Chapter 12: The land of Xenthur

Gregory Brooklyn is inside a yellow taxi, the driver returning him back home. As his journey from the airport to his house, Greg stares out of the window thinking about his son. The driver looks into his mirror quite often at Gregory.

"Ain't my business mac but ya sure are the wonder boy" the taxi driver asks in a thick American accent, smoking a cigar.

Greg looks at him with an questionable look "Pardon?".

"Ya got something bad on your mind son, that's what I mean? A family thing?".

Greg's chest felt being punched by an unrelenting force, he starts glaring at this suspicious taxi driver "How did you-" Greg growled.

"WHOA! Chill mac! Look I know it ain't my business but that look in your eyes tells it all. I got family issues too son."

Gregory immediately calms down after hearing this "you do?".

The taxi driver doesn't right away, turning around a corner, a car nearly crashing into them. Honking his horn furiously, sticking his head out of the window "WAIT FOR THE GREEN LIGHT YA HIPPY ASS MORON!".

Pulling his back inside, the taxi drivers resumes focus on driving Gregory home "Sorry bout that mac, anyway, I been apart from my wife. She was pretty and kind at first, we quickly married and had three kids four years later. All of a sudden she became a whore, taking money and ain't giving my kids attention, I kicked her ass out".

Gregory didn't really feel comfortable listening into others personal life without befriending them. For his sake and this man's feelings, Greg went along "Really?".

"Really really, it's hard y'know mac. My kids don't see me often, they're living with my mother, I do see em often but I can't let them live with me. Neither can I live with my mother".

"Why can't you if I may ask" asked Greg.

The taxi driver grumbles, throwing out his cigar out of the window "Me and my mom don't get along".

Gregory slumps further into his seat, thoughts pondering about his wife's relationship with his son "someone I know can relate" whispers Greg.

The taxi driver pulls over by the side of the road, making an easy step on the path. Pulling his handbrake and pressing a button, showing Greg's taxi trip fee "That's $599 US DOLLARS mac...nah I'm kidding ya, $12 please".

Gregory pulls out a wallet inside his coat pocket, pulling out a $10 dollar and $5 dollar note, Greg hands over the money. The taxi drivers receives the money and starts collecting change for Gregory. While Greg is waiting, he takes a quick glance outside seeing his house 'home sweet home' Greg thought with a smile.

His smile quickly faded away when he sees two patrol officers walking down the path, they wore their ordinary blue uniform with badges and hats. Greg's heart begins beating violently when the two officers turned a corner at HIS house. Gregory quickly opens his door, taking out his luggage.

"Hey mac! Your change!" the taxi driver yells at him.

"Keep the change!" Greg replies, rushing over to his house.

The two police officers went up to the Brooklyn family's door "Alright, let's go over this one more time. NO. SHOVING. PEOPLE. INTO. WASHING MACHINES. Got it?".

The other officer grumbles, shrugging off his partners request "She got what was coming to her, not my fault she didn't know what to do with a washing machine".

"I don't care if it was Friday and she was the cause of it. We're police officers, we help others, understand? Now act noble".

Gregory walks behind them, calling out them out before a knock on his door starts "Officers! May I help you with something?".

The two police officers turns their heads around seeing a man carrying luggage "Are you Mr. Brooklyn?".

Gregory gulps nervously "Yes sir".

"I'm officer Jaden Westwood, patrol and this is my partner Derek Martin. We're here about your son, Joseph Brooklyn" said patrol man Jaden.

Gregory almost drops his luggage on the ground in utter shock "m-my son? Is he in trouble!".

Officer Derek holds his up, stopping Gregory "No he isn't in trouble, he hasn't been attending school for a week, no reply from his household came. Do you know why?".

Gregory's stomach feels as if it's being twisted "n-no, I don't know. I was on a business trip in South Korea".

"Could we please step inside and discuss this sir?" Officer Jaden asks, as if Greg had a choice in the first place.

Gregory nods at them, stepping into his house which feels so long since he left. Greg not seeing any signs of his daughter or wife but hearing the television and his daughter Clare speaking "CINDY!" Greg bursts out.

X

Joseph Brooklyn along with Spike Sparkle sat qieutly on the seat, feeling bumps as their boat hits waves.

"Hey Joe...how ya feeling? We're going somewhere nopony hasn't been before" Spike asks, in need of a conversation.

