Dragon Road Season 1

Deep in the shadows stood three figures. None could be seen properly, but they spoke nonetheless.

“Your mission is to find out if this ‘All-powerful sphere’ is what I think it is.” One voice, unmistakenly masculine commanded. “If any stand in your way, don't waste time. Kill them and move on. Understood?”

“Acknowledged.” Also masculine was the voice that responded. “What are my orders after confirming or disproving the rumors?”

“If they're true, take it. If not, the outcome will still be the same. Destroy them all.” A short pause followed. “Dismissed.”

There were suddenly only two figures.

“…What if he runs into trouble, or fails, sir?” A voice, certainly female inquired.

“Then there will be space for a second-in-command. It would benefit you greatly, now wouldn't it?” Responded the other individual, a tone filled with gleeful betrayal.

“Yes. But our plans would be hastened severely, were he to succeed.”

“Perhaps… But I can't have someone like him being by my side all the time. I need someone I can trust. Someone… like you.” A dark chuckle sounded from his shadowed position. “What say you… Tempest Shadow?”

Chapter 5

Noir

With so many Dragon Balls, Kai had to transfer a few into his bag to ensure he could have more room in his satchel. Dragon Radar in hand, the saiyan was off to his next destination. This one was far out of Equestria, if the radar was accurate to his memory map. Sure, the last time he saw a map was when he was younger and being taught, but he still retained the memories.

Kai gave a glance around, seeing his surroundings were close to water, but not quite a waterland or anything. He approached a rather large mountain and found himself marveling before the sight. It was pretty amazing.

According to his radar, the Dragon Ball was right where the mountain was. Meaning, it was either somewhere inside the mountain—fat chance—or it was at the very top. Oh, how he wished he could fly…

No matter. Kai could still do this the old fashioned way, so he began climbing the mountain directly vertically...

…Until he noticed an obvious path to his side. Kai felt dumb, and he quickly went over to the path, walking up the mountain with much less effort.

As he progressed, the saiyan thought about things. It had been over three weeks since he started his journey—almost an entire month. In all of this time, he had found three Dragon Balls, but only two from adventuring. He only counted the week of being in Canterlot because of the one he had received from the Great and Powerful Trixie on the way. Right now, it seemed his rate of finding the balls was one every week. By that time, he had three more weeks, unless he found this one today. If not, then it would mark four weeks, and thusly, a couple days shy of a month.

All in all, Kai felt like his time was good. Without the radar, this quest would have been going on forever, with only two Dragon Balls found. Still, he couldn't help but miss what he had left behind. Rarity had been so sad, and he was still worried about Fluttershy. Sweetie Belle needed some independence, since he always coddled her. Their parents were probably worrying up a storm about him. But he knew that everypony at home was going to be just fine. Rarity and Fluttershy now had each other. He hoped Sweetie Belle could find some friends. And… well, his adoptive parents were never not worried, so he didn't know the bright side of that.

Letting out a huff of humor and relief, Kai gladly noted he only had a short bit of mountain to go. He gave the radar yet another look and saw that he was on the right track. He pocketed it and looked ahead with a smile.

Very soon, Kai was at the top of the mountain. Rather, he was at a town at the top of the mountain. He hadn't expected that.

“Wow… A town on a mountain.” He whispered to himself. He moved on, walking to the entrance of this mountain town and glancing around calmly.

“Stop right there.” Kai glanced to his side, seeing a strange stallion in armor giving him a hard stare. He was different from a normal pony, with claws on his front legs, and hooves on his back legs. A pair of wings adorned his back. “Only hippogriffs are allowed in Hippogriffia. Turn back.”

“Huh… Guess that makes sense…” Kai admitted. The place was named after what they were. “But can ya make an exception, just this once?” Kai pleaded, putting his hands together and bowing. “I'm looking for something that's super important. I promise to leave right after I find it!”

The hippogriff guard searched the saiyan's face for any sort of deception or something indicating he was a threat. There was nothing, but the guard still had to enforce the rules.

