. Rainbow Dash stood by the wooden fence, pacing back and forth with her hands in her pockets. She heard footsteps behind the fence and looked over and saw Baagh Raaja in human form. “Ready?” he asked.

“Ready,” she said, climbing over the fence.

They began walking through the woods. A red squirrel ran past them, carrying a pine cone in its mouth. The birds were singing, and a great horned owl hooted. A white-tailed deer raised it’s tail before running off deeper into the forest. A coyote began howling, and Baagh Raaja growled. “Are you serious?” he grumbled.

Rainbow Dash raised a brow. “What?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja turned his head to her. “The coyote. I find it annoying,” he said. They saw the big rock up ahead and kept walking to it. Soon they were up against the portal. Baagh Raaja moved to the side, and Rainbow Dash walked through the portal, seeing the Mookarina Stone. Baagh Raaja came through the portal. They both walked towards the cave entrance. At the cave entrance, Night Sky, River Sand, Talamba, Konda, Sulu, and Partak all stood there.

“Hi Rainbow Dash!!” they all said in unison.

“Welcome back Rainbow,” Baagh Raaja said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

Rainbow Dash hugged Partak. “It’s so good to see you all!” she said before hugging Sulu.

Partak tapped Rainbow Dash with his paw. “Baagh Raaja told us about your living situation.”

Rainbow Dash looked at Baagh Raaja with crossed arms. “You did?” she asked.

Talamba walked up to her. “And, he asked us for a favor.”

Konda smiled and sat down. “And we decided that we’d like to have you as a part of this family.”

Rainbow Dash paused. “Are…” Tears began rolling down her face. “Are you serious?” she asked in a raspy tone.

Sulu nodded. “Yep, and you can thank Baagh Raaja for it,” he said, pointing his head at Baagh Raaja.

Rainbow Dash looked at Baagh Raaja who was scratching the back of his head. “Well it was nothing really-” Rainbow Dash threw herself onto him and embraced him and her lips met his. Baagh Raaja’s eyes widened.

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and removed her lips from his and released her grip. “Sorry, I couldn’t help it. It’s just…” she sniffed while wiping a tear. “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” she said.

River Sand smirked. “Go on, say it. We know you do,.” she said.

Rainbow Dash looked at Baagh Raaja who’s face was as red as blood. He looked at River Sand with crossed arms. “Say what?”

Rainbow Dash touched his arm and looked into his eyes. “Baaghy, I love you.”

Baagh Raaja’s face got even redder as his eyes got wider. “Wait what?” he asked, looking at her.

“I love you,” she said, making everyone smile.

Baagh Raaja was once again taken aback. “S-S-Seriously?” he stuttered, nearly falling over.

Rainbow Dash grabbed his wildebeest hide shirt. “How’s this for an answer?” she asked before pecking him on the cheek. Baagh Raaja smiled and nearly fell again. “I think I’ll move here after I graduate high school,” Rainbow Dash said.

Baagh Raaja smiled. “Wait, really?” he asked.

Rainbow Dash grinned. “Yeah, but for now, I wanna enjoy this moment,” she said before embracing him, resting her head on his chest. Baagh Raaja embraced her back.

Night Sky and River Sand’s eyes gleamed. “AAAAAAWWWWW!!!” they said.

Rainbow Dash saw the blue aura reappear on Baagh Raaja. She released her grip and stepped back. His tiger form was reappearing. “Babe, what are you doing?” she asked.

Baagh Raaja fully transformed before looking at her with a smile. “I’m just so happy that, well, you might wanna cover your ears.” As the sun rose, the light began blanketing the grass, the trees, and the water. Baagh Raaja let out a roar that echoed across the plains, beyond the hills as the sun rose further into the sky.

Author's Note

Thank you Norm De Plume for being such a great editor.

Thank you to all of those who have stuck around till the end for your support, it really means a lot to me.

Chapter 1: A Ferocious Alliance

Author's Note

Lots of credit goes to EverfreePony for drawing that awesome cover art, thank you so much!

Credit also goes to Golden Fang Ryu Shenron and Norm De Plume for editing this, I highly recommend them.

Chapter 1: A Ferocious Alliance

The first rays of sunlight peeked over the African Horizon as dawn broke through the night sky, the sun slowly rising over the mountains. It pierced through the trees, casting light on the ground below and casting the shadows away as they retreated back into the darkness and into the trees they forged from. Animals big and small found themselves woken from their slumber, greeting the day as the more nocturnal animals retreated into the shadows.

In a vast field of open plains, a herd of lumbering cape buffalo made their way through the savannas, all looking for a water hole to drink from. They were bunched together, the healthier members of the herd creating an outside barrier for the older and sicker members along with their calves. Cows led the front while the bulls brought up the rear, preventing any nearby carnivores from getting at the members in the center of the herd. Bellows and grunts filled the air , hooves thundering across the earth like drums as dust rose from the ground while they trudged through the open terrain.

At last they came upon a watering hole surrounded by a thick grove of trees and bushes. As they trudged down the slope, the herd fanned out, giving the younger and weaker members room to move around. While the calves frolicked and played and the elder buffalo caught their breaths, the younger ones kept a lookout for danger. They eventually joined the rest of the herd drinking from the pond as well, though they kept their ears pricked for even the slightest thing out of place.