Joe looks away from Luna's moon and staring at Spike with a comforting smile "Really want to know? I'm scared but I came for a reason...including you Spike".

"Oh yeah, you want more information about this 'Kirk' guy right?".

Joe nods "Yes".

Spike rubs his chin in deep thought "Dude, to be honest, me and Twilight read almost EVERY book she found and I can't remember anything about a human".

"Really? You mean it's not in history?".

"Nope, you know know what's even more strange? I get this feeling that General Spirit knows a lot more then Princess Celestia" said Spike.

Joseph became very interested in this topic, he wants more information if possible "Keeping information from her like that can lead to prison. If that's true?".

Spike nodded "Sure is, I'm more interested on how he met Kirk in the first place and how?".

Joe leans his body down onto the boat's floor, staring at stars for stories "All of this is confusing, I hope what we do is worth it".

Spike lets out a yawn while stretching out his little arms "I'm tired Joe...can I sleep on your chest?".

The human pats his chest lightly for Spike "Of course Spike".

Spike crawls over to Joe's chest, making himself comfortable by spinning around a few times. Spike lays down holding his tail "hey Joe?".

"Yes Spike?"

"I know it hasn't even been a month since you arrived in Equestria, but since we met...we're best friends. Later on, brothers almost..." Said Spike, tears now appearing in his eyes "please don't leave Equestria".

Joseph smiles at Spike, brining his around Spike, embracing his little brother "I won't leave, I promise".

Joe and Spike closed their eyes, drifting to sleep, sound of water and the bumps started fading away.

X

Princess Celestia's sun peaks over the blue ocean, shining on a beach. Sounds of seagulls echoed through the wind, oceans waving back and forth and tree leaves rustling around from a distance. Joe feels a warm heat on his face, scrunching up his face, Joe lazily blocks Celestia's sunlight. Joseph slowly opens his eyes, his vision is blurry. Rubbing his eyes, hoping to regain clear vision, Joe met the gorgeous blue ocean. Blinking in confusion, Joseph looks at the boats side, sand, they have reached land.

"Spike! Wake up! We're on land!" Joe shouted, shaking Spike who was sleeping on his lap.

Spike groans and stirs, shaking his head "Uhh...dude? Whats up?".

"Spike, take a look around, we've reached land!".

Spike the gem dragon felt confused but looks around, his eyes widened with joy "WOW! R-really! Another land!".

Spike immediately jumps out of the boat, running across the sand towards a path leading over the sand dunes "Spike! Wait!" Joe shouted, jumping out to catch Spike.

Spike stops in his tracks after hearing Joe, seeing him catch up. Joe stops in front of Spike, kneeling down "Spike, you really shouldn't run off like that in somewhere we know nothing about".

Spike lowers his head in shame "Sorry Joe, couldn't help myself...this is really cool!".

Joe stands up, looking around the landscape, somehow, it reminded him of somewhere 'funny...those trees look like cherry blossom trees' he thought.

"Let's walk down this path, hopefully we might find a town or something" Joe said earning an approving nod from Spike.

The odd duo walks side by side, man and dragon in an unknown land, but Joe's fellow human stepped foot here. "this place looks amazing, the grass is green as in Ponyville and look at those trees! They look VERY old, I never seen a tree with pink leaves".

"Cherry Blossoms, well, on Earth we have different countries. Those trees can be found in a country called China, South Korea and a lot more common in Japan" Joe explains.

Spike looks up with a twinkle in his eyes, amazed by human culture "Japan? What's it like?".

Joseph chuckles "I've never been to Japan, only seeing it in pictures or videos, I can say Hello in Japanese".

Spike snorts, shooting Joe a grin "You can speak in a different language? Yeah right".

Joe smirks, accepting the challenge "Konichiwa Nii-chan".

Spike jumps in shock but doesn't believe him "Dude, you could have just been saying gibberish".

"If Applejack was here she'll say I'm not lying" Joseph laughs along with Spike.

Spike then realises something when Joe introduced different languages "Joe, now that you mentioned languages, what if anypony who lives here doesn't speak like us?".

Joseph is taken aback by Spike's statement, quite an interesting and possibly true "You're right there Spike, in all honesty though. I think at least one will be able to speak like us, if not...we or they will figure something out".

"I hope you're right Joe, don't wanna train and let it go to waste".

