“Here we are, Radahn!”

Hangaku had declared in the lead, the sun above resting on its high noon throne and baking the land as the pegasus and her earth pony companion stepped around a mound of dirt, rock, and sand before being presented with towering buildings with bulbous rooftops and a great wall stretching infinitely in either direction.

The neighponese pegasus stops in place and turns to face the stallion. “Welcome to Istanbul, big guy.”

Radahn’s eyes take in the sights, admiring the admittedly alien-like building motif. “Of all the desert nations I’ve visited before, I’ve never seen one with such unique architecture.”

Hangaku raises an eyebrow, “Unique architecture?” She glances back to Istanbul and sets her eyes on the titan again. “It’s pretty average if you ask me.” The pegasus said with a shrug. “If you want to see some really impressive stuff, you should visit Abyssinia and Ng’amia sometime, both being desert nations inhabited by bipedal felines to the east. My homeland, Neighpon, isn’t too far from there as it’s near the Prancific Ocean. Then there’s Qina, but we’re getting a little sidetracked.”

“Sounds like an interesting affair, my friend.”

Radahn lifts his head for boisterous laughter while Hangaku walks past him, the stallion turning with her as they tread side-by-side and go around the same mound they’d previously come from, after which the salvaged yet still usable remains of the Zawaqil’s cart and the unconscious Galib on top and bound in ropes can be seen.

As for Shirley’s head wrapped in magically preservative cloth imbued with crimson runes, Hangaku had stashed it away and out of sight for the time being.

“I still say that we could’ve arrived here sooner had we flown, and the cart was just unnecessary baggage.”

“That’s exactly the problem, big guy. You’re an earth pony who can fly without wings. Besides, the cart makes things a bit more convenient, and we might be able to repurpose it for future use.”

“You know I’m using gravity magic to perform such a feat. I certainly couldn’t fly in my human form without it, either.”

“I’ll grant you the human bit, but earth ponies can’t use magic like you do.” During Hangaku’s response, Radahn picks up the rope strapped to the forefront of the wagon and throws it over his right shoulder.

“You’re an anomaly,” Hangaku states while flapping her wings and hovering over the cart before setting herself down on it. “If the ponies of Equus ever saw you, you’d cause panic amongst the pegasi and the unicorns. And you’d practically be a god to the earth ponies.”

“Demigod, but the god thing works, too! Ahaha!”

The wheels of the cart creak as Radahn takes his first step, pulling it and Hangaku along as they set off toward Istanbul. He had to commend whoever was responsible for the craftsmanship of the wagon wheels, being more than capable of trekking through the sandy terrain without much or any complications.

“Seriously, though. I am but a demigod who’s been turned into an equine, likely a joke due to my brotherly bond with Leonard, and was set down in a distant land through means of powerful sorcery cast by those who were just trying to help me, Hangaku.”

“Exactly!” Hangaku exclaimed with outstretched wings, which folded afterward. “How can you just casually say that and expect the three pony tribes in the Lands Between to accept any of it? They don’t even know what a human is- I barely know what a human is.”

“Come now, Hankagu, I’m not that much of an anomaly by the standards of my homeland. Why, it was the Alabaster Lords who invented the magic I wield; I’m simply a well-versed student of the arts. Ahahahaha!”

‘A-Alabaster- what is- what?!’ Hangaku cried out internally with an agape muzzle, absolutely dumbfounded. She then shakes her head to recover her composure, lifts it with closed eyes, and takes a deep and recuperative breath.

The sounds of the world around her slowly faded away to the point that the pegasus couldn’t even comprehend any further words loosened from Radahn’s muzzle. She crosses her hind legs, spreads out her forelimbs, and surrenders to the bliss of meditation, maintaining calculatively paced breaths.

An elderly mare’s voice rises from the recesses of Hangaku’s memories, which echoes in her psyche during her trance.

The pegasus’ sensei would’ve reprimanded her for showing such emotions as a ninja; such things can cost them dearly in their way of life. Thus, with those teachings in mind, she manages to tame her emotions.

As Hangaku emerges from her meditative state, Radahn’s humming, the cart’s mobility, and the sound of the world around them finally grace her hearing senses.

