Them’s Boxin’ Herds

Chapters

Arizona VS. Velvet
Tianhuo VS. Pom
Texas VS. Stronghoof

Arizona VS. Velvet

It's been twenty long years since the predators were banished once again, and since then peace has returned to the world of Fœnum. The seven champions, ungulates from all corners of the world who despite their differences, banded together to save the world, have returned to their own lives. However, not all of them have given up fighting.

It was snowing in Reine City, a light snowfall falling from the sky like rain. A perfect day in every reindeer’s book. Our first match takes place in the middle of the town square, where Velvet, the champion of the tundra, had a boxing ring erected in the space so that all of the town could witness her opponent's humiliation.

About two months ago, Velvet ceased her use of ice magic as a method of combat and took up boxing. Finding it barbaric and more an activity for bucks, Velvet never expected herself to enjoy it. Of course, it didn't take her too long to realize how fun it was and how spectacular she was at it.

In two weeks, she bested every coach at the gym she was learning at, and took on some of the top boxers of Reine City coming out on top each time, leaving them with a cold shoulder and a couple of bruises, and took home a plethora of trophies and medals, so many in fact that she had to buy another trophy case!

Velvet was the best at everything she did, and this was proof of it: Mastering a sport she had no desire to get good at in no time at all. Velvet was happy, and was proud to be called a champion at something else…

But alas, someone had to try and take it away from her.

Miles and miles away from the glamorous Reine City was a tribe of nomadic cows and bulls, known to most of the world as cattlefolk. Simple beings who go where the grass grows, living together as a large family. Among this tribe was the champion of the prairie, Arizona.

When she was tasked with the responsibility to save the world, Arizona was only a calf. Although small, she had a big heart, and with her bravery and recklessness, she traversed the lands, conquered many foes, and did her part in banishing the predators. As she grew, however, her personality didn't change one bit. After realizing his little calf had plenty of energy needing to be spent, her father, Texas, taught her how to box when she returned home from her mission.

Unlike our reindeer friend from before, at first, Arizona wasn't the best boxer in the land, but that didn't get to her one bit. She kept practicing, without giving up or getting discouraged something Arizona wasn't capable of. With time, she grew to be a force to be reckoned with and continued to grow stronger and better until one day twenty years later, hundreds of matches later, the now grown-up cow left home in peruse of a new challenge to become champion once again.

Hence, why we’re here today. On this day Arizona came to Reine City as a calf to search for answers of where to find the prophet's key, where she met Velvet. infuriated at the thought of another champion eclipsing her, Velvet challenged the child to a fight and was quickly defeated by the simple country girl. The city never forgot this, and today would be the day when Velvet took back her reputation by force.

A pompous reindeer with only two months of experience versus a rowdy cow girl with two decades of boxing experience. Who will win? Read on to find out!

Velvet stood in one corner of the ring, her various winter sprites hovering around her, helping her apply her makeup. Her floof was properly groomed and brushed, and she was looking and smelling great, but she never did anything without a little bit of makeup! The reindeer, with cyan antlers and hooves, obviously had a similarly colored cyan top and shorts with cyan gloves to match, the gloves topped with a snowflake on the leather. She flexed her arms casually at the many different reindeer who were taking pictures of her. Some of them were fans, and others were with the local newspaper. She might make the front page!

A sudden cheering began from the crowd. In the distance, her opponent was walking toward the ring, raising her arms and flexing for the crowd. Velvet hadn't seen the crowd for years, having received the challenge by letter, so it was quite a surprise to see her again all grown up, with the brown, beige spotted cow now standing at an impressive six feet, just an inch taller than Velvet. Her hips were wide, her chest and arms thick and defined with muscle. Velvet had to admit, she looked rather intimidating, but she would have to boast more than looks and size to best her.

“Wow~,” Arizona said as she clambered into the ring, her burgundy gloves resting on her neck, “Lookin’ good, Velvet. You look good! How old are ‘ya now? Thirty somethin’?” The cow had a southern accent that many cattlefolk often had.

Velvet scoffed, her servants suddenly finished and zipped away. “Thirty?! Vhy I never! I've never been so insulted! I'll have you know that I'm still a perfectly young twenty-four.”

“Whatever ‘ya say.” Arizona said, unconvinced, “Why do ‘ya look like you're ready to go to the beach? We are boxin,’ right?”

Velvet scoffed again, looking down at her outfit, “Vell… You don't see me making fun of your outfit! Look at it, so plain!”

“This ol’ thing? Aw, ‘ya can say whatever ‘ya want ‘bout it. I need ‘ta her a new pair anyhow.” Arizona’s outfit wasn't all too special. A black top with a black pair of boxers, a star on the waistband. To be honest, Velvet’s simple cyan outfit wasn't all too special either, but she was too conceited to say that, “‘Ah had the feelin’ you'd come to this match lookin’ so fancy with your makeup and all.” She said, running a hood through her hair.

“Vell I knew you'd come to this match looking like you just rolled out of bed. By ze way, have you ever heard of deodorant?” She shook her head, “Or iz that your natural prairie stink? Could you take a bath first?”

Arizona rolled her eyes and smiled, “‘Fraid you’ll get dirty?”

Right as Arizona put on her gloves, a large winter sprite entered the ring with the two women, wearing a checkered shirt, standing in front of the two and muttering something both didn't understand. If it wasn't already obvious from its getup, the winter sprite, belonging to Stronghood Hoofstrong, the jarl of the city, would act as a judge.

By now the stage was truly set. The town square was full of bucks, does, and fawns, all of which wanted a piece of the action, as they all knew it would be one hell of a fight that was worth watching. Already a team of camera-deer had begun setting up their equipment before the fight started. Just like the previous one, this was going to be a fight that would be remembered for years to come.

The winter sprite zipped out of the ring and came back holding a bell. Chattering something in its unintelligible tongue, it looked and pointed at Velvet, and then at Arizona. And then…

DING DING!

