A couple nights came and went. Now, it was late evening. Junior and the now reunited gang had stopped at a town. The journey back seemed to be going by a lot faster compared to the journey to Elsinore, but they still had some ways to go. Right now, they took the time and money to be housed at an Inn.
But from the shadows, a figure watched. He watched as the teenagers entered the local Inn. He began to sneak over to the wagons, taking cover behind them. He found that they had cleared them out of valuables. A smart move.
The mysterious figure knelt down, looking under the wagon. He drew out screw-like object and began to twist and turn the tip at the axle that connected the two back wheels.
The next day...
"Oh my God, just shut up!"
Junior sat on the wagon passenger seat with a sigh. Applejack grimaced next to him.
Ahead of them, they found Adagio and Dwan arguing from the back of their wagon. It was nearly noon, and the two had been arguing ever since they began their journey.
"So, what happened?" asked Junior.
"Beats me," shrugged Applejack.
Meanwhile, just a mile away, Kenra, Sigyn and Maximilian were standing near a pass, where tall inclines of land and hills created a narrow path for the road. Kenra looked around with an annoyed expression.
"What is that awful sound?" asked Kenra.
"What sound?" asked Sigyn, looking through a map.
"It sounds like the whining of teenagers. Hehe. I hate kids," giggled Maximilian. He then turned to Kenra with his sunken bloodshot eyes focusing on her.
"Did I ever tell-"
"Yes. And I rather not hear it again," deadpanned Kenra.
"Meanie," giggled Maximilian.
"Do you two mind? I'm trying to concentrate," said Sigyn.
"Just mark this one as a new rendezvous point too. No one but long distance travelers come here," said Kenra, impatient.
"And risk Malicia feeding me to her new pets? No thank you. We're already on thin ice with her after our position in the inner territory of the enemy was compromised," said Sigyn.
"Hey, it was Max's fault for going off to gas animals! They probably followed him!" said Kenra.
"Oh hush! It was a good idea," said Maximilian.
"Sure, if it actually worked!" said Kenra.
"Ah shit! We have company! Get down!" hissed Sigyn, quickly dropping to cover. Kenra and Max followed her lead. They found two wagons pass through the pass, along with the loud shouts from two girls.
"You're such an attention whore!" said Adagio.
"Ha! Says the pot calling the kettle black!" retorted Dwan.
"Who're you calling a whore?!" snarled Adagio.
"Would you two stop?! Don't make me pull this fucking fleet over!" Junior shouted, his voice echoing.
"Yowch. Sounds like a lousy road trip," said Kenra, cupping a hand over her ear.
"I wanna gas them. Let me gas them." Max giggled maniacally.
"No. We have work to do," said Sigyn.
"Whoa, wait a minute. Isn't that Lucky Dragon?" asked Kenra, drawing out a pair of binoculars.
"What?" Sigyn's eyes widened.
"Oh shit, it is him!" said Kenra. Sigyn smirked.
"Maybe..."
"Don't even think about it, love," said a familiar voice. Malicia's enforcers turned with a start. They found a familiar man to be standing over them, his eyes narrowed into a glare.
"Endurous," Sigyn quickly stood up, along with her comrades.
"Just because you're sexy, doesn't mean I'll let you have your way," said Endurous.
"I've no idea what you're talking about," said Sigyn, innocently.
"Listen, fun bags! I've been tracking that demi Titan for days! I saw him first!" said Endurous.
"Well he's right down there. Why not go get him?" asked Kenra.
"Rude and stupid," said Endurous with a shake of his head.
"Excuse me?!" growled Kenra.
"Hunting a single Mastodon is easy, hunting an entire herd is more difficult than you can possibly imagine," said Endurous as he pointed to the wagons.
"He's flanked by three other demi Titans. I have no chance on capturing him if all of them were to overpower me through their numbers," said Endurous.
"I already sabotaged one of their wagons with one of these," said Endurous, drawing out a small red bead.
"What is that?" asked Kenra in confusion.
"Something I bought off from a mage a while back. Once it finally collapses, I can catch him when he splits off from the group. He's shown himself to be solitary, so the odds are in my favor," said Endurous, though as he said that, he wasn't sure if he could back it up. Based on his very recent observation, he sees that the boy is protective of his friends. Separating them would prove to be a challenge.
"Perhaps we can make this easier," said Max as he took the map from Sigyn. He began to trace his finger along a path.
"They look to be heading to the Roaring Jungle. But the path they're on will take them through Specter Hollow," said Max with a manic giggle. "How about you and I ditch the Working Wendys here and go have some fun? I'll separate them, and you grab your target."
Sigyn and Kenra both scowled as they were left out of the conversation.
"It's not like we want to do this task," said Kenra to herself.
"The haunted forest, eh?" Endurous hummed. He then looked to the older man suspiciously.
"What do you want out of this?" asked Endurous. Maximilian merely gave a dark chuckle in response.
"A fun time," said Max with a wheeze and giggle.
It was cold. The air was stagnant and reeked of wet earth. The tall wild trees stood with their ragged branches obscuring the sunlight above. Crow-like cries filled the air.
The wagons carrying the youth continued on into a cold and dark forest. Along the way, there was the sight of stranger creatures that dwelled here, mainly large insects that scurried along the ground, which startled the horses.
"Whoa! Easy!" said Applejack, pulling on the reigns.
"Ugh. I think I'm going to be sick," said Rarity, eyeing the dark shoe sized beetles that raced by, climbing the trees. She then yelped with a start as a fleshy pink tendril shot out and impaled one of the insects. The beetle was then whisked away from the tree, finding itself into the jaws of a brown lizard. It was as big as a large breed dog. It bore a long tail that curled around the branch it sat on. Its eyes were like a chameleons, bulging with one small center revealed through its leathery eye lids. On its head protruded boney horns. Its jagged tooth filled jaws munched and crunched the insect, until it disappeared from sight. Rarity gagged as she cupped her mouth, turning a shade of green.
"I hope those fucking spiders aren't scurrying around," said Junior.
During the trip, more and more bizarre animals showed up. From frail and ragged mammals, to large and almost skeletal-looking reptiles. Even some strange birds were seen. A flock of reptile-like avians perched themselves on a nearby tree. They looked similar to vultures, with their elongated bald necks and heads, sharp curved beaks, and their hunched posture.
"I wonder how animals like this could come to be. The evolutionary path seems off," said Twilight, watching the strange birds that stared back. Their intense yellow eyes seemed to glow.
"Kong mentioned that some animals are one with nature. I wonder what he meant by that," said Junior.
"What does that even mean? Aren't animals technically nature too?" asked Rainbow.
"Maybe by nature, he meant the flora," said Rarity in thought. Twilight's eyes widened.
"Wait. Remember that large bird we saw when we got here? The green one? Do you think he meant something like that?" asked Twilight.
"I do remember running into a massive insect that looked like it was made out of entirely of wood. Ann called it a spore mantis. Maybe..." Junior scratched his chin.
"Who's Ann?" asked Pinkie.
There was a sudden pop. There was also a groan and a sudden collapse of the wooden chariot, where the rest of the teens sat. The girls yelped as it collapsed back, with a couple of them hanging over the back. Angirasu got the triceratops to stop moving. Applejack did the same with the second wagon. The girls groaned.
"Are you alright back there?" asked Rodan, from the passenger seat.