The rustling of bushes caught the attention of a few buffalo nearby, along with the ones that were keeping their guards up. They looked over and saw the leaves and trees being rustled by the wind. This spooked a few of the other members that were closer, and they nearly ran off in a panic until they realized it was just the wind. They looked around the area for a few moments more, as if expecting to hear more movement from the vegetation. Before long, they were all back to filling their stomachs with the water they swam in, unaware of the killer lurking within the foliage.

The buffalo had nearly finished their drinking, when a roar suddenly exploded across the watering hole. It was so loud and deafening that it nearly knocked the buffalo off their feet and nearly lost their footing. They immediately began to panic and bellow, as if they suddenly had the claws of a lion digging into their hides. As they tried to reassemble, a black and orange blur burst out through the trees, making a beeline straight for the water. Despite the speed, the creature moved, the buffalo could still make out that it was a tiger.

A very large, very powerful, and very hungry, male tiger.

And he was out for blood.

Buffalo blood.

The tiger let out another ear-shattering roar, his massive paws kicking up dust as they propelled the cat through the grove. Those paws shot out as he leaped through the air and dove into the water, sending waves sailing through the air like birds scared out of a tree. The buffalo watched as the striped feline tore across the water, his body heaving up and down as if he was running on the water instead of swimming in it. As he closed the distance, they scattered, wanting to get away from the powerful cat. One, however, was not quick enough.

A buffalo calf had just managed to get back up the slope to exit out of the waterhole when she felt eight hundred and eighty pounds of teeth and claws slam into her from behind. She bellowed in pain as the tiger grabbed onto her, his claws sinking into her flesh as he pulled her back down the slope and back where the waterhole was. The cow tumbled across the ground but quickly got to her feet, ignoring the blood flowing down her backside and staining it and her legs a darker black. She pawed at the ground as she glared at the tiger, who glared right back at her with a hungry gleam in his orange eyes as they burned like two twin suns.

Snorting, the buffalo cow charged the tiger, intending on sinking her horns right through his neck. The tiger snarled and dodged the blow and lunged at the cow again, only to dodge a kick to the face. He backed up as the cow turned to face him, and jumped away as she drove her head forward, intending on head-butting him. The base of her horns met the dirt, and the cow took a moment to shake the dust out of her eyes. This left her unaware of the tiger preparing to lunge at her, and by the time she refocused her attention on the fight, it was too late.

The next thing the cow knew, something heavy and powerful landed on her back and sank sharp and deep into her shoulders and her back. She bellowed in agony and anger as she began to ruthlessly buck, kick, and thrash her head, trying to get the tiger off of her before it went for the back of her neck. She eventually managed to succeed but found herself with more wounds coating her ebony fur and skin a deep crimson. As she caught her breath, the cow looked up at the tiger and saw a blur of fur and stripes duck under her.

For a moment, the cow stood shocked, astounded that the tiger had managed to get to her so quickly. Then, she bellowed loudly as the tiger sunk his teeth into her neck. Blood flowed from the punctures, as the tiger’s claws grabbed her. She choked and gagged as the tiger pulled her towards him, bringing her to the ground and onto her back where he held her in place. He lay where he was, keeping himself stiller than a tree as the cow slowly died in his jaws, her blood drenching the ground. Finally, her struggle ceased, the light in her eyes fading into nothing but glossy orbs.

With his prey now dead, the tiger released its grip, blood gushing from the cow’s neck. He rested his head on her stomach, taking deep breaths to recover his hard-spent energy. Once he got himself under control, he looked around the waterhole, searching for any other carnivores. Wasting no time, he grabbed the buffalo by her neck and began dragging her away while leaving a trail of blood, unaware of the two girls currently watching it from inside one of the bushes nearby.

“Is it over?” Rainbow Dash asked warily, crouching on one knee on a massive tree. “Is the tiger finished?”

“Yeah, sugarcube. It’s all over now,” Applejack replied, putting a comforting hand on Rainbow’s shoulder. “Imust admit that was a pretty brutal display of savagery. I had heard that tigers could be vicious, but… that was something.”

“Applejack, we’re in the wild. Of course we’re gonna see this stuff.” Rainbow Dash murmured, eyeing the scene in front of her intently. “Although, I’m probably gonna hurl. Just look at all that blood.”

“We need to get that carcass asap.” Applejack said firmly, her hand pressed against a tree as she kneeled on the far end of it. “I don’t know how we’re gonna do it, but we need to get it now. If we don’t get somethin’ good in us, we’re gonna starve.”

“You actually wanna try to take that buffalo away from that?!” Rainbow Dash asked, looking at her incredulously. “Applejack, you saw that right? That tiger exploded out of those bushes and ran across that water like it was nothing! It was on that buffalo before it even knew what hit it!!”

“Yes Dash! I know what I saw! I ain’t blind like those Fruit Bats that me an’ mah family have back on our farm!” Applejack snorted, giving a side glare to Rainbow Dash. “That being said, I’m still gonna git that carcass from that tiger if I can help it. It’s been days since we last ate ever thanks to those poachers, and I ain’t gonna go another minute with mah stomach rumblin’ like an angry bull! I’m gettin’ that carcass, an’ if it means I have to’ fight that varmint, then that’s what I’m gonna do!”

