With Fluttershy dressed for another day of school, she began to pack her bag. Her eyes scanned her materials, making sure that she had everything in place, before she walked out of her house and down the sidewalk. Her eyes brightened as she found Junior ahead of her walking, making her pick up the pace until she was walking alongside him.
"Good morning, Gojira," greeted Fluttershy. Junior immediately flinched at her with a slight startled expression. The girl looked at him in surprise.
"Oh. Hey, Shy," said Junior in a mellow tone.
"Oh. I'm very sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," said Fluttershy with a frown.
"It's alright. I'm just... Out of it today," said Junior as he looked away from Fluttershy.
"Um. Hey, how's your neck?" asked Fluttershy in curiosity. Junior looked away nervously as he pondered his response.
"Oh. It's... You know, just a rash. I'm all better now," said Junior as he cleared his throat.
"Well that's good! I was worried since you ran out of the club room so fast," said Fluttershy. Junior lamely nodded in response as he walked beside Fluttershy. He hoped things were going be a bit calmer today.
It was history class. Junior was sitting in his seat with an attentive look on his face as he listened to the lecture. This class was delving into Transmutant history.
"Since ancient times, Transmutants had been recorded through many different legends, cave paintings, and religious texts. With this in mind, we can say that their race has been around for thousands of years. However, their true origins are unclear and when exactly they had appeared during human history," said the history teacher as he tapped on a board.
"From what the ancients believed, the Transmutants were descendants from gods, demons, or even so called 'chosen defenders' by the gods," said the history teacher. A few students rolled their eyes at the last belief. To think that these beings that threatened them were chosen to defend them by some higher power. Junior kept listening to the lecture.
"In some Middle Eastern and East Neighsian religions, prophets and spiritual leaders claimed these beings to be children of men that were divinely chosen as defenders for mankind, while teaching the normal humans to love them rather persecute them. Thus, giving the Transmutants refuge in these times from humans that sought to slay them," said the teacher.
"Ahem. Big Mistake," coughed a male student. Junior scowled in response.
"How were the Transmutants in danger in those days compared to today?" asked a female student in confusion.
"According to legends and historical texts, Transmutants never had the ability to transform. It was until a few centuries later that legends of Transmutants shape shifting came about. Before, they were just super humans, but still vulnerable to the sword and toxins," said the teacher. Junior hummed to himself in interest.
'Wow. I never knew that,' thought Junior as he began to jot down some notes.
"So, once they began to suddenly transform, legends described the Transmutants behaving animalistically once they changed or during certain seasons of the year," said the teacher. "Like mating behaviors, for example."
"Uh oh. Does that mean that Gojira is gonna try to mate with the girls in school?" asked a male student. All of the students erupted into a fit of laughter, much to Junior's dismay.
"Fuck you, Huffer," said Junior as he sent the human a glare.
"Back, Transmutant! My virginity belongs to the human race!" mocked a girl in the corner. More laughter came from the students, which Junior growled in annoyance as he clawed at his desk. He winced as his ears picked up the sound of wood being scratched. He turned forward and found claw marks on his desk, prompting him to immediately place his arms over the desk to hide the damage.
"Assholes," said Junior with a scowl.
"Alright, settle down. And no, that wouldn't happen. Since Transmutants are required to be implanted with inhibitor chips, it cuts down on inhuman features such as animal behaviors besides the ability to transform," said the teacher. Junior gulped nervously.
'Oh, shit,' thought Junior in realization. Yes, as if his situation couldn't have gotten worse. Now, he had to worry about behaving like some kind of giant reptile every now and then besides his uncontrolled transformations.
"Good to know," muttered Junior.
Junior was sitting at the lunch table in silence as he took bites of his food. Rodan and Angirasu sat beside him as they ate their lunch as well.
"So, how's your skin issue?" asked Rodan with his mouth full.
"Don't talk with your mouth full. And also, it's fine. I don't think anyone suspects anything," said Junior as he took another bite of his lunch. Angirasu took a sip of his milk as he glanced at his phone.
"The girls were worried, you know," said Angirasu.
"Please, they'd be afraid if they knew what my problem was. I'm not going to have that. My freedom is on the line," said Junior as he took another bite. Rodan sighed in annoyance.
"Yeah, but it's not really freedom when the government is keeping us from being able to live fully," said Rodan as he scowled about the inhibitor chips.
"That's society, Rodan. You can't have absolute freedom, or else you lose order. Sometimes you gotta play by the rules," said Junior.
"I never took you a guy who played by the rules," said Rodan in surprise.
