//------------------------------//
// Chapter 44: Anger Management 
// Story: The Arrogance of Man 
// by Johng117 
//------------------------------//

The sun was setting over the land of Equestria. It was just minutes after the 'peace talks' went wrong. The Transmutant Four, minus Junior, and the royal guards were inside of a cave. The cave was lit by lanterns and ran deep into the mountain. Several women were weaving silk from a spider-like creature that stood hunched over. Its body was large, baring a small head with four red eyes on top, and covered in dark brown hairs with white stripes all around it. The creature's mandibles twitched as one of the women continued to pull the thread of webbing that the creature sprayed. The spider stood on four legs that were firmly planted into the ground. The feet were bent, allowing the long spindly legs to support the creature. The spider bore four long arms that held three sharp claws. The abdomen hung behind the spider, where its vital organs were carried.
From the other side of the cave, Mosura stared at the massive creature that stood to be over nine feet tall. She stared at the unmoving red eyes, the hairs that stuck out of its body, and the venomous fangs that were curled with the mandibles. She felt like screaming in terror and running out crying just by staring at it, but that would be rude. Mosura immediately turned her attention away from the spider and the other Transmutants that collected its silk and found Kumonga standing with a few other women and one man. The head of the group merely bowed to the Transmutants and royal guards.
"Please forgive me of my actions. Including those of my sisters," said Kumonga in an apologetic tone. Rodan nodded as he merely smiled.
"OK, we forgive you!" said Rodan. Angirasu rolled his eyes in response.
'Only because you won't stop gawking at them,' thought Angirasu. Kumonga and her fellow group members looked to them in confusion.
"Huh. Well that was fast," said one of the women.
"Ma'am, we’d like to apologize for what happened. We only wanted to reach out to you and your group. Since Princess Celestia is allowing Transmutants like us to remain in the country, we want to help others to become comfortable with walking among humans," said Mosura. One of the women looked to Mosura with a scowl.
"What about that jackass with the ugly mug? Is he sorry too?" questioned the woman. Mosura winced at the venom that was in her tone.
"He is. In fact, he really regrets it," answered Mosura.
"Yeah? Then where is he so he can tell us himself?" questioned another woman. Blaire merely cleared her throat.
"Listen, I know how that was uncalled for. But to be fair...one of you did threaten to snap my neck." said Blaire. The spider Transmutants shot her a glare. Blaire shrugged in response.
"What? I don't hold a grudge against you guys. I'm just merely stating that you pretty much provoked him first. Doesn't make it OK, but...you know?" asked Blaire. Kumonga sighed as she gave a nod.
"I do. We just didn't know what to think when a new group of Transmutants and the royal guard come wandering into our territory. And when little Kori wandered off, we grew fearful," said Kumonga. Mosura nodded in understanding. She then cleared her throat.
"Tell us, what was it that drove a few of your group members to cause a panic in the city that's nearby? What's this about missing cows and stealing animals from a pet shop?" asked Mosura.
"Wait, what?" asked Kumonga in shock.
"You...didn't know about this?" asked Mosura. Kumonga stood and turned to face three younger women at the far end of the cave with a glare.
"Hey! Did you steal those animals from a pet shop?!" demanded Kumonga. One of the women gulped nervously as she held a kitten in her arms.
"Um...maybe?" answered the woman.
"You told me that they were strays! Why would you and your friends go out, cause a scene, and then steal pets?!" demanded Kumonga.
"Well, to keep people distracted while Thorn stole the puppies and kittens for us." answered the same young woman. Her friend, an Equestrian female with silver hair and green eyes gasped as she turned to face her friend.
"Don't tell her that I was the one that-"
"Enough! You three can't keep causing mischief like this! Grow up!" said Kumonga. The women frowned as they lowered their head. Thorn glanced up back at Kumonga with timid eyes.
"Can we at least keep the kittens and puppies?" asked Thorn. Kumonga was about to retort but was interrupted by the sound of giggling. She turned and found Kori giggling as she held the puppy that yipped and licked her cheek. Kumonga sighed as she lightly smiled at the scene.
"Fine. But you three are in charge of potty training them," said Kumonga with a glare. The three young Transmutants all moaned in disappointment. Thorn shrugged in response and began to nuzzle a kitten that she was holding.
"Right. So...what about the cattle that's been missing from the field? Locals claim that tons of web covered the grass and some of the wild cows were missing," said Blaire.
"Oh, we took a couple of cows so we can milk them," answered Kumonga. One of the female Transmutants walked over towards the group and held out a glass bottle filled with milk. Kumonga turned to the guard in worry.
"That's not a problem is it?" asked Kumonga. Blaire hummed in thought.
"Well, they don't actually belong to anyone. But...I think it'd be better if you were to legally own them," said Blaire with a shrug. Rodan turned and watched as one of the spider Transmutants continued to spray webbing as the others in their human forms continued to harvest it.
"Say, what are they doing over there?" asked Rodan.
"Oh, they're harvesting her silk to sell off to anyone that uses it for clothing," answered one of the other female Transmutants. Rodan chuckled in response.
"You're using your biological byproduct as a money maker? Genius! I wish I could do that and make some bits off of it!" said Rodan. Mosura turned to face Kumonga.
"This might not be the best time. Especially after the incident, but we would like to know if you'd consider joining us as one major team. You see, there is another group of Transmutants in Mustangia that we know and who are also our allies. They're walking freely among humans as citizens and have been recognized by the royal sisters," said Mosura.
"You're group will be recognized by the nation, and you would be helping make strives for making Equestria a better place for Transmutants to live in," said Blaire with a smile. Kumonga glanced away and then to a couple of her group members. They all gave her unsure expressions. She turned back to the guards and Transmutant Four.
"Thank you for the offer. But...I think we're better off being neutral," said Kumonga.
"But...why?" asked Mosura.
"Is it cause of Goji?" asked Angirasu.
"No," answered Kumonga. Another woman scoffed in response.
"Yes," said the woman. Kumonga shot her a glare.
"No, it's because we feel more comfortable where we are right now. Besides, we rather not choose sides when there's a potential faction war brewing," said Kumonga.
"Wait, we're a faction?" asked Rodan as he looked to Mosura and Angirasu with a raised brow.
"We heard about four Transmutants fighting the Revolutionaries in Ponyville a few months back. I assume that they'd be you," said Kumonga. She bowed her head. "Please understand. We just want to remain neutral for our safety,"
"That's understandable. But please, don't be afraid to ask for help if you're in trouble. Also, you’re always welcome to be part of our team," said Mosura with a smile. Kumonga nodded as she smiled back.
"Thank you," said Kumonga. Blaire gave her a stern expression.
"Also, don't start anymore trouble with the locals. It won't be good for either of us," warned Blaire.
"Oh don't worry. I'll make sure that there's good behavior in this group. Especially from some of us," said Kumonga sternly as she looked to the three young spider Transmutant women in disapproval. They merely shrunk back in response.




Meanwhile...

Junior was slowly walking alone in the forest. He held his hands in his pockets as he bore a frown. Amber fluttered after him as she looked to him in worry.
"Takeshi, wait!" cried Amber.
"Just...just leave me alone Amber," said Junior as he continued walking. He later came across the carriages that he and everyone else were dropped off from. Near the chariots were a few rebels, standing idly.
"Takeshi. How did it go? Where's Yasu and the others?" asked Yoshi.
"It's fine now. They're talking with the Transmutants," answered Junior. Inoue looked to him in confusion.
"Hey, why aren't you with them? Did you beat one of them to death or something?" chuckled Inoue. Junior shot her a glare but immediately lost it. He merely frowned and continued walking.
"Very funny," said Junior as he continued walking. Inoue lost her look of amusement. Amber fluttered down onto one of the chariots.
"Takeshi!" called Amber. No answer came from the Transmutant. Only silence filled the air as he continued to walk away.
"What's his problem?" asked Koizumi. Amber sighed in response.
"Apparently there was an incident when they met," answered Amber.
"What kind of incident?" asked Inoue.
"The group leader threatened to kill Blaire when they thought they were being invaded by enemies, and Takeshi threatened to kill a member of her group." said Amber in a sad tone.
"So much for having it under control," said one of the rebels.
"And...he feels sorry about that?" asked Inoue. She didn't think a seemingly cold killer like Junior was incapable of feeling regret over something such as this.
"The woman had a child and she was right there watching the entire confrontation," said Amber. Inoue's eyes widened. She turned and looked to Junior as he made his way over to an area where a large tree stood. He sat down near the trunk and placed his face into one of his hands.
"Did he..."
"No. But he feels like he did," said Amber. Inoue lightly frowned as she watched Junior slam his elbow against the tree angrily. He gave a faint and angry yell that echoed in the forest.
"Oh," said Inoue. Yoshi sighed as he shook his head.
"Well, I guess it could have been worse. I mean, if we did go with them, I think people would have actually died," said Koizumi with a shrug. Inoue looked to him with a deadpanned expression.