"What was that?" groaned Mosura, rubbing her side. The teens all hopped out of their respective rides. They began to inspect the broken wagon. Angirasu hummed as he knelt down and looked under.
"Looks like the axle for the back wheels was destroyed. That explains why the wheel is off," said Angirasu, glancing behind himself, finding one of the large wheels to be lying on the ground, with an iron sleeve and bolts to be lying nearby. The wagon lied back lopsided, making it impossible to go on for the journey.
"How did that happen?" asked Dwan incredulously. Junior looked around, his eyes narrowed.
"Damn animals. Maybe some giant termites or something ate it," said Junior.
"Now what do we do?" asked Rarity.
"Hey, check the back. I think that one of the town's we've been to also gave us some tools or something," said Junior.
The teens began to spend the next few minutes attempting to repair the damage done to the wagon. Applejack had squat down and lifted the wagon up from the back, effortlessly. She and the teens inspected the damage. Sunset leaned close as she drew out a tape measure and held it up to the axle.
"I think maybe we can patch that up with some wood. It won't be much, but it can hopefully get us back to the Iwi village," said Sunset. Applejack grunted as she lowered the wagon back down.
"Alright, let's get some wood," said Sunset.
"Hmph. I know where to get some," said Dwan, glancing at Angirasu.
"Dwan," said Angirasu, blushing as he bore a disapproving look.
"Wha-" Rarity recoiled in shock.
"J-Just ignore her," said Junior with a cringe.
The repairs went under way. Junior and Angirasu hauled over large log and set it down to the ground. Applejack walked over and began to saw away at the log. Her strength made her cuts effortless, as though she was cutting bread.
The rest of the teens sat in boredom, while Sunset, Applejack, Junior and Angirasu focused on fixing the wagon. During this process, Junior felt a presence.
"Gojira..." a voice called. Junior shot up, his eyes wide and alert.
"Did someone call me?" asked Junior.
"What are you talking about?" asked Rainbow.
"Uh... No, never mind," said Junior as he turned his attention back to the wagon. As Sunset began to use her magic to scorch a mark on the new cut halves of the wood, Dwan sighed in frustration.
"What is it, Dwan?" asked Junior in annoyance.
"It's nothing," muttered Dwan.
"Then why are you sighing over there?" asked Junior, turning to find Dwan sitting against a tree. Her legs shifted in place as she held her hands to her lap. She was scowling as she blushed. It didn't take long for Junior to read her antsy behavior.
"Oh. Well, go handle your business," said Junior.
"B-By myself?" asked Dwan. Junior sighed.
"Does anyone need to use the bathroom? If so, then go with Dwan," said Junior. The rest of the girls were silent.
"Can someone please go with her?" asked Junior. Still, silence.
"You guys are messed up!" said Dwan with a glare.
"You're kinda mean, Dwan," said Pinkie. Adagio sighed.
"Oh, alright. Come on, Dwan," said Adagio, standing up. The two began to walk off.
Later, Adagio was leaning against a tree in silence. She had a bored look as she waited. She did have to admit that the forest did give her the creeps. In moments later, Dwan came walking over, a gourd tucked under her arm, and her hands damp from the water it contained.
"Finally. Let's go, I hate being out here," said Adagio, getting off the tree.
"You know, I can't help but notice that those new girls didn't greet you as warmly as they did the others," said Dwan, waving her damp hands. Adagio said nothing. Her rival gave a smirk.
"I take it that they don't like you very much?" asked Dwan. Adagio shrugged.
"Probably not. But they don't like you either," said Adagio with a chuckle. She wasn't going to let this whore get the better of her. Soon they won't have to deal with each other when they get back to the Iwie village.
"Yeah, but I'm not the one who ruined her reputation," said Dwan, mockingly. Adagio furrowed her brows.
"I mean, if they know all about what happened between you and Naughty Goji, then they must think a lot less of you," said Dwan. Adagio scoffed.
"As if I care what they think," said Adagio. Her annoyance began to grow to frustration.
"No? What about the people they tell? I bet that will drastically ruin your rep in showbiz," said Dwan. Adagio sighed in exasperation. Her brows furrowed, her eye twitching with anger. She turned to Dwan, completely flustered.
"At least they won't say that I'm an STD ridden whore like you!" said Adagio. Dwan recoiled, not expecting her tone and response. Her expression hardened as well.
"I-I don't have STDs! And who're you calling a whore?!" demanded Dwan.
"You are a whore! You fuck any guy that you talk to! What? Do you have daddy issues or something?" scoffed Adagio. Dwan snarled.
"Shut up, bitch!" said Dwan.
"Ooh! Struck a nerve? What's wrong? Daddy didn't give you enough love? You ever call your bed buddies 'Daddy' during the deed?" asked Adagio. The way Dwan was reacting seemed to be much more aggressive compared how she normally is when they argue. Adagio was starting to relish in her getting flustered herself. After all of the crap she put her through when things were awkward with Junior. How she acted so cocky and tried to take advantage of her mood. Just to make herself feel better. It was time she got a taste of her own medicine.
"God, and you say I'm pathetic? Good luck in trying to get Angirasu in the sheets, sweet heart! He strikes me as the kind of guy that prefers more mature girls. Not skanky bitches in heat," said Adagio as she walked off. Dwan suddenly grabbed her by the shoulder and yanked her close. Adagio was met with a hard smack against her cheek. The Dazzling bore a stunned look as she felt her swelling cheek. Dwan bore a look of hate in her eyes. Adagio snarled as she smacked her back. The two began to smack each other back and forth.
Adagio and Dwan grunted as they smacked and scratched at each other. Yelps of pain and screams of rage came from their voices. Dwan yanked on Adagio's hair, who yanked on her cheek. The two stumbled across the area, still beating each other.
"You bitch!" shouted Adagio.
"Little brat!" screamed Dwan. As the two fought, they stumbled over a rough bit of land. The rough land became more steep. The two screamed as they suddenly fell over. They found themselves tumbling down a steep hill, brushing passed the bushes down hill. Along the way, they ended up with scratches and bruises. The two finally landed at the bottom of the hill with groans of pain. They noticed a pair of boots standing before them. The girls raised their heads to find an old man dressed in a dark cloak, with a large brimmed hat, looking down at them. They heard the labored breaths from behind his mask as his sunken eyes stared at them.
"Top of the morning to ya!" said Max, placing on a mock accent. He suddenly drew out a hand gun and aimed it at the two. He then tossed rope in front of the two. "Now tie each other up!"
Meanwhile, just above the hill, Junior and the gang continued to fix the broken wagon. During this, Angirasu looked around with a worried look.
"They've been gone for quite some time," said Angirasu.
"Ah you know. It's likely just because of..." Rodan cleared his throat.
"The 'tool' she has. You might be right," said Rainbow. She then looked to the side with a hum. "But it has been an unusual amount of time just to pee."
"Should one of us check on them?" asked Rarity.
"Let's give them a minute," said Sunset.
Meanwhile, back down at the hill, Adagio found her wrists bounded in tight rope. She was trembling violently as Maximilian tightened the rope that bounded Dwan. He gave a manic chuckle.
"All snug as a bug in a rug," said Max.
"Wh-What are you going to do to us?" whimpered Adagio.