"I think I might be offended by that statement," deadpanned Junior. As Junior took another bite of his sandwich, he winced as he felt his teeth ache. He opened his mouth back open, only to find a few of his teeth to be impaled into the bread. Junior's eyes widened.
"Ew! Dude, are those your teeth?" asked Rodan in disgust. Junior brought a finger around his mouth and felt pointed teeth connected to his gums, while a few normal human teeth were wiggly. Junior leaned down to his palm and blew into it, spitting the rest of his human teeth out.
"That can't be good," said Angirasu with worry. Junior shakily dropped the teeth into a napkin and quickly wrapped them up.
"Man, I think you'd be the tooth fairy's favorite person, Goji," said Rodan with a chuckle. Junior sent him a glare.
"Shut up! This isn't funny!" whispered Junior as he immediately stood up from his seat and rushed out of the cafeteria. He made his way over to a trash can and immediately dumped the napkin filled with teeth inside. He sighed warily as he walked through the hall.
"Just relax. All you gotta do is wait until your human teeth replace these ones. Just don't speak to any-" Junior stopped as Fluttershy appeared around the corner next to him. She yelped in surprise but relaxed as she recognized Junior.
"Oh. H-Hi Gojira," greeted Fluttershy with a small wave. Junior immediately cupped his hand over his mouth with a nervous expression.
"Oh, hi!" greeted Junior with a forced friendly tone. Fluttershy raised a brow at him in confusion.
"Is... Something wrong with your mouth?" asked Fluttershy.
"Eh. You can say that," chuckled Junior as he looked away. He then backed away as Fluttershy leaned closer and tilt her head as she attempted to get a look at his mouth.
"Does it hurt? Let me take a look at it," said Fluttershy as she raised her hand to move Junior's. However, the Transmutant immediately reacted without thinking. As Fluttershy's hand came close, he grabbed her wrist and held it back. An animalistic growl came from his throat as his eyes became more reptilian. Fluttershy recoiled with a gasp as she stared at him nervously.
"Gojira, y-you're hurting me," said Fluttershy as she attempted to pull her hand back. Junior's eyes slightly widened. He immediately released Fluttershy's wrist and stepped back from her with a pant. The girl winced as she rubbed her wrist as she looked at Junior nervously.
"Oh my God. Fluttershy, I-I didn't-" Junior spoke as he held his hands up, forgetting to shield his mouth. Fluttershy gasped as she spotted the teeth that were in his mouth. Junior cupped his mouth as his eyes were wide.
"I'm sorry! I-I gotta go!" said Junior as he broke off into a sprint down the hall. Fluttershy shook off her shock after a second and found the Transmutant turning down the hall.
"Gojira, w-wait!" cried Fluttershy as she ran after the Transmutant. She continued to run down the hall, turning corners and passing a few students. Meanwhile, Junior was breathing quickly as his eyes searched for an escape route. He pushed through a couple of students in his way.
"Hey!" cried a student in annoyance. Fluttershy passed him as he got off of the floor while Junior continued to run.
"Gojira, stop running!" called Fluttershy as she continued to run. She didn't know how much longer she could keep up. Already, she was beginning to tire out. Junior however, still had enough stamina in him to continue on his run. He hoped that maybe he could outrun her by the time she wore out. As Junior turned down another corner, he felt himself suddenly slipping on the ground. He yelped as he slid and slammed onto the hard ground, skidding towards a female student that carried a few books. She yelped as Junior nearly rammed into her, but she dropped her books from being startled. As Junior stopped skidding, his eyes caught sight of a 'wet floor' sign. He groaned in pain as he rolled over. Fluttershy came around the corner and she gasped as she found Junior on the ground. She cautiously passed the wet floor and rushed to Junior.
"Gojira, are you OK?" asked Fluttershy in worry as she was about to kneel down. The girl that Junior had nearly slammed into sighed in annoyance as she sent the Transmutant a glare as he shakily stood up.
"Watch where you’re going you jerk!" said the girl in annoyance. Junior groaned as he placed a hand on the ground to push himself up, but it was in the process of increasing in mass and growing charcoal grey scales and black claws. He dug his claws into the ground as he pushed himself up. The female student saw this minor transformation and gave a horrified scream as she stood petrified. This scream drew the attention of a few students in the hall, and Fluttershy was witnessing this reptilian arm replacing the Transmutant's human arm.
"Oh my gosh," whispered Fluttershy with wide eyes. Fear struck her heart. Junior's eyes widened as he found a couple of students rushing over to the area of the hall.
"Holy shit!" cried a male student as he spotted Junior's monstrous hand. It was like he had taken a crocodile's paw and sewed it onto himself.
"Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!" muttered a girl with a look of panic. She imagined the Transmutant just ripping her throat out with his sharp claws. He should not be able to transform, but here he was before her very eyes. Junior drew a look a panic as he shot up, causing the students in the area to gasp and recoil in fear. Junior pulled his sleeve down and hid his large, scaly forearm and began to run away. Fluttershy shot back up to her feet and chased after him. Junior continued to run down the hall with a look of panic. He stopped at a cross section, breathing heavily as he frantically searched where to turn. He had witnesses, which was something that was going to bite him in the ass later on. He found more students in the hall in a cluster, walking around. He turned and found Fluttershy still pursuing him, but she was beginning to lose speed.
'I gotta lose her in the crowds!' thought Junior as he quickly walked through the hall, attempting to blend into the crowd. Fluttershy was cut off as a few students walked in her path. She started to walk around other students, searching every face in the crowd. However, her efforts grew harder as she kept being cut off by other students. Just then, she failed to see Junior already moving passed the crowds and through one of the many halls in the main lobby of the school. The Transmutant panted as he ran through the hall, his vision growing sharper and his senses growing stronger. He felt his heart pounding like tribal drums in his very chest, threatening to explode with anxiety. Junior immediately burst into the boy's restroom, finding a few students inside.
"Everyone out!" shouted Junior. A few students jumped, startled at his voice.
"Wha- No way! I gotta take a piss!" said a male student in annoyance. Junior slammed his scaly fist against the wall, causing tile to crack on impact.
"Now!" shouted Junior. The male students quickly rushed out of the bathroom with looks of fear.
"Oh man, fuck this shit!" said a student as he ran out of the bathroom with drenched hands. As Junior found himself alone, he groaned as he felt his head pound and his skull ache. It felt like it was trying to restructure itself. Junior slouched his way over to the sink and hunched over, his breathing growing more ragged and deeper like a wounded beast.
"Oh, God. It... hurts," groaned Junior as he began to lose his voice to a throaty grunt. He suddenly heard the sound of the door opening.
"Get... Out," groaned Junior as he struggled to look who was in the reflection of the mirror. He suddenly felt a sharp pain in his neck, causing him to cry out. Junior reached for his neck and pulled out a metal object, which he saw was a tranquilizer dart. He turned and found the person who shot him. However, his vision blurred before he could make out the details of the man. He swayed in place as his head felt light. He moaned as he fell over on the ground, everything spinning around him. The figure stood over him, looking down at him.
"Target is down. He went quicker than I thought he would," said the figure. His voice seeming deep to Junior's mind while under the influence of the tranquilizer. His world darkened until he was unconscious.
Meanwhile, his attacker knelt beside him and held up Junior's arm. He pulled his sleeve back and found the forearm returning to normal. Koizumi placed a finger against his ear.
"Looks like he's changing back. I still say we should've killed him," said Koizumi.
"Good God! No, he wasn't posing a threat! I saw what happened on camera, Koizumi. We had to calm him down before he ended up completely transforming. Besides, he's just a kid," said Inoue over the COM. Koizumi sighed in annoyance.
"Alright, fine. I'll go drop him off at the nurse's office and just say he passed out. Over and out," said Koizumi as he ended his conversation. He shook his head as he looked down at Junior.
"And here I thought I was gonna get some action with a Revolutionary. Oh well, maybe one day," said Koizumi as he pulled out a walkie talkie.
"Hey, I got a kid in the boy's restroom who just passed out. I need help getting him to the nurse's office," said Koizumi.
Junior groaned as his head pounded. His eyes slowly opened, and his vision was blurred. He heard voices over him, and he was unable to make them out. His vision was able to make out a few blobs next to him.
"He's waking up!" cried a feminine voice. Junior's vision cleared up, allowing him to recognize Fluttershy, Mosura, Twilight, and Sunset. Junior groaned as he slightly raised himself up as his head ached.
"Easy! Try not to exert yourself," said Sunset as she gently pushed Junior back down onto his back. The Transmutant winced as held his forehead.
"Wha... What happened? Where am I?" asked Junior with a groggy tone.
"You're in the nurse's office. You passed out and were brought here," answered Twilight. She looked at him in worry. "Are you alright?"
"I... I don't know. My head is killing me though," said Junior as he clutched his head.
"What happened?" asked Mosura. Junior was about to answer, but he couldn't give her one. He couldn't remember what had caused him to suddenly pass out. All he remembered was him running into the bathroom while trying to conceal his out of control transformation, and then nothing else. But, he couldn't bring up his crisis. It was too risky.