"I'm just trying to make light of the situation," said Koizumi. Inoue rolled her eyes as she looked back at Junior. She took a deep breath and sharply exhaled as she began to walk down towards Junior. Yoshi and Koizumi looked to her in confusion.
"Inoue?" called Yoshi.
"Just a sec," said Inoue. She continued to walk down over towards the far tree with Amber trailing after her. She could hear Junior's panting as she got closer. She watched as he dug his sharp claws into the tree and flinched as he immediately swiped his hand across the tree, causing bark to fly off.
"Goddamn it! Mother-" Junior grabbed his head as he accidentally dug his claws against his skin. He yelped in pain and released his head that was now bleeding. He groaned in frustration as he held his head and shook it. His sinuses picked up a familiar scent approaching.
"Takeshi-"
"Go away, damn it!!" shouted Junior as he shot up to his feet and glared at Inoue. She immediately stopped in her tracks and recoiled from his reptilian eyes and the sharp teeth that were in his gums. Inoue raised her hands up defensively.
"Calm down! I just-"
"I don't give a shit! Beat it!" shouted Junior as he pointed back towards the rebels. Inoue glared back at him.
"No," said Inoue as she crossed her arms and stood her ground. Junior furrowed his brows as he growled at her.
"Yeah, 'Grrr' to you too pal!" said Inoue as she shoved Junior away. He slightly stumbled back but glared at her. Inoue held her arms out.
"What? Go on and hit me! Come on, I know you want to!" said Inoue in a challenging voice. Junior kept his glare on her while the rebels looked on in worry.
"What the hell is she doing?" asked Yoshi.
"I say she's trying to die. I'll get the flowers." said Koizumi.
Junior stared down at Inoue as she stood before him, refusing to back down from him. His breathing began to settle while he kept his glare on her. His eyes changed back to normal and his claws retracted. He relaxed his body and merely shook his head.
"I'm not going to hit you. You don't get on my nerves enough," said Junior as he sat down on the grass as he glared at the ground. Inoue sighed and slumped her shoulders while her heart was beating rapidly in her chest. Junior grunted as he ran his fingers over the cuts on his head. Inoue reached into her pocket and pulled out a small bag. She knelt down next to Junior and pulled out a small white bottle of disinfectant and a cloth.
"Don't touch it. It's going to get infected," said Inoue. Junior glanced at her and looked to her with a raised brow as she sprayed into the cloth.
"You do realize that I'll just automatically heal it without any worries of infection, right? I can be in a hospital room with everyone infected with the common cold and come out just fine the next day," said Junior. Inoue scoffed in response.
"Shut up and let me do this. This might sting a bit," said Inoue. She lightly dabbed at Junior's cuts. He lightly winced from the feeling of the disinfectant touching his exposed wounds. Amber sat and watched the two in silence.
"So...what did you want?" asked Junior. Inoue grabbed his chin and turned his head to face her. She leaned over to him as she reached for the cuts on the other side of his head.
"Amber told us what happened back there," answered Inoue.
"What? You want to kick me while I'm down and call me a monster? Why not go with your rebel buddies and say whatever you want about me?" asked Junior sarcastically. He raised his arm, forcing Inoue off of him. She punched him in his shoulder in response.
"No, jerkass. I just want to- God, can't we just have a normal conversation like normal people?" asked Inoue in exasperation.
"Funny. You never seemed too keen about that before," said Junior. Inoue sighed in annoyance as she placed the cloth down and sat against the tree with Junior. She glanced back at him and watched in awe as his cuts sealed themselves shut.
"So...what's it like? To heal like that,"
"Well, it makes me less human. I'll tell you that much," said Junior. Inoue scowled at him in response. Junior then sighed as he leaned against the tree. "But it's been a life saver for me. I once got stabbed by a katana and healed in five minutes,"
"Damn. Can you regrow an arm or leg if they get dismembered?" asked Inoue. Junior shrugged in response.
"I have no clue. I'll let you know if I ever lose any of them," replied Junior in a humorous tone. Inoue lightly smirked before frowning.
"Listen, try not to dwell on what happened. I once beat the crap out of my little sister for stealing my boyfriend when we were kids, even though I love her," said Inoue.
"That doesn't really compare to what I was about to do," deadpanned Junior. Inoue shrugged.
"Maybe not on a moral standpoint. But I've lost my cool before too," said Inoue as she looked to Junior. The two stared at each other in silence for several seconds. Both of them tore their eyes away from each other.
"Listen, we got off on the wrong foot when we met. I want to say sorry for giving you crap about...everything," said Inoue as she rubbed the back of her head. She avoided eye contact with him. Junior nodded in response.
"Yeah. Me too," said Junior. He then sighed.
"I still hate what happened though. This isn't the first time that I exploded like this," said Junior as he thought back to when he attacked Adagio. The memory still stuck with him to this very day.
"Well maybe...don't get mad when I say this but..." Inoue cleared her throat as she looked back to Junior. "...Have you ever thought of taking anger management?"
Junior remained silent after hearing the suggestion. Inoue began to grow nervous at his silence. He merely turned to face her with an unsure expression.
"I'm not opposed to the idea, but I don't think I know anyone willing to help a Transmutant that can burn them to ashes with his atomic breath," said Junior. Inoue looked at him in confusion.
"Atomic what?"
"Sorry. It's this ability that I have. It's like a fire breath both with hot radiation. I gave it a name just for the hell of it," said Junior. Inoue cleared her throat.
"Cool names aside, I think you can find someone who can help," said Inoue with a reassuring smile. Junior sighed as he bumped the back of his head against the tree.
"But who?" asked Junior.




The next day...

Junior sat down on a chair inside of Fluttershy's cottage. Fluttershy sat on her sofa with her pet rabbit sitting down next to her, who bore a scowl on his face. She held her hands locked together over her lap as she gave Junior a kind smile.
"Thanks Fluttershy. I am in need of your help," said Junior with a small smile. Fluttershy nodded to him as she dusted off her teal colored skirt.
"Of course! I'm happy to help you!" said Fluttershy. She then cleared her throat as she crossed one of her legs over the other.
"Now, anger is a natural emotion to feel. In fact, it's part of a healthy emotional life to feel angry every once in a while over things such as injustice or betrayal," said Fluttershy as she gave into a lecturing tone. Junior merely smiled at how she spoke with confidence. Rarely did she speak this way around the others, but every once in a while, she would speak more casually with him when they were alone. He suspected it was because she was most comfortable with him.
"But, it's unhealthy when the person has outbursts of anger. Anger expressed through violence can be deadly for both the person and those around him or her. Hence why you are here," said Fluttershy. Junior nodded with a sigh.
"Yeah..." said Junior. Fluttershy scooted down the sofa until she was closer to Junior. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"But don't be ashamed to be here. We're here to help you cope and to manage your anger," said Fluttershy with a smile. She then brought her hand over her chest as she cleared her throat.
"Now, repeat after me. 'I am angry and that's OK'," said Fluttershy. Junior took a breath and closed his eyes.
"I am angry and that's OK," said Junior.
"I will do my best to manage my anger. Because anger is not worth losing my loved ones over," said Fluttershy.
"I will do my best to manage my anger. Because anger is not worth losing my loved ones over," said Junior. He then opened his eyes and found Fluttershy staring at him with a bright smile.
"Very good! Now, let's begin with a set of challenges so you can learn how to react in certain situations that may seem infuriating," said Fluttershy. She stood up from her sofa and led Junior outside of her cottage. He was led out to the back where a chicken coop sat near the edge of the fence that encircled the backyard. Junior stopped as Fluttershy turned around and gestured to Pinkie Pie, who stood with an eager expression on her face.
"Pinkie Pie has volunteered to help with some of the challenges," said Fluttershy. Junior gave her a deadpanned stare.
"OK. Then why the hell are they here?" asked Junior as he pointed to the far end of the back yard. Fluttershy turned and found Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Mosura, Rodan and Angirasu sitting down in the grass.
"We're here for morale support!" said Mosura. Rodan hooted.
"Come on Goji! Kick anger's ass!" cheered Rodan.
"You can do it!" shouted Rainbow. Applejack sighed in response.
"He gets it, you too," said Applejack.
"Thank you!" said Junior with a look of annoyance. He then turned to face Fluttershy. "What's first?"
"Well, when you feel yourself growing angry, you can try to calm yourself by thinking happy thoughts. You can also take deep, calming breaths to settle your nerves," said Fluttershy in a soft tone. Junior sighed.
"Maybe I should just pre-record your voice and listen to it whenever I get angry. It's sweet enough to calm me down," said Junior. Fluttershy giggled in response.
"Really?" asked Fluttershy with a blush on her cheeks. Junior felt piercing glares on his back. He turned and found Rarity glaring at him while Twilight looked to him with pout expression and Angirasu looked to him in disbelief. Junior shrugged.
"What? She has a soft voice! Wouldn't you like to hear it more often if it soothes your nerves?" asked Junior.
"I would," said Pinkie as she raised her hand in the air.
"Same!" said Rodan. Rainbow scowled in response.