Joe and Spike continued walking the path which seemed endless but there is only one route, so they could wander off and get lost or hope for a town. They see birds which are different from earth and Ponyville, some are bigger or smaller, some with odd colours with made them beautiful creatures with unique singing never heard before.

Joseph and Spike finally came across a white clothed hooded figure sitting on the ground crossed legged in front of a statue. Spike climbs up Joe's arm, whispering in his ear "Bro, who is that?" he asked worryingly.

Joe tries and make it out, from his position, this figure looks like a human but finds it doubtful "No idea, could be friendly, could be bad, we must see".

Joe walks down further, hoping for the best. As he got closer, the figure is facing the statue and couldn't make out what it is "Excuse me?".

The figure's head lifts up, standing up straight slowly and gracefully "You must be the ones General Spirit wrote of in his letter" it's voice is male sounding with monotone..

Joseph gulps nervously "Um...y-yes, we've been sent here for training".

The figure doesn't speak immediately, Joe thought he is staring at the statue "this statue, shared wisdom and strength in this land. The old grand lord".

Spike and Joe looks at each other, not knowing what to make "Urr...".

The white hooded figure turns slowly, facing them both "I must apologise for this sudden culture share, forgive me" he then bows.

"Dude, who are you and what are you?" Spike asks, taking a peak under his hood but failed to see the strangers face..

"I am Master Yang, I train young students in the arts of Chaj...or as your fellow human Kirk would say Kung Fu" Master Yang slowly lifts his hood off.

Joe and Spike gasps at Master Yang's appearance, his head is nothing like Spike has ever seen in books and for Joe, only in comic books. Yang is an anthropomorphic lizard, big yellow eyes with a straight dark pupil. His scales were once a black colour until it changes into green "I am a Lizard, it is an honour meeting you" Yang bows.

"A-amazing! I-I've never seen anypony like you before!" Spike said with enthusiasm.

Master Yang doesn't smile, not paying attention at Spike's wondrous joy "General Spirit wrote in his letter that you must return 24 hours for Equestria and complete their training".

"Complete our training in 24 hours? But how is that possible in such a small amount of time?" Joe ask questioningly.

Master Yang slowly turns his heel, walking down the left path quietly for a second "Come, follow me to the Kraan Palace".

Joseph and Spike stares at each other, they had no other choice. Quickly catching up with Master Yang, they start sight seeing "Are you pleased with our land?".

Joe smiles, this land is as beautiful as Ponyville, he just wonders if their people are as nice "It's a beautiful land, it reminds me of two places back on my planet earth".

Yang's eyes catches Joe's gaze "China and Japan".

Joe felt surprised with his knowledge and presses for information "Did Kirk tell you that?".

Master Yang resumes looking forward "Yes, your fellow human had shared many tales and cultures from earth. Very interesting indeed, we learned many things about humans, his planet and other countries."

"What was Kirk like Master Yang?" Joe asks.

The lizard thought his words carefully before relying "time will answer your question Mr. Brooklyn."

Joseph wasn't amused with his answer 'time will tell? Does he mean Spirit will tell me instead?' he thought.

Spike who is ogling around, manages a question for Yang "Sir, does this place have any dragons?".

"No" Master Yang answers bluntly, making Spike wince hurtfully "not any more."

"What're ya talking about?" said Spike.

"Many many year ago, a teenage dragon once lived here among us at the Kraan Palace, training in the art of Chaj."

Spike is now interested as Joe about his own race "What kind of dragon?".

Master Yang makes a small smile at Spike "time will answer you sooner then expected, young master Sparkle".

Spike blushes at his 'mothers' last name "W-why are you calling me Sparkle?".

"You are now classed as Twilight Sparkle's son are you not?" said Yang causing a light chuckle from Joe.

Spike's blush reddens, he feels embarrassed but felt very proud of his last name. He has a mother who accepts him, even if he's a dragon "Yeah...I'm proud of it sir."

Joe grabs Spike and lifts him high into the air and placing him onto Joe's shoulder "and I'm proud of you Spike, Twilight will be proud after our training."

Master Yang doesn't stop walking towards Kraan Palace which it's towers resembling China's palace architecture "Young masters, we are nearing the Kraan palace and will pass through Kraans local village Sransphere."

Joseph, Spike and Master Yang continues walking down the path, a few minutes later they arrive at Sransphere village. Joe and Spike walks over a little hill, embracing the sight of Sransphere, it's landscape pure as Ponyville. A rice field with more creatures working, picking the rice for mouths to feed. Small houses, unlike Ponyville, these creature's houses are smaller, their doors slide instead of swinging open.

