The Black Sunby The AvengerChaptersThe Legendary WarriorsThe Monster CatThe Warrior of WinterThe God of MercuryRequirements of a WarriorOrion’s DeterminationThe Crimson FlashA New RoarSparkling TornadoThe God of SaturnShowdown at the Tower of BabylonThe Crystal TeamCrystal Dome, Block AThe Star FragmentThe Greatest Tag-Team TournamentThe Legendary WarriorsThe Legendary Warriors At the Canterlot airport, the Diamond Dog from the observatory runs toward some crates, before pulling out a map from his backpack. “I have to find Miss Celestia and Miss Luna, now. Let’s see, that royal palace should’t be that far away.” He said as he looks at the map, trying to find the quickest route. “Ha-ha-ha, you're not going there kid,” a voice from behind him said, shocking him as he sees someone jump over him and land on the highest crate. He’s wearing a large white cap with a yellow cross-like symbol covering most of his dark spiky hair and his right eye, along with a silver chain-like necklace and a white cloak with yellow symbols like on his cap with brown boots, but his most striking feature are his wide yellow eyes with feline pupils. It’s Johannes. “Yo!” “Who are you?” “Sorry doggy, but your journey ends here I’m afraid to say.” “I said, ‘who are you’? What do you want with me?” “Long story.” Johannes said as he pulls out a dagger, scarring the Diamond Dog. “Uh oh.” He said as he turns around and runs. “Humph. They always run,” Johannes said as he disappear. Several blocks away, the Diamond Dog runs past some construction workers in an alleyway. “Hey, watch it!” One yelled. “Sorry.” The Diamond Dog as he runs down the alley, only for Johannes to appear in front of him, shocking both the dog and the workers. “Meow. He-he-he, too bad you lose,” Johannes said as he prepares to throw the dagger. “I got to tell the princesses what I know and I got to do it right now.” Diamond Dog said as he ducks just in time as Johannes throws the dagger, but misses as it hits a support beam for one of the platforms, making Johannes jump back a few feet and hiss. “See ya.” The Diamond Dog said as he makes a run for it. “Humph, you can’t run from me forever, my little friend.” Johannes said as he disappears again. “What just happened?” One of the workers asked. ================================================================== Meanwhile, at the Royal Guard’s academy, Andromeda and Leone are going through some test, while their friends, family, and Celestia and Luna watch. “When is dad gonna get here?” Orion asked his mother. “He’ll be here as soon as he can, Orion.” Twilight said as they see two guards duel with Andromeda while another guard and Taurus fight with Leone. “You know, I still can’t believe something like that happened.” Luna said. “Yes. Two different unicorns turning into two alicorns without the Elements of Harmony.” Celestia added. “Is something like that even possible?” “We know that it’s hard for you two to believe, but we saw it with our own eyes. But the fact is that the new Andromeda and Leone are really practicing down there right now.” Twilight said as she and the others look own. “Bastion Yorsets, have you figured anything about what might happened?” Celestia asked the elderly blue unicorn, who goes up to the princess with some notes. “Not exactly, your highness,” Bastion said as he looks over his notes. “But the thing that the two have in common, is that they both now posses an elemental power now.” “Andromeda can what now?” Orion asked. “Well, you see, let’s start off with Leone,” Bastion said as they look over to the half-lion half-alicorn down below. “You see, we all known that his special talent is making tornados, but now he’s able to control rock and other earth based materials like diamonds and metals,” Bastions said. “Great, like he wasn't enough trouble already.” Tempest joked. “In Andromeda’s case, it’s different. She’s now not only able to control the weather and the conditions of clouds now, but she’s also able to control the very air we breath, even able to make a small vacuum.” Bastion said. “That’s amazing!” Celestia said. “It sure is.” Tempest said as Andromeda and her group take a small break. “Thats all well and good, but can someone please tell me why my older sister and her least likably friend changed in the first place?” Orion demanded. They then see Leone create a tornado of sand and dust, using it to send Taurus and the guard back several feet. Leone then angrily looks over to the two Princesses above him. “Hey, how much longer are you gonna subject me to these tests? Getting dragged in here by you people is messing with my mojo!” Leone yelled. “Just calm down Leon,” Celestia said to the short-tempered lioncorn. “You and Andromeda may have been just doing a duel yesterday, but you two turned part of Everfree into a mess. Don’t you think you two have a responsibility to help with the investigation of what caused the damage to happen.” “Leone, before the dueled yesterday, did you notice anything odd or unusually happening?” Luna asked. “Even something that seamed like nothing, if you can think of anything, share it with us.” Bastion added. “Huh? How should I know?” Leone said as Taurus walks up to him. “Now that you mention it...” Taurus began. “Do yo' remember sumpin?” Applejack asked. “Uh, sort of. I mean ... I’m not really sure if it’s important, but ... Uh?” Taurus tried to say. “Anything can be important. Tell us what happened.” Celestia asked. “I think it was the night before last. Yeah, I’m quit sure.” Taurus began. “We were in the badlands so Leone can practice for his duel with Andromeda.” ================================================================== In the badlands, Leone is recreating his “Lion Gale Force Wall!” Leone yelled as he creates his signature technique. Taurus grabs a large boulder and hurls it at the tornado, but it quickly tosses it aside like a rag doll. “That was a pretty nice move, Leone pale,” Taurus then chuckles a little. “Now, even Andromeda doesn't stand a chance against you, hear me?” “Humph!” Leone said, when, suddenly, the two see a bright light in the sky. “Huh?” “What is that thing?” Taurus said as the light gets closer, causing the two to panic as the light hits Leone, causing a blinding light. Once the light dissipates, Taurus sees that Leone’s eyes are now sparkling like the night sky. “Yikes.” ================================================================== “It was over in an instant,” Taurus said as he finishes his story. “And it was so strange, I thought I just dreamed it. You know what I mean? It was just so weird.” “A light that felled from the sky?” Luna asked as she and the others stare in disbelief. “Oh, come on. What kind of dimwit would believe that?” Rainbow said as Orion thinks hard. “The night before last? Hey, Andromeda, do you think it was the same thing we saw?” Orion asked, causing the group to look both at him and Andromeda. “Maybe,” Andromeda said, when she notices everyone is staring at her. “Oh, well, you see, what he means is...” ================================================================== Andromeda is in her brother's room, when the two notice a light outside. “What the?” She managed to say as the light enters the room and hits her, filling the room with blinding light. When the light disappears, Orion quickly gets out of bed and runs to his sister when he sees her on the floor, shaken by the experience just now. “Andromeda! Are you okay?” He asked, not sure he wanted to find out. “I’m fine.” Andromeda said as she looks over to Orion, when she sees the look of shock on his face. “What is it?” “You might want to look in the mirror.” Orion said. Andromeda, not entirely sure why Orion is all freaked out now, goes to the closes mirror she can find, and gasps. Her eyes are now sparkling like the night sky, almost as if that light change her. “What the ... What?” ================================================================== “First a strange wave of powerful magic two nights ago, then two lights falling from the sky? There’s no way that’s a coincidence.” Luna said to her older sister. “I don’t think so.” Celestia said. “Humph! It makes no difference, anyway,” Leone said. “Andromeda and I still haven’t settle things. If you aren't gonna let me duel Andromeda, than there’s no reason for me to stay here any longer,” Leone said as he takes his leave. “I’m out of here.” “Hey, wait!” Bastion suddenly said. “I need to talk to you.” Bastion said as he goes after the lioncorn while Andromeda’s friends and family join her on the ground. “What is that guys problem?” Peach Cobbler asked. “Leone!” Taurus nearly cried. “Wait for me Leeeeee!” Taurus said as he goes after Leone, leaving behind a dust trail. “Uh, mom, would it be all right if me and my friends go after Orion, Bucky, and Peach before they do something stupid with Leone?” Andromeda asked, causing Applejack, Fluttershy and Twilight to look around and see the three foals are gone. “We’ll take that as a yes,” Andromeda said as she, Tempest, Bismarck, Radiance, Flora and the Pie twins go after them. “Thet’s startin' t'become a bad habit wif them.” Applejack said as Celestia and Luna walk down to them. “Celestia, what does all this mean?” Twilight asked. “A light that fell from the sky, they say.” Celestia said in a whisper. ================================================================== Not far from Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, Leone has finally lost Bastion and his barrage of questions. “I don’t care how it happened,” he said as he looks into a nearby pond in the park outside of the school, seeing his reflection, and his lion-like eyes and fangs. “I’ve been reborn as the strongest alicorn ever. Yes, I have gained new fangs to become the Prince of the Wild. Once I polish these new fangs, Andromeda won’t even be a challenge.” Suddenly, he hears a small explosion, like one belonging to a firecracker, and sees a Diamond Dog backing away from a strange Earth Pony cat-colt thingy. The cat-colt thingy then throws a small bomb, which explodes, sending the Diamond Dog back severely feet, burning his arms. “Meow. Too bad, little fella. Unfortunately for you, I’m as persistent as a cat,” the cat-colt thingy, Johannes, said to the badly hurt Diamond Dog. “Bully,” the Diamond Dog groaned, trying his best to get back up. “I have no personal grudged against you, ya know. It’s my job. Don’t think badly of me,” Johannes said as he throws a kunie with chain, which barely hits the Diamond Dog as he crawls away, while Johannes smiles. The two then notice Leone, standing there, watching. “Hmm?” “I think I know who you are,” the Diamond Dog weakly said. “Your name is Leone, isn't it? Please, help me,” the Diamond Dog begged as he stretches out his arm, while Leone looks over toward Johannes. “Huh? Hey, pal, you wanna fight me?” Johannes asked as he takes on a fighting stance. “This has nothing to do with me,” Leone simply said. “What?!” the shocked Diamond Dog said. “Your a Diamond Dog, are you not? From what I heard about your kind, you should handle this guy by yourself,” Leone said as he leaves. “Come on!” “Meow. I’m glad he turned out to be a sensible guy,” Johannes said. “Now, prepare yourself to meet your maker!” Johannes said as he prepares the finishing blow with his kunie, throwing it toward the Diamond Dog’s head, when suddenly, a yellow blast hits the kunie, making it miss it’s target by a few feet. “What?” Andromeda, her friends, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and Taurus then rush to the aid of the Diamond Dog. “Are you okay?” Flora asked the dog. “What a punk that guy is!” Taurus said as he glares at Johannes. “What's your problem?” Andromeda asked the Saddle Arabian. “There’s no need for something like that, is there?” “You tell him, Andromeda.” Orion said, making Johannes look at her in shock. “Huh, your the foals of the Elements of Harmony?” Johannes asked. “I knew you were them,” the Diamond Dog said, when he notices that Andromeda is a alicorn now, and her changed cutie mark. “Aw, amazing!” Johannes then hisses at the group like a stray cat, and pulls back his kunie. “This has become too annoying. Adios!” Johannes said as he disappears into thin air, shocking the group. “Huh?” “He disappeared?” Peach asked. “How was that possible, he was an earth pony, right?” Tempest said. “Doesn't matter now,” Andromeda said as she looks at the badly hurt Diamond Dog. “We need to get you to the hospital.” “Thank goodness. I knew I would find a Legendary Warrior here,” the relived Diamond Dog said, confusing the group. “Legendary Warrior?” The Pie twins asked. “I beg you, Andromeda, please lend me your strength, with the Star Fragment,” the Diamond Dog appealed. “Star Fragment?” Andromeda asked. “Yes, before it falls into the hands of Nemesis,” the Diamond Dog said, confusing the group even more. “Hurry,” suddenly, the Diamond Dog falls to the ground, unconscious. “Hey!” Bismarck said. “Wake up, kid. Wake up!” ================================================================== Later that day, at the castles infirmary, after the Diamond Dog wakes up, and after tending to his injuries, the group, accompanied by their mothers, Celestia, Luna and Bastion Yorsets, are asking him some questions. “What is you name, young one?” Celestia asked the Diamond Dog. “Anubis Mizusawa,” the Diamond Dog answered. “Anubis? Strong name,” Celestia complimented. “Well, I never seen you here in Canterlot before,” Luna said. “Where are you from?” “And what was that about Andromeda lending you her strength?” Tempest asked. “Yeah, and what’s a Legendary Warrior?” Andromeda asked. “Uh ... well, you see...” Anubis tried to say. “Hey, relax guys,” Twilight said to the others. “He can’t answer your questions if you asked them at the same time.” “Your right, mom. Sorry,” Andromeda said. “So, now. Anubis, what is a Star Fragment?” Bastion asked. “Well, long, long ago, a star felled from the sky,” Anubis began, with Celestia and Luna gasping in surprise as those first few words Anubis just said are strangely familiar. “Through the ages, the energy absorbed from that Star Fragment changed, and evolved into the magic of today.” “That’s ... a legend Star Swirl used to tell us when we were foals,” a shocked Luna said. “How did you know about it?” Celestia asked. “I was brought up hearing this story from my grandfather, ever since I was a little pup,” Anubis answered. “From your grandfather?” Flora asked. “Then that means, both you are your grandfather are descendants of one of Star Swirls companions,” Celestia said. “Grandfather often brought me to a hill, where we could see the vast, star filled sky. And he would say this to me,” Anubis began to say. ================================================================== “When a dazzling and majestic glow lights up the earth from the heavens, a new Star Fragment will arrive and awaken a great power,” Anubis’ grandfather said to a much younger Anubis as the two watch the night sky. “A new Star Fragment, grandpa?” “This was a prophecy Star Swirl’s family has passed down from father, to son, to grandson. His ancestors, who originally found the Star Fragment, believed that after a long, long time, a new Star Fragment would appear from the heavens once again. ‘When a dazzling and majestic glow lights up the earth from the heavens,’ what does it really mean anyway? The time may be nearer than we think, my boy.” “Will I get the chance to see the new Star Fragment, grandpa?” “Yes. If that is your destiny.” ================================================================== “When will the new Star Fragment fall down to Earth? I became deeply interested in that very question,” Anubis explained to the others. “Based of varies astronomical observations and research of ancient ruins, I put together my own timeline of the universe that calculates the time of it’s arrival to Earth,” Anubis said, having only lost Taurus and Peach Cobbler. “A timeline of the universe!” Orion, Bucky, and the Pie twins said at the same time. “That’s amazing!” Rarity added, making Anubis blush a bit. “The most important reference for making that timeline came from the ancient Mayan civilization,” Anubis added. “Did he say ‘Mayan’?” Orion asked his mother. “It was an ancient civilization that created a system of calendars through study,” Twilight answered her son. “Long ago, people calculated the flow of time using the movements of the stars that shine in the night sky, which was another reason Luna turned into Nightmare Moon when they began to ignore her night,” Twilight said, putting a sheepish smile on Luna’s face while making Orion laugh a little. “Yes, and, as it turned out, one of their calendars predicted the arrival of my particular star,” Anubis said. “What?” The entire group asked. “Strangely, in ancient civilizations all over the world, there are many examples of legends very similar to the one passed down by Star Swirl’s family,” Anubis added. “The calendar left behind by the Mayan can be thought of as one of those.” “No way!” Rainbow Dash said. “From all over the world?” Bastion asked. “I’m sure the meteor I found is the new Star Fragment, and the light from the prophecy grandfather told me has sparkled in the sky at last. There is just no doubt in my mind that this is what he was talking about.” Anubis said while he looks over toward Andromeda. “‘When a dazzling and majestic glow lights up the earth from the heavens,’ it was the explosion created by the excess energy from when Miss Andromeda and her friends did their last time jump, which she absorbed, then released in space. That was surly the light in the heavens, of course!” “I did what?” Andromeda asked. “And after that,” Anubis continued, “the Star Fragment has really come to Earth.” “The new Star Fragment has arrived?!?!” A completely shocked Celestia said “You mean it’s really here?!?!” An equally shocked Luna added. “The problem is,” Anubis added, “depending on who obtains the power held within that fragment, it defiantly can be used for either good or evil,” Anubis finished, shocking the group. “Light and dark are two sides of the same coin. Where there is light present, darkness can creep in, so a new light may very well become a tunnel of darkness,” Celestia said. “Say what?” The Pie twins asked. “That’s the continuation of the prophecy Star Swirl the Bearded left behind,” Luna said. “His ancestors, who left those words behind, also foretold the possibility that, along with the arrival of the new Star Fragment, an evil presence, planing to make use of it, would appear.” “It’s true,” Anubis said. “Grandfather feared that the most of all.” ================================================================== “Will it be the beginning of a new era of peace and harmony? Or will it be the sign of a new age of chaos and disorder?” Anubis’s grandfather said. “Hmm?” “Listen, Anubis, if that time ever arrives, the Star Fragment must not fall into the hands of evil. When the time comes, you must take the lead to ensure their evil ambitions are crushed completely, understand?” Anubis’s grandfather said as he places a paw on a young Anubis’s head and rubs it. ================================================================== “Grandfather had probably sense an evil presence that will go after the power of the Star Fragment,” Anubis said, when he looks upwards in realization. “No, not just him. The Star Fragment itself must have sensed it.” “Th’ fragment sensed it?” Bismarck asked. “Yes,” Anubis said. “That is why, on the day the Star Fragment arrived on Earth, it split into 10 points of light and scattered across the globe.” “Thats amazing,” Andromeda said. “The Star Fragment has a will of its own?” Tempest asked. “Yes. One of those lights came straight to me at my observatory,” Anubis said. “And inside that light, I heard the Star Fragment’s voice.” “It’s voice?” Peach asked. “Uh, are you saying that the Star Fragment spoke to you?” Taurus said. “That is how it felt to me,” Anubis corrected. “Images were pushed into my mind, as if it was speaking to me,” Anubis said, remembering the experience all to well. ================================================================== Anubis felt like he was in space, and sees a hooded black unicorn standing in front of him. “What, a great evil?” Anubis asked the Star Fragment, which shows him an image of Celestia’s sun being block out by “A ... a black sun? That’s Nemesis!” Anubis said as the Black Sun completely engulfs Celestia's sun. “Huh? Ten chosen ones? The Legendary Warriors?” He is then thrown back by a strong wind, as his vision ends. ================================================================== “There is a great evil,” Anubis said to the group. “It will harness the unknown power of the Star Fragment. It has one goal: to revive the Black Sun, the God of Destruction, Nemesis!” “A black sun?” Celestia asked. “Did you say ‘Nemesis’?” Orion asked. “The Black Sun will turn the world into darkness,” Anubis added. “Nemesis must not be allowed to revive! Miss Andromeda, please lend me your strength!” Anubis begged as he turns toward Andromeda, startling her. “Hang on a sec, will you,” Andromeda frantically said. “Nemesis, and the voice of a meteor that fell from the sky?” Tempest ask as he gets in between Andromeda and Anubis. “Don’t you think you just dreamed all that up?” “Jest whut is this hyar ‘great evil’ ennyway?” Bucky asked. “I know it may be hard for all of you to believe,” Anubis said, “but the Mayan calendar even predicts the day that the world would be destroyed,” Anubis finished, shocking the group. “Oh yeah!” Bastion suddenly said. “I’ve heard of that day before myself. Isn't that day supposed to come soon?” “Yes,” Anubis answered. “The time of the worlds destruction, predicted by the Mayan calendar, is almost upon us,” Anubis said, causing the group to gasp in shock. “I think the timing is tied to Nemesis's revival.” “A great evil indeed,” Celestia said. “That is why the Star Fragment split it’s powers into multiple pieces,” Anubis continued. “To entrust the Earth into the hands of the chosen ones. The Legendary Warriors themselves.” “The Legendary Warriors?” Flora asked. “They are the ones who received a piece of the unknown power from the divided Star Fragment,” Anubis said. “There are a total of 10. The enemy is also surly trying to find those Legendary Warriors. They intend to gain their power for themselves, we have to prevent that from happening at any cost necessary. The fact is, although I didn't expect it, but Miss Andromeda is a Legendary Warrior. You are one of the warriors chosen by the Star Fragment, so please, in order to prevent the revival of Nemesis, please lend me your strength!” “I’m supposed to believe that I was chosen by the Star Fragment because you say so?” Andromeda skeptically said. “Thats it! The light!” Orion suddenly said, getting everyone’s attention. “Don’t you remember, sis. That light that hit you must have been the new Star Fragment giving you it’s power!” “Your right,” Andromeda said. “Than it must’ve happened to Leone too!” “Leone?” Anubis asked. “That’s right!” Taurus suddenly said with much excitement. “Leone also got hit by a light that fell from the sky. And he was reborn not long after too. So Leone is also one of the Legendary Warriors!” “Ah, I see now,” Celestia said. “The power of the Star Fragment that was given to them, was somehow amplified by their burning spirits. Changing both Andromeda Sparkle and Leone Lulamoon into alicorns, along with their cutie marks.” “Leone!” Anubis whispered, remembering when he was being attacked by Johannes, when Leone said ‘This has nothing to do with me.’ “That guy is trouble.” “Uh, Andromeda?” Tempest began to say. “When you released that big explosion into space, it called the Star Fragment here. That’s what happened, right?” “Yes, Tempest,” Andromeda said as she looks at her nearly acquired wings. "Okay, just wanted to make sure was all." Tempest replied. “Hey!” Orion suddenly began. “If the power of the Star Fragment is inside of me and my friends Bucky and Peach, too, do you think we’ll become Legendary Warriors just like Andromeda? Huh, what do you think?” Orion said at a fast pace. “What he said,” Taurus said while pointing at himself. “Uh ... of course that is a possibility. If the Star Fragment is inside of any of you, then it will defiantly respond to your heated warriors spirits, then you will change as well,” Anubis said, just to not to see their broken faces. “Yeah!” All four said. “My buddy, Leone, and I are gonna be Legendary Warriors together!” Taurus excitedly said. “There has already been someone who tried to stop me from telling you,” Anubis said. “This can only mean one thing, I’m afraid. The great evil that I spoke of, has already begun to work toward Nemesis’s revival. We must move now!” “The great evil is already on the move?” Fluttershy asked. “Do you mean the meowing guy from earlier?” Tempest asked. “Yes,” Anubis said as he gets out of the bed, able to stand now. “We must find our remaining allies as soon as possible, and prevent the revival of Nemesis.” “Okay, you can count on me and my friends, Anubis,” Andromeda said. “Yeah, Miss Andromeda,” Anubis excitedly said. “The revival of the God of Destruction, Nemesis,” Applejack said. “And 10 Legendary Warriors,” Rainbow Dash added. “Looks like we haf another big problem on our han's, an' jest a few weeks since th' last one,” Bismarck said. “That has t’be a new record.” “We must find the remaining 8,” Celestia said. “Twilight, I want you and your friends and family to find the remaining Legendary Warriors, where ever they are.” “Done,” the entire group said. “There are 8 to find,” Andromeda said, wondering just how to find them. “Legendary Warriors sound cool.” Orion said as he looks at his flank, and sees his black flank. Just outside of the building the infirmary is in, Johannes, accompanied by a few cats, is watching the whole discussion, petting one cat. “Aww, there you go. Arn’t you a pretty girl,” Johannes said to the calico cat. “Now then, what should I do next? This is going to be so much fun,” Johannes said with a sinister grin, having already come up with a few ideas on ow to take Andromeda with him. The Monster CatThe Monster Cat It’s morning in Canterlot, the resident's beginning their day, some of them returning home after a long night. But for one group, they’re just getting started in their search. In the royal castle, Andromeda and her friends and family, along with Celestia and Luna, are talking to some friends via webcam. “Yo there, Andi!” A unicorn that has a sapphire blue coat, a pale gold mane with bright blue highlights as well as a strand of red dyed hair sticking out in between his eyes, which are cerulean. He's accompanied by Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. “It sure has been awhile, Twiley,” Shining Armor said to his little sister, making Andromeda and Orion laugh a little. “Thanks, Shining Armor,” Twilight sarcastically said. “So, why did you call?” Shining Armor and Princess Cadence’s son asked. “Sagittario, sorry for being so blunt, but can you sho us your cutie mark?” Andromeda asked her cousin. “There’s something we want to check on.” “Say what, cuz?” Sagittario asked with a confused look on his face, along with his parents. “Why do you want to see his cutie mark?” Cadence asked. “We’ll explain later,” Twilight said. “Just show us.” “Okay,” Sagittario said as he reluctantly moves so his cutie mark can be seen. “Is this good?” Sagittario said as Andromeda and the others closely study the cutie mark. It’s a bow and arrow made of crystals, but he also doesn't have any wings. “What exactly are you looking for?!” An annoyed Sagittario nearly shouted. “He’s not one of us,” a dejected Andromeda said in a whisper, but it was loud enough for her cousin, uncle and aunt to hear. “What!?” Sagittario asked. “Say what!? I don’t know what you're talking about, but I don’t like it, I know that!” “Sorry about that, cuz. I thought you would’ve been one of the chosen ones,” Andromeda said, confusing her cousin, uncle and aunt even more. “What are you talking about?” Shining Armor asked. “I’ll show you, Uncle Armor,” Andromeda said as she moves to her side, showing her cousin, uncle and aunt new wings and cutie mark. “Take a look.” “What the hay!” Shining Armor said out of shock. “Holy moly, when did you turn into an alicorn, and what happened to your cutie mark?” Sagittario asked. “Legendary Warrior?” A unicorn on the other monitor asked Radiance, Bismarck, and Tempest. He’s a tall, muscular, tan coated male with a long dark mane with yellow highlights on the side, green eyes that give him an intense look, and a red, white lined shirt, that has a high collard with a white sleeveless coat with yellow fur trim. “Yeah, dude,” Tempest said. “With the members of Team Wang Hu Zhong. We figured that, since the Shaolin Monastery has so many talented members, at least one might have been chosen.” “So, Dashan, did yo' notice enny fallin' lights from th' sky, or did any of t'others?” Bismarck asked. “No, Bismarck. In fact, as of this moment, there hasn't been any change in any of us here at the monastery,” Dashan answered. “Hmm, so far the only ones to have awaken as Legendary Warriors are Andromeda and Leone,” Celestia said. “I wonder where the remaining 8 could be? They got to be somewhere?” Peach Cobbler asked. “So, what you're saying is that if I were to become one of these Legendary Warriors, I would become a alicorn, and by cutie mark would go through an awesome transformation, just like Andromeda did. Is that right?” Sagittario asked. “Yeah,” Andromeda answered. “When your heated warriors spirit synchronizes with the power of the Star Fragment, your reborn as an alicorn. That is the proof of being a Legendary Warrior.” “Yeah, that’s the ticket!” An ecstatic Sagittario said. “When it comes to a heated warriors spirit, I’m the best! And I’m going to train really hard to become one! Just watch!” Sagittario nearly shouted, giving his parents a ‘not-good-for-us’ expression on their faces, a warning sing for when Sagittario is going to do something that might end either him, or the Crystal Empire. “That’s the spirit, cuz!” Orion said. “If Andromeda became one, then it can’t be that hard!” Sagittario said. “Absolutely!” Andromeda said, only for her to realize what her cousin just said. “Wait, what do you mean by that?!” Andromeda angrily asked, making her friend and family laugh a little. “Sagittario’s right,” Celestia whispered to Orion, getting his attention. “So far, it’s only been your sister and Leone, but Sagittario isn’t the only one who has a chance at becoming a Legendary Warrior. So, don’t lose hope,” “I can’t lose hope, can I?” It’s true, Orion thought to himself. I too could be one of the Legendary Warriors. The power of the Star Fragment could be inside of me as well. It’s just that I have’t brought that power out. If I become even stronger, the Star Fragment would surly respond, and I will become a alicorn and a Legendary Warrior, just like Andromeda “Okay, talk to you later, cuz,” Andromeda said, snapping Orion back to reality. “Yeah, now that I know about this, it’s time for some special training!” Sagittario said. “I just hope you won’t destroy the gym, again,” Shining Armor said, casing his son to groan as they hang up. “If anything changes here, we will let you know immediately,” Dashan said. “Great. Thanks, Dashan,” Andromeda said. “Later,” Dashan said as he hangs up. “Hmm, both Sagittario and Dashan?” Andromeda thought out loud to herself. “I was sure that those two would’ve been chosen also.” “We just got done talking with the European Union and Russia,” Berry Pie said as he, Cherry, Pinkie Pie, Flora and Fluttershy walk up to them. “There aren't any in either one yet.” “Apparently, finding them won’t be easy,” Rainbow Dash said. “There is a chance that Soarin’ and Spitfire’s son, Firestorm, could have been chosen, along with Yu,” Tempest said. “But no one knows where Yu went after the World Championships, since he went out on his own for a training journey of some kind, and Firestorm and his parents are at the Wonder Bolt academy. There is no way we can contact them,” Radiance said. “Good call, Firestorm,” Celestia said aloud. “Wait, do you know something, Princess?” Twilight asked. “Oh, what? Were those my outer thoughts, I thought they were ... Hey, Bastion, Luna, Anubis, how are you doing?” Celestia asked, trying to change the subject. “Good,” Bastion said as he, Luna and Anubis go over some ESA data. “We’ve just finished the analysis.” “Everyone, please look at the monitor now,” Anubis said as he uploads a video to the plasma screen, with Pinkie and the Pie twins having somehow gotten some popcorn. They then see footage of a meteor. “This Equestrian Space Administration footage captures the moment when the Star Fragment entered the Earth’s stratosphere and scattered across the glob,” Anubis said as, like clockwork, the footage show the explosion happening. “Whoa!” The entire group said. “It all happened so very quickly that it’s hard to see exactly what is going on, obviously. But after reviewing this frame by frame,” Anubis began to say as he does a few things with his tablet, “it becomes crystal clear. Take a look,” he then zooms in on one of the ten lights. “Here we can verify a light that splits off and flies away. After calculation the trajectory, combined with the angel, direction, and location of the footage, we believe that light fell here,” Anubis said as he shows a map of the world, and zooms in on a small island in Indonesia. “Somewhere on this remote island,” Bastion finished. “Wow, it’s so far away,” Bismarck said. “Wherever that Star Fragment fell to, there’s a Legendary Warrior,” Andromeda said. “I have to check it out. Who’s with me?” “I’ll go!” Orion, Peach Cobbler, and Bucky all said. “I’m coming too,” Bismarck said. “Me too,” Radiance said, not wanting her boyfriend to have all the fun. “Count me in,” Tempest added. “Same here,” the Pie twins said. “I’ll go,” Flora said. “Of course, I will go as well,” Anubis said. “If the evil forces that intend to revive Nemesis get their hands on the Star Fragment, there’s no telling what will happen,” Celestia said to the group. “Andromeda Sparkle, start your search by going to that island, and then search every continent.” “As soon as we have any other information about their whereabouts, we’ll contact you,” Bastion said. “A quest to find 8 Legendary Warriors. Just another life changing, potentially end-of-the-world-if-we-fail journey, guys,” Rarity said. “Just one thing, Andromeda,” Orion said to her older sister, getting everyone’s attention. “What about Leone?” “Leone?” Anubis asked. “Hmm, Leone indeed,” Andromeda said. “Isn't Leone one of the Legendary Warriors?” Bastion pointed out. “Shouldn't he come along?” “There’s no way of that happening,” Radiance said. “This is Leone were talking about, right? He’s strictly a loner.” ================================================================== At the storage areas of Canterlot, Leone, with a barrel of rocks, metals, and crystals, is practicing with his new power, destroying some empty oil barrels with a single, fast ball-like flick with a pebble. “Awesome! Now that I gotten a hang on my new strength, and added it to my unbeatable defenses, I’m in charged of things. I’ll polish up my skills and this time, crush Andromeda once and for all!” He said as he takes a fire ruby from the barrel, and molds it into a dagger, and throws it, with it piercing through ten barrels without losing momentum at all! “Leone! Leone, pale!” A familiar voice called out. Leone turns toward the source of the voice, and sees Taurus running toward him, having a big smile on his face. ================================================================== “He’s probably off training somewhere with his new power in order to defeat Andromeda in a duel,” Radiance said. “Uh, that guy, Leone,” Anubis said, getting everyone’s attention. “Miss Andromeda, just what type of pony is that guy, really?” “What type?” Andromeda asked. “I watched the World Duel Championships IX, and I know that he has real power, but still,” Anubis said as he remembers when he first meet Leon. ================================================================== "Please, help me,” Anubis begged as he stretches out his arm, while Leone looks over toward Johannes. “Huh? Hey, pal, you wanna fight me?” Johannes asked as he takes on a fighting stance. “This has nothing to do with me,” Leone simply said. “What?!” a shocked Anubis said. “Your a Diamond Dog, are you not? From what I heard about your kind, you should handle this guy by yourself,” Leone said as he leaves. ================================================================== “I find it hard to believe that he is to be one of the chosen Legendary Warriors,” Anubis finished. “Well, I can see why you would think that,” Flora said. “We all really do,” Berry added. “He doesn't play well with others.” “And he’s literally a wild lion, even before he became a Legendary Warrior. And he’s very determined, like with him settling a score with Andromeda,” Tempest said, making Andromeda chuckle out of nervousness. “I know we need good fighters with us, and that’s a fact. The Star Fragment has to fight the great evil. It just freaks me out,” Anubis said. “Just wait a minute,” Andromeda said to Anubis. “He may be a wild lion, but I know him better than anyone, for sure. He may have a self-center and ruff side to him, there’s no about that, but in his heart, he does have goodness in him, it’s just that he doesn't show it often. Try not to worry so much about it, Anubis.” “Okay.” “Anyway, we need to get going right away,” Andromeda said as she looks at where the Star Fragment piece felled to on the map. “It looks like the enemy is already on the move.” “That’s a good point. We need to get packing,” Radiance added as she, Andromeda, Tempest, Bismarck, Berry and Cherry, Flora, Peach Cobbler, Bucky, and Orion all leave. Celestia looks over toward Anubis, who’s quietly standing there. “Oh, um ... I’ll be on my way now, ma'am,” Anubis said as he quickly follows the others. “Eight Legendary Warriors still remain scattered around the world,” Rainbow Dash said. “Celestia, do you think they’ll be all right on their own out there?” Twilight asked. “I’m not sure. But we need to help them with their search anyway we can,” Celestia said as she looks over toward a slightly open door. “So, did you hear that, Firestorm?” Celestia said as a pegasus with a pale blue coat, a brilliant orange and amber mane that looks on fire, brilliant orange eyes, and a flaming lightning bolt for a cutie mark, walks out. “Yes,” the pegasus said, while Rainbow Dash looks on in surprise. “Firestorm! Why are you here?” Rainbow asked. “I asked him here,” Celestia said, before turning her gaze toward Firestorm. “The world is very big. Andromeda and the others can’t cover all of it, so you must also search for the remaining Legendary Warriors as well. And please, improve your skills along the way, because there is a good chance that a pegasus of your skill could eventually awaken as a Legendary Warrior.” “I understand,” Firestorm said. ================================================================== Several blocks away from the Canterlot International Airport, the group, minus Radiance, Bismarck, and Bucky are waiting at a hotel, when the see the 3. “Sorry for the wait,” Radiance said as she carries a full saddle bag of cloths, soap and shampoo. “Your all late, guys,” a slightly annoyed Tempest said. “Just how long does it take to get ready?” “It can’t be helped,” Radiance said, carrying a saddle bag of beauty products. “Yeah,” Bismarck added. “Unlike most of y’all, we like t'plan ahead. And besides, we don’t even know how long we’ll be gone this time.” “Once again, we’ll saying goodbye to this beautiful land for a while,” Andromeda said as they look over the vast land that can be seen from Canterlot. “And this time, I had nothing to do with it,” Orion said. “Yeah,” Andromeda said while looking over at her little brother. “I just hope you wont use that time spell again,” she said, making her brother giggle a little. “Ya know, while I go with you, looking for the Legendary Warriors, maybe I’ll become one too,” Orion said with much optimism. “I’m going to be one of the eight.” “You can do it, Orion,” Peach Cobbler said as she gives Orion a punch in the arm, leaving a big bruise. “Ow!” “You all really do have a close bond, don’t you. Isn’t that true?” Anubis said, getting the others to look at him. “Your all so lucky to have friends you can trust completely. I’ve spent all my time up to now, doing research all by myself. I really envy all of your friendships.” “What are you talking about?” Tempest asked. “Don’t worry, your one of us now, Anubis.” “Huh?” “That’s right!” Cherry said. “If you hadn't come along, Anubis, who knows what kind of trouble we would be in by now.” “Your really are one of us!” Berry finished, making Anubis blush. “We don’t knows whut will be waitin' fo' us up ahead, but lets all work together, as a team,” Bismarck added, as Anubis begins to cry out of happiness. “Your just like my mom,” Andromeda added. “Only she refused to make friends until she arrived in Ponyville 20 years ago.” “Wow,” Anubis said, feeling honored by being compared to an Equestrian hero. “Everyone, thank you so much. I won’t let you down,” Anubis said as he bows to them. “Aw, Anubis, your making me blush,” Tempest said. “Okay, let's go, everypony!” Orion said as he runs toward the airport. “Hey, Orion, wait up!” Andromeda called as she clumsily flies after her little brother, not seeing that 5 cats are watching them. “I will be reborn on this journey, for sure. I’ll work really, really hard, and become a Legendary Warrior like Andromeda with no problem,” Orion said as he heads for the street that leads to the airport, that’s not far from a newly built tunnel, when he notices something afoot. “Huh, what?” Noticing that Orion has stopped, Andromeda lands and runs up to him. “What’s the matter Orio-- What the?” She said as the others arrive and see 7 cats are ahead of them, staring at them while meowing. “What’s wif all th' cats?” Bucky asked. “Ugh, ah hate cats,” Bismarck added. “Well, then you're gonna hate this ally cat,” a voice in the ally said, surprising the group. They then see an earth pony stallion from Saddle Arabia walk into view from the ally. He’s wearing a large white cap with a yellow cross-like symbol covering most of his dark spiky hair and his right eye, along with a silver chain-like necklace and a white cloak with yellow symbols like on his cap with brown boots, but his most striking feature are his wide yellow eyes with feline pupils. “Ah! Not you again!” Anubis said, recognizing the Saddle Arabian as the guy who nearly killed him yesterday. It’s Johannes. “Hello there, litters and germs,” Johannes said with an evil laugh, adding a ‘meow’ to it. “What are you doing here?” Radiance asked. “I’ve been waiting here, specifically for you, Andromeda!” Johannes said. “For me?” “Goody for you, fur ball,” Tempest said as he gets in between Andromeda and Johannes. “Now what do you want?” “Humph! That should be obvious,” Johannes said. “As it turned out, I didn't think there was already someone who had awakened as a Legendary Warrior. I was a bit confused yesterday, it seems, but not that I think about it, I’ve been saved the trouble of explaining everything to you, you’ve all heard the whole story from him, right?” Johannes said as he points toward Anubis, making the Diamond Dog growl in anger. “Soon a new dawn for the world will arrive!” “A new dawn ... for the world?” Andromeda asked. “That’s right!” Johannes said as he raises his arms for a moment. “When Nemesis awakes with the power of the Star Fragment! The Black Sun will ensure that the door will open to the new era for all, that is why you should come with me. Join us, Andromeda. Give the power of the Star Fragment, that you posses, to Nemesis, and rule with us!” “So, I was right,” Anubis said. “You are on the side of evil.” “Or worse,” Andromeda said as she puts he bag down, “are you the great evil, yourself?” “Me, evil?” Johannes said with a chuckle. “If you oppose me, I may have to be. Why not join me willingly?” Johannes asked as he gives out a hoof of friendship. “Don’t you want to step out of your mothers shadow for good?” “What! Oh, as if. Nemesis will turn the world into darkness, right. Even if I wanted to be out of my mothers shadow for good, there’s no way I’ll let myself join a group with such a purpose!” Andromeda shouted, making Johannes pull back his hoof of friendship. “So, you’ve been listening to things that don’t concern you. I should have know you be like your eggheaded mother. Oh, well,” Johannes said as he pulls out a dagger that’s two feet in length. “In that case, I will just have to fight you here, and then take your broken body with me by force,” Johannes said as Andromeda gets ready for a fight, when Anubis gets in between them. “I won’t let you do it,” Anubis said as he takes on a fighting stance. “Humph! Ha-ha-ha! Is that some sort of joke, pal?” Johannes mocked. “Uh, Anubis, leave this to me, okay.” Andromeda said as she gets in between the two. “Miss Andromeda?” “It’s me you want, so I’m gonna give it to you. Now get ready, kitty!” Andromeda said as she fires a blast at Johannes, but he jumps back before it hits. “I’ll finish this fast,” Andromeda said, but Johannes just laughs. “You shouldn't underestimate me. You know that.” Johannes said as he runs into the tunnel. “Hey, get back here!” Andromeda said as she goes after him. “Andromeda wait! It could be a trap!” Tempest said as he goes after Andromeda as she heads down the ally. Suddenly, both Andromeda and Tempest are nearly skewered by some daggers. “What was that?” Suddenly, they hear Johannes in the dark tunnel, laughing. “Where are you?” Andromeda asked as the others join her. “Everywhere,” Johannes said in the darkness. Suddenly, they see a strange device heading toward them. They duck and cover from the device as it lands at the opening of the tunnel, and releases a spider-like web of electricity. “What is this thing?” Flora asked. Andromeda then tries to teleport herself and Tempest out, but her magic isn’t working. “Why can’t I teleport?” A panicking Andromeda said as Tempest tries to comfort her. “Thats because, this tunnel has natural deposits of magdrillium,” Johannes said in the shadows. “The only metal in the world that is immune to magic,” Johannes added as he leaves the shadows. “Of course, under normal circumstances, magdrillium wouldn't work if there was a gape of some kind. But the electrified net at the entrance is lined with magdrillium, making it impossible for you to escape this tunnel with magic.” Andromeda then growls in anger. “I can’t believe you tricked me into following you to a place where you have the advantage!” “Me either,” Johannes said. “Your both slow and doomed.” “What did you say!?” Andromeda asked as Johannes pulls out a small explosives device. “Say bye-bye to your boyfriend there,” Johannes said as he arms the explosive and throws it at Tempest. “Tempest, duck!” Andromeda said, thinking quickly, as she pulls Tempest down, letting the bomb land near the electrified net, destroying it as he goes off, with the others outside just barley able to get away in time. “Tempest, let's go!” Andromeda said as she and Tempest run out, while Johannes hisses in anger and surprise. “Not good!” Johannes said as he heads out after Andromeda, running past her friends and brother. “Where did she go?” “Up here, cat!” Tempest said from a low lining cloud above, where Johannes sees Andromeda with. “What now?” Johannes asked as both Andromeda and Tempest kick the cloud, making it turn dark, and virtually drown Johannes in water. “Ugh, I hate water! Meow!” “Then how about my Tempest Dry!” Tempest said as he flies around Johannes at a near sonic rainbow speed, causing Johannes to fly up into the air, screaming. “MEOW!!!!” Johannes cried as he flies up to the sky. “All right!” The Cutie Mark Crusaders said as Tempest and Andromeda land on the group. “That should teach that guy a lesson,” Peach Cobbler said as Andromeda and Tempest do a high hoof. “It’s not over yet!” Johannes shouted, catching the group's attention, who see him falling to the ground, spinning, before he land on his hoofs, completely unharmed. “How can he do something like that?” Orion asked. “Apparently, he has mo'e in common wif cats than jest th' meowin' an' th' smell,” Bismarck said. “Hey, I resent that, Black Hat!” Johannes said as he jumps down a few feet form the group. “I’m really getting tired of you, kitty!” Andromeda said as she prepares to fire a laser at Johannes. “I’m gonna turn you into a cactus!” “I thought I told you not to underestimate me, girl,” Johannes said as he draws out a sword as Andromeda fires, but Johannes uses the blade to deflect it. “Huh?” A confused Andromeda said. “No way.” “Meow,” Johannes said as an evil smile appears on his face. “Whut th' hay jest happened?” Bucky asked. “Try it one more time,” Peach said. “All right. I’m gonna turn him into a cactus for sure, this time,” Andromeda said as she charges the spell again and fires, but Johannes uses the sword to deflect the blast again. “What! Again!” A shocked Orion said. “Let me guess,” Andromeda said. “A magdrillium covered sword?” “I was wondering when you were gonna catch on, girl,” Johannes said as he takes out his kunie with chain. “Man, this guy is good.” Tempest said. “He is good. He’s like Leon.” Orion added. “Yeah, only difference is that Leone is a wild lion, while this guy is a ferocious, wild lynx,” Radiance said. “I guess I have no choice, now,” Andromeda said, having only one idea that might work. “I have to use the time-” “Andromeda!” A familiar voice called out, stopping Andromeda in mid sentence. The entire group, with Johannes included, turn toward the source of the voice, and see… “Leone!” Andromeda said when she sees him on a building above them. “Good guess. Why are you having such a hard time with this guy?” Leone asked as he pulls out a dagger made of a pinkish metal from his saddle bag while he points at Johannes with his new bone claws. “There’s no need to show your best spell to an amateur kitty cat, like him.” “Say what?” Johannes asked. “Hey, he has a piece of Vibranium with him,” Radiance said, recognizing the rare metal as Leone morphs it with his new magic. “He’s taking a risk, since Vibranium can explode if it absorbs too much energy.” “My new power will tear through this guy in an instant!” Leone said as he prepares to throw the newly made Vibranium dagger, showing his wings, which Johannes takes notice of. “What? Could ... could it be? Your a Legendary Warrior, too?” A shocked Johannes said. “So maybe I am. Why don’t you see for yourself!” Leon shouted as he throws the Vibranium dagger at Johannes. “No way. Two of them have already awakened,” Johannes said as he barely dodges the dagger, with it just giving him a small cut on his face as it passes by. When the dagger hits the ground, it explodes, but Johannes lumps out of the blast and over the others. “I’m at a disadvantage when it’s two against one, litters and germs. But it doesn't matter. We’ll end things here, for today, but this doesn’t mean I’ve given up on the power of the Star Fragment you two posses.” “Ha! Good luck! I’ll take you on any time, kitty!” Andromeda threatened. “Scratch ya later!” Johannes said as he jumps backwards, and disappears. Just then, Taurus, carrying a stuffed backpack, runs up to the group. “What a scaredy cat. Leone must have chased back to his litter box,” Taurus said. “Taurus.” A slightly surprised Orion said. “Leone, what are you doing here?” Andromeda asked. “Taurus filled me in on your mission,” Leone answered, surprising Andromeda and the others. “Your coming with us?” Radiance asked. “Leone, are you saying you're gonna join us?” A very surprised Orion asked. “I’m not saying I’m gonna be on your side,” Leone said, shocking the group, even Taurus. “Leone, buddy.” “However,” Leone continued, “if you people and Andromeda are tracking down the rest of these 8 Legendary Warriors, I’m coming too. I will defeat them all, hear me!” “Leone!” Andromeda said, speechless by what Leone is saying. “And going with you guys is the fastest way to accomplish that feat,” Leon added, making Andromeda smile a little. “Andromeda, my showdown with you will be after that.” “Yeah, Leone!” Taurus cheered. “What are you guys waiting for?” Leone asked, confusing the group. “Let’s get this show on the road!” Leone said as he walks toward the airport. “Wait for me, Leone,” Taurus said as he follows. "His warriors spirit can only help us on this trip,” Radiance answered. “Miss Andromeda, is this really a good idea?” Anubis asked. “Yes, I’m sure you’ll understand it, soon enough.” Andromeda said as she picks up her bag and heads toward the airport, follow by the others. “Okay, I hope you right.” Anubis said as he stares at the lioncorn, only for him to notice that he’s falling behind. “Hey guys, please wait for me!” Anubis called out as he catches up to them. The Warrior of WinterThe Warrior of Winter Out in the ocean of the North Maluku region of Indonesia, Bismarck, Radiance, Berry and Cherry, Andromeda, Flora, Tempest, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Leone and Taurus are on a speed boat, heading for the island where the Star Fragment pieces possibly felled to Earth. “Wow, that is one cool looking island,” Orion said as he sees the smoke from the mountain, meaning it’s a volcanic island. “Do you really think there’s a Legendary Warrior on that island, Anubis?” Radiance asked. “Yes, if my calculations are correct, that is,” Anubis said as he looks at his tablet to be sure. “The place where this Star Fragment pice fell to is undoubtedly there on that island.” “You sound pretty sure of yourself,” Taurus noted. “Yes, I am. ‘A light that falls from the heavens will wake the slumbering Warrior of the Sea and shake the Earth,’” Anubis said, causing the group to look at him in confusion. “What was that?” Peach Cobbler asked. “It’s a legend that this island has. An old legend that seems to hint at the arrival of the Star Fragment and the awakening of a Legendary Warrior,” Anubis answered. “A light that falls from the heavens?” Andromeda said as they arrive at the only dock on the island. The group, especially the Cutie Mark Crusaders, happily get off the boat, and look at the jungle ahead. “Okay, were here at last,” Orion said. “About time, too,” Taurus added. “Carful, Miss Radiance,” Anubis said as he takes Rarity’s bag as she steps onto the dock. “Thank you,” Radiance said as she take the bag back. “I’ll ask just one more time,” the unicorn boat driver began to say, “are you sure you want this? The next boat won’t come back here until the day after tomorrow.” “Uh, yes,” Anubis answered. “Thar’s no guarantee thet we’ll find th' Legendary Warrior right away,” Bismarck added. “We don’t have much choice,” Tempest added. “Remember this, then, that there volcano could erupt at any time,” the boat driver warned. “It’s up to you guys, but it be better if you turned back now, if you ask me.” “We’ll be fine,” Tempest said. “Thanks for bringing us all the way out here, sir,” Flora said. “Yes, thank you very much for taking us this far,” Anubis added. “Well ... Guess there’s no stopping ya,” the boat driver said, defeated. “There’s a village west of that there jungle. If you run into trouble, you can go there for help. But remember, I can't guarantee that they will be all that welcoming to newcomers. You understand?” “I think we do,” Andromeda said. Suddenly, the ground begins to shake as a large amount of smoke and ash bellow from the volcano. “Uh oh! Time to bogie home, I think,” the boat driver said as he starts up the engine. “You kids be careful now!” He said as he quickly leaves. “Talk about rude,” Fancy Pants as the boat disappears from site. “Nothing we can do now. He’s going too fast for him to hear us,” Peach Cobbler said. “We need to get going too,” Leon said as he heads for the jungle. “Don’t just stand there.” “Wait up, Leone buddy,” Taurus said as he and the others go after Leone, except for Anubis. “Man, he nevah stops movin', does he?” Bucky said as Anubis glares at Leone, before running after the others. In the thick jungle, “Oh, come on! Is there really a village in a remote place like this dump?” Tempest asked, getting an annoyed glare from Flora, who’s enjoying the rare and beautiful plants on the island. “Ponies can say the same about your home, Tempest,” Andromeda pointed out. “Yeah, good point,” Tempest said with a sheepish chuckle. “This island isn’t very big, really,” Anubis pointed out. “It shouldn't be far now. Let’s keep going, okay.” Anubis said, only for Radiance's suitcase to get caught on a vain. “Wait. Wait a sec. My bag is stuck!” Radiance said as she tries to free the bag, stopping the group as Bismarck helps Radiance out. “Nothing ever changes with you, either,” Leone said as he goes on. “If your just gonna slow us down, head back home.” “What was that?” Radiance angrily asked. “You are so rude!” “You don’t have to be so mean!” Anubis nearly yelled. “Oh, Leone your awful!” Radiance said as she and Bismarck try their best to free the bag, to no avail, until Taurus breaks the vine. “It’s just his way,” Taurus said as the go after Leone. “Thanks a lot, Taurus,” Radiance said when hey catch up to Leone, making Taurus blush a bit. “Huh? Oh, it’s nothing. Leone cannot be delayed, so I do what I have to do to help,” Taurus said as Leone stops at the top of a small hill. “Whoa,” Leone said, getting the others attention. “Wow!” Orion said when they see the village, that oddly looks like Ponyville, only without the colors. “There it is. The village.” “We actually made it!” Andromeda said, only for Cherry and Berry to glare at her. “Don’t jinx it!” The Pie twins said as the happily hop down to the village. “Do you think there could be a Legendary Warrior here?” Flora asked. “I guess we better start asking the villagers right away,” Anubis said as they head down to the village. In the village, the residents, who are mostly earth ponies, with two pegasi and three unicorns, are doing their usual business, when the group arrive. “Uh, excuse me, sir,” Andromeda said as she stops a green and brown earth pony stallion. “Just who are you?” The resident asked with suspicion. “Why did you come to my island home? Huh?” “Well, we’ve come here to look for someone, actually,” Anubis said in a polite tone. “Have you, really?” The villager said, still suspicious of the newcomers. “Well, yeah,” Andromeda said as she levitates a scroll written by Celestia, but the stallion then freaks out at the sight of her glowing horn. “AH!” He and other residents screamed as they run into their homes and close their windows shut. “Uh, what just happened?” Orion asked. “What gives?” Taurus asked, while the villagers stare at them with a mix of anger and fear. “That was weird,” Peach added. “What’s going on here?” Leone asked as Flora goes up to one the houses. “There all just watching us from inside their houses.” “Uh, hi! We are not here to do any harm, I assure you,” Anubis called out as Flora walks up to one of the homes. “Please, we just want to talk to you,” Flora said as she knocks on the door. An old stallion pegasus then answers by slowly opening the door, just enough for Flora to see his face. “So, tell me. Are you all magic users?” The old stallion asked. “Uh, I guess so,” Flora answered, only for the old stallion to splash water on her. “What did you do that for!?” Peach said as she runs up to her sister. “We do not allow your kind here, so go away now! Your all magic users, so you're a threat to us. Get out of our village, immediately!” The old stallion said as the other villagers come out of their homes too, carrying buckets of trash and sticks. “Yeah!” A mare yelled. “That’s right!” “The village chief has spoken!” A stallion yelled as he throws some sticks at the group. “Go on! Get out of here!” Another stallion yelled as he throws some eggs at them, along with the rest of the village. “Why are they doing this?” Radiance said, trying her best not to mess up here mane. “So, you want to fight, do ya?” Leone asked. “Not now, Leone,” Bismarck said as Flora and Peach make it back to them. “I think it would be best to retreat for the time being,” Anubis said to Andromeda. “Good call,” Andromeda said as she puts the scroll away, then they all leave the village as fast as they can. ================================================================== Later, near the sea on the island, the group are lying down on some rocks, exhausted. “Man, thet was off th’ grid,” Bucky said as he drinks some water. “What’s up with these ponies, anyway?” Radiance asked as she puts down her bag. “What could have gotten over them? Arn’t some of the residents unicorns?” Orion asked. “Whats with their twisted, weirded, grudge against magic users, Leone pal?” Taurus asked. “How should I know?” Leone said. “Uggh. And after we came all the way out here, too. And now were completely exhausted,” an annoyed Tempest said, while both his and Taurus's stomachs groan. “I’m so hungry, I could eat a bull.” Taurus said as he holds onto his stomach. “What do you think we should do now?” Anubis asked. “Thats a good question, Anubis,” Andromeda said. Suddenly, they hear, “Oh, come on already!” a filly shouted nearby. “Huh?” Andromeda then heads toward the source of the sound, and sees a young unicorn filly, younger than Peach Cobbler, practicing. The filly has a brown mane, a light green coat, and violet eyes. The filly in question then tries to uses her magic to lift a can in front of her, but she barely gets a small spark, let along gets her horn glowing. “Aw, I really am not good at this,” she said as she flops to the ground in disappointment. She then hears hoofsteps, and sees that Andromeda, along with Orion, and Radiance walking over to her, followed by the others, except for Leone. “Hello. Trying to learn how to use your magic all by yourself, huh,” Andromeda said, but the little filly just gasps in fear and surprise. “Aw, Taurus, she’s scared because your scowling at her like that,” Flora said to the red minotaur. “I’m not scary at all! B-b-b-b-b-b-bull!” Taurus angrily said as steam comes out of his nostrils. “It’s okay,” Orion said. “Were friends.” “Say, what’s your name?” Berry asked. “Sa... Sala,” the little filly answered. “Sala, is it?” Radiance said as she levitates a Lotus stone from her saddle bag. “Try that spell one time with this, okay?” Radiance said as she gives the Lotus stone to Sala. “Okay,” Sala said as she holds onto the stone and tries to levitate the can again, but this time her horn glows violet as she levitates the can like it she was doing it for years. “Wow, it work!” “Great. Now try without the stone,” Andromeda said. Sala puts the Lotus stone gently on the ground and tries the simple spell again, getting the same result. “Yeah, all right!” Sala cheered as Orion, Bucky and Peach Cobbler walk up to her. “Why not try levitating something heavier,” Peach suggested. “Okay,” Sala said as she takes the spell and tries to levitate Bucky, the unwilling test subject. “Hey, this is not funny,” Bucky said as Bismarck run up to make sure he’s okay, while Sala, Orion and Peach laugh as Sala puts him down, while Leone walks up to the others. “Hey!” Leone said, getting their attentions. “Just how long are you gonna keep wasting time like this?” “Oh, keep your coat on,” Tempest said to the ill-tempered lioncorn. “Yeah, Leone,” Andromeda added. “Even if magic users are not welcome in that village back there, there is a unicorn filly who practices her magic. I think our only hope of communicating with the village is through our new friend: Sala.” “I didn’t come with you so I can play with little kids! Understand?” Leone pointed out. “Calm down,” Radiance said. “I won’t hang around while you just play games. I’m gonna do things my way.” Leone said. “What?” Andromeda, Radiance, Flora, Berry and Cherry, and Anubis all said. “Let’s go, Taurus,” Leone said as he leaves. “Me? Leone, pal?” Taurus said as he goes after Leone. ================================================================== Not long after, Sala and the others, minus Leone and Taurus, are resting on some rocks. “Ha-ha, that was such fun!” Sala said. “You sure did get a lot better with your magic, Sala,” Andromeda complimented. “Say, do you alway practice by yourself?” Orion asked. “Yeah,” Sala admitted. “It didn’t used to be like this around here, but after that thing happened, magic was banned from the village.” “That ... thing?” Tempest asked. “What thing, Sala?” Andromeda asked, but before Sala could answer, Andromeda’s stomach growls loudly. “Oops,” Andromeda said with a blush. “What was that, Andromeda?” Tempest asked, making Andromeda laugh in a sheepish matter. “Sorry,” Andromeda said, still blushing. “Whats the matter?” Sala asked. “Are you guys hungry?” “Uh, yes, actually,” Tempest said with a slight laugh along with the others. “Not to worry,” Sala said as she gets up. “I’ll get you something to eat.” ================================================================== Later, in a house just outside of the village, the group, accompanied by Sala, are in her barn, which has hay and some goats. “Nice barn,” Bismarck said as she looks over the design. “Reminds me of home.” “It sure does,” Radiance added. “Just stay here,” Sala said. “I’ll bring you some food from my house, okay? I’m sorry you have to wait in here, but if my father finds you, I’ll get into big trouble. I’ll be back soon,” Sala said as she heads outside. “Looks like we won’t be getting a warm welcome after all,” Radiance said, having received plenty of warm welcomes before. “But we should be grateful that she’s bringing us food, right,” Flora said. Outside, Sala is about to head inside, when her father called out. “Sala,” he said, getting the little fillies attention. He’s a unicorn stallion with a light pink coat, a brown mane in dreadlocks, brown eyes, and he wears a grey headband. “What have you been up to, Sala?” He asked. “Not much,” Sala said as she tries her best to hide the Lotus stone Rarity gave her, but her father sees it. “You were practicing your magic again, weren't you?” Sala’s father angrily said. “I told you that you can’t do that anymore. Give that to me,” Sala’s father said, getting everyone's attention inside the barn. “No! Daddy, it’s mine!” Sala cried. “What do you think is going on out there?” Orion asked. “Uh oh. Everyone, I think we should hide,” Anubis said. The group then go and hide in a large pile of hay. Outside, Sala’s father, takes the Lotus stone, when he notices what it really is. “Huh, what the? Sala, where did you get this Lotus stone?” Sala’s father asked. “I, uh, found it,” Sala answered. Suddenly, they hear an extremely loud stomach growl from the barn, making Sala gasp in worry. “Can’t you control that stomach off yours, Tempest!?” Andromeda angrily whispered as she pushes Tempest’s head into the hay pile. Tempest then frees himself and glares at Andromeda. “That wasn't me, it was you Andromeda!” Tempest whispered back, only for Andromeda to push his head back into the hay. “My stomach doesn't growl that loud!” Andromeda whispered back, when Sala’s father walks into the barn. “Anypony in here?” He asked, surprising the group, who didn’t notice that the little fight between Andromeda and Tempest destroyed their cover. Sala’s father sees them, and glares at them. ================================================================== On another part of the island, it’s almost sunset as Leone and Taurus walk around the volcano. “There don’t seem to be any clues on this stinking island at all,” a clearly exhausted Taurus said, sweating form both the heat and the walk on the small island. Leone then stops and looks around the island for a minute. “This really is a tiny island. There’s only this volcano. So that’s it, then. The only place left to look is there,” Leone said as he looks at the smoking mountain, terrifying Taurus. “What!? Were gonna climb that thing!?” “No time for whining. Follow me,” Leone said as he walks over toward an ancient arc, which has a very creepy face on it. “Hmm, this looks promising,” Leone said as he proceeds to climb the volcano. ================================================================== At Sala’s home, it’s now night as the others are at a table, covered in food. Some of them are drooling at both the sight and smell of freshly cooked food. “That looks great,” a drooling Tempest said. “Please. Go ahead and help yourselves,” Sala’s father said. “Your so generous,” Radiance noted. “We really appreciate it, sir,” Flora said. “Thank yo' fo' th' grub,” Bucky added. They then proceed to eat the food, which includes bananas, soup, mashed potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables native to the island. “Your the newcomers I heard about who showed up on the island today. Is that right?” Sala’s father asked. “These are good people daddy, who help me get a lot better with my magic, and the even played with me,” Sala said to her father while she looks over toward Orion. “Why is she looking at me like that?” Orion asked Bucky. “Beats me. Ah still kin’t figger out Peach,” Bucky said as he drinks some water, getting a punch from Peach. “I understand that,” Sala’s father said. “Here’s the scoop. The village in an uproar about you.” “But why?” Andromeda asked. “Let me bring you up to speed,” Sala’s father began. “About two weeks ago, a magic user came to this island, just as you did,” Sala’s father said, recounting the event. ================================================================== Two weeks earlier, some of the villagers are at the entrance to the sacred ground on the volcano, stopping a strange creature that’s black and blue walks up to them. He has sea-blue, serpentine eyes like Chrysalis, what appears to be an exoskeleton, holes in his legs, wings and other insect-like armor. “This place is sacred,” the village chief said to the strange stranger. “The mountain holds the volcano god that protects the island from all evil. Outsiders cannot enter!” “Volcano god, is that right?” The stranger said. “Interesting. I will go and check and see if it’s really there or not.” “Your dare,” the village chief angrily said. “That’s right,” the stranger said. “Because,” he said as he is suddenly engulfed in blue flame and changes into what looks like the village elder before changing back, shocking the villagers, “a true god is standing *right in front OF YOU!