"I mean isn't it obvious? A creepy old fart dressed in a shady cloak. The creepy look in his eyes. And the bondage..." Dwan grimaced. Adagio suddenly went pale.
"Oh God. Y-You're not gonna..." Adagio began to pant, her eyes tearing up. she felt like she was going to have a heart attack.
"Ew! No! I'm not that kind of guy!" Max recoiled in disgust. Dwan bore a confused and annoyed look.
"Dude, if you aren't gonna violate us, then just let us go! We're pop stars after all, and we deserve more respect than that!"" said Dwan.
"Please don't make it sound like that you're annoyed that he wasn't going to do that," said Adagio in dismay.
"Bleh. The only music I listen to is the sound of my own laughter!" giggled Max as he stepped away from the two. He took notice of a large dark tree to be standing nearby. A smirk grew on his face. "I still have plans for you."
"Just who are you?" asked Adagio.
"Oh, where are my manners? I am Maximilian Oni!" the old man removed his hat, revealing his thin silver hair. He then gave a bow. "I am jolly guy with a face that only a mother could love! Hehe! I like long walks on the beach, the sound of asphyxiation, and laughter!"
"Oh God," said Dwan with an unnerved look. Adagio furrowed her brows. Something about this man's name set off bells in her mind.
"You know, you kids couldn't have wandered into a worse jungle," said Max as he picked up a couple of long sticks. He took some string from his pocket and began to tie one end to the other, making it much longer. He stood up and turned his attention on the dark, large tree, which prompted the teens to do the same. He began to take a few steps closer.
"You see, there's a reason why this is called the 'Specter forest'. Some say that it's haunted," said Max as he began to jab the stick at the tree. The tree suddenly began to shake, rustling and dropping leaves to the ground. From the branches, tendrils began to slither out. They grabbed the stick and began to tug on it. Oni fought over the stick for a brief moment before releasing it.
"According to the people of this world, demons were sealed away in some of the trees of this forest. While they're trapped, they can still interact with the physical world. But there's debate if these trees are truly possessed or if they're some kind of freakish life form that fits in with all of the rest of the freak shows in Equescidar," said Max, as the tendrils snapped the stick to pieces. He then turned to the girls with a manic chuckle.
"Care to find out the truth?" asked Max. Adagio and Dwan both whimpered fearfully. Max set down a gas tank that he carried on his back. He took a couple of small vials filled with a crimson liquid. He poured the liquid into the tank and began to pump it via a handle once it was sealed. The girls watched as he giggled and pumped away, until he gave a satisfied sigh. He placed the tank back onto his harness and placed it back on. He drew out a gun and attached a tube from the tank to it. The gun beeped as red LED lights flashed on the side. He pulled the trigger, causing a cloud of crimson smoke to spray from the muzzle. Adagio's eyes widened as she watched this.
'It couldn't be. Is he...' Adagio's train of thought was interrupted as the cloud floated towards the tree. The tree suddenly began to tremble more. The tendrils began to whip and thrash, and an ominous growl filled the air. Max began to laugh maniacally.
"My! Looks like someone's hungry! Oh girls! Would you do the honors?" asked Max as he placed the gun onto the hanger on his pack. He approached the two and yanked Dwan to her feet.
"Hey! What are you doing?!" demanded Dwan.
"Well, I hate to see someone go hungry. Despite you being terribly skinny, I think you'll be a good snack before the main course!" said Max, looking to Adagio with a giggle. The Dazzling gasped with a look of dread. She then furrowed her brows, knowing a way that could bail them out of this mess.
"Hey you~! Let her go~!" Adagio suddenly began to sing. Oni looked to her in confusion, finding the girl to be glaring at him.
"She might be a Ho~! But that-" Adagio fell silent as Oni pointed the gas gun at her face.
"You know, patients should be silent when the doctor is performing," said Oni in a low tone. He then turned and began to shove Dwan away.
"No! No, let me go!" cried Dwan as she attempted to fight back. But, Max had made one final push to the tree. As Dwan stumbled towards it, the bark of the tree suddenly parted, revealing a gaping deep hole. The tendrils suddenly wrapped themselves around her, causing her to cry out in terror as she was pulled towards the maw.
"OK, let's get this over with," said Max as he grabbed Adagio and pushed her as well. Adagio yelped as she fell face first. She attempted to stand, but more tendrils wrapped themselves around her body. They began to drag her in as well. She let out a shrill scream as she and Dwan were both pulled into the maw of the great tree, where the bark then shifted and sealed the hole. Their screams suddenly became muffled. The tree began to settle. Its tendrils retracted and the trembling had ceased. But, it still seemed to be twitching, as leaves fell from the branches. Max was laughing in hysterics.
"Oh girls~! Don't worry about digestion! These things apparently don't have to worry about that! But your minds won't fare well!" Max began to laugh maniacally as he walked away, leaving the tree behind. The girls continued to scream as they were trapped inside.
Agirasu sighed as he stood, tapping his foot. Junior glanced at him, his expression stoic.
"They definitely should've been back by now," said Angirasu.
"Yeah..." said Junior. While Angirasu's anxiety was starting to stress him out, he'd be lying if he said that he wasn't starting to get worried.
"OK, maybe-"
Two shrill screams filled the air. The teens recoiled as the screams echoed out. Angirasu turned to the direction of the scream.
"That was the girls!" cried Angirasu, quickly running off.
"Uh oh!" Mosura and Rodan followed in pursuit. Junior cursed as he smacked his head. He couldn't believe that this was happening now.
"OK, put everything down! We gotta move!" said Junior as he was about to run off. But he stopped. There was a whoosh of the wind that he heard. Then, something stood in the corner of his eye. It stood out completely that he lost track of the current emergency.
"Gojira? What's wrong?" asked Twilight frantically. After all, she thought they were in the middle of an emergency. Yet here the boy was, still as stone. Sunset, Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie and Rarity looked at him in confusion.
"Hey, who's that?" asked Pinkie as she pointed off. The teens saw that she was pointing to a man that stood among the forest. He was a man with messy hair, covered in scars and markings on his flesh. He was shirtless and sported only hide pants.
"Stay close," said Junior as he narrowed his eyes. Whoever was this guy, Junior didn't like the sight of him.
"There you are! I spent a great deal of time searching for you!" said the man as he approached. It was none other than, Endurous.
"U-Us?" asked Twilight nervously.
"Him," said Endurous, as he pointed to Junior.
"Me?" asked Junior. The man snorted as he stepped closer, looking at the teen.
"Funny. I thought you'd be bigger. But you're definitely the one," said Endurous as he glanced down at Junior's reptilian arm. The boy was tense, as were the girls.
"What do you want?" questioned Junior. The man chuckled.
"What any man wants. To make some coin, and have a little adventure. I run a respectable business in the land. I go after big game and sell them off, dead or alive," said Endurous. Junior could feel a sense of excitement being repressed within this person. His bad feeling was spot on.
"Hey partner, I don't know who you are, but you best take yourself out of here with that kind of talk," said Applejack as she gave a warning glare.
"The men are talking. Be quiet," said Endurous, dismissively. Applejack narrowed her eyes.
"Oh I'm sorry, did you not like that? Perhaps I should be more of a gentleman," said Endurous mockingly as he stepped over to the girl. Junior stepped in his path with a glare.
"Don't you come near any of them," said Junior in a low tone.