“…I'll give you a chance, at least. Wait here.” The guard commanded, and turned to walk into the town.

“Thanks!” Kai dropped himself down onto the ground, crossing his legs to wait patiently. As he watched the guard leave, Kai noticed the town of hippogriffs; so peaceful and happy. It was nice, seeing an entire species so unaffected by the height of this mountain. Not to mention how thin the air was. A castle was in sight in the distance, and Kai guessed that was where the ruler lived.

There wasn't much else to think about, until a few passing hippogriffs noticed him. They seemed hesitant to come any closer to him, but Kai could tell it wasn't from a place of bigotry like back home. It was just because they had never seen him before. So, less bigotry, and more unsure, hesitant curiousity. Kai simply waved with a smile, getting the locals to stare with wide eyes, and speak amongst themselves.

At least they weren't ignoring him or running. In fact, a small, pale-pink hippogriff ended up running towards him, and meeting his eye with her big, green eyes. She seemed to want better eye-contact, considering how small she was, so she put her clawed front legs to Kai's leg, and pushed herself up a bit.

“Uh… um…” She put on a brave face, and hardened her stare. “My name is… F-Fang…” Kai glanced at her opened mouth to see if there was a reason for her name. Indeed, two fangs replaced the normally blunt teeth of a pony. She possessed canines, and sharp ones at that. “And I'm not afraid of you!”

Kai stared in surprise. Were the inhabitants scared of him, or was this a child just trying to be brave in the face of the unknown? Either way, Kai respected her for it, and lifted his left hand. When he lowered it, Fang flinched, but held strong. She showed surprise when Kai started ruffling her light green mane.

“I'm Kai. But you're pretty scary yourself, aren't you?” Kai spoke with his usual smile. Fang looked confused, before reflecting on her actions. Approaching a random creature, only to yell that she wasn't afraid… If he had done that to her, she would be having nightmares for weeks.

“I'm sorry…”

“Don't worry about it.” Kai shrugged off immediately, seeing the hippogriff actually feeling guilty. “Well, I'm glad you're not afraid, Fang. There're alot of ponies I know who I terrify. Not to brag, but I can get pretty scary.” Kai boasted unconvincingly, getting a look from Fang. “Boo!” Instead of showing fear, Fang started to giggle. “Hey…! I'm supposed to be scary, not funny!” That only got more laughter from the girl.

Little known fact about Kai, number two. He was really good with kids. Although... he only interracted with Sweetie Belle before... He was still very good with kids.

“Mister Kai! Can I show you to my friends?” Fang suddenly spoke up, smiling brightly.

“Mister? How old do I look…?” Kai shook his head. “Sorry, but I can't enter your town until the guard comes back to tell me if I can.” He let her down gently.

“Aw…” Fang sighed, but accepted it. She knew that the guard here was so stubborn. He never stopped to play or anything.

Speaking of that guard, Kai noticed him approaching with a strong walk. Fang noticed Kai's gaze shift, and shifted her own gaze to see what he saw.

“Hi, Mister Stratus!” Fang greeted happily.

The guard, Stratus, gave her a look, and then looked to Kai.

“‘Mister’, she says…” The guard shook his head and focussed on Kai. “The Queen wishes to have a word with you. Your intentions are unclear.” Kai nodded and stood up, holding Fang to make sure she didn't lose her balance and hurt herself. His care for the young hippogriff caught Stratus' attention. “And Fang. Shouldn't you be inside? You injured your wing, right?”

“It was just a scratch!” Fang protested, spreading her wings out to show the minimal damage, patched up with a small bandaid. “See?”

“Go home, kiddo.” Stratus told her, before giving Kai a gesture to follow him.

“Fiiine…” Fang walked back inside of the town. “Bye, Mister Kai!” She called out as she left.

“Later, Fang!” Kai called back, and went to follow the guard. The two were silent for a bit, until the saiyan spoke. “So… You have a Queen?”

