//------------------------------// // Chapter 35: Any better way to spend a day off than protecting a prince? // Story: The Tale Of A Lost Wolf // by Solaris Night //------------------------------// The sound of rushing wind filled Trider's ears as he flew across the sky. He maneuvered through the clouds that were in his way until he reached clear skies. He took a deep breath as he took in the scenery below him. "This is the life." he sighed and turned on his back. He and the rest of the platoon were given a day off so they all decided to spend it in their own way. Rose went with Rarity to Canterlot to shop, Dynamism went swinmming with Spike and the CMC, Frost and Ace patrolling the town in case any trouble arise and Whip... No one had any clue what he was doing. Trider wanted to spend his entire day sleeping, but sleep eluded him, so he decided to go for a fly. "Bored, bored, I am so bored." he sang, while putting his arms behind his head. "Goddammit I wish something exciting would happen." Suddenly his ears picked up sounds of screams and loud rattling. When he cast his gaze downwards he saw a group of ponies chasing after a runaway cart. Trider pondered for a seconds, before he shrugged and bolted down towards the wagon. In just a couple of seconds he landed in front of it and he extended his arms to stop the speeding carriage. When it hit him, he barely moved and inch and he managed to stop it completely. Once he was sure it wouldn't move again, Trider released it and walked in front of it. He saw the ponies who were approaching him and immediatelly recognized the gold armour of the Royal Guard. "Hey guys." he said and raised his arm. "I think you lost something." The guards however didn't respond in kind, instead they drew their swords and pointed them at him. "Freeze." one of them shouted. "State your name and business." "Oh well I'm You, first Fuck and my business is none of yours." Trider snided. "A wiseass eh?" the guard scoffed. "We know how to handle your kind." The guards all raised their weapon, while Trider lowered his stance. "What is going on?" a voice suddenly shouted. The lead guard turned around, bur Trider didn't avert his eyes from the others to look at the newcomer. "Your majesty." the guard greeted with a salute. "We've successfully stopped the wagon and we are currently dealing with some wannabe rouge." "You piece of shit!" Trider thought as he shot a cold glare at the guard. For a couple of seconds everything was silent until the newcomer spoke again. "Trider?" he said in a surprised tone. This made Trider look away from the guards and he saw a very familiar face. "Charming?" he said equally surprised. The prince and Trider stared at each other for a couple of seconds, before the stallion stepped forward, through the guards to greet his friend. "It has been such a long time. How are doing?" he asked, as the two shook hands. "I've been doing well, thanks for asking. And you?" "Sire?" Their conversation was interrupted when the lead guard stepped forward and spoke to the prince. "Do you know this... thing?" "Indeed I do Lieutenant." Charming said and turned to the stallion. "This 'thing' is a very good friend of mine, who not only saved my life, but also lives of many more in the Canterlot Changeling invasion." He paused for a second to look back at Trider. "And if I am not mistaken he's now also a fellow guard." Without a word Trider put his hand into one of his pockets and pulled out a gold badge. "Suck it." he said and showed it off to the Lieutenant. The stallion was at a loss for words. "My apologies." he said and made a curt bow. "We thought you were a thief or a bandit, who was after our cargo." "Don't sweat it." Trider shrugged. "But I would very much appreciate it, if you didn't lie about who stopped the wagon." "So you were the one who stopped our runaway cargo." Charming said and gave him a thankful nod. "You do not know how grateful I am that it's in one piece." "You're welcome. But I why did it go out of control anyway?" Trider wondered out loud. "Good question, anypony got any idea?" the prince asked everyone, to which they shook their heads. "Sir I might have an idea." a pegasus guard said as he descended from the roof. He extended his hand and in it rested a large crystal that had a large crack in it. "It seems the crystal broke and since we're on a slope gravity just did it's work." Charming took the crystal in his hand and sighed loudly. "Great." "What's that?" Trider asked, examining the mineral. "This," the prince said lifting his hand to eye level. "Is a crystal that allows carriages to move independently, without the need to either pull or push it. And as you can see it's broken." "Why don't you just replace it?" "We don't have a spare one with us." the stallion then looked at his guards. "Do you think maybe-?" "No can do your highness." the Lieutenant quickly responded. "It would take at least three of us to pull it and that would mean less ponies to watch for any attackers." "Oh what do we do now? It'll take at least three hours for a new crystal to be delivered from