Joe and Spike watch as some creatures working on the rice field stares while they walk towards Kraan Palace. These creatures are pandas, tigers, ox's and maybe many more to see. Some bowed for Master Yang as he did so as well with respect.

"What do you think of this village if you wish, if I may ask?" Yang asks.

Joseph and Spike both jumps, breaking them out of their deep thoughts of Sransphere, Spike being first sharing his thoughts "Its neat looking, these guys are...strange."

Joe coughs, covering his mouth "Well, it is a lot better than my city. Peaceful, full with nature."

Master Yang shakes a hand from a panda who seems to be in charge of this village "thank you for your food supplies as always Ignas."

"Anything for you who protects our village and country from those barbarians" Ignas said with a wide smile, then making a surprised expression "Oh great lords...the human has returned!".

Yang quickly puts a green scale hand on Ignas's shoulder, shaking his head sideways. Ignas feels ashamed of himself, immediately apologises by bowing "I'm sorry young sir, you...look like 'him'. I must return home".

Master Yang watches Ignas walking away from them "Come, we have wasted nearly an hour, you two do not have long." Yang insisted, storming off.

Joseph and Spike manages catching up along side Yang, they walk through a forest, tree leaves green as broccoli and wood brown as a horses coat. Master Yangs leads them out of the forest and presenting a large Palace, the Kraan "We are here, our legacy and power, birth of Chaj. Kraan Palace".

Joseph Brookly, second human from earth and Spike Sparkle, a gem dragon. Both seeing a mighty, wonderfully crafted palace and dare they say, even greater than Princess Celestia's. Yang gestures with his hand 'follow me'. Spike climbs once again on Joe's shoulder, Joseph at Master Yang's side. As Joe walks for the stairs, he passes by orange dressed monk suits, instead of man it is replaced by anthropomorphic Pandas, rhinos, Lions and many more. Shouting battle cries as they punch, kick and block while being instructed by a white suited monk like Yang, sharing words of wisdom.

Others are training with sticks, breaking pots filled with sand or sparing with a colleague and some even fighting close quarters on tall pillars. Joseph and Spike felt very intimidated at this intense training.

"Master Yang, I don't think we can do this sort of stuff like you guys can" Joe said as if it were a fact.

Master Yang continues walking ahead while the boys keep up with his pace, nearing a very, very long set of stairs "Do not feel intimidated, you will need time to adapt...will be hurt thought".

Spike started panicking after Yang said 'hurt' "w-whoa! H-hurt! How badly?" he stutters nervously.

"Nothing serious just minor injuries...hopefully".

Joe rubs his neck 'this is not going to be good' he thought.

The three now began walking up the long stairs, leading its way for Kraan's heart of it's palace, the hall of Chaj. Spike stays on Joseph's shoulder so he doesn't get left behind "Since we have quite some time before we arive on top, let me explain where you are" Master Yang said.

"You two are in the land of Xenthur, a place where creature's were once separated by greed and evil but became the land of wisdom and light."

"You mean Xenthur wasn't united at first?" Joe said.

Yang nods "Correct, Xenthur wasn't ruled by us Chaj masters. 3,678 years ago, it was ruled by clans which they seek to overthrown other clans and make Xenthur theirs. We Chaj was once a small clan struggling for survival. However, our clan leader, master, the statue you saw awhile ago, a bear, lead us against overwhelming power."

"Wait, you said your clan was small, how did your leader get you through?"Spike asks curiously, his blood boiled with excitement at Xenthur's history.

"Our old grand master, Rubein was a wise leader. Unlike other clan leaders, he never accepted technology for our people which made them ruthless. Old grand master Rubein told clan Chaj 'We must not follow technology like out brothers and sisters, we must not bring chaos, we must not be ruthless. We must however, must embrace nature, listening for it's guidance, if we care for our land, our land will care for us'. Instead of brute force, Rubein told us to speak out for the people of Xenthur, gaining their trust and support. Eventually they realised their clans is leading them into destruction and a sorrowful future, their clan leaders did hear our voice and...executed whoever sided with us".