The match began!

Arizona backed up, and Velvet advanced, trying to keep her expression serious, though on the inside she was smiling. Unlike this time, Arizona didn’t have any fancy tools. She had only her hooves. She and Velvet were evenly matched. That said, Velvet had to admit that Arizona had grown into quite a muscular cow, she had a bit of bulk to her that Velvet lacked. Size isn’t everything. She told herself as Arizona kept avoiding her.

Having had enough of the game of cat and mouse, Velvet decided to strike, aiming a fist for Arizona’s belly to start with. Arizona saw this coming and slid to the right, avoiding the blow, and countering with an uppercut to Velvet’s chin. Velvet saw Arizona grin wildly as she flew back, and she growled, holding her jaw.

“What’s the matter? Finally met ‘yer match or somethin’?” Arizona said, backing up and tapping her red globes together.

Velvet rubbed her jaw, That punch HURT! Velvet could have sworn she broke something from that single uppercut. “Vell you certainly hit harder than all the others, but you’ll need to do a lot more than that to vin!” Velvet said smugly, sneaking forward.

Lost in her thoughts of victory, Velvet barely even noticed as Arizona threw a 1-2 punch combo at her abs, ending with a hook across the jaw. A wave of spittle flew from her mouth and she staggered, clinging onto the rope to avoid falling out of the ring entirely. Arizona laughed, raising her arms, “‘Ya need a hand there, partner?” Arizona taunted, walking to the center of the ring to wait for her opponent.

“S-Shut your dirty mouth!” Velvet growled, drawing an arm across her face.

Arizona shrugged, waiting for the reindeer to finish her recovery. Velvet entered a proper stance, ignoring the sting of Arizona’s punches, little did she know, it was going to get a whole lot worse.

“OOF!!” Velvet’s eyes bulged as Arizona rushed forward and hit her square in the stomach, knocking the wind out of her.

“Learned that one from ‘ma ‘pa!” Arizona said proudly as Velvet fell to one knee, “Come on, I know you ain’t done yet!”

Velvet gasped for a breath, her rib stung and she was certain she would wake up the next morning with an ugly bruise. Finally, she got back up again, prompting cheers from her fans in the audience, who made up a good quarter of the fans in that audience.

“OUGH!!”

Arizona grunted as Velvet threw a strong jab right to her muzzle, she hadn’t even expected it. Goodness, her punches were fast! Her fist was a blur Arizona barely saw, and when she did, it was already too late. Her snout folded and crinkled as Velvet’s glove caved it in, droplets of blood flying out and caking Velvet’s gloves. Landing a direct hit, Velvet kept going, throwing hooks from left to right, sending the cow’s head flying from side to side, one hit so hard it knocked the cow’s mouthguard right out of her mouth, landing on the ground out of reach.

Arizona fell back, dizzy and her snout oozing blood from the assault of blows. She hung against the ropes, panting hard.

“Vet me know if zhis hurts~”

There was nothing Arizona could do to prepare her for the beating that she was in for.

WHAM!! WHAM!! SMACK!!

Arizona was wailed on with hit after hit. Velvet smiled as she bruised up the poor bovine’s face like she had done with so many other reindeer in the past. Lowering her fists, Velvet switched her attention to Arizona’s abs, treating them like a punching bag and hitting them with jabs, making Arizona gasp as the air was knocked from her again and again. She shut her eyes tight as Velvet prepared her final blow, an uppercut that sent a spurt of blood flying into the air as Arizona fell to the ground.

Velvet paid no attention to the crowd as they shouted and cheered, calling her name. She was used to the attention (though that didn’t make her love it any less!) and quite frankly was expecting this outcome. She was undefeated, and today wouldn’t be the day she’d be defeated. The winter sprite came back into the ring and started counting up. Velvet was ready to take home yet another award and make the city forget all about the battle twenty years ago when…

Arizona got up.

“VHAT?!” Velvet shouted as the crowd suddenly got excited for her, “B-But how?! L-Look at you! You look horrible! I beat ze shit out of you!” Velvet never swore as it wasn’t very lady-like, but this time she couldn’t stop herself! She had never put that much effort into her punches in her entire career. Her hair was ruffled up, blood was still falling from her battered snout, and despite the cold, Arizona had worked up quite a bit of a sweat, Velvet included. Normally Velvet hated getting sweaty, but there were more pressing matters at the moment.

“Is that all ‘ya got?!” Arizona challenged, doing a ‘come and get me,’ motion with a hoof.

Velvet had almost forgotten one thing about Arizona: Her persistence. She’d keep fighting no matter what happened. No matter. Velvet thought as she reentered her boxer stance, I’ll just make sure she doesn't get up next time.

POW!

“OW!!” Velvet cried as Arizona threw a clean hook right across the snout. Blood dripped onto her top and her floof, causing her to get angrier. “Why you little-”

But it would be Velvet’s obsession with keeping her floof looking perfect that would be her undoing. Arizona advanced, readying a fist, she whacked the reindeer hard in her belly. Holding onto her shoulder, Arizona pummeled her opponent with continuous hits, the arena was filled with the sounds of Velvet gasping for breath as the air was knocked from her lungs.

Arizona wasn't done just yet. Retreating, Arizona flexed an arm, showing her developed bicep to the crowd as she drove a strong powerful fist right into Velvet’s face, her muzzling crinkling at the impact. Blood and spittle flew in the air as the proud Reindeer collapsed, vision blurry and vitality completely exhausted. With that, the self-proclaimed Ice Queen had fallen, defeated at the hooves of her rival once again.

The gathering of reindeer went dead silent. So silent you could hear a pin drop as the Winter Sprite referee came back to begin a countdown. Everyone started counting in their heads.

1…

2…

3…

4…

Arizona turned around, flexing for the audience, waiting for Velvet to rise again, just in case she had to double down and cave in her face again.