“Hey, you,” Radahn began, looking back at her. “You’re finally awake.”

Hangaku chuckles while shaking her head, “I wasn’t sleeping, big guy. I was meditating. Let’s just get your titanic flank to Selene so we can finally make sense of your conundrum.”

Radahn smirked, looking forward again as they approached an active road of hardened sand with several other wagons traveling to and fro Istanbul, some being pulled by camels, others saddle arabians, and, in some cases, both. He even saw what looked to be bipedal dog-like entities, which garnered his interest.

Of course, the oversized earth pony’s presence earned passing stunted stares and agape jaws.

“Those are diamond dogs,” Hangaku states upon noticing the stallion’s curiosity, sighing somberly afterward. “I sympathize with them, you know?”

“Diamond dogs, hmm… Interesting creatures. I’ve seen beast folk similar to them in appearance back home. They seem to be enjoying themselves.”

“Yes… The ones who live here in Istanbul, that is.”

Radahn looks back at her inquisitively, prompting the pegasus to continue.

“The diamond dogs have it rough, big guy. They’re…a race often forced into slavery—one of several, in fact. But the creations of Hephaestus have it worse.”

“Creations of Hephaestus?”

“It’s a long story, big guy. Just know that Istanbul is one of the only places in this world where they can be free and are treated with decency and respect, provided they don’t wander too far from its territory.

“But if you were to go to places like Equus, Savanna, the Frozen North, the Griffonian Empire, Qina, Neighpon… No matter where you go, you’ll always find an enslaved diamond dog there. Always.”

“O-oh…” The stallion looks down the road that leads away from Istanbul, eyes focusing on the last wagon that had passed by moments before with diamond dog occupants. “I see… That is most unfortunate.”

“This world is cruel, Radahn. What we experienced yesterday at the oasis was just a peek into a sin that plagues all lands. And when you’re a race like the diamond dogs, who aren’t too proficient in magical or physical might…

“The strong will always prey on the weak.”

Silence takes hold, save for the passing of other carts on the road and the ramblings of their drivers and passengers.

“But that’s why several others and I have joined Selene in her efforts. We believe in her and what we’re all fighting for. And when—not if—when we succeed…”

Hangaku looks up to the celestial orb above.

“The sun will rise over a world where all creatures can accept one another and live together in harmony.” The pegasus’ crystal blue eyes are lowered and set on the titan of a stallion. “And even if such a world never comes to pass, we’ll at least form a nation that embodies the tenets necessary to bring about such a change.”

Radahn’s head remains forward, and he closes his eyes in thought while waiting for a chance to step onto the road and meld into traffic once the opportunity presents itself. A hearty chuckle escapes from his throat, followed by a content hum.

“What would this supposed nation be called?” He inquires, causing a closed smile to form on the edges of Hangaku’s muzzle.

“It’s a name that Selene’s brother, Solaris, peace be upon him, was said to have muttered with his dying breath…

“Equestria.”

Radahn turns his head to give the pegasus an approving sideward gaze.

“In that case, when I return home, regain my original form, become Elden Lord, and establish order across the land, my Redmanes and I shall gladly aid this Equestria in pursuing those ambitions.”

“Y-you’d…do that?”

“Of course! Ahahaha! We all share the same world, after all. Don’t think for a second that you’re the only ones seeking to liberate the oppressed and to repair what’s broken. Remind me to tell you about my friends amongst the Great Caravan and how such a bond was forged in the first place.”

The pegasus speechlessly stares at the stallion with wide eyes, followed seconds after by a suppressed giggle. She wasn’t entirely sure what this Great Caravan was, but she could only assume Radahn and his ilk must hail from some remote part of the Equus continent.

“We’d appreciate it, big guy.”

The cart starts to move again as, when the stallion looks forward, an opening in the flow of wagons presents itself, causing the large equine to seize the opportunity, meld and blend right in, followed by the duo proceeding onward to Istanbul’s entrance.

“Hey, uh, Radahn?”

“Yes?”

“...The fuck’s an Elden Lord?”

Finish up your breakfast, Leonard, and meet me out back.

Wait, what? What do you mean, Tzu?

If you wish to have a chance against Flare, you must be properly…prepared.

…Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

Those words that had served as a prelude to the following rigorous training earlier in the day play in the stallion’s mind, now donned in saddle arabian attire gifted to him by the scarred kirin, while following Mulan along a dirt trail cutting through a dense line of bamboo stalks.

“I pray to the great Buddha that your time with Tzu bears great results, my friend,” Mulan comments. “Then again, the fact that she entrusted you with her late husband’s attire speaks volumes in of itself.”

“I won’t disappoint either of you, Empress Mulan,” Leonard responds enthusiastically, earning a sigh from the empress.

“Please don’t make that a habit.”

The red-maned equine laughs lightly. “By the way, thanks for giving me that healing potion after Tzu’s training. Radahn’s balls, she’s a powerhouse.”

Peak Village’s leader giggles, “That’s to be expected. Tzu was the one who trained Rain Shine, after all. Who, in turn, trained Flare. So, at least you have that going for you.”

“Thank Buddha, am I right?”

“Thank the great Buddha, indeed. Or Radahn’s balls, as you say.”

“Haha! Now you’re speaking my language.”

The duo share a chuckle as they come upon a thick wall of greenery adorned with blossoming pink flowers blocking their path. But from what Leonard could judge by the trail itself, it was clear that the road continued beyond the obstacle.

Mulan steps forward and moves to the side of the wall, turning to face her brown-coated companion.

“Are you ready?”

Leonard adjusts his stance, raises his head, and puffs out his chest.

“I am the brother of General Radahn. I am a Redmane. I was born ready!”

Mulan nods in affirmation, the runes on her horn igniting as a jade-colored magical grasp wills the wall of ferns to spread apart in either direction, after which an explosion of cheering voices that the obstacle had muffled and silenced presents itself, causing the stallion’s ears to twitch in response.

“There he is!”

“Woohoo!”

“Wow! He really is handsome!”

“If Flare wins this, I’ll be one extremely jealous kirin!”

Mulan takes the lead and proceeds with Leonard in tow as the legion of feminine-dominated voices continues, the displaced stallion looking around with great interest, waving a forehoof at the audience.

“I’ve been waiting all morning for this!”

“Place your bets!”

“I’ll take a piece of that action!”

“Ooh! Ooh! My votes on the new guy!”

“No way! Flare Burst’s got this in the bag!”

Tearing his sights away from the crowd and forward again, Leonard could see a sizeable rectangular-shaped arena made out of sturdy wood with a golden pattern etched onto it, consistent with what he’d often seen decorating several houses throughout the village.

Within this arena, he spots his opponent, staring at him with a neutral expression, while two wooden staves are seemingly held upward via the arena itself. The stallion also notices Rain Shine, Blaza Qin, and several other members of the Blades of Peril exiting the platform and dispersing to join the crowd and take up positions around it.

“We’re rooting for you, Leonard!”

“Put on a good show for the children, dearie!”

Familiar voices manage to greet his ears, causing his eyes to travel over to Udrako’s towering frame, Sandy waving a forehoof, Sun Tzu, who nods at him knowingly, and a gathering of young kirins or pups gathered around the kir-raffe’s long legs.

Judging by their barking and yipping, Leonard now understood why they were called pups. But before he could properly greet them all, not to mention Angus, the bull’s hybrid daughters, and the rest of his family, who stood just behind Udrako, Flare Burst’s voice bellows over the crowd, causing the audience’s array of voices to die down slowly.

“Welcome, Leonard!” The red-haired kirin emphasized with a raised cloven forehoof before pointing it at him. “To our Training Grounds, where many of us had been molded from cubs to fearsome lionesses! We shall see if you have what it takes to join our ranks. Of course, there’s also a certain,” she narrows her eyes, licking her lips, “arrangement between you and I. Or will you display dishonor and go back on your word?”

The stallion smiles while shaking his head. “A Redmane never goes back on his word, Flare. We’re still on, and I’m gonna beat you.”

Flare’s eyes, along with that of the audience, are shot wide open as this is the first time any of them had heard it, save for Tzu, Sandy, and Mulan.

“Oh, my sweet Buddha!”

“His voice is so dreamy!”

“I love it!”

“A fine voice to go with a fine stallion!”