Rainbow stared at her with a frown. “Um, doesn’t that seem kind of mean, Applejack? I mean, that tiger was hiding in that grove for a while and it did work pretty hard to get its meal. It wouldn’t be right if we took it from them. Not to mention pretty dangerous.”

“RD, I understand ya not wantin’ t’ let the tiger go hungry, but we can’t afford to think about that right now.” Applejack said with a frown. “We’re in the wild right now! The one place where every day is a possibility that y’all could end up dinner fer some hungry critter lookin’ fer a meal. In here, it’s kill or be killed. The one law all critters here follow, no matter what kind they are. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t’ wanna take that tiger's food away, but we don’t really have a choice at this point. Every day we get weaker and weaker, an’ I am gonna let any of us starve just cause someone else got food before us. Sometimes, ya gotta be mean to get what ya want. And this, is one of those times.”

Rainbow didn’t say anything, averting her eyes from Applejack’s fiery glare. She had to admit, Applejack did make a valid point, even if she didn’t want to admit it out loud. They had been going for quite some time without any proper food since she, Applejack and a few of their other friends were attacked by a group of poachers. That had been five days ago, and it was beginning to take its toll on them in more ways than one. As much as Rainbow didn’t want to rob the tiger of its hard won prize, she knew that starving to death would be just as bad, if not worse.

“Well… alright. I really, really don’t wanna have to have that poor tiger go another day without food, but I guess I’ll have to do it anyway.” Rainbow finally said, her hair curtaining her face as she hung her head. “That doesn’t mean that I’m gonna like it though.”

“None of us like it Rainbow, trust me. But, like I said, sometimes you need to do what it takes to survive in a place like this.” Applejack said, rubbing her back in comfort. “Don’t feel too bad though. That tiger seems like a tough critter, so I’m sure he’ll be okay until his next hunt. Unless there are other people there to ruin it.”

“Yes… you’re right. he’ll have another chance. I just hope that his next one will allow him to eat in peace.” Rainbow Dash nodded, a tiny smile forming on her face. It soon fell away as she looked back at Applejack. “Although, if we’re gonna take the kill, can we at least wait until the tiger is finished eating?”

Applejack raised an eyebrow at her. “Why do ya wanna do that?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Rainbow countered back, gesturing to the tiger. “You saw that look in his eyes, didn’t you? He was desperate for this kill, and he risked nearly getting gored by that buffalo’s horns in the process. It may not look it, but he clearly hadn’t been successful in his last hunts if the way he went after the buffalo was any indication. Don’t you think that it would be a waste of hard work if we didn’t at least let him fill his belly?”

This time, it was Applejack’s turn to be without words. Rainbow Dash was not wrong. She had indeed seen the incredible amount of effort the tiger gave in killing the buffalo. An effort that she had to admit was rather admirable, and something she had never seen before. The more she thought about it, the more she agreed that it would indeed feel wrong to not let the tiger reward itself with its prize. After all, it did risk drowning and getting stampeded by an entire herd of buffalo; let alone being gored by the one it caught. Who wouldn’t reward themselves over something like that? Especially if it was, from what Fluttershy mentioned, the biggest big cat to ever walk the earth.

“Well, when ya put it like that, it would be awfully unfair of that critter didn’t satisfy its hunger… especially after seein’ what we just saw.” Applejack said, rubbing the back of her head. “Alright, we’ll wait for him to fill his belly. But, as soon as he’s done, we’re getting that carcass and gettin’ out of there lickety split, got it? And I don’t wanna hear any ifs, ands, or buts.”

“I gotcha Applejack, don’t worry.” Rainbow nodded, sighing as she leaned back against the tree trunk. “Let’s just hope that nothing goes wrong.”

“Dash, we’re two girls with Equestrian magic, facing off against one tiger.” Applejack pointed out, smiling assuredly at the other girl. “We have the advantage in every way when it comes to goin’ against that thing. I mean come on, what’s the worst that could happen?”

The tearing of meat filled the silent bushes as the tiger ripped into the barrel of the dead cape buffalo. He grunted softly as he sunk his canines into the thick flesh. With each breath the cat took, the scent of blood filled his nose, enticing him to consume more of the meal that he nearly got killed for. The more mouthfuls he took in, the stronger he felt himself become as he continued to devour the dead bovine. It brought him relief like he never felt before. Several days of never-ending hunger, finally at an end.

As much as the tiger wanted to eat the entire beast whole, he knew that was practically impossible. Even a big cat like him had his limits, and the last thing he wanted was to feel like he was going to explode from all the meat. No matter how delicious it was.

With one more gulp, the tiger ceased his feeding, letting his head rest on the dry dirt as he breathed in a deep sigh. He quietly rolled over, letting his full stomach bloat out as he let the buzz of the eaten meal wash within his head. The sound of birds tweeting, and the rushing of wind filled his sensitive ears like the thumping of elephant hooves as he relaxed in the bushes. It was paid no mind by the tiger, and he simply let the sounds resonate with him as he let his body be reenergized.

Eventually, the tiger felt that he was done relaxing, and decided that now would be a good time to get a drink of water. Rolling onto his paws, he made his way out of the bushes and towards the water hole he ran through. He then dipped his head down and let his tongue scoop up the liquid, ignoring the blood that rippled along the water as it was washed from his muzzle. While he looked relaxed, he was on guard for anything that happened to be in the area; ready to jump at anything that tried to get at him. Or worse, his kill.