"Well, he has a point," Rarity said to Twilight. Twilight shrugged in response. Junior shook his head as he looked to Fluttershy.
"Calm breaths and happy place. Got it," said Junior. Fluttershy nodded as she turned to Pinkie Pie.
"Now, let's see how you do with Pinkie Pie in this first challenge," said Fluttershy as she took a few steps away. Pinkie rushed over to Junior with a bright smile on her face.
"So, do you know what's fun?" asked Pinkie.
"Um...parties?" asked Junior in reluctance. Pinkie shook her head.
"No, but those are really fun too! But there's also, noogies!!" cried Pinkie as she placed Junior in a headlock and began to rub her fist over Junior's head.
"Ah! Stop!" cried Junior as he felt Pinkie's fist rub his scalp at high speed. He swore that he felt like his head was going to burst into flames from the friction. Pinkie hopped on his back and wrapped her legs around his waist as she continued her noogie. Junior wobbled and groaned in pain as his eyes rolled back. Pinkie laughed hysterically as she continued her torture. The Transmutant suddenly dropped down on his belly with Pinkie still on his back. He panted as he lied down.
"Are you angry?" asked Pinkie.
"Well, I'm mildly annoyed. Does that count?" asked Junior. He then heard the rest of his friends snickering in amusement. He sent the humans and other Transmutants a glare, silencing them. Pinkie released Junior and helped him to his feet. Junior rubbed his tender scalp and slightly winced.
"You passed the first challenge! You managed to remain calm when receiving a noogie," said Fluttershy in approval. "Now I want you to have a conversation with Pinkie Pie,"
"Kay'," said Junior as he and Pinkie Pie took a seat facing each other.
"Isn't the weather nice today, Goji?" asked Pinkie as she gestured to the area.
"Yeah, it's alright. It's hot though," said Junior as he pulled on the collar of his t-shirt, allowing a breeze to reach his chest.
"I know! We totally need like a swimming pool or something!" said Pinkie.
"Or we could just swim in the lake," said Junior. Pinkie gasped loudly.
"No! We should have a water balloon fight!" cried Pinkie. Junior's face turned to dread.
"No, I don't really-"
"What colors of balloons should we get? Maybe red or green. Oh! Maybe even blue and Pink. How about white? Maybe black!" Pinkie began to count off the colors that she could possibly think of.
"Pinkie I would rather-" Junior groaned in frustration as Pinkie continued to ignore him. He then noticed the stares that he was receiving, silently analyzing how he planned to react to the situation. Junior took calming breaths and looked to Pinkie with a forced smile.
"Hey, Pinkie Pie," said Junior in a more upbeat tone. Pinkie Pie stopped and looked to Junior with a smile.
"Yeeees?" asked Pinkie as she batted her eye lashes.
"Why use water balloons when the lake is obviously the more efficient means of cooling off? After all, you're constantly in the water," said Junior.
"Yeah, but it's so much fun to toss water balloons with friends!" said Pinkie.
"True. But think of it this way. What if the pieces of balloons are lost and a duck or some other critter finds it. What if it tries to eat it but ends up choking on rubber?" asked Junior with a fake tone of dread. Fluttershy gasped loudly and stared at Junior in disbelief.
"Why would you even say that?!" asked Fluttershy in horror. Junior shrugged.
"It can happen! Nature is fragile!" said Junior.
"Then why are we still alive after fighting sea dragons and other Transmutants?" asked Rodan with a deadpanned stare.
"Because we're perversions of nature," deadpanned Junior. Twilight frowned.
"Gojira-"
"I'm kidding!" interrupted Junior. Pinkie hummed in thought.
"Maybe you're right. Sure! A swim in the lake sounds a lot better and more environmentally friendly!" said Pinkie with a grin. Rainbow scoffed in response.
"Tree hugger," said Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy gasped as her face brightened up into a grin.
"Tree Hugger is here?!" asked Fluttershy. The Transmutants and humans looked at her in confusion. Fluttershy blushed in embarrassment.
"Oh you meant-" Fluttershy laughed as she rubbed her arm. "Never mind,"
"Right. So what's next?" asked Junior.



"Whenever you feel angry, try to manage it by punching or yelling into a pillow," said Fluttershy as she and Junior stood by a large stone. She handed him a white pillow, which he took and began to analyze.
"OK," said Junior. He then noticed Rainbow Dash and Applejack holding a large box.
"Now, what do you do when you see someone struggling to carry an item?" asked Fluttershy.
"I offer them a hand," answered Junior. Fluttershy nodded to him.
"Demonstrate," said Fluttershy. Junior made his way over to Rainbow and Applejack.
"Hey, do you girls need any help?" asked Junior.
"Yeah, we could use it!" said Rainbow as she and Applejack held out the box. Junior dropped the pillow that he was given and was about to take the box, but stopped. A look of confusion was plastered on his face.
"Wait, what does this have to do with-" Junior was about to finish but he suddenly felt pain shot up his foot. He convulsed and yelled in pain as the box that his friends were holding had fell on his foot. He shot them a glare, causing them to shrink back.
"So sorry about that Sugarcube!" said Applejack with a frantic expression. Rainbow nodded in response.
"Yeah, it was an accident!" said Rainbow.
"What the fu-" Junior was about to yell but then immediately stopped himself. He took calming breaths. He then picked up his pillow and then sent light punches into it.
"It's OK. Accidents happen. Try to be more careful next time, OK?" asked Junior as he spoke in a calm tone. Applejack and Rainbow Dash sighed in relief. The rest of the humans and Transmutants relaxed from Junior's calm response. Junior bent over and picked up the box and began to walk with it.
"Now let's- Ah!" Junior suddenly tripped over the stone that was nearby. He fell down on the ground and then growled angrily.
"Damn it!" shouted Junior as he picked up the stone that he tripped over and clenched his hand on it. The stone suddenly burst into pieces and crumbled in his hands. Junior seethed as he glared at the pieces that fell out of his hand. The humans and other Transmutants gulped nervously. Fluttershy looked at Junior with disapproval and held her arms crossed over her chest. Junior looked at her with a frown. He then sighed in response.



"OK Goji. Picture yourself back in school," said Fluttershy as she sat down on the grass with Junior. The Transmutant groaned in response.
"Oh, come on! Don't make me relive that shitty period in my life, Shy," pleaded Junior.
"Aw, but Goji, that should be a wonderful time in your life! A time where you meet new friends and-" Fluttershy held her hands together as she bore a nostalgic look. She then noticed the deadpanned stare that Junior was giving her.
"Shy...I was bullied when I was little kid and I grew up to be the school's top delinquent back in high school. My school days were not wonderful," said Junior. Fluttershy frowned.
"Sorry," said Fluttershy timidly. Junior looked away with a grimace.
"Fine. Let's pretend that my school days were decent. What's the challenge?" asked Junior. He then noticed Rarity approaching and wearing a school uniform with a violet skirt. Her long sleeved button up shirt was covered by a sleeveless sweater. She wore white thigh high stockings. Rarity struck a pose as she gave a wink to the Transmutant. Junior tilted his head in confusion. He then noticed Mosura approaching from the corner. His eyes widened as he found her wearing a pair of fake glasses. She wore a blouse, a skirt, and a pair of heels that added to her height. She chuckled as she adjusted her glasses and held a ruler. Junior then noticed Twilight standing with a few books in her hand. She was wearing a student uniform different from the one she normally wore. She blushed in embarrassment as she avoided eye contact with him. Junior's face turned to confusion.
"The hell?" asked Junior.
"Rarity and Twilight will be acting as your fellow students, while Mosura will be playing the part of your teacher," said Fluttershy. Junior remained silent as Fluttershy cleared her throat.
"Mosura, if you'll please. That is if you want to," said Fluttershy in a timid tone. Mosura nodded as she smiled at her. She approached Junior and knelt down to his level.
"Mr. Takeshi, your grades have been terrible! You haven't turned in the essay that I assigned to the class days ago and you keep dozing off!" said Mosura as she held her ruler against Junior's face. He slightly recoiled back. "What is the problem?"
"I uh..." Junior tried to think up an excuse. He felt like he was actually back in school. "I'm having trouble researching the subject to write about,"
"Unacceptable! You better get on top of that or I will be forced to fail you on the assignment!" said Mosura. She slammed the ruler on the ground, causing Junior to flinch.
"Uh...ma'am, can't I get a little more time on this? I've been really stressed lately." said Junior. Mosura scoffed in response.
"You're stressed? Young man, I have to work myself to death all year round to make sure that my students pass!" retorted Mosura. She was really getting into her role. She then lowered her glasses down the bridge of her nose and looked to Junior with an unimpressed expression. "Give me one good reason why I should grant you more time,"
"I'll give you several! First of all, I asked you nicely. And as far as I know, I hardly ask the teacher for more time for an assignment," said Junior as he narrowed his eyes. Mosura's eyes widened as he stood up and towered over her. "Also, you're asking us to write a long essay and minimize our mistakes in grammar and spelling, along with writing our opinions about Transmutants! A race we hardly know anything about, be it morals or physical capabilities!"