5…

6…

7…

“Ah’ think we're done here,” Arizona said to the referee.

8…

9…

10!!

The audience went crazy! Never in their wildest dreams would they imagine that a boxing prodigy like Velvet would be defeated, but somehow it happened, and defeated by the same cow who beat her twenty years ago, what are the chances of that? Some of the audience who had bet outrageous amounts of money on Velvet’s victory either stormed away angrily or fell to the ground in despair, while some of Velvet’s hardcore admirers started swearing out Arizona or bursting into tears.

None of them would be heard as the referee raised Arizona’s arm high in the air, and the camera-deer, who had been focused exclusively on Velvet, turned their cameras to Arizona.

Down below on the canvas, Velvet growled angrily, pounding a gloved fist onto the mat. How could she be defeated by the damn bovine twice?! She was, no, she still is the best boxer in the land, how could she fall to a simpleton such as her!? It was supposed to be Arizona who was on the floor, it was supposed to be her who was getting all the attention and the trophy that Arizona was now holding proudly.

“‘Ey.” Amidst the roaring crowd, Velvet heard a voice. She looked up, her head aching with the movement. It was Arizona, holding a hoof out to pull herself up. “That was a damn good match, that was. Good job, pardner. ‘Ya almost got me.”

Arizona stood there, genuine kindness in her eyes. She evidently seemed to mature in more ways than one. Where was the snooty remark? Where was the rubbing her loss in her face!? Honestly, Arizona’s good sportsmanship was probably worse than her bragging. Ignoring the cow girl, Velvet put her head back down on the mat. Maybe if she wished hard enough, she would wake up in her bed and realize this was all just a bad dream. A really bad dream.

Realizing she didn't want her compassion, Arizona shrugged. Oh well, you couldn't impress them all. Walking away from the reindeer, Arizona went back to basking in the attention.

Velvet growled again, wiping her bloody snout on her arm. How could this get so wrong? How many more times would her reputation suffer? Could it get any worse?!

“Hey! Velvet! Hold still, don't move an inch!”

A camera was shoved in her face, and with a small click, Velvet’s defeat was captured on camera. Velvet whimpered as the reindeer with the camera hopped out of the ring. And not even a day later, Velvet lying bleeding in the ring was on the front page of the newspaper…

Tianhuo VS. Pom

“B-Boxing?! N-No…”

Our next match takes us somewhere a little different. Somewhere a little warmer: To the Meadows where the friendly Sheeple call home. The place where Pom, champion of the Meadows, was born and raised. Pom was only a child when she was sent to save the world, and with her little fighting experience along with her shy, timid personality, she was probably the last ungulate worthy of saving the world. but luckily, the young warrior did not have to go alone.

Around the same time, Pom was chosen, Tianhuo, a longma hailing from Huoshan Capital, who was well known for her position as captain of the royal guard, was chosen to represent her home as Champion of the Volcano. The moment the emperor appointed her as champion, the guard flew off, ready to help save the world. Tianhuo flew for hours before stopping at the Meadow for a brief rest.

By chance, Tianhuo met Pom, and noticing how frail she seemed, Tianhuo took her under her wing (no pun intended,) training her and teaching her how to fight. It wasn't easy, but with time, Pom was able to fight alongside Tianhuo and learn to do so with bravery.

When her adventure ended, Pom thought she and Tianhuo would part ways and she would be free to resume her quiet life. She couldn't be more wrong. Every few days the longma would fly to her home so they could resume their training regimens, Tianhuo insisting that a warrior must “keep up their training.” As exhausting as it was, Pom had to admit that Tianhuo was a good teacher and a great friend. Tianhuo even picked up a thing or two from Pom: How to take care of the sheepdogs or how to play some of the games the more social lambs enjoyed. It was nice to have a friend, even if they were complete opposites.

Life was simple, and this little routine continued for twenty years, and as Pom grew up, Tianhuo continued to be a part of her life. Tianhuo was there when little Pom finished school, Tianhuo was there when Pom’s father passed on, Tianhuo was there with Pom through thick and thin, but little did Pom know that with the introduction of this strange sport, all of this would come to an end…

“I knew you were going to say that.” The older longma said with a puff of smoke, “What troubles you, Pom?”

“‘Ah don't wanna fight! ‘Ah thought we were done with that!” Pom said, looking down at the gloves in her hooves.

Tianhuo smiled, “This isn’t like the fighting you're used to, Pom. This is a game, a way two people can bond.” She slipped on her own gloves, a fiery orange that stood out against her light blue scales. “Besides, we spar all the time, do we not?”

“This is different!” Pom protested,

“Is that so? Why is that?” Tianhuo took off the clothing she was wearing, showing off an orange top and trunks. Pom was used to the attire, knowing Tianhuo preferred to wear something that allowed her to avoid heating up too much. Pom had a similar outfit, wearing a blue tank top rather than a simple top. Pom didn't like to have lots of her wool showing, but it was better than sweating in her regular clothing.

Pom hesitated, “Because that was serious, life or death! I don't want to fight as a game!”

Tianhuo looked at Pom worriedly. From the very beginning Pom begged her to help her become braver and while she showed improvement over the years, Pom was still cowardly. But as her teacher, Tianhuo wouldn’t give up on her. Tianhuo knew she had strength within her, she knew she could do anything if she just tried. Tianhuo put a glove on Pom’s shoulder, “You protested when we first started to spar, yet when you did it you enjoyed it, and you were good at it. Trust me, Pom. You will enjoy this all the same, I know you will.” Pom didn't move as Tianhuo helped put her gloves on, “Here we are. Now. Follow my movements.”

She stood beside Pom. “O-Okay,” Pom said with a shy smile.

“Very good. Now, watch me.” Tianhuo got into a proper stance, gloves raised, ready to strike, “Now you.”