Halfway through the tiger’s drinking, the rustling of the bushes behind him made him stop mid lap up. The tiger's ears perked as his head whirled around. He paused when he saw some leaves scattered about in the air. It was as if a cheetah had darted past him and vanished before he even saw it coming. Before he could contemplate it more, he heard voices come from within the grove.

“Hurry up Applejack! That tiger is gonna be back here any minute!” A raspy voice cut through the clearing, urgency clear in its feminine tone. “I don’t wanna get mauled and be made lunch for the vultures!”

“I know that Dash! I’m goin’ as fast as I can!” Another voice drawled out with the faintest hint of irritation. “This carcass is as heavier than a pot-bellied pig layin’ in the snow! How was that cat able to drag it so effortlessly!”

“I have no idea, but I don’t think I wanna find out.” The first voice replied. “Let’s just get out of here with this carcass before it’s too late!”

The tiger’s eyes widened at what the voices were saying; mainly the first one. It took a moment for him to process it before it clicked in his mind. Someone had discovered his kill and was trying to take it away from under his nose. He didn’t know who or what it was trying to get a seemingly free meal, but he knew there was no way he would let them get away with it. The tiger had won that meal fair and square, he was not going to let someone take it. No way in Nature’s name.

Snarling, he turned from the waterhole and ran back into the bushes, ignoring the sharp scratches and stabs as he made his way back to his kill. He leaped over a massive tree root and landed right in front of Applejack and Rainbow Dash, the latter of which was dragging the buffalo carcass behind her. The tiger stood in shock for a moment, before snarling at the girls, who froze upon seeing the striped assassin in front of them.

“Oh, consarn it! We’re in trouble now!” Applejack shouted, pupils contracting in fear. “ can’t believe he found us that quickly!”

“Dammit! I thought we’d have more time than that, but I guess not!” Rainbow Dash cursed; her fists clenched. “Go on Applejack! Get away from here! I’ll handle this guy on my own!”

“Are ya sure about that RD?” Applejack asked skeptically. “That critter there is mighty strong and he may tear ya a new one if yer not careful.”

“It’s okay AJ, I’ll be fine. I have my magic to help me out if he tries to get me,” Rainbow Dash insisted, ushering Applejack away from them. “Now go! Quickly! Or else you’re gonna end up on this cat’s list of meals!”

Although she didn’t want to leave her friend behind to face the tiger alone, Applejack knew that each second she stayed meant she was putting herself in just as much danger. With great reluctance, she bounded off into the trees, using her super strength to carry the buffalo carcass with her. In a burst of speed that took Dash by surprise, the tiger went after her, roaring and growling as he did so.

The chase continued until they both reached the waterhole, where Applejack stopped to look behind her. She immediately regretted it when she saw the tiger right behind her, and she went to move off again. Just as he was about to lunge at her, a multi-colored blur ran right in his field of vision, stopping him mid-stride.

“Oh no you don’t. You’re not going anywhere.” Rainbow said, glaring down at the feline as her gem glowed. “If you want to get to her, you’ll have to go through me!”

Faster than the tiger could blink Rainbow proceeded to run circles around him, making her look like a massive rainbow ring. Dust roared and swirled along with her, making it impossible for the tiger to track her as he tried to figure out where she was going to come at. He didn’t have to wait long before he felt something slam into him, forcing him to the ground.

Just as the tiger was shaking the dust from his eyes, he felt something land on his back, and arms wrap around his neck. Thinking quickly, the tiger twisted and swerved his body around, trying to keep the rainbow-haired girl from trying whatever she was attempting to pull off. This did not deter Dash however, and she kept her grip on the tiger, even as he thrashed around to pull her off. Not too far away, Applejack was watching, silently praying that Dash didn’t get herself killed.

All of a sudden, the tiger stopped his struggling, standing on shaky legs as he panted heavily from the endless bull-like bucking. Rainbow, sensing the feline cease its struggles, released her grip slightly, surprised that the cat stopped fighting. Then, without any warning whatsoever, he suddenly took off through the clearing, straight towards a massive tree. Before Dash could do anything, she rammed into the tree, the tiger turning his body to let her take the full force of the impact. This was more than enough to get the girl to release her grip, and she fell to the ground with a thud, groaning with pain.

“Dash!” Applejack shouted, shooting to her feet as she dropped the carcass next to her. “Hold on sugarcube! I’m comin’!”

A loud roar from the tiger made her freeze and she watched in horror as the cat lunged for Rainbow, pinning her to the ground. Rainbow tried with all her might to get out of the tiger’s grasp, but his massive weight and bulging muscles kept her from doing so. All movement from the girl ceased when she felt the tiger's claws unsheathe and press against her neck. Time froze and all movement stopped as both teens and beast stood still, looks of terror and anger on their faces. That is, until something happened that made Rainbow and Applejack nearly faint from shock.

“So… you little brats think that you can just waltz in and steal my kill huh?” the tiger asked, his voice a deep and guttural growl. It was like hearing the low rumbling of an elephant when it was just moments from snapping. “Well sorry to say kiddies, but you picked the wrong cat to get a meal from!”

“What the-?! You can talk?!” Rainbow exclaimed; her eyes wider than those of dinner plates.