"I... I can't remember. All I remember was going into the bathroom and feeling light headed," lied Junior. Although, that couldn't be any further from the truth. His head was feeling the total opposite of being light. The girls, excluding Fluttershy, all looked at each other with inquisitive expressions. Fluttershy merely held her eyes on Junior, with a look of worry. The Transmutant's stomach tightened as he recalled how Fluttershy witnessed what happened. Not only that, he pretty much frightened and harmed her in the process. He looked away from her.
'Why hasn't she said anything?' thought Junior. It wasn't a lack of speaking of worry for him for being in the nurse's office that bothered him. Rather it was the fact that she had not called him out on his lie and pretty much exposed him for his minor transformation. It was bothering him to no end. Just then, the nurse had arrived over to Junior's side and leaned over him. She placed a hand over his forehead to feel his temperature.
"Well, you don't seem to be burning up. How are you feeling?" asked the nurse.
"As I said, my head just hurts," said Junior. The nurse hummed in thought as she took out an otoscope and examined his eyes, which dilated from the light. She ran a quick couple checks on his mouth and ears and then his temperature.
"You're not sick from what I can tell," said the nurse.
"That's..." Mosura was about to finish her response, but Junior cleared his throat, cutting her off.
"I... I guess I'm just exhausted. I was up really late last night," lied Junior. The nurse hummed in thought.
"Ah. Yeah, that may be it. Well, school is out right now and the office had contacted your mother. Wait outside for her and get some rest when you get home," said the nurse. Junior nodded as he got out of bed and shakily stood up on his feet. Twilight and Sunset rushed to his side and started to support him before he could fall over. They guided the Transmutant out the door along with the rest of the girls. As they left the nurse's office, Junior took a seat on a chair that was outside, sighing in relief as he lied his head back.
"Um... We can wait with you until your mother gets here," offered Twilight.
"No. No, I'll be fine. You can go ahead without me," said Junior in a groggy voice. The girls looked at each other, hesitant to leave the Transmutant.
"Are... Are you sure?" asked Sunset.
"Yeah. Now, get going. Go on, scram. I'll be fine," said Junior as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. One by one, the girls left the Transmutant. However, Mosura and Fluttershy lagged behind, looking back at Junior. Fluttershy turned to face Mosura.
"Um... Mosura, can I talk to you about something?" asked Fluttershy in a whisper. Mosura turned to face her with a look of curiosity.
"Hm? Oh, sure. What's up?" asked Mosura.
"Um... I rather we not discuss it here," whispered Fluttershy. Mosura glanced back at Junior, hating to leave him alone. She had a pretty good idea on what may have been happening with him.
"OK," said Mosura with a nod. The two walked out of the hall, leaving Junior behind in his seat. The Transmutant looked at his hand, finding it to be normal. He sighed heavily as he face palmed.
Later...
Fluttershy sat across Mosura at a cafe in silence. It wasn't very packed on this early evening, and the two sat at a booth further from any hearing range. Fluttershy found it a bit awkward for her to be alone with one of the most popular girls in school. But if she had been here with her before she had gotten a bit comfortable around her during their time in the club, she would likely not be able to say anything.
"So, what was it that you wanted to talk about?" asked Mosura as she took a sip of coffee. Fluttershy looked down at the table as she stared into her cup of tea. She took a breath.
"Um... I think... I think I know what happened to Gojira," said Fluttershy. Mosura's eyes slightly widened in response. Truth be told, Fluttershy felt wrong for discussing this kind of thing with Mosura. But she felt the need to act for Junior's sake.
"Earlier I uh... I saw his eyes change. I saw his teeth being really sharp too. And... His arm was growing. I-It had scales all over it," said Fluttershy as she recalled the frightening sight that she had seen. How sharp those claws looked and how monstrous his arm appeared. Mosura sighed in response.
"I think I understand what you're getting at. You don't have to say anymore," said Mosura as she glanced at her side to make sure that no one was ease dropping on their conversation.
"I don't understand. I thought Transmutants couldn't transform because of a chip or something," said Fluttershy in confusion.
"Well... It can be possible if the chip is damaged. This sometimes happens with accidents. But other times... a Transmutant tampers with it on his or her own. But that's normally someone who's thinking of becoming a Revolutionary," said Mosura as she avoided eye contact. Fluttershy looked at Mosura in worry.
"You... You don't think Gojira would have..." Fluttershy cupped her mouth in shock. She was appalled how she would assume something like that on the Transmutant. He may have been aggressive, violent and anti-social, but he didn't seem like a criminal. There had to be a reasonable explanation for this.