"Uh..." Mosura began to take a few steps back as Junior stalked closer to her as his eyes hardened.
"Goji, calm breaths," reminded Fluttershy with a slight anxious expression.
"I'm being harassed by the royal guard because some assholes keep spreading rumors about me assaulting people and it's worrying my step mother to death! I have to take time explaining to her that they’re just some stupid rumors while juggling school to be passing in academics!" said Junior. His tone began to rise.
"I uh..." Mosura looked at him nervously as she was back up against the chicken coop. She slightly bent her back over on it while standing. Junior merely bent over her while keeping his stern gaze.
"Now let me ask you! Ms. Yasu! Would it be that much trouble just to lend me extra time just this one time? One time! So that I may pass your class and create a brighter future for myself?!" demanded Junior. Mosura laughed nervously.
"I-I suppose not. You make a fair argument, Mr. Takeshi. Please, take as much time as you need," said Mosura. Junior sighed as he stood back up.
"Thank you. I'm...I'm sorry that I yelled at you ma'am. It's the stress. It's tearing me apart inside. I just feel trapped," said Junior as he rubbed the sides of his head. Mosura cleared her throat as she stood back up.
"It's alright. I may have been a little unfair to you. Please, do your best," said Mosura with a smile. Junior nodded as he smiled.
"Thanks, Teach," said Junior. The other Transmutants and humans stared with wide eyes. Applejack looked at Junior with sympathy.
"I think we done stumbled upon some repressed memories," said Applejack.
"Dude, this is so weird," said Rodan.
"Agreed," said Angirasu, Pinkie and Rainbow in unison. Rodan smiled to himself.
"But Rarity does look good in that uniform," said Rodan. Rarity smiled brightly as she struck a pose.
"Why, thank you!" said Rarity. Rainbow scowled in response. She then elbowed Rodan in his rib.
"Ow!" said Rodan. He then chuckled to himself. "Ah don't worry RD. I bet you'd look good in a school girl uniform too,"
"Wait, what was that?" asked Rainbow with a bright blush appearing on her face. Rodan went stiff.
"Huh? Uh nothing!" said Rodan. Rainbow looked down at the grass as she twiddled her thumbs. Fluttershy cleared her throat as she approached Junior and Mosura.
"OK. Well, that could have gone better. But, it worked out in the end. Goji, try to explain things a tiny bit calmer," said Fluttershy. Junior nodded in response.
"Noted. What's next?" asked Junior. Fluttershy took his arm and led him over to Rarity and Twilight.
"Rarity will play the role of the mean, popular girl. Twilight's role, we'll get to later," said Fluttershy. Rarity pouted in response.
"Why must I be a mean popular girl?" asked Rarity.
"It's just for pretend, Rarity," said Twilight in reassurance.
"Wait, shouldn't the popular girl have two other friends at her side that are popular and mean too?" asked Junior with a shrug. Fluttershy hummed in thought.
"Well, I suppose if it helps. Any volunteers?" asked Fluttershy as she turned to face the other Transmutants and humans. Pinkie gasped loudly as she waved her hand frantically.
"Oh! Oh! I want to be a mean girl!" cried Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy nodded in response.
"OK, that's one! Anybody else? I mean, if you want," said Fluttershy with a timid expression. Rodan grabbed Rainbow's arm and held it up in the air. Rainbow looked to him in confusion.
"Thank you for volunteering, Rainbow Dash," said Fluttershy with a bright smile. Rainbow glared at Rodan as he released her and whistled to himself. She then smirked in response.
"OK, fine. This might be fun anyway," said Rainbow as she stood to her feet and made her way over to the group. Rarity gasped as a thought crossed her mind.
"Wait! Let me get more uniforms!" said Rarity as she ran back over to Fluttershy's cottage.
"She has more?" asked Junior.
"Rarity has been kind enough to bring more than one for this counseling session. In fact, we both collaborated on planning the school life section," said Fluttershy. She then tapped her chin as Rarity stuck her head out the door and gestured for Rainbow and Pinkie Pie to follow her. Rainbow's eyes widened as her pupils became pinpricks. Pinkie giggled as she grabbed Rainbow's arm and pulled her to the cottage. "I'm surprised that we actually had a use for more than two,"
"At that point, wouldn't have made sense if I stayed in my own uniform instead of making me wear this one?" asked Twilight as she tugged at the collar of her uniform.
"Well...Rarity insisted we got you the same kind of sailor uniform that she had because she thought it would make it feel more consistent." said Fluttershy.
"Consistency? I'm trying to manage my anger. I don't care if Twilight's uniform doesn't match Rarity's!" said Junior. Twilight grunted as she slightly bent over and pulled on one of her thigh highs.
"Ugh. Yeah, and these stockings are too small me anyway. My legs aren't that skinny!" said Twilight as she released the leg wear, allowing it to slap against her skin. Suddenly, they heard the sound of annoyed groans coming from Fluttershy's cottage and muffled dialogue from Rarity and Rainbow Dash. They sounded as if they were arguing.
"But you look wonderful! Come on, it's to help Gojira," said Rarity. Rainbow Dash groaned in response.
"But this is just so- Ugh! Fine, whatever!" said Rainbow in exasperation. Suddenly, the door opened. Pinkie came skipping out of the cottage. She wore a grey sailor school girl uniform with pink ankle socks. Rarity stepped out of the cottage next with Rainbow Dash following her close behind. She bore a scowl as her face burned from her blush. She wore a dark blue skirt with black knee high socks. Rodan lightly blushed as he stared at her. Mosura smirked as she glanced his way.
"Don't stare too long," said Mosura in a teasing tone. Rodan gasped as he quickly shook his head.
"Right! Ahem," said Rodan as he placed on a neutral expression. Rainbow moaned in embarrassment as she caught sight of the smiles that her friends were giving her.
"Can we just get this over with?" asked Rainbow.
"Right. Goji, you are alone in the classroom during lunch. The teacher stepped out briefly while you are attempting to catch up on late assignments," said Fluttershy. She then turned towards Rainbow, Rarity and Pinkie Pie.
"Meanwhile, the popular girls, who share a class period with you, arrive and find you alone," said Fluttershy. Rarity cleared her throat as she strolled over to Junior. Pinkie placed on a mock scowl on her face while Rainbow Dash reluctantly followed them. She placed on a scowl as she stood with her arms crossed. Rarity chuckled mockingly as she pressed two fingers against Junior's head and applied force. Junior's head was slightly forced back while Rarity looked up at him with a smile.
"Mr. Takeshi. What are you doing here during lunch period?" asked Rarity. Junior lightly scowled at her.
"My math homework. I would appreciate it if you would let me concentrate," said Junior. Rarity smirked as she pretended to look down at a desk. She hummed in response.
"Oh, it appears that you got that one wrong. And that one, that one, and that one-" Rarity continued to name off wrongs. She then smirked mischievously at Junior, who gave a sigh of disappointment.
"My, aren't you a big dolt," mocked Rarity. Junior narrowed his eyes at her.
"Would you care to help me or did you just come to insult me?" asked Junior in a firm tone. Rainbow chuckled as she made her way over to Junior. She placed him into a headlock and held him down at her side.
"Meh. I'm not really up for that egg head stuff. So lame," said Rainbow as she held Junior at her side. The Transmutant was about to push her off but restrained himself. It would have been much worse since his strength was fluctuating at the moment due to the spirit essence that he had absorbed. He instead pried Rainbow's arm away from his head and stood back up. He groaned in annoyance as he narrowed his eyes. Rainbow shrugged in response.
"What? Dorks are just so fun to mess around with!" said Rainbow with a mischievous smile. Rarity then ran her hand over Junior's shoulder and pinched his neck, causing him to yelp.
"And there is no dork much more fun to mess around with than you," said Rarity as she pulled Junior's ear as she laughed mockingly. Junior took calming breaths as he lightly slapped Rarity's hand off.
"Yeah well, I would like it if you'd stop," said Junior. Suddenly, Pinkie rushed over to him and shoved dirt in his face.
"Ah! What are you-"
"Eat the dirt, you worm!" shouted Pinkie as she placed on an angry face. Junior recoiled from her. Pinkie suddenly kicked Junior in his shin.
"Ouch! Geez, Pinkie what gives?" asked Junior as he hopped on one foot as he held his shin.
"Shut up and sit down, you clown! I said sit down!" shouted Pinkie as slapped Junior's cheek, causing him to yelp. Pinkie laughed like a maniac as she grabbed more dirt from the ground. Junior gulped nervously as he found the sweet, happy go lucky girl suddenly transform into a malicious high school bully. Rarity and Rainbow Dash watched the scene with worried expressions at how Pinkie was reacting. Everyone grew silent as they watched the scene unfold.
"Uh...Pinkie," Fluttershy was about to intervene but Pinkie Pie had already threw the handfuls of dirt at Junior. She laughed at him maniacally as she continued her assault. Junior shielded his eyes in response, forgetting his annoyance that had suddenly turned to confusion, and a hint of fear.