“Yes, I can talk.” the tiger replied, his tone not changing in the slightest. "Why? Never seen a wild cat that was able to talk before? Just like you stupid humans?”

Applejack shook her head. “Y-yes...it is.”

“Of course you are. You are just humans after all.” The tiger snorted, pressing his claws even harder against Rainbow’s neck. “You made a big mistake in thinking you could just take my kill and expect me not to do anything. I’m not just some little helpless cub that you can steal from and have to get my mommy to deal with you. Don’t try that stunt with me again. Or else that buffalo isn’t gonna be the only one with a torn throat. Understand?”

“O-okay, hold a second big guy. Let’s just-”

“Understand?!” the tiger all but roared, his claws curling just the tiniest bit into her neck.

“Y-yes, sir!” Rainbow squeaked; her mouth snapping shut like a flip phone getting closed. “I understand! Please don’t kill me!”

“Good.” he snorted, finally satisfied with her answer. With a stomp to her chest, he got off of her, his tail thrashing as he went over to his kill. Applejack’s body hunched as he walked towards her, but he didn’t even spare her a glance as he went over to the carcass. Applejack, thinking she was safe for the time being, decided trying to talk to the feline.

“Hey, um… partner?” Applejack said tentatively, flinching when the tiger shot a glare at her.

“What is it?” came his brisk and terse reply.

“Is… is it alright if I ask ya ‘bout this?” the farm girl went on, trying not to sound too fearful. “Seein’ as you could talk an’ all, maybe y’all can help us out?”

“After what you did just now? No way,” he said, taking the carcass in his jaws and dragging it away from where Applejack had put it. “I don’t talk to anyone who takes my kills when they haven’t earned it themselves, let alone help them. Especially lowly humans such as you!”

“We’re sorry! We didn’t mean to take your food!” Rainbow Dash protested, getting to her feet as she rubbed at her neck. “We were just so hungry that we didn’t see any other option to keep ourselves from starving!”

“Yeah! That’s right!” Applejack nodded. “We were only doin’ what we needed to do to survive!”

“So was I.” The tiger said, dropping his kill to address the girls. “Not that what you did gives me any reason to help you. Then again, what animal would help a pathetic human?” He sighed as he turned away from them. “Now both of you scram. And don’t you ever try to steal from me ever again. If you do, your bellies will be gutted before you can even breathe.”

“But we-” Rainbow started but was silenced when the tiger bared its bloodied teeth at her.

“I said I don't care! Whatever excuse you have from stealing from a tiger.” he snapped, his tail thrashing like a beast tamer’s whip. “Now beat it. Before I change my mind about letting you live!”

Both girls flinched from the tiger’s threat, feeling their skin crawl from hearing such a cold, yet bloodthirsty tone come from his lips. Before they could speak, or try to fruitlessly beg again, they heard a chorus of growls come from the bushes around them. The tiger instantly went on guard, drawing his attention away from the petrified girls and onto the slowly approaching threat. He didn’t have to wait very long as they made themselves known, and a curse nearly left the feline when he saw just who his competitors were.

Standing at the other side of the water hole, neck fur standing on end, were five of the most odd-looking of cats ever seen. Their coats were covered with spots, as if they had the coats of a leopard, while their bodies were slouched down the back, their front legs longer than their hind ones. Each sported a set of gleaming slitted eyes, which seemed to pierce into the eyes of the girls and the tiger like the bottom of a gleaming diamond. What stood out the most, however, was their teeth. Three four-inch-long upper canines, all of them looking like miniature daggers in the cats’ closed mouths.

“Oh no…” Applejack muttered, nearly turning white. “Are those what I think they are?”

“Yeah, AJ…. they are!” Rainbow replied, looking just as scared.

“Great, first I have two human girls coming to steal my kill, and now I have to deal these pains in the necks?” he grunted, fighting the urge to swipe at the ground like a cub throwing a tantrum. “This day just keeps getting worse and worse!”

“Wait, you know what these things are?!” Applejack asked, turning her gaze to the tiger.

“Yeah, I do.” the tiger replied, not bothering to look at her. “Those guys are none other than Scimitar Cats. The infamous Saber-Tooths of the African Savanna and possibly the most dangerous, if not annoying, cats you can ever come across in this place. They’ve been a thorn in my side for as long as I can remember, and as it looks like they’ve come to take my prize.” He looked over at the girls, and for the first time since meeting them, looked at them with genuine curiosity. “Why do you ask? Have you run into them before?”

Rainbow rubbed the back of her head, her expression discomforted. “Uh, yeah, you can say that… let’s just say that those guys gave us quite the welcome party.”

This comment piqued the tiger's interest. “What do you mean by that?”

An ear-piercing leopard-like scream from one of the scimitars brought the trio’s attention back to the cats. They were just in time to see the felines scatter and run in opposite directions of the watering hole. It didn’t take a genius to know that they were about to be attacked, and the tiger wasn’t the only one on the pack’s list. Thankfully for him, he didn’t need to worry about becoming a meal for the teens with him had a plan.

“We can tell you about it later! Right now, we have some critters that we need to blow away!” Applejack replied, clenching her hand as her gem began to glow. “Dash! You take the ones on the right! I’ll take the ones on the left!”

“Got it!” Rainbow Dash nodded as they both split up to confront their opponents. As they did so, Rainbow turned to the tiger and shouted. “Hey, you! keep that last one occupied for us will ya?!”