"No, I don't think he would. To tell you the truth, I saw him slightly changing yesterday as well," said Mosura. She looked down solemnly. "He looked so scared,"
Fluttershy deeply frowned in response. She couldn't imagine what the Transmutant could have been going through at this time. It was no wonder that he was growing anxious these past few days.
"Hey, Fluttershy. Why did you come to me to talk about? Why not any of the others?" asked Mosura in curiosity. Fluttershy directed her attention back at Mosura. She felt wrong for what her response was going to be.
"Well... I'm not sure if I can trust them with this information. I know that sounds wrong, but I was worried how they would react. With you, I feel like you could handle this information more. After all, you seem to be on much more friendlier terms with Gojira," said Fluttershy. Mosura smiled bashfully at her response.
"Heh. You really think so?" asked Mosura as she stared at her cup of coffee.
"I do. I feel like I can trust you the most about this. I don't want Gojira to get into trouble. He's a friend to me," said Fluttershy. Mosura smiled warmly.
"That's sweet of you," said Mosura.
"Yeah. But I wonder if he thinks of me the same way," said Fluttershy with a sigh. Mosura leaned back in her seat.
"Well... I think he might. If not, then I bet he will soon. Guys like him don't like to admit their feelings. Unless maybe they're with someone they feel more comfortable with," said Mosura. Fluttershy's eyes slightly widened in response as a memory from the night that she and Junior were walking home together during the Fall Formal came to mind.
'I think you're all growing on me.' Junior's voice echoed in her mind. Fluttershy smiled to herself as a small blush appeared on her cheeks, feeling flattered.
"Hmm. Well, can you promise me that you won't say anything about him?" asked Fluttershy with an intense stare. Mosura nodded in response.
"Of course. You have to promise as well," said Mosura. Fluttershy crossed her heart with her pinkie.
"Cross my heart. Hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye," said Fluttershy as she made the gestures. Mosura smiled in amusement as she copied the gestures. The two girls both shared a laugh together. Fluttershy smiled to herself as she settled down.
'Mosura's such a kind person,' thought Fluttershy.
Battra bore hard eyes as he stood around the street corner. He sighed as he slightly shivered from the cold air. The Transmutant glanced to his side and found a few Transmutants hanging around a street corner. Battra made his way over to the group as one of the Transmutants from the group directed the others' attention to Battra.
"Evening boys," said Battra as he held his hands in his pocket.
"Battra," greeted a Transmutant from the group. Battra made his way over to his side and briefly looked around.
"Goro, I need to speak to you alone for a minute," said Battra. Goro nodded in understanding.
"Be right back guys," said Goro as he turned to the others.
"Alright, but hurry up man! The game will be on soon before we can even make it to the bar!" said a Transmutant. Goro nodded in response as he followed Battra. Goro was a bit on the scruffy side. Bearing an unshaven beard and messy cobalt colored hair. He was muscular in build and stood to be six foot nine. The two stopped at around the corner, where Battra searched to make sure that no one else was around.
"Listen, I had gotten a lead a few nights back on the Purists. Apparently they were meeting with the leader of the group," said Battra. Goro's eyes widened in surprise.
"Did you see who he was?" asked Goro. Battra shook his head.
"No, the son of a bitch wasn't actually there. Just a few of his cronies and a laptop with his voice coming out of it. Even his voice was disguised," said Battra with a look of frustration. "Listen, do you-"
"Battra, I've already said that I didn't want to get involved with your vigilante business," said Goro.
"No, I'm not asking you to break into a hang out with me! I just want to know if you heard anything in the streets lately regarding them? That's all I ask," said Battra. Goro sighed in response.
"No, I haven't. But some Transmutants think that the mayor might be involved with the Purists. This has gotten them antsy," said Goro.
"I doubt it. I'll believe that paranoia once I find myself being led into her office," said Battra. He sighed as he rubbed his forehead. Goro looked at Battra with a light frown.
"Battra, you have to stop doing this. How long do you plan on putting on that mask?" asked Goro.
"For as long as it takes. Even until the day that I die," said Battra narrowed his eyes.
"Son, the police are looking for you. The Purists now have a target painted on your back. You'll only get yourself killed. And for what?" asked Goro. Battra scoffed as he turned away.
"They won't find me. As long as I stay smart, it'll be fine," said Battra.
"What happened to you, Battra? You're a freshman in college. You're a smart kid. You once thought of killing as a barbaric action. Something that would damn a man in the end. Now you're risking everything by going out there killing Purists and its supporters," said Goro. Battra sent him a glare.