*” Suddenly, he changes into a flaming blue sea serpent, and charges at the villagers, terrifying them to the point that they run for their lives. He then goes on up the mountain. ================================================================== “Without listening to the villagers warnings to stop, he said he was going to do some kind of training, and disappeared on the mountain alone,” Sala’s father finished. “A black and blue, shapeshifting, insect-like magic users?” Radiance asked. “C'd it be one of them?” Bismarck asked. ================================================================== On the mountain, Leone and Taurus have almost made it to the top. “Leone, old pal?” “Looks like were getting close, Taurus,” Leone said as they pass by some partly melted status in the harden lava. ================================================================== “Since that day,” Sala’s father continued, “every night the howling of a beast can be heard coming from the mountain. The ground itself trembles all through the village.” “Everyone says that the volcano god must be angry,” Sala added. “I get it now,” Andromeda said. “That’s why they began to think badly about magic and magic users from outside the island,” Anubis added. “One night, a light fell out of the sky and crashed to the ground,” Sala’s father added. “A terribly scream can be heard, and not long after, the volcano that had been silent for so many years, became active.” “‘A light that falls from the heavens,’ I knew it!” Anubis said as he stands up. “A Star Fragment really did fall onto this island, for sure.” “Then that means the Star Fragment entered the magic user,” Orion added. “There can be not doubt about it,” Anubis said. Suddenly, the ground begins to shake heavily. “Oh no, it’s starting up again!” Sala’s father said as he holds onto his daughter. “Do you think that one of them became a Legendary Warrior?” Orion asked his sister, who nods, certain that she knows what the stranger is. ================================================================== On the mountain, Leone and Taurus, especially Taurus, are terrified by the magma and what appears to be water spew out of the volcano’s mouth. “I see now,” Leone said when the see a figure emerge from the smoke. “It seems that the Star Fragment didn't care if the Legendary Warriors are all ponies, apparently,” Leone said. They then see that the figure is a male changeling, only instead of green hair and eyes, his are blue. He’s also the same size as Chrysalis, with the same eyes and gapes in his legs. But the main difference is that he has a cutie mark, a constellation, but neither Leone or Taurus can see which one. “Is that a ... a changeling?” “So, when the Star Fragment chose of the Legendary Warriors, it didn’t care that at least one’s a changeling,” Leone said as he takes on a fighting stance. ================================================================== At Sala’s home, “The magic user that went up the mountain, it has to be a changeling,” Andromeda said as she looks at the smoking mountain. “One of the changelings has also become a Legendary Warrior. We need to get to that...” “No, you can’t!” Sala’s father firmly said. “Why not?” Bismarck asked. “I am also a member of this island. I cannot allow anymore outsiders to step foot on that sacred ground. It’s forbidden,” Sala’s father answered. “But, sir,” Flora tried to say. “I will shelter you here, until the next boat arrives,” Sala’s father said. “However, if you make things worst then they are now, I will no longer be able to do that. I am saying this for your own good. Please do not provoke the people of this village any further.” “Awww,” the Cutie Mark Crusaders said. “Oh, dear,” Sala said. ================================================================== On the mountain, the blue changeling with a cutie mark has descended a little down the mountain, not far from Leone now. “Why are you here, Leone?” The changeling asked, well aware of the leader of Team Wild Fang. “Leone, look,” Taurus said while looking at the flank of the changeling. “He has a cutie mark that’s a constellation like yours.” “I see it. What’s your name, pal?” Leon asked. “My name is Cetus,” the blue and black changeling answered. “So, Cetus here has already awakened as well. The third Legendary Warrior was you, Cetus!” Leone yelled. “Legendary Warrior?” Cetus asked. “I never imagined that the first one I would crush would be a changeling, and a blue one for that matter,” Leone said as he takes on a fighting stance. “But I can’t say that I’m disappointed. After all, Chrysalis once def-” “Don’t compare me to that green betrayer!” Cetus yelled. “Uh, why not?” Taurus asked. “Just because those green, lover-sucking betrayers attack Canterlot 30 years ago, doesn't mean we’re all like them!” Cetus said. “Blue-changelings, like my self, don’t fead off of love, but off of fear.” “So that’s why you came here, to strike fear in the villagers so you can feed!” Leone said, tying the villages anger toward magic users to Cetus. “But it doesn't matter, I will show you my power!” “Humph, you excited because you think you found a good play mate? Is that it?” Cetus mocked. “Save it. I, Leone Lulamoon, have the same power of the Star Fragment as you do!” “Star Fragment?” Cetus asked. “The battle conditions are equal. Time to learn the hard way that you bugs can’t stay around forever!” Leone nearly yelled. “You say its equal, do you?” Cetus said. “Fascinating. Someone like you thinks he can beat the King of Blue-Changelings!?” “The King of Blue-Changelings?” A terrified Taurus said. “Here we go, Cetus!” Leone said as he fires a laser at the blue-changeling, who does the same, creating a small explosion that can be seen from the village. ================================================================== “Ah! It’s getting stronger!” The village chief said when the volcano begins to erupt slightly. The villagers then all get down to their knees and began to prayer. “Please, take pity on us.” “Take pity on us.” The village began to chant. ================================================================== At Sala’s home, Andromeda and the others see that explosions on the volcano. “What are we going to do?” Berry asked. Suddenly, Andromeda goes and picks up her bag. “Sis, what are you doing?” Orion asked. “We’ve never came to this house, guys,” Andromeda said, surprising the group. “What?” Anubis asked. “Sala and her dad? We never meet them,” Andromeda added. “We’ve never meet them because we don’t want to get them in any trouble, do we.” “Right,” Tempest said. “I get it now, Andi.” “Good, because we have to go,” Andromeda said as she jumps out of the window, accompanied by the others. Outside, they see Sala, blushing slightly. “You guys are going, huh.” Sala said. “I’ll guide you there myself.” ================================================================== On the mountain, Leone is throwing rocks at Cetus, some of the having a small amount of vibranium in them. “Oh, you aren't half bad,” Cetus said to the lioncorn. “I haven’t even gotten started yet.” Leone said as he does his, “Lion Gale Force Wall!” Leone said as he creates his signature spell, creating a tornado that sends the rocks at Cetus with such ferocity and power, they shatter like glass when they hit the ground, making Cetus growl in anger, being pined down by the flying rocks. “Yes sir! Take it to him, Leone!” Taurus cheered. “I’m gonna drive you right into the volcano!” Leone said as he pushes Cetus into the crater with his tornado. But Cetus teleports away, surprising Leone and Taurus. “Nuts! Almost had him,” Taurus said. “Do you really think a defensive spell like that can match my power?” Cetus asked the lioncorn. “Sorry, dude, but my new power doesn't just have a powerful defense,” Leone said as he secretly molds another vibranium dagger. A bit further down the mountain, Andromeda and the others, led by Sala, are running and/or flying up the mountain. “We need to hurry,” Andromeda said. “Check out my new fangs!” Leone said as he throws the dagger at Cetus, who just backs away a little bit, when the dagger hit, it explodes, causing Cetus to fall into the mouth of the volcano. “Yeah, all right! You got that bug, Leone!” “Humph!” They heard from the volcano. “Lets see now, the conditions are equal, right?” Cetus asked inside the mouth of the volcano. “In that case!” Suddenly, a geyser of steam and boiling hot water erupts from the volcano, with Cetus, accompanied by what appears to be a sea serpent, comes out and lands in front of the two, glowing a sea blue, along with the serpent, which disappears as Cetus draws in the water from the atmosphere. “So, from here on it will be decided, by the difference in the power of the magic user, is that right?” “That’s not good, pal,” a slightly scared Taurus said. “Your a little foal who hasn't even fully master his own power yet,” Cetus pointed out as he creates a sword and axe made of ice from the water. “Oh yeah?” A clearly angry Leone said as the others arrive. “Look, it’s a blue changeling!” Radiance said. “A blue changeling? I thought they only came in green.” Bismarck said. “Leone and Taurus, too.” Flora added. “Come, I will show you the difference between you and I.” Cetus said to Leone. “Ha! I can’t wait,” Leone sarcastically said. “Prepare yourself, Cetus! I'm gonna tear you apart!” Leone shouted as he and Cetus charge at each other. The God of MercuryThe God of Mercury “Humph!” They heard from the volcano. “Lets see now, the conditions are equal, right?” Cetus asked inside the mouth of the volcano. “In that case!” Suddenly, a geyser of steam and boiling hot water erupts from the volcano, with Cetus, accompanied by what appears to be a sea serpent, comes out and lands in front of the two, glowing a sea blue, along with the serpent, which disappears as Cetus draws in the water from the atmosphere. “So, from here on it will be decided, by the difference in the power of the magic user, is that right? You're a little foal who hasn't even fully master his own power yet,” Cetus pointed out as he creates some weapons made of ice from the water. “Oh yeah?” A clearly angry Leone said as the others arrive. “Come, I will show you the difference between you and I.” Cetus said to Leone. “Ha! I can’t wait,” Leone sarcastically said. “Prepare yourself, Cetus! I’m gonna tear you apart!” Leone shouted as he and Cetus charge at each other. Leone extends his claws out, but Cetus stops Leone dead in his tracks, creating a lot of energy, releasing a powerful wind down the mountain, with the others in its path. “Leone, pal!” A frantic Taurus called out. “We need to be careful!” Andromeda said as she, Flora, and Bismarck hold onto their siblings. “Amazing,” Anubis said as he shields his eyes from the wind created. “So this is what a battle between Legendary Warriors is like. Fantastic.” “I’m gonna send you flying, Cetus!” Leone shouted as he creates a tornado and sends it toward Cetus, but the blue changeling doesn't even flinch. “Huh? Whats this!? My attacks aren't working!” “Humph! You may have made yourself an alicorn, but you've reach the limit of your power,” Cetus said as he draws in a large amount of water from the clouds above. “Time to kiss your butt goodbye!” Suddenly, Cetus is encased by a blue glow that forms the sea serpent, which charges at Leone along with the water. When it hits, it’s total chaos. “Leone!” Andromeda called out. “Hang in there!” Taurus said as an explosion happens. When the smoke clears, the group see that Leone is now on the ground, groaning in pain. “Leone!” Taurus cried as he runs toward his friend and picks him up, seeing that he’s now unconscious. “Speak to me, Leone. Please, wake up.” “Unbelievable,” a completely socked Flora said. “Leone’s power increased so much, but he still lost.” “Hey, your name is Cetus, right?” Andromeda called out to the blue changeling king. “What’s up? Your name’s Andromeda, right?” Cetus said as his ice sword and axe disintegrate into steam. “You wanna be next?” “Just listen to us,” Andromeda pleaded. “Except for Leone here, we didn’t come here to fight you.” “My power freaks you out, is that it? Huh?” Cetus asked. “That’s not true,” Andromeda said. “But now’s not the time to have a fight with you.” “We are desperately in need of the power that you posses, understand?” Anubis added. “Please, lend us your strength,” Anubis said, making Cetus stare at him in confusion. “Even as we now speak, somewhere on this Earth, there are evil people. People who are attempting to use the new Star Fragment to awaken the God of Destruction, Nemesis.” “Did you say ‘Star Fragment’?” Cetus asked. “Yes, sir,” Anubis answered. “As if it feared it’s power falling into the hands of evil, the Star Fragment split into 10 pieces and scattered across the globe before reaching the ground. In order to entrust that power to the Legendary Warriors who will fight the villains intending to bring about the revival of the Black Sun, Nemesis.” “Cetus, you were chosen as one of those warriors,” Andromeda said. “That is why a piece of the Star Fragment came to you. It was that power that change you to the way you are now.” “What?” Cetus asked as he looks at his flank, seeing the constellation Cetus on it, something that a changeling can normally get by changing into a pony or horse, but not by discovering a special talent like them. “The power of the Star Fragment did this to me?” “That’s right,” Anubis said, thinking that Cetus is believing them. “Things like that are the marks of a Legendary Warrior, for sure. I beg of you, please join us to fight those who would use the fragment for evil,” Anubis finished, which is followed by a few moments of silence from Cetus. “Cetus, please!” “Humph! Ha-ha-ha!” Cetus began to laugh, confusing the group. “What gives?” Tempest asked. “What a story pal!” Cetus said when he stops. “The thing that change me was my very own power! Who would believe that fragment nonsense?” “It’s not nonsense!” Taurus said. “Both Leone and Andromeda also posses the power of the Star Fragment!” “Please, believe us,” Andromeda implored as she stretches out her wings and shows Cetus her new cutie mark. “I was basically reborn as well!” “Huh?” A slightly confused Cetus said. “Makes no difference.” “Huh?” “A Star Fragment, some god called Nemesis? Even if all of this is actually true, what does it got to do with me, pal?” Cetus asked. “The evildoers are sure to come after the power you hold in your hand,” Anubis pointed out. “If they git their han's on th' power of th' Star Fragment, its trouble,” Bismarck added. “If Nemesis is revived, it will be too late, for us,” Radiance said. “Andromeda!” Cetus suddenly said. “What is that horn on your head and the wings on your back for? Decoration?” Cetus asked as he forms a sword and shield made of pure ice. “If you call yourself a real warrior, try to make me listen to you.” “Cetus?” Andromeda asked as her friends all gasp in fear and surprise. “Not now,” a worried Anubis said. “I guess there’s no choice,” Andromeda said as she conjures up a sword for her to use. “If I win, you will corporate, hear me?” “Humph! It’s a deal,” Cetus said as he prepares to fight. “I’m scared,” Sala said as she holds onto Radiance. “We just have to be brave, Sala. It looks like their gonna have to battle after all,” Radiance said. “Ready to rock, Andromeda?” Cetus asked. “Let’s go, Cetus,” Andromeda said as the others take cover behind some rocks. The two Legendary Warriors then charge at each other, both of them glowing yellow for Andromeda and blue for Cetus. When they clash blades with each other, the force is so great, that light shoots up into the sky, while at the same time, it creates a powerful wind that knocks down those who didn’t have a good hold on the ground. “Go get him, Miss Andromeda!” Anubis cheered as Andromeda and Cetus jump back a few feet, while fire burst out of the mountain... ================================================================== ...While the villagers down below scream in fear as they see the fire from the mountain. “The volcano god is angry,” the chief said. “It must because those magic users came here,” a resident assumed. ================================================================== “Huh?” Sala’s father said when he notices the fire coming from the mountain. He quickly goes to the room where Andromeda and her friends are supposed to be in, and sees that their gone. “Your have got to be kidding me.” ================================================================== Up on the mountain, Andromeda and Cetus continue to clash, sending sparks flying. Cetus then suddenly sends a gush of water at Andromeda, sending her flying a few feet. “You changelings are as strong as they say, Cetus, even if you are a blue one,” Andromeda said. “But I don’t care. I won’t back down from this, or any, fight,” Andromeda said as a yellow glow encases her, surprising Cetus. She then fires a blast at Cetus, which forces him to retreat back a few feet. “All right! Nice shot, Andromeda!” Taurus cheered as Cetus regains his composure. “I see now,” Cetus said. “I can certainly feel a power in you that a regular alicorn shouldn't have. Don’t care,” Cetus said as he creates both a double-bladed sword from the one he already had, and a spear. “Andromeda, watch out!” Orion called out. “Can you still match me, even with this!” Cetus yelled as he throws the spear at Andromeda, which quickly glows a sea blue as the sea serpent reappears, heading straight toward Andromeda. When it hits, it creates a powerful explosion, sending Andromeda back several feet. “Andromeda!” Tempest whispered, wanting nothing more but to help her, but can’t. “What was that incredible power just now?” “I have no idea!” Orion said as Andromeda gets up, while Cetus laughs. “What’s this? This is the power of the Emperor of the Sea coming!” Cetus yelled as his sword glows a sea blue as he charges toward Andromeda, who is barley able to hold him off, the sword she conjured beginning to brake. I don’t believe it! Andromeda thought to herself. I feel like I’m fighting the sea, with a sea monster waiting below, she thought before she’s thrown back several feet, beginning to panic. “Calm down, Miss Andromeda!” Anubis called out. “You also have an elemental power! The power to control the air around you!” “Say what?” Andromeda asked. “Anubis is right!” Orion added. “You’ll be able to counter Cetus if you create something made of air!” “I can what!?” Andromeda asked. “Is that true?” “This is it!” Cetus yelled out as he creates a spear again, and throws it toward Andromeda, the same thing happening again. “By Celestia!” Andromeda said. “I have no choice now. I have to try,” she said as she throws a punch, which somehow throws the spear back into the volcano. “What!?” A shocked Cetus said. “Whoa!” The others all said. “Awesome!” Andromeda said as she throws another punch at Cetus, with the air blast so powerful, it sends him back several yards. “Laugh now, Cetus,” Andromeda said as she does a downward movement, creating a giant blade of air. Cetus ducks out-of-the-way, while the blade of air slices a giant boulder in half. “Andromeda is now delivering all kinds of attacks in a row,” a surprised Radiance said. “Right. Even thet Cetus changeling won’t be able t'stan' that kind of constant punishment,” Bismarck added. “Aw, cool,” Orion said. “Get him, Andromeda! I can’t believe she has that kind of power!” “Yeah, me either,” Andromeda said. “‘That kind of power’ you say.” Cetus suddenly said in a mocking tone. “Andromeda, I expected more,” Cetus said as he creates a shield around himself made of ice. “Huh? Cetus went to the defensive?” Anubis asked. “What’s he thinking?” Peach asked. “He knows he has no hope of winnin' eff'n he clashes head on wif Andromeda,” Bismarck said. “A changeling has actually taken a defensive stance?” Flora asked. “I think there’s more, guys,” Tempest said, as Cetus smiles. “That’s not gonna work!” Andromeda said as she fixes her sword and charges at Cetus, but when her sword hits his shield, it just bounces off, without leaving so much as a scratch. “What? I’ll try again,” Andromeda said as she charges toward the shield again with more force, only for the same thing to happen again. “What’s going on?” “I’m disappointed in you, Andromeda,” Cetus said, getting Andromeda’s attention. “Did you really think you could face me, when you obviously don’t even know your own power, yet.” “Uh, is that so?” Andromeda asked. “Just watch and lean, Andromeda. I will show you the true power of the King of Blue Changelings. Here it comes, so buckle up.” Cetus said. Cue dramatic music, Cherry thought to herself. “So, how about it?” Cetus continued. “If you think you can finish it, go ahead.” What is that powerful force? Andromeda thought to herself. Just what is Cetus planing to do? Andromeda thought as she and Cetus have a stare down, while the others, with a recently awake Leone, watch on in shock and fear. “All I do know is that I can’t quit this fight. I got to believe in myself,” Andromeda said as she charges toward Cetus again. “Foolish,” Cetus simply said as his ice shield just causes Andromeda’s attack to bounce off. “What now?” Andromeda asked. “How is Cetus’ shield able t'do thet?” Bucky asked. “I know what’s going on,” Leone said as he gets up. “You do?” Radiance asked. “Yeah,” Leone answered. “Cetus wen’t into a defensive position on purpose, so he can get Andromeda in a false sense of security. And since all changelings have the ability to take the power of others and make it their own, whenever Andromeda attacks, Cetus absorbed it so he can use it against her.” “So that’s what Cetus is up too. I knew it!” Tempest said. “Not good,” Orion added. “Run away, sis!” “Looks like this is as far as you can go,” Cetus noted. “And yet you non-shapeshifters still don’t know what you need to about your magic,” Cetus said as he creates a tornado of steam around him. “What!?” Andromeda asked. “You shouldn't count on the power of your magic!” Cetus said as the sea serpent reappears above Cetus, as the volcano erupts smoke and fire. “Special move: Sea Emperor Supreme Flight!” Suddenly, the ground below Andromeda explodes due to the sudden expansion of water, and an explosion happens, blinding everyone on the island for a few moments. Once the smoke clears, everyone slowly opens their eyes, when Orion and Tempest shout. “Andromeda!” They screamed when they see her on the ground, unconscious. “MUWAHAHAHA!” Cetus laughed. “You say you want to borrow my strength, give me a call when you have something to offer me in return,” Cetus said as he takes his leave, while the others, except for Leone, Taurus, and Anubis, who is staring at Cetus as he walks away. “Ah! It can’t end like this,” Anubis said though his gritted teeth. “Can you hear us?” Orion asked his sister. “Speak to us, Andromeda,” Radiance said. “Come on, your tougher than this,” Tempest added. “But what do we do about the Star Fragment,” Anubis said, still glaring at Cetus. “The evil ones will get it,” Anubis than tears off a piece of the harden lava he’s on, and runs after Cetus. “Wait, stop right there!” Anubis yelled out, getting everyone’s attention. “We need your power,” Anubis said as he stops a few feet behind Cetus, “if you insist on walking away from us, than I will fight you,” Anubis said as he holds onto the broken rock like it’s a weapon, shocking the others. “What!?” Bismarck said. “Anubis vs. Cetus?” Peach added. “He’s nuts,” Taurus said as Leone growls, while Cetus turns his head toward Anubis. “And just who are you?” Cetus asked. “That doesn't really matter,” a clearly shaking Anubis said. “If I defeat you, you will lend us your strength, is that right?” “Humph,” Cetus simply said with a smile as he turns toward Anubis. “Come on, fight me,” Anubis nearly shouted. “Don’t be a fool, Anubis!” Radiance said. “Yo' saw th' fight jest now, didn’t yo'?” Bismarck asked. “If Leone and Andromeda couldn't defeat him, then it’s impossible for someone like you!” Taurus added. “Don’t act crazy, pal!” “I don’t have any other choice, now,” Anubis said. “If this can prevent the revival of Nemesis, I’ll fight.” “Your way out of your league, greyhound, and it’s past your bedtime,” Cetus said, pushing Anubis over the edge as he charges at Cetus, screaming. Unfortunately, Cetus sends a blast of water at Anubis, sending him back several feet, causing the group to gasp in fear. “I warned you,” Cetus said. “It’s -- it’s not over,” Anubis said as he grabs for his makeshift weapon as he weakly gets up. “Hmm?” “As long as I can stand on my own, I’ll give it my all!” Anubis said as he charges at Cetus again, but gets another blast of water from Cetus, sending him back further this time. “Anubis!” Everyone who could or cared (not counting Andromeda and Leone) screamed. “It's not over,” Anubis said as he gets back up. “Stop now,” Tempest said. “That’s enough!” Radiance added. “Anubis, we all understand how you feel.” “I can’t stop now,” Anubis said, remembering what his grandfather said to him. ================================================================== “The Star Fragment must not fall into the hands of evil. When the time comes, you must take the lead to ensure their evil ambitions are crushed completely, understand?” Anubis’s grandfather said as he places a paw on a young Anubis’s head and rubs it. ================================================================== “The future of the world is at stake here today,” Anubis said as he glares at Cetus. “I must not let myself lose! I cannot!” Anubis nearly yelled. Cetus then sends another blast of water at Anubis, but he manages to stand his ground this time, all the while still able to hold onto the broken rock he’s carrying. “I will never give up! Never!” “Anubis, no,” Radiance said. “Fine then, if you really want to get yourself destroyed,” Cetus said as he forms a spar. “As you wish, I will send you to your doom!” Cetus said as he throws the spear at Anubis, with the sea serpent reappearing around it. “Look out!” “Run for it, Anubis!” Berry and Cherry yelled out. “I will not give up!” Anubis said as an indigo glow incases him. As the spear, and sea serpent, hits, indigo light enters Anubis, and explodes out of him as he screams, while a powerful wind sends the spear into the volcano. Suddenly, Anubis’s fur changes from light gray to a deep black, while his broken rock turns into a scepter with a gold ring, with a pyramid in the center with an eye, and has four gold spikes hanging from it. “Anubis’s fur color and his broken rock!” A completely shocked Tempest tried to say. “They changed?” An equally shocked Radiance added. “What does that mean?” Taurus asked as the indigo glow becomes like a fire around Anubis, only it’s not hurting him. “I know,” Andromeda said as she gets up. “Andromeda?” Tempest asked. “The Star Fragment split into 10 points of light and there are 10 Legendary Warriors,” Andromeda said. “And Anubis heard the voice of the Star Fragment inside one of those 10 lights.” “Oh, man!” Orion said, catching on to what Andromeda is saying. “Then that means...” “There’s no doubt about it,” Andromeda said with a smile. “Anubis is a Legendary Warrior, too.” Cetus then smiles at Anubis’s sudden change. “I’m gonna enjoy this!” He said as he recreates the sea serpent. “I won’t lose!” Anubis said as he somehow fires a magic blast at Cetus, stunning everyone. “Did Anubis just use magic?!” A completely shocked Andromeda asked. “Hmmm, interesting,” Cetus said as Anubis charges at him, screaming. “Now you're talking!” Cetus said as he has the sea serpent breath water at Anubis, sending him back yards before he lands hard. He tries to get up, but is just too tired now. “Anubis!” Tempest called out as he and the others run to Anubis’s aid. Once there, Cherry helps Anubis sit up a bit. “Just relax, buddy,” Cherry said. “ Anubis, yo' were chosen by th' Star Fragment, too,” Bismarck added. “I ... I was?” “Humph! Now I see,” Cetus said, getting everyone’s attention. “It looks like that story of yours isn’t a lie after all.” “What?” Everyone asked. “Join us then, Cetus,” Andromeda said. “Don’t be ridicules,” Cetus said, confusing the group. “A new Star Fragment, huh? The Black Sun, too? Very cool. So, in order for me to rise to even greater heights myself, I will take control of it all with my own hand!” “What!?” The entire group asked as Cetus leaves, laughing evilly. “You don’t get it, Cetus!” Andromeda called out, but Cetus ignores her. “So, Cetus is going try to find the remaining Legendary Warriors all on his own, just to take their power.” Radiance said. “Those bugs are just a total menace, no matter what color they are!” Leone growled. “Cetus!” Andromeda growled in a whisper. Requirements of a WarriorRequirements of a Warrior As Cetus begins to leave, he’s laughing evilly. “You don’t get it, Cetus!” Andromeda called out, but Cetus ignores her. “So, Cetus is going try to find the remaining Legendary Warriors all on his own, just to take their power.” Radiance said. “Those bugs are just a total menace, no matter what color they are!” Leone growled. “Cetus!” Andromeda growled in a whisper. “Sala!” A voice called. The group look down and see Sala’s father running up to them. “Sala, come here.” “Daddy!” Sala said as she run up to him. “So you came here after all, even after I told you that you shouldn't.” Sala’s father angrily said. “Um, well...” “I see.” Sala’s father interrupted. “Lets get out of here, before the people of the village find us.” “Yes, daddy,” Sala said as she holds onto her fathers hoof. ================================================================== The next morning, in the village, the villagers are doing their daily chore, when they hear explosions coming from the nearby jungle. “What in the world was that?” The village chief asked. ================================================================== In the jungle, Leone takes a pebble and throws it at some trees, with the pebble going straight through them, making them fall to the ground. “Stinks! Stinks! This stinks!!!!” Leone yelled as the others watch. “Leone is not in the best mood,” Taurus said to the others. “I don’t blame him,” Orion said as they see Leone destroy some more trees. “He did lose after all.” “An' t'a changeling, of all creatures,” Bismarck added as Leone destroys a boulder with a small rock. “Leone,” Andromeda said as Leone gets ready to fire again, but Andromeda grabs his arm before he could do so. “Stop, it. What point is there in letting your anger take control. Your just wasting energy,” Andromeda pointed out. “Back off!” Leone said as he breaks free of her grip and grabs her neck. “Whats with you anyway? You should be freaking out that Cetus kicked you butt, too. Remember?” “I’m not happy, okay?” Andromeda said as she gets free of Leone’s grip. “I hate losing. It does stink, but Cetus taught me something in defeat.” “Huh?” “I turned into alicorn one day, which normally doesn't happen, then I was called a Legendary Warrior. Hearing that, I think I got a bit full of myself and overconfident, which I normally don’t let happen, even though I haven’t even mastered my new power yet. So, Leone, what is a Legendary Warrior? Just someone who has the power of the Star Fragment in them? Don’t you think a true Legendary Warrior is something more? Someone who can completely control the power that they posses. You saw it too, right? That sea serpent Cetus summoned, he just throw a spear made of ice, and that thing appeared. Cetus did it, he mastered his power, and gained control over that powerful force of nature, the sea. He must have done so much training, that he made that power his own. Compared to that, what have we done so far? We were so happy at becoming alicorns, that just used the power without thinking about it further. We couldn't have even have matched him, we didn’t even have a chance. But now that I know that, I will learn how to control my new power,” Andromeda finished. “Andromeda,” Orion said. “When she’s feeling down, she sure does know what to say.” Tempest remarked. “I see now,” Anubis said. “It’s not enough just to be chosen by the power of the Star Fragment,” Anubis said as he looks at the scepter that he gained yesterday, “only through hard work that one can become a true Legendary Warrior.” Leone than takes a deep breath, and thinks for a moment. “Okay, Andromeda. Come with me, then.” “Where?” “I was planning to leave my duel with you for last, but I guess I won’t be able to,” Leone said. “Special training. That’s what I’m talking about. So get ready, because I’m gonna smash you to pieces. Lets go!” Leone said as he heads for the sea. “Okay,” Andromeda said as she follows. “Leone, what?” Taurus asked. “Hey, Andromeda, wait for us,” Orion said as he and the others go after the two. At a rocky beach, Leone and Andromeda are busy training to gain control of their power. Leone has created a sword made of the crystals found in the volcanic rock, and Andromeda has made a sword made of pure air. Andromeda uses her sir sword to slice some boulders in half, with Leone doing the same for his blade, or his claws. “Hah, how was that, Andi?” Leone asked as he cuts clean through a large boulder in half with his claws. “No big deal,” Andromeda said as she uses her sword to cut clean through a boulder and a few trees behind it. Leone then growls as he remember what Cetus said to him. “He saids I haven’t mastered my power?” Leone said as a green glow encases him as he creates a tornado full of beach sand and harden lava. “Guess again!” Leone said as the tornado begins to demolish the cooled lave they are standing on. Thinking quickly, Andromeda jumps into the air, and dives down into the tornado, surprising Leone as the twister disappears as they do a small-sword duel. “I can’t believe they can battle that hard,” Anubis said. Why I can’t become a Legendary Warrior? Orion thought to himself. Anubis here was able to become one. Maybe I’m just not trying hard enough. “Okay, I’m gonna train now as well,” Anubis suddenly said. “I’ll do some special training and become a true Legendary Warrior,” Anubis finished, snapping Orion back to reality. “Huh? Well, then I’ll be your practice partner. Okay?” Orion said to the now black Diamond Dog. “Hey, you will?” Anubis asked. Anubis awakened by fighting Cetus, Orion thought to himself. Now, if I battled Anubis, maybe things could happen for me, too. ================================================================== At Sala’s home, Sala’s father is staring at the smoking mountain. “The mountains mood still hasn't improved,” he said as Sala tries to sneak by him. “Where are you going, Sala?” He suddenly asked, scaring the little filly half to death. “I’m just going to play for a while. That's all, daddy,” Sala said as she quickly turns toward the jungle. “I’ll be back soon.” “To play, huh? She’s obviously going to go see those kids. Head strong little filly,” Sala’s father said, as he looks at the smoking mountain. “As long as the volcano stays quiet, she’ll be fine.” ================================================================== At the beach, Sala finds Anubis and Orion facing each others. “Hi guys!” She said, but they seem to ignore. Oh, Star Fragment, Orion thought to himself, if you are inside me, grant me your power. “Okay, here we go,” Anubis said as he points his scepter toward Orion. Orion, since he doesn't any very advance spells like Andromeda, uses his magic to simply throw some rocks toward Anubis. “So awesome,” Sala said as Anubis levitates a large boulder toward Orion, who quickly gets down as the boulder flies past him. “All right!” Anubis said. “I’m not done!” Orion said as he charges at Anubis. It’s not over. I will become one, a Legendary Warrior, Orion thought to himself, while Sala looks on in worry. ================================================================== “Uh, Orion, you lost in these practice matches 20 times now,” Anubis said when he notices that it’s now sunset. “You need to stop,” Anubis said to a panting Orion, who’s on the ground. “But thanks a lot, that was some great practice.” I didn’t even win once, and Anubis is a Diamond Dog, having no real experience with magic at all. This is not good. Orion thought to himself. Suddenly, Sala pops above his head. “Hey, are you okay?” She asked. “Hi Sala,” Orion said as he gets up. “Orion, you didn’t do so well, did you?” Sala said, causing Orion to sheepishly smile, not liking to lose even more than Andromeda can get. It’s not that I didn’t do so well. It’s that my opponent is so strong. Orion admitted in his head. ================================================================== That night at Sala’s home, everyone is about to have dinner. “Everyone, eat up,” Sala said, as Taurus drools over the look and smell of the food, chuckling as he rubs his hands together. “Uh, were so sorry,” Andromeda said to Sala’s father as he sits down. “I did promise that you can stay here until the next boat arrives,” Sala’s father pointed out. “So you can stay. Don’t worry about it. Eat.” “Thank you,” Andromeda said. “However, please don’t cause any more trouble here,” Sala’s father added. “If anything else happens, I won’t be able to protect you.” “Uh, yes sir,” Andromeda said. “Well, then, before it gets cold...” Taurus began to say, knowing that everyone els will finish his sentence. “Lets eat!” Everyone said. Taurus quickly grabs a bowl of sweet potatoes, drizzled in honey, and eats it, while the others eat the other food. “This is delicious!” “So, Andromeda, Anubis,” Radiance began to say, “any idea what we should do next?” “I think we should go to all the big tournaments that involve fighting around the world,” Anubis answered. “Tournaments?” Peach asked. “Yes. Because those who have the strength and ability required of a Legendary Warrior, will most likely participate in tournaments.” “That is true,” Andromeda said. “But, I forgot my laptop at home, so we’ll have to wait till we get any news. So, until we decide where to go, we’ll train,” Andromeda said to Anubis and Leone. “Naturally,” Leone said as he takes a bite out of a pineapple. “So then,” Anubis said as he raises a paw. “Do you think it will be all right if I joined you both in your training?” Anubis asked Andromeda and Leone. “I think that training with three creatures would be more efficient, and will also increase our result. “Huh?” Orion said. “Sure, we don’t mind,” Andromeda answered. “Right Leone?” “Do whatever you want,” Leone said. “Thank you so much, guys,” Anubis said, not noticing the dejected look on Orion's face as he stops eating. There it is, I'm not good enough to be Anubis’s practice partner. Orion thought to himself. Taurus then notices the look on Orion’s face. ================================================================== Later, Orion is outside, sitting on a bench, looking at the stars. “Orion?” A familiar voice said. Orion turns around and sees Taurus walking up to him. “What’s wrong?” The red minotaur asked as he sits down next to the young, midnight-blue unicorn. “You seem down.” “Yeah,” Orion said as the two look at the stars for a minute. “Well ... You know, the truth is, I really want to become a Legendary Warrior.” “Huh? Hmmm, that's a tough one.” “I wanna fight alongside Andromeda and the others. I should’ve been good enough to become a Legendary Warrior, too.” “And me, too. Someday, I’ll become a Legendary Warrior, and fight along with Leone, my hero,” Taurus said, only for him to have a look of realization hit. “Ah, who am I kidding. I probably don’t even have the power of the Star Fragment, anyway,” Orion then looks away with doubt, when Taurus puts a hand on the unicorn colts shoulder. “Look, pal, there's no use in getting upset about it. The only thing we can do is put our best effort into what we can do now.” “Put my best effort into what I can do now?” “Yes. That's right. I have to believe that I posses the power of the Star Fragment, right now. If I work hard, then someday it will respond to my feelings.” Put my best effort into what I can do now. But is that gonna be enough? Orion thought to himself. ================================================================== The next morning, Andromeda, Leone and Anubis are training. “I’m gonna tear you apart, Andromeda!” Leone said as he jumps on Andromeda, claws extended, but Andromeda teleports as Leone lands, and reappears a few feet away. “Nice try, Leone,” Andromeda said, when suddenly, a blast nearly knocks the two over. “What the?” “Uh, knock-knock,” Anubis said to the two. “Don’t forget about me. I’m not here for the scenery.” “Your asking for it, Anubis,” Andromeda said as she concentrates and creates an air sword. “No kidding,” Leone added as he extends his claws. “I’ll crush you pal,” Leone said as he and Andromeda charge at Anubis, who’s beginning to panic. “Take it easy, fellas!” Anubis said as he dodges the air sword and claws. ================================================================== Further in the jungle, Orion, with about 25 empty cans, is focusing. He’s trying to learn how to fire a laser, like Andromeda and his mother can do. Even with his Lotus stone, he can only do a few sparks. “Oh, what am I doing out here?” He asked himself. “Can I really become a Legendary Warrior by doing this kind of stuff, or what?” He then hears someone coming, and sees Sala. “So cool,” Sala said. “That was just amazing to watch. How many unicorn foals can even levitate something, let alone try to fire a laser?” “I guess so-” Orion tried to say, only for an explosion to happen in the distance. “What was that!?” “AH! Look!” Sala said while pointing toward the volcano. The two see that it’s erupting, with lava bombs flying everywhere. ================================================================== At the beach, the others take notice. “The volcano, again,” Tempest said. “But that menace, Cetus, left already,” Leone pointed out. “Why is it doing that?” “Could it be because of the fight we had with Cetus.” Andromeda said. “A disturbance that huge might have made the volcano active again.” “What?” The others asked. “You mean, it’s our fault.” Anubis said. “Look out!” Flora said as some lava bombs head their way. They jump out-of-the-way, with only Taurus behind as the lava bomb hits, barley hitting him as he lands on the ground, screaming. “OH NO! RUN!” They heard from the village. “That’s coming form the village!” Cherry said. “Let’s go!” Andromeda aid as she heads toward the village, followed by the others, with Taurus crawling along the ground. “Hey! Wait for me!” Taurus said as he gets up, as lave begins to flow down from the mountain. ================================================================== A Sala’s home, her father comes running out. “Sala!” He called out. “Where are you Sala? Where did you get to Sala?” ================================================================== At the village, “Everyone, evacuate to the beach immediately!” The village chief called out as lava bombs land in the village. ================================================================== In the jungle, Orion, with Sala in tow, are running down the path, trying their best to avoid any lava bombs. “Orion, I’m scared.” “It’s okay, we’ll be all right,” Orion said as they run toward the village, when suddenly, a large lava bomb lands in front of them. “What will we do?” Sala asked in fright as the plants catch fire. “This way!” Orion said as they turn around only for another lava bomb, lager than the last, traps the two in a ring of fire. “Orion!” Sala said as the two huddle together. ================================================================== In the village, the residents are running for their lives, but one filly falls down. She turns around, and sees that a lava bomb is heading straight toward her. Suddenly, a yellow blast destroys the lava bomb before it hits. Andromeda then runs up to the filly and helps her up. “Hurry, go quickly now!” Andromeda said, making the filly run after the other villager as Anubis joins Andromeda. Anubis fire an indigo blast at another lava bomb, destroying it too. Leone creates a large boomerang made of obsidian and throws it, destroying five different lava bombs. “Whoa!” Taurus said as Leone catches the boomerang “Ha-ha! That was just awesome!” “Why do I have to take care of this?” Leone asked. “Oh no! Look up there, quickly!” The village chief said as he points toward the volcano. “That’s lava,” Bismarck said as he and the others look at the lava flow. “It’s coming this way,” Radiance added. “Not good,” both Berry and Cherry said. “We got to do something, and fast,” Tempest said. “But what about Orion?” Andromeda asked. ================================================================== In the jungle, Sala and Orion are beginning to suffocate due to the smoke from the fire. “Orion, I can’t breath.” “It’s okay, Sala. I’ll get us out of here. I just need to move the boulder,” Orion said as he concentrates and tries to move the hardened lava bomb, but it doesn't budge. “What? Okay, one more time,” Orion said as he tries again, but the boulder still doesn't move, even with the help of his Lotus stone. “Orion?” Sala said while coughing. “Hang on,” Orion said to the coughing filly. Why can’t do this? Is it really impossible for me? “Orion, it hurts.” I can’t give up. If I can’t even save one little girl, there's no way I’ll ever become a Legendary Warrior. Orion thought as he stares at the lava bomb blocking their path. “I know I can do this!” Orion said as a red glow surrounds him. I will become a Legendary Warrior, too. Orion concentrates, and fires a red laser at the lava bomb, destroying it this time, while dissipating the surrounding fire also. “Yeah!” “I did it. I did it!” A slightly surprised Orion said. “Let’s go, Sala.” “Yeah,” Sala said with a nod as she runs toward the village. Before going after her, Orion looks at his back, but sees no wings or a cutie mark. “Aw man,” Orion sighed as he goes after Sala. ================================================================== At the village, the group sees that the lava has reached the jungle. “The village is doomed, everyone,” the village chief said as he looks at the group. “You should get out of here, too.” “Come on, we can’t run away,” Andromeda said. “That’s right,” Leone added. “We have to see this through to the very end.” “Right,” Anubis added. “Your staying?” The chief asked, completely shocked by what he just heard. ================================================================== In the jungle, “Sala? Where are you, Sala?” Sala’s father called out as he runs through the jungle. “Please, answer me, Sala!” “Daddy!” Sala called out as she runs toward her father, with Orion in tow. “Sala!” Her father said, relieved that her daughter is safe as the two run toward each other and hug. “Daddy, I was so scared,” “Sala, I’m so glade your safe,” Sala’s father said, when Orion suddenly realizes something. “Where's Andromeda, and the others?” Orion asked. ================================================================== In the village, “If we don’t do something quick, the village will be swallowed by lava,” Anubis said as the jungle catches fire. Leone then suddenly changes his obsidian boomerang, and changes it into a bow and arrow. “I can send something like that flying easily,” Leone said as he prepares to fire. “Thats just not good enough,” Andromeda said. “More lava will just takes it place after that.” “Okay, then what should we do?” Anubis asked. “We need to cut through part of the mountain so we can change the flow of the lava,” Andromeda said, shocking the others. “Say what?” Taurus asked. “Thar’s no way thets possible!” Bucky added. “Weather its possible or not, we have to try,” Andromeda said. “Leone, Anubis, if we combine our power, we can do it,” Andromeda said as she charges a blast. “Ready guys?” “I am,” Anubis said as he charges a blast also. “Let’s do it!” “Fine, but you two had better not hold me back,” Leone added as he also charges a blast. “Let’s do it!” Andromeda said as the three of them fire, right when Orion shows up. “Guys! Huh?” He said as he sees the three blast head toward the source of the lava, when they suddenly take forms all of their own. Leone's green blast turns into a light green, glowing lion. Anubis’s indigo blast turns into a two-legged figure with the head of a jackal, and Egyptian clothing. And Andromeda’s blast turns into a yellow glowing alicorn mare that has an odd resembles to Celestia, but without the sun cutie mark, a shorter mane, and wearing a toga. The three beings quickly disappear as the combine, and hit the mountains peek, causing a large explosion, blocking the lavas original path, making it redirect toward the open ocean. “Amazing,” a resident said as he and the others look on in disbelief. “The village has been saved,” the village chief said. “You guys did it!” Cherry excitedly said as she dances around, wearing a cheerleaders uniform. “Where did you get that?” Flora asked. “I found it,” Cherry answered. “Ha-ha-ha! You actually did it!” Taurus excitedly added. “I can’t believe my own eyes,” Tempest said as Leone holds up a hoof toward Anubis, smiling. Catching on, Anubis gives Leone a high four/hoof. “B-b-b-b-b-b-bull! Thanks to the Legendary Warriors!” Taurus added as they celebrate, while Orion watches on in amazement. A ... Amazing! Orion though to himself. There on a whole other level from me. I don’t think I can become a Legendary Warrior after all. But what can I do? ================================================================== Later, on a boat heading for the nearest city with an airport, the group is stunned. “Your ... Your leaving?” A shocked and heartbroken Andromeda said to her little brother. “It’s not like yo' t'leave yer friends, Orion,” Bucky pointed out. “Well, the truth is,” Orion began to say, “if I stay with you, I will just be slowing you down.” “Orion, no one thinks about you that way for one-second,” Radiance said. “No! It’s a fact,” Orion said. “Even if I stay with you now, all I’ll end up doing is cheering you guys on from the sidelines. And that not enough for me, this time. I want to find something that only I can do. Andromeda, I want to help you and the others, not just be a cheerleader.” “Orion,” Andromeda tried to say. “So that's why I can't stay with you now,” Orion finished, as Andromeda smiles in an understanding way. “Okay, I understand,” Andromeda said, shocking the others, except for Leone and Orion. “What?” They all said. “Andromeda, but you can't!” Tempest said. “Orion, when you find what that something is, you’ll come back to us. Is that a deal?” Andromeda asked her little brother. “Yeah,” Orion said as he nods. ================================================================== At the docks of Jakarta, Orion is about to get on a boat that heads for middle Asia. “So, you really are leaving, huh?” Peach asked Orion. “Yes,” Orion said. “I need to find my own path. Try not to find your cutie marks while I’m gone, okay guys?” “We’ll wait till yo' come back,” Bucky said. “Just don’t get yours before then, either,” Peach said as she affectionately punches Orion in the arm, leaving a buries. “Ow!” “If you need anything, just call,” Radiance added. “Orion,” Andromeda began to say, but can’t. “Just ... be careful, okay?” “I will,” Orion said as he gives his sister a hug, before he gets onto the boat. As the boat leaves, Taurus, Berry and Cherry are crying their eyes out as the boat with Orion on it leaves, while the others say their goodbyes. “Bye, Orion,” Andromeda said, holding back a tear at seeing her little brother leaving her for a while, but happy that he’s grown so mature, and will get even more mature during his journey. As the boat leaves the horizon, after the others head for the hotel they are staying in, Andromeda collapse to the ground, and bursts into tears. Being the only one to hear this, Tempest turns around and sees Andromeda, crying. He walks up to her, and places an arm on her shoulder, trying his best to comfort her. Orion’s DeterminationOrion’s Determination In a village near the ancient Mohenjo-Daro Ruins, a tournament is commencing. “Welcome, my friends, to the village of Mohenjo-Daro!” A griffin announcer called out at the arena, where about 100 griffin spectators have gathered. “Which houses the ruins and legends from a civilization from long, long ago. It is a village of romance and mystery. Oh yes, in deed. Right now, the village is in the middle of our annual Swirling Dust Festival, and this ancient stadium will host the main event: the traditional Sword Tournament is about to begin,” the announcer said, getting cheers from the large crowd. “And the prize for winning is, a years supply of Mohenjo Villages locally mined salt. Oh, boy! Mmmm!” The announcer finished, causing the crowd to look on in amazement at the half meter tall pile of salt on the cart that has been brought up. “Now, without further delay, lets begins the first match! We all know the first competitor, the strongest griffin in the entire village, Ali al-Saachez!” The announcer cried as a muscular griffin walks into the arena. “And his opponent, a traveler who just happened by to check out the festival is ... a blue changeling with a cutie mark?” The announcer said when they see a male changeling, only with of blue hair and eyes, around the same size as Chrysalis, with the same eyes and gapes in his legs. But the main difference is that he has a cutie mark, the constellation Cetus, meaning only one thing. “According to this, his name is Cetus, and he’s the King of Blue Changelings! But why would the blue changeling king, Cetus, come to our little festival, in our defenseless village?” “I’m looking for something,” Cetus answered as he creates a sword made of ice, while Ali al-Saachez suddenly sees a sea serpent behind Cetus, which terrifies him. “I guess I have no choice but to fight,” Ali al-Saachez said as he pulls out a sword and readies himself for a fight. Ali al-Saachez charges at Cetus, but the changeling just does one swipe from his sword, and it sends Ali al-Saachez all the way to the wall of the arena, leaving a griffin shape impression. “It’s over! It’s a split-second win,” the announcer said as Ali al-Saachez gets out of the bay. “Cetus has simply crushed our own Ali al-Saachez in the blink of an eye. Just how strong are changelings?” ================================================================== “This changeling continues to win with overwhelming power! Can no one stop him?” The announcer said after Cetus wins his ninetieth victory in a row, as a griffin, wearing yellow and gold silk, walks into the arena. “Hey, Cetus,” the griffin said. “I will defeat you right now!” “Its King Indus!” The announcer said in an excited tone. “So, Mohenjo-Daro’s legendary king would clash with the King of Blue Changelings in battle! On a night when a star fell from the sky, King Indus the Third was born at the village chiefs home. He is the legendary warrior who is said to posse the power of the star. He has won this tournament 5 years in a row, his abilities are simply out of this world!” “The power of the star, you say?” Cetus asked, not noticing a unicorn colt in a red cape with a large blue and yellow pony logo on it, and wearing a wide brim hat, covering his face. “Send that changeling flying, King Indus!” Someone in the crowd cheered. “Yes, if the king of Mohenjo Village can't save our honor, no one can!” The announcer added. “Cetus, my friend, you are no doubt a fine opponent,” Indus said as he pulls out an axe and prepares for a fight. “However, I shall claim victory this year as well.” Cetus then smiles. “King Indus, the griffin who took the power of a star itself.” Cetus said, remembering his fight with Anubis. ================================================================== An indigo light enters Anubis, and explodes out of him as he screams, while a powerful wind sends the spear into the volcano. Suddenly, Anubis’s fur changes from light gray to a deep black, while his broken rock turns into a scepter with a gold ring, with a pyramid in the center with an eye, and has four gold spikes hanging from it. “Now *you're talking!