Pom imitated the stance nervously, “Like this?”

“Very good.” Tianhu praised, “We will now begin with a simple jab. Like so:” Tianhuo threw a fist forward, Pom cringed at the speed of it, imagining what it would be like to be hit by it.

Knowing what Tianhuo wanted from her, Pom punched the air with her dominant arm, albeit with much less confidence, “L-Like that?”

“Good. Good. Try an uppercut now.” Tianhuo said, throwing the uppercut with her other arm this time.

Again Pom cringed, but she tried to tune out how scary her mentor was as she threw her own uppercut, her arm moving in a blur.

“Wonderful! Now try a hook.” Tianhuo said, throwing a left and right hook. Pom felt the wind of the strikes go by, but despite her fear, she punched proudly, determined to impress her mentor. “That will do. Now it is time you test your skill against a real opponent.

“Wait, what?” Tianhuo ignored Pom’s confusion as she stood in front of her, putting her hands on her hips, her form towering over the little lamb.

“Here are the rules:” Tianhuo began, “You cannot strike below the belt, and when your opponent yields, you stop at once.” She got back into her boxer’s stance.

Pom shrunk away, backing up, “N-No… ‘Ah don’t wanna fight you, you’ll crush me like ‘ah bug!”

“Pom.” Tianhuo put a glove on Pom’s shoulder, bending down so she was at her level, “You must learn to banish your fear if you wish to embrace victory! I promise I will go easy on you, and I’ll only strike your body, not your face. As for you? You may strike wherever you must.”

“O-Okay,” Pom said, meeting Tianhuo’s slitted eyes.

“Do not forget to shield yourself from my blows.” Tianhuo warned, “Try your best to get a few blows on me. Now go!”

“AH!” Pom shrieked as Tianhuo threw the first punch at her, but with surprising speed, Pom swooped out of the way, countering back with a blow to Tianhuo’s scaled belly.

“HOUFHH!” Tainhuo grunted as the air was knocked from her lungs like a balloon. It had been a good long while since the two had sparred, with most of the training Tianhuo put the lamb through being focused on endurance and strength. Though she still needed some work, Pom was developing a thick strong body. What Tianhuo hadn’t expected however was how strong the lamb’s blows were now. They were powerful!

“Ohmigosh I’m so sorry!” Pom said frantically, “Are ‘ya okay?”

Tianhuo only smiled, “Do not worry, little lamb. I have taken much worse than that. Your strength surprises me, I want you to continue doing exactly what you are doing.”

Pom lit up like the morning sun. Tianhuo knew she had gotten through to the lamb. Now that she was properly encouraged, she would give the training her all. Tianhuo would continue the fight for just a little bit longer and then stop it to offer the lamb feedback on how she could improve, but Tianhuo wouldn’t have the chance to do that, because at that moment, Pom would hit her with a blow she would never forget.

“HIYAH!”

WHACK!!

One of Pom’s cherry pink gloves hit Tianhuo directly in the belly once again, the scales caving in and her lungs expelling air, the force of the hit making Tianhuo feel as if she was hit by a truck. Losing her footing, Tianhuo fell over, her head hitting the meadow floor hard. Pom gasped, appalled at what she had just done, but Tianhuo? She couldn’t be more proud of her student.

“Are you okay!?” Pom said, “‘Ah am sooo sorry!! I really didn’t mean to ‘ah swear!”

“Little lamb…” Tianhuo said as she started to laugh, “That was incredible, never in my years of training others has someone done that to me before.”

“Are ‘ye mad?” Pom asked nervously as she helped her mentor up.

“Like I said, I have taken much worse than that.” Tianhuo said, nodding thankfully at Pom as she got to her feet, “You have managed to surprise me again, Pom. Well done.”

“R-Really?”

“Indeed. You are growing stronger, so much so that perhaps one day you may make a formidable opponent.” Tianhuo said proudly, “I implore you to consider continuing boxing. I think it is an excellent way to train your mind and your body, and it is one of the many ways I trained when I was your age.”

“‘Y-Ya think so?”

“If it is something you find you enjoy, then I say you should.” Tianhuo said, “Now then, shall we go again?”

Pom raised her gloves, fueled by the confidence of her teacher, “Yes!”

Something changed in Pom that day. The sheep of the meadow weren’t sure how it happened, but when Pom’s lesson with Tianhuo ended, the lamb seemed to become a whole new person when she heeded Tianhuo’s advice and took up boxing. At first, Pom wasn’t very good, getting beaten quite often in the meadow’s gym, ending up with blood on her wool, and getting laughed at by the older sheeple, taunting her by saying ‘wee lasses can’t box,’ but whenever Pom wanted to cower, hide or give up, she remembered the potential Tianhuo saw in her and she persisted, training hard and forcing herself onward even during her darkest hours.

Months went by, and day by day Pom grew from a lamb chop to a force to be reckoned with, wiping the floor with any sheep who stood in her way while occasionally suffering the occasional defeat that only strengthened her resolve to get better. Not only did her skills grow, however. Learning to fight differently strengthened her muscles as well as her confidence. Although Pom still felt scared at times, boxing was the one thing that helped her feel braver. And soon, she felt as though she could move mountains. Many of the citizens of the meadows found Pom’s improvement inspiring and admirable, and Pom even picked up a few friends when she was not fighting.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Tianhuo would always be there, supporting her student and cheering her on at every fight, watching as she won countless awards and titles, accumulating quite a few fans and becoming the champion of the meadow once again, this time all on her own Pom became the warrior Tiamhuo always saw in her, and she couldn’t be prouder.

But then that one fateful day came. One late evening Tianhuo summoned Pom for a boxing match. Excited to face her teacher once again, Pom accepted her challenge, unaware of what would happen that night. Pom met Tianhuo in the same spot behind her cottage where there was plenty of space for them to fight without interruption. As expected, Tianhuo was there already, equipped with her regular boxing gear.