"Hey! I killed militant supporters! Each and every one of them has had a hand in the harm and death of Transmutants everywhere!" said Battra. He turned away and looked at the area and the Transmutants that roamed the sidewalks.
"I learned that not everyone deserves to live, Goro. There are sick and cruel people in this world that are ruining everything. I can't fix a fallen world, but I sure as hell can help the people that deserve it. Be they human or Transmutant," said Battra. He then turned back to face Goro.
"Sometimes, the world needs someone who is willing to put the animals down. And the Purists are the most dangerous animals out there," said Battra. Goro sighed in response.
"That's how it all starts. The fever. The rage. The feeling of powerlessness. That turns good men cruel," said Goro. Battra shook his head.
"Say what you like to think of me, Goro. I only do this because the Purists are not worth sparing. I have to protect my little sister," said Battra as he began to walk away.
"And what if she finds out about you? What if the Purists learn who you are and come after her?" asked Goro. Battra stopped dead in tracks. His brows furrowed.
"If she found out, she would probably hate me. If the Purists do such a thing, then it will be the biggest mistake that they have ever made," said Battra. He then glanced back at Goro.
"Goro, watch your back. The Purists now have Transmutant Radars and they're planning something here in Ponyville," said Battra. Goro's eyes slightly widened, but he nodded in response.
"I appreciate the warning," said Goro. Battra nodded as he continued to walk away. He lightly frowned as he thought of the risk that he was truly taking. He sometimes thought of the possibility of being found out by his sister or the Purists, but he chose to ignore them, because they frightened him terribly. However, Battra was too far into being a vigilante right now. He couldn't stop knowing that there was a plan by the Purists being concocted here in his home town. Battra closed his eyes.
"Just a bit longer. I'll make sure that I stop whatever it is that they’re planning to do. After that, then I'm burning that mask," said Battra to himself.
The next day...
Junior sat alone in his home as he sat on the sofa. He was currently watching television on this weekend. It was a television series of a police officer risking his life in putting away criminals involved in an organized crime syndicate. Junior was distracted from the series as he heard the sound of the doorbell ringing. He quickly muted the TV and made his way over to the front door. He peaked through the spy hole and found Fluttershy to be standing on the porch. Junior took a calm breath before opening the door. As he opened it, Fluttershy greeted him with a smile.
"Hello," said Fluttershy.
"Hi Shy," greeted Junior as he cleared his throat. The girl twiddled her thumbs as she stood in the doorway.
"Um... May I come in?" asked Fluttershy.
"Oh. Yeah, come on in. Sorry," said Junior as he stepped to the side and allowed the timid girl to step in. Fluttershy took a seat on the sofa next to Junior.
"So, what brings you here?" asked Junior.
"I... I wanted to talk to you about yesterday," said Fluttershy. Junior looked away as he bore a nervous expression. Fluttershy scooted closer to him as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"It's OK if you don't want to talk about it. It's just that I'm worried about you. I want to help my friend," said Fluttershy. Junior sighed in response as he stood up. He rubbed the back of his head with a light frown on his face. Fluttershy stood up as well and made her way to his side.
"You can always tell me if something is bothering you. That's what a friend does," said Fluttershy. Junior looked down at her in reluctance and then turned his head forward to stare at the wall.
"Fluttershy, I have a confession to make," said Junior. He rubbed his lower back, feeling a light trace of his scar from surgery.
"The day that I was in the hospital. It was because my inhibitor was damaged when that car hit me," said Junior. He looked at his hand and clenched it into a fist.
"Lately, I've been having random transformations on my body. I can't control them and I don't know anyone who does," said Junior. He gritted his teeth as he sat back down and buried his face into his hands.
"I don't know what to do. I can't tell anyone about this. Already a few witnesses saw me partially transform. Rumors of a Transmutant with a broken inhibitor chip are going to spread, and it's going to be true," said Junior. Fluttershy deeply frowned as she sat next to Junior.
"I don't... Rodan and Angirasu know, but I can't trust anyone else with this knowledge. I can be arrested and thrown into the Vault for who knows how long," said Junior. Fluttershy wrapped her arms around Junior and pulled him into a warm embrace. Junior's eyes slightly widened in surprise as the girl held him tighter.
"It's OK. Like Mosura, Angirasu and Rodan, I'll keep your secret. I promise," said Fluttershy. Junior softly smiled to himself as he wrapped his arms around the girl.
"Thanks Shy," said Junior. Fluttershy flushed to herself as she heard him spoke softly near her ear.
