Present
Cold...
... and pain...
... that what's she just feel.
Princess of friendship, Twilight Sparkle open her eyes as she frantically panicked at her surrounding, her coat is stained with dust and blood, her mane disheveled, and pain is stabbing her body . Stone rumbles that scattered around her as fire and dust cloud covered the field she lay on. Slight growl sounded from her side, as her head snapped at the voice direction. Her fear filled eyes widened further, a giant silhouette towering her, as the unnatural eerie guttural growl rumbled.
7 pairs of glowing yellow eyes shined from 6 long head while the last is come from beneath it short of base of neck. It sharp predatory eyes locked with Twilight. The Alicorn mare tried to stand up, but her hooves gave up. The creature let a loud roar that make Twilight almost propelled from her place. The heads is ready to eat her whole, as it open it mouth behind the dust cloud, show it unnaturally big mouth gap.
3 weeks before the disaster
Night in Ponyville is always as peaceful like the country itself. Equestria always known as the land of friendship.The grand halls of Twilight’s Castle of Friendship shimmered in the moonlight as laughter echoed through its crystal walls. Twilight Sparkle and her friends had gathered for a rare and cozy slumber party.
Inside the castle, the atmosphere was warm and cheerful, with Pinkie Pie bouncing between snacks, Rarity fussing over decorative pillows, and Rainbow Dash challenging Applejack to hoof-wrestling matches.As the night deepened, the group settled into a circle, each wrapped in blankets, while Fluttershy brewed tea.
Twilight suggested a story time session, sparking enthusiastic nods from her friends. She tell them about the story of a dark night of Lunar guard in the past before Princess Luna banishment. Rainbow with the story of The Headless horse, which just being laughed by Applejack who already heard that one when they had a camping together.
“Oh, oh! I have a spooky one!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, waving her hoof. “It’s about a cupcake thief who was never caught!”
“Pinkie, that’s not spooky, that’s just weird,” Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes successfully suppressed her own chuckle.
Twilight chuckled. “How about something a little more meaningful? Let’s talk about the Element of Harmony instead. Each of us represents a part of it, and together, we’ve saved Equestria so many times.”
The group nodded in agreement. Even when they chuckled a little, their expressions growing thoughtful.
“I sometimes wonder,” Fluttershy began softly while tapping her own chin, “are we the only ones who’ve been given such an important role? What if there are others out there...heroes, I mean, who’ve done great things that we don’t know about?”
Twilight’s gaze turned to the ceiling, her mind swirling with curiosity as she rubbed her chin and smile spread on her lips. “That’s actually a good question, Fluttershy. What if we’re not the only heroes in Equus?”
Before anypony could respond, the doors to the room burst open with a dramatic slam, and a chaotic swirl of confetti and string sprays, announced the arrival of none other than Discord, as the said draconequus came in wearing professor like attire as he blow a test tube that make a sound of trumpet.
“Twilight Sparkle, you always ask the most delightful questions,” he said, lounging mid-air as his attire dis appear and sipping a cup of chocolate milk that appear out from nowhere. “And, as the spirit of chaos, I just have to answer this one!”
“Discord! What are you doing here!? ” Rainbow Dash groaned as she fly up to hid fsce and booped his nose repeatly. “We were having a peaceful night here!”
"Umm, Discord? Why you're here? You aware this is a mares night right? " Twilight asked slowly while narrowed her eyes at the Draconequus. Her words is muchly represent everypony feeling in the room. Discord pushed Rainbow away from his face as he snapped his claw. Rainbow instantly sat on the place where she lay before, complete with blanket over her and hot cocoa that out from no where.
“Oh, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, don’t be such a buzzkill,” Discord retorted while Rainbow still glared at him but just sipped the cocoa, he annoyance disspated as she taste the cocoa which snapping his claws to conjure a spotlight over himself. “Twilight, you’re absolutely right to wonder. You six aren’t the only heroes of Equus. In fact, you’re merely the most popular ones. But out there…” He gestured dramatically, and the room darkened.