Canterlot." the prince wallowed at his misfortune. Trider looked at the stallion and then to the wagon. "I could pull it." he offered. Charming and the guards looked at him with both hope and doubt. "You would really do that?" "Sure, it ain't a problem for me." "Yeah right, like you could pull the whole wagon by yourself." one of the guards laughed. Trider shot him a glare, but he didn't say anything. Instead he walked over to the wagon, grabbed it's handle and began to pull without any effort. The guards and prince watched astonished as he slowly but surely moved past them. "Suck it." Trider said, walking forward. *** An hour later "And the wreckage just disappeared like that?" Charming said astonished at the tale Trider was telling him. "Yeah, just gone without a clue. I don't know how anyone could make a hundred foot robot disappear like that." The were catching up one the time they hadn't seen each other and they were quite enjoying it. While Trider was still pulling the wagon, Charming was riding in a smaller carriage in front of him, but close enough so they could hear each other. "And? Did anything else exciting happen?" the prince asked eagerly. "Not really. We just finished our training and we went our separate ways. But we were soon reunited, because a new outpost was created in Ponyville." "Ah yes, I remember auntie talking about it at one point." the stallion mulled. "Who is the leader of your platoon then? I'm sure my aunt didn't send just anypony to such an important job." "You'd be right." Trider smiled. "You know them both, in fact one of them is a childhood friend." Charming's eyes flicked when he said that. "You mean Rose?" he asked, to which Trider nodded. "I see. How is she doing anyway?" "Fine. She's a great commander, but strict as well." he chuckled as he recalled the past few days. "Why do you ask?" Charming became flustered at the sudden question. "Oh, um, no reason." Trider however wasn't convinced. "I call bullshit." The prince knew he couldn't hide the truth for long. "Fine." he sighed. "Me and Rose used to date." "You serious?" he asked incredulously. "Yes. Me and Rose were a couple several years ago. I fell in love with her the very first day I met her and once I had enough courage I asked her out and she said yes." "Awww, that's kinda sweet." Trider cooed mockingly. "So what happened? Why did you break up?" "It just didn't work out I guess. We both agreed it would be best if we just remain friends." he sighed, a melancholic aura falling over him. "But you're still not over her, are you?" "Is it that obvious?" the prince chuckled. "No I am not. There are still some lingering feelings for her deep in my heart. But I am happy nonetheless, just to see her happy." Suddenly he put on a serious look as he stared Trider into his eyes. "Promise me that you'll protect her no matter what." The Kanisar was caught a bit off guard, but he smiled triumphantly. "You betcha. I would never forgive myself if any of my friends got hurt." he said giving him a thumbs up. Satisfied with his response, Charming's expresssion relaxed. "I knew I could count on you." he said. But after a while his expression changed to that of curiosity and intrigue. "But I have to wonder, is she really just your friend." "Are you trying to say that we're not?" Trider rebuted, slightly defensively. "No, no. Far from it." the prince quickly responsed, shaking his hands. "I just wanted to know if you and her more than 'just friends'." he emphasized the last part with quotation marks. "No way man. Me and her? Yeah right." "Is that so? Because I wasn't getting that kind of impression from Rose." Charming said, earning Trider's full attention. "Ever since she came back from Ponyville, she's been constantly talking about you. Almost all the time while we were together. Frankly it made me kind of jealous." "Ok, so maybe she flirts with me from time to time, but that doesn't mean she's in love with me." the Kanisar argued back. "I can't tell if you're being serious or if you're really that dull." the prince said unsurely. "It doesn't matter in the end. I know she has feelings for you and I'm 70% certain you have for her." Trider wanted to contradict him, but Charming shushed him before he could speak. "Save your arguements. I know you're kind of thickheaded so I'll just stick to my belief and you to yours." Trider begrudgingly nodded and the stallion smiled victoriously. "I'm sure that in time you'll realize what you two have and when the time comes you'll make her happy." "I doubt that." Trider whispered. "Did you say something?" the prince said, hearing him mumble. "I asked what you're carrying back there that is so important?" he quickly responded with a lie. "Ah, I was wondering when you were going to ask. The simple answer is that we're currently transporting some ancient artifacts to the state of the art laboratories to study them." Charming explained with pride. "I see. So are any of them dangerous or valueable, seeing as there is an escort accompanying it. Not to say the prince himself." "No, not really." the stallion shook his head. "We