Spike went silent, his eyes grew small, Joe made a sad face, understanding war from history books. Master Yang looks left, seeing a wonderful landscape of mountains "That made many outrage, being held by a leash. They secretly created a new army with our aid, a rebel force. The Chaj clan trained them with out 'Kung Fu' as well as our tactics. We are a passive clan but for our peoples sake, we must break our rule. Never be the aggressor".

Joe realised they are half way up but gets back on topic "It must have been rough breaking that rule for your clan".

Master Yang sighs sadly "They feel ashamed til this day...it was necessary though, we wanted a land of harmony for other. Bloodshed had to be spilt. Six years the war lasted, many lives were lost including us and the rebels but Chaj and rebels were stronger. With other clans people turning against them, they lost soldiers for hire. Please note, it took six years because even without many recruiting their army's were still very strong. After brutal loses, Chaj and the rebels became victorious".

Joe tilts his head sideways, confused about Yang's short ending "Master Yang, there's more isn't there?".

"Yes Mr. Brooklyn, however you two are not here for history lessons. You are here for training, I'll explain a little more in your free time. For now, we are here" Master outstretches his hand, presenting Kraan palaces hall of Chaj.

Joseph and Spike scans the hall of Chaj's entrance, much like china's temple entrances but instead of red, blue is their signature colour. Master Yang kneels in front of it, placing his scaly fist on his left palm. Speaking his language quietly making two large doors open slowly. Yang stood straight, advancing forward "welcome inside the hall of Chaj, you see here on your sides are ancient weapons and artefacts treasured by us Xenthurians throughout the clan wars and beyond".

Joe and Spike looks each side, seeing a sword with red highlights, a purple sparkling rock, a scroll of Faust's legacy. Both feeling like school students, wishing for a close examination. Master Yang immediately stops, kneeling down, placing his head onto the floor gently "Grand master Chardonnay, we are here".

Joseph looks ahead, he sees a scary image like death itself. Its tall, long arms, many arms, an anthropomorphic spider. Grand master Chardonnay is upside down by hanging on his web meditating in shadow, small amounts of light shinning on him. until Yang spoke. Spike yelps, hugging Joe's neck, terrified of Chardonnay.

The spider releases himself off his web, landing gently, lightly, perfectly on a pond with floating flowers. Grand master Chardonnay walks across on water towards Joe and Spike softly, making Joe gasp violently. The long arm spider creature emerges from shadows, revealing a what a spider would normally look like. Chardonnay has fangs looking sharp, two big eyes and two small eyes, black and shiny, skin is dark brown with some hair. But Chardonnay's body is covered by a white monk suit like Yang's but with light shining pink cherry blossoms.

"Well, if it isn't another human in our land Xenthur and a another gem dragon, welcome Joseph Brooklyn and Spike Sparkle" grand master Chardonnay spoke, his tone is kind sound, very pleasant but has years of experience.

Joe and Spike looks at each other awkwardly, not expecting his voice being pleasant sounding "t-thank you Grand Master Chardonnay".

Chardonnay places two of eight handless legs on Joseph and Spike individually, sending some shivers "I also have received word of General Spirit telling me you boys need training because...certain events happened".

Spike fumbles with words, trying his best not screaming at grand master Chardonnay "Urmm...s-sir...you s-said another gem dragon?".

Chardonnay pulls a surprised expression, if Spike should have known already "Spirit never told you both?".

Joe shakes his head confused "Tell us what sir?" said Joe respectively.

Grand master Chardonnay goes silent, looking into their eyes with his chuckling seconds later "Oh that unicorn, secretive as always."

"Wait a minute...are you saying he knows something?" Joe asks, feeling anger.

"Spirit does sometimes keep secrets from everyone, when he attended here for a year, he knew something that his friend Kirk didn't".

Joe steps forward, completely gob smacked at this "Spirit...came here? With Kirk?".

Grand master Chardonnay sighs thoughtfully "I'm sorry boys but we must stop here and continue another time. Your training is why you're here, time is not on your side today. Should be easy once you've adapted and move along."

Joseph and Spike really did not like ending a conversation without results, Joe already know Spirit knew Kirk but went with him here? Joe needed more answers from him. Spike didn't know his race, a gem dragon lived here. Was it nice? Did it have friends? Did it train in Chaj? Spike wants more answers from Spirit.

Chardonnay walks over to the entrance Joe and Spike came through with them following "You two shall be learning about your strengths and weaknesses. Back at our training area, start with punching bags while master Yang observes you".