“What’re you-?” The tiger’s question was cut off when he felt five hundred pounds of saber teeth and claws slam into him from behind. He felt the wind get knocked out of him as he rolled across the ground, a dust cloud rising from his tumbling. Coughing, he looked up to see a male scimitar looming over him, eyes gleaming like cold ice with a pelt of purple, black and white.

Filled with the realization of impending danger, he roared up at the Homotherium; the sound so loud it caused the other feline to flatten its ears. This allowed the tiger to summon all his strength to throw the feline off, sending it crashing to the ground. Quickly getting to his feet, he lowered his head and stretched out his paws, the claws jutting out like pocket knives.

“Don’t you know it's cowardly to try to attack your enemy from behind?” he asked in a mockingly scolding tone, ears pinned back as the other cat picked itself up. “Of course you wouldn’t… cat’s like you wouldn’t know what it means to fight honorably. It looks like I need to teach you what it means to fight fairly!”

With a roar, he charged at the scimitar, who screamed back at him and went at him at an even faster speed. Despite the collision, the tiger was able to keep himself on his hind paws and push the other feline back. He then proceeded to deliver a few swift swipes countered with quick strikes by the other cat. They leaped up and began slashing at each other, claws, digging into one another’s flesh as they stood on their hind legs.

As they plunged back down on all fours, the Scimitar cat swung at the tiger’s face, leaving a deep set of claw marks on his face. He roared out in pain and anger as blood dripped from his already scarred face, which now had a few more thanks to the cat in front of him. Growling loudly, the tiger glared at the Homotherium before lunging forward and smashing his extended claws right into the sabered cat’s head. It hissed as its head burned with pain but shook it off as it went on the attack again.

This time, he managed to get the tiger on his back and tried to go at its neck with its sabers, but the tiger was able to flip it over. As he went to slash the Scimitar’s throat, he found his face getting repeatedly bashed in by the claws of the other cat. This gave the Scimitar enough time to get out from under him, and it lunged forward to get at him again. Unfortunately, the tiger was one step ahead of him, and sent him to the ground with a powerful slash.

Wasting no time, he lunged at the smaller cat before biting the back of its neck and sinking his teeth in. In a show of incredible strength, the tiger lifted the cat up and threw him into the air, watching as he fell into the water below. This only lasted for a few seconds before the Scimitar rose from the water, shaking its damp fur before looking back at a glaring tiger. With a tremble in its legs and tail tucked between them, the Scimitar ran off, vanishing into the plains in which it came from.

“That’s right, you’d better run!” the tiger shouted to the cat, long after he ran. “That should teach you not to mess with others who can kick your furry serval-tailed butt! Don’t come back here again! Or else next time you’ll end up just like my buffalo!”

With a humph, the tiger turned away, lashing his tail out as he went back to his kill. He barely even made it two steps before his jaw dropped at seeing what Rainbow Dash and Applejack were doing. The former was running circles around the first two homotheriums while Applejack swung a tree at the other two like a baseball bat. The tiger did not know how in the stars above she managed to pull that off, but it was becoming clear to him that these were not ordinary humans.

Before the tiger knew it, the remaining four Homotheriums were groveling at the feet of the two girls, having been thoroughly beaten fair and square. Realizing they were out of their league, the cats wasted no time in getting out of the watering hole and grove. The tiger watched as they left, leaping back into the plains where their leader had gone, yowling and hissing along the way. Once he got over his shock, he turned back to Applejack and Rainbow Dash, who were busy recovering from the short, but brutal fight.

“Whoa! For a second there I thought that we were done for!” Rainbow Dash said, hands on her knees as she fought to catch her breath. Once she was sure she was back under control, she turned to Applejack and asked, “You okay there AJ?”

Applejack nodded. “Eeyup, I’m alright. Just a bit worse for wear, but I’m alright.” She suddenly winced as she looked at the blooded claw marks on her legs, sides, and arms. “I did get a little bit messed up though. It’s nothin’ I haven’t felt before, but still… I’m gonna feel it fer quite a while.”

“I can’t believe this…” the tiger muttered, walking over to the two girls. “What did I just see?! First, you're able to move at speed that can make a cheetah seem as slow as a snail, and then you carry a tree with the strength of several elephants?! Just who are you humans?!”

“Who are we, you ask?” Applejack asked, the faintest hint of amusement in her voice as she adjusted her hat. “We’re Applejack Sweet Apple and Rainbow Dash. Equestrian Magic Wielders, and one of the six Elements of Harmony. And followers of the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle.”

The tiger stared at her for a long moment. Then he blinked. Hard. “…I’m sorry, you completely lost me after you said your names. You said that you guys are what now?”

“Oh right, we forgot. You’re a tiger. You don’t really understand how humans operate; including us.” Rainbow Dash muttered. “Never mind. We’ll explain it later. We have some questions of our own that we want to ask right now.”

“…Let me guess. You want to know exactly where you guys are?” the tiger asked, raising an eyebrow at the teen duo. “Well, to answer your question, you’re in the most sacredly hidden parts in all of Africa.”

“Sacredly hidden areas?” Rainbow Dash asked, her interest piqued.