"Hahaha!! I'm evil! I'm an evil school girl! I'm more popular than you and everyone wants to be my friend!!" yelled Pinkie as she showered Junior in a barrage of dirt. Rarity laughed nervously as she approached Pinkie Pie.
"Darling, why don't we give Gojira a chance to-" Rarity was interrupted when Pinkie suddenly turned to face her with dirt in her hands. Rarity gasped as she stared at Pinkie fearfully. Pinkie's eye twitched as she grinned.
"Never," whispered Pinkie. She then threw dirt at Rarity, who screamed in response.
"Pinkie, no!! Stop it! Stop it!" cried Rarity as she hid her face as the dirt got on her clothes and hair.
"Pinkie, chill out!" shouted Rainbow. She yelped as she was attacked with balls of dirt.
"I'm queen of the school! I'll do what I want!" cried Pinkie as she began to throw dirt at Twilight, who yelped in surprise. The Earthbound began to throw dirt at the others. Fluttershy hid behind Junior from the dirt, while Mosura dodged any ball of dirt that was hurled towards her. Angirasu and Rodan failed to dodge the dirt balls and were hit in the face. Applejack grunted as she caught dirt on her cheek. She then immediately stood up to her feet, took off her hat and pulled a small bag that was sitting on her head. She looked to Junior with a frantic expression.
"Goji, take her down!" cried Applejack. Junior nodded as he rushed towards Pinkie. Fluttershy yelped as she dove for cover and hid her head. Junior was still being bombarded by the dirt balls.
"I'm better than you! You big stinky-" Pinkie was interrupted as Junior locked his arms around her and pinned her to the ground. Pinkie breathed heavily as she stared at him with wide, twitching eyes.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" demanded Junior. Applejack rushed over towards the two and knelt down next to them. She pulled out a medium sized chocolate chipped cookie and held it over Pinkie's eyes.
"Lookie what I got for ya, Pinkie~!" sang Applejack. Pinkie Pie gasped as her eyes brightened up.
"Cookie! Gimmie! Gimmie!" cried Pinkie as she took the cookie from Applejack's grip and shoved it in her mouth. Junior raised himself off of her and sighed in relief.
"What was that?" asked Junior.
"Sorry. She goes crazy when she gets hungry," said Applejack with a pant and a short chuckle. The sound of Rarity gasping reached their ears. They turned and found Rarity standing as stiffly as possible as she stared at the dirt that covered her clothes. She suddenly dropped to her knees as she broke into a dramatic sob.
"So much dirt!!" cried Rarity. Junior frowned in response.
"Fluttershy, did I pass this challenge?" asked Junior. Fluttershy raised her head from the ground as she moved the strands of hair that obscured her vision.
"Um...yes," answered Fluttershy. She then cleared her throat.
"How about we move on to the next challenge?" asked Fluttershy.
"Can I wash up first?" asked Rarity with teary eyes. Fluttershy nodded.
"Would anyone else like to wash up as well?" asked Fluttershy. Rainbow shrugged.
"I'm good. I just want to wipe my face though," said Rainbow.
"We're good." said the Transmutants and Applejack in unison. Twilight raised her hand.
"I'd like to take a quick shower," said Twilight with a nervous smile as she wiped dirt off of her cheek. Fluttershy nodded.
"Well, now is a good time for a break anyway,"




Later...

Junior knelt down on the grass with a water hose in his grip. He drenched his head in the cool water and rinsed his face, arms, and hands. His shirt hung on the fence, drying off from being drenched. His bare chest was dripping with cool water, causing his heart to race and pump blood for warmth. Junior took a towel that was near and wiped himself dry. He turned off the hose but then heard a relieved sigh.
"Much better," said Rarity as she stood in her casual clothing. A light blue t-shirt with a brown skirt. She stopped as she noticed Junior drying his head off with a towel. He stood up to his feet, exposing his muscle toned upper body. She lightly blushed as she stared at his physique.
"Oh my..." Rarity whispered to herself. She bit her thumb as she stared at Junior's body. As the Transmutant turned, she gasped at the large scar that ran over his chest. The gasp startled Junior, prompting him to lower his towel with a worried expression.
"What, what's wrong?!" asked Junior. He then noticed Rarity staring at him with wide eyes as she held a hand over her mouth. He noticed how her eyes were not focused on his face, but on his chest. Junior looked down at himself and found the scar that mocked him constantly. He sighed as he held his towel over his shoulder. Rarity tore her eyes away from the scar that was obscured and looked to him with worry.
"I am so sorry about that! I didn't mean to-" Rarity looked at him frantically. Junior shook his head.
"No, it's fine. It isn't a pretty sight," said Junior in a soft tone as he made his way over to the fence. He took his shirt off of the fence, it was still damped. He slid it on while Rarity walked up to him with a frown.
"Gojira?" called Rarity. Junior took a calming breath as he tried to erase Destoroyah's face from his mind. He clenched his fist as he faintly heard his evil laugh.
"I'm fine," said Junior as he turned to face Rarity. He then lightly chuckled.
"You seemed to have done a good job at playing the mean girl," said Junior. Rarity lightly laughed in response.
"Thanks. You also seemed to have done a good job at remaining calm. I think you're making progress," said Rarity.
"I hope so," said Junior as he popped the joints of his elbows. Rarity glanced at Junior as he stared off to the yard where he found Fluttershy and Mosura going over the anger management session.
"Funny how things turned out. First I was a kid with no family. Then I was adopted by Celestia and grew up to be my school's biggest delinquent, or so they claimed. I was alone, with no friends," said Junior. He then lightly smiled. "Now, I have more friends that the old me could only dream of having,"
"So, your days as a student weren't very memorable?" asked Rarity.
"Just the good times weren't memorable. Because they were rare," answered Junior. He then shrugged in response.
"I mean, it was mostly guys that would try to start something with me. Rarely was it girls. Of course, that didn't stop them from gossiping or avoiding me like I was a walking plague," said Junior. Rarity lightly frowned as she glanced at Junior. Junior then scoffed. "Tsk. 'Lucky Dragon'. That's the code name MONARCH gave me. Should have been, 'Unlucky Dragon' to make it more accurate,"
"How can you bare something like that on your shoulders? With the world wanting you gone," asked Rarity. Junior shrugged.
"We all react differently to situations. Some people would have likely ended their own lives long ago if they were put through what the other Transmutants went through. I actually bet some of them already did," said Junior as he turned to face Rarity.
"I sometimes wonder why I keep going on. I mean, it's like being lost in eternal darkness. No warm light to guide you through it," said Junior as he turned to look at his hand. "The easy way out is just so easy. I mean I have the power to end it. No one has to do it for me. All it takes is moti-"
"No! Don't talk like that!" cried Rarity as she grabbed his hand. Junior's eyes widened in surprise as she held it tightly. She looked up towards him with a worried expression. Junior merely kept a neutral expression.
"I...wasn't seriously contemplating it you know. I was just thinking out loud on how easy it was yet I could never bring myself to do it. No matter how bad things got," said Junior. Rarity glared at him as she slapped her hand against his shoulder.
"Do not ever scare me like that again!" shouted Rarity.
"OK, I'm sorry!" said Junior. Rarity sighed as she slumped her head against him. She then lightly smiled.
"If we actually went to school together, I wouldn't have been mean to you like earlier," said Rarity. She then raised her head up as she gave him a warm smile.
"I think maybe we could have been friends. Maybe not right away, but eventually," said Rarity. Junior smirked in response.
"Well, no point in thinking up alternate timelines. We're friends now, right?" asked Junior. Rarity nodded to him.
"Indeed we are," replied Rarity as she wrapped him into a hug. Junior returned her hug but lightly frowned.
'But then again, it wouldn't have been the first time where I thought of doing it,' thought Junior. Memories of the past flashed before him, but he shut them out. The two released each other and turned to find Twilight emerging from Fluttershy's cottage. She was dressed in her old uniform rather the one that Rarity had gotten her. The fashionista sighed in disappointment.
"Foo. I really thought the uniform that I got looked cute on her," said Rarity. Junior nodded in agreement.
"It was nice. But I always liked her uniform," said Junior. Rarity looked at him with a coy smile.
"You wouldn't happen to be into school girls, would you?" asked Rarity. Junior cleared his throat as he broke into a light blush.
"Let's get going. I gotta finish this session up," said Junior as he briskly walked away. Rarity laughed to herself.
"He didn't say no~," sang Rarity. She then walked after the Transmutant. The two joined Twilight with Fluttershy, while everyone else waited patiently.
"OK. Now, we're going to be getting into a special challenge that was suggested by Rodan," said Fluttershy as she gestured to the crimson haired Transmutant. He merely grinned as he waved.
"Y'ello!" said Rodan. Fluttershy turned to face Junior with a serious expression.
"Goji, this is a challenge that most people struggle with the most. In fact, it is rare for people to handle it as calmly as possible," said Fluttershy with a firm tone. Rodan stood up to his feet and made his way over to the group.