In the dim light, shadowy silhouettes began to emerge on the nearby walls, forming the shapes of mysterious figures.
“Behold, other legends of our world!” Discord announced, his voice taking on a theatrical tone. As The Mane Six stared in awe, their earlier lightheartedness replaced by a mix of curiosity and wonder.
“Why have we never heard of them?” Twilight asked with her eyes focused at the shadow that shaped of a dragon.
“Well,” Discord said, examining his claws nonchalantly, “some prefer it that way. Not everypony wants their names in the history books. Some are bound by ancient oaths, while others simply do what they must without fanfare. And, of course, some operate in places you’ve never set hoof in.”
Applejack adjusted her hat, her eyes narrowing. “If there are other heroes, why don’t they show up when big threats like Tirek or Sombra rear their ugly heads?”
Discord smirked. “Oh, my dear Applejack, you six tend to attract the flashier villains. But trust me, these heroes have their hooves full dealing with threats you don’t even know exist.”
“Like what?” Rainbow Dash challenged, leaning forward.
Discord chuckled darkly. “Oh, I wouldn’t want to spoil the fun. Let’s just say there are forces older than Harmony, slumbering in the corners of Equus, waiting to awaken. And when they do, these unsung heroes will be the first line of defense.” The room fell silent as the weight of Discord’s words settled over the group.
“So,” Twilight said after a long pause, “there’s more to Equus than we’ve ever imagined. More heroes, more stories, and...more responsibilities.”
“Exactly!” Discord said, clapping his claws. “But don’t fret, my little ponies. You’re still the stars of the show. Just remember, the world is bigger than your castle. Well then, toodles~! ” With that, Discord snapped his claws and vanished, leaving the group in thoughtful silence, while the light now is turned back.
“Well,” Rarity said, breaking the quiet, “that was...unexpected.”
Fluttershy nodded. She turned at the window, her gaze distant. “I wonder if we’ll ever meet any of those heroes.”
Twilight looked around at her friends, determination sparking in her eyes. “If we do, I hope we can learn from them. But for now, let’s remember why we do what we do—to protect Equus and everypony in it.”
As the group resumed their cozy circle, their conversation shifted back to lighter topics. But in the back of their minds, the thought of unseen heroes lingered, sparking a new sense of wonder about the world beyond their adventures.
[1] - Kagutsuchi no Kaenken
Neighpon
In the distant land of Neighpon, far from the borders of Equestria, a land of breathtaking beauty and deadly perils thrived. Known for its masterful swordsmiths and the fine craftsmanship of its katanas, Neighpon also harbored a darker truth.
Yokai, monsters that oftentimes attacked the inhabitants there. Sometimes they straightly just attacking, some just roamed freely. From bustling cities to the quietest villages, yokai prowled the shadows, feeding on the unwary.
In the heart of a small, peaceful village nestled against the mountains, a young colt with red coat and dark yellow mane named Haruto lived with his family. They ran a modest food stall, serving travelers and locals alike. Haruto, diligent and kind-hearted, often helped his parents with deliveries to their customers, while also hoping he will get his own cutie mark on that.
One afternoon, carrying a basket of fresh food on his back, Haruto trotted through the bustling village streets. The warm sunlight glinted off the tiled rooftops, and the scent of fresh cabbage dumplings filled the air.
Just as he rounded a corner, he bumped into a towering figure almost spilled the dumplings out from it basket—a flaming red dragon dressed in a dark, elegantly red and black honeycomb patterned yukata.
The dragon’s piercing golden eyes glanced down at the colt, and his sharp features were framed by flowing crimson spikes along his head to his tail that just limp, looks like combed backward that shimmered like fire.
A katana rested at his waist, its handle wrapped in black and red fabric, while the tsuba looks like a head of a dragon that looks like it's eating the vibrant red and yellow scarab
“Watch your step, kiddo. ” the dragon said, his voice deep and calm, though it carried an edge of authority. He continued to walk while whistling a note if traditional music from Neighpon.