The guard cast a look back to Kai.

“Doesn't every kingdom?” Stratus asked rhetorically.

“No, actually. Equestria just has a Princess.” The guard seemed surprised, but he hid it greatly.

“You're from Equestria?”

“More-or-less.” Kai didn't quite consider Equestria his home, but he did come from there.

“Well here, there's our Queen, Novo, and her daughter, Princess Skystar.” Kai let out a hum of acknowledgement. “So, care to tell me your real reason for coming here?”

“Huh? Oh, it's to find something. I know it has to be around this area, so I just need to find it.” Kai explained, his reason not changing from the last time he spoke it.

“Hm. You'd better be telling the truth. Queen Novo dislikes outsiders, so you really should just find what you came for and leave. IF she believes your story.” The saiyan put his hands behind his head, sighing exhaustedly.

“Geez, this Queen of yours sounds strict.” Stratus only chuckled.

“You've no idea.” It wasn't long after that the two reached the castle, and Stratus entered first. “Enter.” Kai nodded and complied.

The inside of this castle was nothing like Canterlot's castle. There was a notable amount of guards around, all seeming to focus on Kai. Kai didn't notice, observing the nice decorations around the castle. Stratus gave a signal to the other guards, and they all focussed on the castle doors instead.

Stratus continued leading Kai to the Queen, but Kai was a bit slow to follow. He managed, of course, but taking in the castle was a bit too pressing on his list of importance.

Finally, they seemed to make it to the main room, but Kai had something to say first.

“Dude, this castle is killer. I really need to rule over something.” Stratus would have face-clawed, but they were in a certain hippogriff's presence.

“You idiot…! Bow…!” He whispered sharply and through grit teeth. Kai looked to him, and then to whom he was supposed to bow to.

Kai smiled, and walked towards the center of the room.

“Queen Novo.” Indeed, the Queen of the hippogriffs sat upon her sizely throne. The casual greeting from an outsider had her brow line lowering, though.

“I suppose bowing before a Queen is beyond you?” Queen Novo asked irritably.

“Yup. Nothin' personal, though.”

“This won't take long…” The Queen muttered, rolling her eyes. She gave a small gesture, dismissing any guards from the room. “My guard tells me you intend to find and ‘take’ something from the town I am ruling over. Anything I rule over is mine, you realise.”

“Yeah, I guess. But if you don't know where it is, then finders-keepers.” Queen Novo stared for a few seconds. She stood, and approached Kai with a look akin to murder.

“What did you just say to me?” Obviously rhetorical, since she didn't allow any time to respond. “You come to MY castle, and offer ME an ultimatum of some sort!? You have far overstepped your boundaries.” She glared right at Kai. “I believe I've spent enough time on—”

“Mooom!!” A loud voice rang out, interrupting Queen Novo's dismissal. The Queen rolled her eyes with clear frustration, before turning slowly. Kai also averted his gaze to whomever yelled.

“Not right now, Skystar. I'm bus—”

“Can I skip breakfast to have sweets?” The form of Princess Skystar slowly came into view, seeming clear that she woke up recently.

“Absolutely not.”

“Y'know, sweets in the morning is bad for you.”

“Don't scold my daughter.” Kai only shrugged.

Now, everything Princess Skystar's mother said always went in one ear and out the other, but a creature that had never been seen!? Well, it still went in one ear and out the other, but this was a never before seen creature standing here. What else should she do but talk to it—him, if the voice was anything to go by.

“Wow! What are you!?” The young princess ran up to Kai, poking and prodding at his leg, and hovering up to poke the rest of him.

Kai beamed under the attention he was receiving, and spread his arms to allow a better inspection for the princess.

“I'm a saiyan! My name's Kai. What's yours?”

“I'm Skystar!” There was an obvious throat clearing behind her, surely from her mother. Skystar rolled her eyes. “Princess Skystar.” She smiled. “But you can call me Skystar.” The princess whispered to Kai. When she poked his chest, she let out a short sound of surprise. “What are you made of? You're so sturdy!”