"Nah let him through! He'll regret it!" said Rainbow, rolling up her sleeve. Junior sent her a silencing glare. He then turned back to the stranger.
"What the hell do you even want from me?" said Junior.
"As I said I hunt for big game. Including your kind. There's a pretty penny on your head, and I intend to collect it," said Endurous. Junior narrowed his eyes.
"Too bad. You're not getting that penny. You should find someone else. Come on girls," said Junior as he turned to walk off. The girls began to follow, but glanced at the stranger.
"Haha! And here I thought your kind was all so powerful! So fierce! But here you are walking away like a coward," said Endurous, mockingly. Junior sighed as he turned to face the man.
"Hey, you don't wanna start a fight with me," said Junior as he stepped to the stranger. He knew he should just ignore this guy, but Junior had a bad habit at getting confrontational with trash talkers. Endurous scratched his chin with a hum and pondering look.
"Actually, I think I do," smirked Endurous. He suddenly backhanded Junior, causing the girls to flinch.
"Hey!" Sunset was about to intervene but Rarity and Twilight held her back. Junior merely stared down the man, his brows furrowed.
"Go. Away." Junior spoke in a low tone. The man smirked.
"You'll have to kill me, first," said Endurous in a low tone. He began to punch Junior's face. The boy slightly staggered from the blows. The girls watched and winced as the boy was struck in the gut and then met with an uppercut. Junior remained standing, looking unphased. It was a shock for the girls to see him simply take the hits like they were nothing. The stranger sent his fist aimed at his face, but Junior caught his fist with his reptilian hand. The man grunted in pain as his fist was squeezed and his wrist bent. Junior bore a hard expression as he held his arm back.
"Hoho! You fucked up!" said Rainbow with a grin.
"Finally," said Endurous with a relieved sigh. Junior reared his right fist back and sent a strong blow to his face. The girls winced as the man was sent to the ground, groaning.
"You should've listened," said Junior with a sigh, rolling his neck. Rarity stuck her nose up while Sunset smirked.
"Serves him right," said Rarity.
Junior began to make his way over to the man. Endurous chuckled as he stood on his hands and knees, his face bruised. Junior grabbed him by his arm and yanked him up to his feet.
"Who sent you?" demanded Junior. The stranger panted as he shook off his daze.
"That's for me to know and for you to find out. It's my turn," said Endurous as his eyes flashed red, a wicked grin appearing on his face. He reared his fist back and sent an uppercut towards Junior. The girls stared in shock as the boy was sent flying several feet into the air. Junior cried out as he slammed into branches and crashed into the earth. He groaned as he sluggishly got up on his knees. He turned and found Endurous having leapt several feet into the air, heading for him. Junior rolled away, narrowly dodging his knee that slammed into the ground. Dust was blown up on impact. The two stood up to their full heights.
"I expected better," scoffed Endurous. He began to step towards Junior but found a streak of Rainbows circling him. Endurous sent a fist into the streak, his fist connecting with Rainbow Dash. The girl cried out in pain as she was knocked to the ground.
Endurous then noticed Pinkie Pie throwing rocks at him. He kicked the rocks away, sending them back. Pinkie cried out as she took cover as the stones exploded. Twilight and Sunset appeared near him and fired off magic bolts. The assailant moved swiftly, dodging the bolts.
"My business is not with you! Stop interfering!" said Endurous. He lunged for the girls, but Applejack slammed into him, knocking him to the ground. He got up and found Junior charging him. The boy sent a kick, but the man rolled away. He chuckled as he stood.
"I take it back. This is going to be fun!" said Endurous as he charged towards Junior. However, a diamond projection appeared in his path, which he slammed into. He staggered back and found Rarity's hands glowing. The man grunted as he leapt towards the girl. Rarity cried out in alarm.
The man was then tackled from the air by Rainbow. The two rolled along the ground, with the girl pinning him down. She began to send rapid punches towards him. The stranger grabbed her by the head and forced it towards his own. Rainbow cried out as she was headbutted. She fell over in a daze and found herself grabbed by her ankle. She was swung and thrown through the air. Rarity sent a projection and caught her with its bowl-like formation. She failed to notice Endurous charging towards her with his fist reared. Rarity gasped in alarm. Junior suddenly rammed into him, carrying the man towards a tree. He slammed him against the tree and proceeded to punch him three times in the face. He then grabbed the man and threw him towards Applejack, who raised her leg and round house kicked him through several trees, knocking them down.
"Nice!" said Junior with a thumbs up. The stranger chuckled as he stood up, wiping his bloody nose. Endurous made a mad dash for Applejack. He slugged the girl in the gut, causing her to hunch over as the wind was knocked out of her. She was then grabbed by her ankles and was swung towards Twilight, who projected a large hand shaped apparition in front of herself. However, Applejack slammed through the projection and knocked Twilight to the ground.
"Bastard!" Junior ran towards his foe with rage in his eyes. However, Endurous had quickly lunged for him, ramming his elbow in his gut. He then sent an uppercut that sent Junior flying a couple of feet upward. The assailant quickly grabbed his ankles and slammed him to the ground. He then proceeded to swing and throw the boy into the air. Endurous then shot through the air like a rocket after him, tackling him deeper into the jungle near a dry river bed. Junior yelled as he and Endurous crashed into the earth. He grunted as he was strangled with his foe on top of him.
"Just come quietly and the pain will stop!" said Endurous. Junior grunted as he struggled to pry his hands off. Suddenly, Sunset appeared from behind with a magic tendril.
"Get off of him!" yelled Sunset. She brought the tendril over his neck and began to pull back. Endurous gagged as he was strangled. He then lurched his head back against Sunset causing her to stumble back in pain.
Endurous suddenly released Junior with his right hand and grabbed Sunset by the throat and held her up. Junior's sclera darkened to a shade of yellow as his pupils constricted. He quickly grabbed the man by his throat with his left hand. Sunset strained as she struggled to breathe. Her eyes ran with tears as her throat was getting crushed. Junior instinctively tightened his grip as well. A primal yet protective drive took over.
"Sunset!!" cried Twilight.
"Give in! I'll crush her windpipe faster than you'll crush mine, I promise!" said Endurous. Junior snarled as he forced the man closer to himself by pulling him. He then bit down on the arm that choked him. Endurous cried out in agony as he bled. As his grip loosened on Sunset, the girl raised her leg and kicked her boot foot against his head. Junior's jaws released him and he sent a fist against his head. Sunset dropped to the ground, violently coughing as she held her throat. Junior then tackled the man and began to tumble with him into the deep dry river bed. The two punched each other as they rolled along the dirt. Junior then kicked the man as they neared the bottom, knocking him back to the ground.
"Ugh. You're tougher than you look. But can you keep up?" Endurous asked as he stood. His body was covered in bruises and deep cuts that bled. He clasped his hands together and sighed. His wounds began to seal up and regenerate. Heat seemed to radiate off of his body as the wounds sealed closed. He sighed in relief while Junior stared in shock.
"Ready for round 2?" Asked Endurous.