“There you are. I thought you wouldn't show up.” Said Tianhuo as she saw her coming towards her.

“Sorry, ‘ah had to feed the dogs, ‘ye know how it is.” She said with a nervous chuckle, “A-Are ‘ye sure y’wanna fight me? You know I'm eh… Pretty good.”

Tianhuo smiled, “That is why I am here. It is not often one of my own students becomes an opponent worthy of me.”

“Well… If ‘ah give you a black eye or knock out your teeth, don't say ‘ah didn't warn ya!” Pom giggled.

“Do your worst, little lamb!” Tianhuo dared.

As Pom and Tianhuo tapped gloves, Pom took a moment to survey her teacher once more, though almost nothing had changed in the last couple of years. Tianhuo was still taller and stronger than Pom. The only thing different about Pom was her developed muscles, now more visible than ever. Pom had faced many sheep before with confidence, however, she knew that fighting Tianhuo would be her greatest challenge yet.

“I hope you've been keeping up with your training,” Tianhuo said as she entered a protective stance, keeping a close eye on Pom and ready to fight back or defend herself.

“I hope ‘ye’re ready for a few bruises,” Pom said back, holding her gloves close to her face, studying Tianhuo intently. Traveling alongside the longma in the past had its advantages, she knew how Tianhuo fought. She knew that Tianhuo never struck first, more often than not waiting for her opponent to make the first move. Pom would not make that mistake, staying on her hooves. Pom threw a jab to the right side of Tianhuo’s head. She quickly shifted out of the way, but Pom had missed intentionally, hoping to persuade Tianhuo to come forward and attack, or at best, make her flinch. Even if it was just for a second, it would be enough for Pom to get her good.

The fight continued, but no blows were exchanged yet. Tianhuo knew her student was going to make the first blow, she had watched all of her fights carefully in preparation for this day. She knew Pom never gave her opponents a chance to gain the upper hoof, and always attacked before that could happen. And Tianhuo was right. Pom punched again to the left, just barely missing her head. As the punch flew towards her, Tianhuo swooped to the right…

“HOOFH!!” …Only to then be on the receiving end of a nasty hook to her side! “HNNGH!!” Tianhuo gasped, her head dipping as she felt leather smash into her belly. Foolish! The sheep had tricked her, and she had fallen right into her trap!

“Not bad! Again!”

Pom hopped backward, putting some distance between them. Now Tianhuo seemed to be ready to fight, making an effort to mirror Pom’s movement, looking for an opening just as much as Pom was. The training wheels were off, and the match could now truly begin.

Tianhuo attacked again, this time going for an uppercut. Seeing the familiar motion Pom knew all too well, she arched her back, evading the blow, barely even flinching like she would have done long ago.

“Hm. Impressive.” Tianhuo said. Pom glowed, feeling her confidence grow. She was always just a bit nervous when he was facing an opponent, but she always overcame it as the fight went on and she learned how her opponent fought. Tianhuo was just another opponent, and that thought comforted Pom… Slightly.

Strafing to the left, Pom avoided another blow, then she returned to her former spot as Tianhuo threw another punch just as she pulled back her other arm, impressing Tianhuo with her surprising quickness. Finding a moment’s venerability, Pom unleashed an uppercut with speeds that rivaled a charging bull. WHACK!!

“OOUFH!” Tianhuo grunted, flecks of spittle flying from her jaw as her head flicked upward. Gritting her teeth, Pom advanced with a left hook, the longma’s blue mouthguard loosening out of her mouth as the lamb’s fist slammed into the side of her jaw with enough strength Pom was surprised she didn’t outright break it.

“Heh… Not bad.” Tianhuo said as Pom retreated, allowing her mentor to regain some of her energy.

“Thanks! You’re not doin’ too bad yourself, you just might be able to hit me if you keep it up!” She laughed.

“Very well then. I am going to hit you so hard that it will make your ancestors dizzy.” Tianhuo said with a smirk, “Again!”

Pom decided it was her turn to attack first. Guarding her body, she approached the longma. Right as she got close, Tianhuo jabbed, missing and hitting Pom’s glove with a light tap. Swaying to the right, Pom found her opening and took it before it was gone. With a proud smile, Pom threw another right hook, this time to the right side of Tianhuo’s skull.

“OOUGH!!”

Pom had hit a little too high, hitting her temple and almost reaching her eye. The punch was a little sloppy, Pom had to admit, but it did just what she wanted to do: Surprised the longma enough for her to execute another move. In her moment of weakness, Pom shifted her position to nail Tianhuo in the belly.

“HOOFH!! OUFFFHH!! OUUUGHH!!”

Three hits, all of them lightning quick, Tainhuo wouldn’t even see any of them coming. The reptile’s abs rippled at the impact and Pom felt her breath on her wool as the air was knocked out of her. Off balance, Tianhuo fell right on her butt on the grass. Pom laughed, excited that she was able to knock down her teacher once again.

“Ha! And stay down, ‘ya lizard!” Pom boasted with a flex of her woolly arms, “Honestly ‘ah expected more from ‘ya! You’re less than a warrior and more of a punching bag!”

As a warrior, Tianhuo thought that she had a rather high pain tolerance, but the beating she had just received made her wonder if she was as iron-skinned as she thought. Suddenly lying down on the grass didn’t seem too bad at the moment, yet she persisted. She may have not been as energetic as she was before, but she wouldn’t stop until she gave the cocky lamb something to remember.

“You impress me, little lamb, but you have much to learn before you truly become a warrior,” Tianhuo said, getting up, and wincing at the pain. She was DEFINITELY going to be sore tomorrow… “Come on, I am not done just yet.”

Pom flexed again, padding towards her teacher, “‘Ya sure, Tianhuo? I won’t go easy on ‘ya~” Pom warned.