"You're welcome," said Fluttershy.
One week later...
It was Friday. Halloween had arrived. The houses were covered in Halloween decorations on this noon. Junior was sitting at the lunch table with the Main Six and his fellow club members. He stood with a look of annoyance as students in the cafeteria were dressed as skeletons and zombies reenacting Thriller. Students cheered at the dance as the music played in the cafeteria. The Transmutant sighed in annoyance as he ate his lunch.
"I can't even eat lunch in peace," said Junior. As the dance came to a conclusion, the cafeteria erupted into cheers.
"Yeah! Woo!" cheered Sunset as she applauded Flash as he came rushing over to the table. He was covered in make up to make him appear as a zombie.
"What did you guys think?" asked Flash with a pant.
"You were great!" said Sunset. Twilight nodded in agreement.
"Dude, you really rocked it out there! You got some rhythm!" said Rainbow. Rodan shrugged.
"It was really good. You kinda missed the sync around the beginning, but you picked it up later," said Rodan with a thumbs up. The rest of the group gave their approval while Junior remained silent. So far, no conflict was brewing between him and Flash, which was good since he did not have the patience to deal with it anymore. His muscles ached from the minor transformations and he grew hungrier than usual, but Flash seemed to have been fine with Angirasu and Rodan sitting around as well. Still, he wasn't entirely sure if his bigotry towards Transmutants was cut down if not limited.
"I'm super excited for school to end! I can't wait till we have our Halloween party!" cried Pinkie with a giddy expression as she shook in place. Mosura chuckled in response.
"Settle down Pinkie. Save your energy for later," said Mosura. Twilight looked Junior's way.
"You still coming?" asked Twilight. Junior shrugged in response.
"Eh... I guess I can come along," said Junior. She smiled brightly in response.
"Great! Because you know, we actually have something planned after the party!" said Twilight. Junior raised a brow at her.
"What?" asked Junior. After that question, Twilight, Flash, Pinkie, Sunset and Rodan all looked at each other mischievously. Junior scowled in response.
And that is how he found himself outside of a dark forest just hours later in the evening. He stood before the entrance to the forest while he stood with the girls, Flash and his fellow male Transmutants. Junior looked at Rodan with a deadpanned stare.
"You son of a bitch. You suckered me into this, didn't you?" accused Junior. Rodan chuckled mischievously as he and Rainbow Dash gave each other a high five. Everyone had changed into their casual clothing after the party, although Junior had no need to since he never wore a costume. They all stared at the entrance of the Everfree forest.
"Oooh. Spooky," said Pinkie with a grin.
"And on Halloween night? Ha! This is perfect!" said Rainbow. Rarity, Fluttershy, and Erika stood by nervously as they stared into the forest entrance. How ominous it looked with the plants slouching down and the eerie sounds of animals coming from within. Angirasu looked at the brains of the idea.
"Sooooo.... What are we doing? Just wander into the forest all night until we can't take anymore?" asked Angirasu.
"Yeah, but there is also a chance to explore," said Sunset. Twilight nodded in agreement as she pulled out a book from her back pack.
"You see, this book holds historical events over Equestria from the dark ages. Apparently there's a castle hidden deep in the Everfree forest," said Twilight. Rarity's interest peaked.
"A castle?" asked Rarity as she leaned over Twilight's shoulder and looked at the book, finding an illustration.
"Yep! It belonged to two princesses that ruled these lands centuries ago! However, the land was cursed and the forest was said to have turned on the kingdom. Once that happened, the castle was lost when years of foliage began to regrow over the settled land, forcing the people to flee and abandon their dead princesses," said Twilight.
"So, you want to look for an old shitty castle that fell because of a curse on Halloween night?" asked Junior. Applejack nudged Junior's shoulder.
"What's wrong partner? Afraid that the ghosts of the princesses are haunting the Everfree?" asked Applejack. Fluttershy whimpered with a fearful expression. However, Erika was as pale as a ghost herself as she bore a terrified expression.
"G-Ghosts?!" cried Fluttershy and Erika in unison. Rainbow smirked as she walked around the two.
"Oh yeah. In fact, if you go into the Everfree forest, you may never return. Because the ghosts take anyone away to their old castle. Once they have you, they eat you!" shouted Rainbow as she finished her scare tactic, frightening Erika and Fluttershy out of their wits.
"Hey, knock it off!" said Junior as he shot Rainbow a glare.
"What? I'm just teasing!" said Rainbow with a shrug. Sunset brought a comforting hand on Erika's shoulder.
"Don't worry. Come on, there's no such thing as ghosts," said Sunset in amusement.