“Yes.” he nodded. “I’m not exactly sure what names it goes by, but I can tell you that this place is protected by those who hold them near and dear. One of the reasons is that it contains dangerous things. Ones that are told by many natives and villagers that contain an unlimited number of beasts that are eerily similar to the scimitars, but worse. It stretches along a portion above the Congo, trust me I’ve been there and contains many habitats, such as grasslands, forests, jungles, deserts.”

“Wow… those sound like some pretty valuable places if they have things like that.” Applejack murmured. “That would explain all those terrifyin’ critters that we ran into before we came here. We must’ve stumbled into them by mistake…”

“Wait, you ran into some of those beasts?” the tiger asked, a surprised look in his eyes.

“Yeah we did… let’s just say we barely made it out of there with our lives. Even with the magic that we had.” Rainbow replied, shivering as if she was suddenly dipped in icy cold water. “But I really don’t wanna talk about that right now. I’m guessing that you want to know why we’re even here in the first place? Other than to try and take your, um… food?”

“Well, I didn’t really have any interest after you guys pulled that stunt.” the tiger admitted, glancing over to where his kill lay. “But… since you did kind of help me from getting my throat sliced… I suppose I could hear you out.” He then shot them a warning glare. “Just try not to use that as an excuse to get my kill. Or else I won’t hesitate to make a meal out of you too, am I clear?”

“Clear as crystal hon’.” Applejack said, giving a firm salute. “To make a long story short, me Rainbow Dash and a few of our friends had decided to go on a safari with one of our friends’ parents. Ya know, to see all of the wildlife and nature she likes to see. Things were goin’ pretty well until we ran into a group of poachers while we were campin’ under the stars.”

The tiger felt his spine tingle. “You… you were attacked by poachers?”

“Uh-huh, you got that right,” Rainbow replied, looking just as disturbed. “They ended up taking us completely by surprise and took us across this place to some hidden organization they had. Then they went on about how they needed our blood to activate some sort of magical stone that they had. I really don’t know what they meant, but they were pretty adamant on getting it no matter the cost.”

“A magical stone? They wanted to try to use some stone filled with magic?” the tiger asked, taken aback. “What kind was it?”

“We don’t really know, but whatever it was, they wanted it bad.” Applejack replied. “Why do ya ask, partner? Do you know somethin’ about it?”

“Judging from the stone’s description and who it is that wants it, I just might.” the tiger replied, his brows furrowed in thought. “Do you know what it was called?”

Rainbow Dash shook her head. “Not really. We tried asking them, but they wouldn’t really give us any information. I guess they must’ve thought that if they did then we’d blab to someone else about it, which would really throw their plans into disarray.”

‘Dang, so they weren’t told. It looks like I’ll have to see for myself if it’s really the stone that’s being sought after.’ the tiger thought, his ears flattening in disappointment. “I see… well that’s unfortunate. So, what else happened after all that?”

“Well, in the midst of them tryin’ to take our blood, I was able to activate my Equestrian Magic and get me and RD here out of the cages they had us in.” Applejack replied, pointing a thumb to the other girl. “We tried to go after the others, but we quickly found ourselves overwhelmed by those darn poachers. I didn’t wanna leave any more o’ mah friends behind, but RD told me if we didn’t escape now, we’d probably end up dead and there’d be no chance in savin’ the rest of our friends. So we ended up fleein’ into the savanna, went into hidin’ fer a few days and…well, you know the rest.”

Throughout the rest of the explanation, the tiger sat silently, taking in the information like a herd of wildebeest drank water. He had to admit; the story of how the two girls and their friends had been separated was a pretty bad one. Not in details and explanation, but because a group of seemingly close friends had been separated and forced into something that they had no choice in. While he may not have liked humans, he understood the pain and heartache of losing a loved one and not being able to help them. Not to mention the guilt and regret they’d feel forever if they did fail. That was not something he would wish on anyone. Not even his worst enemies, human or animal.

There was also the mention of the stone. The one that Applejack had mentioned in her telling of how she and her friend were kidnapped by poachers. From her story and the fact that the stone was magical, he had a pretty good idea as to what kind of stone the poachers were trying to activate. Of course, there was no way that he knew for sure, which meant that he’d have to go and see it himself. If the stone being awoken really was the one he was thinking of, then that meant he and all the other animals were in big trouble. And if really was poachers that had it, then did that also mean he would see him again once more?

Only one way to find out.

“….that is quite the story.” The tiger said after some time had passed. “Granted, it was much longer than I expected it to be, but still pretty big.” He dipped his head as if he was preparing to drink from the watering hold again but kept his eyes on the girls. “I’m sorry that happened to you two. That must have been pretty hard on you two.”

“You don’t know the half of it sugarcube.” Applejack sighed, her eyes turning downcast. “We’ve been out here for five whole days ever since we escaped, searchin’ for help in any place we could think of. The only thing we kept finding were grasslands, rocks, forests, shrubs, and just a whole bunch of animals all over the place. Includin’ the varmints that always tried to kill us.” She blinked before giving the tiger a sheepish smile. “No offense.”

“None taken.” The tiger murmured, snorting dryly.