“Oh, I'm made of normal flesh like you. I just train a bunch, so I'm pretty well-built.” Kai gladly explained.

Skystar seemed to want to say something back, but Queen Novo spoke first, clearing her throat to gather attention.

“While I am glad you're excited to meet someone new, Kai must be going.” She gave Kai a hard look. “Isn't that right, Kai?”

Without hesitation, Kai responded.

“Huh? No, no. I still have to find that ball. I won't leave 'till I do.” Queen Novo felt a headache coming on. Either he was an idiot that didn't understand what tones were, or he was extremely disrespectful and uncaring. Either way, the Queen was not pleased.

“You have already overstayed your welcome. You can leave on your own, or my guards can THROW you out.” Kai smirked, and cracked his knuckles.

“Waaaait!” Before Queen Novo could follow through with her threat, or Kai could take her up on the threat, Princess Skystar spoke loudly. They looked to her, her mother with a look of waning patience, the saiyan with curiousity. “What kind of ball do you want? I've got a bunch that I never get to use.”

“You are seriously trying my patience, my daughter…” Queen Novo gritted out through her teeth.

“Sorry! I just don't get why you're being so mean about a ball!” Argued the princess. “I mean, I have that beach ball from a few years back. I don't even know how to swim, and you don't like the beach!”

Kai laughed loudly, gathering looks from the royal figures. Scratching his head, the saiyan adressed Skystar.

“I apreciate it, Skystar, but the ball I'm looking for isn't your ordinary bouncy ball.” Kai unzipped and reached into his waist satchel, pulling out the contents in a hand. He held up the ball he was searching for. “I'm looking for—”

“A Dragon Ball!!” That exclaimation from Princess Skystar shocked Kai, hence his widened eyes.

“You know about these?”

“Do I ever!” She grinned, and made a huge motion with her claws. “I read all about the Dragon Balls in books and scrolls—kinda all I have to do nowadays.” The hippogriff explained, floating closer to Kai to see his Dragon Ball better. “Ooh! Yours has four stars! So cool!”

“Eh? ‘Mine’?” Kai repeated. “Does that mean…!?”

“Mhm! I've got one of my own!” The saiyan pumped his fists enthusiastically, returning the grin Skystar wore with one of his own.

“Bingo!” He put the ball back into his satchel, and crossed his arms with determination. “I wanna gather all seven, and I'm only three short. Can I have yours?”

“Can I come with you with you summon Shenron!?” The princess nearly begged.

“Of course!”

“Then ye—”

“Wait just a minute!” Cutting off their excited conversation again was Queen Novo, looking far less pleased than before. “Neither of you gets to decide who gets ANYTHING. Skystar, you will go to your room. Kai, you will leave Hippogrifia. My orders are absolute!”

“But mom!”

“Enough!” Princess Skystar pouted, glaring at her mother for a moment. Her gaze fell onto Kai again, and she gave him a short nod.

“Stay here for a sec'. I'll be right back.” She assured, before zipping off with a gust of air.

“If you return, you will be grounded for a month!!” Queen Novo threatened loudly.

“Worth it!” Kai couldn't help but chuckle at the young Hippogriff's cheek.

While Queen Novo fumed, the saiyan adjusted his bag and eyed her curiously.

“…Someone must have betrayed your trust before, huh?” The Queen's eye shifted to him in a glare.

“What?”

“It's okay. I've been there before.” Kai continued casually, knowing he was heard.

The ruling hippogriff's glare deepened.

“As if your supposed betrayal could ever hope to compare to my own! Has your entire kingdom ever been in jeopardy!? Oh, what's that? Don't even HAVE a kingdom!?”

“My EXISTENCE has been in jeopardy, lady!” Queen Novo stopped, staring to see Kai's face. No deceit. Her glare lessened, but her frown deepened. “You ever feel loved, only to be told you weren't? It sucks pretty badly.”