*” Cetus said as he has the sea serpent breath water at Anubis, sending him back yards before he lands hard. “It looks like that story of yours isn’t a lie after all,” Cetus said, surprising the group. “What?” Everyone asked. “Join us then, Cetus,” Andromeda said. “Don’t be ridicules,” Cetus said, confusing the group. “A new Star Fragment, huh? The Black Sun, too? Very cool. So, in order for me to rise to even greater heights myself, I will take control of it all with my own hand!” ================================================================== “Now, I’m here to make sure your telling the truth,” Cetus said as he takes on a fighting stance with his sword and shield made of ice. “Now, let the second match of the semifinals, King Indus vs. Cetus battle, begin. Right now, right here!” The announcer called out as the two prepare themselves for the fight. “You don’t scare me for a second, Cetus!” Indus said as he slashes at Cetus with his axe, but Cetus just blocks each attack. “Look at him go,” the announcer said. “Our legendary warrior, King Indus, is attacking Cetus again and again, and he just won’t stop! The tables have turned, it is as if Cetus has no way to fight back! Has he no answers?” Suddenly, Indus jumps back. “I’ll end this here and now!” Indus said as he charges at Cetus, not thinking at all. “Foolish,” Cetus said as with one, weak swing of his sword, he sends ‘king’ Indus back, all the way into the bay. “Ah!” Was all the announcer and the audience could say, as King Indus gets back to the surface of the water, gasping for air. “What just happened? Cetus tossed out King Indus the Third into the bay with ease.” “This was a wast of time,” Cetus said as he takes his leave. “Ah, wait a minute! Cetus, sir, don’t leave, there’s still the final round!” The announcer said as the unicorn colt in a red cape with a large blue and yellow pony logo on it, and wearing a wide brim hat, covering his face, shows himself. “Thats right,” the colt said. “The fight isn’t over yet,” the colt said as he jumps down and lands behind Cetus, who turns around, just to see who the it is. “It's the winner of the first match of the semifinals,” the announcer said. “Beat it,” Cetus simply said. “I don’t have any time for you or anyone else here.” “Cetus, I came all the way here just to talk to you, which won’t happen till I beat you. You must stay and fight,” the unicorn colt said. “Tough talk for a cape,” Cetus said. “Okay, that’s it!” The colt said as he takes off his hat, showing his lavender coat, midnight-blue mane, and magenta eyes. It’s Orion! “Fight me now, Cetus!” “And you are?” Cetus asked, shocking Orion to his core, nearly making him fall over. “What!? You know who I am, Cetus! I’m Orion! We meet on that island in Indonesia, remember?” “Oh,” Cetus said, remembering the encounter. “Your one of Andromeda’s water toys.” “Who are you calling a water toy?” Orion said, before he shakes a disturbing image from his head. “I’m Orion! Orion! My name is Orion!” “I don’t have time to play guessing games,” Cetus said as he begins to leave. “Hey, just wait a minute! Okay?” Orion desperately said. “Ah ... What if I told you that I’m a Legendary Warrior? What then?” Orion asked, making Cetus stop as he turns his head toward the son of Twilight Sparkle with interest. “Is that true?” Cetus asked. “Cetus, you're looking for the Legendary Warriors, the ones who have the power of the Star Fragment, right? So, are you sure you want to do this, just walk away from me, now? If you win, than I will do whatever you ask, but in exchange, if I win, you have to listen to my request. Deal?” Orion asked, getting his answer when Cetus turns around, ready for a fight. “Thats more like it. Bring it on, Cetus,” Orion said as he goes to the other end of the arena as the two get ready for the fight. “I have no idea what is going on,” the announcer said. “But as far as I can tell, the final round is starting! Let’s get ready to roll!” The announcer said as Orion takes the axe of the defeated King Indus. “Man, this thing is heavy,” Orion said as he levitates the heavy axe in a red glow as he charges, and breaks though Cetus’s shield with it, the first to do so. “Totally amazing!” The announcer said. “Orion has just destroyed Cetus’s shield with one swing from his axe, something no other competitor has done!” “I got you now, Cetus!” Orion said as he charges a blast and fires, but Cetus materializes the sea serpent, which sends Orion flying back several feet. “Whoa!” The announcer said, completely stunned. “You little...” Cetus tried to say as Orion gets back up. “Yeah, that's right. I’m not a Legendary Warrior,” Orion admitted as he turns toward Cetus. “Anyway, Cetus, let’s talk...” Orion began to say, only to see that Cetus is already leaving. “Hey! Wait a minute, Cetus!” Orion called out as he goes after the Blue Changeling King. “Excuse me, mister Cetus,” the announcer began to say, “you forgot you salt! A year's supply, it’s all yours, sir. It comes with a cart.” “Keep it,” Cetus said, shocking everyone in the arena. Just outside the village, “Hey, Cetus! Hold up!” Orion said when he finally catches up with the blue changeling. “Wait, listen! Listen to what I have to say, please,” Orion said as he gets in front of Cetus. “Get out of my way, kid.” “No I wont! I’ve got a job to do, here. Everyone I know is trying to help somehow.” Orion said, only guessing what the others are doing. ================================================================== Back in Jakarta, the group is either training or doing research. “Leone!” Taurus cried out as he throws a tree log down a waterfall, to where Leone is waiting. Leone then creates a sword out of some gems, and slices the log clean in two. “Don’t wast my time!” Leone said to his minotaur friend. “Next one!” “Yes, sir!” Taurus said as he throws another down. Not far away, Anubis is doing some research on the Legendary Warriors via books and his tablet, while Andromeda is in the sky, racing Tempest. “You sure are fast,” Tempest said as they land near the others. “Thanks,” Andromeda said as she takes a seat, panting heavily. “How can you pegasi handle such speed?” “It’s all in the breathing,” a familiar voice said. Those who aren't busy look up and see... “Mrs. Rainbow Dash?” Anubis asked. “Mom!” Tempest said as he flies up and hugs his mother. “Why are you here?” “Two reasons,” Rainbow said as she lands. “First, Twilight wanted me to give you this, Andromeda,” Rainbow said as she pulls out a small computer and gives it to Andromeda. “Thanks, Rainbow,” Andromeda said as she takes it with her magic. “And second, we got some news about a possible Legendary Warrior in China,” Rainbow finished. “China!?” The entire group asked. ================================================================== “That’s why,” Orion said to Cetus. “Fight me one more time. I beg you. And if I win, listen to what I have to say. I’m not a Legendary Warrior, I know that, but I want to at least be useful to my sister and the others. If I win, please lend Andromeda and the others your strength, I beg you, Cetus! This is all I can do. The only way I can help them out now,” Orion finished, only for Cetus to walk past him. “Get out of here,” Cetus threatened. “Or I wont go so easy on you next time.” “No way, Cetus! I won’t give up! If you won’t listen, than I’ll follow you until you do!” Orion said as he goes after the blue changeling king. ================================================================== Strangely, Cetus doesn't use his wings, despite the fact he has some, as he, followed by a certain blue-violet coat, midnight blue mane, and crimson eyed unicorn colt in a red cape with a blue and yellow pony symbol. “I won’t give up!” Orion said as he tries his best to keep up with the changeling. ================================================================== Cetus doesn't use his wings again as he reaches the top of a cliff, followed by Orion. “I WON’T GIVE UP!!!!” Orion said as he hangs onto a ledge. Until he listens to what I have to say, I will follow him everywhere and anywhere! Orion thought to himself as he catches up to Cetus in a jungle, completely exhausted. Suddenly, Cetus sees something moving in the bushes, and stops. “Huh? Have you decided to listen to me?” Orion asked with much hope, only for him to see the rustling bushes also, along with some growls. They see the animal making the sound walk out and its a ... “TIGER!” Orion screamed as he frantically climbs the closes tree, but notices that Cetus isn’t moving away, but towards the tiger. “What are you thinking, Cetus? That thing is dangerous!” Orion pointed out as the tiger roars at Cetus, but receives a dirty look from the changeling. It’s so intimidating, that the tiger flees with its tail in between it’s legs. “Unbelievable! You scared off a tiger with a dirty look,” Orion said as Cetus keeps moving, while he falls to the ground. ================================================================== In another part of the jungle, Cetus is calmly walking across a fallen tree across a canyon, while Orion panicky follows by crawling across it. “Wait, Cetus!” ================================================================== The two then climb up a canyon, with Orion nearly falling down twice. After about two hours of climbing, Orion reaches the top. “Cetus? There he is. I finally caught him,” Orion sad when he sees the blue changeling a few feet ahead of him, only to disappear as he jumps down a vast fracture in the ground. “Hey, but I just climbed this thing!” Orion pointed out as Cetus walks across the fracture. “Why isn’t he using his--” Orion said to himself, before the answer comes to him as he climbs down. “Wait, now I get it. Changelings don’t walk on normal paths, but they instead choses the most difficult paths on purpose. For them, it’s part of their everyday lives to become the strongest.” ================================================================== That night, Cetus has set up a small fire, with Orion sitting a few feet away, trying to start his own. He finally gives up and throws the wood and stick aside. “It’s no good, I can’t get it going,” a defeated Orion said, while Cetus eats some fruit. “Huh, I thought changelings only feed off the emotions of others?” Orion asked to himself, only for his stomach to growl loudly a few times. “Great, he probably doing that on purpose,” Orion said as he looks at all the fruit Cetus has. Later, after Cetus has eaten his fill, the two try to fall asleep, but Orion’s growling stomach doesn't let him. “I just can’t fall asleep with an empty stomach bugging me,” Orion then looks over toward the left over fruit near Cetus, with his stomach growling even more. His stomach than growls so load that it hurts. “I can’t take this any longer!” Orion crawls over to the leftover fruit and is about to grab one, but his other hoof slaps him. “No, no, no, no!” Orion whispered. “I can’t do something like this! I swore I would work very hard and not rely on anyone else. No matter how hungry I am, I have to get though this thing with my own strength, and I will get Cetus to change his mind,” with that, Orion crawls back to his little camp, and lies down. Orion's stomach than bugs him again, but he realizes that Cetus must be asleep by now. “I wonder?” Orion then uses his magic to breaks off a wood branch for him to use as a weapon. But, with blinding reflexes, Cetus gets up and fires a blast of water toward Orion, which encircles him before dissipating as Cetus glares at Orion before going back to sleep. Amazing, Cetus really is fantastic. I have to bring him back. Orion thought to himself. ================================================================== The next day, in a desert, Cetus, not bothered by the 100+ degree heat, is still being followed by Orion, who isn’t doing so well. “I can’t believe that just following one changeling is so hard to do!” Orion said, wishing he brought some water. “I won’t give up! I will follow him, forever and ever. But I’m so hungry, my body feels heavy, and my legs...” Before he could finish, Orion falls to the ground. ================================================================== Hours later, the desert they were in gets a rain storm, which wakes Orion up, and quickly gets up, and can't see Cetus. “Oh no! How long was I asleep? Where's Cetus? Have I lost track of him?” Orion then sees that Cetus is standing behind a lone tree. “Ah, he’s just over there. Thank Celestia,” Orion said, only for Cetus to continue to walk across the desert. “Wait up, Cetus! Not again! I can’t lose sight of him, anymore,” Orion said as he runs after the King of Blue Changelings, again. ================================================================== In a jungle, it’s sunset as Cetus and Orion rest, with Cetus resting on a broken log, while Orion is under a nearby tree, groaning in both hunger and pain. “Oh ... My whole body hurts,” Orion said to himself. “Is this the way changelings of all colors spend everyday of their lives? No wonder they’re so strong and tough,” Orion’s stomach than groans. “Oh, I’m really hungry. I need something safe to eat,” Orion added as he pulls out a survival guid he has in his saddlebag. “Lets see, I know I'm somewhere in southeast Asia, so...” he looks over the book, till he finds the Edible Plants for Ponies in Asia section, and finds that the most common plant for him to eat is “water grass?” ================================================================== At a nearby lake, Orion is in a few feet of water, looking for some water grass. “Let’s see ... Ah! Here go,” Orion said as he spots some sea grass and walks toward it, not noticing something in the water is watching him. Suddenly, a giant catfish jumps out of the water, with Orion running for the shore as fast as he can, screaming as the giant catfish swims after him. Luckily, Orion reaches the shore, while the catfish strands itself. Orion then begins to sneeze. “Great, I caught a [sneezes] cold.” ================================================================== Later that night, Orion is freezing cold as he tries to start a fire, but can't. “I’m so cold, but it won’t start. Come on already, start!” Orion said, fed up with not being able to start a fire. Suddenly, a small blast hits the wood, and it catches on fire in an instant. Orion sees that it was Cetus who fired the blast, carrying some fish and water grass. “Cetus?” Orion asked as Cetus walks up to the fire, and places the fish above it. After about an hour of cooking, Cetus begins to eat the fish and the water grass, while Orion looks on in hunger. “Uh, excuse me--” but before Orion could finish, Cetus throws some water grass in Orion’s way, surprising him. “I can have it?” Orion asked, getting nothing but a growl from his empty stomach in response. “Really, Cetus? Thank you so much!” Orion said as he quickly takes and eats the water grass. “Once you’ve eaten, hit the road,” Cuts said, making Orion stop. “Huh?” “Don’t ever follow me again, kid,” Cetus added. “But, Cetus...” Orion then begins to cry a little. “Okay, I understand that if I was strong ... if I were a Legendary Warrior, I wouldn't have to do this, and I can give my strength to my sister and the others that I care about. But I’m not that guy, I’m not a Legendary Warrior, and that I'm not good enough! I’m just not! But you are, okay Cetus, you could give them your strength if you want to, I’m begging you!” Orion pointed out as he gets up. “It has nothing to do with me,” Cetus said. “It does, too! Andromeda and the others need your strength!” “Just give it up!” “I’ll just keep asking over and over again until you say yes. Do you hear me? I’ll follow you forever if I need to!” “Why are you willing to go so far with this?” “Because this is all I can do, now! This is the support I can give them, with all my might and strength!” Orion said, getting nothing from Cetus but a dirty look, the same one he used to scare away the wild tiger. “I’m not a tiger at all, I'm much weaker than that tiger. Doesn't matter, your glare won’t make me run away!” Orion firmly said, as a small stare down happens, with the only sound being the crackle of the fire. “Then challenge me, kid,” Cetus said, breaking the silence. “No matter what time it is, or where we are,” Cetus added, making Orion gasp in surprise. “Weather were eating or sleeping, can you actually force me to take you seriously.” “Cetus, you just watch,” Orion said, still slightly surprised. “I will follow you, Cetus anywhere and everywhere, and I will force you to take me seriously.” ================================================================== In a desert that Cetus and Orion are crossing, they are walking through a harsh sandstorm, with visibility nearly at 0, but Orion manages to keep his eye on Cetus. Just you wait, sis, and everyone else, too. I’m gonna bring Cetus to you. Orion thought to himself as the sandstorm continues. The Crimson FlashThe Crimson Flash In Dengfeng, China, a griffin with bluish-grey eyes, reddish-brown hair, and a tanned fur color, wearing a teal shirt with yellow crests on the shoulders, is having a conversation with about four female griffins as they walk through a market. “Wow, Chao Xin, your amazing!” One of the females said to the tan male griffin, Chao Xin. “Your so cool, dude,” another added. “Well, yes,” Chao Xin said with a smile. “I am, aren't I?” He said, laughing along with the girl griffins. Chao Xin then hears a commotion in a nearby ally, and sees two unicorns who have uniforms from the Shaolin Monastery run by. “Chao Xin? What is it?” One of the girls asked. “Sorry, I just remember that I have a hair appointment,” Chao Xin lied as he runs down the ally. “See you.” “Chao Xin? Chao Xin!” One of the girls said as Chao Xin jumps onto a nearby building, and runs after the two unicorns, before finding them in a large ally, mugging a group of griffin and unicorn boys. “Ha-ha-ha! We’ve got you cornered!” One of the ex-Shoaling unicorns said. “Be good boys, and give us all your renminbi!” The other added. “No way.” “Take a hike, you jerks.” Two of the younglings said. “We don’t want anything to do with you guys.” “That’s too bad,” one of the ex-Shoaling unicorns said as he and the other conjure up some weapons. “Shoaling Temple uniforms?” Chao Xin asked to himself. “They must be strays who were expelled from the temple. Defiantly not good,” Chao Xin said as he pulls out a dagger from under his shirt. “I’ll just have to tech them a lesson,” Chao Xin said as he gets ready to jump down, but then, a crimson flash of magic catches his eye as it disintegrates the ex-Shoaling unicorn’s weapons before their eyes. “Say what?” The two ex-Shoaling said as they turn around, and see the source of the crimson flash, a unicorn, accompanied by 4 others, all of their faces hidden by their hoods. “Who are you?” “Are you two from the Shaolin Monastery?” The unicorn who fired the crimson blast asked. “So what if we are, bub?” “You challenging us because were from the Shaolin Monastery, is that it?” The two ex-Shoaling asked. “Interesting,” one said as they re-conjure their weapons. “Your going down, starting with you, buddy,” the other said as they prepare for a fight. “Humph! Be free to try, my friend,” the unicorn said as he shows his red eyes, which glow crimson as he prepares a spell. “Enough!” One of the unicorns said as they throw their weapons at the red-eyed unicorn. “To the ruin of Shaolin Temple! Take this!” The red-eyed unicorn said as he fries a crimson blast, destroying the weapons as the two unicorns begin to panic. When it hits, a bright, crimson flash is created. “What ... was that?” Chao Xin asked as the crimson flash dissipates, as the two unicorns fall to the ground, either unconscious or worse. “Humph! That's Shoaling Temple? Disappointing,” the red-eyed unicorn said. “Who are those guys?” Chao XIn asked. “Weird stuff.” ================================================================== On Mount Song, Andromeda, Radiance, Berry and Cherry, Bismarck, Flora, Tempest, Peach Cobbler, Bucky, Leone, Taurus, Anubis, and now Rainbow Dash, are climbing the misty mountain, heading toward the Shaolin Monastery, with Anubis having the hardest time climbing. Andromeda looks at the large pillars of rock surrounding them, and remembers why they’re here. ================================================================== “It’s still only a rumor,” Dashan Wang, accompanied by a short, yellow female griffin, with purple eyes named Mei-Mei, and a short unicorn with a purple coat, blue mane that's tied back into a braided pony tail named Chi-yun, said over wi-fi connection to the others. “Huh? You say there’s a Legendary Warrior in China?” Tempest asked. “No, Tempest,” Dashan corrected. “A Legendary Warrior has not been found for certain. However, a mysteries unicorn has appeared recently, and has been attacking all those who have been expelled from the Shaolin Temple for breaking the rules.” “They’ve all been kicked out from the temple?” Flora asked. “They may have been expelled,” Mei-Mei suddenly said, “but they all had trained at the Shaolin Temple for sure. Their skills are second to a nuns,” she finished, confusing most of the group. “Did she just say, ‘second to a nuns’?” Anubis asked. “I think what Mei-Mei meant to say was ‘second to none,’” Radiance said. “Shaolin Temple’s training is incredibly hard, I’ve done it myself,” Andromeda said, remembering the first round of the World Duel Championships XI that took place in China. “But this guy was able to defeat those who survived it.” “So there is defiantly a chance, right?” Anubis asked Andromeda. ================================================================== Is the fifth Legendary Warrior somewhere in this vast land of China? Andromeda thought to herself as Taurus carries a worn out Anubis by his backpack. “Wang Hu Zhong sure does live in an interesting place,” Anubis said, panting. “Stop waisting our time,” Leone said. “Pick it up!” “When are we gonna get there, anyway?” Peach asked. “Not long,” Andromeda said as she points ahead. “You can see the temple now,” she said as a large, Chinese temple can be seen in the mist, making the group say, ‘whoa.’ ================================================================== In the temple, the group see different creatures, mostly griffins and unicorns, doing different exercises. Some are puling 500 kg weights, while others are balancing themselves on blades, and some (around 100) are practicing a martial arts technique. The entire group, except for Andromeda, Tempest, Bismarck and Radiance, are watching all of the monks train in wonder. “Amazing,” Anubis said, when Dashan greets them. “It’s been awhile, Andromeda,” Dashan said as he and Andromeda shake hoofs. “I’m glad to see that you are all doing well.” “Thank you,” Andromeda said, when Dashan notices Anubis. “Who’s that?” Dashan asked. “Who? Me? I’m Anubis Mizusawa.” “I am the leader of Wang Hu Zhong, Dashan Wang. Welcome.” “The pleaser is mine,” Anubis nervously said as he bows before Dashan. “An honor to meet you,” Anubis added as two other members of Wang Hu Zhong, Mei-Mei and Chi-yun, arrive. “Everyone is working as hard as usual, I see,” Andromeda said. “Even more than usual today,” Mei-Mei said. “Because Andromeda Sparkle is visiting,” Chin-yun added. “Huh?” “Well, Andromeda,” Chin-yun continued. “You and your team defeated us, Wang Hu Zhong, and won the last World Duel Championships. Since then, it has been Shaolin Temples goal to defeat you in a rematch.” “And now that chance lies right in front of us,” Mei-Mei added. “So of course everyone is working hard.” “That makes some sense,” Andromeda said. “So then, about this Legendary Warrior we talked about...” “The investigation continues,” Dashan said. “However, he is quit a crafty fellow. Even with our information network, we still have not discovered his true identity.” “It’s very important that we find him, and quickly,” Tempest said to Dashan. “That should not be a problem,” Dashan said. “A big tag-team tournament will be taking place soon, right here in China.” “A tag-team tournament?” Bucky asked. “There’s a good chance that this guy will make an appearance at that tournament,” Dashan added. “Naturally, it would be an excellent opportunity to show off his true strengths.” “And it’s also the best place for Chin-yun and all of Shaolin Temple to get the rematch with you, Andromeda,” Chin-yun added. “Please, accept our challenge. It would mean a lot to us,” Dashan said. “Dashan, I accept your challenge,” Andromeda said, “Great! ‘Cause I will be battling on a team with Chao Xin,” Mei-Mei said. “Bring it one, Andromeda!” “That’s not gonna be a problem,” Andromeda excitedly said as she shows them her wings. “Wow!” “So cool!” “So you really are a alicorn now!” Dashan, Chin-yin and Mei-Mei said, respectfully. “Shease! Don’t get too excited,” Leone said. “Andromeda may have beaten you before, but I will knock you off your feet. So watch it!” Leone then heads for the temples entrance. “Let’s go, Taurus.” “Huh?” “Leone?” Tempest asked. “But, Leone, buddy, where are we going?” Taurus asked as he runs after the lioncorn. “To do special training, right now,” Leone answered “If you slow me down, I’ll leave you behind.” “Leone, thanks! I am Taurus, and I vow to fight alongside you with all my might and skill. B-b-b-b-b-b-bull!” “Looks like Leone’s fighting spirit is all lit up just by the mention of a tournament,” Radiance said. “Okay, let's do this,” Andromeda said to Anubis. “Huh?” Anubis asked, not really understanding. “We have to train for the tournament, too,” Andromeda added. “Let’s get at it, Anubis.” “When you say ‘we,’ do you mean ... Me and you, Miss Andromeda?” Anubis asked. “Who else,” Andromeda said. “Besides, you need to practice with yours new magic, remember?” “I guess that makes sense when I think about it.” Anubis said. “But should I really be your partner, Miss Andromeda?” “Look, in a tag-match, the most important thing is team work. Let’s practice together so we can get in sync,” Andromeda said. “Uh ... Okay. Let’s do this together,” Anubis said. ================================================================== A bit later, in a courtyard that has about 30 targets that are scattered at random, Andromeda and Anubis are preparing themselves for their training, with the others, especially the members of Wang Hu Zhong, are watching. “I’ll go first,” Andromeda said to Anubis. “Okay,” Anubis said as he takes a step back, while Andromeda prepares to fire a blast. “Princess Andromeda Sparkle now,” Chin-yun said while great interest to his friends. “Let’s watch very carefully,” Dashan added. “Lets see how much power she has now,” Dashan said as Andromeda fires, and with great accuracy, Andromeda’s laser not only hits the center of the targets, but it also destroys them, without losing power. “Whoa!” Both Chin-yun and Dashan said. “Amazing,” Mei-Mei added as Andromeda fires a blast of air at some other targets, having the same results. “Her new power is fearsome,” Dashan noted as the laser reaches the final target, becoming the alicorn mare before it hits, leaving nothing behind after the smoke clears. “Your turn, Anubis,” Andromeda said as she takes a step back, while Anubis steps forward. “Right,” Anubis said as he takes his scepter, and fires a laser also. Although it doesn't have much power, the blast goes through the center of the targets it has hit before it loses too much power, which Dashan takes notice of. “Oh, man,” Peach said. “So close, too,” Flora added. “Whats the deal?” Chin-yun asked. “Isn’t that Anubis guy supposed to be one of these so called ‘Legendary Warriors’?” “Even the most simple unicorn colt is lightyears ahead of Anubis,” Mei-Mei added. “Not so. He’s also quit good. Close to Andromeda’s level, too,” Dashan said, confusing the others. “Huh?” They all said. “What do you mean?” Rainbow asked. “Look closely,” Dashan said as he points toward the targets Anubis hit. “He wasn’t able to maintain the blast for very long, its true, but his blast went right through the center of every target it hit. That shows how steady his stance is.” “That is impressive,” Chin-yun said. “The stance is the most basic part of both the martial arts and magic,” Dashan added as Andromeda goes one more time. The fifth Legendary Warrior is sure to be in the tournament. Andromeda thought as she fires a blast of air. I have to create a Special Move, just like Cetus has done, using my new power to control the air around me. ================================================================== Outside of the temple, on one of the stone pillars, a certain cat obsessed, Saddle Arabian in a white and yellow cloak, is watching. “So, that’s Shaolin Temple, huh? If there is a Legendary Warrior here, then he must be there. I suppose I better get moving, than.” Johannes said with an evil grin as he jumps down onto the path below. ================================================================== Later that night, the group are inside the temples dining area, the group are eating some dumplings. “When looking at the stars through a telescope, it is important to line up the intended target in the center of the finder,” Anubis explained to the others. “I think that is why you were able to fire so accurately before,” Dashan said. “Who know that working with telescopes can help with things like magic?” Andromeda added. “You never know what can come in handy in real life,” Mei-Mei said. “I was surprised myself, I must say,” Anubis said, blushing slightly. “Thats just amazing!” Tempest said with a slightly full mouth as he places an arm around Anubis’s neck. “Good job, Anubis. You defiantly are a Legendary Warrior!” Tempest said, not knowing that he’s squeezing Anubis a little too hard. “I can’t breath, Mr. Tempest, sir,” Anubis tried to say. “So, if that's the skill level you need, I, Chin-yun, can do that.” “Huh?” “Is that all it takes to be a Legendary Warrior?” Chin-yun said as he leaves. “Chin-yun,” Dashan said, but Chin-yun just ignores him as he heads outside. Outside, Chin-yun stops by a tree, and looks at the night sky. “When Chin-yun first came here, he just wasn't very good. But because he meet Dashan and went through all that difficult training, he’s finally gotten this far. He’s lucky, but why won’t Chin-yun turn into a alicorn like Andromeda and Leone? If some star-gazing Diamond Dog like Anubis become a Legendary Warrior, why didn’t Chin-yun?” “Weather or not one becomes a Legendary Warrior, is all up to fate,” a familiar voice behind Chin-yun said, who turns around and sees Dashan. “What matters it this: work hard and never give up. You know that Chin-yun.” “Dashan.” “We don’t understand why the Star Fragment chose the Legendary Warriors the way it did,” Dashan continued. “It’s not important. We have to do this. We must do what we can right now with all of our might, and thats all we can do.” “Do what we can right now,” Chin-yun added. Suddenly, they hear an explosion near the temples gates, and see smoke as they hear screams, which attracts the others attention, who head outside as a monk runs up to them. “Whut in tarnation was thet?” Bismarck asked. “Whats going on?” Dashan asked the monk. “There’s trouble. Someone has broken in to challenge the whole school,” the monk answered. “No one challenges out school!” Dashan said as he heads toward the entrance, followed by the others. There, the intruder, Johannes, is laughing at how easy it is for hm to knock down the monks. “My, my, is it over already?” Johannes said after he throws several kunie at some monks, who barely doge it. “Is that all China’s renowned ‘Shaolin Monastery’ has to offer? What a sad excuse for a school.” “What did you say!?” One of the monks said as he takes a spear. “Don’t ever dis the Shaolin Temple!” He angrily said as he throws it. “Gee, do you know how nice your head shins in the moon light?” Johannes said, before he catches the spear and breaks it, much to the shock of the monks. “I really don’t have the time to play around with you kiddies, right now. Be good boys and send out the Legendary-” But before Johannes could finish, Andromeda and the others arrive. “Huh?” “Who do you think you are?” Dashan asked. “And what do you want with us?” Mei-Mei added as Andromeda and her friends, except for Rainbow, recognize him. “Huh, you again?” Tempest asked. “Ha. Looks like you and you friends beat me here, purple puss,” Johannes said to Andromeda. “You know this guy?” Rainbow asked. “Unfortunately,” Radiance answered. “He’s working with the great evil.” “He’s some kind of twisted cat-colt thingy,” Peach Cobbler added. “‘Cat-colt thingy’? My name is Johannes, girl. Please try to remember that.” “I liked ‘cat-colt thingy’ better,” Rainbow said. “If you are all here now, then the information must be true,” Johannes said. “Maybe he’s the one who’s been attacking the expelled Shaolin Temple students.” Andromeda said. “Is the Legendary Warrior we heard about in China you?” “Don’t be silly,” Johannes said. “He’s here, isn’t he? The new Legendary Warrior?” “Huh? What are you talking about?” Flora asked. “Huh? Didn’t you chumps come here to see the Legendary Warrior, too?” Johannes asked backed. “So, your saying that your not the guy who’s been attacking all the former Shaolin Temple students?” Tempest said. “I thought we already went over that stuff?” Johannes asked. “Why would I care about some clowns that got kicked out of here?” “So who is it?” Peach asked. “So, he really isn’t here? What a waste of time,” Johannes said. “Maybe he hasn't awakened yet. The possibility lies inside of Chin-yun and the others.” “Hmm ... Perhaps your right, chump change,” Johannes said to Chin-yun. “You want to test us?” Dashan asked. “What?” Johannes asked back. “If you say ‘no,’ were gonna fight anyway. Your gonna regret stepping on our sacred Shaolin Temple with your dirty paws,” Dashan said as he takes a spear. “Hmm, if you insist. I should check you anyway, I guess. Humph! Legendary Warriors are tricky, one of you jokers could one,” Johannes said. “What a bad kitty you are!” Mei-Mei said as she, literary, lets steam come out of her ears. “Dashan, I’ll take care of that thing,” Andromeda offered. “This is Shaolin Temple’s problem,” Dashan pointed out. “It will be settled by the leader, and that's me.” “So, you're the leader, you say?” Johannes asked. “Okay, Dashan,” Andromeda said. “Send this guy back to his litter box.” ================================================================== In a stadium, Dashan and Johannes are about to duel, with the others watching behind Dashan. “I’ve never seen someone like that Johannes guy before,” Chin-yun said. “He’s nothing,” Mei-Mei said. “He’s not such a pig meal.” “You mean, ‘he’s not such a big deal,’” Radiance corrected. “Well, then, let's do this,” Johannes said as he charges at Dashan, who blocks all of his attacks. “What!? You can take all of that without moving a millimeter?” “The Solid Iron Wall! Ha! No attack in the world can get past it,” Dashan said. “Really?” Johannes asked. “That’s right!” Chin-yun said. “By concentrating his chi in certain areas, Dashan’s body can take any punishment without getting so much as a scratch.” “There was no need for Dashan to fight at all. Run along home with your flank between your legs, kitty!” Me-Mei said, which makes Radiance nervously look at her flank, before she turns toward Mei-Mei. “I think you meant ‘tail,’ don’t you?” Radiance said to Mei-Mei as Johannes rubs his head like a cat. “Chi, huh? Meow. Now I see,” Johannes said as he pulls out a dagger. “This time, I’ll attack!” Dashan said as he fires a laser at Johannes, who doesn't flinch. “Unless you want this fight to be your last, you shouldn't underestimate me!” Johannes said as he deflects Dashan’s blast with the dagger. “What!?” A shocked Dashan said. “What just happened?” Chin-yun asked. “Johannes has weapons that are made of magdrillium, meaning that, if you're not careful, Johannes can deflect all attacks involving magic!” Andromeda said. “You should have told us he had those things sooner!” A furies Mei-Mei yelled. “I haven’t even gotten started, yet,” Johannes said as he takes out his kunie with chain. “I’ll just send your attack back!” Dashan said as he takes on the Solid Iron Wall stance. “We’ll see about that,” Johannes said as he throws his dagger, which leaves a deep gash in his leg. “What!” “Ha! Thought so,” Johannes said. “Mahdrillium can also make things involving chi completely useless!” “Dashan just go hurt!” A worried Chin-yun said. “Time for me to finish it!” Johannes said as he hisses at Dashan, who pulls out a spear. “Meow?” “You see, cat, the Solid Iron Wall is not just a defensive technique. It can also be used in attacks!” Dashan said as he charges up a spell, but Johannes just simply begins to walk away. “Where are you going?” “There’s no point,” Joannes answered as he turns toward the group. “I’m done playing. I have seen the limit of your power,” Johannes said to Dashan. “The limit, you say?” Dashan asked. “Your certainly a skilled warrior,” Johannes noted. “However, I do not feel the pulse of the Star Fragment within you, I’m afraid. If this is the limit of the leader, then the others are certainly no better, right?” “Come again?” Dashan asked. “If there is no Legendary Warrior here, it looks like I have no choice but to enter the upcoming tournament to continue my search. I don't have time for anymore pointless fights. Understand me?” Johannes said. “Planning to run, huh?” Chin-yun said as he and Mei-Mei take some swords and point them toward Johannes. “We won’t let you!” Mei-Mei added. “Oh my. I’m so scared!” Johannes sarcastically said, before cartwheeling backwards, then jumping onto the roof. “Well, litters and germs, I’ll see ya at the tag-team tournament, okay? Scratch ya later. Meow,” Johannes said as he leaves, jumping like a cat. “Hey, come back!” Tempest said as he and those who can fly go after Johannes, only to see that, “He’s gone,” Tempest said. “Oh! That guy...” Peach tried to say. “An insult to Dashan is an insult to the whole Shaolin Temple,” Chin-yun said. “It’s unforgivable,” Mei-Mei added. “He said he seen the limit of my power,” Dashan said to himself, not knowing that the others are hearing. “He doesn't feel the pulse of the Star Fragment within me.” “Dashan, don’t let thet cat-colt thin' git yo' down,” Bismarck said to the Chinese unicorn. “We definitely felt yer warriors spirit burnin' as bright as ever.” “Bismarck, your right,” Dashan said as he sees Radiance give Bismarck a kiss on the cheek. “Huh? Hmm, now I need to focus on wining the tournament.” “Do you think this possible Legendary Warrior will show up at the torment?” Anubis asked. “And how do we recognize him, anyway?” “Good point,” Andromeda said as she scratches her head. “No one has actually seen him yet. Have they?” “You don’t have to worry about that,” a griffin with bluish-grey eyes, reddish-brown hair, and a tanned fur color, wearing a teal shirt with yellow crests on the shoulders said as the group turn around. “Chao Xin?” They said. “I’ve seen the guy, with my own two eyes,” Chao Xin said. “He’s real, all right.” “You say him?” Flora asked. “Where was this, Chao Xin?” Dashan asked. "Near Dengfeng’s market,” Chao Xin answered. “I tried to follow, but I unfortunately lost them.” “Them?” Tempest asked. “He was with a hooded group,” Chao Xin answered. “Listen, he’s even stronger than we imagined. It was an awesome display, for sure,” Chao Xin said, recounting the tale. ================================================================== “To the ruin of *Shaolin Temple! Take this!*” The red-eyed unicorn said as he fries a crimson blast, destroying the weapons as the two unicorns begin to panic. When it hits, a bright, crimson flash is created. “What ... was that?” Chao Xin asked as the crimson flash dissipates, as the two unicorns fall to the ground, either unconscious or worse. “Humph! That's Shoaling Temple? Disappointing,” the red-eyed unicorn said. “Who are those guys?” Chao XIn asked. ================================================================== “The intense crimson flash that his magic made was amazing,” Chao Xin said. “A crimson flash, huh?” Andromeda asked. ================================================================== The next day, in Dengfeng’s market, Johannes is eating some dumplings, wondering how to enter the torment. “Thin is, the tournament is a tag-team competition. If I want to compete, I need to find a partner, I guess,” Johannes said, when he sees a group of younglings practicing some kung fu. “I got you now,” one said. “Hey, you kids, over there!” Johannes called out to the kids. “Huh?” They asked. “Anyone interested in a tag-team tournament? Because you can enter with me,” Johannes said, unknowingly scaring the kids. “AH! Weird cat-colt!” One screamed as they all run, unknowing leaving a filly behind. “So no?” Johannes asked, when he notices the little filly that was left behind. “Well, what about you, there?” Johannes asked, making the filly cry. “Mommy, the big, mean cat-colt thing is scaring me!” Suddenly, the fillies mothers arrives, growls at Johannes, and leaves in the blink of an eye. “What’s wrong with all these people?” Johannes asked as he takes another dumpling, only for screaming form a nearby ally that startles him. “Meow?” Joannes said as he sees a crimson flash not far away. “What now?” Johannes said as he heads toward the source of the crimson flash, and sees a group of hooded creatures, standing above some unicorns with Shaolin Temple uniforms. “Who are they?” Johanne asked. “Huh, a unicorns eyes that glow crimson,” Johannes added, when a blinding crimson light appears, and when it disappears, the hooded people are gone. “Oh, could they be the ones? Ha-ha, I found you!” A New RoarA New Roar In the Chinese desert, near the Yellow River, “Get it on! Is everyone having a good time?” The announcer, still in his blimp, said as it fires above the stadium. “This is the greatest tag-team tournament ever! Today, at the Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù tournament, we’ll begin the second round with the teams that made it through the first round! The next battle ground iiiiiisssss ... in the middle of nowhere again!” He said as the blimp flies above the stadium, which has a some buildings around is as the spectators sit in the stands around the arena, which is about the size of a football field, all made of a yellow sand. “The stadium is built on a plateau of yellow soil!” Soon, the first match of the quarterfinals, having Andromeda and Anubis, begins. Their opposing team has a unicorn with dull red eyes, making him a viable candidate. “You can do it, Andromeda!” Tempest called from the stands, with his mother, Rainbow Dash, his friends Bismarck, Radiance, Flora, Tempest, Bucky, Peach Cobbler, Mei-Mei and Chao Xin. “You too, Anubis!” Peach added. “Let’s do this, Anubis!” Andromeda said to her partner. “Okay, Miss Andromeda,” Anubis said as the two corner the unicorn. “Andromeda and Anubis are alongside of one of their opponents! This looks like a pincer attack for sure!” The announcer said as Anubis prevents the unicorn from escaping, while Andromeda fires a gust of wind at him, sending him flying out of the stadium, giving them the win. “The winner of the first match of the second round is the Andromeda/Anubis team!” The announcer added as Andromeda’s friends cheer for her. “They did it!” Mei-Mei said. “That was lonesome!” “‘That was awesome’ you meant to say.” Chao Xin corrected. “With thet vicko'y, they move on the top four,” Bismarck added. “Again, not the guys,” Andromeda said as she and Anubis watch the losing team leaves. “Miss Andromeda?” “Good work out there, by the way,” Andromeda said to Anubis. “Keep that kind of effort up for the next one, too.” “You beat,” Anubis said as the two leave the arena. My teamwork with Miss Andromeda has gotten a lot better. I hope. Anubis thought as Dashan and Chin-yun go past them. “The next match is up now!” The announcer said as the two next teams enter the arena. “Our very own Dashan/Chin-yun team verses the Ash/Satoshi team! Get ready kids!” The announcer said as the two teams get ready, with Satoshi having red-orange eyes. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” “Let’s go! Time for a Strong Arm Barrage!” Dashan said as he fires the spell at Ash. “And a Thunder Sword Waltz!” Chin-yun added as he fires his spells at Satoshi, making the two panic. “It’s a done deal!” The announcer said as the Ash/Satoshi team land outside of the arena. “The Dashan/Chin-yun team effortlessly advances to the top four!” “So, it wasn't them either, I see,” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun leave. “No, only Legendary Warriors would have a chance against us,” Chin-yun pointed out. “That was easy,” Chao Xin said. “Good work, Dashan! You too, Chin-yun!” Mei-Mei yelled out, not knowing that a unicorn with pure red eyes, a blood-red mane that drapes below his shoulders, a black coat and two swords that cross each other, accompanied by several unicorns and griffins in cloak, is watching them. “You guys are on a role! Your gonna prove that the Shaolin Temple is the strongest!” “The strongest she says?” The unicorn, Bao, asked. “Humph! The word ‘strongest’ exists only for us, understand?” “Huh?” Cherry said as she turns her head to look above, but sees no one on the stairs above them. “What is it, sis?” Berry asked. “I thought ... I thought someone was watching us.” Cherry answered. “Watching us?” Chao Xin said as he looks around, while Andromeda and Anubis reach the top of the stands. “Wow!” Andromeda said as they see no one in the arena. “Dashan and Chin-yun’s match is already over? That was fast.” “The next match is starting right away, though,” Anubis pointed out as he and Andromeda walk down toward the others. “Yeah. Next up is Leone and Taurus,” Andromeda said as the two in question walk into the stadium. “After Taurus signal handedly won their first round, here is the Leone/Taurus team, and their opponents...” The announcer said as Johannes and Motti, who’s jumping around the stadium, meowing and waving at the crowd, while Johannes looks on in embarrassment. “Johannes won their first round all by his lonesome, too. Here is the Johannes/Motti team!” “You know what to do,” Johannes said to Motti, getting her attention. “Run away and play during this match, too. Understand?” “Meow!” Motti said as she salutes Johannes. “Motti will run and play with all her might! Meow!” “What’s up with that? This is no joke!” Taurus angrily said as steam comes out of his nostrils for a moment. “Bull! They’re gonna pay! Leone, pal, please leave this match to me, as well.” “No.” Leone firmly said. “No?” “I’ll be his opponent this time,” Leone added, remembering a small conversation before the second round began. ================================================================== “What? You think that the cat-colt thingy is a Legendary Warrior?” A slightly surprised Leone asked. “At the very least, we know that Johannes has amazing skill and weaponry, there’s absolutely no doubt about that,” Radiance said. “The next team to face him will be you two. So don’t let your guard down,” Andromeda said to Leone and Taurus. “Hmmm. Interesting,” Leone said. ================================================================== “Let’s see how powerful you really are. Bring it on, kitty cat!” Leone said, making Johannes smirk. “Leone, pal,” Taurus began to say. “What is he is a Legendary Warrior, after all?” “Then I’ll crush him,” Leone simply said. “If he’s not?” Taurus added. “I’ll still crush him.” “Right on! You can do it, Leone!” “Taurus, don’t make any moves on your own.” “Check!” Taurus said as he stands like a guard, completely still. “I, Taurus, will of course remain perfectly still to serve my friend: Leone.” “Man, these guys are clowns,” Johannes said as he scratches his head. “I don’t have any interest in fighting you infants at all. I only care about one pony at the moment, the one who’s magic gives off a crimson glow. This match is just a minor distraction at best.” “Ha! Lets go, kitty,” Leone said as he puts some sand on his leg, which Taurus notices. “Uh, whats up?” Taurus asked. “Think you can beat me? Let’s see!” Leone said as he extends his claws while he enters the ring, with Johannes taking some magdrillium claws with him into the ring as well. “So, then, let's do this thing!” The announcer called out. “Now!?” Both Taurus and Motti said as they frantically run after their partners into the ring. “Leone, Taurus, you can do it!” Berry and Cherry called out from the stands. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!**” Everyone said, making Leone and Johannes charge at each other, while Taurus and Motti say near the edge of the ring. Leone slashes at Johannes, who doges them and slashes at Leone occasionally. “Oh, it’s on! Right away, Leone and Johannes send off sparks as they clash at each other with all their might!*” The announcer said, while Taurus looks on in worry. “Leone, pal,” Taurus said, unable to site back, but knows he can’t. On the other end of the ring, a butterfly flies by Motti, which she takes notice of. “Butterfly, meow! Meow! Wait, wait,” Motti said as she goes after the butterfly, while trying not to step out of the ring, making the group look at her in a number of emotions. “Uh, whats with that?” Andromeda asked. “I’m gonna send you flying!” Leone said as he controls the sand and uses it to send Johannes into the air, who gracefully lands just near the edge of the ring. “Oh, it’s getting hot in here,” Johannes said. “That’s nothing,” Leone said as he charges at Johannes, claws ready to slice and dice. “Leone is attacking fiercely against his opponent, Johannes. And here comes Leone again friends. Fasten your seat belts everyone!” The announcer said as Johannes just moves out of Leone’s way, who turns around and charges at Johannes again, with the same thing happening. “Leone missed him! Johannes’s amazing, catlike agility allowed him to doge Leone’s attacks, which all end in a breeze by, giving the Johannes/Motti team 5 more points than the Leone/Taurus team,” the announcer added, while Leone growls in frustration. “Like I said before, I don’t have time to wast fighting someone like you, okay?” Johannes said, making Leone angry. Leone charges at Johannes again several times, but the same thing happens. “See? If I wan’t to be sure to win, this is the best way.” “I see now,” Andromeda said. “Since you can gain points by dodging attacks as well, Johannes never intended to fight fair in the first place.” “So, he’s planning to wait until time runs out, where he and that mare Motti will have more points,” Anubis said. “Keep it up there, buddy,” Johannes said. “Keep on attacking till you give me all the points I need.” “Hump! You think so, do you?” Leone said as he stops and stands still in the center of the arena. “Now what?” Johannes asked. “What’s this?” The announcer asked when he sees that Leone has stop. “Leone has suddenly stop moving. He has taken position at the center of the stadium, and is just standing there quietly and politely! What in the world is he thinking!?” “Leone, pal?” Taurus asked from the edge of the arena. “Just watch and learn,” Leone said to Taurus. “Uh, yes! Yes, sir,” Taurus said, while Motti is still after the butterfly. “Meow. Meow, bad butterfly,” Motti said as she tries to catch it, until it leaves the arena. “Meow.” “Chopsticks! What can the plan be now?” The announcer asked as the four competitors stay still, with 3 minutes and 55 seconds remaining. “They aren't moving. They’re just standing in place. They stand as still as the Great Wall of China!” “Whats Leone doing?” Tempest asked. “Does he think he can win by standing still now?” Peach added. “Since his attacks aren't able to connect, it’s not such a bad idea, for now at least,” Dashan said, while Mei-Mei begins to look around the stands. “Yeah, but Johannes and that Motti girl have more points, so Leone can’t just stand still for long,” Andromeda added. “They’re bored,” Mei-Mei suddenly said, making the group look at her curiously. “What gives? Do something!” Someone in the stand yelled. “This is boring, boys. Fight already!” Another yelled out. “This mega boring match is stirring a sympathy of booing from the spectators here today,” the announcer said as the crowd boos at the four, with Motti just yawning it off. “Even so, neither one of them moves a millimeter!” “What’s the scoop?” Taurus asked. “Just wait,” Leone said. “But how long can we sit still?” Taurus said as he looks at the clock, which shows they have 3 minutes left. Come on, cat-colt thingy. Go ahead and attack. Leone thought as he glares at Johannes. “I get it now,” Johannes suddenly said. “So, you’ve decided to wait until I make a move, no matter what. Well, personally, I’m fine with waiting like this until time runs out. No biggie,” Johannes said, getting boos from the crowd. “But my fans seem restless, so I will give you what you want!” Johannes said as he charges at Leone. “Wake up!” The announcer suddenly said. “At last, Johannes makes a move out there!” “Leone, it’s on!” Taurus yelled. “That’s fine with me,” Leone said with a smile, making Taurus look at him like he’s crazy. “Bring it on! The real fight starts right now!” “Johannes is closing in! Look out, Leone! Surly, you have to move!” The announcer said, with Leone still doing nothing. “I got you now!” Johannes yelled as he strikes Leone with all of his might, creating a large dust cloud that Johannes quickly leaves from. “Leone!” Taurus cried as the dust begins to settle, with Motti coughing as everyone in the stand watch with dread. “Johannes’s powerful attack nails Leone! Is the match over?” The announcer said while the dust clears some more. “Leone?” Cherry asked as the dust dissipates completely, showing that Leone is still standing, like nothing happened. “No way!” A stun Johannes said, when what appears to be a pice of Leone’s skin falls off, but it’s made of pure sand. “Get out-of-town! Leone has somehow created an armor of pure sand that absorbed Johannes’s attack! It’s as if nothing happened at all!” The announcer said as Leone replaces the broken off pice of sand with a new pice, changing the color to match his natural one. “Whoa!” The group said. “What’s going on?” Johannes asked. “Whats wrong? Your giving up after one attack?” Leone asked the cat-colt thing. “Why not come at me again? Keep on attacking, pal!” “Okay, I will!” Johannes said with a hiss as he charges and strikes Leone again and again, but the sand armor is keeping Leone safe from harm. “Attaboy!” Leone shouted. “Keep coming. I won’t try to runaway like you did! I will stop all of your attacks!” Leone added as a light green glowing lion appears behind him. “How did Leone get that sand armor on?” Berry asked. “He must have put it on before the match started,” Andromeda said. “Hold on, Leone always charges head first into any situation he’s in,” Tempest pointed out. “That’s how he always roles.” “Yeah, but Leone has always used defensive techniques. In this match with Johannes, where defense is the most important, he’s able to turn his earth controlling ability into the ultimate shield,” Andromeda said. “Meaning, he understands now,” Andromeda said, remembering the Philippine Island. ================================================================== “So, Leone, what is a Legendary Warrior? Just someone who has the power of the Star Fragment in them? Don’t you think a true Legendary Warrior is something more? Someone who can completely control the power that they posses.” Andromeda said to Leone. ================================================================== Andromeda then smiles, as Leone antagonizes Johannes. “I wouldn’t be able to see your true strength if you kept on running away like a scaredy cat! So, come on! If you really are a Legendary Warrior, then come at me with your full strength to defeat me.” Leone said. “You really shouldn't get on my bad side,” Johannes said as he charges at Leone, slides underneath him and uppercuts Leone up into the air. Once Leone lands, Johannes charges and uppercuts Leone again, this time he lands right near the edge of the arena. “Baby, that was close,” Mei-Mei said as Leone charges at Johannes. “They only have a couple of minutes left,” Rainbow added. “If they don’t do something, Johannes is gonna win.” “Johannes did a double uppercut attacks which nail Leone. Leone looks kind of overwhelmed, but a cat-colt thing will do that to you,” the announcer said, making Johannes sight in frustration. “Why does everyone call me a ‘cat-colt thing’?” Johannes asked, while Taurus looks at Leone with worry. “Leone, pal,” Taurus said with a frustrated growl. We only have 2 minutes or so left! Can I really not step in, even in a time like this? Taurus thought as he looks around the arena. There must be something I can do! “Huh?” Taurus said when he sees Motti lying on the ground, playing with a stick she somehow got. “Meow. I’m a board cat,” Motti said, board out of her mind, not knowing what’s coming. Ha-Ha! Now I know. Taurus thought as he charges at Motti, making her panic and runaway. “Taurus!” Leone shouted. “Oops! I’m sorry about that, Leone, pal. But this match would be over when at least one opponent is defeated, isn’t that right? I will defeat her and end this fight this second.” Taurus said as he looks over toward the terrified Motti and charges at her. “I got you now!” “Stop it! Meow!” Motti suddenly said, widening her light green eyes to the size of saucers, even adding a small lip quiver for the final effect. “Don’t pick on Motti. Meow.” “What?” Taurus asked as he stops dead in his tracks, not seeing a Saddle Arabian, but “a cute kitty!” Taurus said as he is suddenly taken away to a rainy day in some city, where he’s walking in the street with an umbrella, when he sees a white kitten in a box. “Aww, you poor thing,” Taurus said as the kitten suddenly turns into Motti, with big eyes, which makes Taurus almost cry as he kneels down. “Oh, you poor thing. Come here, kitty,” Taurus added as he gives the white kitten a hand in friendship, to which the cat growls angrily and scratches him, which sends him back to reality when Motti does the same thing, and runs across the stadium, laughing. “Meow, meow, meow, what a chump,” Motti said, as Taurus’s entire head turns red as he nearly screams in anger as steam comes out of his nostrils, making a the sound of a steam engine, while Motti stops at the edge of the arena. “From here, I can see any attack coming. Isn’t that nice, meow?” Motti added, when she sees that Taurus is gone, a hole where he used to be. “Huh, where did he go? Meow?” “I think those two did a big mistake,” Peach said as they watch the scene unfold. “You got that right,” Tempest said. Suddenly, Motti sees something digging under the ground, heading right toward her. Motti, thinking that it might be ground hogs, runs toward it, when ... “AHHHHHH! PAYBACK TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Taurus shouted as he pops out of the ground, and uppercuts Motti into the air, making her scream in both pain and fear as she lands just next to the edge of the ring, barley avoiding losing the match in the process. “You got me good before, I admit it! But this time--” “Oh, spare me! Please, sir! Meow!!” Motti cried as she does her cute act again. “I was just confused before. Motti just didn’t know how to respond when someone was nice to her, that’s all.” “Huh?” Taurus asked as Motti’s cute act gets really cute. “This time I promise not to hurt you, okay, Taurus,” Motti said as she throws in some fake tears. “Oh, wait a minute!” Taurus said when he realizes there’s only 55 seconds left. “I won’t be taken in by that again! I will … do this, for Leone! I must harden my heart and defeat you!” Taurus said as his eyes catch fire as he points toward Motti. “Fat chance!” A clearly scared Motti said. “Sorry!” Taurus added as he charges at Motti like a wild bull, which he is. “Hey! What do you think you're doing?!” Johannes said as he gets in between the two. “No way! Johannes has gone to the rescue of his partner, the kitty pony!” The announcer said as a completely different scene plays out in his head. “Their cries for each other ring through the stadium. Their beautiful friendship is unbelievably touching!” The announcer said as he cries. “You know, I told you not to get in my way!” Johannes hissed at Motti as he places a bomb in between the two and jumps away, as it explodes, sending both Motti and Taurus flying. “Taurus?” Leone asked. “Yikes!” “Not good,” Peach and Flora said as the two land outside of the arena, at the same time! “A … a simultaneous stadium out!” The announcer cried. “Because it happened at the same time, and since Taurus’s assault on Motti gave the Leone/Taurus team points which matched the Johannes/Motti teams points exactly, it’s a tie! This means that there will be no time limit or points as Leone and Johannes settle things, friends.” “You were about to make me lose the match, bad kitty!” Johannes shouted at Motti. “I will remove anyone who gets in my way!” “Ah! Not nice, meow,” Motti said with tears in her eyes. “I was just trying to help. I thought we were a team?” “Taurus, same for you!” Leone shouted. “I thought I told you not to move on you own?” “I’m so sorry. So sad,” Taurus said. “Did you actually think I would lose this match?” Leone asked. “Now stay still, hear me?” “Hmm, you sure are confident,” Johannes noted when he’s done hissing at Motti. “Whatever! Now that those two nuisances are gone, it’s time to finish this thing,” Johannes said as he pulls out a sword and charges at Leone. “That’s not good,” Andromeda said. “With his magdrillium weapons, and his amazing agility and reflexes, he could pierce Leone’s armor with ease.” Anubis said. “Or he could throw it at Leone so he can sneak up and go for an uppercut attack,” Mei-Mei added. “If he does a combo move like before, Leone’s done,” Chao Xin said. “Leone, yo' need t'be careful out thar!” Bismarck called out. “‘Careful’ he says. Who are you talking to, black hat?” Leone asked as Johannes hisses at him. “This is it!” Johannes hissed as he charges at Leone. “I’ve already seen the limit of your power,” Leone said as he creates a tornado. “Whoa! It’s the Wall of Sandstorm,” Rainbow said. “He’s planing to block Johannes with the powerful tornado of sand.” Andromeda said. “We’ll just see about that,” Johannes said as he gets into the tornado with ease. “It looks like you wasted too much energy with keeping your sand armor in check. Something weak like this won’t stop me.” “Humph! Is that so?” Leone asked. “That’s right!” Johannes said, when, suddenly, he begins to fly into the tornado. “What!?” The cat-colt thing said as he’s lifted into the air. “So, that tornado wasn’t meant to block Johannes at all,” Tempest said. “He’s planning on using a special move, I just now it,” Andromeda said as the tornado begins to disappear. “Your right, Andi,” Leone said. “Since Cetus and now Anubis have one, so do I,” Leone said he glows green. “Special move: King Lion Crushing Fang!” Suddenly, the light green glowing lion leaps from his legend aura and strikes Johannes, causing an explosion that disperses the twister and sends him flying, right into the wall near Motti. “Whoa baby! It’s decided! Earning a spot in the top four is the Leone/Taurus team!” The announcer excitedly cried as the spectators cheer at Leone’s victory. “Yeah! You did it! Well, done Leone, buddy!” Taurus said as Leone glares at Johannes. “So, I have seen the full limit of your power,” Leone said to Johannes, who looks at Leone as beast as the big pain in his back would let him, and sees the lion behind Leone. “You should watch yourself, puss! One thing’s sure now, your no Legendary Warrior!” “Thing is, I don’t remember ever calming that I was, pal,” Johannes as he falls to the ground. “Johannes!” Motti cried as a medic team takes him and leaves, followed by Motti as Leone and Taurus leave the arena. “A special move now, huh?” Andromeda said. “Oh boy.” “Now then, time to begin the match that will decide the last contenders in the top four!” The announcer said as the two teams step into the arena. One is the Bao/Aguma team, which the group noticing Bao’s eye color. “Hey, that unicorns eyes are pure red,” Radiance said. “Yer right, Radiance,” Bismarck said. “So, the only red-eyed unicorn left is him,” Dashan said. “I think it's about time we get serious, too,” Aguma said to Bao. “Yes, you are right,” Bao said. “Well, then, lets begin!” The announcer said, as Bao and Aguma take on an intimidating stance, which shocks Dashan at the familiarity. “Check the stance,” Chao Xin said, also recognizing it. “It can’t be!” Both Mei-Mei and Chin-yun said, recognizing it as well. “Let’s get started!” The announcer said. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” Suddenly, right when Bao enter the ring, a crimson glow appears, getting even the hurt Johannes’s attention. “No way!” Anubis said. “It’s a crimson flash!” Andromeda said, when an explosion happens. When the smoke clears, the opposing team is outside of the arena, with Bao and Aguma in a victory stance. “Stir fry! The match is decided, in a split second! The final spot in the top four is taken by the one, the only Bao/Aguma team!” The announcer said as Bao and Aguma ease themselves. “Could he be the one?” Andromeda asked. “Was that the same crimson flash you saw, Chao Xin?” Flora asked. “Yes, there’s absolutely no doubt.” Chao Xin said. “No doubt, but I can’t believe that they are the ones who have it,” Dashan said. “What do you mean, dude?” Tempest asked. “It looks like you’ve caught on, finally,” Bao said, having overheard them. The group then looks at him curiously. “Yes, we’re from the Hundred Schools of Shaolin Fist!” Both Bao and Aguma said in unison as the take on their stance from before the match began. “Of Shaolin Fist?” Andromeda asked. “It is the one, dark spot in all of the Shaolin Monastery's 4000 year history,” Dashan answered. “Two-thousand years ago, one group within the Shaolin Temple school started a revolt in order to take control of Shaolin Temple. The fight between the two groups quickly spread throughout all of China. The period later became known as the ‘Waring Period of Shaolin,’ a long, long battle that continued for years. And at the end of the fight, one group lost, and retreated to the back regions of China.” “It’s true, we are their descendants!” Bao shouted at Dashan. “Our ancestors lost the battle against the main school of Shaolin Temple, and suffered a long period of exile. But now that time is over. We will win this tournament and prove that we, of the Shaolin Fist, are grater than you ever were! Do you understand what I’m saying to you?” “No, I don’t!” Dashan shouted back. “We are going to bring the last 2000 years of bitterness to an end! It’s gonna be one, swell party,” Bao said as he and Aguma leave, with the Shaolin Temple glaring at them. Sparkling TornadoSparkling Tornado In the Bayan Har Mountains of China, four helicopters, one carrying Andromeda and Anubis, are flying to where the semifinals will take place. “Just how far are they gonna take us? When are we gonna stop?” Andromeda asked, tired of sitting in a noise filled chopper, while Anubis looks out a window. “Ah, Miss Andromeda, ma’am, look there,” Anubis said as he points ahead at several stone pillars with flat tops, four having small huts, two having the spectators, and one if the center is the stadium. “Do you think that could be the place?” “Huh? That’s an arena?” A slightly surprised Andromeda asked. “What’s up?” The announcer, still in the blimp, said over the giant screen. “These are the competitors who have made it to the semifinals and have finally arrived,” he said as the four helicopters land on the pillars that have the small huts. “Go get em everyone!” Mei-Mei cheered from the stands with Chao Xin, Tempest and his mother, Rainbow Dash, Bismarck, Radiance, Flora, Tempest, Bucky and Peach Cobbler, as the four teams leave their helicopters. “This is the worlds greatest tag-team tournament, Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù, and the stage for the semifinals is this amazing sky arena!” The announcer said as Andromeda and Anubis walk to the edge of the pillar they're on. “Whoa. You can’t even see the bottom,” Andromeda said as she looks down, seeing nothing but a net between them and the drop through the mist of doom. “What would happen is someone who could’t fly were to fall down there and missed the net?” Anubis asked. “Let’s not find out,” Andromeda said as she and the others look over toward Bao and Aguma. “Just two more. If we win two more, our greatest hope will come true,” Bao said to Aguma. “Those Shaolin Fist guys kind of remind me of Nightmare Moon,” Rainbow said. “Really? How?” Chao Xin asked, not really familiar with Equestrian history. “Well, you see, 1000 years ago, Luna and Celestia ruled Equestria together like they do today, but over time, Luna became resentful since the ponies of the time relished and played in the day Celestia brought forth, but shunned and slept through Luna’s beautiful night. Eventually, Luna turned into Nightmare Moon and, reluctantly, Celestia had to use the Elements of Harmony to seal Luna in the moon. Twenty-one years ago, Luna, or Nightmare Moon, broke free, and-” “You are right, Rainbow Dash,” Bao interrupted, having overheard Rainbow in the stands, “ours and Nightmare Moon’s pasts are similar, but there are differences. From the day that we, of the Shaolin Fist, lost the fight against the main school of Shaolin Temple, we were forced into a difficult way of life, never knowing what the future might hold. But throughout that time, our one and only goal was to one day defeat the original school. So, we have spent our entire lives undergoing strict and sever training, under waterfalls, in blizzards, raging sandstorms, and everything in between. And then, after almost 2000 years of training and hardship, our day came, a miracle descended from the sky! The fact is, the heavens chose us with the light that fell from the sky.” “The Shaolin Monastery is no longer a threat to us,” Aguma added. “Now we have the power of to crush that school completely! Our revenge is close now. And we will bring this news to all of China. No, to the entire world!” Bao added, making Dashan and Chin-yun gasp in shock. “All will know that the Hundred Schools of Shaolin Fist are the martial arts strongest school without a doubt.” “I have to say that I’m surprised, and shocked that the Shaolin Fist still exists today,” Dashan said after having a few moments for the words that Bao said to sink in. “But what I really can’t believe is that they got their hands on the power of the Star Fragment.” “It’s so weird. Why would it chose the Shaolin Fist, an outlaw group, instead of the main school of Shaolin Temple?” Chin-yun asked. “I don’t know,” Dashan simply said. “But we must settle things with the Shaolin Fist. The Shaolin Temples techniques are for protection, but their techniques have been made powerful by following a confused path that only attacks. They were once part of our school, meaning that we are responsible for stopping them. It’s our duty to do so!” “Yes, it is. With Shaolin Temples pride on the line, we must win!” Chin-yun added. “Quite so, and soon.” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun look over toward Andromeda and Anubis. “Now, let me reintroduce the competing teams,” the announcer suddenly said. “The first match of the semifinals pits the Dashan/Chin-yun team verses the Andromeda/Anubis team! And the second match will be the Bao/Aguma team verses the Leone/Taurus team!” The announcer finished, causing the crowd to go into an uproar. “The rules are different now. Now, there is no time limit, so, in order to win, you have to knock out either one or both of your opponents during the semifinal matches and the final round.” “I don’t know anything about this ‘Shaolin Fist’ or ‘crimson flash,’ but I’m sure that this is as far as they’ll get here, especially since there’s no time limit now.” Leone said. “That’s the scoop! Leone and I will be moving on to the final round, hear me!” “Humph! Oh, really boys?” Bao said to their opponents. “We better stay sharp, okay?” Aguma said to Bao. “That’s some power he has,” Aguma added, remembering Leone’s match against Johannes if the previous round, and his special move. In the stands, Johannes is watching, with Motti next to him, eating dumplings, again. “So, the Legendary Warrior of China will be facing Leone. Is that it? Interesting,” Johannes said to no one in particular. “This will conveniently make it clear just how powerful he really is.” “So, time to find out who wins and moves on, and who loses and goes home, everyone. Lets get going with the first match of the semifinals, shall we?” The announcer said as he rings a gong, officially starting the semifinals. Suddenly, one of the walls from two of the four huts lowers down, and stretches toward the stadium in the middle of the pillars, and turns into a bridge. “Um, so we have to cross this?” Anubis asked, terrified of falling, despite their being a net below. “Don’t worry, if you fall, I’ll catch you. Okay?” Andromeda said as she flies below the bridge. Anubis takes a gulp as he begins to cross the bridge, when it begins to shake. Anubis quickly grabs onto the handle bars as he, if he had them, begins shaking in his boats. “Not good! Not good! Not good!” Anubis frantically said. “Cal down, Anubis,” Andromeda said as she flies right next to him. They then see Dashan and Chin-yun jump over the bridge and land in the arena, completely safe. “Whoa!” Anubis said. “What’s wrong?” Dashan asked Anubis. “Quit fooling around and get over here, Anubis.” “Coming!” Anubis said as he lets the handle bars go and takes a few steps, when the bridge begins to shake again, making him quiver in fear again, while Andromeda sighs from seeing this. She then grabs Anubis with her magic and gently places him in the arena. “Phew, I thought I was a goner,” Anubis said, when the bridge suddenly retreats. “The bridge!” “Andromeda!” Dashan suddenly called out from the other end of the stadium. “I’ve been looking forward to this. The time has finally arrived when I get to duel you again.” “I’ve been looking forward to this to, Dashan,” Andromeda said. “Anubis Mizusawa, do your best not to weigh Andromeda down again, okay?” Chin-yun said. “I’ve gotten better, Mister Chin-yun. Don’t dismiss me, you hear?” Anubis said. “Let’s do this, Andromeda,” Dashan said as he points toward her. “Show me your reborn power! I’ve been waiting long enough.” “My power, huh?” Andromeda said, remembering Leone’s match from the second round. ================================================================== “Since Cetus and now Anubis have one, so do I,” Leone said he glows green. “Special move: *King Lion Crushing Fang!*” Suddenly, the light green glowing lion leaps from his legend aura and strikes Johannes. ================================================================== “My power, is it?” Andromeda said to herself. “Okay! I will show it to you, and after that, I’ll show it to Leone, too,” Andromeda said as she and the others get ready. “Get ready, ‘cause here we goooooo!” The announcer called out. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” Imminently, Andromeda, followed by Anubis, charge at Chin-yun, only for him to use the... “Solid Iron Wall!” Chin-yun said as he stops the twos attacks. “What?” Anubis said. “Chin-yun is using the Shaolin Temples secret technique, the Solid Iron Wall! Andromeda and Anubis’ attacks does nothing at all!” The announcer said. “The Chin-yun of today is very different from the Chin-yun at the time of the World Duel Championships XI. After further training and increase effort, there's nothing that can break through this Solid Iron Wall.” Suddenly, Dashan charges at Andromeda and Anubis, and with a single touch from his hoof, he’s able to throw the two back several feet. Anubis tries to attack Dashan, but he steps out-of-the-way as Chin-yun protects him, before Dashan tackles Anubis. “Ah, Miss Andromeda,” Anubis said to his partner. “It looks like they are splitting up the jobs of attack and defense.” “It does seem like that way, Anubis,” Andromeda said. “In a tag-team match, the key is combination,” Dashan pointed out. “One who attacks...” “...and one who defends,” Chin-yun added. “The two work together as one.” “Which makes for a perfect combination,” Dashan finished. “I see now,” Andromeda said, as she and Anubis catch on. “Attack and defense. Well, we can do that too, boys. Anubis?” “Yes!” Anubis said. “You can try it, but your going to lose,” Chin-yun said as Andromeda charges at Dashan, only for Chin-yun to stop her, when… “I got you now!” Anubis said as he charges at a non-expecting Dashan. “Way to go, Anubis!” Tempest called from the stands. “That dog sure is good,” Rainbow said. “Not good enough,” Chao Xin said. “What?” “Solid Iron Wall!” Dashan said as he takes the full force of Anubis’ attack, when Chin-yun attacks and sends Anubis back to the edge of the stadium. “They switched their attack and defense roles,” Andromeda said. “They’re fighting this match in the stenches,” Mei-Mei said. “You mean, ‘in the trenches’?” Chao Xin corrected. “Yes, sir,” Mei-Mei said, blushing slightly. “That’s something a team that was just formed yesterday cannot possibly hope to do.” “Okay, now it’s our turn,” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun take on a kung fu stance as they charge a spell. The two fire at Anubis’ feet, making him stumble back, close to the edge of the arena, right above the long way down and net. “Anubis, be carful!”Andromeda said as Anubis regains his balance as he barely falls off, and makes it back onto the arena. “Yeah, I'm okay,” Anubis said. “An opening,” Dashan suddenly said as he and Chin-yun fire at Andromeda, making her jump back just in time as the blast leave a hole behind. “That was close,” Tempest said. “Almost got her,” Mei-Mei said. “Miss Andromeda, we can’t go on like this,” Anubis said. “We must break through their defenses.” “We have to,” Andromeda said. As if on cue, Anubis charges at Chin-yun, only for him to use the Solid Iron Wall again. “Ha! A weak attack like that won’t effect Chin-yun at all.” “Then how about this one?” Andromeda said as she fires a blast of air at Chin-yun, sending him back several feet. “Oh my!” The announcer said. “Andromeda has just pushed Chin-yun back with her signature blasts of air!” “You may have a combination of attack and defense, but when the two of us combine our power, we make something else, a double attack,” Andromeda said. “It’s no big thing,” Chin-yun said, when he and Dashan suddenly fire two blasts at Andromeda and Anubis. “What now?” Andromeda and Anubis both asked. “Oh, baby! This time, both Dashan and Chin-yun combine their Solid Iron Walls with two magic blasts!” The announcer said. “It’s double trouble, oh my!” “Tough luck for you!” Chin-yun said. “Your idea was as clever as always, Andromeda, but it won’t work on us, I’m afraid.” Dashan added. “Chin-yun, it’s time to finish this thing,” Dashan said, as Chin-yun nods. “Time for a joint spell, the Heavens Supreme Destruction Bomb!” Both Dashan and Chin-yun shouted as a giant ball of fire is created, and fires the ball right at Andromeda and Anubis. At the last second, Andromeda manages to push the fireball away, making it crash down two feet in front of them. “The joint spell lands a near direct hit,” the announcer said as an explosion happens. The shockwave pushes Anubis off the edge of the stadium. “Anubis!” Andromeda cried as she grabs Anubis’ paw, and pulls him back up. “This is amazing, folks!” The announcer said. “Andromeda risked life and limb to save Anubis from falling onto the now burring net below,” he said as the net quickly disintegrates, before some griffins and pegasi fly down and put in a new one. “Way to close,” Tempest said as Andromeda and Anubis get back up. “Impressive, Andromeda,” Dashan said. “You okay?” Andromeda asked Anubis. “Yes. Thank you very much, Miss Andromeda,” Anubis said as he uses his scepter as a walking stick, as he’s still shaken from the near death experience. “There not gonna let us win that easily now, are they?” Dashan said to Chin-yun. “Then we’ll just do it again,” Chin-yun said. “Anubis, this time hold on tight, so you don’t fall off this sucker!” Chin-yun finished as he and Dashan get ready to do the joint spell again. “We can’t get hit by that again!” Andromeda nearly shouted. “Anubis...” “Your right,” Anubis said. Suddenly, the black Damond Dog teleports behind of Andromeda as Chin-yun and stops him from attacking Andromeda. “No way!” A surprised Chin-yun said. “Chin-yun, if you can act as Mister Dashan’s shield, then I can act as Miss Andromeda’s shield, too,” Anubis said. “Miss Andromeda, I’ll take care of Chin-yun. You deal with Dashan, okay?” “Okay, leave him to me,” Andromeda said as she charges at Dashan. “Wanna try me? Solid Iron Wall!” Dashan shouted as he takes on the stance of the Solid Iron Wall technique. “Not gonna work this time,” Andromeda said as she generates gale force winds, combined with a laser from her horn, is enough to send Dashan back several feet. “Ah! The Solid Iron Wall will hold!” Dashan growled. “Not after this,” Andromeda said as she creates a blade of solid air. “Not gonna happen!” Dashan said as he conjures a sword. Dashan and Andromeda then do a sword fight with each other, while everyone in the crowd cheers. “Dashan and Andromeda are clashing fiercely with each other, neither one holding back!” The announcer said as Andromeda and Dashan back off a little, breathing heavily. “So, this is your new power, is it?” Dashan said. “Well, done, Andromeda.” “You too, Dashan,” Andromeda said. “It looks like I cant win this way,” Andromeda said, remembering Leone’s special move, King Lion Crushing Fang. What would I do if I had a special move right now? Andromeda thought to herself. “An opening!” Dashan suddenly said. “Huh?” Was all Andromeda managed to say as Dashan fires at her, which sends her back, while some boulders from the explosion pin her down. “I … I can't move,” Andromeda said as she tries to lift the boulder, but groans in pain as Dashan’s spell temporally blocks her magic. “Aw, yes!” Chao Xin said. “Got her,” Mei-Mei added as she and Chao Xin smile, while Andromeda’s friends, especially Tempest, look on is shock and worry. “Andromeda has gotten stuck in some debris, and is unable to get out!” The announcer said. “Sorry, Andromeda,” Dashan said as he holds back a chuckle as he watches Andromeda try to move the boulder the old-fashioned way; simply trying to move the boulder with her strength. “It’s over. We just cannot allow ourselves to lose here today,” Dashan said as he turns his attention toward Anubis, who takes notice as he backs away from Chin-yun. “Not good,” Anubis managed to say as he uses his scepter to block Dashan’s sword, and throw him back several feet. “We must win,” Dashan added. “The Shaolin Fist must be dealt with immediately! We will claim victory. It is the way it has to be!” “You’ve done well to survive until now, goody. But you simply will not be able to withstand Chin-yun and Dashan’s double attack any longer! Get it?” Chin-yun added, as he and Dashan attack Anubis, who manages to block them with his scepter. “I can’t give up,” Anubis said, breathing heavy due to exhaustion. “This match is already over,” Mei-Mei said in the stands. “You can do it, Anubis!” Flora cheered from the stands. “This match isn’t decided yet!” Anubis said to Dashan and Chin-yun. “I will not give up on it now! I know I’m getting stronger, I can feel it! I’m in it as long as I won’t quit!” Anubis the screams as he gives off an indigo aura. “Special move: Brave Impact!” Anubis said as the two-legged Egyptian jackal manifest itself, surprising both Dashan and Chin-yun as Anubis pushes the two back, almost all the way to the edge of the stadium. “No way!” Aguma said as he and Bao watch in both shock and surprise. “He’s a stubborn one,” Mai-Mei noted as she and the others watch from the stands. “Dashan, Chin-yun, finish this, right now!” Chao Xin said, as Andromeda looks on. This is bad, Andromeda though to herself. If I don’t do something, we’ll lose. I got one option, but if I’m not completely ready with my own power, I could destroy myself. But there’s no other way! I will gain control of my power, no matter what happens. Andromeda then gives off a yellow aura, just like Anubis, as she begins to scream, surprising everyone, especially Aguma and Bao. Suddenly, a pillar of yellow light erupts from the stadium, and Andromeda rises above, completely free, as the yellow glowing toga mare alicorn appears behind her. “No way!” A completely shocked Dashan said as he and Chin-yun look on. “Go now, Miss Andromeda!” Anubis said to his partner. “Count on me,” Andromeda said as she gives off her yellow aura as she dives straight down toward Dashan and Chin-yun. “Let’s finish this, Andromeda,” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun do a, “Double Solid Iron Wall!” Both Dashan and Chin-yun said as they do the Shaolin Temples secret protective technique. “Won’t work!” Andromeda said as she gains speed. “I sure hope this works,” Andromeda said under a whisper as she begins to spin. “Special move: Sparkling Tornado!” Andromeda said as she turns into a yellow glowing tornado that sparkles, and when it hits, a large explosion happens, with most if not all, of the spectators protecting themselves from the shockwave. The smoke then begins to clear, and Andromeda and Anubis are the first things that are seen. “Andi and Anubis are safe, but where’s Dashan and Chin-yun?” Tempest asked as Anubis looks over the edge, and sees that Dashan and Chin-yun are in the net below. “Look!” Anubis excitedly said. “We did it!” “Unbelievable! After almost losing, an amazing comeback victory, the winner is the Andromeda/Anubis team!” The announcer said as the crowed cheers. “Again?” Chin-yun asked as he and Dashan are pulled back up by some griffins. “No way,” Chao Xin said under a whisper. “They won! All right!” Tempest said a she flies toward Andromeda and Anubis. “You guys did it!” “I can’t believe you ignore the possible danger … just to bring out your power,” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun are dropped onto one of the four pillars. “Well, if I wasn’t prepared to do that, I would’t have created that special move, or defeat you two,” Andromeda said as she, Anubis and Tempest head toward their pillar. “You made me dig that deep.” “She sure is an honorable opponent,” Dashan said to Chin-yun. “Ah, yes she is. But now we can’t settle the score with the Shaolin Fist, can we?” Chin-yun asked. “They’ll have to do it now,” Dashan simply said as he sees Andromeda talk with Tempest. “Now it’s up to Andromeda’s team, and Leone’s team.” “Leone, pal, Andromeda has a special move now too, right?” Taurus said to the lioncorn. “Ha! It wouldn’t be any fun if she didn’t,” Leone said as the bridges for his and the Bao/Aguma teams pillar stretch out toward the stadium. “Just you wait, Andromeda. I’ll be the one to defeat you in the final. Mark my words. Let’s go,” Leone said a she walks across the bridge, followed by Taurus. “Catch your breath, everyone!” The announcer suddenly said. “Who will advanced to the finals? Will it be the Leone/Taurus team, or the Bao/Aguma team?” The announcer said as the two teams reach the stadium, and face each other. “Taurus!” “Yes?” “Listen, I will be that Bao guy’s opponent,” Leone said. “You hold off his partner. Do you understand?” “Leave it to me! I will not allow him to get in you way, Leone, pal!” Taurus excitedly said. “I never thought the main school would be defeated before they fought us,” Aguma said. “How far they have fallen.” “Oh well,” Bao simply said. “Amusing ourselves with these guys will cheer us up. This is going to be tones of fun!” “Whats up?!” The announcer suddenly said. “Okay, then, let’s start the final round! Here we go! 3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” Leone than charges at Bao, who’s taken aback by the sudden attack. “Bao!” Aguma shouted. “I will be your opponent. Get ready!” Taurus said to Aguma as he charges at the griffin like a wild bull. Aguma can only use his scythe to try to hold off the minotaur. “Show me, and right now!” Leone said to Bao. “What’s the deal? Are you a Legendary Warrior or not?” “The Shaolin Fist won’t be rushed!” Bao shouted back. “Get pushy with me and you're gonna get hurt! Flash Attack!” Bao said as he entire body glows crimson as he charges toward Leone, making most audience members gasp in shock. “Right there! The crimson flash!” Chao Xin said. “Lion Gale Force Wall!” Leone shouted as he creates a tornado with his magic, which stops Bao dead in his tracks, surprising everyone. “Leone’s tornado stops Bao’s attack,” the announcer said as everyone, especially Johannes, look on in surprise and confusion. “Really? Is that all?” Leone asked. “In that case, I’ll end this right away,” Leone said as Bao is lifted up into the air. “Leone’s gonna use his special move!” Tempest said. “Wait!” Andromeda suddenly said. “Something is not right. There’s no way it should be that easy for Leone.” “He obviously posses the same power of light that we do!” Aguma said as he punches Taurus in the nose, and quickly gets to the center of the stadium. “Hey there, buddy!” Taurus angrily yelled as his nose begins to bleed. “I am your opponent, okay?” Suddenly, Aguma begins to give off an orange aura as he begins to scream, while his eyes glow red. “What the…?” “Special move: Great Ring of Destruction!” Aguma yelled as a pillar of orange light burst up into the sky. In the light, a griffin skeleton in a black hood and carrying a scythe, appears and does a slash, causing a blinding light to appear. When the light dissipates, both Leone and Taurus are on the nets below, as he tries to wrap his head around what just happened. Leone then hears laughing form above, and sees Bao. “Looks like you were paying too much attention to me and not watching your back,” Bao said to the lioncorn below. “Leone lost to them that fast?” A shocked Tempest asked. “How did that happened?” Anubis asked. “I think I know,” Andromeda said. “The one who received the power of the Star Fragment wasn’t Bao, it was Aguma,” Andromeda said as she stares at the griffin, who’s still giving off an orange aura while his eyes are still glowing red. The God of SaturnThe God of Saturn “Special move: Great Ring of Destruction!” Aguma yelled as a pillar of orange light burst up into the sky. In the light, a griffin skeleton in a black hood and carrying a scythe, appears and does a slash, causing a blinding light to appear. When the light dissipates, both Leone and Taurus are on the nets below, as he tries to wrap his head around what just happened. Leone then hears laughing from above, and sees Bao. “Looks like you were paying too much attention to me and not watching your back,” Bao said to the lioncorn below. “Leone lost to them that fast?” A shocked Tempest asked. “How did that happened?” Anubis asked. “I think I know,” Andromeda said. “The one who received the power of the Star Fragment wasn’t Bao, it was Aguma,” Andromeda said as she stares at the griffin, who’s still giving off an orange aura while his eyes are still glowing red. “There you go, folks!” The announcer suddenly said as Aguma’s aura disappears while his eyes go back to normal. “The winner of the second match of the semifinals is the Bao/Aguma team!” The announcer said while the crowd cheers. “Uh … What just happened out there?” Mei-Mei asked as Leone flies up while Taurus climbs the rock pillar, up to the stadium. “That … must have been the power of the Star Fragment,” Rainbow Dash said. “But … I’ve never seen magic like that.” “What kind of technique was that special move?” Chao Xin asked. “I mean, Bao was up in Leone’s tornado when that happened.” “Are you kidding me?!” Leone suddenly said. “The Legendary Warrior wasn’t the guy with the crimson flash after all?” “Humph! Who ever told you that I was?” Bao said in a mocking tone. “It was, until now, we’ve been facing opponents that Bao could easily defeat on his own,” Aguma said. “However, you were a little different. My special move is tricky. Using it with this Scythe of Kronos doesn't happen very often,” Aguma said as he puts up the scythe in question, which looks like it belongs with the Grim Reaper. “Whoa, the Scythe of Kronos,” Andromeda said. “Aguma defiantly has the power of the Star Fragment, and he channeled it into that scythe,” Anubis said, as Leone begins to growl in anger. “I’m sorry, Leone,” Taurus apologetically said. “It sucks!” Leone snapped. “I should’ve known that from the start! Then I wouldn’t have lost to a punk like you!” Leone said, making Aguma smirk. “So, all that remains for the greatest tag-team tournament in the whole world, Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù, is the final round,” the announcer said. “So, lets check out the teams, shale we?” He said as the screen on the blimp shows Andromeda, Anubis, Bao and Aguma, while the crowd cheers in anticipation. “The Andromeda/Anubis team verses the Bao/Aguma team, and, where is the epic duel take place, you ask?” The announcer said as he strikes a gong, signaling some pegasi and griffins to create a hole in the clouds above an ancient temple in the mountains, with statues of dragons wrapped around two pillars, guarding the entrance. “The starting point of all Chinese martial arts, the mysteries, legendary Bayan Martial Arts Hall.” “There’s a temple all the way up there?” A surprised Peach Cobbler asked, while Mei-Mei and Chao Xin stare at the temple in awe. “Shaolin Temple, Praying Mantis style, White Crane style,” Chao Xin suddenly said. “It is an ancient and sacred temple,” Mei-Mei added. “It’s from there that all Chinese martial art styles were born.” “Bayan,” Dashan said in a low voice. “It’s legendary grounds. Chin-yun wanted to fight there so badly.” “Too bad you lost then, huh?” Bao said to Dashan and Chin-yun. “But that figures, since the light from the sky chose the Shaolin Fist to visit. It ignored Shaolin Temple, isn’t that right?” “At that point, our score with your sad little school was settled. Now, the ones we must to defeat have nothing to do with you people. We only care about those who have the same power of light.” Aguma added, making Dashan and Chin-yun growl in anger. “You all should watch quietly. Maybe you can learn something as we defeat Andromeda, which your school was unable to do. The Hundred Schools of Shaolin Fist will claim the tittle of the best of the best!” “We came from the same style, originally,” Bao pointed out as he and Aguma make their way toward the helicopter. “So, feel free to cheer for us, boys,” Bao finished with a laugh. “I really don’t like those guys,” Chin-yun said as he and Dashan glare at Aguma and Bao. “Dashan. Chin-yun,” Andromeda said, worried about her friends. “Come on, let's go, Miss Andromeda,” Anubis said, reminding Andi of the final round. “Oh, yeah,” Andromeda said as she and Anubis head for their helicopter. “Rock on!” The announcer suddenly said. “You don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime duel! Come one and all to the battleground!” He said as two blimps place themselves in front of the two groups of spectators. “Do we really have to move again?” Radiance asked, trying not to sound like a drama queen like her mother. “Meow! This is getting very interesting,” Johannes said to Motti. “Gotta scurry to get the best seats! Meow!” Motti excitedly said as the board the blimp first. A few minutes later, the helicopters and the blimps are approaching the temple. “Well, after surviving the first 4 rounds, two teams of heroes have traveled up the entire Yellow River and are about to pass though the Gate to Glory,” the announcer said, as the 5 vehicles pass by the dragon pillars. “The question is: which team will win this match and claim the crown of victory?” He asked as the helicopters land in the temple, while the blimps land just outside the gate. The spectators then quickly get to their seats to see the match between the Andromeda/Anubis and the Aguma/Bao team. “Let’s get this final match started and find out!” The announcer said in his room, as he rings a gong. The crowed then screams in both excitement and anticipation, as Andromeda and Anubis wait in one of the two waiting areas, Bao and Aguma waiting in the other on the other side of the temple. “The Hundred Schools of Shaolin Fist’s Aguma, and his Scythe of Kronos,” Andromeda said. “We finally found him. The fifth Legendary Warrior,” Anubis added. “True,” a familiar voice said from behind. They turn around and see Dashan and Chin-yun walking up to them. “But I don't think they would just listen to what you have to say, Andromeda.” “Dashan? Chin-yun?” “Their hearts are filled with the desire for revenge against the Shaolin Temple,” Dashan pointed out. “But you two defeated Chin-yun and Dashan in our tag-team match. Now they’re completely focused on defeating you in battle.” “Shaolin Fist, they’re thinking of only winning this tournament, and making their power known all over the world, it’s all they care about. We know you don’t like to fight, Andromeda, but what do you plan to do?” Dashan asked. “I know they won’t listen,” Andromeda said. “That is, until I fight them, but they will listen when the match is done, whether I win or not.” “I figured you would say that,” Dashan replied. “But be careful, Andromeda. As you know, the techniques taught at Shaolin Tempe are for protection, based on preventing enemy assaults at all cost.” “On the other hand, Shaolin Fist’s power is specialized for the soul purposes of defeating enemies, making them an attack centric style. They’re a band of outlaws who objected to the protective style of Shaolin Temple and revolted,” Chin-yun added. “Defeating Leone in a single attack proves that Aguma is extremely powerful with magic.” “And if he was able to defeat so many on his own, Bao’s power must be great as well, possibly being able to rival Celestia’s,” Dashan noted. “Keep your guard up, okay?” “We will,” Andromeda said. “Shaolin Temple will have this settled.” “Were counting on you, Andromeda,” Dashan said, as Chin-yun looks toward Anubis. “Got it.” “And Anubis, were counting on you too, okay? Please, help beat those guys out there.” Chin-yun said to the Diamond Dog. “Huh? Mister Chin-yun…” Anubis tried to say, only for a ringing gong to stop him. “Hot rocks, yeah baby! Here come the two teams!” The announcer said. “Let’s go, Anubis,” Andromeda said. “Yeah!” Anubis said as the two head out for the stadium. “Good luck, guys,” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun head up to the stands. “The first to arrive is the Andromeda/Anubis team!” The announcer said as Andromeda and Anubis stop near the edge of the stadium. “You can do it Andromeda! You too, Anubis!” The Pie twins called from the stands. “We’re all behind you, guys! Go get ‘em!” Mei-Mei added. “And now, the Bao/Aguma team arrives!” The announcer said as Bao and Aguma walk out to the other end of the football size stadium. “We got the best seats ever! Meow!” Motti said as she drinks some soda, while Johannes eats some dumplings. “Just remember: they're not litter boxes,” Johannes said. “And check this out, friends! The stadium for the final match!” The announcer suddenly said as he rings the gong again, as red walls emerge from the ground. “The Red Wall Work of Martial Art Genius!” “Red Wall what?” Tempest asked when he and the others see the maze-like structure. “Red walls block the path through the stadium like a maze,” the announcer continued. “You may chose to use the walls in your fight, or try to get through them quickly and fight in the space in the center. Strategy is the key to this match!” “Our new enemies, an alicorn and a Diamond Dog, both of them have the same power of light,” Aguma noted, glade that the walls are preventing both of the two teams from seeing or hearing each other. “Let’s show no mercy,” Aguma added as he pulls out his scythe, already planing on how to win. “Andromeda, ma’am, what should we do?” Anubis asked. “Those walls don’t look very strong,” Andromeda noted. “So it would be easy for us to blast them apart. However…” “The enemy is two martial arts guys who specialize in attacking,” Anubis pointed out. “Your right,” Andromeda said. “There’s no doubt that they would start attacking fiercely right away.” “Time to get it on!” The announcer suddenly said. “3 … 2 … 1 … GO!” At that, the two teams quickly enter the maze, ready for the match. “Andromeda, you know what to do, right?” Leone said in the stands, near the others. “Don’t lose now, you’ve come to far.” “Follow me, Anubis,” Andromeda said. “Check,” Anubis said as the two navigate the maze without much difficulty. “The Andromeda/Anubis team is racing through the maze with great efficacy,” the announcer said, as he looks over to the other end of the stadium. “What about their opponent, the Bao/Aguma team?” “Flash attack!” Bao shouted as the crimson flash appears jumping from one wall to the other, and sees Andromeda and Anubis below him. “Found you!” Bao said as he charges down and sends the two against one of the walls. “What the?” Andromeda asked as she and Anubis get back up, slightly dizzy. “Rickshaw! The crimson flash catches both Andromeda and Anubis off guard!” The announcer commented. “There’s no need for Aguma to fight!” Bao said to Andromeda and Anubis. “I will win this duel myself!” Bao said as he charges at the two, the crimson flash not far behind. “Keep dreaming, flash boy!” Anubis said as he stops Bao right in his tracks. “Leave this to me, okay?” Anubis said to Andromeda as he pushes Bao back several feet. “You hurry on ahead.” “I’m counting on you, Anubis,” Andromeda said as she continues through the maze, and eventually makes it to the center. “While Anubis bravely holds off Bao, Andromeda quickly escapes the maze,” the announcer said. “But is she safe?” “Where is he?” Andromeda asked herself. “Where’s Aguma hiding?” Tempest asked. “He can’t use his wings, no matter what kind of maze you're in, so where is he?” “Over there!” Rainbow said as dust appears at one of the walls, accompanied by the screaming of Aguma as he bursts through the other walls with ease, and catches Andromeda off guard, who’s barley able to get out-of-the-way as he slashes his scythe down, creating a 5 foot long crack in the ground. “Oh snap! Aguma uses sheer force to break through the walls in his path!” The announcer said as Aguma tries to slash Andromeda. “And now Aguma’s slashing at Andromeda with that amazing power,” he added, as the crowd cheers for both, as Aguma and Andromeda’s aura appears as they hold each other off. “Aguma’s endless waves of attacks pushes Andromeda back little by little. Is the match over already?” He said as Andromeda is pushed against the wall. “Andromeda!” Tempest nearly yelled. “What are you doing out there?” Chao Xin asked. “Hang in there!” Radiance added. “Just chill out,” Leone suddenly said, as the others curiously look at him. “Something like that won’t beat Andromeda, no way. Just watch,” Leone said as he and the others watch. Right then, Andromeda knocks Aguma’s scythe out of his grip with a well-timed air blast. “What?” A shocked Aguma asked. “Ha! I expected you to use your strength like that,” Andromeda said as she conjures up a sword for her to use. “I was saving my strength for when that happened. There’s no way I’ll lose to anyone now!” Andromeda said as Aguma picks up his scythe. She then charges at Aguma and uses her sword to knock the scythe out of Aguma’s hand, and then she bucks him against the wall, making the crowd cheer. “Whoa yeah! Dig it! Andromeda has actually thrown Aguma’s attack right back in his face!” The announcer said. “Wow,” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun take seats behind Mei-Mei and Chao Xin. “Dashan! Chin-yun!” A surprised Mei-Mei said. “Looks like they listen to mine and Dashan’s warning after all. Andromeda is doing pretty well out there, and she sure is holding her own.” “Uh huh,” Dashan began to say. “By using power to break through the walls right away, Aguma messed up. He has used up his strength unnecessarily,” Dashan added as Andromeda fires a powerful blast of air at Aguma, enough to leave behind a griffin shaped impression in one of the red walls. “Ha! It wouldn’t be fun if you couldn't fight,” Aguma said as he meets Andromeda’s next attack. The two begin to clash fiercely as the give off sparks that look like explosions from both their blades, and their heated warriors spirits. “Well, now! Andromeda and Aguma clash with all out attacks!” The announcer said as everyone in the stands looks on in awe. “This is a duel! This is a heated battle! In this birthplace of all Chinese martial arts, Bayan, where we witnessed the origin of the magic duel!” “Go get ‘em, Andromeda! Crush him now!” Leone called out from the stands. “That’s right! One more hit!” Taurus added. “Mewow. Impressive,” Johannes said. “Incredible, meow,” Motti added. “Whoa! I’m getting fired up! There, go hard! Don’t give in, either one of you!” The announcer suddenly said as he does varies kung fu stances, cheering for both Andromeda and Aguma. “One thing’s for sure: your good,” Andromeda said, sweating and panting. “I guess I can’t take care of you the usual way,” Aguma said, also seating as the announcer collapses. “Looks like both of the competitors have finally started to get tired,” the announcer said as he pulls out a fan and cools himself off. “This would be a great time to get help from their partners, I suppose.” “Andromeda, ma’am!” Anubis said, having overheard. “You stay right where you are! Do you hear me?” Bao suddenly said as he conjures up sword and charges at Anubis with the crimson flash, but it barely hits Anubis as he's pushed back against the wall. “Soy sauce! This time, Bao stops Anubis as he tries to go to Andromeda’s aid! It’s madness I tell ya!” The announcer said as he Anubis manages to escape to a more open area. “You won’t get away that easy!” Bao said as he goes after Anubis. “That’s what you think, flash boy!” Anubis said as he destroys a wall, and buries Bao under it. “Anubis skillfully avoids Bao’s attack, and has trapped him under rubble from the red wall!” The announcer said as Anubis heads to help Andromeda. “And look, Anubis has arrived at the center,” he added as Anubis tackles Aguma, and knocks him back several feet. “Anubis!” A slightly surprised Andromeda said. “Miss Andromeda, now,” Anubis said, with Andromeda knowing what he means. “Okay!” Andromeda said as she does air punches that hit Aguma from above, while Anubis uses his scepter to attack Aguma from below. “All right!” Bismarck cheered from the stands. “Anubis is hittin' Aguma wif uppercut attacks!” “And Andromeda’s attacks from above is working, too!” Tempest added. “Everyone knows that if you get hit from above and below like that, you won’t be able to stand for long.” “That’s true,” Dashan said. “Then why is Aguma still so calm?” “Huh?” Everyone asked as Aguma regains his composure. “This is nothing at all,” Aguma said to himself. “Compared to the hardships we have suffered, this is a walk in a park on a sunny day,” Aguma said as Anubis attacks again, but he just passes by Aguma, as if nothing happened. “What was that?” A surprised and angry Anubis said. Andromeda then fires an air punch at Aguma, but what happened to Anubis repeats with Andromeda. “No way. It just passed by?” A completely stunned Andromeda asked. “What’s going on now?” Chao Xin asked as Radiance pulls out Andromeda’s laptop from her saddlebag. “Their attacks were connecting before.” “Let’s see,” Radiance said as she watches Anubis’ attack in slow motion, and sees something. “Uh oh. According to Andromeda’s computer, Aguma has somehow made several currents of air, making a shield that redirects attacks. He can control air just like Andi.” “Seriously?!” Tempest asked. “Can it be so?” Dashan asked, when he sees Aguma do something familiar. “Hey, what is Aguma doing?” “Hundred Schools of Shaolin Fist Secret Technique: Iron Wall Fist!” Aguma shouted as he takes the stance used for the Solid Iron Wall, shocking the members of Wang Hu Zhong. “No way!” Both Chao Xin and Mei-Mei said, completely stun. “How can the attack style Shaolin Fist be using Shaolin Temple’s secret protective technique?” Chin-yun asked. “Shaolin Temple and Shaolin Fist were originally part of the same school,” Dashan pointed out. “It would’t be that strange for them to have mastered a protective technique as well.” “Andromeda, Anubis, you need to be careful out there!” Tempest shouted from the stands. “Aguma can control the air like you, Andi, and he’s using something like Shaolin Temple's Solid Iron Wall!” “So, he’s planing to wait this out till we get tired. That’s his strategy, is it?” Anubis said. “Don’t group us together with those Shaolin Temple fools,” Aguma suddenly said. “They win only by relying on defense,” Aguma added as the air currents around him begins to speed up, while he gives off an orange aura. “Shaolin Fist can turn this protective technique into attack power, just watch us!” He then does a single, horizontal swipe with his scythe, and a F3 tornado forms. The wind is so strong, that the red walls around them begin to break apart and fly in the air, as Andromeda and Anubis shield their eyes from the piercing wind. “No way!” Leone said when he and Taurus see something familiar about the tornado. “Ugh! Copy Leone’s move, will ya!” An angry Taurus shouted. “Oh come on!” Andromeda said as she opens her eyes. “This doesn't even come close to Leone’s Lion Gale Force Wall. I can easily get through,” Andi said as she charges into the twister toward Aguma. “Bad move, purple puss,” Aguma said as he slaps his hands together while grunting and giving of the orange aura. “Watch, this is the power of Shaolin Fist that surpasses Shaolin Temple. Exploding Fist!” He cried as he spreads out his arms suddenly as the tornado condenses, picking up the broken rocks, which stops Andromeda and send her flying back. She doesn't have much time to recover, as the broken pieces of the walls fly toward her. She barely dodges them, since the rules won’t allow anyone to teleport, even if it’s a small distance. “Oh, no way!” An ecstatic announcer said as he does some wushu stances. “Aguma has turned even the broken pieces of the wall into a weapon. How about that blossoms? Andromeda and Anubis can’t even get close. Protected by a ring of flying rock, Aguma is like the planet Saturn floating in space.” “Enjoying the show?” Aguma asked within the ring, a miracle that the others can hear him over the sound of the wind. “This is the anger we built up throughout the long, bitter days after getting turfed out of the main school. It messes with your head,” Aguma added as the ring slowly expands. “We got to find a way to fight back,” Andromeda said as she and Anubis are pushed against a wall. “This is bad,” Tempest worriedly said. “They’l be pushed out of the arena if they don’t do something,” Peach Cobble added. “Do something fast, Andromeda!” Taurus shouted as Leone growls angrily. “I have to use the Sparkling Tornado,” Andromeda said, making Anubis look at her curiously. “We got to bet it all on that.” “Your right. But, in order to use it, we have to do something about Aguma’s wind, first,” Anubis pointed out, when he gets an idea. “Miss Andromeda, ma’am, please leave that part to me, okay?” “Do it,” Andromeda said, getting a nod from him. “If I use my special move, I can dive under the ring and get to Aguma,” Anubis resend as he runs toward the ring. “Special move: Brave Impact!” Anubis said as he dives under the ring. “What’s this?” Aguma asked as Anubis tackles him, making the ring dissipate. “Aguma’s ring has disappears!” Dashan said, wide-eyed. “Go now, Miss Andromeda!” Anubis said as he tries his best to keep Aguma still. “Right!” Andromeda said as she sprints into a gallop, giving off her yellow aura. “Special move: Sparkling-” “Not so fast! Flash attack!” Bao screeched as his crimson flash stops Andromeda in her tracks. “Give me a break!” Andromeda said as Bao pushes her back. “Do it now, Aguma! Don’t worry about me!” Bao shouted. “But Bao…” Aguma tried to say, only for Anubis to push him back several feet. “I won’t let you, hear me.” Anubis said to the blue and tan griffin, who glares back at him while he gives off his orange aura. “I think it's about time for me to end this,” Aguma said as his eyes begin to glow red. “Special move: Great Ring of Destruction!” Aguma yelled as a pillar of orange light burst up into the sky. In the light, Aguma’s spirit beast, Kronos, appears and does a downward slash, causing a blinding light to appear as Anubis, Andromeda and Bao scream as they are sent flying from the shockwave, while 4 gashes in the floor of the temple spread out, forming a perfect X of destruction. An explosion then happens, filling the space with black smoke. “Whut in tarnation happened? Ah can’t see a thin,’” Bismarck asked as the smoke slowly begins to dissipate. The first thing they see is Aguma, in the center of the arena. They then see Andromeda, Anubis and Bao laying on the ground, all outside of the arena. “Unbelievable!” The announcer said. “At the very end, Aguma delivers a massive attack that even takes out his partner. The winner of the greatest tag-team tournament in the whole world, Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù, has been decided: it's the Bao/Aguma team, yeah!” He finished as the entire crowd goes wild, all of them oblivious to how important Anubis, Leone, Andromeda and Aguma really are. “Andromeda … she lost,” a completely shocked and angry Tempest said as he and the others stare at the sight. “We did it Aguma,” Bao said as he limbs back to Aguma. “Now what?” “This is the first step,” Aguma said, with Leone hearing everything they say due to his lion hearing. “We must clear away the humiliation we of Shaolin Fist have been subjected to for 2000 years. Our revenge is not complete. We must defeat every style of the martial arts in the entire world.” “Fist Cetus wins, and now Aguma,” Andromeda groaned in both anger and pain as she gets back up along with Anubis. “Why has the Star Fragment chosen to award people like them?” Anubis asked. “Not nice!” Motti said, crying and holding onto one of Johannes’ legs. “Scary, meow!” “Scary? I can defiantly use him,” Johannes said with a sinister smile as he leaves for the stadium floor. Showdown at the Tower of BabylonShowdown at the Tower of Babylon “Unbelievable!” The announcer said. “At the very end, Aguma delivers a massive attack that even takes out his partner. The winner of the greatest tag-team tournament in the whole world, Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù, has been decided: it's the Bao/Aguma team, yeah!” He finished as the entire crowd goes wild, all of them oblivious to how important Anubis, Leone, Andromeda and Aguma really are. “Andromeda … she lost,” a completely shocked and angry Tempest said as he and the others stare at the sight. “We did it Aguma,” Bao said as he limbs back to Aguma. “Now what?” “This is the first step,” Aguma said, with Leone hearing everything they say due to his lion hearing. “We must clear away the humiliation we of Shaolin Fist have been subjected to for 2000 years. Our revenge is not complete. We must defeat every style of the martial arts in the entire world.” “Fist Cetus wins, and now Aguma,” Andromeda groaned in both anger and pain as she gets back up along with Anubis. “Why has the Star Fragment chosen to award people like them?” Anubis asked. “Not nice!” Motti said, crying and holding onto one of Johannes’ legs. “Scary, meow!” “Scary? I can defiantly use him,” Johannes said with a sinister smile as he leaves for the stadium floor, as Aguma and Bao leave for their helicopter. There, they get on, not noticing that Johannes is not far behind them. “I can’t forget about my responsibilities now, can I?” The cat-colt thing said as he pulls out a light brown cat from his cloak. “I’m counting on you, little cutie,” Johannes said as he puts the cat on the ground. It then runs toward the copter and gets on right as the door closes. The pilot then starts the engine, making the propeller blades, making it take off, which everyone else takes notice of. “What the? AHHHHH!” The announcer screamed when he sees the helicopter, with Bao and Aguma in it, takes off and leaves. “Oh no!” Anubis said as Wang Hu Zhong, nothing they can do to stop it. “They split?” Dashan asked. “Wait! Aguma, Bao, we have a trophy and coupons for you!!! Come back,” the announcer finished as the copter disappears from sight. “We finally find a Legendary Warrior, and he leaves,” Anubis said as he and the others look on. ================================================================== Later, at the Shaolin Temple, Andromeda and the others are in the dinning room, resting from the fight with Aguma, wondering. “I wonder where those two took of too?” Andromeda asked as Flora bandages her left-wing. “We have no idea, and there’s been absolute no sign of them,” Chao Xin said. “Shaolin Temples 4000 year old information network is tracking them, too,” Chin-yun added. “We haven't gotten any useful information yet at all,” Mei-Mei added. “So, what do you intend to do now, Andromeda?” Dashan asked. “There’s only one thing to do,” Andromeda began to answer. “Aguma is a Legendary Warrior, that’s what we know for sure.” “Okay then, now we have to find him somehow, and get him to listen to us,” Anubis said. “And before that power is handed over … It must not be given to the evildoers.” “But how are you going to find him?” Mei-Mei asked. “How do you expect to find guys who can’t even been found by all of Shaolin Temple’s resources combined?” Chao Xin added. “We check the tournaments,” Leone said from the other end of the room. “Leone?” Andromeda asked. “It doesn't matter where those chumps have gotten to. I overheard that Aguma guy said that they need to defeat every martial artist of every style around the world,” Leone pointed out. “You haven’t forgotten that, have you?” “Oh, yeah!” Taurus suddenly said. “Good call.” “So, in order to do that, it makes sense to join in on a lot of duels somewhere,” Anubis deducted. “And, we still have to search for the remaining Legendary Warriors anyway,” Radiance pointed out. “Leone is one,” Taurus said as he counts the known Legendary Warriors so far, “Andromeda, Cetus, Anubis and now Aguma. So that means there are still 5 Legendary Warriors left somewhere around the world.” “Sounds like a plan to me,” Tempest said with a smile. “Yep,” Rainbow added. “So, we just keep going to all the big tournaments around the world, we’ll run into them eventually,” Andromeda said. “And, when I find Aguma again, he’s going down!” Leone finished with determination in his eyes. “Next time I’ll make sure he knows who's the strongest in the world.” “That is not what the power we possessed is for at all! You know that!” Anubis firmly said. “The purposes is for this: the power of the fragment is to stop the revival of Nemesis.” “That’s not my problem,” Leone said, surprising Anubis. “Hey, Andi, are there any big tournaments they would be likely to appear in?” “Let me check,” Andromeda said as she pulls out her laptop from her saddle bag and opens it. “Oh!” A surprised Andromeda said when she sees that she has mail. “I got an e-mail, from Julian Konzern.” “Julian? The leader of Team Excalibur, the European representative team?” Rainbow asked. ================================================================== In the Chinese desert, the Shaolin Fist, composed of 3 unicorns and 3 griffins, not counting Aguma and Bao, are tracking through a sandstorm, with the two leading. “We finally did it, Aguma,” Bao said. “Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù was a big win,” Aguma added. “Now, Shaolin Temple isn’t a threat anymore.” Suddenly, Bao turns around and removes his clocks hood. “Listen up! From now on, we will launch an assault against the world!” Bao said to the other Shaolin Fist. “We will tighten our ranks even more. Shaolin Fist will become the strongest in the world, understood?” “Yeah!” They all said. “And then, all through the martial art world, Shaolin Fist will be the leader, do you hear me?” Bao added. “Yeah!” They all said. “Martial arts all over the world, it would answer to us forever!” Bao finished. “Yeah!” “Humph! Ha-ha-ha!” “Huh? Who’s there?” Bao asked when he heard the laugh. “Never mind,” the voice said as the Shaolin Fist searches for its origin. “I have an offer that you would want to hear. Are you in the mood to listen?” “There!” Bao shouted as he fires a laser at some boulders. They then see someone jump from behind the boulder and land in front of them. He’s wearing a large white cap with a yellow cross-like symbol covering most of his dark spiky hair and his right eye, along with a silver chain-like necklace and a white cloak with yellow symbols like on his cap with brown boots, but his most striking feature are his wide yellow eyes with feline pupils. It’s Johannes. “Oh my,” Johannes said when he lands. “That wasn’t nice.” “Be quiet!” Aguma demanded. “I recognize you!” Bao said. “You fought with that Leone guy in the quarterfinals. How’d you find us?” Bao asked, only for the cat to meow behind him, before it runs up to Johannes and jumps onto is back. “Aww, yeah. Good girl. You did well,” Johannes said as he rubs the cat's head. “I don’t know who you are, cat,” Aguma began to say. “But we have no intention of speaking with you. So, leave right now!” “Too late!” Bao said as he fires at Johannes, only for the cat-colt to deflect with his magdrillium sword. “Annoying,” Johannes commented. “The thing is, I didn’t come here to fight you, okay? So just listen to what I have to say.” “And why should we listen to you at all?” Bao asked. “Because, what I have to say is about the light that fell from the sky. Get me?” Johannes said. “What?” Both Aguma and Bao asked. “Now then, you do want to know why that light from the sky. That would make sense, right? I don’t think you'll be sorry if you listen to me.” Johannes said. “What do you think, Aguma?” Bao asked. After thinking for a few moments, Aguma has an answer. “Fine then, we’re listening.” “Hmmm, excellent choice.” Johannes said as the cat on his back takes a nap. Okay, one warrior down, 8 more to go. ================================================================== Meanwhile, in the Babylonian desert, in an arena with a 7 story tower… “Welcome to one hot tournament: the Babylon Tower Duel Royal!” A unicorn announcer suddenly said, as most of the competitors cry out due to anticipation. “We have waited a long time for this day, for this hour, when a new miracle has appeared right here, the birthplace of the Mesopotamian civilization! A mysteries light entered the sword, known as the Treasure of Ancient Babylonia. The legendary sword has been revived at last!” “Yeah!” All the competitors shouted. “This Babylon Tower Royal is necessary to decide the one worthy to wield the legendary sword,” the announcer added. “When I say ‘start,’ the participants will all run up the tower. While the climb is easy, you’ll have to do it while dueling and/or racing the other competitors. The one who reaches the top first will earn the right to duel the Babylonian Warrior waiting there! So then, if they are able to win against the great Babylonian Warrior, they would be recognized as the new Babylonian Warrior worthy of the legendary sword. Yes, the Treasure of Babylonia, the legendary sword, will become yours!” “Yeah! I’m gonna do it!” Someone among the competitors said. “Fat chance! I’m gonna win this thing!” Someone else said. “A true Babylonian treasure, and the legendary sword, huh?” A pegasus with a pale blue coat, a brilliant orange and amber mane that looks on fire, brilliant orange eyes, and a flaming lightning bolt for a cutie mark that is shown on his Wonderbolt suit. It’s Firestorm. “Well, if it is true, then the light residing in that treasured sword is surely from the Star Fragment. If I get that sword, that power will be mine.” “What drama! Who will be the one to win this fierce survival battle and claim the Babylonian Treasure?” The announcer asked. “And the battle will right about -- Huh?” He suddenly said when he sees a male changeling, only with of blue hair and eyes, around the same size as Chrysalis, with the same eyes and gapes in his legs, walk through the crowd up to the front. Once in main view, the announcer sees that he has a cutie mark, the constellation Cetus, meaning only one thing. “Cetus?” A surprised Firestorm said when he saw the King of Blue Changelings. “What? It’s the fabled king of the Blue Changeling horde: Cetus himself!” The announcer said, just as shocked as Firestorm and the other competitors are. “Does this mean that the Blue Changeling King is to take part also? This tournament has reach a whole other level, baby!” Cetus, Firestorm thought to himself. I’ve heard of him, the King of Blue Changelings. So he followed the rumor that a light entered the sword known as the Babylonian Treasure, too. “Huh?” He suddenly said when he sees a young unicorn colt in a red cape with a large blue and yellow pony logo on it, and wearing a wide brim hat, covering his face, standing next to Cetus. “Is that … Could it be…” “Snap out of it, people!” The announcer suddenly said, getting everyone's attention. “Let’s get this party started! The Babylon Tower Duel Royal is on! Three … two … one … Go, run for it!!!!” At that, all the competitors run into the tower, quickly getting up the first floor. “Run, run, run, the competitors scramble to be first as they climb up Babylon Tower at full speed. Huh? Wait, one competitor, Cetus, has not move from the starting point. Just what is the Sea Emperor up too?” The announcer asked, as Firestorm stops for a moment and looks at the blue changeling. “I wonder, too. But there’s no time to waste,” Firestorm said as he continues running. However, he barely dodges a magic blast from a unicorn competitor, but several griffins and pegasi behind him aren't as lucky. An boulder then falls behind Firestorm, cutting off most of the other competitors. “None shall pass!” An earth pony said to Firestorm as he runs up. “Get him!” A pegasus said to a unicorn next to them, who fires at the Wonderbolt. The blast creates plenty of dust that obscures their view, but they believe they got him. “Your toast!” The unicorn said, only to be proven wrong when Firestorm flies out of the smoke. “Mommy!” All three of them said. “Hey, I think that pegasus dude is … Firestorm!” The stunned earth pony said as Firestorm picks up speed. “Firestorm and a changeling king, together!?” “There’s no way we can win against even Firestorm, he’s Soarin’ and Spitfire’s son!” The pegasus said. “We’re just not worthy!” The unicorn added as Firestorm spins, creating a tornado that sends the three flying. “That was too easy. Time to fly!” Firestorm said as he continues up the tower, still having 3 stories to go. Suddenly, he sees an explosion on the level above. “What was that?” He asked as he climbs up, and sees that the young unicorn colt in a red cape with a large blue and yellow pony logo on it and wearing a wide brim hat, has defeated 4 older unicorns. “Run for it!” A unicorn said to the others when he notices Firestorm. The four cowardly unicorns then flee, as Firestorm approaches the colt. “Who are you?” Firestorm asked. The colt then takes off his hat, showing his lavender coat, midnight-blue mane, and magenta eyes. “So, it is you after all, Orion.” “What are you doing here, Firestorm?” Orion asked. “That’s my line, Orion. Why didn’t you go with your sister and the others to search for the other Legendary Warriors, huh?” “Things changed.” “Dose your sister, mother or any of the others know what you're doing?” “Sort of. I have to become really strong, Firestorm. There’s someone I need to take me seriously. It’s Cetus.” “Huh? Why Orion?” “Because, he’s a Legendary Warrior like Andromeda. I decided to be useful to her and the others in my own special way. Like this,” Orion said, remembering his conversation with Cetus that night. ================================================================== “It does, too! Andromeda and the others need your strength!” “Just give it up!” “I’ll just keep asking over and over again until you say yes. Do you hear me? I’ll follow you forever if I need to!” “Why are you willing to go so far with this?” “Because this is all I can do, now! This is the support I can give them, with all my might and strength!” Orion said. “Then challenge me, kid,” Cetus said, breaking the silence. “No matter what time it is, or where we are,” Cetus added, making Orion gasp in surprise. “Weather were eating or sleeping, can you actually force me to take you seriously.” “Cetus.” ================================================================== “That’s what he said,” Orion said to Firestorm. “Cetus said that if I can make him get series, he will listen to my request.” “Cetus said that, huh?” “That’s why I need something with the power of the Star Fragment, so I’ll be stronger. And I will get it, even if I have to go through you, Firestorm,” Orion finished, with Firestorm seeing the determined look in Orion’s eyes. “So be it,” Firestorm said, breaking the few moments of silence. “I understand why you want this. But all the same, Princess Celestia entrusted me with this investigation, and I have not given up on becoming a Legendary Warrior, myself. So, we both know that this Treasure of Babylonia, this sword that possesses a mysteries light inside is our goal. We’re gonna have to fight for it.” “I’m not afraid!” Orion said as he charges a spell and fires at Firebrand, who jumps above it, and sees the ground below him has been covered by ice for five feet in all directions. “Ice magic?” Firebrand asked. “When did you learn -- Whoa!” He said as he dodges another ice beam, which creates a pillars of ice. “Where’d you learn to do that?” “When following a changeling, you pick up a thing or two,” Orion answered as he prepares another ice beam. “Check it out!” The announcer said as they watch the fight on a plasma screen. “Firestorm and the caped colt are holding nothing back!” “Whoa! That colt in the bad cap is using ice magic.” A spectator said. “That little unicorn is good,” another spectator said. “Meanwhile, the other competitors are still booking to toward the top floor,” the announcer added. “Humph!” Cetus suddenly said as he calmly walks toward the tower. “Whoa! Cetus is on the move!” The announcer said when he notices Cetus heading toward the tower. “With the delicate steps of a woodland creature, he walks toward Babylon Tower. But will he be able to catch up to the other competitors now?” “That’s not bad, Orion,” Firestorm said after he avoids another ice beam. “I’ll finish this right now,” Firestorm said as he jumps, tricking Orion to freeze the wall above them. Firestorm than bucks the weakened wall, causing debris to fall as he uses it as cover. “Not good,” Orion said as he dodges the falling rock the best he can. Orion then briefly sees Firestorm’s shadow above a boulder. “There you are, Firestorm!” Orion shouted as he fires at the boulder with a normal laser, but Firestorm isn’t behind it. “What!?” “Up here,” Firestorm said. “You know what comes next, the Tornado Buster!” Firestorm said as he spins, engulfing him in a tornado. “The Wonderbolts unbeatable technique that was created so the original 13 Wonderbolts can escape from Tartarus 50 years ago,” Orion said as a red glow surrounds him. “I won’t lose!” Orion said as he creates a shield made of both magic and ice appears in between him and Firestorm. The shield is able to stop Firestorm’s attack dead in his tracks, shocking Firestorm as he regains his composer. “No way! He’s so different from the Orion I'm used to seeing. How did he get so strong and learn such advanced spells in such a short time,” Firestorm said as he flies around, and tackles the colt into the wall. “Sorry, Orion,” Firestorm said as he backs off a bit as Orion gets to the ground. “But I win, and you didn’t stop the Tornado Buster, it was just a fluke,” he added as he runs up to tower again. “That took longer then I thought, I’m late.” “After defeating the kid with the cape, Firestorm races forward,” the announcer said as the screen shows what’s going on at the top of the tower. “He may be too late as the remaining competitors have already begun a fierce fight on the top floor.” “Takes this!” “That tickled.” Two of the 11 competitors said. Suddenly, the floor below them collapses, as a giant, blue glowing sea serpent bursts out. “What is that?” The announcer asked as Firestorm reaches the top floor. “What now?” Firestorm asked as the serpent disappears. And once the smoke clears, showing Cetus standing there, giving off his blue colored aura, which soon disappears. “Cetus!” “So, it’s you, Firestorm.” Cetus said, having heard of the Wonderbolt prodigy. “Get lost. I won’t hand over the Star Fragment to anyone.” “I wasn’t asking,” Firestorm said to Cetus. “I’m taking the Star Fragment.” “Take this instead!” Cetus said as he fires a blast of water at Firestorm. “What was that?” Firestorm asked. “The power of the Star Fragment, that’s what,” Cetus said to Firestorm. “The what?” “In the face of my reborn power, you're the same as a little baby jellyfish; your absolutely nothing!” Cetus said to Firestorm as he creates a small tornado. “But why?” Firestorm asked. “You already have so much power, and a pice of the Star Fragment, why are you trying to get more power of the Star Fragment, anyway?” “No reason.” “Say what?!?!” “There can only be one strongest being in this world. The Sea Emperor just is the Sea Emperor! I will claim all the power in the world, even the Elements of Harmony! That’s the deal!” “Changeling of all colors do have a thing in common: they all got a screw loose! I won’t allow it!” Firestorm said as he takes to the air. “I’m done playing, Firestorm,” Cetus said as he creates icicles and fires them at Firestorm, only for him to climb higher into the sky. “I’m gonna stop you, with the unbeatable technique created so the original 13 Wonderbolts can escaped Tartarus: the Tornado Buster!” Firestorm said as he’s engulfed by a tornado. “Nonsense!” Cetus said as he begins to use his blue Legend Aura while water spouts appear around him. “This so called ‘Tartarus’ they saw is nothing compared to what we changelings have gone through living in a world of complete, utter darkness! Special move: Sea Emperor Supreme Flight!” He screeched as his spirit beast, the sea monster Cetus, emerges from him and destroys the Tornado Buster, grabs Firestorm, and then slams him down onto the floor with enough force that the entire tower shakes. “Amazing,” Firestorm said, wide-eyed, as Orion arrives. “The power of the Star Fragment.” “Firestorm, you okay?” Orion asked as Firestorm gets out of the hole. “I will be. I’m just glade that the Wonderbolt suite protects the wearer from extreme injury.” Firestorm said as he weakly gets out, while Cutes turns toward the small room that holds both the Babylonian Warrior and the Treasure of Babylonia. “Come on out!” Cetus demanded. “Your ridicules game is over, now. Don’t make me come in there!” Suddenly, a scrawny griffin in gold-colored plastic armor comes running out, screaming, before he trips and falls to the ground. “Stop!” He said. “Please, wait -- A changeling king and Firestorm, too!? I wasn’t told that anyone like you two would be participating in this thing today.” “And you are?” Cetus asked. “The Babylonian Warrior?” Orion guessed. “Yes,” the griffin admitted. “But I was only asked to play the part of the warrior in order to make this tournament more exciting. I’m just some weather captain from a small town in the country side. I’m not anything who could possibly beat you two.” “That’s just sad,” Firestorm said. “So, then what about the Treasure of Babylonia with the mysteries light inside?” Orion asked. “Oh, you mean this?” The griffin said as he shows them a gold covered sword. “It’s just a plastic sword that’s used for the trophy of the tournament. If you want, I can give--” But before he could finish, he drops the sword. It lands near Cetus’ hoofs, where Cutes crushes it under one of his hoofs. “Why you!” Cetus angrily said to the now terrified griffin. “Cetus, don’t do it!” Orion said as Cetus’ Legend Aura appears. “You have wasted a lot of my time!” Cetus said in a demonic tone as his Legend Aura appears. On the ground, the spectators see an explosion at the top of the tower, and see the sea serpent emerge from the tower, before it goes right through the tower, causing it to collapse, while anyone who can runs from the tower. As the smoke begins to clear, Cetus walks out of the rubble, soon followed by Orion and Firestorm. “Cetus! Wait for me, Cetus!” Orion said as he puts on his Wonderbolt goggles he got from Tempest for his birthday. “Wait. Orion!” Firestorm said, making Orion stop for a moment. “Are you still planing to go with him? Even now? He’s so powerful, there’s no way you can catch up to him. He’s just too dangerous.” “It's okay, Firestorm.” Orion said as he turns toward him. “Just leave Cetus to me, Firestorm. Oh, and please don’t tell mom, Andromeda or the others anything about this, you hear? I don’t want to cause them any unnecessary worry about me.” “Orion … are you sure?” “Okay, I have your word,” Orion quickly said as he puts on the hat and runs after Cetus. “Orion!” A bewildered Firestorm said, but the young unicorn colt just ignores him as he runs after Cetus, while the announcer and the griffin that played the Babylonian Warrior crawl out of the rubble. Firestorm then sighs as he realizes he needs to get moving. ================================================================== Back in China, at an airport, the group are about ready to leave, with Wang Hu Zhong saying their goodbyes. “See ya,” Tempest said to Wang Hu Zhong when they heard that their flight will take off soon. “Yes,” Dashan said. “Be carful, okay?” “The Shaolin Fist search will be our first priority. So don’t worry about that,” Mei-Mei added. “If we find anything, we’ll contact you right away.” Chao Xin added. “Thanks, guys,” Andromeda said. “Back to business.” Leone suddenly said as they head for their terminal. “Think it’s true? The idea that they found a lead on a Legendary Warrior in Greece? Is Julian even right?” “All we can do is go and see for ourselves,” Andromeda said as they board the plane. “And this time, I won’t let he or she get away.” Andromeda added as they take their seat, with Tempest and Flora sitting next to her, as she looks out the window, seeing the plane beginning to take off. Wait for us, Legendary Warrior number 6. The Crystal TeamThe Crystal Team In the thick Mexicolt jungle, Johannes is leading the Shaolin Fist through. “Just where, exactly, are you taking us, pal?” An annoyed Bao asked. “Just keep quiet and follow me.” Johannes said as they approach a clearing. “Look, you can see it now.” Johannes said as they see an ancient Mayan temple. “So, boys, this is it. There’s a unicorn here who can grant your wish.” “In this place?” Aguma asked as Johannes climbs up the stairs, followed by the Shaolin Fist. ================================================================== Once inside, they begin to walk down some sitars, the walls carved with pictures of skulls, lit by torchlight. They eventually reach the bottom, only to find … “A dead end?” Bao asked. “What’s the deal, bub?” Aguma asked. “Oh, there’s no need to panic, my friends,” Johannes said as he presses a picture of something that looks like an Element of Harmony. It then pushes into the wall, which begins to rise, surprising the Shaolin Fist. “We’ve arrived,” Johannes said as he enters the room. “What’s this?” Bao asked when they see a fissure that separates them from a tunnel that looks like the head of a dragon. In the fissure, 1000 feet below, is a river of magma. Johannes then kneels down, surprising the Shaolin Fist. “I have returned as instructed.” Johannes began to say. “Here is my report: one Legendary Warrior has come with me.” “Well done, Johannes,” a voice suddenly called out from the tunnel. “So, tell us who you are?!” “Come out and show yourself!” Boa and then Aguma demanded. “Soon, a new era will dawn!” The voice suddenly said, causing the Shaolin Fist to gasp in surprise. “However, no matter how bright the dawn, it cannot arrive without the darkness of night,” the voice said as it’s owner, a Unicorn wearing a grey cloak that covers most of his body including his face, with all that can be made out from his face is his nose and his eyes, although they are covered blue goggles, but the most striking feature he has is that his horn in red and curved, shows himself. “History is written by the continuing cycle of destruction and creation. In order to bring about an even brighter history, the Black Sun will repaint this world with darkness! Offer up the power of the light that fell from the sky to the god Nemesis so it may posses the power of the Black Sun and destroy everything!” “The light that fell from the sky?” Bao asked. “Are you saying that you want to use the power we gained?” Aguma asked. “When we enter the new era, we shall make the Hundred Schools of Shaolin Fist will become the main martial art school of the world.” The cloaked unicorn said. “Our Shaolin Fist, you say?” Aguma asked. “This will mean that both the martial arts and the duels of the new era will be centered around the Shaolin Fist.” The clocked unicorn added. “The Shaolin Fist will be at the center of the world itself.” Bao said as Johannes gets up. “Well, that is what you want most of all, is it not?” Johannes asked. “This is all the will of the cosmos,” the clocked unicorn continued. “That is the reason the Star Fragment descended upon this earth!” “Will of the cosmos?” Bao asked. “That’s the reason the light has come?” Aguma asked as he and Bao remember that night. ================================================================== Aguma and Bao are in the desert training during the freezing night. Suddenly, a light appears in the sky, the two looking on is amazement. The two brace themselves when they realize that it’s heading straight for them. Once it hits, they open their eyes, seeing that nothing has happened. But when Aguma looks at his scythe’s blade for a moment, he sees that his eyes are now sparkling. ================================================================== “But what evidence do you have of all that you said?” Aguma asked. “Shaolin Fist greatest desire for 2000 years has been to conquer the world. We cannot lend you our strength without any proof. Hear me?” “That’s right!” Boa added. “If that story is true, then show us some kind of proof.” “If you want proof, concentrate the power of the Star Fragment into your hand and present it to the altar,” the clocked unicorn said. “The Black Sun will respond with the power of light!” “‘The power of light,’ he say?” Boa asked. “So, you already posses the same power of light that we do?” Aguma asked. “What does he need us for, then? I wonder…” “Beats me,” Bao said. “Interesting,” Aguma said as his left hand begins to glow orange. “Tell you what there, buddy, let’s see the power you posses!” Aguma said as he holds out his orange glowing hand to the altar. The unicorn the holds out his arms as the eyes of the tunnel begin to glow with a blinding light, causing the Shaolin Fist members to shield their eyes. They suddenly find themselves out in the middle of space, several galaxies of different sizes and colors around them, with Johannes gone. “What?” Bao asked when he and the others open their eyes. “Where are we?” Aguma asked. Suddenly, a black sun appears and heads right for them, causing them to scream, until the allusion disappears. “Huh?” “Now we have two,” the black unicorn said. ================================================================== In a Greek airport, an earth pony colt with a blue coat, piercing blue eyes, a short brown mane with bangs cover his right eye with a lance for a cutie mark, and a pegasus mare with a white coat, a pale blue wavy long mane, green eyes and a golden heart for a cutie mark are waiting for someone, who they see when they leave a plane from China. “There they are,” the earth pony said. “Andromeda, Tempest, Bismarck, Radiance!” The pegasus said, catching the group's attention. “Wales! Sophie!” An excited Andromeda said as she and the others run toward them. “Really nice for you to came here and meet us.” “It’s been awhile,” Bismarck said as Radiance and most of the others arrive. “How are you guys?” Radiance asked. “Pretty good,” the earth pony, Wales, answered. “That looks heavy. Allow me to carry it.” “Still as formal as ever, huh?” Radiance said as she lets Wales take her heavy bag, while Bismarck glares at the two while Radiance and Bucky laugh a little. “You must be Rainbow Dash, Flora, Peach Cobbler, Bucky, Cherry and Berry Pie,” the pegasus, Sophie, said to the others as Anubis catches up. “That’s us,” Peach said. “Uh, hello, my name is, uh, Anubis,” Anubis nervously said. “Anubis Mizusawa, right?” Sophie asked as she hold out her hoof. “I’m Sophie, we welcome you.” She said as the two shake hoofs/paws. “Hi. It’s very nice to meet you.” Anubis said. “Where’s your general?” Leone asked as he and Taurus catch up. “And Klaus isn’t with you either, I see,” Taurus said. “The two of them have already gone ahead to the site to check it out.” Wales answered. “The Legendary Warrior is there, right?” Andromeda asked. “So you already found him, is that true?” Anubis asked. “Sort of,” Sophie said, not sure how to explain it. “Tell you what, we’ll fill you in on the details on the way, okay?” Wales said to the group, confusing them slightly. ================================================================== Later, the group are on a motor boat, sailing across the Mediterranean Sea toward the smaller islands of Greece. “After being contacted by Princess Celestia, we’ve been using all of the European Unions resources to search for the locations of the Star Fragment.” Wales explained to the group as they have some soda on the boat. “As a result, we were able to confirm that at least one of those lights fell over Europe.” “But, unfortunately, we were unable to find the exact location of where it fell to earth, which was disappointing.” Sophie said. “That’s when we got lucky. We turned to a legend that has been passed down in Greece since olden times from before Celestia and Luna.” “A legend?” Anubis asked. “Yes,” Sophie said as she begins to recount the legend. “‘The savage sword and shield, the cost of their fury was to lose their light and sleep in the Blue Temple.’” “What does that mean?” Taurus asked. “It a legend about two magic relics,” Sophie answered. “It’s from long ago about feared weapons known as the Sword and Shield of the Gods. It was said that once the Legendary Weapons were drawn for battle, they would not stop until they cut down all of their enemies. A warrior who could control that amazingly strong power never appeared, so fearing that they would run wild, it is said that the people sealed it deep within a temple so that no one can ever get a hold of them.” “Two magical artifacts that were sealed away because they were too strong?” Rainbow asked. “That’s nearly like how the Elements of Harmony and the Crystal Heart were hidden away.” “The legend says, be aware of this one fact, it’s important, ‘for when a new light falls the bindings of the gods will be broken again.’” Wales said. “The Sword and Shield of the Gods were hidden away secretly, so no one could come near them again,” Sophie added. “So finding the temple they were sealed in was very difficult and took a long time to track down. We’re heading there now.” “Is that it?” Peach asked as she points toward an island ahead, with a temple on the top of a hill. ================================================================== Later, at the temple, the group are awe-struck by the fact that the temple is destroyed. “This is the Blue Temple?” Tempest asked. “Whut th' hay happened t'it?” Bismarck asked. Suddenly, they see a tall, Italian pegasus stallion with royal blue eyes, a blonde mane that reaches down to his shoulders, a pale purple coat and a slim physique, wearing a red tuxedo with a golden rose for a cutie mark, followed by a green very muscular minotaur with brown hair with light brown highlights in the sides, brown eyes, wearing a bright gold pendant around his neck, a dark green dress shirt under a black jacket with orange designs and a unique belt with several gold buckles. “Julian, Klaus,” Andromeda said, recognizing the two. “Andromeda, I have some bad news for you, I’m afraid.” The pegasus, Julian, said. “We don’t know what happened here,” the minotaur said. “It was totally trashed when we arrived.” “Someone did this?” Tempest asked. “Yes,” Julian answered. “There is no doubt that, before we got here, it seems that someone else must’ve taken the Sword and Shield of the Gods.” “No!” “Not good!” Andromeda and then Anubis both said. “So the Legendary Weapons broke the seal and did this to the temple?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Yes,” Julian answered. “There’s no other explanation.” “But who did it?” Andromeda asked. “Who got their hands on that sword and shield?” “Unfortunately, we do not have that information yet,” Julian said. “What now?” Tempest asked. “It just isn’t fair.” “No sir! And if the legend about the power of the Sword and Shield of the Gods is true, we can’t leave something that dangerous out there in the world.” Anubis added. “But how are we supposed to find it?” Andromeda asked. “The Sword and Shield of the Gods are weapons that enjoy fighting,” Klaus suddenly said. “After awakening from such a long sleep, the Sword and Shield of the Gods must be very hungry for a fight.” “Yes. There is a good chance that the one who took them will appear at a tournament that allows swords where there will be many strong and powerful duelist in attendance.” Julian added. “Your right,” Andromeda said as she pulls out her laptop. “So, are there any big tournament like that happening in this area soon?” Tempest asked. “Let’s see…” Andromeda said as she looks for one. “There are no big tournaments coming up in Europe that I can find here, but how about … Oh! But there is a really big one starting tomorrow called Crystal Dome!” “What did you say?” Leone suddenly asked. “Then we should have just gone there first, not this dump!” “Well, sorry, you highness,” Tempest began to ay in a mocking tone. “But the last time I checked, we came here because the info that Julian had was the most important thing.” Tempest finished, making Leone turn away in anger, as Tempest begins to mumble. “Where is this tournament taking place, anyway?” Flora asked, as she and the others look at Andromeda for the answer. “Oh, uh … it’s a bit far,” Andromeda said, not sure how to say it. “In the Crystal Empire.” “The Crystal Empire!?!?!?” They all asked. ================================================================== “Crystal Dome? Yeah, that’s coming up,” Sagittario said to his cousin and her friends over webcam, while his parents, along with a mare crystal pony with a ruby-red crystal coat, a bright pink mane, sapphire eyes, and a punching bag for a cutie mark, with a stallion crystal pegasus that has a silver crystal coat, a grey mane, gold eyes, and a silver lightning bolt for a cutie mare, standing behind him, with the three in a gym of some kind. “Apparently, the Equestrian and Russian space programs created a special arena they developed in a joint effort, and it’s been completed. So, on the same day as the Crystal Fair, they're celebrating the opening with a big tournament.” “Oh come on!” Tempest shouted. “I wan’t to be in there, too!” “Calm down, Tempest,” Andromeda said. “So, do you know if there are any competitors from Europe? The Legendary Warrior were chasing might have made it there and entered the tournament.” “It’s possible,” Sagittario said. “But ponies from all over the world have come here to be a part of the tournament. I have no idea where each one of them is from. How could I?” “From all over the world!?!?!” Both Tempest and Bismarck shouted. “Eff'n thet’s th' case, then we’re in too!” Bismarck said. “That’s right!” Tempest added. “But it’s too late for you two to do that,” the silver crystal stallion said. “Silver Bolt’s right. The qualifying tournaments are already over.” Sagittario added. “What!?!? No way!!!!” Both Bismarck and Tempest said as he leave the view of the camera, as Bucky, Berry, Rainbow and Radiance go to them. “Thanks.” Anubis said as he gets into view of the camera. “At any rate, we’re gonna head there right away now. See you later.” Anubis finished as he cuts the connection. “That was weird,” the mare crystal pony said. “Got that right, Ruby,” Cadence said. “My cousin has got to have the noisiest people for friends, ever,” Sagittario said. “Oh well,” Silver Bolt said. “Let’s get back to training.” “Yeah!” Sagittario said. “Aim for it: number 1!” “Aim for Destroyer Dome victory, too!” Ruby added. “Sorry, but I will be claiming that victory,” a male voice suddenly said at the entrance of the gym. Shining Armor, Cadence, Sagittario, Ruby and Silver turn toward the door, and see four familiar faces. “Applejack, Rarity, Firestorm and Princess Luna?” Cadence asked when she saw them. “Why are you guys here?” Sagittario asked. “When we heard about the Crystal Dome Tournament at this years Crystal Fair, Celestia asked Firestorm here to attend, and us to be part of the spectators,” Firestorm said. “Hold on, wait, how did you know about the Legendary Warriors, Firestorm?” Sagittario asked. “I’ve been searching for them separately from Andromeda and the others, Celestia asked me to do so herself.” “Oh. So that’s why your all here?” Sagittario asked. “Indeed,” Luna said. “Celestia sent us here because there’s a very good chance a Legendary Warrior would appear at the Crystal Dome event.” “The plan is for me to participate while Rarity, Applejack and Luna watch closely for any potential Legendary Warriors.” Firestorm said. “What a waste of time.” Sagittario said. “A Legendary Warrior has already been found.” “Really?” Applejack asked. “Where is he?” Rarity added. “Right here,” Sagittario answered. “Here? Where?” Firestorm asked, annoying Sagittario. “Heres, where!” Sagittario said as he places a hoof on his chest. “It’s me!” “You?” A bewildered Luna asked. “Sure.” Sagittario continued. “If Andi and Leone both become one, then there’s no way that I wont. Doesn't that make sense?” “Huh?” All four asked. “And the Crystal Dome is the first big tournament since Ruby, Silver Bolt and I formed the Crystal Team, so that all made sense too. The whole thing is lining up absolutely perfectly. If we clash with our heated warrior spirits using all out might, the Star Fragment that I defiantly have will awaken. I have it all figured out, and there’s no flaws in my logic,” Sagittario added, making Firestorm, Applejack, Rarity and Luna stare at him in confusion. “Wait just a minute,” Silver Bolt suddenly said. “In that case, I have the same chance as you, don’t I?” “Me too,” Ruby added. “When it comes to a burning warrior spirit, I won’t lose to anypony!” “Maybe all three of us will awaken together?” Silver Bolt asked. “That would rock!” “Yeah!” Sagittario added. “That would be the best. Aim for number 1!” “Aim to become a Legendary Warrior!” Ruby added. Hmmm … do these guys actually have something here? Firestorm thought to himself. Sounds like crazy talk, but what if their right? Maybe if I duel with Sagittario and his friends, then perhaps I’ll awaken as a Legendary Warrior, too? “Say, Sagittario, I’ve been meaning to asked you, where’s my old armor, sword and shield I gave you?” Shining Armor asked, snapping Firestorm back to reality. “Well, in case you didn’t notice, dad, but I’m not as big and strong as you are, so I’m having Coach Steel modified them in the back.” Sagittario answered. “Modified?” Cadence asked. “He’s using a detailed blueprint I thought long and hard on,” Sagittario continued. “Even an amateur coach like him will be able to do it.” Suddenly, the door at the back of the gym swing open, as an imposing unicorn crystal pony with a dark blue coat, a dull yellow mane, amber eyes, and a dumbbell for a cutie mark angrily busts out with a sheet of paper in his amber-colored magic. “Who’s an amateur coach, Sagittario!?!?” He angrily asked as he walks over to him and the others, making him hide behind his father. “Just because your Shining Armor and Princess Cadence’s son, doesn't mean you can be so ungrateful! Try to imagine what’s it like for me to work form a ‘blueprint’ like this!” The crystal unicorn, Coach Steel, said as he shows them a paper with what looks like doodles, bad ones, on it of Sagittario, the armor, sword, and shield on it, with most of it in a barrage of colors that make it nearly impossible to tell things apart. “Yease,” Firestorm said when he, Applejack, Rarity, and Princess Luna saw the ‘blueprints.’ “Is that even language?” Rarity asked. “So, what is this?” Coach Steel asked Sagittario. “The sword and shield are to change into a bow and arrow, while the sword’s supposed to do this and da-da-da into a ‘super-double-easy-win mode’? Exactly, how am I supposed to modify your old stallions old gear, my friend?” “Ha-ha! That’s just a rough guide, Coach,” Sagittario shyly answered as best as he can. “You can do it anyway you like to, of course. Like you say, it’s the effort that counts. I was just trying my best as always.” “Fine,” Coach Steel said as he backs off a little. “I will do my best to get done your so-called ‘specifications’ for your duel in the Crystal Dome. It’s a good thing you're in the later Block B, that’s all I can say.” “B Block? So I’m in a different block then you are?” Firestorm asked Sagittario. “Aw, you're in A Blok with Ruby and Silver Bolt? So I won’t duel with you,” Sagittario said. “The tournament will be fought battle royal style. So that meant the last three remaining competitors in each block will move on to the finals,” Silver Bolt said. “So, if we want to duel each other, obviously we all have to make it to final round for that to happen.” Sagittario added. “Don’t worry,” Ruby said. “We are defiantly gonna win in the first round.” “Yeah!” Sagittario said, as Shining Armor, Princess Cadence, Rarity, Princess Luna, Applejack and Firestorm chuckle a little. ================================================================== That night on a plane, Andromeda, Bismarck, Radiance, Berry and Cherry, Flora, Tempest, Peach Cobbler, Bucky, Rainbow Dash, Leone and Taurus are in first class seats as they head back home toward Equestria, with Taurus, Bucky, Peach and Leone asleep, while the others, specifically Bismarck and Tempest and shaking in their seats, way too excited for the Crystal Dome event, while Andromeda stares out of her window. “Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! If we take too long, the tournament will start without us!” Tempest said. “I think the stress of traveling has started to get to them,” Radiance said. “Especially for Andromeda,” Flora said as they see Andromeda stare at the constellation Orion, thinking of her brother. “I wonder if we’ll see mom and Orion when we get back?” She asked herself as she gets some sleep for tomorrow. Crystal Dome, Block ACrystal Dome, Block A In the Crystal Empire, at the Crystal Stadium, a crowd has gathered at stadium. In the center, a large, hollow crystal ball, 4 stories in height and width, with four main entrances that can only be accessed by elevator. “Welcome to the one and only Crystal Dome,” a crystal pony mare commentator said at the highest point of the stadium. “This amazing stadium where it is possible to attack from all 360°. There are no exits and no stadium outs, so the duel must end when one participant strikes the point on a special vest that will automatically send the other one out of the Crystal Dome by teleportation. The most dynamic stadium in history is right here, right now! So, get ready to rock n roll, let’s do this thing!” ================================================================== “Duelist participating in A Block, please stand by,” a mare said over an intercom in the waiting area. “Let’s do this,” Silver Bolt said to Sagittario, Shining Armor, Cadence, Ruby, Applejack, Rarity, Firestorm and Princess Luna. “Yeah!” Ruby added. “Sagittario, we’ll be back when we win our way to the final round.” “You bet!” Sagittario said. “I’ll be right behind you guys, okay?” “Good luck then,” Cadence said, while Luna looks down, a feeling of sadness overcoming her as they head out into the hallway, heading for the arena. “Good luck, big brother,” a familiar voice to Firestorm said at the rooms door, and they see Soarin,’ Spitfire and a little filly pegasus that has a brilliant orange coat, a dark blue mane with brilliant orange and amber highlights, emerald-green eyes, without a cutie mark. “Mom, dad, and Blaze!” A mildly surprised Firestorm said. “Why are you here?” “Celestia told us you were here, so we decided to come and cheer you on,” Spitfire answered as her young daughter jumps onto Firestorms back, the two laughing as they leave. “Just remember, we’ll be cheering you on from the stands.” Shining Armor said when they reach the fork in the hallway, one leading to the stadium while the other heads for the stands. “I can’t take it anymore!” A mare down the hallway that leads to the stadium said, catching the group's attention. They see 4 ponies, the two oldest being unicorn stallions, a young pegasus mare, and an earth pony colt. The oldest unicorn has a black mane in dreadlocks with a large read headband, a dark green coat, brown eyes, a thick blue vest, forearm bands on his legs, brown boats and a sledgehammer for a cutie mark. The second oldest unicorn has a brown mane in an afro, a dark green coat, brown eyes, a grey vest, brown boats and a saw for a cutie mark. The third oldest, the pegasus mare, has a short wavy, brown mane, eyes are brown, a dull yellow coat, wearing a small black coat, and a rain cloud for a cutie mark. The youngest, the earth pony colt, has a dark green messy mane, a light brown coat, brown eyes, a green vest, and a shovel for a cutie mark. “We’re not puppets you can control, big bro!” The earth pony colt said. “The Garcias are here?” A shocked Sagittario asked. “Apparently, they got past the qualifying round as well,” an equally shocked Firestorm said. “What’s this then?” The oldest asked. “You two are refusing to listen to me?” “That’s right, big bro,” the colt said. “Say what?” The oldest said while the second oldest gasp in shock. “We lost in the last World Championships, and since teams can’t reenter again after competing, we won’t be able to try again because of you!” The mare said. “We really look like fools to everyone out there.” “We can’t go along blindly with the way you do things anymore, Argo!” The colt said to his oldest brother. “What did you say?” Argo asked. “The Garcias are broken up,” the mare added. “For now on, I will fight for myself.” “Like wise,” the colt said. “See ya!” They both said as they run down the hallway. “Wait! Selen, Enzo!” The second oldest cried as they two turn a corner, ignoring him. “Could the Garcias really be about to split up?” Sagittario asked as he and the others look on bewildered. “It sure looks like it,” Firestorm said. ================================================================== “And now, the moment you all have been waited for!” The commentator said to an excited crowd. “I will introduce the competitors in Block A to you,” she said as a chubby unicorn stallion with a light blue coat and a dark blue mane, a wight for a cutie mark, rides one of the elevator up to the middle platform outside of the dome. “First up is the rough and tumble power wight, Maximus!” “I am Maximus!” The blue unicorn shouted as a pegasus stallion with a blue mane, a yellow coat, wearing a white scarf and three droplets of water for a cutie mark rides another elevator. “Next is the famously handsome pegasus, Blue Spirit!” The announcer said when the elevator Blue Spirit reaches the top as he waves at the crowd. “My scarf is fabulous,” Blue Spirit said. “Who do you think is next?” Rarity asked. “Were about to find out.” Shining Armor said. “The next participant is the amazing … The amazing who? There’s no one on the elevator,” the commentator said when he sees the empty elevator reaches the top. “I guess he or she chickened out,” Sagittario said. Suddenly, an arrow with a zip line attached to it hits the exact center of the elevator, surprising everyone. “Whoa! There’s an arrow, but we can't see the one who owns it.” The commentator said as he looks around the arena, looking for the arrows origin. “I’m right up here, buddy!” Someone suddenly called from the roof of the stadium. Everyone sees a slim unicorn of average height with a light blue coat, a yellow mane in an afro, brown eyes with his left covered by an aiming device. He’s wearing a long white and black coat with many buckles and buttons zipped up to his neck, and a lollipop in his mouth. “He’s there!” The commentator began. “The elusive, extraordinary sniper with anything, Capri Tobin!” The commentator said as Capri hooks a t-bar to the zip line, and slides down to the platform, and lands with a perfect four point landing. “It’s been a while since Captain Capri has been this excited,” Capri said as he chews his lollipop. “Whoa. That sure was a super flashy entrance,” Sagittario said. “It sure was,” Applejack added as the next contestants ride up the elevator. “And, from the winning team of the World Duel Championships IX, the Wonderbolt Prodigy, Firestorm!” The commentator said as Firestorm reaches the top. “Go and win this, big brother!” Blaze called from the stands. “And the four siblings of Brazil, Argo, Ian, Selen and Enzo of Team Garcia,” The commentator said as the four reach the top of their elevator. “Okay, stop acting like babies you two. Hear me?” Ian, the second oldest, said to Selen and Enzo. “Can’t hear,” both Selen and Enzo said. “Check it out,” Sagittario said to the others. “It sure looks like their fighting, doesn't it?” “It does,” Rarity said as the last two climb the elevator. “Yeah baby! The last to arrive are our very own Silver Bolt and Ruby from the Crystal Gym!” The commentator finished. “Take it to them!” A member of the Crystal Gym cheered from behind the group. “All the way, guys!” Another member added. “Don’t hold back! Solver Bolt, Ruby, go for it!” Sagittario finished as several forms of high-tech transportation, including scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and bikes, just to name a few, are brought to the main platform. All of them have what look like magnets on their wheels. Some crystal ponies also bring some electronic vests that are given to each of the competitors. “Each competitor must choose one set of wheels in order to move around freely in the stadium,” the commentator said. “It doesn't matter which you pick, the electromagnets will keep you connected to the steel line stadium, so no worries if you can’t fly. Also, the vest you were given will teleport you out of the dome once an opponent strikes you at just the right spot and turns the vest from green to red. So you better watch out.” “I call the roller skates,” Silver Bolt said as he and the others take the wheels of their choice. “Block A will be fought by these 10 duelists in a battle royal,” the commentator added. “Only 3 of them will move on to the finals, so lets see who will become the first winners of Crystal Dome!” The commentator said. Meanwhile, outside of the stadium, Andromeda, Bismarck, Radiance, Berry and Cherry, Rainbow Dash, Flora, Tempest, Peach Cobbler, Bucky, Leone and Taurus are running through the streets of the empire, heading for the arena. “Hurry! The match is about to start, guys!” Andromeda said as Tempest and Bismarck run past a pony carrying some scarfs, which they accidentally wrap around their necks, not caring as they hurry. “Crystal cherry pie! Time to start the first match ever in this stadium. Are you ready?” The commentator asked the audience. “Yeah!” Everypony said. “3 … 2 … 1 … GO!” They all said as the group arrives, and sees the competitors launch themselves into the dome, making them gasp as they see them going in different directions at different angles, all at high-speed. “Wow! What an amazing sight!” The commentator said as everyone, including the participants in the dome, look on in awe. “There is no right or left. No up or down. Only 360°! Wicked fast, amazingly powerful, welcome to the thrill of Crystal Dome, my friends!” “This is so cool!” Peach said as she and the others, even the normally unimpressed Leone, stare on in awe. “What a crazy stadium this place is,” Taurus said. “The competitors look just like satellites that are orbiting the earth at high-speed.” Anubis added as Tempest and Bismarck look on in excitement. “This is the coolest stadium I’ve ever seen!” An ecstatic Tempest said. “Man, oh man! Ah wan’t t'be a part of this hyar too!” An equally excited Bismarck added. “Can’t stop,” Tempest whispered. “We’re going in!!” Both Tempest and Bismarck said as they make a run for the stadium, only for Taurus to grab the two by the scarfs around their necks, stopping them dead in their tracks, making the two try their best to remove the scarfs since they can’t breath now. “Where are you two going?” Taurus asked as they start to turn a dark blue while the others look on in shock and worry. “Just how do you think your supposed to get in now, huh?” Taurus added as he lets the two go, who quickly tear off the scarfs and take very deep breaths, while some of the others chuckle a little. “Please, calm down everyone,” Andromeda said. “We understand how you feel, for sure,” Anubis added. “Hey, up here!” A familiar voice said from above. They see Sagittario, Shining Armor, Cadence, Applejack, Rarity, Princess Luna, Soarin,’ Spitfire and Blaze waving at them from above. “Come on up here, guys! Let’s watch it together!” Sagittario added as Silver Bolt, on roller skates, and Ruby, ridding a skateboard, circle around each other, creating something like a typhoon, which catches Blue Spirit off guard, sending him flying to the other end of the stadium. “Whoa!” Peach said as she and the others reach Sagittario, Shining Armor, Cadence, Applejack, Rarity, Princess Luna, Soarin,’ Spitfire and Blaze. “Looking good out there, Silver Bolt, Ruby!” Sagittario cheered. “Wow, Silver Bolt and Ruby are doing amazing,” Tempest said. “They used the unique qualities of the stadium in their attack,” Anubis said, getting the group's attention. “They added the rotation they created from spinning to the centrifugal force as they circled the stadium. That’ll increase the force of their attacks,” Anubis finished as Silver Bolt and Ruby stop their Crystal Typhoon. “I see what you mean, Anubis,” Andromeda said, the only one who understood Anubis just now. “Real cool. One’s things for sure about guys who are that skilled: they’re no ordinary ponies,” Anubis added. “Hey, you really have their number. That’s for sure,” Sagittario said. “I’m Anubis Mizusawa. It's a real pleaser to met you,” Anubis said as he does a polite bow to Sagittario, Cadence and Shining Armor. “Thanks. It’s nice to meet you too,” Cadence said as Rarity and Applejack see their kids. “You haven't tried anything with my baby girl now, have you?” Rarity asked Bismarck. “Mom!” Radiance groaned. “Soarin,’ Spitfire, Blaze,” Rainbow said when she sees the family. “Good to see you, Rainbow,” Spitfire said as they two shake hoofs. “Where’s your brother, Blaze?” Tempest asked. “Just look,” the filly said as she points toward the dome, where they see Firestorm using a pari of roller skates in the dome. “Firestorm? Whut is he doin' hyar?” Bismarck asked. “Celestia asked him to be here,” Luna answered. “What!?” Both Tempest and Bismarck asked. “If he got invited, then why weren't we?” Tempest said as he and Bismarck hang their heads low. “They really wanted to be in this tournament.” Andromeda said to a bewildered Sagittario, Shining Armor, Cadence, Applejack, Rarity, Princess Luna, Soarin,’ Spitfire and Blaze, as Taurus sees a familiar unicorn bouncing around on a skate board. “Yee-haw!” Captain Capri cried out as he jumps across the dome with his light brown magic. “And look there,” Taurus said as he points toward the dome. “Capri is dueling here, too.” “This is an impressive group for sure,” Andromeda said as Capri lands for a moment, and looks at Maximus and Blue Spirit through his aiming device. “Okay, okay, now I understand the flow of this stadium.” Capri said as he turns his sights on Maximus. Suddenly, Capri jumps again, and hits Maximus on the right spot on the vest, which turns red. A split-second later, Maximus is teleported out of the stadium and safely lands 100 feet away. “Maximinus don’t like.” “Smokin! With one hit, Capri has knocked Maximus out.” The commentator said. Capri then jumps again, and this time hits Blue Spirit, teleporting him out of the stadium too. “No way!” Blue Spirit said as he gets up outside of the dome. “And there, Blue Spirit has hit rock bottom thanks to Capri!” The commentator said, as the group, except for Leone, look on in surprise. “That’s awesome,” Anubis said. “Capri’s spell that lets him jump like that is as effective inside the stadium as out.” Andromeda said. “It’s not just his spell,” Leone added. “His magic and dueling skills have also improved.” Leone said, remembering his last run in with Capri. “Those who don’t improve are just sad cats,” Capri said, when the Garcias begin to tail him. “Okay, our first target is that patchy guy,” Argo said to his siblings. “Selen, Enzo, you better follow us,” Ian said to the two youngest members, as the group notice their presence in the stadium. “The Garcias!?!?” A shocked and angry Andromeda said when she sees the four siblings. “Are they planing on using dirty tricks again?” “Maybe, but just watch. Things might get pretty interesting with them,” Sagittario casually said, confusing Andromeda, Tempest, Bismarck and Radiance. “Sagittario, what are you talking about?” Tempest asked. “Oh, just keep watching,” Sagittario said. “Four ponies against one, huh? This is a bit of a nuisance.” Capri said when he notices the Garcias, all of them ridding either skateboards or roller skates. “Selen, Enzo, attack Capri from both sides,” Argo ordered, but he gets a little chuckle from Selen. “What’s up? Can’t you here?” Ian asked his younger siblings. “Uh, no,” Enzo said. “You two are annoying,” Selen added as she moves to Capri’s left while Enzo moves to his right. “That’s much better,” Ian said. “If you two just keep quiet and listen to us, you’ll be fine.” “Not again,” Selen suddenly said. “Quit acting all high and mighty, giving us orders.” “We already told you that we’re not puppets you can control out there.” Enzo added. Suddenly, the two siblings turn around and head straight for Ian. “What now!?” Both Ian and Argo asked as Selen and Enzo hit Ian, and run up the dome. “Huh!?!?” Andromeda, Tempest, Bismarck and Radiance all asked in shock. “Told ya,” Sagittario said. “Well, paint my mane black and white! Selen and Enzo have turned on their own brother, Ian.” The surprised commentator said. “We won’t let anyone tell us what to do anymore,” Selen said to her older brothers from above them. “We had enough paving the way in matches for you two ego maniacs, get it?” Enzo added. “Stop Selen, Enzo!” Ian begged. “Have the Garcias really split up?” A shocked Bismarck asked. “I don’t believe it,” Radiance said. “You two are gonna betray me? Have you both lost your minds?” Argo asked his younger siblings. “We haven’t lost anything at all,” Selen said to her older brothers. “Our match with Team Star Swirl in the last World Championships made us come to our senses, that’s all,” Selen added, surprising Sagittario, Andromeda, Bismarck, Tempest and Radiance. “The match with us?” Andromeda asked. “When we dueled them, me and Selen learned that to truly win, you must do it with honor!” Enzo said. “We will fight and win with our own strength!” Selen added. “We will win for ourselves and not for anyone else!” Both Selen and Enzo said together. “You two are nuts!” Argo said, as Silver Bolt and Ruby look on. “Not for anyone else, is that it?” Ruby asked Silver Bolt. “For themselves, they said,” Silver Bolt added with a smile, as some of the spectators begin to cry with happiness. “Selen. Enzo,” a crying Sagittario tried to say. “They finally come t'unnerstan' th' impotence of honesty, af'er all,” Bismarck said, as Taurus begins to cry a river, with Leone as emotionless as ever. “B-bull! This type of thing always gets me right in the heart.” Taurus said. “If that's right, then we’ll cheer for you, too,” Shining Armor said. “Go hard, Selen, Enzo!” Sagittario added as everyone begins to cheer for the two young siblings, who are both shock and surprised by the applause they are getting. “Oh. Thank you so much, everyone!” Both of them said, as Argo growls in anger. “So were the only bad guys?” Ian asked. “Ha-ha!” Capri said as he reaches the other end of the dome, away from the Garcias. “A duel is a bad time for a family feud. But it did save me from being attacked.” “Don’t feel all cozy just yet!” “Huh?” Capri asked as a flash of blue and orange goes by him, before it stops. It’s the Wonderbolt Prodigy. “Ah! Firestorm!” “I’ll be you opponent.” Firestorm offered. “Let’s go, Captain Capri!” “Oh yeah, Firestorm? So you're gonna be my opponent, are you?” Capri asked as he turns around and charges at the Wonderbolt Prodigy. Meanwhile … “Okay, have it your way, then.” Ian said to his younger siblings. “If your starting a fight with us, that must mean you prepared yourselves for the consequences, right?” “You two do understand, right?” Argo asked, clear to everyone that he’s extremely mad. “Those that break the Garcia’s iron clad rules will only find punishment!!!!” Argo shouted as he burst into flames due to anger, which terrifies Selen and Enzo to the point of screaming. “You two are no longer family members! So get out of here right NOW!” Argo screamed as he fires a laser at Selen, which sends her flying across the stadium, with her teleported out right as she was gonna hit the wall. Selen quickly regains her composure, and lands on a low-lying cloud. “Ha-ha-ha! That's what happens when you betray me, understand ex-sister!” “That’s horrible,” Luna said as she and the others watch. “How kin they be so heartless t'their own sister?” Bismarck asked. “Hey, Enzo!” Ian called out, making Enzo gasp in shock. “You’re next, ex-brother!” Ian added as he prepares to fire a laser. “Oh no!” A petrified Enzo said. “Okay, here I come!” Argo suddenly said as he charges at Enzo, terrifying the colt into screaming as he two older brothers charge at him. Suddenly, Silver Bolt and Ruby stop Argo and Ian dead in their tracks, which shock the two Brazilian unicorns. “Crystal cherries! Argo and Ian were just about to pounce on Enzo, but, in a surprised move, Silver Bolt and Ruby foil them!” The commentator said. “Yeah, Ruby, Silver Bolt!” Sagittario cheered. “Hey, what gives?” Enzo asked the two crystal ponies as they push both Ian and Argo away. “We know where your coming from, friends,” Silver Bolt said to Selen and Enzo. “Because that dirtbag Sombra trick all of the Crystal Empire before he took over 1000 years ago and used some of us as puppets to do it,” Ruby added. “Every crystal pony knows what it’s like.” “That’s why we won’t abandoned you,” Silver Bolt finish, which make Enzo cry out of happiness. “Tha- … Oh thank you,” the crying Enzo said. “Here we go, Enzo.” Ruby said as she takes Enzo’s left, while Silver Bolt takes his right. “Let’s fight together,” Silver Bolt added. “Yes!” A happy Enzo said, which makes his older brothers growl in anger. “What’s happening here?” The commentator asked. “Holy moly, this duel has created a new friendship! This moment has the empire weeping more than our Crystal Kingdom Anthem!” “Go get ‘em now, Silver Bolt, Ruby!” Sagittario cheered. “You too, Enzo!” Andromeda added, while Taurus is crying even more, while Leone is as emotionless as ever. “This kind of thing gets me even more,” Taurus said as Silver Bolt, Ruby, and Enzo charge at Argo and Ian, the three of them managing to toss the two Brazilian unicorns halfway across the stadium. “The power of friendship has sent Ian and Argo flying all over the place, mares and gentlecolts,” the commentator said. “We’re not done yet,” Silver Bolt said to the recovering Argo and Ian. “One more time, okay Enzo?” Ruby asked the young earth colt. “You bet,” Enzo said as the three climb up the dome, building up speed for their next attack. “If that three-way attack hits one more time, Ian and Argo will be in big trouble,” Soarin’ said as the three charge down, when suddenly, with a sinister grin, Enzo stops, which makes Silver Bolt and Ruby trip over him, surprising everyone as Enzo heads back to Argo and Ian. “What’s going on here?!” Tempest demanded. “What? Enzo has joined back up with Argo and Ian,” the commentator said, as surprised as everyone else. Suddenly, Enzo and Selen, who's lying on the outer wall above her brothers, begin laughing. “Man! What a bunch of maroons!” Said Selen. “You were fooled again, chumps!” Enzo said. “As usually, you Equestrians would believe anything you hear,” Ian added. “There’s no way we would ever betray our brothers, you knuckleheads,” Selen said to Silver Bolt and Ruby as they get back up. “What did you say!?!?” An infuriated Ruby demanded. “We just put on that act just to make sure we win,” Ian said. “Only three can advance to the finals, you know that, right?” Selen said to the two. “I let my brothers knock me out on purpose just to trick you chumps into letting your guards down. Pretty clever, huh?” “B-b-b-b-b-b-bull!” Taurus said through gritted teeth. “That was a pretty sad display,” Leone said, pretty much the only one among the group who isn’t surprised. “What snakes!” Sagittario angrily said. “They haven't change a bit!” Bismarck added. “You tricked me into crying, you weasels!” Taurus shouted. “GIVE ME BACK MY TEARS!!!!!!” “Go ahead and get angry, guys,” Enzo mockingly said. “The kid’s right,” Ian added. “You two won’t last much longer in here,” Ian said to Silver Bolt and Ruby, who glare at them as they get up. “Looks like Silver Bolt and Ruby have been thoroughly bamboozled by the Garcias,” the commentator said. “The Garcias have made us all look foolish with their fake act. They certainly have no fans here at all now,” she said as many spectators begin shouting and booing at the Garcias. “Okay, finish them!” Argo ordered his brothers, referring to Ruby and Silver Bolt. “Let’s go, Ian, Enzo!” “Yeah!” Both Ian and Enzo said as they follow Argo. “I guess some people don’t really change, do they?” Firestorm said after the confession. Firestorm than charges at the three Garcias, when… “Oh no you don’t! You’re not getting away,” Capri said as he jumps in front of Firestorm. “I am your opponent!” Capri added, making Firestorm grit his teeth and Argo and Ian begin to attack Ruby. “Ruby!” Silver Bolt said as he sees Argo and Ian fire lasers at her. He tries to go to her aid, but Enzo blocks him by grabbing Silver Bolts mane. “Don’t you get in my way, you little brat!” “Too late buddy,” Enzo said as he pulls on Silver Bolts mane, while Capri is jumping all around Firestorm, keeping him from moving at all. “Check it out!” The commentator said when she sees the fight between Capri and Firestorm. “Firestorm is struggling against Capri’s fierce attacks.” Having had enough of this, Firestorm closes his eyes, and pictures Capri jumping, and … “Got ya!” “What!?” Capri said as Firestorm strikes him, which causes him to be sent flying out of the stadium. “That decides it,” the commentator said as the spectators begin cheering due to Firestorm’s move. “Firestorm waited for the moment Capri would land to attack. Capri is out!” “Way to go, big bro!” Blaze cheered. “I lost,” Capri said as he begins to sulk. “I’ve been defeated again.” In the dome, Argo and Ian continue their barrage against Ruby, who is barely able to avoid them. “Let’s end this thing right now,” Argo said to Ian, tired of Ruby dodging their attacks. “Aw yeah!” Ian simply replied as he and Argo move back several feet before they charge at Ruby, when suddenly, Firestorm stops them by ramming Argo. “Go Firestorm!” Ruby said, relive that she now has time to recover. “What the?!” Argo said as Firestorm backs off a little. “I guess you're not used to doing things fairly so your confused” Firestorm said to Argo as Ruby gets away. “That’s enough!” Argo shouted, not wanting to hear anything else coming from Firestorms mouth except his screams. “I still owe you from the last World Championships, do I not? I’ll pay you back double right now!” Suddenly, Argo races around Firestorm, and something strange happens. “What gives?” A confused Firestorm asked. “Argo has multiplied!” Andromeda said as there are now 9 Argos circling around Firestorm. “Round and round,” Argo said with a laugh that would fit Sombra. “Okay, Firestorm, taste our displeasure right now!” Argo said as each of the doubles hits Firestorm one after another, with him unable to tell which is the real one. “I’m gonna smash you until your nothing but dust!” Argo shouted as the attack become more frequent. “Big brother!” Blaze shout as she, Spitfire and Soarin can only watch as Firestorm is pulverize by Argo. “Time for the finishing touch!” Argo said as he fires a laser at Firestorm, which send the Wonderbolt Prodigy across the dome, right toward the wall at high-speed! “If he hits the wall at that speed, even with his suit, he’ll get hurt or worse!” Andromeda said as everyone holds their breath, when… “Wonderbolt Technique: Diving Crush!” Firestorm suddenly said as he stops himself in midair and dives down toward Argo, who is shock. “Not possible,” the shocked Argo said. “Atta boy, Firestorm!” Soarin cheered. “My, my, Firestorm has used Argo’s own attack to unleash one of the Wonderbolts most powerful techniques!” The commentator said as Firestorm gets closer to Argo, intending to teach the Brazilian a lesson. “Big bro Argo!” Enzo frantically said as he jumps, taking Firestorm’s hit while Argo escapes. “Argo narrowly escapes, but by taking his place, Enzo has been knocked out of the stadium.” The commentator said as Enzo is teleported out of the dome, where Selen catches him. “Uh, just when I almost had him down,” Firestorm said to himself as the dust begins to clear. “This is our battle, Firestorm,” Argo suddenly said. “The real fight begins right now!” Argo added as he uses his magic to push Firestorm up the dome. “I won’t give in that easy!” Firestorm said as he stops the magic wall with pure force of will. “Tisk-tisk. You can’t hold on forever, birdbrain,” Ian said as he backs up Argo’s spell with his own, causing Firestorm to lose his footing as he is pushed up the dome. “Looks like this is as far as you go!” “You’re finished now!” Argo said as the wall heads toward the domes top, where they intend to crush Firestorm at. Suddenly … “WE WON’T ALLOW IT!” Both Silver Bolt and Ruby said as they come back up Firestorm, pushing the wall back. “Silver Bolt, Ruby,” a pleasantly surprised Firestorm said as they push the magic wall further back. “Don’t get ahead of yourselves, kids!” Argo shouted as he adds gain spikes to the wall. “Let me add the finishing touch!” Ian said as he puts in some saw blades to the wall. “Uh-oh!” All three said as the try their best to avid the spikes and saws. “Hows that!” Ian said the three friends. “This time you should sink to the bottom in the face of our brotherly bond!” Argo added as the three back off a bit. “Your bro bond sucks!” Firestorm shouted. “We won’t lose to your sad, cowardly techniques!” “We’re walking out the winners!” Ruby and then Silver Bolt added. “Crystal Spell: Ruby Flash, now!” Ruby suddenly said as a red glow encases her. “Crystal Spell: Silver Strike, yeah!” Silver Bolt said as the same thing happens to him, only the magic glow is silver. “How are they doing that?” Anubis asked. “Simple; when crystal ponies need the power necessary, like at this moment with Silver Bolt and Ruby, the Crystal Heart gives them that power,” Shining Armor said as Ian and Argo gasp in shock as they realize they’ll be in trouble soon. “Time to finish this, with a Tornado Buster!” Firestorm said as an incredible glow fills the dome, blinding everyone. When it stops, everyone both in and outside the dome hold their breath, when they see Argo and Ian outside. “What!?” “It can’t be!” Ian and then Argo both said when they see that they lost, as the crowd begins to cheer for the winners. “It’s all over!” The commentator said. “The three winners of Block A are Silver Bolt, Ruby, and Firestorm!” “Way to go Silver Bolt, Ruby!” “Good job Firestorm!” Spitfire said. “You did it, big bro!” Blaze added. “That was a close one,” Firestorm pointed out. “You know it, but we won,” Silver Bolt excitedly added. “Oh yeah!” “Now we can all go to the final round!” Ruby said, while the defeated Garcias head for the closest exit. “Stop right there!” Sagittario said to the Garcias, standing on top of the exit corridor. “You should be ashamed of yourselves!” Suddenly, the Garcias begin crying, which surprises Sagittario. “I never felt like this before,” a crying Argo said. “Even though we lost, I feel better.” “It’s almost as if we’ve been reborn,” a weeping Ian added. “We're sorry we acted that way,” the crying Selen said. “It’s like we really have leaned the importance of honesty,” the crying Enzo finished. “Aw. That’s beautiful!” Sagittario said as he closes his eyes because of his tears. But when he opens them … “Huh? Where'd they go?” Sagittario asked when he sees that the Garcias are gone. “Like that would ever happen. What chumps,” Sagittario head. It’s Ian, who’s in the corridor with the others. “We are hard-core through and through,” Argo added. “We will do anything in order to win,” Selen said. “That is the way the Garcias rule!” They all said before they high tailed it out of there. “What!? No way! I was tricked again!” A furies Sagittario said, looking like he’s gonna bust into flames any moment. “Just ignore them!” Ruby said, calming Sagittario down when he sees Silver Bolt and Ruby below him. “Silver Bolt. Ruby.” “We won, as promised,” Silver Bolt said, reminding his best friend. “I’s your turn next, Sagittario. Just remember what it was like for us as the Crystal Empire's Cutie Mark Crusaders, this will be a walk in a park for you,” Ruby added, which cheers Sagittario up. “Go get ‘em!” “Aw yeah!” Sagittario said, forgetting about the Garcias trick. “Well, the competitors who have advanced into the finals from Block A have been decided.” The commentator suddenly said. “”Now, who will win in Block B and face those three there? Stick around and find out!” The Star FragmentThe Star Fragment In an observatory just outside of Equestria, a young male, and yet scrawny, Diamond Dog with light grey fur, indigo eyes with glasses, a sky blue blazer with dark blue highlights and white trim with a red tie that has a star design in the middle and a white shirt, is looking at the night sky through the telescope, talking to himself. “Space. Countless stars twinkle, and they’re are so many with planets, that the excitement of finding a new star with a planet that could be teaming with life is never-ending,” he then takes out a picture of when he was a pup, with his grandfather. “Grandfather, you new this,” suddenly, one of his instruments begins to beep as it flashes red, catching his attention. “Ah! It’ here! It’s arrived at last!” He said as he moves the giant telescope towards the anomaly the instrument detected and looks through, to see a meteor heading toward the planet. “Ah, I can’t believe it. I finally found it! There it is, the new Star Fragment!” He said as he looks away from the telescope for a brief moment. ================================================================== In Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle’s daughter Andromeda is busy reading on the subject of time travel, reading about the potential consequences. “I thought you were through with time travel?” Twilight asked as she walks into Andromeda’s work room. “And I thought I told you to put Orion to bed?” “I did, mom,” Andromeda said as she puts the book down. “I’d figured I might as well learn as much as I--” however, they were distracted from their conversation when they suddenly detected a massive surge of magic, so powerful it almost felt like a physical blow to their horns. The shock of it knocked them to the floor. “Did you feel that?” Andromeda asked. “I did,” Twilight said as she gets up. “Go check on Orion. I need to find the Advanced Spell Craft and Magical Phenomena book, then get some paper and a quill. I need to send the Princess a letter.” Twilight said as Andromeda goes upstairs to her brother’s room, praying to Celestia that everything’s all right. ================================================================== Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie is merrily humming her Cupcakes Song as she withdrew a fresh batch of the titular treats from the oven. She took them to the counter to apply some icing, her mind wandering as it often did. At the moment, she was wondering what her kids would say when she would give them a ‘Six-Months-Before-Your-Birthdays-Cupcake-Cake-Surprise. How would Cherry and Berry react? I bet they would love it! Suddenly a powerful shudder ran up her spine as her Pinkie Sense went into overdrive. Her entire body shook with the force of the sensation, her spine twisting like a pretzel before she spun around in a circle like a miniature pink tornado. Finally, she plopped down on the ground, the spinning leaving her dizzy. Pinkie shook her head, trying to clear it. What was that? She hadn’t felt a Pinkie Sense like that at all, and when a new Pinkie Sense suddenly surprised her, it usually means trouble of the worst kind. She looked at the cupcakes on the counter that had miraculously survived her seizure, but the colorful confections no longer appealed to her. She just didn't want to bake anymore, which is shocking to even her. ================================================================== Princess Celestia was in a terribly boring meeting about the wages of weather ponies in Hoofington when she felt it. A wave of magic, stronger than anything anypony other than even herself or her sister could manage. But this wasn’t magic, that much she could tell. This strange magic was ... different. The Princess raised a hoof to stop the mayor of Hoofington. “I’m sorry, Parchment Paper, but I’m going to have to cut our meeting short. Something has just come up. Please, put any further concerns you have in writing and have them delivered to my secretary. I’ll be sure to give them due consideration.” She ignored the mare’s protests as she nearly bolted from the room. It took her less than a minute to arrive at Luna’s room. The younger Alicorn was waiting for her with a nerves look on her face. “You felt it too, didn’t you, Tia?” She asked. “That was different.” “Oh, I felt it all right.” Celestia assured her, having a look of concern across her face. “I don’t know where it came from, but...” She was interrupted as a scroll materialized in a flash of magenta light before her. “Ah, sweet, dutiful Twilight. She and her family must have felt it as well. Let’s see what they have discovered.” She levitated the scroll up and opened it. ================================================================== At some ancient ruins in the thick Mexicolt jungle, a Unicorn wearing a grey cloak that covers most of his body including his face, with all that can be made out from his face is his nose and his eyes, although they are covered blue goggles, is standing on top of the ruins, looking up toward the night sky. “When a dazzling and majestic glow lights up the Earth from the heavens, a new Star Fragment will arrive and awaken a great power,” he said as he gets onto his hind legs and spreads his arms. “That time has come at last!” He said as he sees the meteor enter the planet's atmosphere as it seems to be heading straight towards his location. “Star Fragment, hear me, give that great power to our BLACK SUN!” The mysteries Unicorn demanded, when, suddenly, the Star Fragment splits into 10 pieces of light, shocking him into saying, “Huh?” ================================================================== “No way,” the Diamond Dog said as he sees the Star Fragment explode, when he notices one of the 10 pieces heading right for him! “AH!” He screamed as the light enters his observatory, filling the room he was in with so much light, that he can’t see for a moment. When it’s over, he’s on the ground, visibly shaken by the ordeal. ================================================================== In Mexicolt, the hooded Unicorn sees a pice of the Star Fragment crashes down not far away, but the resulting impact is so strong that a dome of light can be seen. “Ah, what on Earth is going on here?” He asked as the light disappears. “Johannes!” He called, as an Earth Pony stallion from Saddle Arabia appears behind him. He’s wearing a large white cap with a yellow cross-like symbol covering most of his dark spiky hair and his right eye, along with a silver chain-like necklace and a white cloak with yellow symbols like on his cap with brown boots, but his most striking feature are his wide yellow eyes with feline pupils. “Track down the locations of all the scattered fragments,” the hooded Unicorn said, to which Johannes nods as he disappears. “Hmmm ... Oh well. Now it’s just a matter of time until Nemesis is revived.” ================================================================== In Ponyville, Andromeda walks into her brother's room, and sees that Orion is looking out the window. “You and mom felt it too, that surge of magic?” He asked as Andromeda heads to the window, and looks at the night sky also. “We did. Mom wanted me to check on you,” Andromeda said as she sits down next to her baby brother. “I’m just glad your safe for now,” she said as she gets up, when the two notice a light outside. “What the?” She managed to say as the light enters the room and hits her, filling the room with blinding light. When the light disappears, Orion quickly gets out of bed and runs to his sister when he sees her on the floor, shaken by the experience just now. “Andromeda! Are you okay?” He asked, not sure he wanted to find out. “I’m fine.” Andromeda said as she looks over to Orion, when she sees the look of shock on his face. “What is it?” “You might want to look in the mirror.” Orion said. Andromeda, not entirely sure why Orion is all freaked out now, goes to the closes mirror she can find, and gasps. Her eyes are now sparkling like the night sky, almost as if that light change her. “What the ... What?” Andromeda asked as the sparkling disappears. “How is that possible?” A completely stunned Andromeda asked as her brother holds her hoof. “Do you think we should tell mom?” “Just go back to bed and get some sleep for now.” Andromeda said as she leaves the room. “We’ll tell her in the morning.” ================================================================== The next morning, Twilight, is making breakfast for Andromeda and Orion, their favorite, moon flower pancakes with sweet apple tree syrup. Smelling the pancakes, Andromeda and Orion trot down into the kitchen, where they immediately sit, forks and knifes in hoof. “Good to see you two are all better now.” Twilight said as she levitates some pancakes to the two, who notice that their father is gone. “Where’s dad?” Orion asked. “He had to go to Manehattan with some friends last night.” Twilight said as she takes a seat. “He’ll be back in a few days. So, Orion, did you feel anything strange last night?” “I did, and then this light fell from the sky and hit Andromeda, and after the light disappeared, Andromeda’s eyes were sparkling.” Orion said, slightly shocking his mother. A moment later, a scroll materialized before them. The letter dropped out of the air a moment later, and Twilight had to use a quick bit of magic to keep it from landing on top of the syrup-drenched pancakes. “That was close.” Twilight said as she opens the letter and reads it’s contents. “What does it say?” Andromeda asked. “Is it about that surge of magic last night?” Orion added. “Well, whatever it was last night, not even Celestia and Luna know.” Twilight said, slightly stunning the two. “But she is gonna try to solve it, whatever it was,” and with that, the three began to eat the pancakes, till they hear a knocking at the library door. “I’ll get it!” Orion said. Before his sister or mother could protest, he has already eaten his pancakes and is running over to the door and opens it, and sees Rarity, Radiance, Pinkie Pie, the Pie twins, Applejack, Bismarck, Bucky, Fluttershy, Peach Cobbler, Flora, Rainbow Dash and Tempest at the door. “Guys? What is it?” Orion asked as she heads outside, followed by his sister, while Twilight was busy cleaning the mess in the kitchen Orion left. “Well, Pinkie Pie and Radiance have a really bad feeling last night.” Tempest said. “Exactly!” Rarity said. “Last night, we were coming up with some new designs for the coming summer, when Radiance's horn lit up, and then we felt this strange and powerful magic with my horn.” “And I had this really weird Pinkie Sense, like when Fluttershy was in Froggy Bottom Bog, but it felt like it was trying to tell me that something either really good or really bad has happened!” “We felt the same thing, and so did the Princesses,” Andromeda said. “It can’t just be a coincidence,” she said as Tempest lands next to her, who sees an arrow flying at her. “Get down!” Tempest said as he takes Andromeda out-of-the-way, when Twilight walks out of the doorway. “Guys, whats going on--” she began to say, only for the arrow to barely hit Twilight as it impales into the library. “MOM!” Both Andromeda and Orion cried as Twilight collapses to the ground, breathing heavy as her friends rush to her aid. “Oh dear, Twilight! Are you all right?” Rarity asked. “Who would do something that!?!” Andromeda asked, enraged that someone nearly killed her mother, when she notices something odd about the arrow. “Hey, something’s attach to it,” she said when she finds a not tied to the arrow, which she takes off. “What is it?” Flora asked. “Let’s see. ‘Andromeda Sparkle, you are mine, meet me by the lake near the Everfree Forest.’” Andromeda read. “Oh great, another hotshot unicorn who want's to challenge you.” Orion said as Twilight gets back up. “Ever since you and your team won the World Duel Championships IX, unicorns from all around the world have wanted to defeat you, wanting the title of champion.” Twilight said. “Well, if he want’s to pick a fight, he’s got one!” Andromeda said as she heads toward the lake in question, followed by her friends and family. “Andromeda, hold on, we don’t even know who this guy is!” Tempest said as they all go after her. ================================================================== Later in Everfree Forest, Andromeda and her friends and family are waiting by the shore, where Andromeda has