“Every day we keep getting more and more desperate to see if anyone will help us.” Rainbow Dash said, picking up where Applejack had left off. “We heard that there were villages nearby, but they're either too far away or not the most hospitable. So we decided to see if there were any park rangers or something that will help us, but we didn’t have any luck on that either.” She clenched her fists as she shut her eyes, as if she was suddenly in an immense amount of physical pain. “We… we don’t know what to do. We’re lost, we’re hungry, cold and dirty, and those damn poachers are doing who knows what to our friends back at that lair of theirs. We want to get them out but… we don’t know how!”

The athlete went silent after her brief, yet emotional filled rant. Applejack frowned sympathetically at her friend, wrapping a comforting arm around her as she attempted to soothe her aching guilt. Throughout it all, the tiger stayed silent, letting Rainbow and Applejack pour their hearts out as he took in their whole story. They stayed like that for some time, Rainbow’s sniffling and the tweeting of birds being the only thing to break the silence. That was until the tiger broke it with four words.

“I can help you.”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack stopped what they were doing and looked up at him. They had heard him speak but didn’t quite catch up on what he had said.

“What?” Applejack asked, thinking she had heard him wrong. “What did you just say?”

“Your friends.” The tiger said, getting up to his paws. “I can help you get them out if it’s not too much trouble for you.”

“You…you’d help us?” Rainbow asked, her guilt giving way to shock. “You would really do that for us?”

“Well, yeah. I mean you did run into some poachers and were pretty much forced into something that you didn’t want anything to do with.” The tiger shrugged. “Plus, your other friends are being used as tools to revive a magical stone that was thought to have been lost to humans. If that happens, you all would be in even bigger trouble. So the only plausible thing to do is to try to stop it.”

“But… why would you do that? Why would you want to help us?” Applejack asked, her face contorted into perplexation. “I mean, it’s clear that ya really don’t like humans, not that we can really blame you. And we did try to steal your kill after you worked so darn hard to get it. Hay, you were minutes away from killin’ Rainbow just now… why would you suddenly wanna help us?”

“…Because I know what you’re going through,” he replied. “I know what it’s like to not be able to help those that you care about. When you were telling your story to me, it reminded me of my past. Of how I lost so much back then. You guys may be humans, even if you’re not normal humans, but still… To have to go through something like that and live with that regret for the rest of your life… that’s not something I’d want anyone to go through. No one.”

Applejack stared at him for a moment. “You’ve… had that experience before?”

The tiger nodded, running a paw down his scarred face. “I did… in more ways than you could possibly imagine.” He sighed as he set his paw down, shaking his head as if he was clearing it of any dirt or grime. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not all that important right now. There are other things that we can focus on. Like saving your friends and preventing that stone those poachers have from getting activated. So what do you say? Want to team up?”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at each other, contemplating if they should accept his help or not. To them, It was a pretty big shock for him to offer to help creatures he rightfully despised. Especially given what they had tried to do mere moments before they were attacked by the scimitar pack. Still, they were desperate for some kind of help, and were having terrible luck in finding it until now. At this point, they were willing to do anything to save their friends from the poachers. And if it meant accepting help from a lumbering big cat, then…

“Well, I’ve never teamed up with a wild animal before. It’s kind a surreal to me… especially since we’re so used to teamin’ up with our friends.” Applejack finally said once she made up her mind. “Still, we don’t really have other options at this point. I wanna git my friends back, and if I have to team up with a tiger t’ do it, then so be it.”

“Yeah, same here.” Rainbow Dash said, holding out a hand to the tiger. “Alright then big guy, we accept your help.”

He nodded, smiling the closest way that a tiger could smile as he held out his own paw. “Good to hear. I normally don’t team up with humans, given how they are around these parts, but I got a good feeling about you two.” He suddenly gripped Rainbow’s hand harder and pulled her closer. “Just don’t try to screw me over, alright? Aside from losing comrades, I also had plenty betray me. In a way that has scarred me and left me feeling quite weary of others. The only reason I’m doing this is because I don’t want the former to happen. So you’d better not do anything to make me regret this decision. Or it’ll be on both of your asses, got it?”

Rainbow nodded quickly. “G-got it!”

“Understood, sugarcube.” Applejack nodded, smiling gratefully. “Thanks fer doin’ this fer us. It really means a lot to both of us, really. We promise we’ll pay you back in any way we can.”

“Get me a good batch of water buffalo after this, and we’ll consider ourselves even.” The tiger said half-jokingly as he released Rainbow Dash’s arm. “Assuming you can even do that much.”

“We’ll cross that road when we get there.” Rainbow said, tentatively rubbing her arm. “One more thing we should probably mention. The poachers that caught our friends… they have the power to transform into large cat-like beasts. Not quite like the ones here, but pretty damn close… they’re called Danger Beasts to be precise.”

“Danger Beasts huh? Now there’s a nickname that I’m familiar with.” The tiger muttered, chuckling dryly as his tail swayed. “Thanks for the info. I’ll be sure to remember that when we find these guys… assuming that they haven’t moved to another location by the time we do find their hideout.”

“Took the words right outta my mouth sugarcube.” Applejack said, tossing her hair in a way that perfectly matched how a certain fashionista would. “By the way, we didn’t catch your name. What is it, if ya don’t mind me asking?”

The tiger stopped on his way back to his kill and looked back at them. He stayed like that for a second, as if he was debating on whether or not he should reveal his name to the teens. He then turned back, holding his head up high as his claws slinked their way from their sheaths.

“Raaja. Baagh Raaja.”