“Wh…what?”

“If you love that girl of yours, show it and mean it. It's more than my mom showed me.” To Kai's surprisingly calm reveal of his own betrayal, Queen Novo was wide eyed. No wonder he didn't bow, he probably COULDN'T show respect. Who would after being betrayed by the one individual one would expect to be the most trustworthy…?

That made Queen Novo think. Her treatment of her daughter… She was doing everything to keep her safe, but it probably didn't seem like that. To her daughter, it likely appeared she disliked her. It was awful to think of.

“…I… apologise. For my behavior.” Queen Novo said nothing more, but she really didn't need to. Kai understood.

“I forgive you, Queen.” Hard steps caused Kai's head to flick to his right, and he saw Skystar returning with a shaky yet determined stride.

Princess Skystar looked to her mother, took a breath, and then looked to Kai.

“Here. I-I…” She cleared her throat. “I brought you the Dragon Ball.” Her eye met her mother's. “Even if it means I'll get grounded.” She added, holding out the ball to Kai.

“Skystar… My daughter, I'm not going to ground you.” Queen Novo stated.

“You're not?”

“No. And… I'm sorry for being so harsh before.” Princess Skystar stared, eyes wide.

“Oh…” She smiled. “It's okay!” Queen Novo smiled back, and motioned to Kai. The princess understood the motion and moved closer to the saiyan so he could have the ball.

“Awesome! Thanks, Skystar!” Kai reached for the ball. When he grabbed at it… it wasn't there anymore? “Huh?”

“What the…?”

“Behind you!” Queen Novo exclaimed, getting Kai to whirl around with a start.

“Who…?” His eyebrows rose.

Before the trio was a strange bipedal individual, standing taller than Kai. He looked alien, even less normal than the abnormal saiyan. With purple skin, this individual glared calmly through grey eyes, most of his facial features going unseen due to a black mask from the bridge of his nose to his chin. He wore an all black skin-tight outfit, but had a black armor of a sort on his upper body. The only feature of his outfit that wasn't black was the blue symbol on the right chest of his armor. Also armored, were the gauntlets and boots he wore on his hands and feet respectively.

Kai saw the Dragon Ball in the individual's left hand, and clenched his fists.

“Hey! That was about to be mine!” That got no response from the thief. “Who are you, anyway? You don't look like a saiyan, so…”

“I am whatever I need to be. Thief, distraction, mercenary…” He finally spoke, his voice calm and quiet. “I am not from this planet, but I have a purpose.”

“Not… from this planet?” Kai was an alien, sure. But at least he was born on the planet. Meeting a real alien was conflicting; cool, but considering the situation, not cool.

“I am Noir. And I come looking for a ‘Sphere of grandiose power’. This seems to fit the bill.” The alien held up the Dragon Ball, never taking his eyes off of Kai.

“Well, it isn't yours to take. Give it back.” The saiyan demanded.

“I cannot do that.”

“Then I'll have to make you!” Kai took off his bag and satchel, setting them both on the floor. He gave this supposed Noir a glare, and walked closer to him. “Last chance to give it back.” The only response he earned was that same stare. “Fine. Queen, Princess, stay back.”

The royal figures could somehow feel how bad this seemed. An unknown alien versus a very slightly more known alien, fighting one another. The hippogriffs backed up.

“I would heavily suggest against this course of action.” Noir spoke calmly, never dropping the Dragon Ball.

“Yeah? And I'd suggest giving that back, but you're not gonna.” Kai poised, fists clenching tightly. Noir took no stance. “Hyaah!!”

Kai was quick to dash in, swinging his right leg to strike his opponent's head. The attack was blocked with Noir's right hand, giving the saiyan an idea. The latter flipped behind the former, and attempted to connect an elbow strike to his back, but that too, is a failure. Noir simply side-stepped out of harm's way. His right hook failed, as did his left cross, flying dropkick, roundhouse kick—nothing was working. With a single hand, Noir blocked or dodged every attack.