"This challenge will be about romantic rivalry," said Fluttershy. Junior kept a neutral expression. His mind then registered the information and he looked to her in confusion.
"Wait, what?" asked Junior. Fluttershy then gestured to Rodan.
"Rodan will be playing as your rival. Twilight is the girl in between your rival," said Fluttershy.
"What?!" exclaimed Twilight and Rainbow. Twilight's blushed in embarrassment as she avoided eye contact with Junior. The Transmutant looked at Fluttershy and Rodan with a deadpanned stare.
"Are you serious?" asked Junior.
"Yes," answered Fluttershy with a nod. She then stepped to the side while Rodan strolled next to Twilight.
"Sup Twi! I'm digging those highlights!" said Rodan as he picked up a suave tone. Junior scowled in response while Twilight chuckled in embarrassment.
"Uh...thanks?" said Twilight with a shrug. Rodan placed an arm around her as he winked at her, which caused Junior's brow to twitch in annoyance.
"So, what say you and I hang out?" asked Rodan. Rainbow scowled as she looked at Rodan with disapproving eyes. Rarity caught this and merely lightly hissed to herself.
"My, it's getting tense around here," whispered Rarity as she leaned next to Mosura.
"Oh ho ho. Rarity, I feel a disturbance in the Force," said Mosura with a look of amusement. The elf looked to her in confusion.
"I beg your pardon?"
"You know, the Force," said Mosura with a smile. Rarity stared at her with a blank expression. Mosura's smile faded.
"The Force. Guys with the laser swords that can levitate stuff without magic. Like me. A galactic civil war?" Mosura raised a brow as she felt her joke held no humor just as she thought it did.
"I don't get it," said Rarity with a shrug. Mosura sighed as she pointed towards the sky.
"Star Wars?" asked Mosura. Rarity slightly gasped and her lips formed an o.
"Oooooh. Sorry, I have never seen Star Wars," said Rarity. Mosura gasped in shock. Meanwhile, back with the anger management challenge, Junior stood by as Rodan continued to pretend flirt with Twilight. Still, it bugged him. A lot.
"Now Goji, jealously can also lead to anger. How do you handle this situation?" asked Fluttershy. Junior took calms breaths and looked at Twilight.
"Oh, hey Twilight! Rodan," said Junior as he looked towards the other Transmutant and narrowed his eyes. Twilight smiled shyly as she waved at him.
"H-Hello, Gojira," greeted Twilight. Rodan merely forced Twilight to his side more, causing the Elf to grunt.
"Goji! My man!" said Rodan as he made his way over to the Transmutant and held his hand out. The two remained still and silent. Rodan shook his hand as he kept his smile.
"Bro, don't leave a Transmutant hangin'!" said Rodan. Junior sighed as he held out his hand and smacked it against Rodan's palm.
"Kind of half-ass but I'll take it!" said Rodan. He then leaned his head against Twilight's, who looked away with a grimace. "So Twilight, what do you say?"
"Well, I actually have some studying that I need to get done. Sorry," apologized Twilight.
"Aw, come on, babe! Ever heard of the consequences of all work and no play?" asked Rodan. Junior's brow twitched again while Rainbow lightly growled.
"Babe?" asked Twilight with a raised brow. Junior cleared his throat.
"Twilight, what subject are you studying for?" asked Junior. Twilight turned to face him with a smile.
"I'm studying for a math test!" said Twilight.
"Really? Say, would you mind helping me for that test we have coming up? I suck at math," said Junior with disappointment in his tone. Twilight hummed in thought, but then looked to him with a grin.
"Sounds like a plan! Meet me at my house this afternoon!" said Twilight as she pried herself away from Rodan.
"Oh, come on Twi! Why hang out with that big oaf when you can hang out with yours truly," said Rodan as he flexed his arms. Mosura scoffed in disgust while Rainbow rolled her eyes. She crossed her arms while she scowled. She then felt tapping on her arm and turned to find Pinkie Pie gesturing for her to come closer. Rainbow leaned in and listened to what she had to say. Her face broke into a smirk as she heard the plan.
"I mean come on! He's got a scowl that's frozen on his face! How ugly is that?" asked Rodan.
"That's actually kind of hurtful," said Junior with a slight frown.
"Sorry," whispered Rodan. He then cleared his throat. "I mean, to hell with your feelings!"
"Pfft! Don't waste your time." said Rainbow. Rodan turned and found the Valkyrie approaching him. She placed him into a head lock while she bore a small grin. "Why hang out with an egg head when you can hang out with someone as awesome as me?"
Rainbow applied more force against Rodan as he slightly groaned. He chuckled nervously while she gave a glare with a sinister smile. He then caught her human scent, which drove his mind insane due to his Transmutant hormones. He closed his eyes tightly as he held his breath.
'Don't do anything stupid. Don't do anything stupid. Don't do anything...' Rodan repeated this thought over and over again. His hormones were attempting to drive him to perform the mating dance that he had done around her before. This time, it would be in front of everyone. He couldn't do something as shameful as that again. Rainbow slightly grinned as she brought Rodan up.
"What do you say?" asked Rainbow. Rodan lightly chuckled as his nerves settled.
"Actually Twilight, you go have fun with your study session," said Rodan as he looked towards Junior. Twilight noticed the small blush on Rainbow's cheek and grinned to herself. She took Junior's hand and began to walk off with him.
"Thanks!" said Twilight. She and Junior walked off a few feet away but then turned around to face Fluttershy.
"Isn't that cheating?" asked Angirasu as he raised his hand and glanced at Rainbow Dash as she walked with Rodan in tow. The two sat down together in the grass. Fluttershy hummed in thought.
"I'll allow it," said Fluttershy with a smile. She then turned to face Junior. "Now, the last challenge may be your greatest challenge,"
"Bring it," said Junior with a look of determination.



"Son of a bitch," said Junior as he stared down at Angel Bunny, Fluttershy's pet rabbit. The bunny sat on a pillow while both were inside of Fluttershy's cottage. The Element Bearers and the rest of the Transmutants watched as Junior and Angel stared each other down. Junior kept a firm expression while Angel held a scowl and had his fore legs crossed over his shoulders. In front of the bunny was a bowl filled with salad.
"Feed Angel Bunny his lunch," said Fluttershy as she hovered over Junior's shoulder. The Transmutant slumped his head down.
"Why me?" muttered Junior. He then took a calming breath and placed on a forced smile.
"So uh...Angel. We never really talk. Well, I guess you can't actually speak to me since there's a major species barrier between us. But, it's lunch time," said Junior as he picked up the bowl and stuck a fork inside of the salad. After impaling a small amount of salad, he slowly held the fork near Angel, who remained unmoved. Junior sat there for several seconds in silence.
"Come on, buddy. Lunch is served," said Junior. Angel held his scowl. Junior furrowed his brows as he slumped his shoulders.
"What? Rabbits eat vegetables, right?" asked Junior. Angel swiped the fork away, causing everyone in the room, excluding Junior, to gasp. Junior merely held his hand still as if he were still holding the fork. He sighed as he lowered his hand.
"I'm guessing you're not up for salad today. What do you want instead?" asked Junior. Angel reached under the pillow that he was sitting on and pulled out a book. He held the book out to Junior and pointed to a page that he had book marked. Junior took the book and began to scan the page.
"What the hell is this?" asked Junior. Fluttershy leaned over Junior's shoulder and her eyes widened. She sighed as she looked at Angel.
"Angel Bunny..." Fluttershy was met with a scowl from the rabbit. Junior handed the rabbit back the book.
"There is no way I can make that. I'm not a culinary expert, bunny," said Junior. Angel snatched the book and began to furiously slap his paw against the image.
"Hey, that thing is probably overrated anyway. Why don't I boil you some carrots or something?" asked Junior as he held up a carrot. Angel slapped the carrot out of his hand and then slapped Junior across his cheek. Everyone gasped in shock. Junior's eyes were wide open as he slowly turned to face Angel.
"Did you just..." Junior was at a loss for words. He was slapped by a tiny, furry little animal that he can throw all the way to Manehattan. He was too stunned to get angry. Junior shook his head as he narrowed his eyes.
"Hey, I don't care if you want to eat whatever that is. I'm not going to make it," said Junior as he held a firm tone.
"OK, remain calm. You’re using firm words and they have not escalated into profanity. This is good," said Fluttershy with a half nervous smile. Angel hopped over to Junior and kicked him in his knee, which Junior responded with a deadpanned stare. Angel continued to kick Junior with as much force as he could and as fast as possible. Everyone watched as the rabbit tried to force the Transmutant to obey him. Junior sighed in annoyance as he grabbed Angel by the skin on his back and held him up to his face.
"Nice try, but-" Angel suddenly lunged forward and bit down on Junior's nose.
"Gah!" yelped Junior as he immediately dropped Angel on the ground. Junior clutched his bitten nose as it began to bleed.
"Angel Bunny!" called Fluttershy in a scolding tone. Junior grabbed Angel by his leg before he could hop away and brought him close to his face, but kept him at a further distance from his nose.