scanned these artifacts back in Canterlot and most of them possess little to no magic, and those who do, their magic is harmless. As for their value, we're not so sure since they haven't been properly analysed." Charming explained as he thought over what was in their cargo. "As for why I and these guards are here. I'm here because I will be leading the research and these guards are only here to protect me rather than the artifacts." Trider quickly looked around before returning his gaze back to the stallion. "Only six? That isn't much of a security don't you think?" "You might think so. But since I don't really hold that much power, unlike my brother, as well as the fact that I'm not that well known in Canterlot, helps in that regard that I don't need that much protection, since who would want to kidnap or harm me?" "Good point." Trider shrugged. "Bogey at twelve o'clock!" Everyone stopped when they heard one of the pegasus guards shout. Trider released the wagon and walked in front to see what they saw. Up ahead in the middle of the road laid a single stallion. His face was covered by a slouch hat and he wore a brown dirty coat over his red shirt and black jeans. One of the guards stepped forward and yelled. "Sir please identify yourself." The stallion however didn't respond. "I said, identify yourself." Again she got no response. "Fine have it your way." she said and shot a ball of magic at the stallion. Right before it hit him however, the stallion jumped up onto his hooves and dodged the incoming projectile. "Jeez can't a guy take a nap peace." he said as he corrected his hat. He turned around to look at who it was and smiled. "Well it took you guys long enough." "Excuse me?" the mare said confused. "You are pardoned. But seriously guys, if you are given a schedule, you should stick to it. Isn't that what they taught you in that fancy academy of yours." "You knew we were coming here?" the Lieutenant said. Suddenly everyone got ready to fight as they drew their weapons. "Woah, woah. Easy there." the stallion said as he took a few steps back. "I think we've started on the wrong hoof here. So let me start over." He reached his hand up and took off his hat, showing his dark brown coat and bright orange short cut mane. "My name's Bullseye and I believe you've got something that I want." "So I was right, you are a bandit." the Lieutenant said and stepped forward. "Where are the rest of your pals? I know for certain that your kind travels in packs." "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I prefer to work alone." Bullseye said and put his hat back on. "And would prefer if you called me a hired bow rather than a bandit. I've got some class unlike those guys. And besides I'd like to solve this without any violence. So waht do you say you just let me take what I want and we then all go merrily our own way, without anyone getting hurt." There was a brief silence, before the guards began to laugh. Bullseye watched in silence as he waited for the laughter to die down. Eventually they all calmed and the Lieutenant became serious. "Bliss." he said turning to the mare beside him. "Lock him up." Bullseye's shoulders slumped and he sighed. "Very well then." he said, before he with lightning fast reflexes pulled out a crossbow and shot a bolt at the stallion. The projectile hit him directly in his throat where it stuck. "Lieutenant!!!" Bliss screamed as she grabbed him, before he could fall. "Bad move missy." Bullseye grinned and clicked his tounge. The bolt suddenly began to glow red and before she could realize what was happening it exploded. Her faceless and Lieutenant's headless bodies fell on the ground, splatering blood all over the road. Everyone watched in terror as two of their comrades were mercilessly killed in front of their eyes. They then heard the sound of laughter and when they looked back at the stallion they saw him kneeling over, grabbing his stomach. "Hahahaha. Oh man I didn't think I could myself back so long. I thought I was going to piss myself trying to keep myself from laughing." He picked himself up and saw the terror stricken faces of the ponies. "Oh come on, did you really think I was going to this peaceful bullshit I was spouting? You guys are so gullible. From the start I was going to kill each and everyone of you." His monolouge was suddenly interrupted when a pegasus guard descended towards him. "You'll pay for that bitch!" she shouted. Bullseye lifted his crossbow and shot at the mare, but she quickly avoided it andgot ready to deliver her punishment. Right before her hoof hit the stallion he rolled out of her attack and stood back up a few feet away. "Annoying little birdy aren't you?" he scoffed. He reached into his coat and pulled out a small gem. "Guess it's time to call in the cavalry." He threw it to the ground shattering it. When it broke the gem released a cloud of smoke that obscured the mare's vision. Suddenly out of the cloud flew a hand and the guard barely moved out of way, before it grabbed her. She flew back to the rest of the group and waited to see what he did. A gust of