lost her patience with her challenger, something that rarely happens. “There’s nopony here! No fair! Where is my challenger?” “Yo' know whut, guys?” Bucky began to say. “Isn’t it weird thet a challenge letter came not long af'er th' whole time travel incident.” “I noticed.” Tempest said. “This guy must have spied on Andromeda for a while now.” He said as Andromeda continues her little tantrum. “Who do you think the challenger is?” Radiance asked. “This guy sure has some nerve sending a challenge and then showing up late! Come on out I say!” Andromeda screamed, when the group suddenly begin to hear a creaking sound on the water, scaring Flora, Fluttershy, and the Pie twins into holding onto each other out of fear. “What’s that?” Cherry asked as her mother tries to comfort her. “Don’t know, it’s a creepy sound,” Flora said, when they see a shape beginning to form in the fog on the lake, what looks like a young unicorn stallion around Andromeda’s age standing on a boat, with a minotaur rowing it. “Hey, someone’s coming,” Flora said, making Andromeda growl in anger as the two in the fog become more visible. She sees that the unicorn is quite muscular, similar to Tempest. He also has a dark green mane that spikes high above his head along with a ponytail that drapes behind his head, while his coat is a brilliant azure. He also has sharp light green lion-like eyes that have long scars shaped like cross going across them and is wearing a green coat with ripped-off sleeves. His cutie mark is a tornado. “Huh, you?” Andromeda said, recognizing the challenger. “Sorry I’m late, Andromeda Sparkle.” The azure and green unicorn said, clearly visible to the others now, who also recognize him. “Leone Lulamoon.” Andromeda said. “Trixie’s son?” Tempest said. “It was Leone?” Bismarck said. “Bummer.” The Cutie Mark Crusaders all said. “What do you mean ‘bummer’?” The brown minotaur that has a big build with a large stomach, short purple hair that is covered by a white beanie hat that has a red bull's skull on it and a red and black jacket with red strip on both the front side that is zipped on his torso, asked as he stops rowing and gets up, only for him to get off balanced and fall into the water. He quickly gets back to the surface and grabs onto the boat. “Hey there, Andromeda. So now, I hope you haven’t forgotten about your duel with Leone at the World Duel Championships IX. Have you, huh?” He said as he pushes the boat the rest of the way to shore. “What does he mean?” Rarity asked. “I know.” Orion said. “Team Star Swirl, which consisted of Andromeda, our cousin Sagittario, Tempest, Bismarck, Firestorm, Yu as a sub member, and me with Radiance as support members did win the overall team battle against Team Wild Fang during the quarter finals.” “But Andromeda and Leone tied in a double knockout during their match.” Tempest added. “You just got lucky, Andromeda.” Leone said. “Stop bragging that you’re number 1.” “What?” “The deal is,” Leone said as he jumps off the boat, and lands just feet away from Andromeda, “that I, Leone Lulamoon, will now defeat you!” “It’s not like Andromeda’s been bragging, really.” Tempest said. “She’s been quiet humble, ah reckon.” Bismarck added. “In her own way.” Radiance said. “Enough talk!” The minotaur, whose name is Taurus, said. “You guys just watch, this will rock!” Andromeda then chuckles a little. “Okay, Leone, we’ll duel. Since you nearly hurt my mom, I need some payback. So bring it on whenever, pal.” “I guess those two never change their attitude to each other, do they?” Berry said. “It’s like things are back to normal.” Twilight said. “But don’t do anything stupid, Andromeda!” “We don’t have any walls or rules out here.” Leone pointed out. “This entire area is our arena. Let’s use the whole space, Andromeda.” “Sounds good to me.” Andromeda said. “Let’s do this!” Leone said as he runs, followed by Andromeda, as their duel begins. “Hey, this time you’re going down, hear me!” Leone said as he prepares his signature spell as his horn glows green. “Lion Gale Force Wall!” He yelled as he casts the spell, causing a tornado to appear, sucking up the sand on the beach, temporally blinding Andromeda. “Watch this. Leone trained really hard to improve the true Lion Gale Force Wall, making it into a completely new spell.” Taurus said to the others as they do their best to keep up. “It’s the new true Lion Gale Force Wall Version 2: Wall of Sandstorm!” “The new true ... sandstorm?” Peach Cobbler asked. “Guys, look.” Twilight said while pointing toward the tornado. “Leone is using the tornado to swirl up the sand on the beach. Andromeda, be careful, that sand twister is stronger than any wall of wind he’s made before!” “Ha! Andromeda, I’m gonna smash you into beach sand!” Leone said as he moves the twister towards Andromeda, who has to teleport away several feet just to avoid the sand. “That’s it!” Andromeda said as she charges a blast and fires, but the tornado somehow redirects the blast toward some boulders, destroying them. “Say what?” “The tornado was able to redirect Andromeda’s blast?” A stunned Orion said. “Yeah! All right! Good job, Leone pal!” Taurus cheered. “I’m not done!” Leone said as he moves his tornado toward the broken boulders, and hurls the pieces toward Andromeda, who has to create a shield to protect herself. “Seriously!?” Andromeda asked as he shield cracks a little. “Keep it up, Leone buddy!” Taurus cheered. “Andromeda!” Both Orion, Twilight and Tempest shouted, worried for her safety. “That’s a cheesy move.” Radiance said. “Usin' busted rocks sure is low.” Bismarck added. “Why not try using your own power for a change.” Rainbow Dash said, getting an annoyed look from Taurus. “Enough!” Taurus nearly yelled. “A lion hunts fiercely.” Leone pointed out. “I told you already. This isn’t some well-mannered stadium or coliseum with a ton of rules, this is the wild, get me?” Leone said as his assault of rock and sand ceases on Andromeda. “It’s a competition to see who can survive.” “Are you telling me that’s why you pick this location?” Andromeda said as she lowers her shield. “That’s right, Andi.” Leone said. “Luring your pry somewhere that gives you an advantage is the best way to hunt. This is how the wild lion battles. This is how I battle too!” “Yes, I know that’s how you fight, Leone. I still remember the first time we meet when we were foals all those years ago,” Andromeda said, remembering the meeting all to well. “That’s when our rivalry first began. So now, just like my mom did when she first meet yours, I won’t let myself loose,” she said as she moves to the right position to get ride of the tornado. “I know what to do now,” Andromeda said as she charges up another blast and prepares to fire. “Sis, what are you doing, he’ll just deflect it again!” Orion called out. “Don’t worry. I can use this wilderness setting as a weapon too,” Andromeda said as she fires at the right spot on the tornado, which deflects the laser toward a tree, knocking it down onto the tornado, making it dissipate. “What!?” Leone said as Andromeda’s friends and family cheer, while Taurus looks on in shock. “Awesome!” Tempest shouted. “That was so cool, Andromeda.” “She made him deflect the blast on purpose to knock down that tree to get rid of the tornado.” Twilight said. “Huh, I didn't see that coming.” Leone said, when he notices that Andromeda’s gone. “Where did she go?” “Over here!” Andromeda said as she heads into the swamp. “Catch me if you can.” She said as she disappears into the brush. “Come back here!” Leone said as he and the others go after Andromeda, who’s going by some standing boulders, which Leone knocks down, causing a domino effect, causing the standing boulders to fall toward Andromeda. “Andromeda, look out!” Tempest yelled as a boulder’s about to fall on her, but she manages to teleport a few feet away from where the boulder landed. “Ha! That’s no big deal!” Leone said as the others try their best to avoid any debris, who see Andromeda and Leone hurl rocks at each other with their magic, sending more debris their way. “This is quickly getting out of hand!” Pinkie Pie said. “And I was just gonna ask Andromeda out, too!” Tempest said under his breath, making sure the others won’t hear him. “You're as good as always, Leone.” Andromeda said as they head deeper into the swamp. “Say that while you can, Andromeda. I’m gonna settle things once and for all.” “I don’t think so,” Andromeda said as she quickly blasts the ground Leone was on, and sends him hurtling into a bog. “Nuts!” Leone said as Andromeda teleports into a tree and prepares to finish this duel. “Finish it, sis!” Orion cheered. “Yeah, plus, Leone’s stuck, he kin’t use his signature spell in thet thick water.” Bucky added. “This should end it.” Flora said as Andromeda charges a knockout spell, and fires it at Leone. “Not quiet yet!” Leone yelled as he charges his spell, and creates a cyclone of water, blocking the blast. “Huh?” Andromeda and her friends and family all said. “Yeah!” Taurus said. “This is Leone’s new new spell. New True Lion Gale Force Wall Version 2.5! Storm of -- No, Wall of Water ... Um?” “Aw, just call them all ‘Lion Gale Force Wall.’” A slightly annoyed Peach Cobbler said. “The name doesn't matter.” Leone said inside the cyclone of water as he stops the spell in it’s tracks. Andromeda, fed up with this duel, decides to cut through the tornado, but as she lands, Leone is gone. “What? Where’s Leone?” Andromeda asked, not noticing that she’s starting to sink into the black water. “Looking for me?” Leone said, now out of the water, with a clear shot at Andromeda. “Huh?” “Whoa, Leone muss haf teleported outta th' tornado when Andromeda dived in,” Applejack said as she and the others look on in awe, especially Taurus. “Whoa! That's Leone for ya, kids!” Taurus said. “Now Leone will probably brag about beating Andromeda.” Twilight said as Leon points toward Andromeda. “Well, well, it looks like chasing me into the swamp has backfired,” Leone mocked. “Andromeda, it is for the sole purpose of defeating you that I continue to grow stronger. Today, more than yesterday, tomorrow, more than today. As you are now, can you fight against this?” Leone said, making Andromeda growl in anger. “I am the wild king of beasts, I do not allow my prey to escape!” “You’ve got her now, Leone pal!” Taurus cheered. “This is starting to get dangerous for Andromeda!” Tempest said as he tries to fly to Andromeda to help her, but Bismarck stops him. “This hyar is Andromeda’s fight, Tempest. She'd wan’t yo' t'stay out of it,” Bismarck said, causing the reluctant Tempest to land on the ground, and hope for the best. “You sure did put up a good fight, Andromeda.” Leone said as he charges another spell. “You did good yourself, Leone. You really are my strongest and bravest rival,” Andromeda began to say. “However, it doesn't matter,” Andromeda said as a yellow glow encases her. “I will not lose. I don’t like to lose. If you become stronger, then I’ll become stronger than you ARE!” “Why do I get the feeling that something bad is about to happen?” Orion said as the two charge up a blast. “Forget it! This is the end!” Leone said as a green glow encases him as he prepares to fire along with Andromeda. “I will not lose!” Andromeda said as the two fire, with the resulting impact being so powerful, that a small explosion happens, blinding everyone as something miraculous happens to Leone and Andromeda. When the smoke clears, Tempest, Twilight and her son Orion, along with Taurus are the first the see that something has happened. “Andromeda?” Tempest, Twilight and Orion said at the same time. “Leone, pal?” Taurus said, when they see something completely shocking. Andromeda has gained wings, and her cutie mark has change from the Andromeda galaxy to the constellation Andromeda, while Leone has also gained wings and his cutie mark has changed to the constellation Leo, but he also now has fangs like a lion, while his mane has turned into something like a lion's mane. “Huh?!” A completely stunned Andromeda said when she notices her new wings. “What that heck!?” Leon asked when three bone claws, a foot long each, extend from one of his hoofs. The entire group than gasps at the sight. “They ... they turned into Alicorns!” A shocked Radiance said. “And Leone has turned into a lion-colt thing!” The Pie twins said at the same time. “And their cutie marks changed!” Tempest added. “How can that be?” Twilight asked. “What’s going on?” Taurus asked as Orion runs up to his sister, both happy and scared at the same time. “Awesome! This is so awesome Andromeda!” Orion said as he, Andromeda and Leone leave the now dried pond of water. “I agree with you on that, Orion!” Leone said, slightly surprising the two siblings as the others follow them. “Andromeda, I have no idea what just happened to us, but I don’t care. I dig it!” Leone said as he extends claws from both of his front hoofs and slices and dices some trees in his way, opening up a path to an open field. “Leone, buddy!” Taurus called out as he and the others follow Andromeda and Leone. “Let’s go, Andromeda. Showdown!” Leone said as he charges another blast. “Yeah!” Andromeda said as she does the same thing, but not before she get’s Orion a safe distance. The two rivals than fire at each other again, this time the explosion is so large that it can be seen for miles. Once the smoke clears, the group see that Twilight had managed to create a shield around them, protecting them from the blast. “Andromeda!” All of Andromeda’s friends and family shouted. “You okay, Leone? How did the showdown end?” Taurus asked as the smoke clears, where they see the two on the ground, having used up all their strength. “Andromeda!” “Leone, pal!” They yelled as they run to their aid. ================================================================== Meanwhile, just outside of Equestria at an airport, the Diamond Dog from the observatory, now carrying a leather bag on his back, is running toward the blimp that’s heading for Canterlot. “I have to hurry. I have to tell Celestia and Luna about this right away.” He said as he runs for the blimp. Suddenly, the Saddle Arabian earth pony from earlier appears behind him as a black ally cat walks up to him from behind, where he pets the little thing, planning on how to stop the Diamond Dog once he arrives at the capital of Equestria. The Greatest Tag-Team TournamentThe Greatest Tag-Team Tournament On China’s Yellow River, the group, along with team Wang Hu Zhong and Rainbow Dash, are on a river boat, heading toward the first site of the tournament. “So cool!” Tempest said as they all admire the giant pillar of rock near the river. “What amazing scenery,” Anubis added. “We’re thrilled to share China’s beauty with you,” Mei-Mei said. “However, there is no time to stare at the scenery,” Chao Xin said. “We’re approaching the site of the tournament,” Dashan added. “Way out here?” Peach Cobbler asked. “Isn’t this kinda out-of-the-way, you know, like the moon?” Taurus added. “We’re here. Look there,” Chin-yun said while pointing ahead. “Wow!” Rainbow said as they see four riverboats, surrounding an island made of yellow sandstone. The riverboats have the spectators on the top three floors, while on the floor closest to the water on one boat, all the competitors are waiting. Up above, a blimp with two giant screens, an overweight griffin announcer can be seen. “Hey now,” the announcer said. “Nín hǎo, hey there, competitors! Welcome to our tournament, Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù, or ‘Gateway to Success’! The stage for the first round of the tournament is a natural wonder created over a humongous period of time, this here Yellow River Stadium!” The announcer said as the crowd cheers. “Wow,” Bucky said. “So, listen up, my friends,” the announcer continued, “according to ancient Chinese legend, a carp that swims up the entire Yellow River will become a dragon. Who are the two dragons that will win this tournament and climb to the top of the tag-team world? Watch now ‘cause your about to find out!” “Go, Wang Hu Zhong!” Someone in the crowd cheered as the boat carrying the group enter the waiting area. “Be the dragon, you guys!” Someone else called out. “Mommy,” Anubis whispered, getting stage fright. “Everyone is getting pumped, huh,” Tempest said to Wang Hu Zhong. “Thats because this is the first big martial arts tournament in a long time,” Dashan answered. “Everyone is expecting that this time, Chin-yun and the others of Wang Hu Zhong will defeat you, Andromeda. We intend to see that they go home happy.” “Thats not gonna happen!” Andromeda said, her competitive side that she shares with her brother getting the best of her, again. “Sorry, but the team who will win is us! Right, Anubis?” “Uh, yes ma’am,” Anubis said, still having a little stage fright. “I’m honored that the first tournament I’ve ever been to, let alone compete in, will be on a team with Miss Andromeda. That’s for sure. I will do my very best.” “Huh? Did you say your first tournament?” Rainbow asked. “You've never been to a tournament of any kind before?” Tempest asked. “It’s true,” Anubis said with a nerves chuckle. “But I’ve been practicing really hard since I’ve meet you all, Miss Andromeda. So its okay.” “Shease! Practice is not the same thing at all,” Leone pointed out. “Your a total amateur.” “What? An amateur?” Anubis asked. “Doesn't matter!” Taurus suddenly said. “When it comes to a tag-team, Leone and I are the strongest. There’s no way we’ll lose to a newbie tag-team like yours.” “Yeah right,” Andromeda said. “You seem to be forgetting about us,” Mei-Mei began to say. “And that's a big mistake.” “I have to live to the expectations of my loyal fans, you know,” Chao Xin said as he waves at some female griffins in the stand. “Yeah! Chao Xin, baby!” One girl called out. “Win it for me, Chao Xin!” Another called. “I’m glade yo' don’t git like tat, bro,” Bucky said to his brother. “Same here,” Radiance added. “Chin-yun’s will win this thing!” “No way,” Tempest said as he places his arm on Andromeda, making her blush a bit. “Andi and Anubis will win it!” “Leone and I are gonna take it, hear!” “Settle down, everyone!” Bismarck suddenly said. “Ah unnerstan' yer feelings, but don’t forget t'other reason we’re hyar. Right, everyone?” “Bismarck’s right,” Radiance added. “We need to remember to keep our eyes open for signs of the Legendary Warrior that we’ve been looking for here in China,” Radiance said as she and the others look at the other competitors, 24, or 12 other teams, in total. “Who could it be?” Cherry asked. “Take a good look, Chao Xin,” Mei-Mei said. “Is the unicorn you saw in that group over there?” “Hard to say,” Chao Xin said. “When I saw him, his entire body was covered in a dark cloak. So, unfortunately, I didn’t see his face, or even what color he is.” “We have one clue,” Dashan said. “All we know is that the color of his magic is crimson red.” “I see at least 7 unicorns whose eye color is a shade of red in that group,” Radiance said. “It does narrow down who it is, but not by much.” “Right then, let's go over the rules of the Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù tournament,” the announcer suddenly said. “The rules are simple: you either have to knock either one or both of your opponents out of the arena, or get more points in the 5 minute time limit. The attack, form, and efficiency of your techniques all determine how many of points you will get. And remember, if at least one team member is defeated, the entire team loses. So, you better bring you A game!” Anubis then gasps at the fact that, “‘The team loses'? That stinks!” Anubis said. “Hey!” Leone said to the nerves Diamond Dog. “If Andromeda loses because of you, I won’t be happy. Understand? If Andromeda loses, it’s to me. So don’t dare lose before facing us,” Leone finished, making Anubis step back in fear. “Leone--” Andromeda tried to say, only for the announcer to interrupt her. “Yeah, baby!” The announcer said. “Time to get it on. Lets see who survives the first round, and goes on to fight in the even tougher second round.” “Let’s do this,” one of the competitors said. “It’s go time,” another said. Unfortunately, there is one team the group didn’t see. Both are earth ponies from Saddle Arabia, one is a stallion that’s wearing a large white cap with a yellow cross-like symbol covering most of his dark spiky hair and his right eye, along with a silver chain-like necklace and a white cloak with yellow symbols like on his cap with brown boots, but his most striking feature are his wide yellow eyes with feline pupils. The other is a mare with a yellow coat, a light brown mane with a white ribbon at the back of her head that looks like cat ears from the front. She has large, light green eyes like those of a cat, and two small catlike teeth sticking out of her mouth as well. “Meow, meow,” the mare said to the stallion, Johannes. “Are you sure you want Motti as you partner, big kitty? Meow. Motti has never been in a tournament. Meow.” “No one is counting your help, Motti,” Johannes said to her. “Do you understand me?” “Meow?” “All you have to do is just stay out of my way while I fight. Okay?” “Meow, meow?” “You see, I couldn't be in the tournament without a partner, that's all. I just brought you along in order to get in, not to compete. So you can just leave all the fighting that to me.” “That’s fine with me, then,” Motti said. “But I will make sure you give me the reward you promised! Meow, meow!” “You sure do go on about that,” Johannes noted. “You’ll get it, okay?” Johannes said, making Motti spin with all her might, turning into a yellow blur. Spinning like a top, she slammed to a sudden halt, her eyes bobbled around, still trying to adjust to the moving river that she couldn't see, as Johannes sighs in embarrassment. “Yeah, baby!” The announcer suddenly cried as he rings a gong, getting everyone’s attention. “Now, without further ado, let the tag-team tournament, Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù, begin!” He said as the crowd cheers while the first two team go to the stadium. “Let’s start the opening match right, with these two rock stars! From China’s own pride and joy, Wang Hu Zhong, comes the Dashan/Chin-yun team!” “Wang Hu Zhong! Wang Hu Zhong!” The crowd chanted, completely ignoring the other team as they land on the small island, who is a unicorn and pegasus team, with the unicorn having bright red eyes. “Man, gotta love that home town crowed, huh?” Rainbow said. “The whole place is cheering for Wang Hu Zhong,” Flora added. “I can’t believe I’m gonna be in front of such a huge crowd,” Anubis said to himself. “I can do this. I am one of the Legendary Warriors, don’t forget,” Anubis said as the first round begins. “Check it out! Here we go!” The announcer called out as he, along with everyone on the river, start the countdown. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” They said as the two teams charge at each other. “Here we go!” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun charge up a spell. “Time for a Storm Surge!” “And a Tempestuous Whirlwind Sword!” Chin-yun added as the two fire their spells at their panicking opponents. When the spells hit, a beam of light jumps into the sky, scaring the announcer. “Whoa! It's all over!” He said when he sees the unicorn and pegasus outside of the arena, while the crowd cheers loudly. “What a brilliant display of magic and power that was! In a matter of seconds, the Dashan-Chin-yun team effortlessly push through the first round!” “Amazing!” A completely stunned Anubis said. “You should’t be surprised that Dashan and Chin-yun would kick butt like that,” Mei-Mei said as Dashan and Chin-yun return to the boat, while Leone and Taurus go up next, their round already starting. “There’s no way that I’m losing to anyone here, either!” Taurus said as he charges at the their opponents, two griffin, and uppercuts them into the river. “Yes, sir. I get them good, huh Leone, pal?” “Yeah,” Leone said to Taurus as they head back to the boat. “The winner is the Leone/Taurus team,” the announcer said. “Leone did not have to do a thing, Taurus advanced them to the second round all by himself.” “You sure are stronger than you look, Taurus,” Tempest said. “Uh, thanks. I think,” Taurus said as the third match is about to start, as Rainbow notices who’s going up. “Oh, no,” Rainbow said, getting everyone's attention. “Mom, what is it?” Tempest asked. “Just look who’s up next,” Rainbow simply said. “Now, welcome to the stage...” the announcer said as the group look at the stadium, “Johannes!” “Well, look at what the cat dragged in,” Berry said. “And what is with that partner of his?” Cherry added. “And Motti!” The announcer said as Motti jump around the stadium, meowing and waving at the crowd, shocking the group. “What’s the deal with that?” A stunned Andromeda asked. “Ah said it befo'e, I’ll say it agin. Ah hate cats,” Bismarck said, as the other team steps onto the stage, causing the crowd to go into an uproar, getting the groups. “Their opposing team is, Hong Kong superstars, the Huǒ/Shuǐ team!” The announcer said as the two unicorns, both having bright red eyes, take on a karate stance. “After earning high scores in tournaments around the world, these two formed a tag-team to enter the Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù tournament.” “Well, let's get it on,” Huǒ said to the two cat-things. “Meow?” Motti asked. “You two kittens are going down,” Shuǐ added. “Meow! I’m scared of them!” Motti said as she holds onto Johannes’s led. “Ha! I can easily take care of those two myself with no problem,” Johannes said. “Say what?” Huǒ and Shuǐ asked as Motti let's go of Johannes. “What a brave kitty you are,” Motti said to Johannes. “Enough chitchat, kitty cat,” the announcer said. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” They all said as the two teams enter the arena. “Just play by yourself in the back so you don’t get in my way. Okay, kitty?” Johannes said to Motti, who jumps back and stands next to the arena’s outer rim. “Let’s get him!” “You bet!” Huǒ and Shuǐ respectfully said as they fire several blasts at Johannes, who doges them all with great ease. “So, how long can you avoid our barrage, cat-colt thingy?” “Humph! You two might be Hong Kong superstars, but you don’t understand the first thing about a tag-team match,” Johannes said. “Come again?” Shuǐ asked. “When both members of a team are unicorns, the attacks and fighting styles are two similar, I’m afraid,” Johannes said. “Save it. Your making that up,” Huǒ called out as he and Shuǐ prepare a spell. “Am I, really?” Johannes asked as the two unicorns fire, but Johannes takes his chain, and deflects their blasts. “No!” “He deflected them?” Huǒ and Shuǐ respectfully said. “Johannes deflected their knockout spells!” The announcer said. “How did he do that?” “His chain necklace is magdrillium too?” Tempest asked. “Apparently,” Andromeda said. “Oh! Who cares that he has something that can deflect magic?” Huǒ said, getting a laugh from Johannes. “Unfortunately for you, I also have a surprise for you two,” Johannes said. “Uh, oh!” Huǒ and Shuǐ said as Johannes throws a bomb at them, releasing gas. “I can’t see!” “Me either!” Shuǐ added as Johannes jumps in, and bucks the two into the river. “The Huǒ/Shuǐ team just got uppercutted out of the stadium!” The announcer said as the two unicorns emerge from the river, gasping for air. “The winner is the Johannes/Motti team!” The announcer finished as Motti does a little victory dance, while the group stare on in shock. “He defeated two talented unicorns, and so easily?” A shocked Dashan asked. “That smoke bomb allowed him to sneak up on them so he can kick them out of the stadium,” Radiance said as Johannes and Motti leave. “If he has such speed and agility, along with that strength and his magdrillium, then, Andromeda...” “Yeah,” Andromeda interrupted, “he may be one of us, a Legendary Warrior...” “Up next is one of the most exciting matches in the first round,” the announcer suddenly said. “Competitors who took part in the last World Duel Championships will clash in this awesome duel right before your eyes!” He said as a computer monitor shows the two teams, the Chao Xin/Me-Mei team verses the Andromeda/Anubis team. The match up causes the entire crowd to scream as Chao Xin and Mei-Mei take a boat to the stadium. “Who can forget Wang Hu Zhong’s great efforts in the World Championships?Here come two of those members, the Chao Xin/Me-Mei team.” “Wang Hu Zhong! Wang Hu Zhong!” The crowd chanted. “You can do it, Chao Xin!” A female griffin in the crowd called out. “Go Chao Xin, Hunkasaures!” Another added. “And speaking of the last World Duel Championships, this mare come to mind, does she not?” The announcer said as Andromeda and Anubis’s boat lands on the island. “Here’s the leader of the winning team of the World Duel Championships IX, Andromeda!” “Let’s go, Anubis,” Andromeda said as she steps onto the island, while Anubis stays on the boat, a little hesitant. Time to put up or shut up. I can’t let myself lose to Taurus or the members of Wang Hu Zhong. Anubis thought to himself, when Andromeda snaps him back to reality. “Come on, Anubis,” Andromeda said, making Anubis run after her. “Huh? Yes, ma’am,” Anubis said as he steps off the boat. “And her partner is the up and coming Diamond Dog: Anubis!” The announcer said, but instead of a cheer, the two get booing from the crowd, making Anubis gasp in terror. “Ah! What is with their mood?” Anubis asked. “They sure aren't our fans, are they?” Andromeda said, as Anubis isolates himself in his mind. “So, this is how it is,” Anubis said to himself, as Mei-Mei walks up to them a bit. “Hey there, Andromeda,” Mei-Mei began to say. “Are you ready to throw up with us? Huh?” “You meant to say, ‘throw down with us,’ right?” Chao Xin asked. “In a tag match, experience is a deodorant,” Mei-Mei added. “No, ‘experience is important’!” Chai Xin corrected. “Chao Xin and I are gonna give you a taste of our impressive frustration.” “‘A taste of our impressive combination,’ you mean,” Chai Xin corrected, again, as the others stare at them with a mix of disappointment and frustration. “They certainly understand each other, don’t they?” Radiance said as the match begins. “And now for the match you’ve been waiting for! Whoa baby!” The announcer suddenly said. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” Suddenly, Chao Xin and Mei-Mei charge at the two, heading for Andromeda! Anubis, due to the stress of his stage fright, he can’t move at all as Chao Xin and Mei-Mei gang up on Andromeda. “Miss Andromeda!” Anubis said, but still can’t move. “The Chao Xin/Mei-Mei teams attacks are working, gaining 20 points already!” The announcer called out. “Anubis can’t do a thing as he watches his partner take the full force of the attacks. What is going through his head?” The announcer finished as Chao Xin and Mei-Mei back off from Andromeda for a second. “I’m sorry, Miss Andromeda,” Anubis said, having calm down a little. “Don’t worry about it,” Andromeda said. “Just calm down, Anubis.” “I’m okay now. Don’t worry about me,” Anubis said as he prepares a spell. “Hold on a sec,” Andromeda tried to say, but it's too late as Anubis fires a laser at Chao Xin and Mei-Mei. “Humph! A small laser like that won’t do a thing against us,” Chao Xin said as he takes on a certain stance. “Solid Iron Wall!” Chao Xin said as the blast hits, but it dose’t even make him flinch. “Ah! No way!” A panicking Anubis said. “Don’t panic, Anubis,” Andromeda said on the other side of the stadium. “You need to calm down, but fast,” Andromeda said, when she sees that Anubis is beginning to shake. “I have to do ... something,” Anubis said, him being nerves not helping. “I have to make up for when I froze at the beginning,” Anubis added, with Leone growling in anger. “Pull yourself together! Okay, Anubis?” Taurus called out. “Whats going on with you, Anubis?” Flora asked. “During practice, you were in complete control! What’s wrong?” Cherry asked. “He’s overwhelmed with his fust tournament experience,” Bismarck answered. “Ah know th' feelin'.” “Bismarck is right,” Dashan added. “The difference in pressure from standing in a stadium or arena verses from watching in the stands is like the difference between the skies and the earth.” “Ha! He’s unfit. Can someone like that really be a Legendary Warrior?” Chin-yun asked as Andromeda fires a blast of air at Chao Xin and Mei-Mei. “Whoa!” Chao Xin and Mei-Mei said as they barely avoid the blast. “You two can’t avoid the air, can you?” Andromeda said as she creates an air sword. “So, this time, I’ll be your opponent!” “Now your talking turkey,” Chao Xin said. “Andromeda, we need to beat you to make this a true victory,” Mei-Mei added. “Andromeda has come to the rescue of Anubis, who is still shaking from the beginning! Andromeda begins to counterattack!” The announcer said. “Not on my watch, she won’t,” Mei-Mei said as she pushes Andromeda back several feet, near the edge of the stadium. Chao Xin then takes two swords and forces Andromeda further to the edge. “Andromeda can do nothing but try to hold on as she is hit again and again by Chao Xin and Mei-Mei’s attack waves!” The announcer said, while Anubis looks on in shock. “Andromeda, ma’am, please hold on. I’m gonna try to help,” Anubis said as he prepares a blast again. However, Mei-Mei and Chao Xin dodged the blast, and it hits Andromeda instead, sending her flying to the very edge the stadium. “Unbelievable! Anubis hits his teammate!” The announcer said. “Oh no, you didn’t!” Leone yelled as Andromeda gets back up, slightly hurt. She’ll lose. Anubis thought. She’ll lose because of me! Anubis then becomes so sacred that he can’t make a move. “Anubis?!” Tempest called out, getting no response. This is no good. What if I mess up again? Anubis thought, remembering what Leone said to him earlier. ================================================================== “If Andromeda loses because of you, I won’t be happy. Understand?” Leone said to the then calm Anubis. ================================================================== Anubis’s fear then increases as he nearly collapses to the ground. “Anubis, we can't make a move separately,” Andromeda said to the terrified Diamond Dog. “We only have 3 minutes left, so we need to combine our strength.” “That won’t work!” Anubis said. “Huh?” “I’ll just mess up. I’m just not good enough to be on your team, Miss Andromeda. I can’t aloud myself to get in your way anymore!” Anubis added. “What are you talking about?” Andromeda asked. “This is a tag-team match. We can’t win if we don’t work together, understand me?” “But I stink,” Anubis said. “Anubis, no...” Andromeda tried to say. “Looks like he’s lost his confidence, huh?” Chao Xin said. “Well, hitting your own partner does cause the most phycological dandruff,” Mei-Mei pointed out. “‘Phycological damage,’” Chao Xin corrected, again. “Never mind, all we have to do now is either wait this out, or go in for the kill. I’m inclined to go for the latter.” “That’s not gonna happen!” Andromeda said as Mei-Mei and Chao Xin cut her off from Anubis. “Chao Xin and Mei-Mei have cut Andromeda off from her partner! Is the end near?” The announcer asked. “Sure looks an unexpected result here,” Johannes said as he watches from the waiting area as Motti eats some dumplings, having not a care in the world. “Miss Andromeda,” Anubis said, but still doesn't do a thing. “You got to get a grip, Anubis! Just get in there! Andromeda can’t wait forever!” Tempest yelled out. “I can’t do it!” Anubis said to himself. “What if I accidentally hit her again? Because of me, Miss Andromeda will end up losing the match. Don’t you see?” “Anubis, come on!” Bucky yelled as Andromeda is pushed closer to the edge, as only 2 minutes and 30 seconds remain. “It’s all over,” a clearly happy Chin-yun said, while Anubis can’t move at al-- “Quit whining, will ya!” Leone suddenly yelled out, getting Anubis’ attention. “Leone!” Radiance barked at the lioncorn. “Leone, pal?” Taurus asked. “If Andromeda loses because you did nothing, it will be all your fault, dude!” Leone added. “Don’t just stand there, fight back!” “Mister Leone ... Fight back?” Anubis asked. “He’s right Anubis,” Andromeda said, getting Anubis’s attention. “We can talk about this later, but as long as you try, it doesn't matter if you lose. But losing because you didn’t try at all is unforgivable!” “But, Miss Andromeda...” Anubis tried to say. “Anubis!” Tempest suddenly called out. “Don’t you remember when you stood up to Cetus, that time?” Tempest asked, making Anubis gasp in realization and shock. ================================================================== “If you insist on walking away from us, than I will fight you,” the then gray Anubis said as he holds onto the broken rock like it’s a weapon. ================================================================== “Ah! I remember!” Anubis said. “If you try, you can do it!” Andromeda said to her partner, with only 1 minute and 50 seconds left. “That’s why the Start Fragment went to you. Isn’t that right? Just do it.” “Huh? What did she just say?” A shock Johannes said. That’s right! Anubis thought to himself. The Star Fragment came to me and gave me its power. When I can fully control that power, I will be a true Legendary Warrior, Anubis then takes a deep breath, calming himself down completely. Calm down, if I let something like this get the better of me, then I’m not qualified to be a Legendary Warrior, “Anubis, my boy, please be brave now, just believe in yourself and you can do it!” Anubis said as he prepares to fire another blast at Chao Xin and Mei-Mei. “What now?” Mei-Mei asked. “So, we’ll just have to make him hit his teammate again. ‘Kay Mei-Mei?” Chao Xin said as he and Mei-Mei jump out-of-the-way as Anubis fires, but he controls the laser, and it glides right past Andromeda. “Huh?” “No way!” Mei-Mei added. “Go now, Miss Andromeda!” Anubis said as he and Andromeda begin to glow, his being indigo and Andromeda’s being yellow. “Let’s do it!” Andromeda said as she and Anubis charge at the two, with Andromeda manifesting the toga mare alicorn while Anubis manifests the two-legged Egyptian jackal, which shocks Johannes even more. “Oh boy!” Johannes said. “Special move: Brave Impact!” Anubis suddenly said as he and Andromeda charge at the two. Suddenly, there's an explosion, with Mei-Mei and Chao Xin flying into the river, with 1 minuet to spare. “All right!” The entire group, except for Dashan, Chin-yun and Leone, said. “Where did that special move come from, Anubis?” Andromeda asked. “I don’t know. It just popped into my head,” Anubis said with a nerves laugh as the crowd begins to cheer. “Chopsticks! Chao Xin and Mei-Mei have lost!” The announcer said. “At the last moment, the Andromeda/Anubis team used excellent teamwork to turn the tables and win it!” The announcer said as Chao Xin and Mei-Mei reach the surface. “Oh, what a bummer!” Chao Xin said. “They got us. Talk about a bad buck,” Mei-Mei said. “Ugh, you meant to say, ‘bad luck,’ right?” Chao Xin asked. “No. I meant to say f--” “Ah! Do not say that word!” Chao Xin interrupted. “Chao Xin, Mei-Mei,” Dashan said as Chin-yun glares at Anubis. “Yeah, all right! They actually won, Leone,” Taurus said. “Humph! Just barley in the end,” Leone pointed out. “Leone’s right,” Taurus said. “Could it be?” Johannes said, while Motti is still eating the dumplings, oblivious to whats going on. “The Diamond Dog who’s head I nearly split open is a Legendary Warrior now. When did that happen?” “Humph! There goes one Shaolin Temple team, Aguma,” a unicorn with pure red eyes, a blood-red mane that drapes below his shoulders, a black coat and two swords that cross each other for a cutie mark said to a muscular griffin that has orange eyes, with feathers and fur of varying shades of blue and tan, and a tan scarf/cloak hybrid that he has, which holds a scythe. “Oh well, Bao. We will just have to enjoy it from afar this time. But I do look forward to a match with that alicorn and Diamond Dog.” The griffin, Aguma, said. “Well, the Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù tournament is getting exciting!” The announcer suddenly said. “And there are so many exciting and amazing matches to come!”
The Legendary WarriorsThe Legendary Warriors At the Canterlot airport, the Diamond Dog from the observatory runs toward some crates, before pulling out a map from his backpack. “I have to find Miss Celestia and Miss Luna, now. Let’s see, that royal palace should’t be that far away.” He said as he looks at the map, trying to find the quickest route. “Ha-ha-ha, you're not going there kid,” a voice from behind him said, shocking him as he sees someone jump over him and land on the highest crate. He’s wearing a large white cap with a yellow cross-like symbol covering most of his dark spiky hair and his right eye, along with a silver chain-like necklace and a white cloak with yellow symbols like on his cap with brown boots, but his most striking feature are his wide yellow eyes with feline pupils. It’s Johannes. “Yo!” “Who are you?” “Sorry doggy, but your journey ends here I’m afraid to say.” “I said, ‘who are you’? What do you want with me?” “Long story.” Johannes said as he pulls out a dagger, scarring the Diamond Dog. “Uh oh.” He said as he turns around and runs. “Humph. They always run,” Johannes said as he disappear. Several blocks away, the Diamond Dog runs past some construction workers in an alleyway. “Hey, watch it!” One yelled. “Sorry.” The Diamond Dog as he runs down the alley, only for Johannes to appear in front of him, shocking both the dog and the workers. “Meow. He-he-he, too bad you lose,” Johannes said as he prepares to throw the dagger. “I got to tell the princesses what I know and I got to do it right now.” Diamond Dog said as he ducks just in time as Johannes throws the dagger, but misses as it hits a support beam for one of the platforms, making Johannes jump back a few feet and hiss. “See ya.” The Diamond Dog said as he makes a run for it. “Humph, you can’t run from me forever, my little friend.” Johannes said as he disappears again. “What just happened?” One of the workers asked. ================================================================== Meanwhile, at the Royal Guard’s academy, Andromeda and Leone are going through some test, while their friends, family, and Celestia and Luna watch. “When is dad gonna get here?” Orion asked his mother. “He’ll be here as soon as he can, Orion.” Twilight said as they see two guards duel with Andromeda while another guard and Taurus fight with Leone. “You know, I still can’t believe something like that happened.” Luna said. “Yes. Two different unicorns turning into two alicorns without the Elements of Harmony.” Celestia added. “Is something like that even possible?” “We know that it’s hard for you two to believe, but we saw it with our own eyes. But the fact is that the new Andromeda and Leone are really practicing down there right now.” Twilight said as she and the others look own. “Bastion Yorsets, have you figured anything about what might happened?” Celestia asked the elderly blue unicorn, who goes up to the princess with some notes. “Not exactly, your highness,” Bastion said as he looks over his notes. “But the thing that the two have in common, is that they both now posses an elemental power now.” “Andromeda can what now?” Orion asked. “Well, you see, let’s start off with Leone,” Bastion said as they look over to the half-lion half-alicorn down below. “You see, we all known that his special talent is making tornados, but now he’s able to control rock and other earth based materials like diamonds and metals,” Bastions said. “Great, like he wasn't enough trouble already.” Tempest joked. “In Andromeda’s case, it’s different. She’s now not only able to control the weather and the conditions of clouds now, but she’s also able to control the very air we breath, even able to make a small vacuum.” Bastion said. “That’s amazing!” Celestia said. “It sure is.” Tempest said as Andromeda and her group take a small break. “Thats all well and good, but can someone please tell me why my older sister and her least likably friend changed in the first place?” Orion demanded. They then see Leone create a tornado of sand and dust, using it to send Taurus and the guard back several feet. Leone then angrily looks over to the two Princesses above him. “Hey, how much longer are you gonna subject me to these tests? Getting dragged in here by you people is messing with my mojo!” Leone yelled. “Just calm down Leon,” Celestia said to the short-tempered lioncorn. “You and Andromeda may have been just doing a duel yesterday, but you two turned part of Everfree into a mess. Don’t you think you two have a responsibility to help with the investigation of what caused the damage to happen.” “Leone, before the dueled yesterday, did you notice anything odd or unusually happening?” Luna asked. “Even something that seamed like nothing, if you can think of anything, share it with us.” Bastion added. “Huh? How should I know?” Leone said as Taurus walks up to him. “Now that you mention it...” Taurus began. “Do yo' remember sumpin?” Applejack asked. “Uh, sort of. I mean ... I’m not really sure if it’s important, but ... Uh?” Taurus tried to say. “Anything can be important. Tell us what happened.” Celestia asked. “I think it was the night before last. Yeah, I’m quit sure.” Taurus began. “We were in the badlands so Leone can practice for his duel with Andromeda.” ================================================================== In the badlands, Leone is recreating his “Lion Gale Force Wall!” Leone yelled as he creates his signature technique. Taurus grabs a large boulder and hurls it at the tornado, but it quickly tosses it aside like a rag doll. “That was a pretty nice move, Leone pale,” Taurus then chuckles a little. “Now, even Andromeda doesn't stand a chance against you, hear me?” “Humph!” Leone said, when, suddenly, the two see a bright light in the sky. “Huh?” “What is that thing?” Taurus said as the light gets closer, causing the two to panic as the light hits Leone, causing a blinding light. Once the light dissipates, Taurus sees that Leone’s eyes are now sparkling like the night sky. “Yikes.” ================================================================== “It was over in an instant,” Taurus said as he finishes his story. “And it was so strange, I thought I just dreamed it. You know what I mean? It was just so weird.” “A light that felled from the sky?” Luna asked as she and the others stare in disbelief. “Oh, come on. What kind of dimwit would believe that?” Rainbow said as Orion thinks hard. “The night before last? Hey, Andromeda, do you think it was the same thing we saw?” Orion asked, causing the group to look both at him and Andromeda. “Maybe,” Andromeda said, when she notices everyone is staring at her. “Oh, well, you see, what he means is...” ================================================================== Andromeda is in her brother's room, when the two notice a light outside. “What the?” She managed to say as the light enters the room and hits her, filling the room with blinding light. When the light disappears, Orion quickly gets out of bed and runs to his sister when he sees her on the floor, shaken by the experience just now. “Andromeda! Are you okay?” He asked, not sure he wanted to find out. “I’m fine.” Andromeda said as she looks over to Orion, when she sees the look of shock on his face. “What is it?” “You might want to look in the mirror.” Orion said. Andromeda, not entirely sure why Orion is all freaked out now, goes to the closes mirror she can find, and gasps. Her eyes are now sparkling like the night sky, almost as if that light change her. “What the ... What?” ================================================================== “First a strange wave of powerful magic two nights ago, then two lights falling from the sky? There’s no way that’s a coincidence.” Luna said to her older sister. “I don’t think so.” Celestia said. “Humph! It makes no difference, anyway,” Leone said. “Andromeda and I still haven’t settle things. If you aren't gonna let me duel Andromeda, than there’s no reason for me to stay here any longer,” Leone said as he takes his leave. “I’m out of here.” “Hey, wait!” Bastion suddenly said. “I need to talk to you.” Bastion said as he goes after the lioncorn while Andromeda’s friends and family join her on the ground. “What is that guys problem?” Peach Cobbler asked. “Leone!” Taurus nearly cried. “Wait for me Leeeeee!” Taurus said as he goes after Leone, leaving behind a dust trail. “Uh, mom, would it be all right if me and my friends go after Orion, Bucky, and Peach before they do something stupid with Leone?” Andromeda asked, causing Applejack, Fluttershy and Twilight to look around and see the three foals are gone. “We’ll take that as a yes,” Andromeda said as she, Tempest, Bismarck, Radiance, Flora and the Pie twins go after them. “Thet’s startin' t'become a bad habit wif them.” Applejack said as Celestia and Luna walk down to them. “Celestia, what does all this mean?” Twilight asked. “A light that fell from the sky, they say.” Celestia said in a whisper. ================================================================== Not far from Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, Leone has finally lost Bastion and his barrage of questions. “I don’t care how it happened,” he said as he looks into a nearby pond in the park outside of the school, seeing his reflection, and his lion-like eyes and fangs. “I’ve been reborn as the strongest alicorn ever. Yes, I have gained new fangs to become the Prince of the Wild. Once I polish these new fangs, Andromeda won’t even be a challenge.” Suddenly, he hears a small explosion, like one belonging to a firecracker, and sees a Diamond Dog backing away from a strange Earth Pony cat-colt thingy. The cat-colt thingy then throws a small bomb, which explodes, sending the Diamond Dog back severely feet, burning his arms. “Meow. Too bad, little fella. Unfortunately for you, I’m as persistent as a cat,” the cat-colt thingy, Johannes, said to the badly hurt Diamond Dog. “Bully,” the Diamond Dog groaned, trying his best to get back up. “I have no personal grudged against you, ya know. It’s my job. Don’t think badly of me,” Johannes said as he throws a kunie with chain, which barely hits the Diamond Dog as he crawls away, while Johannes smiles. The two then notice Leone, standing there, watching. “Hmm?” “I think I know who you are,” the Diamond Dog weakly said. “Your name is Leone, isn't it? Please, help me,” the Diamond Dog begged as he stretches out his arm, while Leone looks over toward Johannes. “Huh? Hey, pal, you wanna fight me?” Johannes asked as he takes on a fighting stance. “This has nothing to do with me,” Leone simply said. “What?!” the shocked Diamond Dog said. “Your a Diamond Dog, are you not? From what I heard about your kind, you should handle this guy by yourself,” Leone said as he leaves. “Come on!” “Meow. I’m glad he turned out to be a sensible guy,” Johannes said. “Now, prepare yourself to meet your maker!” Johannes said as he prepares the finishing blow with his kunie, throwing it toward the Diamond Dog’s head, when suddenly, a yellow blast hits the kunie, making it miss it’s target by a few feet. “What?” Andromeda, her friends, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and Taurus then rush to the aid of the Diamond Dog. “Are you okay?” Flora asked the dog. “What a punk that guy is!” Taurus said as he glares at Johannes. “What's your problem?” Andromeda asked the Saddle Arabian. “There’s no need for something like that, is there?” “You tell him, Andromeda.” Orion said, making Johannes look at her in shock. “Huh, your the foals of the Elements of Harmony?” Johannes asked. “I knew you were them,” the Diamond Dog said, when he notices that Andromeda is a alicorn now, and her changed cutie mark. “Aw, amazing!” Johannes then hisses at the group like a stray cat, and pulls back his kunie. “This has become too annoying. Adios!” Johannes said as he disappears into thin air, shocking the group. “Huh?” “He disappeared?” Peach asked. “How was that possible, he was an earth pony, right?” Tempest said. “Doesn't matter now,” Andromeda said as she looks at the badly hurt Diamond Dog. “We need to get you to the hospital.” “Thank goodness. I knew I would find a Legendary Warrior here,” the relived Diamond Dog said, confusing the group. “Legendary Warrior?” The Pie twins asked. “I beg you, Andromeda, please lend me your strength, with the Star Fragment,” the Diamond Dog appealed. “Star Fragment?” Andromeda asked. “Yes, before it falls into the hands of Nemesis,” the Diamond Dog said, confusing the group even more. “Hurry,” suddenly, the Diamond Dog falls to the ground, unconscious. “Hey!” Bismarck said. “Wake up, kid. Wake up!” ================================================================== Later that day, at the castles infirmary, after the Diamond Dog wakes up, and after tending to his injuries, the group, accompanied by their mothers, Celestia, Luna and Bastion Yorsets, are asking him some questions. “What is you name, young one?” Celestia asked the Diamond Dog. “Anubis Mizusawa,” the Diamond Dog answered. “Anubis? Strong name,” Celestia complimented. “Well, I never seen you here in Canterlot before,” Luna said. “Where are you from?” “And what was that about Andromeda lending you her strength?” Tempest asked. “Yeah, and what’s a Legendary Warrior?” Andromeda asked. “Uh ... well, you see...” Anubis tried to say. “Hey, relax guys,” Twilight said to the others. “He can’t answer your questions if you asked them at the same time.” “Your right, mom. Sorry,” Andromeda said. “So, now. Anubis, what is a Star Fragment?” Bastion asked. “Well, long, long ago, a star felled from the sky,” Anubis began, with Celestia and Luna gasping in surprise as those first few words Anubis just said are strangely familiar. “Through the ages, the energy absorbed from that Star Fragment changed, and evolved into the magic of today.” “That’s ... a legend Star Swirl used to tell us when we were foals,” a shocked Luna said. “How did you know about it?” Celestia asked. “I was brought up hearing this story from my grandfather, ever since I was a little pup,” Anubis answered. “From your grandfather?” Flora asked. “Then that means, both you are your grandfather are descendants of one of Star Swirls companions,” Celestia said. “Grandfather often brought me to a hill, where we could see the vast, star filled sky. And he would say this to me,” Anubis began to say. ================================================================== “When a dazzling and majestic glow lights up the earth from the heavens, a new Star Fragment will arrive and awaken a great power,” Anubis’ grandfather said to a much younger Anubis as the two watch the night sky. “A new Star Fragment, grandpa?” “This was a prophecy Star Swirl’s family has passed down from father, to son, to grandson. His ancestors, who originally found the Star Fragment, believed that after a long, long time, a new Star Fragment would appear from the heavens once again. ‘When a dazzling and majestic glow lights up the earth from the heavens,’ what does it really mean anyway? The time may be nearer than we think, my boy.” “Will I get the chance to see the new Star Fragment, grandpa?” “Yes. If that is your destiny.” ================================================================== “When will the new Star Fragment fall down to Earth? I became deeply interested in that very question,” Anubis explained to the others. “Based of varies astronomical observations and research of ancient ruins, I put together my own timeline of the universe that calculates the time of it’s arrival to Earth,” Anubis said, having only lost Taurus and Peach Cobbler. “A timeline of the universe!” Orion, Bucky, and the Pie twins said at the same time. “That’s amazing!” Rarity added, making Anubis blush a bit. “The most important reference for making that timeline came from the ancient Mayan civilization,” Anubis added. “Did he say ‘Mayan’?” Orion asked his mother. “It was an ancient civilization that created a system of calendars through study,” Twilight answered her son. “Long ago, people calculated the flow of time using the movements of the stars that shine in the night sky, which was another reason Luna turned into Nightmare Moon when they began to ignore her night,” Twilight said, putting a sheepish smile on Luna’s face while making Orion laugh a little. “Yes, and, as it turned out, one of their calendars predicted the arrival of my particular star,” Anubis said. “What?” The entire group asked. “Strangely, in ancient civilizations all over the world, there are many examples of legends very similar to the one passed down by Star Swirl’s family,” Anubis added. “The calendar left behind by the Mayan can be thought of as one of those.” “No way!” Rainbow Dash said. “From all over the world?” Bastion asked. “I’m sure the meteor I found is the new Star Fragment, and the light from the prophecy grandfather told me has sparkled in the sky at last. There is just no doubt in my mind that this is what he was talking about.” Anubis said while he looks over toward Andromeda. “‘When a dazzling and majestic glow lights up the earth from the heavens,’ it was the explosion created by the excess energy from when Miss Andromeda and her friends did their last time jump, which she absorbed, then released in space. That was surly the light in the heavens, of course!” “I did what?” Andromeda asked. “And after that,” Anubis continued, “the Star Fragment has really come to Earth.” “The new Star Fragment has arrived?!?!” A completely shocked Celestia said “You mean it’s really here?!?!” An equally shocked Luna added. “The problem is,” Anubis added, “depending on who obtains the power held within that fragment, it defiantly can be used for either good or evil,” Anubis finished, shocking the group. “Light and dark are two sides of the same coin. Where there is light present, darkness can creep in, so a new light may very well become a tunnel of darkness,” Celestia said. “Say what?” The Pie twins asked. “That’s the continuation of the prophecy Star Swirl the Bearded left behind,” Luna said. “His ancestors, who left those words behind, also foretold the possibility that, along with the arrival of the new Star Fragment, an evil presence, planing to make use of it, would appear.” “It’s true,” Anubis said. “Grandfather feared that the most of all.” ================================================================== “Will it be the beginning of a new era of peace and harmony? Or will it be the sign of a new age of chaos and disorder?” Anubis’s grandfather said. “Hmm?” “Listen, Anubis, if that time ever arrives, the Star Fragment must not fall into the hands of evil. When the time comes, you must take the lead to ensure their evil ambitions are crushed completely, understand?” Anubis’s grandfather said as he places a paw on a young Anubis’s head and rubs it. ================================================================== “Grandfather had probably sense an evil presence that will go after the power of the Star Fragment,” Anubis said, when he looks upwards in realization. “No, not just him. The Star Fragment itself must have sensed it.” “Th’ fragment sensed it?” Bismarck asked. “Yes,” Anubis said. “That is why, on the day the Star Fragment arrived on Earth, it split into 10 points of light and scattered across the globe.” “Thats amazing,” Andromeda said. “The Star Fragment has a will of its own?” Tempest asked. “Yes. One of those lights came straight to me at my observatory,” Anubis said. “And inside that light, I heard the Star Fragment’s voice.” “It’s voice?” Peach asked. “Uh, are you saying that the Star Fragment spoke to you?” Taurus said. “That is how it felt to me,” Anubis corrected. “Images were pushed into my mind, as if it was speaking to me,” Anubis said, remembering the experience all to well. ================================================================== Anubis felt like he was in space, and sees a hooded black unicorn standing in front of him. “What, a great evil?” Anubis asked the Star Fragment, which shows him an image of Celestia’s sun being block out by “A ... a black sun? That’s Nemesis!” Anubis said as the Black Sun completely engulfs Celestia's sun. “Huh? Ten chosen ones? The Legendary Warriors?” He is then thrown back by a strong wind, as his vision ends. ================================================================== “There is a great evil,” Anubis said to the group. “It will harness the unknown power of the Star Fragment. It has one goal: to revive the Black Sun, the God of Destruction, Nemesis!” “A black sun?” Celestia asked. “Did you say ‘Nemesis’?” Orion asked. “The Black Sun will turn the world into darkness,” Anubis added. “Nemesis must not be allowed to revive! Miss Andromeda, please lend me your strength!” Anubis begged as he turns toward Andromeda, startling her. “Hang on a sec, will you,” Andromeda frantically said. “Nemesis, and the voice of a meteor that fell from the sky?” Tempest ask as he gets in between Andromeda and Anubis. “Don’t you think you just dreamed all that up?” “Jest whut is this hyar ‘great evil’ ennyway?” Bucky asked. “I know it may be hard for all of you to believe,” Anubis said, “but the Mayan calendar even predicts the day that the world would be destroyed,” Anubis finished, shocking the group. “Oh yeah!” Bastion suddenly said. “I’ve heard of that day before myself. Isn't that day supposed to come soon?” “Yes,” Anubis answered. “The time of the worlds destruction, predicted by the Mayan calendar, is almost upon us,” Anubis said, causing the group to gasp in shock. “I think the timing is tied to Nemesis's revival.” “A great evil indeed,” Celestia said. “That is why the Star Fragment split it’s powers into multiple pieces,” Anubis continued. “To entrust the Earth into the hands of the chosen ones. The Legendary Warriors themselves.” “The Legendary Warriors?” Flora asked. “They are the ones who received a piece of the unknown power from the divided Star Fragment,” Anubis said. “There are a total of 10. The enemy is also surly trying to find those Legendary Warriors. They intend to gain their power for themselves, we have to prevent that from happening at any cost necessary. The fact is, although I didn't expect it, but Miss Andromeda is a Legendary Warrior. You are one of the warriors chosen by the Star Fragment, so please, in order to prevent the revival of Nemesis, please lend me your strength!” “I’m supposed to believe that I was chosen by the Star Fragment because you say so?” Andromeda skeptically said. “Thats it! The light!” Orion suddenly said, getting everyone’s attention. “Don’t you remember, sis. That light that hit you must have been the new Star Fragment giving you it’s power!” “Your right,” Andromeda said. “Than it must’ve happened to Leone too!” “Leone?” Anubis asked. “That’s right!” Taurus suddenly said with much excitement. “Leone also got hit by a light that fell from the sky. And he was reborn not long after too. So Leone is also one of the Legendary Warriors!” “Ah, I see now,” Celestia said. “The power of the Star Fragment that was given to them, was somehow amplified by their burning spirits. Changing both Andromeda Sparkle and Leone Lulamoon into alicorns, along with their cutie marks.” “Leone!” Anubis whispered, remembering when he was being attacked by Johannes, when Leone said ‘This has nothing to do with me.’ “That guy is trouble.” “Uh, Andromeda?” Tempest began to say. “When you released that big explosion into space, it called the Star Fragment here. That’s what happened, right?” “Yes, Tempest,” Andromeda said as she looks at her nearly acquired wings. "Okay, just wanted to make sure was all." Tempest replied. “Hey!” Orion suddenly began. “If the power of the Star Fragment is inside of me and my friends Bucky and Peach, too, do you think we’ll become Legendary Warriors just like Andromeda? Huh, what do you think?” Orion said at a fast pace. “What he said,” Taurus said while pointing at himself. “Uh ... of course that is a possibility. If the Star Fragment is inside of any of you, then it will defiantly respond to your heated warriors spirits, then you will change as well,” Anubis said, just to not to see their broken faces. “Yeah!” All four said. “My buddy, Leone, and I are gonna be Legendary Warriors together!” Taurus excitedly said. “There has already been someone who tried to stop me from telling you,” Anubis said. “This can only mean one thing, I’m afraid. The great evil that I spoke of, has already begun to work toward Nemesis’s revival. We must move now!” “The great evil is already on the move?” Fluttershy asked. “Do you mean the meowing guy from earlier?” Tempest asked. “Yes,” Anubis said as he gets out of the bed, able to stand now. “We must find our remaining allies as soon as possible, and prevent the revival of Nemesis.” “Okay, you can count on me and my friends, Anubis,” Andromeda said. “Yeah, Miss Andromeda,” Anubis excitedly said. “The revival of the God of Destruction, Nemesis,” Applejack said. “And 10 Legendary Warriors,” Rainbow Dash added. “Looks like we haf another big problem on our han's, an' jest a few weeks since th' last one,” Bismarck said. “That has t’be a new record.” “We must find the remaining 8,” Celestia said. “Twilight, I want you and your friends and family to find the remaining Legendary Warriors, where ever they are.” “Done,” the entire group said. “There are 8 to find,” Andromeda said, wondering just how to find them. “Legendary Warriors sound cool.” Orion said as he looks at his flank, and sees his black flank. Just outside of the building the infirmary is in, Johannes, accompanied by a few cats, is watching the whole discussion, petting one cat. “Aww, there you go. Arn’t you a pretty girl,” Johannes said to the calico cat. “Now then, what should I do next? This is going to be so much fun,” Johannes said with a sinister grin, having already come up with a few ideas on ow to take Andromeda with him.
