Author's Note

Sorry for being gone and for the relative shortness of the chapter. I'm nearing the end of this semester. Stay tuned.

Chapter 15: Tiger vs. Hare

“I don’t like the suit.”

“It’s mandatory, you know that.”

“Couldn’t I have Suri make one?”

“We don’t have time for you to get a new suit made.”

“Well, why the tea house?”

“Cause we lost the coin flip.”

“Shitty old stallion, I said to call heads.”

“Shut up.”

North shuffled uncomfortably as he tried his best to remain composed. It was time for the pre-match meeting between the fighters and the leaders, and as usual, he wasn’t happy. He always hated these meetings, and now was no different.

“Ugh, I feel like a colt again…”

Diamond Flare quietly smoked as he responded. “Well, you certainly sound like one…”

North’s head snapped to his uncle. “Tch! Shut… W-Where are these two? This is HIS territory we’re in.”

The older stallion blew out some smoke. “Would you relax? That Master’s ancient. It’ll take him time to get here, especially if he’s stopping to use the bathroom.”

“Ohohoho, certainly I’m not that old.”

The two looked up as they saw the smaller, much older stallion shuffling in, followed by the titan of a stallion known as Tiger. Easily twice the size as North, his muscles were similarly threatening to rip through his suit. The parts of his body that were visible, however, had shown his orange coat had been marred by peculiar scars. He sat along with The Master, who sat across from his long time nemesis. As The Master sat, a mare brought him a cup and poured tea while he quipped.

“Of course, I am not the one who smokes like a chimney every day…”

“Oh?” Diamond Flare set his cigarette down. “Tell me, how much does that tea habit of yours rake up?”

“At least I’ll be alive a lot longer than you.”

“Yes, because I want to look like a wrinkly bag of bones.”

“Better than being an old withered ghost.”

While the two old stallions clashed, their fighters quietly sat there, both appearing unsure of what to say. Tiger seemed more irritated by the bickering while North seemed to just feel awkward by it. Jeez, there they go again… I really just want to get this over with. Do I really have to make small talk here…? Insult my enemy…?

“Um, so…” Tiger looked up as North decided to speak first. “Looks like… You got a bad fit for your suit.”

There was a moment of silence before the large stallion sighed. “Indeed. I asked if I could have a new suit made, but they insisted it was fine.”

“Right??” North perked up, pointing his hoof at his opponent. “I said the same thing. I have a friend who can make it in a flash.”

“I have tailors that could easily assemble an outfit in a mere few hours.”

“The formality…” North sighed as he leaned against his hoof. “I just want to get into the ring and get this over with.”

Tiger nodded, his eyes remaining closed. “Indeed. I want to beat you and return the young mistress.”

“Confident, are we?” North leaned forward to sip from the cup.

“I would be, knowing my opponent is you, North Star.”

North paused, and looked up while Tiger continued.

“You are talented, this much is known, but you cannot overpower me. I have spent my life perfecting the moves that had nearly killed your uncle. Had my father not been merciful, he would have ended it there. If you do not stay down, however…” He took another quiet sip. “Then I will show no mercy. The young mistress’s fate has been sealed. If you take any solace, know I will ensure her life by my side will not be uninteresting.”

The presence of North Star slowly converted from a casual demeanor from a grim, enraged tone. Even though he knew he was outclassed, those doubts vanished in that moment. He needed to beat him more than ever. For Lotus, and for himself.

“Alright, that’s enough…” Diamond Flare muttered, blowing out a bit of smoke. “Let’s get the ceremony over with.”

“Agreed. The sooner this whole thing is done, the better.” The two elders nodded, motioning to the tea house attendants. They bowed and left, returning with two large bottles, one labeled “Haymaker Corn Whiskey” and the other “Black Dragon Sake”. The first poured out two small cups of clear brown liquid for the Black Dragon’s Claw members, while the other poured the Hay-lem Haymakers a cup of pure clear liquid. The four held up their perspective cups and held them up, uttering a chant.