wind blew away the smoke revealing several beings standing beside Bullseye. The cavalry consisted of a huge white minotaur, a couple of gryphons and two unicorns. "Ta-da." Bullseye said doing the jazz hands in the process. "I thought you said you worked alone." Trider shouted at him. "I do, but every once in a while even the pros need some assisstance." He then looked at his posse and grinned. "Well what are waiting boys, go get'em." With a loud roar the group charged the caravan and the guards got ready for the clash. "Protect the prince at all cost." one of the guards shouted. With their own battle cry they met their foes halfway. The gryphons engaged in combat with the pegasi, while the two unicorn mages dealt with the other tow guards who were getting support from Charming. Trider on the other hand charged through the lines and went straight for Bullseye. "Always go for the boss." he mused to himself. Right as he was about to deliver a punch to the stallions face he was tackled by the minotaur and the two of them crashed into a tree. "Thank you Brute Horn." Bullseye said and walked casually to the wagon. "Ugh, anyone got the number of that asshole?" Trider mumbled as he staggered to his feet. "Pathetic." the minotaur said as he loomed over Trider. "Excuse you?" "I said pathetic." Brute repeated with his thick accent. "I was expecting a little bit of resistance, but this is a bad joke at best." "I'll show you who's a joke." the Kanisar said as he charged him. He stopped right before the mighty bull and unleashed a barrage of punches at his stomach. Brute however didn't budge, he didn't even put in the effort to block his attacks. After a while trider backed off and nursed his right hand in his left one. "Damn those abs are like steel." he thought, before getting into a battle stance again. "Try all you want little wolf." Brute challenged crossing his arms. "But it will all be futile." Trider didn't respond, instead he charged him again delivering another bombardment of punches and kicks, but no matter how much strength he put into it, it seemed to have no effect. "Hiyah." he shouted and delivered a powerful kick straight into the side of the minotaur's head. Just like before he didn't even flinch, this time however he lifted his arm and grabbed Trider by his ankle. "Enough of this foolishness." he said and slammed the Kanisar right into the ground. Trider cried out as pain seared through his entire body. But before he had time counter attack, Brute grabbed him by his head and lifted him up. He then proceeded to run through the forest smashing the Kanisar throught every tree that came in their way. After about thirteenth tree Brute released him from his grasp. "Bah, you were barely a workout." he spat and began to walk away. He didn't get far when he felt something strike him in the back. Turning around he saw the Kanisar standing, his arm directed straight at him. "That all you got?" Trider breathed out. He wiped some blood off his face before facing Brute again. "I know a certain farm mare who bucks harder than you." Brute sighed as he turned around. "I didn't use my full power on purpose. I thought you'd be wise enough to just back off. But I guess I was wrong." He then tensed his body as his form grew slightly and his muscles expanded. His fur also got a certain sheen to it that made it look like it was made of metal. "Be glad little wolf, for you will now witness the ancient art that has been passed down throughout the generations of my people. With this we minotaurs become unstoppable, our strength and endurance are on a whole different level than the ponies." He then outstretched his arms, exposing his body. "Go ahead and do your worst, this will be last act of mercy I shall give you." "We'll see about that." Trider grumbled. He quickly closed the distance between the two and reared his arm back. "Piston Cannon Pentaspear!" The fist connected, but it didn't do anything. Brute wanted to say something, when all of a sudden he felt a strong pressure come from his stomach. Before he knew it he was sent flying. In an instant Trider jumped after him and kicked back to the ground. The impact created a small hole in the ground and lifted up some smoke. Brute slowly got back onto his hooves only for Trider to once again be on him. "Spirit Claw!" His arms were engulfed in energy which formed three claws on each of his arms. He slashed at the minotaur and Brute lifted his hand as to protect his face. Taking the chance Trider jumped back and focused his Ki into his palm. "Wailing Nova Sphere!" He shot the ball of energy at the minotaur. Brute braced for impact and stormed through the explosion it created. Once the dust subsided he looked around to spot his foe. Whn he saw him he noticed he was encased in what looked like red fire. "Finish Breaker!" With a shout the Kanisar charged at the minotaur. The two clashed and put their strength against each other. Brute pushed back against Trider's attack and the two were for a moment at a stalemate. "Impressive." Brute commented. "But not good enough." With a roar he pushed with all