“Your inexperience shows.” Noir noted after Kai overextended himself with a particular strike. Kai was quick to recover and strike yet again. That return kick and the three that followed had a similar issue of not hitting their mark.

“Dammit, stay still!”

Queen Novo and Princess Skystar watched in great surprise. Kai was very fast, and each blow had the intent to win the fight. Yet this Noir was even faster, and hadn't thrown a single punch.

“Enough.” Redact that, Noir struck quickly and powerfully, just after Kai missed yet another punch. Reeling from the shot to his gut, Kai coughed loudly over Noir's fist. “End this foolish attempt, or I will be forced to—”

“Heh…” Kai huffed, smirking at the alien confidently. Noir's frown depened. “I've gotcha now…” True to that, Kai had Noir's right wrist in his left hand, and was not letting go. “DODGE THIIIS!!” As strongly as he could, Kai punched Noir in the face with his free hand. His smirk dropped when he saw that his attack had no effect whatsoever. “N…no way…!”

Noir took his hand back, and stepped back to form distance.

“Do you see the difference in our power? If so, end this now and surrender. I have no more time to waste on you.” Kai grit his teeth, his body trembling from… something. Fear? Anger? Determination?

All Kai knew was that he wouldn't just quit because a few hits didn't work. He jumped back, taking another stance.

“You stole from this place, so you'll stay as long as I can fight!” The saiyan's declaration was met with a look of annoyance.

“Very well.” Noir lifted his right index finger, and charged a beam of ki in an instant. That beam pierced right through Kai before he could even react. The shot had to have hit his left lung, because he immediately coughed up blood, and staggered for a moment. Kai grit his teeth, trying to work through the worst pain of his life. However, a second shot just below the last stopped his struggling instantly.

“N…nn…oo…” Kai fell back, hitting the floor hard. Blood gushed from his wounds, and spewed from his mouth. The saiyan's eyes rolled into the back of his head… and he ceased breathing.

“KAI!!” Princess Skystar was by his side in an instant, shaking him as if she would awaken him from a nap. Tears formed in her eyes, and she glared at the alien that did this. “You…! You murderer!!”

“I would not recommend getting in my way, unless you intend to join him.” Noir threatened, turning to leave. The princess flinched, settling for glaring.

“You said your name was Noir.” Queen Novo spoke up suddenly. A glare, more serious than anything she had ever mustered before crossed her face. “Know this, Noir. You have killed one welcomed to my kingdom. That will be reciprocated for you and whomever you work for.”

“Your threats do nothing. Though, I am curious to know if you can keep up those threats when you meet the Storm King.” Without another word, Noir simply vanished into thin air.

Neither hipppogriff gave his words a second thought, and instead looked to Kai's body.

“M-m-mom… I-isn't there anything you can do…?” Princess Skystar sobbed out.

“…Perhaps.” Queen Novo lifted her claws up, and moved them over Kai's fatal wounds. “I know a few old spells. Hopefully, this one will work.”

“You're the best, mom!” The Queen grunted, and focused solely on the saiyan's wounds. The horn-like protrusion upon her forehead began to glow dimly, and very soon, so did Kai's wounds.

Princess Skystar gasped, awed at the display. Very soon, the blood stopped flowing from the wounds, leaving two large holes through his ribs and lung. With the power of magic, the very tissue that made up both organ and bone began to reconstruct itself, and was healed fully in the matter of a minute. Queen Novo panted, getting exhausted from using unfamiliar magic, but she persisted. All that was left was healing the skin; a comparatively simple task, but she was drained as it was.

Seconds passed, which felt like hours, but eventually, the wounds were completely gone, leaving only a dark bruise in the place of the injury. Queen Novo sat back, huffing loudly and breathlessly.

“There. Now it will be… up to him.” With that, the two waited for Kai to wake up.