Tianhuo lowered her gloves just enough so her face and chest were in attacking range. She knew what Pom would do, so now it was time to give the lamb a taste of her own medicine. “I shall make this swift,” Tianhuo said as she took a dangerous step forward.

And just like she expected, she swung at Tianhuo’s face.

As she did so, Tianhuo stepped out of the way, feeling her glove just barely graze across her cheek. With her opponent off balance, Tianhuo countered with an uppercut to the sheep’s stomach, causing her to weakly gasp as she retreated. It was all going according to plan. With her guard dropped, Tianhuo threw a mean hook at the lamb’s face, causing her to flinch long enough for her entire glove to smash in her face, her snout folding like paper under her glove and the little bell at the end of her choker ringing at the impact. “OWHH!” Pom cried, already feeling warm blood dripping down her face. She growled, guarding her face, forgetting to keep her stomach guarded. Tianhuo advanced, her fist finding its way to Pom’s belly, “GGGHHHGH!!”

Pom collapsed, her body falling and hitting the soft green grass. She gasped for a breath, suddenly finding it hard to do so. How could she let that happen? And why did that one hurt so much? She’d taken worse blows than that! Her eyes turned to Tianhuo’s strong biceps, shining with sweat from the activity.

“Foolish lamb!” Tianhuo cried, her gloves tapping together impatiently, “Stop trying to hit me, and HIT me!”

Pom went red. She hadn’t expected to be on the ground during this fight, or any fight for that matter! That never happened to her, not anymore. She wanted to show that she was strong for her teacher, not the same weak, scared little lamb she used to know. That was why even though discouraged, she got up, prompting a satisfied smile from Tianhuo. Pom didn’t have any snappy comebacks to make to Tianhuo’s earlier statement. She had another comeback in mind.

Swiping the wool away from her eyes with an arm, Pom got back into the fight, throwing a 1-2 combo at the reptile’s face, staggering her and making her drop her guard just enough for Pom to continue. With a little flex, Pom’s wooled arm flew straight at the reptile’s snout. Tianhuo’s eyes widened as she saw the blow coming, and then shut tight as the glove hit her directly in the muzzle. “OOFFHH!!” Tianhuo tipped over as her muzzle folded under the force of the glove, but Pom wouldn’t let her fall without getting her licks in. Using her developed reflexes, Pom punched the longma’s stomach, making her roar in pain, squeezing her eyes shut tight as she landed head-first into the dirt, blood staining her muzzle.

“‘Ah think your nose looks much better caved in~,” Pom said, flexing again, “Are ‘ye done? I was just startin’ to have fun!”

Tianhuo smiled, proud of her apprentice, “Ohh Pom… I am truly going to miss this…” She said, taking off one of her gloves and running a paw over her face.

Pom laughed, “What? Gettin’ ‘yer butt kicked? Well ‘ah can do that any day of the week, just ‘ya wa- wait…” She paused, finally processing what she said, “What do ‘ya mean?”

Tianhuo sat up, taking off her other glove, “I’m retiring, little lamb.”

“‘Yew what?!” Pom said in disbelief, the pain on her face suddenly forgotten, “From being a royal guard? Why? ‘Ya love your position!”

“That I do, little lamb.” Tianhuo said, Pom kneeling to her level to listen better, “But I am getting old. I am not as nimble and strong as I used to be. And as much as it pains me to say it, It is time that my successor, someone younger who shows great promise, takes over. I wish to start a family, see Fœnum, and live the rest of my days in peace. And that first involves a little trip I have been planning. I plan to get going the day after the retirement ceremony in four days, and then I shall be gone for several months.”

Pom’s lip quivered, her vision blurry with tears. “B-But…”

“Shh. Enough. You’re going to make me cry as well.” Tianhuo laughed, making Pom smile as she thought of the memories they had made together over the last two decades. Even though they had been together for that long, it still felt like it was just yesterday when they had become allies in that very same meadow. Why did it have to end so soon?

“Tianhuo?”

“Yes?”

Pom looked at the grass as she started to cry. She didn’t want to cry, but she couldn’t help herself. She had been humiliated enough already, falling from that simple blow, “What am ‘ah going to do without you?”

“Oh, child…” Pom found herself gravitating towards Tianhuo’s opening arms in a hug. This would be the last time she ever hugged her. Pom realized, only strengthening the tears, “I know it will be hard, but life goes on. And I will still come back to the meadows, just not as much as before.”

Tianhuo took her gloves and passed them to Tianhuo. They were in pristine condition despite being used many times. “I want you to have them.” She said softly, “Take them, continue your training, even if others discourage you or knock you down. Become the warrior I know you have within you.”

Pom took the gloves with a sniffle, wiping her eyes with a smile, “T-Thank you for believin’ in me.”

Pom hugged Tianhuo again, wishing that this didn’t have to be the way it ended, but Tianhuo was right. Life went on, “Dry your eyes, child. This is not the end. I shall still return to the meadows, it is my home just as much as Huoshan, after all.” She said, “Besides, my leave is not for a few days. Let us enjoy the time that we still have, yes?”

Pom wiped her eyes again, putting on a wider smile and forcing herself to remain strong for her teacher, “O-Okay…”

And so the two continued to box under the afternoon sun…

Texas VS. Stronghoof

Author's Note

I'm not 100% sure why people shipped Texas and Stronghoof together when they came out, but I went with it anyways. This is the result:

Texas VS. Stronghoof

Their bodies dripped with sweat, their muscles flexing with each punch, and the only sound one could hear was the sound of grunts as punches found their targets. Our last story takes place in a quaint little gym in the middle of nowhere, where two partners sparred together.

One of them, Texas, a big burly brown bull, was the leader of the cattlekind tribe where Arizona, you remember her, was born and raised. He boxed in the prime of his life, taking home an impressive amount of awards. It was even through boxing that he met his wife Minnesota.