"You talk too much," said Junior as he slammed into the attacker, wrapping his arms around his torso to tackle him. His opponent dug his heels into the earth, anchoring himself in place. He slammed his fists against Junior's back, causing the teen to drop to the ground. The stranger than quickly zipped behind Junior and picked him up. He performed a suplex, slamming the young man into the earth. He then quickly rolled onto his feet and faced Junior. He swung his leg and sent a kick in Junior's side, sending him flying several feet towards a great dam. From above the dam, large beaver-like beasts scurried away in panic. They swam through the filled river and retreated to land on the other side of the dam. Junior coughed as he held his aching side. His bones rattled and his world spun as he sluggishly stood up. He snarled as his skin began to harden and his sharp teeth began to protrude.
"Oh no, you don't!" said Endurous as he drew out a small bottle full of a pink powder. He threw the bottle at Junior's feet, which burst on impact and created a large cloud of pink smoke. Junior coughed as he inhaled the smoke, his eyes reverting to normal and his scales disappearing.
"What did- Ack!" Junior coughed violently.
"Little known secret. That powder can keep your kind from changing. I intend on keeping this an even fight!" said Endurous as he sprinted towards Junior. The boy was met with a punch, but then swung a fist back. But the stranger moved much faster, weaving away from his strikes and blocking his every other punch.
Meanwhile above the ravine, the rest of the girls stopped at the edge. They looked on as Junior found himself going toe to toe against this seeming super human. They watched as he was mercilessly beaten, while the man hooted with exhilaration. It was almost like Junior was going toe to toe with another mutant or someone in the same vain as the girls.
"Gojira!" cried Pinkie. Twilight grunted as she began to slid down the hill.
"Twi, wait!" called Applejack. Twilight ignored her and pressed on. Once she reached the bottom, she began to sprint after the two combatants. Junior caught the Endurous's leg as he sent a kick. The boy then punched him in the face and swung the man over himself and onto the ground. He grunted as he knelt over him and began to send savage blows against his face. Junior gave an enraged cry as he felt his fists connect with his foe's face.
Right now, Junior was in a blind rage. He couldn't let this bastard win. Not when he's come this far to get the girls. He even dared to hurt them. His friends. And for what? Just for him. Junior wondered why it was always him. What was so special about him that others had to suffer for? Junior panted as Endurous coughed as his face swelled up.
"I told you to leave me alone!!" said Junior as he brought his fists up and was about to slam them again onto his head. Endurous wheezed as he reached for his side and drew out a hand sized black orb. He grunted as he mustered what strength he had and threw it towards the dam. There was an explosion as the orb impacted the base of the dam. Junior turned as his eyes widened. Water began to spray from the breach that was made. The pressure from the walled up river began to give in, bursting through more logs that walled it off.
"Are you out of your mind?!" exclaimed Junior.
"If I can't beat you, then I'm taking you with me," said the Endurous with a bloody smile. Junior turned and found Twilight running to their position. He turned back to the dam and found water beginning to run their way, slowly building up in seconds. Junior shot up from his attacker and ran to Twilight.
"Go back! Go back!!" cried Junior as he sprinted. Twilight stopped and her eyes widened as she found that water was beginning to fill the river bed. She gasped as the cold water brushed against her feet. She began to run back, with Junior following close behind.
"Come on, run!" cried Sunset. The rest of the girls cried out to the two as they raced to the safety of the shore. The steep hill caused them to slow down as they attempted to climb it. Already the water was beginning to reach up to their knees, pushing against them. Twilight yelped as she felt herself nearly knocked over as the water began to push harder against her.
The rest of the girls looked to the dam as it began to break more, releasing more water. At this rate, their friends were going to be swept away. Applejack gasped a she found a vine. She grabbed it and began to tie it to a nearby tree and against her waist. She rushed over to the edge of the ravine and reached out to Twilight, but was unable to.
"They're too far!" said Applejack.
"Quick! Hold onto me!" said Sunset as she held her hand out. Rarity took her hand and held it firmly. Pinkie Pie grabbed Rarity's hand, while Rainbow took her hand. Rainbow then grabbed Applejack's hand. The girls began to inch themselves to the edge of the ravine. Sunset began to walk down the steep hill, with Rarity inching close behind her. The girls strained as they formed a human chain, with Applejack anchoring them to the safety of the shore. Twilight grunted as she caught Sunset's hand and began to plant her feet into the mud. She looked back and found Junior pushing through the water as it began to rise to his waist.
"Gojira, come on!" cried Twilight, as she desperately reached out to the boy. Junior gritted his teeth as he continued to push through the current and the pain that he endured from his fight. His cuts stung from the water as his muscles ached. The girls cheered him on he came closer, stepping onto the muddy steep hill. He panted as he stretched out his arm, attempting to reach Twilight's hand. The mud and water made this process a challenging one.
"You're almost there!" strained Twilight as Applejack stepped closer to the ledge, allowing the chain to move closer to Junior.
Junior grunted as he made one last thrust. He lunged up through the water and up the hill, catching Twilight's hand. Twilight laughed in relief.
"I got him! Pull us up!" shouted Twilight. Applejack strained as she began to pull Rainbow up. The Rainbow haired girl used her own strength to help pull the rest of the teens up from the river. Together, the teens began to ascend up the steep hill, climbing the slippery mud. Suddenly, Endurous burst from the water, yelling as he latched onto Junior's back, jabbing a knife into his back. Junior cried out in agony, reflexively clenching his hand. Twilight screamed in pain but still held on. The human chain jolted, and the girls stumbled a bit lower as the attacker weighed them down.
"I said that you were coming with me!" shouted Endurous as he began to twist his knife against Junior. The boy gritted his teeth as he reflexively clenched his hand again. Twilight whimpered in pain and glared at the stranger.
"Let go of him, damn it!" yelled Twilight, raising her leg. She proceeded to kick the man in the face, causing him to grunt from the blows.
"Stupid little-" Endurous snarled as he released the knife and grabbed Twilight's ankle as her foot came towards him. The petite girl cried out in alarm as she felt herself yanked. She dragged Sunset along, who screamed in alarm as her hand slipped from Rarity's. As Sunset stumbled forward, Rarity quickly caught her ankle, keeping her from falling face first and from tumbling into the river with the rest. Rarity stumbled along with them. The human chain descended closer to the river, with Applejack, straining as she kept her feet planted at the edge.
Sunset strained as she grabbed Twilight's hand with both hands, while Twilight held onto Junior as Endurous had a tight hold on her ankle. The girls whimpered in pain and fright as assailant attempted to drag them down with him. Junior grunted as he attempted to slash the man with his left hand's claws, but his arm was locked as Endurous kept his own arm wrapped tightly around him, forcing Junior's arm to be cramped against his own torso.
"All you had to do was come quietly! Now their deaths will be on your hands!" said Endurous. Junior grunted as he attempted to break free from his hold, but he was too weak in his pain and his opponent exceeded the strength of an average human. He found the girls struggling to hold on as they were dragged closer to the river, which grew stronger as the dam completely collapsed. He found Twilight crying out as she kept a firm grip on his hand as she attempted to kick her leg to force their enemy to let go. Sunset strained as one foot was planted on in the mud and Rarity held onto her other foot, keeping them from falling in. Junior knew things couldn't go on like this. At this rate, he would be responsible if any of them were to be swept away.
"You want me? Then here I come!" said Junior as he released Twilight.
"Gojira!" cried Twilight in alarm as she attempted to reach back for Junior. The boy grabbed onto Endurous, who still held onto Twilight's ankle. The girl cried out in pain as their weight pulled down on her. Junior began to beat his fist against the Endurous, who snarled as he planted his feet against the hill. He bounded off the side, causing Twilight's hand to slip from Sunset's.