"U-uh! Right! Gomenasai Ryuu-sama! " Haruto stammered an apology, bowing quickly before the dragon glanced over his shoulder at Haruto and walked away, his imposing figure disappearing into the crowd. Dragon is not rare in Neighpon, but seeing one himself, and the one that a samurai—or probably a ronin—in his village is sounds weird and suspicious.
Later that day, Haruto set out to harvest fruits from his family’s garden, as he on his way to their orchard. The orchard was alive with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves, the air rich with the scent of ripened fruit.
They always make everything themselves. Food, furnitures, even mine their own gold for their yen, all is selfmade. But as Haruto picked some peaches from the peach trees row, something caught his eye—a tree that didn’t belong to their orchard.
It was gnarled and ancient, its bark dark and cracked like old leather. Its twisted branches bore no leaves, only sharp, blood-red thorns. Haruto hesitated, a chill creeping up his spine, he don't remember his parent plant that tree. He don't even see any fruit or flower is blooming in the tree.
The colt moved closer, curiosity outweighing caution, but the moment he stepped near, one of the tree’s roots shot out, wrapping around his leg. He yelped in fear as the root began to pull him closer, tried to tun away, but Haruto get lifted from the ground. He thrashed around, but itss grip just tightening.
Haruto whispered, his heart pounding. He remembered the old stories his parents told him—of a yokai tree that drained the blood of its victims. The roots pulling him toward the trunk as a long, Sharp, thorn-like roots extended toward him, ready to pierce his skin. Haruto shut his eyes, bracing for the worst.
Swish!
The sound of a blade slicing through wood rang out, and Haruto felt himself falling. He hit the ground with a thud, gasping for air. When he opened his eyes, he saw the same dragon from before standing before him, his katana unsheathed.
The blade was unlike anything Haruto had ever seen. The blade is all black while the edge is flaming red. The dragon’s calm demeanor is replaced by a focus as he faced the monstrous tree. Yet, his expression looks too care free. He rested his katana on his shoulder.
The dragon whistled and rised his katana on the Tree monster. "I thought I just going to hunt some Tanuki herd here, but what a surprise. A juvenile Jubokko is here huh? " He ask rhetorically, the Jubokko throw it roots at the dragon. The newcomer dodged at Haruto direction. With swift movement, he snatch Haruto from his place while the dragon is carry around the colt that cried in fear.
The roots keep missing it's prey, the dragon surprisingly moved swiftly. He perfectly dodged the roots with minimal movements while running. While Haruto, his stomach not really at it best now. The dragon also cut some roots that looks unavoidable, while then throw Haruto to nearby bush, fantically emptied his lunch out.
While with the dragon, he keep fighting with the Jubokko as now he didn't have anything is on his way. With each slash of the katana, the Jubokko’s roots were severed, burning away in bursts of fire. The yokai screeched, its voice a haunting wail, but the dragon was relentless. He moved with precision, his strikes swift and deliberate.
The Jubokko lashed out with more roots, but the dragon evaded them effortlessly, his yukata billowing as he delivered the final blow. The dragon sheathed his katana as he jumped upward to dodged a root that tried to tackle him. As in quick airborne, the dragon gripped tightly at the handle. He exhaled slowly.
"Atsuku ... moeagaru ... honō no ha! " yelled the last part, he do a Iaido draw when he landed perfectly in front the Jubokko, Two second passed, The demonic tree is burned, from it leaves to it roots. Inequine shriek of pain is echoing through the orchard while Haruto watching behind the bush.
As the last ember faded, the dragon turned to Haruto, flinched at the sudden glance, but still staring in awe.
“Living trees like this are rare but dangerous,” the dragon said, sheathing his katana. “If you see another, run. Don’t hesitate.” He told Haruto as he pull out a Kiseru from his yukata. He put some tobacco from it and lit the pipe with the spray of fire from his mouth.
Haruto nodded, his voice caught in his throat. The colt hesitated at the appearance of the dragon that just suck in the Kiseru.
“Who…who are you?” he finally managed to ask, as the dragon puffed the smoke from his muzzle and turned towards Haruto.