Unfortunately, the leader of the herd was forced to hang up the gloves when he took up the important role, not to mention that around that same time, his wife was pregnant with his daughter! Even though he retired from the sport, that didn't stop him from eventually teaching his daughter how to box as well, and from partaking in the occasional spar now and again.

Those were the good days, however. Today Texas and Minnesota are sadly divorced after Texas, despite his country roots, began spending more and more time away from home neglecting his duties as a leader and as a wife, ultimately killing their love with his developing interest in the city and leaving her drier as a desert as a result.

Fortunately for him, it wasn't all that bad. With time, he bounced back, meeting Stronghoof Hoofstrong, the jarl of Reine City by chance at a bar who also happened to be going through the same thing - A divorce and a daughter who detested him after he cut her off.

Even though they both lived entirely different lives, with one of them a simple nomadic country folk and the other a warrior in the city, living a lavish life with luxuries unfamiliar to Texas, the situation they were both forced into brought them together as friends who could rely on each other in these desperate times. With time, Texas discovered that in his past, Stronghoof used to box as well, and when confronted with it, the reindeer took it as a challenge to show his friend how good he used to be. In the interest of time, let's say that match, lasting a good two hours, ended in a tie. Thus beginning their tradition of weekly sparring matches.

“Sparring matches” is kind of putting it lightly. Texas and Stronghoof both tended to fight every match they fought, even if it was but a simple spar, like it was life or death. They fought hard, neglecting their safety and limits, pushing themselves as far as possible to claim victory. It wasn’t uncommon for either of them to start in perfect condition, and then leave the gym with blood and sweat pouring down every inch of their bodies. It seemed barbaric or weird to some but to them? It was fun.

Stronghoof retreated back to his corner of the ring, leaning over to pick up a bottle of water and taking a long drink. Stronghoof, a grey reindeer with a long flowing neck of floof, was around a foot smaller than Texas, but he made up for it with his impressive rack of antlers, which while they did nothing in a boxing match, did increase his spunk. For his attire, Stronghoof wore an ocean blue set of trunks with identical gloves, which were topped with a reindeer’s head, a common symbol often seen in the city of Reine. Texas wore brown trunks with a white waistband with white leather gloves that had evident signs of being at least two years old.

“Whew…” Texas exclaimed, wiping sweat from his brow, “You should've seen me in my prime! Ah ’d be punching ‘ya all the way to next week by now!”

Stronghoof chuckled. He was more humble than his partner, rarely saying stuff like that to his opponents. But for Texas, he allowed himself to do so every once in a while, “I’m surprised an old oaf like you could even keep up with me.”

“Oaf, eh?” Texas said with a chuckle, “Let’s see who’s the oaf when I kick ‘yer ass! Come at me… Yellow belly!”

Stronghoof quickly slid on his gloves, responding to his challenge by meeting him in the center of the ring where Texas was waiting for him, “Very well then.”

Texas smiled amusingly, “Remember that black eye ‘ah gave ‘ya last time?” He asked, guarding his face with a chuckle.

“Yes, I do remember. You still have the picture…”

“Damn straight! Let's see if ‘ah can get your other eye this time- OUUFH!!” Texas’s midsection flew back as the reindeer hit him right in the stomach, breath escaping his body as he did, “Ooufh… Got me good there…”

“Heh~ Not so cocky now are we?” Stronghoof said, grabbing onto Texas’s shoulder, allowing him to whack him in the face several times without interruption, forced to take the beating before Stronghoof shoved him back The old bull grunted as the blue glove bashed in his snout and teeth. Texas willingly chose not to wear a mouthguard, claiming he didn’t need one, so it was a blessing that Stronghoof didn't knock his teeth right into his mouth with his powerful swings.

“Hah, nice one~,” Texas said as he regained his footing, raising his fists, “You wanna play dirty? Let's play dirty!”

So it was going to be one of those fights that they were doing. Very well. Thought Stronghoof as he got into position. It wouldn't be the first time they discarded traditional rules and went all out. Stronghoof just hoped that his partner was ready for the beating of a lifetime.

Grabbing his shoulders again, Stronghoof raised a leg to knee him in the belly, but Texas was prepared, swiftly grabbing his arm and throwing a sharp uppercut! The reindeer felt his mouthguard slip slightly out of his mouth at the blow along with a pain that seemed to linger. He instinctively felt his jaw to make sure it wasn't broken.

Lobbing a fist at the center of his chest, Texas grunted, taking a step back, yelping as he tripped and landed on his back against the turnbuckle. “Oh dear~ What a predicament you've gotten yourself in~” Stronghoof smiled, flexing a bicep directly in his face before letting lose a storm of blows, turning Texas from bull to speed bag as the reindeer peppered the bull’s brown body with punches, sweat flying off of his chest as the blows landed, Texas clenching his teeth tightly as Stronghoof held him down and beat down on his abs, leaving them tingling and slightly bruised, each inhale causing a little bit of pain.

“I must admit, you're a really durable punching bag~,” Stronghoof said, backing off, allowing his sparring partner to catch his breath after having it knocked out of him so much.

“Alright, cowboy. It's my turn! Comin’ ‘atcha!” Texas pulled a fist back and charged. However, announcing what you're going to do before you do it isn't the greatest strategy in the world. Knowing what was coming, Stronghoof stepped out of the way just in time, repositioning himself at Texas’ back, so that when he turned around…

WHAM!!

…He was ready. Texas’ snout crinkled up under the glove. With a laugh, Stronghoof continued with another uppercut, flinging Texas’ head into the air, snout dripping little bits of blood. Finally, he swung downwards, sending the bull’s head down toward his level again. With his shoulders in grasp, Stronghoof grabbed them and kneed Texas in the belly.

Texas fell on one knee, an arm around his belly as he panted with exertion. Despite the beating, he still wore a prideful smile, letting the reindeer know he wasn't done just yet.