"No!!" Sunset cried as Junior, Twilight and Endurous tumbled down the hill and into the river. They were quickly swept away by the current. Applejack began to haul up the human chain back onto the shore.
"Come on!" said Rainbow as she sprinted ahead, leaving the rest of the teens in the dust. The girls began to follow after their friends as they were swept through the river.
Junior panted as he floated above. He was unable fight this current, which carried him quickly through the forest. He found Twilight to be frantically splashing as she struggled to keep her head above water.
"I can't swim!" cried Twilight. Junior quickly began to swim closer to Twilight, who kept dipping under the surface and reemerging with gasps for air. Junior grunted as his neck began to ache. Junior dove under water and swam towards the girl, who splashed in her futile attempt to remain afloat. Junior emerged next to Twilight.
"Gojira, help me!" cried Twilight, as she frantically attempted to grab onto the boy.
"No, stay there! We'll both go under if you grab onto me like that!" said Junior as he took Twilight's hand and held her at arms length.
"Just keep your head up! Don't panic!" said Junior as they were carried through the river.
"Gojira, if we don't make it out of this-"
"Shut up! We're gonna be fine!" said Junior. Suddenly, Endurous burst out of the water with a laugh. Junior gasped as Twilight screamed.
"Lovely day for a swim, eh?!" Endurous tackled Junior under, causing Twilight to release him.
"Gojira!" cried Twilight as she splashed, attempting to keep herself above water. Her heart was racing as the rapids tossed her around. Water splashed in her face and mouth, causing her to cough and gasp for air as she attempted to avoid submergence. She saw Rainbow running alongside the river.
"Rainbow Dash! Help!" cried Twilight. Rainbow sprinted as she analyzed the situation. She couldn't simply jump in, otherwise she'd be in the same predicament. The rest of their friends weren't around to help either. The could have easily formed another human chain to pull them out, though the rapids seemed to have made that idea unwise. She quickly began to scan the jungle floor, looking for anything useful. Then she remembered something. Rainbow made a mad dash back to the rest of the girls, who were running after their friends.
"I need that vine!" said Rainbow, pointing to Applejack. The blonde quickly took the vine she had rolled along on her shoulder and tossed it to Rainbow. The tomboy quickly took off running back.
"At least take one of us with you!" said Sunset in exasperation.
Meanwhile at the river, Junior found himself struggling under water with his hunter. The two spiraled underneath as they punched and kneed each other, slamming into underwater boulders along the way. Junior grunted as he kicked away Endurous, but felt his lungs ache. He attempted to swim back up but felt his ankle grabbed. He was pulled back under, where the man began to strangle him underneath. Junior began to loose breath, bubbles escaping his mouth as his lungs burned. His neck began to ache more, but not from being strangled. Gills began to sprout from his neck, protected by armored flaps. Junior inhaled deeply as water traveled through his gills, delivering oxygen through his blood and to his brain. Junior grunted as he slashed his claws at the stranger's chest, who gave a gargled cry of pain as he released the boy. A cloud of blood began to flow around him as the two were carried through the rapids.
Junior quickly swam back to the surface. He gasped for air as his gills folded against his neck. He found Twilight gagging as she took in more water. Junior quickly swam over to her.
"Keep your head up! It's Ok!" said Junior. Twilight coughed as she struggled.
"I can't! I can't do it!" cried Twilight.
"Yes, you can! You can do it! You'll be fine!" said Junior as he swam by Twilight's side. He didn't know how much longer he can keep this up. Their enemy was just coming after him, and he couldn't stick around to help Twilight to keep her from drowning. He only knew that he had to make sure that she could keep her head above water until they could get to safety, or at least until she can.
"Just relax! Kick your legs and swing your arms outwards! Don't pan-!" Junior was silenced as he was suddenly pulled under. Twilight panted as she did what she was told. She began to kick her legs as she moved her arms. She took calming breaths, despite the rapids pushing her. She began to crack a smile as she panted.
"I'm doing it! I think I-!" Twilight turned but saw that Junior was further away from her. He was caught up with fighting off Endurous. Twilight cried out to him as the knife in Junior's back was yanked out of him.
"Twilight!!" cried Rainbow. Twilight turned and found Rainbow standing further down along the river. She found that Rainbow had tossed the vine down into the water. Twilight grunted as she reached for the vine, grabbing on. Rainbow stumbled as the river that pulled Twilight began to weigh on her too. However, she kept her feet planted at the edge. Twilight gasped as she found Junior and the attacker coming her way. Junior was punching the man, sending splashes everywhere.
"Gojira!" called Twilight. Junior found her anchored by the vine that she held. He also saw the water fall ahead. The boy pushed through the water as he neared Twilight.
Twilight strained as she reached out to him. This was their last shot to get out of this mess. The girl stretched herself as far as she could. Junior did the same, as the river carried him closer. Twilight stretched the most that her body could muster, her hand now inches from Junior's.
Fate was cruel. Twilight's eyes widened as Junior swiped to grab her hand, having missed by just their fingertips. Time seemed to have slowed down as the boy passed her. Twilight watched as he looked just as stunned as her.
"No..." Twilight shuddered. Junior grunted as he caught a rock that stuck out at the edge of the fall. The water was pushing against him, as his claws dug into the stone.
"Gojira!" cried Twilight as Rainbow pulled her back to shore. The rest of the girls had just arrived, with alarmed looks.
"Oh no!" cried Pinkie.
"Gimme that vine! I can catch him from here!" said Applejack.
"Hold on, Gojira!" called Sunset. Junior grunted as he held on for dear life. His stab wound burned as the water splashed into it, and his body ached from the beating that he had taken. As Applejack formed the vine into a lasso, she began to spin it in the air. Before she could toss it, Endurous suddenly burst out of the water. Junior's eyes widened as he was headed his way.
"Boo!" Endurous shouted as he slammed into Junior, knocking him over the fall.
"No!!" cried Rarity, while the girls watched in horror as Junior plummeted with the attacker.
Junior and the Endurous fell down each water fall, submerging beneath the surface every time. As they resurfaced, the attacker quickly swam until he caught a tree branch. He laughed as Junior continued to be swept away.
"Have a good one~! Tell the fish that 'Endurous' sends his regards!" said Endurous, waving to Junior.
"You son of a bitch!" shouted Junior. He knew this guy was all talk when he went on about taking both of them out. The boy found a much larger water fall. The water roared as it fell down below. A rainbow was glistening over the edge as the water refracted the sun light.
"Well at least I'm gonna die while looking at a rainbow!" said Junior with a scowl. He attempted to swim back, but he was no match for the current. It was the point of no return. The teen screamed as he fell over the fall, descending down below.
Meanwhile, above the waterfall, the rest of the teens stood. They stared, eyes wide, voices shuddering. They hit the point of despair as they heard the echoes of Junior's last scream. Sunset dropped to her knees as she cupped her mouth with tears in her eyes.
"Oh God..." said Sunset, unable to process what she had just witnessed.
"He's gone..." said Pinkie, her eyes welling up with tears. She began to sob as she dropped to her knees, while Rainbow cursed up a storm, slamming her fists to the ground. Rarity sobbed as she collapsed into Applejack's arms, who held her tightly as she gritted her teeth, shedding her own tears. Twilight held her head, denying what she saw. She couldn't believe just how bad she screwed up. How could she have let Junior slip through her fingers?