[To a Good Fight.]

All drank in succession, finishing their drinks in one gulp. Tiger looked to North. “Your blood is disgustingly bitter and sharp, like a harsh punch. Ultimately, though, it is nothing.”

“And your blood is… subtle. A poison that infects and doesn’t let you notice how it’s affecting you until it’s too late. I acknowledge the strength, but I can overcome it.”

“Alright, let’s hit the lockers and get ready,” Diamond muttered as he stood up, leaving the tea house with North in tow. North, for his part, never broke eye contact with Tiger. His blood boiled hotter than ever. He was going to end this…

~

As North entered the locker to prepare, he came across Moonshine Drop, who panicked and pushed something in his locker before looking back. “A-Ah, North! Greetings! I was just… Trying to ummm… S-See if your wraps needed washing!”

North blinked slowly. “... You just washed them yesterday.”

“W-Well, yes, but I was also making sure they didn’t shrink! I might’ve done something wrong, or-!”

North calmly approached, his aura exuding that same intensity as before. He slammed his hoof into a locker, hovering over her with the help of the nearby benches. “Moony, what were you doing to my wraps?”

Moonshine couldn’t muster out words as she was forced to gaze into the eyes of her lover. Strength, concern, seduction, it was all causing her head to spin. Before she could threaten to melt into a puddle, she sighed and opened the locker, revealing his fighting clothing and wraps. “I… I was hoping you would be gone a bit longer. I was intending to… E-Ensure your protection with some charms… But…” She looked away, visibly troubled, and North could easily tell.

“Something the matter?”

“It’s… My necklace.” She held the necklace’s intricate charm up with a hoof. “It’s been keeping the illusion on me this whole time, with me only removing it once a night for my intended job. However, my body is becoming more used to the illusion, and is limiting my magic as a result. If I try to overextend it… I will shatter the illusion, and my identity is revealed to the world.”

“Hmm… I see…” North nodded in quiet contemplation, considering everything. “And why were you trying to cheat?”

“I-I wasn’t-!” The mare looked away, becoming more distressed. “L-Look, I don’t… I don’t want you going in without protection. My sister’s dreams… It showed me what will happen if you go in…” She suddenly clung to him, squeezing him gently. “I-I don’t… I don’t want to lose you…”

“H-Hey, hey…” He hugged her back and looked down. “What’s all this? These matches aren’t to the death. I’ll be fine.”

“B-But-”

“Look, I know it’s scary, but it’s just like any fight. I’ll go in, give it my all. I am to win, but even if I lose…” He paused and looked away. “I’ll be able to say I gave it my all.”

Moonshine went quiet for a bit, just holding onto her lover. She kept holding on, even as North nudged at her to try and get her off. With her not letting go, he finally caved with a sigh.

“Would it help you if I let you tie my wraps?”

“... Yes…”

And so North sat on the bench, watching as Moonshine Drop slowly wrapped up his hoof wraps for him. He sighed and smiled awkwardly. “Just like that. Just slow, tight loops.”

Moonshine just nodded, making sure that she had everything perfect for her love. A smile crept onto her face as she gradually followed his instructions until both front hooves were secured onto him.

“How do they feel?”

North shifted upwards, punching at the air. “Perfect.”

“North…”

“Hmmm?”

He looked down to her marefriend, who looked down dejectedly. “I… I know I cannot stop you from this. I know that I cannot use my magic. But…” She began to sniffle and look up. “If there is a way for you to back away and end this without fighting, I-”

“Moony.”

Moonshine paused and looked up at North’s face, who, contrasting with her own look of pure worry, was expressing a look of peace and determination. “I know you’re afraid. I am too. I know the moment I step on the ring, it’s all down to fate.”

“Then why-?”

“Because I made a promise.” The two went silent for a moment before North continued. “I made a promise to be my cousin’s savior. I’ll do whatever I can to get through this.”