“Is that all ‘ya got?” Texas challenged, getting to his feet.

“You’re looking a little dizzy over there, old friend. Are we feeling a bit tired?” Stronghoof teased as he hopped from one leg to another.

“Ha!” Texas laughed, “‘Ah could go all night if ‘ah wanted to! Bring it!”

“Very well. So be it.” Alas, that would prove to be a fatal mistake for the reindeer. As he advanced, Texas jabbed to the side, faking out Stronghoof giving him a window enough to bust his gut with a brutal haymaker. Stronghoof’s knees buckled, his cheeks filled with air as the content of his lungs were evacuated. Texas’ fist went deep, and Stronghoof could hear the bull laugh.

“You should’ve seen ‘yer face! Haha!” Texas bellowed, wrapping an arm around Stronghoof and lowering him onto the canvas, enveloping his neck in a headlock, not applying any pressure, but making it so he couldn't wriggle out easily.

Stronghoof took a deep breath, slowly recovering from the blow, “My my! Who said you could put your hooves on me!” Stronghoof said, “Unhand me!”

Texas held a little tighter, “If ‘ya wanna get away so bad, ‘ya gotta put in some effort!”

“I’ll kick your teeth out, bull!” Stronghoof said as Texas’ muscular biceps dug into his neck. Well… This wasn't all bad.

“‘Ah’d like to see you try!” Texas said, letting the reindeer go, “Remember: Ah’m not afraid to get rough!”

“Well then… If it's rough that you want, I suppose you won’t mind if I do this-” Stronghoof knocked the bull down completely onto the canvas with a hoof before quickly sitting on his body and pulling his leg forward in a submission hold. Stronghoof laughed as the bull roared, struggled, and squirmed to push him off, pounding the mat, “Is that rough enough for you~?”

Texas found his eyebrows raising at the tease with a blush as the reindeer’s musclebound body loomed over him, droplets of sweat dribbling down his abs. Texas was always a straight bull, and he had been since he was a calf. But it was when he started developing his friendship with Stronghoof that he began to second-guess himself. It started innocently enough: simply admiring his shirtless body a little too much or laughing along with him whenever Stronghoof did until soon Texas began to almost enjoy those moments when Stronghoof had the upper hand and started wailing down on him, putting him in his place. In all of his years of fighting, he had never expected himself to enjoy being at the mercy of his opponent, even if did hurt. If he could, he’d stay in this position, pinned down by Stronghoof, forever. Most days Stronghoof was all Texas thought about. Texas had been married to Minnesota for almost thirty years, but the good times they had together and the happiness she used to bring him paled in comparison to how Stronghoof made him feel. Ah’ suppose there’s no denying it anymore… That day, with Stronghoof’s warm strong body mere inches away from Texas to how heated the match had become, it all finally dawned on Texas: Damn… ‘ah think I'm gay for him.

But of course, all that sappy stuff could wait for later. For now, he had a match to try and win. But in all honesty? He couldn’t care less who won, as long as Stronghoof was happy, it was a win in Texas’ book.

“Ggrrrhhh… Oh, it's on, mister.” Texas declared, pulling his leg away and getting up quickly, making Stronghoof fall to the ground. “Heh, perfect. Just hold still~” Texas said, tearing his gloves down and bending down. With a lifetime of physical activity to assist him, he lifted the reindeer into the air and slammed him with extraordinary speed onto his knee. Stronghoof couldn't do anything, only gasping as he fell back face-first onto the canvas, his back screaming. “W-Where on Foenum did you learn that?” Stronghoof gasped.

Texas flexed, putting a hoof on his friend’s body, “We bulls ain’t strangers to roughhousin’ like that. Whoo wee! I feel like a kid again!”

Stronghoof laughed, getting onto his feet, “Well then, perhaps it's time I teach you a move we reindeer are familiar with~”

“Well ah’d like to see ‘ya try!” Texas boasted, “First you’ll have to ahhh-!” Stronghoof charged and tackled Texas back onto the canvas, now filthy with sweat from the two males. Throwing down his own gloves, Stronghoof lifted Texas into the air, head facing the ground, and dropping him in a piledriver, rattling his skull and giving him a hell of a headache that could rival a migraine. With his opponent where he belonged, Stronghoof sat back down on his body, folding his arms.

Texas held onto his head which had begun to ache wickedly, the lights of the ring blinded him, and in the corner of his vision he saw Stronghoof, who had his arms folded as he waited for him to get up. But one thing was clear: Stronghoof wasn’t going to be executing another move like that, the move had taken a lot out of him, and he could see his companion sweating bullets.

“I don’t suppose you’re gonna tell me where ‘ya learned that, are ‘ya?” Texas said with a grunt as he stood up, bending his back, “Aaugh… Yep… Definitely not in the shape to do that again…”

“I hope I did not hurt you too badly,” Stronghoof said with a note of concern.

Texas laughed, “Ha! That’s funny, it ain’t my first time on the canvas, partner.” Said Texas, “Nah, you didn't hurt me. Ah’ just ain't that age anymore, y’know? Which reminds me, ‘ah think its ‘bout time I call it here. Back’s startin’ to act up again.”

Stronghoof folded his arms, “I am glad you spoke of it, I was just about to say the same thing.” he said, retreating to his corner of the ring and putting a towel over his neck. Texas did the same, running a rag over his sweat-soaked body and putting on a tank top.

“Ah’m gonna be sore tomorrow!” Texas said as he gathered his things.

Stronghoof chuckled, “Likely so. You will get used to it after a while.” he said, “By the way, I was thinking. I have some business to attend to after this, but after that would you like to accompany me to the local tavern in Reine City?”
Texas lowered his head at Stronghoof. Free alcohol and a chance to spend more time with the guy he was definitely gay for? How could he refuse? “‘Ah thought you’d never ask!”