The Monster CatThe Monster Cat It’s morning in Canterlot, the resident's beginning their day, some of them returning home after a long night. But for one group, they’re just getting started in their search. In the royal castle, Andromeda and her friends and family, along with Celestia and Luna, are talking to some friends via webcam. “Yo there, Andi!” A unicorn that has a sapphire blue coat, a pale gold mane with bright blue highlights as well as a strand of red dyed hair sticking out in between his eyes, which are cerulean. He's accompanied by Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. “It sure has been awhile, Twiley,” Shining Armor said to his little sister, making Andromeda and Orion laugh a little. “Thanks, Shining Armor,” Twilight sarcastically said. “So, why did you call?” Shining Armor and Princess Cadence’s son asked. “Sagittario, sorry for being so blunt, but can you sho us your cutie mark?” Andromeda asked her cousin. “There’s something we want to check on.” “Say what, cuz?” Sagittario asked with a confused look on his face, along with his parents. “Why do you want to see his cutie mark?” Cadence asked. “We’ll explain later,” Twilight said. “Just show us.” “Okay,” Sagittario said as he reluctantly moves so his cutie mark can be seen. “Is this good?” Sagittario said as Andromeda and the others closely study the cutie mark. It’s a bow and arrow made of crystals, but he also doesn't have any wings. “What exactly are you looking for?!” An annoyed Sagittario nearly shouted. “He’s not one of us,” a dejected Andromeda said in a whisper, but it was loud enough for her cousin, uncle and aunt to hear. “What!?” Sagittario asked. “Say what!? I don’t know what you're talking about, but I don’t like it, I know that!” “Sorry about that, cuz. I thought you would’ve been one of the chosen ones,” Andromeda said, confusing her cousin, uncle and aunt even more. “What are you talking about?” Shining Armor asked. “I’ll show you, Uncle Armor,” Andromeda said as she moves to her side, showing her cousin, uncle and aunt new wings and cutie mark. “Take a look.” “What the hay!” Shining Armor said out of shock. “Holy moly, when did you turn into an alicorn, and what happened to your cutie mark?” Sagittario asked. “Legendary Warrior?” A unicorn on the other monitor asked Radiance, Bismarck, and Tempest. He’s a tall, muscular, tan coated male with a long dark mane with yellow highlights on the side, green eyes that give him an intense look, and a red, white lined shirt, that has a high collard with a white sleeveless coat with yellow fur trim. “Yeah, dude,” Tempest said. “With the members of Team Wang Hu Zhong. We figured that, since the Shaolin Monastery has so many talented members, at least one might have been chosen.” “So, Dashan, did yo' notice enny fallin' lights from th' sky, or did any of t'others?” Bismarck asked. “No, Bismarck. In fact, as of this moment, there hasn't been any change in any of us here at the monastery,” Dashan answered. “Hmm, so far the only ones to have awaken as Legendary Warriors are Andromeda and Leone,” Celestia said. “I wonder where the remaining 8 could be? They got to be somewhere?” Peach Cobbler asked. “So, what you're saying is that if I were to become one of these Legendary Warriors, I would become a alicorn, and by cutie mark would go through an awesome transformation, just like Andromeda did. Is that right?” Sagittario asked. “Yeah,” Andromeda answered. “When your heated warriors spirit synchronizes with the power of the Star Fragment, your reborn as an alicorn. That is the proof of being a Legendary Warrior.” “Yeah, that’s the ticket!” An ecstatic Sagittario said. “When it comes to a heated warriors spirit, I’m the best! And I’m going to train really hard to become one! Just watch!” Sagittario nearly shouted, giving his parents a ‘not-good-for-us’ expression on their faces, a warning sing for when Sagittario is going to do something that might end either him, or the Crystal Empire. “That’s the spirit, cuz!” Orion said. “If Andromeda became one, then it can’t be that hard!” Sagittario said. “Absolutely!” Andromeda said, only for her to realize what her cousin just said. “Wait, what do you mean by that?!” Andromeda angrily asked, making her friend and family laugh a little. “Sagittario’s right,” Celestia whispered to Orion, getting his attention. “So far, it’s only been your sister and Leone, but Sagittario isn’t the only one who has a chance at becoming a Legendary Warrior. So, don’t lose hope,” “I can’t lose hope, can I?” It’s true, Orion thought to himself. I too could be one of the Legendary Warriors. The power of the Star Fragment could be inside of me as well. It’s just that I have’t brought that power out. If I become even stronger, the Star Fragment would surly respond, and I will become a alicorn and a Legendary Warrior, just like Andromeda “Okay, talk to you later, cuz,” Andromeda said, snapping Orion back to reality. “Yeah, now that I know about this, it’s time for some special training!” Sagittario said. “I just hope you won’t destroy the gym, again,” Shining Armor said, casing his son to groan as they hang up. “If anything changes here, we will let you know immediately,” Dashan said. “Great. Thanks, Dashan,” Andromeda said. “Later,” Dashan said as he hangs up. “Hmm, both Sagittario and Dashan?” Andromeda thought out loud to herself. “I was sure that those two would’ve been chosen also.” “We just got done talking with the European Union and Russia,” Berry Pie said as he, Cherry, Pinkie Pie, Flora and Fluttershy walk up to them. “There aren't any in either one yet.” “Apparently, finding them won’t be easy,” Rainbow Dash said. “There is a chance that Soarin’ and Spitfire’s son, Firestorm, could have been chosen, along with Yu,” Tempest said. “But no one knows where Yu went after the World Championships, since he went out on his own for a training journey of some kind, and Firestorm and his parents are at the Wonder Bolt academy. There is no way we can contact them,” Radiance said. “Good call, Firestorm,” Celestia said aloud. “Wait, do you know something, Princess?” Twilight asked. “Oh, what? Were those my outer thoughts, I thought they were ... Hey, Bastion, Luna, Anubis, how are you doing?” Celestia asked, trying to change the subject. “Good,” Bastion said as he, Luna and Anubis go over some ESA data. “We’ve just finished the analysis.” “Everyone, please look at the monitor now,” Anubis said as he uploads a video to the plasma screen, with Pinkie and the Pie twins having somehow gotten some popcorn. They then see footage of a meteor. “This Equestrian Space Administration footage captures the moment when the Star Fragment entered the Earth’s stratosphere and scattered across the glob,” Anubis said as, like clockwork, the footage show the explosion happening. “Whoa!” The entire group said. “It all happened so very quickly that it’s hard to see exactly what is going on, obviously. But after reviewing this frame by frame,” Anubis began to say as he does a few things with his tablet, “it becomes crystal clear. Take a look,” he then zooms in on one of the ten lights. “Here we can verify a light that splits off and flies away. After calculation the trajectory, combined with the angel, direction, and location of the footage, we believe that light fell here,” Anubis said as he shows a map of the world, and zooms in on a small island in Indonesia. “Somewhere on this remote island,” Bastion finished. “Wow, it’s so far away,” Bismarck said. “Wherever that Star Fragment fell to, there’s a Legendary Warrior,” Andromeda said. “I have to check it out. Who’s with me?” “I’ll go!” Orion, Peach Cobbler, and Bucky all said. “I’m coming too,” Bismarck said. “Me too,” Radiance said, not wanting her boyfriend to have all the fun. “Count me in,” Tempest added. “Same here,” the Pie twins said. “I’ll go,” Flora said. “Of course, I will go as well,” Anubis said. “If the evil forces that intend to revive Nemesis get their hands on the Star Fragment, there’s no telling what will happen,” Celestia said to the group. “Andromeda Sparkle, start your search by going to that island, and then search every continent.” “As soon as we have any other information about their whereabouts, we’ll contact you,” Bastion said. “A quest to find 8 Legendary Warriors. Just another life changing, potentially end-of-the-world-if-we-fail journey, guys,” Rarity said. “Just one thing, Andromeda,” Orion said to her older sister, getting everyone’s attention. “What about Leone?” “Leone?” Anubis asked. “Hmm, Leone indeed,” Andromeda said. “Isn't Leone one of the Legendary Warriors?” Bastion pointed out. “Shouldn't he come along?” “There’s no way of that happening,” Radiance said. “This is Leone were talking about, right? He’s strictly a loner.” ================================================================== At the storage areas of Canterlot, Leone, with a barrel of rocks, metals, and crystals, is practicing with his new power, destroying some empty oil barrels with a single, fast ball-like flick with a pebble. “Awesome! Now that I gotten a hang on my new strength, and added it to my unbeatable defenses, I’m in charged of things. I’ll polish up my skills and this time, crush Andromeda once and for all!” He said as he takes a fire ruby from the barrel, and molds it into a dagger, and throws it, with it piercing through ten barrels without losing momentum at all! “Leone! Leone, pale!” A familiar voice called out. Leone turns toward the source of the voice, and sees Taurus running toward him, having a big smile on his face. ================================================================== “He’s probably off training somewhere with his new power in order to defeat Andromeda in a duel,” Radiance said. “Uh, that guy, Leone,” Anubis said, getting everyone’s attention. “Miss Andromeda, just what type of pony is that guy, really?” “What type?” Andromeda asked. “I watched the World Duel Championships IX, and I know that he has real power, but still,” Anubis said as he remembers when he first meet Leon. ================================================================== "Please, help me,” Anubis begged as he stretches out his arm, while Leone looks over toward Johannes. “Huh? Hey, pal, you wanna fight me?” Johannes asked as he takes on a fighting stance. “This has nothing to do with me,” Leone simply said. “What?!” a shocked Anubis said. “Your a Diamond Dog, are you not? From what I heard about your kind, you should handle this guy by yourself,” Leone said as he leaves. ================================================================== “I find it hard to believe that he is to be one of the chosen Legendary Warriors,” Anubis finished. “Well, I can see why you would think that,” Flora said. “We all really do,” Berry added. “He doesn't play well with others.” “And he’s literally a wild lion, even before he became a Legendary Warrior. And he’s very determined, like with him settling a score with Andromeda,” Tempest said, making Andromeda chuckle out of nervousness. “I know we need good fighters with us, and that’s a fact. The Star Fragment has to fight the great evil. It just freaks me out,” Anubis said. “Just wait a minute,” Andromeda said to Anubis. “He may be a wild lion, but I know him better than anyone, for sure. He may have a self-center and ruff side to him, there’s no about that, but in his heart, he does have goodness in him, it’s just that he doesn't show it often. Try not to worry so much about it, Anubis.” “Okay.” “Anyway, we need to get going right away,” Andromeda said as she looks at where the Star Fragment piece felled to on the map. “It looks like the enemy is already on the move.” “That’s a good point. We need to get packing,” Radiance added as she, Andromeda, Tempest, Bismarck, Berry and Cherry, Flora, Peach Cobbler, Bucky, and Orion all leave. Celestia looks over toward Anubis, who’s quietly standing there. “Oh, um ... I’ll be on my way now, ma'am,” Anubis said as he quickly follows the others. “Eight Legendary Warriors still remain scattered around the world,” Rainbow Dash said. “Celestia, do you think they’ll be all right on their own out there?” Twilight asked. “I’m not sure. But we need to help them with their search anyway we can,” Celestia said as she looks over toward a slightly open door. “So, did you hear that, Firestorm?” Celestia said as a pegasus with a pale blue coat, a brilliant orange and amber mane that looks on fire, brilliant orange eyes, and a flaming lightning bolt for a cutie mark, walks out. “Yes,” the pegasus said, while Rainbow Dash looks on in surprise. “Firestorm! Why are you here?” Rainbow asked. “I asked him here,” Celestia said, before turning her gaze toward Firestorm. “The world is very big. Andromeda and the others can’t cover all of it, so you must also search for the remaining Legendary Warriors as well. And please, improve your skills along the way, because there is a good chance that a pegasus of your skill could eventually awaken as a Legendary Warrior.” “I understand,” Firestorm said. ================================================================== Several blocks away from the Canterlot International Airport, the group, minus Radiance, Bismarck, and Bucky are waiting at a hotel, when the see the 3. “Sorry for the wait,” Radiance said as she carries a full saddle bag of cloths, soap and shampoo. “Your all late, guys,” a slightly annoyed Tempest said. “Just how long does it take to get ready?” “It can’t be helped,” Radiance said, carrying a saddle bag of beauty products. “Yeah,” Bismarck added. “Unlike most of y’all, we like t'plan ahead. And besides, we don’t even know how long we’ll be gone this time.” “Once again, we’ll saying goodbye to this beautiful land for a while,” Andromeda said as they look over the vast land that can be seen from Canterlot. “And this time, I had nothing to do with it,” Orion said. “Yeah,” Andromeda said while looking over at her little brother. “I just hope you wont use that time spell again,” she said, making her brother giggle a little. “Ya know, while I go with you, looking for the Legendary Warriors, maybe I’ll become one too,” Orion said with much optimism. “I’m going to be one of the eight.” “You can do it, Orion,” Peach Cobbler said as she gives Orion a punch in the arm, leaving a big bruise. “Ow!” “You all really do have a close bond, don’t you. Isn’t that true?” Anubis said, getting the others to look at him. “Your all so lucky to have friends you can trust completely. I’ve spent all my time up to now, doing research all by myself. I really envy all of your friendships.” “What are you talking about?” Tempest asked. “Don’t worry, your one of us now, Anubis.” “Huh?” “That’s right!” Cherry said. “If you hadn't come along, Anubis, who knows what kind of trouble we would be in by now.” “Your really are one of us!” Berry finished, making Anubis blush. “We don’t knows whut will be waitin' fo' us up ahead, but lets all work together, as a team,” Bismarck added, as Anubis begins to cry out of happiness. “Your just like my mom,” Andromeda added. “Only she refused to make friends until she arrived in Ponyville 20 years ago.” “Wow,” Anubis said, feeling honored by being compared to an Equestrian hero. “Everyone, thank you so much. I won’t let you down,” Anubis said as he bows to them. “Aw, Anubis, your making me blush,” Tempest said. “Okay, let's go, everypony!” Orion said as he runs toward the airport. “Hey, Orion, wait up!” Andromeda called as she clumsily flies after her little brother, not seeing that 5 cats are watching them. “I will be reborn on this journey, for sure. I’ll work really, really hard, and become a Legendary Warrior like Andromeda with no problem,” Orion said as he heads for the street that leads to the airport, that’s not far from a newly built tunnel, when he notices something afoot. “Huh, what?” Noticing that Orion has stopped, Andromeda lands and runs up to him. “What’s the matter Orio-- What the?” She said as the others arrive and see 7 cats are ahead of them, staring at them while meowing. “What’s wif all th' cats?” Bucky asked. “Ugh, ah hate cats,” Bismarck added. “Well, then you're gonna hate this ally cat,” a voice in the ally said, surprising the group. They then see an earth pony stallion from Saddle Arabia walk into view from the ally. He’s wearing a large white cap with a yellow cross-like symbol covering most of his dark spiky hair and his right eye, along with a silver chain-like necklace and a white cloak with yellow symbols like on his cap with brown boots, but his most striking feature are his wide yellow eyes with feline pupils. “Ah! Not you again!” Anubis said, recognizing the Saddle Arabian as the guy who nearly killed him yesterday. It’s Johannes. “Hello there, litters and germs,” Johannes said with an evil laugh, adding a ‘meow’ to it. “What are you doing here?” Radiance asked. “I’ve been waiting here, specifically for you, Andromeda!” Johannes said. “For me?” “Goody for you, fur ball,” Tempest said as he gets in between Andromeda and Johannes. “Now what do you want?” “Humph! That should be obvious,” Johannes said. “As it turned out, I didn't think there was already someone who had awakened as a Legendary Warrior. I was a bit confused yesterday, it seems, but not that I think about it, I’ve been saved the trouble of explaining everything to you, you’ve all heard the whole story from him, right?” Johannes said as he points toward Anubis, making the Diamond Dog growl in anger. “Soon a new dawn for the world will arrive!” “A new dawn ... for the world?” Andromeda asked. “That’s right!” Johannes said as he raises his arms for a moment. “When Nemesis awakes with the power of the Star Fragment! The Black Sun will ensure that the door will open to the new era for all, that is why you should come with me. Join us, Andromeda. Give the power of the Star Fragment, that you posses, to Nemesis, and rule with us!” “So, I was right,” Anubis said. “You are on the side of evil.” “Or worse,” Andromeda said as she puts he bag down, “are you the great evil, yourself?” “Me, evil?” Johannes said with a chuckle. “If you oppose me, I may have to be. Why not join me willingly?” Johannes asked as he gives out a hoof of friendship. “Don’t you want to step out of your mothers shadow for good?” “What! Oh, as if. Nemesis will turn the world into darkness, right. Even if I wanted to be out of my mothers shadow for good, there’s no way I’ll let myself join a group with such a purpose!” Andromeda shouted, making Johannes pull back his hoof of friendship. “So, you’ve been listening to things that don’t concern you. I should have know you be like your eggheaded mother. Oh, well,” Johannes said as he pulls out a dagger that’s two feet in length. “In that case, I will just have to fight you here, and then take your broken body with me by force,” Johannes said as Andromeda gets ready for a fight, when Anubis gets in between them. “I won’t let you do it,” Anubis said as he takes on a fighting stance. “Humph! Ha-ha-ha! Is that some sort of joke, pal?” Johannes mocked. “Uh, Anubis, leave this to me, okay.” Andromeda said as she gets in between the two. “Miss Andromeda?” “It’s me you want, so I’m gonna give it to you. Now get ready, kitty!” Andromeda said as she fires a blast at Johannes, but he jumps back before it hits. “I’ll finish this fast,” Andromeda said, but Johannes just laughs. “You shouldn't underestimate me. You know that.” Johannes said as he runs into the tunnel. “Hey, get back here!” Andromeda said as she goes after him. “Andromeda wait! It could be a trap!” Tempest said as he goes after Andromeda as she heads down the ally. Suddenly, both Andromeda and Tempest are nearly skewered by some daggers. “What was that?” Suddenly, they hear Johannes in the dark tunnel, laughing. “Where are you?” Andromeda asked as the others join her. “Everywhere,” Johannes said in the darkness. Suddenly, they see a strange device heading toward them. They duck and cover from the device as it lands at the opening of the tunnel, and releases a spider-like web of electricity. “What is this thing?” Flora asked. Andromeda then tries to teleport herself and Tempest out, but her magic isn’t working. “Why can’t I teleport?” A panicking Andromeda said as Tempest tries to comfort her. “Thats because, this tunnel has natural deposits of magdrillium,” Johannes said in the shadows. “The only metal in the world that is immune to magic,” Johannes added as he leaves the shadows. “Of course, under normal circumstances, magdrillium wouldn't work if there was a gape of some kind. But the electrified net at the entrance is lined with magdrillium, making it impossible for you to escape this tunnel with magic.” Andromeda then growls in anger. “I can’t believe you tricked me into following you to a place where you have the advantage!” “Me either,” Johannes said. “Your both slow and doomed.” “What did you say!?” Andromeda asked as Johannes pulls out a small explosives device. “Say bye-bye to your boyfriend there,” Johannes said as he arms the explosive and throws it at Tempest. “Tempest, duck!” Andromeda said, thinking quickly, as she pulls Tempest down, letting the bomb land near the electrified net, destroying it as he goes off, with the others outside just barley able to get away in time. “Tempest, let's go!” Andromeda said as she and Tempest run out, while Johannes hisses in anger and surprise. “Not good!” Johannes said as he heads out after Andromeda, running past her friends and brother. “Where did she go?” “Up here, cat!” Tempest said from a low lining cloud above, where Johannes sees Andromeda with. “What now?” Johannes asked as both Andromeda and Tempest kick the cloud, making it turn dark, and virtually drown Johannes in water. “Ugh, I hate water! Meow!” “Then how about my Tempest Dry!” Tempest said as he flies around Johannes at a near sonic rainbow speed, causing Johannes to fly up into the air, screaming. “MEOW!!!!” Johannes cried as he flies up to the sky. “All right!” The Cutie Mark Crusaders said as Tempest and Andromeda land on the group. “That should teach that guy a lesson,” Peach Cobbler said as Andromeda and Tempest do a high hoof. “It’s not over yet!” Johannes shouted, catching the group's attention, who see him falling to the ground, spinning, before he land on his hoofs, completely unharmed. “How can he do something like that?” Orion asked. “Apparently, he has mo'e in common wif cats than jest th' meowin' an' th' smell,” Bismarck said. “Hey, I resent that, Black Hat!” Johannes said as he jumps down a few feet form the group. “I’m really getting tired of you, kitty!” Andromeda said as she prepares to fire a laser at Johannes. “I’m gonna turn you into a cactus!” “I thought I told you not to underestimate me, girl,” Johannes said as he draws out a sword as Andromeda fires, but Johannes uses the blade to deflect it. “Huh?” A confused Andromeda said. “No way.” “Meow,” Johannes said as an evil smile appears on his face. “Whut th' hay jest happened?” Bucky asked. “Try it one more time,” Peach said. “All right. I’m gonna turn him into a cactus for sure, this time,” Andromeda said as she charges the spell again and fires, but Johannes uses the sword to deflect the blast again. “What! Again!” A shocked Orion said. “Let me guess,” Andromeda said. “A magdrillium covered sword?” “I was wondering when you were gonna catch on, girl,” Johannes said as he takes out his kunie with chain. “Man, this guy is good.” Tempest said. “He is good. He’s like Leon.” Orion added. “Yeah, only difference is that Leone is a wild lion, while this guy is a ferocious, wild lynx,” Radiance said. “I guess I have no choice, now,” Andromeda said, having only one idea that might work. “I have to use the time-” “Andromeda!” A familiar voice called out, stopping Andromeda in mid sentence. The entire group, with Johannes included, turn toward the source of the voice, and see… “Leone!” Andromeda said when she sees him on a building above them. “Good guess. Why are you having such a hard time with this guy?” Leone asked as he pulls out a dagger made of a pinkish metal from his saddle bag while he points at Johannes with his new bone claws. “There’s no need to show your best spell to an amateur kitty cat, like him.” “Say what?” Johannes asked. “Hey, he has a piece of Vibranium with him,” Radiance said, recognizing the rare metal as Leone morphs it with his new magic. “He’s taking a risk, since Vibranium can explode if it absorbs too much energy.” “My new power will tear through this guy in an instant!” Leone said as he prepares to throw the newly made Vibranium dagger, showing his wings, which Johannes takes notice of. “What? Could ... could it be? Your a Legendary Warrior, too?” A shocked Johannes said. “So maybe I am. Why don’t you see for yourself!” Leon shouted as he throws the Vibranium dagger at Johannes. “No way. Two of them have already awakened,” Johannes said as he barely dodges the dagger, with it just giving him a small cut on his face as it passes by. When the dagger hits the ground, it explodes, but Johannes lumps out of the blast and over the others. “I’m at a disadvantage when it’s two against one, litters and germs. But it doesn't matter. We’ll end things here, for today, but this doesn’t mean I’ve given up on the power of the Star Fragment you two posses.” “Ha! Good luck! I’ll take you on any time, kitty!” Andromeda threatened. “Scratch ya later!” Johannes said as he jumps backwards, and disappears. Just then, Taurus, carrying a stuffed backpack, runs up to the group. “What a scaredy cat. Leone must have chased back to his litter box,” Taurus said. “Taurus.” A slightly surprised Orion said. “Leone, what are you doing here?” Andromeda asked. “Taurus filled me in on your mission,” Leone answered, surprising Andromeda and the others. “Your coming with us?” Radiance asked. “Leone, are you saying you're gonna join us?” A very surprised Orion asked. “I’m not saying I’m gonna be on your side,” Leone said, shocking the group, even Taurus. “Leone, buddy.” “However,” Leone continued, “if you people and Andromeda are tracking down the rest of these 8 Legendary Warriors, I’m coming too. I will defeat them all, hear me!” “Leone!” Andromeda said, speechless by what Leone is saying. “And going with you guys is the fastest way to accomplish that feat,” Leon added, making Andromeda smile a little. “Andromeda, my showdown with you will be after that.” “Yeah, Leone!” Taurus cheered. “What are you guys waiting for?” Leone asked, confusing the group. “Let’s get this show on the road!” Leone said as he walks toward the airport. “Wait for me, Leone,” Taurus said as he follows. "His warriors spirit can only help us on this trip,” Radiance answered. “Miss Andromeda, is this really a good idea?” Anubis asked. “Yes, I’m sure you’ll understand it, soon enough.” Andromeda said as she picks up her bag and heads toward the airport, follow by the others. “Okay, I hope you right.” Anubis said as he stares at the lioncorn, only for him to notice that he’s falling behind. “Hey guys, please wait for me!” Anubis called out as he catches up to them.
The Warrior of WinterThe Warrior of Winter Out in the ocean of the North Maluku region of Indonesia, Bismarck, Radiance, Berry and Cherry, Andromeda, Flora, Tempest, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Leone and Taurus are on a speed boat, heading for the island where the Star Fragment pieces possibly felled to Earth. “Wow, that is one cool looking island,” Orion said as he sees the smoke from the mountain, meaning it’s a volcanic island. “Do you really think there’s a Legendary Warrior on that island, Anubis?” Radiance asked. “Yes, if my calculations are correct, that is,” Anubis said as he looks at his tablet to be sure. “The place where this Star Fragment pice fell to is undoubtedly there on that island.” “You sound pretty sure of yourself,” Taurus noted. “Yes, I am. ‘A light that falls from the heavens will wake the slumbering Warrior of the Sea and shake the Earth,’” Anubis said, causing the group to look at him in confusion. “What was that?” Peach Cobbler asked. “It’s a legend that this island has. An old legend that seems to hint at the arrival of the Star Fragment and the awakening of a Legendary Warrior,” Anubis answered. “A light that falls from the heavens?” Andromeda said as they arrive at the only dock on the island. The group, especially the Cutie Mark Crusaders, happily get off the boat, and look at the jungle ahead. “Okay, were here at last,” Orion said. “About time, too,” Taurus added. “Carful, Miss Radiance,” Anubis said as he takes Rarity’s bag as she steps onto the dock. “Thank you,” Radiance said as she take the bag back. “I’ll ask just one more time,” the unicorn boat driver began to say, “are you sure you want this? The next boat won’t come back here until the day after tomorrow.” “Uh, yes,” Anubis answered. “Thar’s no guarantee thet we’ll find th' Legendary Warrior right away,” Bismarck added. “We don’t have much choice,” Tempest added. “Remember this, then, that there volcano could erupt at any time,” the boat driver warned. “It’s up to you guys, but it be better if you turned back now, if you ask me.” “We’ll be fine,” Tempest said. “Thanks for bringing us all the way out here, sir,” Flora said. “Yes, thank you very much for taking us this far,” Anubis added. “Well ... Guess there’s no stopping ya,” the boat driver said, defeated. “There’s a village west of that there jungle. If you run into trouble, you can go there for help. But remember, I can't guarantee that they will be all that welcoming to newcomers. You understand?” “I think we do,” Andromeda said. Suddenly, the ground begins to shake as a large amount of smoke and ash bellow from the volcano. “Uh oh! Time to bogie home, I think,” the boat driver said as he starts up the engine. “You kids be careful now!” He said as he quickly leaves. “Talk about rude,” Fancy Pants as the boat disappears from site. “Nothing we can do now. He’s going too fast for him to hear us,” Peach Cobbler said. “We need to get going too,” Leon said as he heads for the jungle. “Don’t just stand there.” “Wait up, Leone buddy,” Taurus said as he and the others go after Leone, except for Anubis. “Man, he nevah stops movin', does he?” Bucky said as Anubis glares at Leone, before running after the others. In the thick jungle, “Oh, come on! Is there really a village in a remote place like this dump?” Tempest asked, getting an annoyed glare from Flora, who’s enjoying the rare and beautiful plants on the island. “Ponies can say the same about your home, Tempest,” Andromeda pointed out. “Yeah, good point,” Tempest said with a sheepish chuckle. “This island isn’t very big, really,” Anubis pointed out. “It shouldn't be far now. Let’s keep going, okay.” Anubis said, only for Radiance's suitcase to get caught on a vain. “Wait. Wait a sec. My bag is stuck!” Radiance said as she tries to free the bag, stopping the group as Bismarck helps Radiance out. “Nothing ever changes with you, either,” Leone said as he goes on. “If your just gonna slow us down, head back home.” “What was that?” Radiance angrily asked. “You are so rude!” “You don’t have to be so mean!” Anubis nearly yelled. “Oh, Leone your awful!” Radiance said as she and Bismarck try their best to free the bag, to no avail, until Taurus breaks the vine. “It’s just his way,” Taurus said as the go after Leone. “Thanks a lot, Taurus,” Radiance said when hey catch up to Leone, making Taurus blush a bit. “Huh? Oh, it’s nothing. Leone cannot be delayed, so I do what I have to do to help,” Taurus said as Leone stops at the top of a small hill. “Whoa,” Leone said, getting the others attention. “Wow!” Orion said when they see the village, that oddly looks like Ponyville, only without the colors. “There it is. The village.” “We actually made it!” Andromeda said, only for Cherry and Berry to glare at her. “Don’t jinx it!” The Pie twins said as the happily hop down to the village. “Do you think there could be a Legendary Warrior here?” Flora asked. “I guess we better start asking the villagers right away,” Anubis said as they head down to the village. In the village, the residents, who are mostly earth ponies, with two pegasi and three unicorns, are doing their usual business, when the group arrive. “Uh, excuse me, sir,” Andromeda said as she stops a green and brown earth pony stallion. “Just who are you?” The resident asked with suspicion. “Why did you come to my island home? Huh?” “Well, we’ve come here to look for someone, actually,” Anubis said in a polite tone. “Have you, really?” The villager said, still suspicious of the newcomers. “Well, yeah,” Andromeda said as she levitates a scroll written by Celestia, but the stallion then freaks out at the sight of her glowing horn. “AH!” He and other residents screamed as they run into their homes and close their windows shut. “Uh, what just happened?” Orion asked. “What gives?” Taurus asked, while the villagers stare at them with a mix of anger and fear. “That was weird,” Peach added. “What’s going on here?” Leone asked as Flora goes up to one the houses. “There all just watching us from inside their houses.” “Uh, hi! We are not here to do any harm, I assure you,” Anubis called out as Flora walks up to one of the homes. “Please, we just want to talk to you,” Flora said as she knocks on the door. An old stallion pegasus then answers by slowly opening the door, just enough for Flora to see his face. “So, tell me. Are you all magic users?” The old stallion asked. “Uh, I guess so,” Flora answered, only for the old stallion to splash water on her. “What did you do that for!?” Peach said as she runs up to her sister. “We do not allow your kind here, so go away now! Your all magic users, so you're a threat to us. Get out of our village, immediately!” The old stallion said as the other villagers come out of their homes too, carrying buckets of trash and sticks. “Yeah!” A mare yelled. “That’s right!” “The village chief has spoken!” A stallion yelled as he throws some sticks at the group. “Go on! Get out of here!” Another stallion yelled as he throws some eggs at them, along with the rest of the village. “Why are they doing this?” Radiance said, trying her best not to mess up here mane. “So, you want to fight, do ya?” Leone asked. “Not now, Leone,” Bismarck said as Flora and Peach make it back to them. “I think it would be best to retreat for the time being,” Anubis said to Andromeda. “Good call,” Andromeda said as she puts the scroll away, then they all leave the village as fast as they can. ================================================================== Later, near the sea on the island, the group are lying down on some rocks, exhausted. “Man, thet was off th’ grid,” Bucky said as he drinks some water. “What’s up with these ponies, anyway?” Radiance asked as she puts down her bag. “What could have gotten over them? Arn’t some of the residents unicorns?” Orion asked. “Whats with their twisted, weirded, grudge against magic users, Leone pal?” Taurus asked. “How should I know?” Leone said. “Uggh. And after we came all the way out here, too. And now were completely exhausted,” an annoyed Tempest said, while both his and Taurus's stomachs groan. “I’m so hungry, I could eat a bull.” Taurus said as he holds onto his stomach. “What do you think we should do now?” Anubis asked. “Thats a good question, Anubis,” Andromeda said. Suddenly, they hear, “Oh, come on already!” a filly shouted nearby. “Huh?” Andromeda then heads toward the source of the sound, and sees a young unicorn filly, younger than Peach Cobbler, practicing. The filly has a brown mane, a light green coat, and violet eyes. The filly in question then tries to uses her magic to lift a can in front of her, but she barely gets a small spark, let along gets her horn glowing. “Aw, I really am not good at this,” she said as she flops to the ground in disappointment. She then hears hoofsteps, and sees that Andromeda, along with Orion, and Radiance walking over to her, followed by the others, except for Leone. “Hello. Trying to learn how to use your magic all by yourself, huh,” Andromeda said, but the little filly just gasps in fear and surprise. “Aw, Taurus, she’s scared because your scowling at her like that,” Flora said to the red minotaur. “I’m not scary at all! B-b-b-b-b-b-bull!” Taurus angrily said as steam comes out of his nostrils. “It’s okay,” Orion said. “Were friends.” “Say, what’s your name?” Berry asked. “Sa... Sala,” the little filly answered. “Sala, is it?” Radiance said as she levitates a Lotus stone from her saddle bag. “Try that spell one time with this, okay?” Radiance said as she gives the Lotus stone to Sala. “Okay,” Sala said as she holds onto the stone and tries to levitate the can again, but this time her horn glows violet as she levitates the can like it she was doing it for years. “Wow, it work!” “Great. Now try without the stone,” Andromeda said. Sala puts the Lotus stone gently on the ground and tries the simple spell again, getting the same result. “Yeah, all right!” Sala cheered as Orion, Bucky and Peach Cobbler walk up to her. “Why not try levitating something heavier,” Peach suggested. “Okay,” Sala said as she takes the spell and tries to levitate Bucky, the unwilling test subject. “Hey, this is not funny,” Bucky said as Bismarck run up to make sure he’s okay, while Sala, Orion and Peach laugh as Sala puts him down, while Leone walks up to the others. “Hey!” Leone said, getting their attentions. “Just how long are you gonna keep wasting time like this?” “Oh, keep your coat on,” Tempest said to the ill-tempered lioncorn. “Yeah, Leone,” Andromeda added. “Even if magic users are not welcome in that village back there, there is a unicorn filly who practices her magic. I think our only hope of communicating with the village is through our new friend: Sala.” “I didn’t come with you so I can play with little kids! Understand?” Leone pointed out. “Calm down,” Radiance said. “I won’t hang around while you just play games. I’m gonna do things my way.” Leone said. “What?” Andromeda, Radiance, Flora, Berry and Cherry, and Anubis all said. “Let’s go, Taurus,” Leone said as he leaves. “Me? Leone, pal?” Taurus said as he goes after Leone. ================================================================== Not long after, Sala and the others, minus Leone and Taurus, are resting on some rocks. “Ha-ha, that was such fun!” Sala said. “You sure did get a lot better with your magic, Sala,” Andromeda complimented. “Say, do you alway practice by yourself?” Orion asked. “Yeah,” Sala admitted. “It didn’t used to be like this around here, but after that thing happened, magic was banned from the village.” “That ... thing?” Tempest asked. “What thing, Sala?” Andromeda asked, but before Sala could answer, Andromeda’s stomach growls loudly. “Oops,” Andromeda said with a blush. “What was that, Andromeda?” Tempest asked, making Andromeda laugh in a sheepish matter. “Sorry,” Andromeda said, still blushing. “Whats the matter?” Sala asked. “Are you guys hungry?” “Uh, yes, actually,” Tempest said with a slight laugh along with the others. “Not to worry,” Sala said as she gets up. “I’ll get you something to eat.” ================================================================== Later, in a house just outside of the village, the group, accompanied by Sala, are in her barn, which has hay and some goats. “Nice barn,” Bismarck said as she looks over the design. “Reminds me of home.” “It sure does,” Radiance added. “Just stay here,” Sala said. “I’ll bring you some food from my house, okay? I’m sorry you have to wait in here, but if my father finds you, I’ll get into big trouble. I’ll be back soon,” Sala said as she heads outside. “Looks like we won’t be getting a warm welcome after all,” Radiance said, having received plenty of warm welcomes before. “But we should be grateful that she’s bringing us food, right,” Flora said. Outside, Sala is about to head inside, when her father called out. “Sala,” he said, getting the little fillies attention. He’s a unicorn stallion with a light pink coat, a brown mane in dreadlocks, brown eyes, and he wears a grey headband. “What have you been up to, Sala?” He asked. “Not much,” Sala said as she tries her best to hide the Lotus stone Rarity gave her, but her father sees it. “You were practicing your magic again, weren't you?” Sala’s father angrily said. “I told you that you can’t do that anymore. Give that to me,” Sala’s father said, getting everyone's attention inside the barn. “No! Daddy, it’s mine!” Sala cried. “What do you think is going on out there?” Orion asked. “Uh oh. Everyone, I think we should hide,” Anubis said. The group then go and hide in a large pile of hay. Outside, Sala’s father, takes the Lotus stone, when he notices what it really is. “Huh, what the? Sala, where did you get this Lotus stone?” Sala’s father asked. “I, uh, found it,” Sala answered. Suddenly, they hear an extremely loud stomach growl from the barn, making Sala gasp in worry. “Can’t you control that stomach off yours, Tempest!?” Andromeda angrily whispered as she pushes Tempest’s head into the hay pile. Tempest then frees himself and glares at Andromeda. “That wasn't me, it was you Andromeda!” Tempest whispered back, only for Andromeda to push his head back into the hay. “My stomach doesn't growl that loud!” Andromeda whispered back, when Sala’s father walks into the barn. “Anypony in here?” He asked, surprising the group, who didn’t notice that the little fight between Andromeda and Tempest destroyed their cover. Sala’s father sees them, and glares at them. ================================================================== On another part of the island, it’s almost sunset as Leone and Taurus walk around the volcano. “There don’t seem to be any clues on this stinking island at all,” a clearly exhausted Taurus said, sweating form both the heat and the walk on the small island. Leone then stops and looks around the island for a minute. “This really is a tiny island. There’s only this volcano. So that’s it, then. The only place left to look is there,” Leone said as he looks at the smoking mountain, terrifying Taurus. “What!? Were gonna climb that thing!?” “No time for whining. Follow me,” Leone said as he walks over toward an ancient arc, which has a very creepy face on it. “Hmm, this looks promising,” Leone said as he proceeds to climb the volcano. ================================================================== At Sala’s home, it’s now night as the others are at a table, covered in food. Some of them are drooling at both the sight and smell of freshly cooked food. “That looks great,” a drooling Tempest said. “Please. Go ahead and help yourselves,” Sala’s father said. “Your so generous,” Radiance noted. “We really appreciate it, sir,” Flora said. “Thank yo' fo' th' grub,” Bucky added. They then proceed to eat the food, which includes bananas, soup, mashed potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables native to the island. “Your the newcomers I heard about who showed up on the island today. Is that right?” Sala’s father asked. “These are good people daddy, who help me get a lot better with my magic, and the even played with me,” Sala said to her father while she looks over toward Orion. “Why is she looking at me like that?” Orion asked Bucky. “Beats me. Ah still kin’t figger out Peach,” Bucky said as he drinks some water, getting a punch from Peach. “I understand that,” Sala’s father said. “Here’s the scoop. The village in an uproar about you.” “But why?” Andromeda asked. “Let me bring you up to speed,” Sala’s father began. “About two weeks ago, a magic user came to this island, just as you did,” Sala’s father said, recounting the event. ================================================================== Two weeks earlier, some of the villagers are at the entrance to the sacred ground on the volcano, stopping a strange creature that’s black and blue walks up to them. He has sea-blue, serpentine eyes like Chrysalis, what appears to be an exoskeleton, holes in his legs, wings and other insect-like armor. “This place is sacred,” the village chief said to the strange stranger. “The mountain holds the volcano god that protects the island from all evil. Outsiders cannot enter!” “Volcano god, is that right?” The stranger said. “Interesting. I will go and check and see if it’s really there or not.” “Your dare,” the village chief angrily said. “That’s right,” the stranger said. “Because,” he said as he is suddenly engulfed in blue flame and changes into what looks like the village elder before changing back, shocking the villagers, “a true god is standing *right in front OF YOU!*” Suddenly, he changes into a flaming blue sea serpent, and charges at the villagers, terrifying them to the point that they run for their lives. He then goes on up the mountain. ================================================================== “Without listening to the villagers warnings to stop, he said he was going to do some kind of training, and disappeared on the mountain alone,” Sala’s father finished. “A black and blue, shapeshifting, insect-like magic users?” Radiance asked. “C'd it be one of them?” Bismarck asked. ================================================================== On the mountain, Leone and Taurus have almost made it to the top. “Leone, old pal?” “Looks like were getting close, Taurus,” Leone said as they pass by some partly melted status in the harden lava. ================================================================== “Since that day,” Sala’s father continued, “every night the howling of a beast can be heard coming from the mountain. The ground itself trembles all through the village.” “Everyone says that the volcano god must be angry,” Sala added. “I get it now,” Andromeda said. “That’s why they began to think badly about magic and magic users from outside the island,” Anubis added. “One night, a light fell out of the sky and crashed to the ground,” Sala’s father added. “A terribly scream can be heard, and not long after, the volcano that had been silent for so many years, became active.” “‘A light that falls from the heavens,’ I knew it!” Anubis said as he stands up. “A Star Fragment really did fall onto this island, for sure.” “Then that means the Star Fragment entered the magic user,” Orion added. “There can be not doubt about it,” Anubis said. Suddenly, the ground begins to shake heavily. “Oh no, it’s starting up again!” Sala’s father said as he holds onto his daughter. “Do you think that one of them became a Legendary Warrior?” Orion asked his sister, who nods, certain that she knows what the stranger is. ================================================================== On the mountain, Leone and Taurus, especially Taurus, are terrified by the magma and what appears to be water spew out of the volcano’s mouth. “I see now,” Leone said when the see a figure emerge from the smoke. “It seems that the Star Fragment didn't care if the Legendary Warriors are all ponies, apparently,” Leone said. They then see that the figure is a male changeling, only instead of green hair and eyes, his are blue. He’s also the same size as Chrysalis, with the same eyes and gapes in his legs. But the main difference is that he has a cutie mark, a constellation, but neither Leone or Taurus can see which one. “Is that a ... a changeling?” “So, when the Star Fragment chose of the Legendary Warriors, it didn’t care that at least one’s a changeling,” Leone said as he takes on a fighting stance. ================================================================== At Sala’s home, “The magic user that went up the mountain, it has to be a changeling,” Andromeda said as she looks at the smoking mountain. “One of the changelings has also become a Legendary Warrior. We need to get to that...” “No, you can’t!” Sala’s father firmly said. “Why not?” Bismarck asked. “I am also a member of this island. I cannot allow anymore outsiders to step foot on that sacred ground. It’s forbidden,” Sala’s father answered. “But, sir,” Flora tried to say. “I will shelter you here, until the next boat arrives,” Sala’s father said. “However, if you make things worst then they are now, I will no longer be able to do that. I am saying this for your own good. Please do not provoke the people of this village any further.” “Awww,” the Cutie Mark Crusaders said. “Oh, dear,” Sala said. ================================================================== On the mountain, the blue changeling with a cutie mark has descended a little down the mountain, not far from Leone now. “Why are you here, Leone?” The changeling asked, well aware of the leader of Team Wild Fang. “Leone, look,” Taurus said while looking at the flank of the changeling. “He has a cutie mark that’s a constellation like yours.” “I see it. What’s your name, pal?” Leon asked. “My name is Cetus,” the blue and black changeling answered. “So, Cetus here has already awakened as well. The third Legendary Warrior was you, Cetus!” Leone yelled. “Legendary Warrior?” Cetus asked. “I never imagined that the first one I would crush would be a changeling, and a blue one for that matter,” Leone said as he takes on a fighting stance. “But I can’t say that I’m disappointed. After all, Chrysalis once def-” “Don’t compare me to that green betrayer!” Cetus yelled. “Uh, why not?” Taurus asked. “Just because those green, lover-sucking betrayers attack Canterlot 30 years ago, doesn't mean we’re all like them!” Cetus said. “Blue-changelings, like my self, don’t fead off of love, but off of fear.” “So that’s why you came here, to strike fear in the villagers so you can feed!” Leone said, tying the villages anger toward magic users to Cetus. “But it doesn't matter, I will show you my power!” “Humph, you excited because you think you found a good play mate? Is that it?” Cetus mocked. “Save it. I, Leone Lulamoon, have the same power of the Star Fragment as you do!” “Star Fragment?” Cetus asked. “The battle conditions are equal. Time to learn the hard way that you bugs can’t stay around forever!” Leone nearly yelled. “You say its equal, do you?” Cetus said. “Fascinating. Someone like you thinks he can beat the King of Blue-Changelings!?” “The King of Blue-Changelings?” A terrified Taurus said. “Here we go, Cetus!” Leone said as he fires a laser at the blue-changeling, who does the same, creating a small explosion that can be seen from the village. ================================================================== “Ah! It’s getting stronger!” The village chief said when the volcano begins to erupt slightly. The villagers then all get down to their knees and began to prayer. “Please, take pity on us.” “Take pity on us.” The village began to chant. ================================================================== At Sala’s home, Andromeda and the others see that explosions on the volcano. “What are we going to do?” Berry asked. Suddenly, Andromeda goes and picks up her bag. “Sis, what are you doing?” Orion asked. “We’ve never came to this house, guys,” Andromeda said, surprising the group. “What?” Anubis asked. “Sala and her dad? We never meet them,” Andromeda added. “We’ve never meet them because we don’t want to get them in any trouble, do we.” “Right,” Tempest said. “I get it now, Andi.” “Good, because we have to go,” Andromeda said as she jumps out of the window, accompanied by the others. Outside, they see Sala, blushing slightly. “You guys are going, huh.” Sala said. “I’ll guide you there myself.” ================================================================== On the mountain, Leone is throwing rocks at Cetus, some of the having a small amount of vibranium in them. “Oh, you aren't half bad,” Cetus said to the lioncorn. “I haven’t even gotten started yet.” Leone said as he does his, “Lion Gale Force Wall!” Leone said as he creates his signature spell, creating a tornado that sends the rocks at Cetus with such ferocity and power, they shatter like glass when they hit the ground, making Cetus growl in anger, being pined down by the flying rocks. “Yes sir! Take it to him, Leone!” Taurus cheered. “I’m gonna drive you right into the volcano!” Leone said as he pushes Cetus into the crater with his tornado. But Cetus teleports away, surprising Leone and Taurus. “Nuts! Almost had him,” Taurus said. “Do you really think a defensive spell like that can match my power?” Cetus asked the lioncorn. “Sorry, dude, but my new power doesn't just have a powerful defense,” Leone said as he secretly molds another vibranium dagger. A bit further down the mountain, Andromeda and the others, led by Sala, are running and/or flying up the mountain. “We need to hurry,” Andromeda said. “Check out my new fangs!” Leone said as he throws the dagger at Cetus, who just backs away a little bit, when the dagger hit, it explodes, causing Cetus to fall into the mouth of the volcano. “Yeah, all right! You got that bug, Leone!” “Humph!” They heard from the volcano. “Lets see now, the conditions are equal, right?” Cetus asked inside the mouth of the volcano. “In that case!” Suddenly, a geyser of steam and boiling hot water erupts from the volcano, with Cetus, accompanied by what appears to be a sea serpent, comes out and lands in front of the two, glowing a sea blue, along with the serpent, which disappears as Cetus draws in the water from the atmosphere. “So, from here on it will be decided, by the difference in the power of the magic user, is that right?” “That’s not good, pal,” a slightly scared Taurus said. “Your a little foal who hasn't even fully master his own power yet,” Cetus pointed out as he creates a sword and axe made of ice from the water. “Oh yeah?” A clearly angry Leone said as the others arrive. “Look, it’s a blue changeling!” Radiance said. “A blue changeling? I thought they only came in green.” Bismarck said. “Leone and Taurus, too.” Flora added. “Come, I will show you the difference between you and I.” Cetus said to Leone. “Ha! I can’t wait,” Leone sarcastically said. “Prepare yourself, Cetus! I'm gonna tear you apart!” Leone shouted as he and Cetus charge at each other.
The God of MercuryThe God of Mercury “Humph!” They heard from the volcano. “Lets see now, the conditions are equal, right?” Cetus asked inside the mouth of the volcano. “In that case!” Suddenly, a geyser of steam and boiling hot water erupts from the volcano, with Cetus, accompanied by what appears to be a sea serpent, comes out and lands in front of the two, glowing a sea blue, along with the serpent, which disappears as Cetus draws in the water from the atmosphere. “So, from here on it will be decided, by the difference in the power of the magic user, is that right? You're a little foal who hasn't even fully master his own power yet,” Cetus pointed out as he creates some weapons made of ice from the water. “Oh yeah?” A clearly angry Leone said as the others arrive. “Come, I will show you the difference between you and I.” Cetus said to Leone. “Ha! I can’t wait,” Leone sarcastically said. “Prepare yourself, Cetus! I’m gonna tear you apart!” Leone shouted as he and Cetus charge at each other. Leone extends his claws out, but Cetus stops Leone dead in his tracks, creating a lot of energy, releasing a powerful wind down the mountain, with the others in its path. “Leone, pal!” A frantic Taurus called out. “We need to be careful!” Andromeda said as she, Flora, and Bismarck hold onto their siblings. “Amazing,” Anubis said as he shields his eyes from the wind created. “So this is what a battle between Legendary Warriors is like. Fantastic.” “I’m gonna send you flying, Cetus!” Leone shouted as he creates a tornado and sends it toward Cetus, but the blue changeling doesn't even flinch. “Huh? Whats this!? My attacks aren't working!” “Humph! You may have made yourself an alicorn, but you've reach the limit of your power,” Cetus said as he draws in a large amount of water from the clouds above. “Time to kiss your butt goodbye!” Suddenly, Cetus is encased by a blue glow that forms the sea serpent, which charges at Leone along with the water. When it hits, it’s total chaos. “Leone!” Andromeda called out. “Hang in there!” Taurus said as an explosion happens. When the smoke clears, the group see that Leone is now on the ground, groaning in pain. “Leone!” Taurus cried as he runs toward his friend and picks him up, seeing that he’s now unconscious. “Speak to me, Leone. Please, wake up.” “Unbelievable,” a completely socked Flora said. “Leone’s power increased so much, but he still lost.” “Hey, your name is Cetus, right?” Andromeda called out to the blue changeling king. “What’s up? Your name’s Andromeda, right?” Cetus said as his ice sword and axe disintegrate into steam. “You wanna be next?” “Just listen to us,” Andromeda pleaded. “Except for Leone here, we didn’t come here to fight you.” “My power freaks you out, is that it? Huh?” Cetus asked. “That’s not true,” Andromeda said. “But now’s not the time to have a fight with you.” “We are desperately in need of the power that you posses, understand?” Anubis added. “Please, lend us your strength,” Anubis said, making Cetus stare at him in confusion. “Even as we now speak, somewhere on this Earth, there are evil people. People who are attempting to use the new Star Fragment to awaken the God of Destruction, Nemesis.” “Did you say ‘Star Fragment’?” Cetus asked. “Yes, sir,” Anubis answered. “As if it feared it’s power falling into the hands of evil, the Star Fragment split into 10 pieces and scattered across the globe before reaching the ground. In order to entrust that power to the Legendary Warriors who will fight the villains intending to bring about the revival of the Black Sun, Nemesis.” “Cetus, you were chosen as one of those warriors,” Andromeda said. “That is why a piece of the Star Fragment came to you. It was that power that change you to the way you are now.” “What?” Cetus asked as he looks at his flank, seeing the constellation Cetus on it, something that a changeling can normally get by changing into a pony or horse, but not by discovering a special talent like them. “The power of the Star Fragment did this to me?” “That’s right,” Anubis said, thinking that Cetus is believing them. “Things like that are the marks of a Legendary Warrior, for sure. I beg of you, please join us to fight those who would use the fragment for evil,” Anubis finished, which is followed by a few moments of silence from Cetus. “Cetus, please!” “Humph! Ha-ha-ha!” Cetus began to laugh, confusing the group. “What gives?” Tempest asked. “What a story pal!” Cetus said when he stops. “The thing that change me was my very own power! Who would believe that fragment nonsense?” “It’s not nonsense!” Taurus said. “Both Leone and Andromeda also posses the power of the Star Fragment!” “Please, believe us,” Andromeda implored as she stretches out her wings and shows Cetus her new cutie mark. “I was basically reborn as well!” “Huh?” A slightly confused Cetus said. “Makes no difference.” “Huh?” “A Star Fragment, some god called Nemesis? Even if all of this is actually true, what does it got to do with me, pal?” Cetus asked. “The evildoers are sure to come after the power you hold in your hand,” Anubis pointed out. “If they git their han's on th' power of th' Star Fragment, its trouble,” Bismarck added. “If Nemesis is revived, it will be too late, for us,” Radiance said. “Andromeda!” Cetus suddenly said. “What is that horn on your head and the wings on your back for? Decoration?” Cetus asked as he forms a sword and shield made of pure ice. “If you call yourself a real warrior, try to make me listen to you.” “Cetus?” Andromeda asked as her friends all gasp in fear and surprise. “Not now,” a worried Anubis said. “I guess there’s no choice,” Andromeda said as she conjures up a sword for her to use. “If I win, you will corporate, hear me?” “Humph! It’s a deal,” Cetus said as he prepares to fight. “I’m scared,” Sala said as she holds onto Radiance. “We just have to be brave, Sala. It looks like their gonna have to battle after all,” Radiance said. “Ready to rock, Andromeda?” Cetus asked. “Let’s go, Cetus,” Andromeda said as the others take cover behind some rocks. The two Legendary Warriors then charge at each other, both of them glowing yellow for Andromeda and blue for Cetus. When they clash blades with each other, the force is so great, that light shoots up into the sky, while at the same time, it creates a powerful wind that knocks down those who didn’t have a good hold on the ground. “Go get him, Miss Andromeda!” Anubis cheered as Andromeda and Cetus jump back a few feet, while fire burst out of the mountain... ================================================================== ...While the villagers down below scream in fear as they see the fire from the mountain. “The volcano god is angry,” the chief said. “It must because those magic users came here,” a resident assumed. ================================================================== “Huh?” Sala’s father said when he notices the fire coming from the mountain. He quickly goes to the room where Andromeda and her friends are supposed to be in, and sees that their gone. “Your have got to be kidding me.” ================================================================== Up on the mountain, Andromeda and Cetus continue to clash, sending sparks flying. Cetus then suddenly sends a gush of water at Andromeda, sending her flying a few feet. “You changelings are as strong as they say, Cetus, even if you are a blue one,” Andromeda said. “But I don’t care. I won’t back down from this, or any, fight,” Andromeda said as a yellow glow encases her, surprising Cetus. She then fires a blast at Cetus, which forces him to retreat back a few feet. “All right! Nice shot, Andromeda!” Taurus cheered as Cetus regains his composure. “I see now,” Cetus said. “I can certainly feel a power in you that a regular alicorn shouldn't have. Don’t care,” Cetus said as he creates both a double-bladed sword from the one he already had, and a spear. “Andromeda, watch out!” Orion called out. “Can you still match me, even with this!” Cetus yelled as he throws the spear at Andromeda, which quickly glows a sea blue as the sea serpent reappears, heading straight toward Andromeda. When it hits, it creates a powerful explosion, sending Andromeda back several feet. “Andromeda!” Tempest whispered, wanting nothing more but to help her, but can’t. “What was that incredible power just now?” “I have no idea!” Orion said as Andromeda gets up, while Cetus laughs. “What’s this? This is the power of the Emperor of the Sea coming!” Cetus yelled as his sword glows a sea blue as he charges toward Andromeda, who is barley able to hold him off, the sword she conjured beginning to brake. I don’t believe it! Andromeda thought to herself. I feel like I’m fighting the sea, with a sea monster waiting below, she thought before she’s thrown back several feet, beginning to panic. “Calm down, Miss Andromeda!” Anubis called out. “You also have an elemental power! The power to control the air around you!” “Say what?” Andromeda asked. “Anubis is right!” Orion added. “You’ll be able to counter Cetus if you create something made of air!” “I can what!?” Andromeda asked. “Is that true?” “This is it!” Cetus yelled out as he creates a spear again, and throws it toward Andromeda, the same thing happening again. “By Celestia!” Andromeda said. “I have no choice now. I have to try,” she said as she throws a punch, which somehow throws the spear back into the volcano. “What!?” A shocked Cetus said. “Whoa!” The others all said. “Awesome!” Andromeda said as she throws another punch at Cetus, with the air blast so powerful, it sends him back several yards. “Laugh now, Cetus,” Andromeda said as she does a downward movement, creating a giant blade of air. Cetus ducks out-of-the-way, while the blade of air slices a giant boulder in half. “Andromeda is now delivering all kinds of attacks in a row,” a surprised Radiance said. “Right. Even thet Cetus changeling won’t be able t'stan' that kind of constant punishment,” Bismarck added. “Aw, cool,” Orion said. “Get him, Andromeda! I can’t believe she has that kind of power!” “Yeah, me either,” Andromeda said. “‘That kind of power’ you say.” Cetus suddenly said in a mocking tone. “Andromeda, I expected more,” Cetus said as he creates a shield around himself made of ice. “Huh? Cetus went to the defensive?” Anubis asked. “What’s he thinking?” Peach asked. “He knows he has no hope of winnin' eff'n he clashes head on wif Andromeda,” Bismarck said. “A changeling has actually taken a defensive stance?” Flora asked. “I think there’s more, guys,” Tempest said, as Cetus smiles. “That’s not gonna work!” Andromeda said as she fixes her sword and charges at Cetus, but when her sword hits his shield, it just bounces off, without leaving so much as a scratch. “What? I’ll try again,” Andromeda said as she charges toward the shield again with more force, only for the same thing to happen again. “What’s going on?” “I’m disappointed in you, Andromeda,” Cetus said, getting Andromeda’s attention. “Did you really think you could face me, when you obviously don’t even know your own power, yet.” “Uh, is that so?” Andromeda asked. “Just watch and lean, Andromeda. I will show you the true power of the King of Blue Changelings. Here it comes, so buckle up.” Cetus said. Cue dramatic music, Cherry thought to herself. “So, how about it?” Cetus continued. “If you think you can finish it, go ahead.” What is that powerful force? Andromeda thought to herself. Just what is Cetus planing to do? Andromeda thought as she and Cetus have a stare down, while the others, with a recently awake Leone, watch on in shock and fear. “All I do know is that I can’t quit this fight. I got to believe in myself,” Andromeda said as she charges toward Cetus again. “Foolish,” Cetus simply said as his ice shield just causes Andromeda’s attack to bounce off. “What now?” Andromeda asked. “How is Cetus’ shield able t'do thet?” Bucky asked. “I know what’s going on,” Leone said as he gets up. “You do?” Radiance asked. “Yeah,” Leone answered. “Cetus wen’t into a defensive position on purpose, so he can get Andromeda in a false sense of security. And since all changelings have the ability to take the power of others and make it their own, whenever Andromeda attacks, Cetus absorbed it so he can use it against her.” “So that’s what Cetus is up too. I knew it!” Tempest said. “Not good,” Orion added. “Run away, sis!” “Looks like this is as far as you can go,” Cetus noted. “And yet you non-shapeshifters still don’t know what you need to about your magic,” Cetus said as he creates a tornado of steam around him. “What!?” Andromeda asked. “You shouldn't count on the power of your magic!” Cetus said as the sea serpent reappears above Cetus, as the volcano erupts smoke and fire. “Special move: Sea Emperor Supreme Flight!” Suddenly, the ground below Andromeda explodes due to the sudden expansion of water, and an explosion happens, blinding everyone on the island for a few moments. Once the smoke clears, everyone slowly opens their eyes, when Orion and Tempest shout. “Andromeda!” They screamed when they see her on the ground, unconscious. “MUWAHAHAHA!” Cetus laughed. “You say you want to borrow my strength, give me a call when you have something to offer me in return,” Cetus said as he takes his leave, while the others, except for Leone, Taurus, and Anubis, who is staring at Cetus as he walks away. “Ah! It can’t end like this,” Anubis said though his gritted teeth. “Can you hear us?” Orion asked his sister. “Speak to us, Andromeda,” Radiance said. “Come on, your tougher than this,” Tempest added. “But what do we do about the Star Fragment,” Anubis said, still glaring at Cetus. “The evil ones will get it,” Anubis than tears off a piece of the harden lava he’s on, and runs after Cetus. “Wait, stop right there!” Anubis yelled out, getting everyone’s attention. “We need your power,” Anubis said as he stops a few feet behind Cetus, “if you insist on walking away from us, than I will fight you,” Anubis said as he holds onto the broken rock like it’s a weapon, shocking the others. “What!?” Bismarck said. “Anubis vs. Cetus?” Peach added. “He’s nuts,” Taurus said as Leone growls, while Cetus turns his head toward Anubis. “And just who are you?” Cetus asked. “That doesn't really matter,” a clearly shaking Anubis said. “If I defeat you, you will lend us your strength, is that right?” “Humph,” Cetus simply said with a smile as he turns toward Anubis. “Come on, fight me,” Anubis nearly shouted. “Don’t be a fool, Anubis!” Radiance said. “Yo' saw th' fight jest now, didn’t yo'?” Bismarck asked. “If Leone and Andromeda couldn't defeat him, then it’s impossible for someone like you!” Taurus added. “Don’t act crazy, pal!” “I don’t have any other choice, now,” Anubis said. “If this can prevent the revival of Nemesis, I’ll fight.” “Your way out of your league, greyhound, and it’s past your bedtime,” Cetus said, pushing Anubis over the edge as he charges at Cetus, screaming. Unfortunately, Cetus sends a blast of water at Anubis, sending him back several feet, causing the group to gasp in fear. “I warned you,” Cetus said. “It’s -- it’s not over,” Anubis said as he grabs for his makeshift weapon as he weakly gets up. “Hmm?” “As long as I can stand on my own, I’ll give it my all!” Anubis said as he charges at Cetus again, but gets another blast of water from Cetus, sending him back further this time. “Anubis!” Everyone who could or cared (not counting Andromeda and Leone) screamed. “It's not over,” Anubis said as he gets back up. “Stop now,” Tempest said. “That’s enough!” Radiance added. “Anubis, we all understand how you feel.” “I can’t stop now,” Anubis said, remembering what his grandfather said to him. ================================================================== “The Star Fragment must not fall into the hands of evil. When the time comes, you must take the lead to ensure their evil ambitions are crushed completely, understand?” Anubis’s grandfather said as he places a paw on a young Anubis’s head and rubs it. ================================================================== “The future of the world is at stake here today,” Anubis said as he glares at Cetus. “I must not let myself lose! I cannot!” Anubis nearly yelled. Cetus then sends another blast of water at Anubis, but he manages to stand his ground this time, all the while still able to hold onto the broken rock he’s carrying. “I will never give up! Never!” “Anubis, no,” Radiance said. “Fine then, if you really want to get yourself destroyed,” Cetus said as he forms a spar. “As you wish, I will send you to your doom!” Cetus said as he throws the spear at Anubis, with the sea serpent reappearing around it. “Look out!” “Run for it, Anubis!” Berry and Cherry yelled out. “I will not give up!” Anubis said as an indigo glow incases him. As the spear, and sea serpent, hits, indigo light enters Anubis, and explodes out of him as he screams, while a powerful wind sends the spear into the volcano. Suddenly, Anubis’s fur changes from light gray to a deep black, while his broken rock turns into a scepter with a gold ring, with a pyramid in the center with an eye, and has four gold spikes hanging from it. “Anubis’s fur color and his broken rock!” A completely shocked Tempest tried to say. “They changed?” An equally shocked Radiance added. “What does that mean?” Taurus asked as the indigo glow becomes like a fire around Anubis, only it’s not hurting him. “I know,” Andromeda said as she gets up. “Andromeda?” Tempest asked. “The Star Fragment split into 10 points of light and there are 10 Legendary Warriors,” Andromeda said. “And Anubis heard the voice of the Star Fragment inside one of those 10 lights.” “Oh, man!” Orion said, catching on to what Andromeda is saying. “Then that means...” “There’s no doubt about it,” Andromeda said with a smile. “Anubis is a Legendary Warrior, too.” Cetus then smiles at Anubis’s sudden change. “I’m gonna enjoy this!” He said as he recreates the sea serpent. “I won’t lose!” Anubis said as he somehow fires a magic blast at Cetus, stunning everyone. “Did Anubis just use magic?!” A completely shocked Andromeda asked. “Hmmm, interesting,” Cetus said as Anubis charges at him, screaming. “Now you're talking!” Cetus said as he has the sea serpent breath water at Anubis, sending him back yards before he lands hard. He tries to get up, but is just too tired now. “Anubis!” Tempest called out as he and the others run to Anubis’s aid. Once there, Cherry helps Anubis sit up a bit. “Just relax, buddy,” Cherry said. “ Anubis, yo' were chosen by th' Star Fragment, too,” Bismarck added. “I ... I was?” “Humph! Now I see,” Cetus said, getting everyone’s attention. “It looks like that story of yours isn’t a lie after all.” “What?” Everyone asked. “Join us then, Cetus,” Andromeda said. “Don’t be ridicules,” Cetus said, confusing the group. “A new Star Fragment, huh? The Black Sun, too? Very cool. So, in order for me to rise to even greater heights myself, I will take control of it all with my own hand!” “What!?” The entire group asked as Cetus leaves, laughing evilly. “You don’t get it, Cetus!” Andromeda called out, but Cetus ignores her. “So, Cetus is going try to find the remaining Legendary Warriors all on his own, just to take their power.” Radiance said. “Those bugs are just a total menace, no matter what color they are!” Leone growled. “Cetus!” Andromeda growled in a whisper.