"Why you little..." Junior gave a beastly growl at the rabbit, who shrunk back fearfully.
"Oh, Gojira please don't hurt him!" cried Fluttershy as she bit her nails. Her eyes were filled with dread.
"Don't worry. I'm not gonna hurt him," said Junior with a smirk. Angel hunched over and bit down on Junior's hand. But, the Transmutant gave no signs of pain. Angel's buck teeth ached as he released and rubbed his mouth. His eyes widened as he spotted charcoal grey reptilian scales to have replaced the soft mammalian skin of the Transmutant. Junior smirked.
"If you were a wild rabbit, I would eat you alive right here and now," said Junior in a growling tone. Fluttershy gasped but then fainted and fell over. Angirasu caught her before she could hit the ground and gently lowered her.
"But lucky for you, I'm working to control my temper and you’re the pet of a dear friend of mine. Now here's what we're gonna do. Mosu, the salad!" ordered Junior. The female Transmutant frantically held out the bowl of salad to Junior.
"H-Here you go!" said Mosura in a nervous tone. Junior then looked to Rodan.
"Rodan, get the rope," ordered Junior in a stern tone. Rodan gasped as his eyes turned into pinpricks.
"No. Not the rope!" cried Rodan. Junior nodded.
"The rope," whispered Junior. The remaining humans watched nervously as Junior and Rodan tied Angel to a chair.
"Wow, this is intense," whispered Rainbow.
"I knooow," Pinkie whispered back.
"What was that?" questioned Junior as he looked over towards the humans with a scowl.
"Nothing!" cried Rainbow and Pinkie in unison. Junior then turned to face Angirasu with a stern expression.
"Aang, wake up the counselor," ordered Junior. Angirasu glanced at Fluttershy and then warily back to Junior.
"Um...do you want me to shake her or something?" asked Angirasu. Junior looked to him in disbelief.
"No, of course not! It's Fluttershy, for god's sake! Be gentle!" said Junior. Angirasu shrugged with a frantic expression.
"I'm sorry! You're tripping out like your about to interrogate a terrorist here! I don't know what to think!" said Angirasu. Pinkie yelled in the room, startling everyone.
"Would everybody just calm down?!" shouted Pinkie. Junior took calm breaths.
"You're right. Sorry," said Junior. He then made his way over to Angel and stuck a fork in the salad.
"You're going to eat this, and you're going to like it," said Junior in a firm tone. He caused the scales on his hand to spread over his fingers and then gently pried the rabbit's jaws open. Junior then slowly stuck the salad into his mouth and then released the jaws. Fluttershy shot up out of Angirasu's arms with a frantic expression.
"Don't eat my Angel Bunny!" cried Fluttershy. Junior sat down patiently on the sofa next to the chair that Angel was tied to. Angel slowly chewed his salad and then swallowed. He pulled out a white flag and then waved it. Junior smiled in approval.
"Good boy," said Junior as he continued to feed Angel. Fluttershy placed a hand over her chest and sighed in relief as she slumped back into Angirasu's arms. Her eyes slightly widened as they met with Angirasu's. She smiled bashfully as she stared at him while Angirasu did the same. Fluttershy immediately raised herself out of his arms and approached Junior. The Transmutant had torn the rope that bounded the bunny and continued to feed him. Junior glanced at her with a slight frown.
"I take it I didn't pass?" asked Junior. Fluttershy lightly smiled at him.
"Well, I'll give you an A-. So, you pass," said Fluttershy. Junior grinned at her. Fluttershy then gave him a stern expression.
"But don't ever threaten Angel Bunny like that again!" said Fluttershy in disapproval. Junior lamely nodded with a nervous smile.
"You got it," said Junior. Fluttershy giggled as she opened her arms out wide.
"Hug time!" cried Fluttershy as she wrapped the Transmutant into a tight hug. Junior lightly chuckled as he returned the Valkyrie's hug. Suddenly, the rest of the humans and Transmutants joined in the hug, causing Junior to lightly grunt.
"Ah. Group hug. Wasn't expecting that," said Junior.
"Feel the love, Goji! Feel the love!" said Pinkie.




Later...

Rodan and Rainbow Dash walked side by side in silence. They had left Fluttershy's cottage and were taking a route through the park to reach Rainbow Dash's home. Rainbow still wore the school girl uniform that Rarity had forced her to wear while she held her clothes in a separate bag. Rainbow's face was red with embarrassment.
"Faust, I can't believe I'm in public with this get up," said Rainbow. Rodan shrugged.
"It's not so bad. In fact, it looks good on you," said Rodan in a nonchalant tone. Rainbow smirked as she nudged his shoulder.
"Heh. I knew you said something about me in a school uniform. Weirdo," said Rainbow. Rodan shrugged.
"Hey, it's not the weirdest thing about me. Don't forget that I transform into another creature and have super human strength," said Rodan.
"Pfft. Yeah, but those things about you are pretty cool. But who likes a girl in a sailor uniform?" asked Rainbow Dash in amusement.
"I say a good number of guys like to see a girl dressed like that. Especially if they liii..." Rodan stopped himself before he said too much. He cleared his throat while Rainbow glanced at him curiously.
"What?" asked Rainbow. Rodan gave a bitter smile as he shook his head.
"Forget it. It's dumb," said Rodan as he placed his hands in his pockets and continued walking ahead of her. Rainbow looked at him in confusion but then furrowed her brows. She picked up her pace and began to walk beside him.
"Hey, what's your deal?" asked Rainbow. Rodan shrugged.
"I haven't a clue of what you mean by that," replied Rodan nonchalantly. Rainbow scoffed in response.
"Don't pull that with me, dude! You've been acting weird lately. Sometimes when we're alone together, you get all distant and awkward. Heck, you even started squawking and paced around that one time," said Rainbow. Rodan gave her a deadpanned stare.
"I thought we agreed to never talk about that again. Also, I told you why I was doing that," said Rodan.
"Yeah well, I'm beginning to have doubts about the reason," retorted Rainbow. Rodan sighed in exasperation.
"Dash, it's nothing. I'm just trying to get back into the swing of things now that I’m back in Ponyville. We weren't exactly in paradise when we ran away from those assholes from MONARCH," said Rodan. Rainbow looked at him in disbelief at how snarky his response was.
"Rodan, I'm just trying to help! You don't have to get an attitude about it," said Rainbow.
"Attitude?!" exclaimed Rodan as he turned to face Rainbow in disbelief. "You were the one who interfered with Gojira's counseling with that scene!"
"Hey, don't change the subject, bub!" said Rainbow as she pointed her finger against his chest.
"We're talking about attitudes. I'm referring to your attitude when I was acting for Junior's anger management counseling. I'm pretty sure we're still on the same subject!" retorted Rodan. His tone raised in volume. Rainbow growled at him in annoyance.
"OK then, what was up with you? Why were you hitting on Twilight when you know that he likes her?" demanded Rainbow Dash. Of course, this wasn't the actual reason why she was upset.
"I wasn't actually hitting on her! I was pretending to help my brother since I know he finds it annoying when I flirt!" said Rodan in a defensive manner.
"You seemed to have gotten into it a lot!" said Rainbow.
"What? Are you jealous?" questioned Rodan with a shrug and a scowl. Rainbow's eyes slightly widened at the mention of the possibility. She swore that he saw right through her. Rodan kept his expression firm, but he turned away from her and wandered over towards a bench.
"You have no idea how important Goji and the others are to me, Rainbow. I mean, I don't think what we have can compare to what you have with the girls," said Rodan in a low tone. He turned to face her with a frown.
"They're the only people who I can call brothers and sister. We had fought, sweat, and shed blood and precious scales together. Gojira has a habit at losing his cool, which is something that worries everyone, including himself. It was only until yesterday before we realized just how serious it was," said Rodan as he turned to look away from her. Rainbow remained silent as she slowly walked over to him. Rodan sat down on the bench as he held his face into his hands.
"I just wanted to show him that, 'hey, you may explode once in a while. But I'll always have your back. I'll do whatever to help'," said Rodan. He sighed. "I'll admit that I may have been having a little bit too much fun with the pretending, but I would never do anything like that to him,"
Rodan lowered his hands as he raised his head. He slumped back against the bench as he stared up at the setting sun. The stars began to appear in the coming night sky. Suddenly, small lanterns lit up in the park. Rainbow sighed as she sat at the far end of the bench as she crossed her arms over her chest. A small frown was plastered over her face as she glanced at the Transmutant.
"Ro...I uh..." Rainbow rubbed the back of her head as she avoided eye contact with him. She sighed.
"I don't really do the sappy, emotional thing a lot. Maybe once in a while. But... Geez man, it's seriously bugging me to see you act this way. I thought we were friends," said Rainbow.
"We are. It's just that Gojira brought something up the other day that I'm beginning to put some thought into," said Rodan.
"Like what?" asked Rainbow.
"Rainbow, you and the others are pretty much heroes of Equestria, right? People pretty much worship you and shit," said Rodan. Rainbow chuckled.