"Observe us?" Spike questioned while walking outside.

"Yes, judging your abilities for battle. Then we shall see what suits best, now, shall we?" grand master Chardonnay said, pointing an arm downstairs.

Joseph and Spike looks downstairs, a very long way down "we must walk all the way down?".

Chardonnay chuckles lightly "Optional..." he said.

Master Yang's face became full of shock "grand master...please don't-".

Yang was cut off by Chardonnay who unexpectedly slides down the side of their stair's smooth long surface shouting "BANZAI!" as he slid down.

Joe and Spike watches, absolutely stunned by the grand master of Chaj sliding down the stair's side shouting a Japanese exclamation. Master Yang feeling overwhelmingly ashamed and embarrassed by his superior's action, Yang face palmed "not again" he groaned.

"Again?" said Joe, raising an eyebrow.

"Grand master Chardonnay did this ever since Kirk did it, Master said its...exhilarating".

Spike laughs out loud "Dude! That's was like totally awesome! I wanna do it!".

Joe take another glance at the stairs "ridicules as it seems, I don't feel like walking down again. I guess...we can try what grand master Chardonnay did".

Master Yang sighs regretfully "Young students, please don't-" Yang is cut off by the sight of Joe and Spike attempting a slide downstairs.

But instead of sliding down on their feet, they slid down on their butts, yelling in panic "they just did" Yang said in an unamused tone.

Joe and Spike land hard on Kraan's dirt ground, picking themselves up. Their now fellow trainees are dead silent from Chardonnay's unfitting entrance. They brush dirt off themselves "Are those punching bags ours for training?".

Grand master Chardonnay nods in response, he senses master Yang also sliding down "Heh...Young master Yang has followed our stairs method" he chuckled softly.

Master Yang lands on his feet softly, not even hearing a crunch from the floor as he made contact "please don't do that again grand master then encourage Mr. Brooklyn and young Mr. Sparkle. Your reputation is being corrupted by this...fun".

Chardonnay waves a leg sideways, dismissing Yang's request "master Yang, you must learn that not having fun once in awhile can depress you. But we shouldn't get carried away with it of course. Now boys, master Yang will give you your training clothes. After that, punch those bags. I now must attending other matters, I will see you before you return to Equestria. Farewell" said grand master Chardonnay, giving all his students a bow then walking off.

"Here are your clothes" Yang brings out two orange Chaj or monk suits with black shoes "Please put them on immediately".

Joseph felt his heart skip a beat, feeling cold inside "pardon? You mean here, right now? In front of everyone?".

"Of course, do not worry about your pride in front of us. We Chaj train train in mountains without our suits while surviving cold conditions. Trust me".

Joe and Spike gracefully took their clothes, Spike already starts taking off his suit Rarity made for him. Joe looks at other trainees resuming what they originally did. Feeling very uncomfortable taking his clothes off, but he did do it sport classes. Joe finally goes along, taking off Rarity's wonderfully made suit for the gala. Spike and Joe puts on their training clothes, they look at each other wearing a new uniform "wow! So light...like I'm not wearing it at all!".

Joe looks over himself, the feeling of this monk suit to him felt incredible. Light, manoeuvrable and simple...although Rarity would highly disagree with it's choice of colour. Rainbow Dash would say it needs to be 20% cooler. Applejack may be proud of them wearing orange. Fluttershy would say its nice. Twilight might laugh at the sight of Spike in orange and Pinkie Pie...will say 'WAS THAT A PARTY PRESENT!'. The human laughs 'they're great friends...just friends?' Joe thought.

"Now then, follow my instructions, begin with breathing slowly. Close your eyes, focus" master Yang advises his students. Hoping they would do as he said.

Joseph and Spike breathes slowly, then closing their eyes, feeling light headed. "Keep breathing slowly, focus steadily." Yang instructed once again.

Joe and Spike feel light as a feather when breathing, their minds free from memories that would bring distraction. Master Yang puts his hands inside opposite sleeves "Now you're free from distractions, please proceed to punch those bags. No style needed, fight how you would everyday".

Joe and Spike went over by some Chaj trainees, punching the bags as well. Joseph breathes out heavily, relieving himself being nervous. He raises his fists up, taking a boxing stance, although Joe may not know much about fighting personally (besides a diamond dog). He takes fighting from movies, comics and boxing night shows with the sweet shop owner. Joe punches the bag, then a few more times, repeating as his motivation boils.