Surprisingly, Princess Skystar didn't even get to become impatient, as the saiyan started coughing loudly. Every cough yielded quite a great deal of blood, worrying the young hippogriff greatly.

“M-mom!? Why's he—”

“Calm down, Skystar. His wounds caused blood to flow into his lung. This is the only way to expell it.” True to that, the bloodflow stopped after a while, and Kai was left gasping for air.

Kai slowly brought himself up, able to barely sit up because of the help of the Queen and Princess.

“Kai! I'm so glad you're okay!” Kai's eyes were unfocussed, and it seemed like a reflex for him to bring his hand to his bruised body.

‘Remarkable… I never expected him to wake up only minutes after essentially dying…’ Queen Novo stared contemplatively.

Kai finally focussed, and looked to Skystar in confusion.

“…Skystar… I… I lost… didn't I…?” At the hippogriff's quiet nod, Kai looked down at the floor between his legs. His scowl deepened, his teeth gritting in frustration. “Dammit!!” He punched the floor, making the princess jump. The floor cracked notably, not that Kai seemed to care. “All of my training, just to be defeated with no effort…! I… I'm so weak!”

As his eyes screwed shut, both Queen an Princess were sympathetic. Queen Novo stepped forward, and put a claw to the saiyan's shoulder. He didn't react, but the hippogriff knew she had his attention.

“Kai, you cannot win every battle. Some battles, you have to lose.” Kai opened his eyes, giving Queen Novo a glance. “If you don't lose, how can you know you need to become stronger?”

“…I guess… But I trained so hard. I thought… I thought I would do way better in a real fight.” Kai looked down again, his attention going to his wounds.

“Go back to Equestria. Rest.”

“Huh?” He looked to Queen Novo in shock. “How'd you know I was from Equestria?”

“Your mannerisms. They simply reek of Celestia's influence. As does any one from Equestria” Queen Novo said irritably. “Even if you are a lot more obvious with it.” She shook her head. “Anyway, you need to go home and rest. Lick your wounds, both physical and mental. Become stronger, and try again one day.” Now, the Queen gave Kai a serious glare. “And no matter what, you are not to return here any time soon. Leave enough time to recover, and forget about this place for the time.”

“B-but—”

“No arguing. I have spoken.” Although she had a royal tone, Queen Novo wore a smile. “I believe in your skills. And I believe in you, Kai.” Kai smiled in response, slowly rising and standing up tall. “Now, get out of here.”

“Right.” Kai took a step, but felt pain in his wound when he moved. He clutched at his ribs with his right hand. “This'll be annoying…”

“Kai!” Skystar got his attention with a call. “You'll be back to visit sometime, right?” She asked hopefully.

“Count on it! I'll even show you the Dragon Ball when I get it back!” Kai's confidence was reassuring, and made Skystar smile happily.

“I can't wait!” Holding his wound, Kai reclaimed his gear, slinging the bag over his shoulder, and refastening the satchel around his waist.

With a final wave, he walked to the doors.

“Don't give each other too much trouble!” To that, the mother and daughter looked to each other, and Skystar smiled sheepishly. Novo gave an amused roll of her eyes. “I'm off!”

“Goodbye, Kai! Oh, that rhymes!”

“Get much stronger, Kai.”

And with that, Kai left the castle, and was soon on his way to leave Hippogrifia.

On the train, Kai rested back in a seat, eyeing the Dragon Radar. He could see the four that he had, the one that Noir had taken, off in the very far distance, and then… wait…

“Huh? Two of them… are together?” Kai muttered aloud, raising an eyebrow in confusion. “I'm positve they were separated a while ago… Who else has been collecting the Dragon Balls?”

Not expecting an answer to fall from the sky, Kai leaned farther back, glancing out of the window with a sigh.

“Well, whatever. I guess for now, I'll head off to Ponyville. I miss Rarity and Sweetie Belle and the others.” And the rest of the trip continued in a dull silence.