"Well, I wouldn't exactly call it worship but yeah, people like us," said Rainbow in a slightly prideful tone.
"Well, Gojira thinks that it's a bad idea to keep staying close to you guys now," said Rodan. Rainbow's eyes slightly widened. Her heart nearly stopped beating in her chest.
"Why does he think that?" asked Rainbow.
"Well, we're Transmutants and you’re national heroes. You guys are welcome in Ponyville, unlike us. People might not like the idea of you hanging out with us," said Rodan. Rainbow smirked and waved her hand dismissively.
"Oh, sha! Like we care what they're going to think about-"
"Yeah, but we care!" said Rodan as he interrupted her. Rainbow went silent and looked to him in surprise.
"Rainbow, people think we're terrorists, monsters, and murderers. This could ruin you all if you just hang out with us!" said Rodan with a look of dread. Rainbow's breath was caught in her throat. She looked at him in disbelief.
"So...what? You want to stop hanging out with us? With me?" asked Rainbow. Rodan sighed as he rubbed his head.
"No. But Goji brought up a good point. Dash, what if this costs you the chance of becoming a Wonderbolt?" asked Rodan. Rainbow looked down at the ground.
"So...you would rather stop hanging out with me so I can fulfill my dream?" asked Rainbow as she looked down at her hand. Rodan lowered his head as he bore a deep frown.
"I will if that's what you want. I won't get in your way," said Rodan. Rainbow lightly gasped as her eyes widened. She gritted her teeth as she clenched her fist. She trembled with anger. Her eyes narrowed as she slowly turned to face him.
"You..." Rainbow gave a low snarl in her voice. Rodan shot up and stared in surprise. Rainbow glared at him angrily as her eyes glistened with the beginnings of tears. Rodan slowly reached his hand out to her.
"Dash..."
"You jerk!!" Rainbow screamed at the top of her lungs. Rodan recoiled from her tone. Rainbow yelled angrily as she sent her fist towards Rodan. Her fist connected with his cheek, causing him to grunt in pain and fall onto the ground. Rainbow panted as she clutched her aching fist. She glared at Rodan as he turned to face her with a look of disbelief.
"Dash, I-"
"Shut up!! Just shut up, you ass!" shouted Rainbow as rushed over to Rodan and stomped on his chest. Rodan grunted in pain from the force. If he had been an ordinary person, it would have hurt a lot more. Rainbow continued to stomp on his as she took quick breaths as she held in her sobs.
"Dumbass! Dumbass! Dumbass!" screamed Rainbow as she stomped on Rodan. The Transmutant raised himself up before Rainbow could bring her foot down on him again. He grabbed her arms and forced her down on the ground with himself.
"Let me go, you jerk!" shouted Rainbow as she struggled to fight Rodan off of herself.
"Dash, just listen to me!" said Rodan. Rainbow forced herself and the Transmutant over, with her on top.
"I can't believe you'd come back after months of disappearing and have the gall to say we should stop hanging out! Who are you and what have you done with the Rodan that I know and lo- care about?!" demanded Rainbow as she head-butted Rodan. She immediately regretted the decision as she fell forward with a throbbing forehead while Rodan fell back. She groaned in pain as she clutched her forehead. Rodan panted as he lied back with Rainbow on top of him.
"I'd just hate to see your life ruined because of me," muttered Rodan. Rainbow lightly punched her fist against Rodan's cheek as she lied down on him.
"Idiot. What good is my life and dream if it costs me my friends?" asked Rainbow. She rose herself off of him as she sat on her knees. She looked at him with a stern expression as she wiped away the small droplets of tears that were stuck to the corners of her eyes. She sniffled as she glared at Rodan as he raised himself up.
"I'm the Element of Loyalty. Do you know what that means?" asked Rainbow Dash. Rodan merely remained silent.
"It means that I never leave my friends hangin'," said Rainbow Dash as she pointed to her chest. She then lightly smiled as she punched Rodan's shoulder. "Even if they're Transmutants,"
"Dash..." Rodan stared at her in disbelief. He felt his eyes threatening to water, but he immediately took a deep breath and exhaled. He then looked to her with a bitter smile.
"You've got guts, you know that?" asked Rodan. Rainbow smirked as she scooted closer to him. She pressed her fore head against his as she took small breaths.
"And you've been listening to Gojira too much. Take a break. Paranoia does not look good on you," said Rainbow as she backed away and flicked Rodan's forehead.
"Ow," said Rodan as he rubbed his forehead with a scowl. Rainbow giggled in response, which surprised the Transmutant as it sounded more feminine than her usual laughter.
"I don't want to hear anything about you leaving because you’re afraid of ruining our reputation. You got it?" asked Rainbow. Rodan lightly smiled in response.
"Whatever you say, Dashie," said Rodan. Rainbow stiffened at the nick name.
"Sorry, was that out of line?" asked Rodan. "I'll stop if you want. It's just that Pinkie Pie sometimes-"
"It's fine, dude. I'm cool with it,” interrupted Rainbow. A faint blush appeared on her cheek. She then scooted next to Rodan and sat at his side as she held her knees close to her chest. She draped her left wing over the Transmutant and leaned against him. Her heart raced in her chest as she listened to his steady breaths. Rodan gulped as he caught her scent. He then hesitantly wrapped an arm over her shoulders. The night sky had finally approached. The moon came into sight.
"Rainbow, I uh..." Rodan turned his head and looked at Rainbow with a nervous expression. Rainbow glanced at him as she tried to keep her composure.
"Yeah?" asked Rainbow in a whisper. Rodan remained silent. He then shook his head.
"Nevermind. It's not important right now," said Rodan. Rainbow lightly frowned in disappointment.
"Oh, OK then," said Rainbow. Rodan then sighed in exasperation.
"Ah screw it!" said Rodan as he grabbed Rainbow by her shoulders and turned her to face him. Rainbow's eyes widened in surprise as she stared into Rodan's green eyes. They seemed to be almost illuminating in the night. The Transmutant steeled himself as he prepared to speak.
"Rainbow Dash, I-I have a crush on you!" said Rodan with a stutter. Rainbow stared wide eyed as her mouth slightly hung open. She slightly smiled as she leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Yeah, I kinda figured you did," said Rainbow with a chuckle. Rodan looked to her in confusion.
"Wait, you did?" asked Rodan in surprise.
"Well, yeah. I mean, you did try to kiss me when we hung out during Nightmare Night," said Rainbow with a shrug.
"You were leaning in too!" said Rodan with a scowl. Rainbow smirked in response.
"You mean like this?" asked Rainbow as she grabbed Rodan by his shirt's collar and pulled him closer to herself. She then planted her lips against Rodan's. He took a sharp breath of air through his nostrils in shock while Rainbow held her position as she kept her lips planted firmly on his. Unfortunately, she was unable to go further with it, so she released him and pulled away as her face flushed. Rodan took calming breaths as he stared at the Valkyrie in shock before he grinned.
"No. I was thinking more like this," Rodan took Rainbow's chin into his hand and gently brought her face closer to his. Rainbow gasped as Rodan pressed her lips against her and forced his tongue inside. Rainbow's eyes widened as she felt his tongue slide against her own. Her heart pounded in her chest like a giant's footsteps. She lightly moaned as she wrapped her arms around Rodan's neck. The two broke their kiss as they rested their foreheads against each other and locked eyes. They both chuckled as they held each other in a warm embrace.
"I'll be honest. I ended up crushing on you too after that night. And I was a little jealous today," admitted Rainbow. Rodan smirked.
"A little?" asked Rodan. Rainbow rolled her eyes.
"Fine. I was pretty jealous. And I rather lose my chance at being a Wonderbolt if it's going to cost me seeing you again," said Rainbow as she felt Rodan hold her at her waist.
"And I would rather die than leave you," said Rodan as he leaned in for another kiss. Rainbow held her hand against his lips and gave him a coy smile.
"Easy there pal. Take me out first if you want another kiss," said Rainbow. Rodan moaned in disappointment. Rainbow chuckled as she ran a finger against his chin.
"Sorry. But this girl likes to play hard to get," said Rainbow with a wink. Rodan nodded to her.
"Yeah, I realized that on Nightmare Night," said Rodan. Rainbow looked at him with a scowl.
"Hey to be fair, I wanted to make sure things wouldn't get awkward between us since I wasn't sure if I liked you," retorted Rainbow. Rodan shook his head.
"Well, can I at least get a kiss goodnight when we get to your place?" asked Rodan. Rainbow smiled coyly.
"Oh gee, I don't know. Maybe if you come up with a plan for a first date," said Rainbow.
"I don't know if people kiss before a first date," said Rodan with a chuckle as he helped Rainbow Dash onto her feet.
"Oh well. It's better than...Now, that's too far!" said Rainbow as she shook her head furiously.
"Dirty girl," said Rodan.
"Shut up!" said Rainbow as her face broke into a blush. Rodan chuckled as he draped his arm over her shoulders as the two continued their walk through the park. Rainbow smiled to herself.
'This has got to be the sappiest I've done,' thought Rainbow as she glanced at Rodan.