More praise for the stallion’s voice is let loose from the crowd as Mulan guides Leonard to one of the arena’s four entrances, specifically to the north, where Rain Shine stands, and observes their approach.

“Those clothes you’re wearing…” Rain Shine began in recognition. “T-that’s…” Her eyes shift towards Sun Tzu across the way, who nods at her.

“Wish me luck, Rainy!” Leonard said before proceeding into the ring, while Mulan position herself alongside Rain Shine.

With a simple exchange of looks with her mentor, Rain immediately realized what had transpired.

‘You trained him…’ The amberish gray-coated kirin said internally, her moderate amaranth eyes studying Leonard’s frame as he and Flare picked up their staves and distanced themselves from one another.

The combatants begin to converse, but their words are lost to Rain as she remains in deep thought.

‘For my sensei to entrust you with her most prized possession… Her husband’s apparel… Leonard… Who are you?’

“He’s so mysterious, isn’t he?” Mulan’s voice draws the taller kirin out of her inner thoughts. “Every time I talk to him, I learn something new and extraordinary.”

“Yes… He’s…an interesting one, to be sure.”

“I know that look, Rainy,” the kirin look to one another, “You want to soul search him, don’t you?”

“Back when he’d initially awoken, I...brought him into the Spirit Realm.”

“You what?!”

“He wasn’t harmed, I assure you.”

Mulan narrows her eyes in displeasure. “Oh, I see, so that’s what you did while I was gone. Bad, Rainy. Bad.”

Rain Shine exhales while looking back to the arena’s innards. “His spirit has been giving me strange vibes since then, Mulan. And yet…”

“And yet…what?”

“There’s something…familiar about it.”

Mulan’s eyes widen as she looks into the arena. “You don’t mean…”

“I can’t explain it, but somehow, someway… Leonard and my father share similar spiritual energy. It’s strange, but I know it to be true.”

“...We’ll have to confront him about this.”

“What will you have me do, empress?”

“I don’t want to invade Leonard’s privacy, so we’ll discuss this matter with him tonight. If Leonard has any connection to the kelpies, he may be the key to revealing where they came from…”

“Where my father came from.”

The duo looks at one another and nods together in agreement. “We’ll do it tonight, then,” Mulan stated.

Several moments of silence passed between them, the nearby crowds getting excited as Leonard and Flare exchanged retorts and mockeries.

“Empress Mulan!” Flare beckoned from within the arena, taking a combative stance, and Leonard followed suit. “We’re ready to begin!”

Mulan looked up to a purple kirin with a blue mane and tail tuft on a tree platform overlooking the arena, a large circular golden gong with the insignia of a white serpentine dragon hanging beside them.

The Kirin salutes Mulan while holding a mallet before facing the audience with outstretched forelimbs.

“OK, everyone! Let’s get this Buddha-blessed party started!” The kirin, playing the role of a referee, shouts, prompting the audience to celebrate while Leonard and Flare steel themselves for combat.

The referee points their mallet at Flare. “Flare! Are you ready?!”

Flare growls through a toothy grin. “Your ass is mine!”

“Phewhoo! Well, there you have it, folks!” The mallet is pointed sharply towards Leonard. “And you, Leonard! Are you ready?!”

“I’m ready to make her kiss my ass! And you’re not going to enjoy it, sweetheart!”

“Such foul language!” Udrako chastised while using her magic to prevent the pups from hearing anything. “Have some consideration for the pups, all of you!”

“Why’d you even bring them, Madam-Long-Legs?” Sandy questioned with a deadpan expression.

“And miss what’s easily the grandest event we’ve had here in Peak Village for several months? I think not.”

“Then stop whining and just treat this as the pups learning about the birds and the bees sooner rather than later.”

“Ugh!”

“Shoohoot, ah’m itch’n to see what that feller is made of!” Angus Prairie beckoned nearby. “Go get ‘em, boy!”

“The match shall begin at the sound of the gong!” The referee declares, turning sideways and practicing a few shadow swings while the entire audience screams out in celebratory fashion, Leonard and Flare staring each other down.

The referee shadow swings several more times, practically teasing everyone and delaying the main event further…

Until…

[BWOOOOOONG]

Next Chapter: Chapter 20~ Estimated time remaining: 41 Minutes