Moonshine Drop took a deep breath. While the words didn’t make her at ease much, she could at least feel a bit comforted in North’s strength. He was determined, and she would do her best to show that she had faith in him. She had to have faith.

The sounds of knocking directed their attention, and the door opened to reveal a member of the Haymaker’s. “Hey boss, you ready?”

“Yep. Just about,” North nodded to the gang member before turning to his marefriend. “Looks like the match is gonna start. Go head to your seat. I love you.”

The two pressed muzzled and closed their eyes, Moony keeping it just a bit longer before speaking. “I love you too, North.”

Taking a quick swig of water from the bottle in his locker, North stepped out and followed the Haymaker out towards the ring. Moonshine sat there, unsure of what she wanted to do. Her mind was entirely lost. Then, she came to one conclusion.

“I need to talk to the girls.”

~~~

“Everypony, welcome to what will likely be the Final Match of Possession between the Haylem Haymakers and Black Dragon’s Claw!” Diamond’s voice echoed in the arena, prompting a cheer from both gangs.

The Master nodded slowly and continued. “Though many fights may lay ahead, this match is the culmination of many years between two old stallions… But now, with this final match, this grudge will finally be concluded with the fate of the young mistress, Lotus Dance!” The cheers grew louder as Lotus slowly stood up, looking down from the balcony at the two fighters who waited in their respective corners of the arena wrapped in a high fence. “Representing the Black Dragon Society, we have the vicious and precise Tiger Claw!!”

The Black Dragon Society cheered as Tiger stepped forward. His eyes bore down on his opponent, who simply stood with his eyes closed and took long, deep breaths.

Diamond spoke up. “Representing the Haylem Haymakers is the Bloody Star turned Night Guard, North Star!!”

The Haymakers unleashed a chorus of cheers to compete with their rivals, pushing their full support to him. He stepped up, opening his eyes and looking up at Tiger. Their energies clashed against one another, but even the smaller stallion could admit that his foe’s presence was utterly stifling. It was clear that this match was going to be on the defensive.

“Remember! The match does not end until a technical knock out! Your opponent will have 10 seconds to rise before victory is declared, and please attempt to keep it within the ring.”

“Are you ready, little hare…?” Tiger muttered, a crooked grin slowly forming on his face as he took a stance.

“Don’t make such crass insults just yet…” North huffed and performed a stance of his own.

The two leaders held their hooves up. “Ready…” Before swinging them in unison. “Begin!”

WOOSH

North barely managed to dodge the massive hoof coming at him as Tiger threw out an immense punch to flatten him. He would receive a flurry of punches before North slipped back, his eyes alert of his surroundings.

“Tch…” Tiger cracked his neck, stepping forward. “Worthless. Try throwing something with some impact.”

“Oh yeah?” North’s wings flared before shooting straight into Tiger’s chest. Shooting Star Cannon!

The fearsome stallion stumbled backwards, but quickly pushed North of. “Impressive. You managed to make your body into a weapon. Sadly for you…”

Crushing Claw!

“So have I.”

North barely had time to recover from being flung back before having to block the downward punch brought down on his head. “G-Gck!” He muttered, feeling himself being sent to his knees.

Tiger laughed as he slammed down punch after punch to try and break his block. “This is the skill of someone who is not burdened like you. I am a warrior, born and raised. You are nothing but fodder!”

The hits did hurt, but North simply allowed them to come. He needed to focus on what was important: Finding an opening. Luckily, North found one, and at the moment another punch was about to land, he rushed forward and swung at his hindlegs. The blow shifted Tiger as he grit his teeth, but North wasn’t finished. He slammed blow after blow across his body in another blur of punches and kicks. Tiger swung, but North simply flew at his back and, with an added spin, performed a twin kick right at his back.

Royal Heaven’s Drill!

Tiger stumbled forward, clenching his hoof. They were right… He outdoes me in speed… At this rate, even if I hit him once, he could hit me a hundred times. But…