of his might and threw Trider across the ground. The Kanisar tumbled for a second before he stopped. The aura around him disappeared and he was panting heavily. "You're one tough son of a bitch." he said through his ragged breathing. "I could say the same." Brute said as he slowly closed the distance between them. "But the end was inevitable." Once he was close enough he kicked Trider in the ribs making him crash into a tree. "After all you are facing one of the greatest warriors the minotaur kingdom ever produced. In all my life I have only been defeated once. By a great pony warrior, whose strength rivaled even our kings. But unfortunately for you he is not here." Trider laid his back on the wood and looked at the minotaur. His mouth began to stretch into a smile, before it turned into a full blown laughter. Brute looked at him with confusion. "What is so funny?" he asked. "Oh nothing." Trider said through his laughter. "It's just that I finally found someone strong." "Indeed you have." Brute said as he loomed over Trider. "And you'll have the pleasure of being killed by that someone." He lifted his leg and brought it down towards the Kanisar. Before it could connect, Trider lifted his arm and stopped the oncoming hoof. "You misunderstood me. I'm happy because I can finally use my full strength and not be disappointed in the end." "It is too late for that." Brute siad and put more force into his leg. But the two were at a deadlock and the minotaur couldn't understand why. "I don't think so." the Kanisar said ashe pushed the leg away so he could look into Brute's eyes. "I think the time is just right." Brute's eyes widened when he saw Trider's eyes turn bright blue. Suddenly a burst of energy knocked him away from the Kanisar and onto the ground. When he stood up he was now facing what he thought was a new opponent. "So, ready for round two?" Trider asked as he cracked his knuckles. Brute said nothing as he lowered his head and charged at the Kanisar in hopes of imaping him. But Trider sidestepped his charge and dropped his elbow onto his back. The attack brought down the minotaur, but he quickly got back up again. "That actually hurt." the bull said and turned back to his foe. "Maybe you truly are a great warrior." "No maybe, I am." "Heh." Brute chuckled. "You even speak as one. This will make a fine battle after all." The two didn't exchange another word instead they let their fists do the talking for them. The two clashed and their blows were so powerful they created shockwaves. The sounds of their battle echoed through the forest, making anyone nearby think it was an Ursa Major that was stomping through it. Trider swiped his leg at Brute's to make him fall over, but he only managed to take down one. Taking his chance the minotaur grabbed the Kanisar's head and headbutted him with full force. Trider staggered back as his head was spinning from the impact. Taking advantage of that, Brute grabbed his waist and suplexed him into the ground. Panting he moved away from the Kanisar and waited to see if would get up again. And just like that Trider picked himself up and got ready to fight. Brute raised both of his hands and then slammed them into the ground creating a small quake that made Trider lose his balance. Quickly the minotaur charged at the downed wolf, but Trider was faster. He rolled out his way and instantly got back on his feet. Because he was facing away from him, Brute didn't see Trider jump at him his arm raised high. "Piston Cannon Octaassault!" Bringing his fist down he struck Brute's head and the impact made the minotaur stagger back. Brute stood in daze for a second before he shook his head. He spit blood and a couple of teeth onto the ground before wiping his mouth. He gave the Kanisar a smile, showing off his now imperfect teeth. "Excellent!" he bellowed. "This is the way warriors should fight! With all of their might. Showing off their power." He then slammed a fist onto his chest. "My name is Brute Horn. What is yours child?" "Trider. Trider Lykosgrothia." "Trider Lykosgrothia." he repeated and then smiled. "I shall remember it for the rest of my life and afterlife." "You're talking like you're expecting to die." "Is it not so?" Brute inquired. "We are warriors born to fight and die in battle. It would be a great shame to me and you if either of us gave each other mercy." "I take it you won't back down until I kill you I take it." Trider asked a bit somberly. "Indeed." Brute nodded. Trider sighed and shook his head. "I swore that I'd never take a life just because I think is right." "I see." Brute sighed. "Then I beg of you. If the battle turns in your favor will please do what I ask of you? I'd rather be dead than live the rest of my life with the shame." Trider wanted to say no, but deep inside he knew how the minotaur felt. "Fine." he consceded. "I'll do it." "You have my gratitude Trider." He then raised his hands and slammed them together. "Now let's finish this." Trider nodded and the two were once again locked in combat. The Kanisar waved across the battlefield, using his superior speed to