"Yeah, we're not going on a ghost hunt. Just a castle hunt!" said Twilight. Rarity tapped her chin thoughtfully as she pondered her decision.
"Is this a good idea? No one really goes into the forest. We don't know what's in there," said Rarity. Rodan chuckled as he crossed his arms.
"Ah. Don't worry, I'll protect you baby," said Rodan with a flirty smile. Rarity rolled her eyes in response. Rodan raised his hands up, drawing the attention of everyone in the area.
"Don't worry ladies! You are under the protection of three strong guys!" said Rodan as he brought his arms around Angirasu and Junior's shoulders. Junior rolled his eyes in response. Flash then raised a brow at Rodan.
"Um... There's four guys," said Flash as he raised his hand.
"OK. Three strong guys and Flash," said Rodan. Junior snorted in response while Flash looked at Rodan in offense.
"Hey!" said Flash while a couple of the girls suppressed giggles.
"I'm kidding, dude. Four strong guys. Only three are stronger," muttered Rodan as he leaned closer to Rainbow as he released the other Transmutants. Rainbow snorted in response.
"That's better," said Flash. Twilight cleared her throat.
"OK, let's stay together. But buddy up just in case!" said Twilight. Pinkie rushed to Angirasu's side and held his arm.
"I'm going with Angy!" said Pinkie with a grin. Angirasu flushed in embarrassment. Rarity bit her thumb as she attempted to think of who to buddy up with. She wasn't sure what may have lied in the forest, but she rather buddy with someone with enough strength to take on any dreadful wild animals that may reside in the forest. She glanced at Junior and found his scowl on his face.
'Er. Maybe not him,' thought Rarity with a nervous expression. She imagined that Junior would just ditch her instead. She then looked at Flash, but deciding against that since he was Sunset’s boyfriend. Rodan was too much of a flirt for her taste. Then she looked at Angirasu, who attempted to pry Pinkie off of his arm. Rarity hummed in thought.
'He seems more civil,' thought Rarity. She rushed over to Angirasu's other side and took his arm.
"Um... Angirasu, darling. Would you mind being my escort as well?" asked Rarity as she batted her eyelashes. Angirasu gave a nervous chuckle as he looked away.
"Sure, I guess that's fine," said Angirasu. Applejack hummed in thought, as she made her way over to the Transmutant.
"I better buddy up with ya, partner. Looks like these two will give you a tough time," said Applejack. Angirasu nodded in response, feeling thankful that this girl didn't try grab his arm as well. Rodan turned to face Rainbow with a smile.
"Wanna buddy up?" asked Rodan. Rainbow nodded.
"Sure. Just don't chicken out," said Rainbow as she nudged Rodan's chest.
"Right back at ya, sister," said Rodan. He then waved to Sunset and Flash.
"Yo! You two wanna buddy up with us? I think you could use a little help in the defense department," said Rodan. Flash rolled his eyes in response.
"Very funny. Go ahead, if you want," said Flash. Rodan and Rainbow buddied up with Flash and Sunset, leaving Twilight and Mosura to make their way over to Junior.
"I guess it's you, me, Mosura, Erika and Fluttershy," said Twilight. Erika made her way close to Junior's side as she bore a nervous expression. She took calming breaths as she muttered a prayer. Junior looked at Erika in pity. He then noticed Fluttershy visibly shaking in place.
"Shy, you don't have to do this," said Junior. Fluttershy shot her head up and focused on Junior. She briskly made her way over to him.
"Um... No, I can go on," said Fluttershy.
"Are you sure?" asked Mosura.
"Yeah. I don't wanna ruin the fun. Maybe... it won't be so bad," said Fluttershy. Erika gave a nervous laugh.
"Yeah, that's right. It'll be fine!" said Erika as she held her own shoulders.
"Fun, huh?" asked Junior with a deadpanned stare as he looked at Twilight. The girl shrugged with a sheepish smile.
"It wasn't my idea," said Twilight.
"Yet you went along with it," said Junior. Twilight looked away in response.
"Moving on! Everyone, keep your flashlights on you and stay close! If you get lost, don't panic. Try to stay on the path and keep your phones on you," said Twilight. The groups gave verbal responses of understanding. Rodan chuckled as he ran towards the entrance of the forest.
"Alright guys, let's do this. Shooooooouuuuu Roooodaaaaan!!" shouted Rodan as he ran through the forest. Everyone stared with wide eyes.
"Oh my God, he just ran in," said Junior in disbelief. The rest of the group power walked after Rodan, making their way into this dark forest.