"Gojira!!" Twilight screamed as she began to sob. The girls cried for the friend that they had lost, even after they had just reunited.
Meanwhile, Endurous began to make his way far below down the rocky walls. He climbed down as the great falls roared. Once he reached the bottom, he found a great river flowing on, as sharp rocks made up the bottom. He scanned the area, finding a cloud of blood to be flowing. However, there was no sign of a body. He snarled in anger.
"No one escapes me! You can run, but you can't hide! I will search far and wide, to the ends of Equescidar, and I will find you!!" The stranger cried, his voice echoing through the air.
Adagio panted as she found herself cramped against Dwan inside of the tree. The air was a bit thin, and the temperature had grown hot. Likely due to the close contact the two had with being inside of an enclosed space.
"Help! Let us out!!" cried Dwan, smacking her hands against the wooden insides of their prison.
"Dwan, stop! No one's gonna find us in here! I doubt they can hear us!" said Adagio.
"Fuck you! If you want to die in here, than that's your business! I still have so much to live for!" said Dwan.
"I don't want to die! But I know it's already hopeless! Besides, I think you lived a full life already!" said Adagio.
"Oh don't take that tone with me! Don't be mad because you didn't sleep with any of the guys back in Applewood!" said Dwan with a glare. Adagio grew red with anger.
"God, I can't stand you! You think that happiness comes from sleeping around with some random horn dog?! Unlike you, I'm not easy! None of those guys were good enough for me!" yelled Adagio. The two growled at each other. They wanted to beat each other, but were limited in movement, though the thought of biting each other came to mind.
"Uh... I feel sticky," said Adagio, her eyes widening.
"Oh God, please keep that to yourself," said Dwan in disgust.
"Not that kind of sticky! Don't you feel that?" asked Adagio. Dwan grunted as she pressed her hand against the wooden wall. She felt a strange wet and sticky sensation on her palm. Adagio shifted, feeling her boots soak in something. The two gasped as they found a yellow substance seep out of the wood. every time they moved, they made contact with the substance.
"Ew! What is all of this?!" whined Dwan.
"I think it's sap or something," said Adagio with a grimace. Then, she felt her head grow light.
"I don't..." Adagio's eyes grew heavy. Her breathing became labored. Dwan was experiencing the same sensation. The two trembled violently, as the sap began to stick to their bodies.
"Feel..." Adagio sighed as she suddenly slumped against her side of the tree, her breaths labored. She felt all energy leave her body. Her skin felt hot yet cold from the sap. Her eyes stared blankly at the wooden texture.
Adagio found herself standing alone in a full classroom. She looked to her side, finding students converse among themselves. She then turned to find that the teacher was not yet here. Adagio then noticed that she was dressed in her normal clothes. Not the outfit she wore in Equescidar. It was as though everything was a horrible dream. This was strange. Adagio shook her head, before standing. She noticed a couple of boys to be conversing.
"Hey, you boys mind catching me up to speed? I must've fallen asleep," said Adagio with a titter. The boys didn't respond. They instead continued on their idle conversation. Adagio bore an offended look. She then smirked as she walked over. She placed a hand over the desk and leaned down, exposing cleavage from her romper.
"Oh boy's~. I really could use the assistance~," said Adagio, her tone alluring as she allowed her breasts to hang in plain sight. The boys still ignored her.
"Hey! What the hell is wrong with guys?!" demanded Adagio, slamming her hands on the desk. Still nothing. Adagio lost her anger. She backed away, appearing confused.
"What's..." Adagio looked around. No one said anything about her outburst, let alone her teasing. But weirdest of all, no one seemed to acknowledge her.
The bell rang. Students began to bid each other farewell as they packed their things. Adagio just stood silently and still, watching as everyone passed by, not giving her so much a glance. It was though she wasn't here.
Adagio followed the students outside of the classroom. She began to roam the vast halls of Ponyville High. She found students passing by, all conversing or completely silent. No one greeted her with flirts, no one told her 'hello', nor waved, nor smiled. No one was looking at her. Adagio roamed about, growing more confused. She found Aria and Sonata to be standing by the lockers. Sonata was talking off Aria's ear, who appeared to be bored and annoyed. Adagio rushed over.
"Hey! What's going on? People seem to be ignoring me. No one will even look my way!" said Adagio in annoyance. She noticed Aria not acknowledging her either. The girl seemed to be ignoring both her and their youngest sister.
"Aria?" called Adagio, her tone in a bit of whimper. She quickly turned to Sonata.
"Sonata! Little sis! You see me, right?" asked Adagio. Sonata giggled.
"So what do you want to have for dinner?" asked Sonata.
"Meh. Whatever's fine. Just not Mexicoltan food again," said Aria.
"Aw! But it's so good!" said Sonata in disappointment. Adagio took a step back, her breathing having hasten. She shook her head.
"Girls, this isn't funny! Why won't you look at me?!" cried Adagio. She stepped back until she felt herself bump into a locker. She heard one closed on her right. She found a familiar boy to be standing at the locker. His size rivaling the locker's size. Adagio rushed over.
"Goji! Gojira, please talk to me! You know me, right?" cried Adagio, grabbing the boy's arm. Junior just stood still.
"Please, I'm scared! I need you!" whimpered Adagio. Junior suddenly looked down at her. Adagio's heart fluttered in her chest. She felt herself tearing up with joy.
"Goji..." Adagio spoke softly as her cheeks grew red. Junior smiled.
"Ready to head home?" asked Junior as he pulled his arm out of Adagio's hold. The girl lost her smile. She turned, finding Fluttershy to be standing behind her, a beaming smile on her face.
"Yeah, let's go!" said Fluttershy, walking passed a now stunned Adagio. The Dazzling slowly turned to find the two walk away. Neither looking back at her. Adagio felt her heart torn in two. She began to break into a sob as everyone began to leave the hallway.
"Stop! Please! Somebody just look at me! Anybody!" screamed Adagio. Her cries fell on deaf ears. No matter how much she pleaded and cried, no one paid her any mind. Not her family. Not even the boy she came to trust so much. She was soon alone in a quiet and cold hallway. Adagio heard faint footsteps approaching from behind. She turned, and her eyes widened and her skin went pale. Adagio found Spinner to be standing before her. A lustful look was on his face.
"I'll do more than that," said Spinner. He suddenly sprouted multiple arachnid limbs from his body and laughed wickedly. Adagio cried out for help as she turned to run. But, the mutant had suddenly lunged for her across the hall. Adagio dropped to the ground, with Spinner on top of her. She whimpered as she felt his breathing on the back of her neck, as she lied face down on the cold hard floor.
"I'll give you all the love and attention that your heart desires..." Spinner spoke in a demonic distorted voice. He chuckled as his spider limbs began to caress every inch of Adagio's body. She screamed to the top of her lungs as this monster prepared to deflower her. She never wanted this. She never wanted any of this.
Dwan's eyes opened wide. She found herself sitting on a chair alone. She looked around, finding herself to be in a dressing room. There were hangers holding many different outfits. She turned to look at the mirror that was before her. Before she could see her reflection, the lights suddenly went off. Dwan was in darkness.
"Dwan, you're up!" said a voice.
