Canterlot Academy Trials

“...what do you mean?”

“I have a family, yes, but it comes with its own fair share of trials and tribulations, Sha. You have it much easier since you don’t have to worry about the well-being of anyone but yourself. People like you are lucky. No care in the world aside from one’s own skin…”

Sha’Beel thought about it for a moment as she looked up, then away from Fang. “...Oh…”

“That’s why I fight so hard,” he continued, “I tried my best to work to find a solution for my mother’s sickness, but there’s not much that can be done…so I’m still working so I can provide and send money back to my folks once she’s gone. My aunt will have her paws full dealing with all of her nieces and nephews. Do you understand me now, Sha?”

“...I do…she spoke up, “You don’t need to go into detail…I…I’m sorry for being so callous and uncaring before.”

“Whatever,” he rolled his eyes, “Not like you can do that much to help me anyway. Don’t concern yourself with it.”

“...at this point, I’d be a fool not to,” Beel countered as she rolled on top of him, “...I realize now that at the very least…if I can help you be happy then I can give my own life some sort of meaning.”

Still not quite convinced, Fang turned his gaze aside. “Hmph. So you’ve decided to drop the act of intent to kill via seduction, then?”

“...I’ll admit…I…fell for you,” she purred angrily and flicked her tail, “As much as I hate to admit it.”

“BUHAHA!” Fang cackled aloud.

“...shut up!”

“Sorry it’s just…rather hilarious,” Fang went on and coughed, “I’m honestly shocked that I’ve managed to get through to you in such a way. Is my personality really that charming?” he teased her with a sarcastic smile.

“...Rrr…” Beel purred ever so slightly out of defiance. “...you’re lucky that you’re sexually attractive. But I suppose it’s my own fault for falling victim to the charms of your…extra leg.”

“Uh-huh. Well I’m glad you’ve figured out what you’ve wanted for yourself. It’s up to you to decide your fate. Not be a vessel for someone else’s. Understand?”

The tigress accepted his words, with a grateful smile. “...I do. I know what I intend to do now. Thank you for helping me, Jun.”

“...don’t sweat it.”

The next morning…

By sunrise, Sha’Beel had left Fang’s room and presumably gone her own way. The diamond dog man and the rest of his team met up downstairs in front of the inn building where they discussed what to do next. As instructed, the team got on the next train that left Abyssinian and would take them to Caninia. Even if the king and queen of Abyssinia knew that they were going to intercept Odu in the ocean, it was important for Fang’s team to inform the queens of Caninia to let them know of what was going down.

Any number of variables could come to pass. Variables that they couldn’t afford to take any chances on. Because of that, the mercenaries of Dorm Block Sigma were on their way…

“...are you okay, Jun?” Lee asked Fang as she sat next to him on the train, “You look somewhat worried.”

The diamond dog’s fluffy tail was wagging involuntarily as he nibbled upon the complimentary peanuts the train offered. “...is it that obvious?”

“I know we’re headed to your home where your family lives,” she commented with an intrigued flick of her tail as she sat cross-legged upon the seat. “I’m very interested in meeting your family if I’m being honest with you.”

“...they’ll…be happy to meet you all,” Fang muttered with a small smile on his face, “But given that it’s a day’s train ride…I’d rather rest until we get there.” He lied back against his seat and covered his face with one of the pillows. “...wake me when we’re almost there, yes?”

“...of course, Jun,” Lee accepted his terms and allowed him to rest. For the moment, she’d simply head over to Rufus and Spear’s seat on the train to have a conversation with them instead.

Meanwhile, back in Abyssinia…

In the Great Sea which lied South of Abyssinia, Mio, his dragon wife Spitha, and the rest of the Royal Navy had set off to intercept Odu based on the coordinates they had been given. On the main deck of their boat, Mio himself stood as he looked out over the aquatic horizon with his binoculars. Alongside them, about four other boats had rode out onto the open water with them.

“Alright. Looks like we’re officially in unregulated territory,” the blue-suited tom commented as he lowered his binoculars and looked to his left to address someone else, “Rudy. You ready?”

The white-furred Devon Rex tom from before had been typing on what appeared to be a sonar-tracking laptop of sorts. He was also now wearing a black tank top, a pair of ripped jeans, and a black beanie over his head with holes that allowed his ears to pokethrough. “Bruv. Ain’t a mat’er of whether we’re ready. They’s gots to come to us, ya reckon?”

“We’ll need your tech to let us know when to launch the torpedoes and mines,” Mio replied as he looked out on the water and saw the other allied Naval vessels, “It’ll be on your mark, so don’t let us down, alright?”

“Pfft,” Rudy scoffed as he munched on another candy stick, “My mates Tango and Kabuki are in position. As is Luster Dawn's team from Equestria. You just give word when you see the buggers.”

“Actually, it’ll be Spitha that gives us word,” Mio pointed upwards where they’d both see the red dragonness flying and scouting the waters, “Her eyes are keened for this sort of thing. But good. Glad to have assistance from Equestria as well.”

Rudy patted Mio on the shoulder, “Right, then. Guess we’re in good claws, innit?”

“They’re here,” her voice called out from above, causing both toms to stand at attention and move into position, “Get ready!”