Spike watches his best friend punching a bag filled with sand, Spike looks at his own bag. Spike attempted punching it but only hitting the bottom, his punch however, is not to be mocked.

Master Yang observes the two as they let out their might, whilst Spike tries overcoming his height. Yang stares with eyes like a teacher with wisdom would do, he sees Joe's fighting stance, how he fights, his breathing and reluctance. Seeing Spike struggling, master Yang watches the baby dragon thoughtfully, his lack of height, size, soft nature and strong emotions.

Master Yang watches, carefully analyses them, immediately knowing what certain abilities are lacking in which need improving. He lifts his hand up "Stop if you please" Yang instrusted.

Joe and Spike hears master Yang's command and stops punching against their bag, facing in front of him "Yes sir" they said together.

"While I watched you both, I've noticed some elements that hold you back from becoming your true selves. For instance, Mr. Sparkle, you are afraid of losing the ones close to you, fearing of what you might become will sever your bond".

Spike is left speechless, of all the ones he usually talks about his personal feelings with. A person who he hasn't even know for an hour is mind reading him. Spike didn't know if he should respond angry or thoughtfully, for now, the gem dragon let it slide.

Master Yang wasn't quite finished, turning his sights at a spooked out human, it was Joe's turn "Mr. Brooklyn, your past strongly holds you with chains, you still suffer even thought you do not show it now."

Joseph Brooklyn's squinted his eyes with disbelief, now feeling what Spike is feeling. Did master Yang read his mind also? What surprised Joe the most is that Yang saw through him like glass, but he was right. Joe did in fact still suffer from his past still, he acted like it was nothing at the Gala with Spike. The gem dragon looks up at his friend, he lied. "This training will not only just improve your abilities to fight properly but it will help you both overcome your problems."

"Now, your next part of training is fight against a real opponent. This will improve your skills, before you panic, do not worry about how to fight. Just fight the way you would, even if you never did fight. Mr. Brooklyn, you shall be first against our young student Miku" said master Yang, pointing to a anthropomorphic female white rabbit with pink eyes.

The female rabbit Miku wearing an orange Chaj suit walks next to master Yang then bows "It will be an honour master Yang, thank you" Miku's voice is monotone but like Rainbow Dash, a tomboyish tone.

Miku the rabbit turns on her heel sharply, doing another bow in front of Joe. Joseph palms are sweating, wiping the sweat away, he outstretches his arm for a handshake. Miku lifts her head up, staring at his hand then Joe's face in confusion Joseph quickly notices his mistake and bows. Master Yang lets out a small chuckle for Joe "Begin!" he yells.

In just matters of seconds, an orange circle of Chaj students observed them for training, more of them intrigued by a human sparring with one of the top students in Chaj. Miku makes a fighting stance, signalling she is ready. Joe nervously brings up his fists, making a boxing stance 'okay...okay...you're fight an anthropomorphic rabbit who is female. No big deal, just getting my butt kicked. If only Rainbow Dash was here to see this, maybe she would boast for me'.

Joseph's thoughts are interrupted by an incoming kick from Miku the rabbit. With little time for a reaction, he attempted blocking before she kicks his head. "Stop!" master Yang yells, making the rabbit's foot stop inches from Joe's head.

They both adjusted their sights to master Yang, Joe looking thankful for his command but Miku looking annoyed with it. "Eager as always Miku but this is his first time here, be gentle please."

The female rabbit reluctantly lowers her foot down, taking a few steps back, reclaiming her battle stance which was more softer "yes master".

Joe sweats, wiping his forehead nervously 'wonderful...as if it will be easier'.

To be continued

Hi guys! I really really REALLY want to say sorry for being a month late! College work really got onto me and when I was writing this chapter, feeling good while writing. I woke up next morning being ill...since then I've been ill for 3 weeks, still got a cold now but getting better. I wanted to post this chapter last month but since my illness got in the way I couldn't. I felt maybe you guys moved on with this story.

This was supposed to be way longer but I had to cut it for writing purposes because while writing this I found it VERY hard. Not only making it like Japan and China with monks and that, but we have no mane six so I need a breather for now. I miss them (laughs).

Again, sorry for being very late and I still hope you will continue reading this, remember, I promised to finish this story. I will no matter what, thanks for being with me guys and remember...FOR THE BRONIES!.