"Wait, what's going on?" asked Dwan in confusion. She found herself yanked to her feet, moving through the darkness. She heard a faint sound in the air. It was familiar and welcoming. It was the sound of cheers.
Dwan stumbled as she was towed through the darkness. She found a faint slit of light in front of her, as though it were a cracked door, revealing a hallway light. Dwan felt herself shoved by unseen hands.
"Go! You're on now!" said the voice. Dwan stumbled through the door, blinded by the bright light. Her vision began to clear. Dwan found herself standing on a large stage, where bright hot lights shined on her. Her ears were assaulted by the cheers of hundreds of people. A sea of them below the stage moved, waving glow sticks and cheering her name. Dwan felt a grin growing on her face. She was about to take a step forward, but the cheers began to slowly die down. Dwan lost her grin, finding herself in the middle of silence. She looked to the crowd in confusion. Their expressions slowly turned to disgust and amusement.
"Ew! Look at the pig!" exclaimed a girl from the crowd. Dwan blushed as her expression contorted to offense.
"Pig?!" barked Dwan. She was suddenly met with laughs of ridicule from the crowd. Dwan stepped away from the stage, feeling the world spin. Something was terribly wrong. She wondered why they were laughing at her.
Dwan suddenly bumped into something. She quickly turned and was taken aback by the sight before her. It was a girl standing before her. But this girl was obese in comparison to her slim frame. She had messy hair, with her cheeks hiding most of her facial structure. The girl also bore a stunned look.
The girl stood behind a frame that stood between them. However, with a moment, Dwan came to a horrible realization. The girl that stood was in fact herself. Dwan quickly looked her hands, finding them to be plump, along with her wrists and forearms. Dwan exclaimed as she looked herself over, finding that her outfit had barely fit her now large body. The laughter of the audience echoed in her mind. She got on her thick knees and began to scream, covering her ears.
Angirasu panted as he ran through the forest, with Mosura and Rodan in pursuit. He mentally cursed himself. If only they had gone to check on them sooner. Maybe if they had sent more than one person to accompany Dwan, then nothing like this might be happening.
Regardless of his feelings, Angirasu knew that there was no time to lose. There was no time to despair. His friends needed help.
"I got a lock on Dwan's scent! They should be down here!" said Angirasu, stopping near a steep hill.
"A lock on her scent?" asked Mosura incredulously.
"Well, of course! They've shared the same bed after all!" said Rodan as Angirasu slid down the hill. Mosura and Rodan did the same. They stumbled and nearly fell over once they reached the ground.
"There!" said Angirasu, pointing to a large black tree.
"The tree?" asked Mosura in confusion.
"There's no doubt that they're in there!" said Angirasu as he stepped over to the tree. It suddenly began to violently tremble. A low groan filled the air.
"LOOK OUT!" cried Mosura. Angirasu quickly jumped back as several tendrils came lashing his way. The teens stepped away in shock at the monstrous tree, where a maw seemed to open and close.
"What in the hell?!" exclaimed Rodan. Angirasu gasped as he caught a glimpse of two human bodies in that tree. There was no doubt about it. Adagio and Dwan were inside.
The tendrils suddenly began to thrash and lunge for neighboring trees. They pulled in birds and scurrying rodents, crushing them before pulling them into the maw.
"Stay back! With how that thing is acting, it'd be pointless to fight!" said Mosura.
"I'm not gonna fight it, Mosura. I'M GONNA TEAR IT DOWN!!" Angirasu roared. He dropped to his hands and knees, groaning in agony. His body grew, his bones reformed and his organs shifted. He began to change into his beastly form and let out an ear piercing wail.
Angirasu rushed to the tree. The tendrils came striking towards him. As the wrapped around his large body, the mutant effortlessly tore through them. He then rammed into the tree, above the base. He began to jab the horn on his snout against the tree. The force of his jabbing tore chunks off of the tree. This also caused the tree to uproot from its place on the ground. With another thrust, the tree's maw was torn wide open, fully revealing Dwan and Adagio. The tree let out a horrific shriek as it tumbled over. Angirasu panted, his nostrils flaring dust away. He found the two girls to be lying inside of the now torn open tree. The two were completely covered in a yellow sap, curled up in fetal position. They shuddered as they shivered, their eyes dead. Rodan and Mosura rushed to the two.
"Aang, I think you over did it," said Rodan with a grimace.
"No, they don't look hurt from that. Something else is wrong," said Mosura, looking down at the two.
"Help me..." Adagio muttered in her comatose state.
"Come on. Maybe that Healer or whatever in the Iwi village can do something about this," said Mosura as she and Rodan picked up the girls. Angirasu grunted as he turned, finding the tree to be bubbling. A gurgle came from it. It suddenly began to liquefy into a white mucus, bubbling hot. The mucus then began to take a new shape. It grew and formed into a humanoid creature. Black liquid was oozing from its white and red eyes. It bore reptilian teeth, clawed hands and two bone structures on its back. They almost resembled the stubs of wings. The creature had no sense of skin texture. It almost looked slimy in appearance. The creature hissed at Angirasu, before diving head first into the earth, sinking underneath. Angirasu grunted in response.
"What the hell was that?" shuddered Mosura, wide eyed.
"Let's just get the hell out of this forest. I'm getting bad vibes from it," said Rodan as he and Mosura began to carry the girls away from the tree. The three began to ascend up the hill, making their way back to their original place. But, they caught sight of the rest of the girls in their group to be approaching.
"Guys! Adagio and Dwan are in trouble! We gotta-" Mosura fell silent as she found the red faces of the girls. They looked to be teary eyed as well. It was here that Mosura noticed something that made her heart sink.
"Where's Gojira?" asked Mosura, her tone trembling.
"W-We..." Pinkie sniffled.
"We lost him!" sobbed Twilight.
"Lost him? What the hell do you mean, you lost him?!" asked Mosura, beginning to panic.
"Some creep attacked us! He was after Gojira for some reason! They both ended up falling down a water fall and now..." Pinkie sniffled.
"You can't be serious," said Rodan, his expression turning to dread. Angirasu furrowed his brows. He snarled as he began to run off.
"Aang!" exclaimed Rainbow.
Angirasu continued on. His mind fully intact after this transformation, he was able to comprehend everything that was just said. Gojira, his friend, was now lost. While yes, the two had their disagreements in the past, Angirasu wasn't going to abandon him. He followed what little of the boy's scent lingered in the air. He came across a river that ran violently through the land. He grunted as he followed it, stopping near a cliff. He found the water falls down below. Angirasu gave a loud wail to the air, calling out to his friend. His cries echoed throughout the forest, startling any critter that could hear him.
Angirasu groaned solemnly, lowering his head. He suddenly raised his head back up again. A familiar scent filled his nostrils. He began to follow the smell. It was close. The mutant continued to prowl through the dark forest, his eyes wide and alert, allowing him to scan his surroundings. The closer he got, the more familiar the smell became. Eventually, he leapt over an inclined land. His eyes widened as he found a familiar woman, who recoiled with a start. Aiko Riku, his mother.
"A-Angirasu?" stuttered Aiko in shock. The mutant's eyes were still wide. He then noticed that she was flanked by a couple of other familiar faces. Battra Yasu, Kira Koizumi, Baragon, and Inoue.
'What the fu-' Angirasu thought in the back of his mind.