The dragon’s gaze softened slightly. “Hiroki. Kagutsuchi no Kaenken,” he said. “A yokai hunter. Remember the name, colt. And remember to be wary of the shadows in this land.” Without another word, Hiroki turned and walked away, leaving Haruto to watch in stunned silence.
He's the one who chosen to use the blade of fire, to hunt down every Yokai around that endanger the innocent lives. But even so, he were not heartless. His judgement with the world is gray. No black, no white.
Hiroki puffed the last smoke before put back his Kiseru back to his yukata.
"Aniki! " two voices simultaneously called him. Hiroki turned around, as he saw a male Griffon with yellow garish cloud ornament yukata, and a diamond dog with green and black mountains ornamented yukata approaching him. On their waist is strapped a katana. Yellow scarab with white and red handle while the tsuba is the spiral shaped on the griffon waist, while brown scarab with green and black handle while the tsuba is three tomoe shaped.
The two stopped infront of Hiroki as they glanced at the dragon. "Aniki! We got new mission from Takihana! Group of Yosuzume in the village 35 miles to south . " The griffon alerted to Hiroki.
The diamond dog nodded rapidly. "Yeah, what he said. " The griffon glared at the diamond dog.
"Idiot! " the griffon barked before smacked the diamond dog head, as the bipedal canine whined at it and holding it head. "Stop confirming what I said! " he yelled at the diamond dog.
"B-b-but, you say I have to stop repeating what you say... " it choked out.
"It's also included moron! "
"Okay okay, that's enough guys. " Hiroki interrupted the small tantrum as he stepped between the two. "So Gou, lead the way. Kazu, you follow Gou with me. " Hiroki suggested as the griffon that named Gou beamed.
"Wakatta Aniki! Just this way! " Gou jovially exclaimed as he pointed at the densest forest ahead.
"Okay then. You two ready? " Hiroki asked while stretching, the two is stared at Hiroki with admiration and determination while nodded furiously. "Kay then, Ikuze! " Hiroki said as he running to the forest, while Gou and Kazu following behind.
His swordsmanship is extraordinary. His agility, speed, and power easily overpowered a lot of opponents in short time. His katana were said is more burning that the most active volcano in Neighpon.
Haruto stared at the sun while his mind is back at Hiroki that save him. A smile unconsciously spread on his lips as his heart filled with admiration towards the dragon.
"Haruto! Please take some daikon from the orchard! " A mare voice yelled from their stall. Haruto stand from his seat and stand up right.
"Okay! " he replied as Haruto walked to the orchard. In there, glanced at the place where the Jubokko is death. No trace of the said tree, like it was not even there from the start. He smiled as he replay the fight he just saw in the orchard back then.
He may not the only hunter in the nation, but from the row of best, he are the number 1 over anycreature.
In the forest, the trio is jumped over a river, not even initiating to slowdown. Hiroki smiled at the small bird that land on his shoulder, spreading it wings while feeling the wind from Hiroki run hit the little avian.
Dragon, Yokai Hunter
the trio then jumped to a waterfall as Hiroki and Gou didn't afraid at all, but then they remember about Kazu that can't fly, as the said diamond dog wailed as he fell down. The griffon and the dragon fly to their canine friend to save him.
Hiroki the Kagutsuchi no Kaenken
Author's Note
Quick setup
Jubokko = Tree yokai from Japan that born on a land that used to be war battle field
Atsuku = Came from Atsui that mean 'Hot'
Moeagaru = Came from 'Moeru' that mean 'Burning'
Honō no Ha = meaning 'fire blade'
Kiseru = Japan old model of cigar pipe
Aniki = 'Bro' in the concept of admiration
Tomoe = Japan version of Comma
Takihana = means Waterfall and flower, so 'Flower waterfall'
Yosuzume = Yokai from Japan in form of sparrow herd
Wakatta = means 'Understand' or simply just 'Okay
Ikuze = Means 'let's go'
Daikon = Means 'Radish'
Kagutsuchi = Japan God of Fire
Kaenken = Means 'fire sword'