A grin spread on his face as North dove low with the aims of uppercutting his opponent. Soaring Upper-!

The massive stallion leaped into the air, flipping slowly until he was right above North, who’d only realized his mistake far too late.

WHAM WHAM!

“AAAAHHHH!!!”

His flight was cut short as he tumbled. The audience watched in shock and awe. They barely registered that Tiger had even punched, but sure enough, North was on the ground, his wings completely limp. He heaved in pain as he looked at his wings, lifting them up only for them to fall back down. They were still attached, but no matter how hard he tried to move them, they simply lay limp. He looked up and saw that Tiger had burst into a fit of laughter.

“Poor useless pegasus! Unable to fly, like some sort of foal!! Come now, can’t you face me without your stupid wings?? Your uncle can fight without them!!”

Diamond Flare’s eyebrow raised as he looked towards The Master. Normally, he maintained a stoic expression from which very few could discern his true emotions. Diamond was among those and he could see an emotion he did not expect.

Fury.

Nevertheless, North stood shakily, pulling out a roll of sports tape and quickly bandaging his wings. Can’t let these get in the way.

“Hey!! He can’t have things like that in the ring!!” Tiger shouted, but as he looked up at the Master, and that calm smile’s true meaning, he growled. “Fine. Not that it matters. You’re finished. If you give up now, I’ll allow you to leave with your life.”

North was quiet, taking his breath as he stayed on his knees. “You know… You’re right in one thing. My uncle could fight without wings. He had lost everything when he was thrown out of your organization. By all accounts, he should’ve died then. He should have died when he attempted to steal from you. But two things kept him alive. Ponies supporting him…” He looked up at the audience towards Moonshine before looking back at Tiger. “And pure will. He didn’t stop fighting, and I’m not. I’ll free my cousin from this life and your awful hooves, even if I have to go to my last breath.”

The arena went silent as they stared at the stallion, a new emotion filling them that made fighting this so… Wrong. Moonshine smiled down, eyes watering. Perhaps, things would be okay…

WHAM

North tanked a massive punch right to his core, collapsing against the chain link fence and stumbling forward. Tiger’s eyes had now shifted to a look of unending, cold fury.

“Worthless,” he mumbled, approaching his collapsed opponent. “Nothing but words out of you. Truly, you are nothing but a hare.”

North struggled to stand, only to feel a stinging pain that was spreading all over his body. D-Dammit! Can’t… Move!!

“Do you like it?” Tiger smirked as he struck again. “My family’s technique, refined to its most perfect form. You’ll find that no matter how hard you try, you’ll be overcome with that paralysis. Soon, it will spread to every muscle in your body…”

H-He’s right! North struggled to lift his hooves to guard another punch. C-Can’t… Move…! But my legs…!

Squatting low, he threw his hindlegs up into a spinning jump, which made his limp hooves flail wildly, aiming to kick Tiger in the head. He felt the kick connect… But Tiger tanked it, and in a few swift punches, rendered his hindlegs utterly useless. The stallion smiled down at North like a hungry predator aiming to consume its prey.

“I’ll have fun with your corpse, you insipid fool!!” With that, Tiger began to punch and kick at the smaller stallion with all his might. He threw everything at him, across every inch of his body. As North began to spill blood from his mouth and snout, Tiger’s laugh became more wicked. “Would you like to die in the air like a Pegasus?? Then I shall honor it!!”

He bit down on his back coat and tossed him in the air, sending the stallion through the roof. There, he could see the moon through bruised eyes. His whole body trembled as he tried to move even an inch. Nothing. He thought he could take on this opponent, and here he was, slowly falling to his death. He smiled at the moon sadly as tears flew off his face.

I-I’m… Sorry Luna… Sorry… Lotus… Everypony… Guess I was a pretty lousy pony. Least I tri-

As soon as he was in range, Tiger fired out an uppercut aimed right for the heart, and the sudden rush of pain was met with a numbness. His vision faded, his breath fell, and the world became so very cold…