outamanuver his opponent. Despite his lack of speed, Brute was still able to just keep up with his nimble foe. As soon as Trider saw his chance he took it. He came from Brute's righ side and punched him in ribs, making the minotaur stagger. But he soon recovered and swung his arm with all of his might. Trider barely had the time to block and once it hit him it felt like he was being trampled by a dragon. The force of the strike made him skid a feet away from Brute and once he stopped he hissed in pain as he grabbed his arm. He knew that it was broken, but he paid it no mind, instead he focused back on the fight. "Spirit Claw!" His entire arm was covered in his Ki and he jumped at the minotaur. Brute tried to grab him in mid air, but Trider quickly weaved his way through and slashed across his chest. Brute cried out in pain as blood gushed out of his three long wounds. He grabbed his chest which left him wide open. "Piston Cannon Dekaassault!" He didn't even see the attack, as it sent him flying across the forest. When he stopped he had trouble breathing and he knew several of his ribs were broken. Clutching his chest he pulled himself up by a branch. He looked towards where he came from and noticed that Trider was engulfed in a reddish white fire and he recognized what attack he was making. "This is it then." he mumbled to himself. "Time to see which one of us is mightier." He took a deep breath and tightened all of his muscles. "Ultimate Move," Suddenly his left arm grew five times in size, nearly bigger than his own body. "God's Groundshatterer." "Finish Breaker." With lightning speed Trider launched himself at the minotaur and Brute reared back his arm. When the two clashed, the resulting explosion destroyed the ground beneath them and obliterated every tree in their vicinity. Brute slowly opened his eyes and winced when felt pain sear through him. He couldn't move, his body felt heavy. He twisted his head to see what had happened. All he could see was the sky and the earth around him. His gaze then drifted towards his arm, but it wasn't there. "Figures." he thought as he began to search for Trider to see in what kind of shape he was in. He couldn't find him anywhere around him, so lifted his gaze towards the sky. He smiled when he saw the Kanisar float above him, his clothes completely destroyed and blood seeping through multiple wounds on him. His body shrank and his fur lost it's sheen. "I guess you are the mightier warrior Trider Lykosgrothia." Trider lokked below him and saw that Brute was still moving. He took a deep breath before he raised his good arm. "Howling Nova Sphere." he said and formed a an orb of energy in the palm of his hand. He took one last look at his foe. "If there is an afterlife brute, let us meet there and battle again." With his final thought he dropped the sphere and flew back to the caravan. He didn't look back as a loud explosion echoed, signaling his victory. In a couple of minutes he reached the caravan and saw that they were all still fighting. One of the pegasi was down and he wasn't sure if he was still alive, while the other one struggled with the two gryphons. With a quick glance he saw that one of the unicorn mages was lying in a puddle of blood while the other one was putting up a fight with his opponent. Only when he slightly shifted his gaze did he notice the burning remains of another guard. "Where's Charming?" he wondered and he quickly got his answer. He saw a large cerulean dome over the wagon with the artifacts and Bullseye shotting his bolts at it. "He seems fine, gotta deal with the others first." With a burst of speed he charged at one of the gryphons knocking him out of the sky with a single punch. Surprised by his sudden arrival the other gryphon failed to notice the pegasus mare lunging at him. The two fell to the ground where they struggled for a bit until she drew a hidden dagger and she plunged it into his eye. The gryphon screamed and got off of her, allowing her to draw her sword and plunging it straight through his chest. She heavily exhausted, but she quickly stood up and headed for the other downed gryphon. Before he had a chance to resist she struck his head with the hilt of her blade, rendering him unconscious. She gave Trider a thumbs up, so he decided to go towards the mage next. Just as he arrived the guard was struck with a lightning bolt and he fell to the ground. Wasting no time he charged at the unicorn, but saw him coming and shot another salvo of lightning. Trider however managed to dodge all of them. Seeing how he missed all of his blasts, the mage raised a shield in hopes of stopping him. Trider struck the dome with all his might, but it only made it ripple. "Ha, nice try." the unicorn mocked. Trider responded by rearing his arm. "Pentaassault." he mumbled and struck the shield again. This time it broke immediatelly, leaving the mage shocked. Without a pause Trider planted his fist into his gut making him fall over. "And then there was one." he said and walked over to the wagon. Bullseye was still trying to pierce the dome, but to no avail. "You better surrender." He stopped when he heard that and turned around. "Well, well if it isn't the wolf lad. Haven't seen you since Trottingham." "Trottingham?" "Yeah, don't you remember? You destroy that giant pile of metal all badass like." "You were there?" "For sure." the stallion scoffed. "Oh thanks by the way. That pile of junk made the boss stallion super happy." "Wait! You are the ones who took it?" Trider exclaimed. "Yeah." Bullseye nodded. He then looked over Trider and smirked. "I guess the fight with the horn head wasn't all that pleasant. Where is the big goon anyway?" "Dead." The statement made the stallion pause for a second. "Just like half of your little group." Bullseye looked behind the Kanisar and saw that he was telling the truth. "I see." His expression then turned to one of concern. "Which ones are still alive?" he asked. "Why do you care?" Trider asked skeptically. "C'mon man some of those guys are close friends. I'd like to know if any of them survived." Trider hesitated for a second before he nodded his head towards the two survivors. "That gryphon by the mare and the unicorn who isn't covered in his insides." "Thank you very much." Bullseye said with a curt bow. He then lifted his crossbow and aimed. At first Trider thought he was going to shoot him, but to his surprise the two bolts flew past him and instead hit the two living bandits. In a split second Trider grabbed the stallion by his coat and lifted him into the air. "Why did you do that? I thought they were your friends?" "Friends?" he laughed. "In my profession there are no friends, only those who are useful and liabilities. And they were the latter." "You're one sick fuck." Trider growled and punched the stallion in the face. "I'm sure you have a special place reserved in hell." "I take it you're talking about Tartarus." he said as he wiped his mouth. "Why don't we see it for ourselves." All of sudden he jumped up and grabbed Trider by his chest. "Hold tight this will be one hell of a ride." he cackled and clicked his tounge. Suddenly they were both engulfed in a bright red glow, which was followed by an immense explosion. "You alright Trider?" Charming asked as he stepped closer to the explosion site. "I'll live." he responded. "All thanks to you." The dust cloud was blown away by the wind and reveald badly battered Kanisar, who encased in curelean aura. "I thought your brother said you didn't know this type of magic." "I don't know any offensive magic, only defensive. I am a pacifist after all." the prince explained and stopped his flow of magic. "It's too bad I couldn't save him as well. We could've learned who sent him and for what." "I doubt he would speak." "True." the stalion said and offered Trider his shoulder. "C'mon lets get you patched up and then we will continue." "Whatever you say your majesty." Trider mockingly saluted and the two dragged themselves towards their group. *** Later that day Charming walked into his room and put his coat onto the hanger. He went to the bathroom to wash his face when he heard the knock on the door. "Room service." He shut off the water and wiped his face before he went to open the door. "I'm sorry I didn't order anything." he said. The mare that stood in front of him had a stunning figure befitting of a model. Her ash grey coat accentuated her even darker grey mane that was tied in a ponytail. She wore a maid uniform, not the skimpy kind, and she pulled a trolley behind her. "Oh really?" she said in a cute voice, while looking at him with her rose tinted eyes. "This is room 801, right?" Charming was surprised. "That's right. But I really didn't order anything. I'm sure there was a mix up." "Are you sure?" the maid's tone suddenly became sweeter, lustful even as she leaned forward into his chest. "Oh who even cares? I'm sure we can make the best out of this. After all," she trailed off as she slowly pushed herself and Charming further into the room, closing the door nehind them. "How could I possibly pass up such a handsome stallion in his prime so easily." Her hands began to caress the prince's body and he was also starting to sweat. "I-I don't think we should do this." he stammered. "Why?" the mare said in a heartbroken tone. "Am I that hideous?" "No, no. You're gorgeous. It's just that-" He was cut off when she placed a finger on his lips shutting him up. "Then there is no problem." she whispered in his ear. Charming tried to struggle, but for some reason he was unable to. She began to kiss on his cheek and she slowly traveled down towards his neck. At that point the prince succumbed to his desire and let her do as she wanted. Suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his neck, as if he was stabbed by somthing. He tried to cry out, but he was unable to. A burning sensation spread across his neck into his body and he slowly couldn't feel any part of it. He was released from the maid's grasp and he stumbled across the room. He tried to speak up, but no words left his mouth. He slowly began to slip into darkness and the last thing he saw was the maid being engulfed in green flames.