Requirements of a WarriorRequirements of a Warrior As Cetus begins to leave, he’s laughing evilly. “You don’t get it, Cetus!” Andromeda called out, but Cetus ignores her. “So, Cetus is going try to find the remaining Legendary Warriors all on his own, just to take their power.” Radiance said. “Those bugs are just a total menace, no matter what color they are!” Leone growled. “Cetus!” Andromeda growled in a whisper. “Sala!” A voice called. The group look down and see Sala’s father running up to them. “Sala, come here.” “Daddy!” Sala said as she run up to him. “So you came here after all, even after I told you that you shouldn't.” Sala’s father angrily said. “Um, well...” “I see.” Sala’s father interrupted. “Lets get out of here, before the people of the village find us.” “Yes, daddy,” Sala said as she holds onto her fathers hoof. ================================================================== The next morning, in the village, the villagers are doing their daily chore, when they hear explosions coming from the nearby jungle. “What in the world was that?” The village chief asked. ================================================================== In the jungle, Leone takes a pebble and throws it at some trees, with the pebble going straight through them, making them fall to the ground. “Stinks! Stinks! This stinks!!!!” Leone yelled as the others watch. “Leone is not in the best mood,” Taurus said to the others. “I don’t blame him,” Orion said as they see Leone destroy some more trees. “He did lose after all.” “An' t'a changeling, of all creatures,” Bismarck added as Leone destroys a boulder with a small rock. “Leone,” Andromeda said as Leone gets ready to fire again, but Andromeda grabs his arm before he could do so. “Stop, it. What point is there in letting your anger take control. Your just wasting energy,” Andromeda pointed out. “Back off!” Leone said as he breaks free of her grip and grabs her neck. “Whats with you anyway? You should be freaking out that Cetus kicked you butt, too. Remember?” “I’m not happy, okay?” Andromeda said as she gets free of Leone’s grip. “I hate losing. It does stink, but Cetus taught me something in defeat.” “Huh?” “I turned into alicorn one day, which normally doesn't happen, then I was called a Legendary Warrior. Hearing that, I think I got a bit full of myself and overconfident, which I normally don’t let happen, even though I haven’t even mastered my new power yet. So, Leone, what is a Legendary Warrior? Just someone who has the power of the Star Fragment in them? Don’t you think a true Legendary Warrior is something more? Someone who can completely control the power that they posses. You saw it too, right? That sea serpent Cetus summoned, he just throw a spear made of ice, and that thing appeared. Cetus did it, he mastered his power, and gained control over that powerful force of nature, the sea. He must have done so much training, that he made that power his own. Compared to that, what have we done so far? We were so happy at becoming alicorns, that just used the power without thinking about it further. We couldn't have even have matched him, we didn’t even have a chance. But now that I know that, I will learn how to control my new power,” Andromeda finished. “Andromeda,” Orion said. “When she’s feeling down, she sure does know what to say.” Tempest remarked. “I see now,” Anubis said. “It’s not enough just to be chosen by the power of the Star Fragment,” Anubis said as he looks at the scepter that he gained yesterday, “only through hard work that one can become a true Legendary Warrior.” Leone than takes a deep breath, and thinks for a moment. “Okay, Andromeda. Come with me, then.” “Where?” “I was planning to leave my duel with you for last, but I guess I won’t be able to,” Leone said. “Special training. That’s what I’m talking about. So get ready, because I’m gonna smash you to pieces. Lets go!” Leone said as he heads for the sea. “Okay,” Andromeda said as she follows. “Leone, what?” Taurus asked. “Hey, Andromeda, wait for us,” Orion said as he and the others go after the two. At a rocky beach, Leone and Andromeda are busy training to gain control of their power. Leone has created a sword made of the crystals found in the volcanic rock, and Andromeda has made a sword made of pure air. Andromeda uses her sir sword to slice some boulders in half, with Leone doing the same for his blade, or his claws. “Hah, how was that, Andi?” Leone asked as he cuts clean through a large boulder in half with his claws. “No big deal,” Andromeda said as she uses her sword to cut clean through a boulder and a few trees behind it. Leone then growls as he remember what Cetus said to him. “He saids I haven’t mastered my power?” Leone said as a green glow encases him as he creates a tornado full of beach sand and harden lava. “Guess again!” Leone said as the tornado begins to demolish the cooled lave they are standing on. Thinking quickly, Andromeda jumps into the air, and dives down into the tornado, surprising Leone as the twister disappears as they do a small-sword duel. “I can’t believe they can battle that hard,” Anubis said. Why I can’t become a Legendary Warrior? Orion thought to himself. Anubis here was able to become one. Maybe I’m just not trying hard enough. “Okay, I’m gonna train now as well,” Anubis suddenly said. “I’ll do some special training and become a true Legendary Warrior,” Anubis finished, snapping Orion back to reality. “Huh? Well, then I’ll be your practice partner. Okay?” Orion said to the now black Diamond Dog. “Hey, you will?” Anubis asked. Anubis awakened by fighting Cetus, Orion thought to himself. Now, if I battled Anubis, maybe things could happen for me, too. ================================================================== At Sala’s home, Sala’s father is staring at the smoking mountain. “The mountains mood still hasn't improved,” he said as Sala tries to sneak by him. “Where are you going, Sala?” He suddenly asked, scaring the little filly half to death. “I’m just going to play for a while. That's all, daddy,” Sala said as she quickly turns toward the jungle. “I’ll be back soon.” “To play, huh? She’s obviously going to go see those kids. Head strong little filly,” Sala’s father said, as he looks at the smoking mountain. “As long as the volcano stays quiet, she’ll be fine.” ================================================================== At the beach, Sala finds Anubis and Orion facing each others. “Hi guys!” She said, but they seem to ignore. Oh, Star Fragment, Orion thought to himself, if you are inside me, grant me your power. “Okay, here we go,” Anubis said as he points his scepter toward Orion. Orion, since he doesn't any very advance spells like Andromeda, uses his magic to simply throw some rocks toward Anubis. “So awesome,” Sala said as Anubis levitates a large boulder toward Orion, who quickly gets down as the boulder flies past him. “All right!” Anubis said. “I’m not done!” Orion said as he charges at Anubis. It’s not over. I will become one, a Legendary Warrior, Orion thought to himself, while Sala looks on in worry. ================================================================== “Uh, Orion, you lost in these practice matches 20 times now,” Anubis said when he notices that it’s now sunset. “You need to stop,” Anubis said to a panting Orion, who’s on the ground. “But thanks a lot, that was some great practice.” I didn’t even win once, and Anubis is a Diamond Dog, having no real experience with magic at all. This is not good. Orion thought to himself. Suddenly, Sala pops above his head. “Hey, are you okay?” She asked. “Hi Sala,” Orion said as he gets up. “Orion, you didn’t do so well, did you?” Sala said, causing Orion to sheepishly smile, not liking to lose even more than Andromeda can get. It’s not that I didn’t do so well. It’s that my opponent is so strong. Orion admitted in his head. ================================================================== That night at Sala’s home, everyone is about to have dinner. “Everyone, eat up,” Sala said, as Taurus drools over the look and smell of the food, chuckling as he rubs his hands together. “Uh, were so sorry,” Andromeda said to Sala’s father as he sits down. “I did promise that you can stay here until the next boat arrives,” Sala’s father pointed out. “So you can stay. Don’t worry about it. Eat.” “Thank you,” Andromeda said. “However, please don’t cause any more trouble here,” Sala’s father added. “If anything else happens, I won’t be able to protect you.” “Uh, yes sir,” Andromeda said. “Well, then, before it gets cold...” Taurus began to say, knowing that everyone els will finish his sentence. “Lets eat!” Everyone said. Taurus quickly grabs a bowl of sweet potatoes, drizzled in honey, and eats it, while the others eat the other food. “This is delicious!” “So, Andromeda, Anubis,” Radiance began to say, “any idea what we should do next?” “I think we should go to all the big tournaments that involve fighting around the world,” Anubis answered. “Tournaments?” Peach asked. “Yes. Because those who have the strength and ability required of a Legendary Warrior, will most likely participate in tournaments.” “That is true,” Andromeda said. “But, I forgot my laptop at home, so we’ll have to wait till we get any news. So, until we decide where to go, we’ll train,” Andromeda said to Anubis and Leone. “Naturally,” Leone said as he takes a bite out of a pineapple. “So then,” Anubis said as he raises a paw. “Do you think it will be all right if I joined you both in your training?” Anubis asked Andromeda and Leone. “I think that training with three creatures would be more efficient, and will also increase our result. “Huh?” Orion said. “Sure, we don’t mind,” Andromeda answered. “Right Leone?” “Do whatever you want,” Leone said. “Thank you so much, guys,” Anubis said, not noticing the dejected look on Orion's face as he stops eating. There it is, I'm not good enough to be Anubis’s practice partner. Orion thought to himself. Taurus then notices the look on Orion’s face. ================================================================== Later, Orion is outside, sitting on a bench, looking at the stars. “Orion?” A familiar voice said. Orion turns around and sees Taurus walking up to him. “What’s wrong?” The red minotaur asked as he sits down next to the young, midnight-blue unicorn. “You seem down.” “Yeah,” Orion said as the two look at the stars for a minute. “Well ... You know, the truth is, I really want to become a Legendary Warrior.” “Huh? Hmmm, that's a tough one.” “I wanna fight alongside Andromeda and the others. I should’ve been good enough to become a Legendary Warrior, too.” “And me, too. Someday, I’ll become a Legendary Warrior, and fight along with Leone, my hero,” Taurus said, only for him to have a look of realization hit. “Ah, who am I kidding. I probably don’t even have the power of the Star Fragment, anyway,” Orion then looks away with doubt, when Taurus puts a hand on the unicorn colts shoulder. “Look, pal, there's no use in getting upset about it. The only thing we can do is put our best effort into what we can do now.” “Put my best effort into what I can do now?” “Yes. That's right. I have to believe that I posses the power of the Star Fragment, right now. If I work hard, then someday it will respond to my feelings.” Put my best effort into what I can do now. But is that gonna be enough? Orion thought to himself. ================================================================== The next morning, Andromeda, Leone and Anubis are training. “I’m gonna tear you apart, Andromeda!” Leone said as he jumps on Andromeda, claws extended, but Andromeda teleports as Leone lands, and reappears a few feet away. “Nice try, Leone,” Andromeda said, when suddenly, a blast nearly knocks the two over. “What the?” “Uh, knock-knock,” Anubis said to the two. “Don’t forget about me. I’m not here for the scenery.” “Your asking for it, Anubis,” Andromeda said as she concentrates and creates an air sword. “No kidding,” Leone added as he extends his claws. “I’ll crush you pal,” Leone said as he and Andromeda charge at Anubis, who’s beginning to panic. “Take it easy, fellas!” Anubis said as he dodges the air sword and claws. ================================================================== Further in the jungle, Orion, with about 25 empty cans, is focusing. He’s trying to learn how to fire a laser, like Andromeda and his mother can do. Even with his Lotus stone, he can only do a few sparks. “Oh, what am I doing out here?” He asked himself. “Can I really become a Legendary Warrior by doing this kind of stuff, or what?” He then hears someone coming, and sees Sala. “So cool,” Sala said. “That was just amazing to watch. How many unicorn foals can even levitate something, let alone try to fire a laser?” “I guess so-” Orion tried to say, only for an explosion to happen in the distance. “What was that!?” “AH! Look!” Sala said while pointing toward the volcano. The two see that it’s erupting, with lava bombs flying everywhere. ================================================================== At the beach, the others take notice. “The volcano, again,” Tempest said. “But that menace, Cetus, left already,” Leone pointed out. “Why is it doing that?” “Could it be because of the fight we had with Cetus.” Andromeda said. “A disturbance that huge might have made the volcano active again.” “What?” The others asked. “You mean, it’s our fault.” Anubis said. “Look out!” Flora said as some lava bombs head their way. They jump out-of-the-way, with only Taurus behind as the lava bomb hits, barley hitting him as he lands on the ground, screaming. “OH NO! RUN!” They heard from the village. “That’s coming form the village!” Cherry said. “Let’s go!” Andromeda aid as she heads toward the village, followed by the others, with Taurus crawling along the ground. “Hey! Wait for me!” Taurus said as he gets up, as lave begins to flow down from the mountain. ================================================================== A Sala’s home, her father comes running out. “Sala!” He called out. “Where are you Sala? Where did you get to Sala?” ================================================================== At the village, “Everyone, evacuate to the beach immediately!” The village chief called out as lava bombs land in the village. ================================================================== In the jungle, Orion, with Sala in tow, are running down the path, trying their best to avoid any lava bombs. “Orion, I’m scared.” “It’s okay, we’ll be all right,” Orion said as they run toward the village, when suddenly, a large lava bomb lands in front of them. “What will we do?” Sala asked in fright as the plants catch fire. “This way!” Orion said as they turn around only for another lava bomb, lager than the last, traps the two in a ring of fire. “Orion!” Sala said as the two huddle together. ================================================================== In the village, the residents are running for their lives, but one filly falls down. She turns around, and sees that a lava bomb is heading straight toward her. Suddenly, a yellow blast destroys the lava bomb before it hits. Andromeda then runs up to the filly and helps her up. “Hurry, go quickly now!” Andromeda said, making the filly run after the other villager as Anubis joins Andromeda. Anubis fire an indigo blast at another lava bomb, destroying it too. Leone creates a large boomerang made of obsidian and throws it, destroying five different lava bombs. “Whoa!” Taurus said as Leone catches the boomerang “Ha-ha! That was just awesome!” “Why do I have to take care of this?” Leone asked. “Oh no! Look up there, quickly!” The village chief said as he points toward the volcano. “That’s lava,” Bismarck said as he and the others look at the lava flow. “It’s coming this way,” Radiance added. “Not good,” both Berry and Cherry said. “We got to do something, and fast,” Tempest said. “But what about Orion?” Andromeda asked. ================================================================== In the jungle, Sala and Orion are beginning to suffocate due to the smoke from the fire. “Orion, I can’t breath.” “It’s okay, Sala. I’ll get us out of here. I just need to move the boulder,” Orion said as he concentrates and tries to move the hardened lava bomb, but it doesn't budge. “What? Okay, one more time,” Orion said as he tries again, but the boulder still doesn't move, even with the help of his Lotus stone. “Orion?” Sala said while coughing. “Hang on,” Orion said to the coughing filly. Why can’t do this? Is it really impossible for me? “Orion, it hurts.” I can’t give up. If I can’t even save one little girl, there's no way I’ll ever become a Legendary Warrior. Orion thought as he stares at the lava bomb blocking their path. “I know I can do this!” Orion said as a red glow surrounds him. I will become a Legendary Warrior, too. Orion concentrates, and fires a red laser at the lava bomb, destroying it this time, while dissipating the surrounding fire also. “Yeah!” “I did it. I did it!” A slightly surprised Orion said. “Let’s go, Sala.” “Yeah,” Sala said with a nod as she runs toward the village. Before going after her, Orion looks at his back, but sees no wings or a cutie mark. “Aw man,” Orion sighed as he goes after Sala. ================================================================== At the village, the group sees that the lava has reached the jungle. “The village is doomed, everyone,” the village chief said as he looks at the group. “You should get out of here, too.” “Come on, we can’t run away,” Andromeda said. “That’s right,” Leone added. “We have to see this through to the very end.” “Right,” Anubis added. “Your staying?” The chief asked, completely shocked by what he just heard. ================================================================== In the jungle, “Sala? Where are you, Sala?” Sala’s father called out as he runs through the jungle. “Please, answer me, Sala!” “Daddy!” Sala called out as she runs toward her father, with Orion in tow. “Sala!” Her father said, relieved that her daughter is safe as the two run toward each other and hug. “Daddy, I was so scared,” “Sala, I’m so glade your safe,” Sala’s father said, when Orion suddenly realizes something. “Where's Andromeda, and the others?” Orion asked. ================================================================== In the village, “If we don’t do something quick, the village will be swallowed by lava,” Anubis said as the jungle catches fire. Leone then suddenly changes his obsidian boomerang, and changes it into a bow and arrow. “I can send something like that flying easily,” Leone said as he prepares to fire. “Thats just not good enough,” Andromeda said. “More lava will just takes it place after that.” “Okay, then what should we do?” Anubis asked. “We need to cut through part of the mountain so we can change the flow of the lava,” Andromeda said, shocking the others. “Say what?” Taurus asked. “Thar’s no way thets possible!” Bucky added. “Weather its possible or not, we have to try,” Andromeda said. “Leone, Anubis, if we combine our power, we can do it,” Andromeda said as she charges a blast. “Ready guys?” “I am,” Anubis said as he charges a blast also. “Let’s do it!” “Fine, but you two had better not hold me back,” Leone added as he also charges a blast. “Let’s do it!” Andromeda said as the three of them fire, right when Orion shows up. “Guys! Huh?” He said as he sees the three blast head toward the source of the lava, when they suddenly take forms all of their own. Leone's green blast turns into a light green, glowing lion. Anubis’s indigo blast turns into a two-legged figure with the head of a jackal, and Egyptian clothing. And Andromeda’s blast turns into a yellow glowing alicorn mare that has an odd resembles to Celestia, but without the sun cutie mark, a shorter mane, and wearing a toga. The three beings quickly disappear as the combine, and hit the mountains peek, causing a large explosion, blocking the lavas original path, making it redirect toward the open ocean. “Amazing,” a resident said as he and the others look on in disbelief. “The village has been saved,” the village chief said. “You guys did it!” Cherry excitedly said as she dances around, wearing a cheerleaders uniform. “Where did you get that?” Flora asked. “I found it,” Cherry answered. “Ha-ha-ha! You actually did it!” Taurus excitedly added. “I can’t believe my own eyes,” Tempest said as Leone holds up a hoof toward Anubis, smiling. Catching on, Anubis gives Leone a high four/hoof. “B-b-b-b-b-b-bull! Thanks to the Legendary Warriors!” Taurus added as they celebrate, while Orion watches on in amazement. A ... Amazing! Orion though to himself. There on a whole other level from me. I don’t think I can become a Legendary Warrior after all. But what can I do? ================================================================== Later, on a boat heading for the nearest city with an airport, the group is stunned. “Your ... Your leaving?” A shocked and heartbroken Andromeda said to her little brother. “It’s not like yo' t'leave yer friends, Orion,” Bucky pointed out. “Well, the truth is,” Orion began to say, “if I stay with you, I will just be slowing you down.” “Orion, no one thinks about you that way for one-second,” Radiance said. “No! It’s a fact,” Orion said. “Even if I stay with you now, all I’ll end up doing is cheering you guys on from the sidelines. And that not enough for me, this time. I want to find something that only I can do. Andromeda, I want to help you and the others, not just be a cheerleader.” “Orion,” Andromeda tried to say. “So that's why I can't stay with you now,” Orion finished, as Andromeda smiles in an understanding way. “Okay, I understand,” Andromeda said, shocking the others, except for Leone and Orion. “What?” They all said. “Andromeda, but you can't!” Tempest said. “Orion, when you find what that something is, you’ll come back to us. Is that a deal?” Andromeda asked her little brother. “Yeah,” Orion said as he nods. ================================================================== At the docks of Jakarta, Orion is about to get on a boat that heads for middle Asia. “So, you really are leaving, huh?” Peach asked Orion. “Yes,” Orion said. “I need to find my own path. Try not to find your cutie marks while I’m gone, okay guys?” “We’ll wait till yo' come back,” Bucky said. “Just don’t get yours before then, either,” Peach said as she affectionately punches Orion in the arm, leaving a buries. “Ow!” “If you need anything, just call,” Radiance added. “Orion,” Andromeda began to say, but can’t. “Just ... be careful, okay?” “I will,” Orion said as he gives his sister a hug, before he gets onto the boat. As the boat leaves, Taurus, Berry and Cherry are crying their eyes out as the boat with Orion on it leaves, while the others say their goodbyes. “Bye, Orion,” Andromeda said, holding back a tear at seeing her little brother leaving her for a while, but happy that he’s grown so mature, and will get even more mature during his journey. As the boat leaves the horizon, after the others head for the hotel they are staying in, Andromeda collapse to the ground, and bursts into tears. Being the only one to hear this, Tempest turns around and sees Andromeda, crying. He walks up to her, and places an arm on her shoulder, trying his best to comfort her.
Orion’s DeterminationOrion’s Determination In a village near the ancient Mohenjo-Daro Ruins, a tournament is commencing. “Welcome, my friends, to the village of Mohenjo-Daro!” A griffin announcer called out at the arena, where about 100 griffin spectators have gathered. “Which houses the ruins and legends from a civilization from long, long ago. It is a village of romance and mystery. Oh yes, in deed. Right now, the village is in the middle of our annual Swirling Dust Festival, and this ancient stadium will host the main event: the traditional Sword Tournament is about to begin,” the announcer said, getting cheers from the large crowd. “And the prize for winning is, a years supply of Mohenjo Villages locally mined salt. Oh, boy! Mmmm!” The announcer finished, causing the crowd to look on in amazement at the half meter tall pile of salt on the cart that has been brought up. “Now, without further delay, lets begins the first match! We all know the first competitor, the strongest griffin in the entire village, Ali al-Saachez!” The announcer cried as a muscular griffin walks into the arena. “And his opponent, a traveler who just happened by to check out the festival is ... a blue changeling with a cutie mark?” The announcer said when they see a male changeling, only with of blue hair and eyes, around the same size as Chrysalis, with the same eyes and gapes in his legs. But the main difference is that he has a cutie mark, the constellation Cetus, meaning only one thing. “According to this, his name is Cetus, and he’s the King of Blue Changelings! But why would the blue changeling king, Cetus, come to our little festival, in our defenseless village?” “I’m looking for something,” Cetus answered as he creates a sword made of ice, while Ali al-Saachez suddenly sees a sea serpent behind Cetus, which terrifies him. “I guess I have no choice but to fight,” Ali al-Saachez said as he pulls out a sword and readies himself for a fight. Ali al-Saachez charges at Cetus, but the changeling just does one swipe from his sword, and it sends Ali al-Saachez all the way to the wall of the arena, leaving a griffin shape impression. “It’s over! It’s a split-second win,” the announcer said as Ali al-Saachez gets out of the bay. “Cetus has simply crushed our own Ali al-Saachez in the blink of an eye. Just how strong are changelings?” ================================================================== “This changeling continues to win with overwhelming power! Can no one stop him?” The announcer said after Cetus wins his ninetieth victory in a row, as a griffin, wearing yellow and gold silk, walks into the arena. “Hey, Cetus,” the griffin said. “I will defeat you right now!” “Its King Indus!” The announcer said in an excited tone. “So, Mohenjo-Daro’s legendary king would clash with the King of Blue Changelings in battle! On a night when a star fell from the sky, King Indus the Third was born at the village chiefs home. He is the legendary warrior who is said to posse the power of the star. He has won this tournament 5 years in a row, his abilities are simply out of this world!” “The power of the star, you say?” Cetus asked, not noticing a unicorn colt in a red cape with a large blue and yellow pony logo on it, and wearing a wide brim hat, covering his face. “Send that changeling flying, King Indus!” Someone in the crowd cheered. “Yes, if the king of Mohenjo Village can't save our honor, no one can!” The announcer added. “Cetus, my friend, you are no doubt a fine opponent,” Indus said as he pulls out an axe and prepares for a fight. “However, I shall claim victory this year as well.” Cetus then smiles. “King Indus, the griffin who took the power of a star itself.” Cetus said, remembering his fight with Anubis. ================================================================== An indigo light enters Anubis, and explodes out of him as he screams, while a powerful wind sends the spear into the volcano. Suddenly, Anubis’s fur changes from light gray to a deep black, while his broken rock turns into a scepter with a gold ring, with a pyramid in the center with an eye, and has four gold spikes hanging from it. “Now *you're talking!*” Cetus said as he has the sea serpent breath water at Anubis, sending him back yards before he lands hard. “It looks like that story of yours isn’t a lie after all,” Cetus said, surprising the group. “What?” Everyone asked. “Join us then, Cetus,” Andromeda said. “Don’t be ridicules,” Cetus said, confusing the group. “A new Star Fragment, huh? The Black Sun, too? Very cool. So, in order for me to rise to even greater heights myself, I will take control of it all with my own hand!” ================================================================== “Now, I’m here to make sure your telling the truth,” Cetus said as he takes on a fighting stance with his sword and shield made of ice. “Now, let the second match of the semifinals, King Indus vs. Cetus battle, begin. Right now, right here!” The announcer called out as the two prepare themselves for the fight. “You don’t scare me for a second, Cetus!” Indus said as he slashes at Cetus with his axe, but Cetus just blocks each attack. “Look at him go,” the announcer said. “Our legendary warrior, King Indus, is attacking Cetus again and again, and he just won’t stop! The tables have turned, it is as if Cetus has no way to fight back! Has he no answers?” Suddenly, Indus jumps back. “I’ll end this here and now!” Indus said as he charges at Cetus, not thinking at all. “Foolish,” Cetus said as with one, weak swing of his sword, he sends ‘king’ Indus back, all the way into the bay. “Ah!” Was all the announcer and the audience could say, as King Indus gets back to the surface of the water, gasping for air. “What just happened? Cetus tossed out King Indus the Third into the bay with ease.” “This was a wast of time,” Cetus said as he takes his leave. “Ah, wait a minute! Cetus, sir, don’t leave, there’s still the final round!” The announcer said as the unicorn colt in a red cape with a large blue and yellow pony logo on it, and wearing a wide brim hat, covering his face, shows himself. “Thats right,” the colt said. “The fight isn’t over yet,” the colt said as he jumps down and lands behind Cetus, who turns around, just to see who the it is. “It's the winner of the first match of the semifinals,” the announcer said. “Beat it,” Cetus simply said. “I don’t have any time for you or anyone else here.” “Cetus, I came all the way here just to talk to you, which won’t happen till I beat you. You must stay and fight,” the unicorn colt said. “Tough talk for a cape,” Cetus said. “Okay, that’s it!” The colt said as he takes off his hat, showing his lavender coat, midnight-blue mane, and magenta eyes. It’s Orion! “Fight me now, Cetus!” “And you are?” Cetus asked, shocking Orion to his core, nearly making him fall over. “What!? You know who I am, Cetus! I’m Orion! We meet on that island in Indonesia, remember?” “Oh,” Cetus said, remembering the encounter. “Your one of Andromeda’s water toys.” “Who are you calling a water toy?” Orion said, before he shakes a disturbing image from his head. “I’m Orion! Orion! My name is Orion!” “I don’t have time to play guessing games,” Cetus said as he begins to leave. “Hey, just wait a minute! Okay?” Orion desperately said. “Ah ... What if I told you that I’m a Legendary Warrior? What then?” Orion asked, making Cetus stop as he turns his head toward the son of Twilight Sparkle with interest. “Is that true?” Cetus asked. “Cetus, you're looking for the Legendary Warriors, the ones who have the power of the Star Fragment, right? So, are you sure you want to do this, just walk away from me, now? If you win, than I will do whatever you ask, but in exchange, if I win, you have to listen to my request. Deal?” Orion asked, getting his answer when Cetus turns around, ready for a fight. “Thats more like it. Bring it on, Cetus,” Orion said as he goes to the other end of the arena as the two get ready for the fight. “I have no idea what is going on,” the announcer said. “But as far as I can tell, the final round is starting! Let’s get ready to roll!” The announcer said as Orion takes the axe of the defeated King Indus. “Man, this thing is heavy,” Orion said as he levitates the heavy axe in a red glow as he charges, and breaks though Cetus’s shield with it, the first to do so. “Totally amazing!” The announcer said. “Orion has just destroyed Cetus’s shield with one swing from his axe, something no other competitor has done!” “I got you now, Cetus!” Orion said as he charges a blast and fires, but Cetus materializes the sea serpent, which sends Orion flying back several feet. “Whoa!” The announcer said, completely stunned. “You little...” Cetus tried to say as Orion gets back up. “Yeah, that's right. I’m not a Legendary Warrior,” Orion admitted as he turns toward Cetus. “Anyway, Cetus, let’s talk...” Orion began to say, only to see that Cetus is already leaving. “Hey! Wait a minute, Cetus!” Orion called out as he goes after the Blue Changeling King. “Excuse me, mister Cetus,” the announcer began to say, “you forgot you salt! A year's supply, it’s all yours, sir. It comes with a cart.” “Keep it,” Cetus said, shocking everyone in the arena. Just outside the village, “Hey, Cetus! Hold up!” Orion said when he finally catches up with the blue changeling. “Wait, listen! Listen to what I have to say, please,” Orion said as he gets in front of Cetus. “Get out of my way, kid.” “No I wont! I’ve got a job to do, here. Everyone I know is trying to help somehow.” Orion said, only guessing what the others are doing. ================================================================== Back in Jakarta, the group is either training or doing research. “Leone!” Taurus cried out as he throws a tree log down a waterfall, to where Leone is waiting. Leone then creates a sword out of some gems, and slices the log clean in two. “Don’t wast my time!” Leone said to his minotaur friend. “Next one!” “Yes, sir!” Taurus said as he throws another down. Not far away, Anubis is doing some research on the Legendary Warriors via books and his tablet, while Andromeda is in the sky, racing Tempest. “You sure are fast,” Tempest said as they land near the others. “Thanks,” Andromeda said as she takes a seat, panting heavily. “How can you pegasi handle such speed?” “It’s all in the breathing,” a familiar voice said. Those who aren't busy look up and see... “Mrs. Rainbow Dash?” Anubis asked. “Mom!” Tempest said as he flies up and hugs his mother. “Why are you here?” “Two reasons,” Rainbow said as she lands. “First, Twilight wanted me to give you this, Andromeda,” Rainbow said as she pulls out a small computer and gives it to Andromeda. “Thanks, Rainbow,” Andromeda said as she takes it with her magic. “And second, we got some news about a possible Legendary Warrior in China,” Rainbow finished. “China!?” The entire group asked. ================================================================== “That’s why,” Orion said to Cetus. “Fight me one more time. I beg you. And if I win, listen to what I have to say. I’m not a Legendary Warrior, I know that, but I want to at least be useful to my sister and the others. If I win, please lend Andromeda and the others your strength, I beg you, Cetus! This is all I can do. The only way I can help them out now,” Orion finished, only for Cetus to walk past him. “Get out of here,” Cetus threatened. “Or I wont go so easy on you next time.” “No way, Cetus! I won’t give up! If you won’t listen, than I’ll follow you until you do!” Orion said as he goes after the blue changeling king. ================================================================== Strangely, Cetus doesn't use his wings, despite the fact he has some, as he, followed by a certain blue-violet coat, midnight blue mane, and crimson eyed unicorn colt in a red cape with a blue and yellow pony symbol. “I won’t give up!” Orion said as he tries his best to keep up with the changeling. ================================================================== Cetus doesn't use his wings again as he reaches the top of a cliff, followed by Orion. “I WON’T GIVE UP!!!!” Orion said as he hangs onto a ledge. Until he listens to what I have to say, I will follow him everywhere and anywhere! Orion thought to himself as he catches up to Cetus in a jungle, completely exhausted. Suddenly, Cetus sees something moving in the bushes, and stops. “Huh? Have you decided to listen to me?” Orion asked with much hope, only for him to see the rustling bushes also, along with some growls. They see the animal making the sound walk out and its a ... “TIGER!” Orion screamed as he frantically climbs the closes tree, but notices that Cetus isn’t moving away, but towards the tiger. “What are you thinking, Cetus? That thing is dangerous!” Orion pointed out as the tiger roars at Cetus, but receives a dirty look from the changeling. It’s so intimidating, that the tiger flees with its tail in between it’s legs. “Unbelievable! You scared off a tiger with a dirty look,” Orion said as Cetus keeps moving, while he falls to the ground. ================================================================== In another part of the jungle, Cetus is calmly walking across a fallen tree across a canyon, while Orion panicky follows by crawling across it. “Wait, Cetus!” ================================================================== The two then climb up a canyon, with Orion nearly falling down twice. After about two hours of climbing, Orion reaches the top. “Cetus? There he is. I finally caught him,” Orion sad when he sees the blue changeling a few feet ahead of him, only to disappear as he jumps down a vast fracture in the ground. “Hey, but I just climbed this thing!” Orion pointed out as Cetus walks across the fracture. “Why isn’t he using his--” Orion said to himself, before the answer comes to him as he climbs down. “Wait, now I get it. Changelings don’t walk on normal paths, but they instead choses the most difficult paths on purpose. For them, it’s part of their everyday lives to become the strongest.” ================================================================== That night, Cetus has set up a small fire, with Orion sitting a few feet away, trying to start his own. He finally gives up and throws the wood and stick aside. “It’s no good, I can’t get it going,” a defeated Orion said, while Cetus eats some fruit. “Huh, I thought changelings only feed off the emotions of others?” Orion asked to himself, only for his stomach to growl loudly a few times. “Great, he probably doing that on purpose,” Orion said as he looks at all the fruit Cetus has. Later, after Cetus has eaten his fill, the two try to fall asleep, but Orion’s growling stomach doesn't let him. “I just can’t fall asleep with an empty stomach bugging me,” Orion then looks over toward the left over fruit near Cetus, with his stomach growling even more. His stomach than growls so load that it hurts. “I can’t take this any longer!” Orion crawls over to the leftover fruit and is about to grab one, but his other hoof slaps him. “No, no, no, no!” Orion whispered. “I can’t do something like this! I swore I would work very hard and not rely on anyone else. No matter how hungry I am, I have to get though this thing with my own strength, and I will get Cetus to change his mind,” with that, Orion crawls back to his little camp, and lies down. Orion's stomach than bugs him again, but he realizes that Cetus must be asleep by now. “I wonder?” Orion then uses his magic to breaks off a wood branch for him to use as a weapon. But, with blinding reflexes, Cetus gets up and fires a blast of water toward Orion, which encircles him before dissipating as Cetus glares at Orion before going back to sleep. Amazing, Cetus really is fantastic. I have to bring him back. Orion thought to himself. ================================================================== The next day, in a desert, Cetus, not bothered by the 100+ degree heat, is still being followed by Orion, who isn’t doing so well. “I can’t believe that just following one changeling is so hard to do!” Orion said, wishing he brought some water. “I won’t give up! I will follow him, forever and ever. But I’m so hungry, my body feels heavy, and my legs...” Before he could finish, Orion falls to the ground. ================================================================== Hours later, the desert they were in gets a rain storm, which wakes Orion up, and quickly gets up, and can't see Cetus. “Oh no! How long was I asleep? Where's Cetus? Have I lost track of him?” Orion then sees that Cetus is standing behind a lone tree. “Ah, he’s just over there. Thank Celestia,” Orion said, only for Cetus to continue to walk across the desert. “Wait up, Cetus! Not again! I can’t lose sight of him, anymore,” Orion said as he runs after the King of Blue Changelings, again. ================================================================== In a jungle, it’s sunset as Cetus and Orion rest, with Cetus resting on a broken log, while Orion is under a nearby tree, groaning in both hunger and pain. “Oh ... My whole body hurts,” Orion said to himself. “Is this the way changelings of all colors spend everyday of their lives? No wonder they’re so strong and tough,” Orion’s stomach than groans. “Oh, I’m really hungry. I need something safe to eat,” Orion added as he pulls out a survival guid he has in his saddlebag. “Lets see, I know I'm somewhere in southeast Asia, so...” he looks over the book, till he finds the Edible Plants for Ponies in Asia section, and finds that the most common plant for him to eat is “water grass?” ================================================================== At a nearby lake, Orion is in a few feet of water, looking for some water grass. “Let’s see ... Ah! Here go,” Orion said as he spots some sea grass and walks toward it, not noticing something in the water is watching him. Suddenly, a giant catfish jumps out of the water, with Orion running for the shore as fast as he can, screaming as the giant catfish swims after him. Luckily, Orion reaches the shore, while the catfish strands itself. Orion then begins to sneeze. “Great, I caught a [sneezes] cold.” ================================================================== Later that night, Orion is freezing cold as he tries to start a fire, but can't. “I’m so cold, but it won’t start. Come on already, start!” Orion said, fed up with not being able to start a fire. Suddenly, a small blast hits the wood, and it catches on fire in an instant. Orion sees that it was Cetus who fired the blast, carrying some fish and water grass. “Cetus?” Orion asked as Cetus walks up to the fire, and places the fish above it. After about an hour of cooking, Cetus begins to eat the fish and the water grass, while Orion looks on in hunger. “Uh, excuse me--” but before Orion could finish, Cetus throws some water grass in Orion’s way, surprising him. “I can have it?” Orion asked, getting nothing but a growl from his empty stomach in response. “Really, Cetus? Thank you so much!” Orion said as he quickly takes and eats the water grass. “Once you’ve eaten, hit the road,” Cuts said, making Orion stop. “Huh?” “Don’t ever follow me again, kid,” Cetus added. “But, Cetus...” Orion then begins to cry a little. “Okay, I understand that if I was strong ... if I were a Legendary Warrior, I wouldn't have to do this, and I can give my strength to my sister and the others that I care about. But I’m not that guy, I’m not a Legendary Warrior, and that I'm not good enough! I’m just not! But you are, okay Cetus, you could give them your strength if you want to, I’m begging you!” Orion pointed out as he gets up. “It has nothing to do with me,” Cetus said. “It does, too! Andromeda and the others need your strength!” “Just give it up!” “I’ll just keep asking over and over again until you say yes. Do you hear me? I’ll follow you forever if I need to!” “Why are you willing to go so far with this?” “Because this is all I can do, now! This is the support I can give them, with all my might and strength!” Orion said, getting nothing from Cetus but a dirty look, the same one he used to scare away the wild tiger. “I’m not a tiger at all, I'm much weaker than that tiger. Doesn't matter, your glare won’t make me run away!” Orion firmly said, as a small stare down happens, with the only sound being the crackle of the fire. “Then challenge me, kid,” Cetus said, breaking the silence. “No matter what time it is, or where we are,” Cetus added, making Orion gasp in surprise. “Weather were eating or sleeping, can you actually force me to take you seriously.” “Cetus, you just watch,” Orion said, still slightly surprised. “I will follow you, Cetus anywhere and everywhere, and I will force you to take me seriously.” ================================================================== In a desert that Cetus and Orion are crossing, they are walking through a harsh sandstorm, with visibility nearly at 0, but Orion manages to keep his eye on Cetus. Just you wait, sis, and everyone else, too. I’m gonna bring Cetus to you. Orion thought to himself as the sandstorm continues.
The Crimson FlashThe Crimson Flash In Dengfeng, China, a griffin with bluish-grey eyes, reddish-brown hair, and a tanned fur color, wearing a teal shirt with yellow crests on the shoulders, is having a conversation with about four female griffins as they walk through a market. “Wow, Chao Xin, your amazing!” One of the females said to the tan male griffin, Chao Xin. “Your so cool, dude,” another added. “Well, yes,” Chao Xin said with a smile. “I am, aren't I?” He said, laughing along with the girl griffins. Chao Xin then hears a commotion in a nearby ally, and sees two unicorns who have uniforms from the Shaolin Monastery run by. “Chao Xin? What is it?” One of the girls asked. “Sorry, I just remember that I have a hair appointment,” Chao Xin lied as he runs down the ally. “See you.” “Chao Xin? Chao Xin!” One of the girls said as Chao Xin jumps onto a nearby building, and runs after the two unicorns, before finding them in a large ally, mugging a group of griffin and unicorn boys. “Ha-ha-ha! We’ve got you cornered!” One of the ex-Shoaling unicorns said. “Be good boys, and give us all your renminbi!” The other added. “No way.” “Take a hike, you jerks.” Two of the younglings said. “We don’t want anything to do with you guys.” “That’s too bad,” one of the ex-Shoaling unicorns said as he and the other conjure up some weapons. “Shoaling Temple uniforms?” Chao Xin asked to himself. “They must be strays who were expelled from the temple. Defiantly not good,” Chao Xin said as he pulls out a dagger from under his shirt. “I’ll just have to tech them a lesson,” Chao Xin said as he gets ready to jump down, but then, a crimson flash of magic catches his eye as it disintegrates the ex-Shoaling unicorn’s weapons before their eyes. “Say what?” The two ex-Shoaling said as they turn around, and see the source of the crimson flash, a unicorn, accompanied by 4 others, all of their faces hidden by their hoods. “Who are you?” “Are you two from the Shaolin Monastery?” The unicorn who fired the crimson blast asked. “So what if we are, bub?” “You challenging us because were from the Shaolin Monastery, is that it?” The two ex-Shoaling asked. “Interesting,” one said as they re-conjure their weapons. “Your going down, starting with you, buddy,” the other said as they prepare for a fight. “Humph! Be free to try, my friend,” the unicorn said as he shows his red eyes, which glow crimson as he prepares a spell. “Enough!” One of the unicorns said as they throw their weapons at the red-eyed unicorn. “To the ruin of Shaolin Temple! Take this!” The red-eyed unicorn said as he fries a crimson blast, destroying the weapons as the two unicorns begin to panic. When it hits, a bright, crimson flash is created. “What ... was that?” Chao Xin asked as the crimson flash dissipates, as the two unicorns fall to the ground, either unconscious or worse. “Humph! That's Shoaling Temple? Disappointing,” the red-eyed unicorn said. “Who are those guys?” Chao XIn asked. “Weird stuff.” ================================================================== On Mount Song, Andromeda, Radiance, Berry and Cherry, Bismarck, Flora, Tempest, Peach Cobbler, Bucky, Leone, Taurus, Anubis, and now Rainbow Dash, are climbing the misty mountain, heading toward the Shaolin Monastery, with Anubis having the hardest time climbing. Andromeda looks at the large pillars of rock surrounding them, and remembers why they’re here. ================================================================== “It’s still only a rumor,” Dashan Wang, accompanied by a short, yellow female griffin, with purple eyes named Mei-Mei, and a short unicorn with a purple coat, blue mane that's tied back into a braided pony tail named Chi-yun, said over wi-fi connection to the others. “Huh? You say there’s a Legendary Warrior in China?” Tempest asked. “No, Tempest,” Dashan corrected. “A Legendary Warrior has not been found for certain. However, a mysteries unicorn has appeared recently, and has been attacking all those who have been expelled from the Shaolin Temple for breaking the rules.” “They’ve all been kicked out from the temple?” Flora asked. “They may have been expelled,” Mei-Mei suddenly said, “but they all had trained at the Shaolin Temple for sure. Their skills are second to a nuns,” she finished, confusing most of the group. “Did she just say, ‘second to a nuns’?” Anubis asked. “I think what Mei-Mei meant to say was ‘second to none,’” Radiance said. “Shaolin Temple’s training is incredibly hard, I’ve done it myself,” Andromeda said, remembering the first round of the World Duel Championships XI that took place in China. “But this guy was able to defeat those who survived it.” “So there is defiantly a chance, right?” Anubis asked Andromeda. ================================================================== Is the fifth Legendary Warrior somewhere in this vast land of China? Andromeda thought to herself as Taurus carries a worn out Anubis by his backpack. “Wang Hu Zhong sure does live in an interesting place,” Anubis said, panting. “Stop waisting our time,” Leone said. “Pick it up!” “When are we gonna get there, anyway?” Peach asked. “Not long,” Andromeda said as she points ahead. “You can see the temple now,” she said as a large, Chinese temple can be seen in the mist, making the group say, ‘whoa.’ ================================================================== In the temple, the group see different creatures, mostly griffins and unicorns, doing different exercises. Some are puling 500 kg weights, while others are balancing themselves on blades, and some (around 100) are practicing a martial arts technique. The entire group, except for Andromeda, Tempest, Bismarck and Radiance, are watching all of the monks train in wonder. “Amazing,” Anubis said, when Dashan greets them. “It’s been awhile, Andromeda,” Dashan said as he and Andromeda shake hoofs. “I’m glad to see that you are all doing well.” “Thank you,” Andromeda said, when Dashan notices Anubis. “Who’s that?” Dashan asked. “Who? Me? I’m Anubis Mizusawa.” “I am the leader of Wang Hu Zhong, Dashan Wang. Welcome.” “The pleaser is mine,” Anubis nervously said as he bows before Dashan. “An honor to meet you,” Anubis added as two other members of Wang Hu Zhong, Mei-Mei and Chi-yun, arrive. “Everyone is working as hard as usual, I see,” Andromeda said. “Even more than usual today,” Mei-Mei said. “Because Andromeda Sparkle is visiting,” Chin-yun added. “Huh?” “Well, Andromeda,” Chin-yun continued. “You and your team defeated us, Wang Hu Zhong, and won the last World Duel Championships. Since then, it has been Shaolin Temples goal to defeat you in a rematch.” “And now that chance lies right in front of us,” Mei-Mei added. “So of course everyone is working hard.” “That makes some sense,” Andromeda said. “So then, about this Legendary Warrior we talked about...” “The investigation continues,” Dashan said. “However, he is quit a crafty fellow. Even with our information network, we still have not discovered his true identity.” “It’s very important that we find him, and quickly,” Tempest said to Dashan. “That should not be a problem,” Dashan said. “A big tag-team tournament will be taking place soon, right here in China.” “A tag-team tournament?” Bucky asked. “There’s a good chance that this guy will make an appearance at that tournament,” Dashan added. “Naturally, it would be an excellent opportunity to show off his true strengths.” “And it’s also the best place for Chin-yun and all of Shaolin Temple to get the rematch with you, Andromeda,” Chin-yun added. “Please, accept our challenge. It would mean a lot to us,” Dashan said. “Dashan, I accept your challenge,” Andromeda said, “Great! ‘Cause I will be battling on a team with Chao Xin,” Mei-Mei said. “Bring it one, Andromeda!” “That’s not gonna be a problem,” Andromeda excitedly said as she shows them her wings. “Wow!” “So cool!” “So you really are a alicorn now!” Dashan, Chin-yin and Mei-Mei said, respectfully. “Shease! Don’t get too excited,” Leone said. “Andromeda may have beaten you before, but I will knock you off your feet. So watch it!” Leone then heads for the temples entrance. “Let’s go, Taurus.” “Huh?” “Leone?” Tempest asked. “But, Leone, buddy, where are we going?” Taurus asked as he runs after the lioncorn. “To do special training, right now,” Leone answered “If you slow me down, I’ll leave you behind.” “Leone, thanks! I am Taurus, and I vow to fight alongside you with all my might and skill. B-b-b-b-b-b-bull!” “Looks like Leone’s fighting spirit is all lit up just by the mention of a tournament,” Radiance said. “Okay, let's do this,” Andromeda said to Anubis. “Huh?” Anubis asked, not really understanding. “We have to train for the tournament, too,” Andromeda added. “Let’s get at it, Anubis.” “When you say ‘we,’ do you mean ... Me and you, Miss Andromeda?” Anubis asked. “Who else,” Andromeda said. “Besides, you need to practice with yours new magic, remember?” “I guess that makes sense when I think about it.” Anubis said. “But should I really be your partner, Miss Andromeda?” “Look, in a tag-match, the most important thing is team work. Let’s practice together so we can get in sync,” Andromeda said. “Uh ... Okay. Let’s do this together,” Anubis said. ================================================================== A bit later, in a courtyard that has about 30 targets that are scattered at random, Andromeda and Anubis are preparing themselves for their training, with the others, especially the members of Wang Hu Zhong, are watching. “I’ll go first,” Andromeda said to Anubis. “Okay,” Anubis said as he takes a step back, while Andromeda prepares to fire a blast. “Princess Andromeda Sparkle now,” Chin-yun said while great interest to his friends. “Let’s watch very carefully,” Dashan added. “Lets see how much power she has now,” Dashan said as Andromeda fires, and with great accuracy, Andromeda’s laser not only hits the center of the targets, but it also destroys them, without losing power. “Whoa!” Both Chin-yun and Dashan said. “Amazing,” Mei-Mei added as Andromeda fires a blast of air at some other targets, having the same results. “Her new power is fearsome,” Dashan noted as the laser reaches the final target, becoming the alicorn mare before it hits, leaving nothing behind after the smoke clears. “Your turn, Anubis,” Andromeda said as she takes a step back, while Anubis steps forward. “Right,” Anubis said as he takes his scepter, and fires a laser also. Although it doesn't have much power, the blast goes through the center of the targets it has hit before it loses too much power, which Dashan takes notice of. “Oh, man,” Peach said. “So close, too,” Flora added. “Whats the deal?” Chin-yun asked. “Isn’t that Anubis guy supposed to be one of these so called ‘Legendary Warriors’?” “Even the most simple unicorn colt is lightyears ahead of Anubis,” Mei-Mei added. “Not so. He’s also quit good. Close to Andromeda’s level, too,” Dashan said, confusing the others. “Huh?” They all said. “What do you mean?” Rainbow asked. “Look closely,” Dashan said as he points toward the targets Anubis hit. “He wasn’t able to maintain the blast for very long, its true, but his blast went right through the center of every target it hit. That shows how steady his stance is.” “That is impressive,” Chin-yun said. “The stance is the most basic part of both the martial arts and magic,” Dashan added as Andromeda goes one more time. The fifth Legendary Warrior is sure to be in the tournament. Andromeda thought as she fires a blast of air. I have to create a Special Move, just like Cetus has done, using my new power to control the air around me. ================================================================== Outside of the temple, on one of the stone pillars, a certain cat obsessed, Saddle Arabian in a white and yellow cloak, is watching. “So, that’s Shaolin Temple, huh? If there is a Legendary Warrior here, then he must be there. I suppose I better get moving, than.” Johannes said with an evil grin as he jumps down onto the path below. ================================================================== Later that night, the group are inside the temples dining area, the group are eating some dumplings. “When looking at the stars through a telescope, it is important to line up the intended target in the center of the finder,” Anubis explained to the others. “I think that is why you were able to fire so accurately before,” Dashan said. “Who know that working with telescopes can help with things like magic?” Andromeda added. “You never know what can come in handy in real life,” Mei-Mei said. “I was surprised myself, I must say,” Anubis said, blushing slightly. “Thats just amazing!” Tempest said with a slightly full mouth as he places an arm around Anubis’s neck. “Good job, Anubis. You defiantly are a Legendary Warrior!” Tempest said, not knowing that he’s squeezing Anubis a little too hard. “I can’t breath, Mr. Tempest, sir,” Anubis tried to say. “So, if that's the skill level you need, I, Chin-yun, can do that.” “Huh?” “Is that all it takes to be a Legendary Warrior?” Chin-yun said as he leaves. “Chin-yun,” Dashan said, but Chin-yun just ignores him as he heads outside. Outside, Chin-yun stops by a tree, and looks at the night sky. “When Chin-yun first came here, he just wasn't very good. But because he meet Dashan and went through all that difficult training, he’s finally gotten this far. He’s lucky, but why won’t Chin-yun turn into a alicorn like Andromeda and Leone? If some star-gazing Diamond Dog like Anubis become a Legendary Warrior, why didn’t Chin-yun?” “Weather or not one becomes a Legendary Warrior, is all up to fate,” a familiar voice behind Chin-yun said, who turns around and sees Dashan. “What matters it this: work hard and never give up. You know that Chin-yun.” “Dashan.” “We don’t understand why the Star Fragment chose the Legendary Warriors the way it did,” Dashan continued. “It’s not important. We have to do this. We must do what we can right now with all of our might, and thats all we can do.” “Do what we can right now,” Chin-yun added. Suddenly, they hear an explosion near the temples gates, and see smoke as they hear screams, which attracts the others attention, who head outside as a monk runs up to them. “Whut in tarnation was thet?” Bismarck asked. “Whats going on?” Dashan asked the monk. “There’s trouble. Someone has broken in to challenge the whole school,” the monk answered. “No one challenges out school!” Dashan said as he heads toward the entrance, followed by the others. There, the intruder, Johannes, is laughing at how easy it is for hm to knock down the monks. “My, my, is it over already?” Johannes said after he throws several kunie at some monks, who barely doge it. “Is that all China’s renowned ‘Shaolin Monastery’ has to offer? What a sad excuse for a school.” “What did you say!?” One of the monks said as he takes a spear. “Don’t ever dis the Shaolin Temple!” He angrily said as he throws it. “Gee, do you know how nice your head shins in the moon light?” Johannes said, before he catches the spear and breaks it, much to the shock of the monks. “I really don’t have the time to play around with you kiddies, right now. Be good boys and send out the Legendary-” But before Johannes could finish, Andromeda and the others arrive. “Huh?” “Who do you think you are?” Dashan asked. “And what do you want with us?” Mei-Mei added as Andromeda and her friends, except for Rainbow, recognize him. “Huh, you again?” Tempest asked. “Ha. Looks like you and you friends beat me here, purple puss,” Johannes said to Andromeda. “You know this guy?” Rainbow asked. “Unfortunately,” Radiance answered. “He’s working with the great evil.” “He’s some kind of twisted cat-colt thingy,” Peach Cobbler added. “‘Cat-colt thingy’? My name is Johannes, girl. Please try to remember that.” “I liked ‘cat-colt thingy’ better,” Rainbow said. “If you are all here now, then the information must be true,” Johannes said. “Maybe he’s the one who’s been attacking the expelled Shaolin Temple students.” Andromeda said. “Is the Legendary Warrior we heard about in China you?” “Don’t be silly,” Johannes said. “He’s here, isn’t he? The new Legendary Warrior?” “Huh? What are you talking about?” Flora asked. “Huh? Didn’t you chumps come here to see the Legendary Warrior, too?” Johannes asked backed. “So, your saying that your not the guy who’s been attacking all the former Shaolin Temple students?” Tempest said. “I thought we already went over that stuff?” Johannes asked. “Why would I care about some clowns that got kicked out of here?” “So who is it?” Peach asked. “So, he really isn’t here? What a waste of time,” Johannes said. “Maybe he hasn't awakened yet. The possibility lies inside of Chin-yun and the others.” “Hmm ... Perhaps your right, chump change,” Johannes said to Chin-yun. “You want to test us?” Dashan asked. “What?” Johannes asked back. “If you say ‘no,’ were gonna fight anyway. Your gonna regret stepping on our sacred Shaolin Temple with your dirty paws,” Dashan said as he takes a spear. “Hmm, if you insist. I should check you anyway, I guess. Humph! Legendary Warriors are tricky, one of you jokers could one,” Johannes said. “What a bad kitty you are!” Mei-Mei said as she, literary, lets steam come out of her ears. “Dashan, I’ll take care of that thing,” Andromeda offered. “This is Shaolin Temple’s problem,” Dashan pointed out. “It will be settled by the leader, and that's me.” “So, you're the leader, you say?” Johannes asked. “Okay, Dashan,” Andromeda said. “Send this guy back to his litter box.” ================================================================== In a stadium, Dashan and Johannes are about to duel, with the others watching behind Dashan. “I’ve never seen someone like that Johannes guy before,” Chin-yun said. “He’s nothing,” Mei-Mei said. “He’s not such a pig meal.” “You mean, ‘he’s not such a big deal,’” Radiance corrected. “Well, then, let's do this,” Johannes said as he charges at Dashan, who blocks all of his attacks. “What!? You can take all of that without moving a millimeter?” “The Solid Iron Wall! Ha! No attack in the world can get past it,” Dashan said. “Really?” Johannes asked. “That’s right!” Chin-yun said. “By concentrating his chi in certain areas, Dashan’s body can take any punishment without getting so much as a scratch.” “There was no need for Dashan to fight at all. Run along home with your flank between your legs, kitty!” Me-Mei said, which makes Radiance nervously look at her flank, before she turns toward Mei-Mei. “I think you meant ‘tail,’ don’t you?” Radiance said to Mei-Mei as Johannes rubs his head like a cat. “Chi, huh? Meow. Now I see,” Johannes said as he pulls out a dagger. “This time, I’ll attack!” Dashan said as he fires a laser at Johannes, who doesn't flinch. “Unless you want this fight to be your last, you shouldn't underestimate me!” Johannes said as he deflects Dashan’s blast with the dagger. “What!?” A shocked Dashan said. “What just happened?” Chin-yun asked. “Johannes has weapons that are made of magdrillium, meaning that, if you're not careful, Johannes can deflect all attacks involving magic!” Andromeda said. “You should have told us he had those things sooner!” A furies Mei-Mei yelled. “I haven’t even gotten started, yet,” Johannes said as he takes out his kunie with chain. “I’ll just send your attack back!” Dashan said as he takes on the Solid Iron Wall stance. “We’ll see about that,” Johannes said as he throws his dagger, which leaves a deep gash in his leg. “What!” “Ha! Thought so,” Johannes said. “Mahdrillium can also make things involving chi completely useless!” “Dashan just go hurt!” A worried Chin-yun said. “Time for me to finish it!” Johannes said as he hisses at Dashan, who pulls out a spear. “Meow?” “You see, cat, the Solid Iron Wall is not just a defensive technique. It can also be used in attacks!” Dashan said as he charges up a spell, but Johannes just simply begins to walk away. “Where are you going?” “There’s no point,” Joannes answered as he turns toward the group. “I’m done playing. I have seen the limit of your power,” Johannes said to Dashan. “The limit, you say?” Dashan asked. “Your certainly a skilled warrior,” Johannes noted. “However, I do not feel the pulse of the Star Fragment within you, I’m afraid. If this is the limit of the leader, then the others are certainly no better, right?” “Come again?” Dashan asked. “If there is no Legendary Warrior here, it looks like I have no choice but to enter the upcoming tournament to continue my search. I don't have time for anymore pointless fights. Understand me?” Johannes said. “Planning to run, huh?” Chin-yun said as he and Mei-Mei take some swords and point them toward Johannes. “We won’t let you!” Mei-Mei added. “Oh my. I’m so scared!” Johannes sarcastically said, before cartwheeling backwards, then jumping onto the roof. “Well, litters and germs, I’ll see ya at the tag-team tournament, okay? Scratch ya later. Meow,” Johannes said as he leaves, jumping like a cat. “Hey, come back!” Tempest said as he and those who can fly go after Johannes, only to see that, “He’s gone,” Tempest said. “Oh! That guy...” Peach tried to say. “An insult to Dashan is an insult to the whole Shaolin Temple,” Chin-yun said. “It’s unforgivable,” Mei-Mei added. “He said he seen the limit of my power,” Dashan said to himself, not knowing that the others are hearing. “He doesn't feel the pulse of the Star Fragment within me.” “Dashan, don’t let thet cat-colt thin' git yo' down,” Bismarck said to the Chinese unicorn. “We definitely felt yer warriors spirit burnin' as bright as ever.” “Bismarck, your right,” Dashan said as he sees Radiance give Bismarck a kiss on the cheek. “Huh? Hmm, now I need to focus on wining the tournament.” “Do you think this possible Legendary Warrior will show up at the torment?” Anubis asked. “And how do we recognize him, anyway?” “Good point,” Andromeda said as she scratches her head. “No one has actually seen him yet. Have they?” “You don’t have to worry about that,” a griffin with bluish-grey eyes, reddish-brown hair, and a tanned fur color, wearing a teal shirt with yellow crests on the shoulders said as the group turn around. “Chao Xin?” They said. “I’ve seen the guy, with my own two eyes,” Chao Xin said. “He’s real, all right.” “You say him?” Flora asked. “Where was this, Chao Xin?” Dashan asked. "Near Dengfeng’s market,” Chao Xin answered. “I tried to follow, but I unfortunately lost them.” “Them?” Tempest asked. “He was with a hooded group,” Chao Xin answered. “Listen, he’s even stronger than we imagined. It was an awesome display, for sure,” Chao Xin said, recounting the tale. ================================================================== “To the ruin of *Shaolin Temple! Take this!*” The red-eyed unicorn said as he fries a crimson blast, destroying the weapons as the two unicorns begin to panic. When it hits, a bright, crimson flash is created. “What ... was that?” Chao Xin asked as the crimson flash dissipates, as the two unicorns fall to the ground, either unconscious or worse. “Humph! That's Shoaling Temple? Disappointing,” the red-eyed unicorn said. “Who are those guys?” Chao XIn asked. ================================================================== “The intense crimson flash that his magic made was amazing,” Chao Xin said. “A crimson flash, huh?” Andromeda asked. ================================================================== The next day, in Dengfeng’s market, Johannes is eating some dumplings, wondering how to enter the torment. “Thin is, the tournament is a tag-team competition. If I want to compete, I need to find a partner, I guess,” Johannes said, when he sees a group of younglings practicing some kung fu. “I got you now,” one said. “Hey, you kids, over there!” Johannes called out to the kids. “Huh?” They asked. “Anyone interested in a tag-team tournament? Because you can enter with me,” Johannes said, unknowingly scaring the kids. “AH! Weird cat-colt!” One screamed as they all run, unknowing leaving a filly behind. “So no?” Johannes asked, when he notices the little filly that was left behind. “Well, what about you, there?” Johannes asked, making the filly cry. “Mommy, the big, mean cat-colt thing is scaring me!” Suddenly, the fillies mothers arrives, growls at Johannes, and leaves in the blink of an eye. “What’s wrong with all these people?” Johannes asked as he takes another dumpling, only for screaming form a nearby ally that startles him. “Meow?” Joannes said as he sees a crimson flash not far away. “What now?” Johannes said as he heads toward the source of the crimson flash, and sees a group of hooded creatures, standing above some unicorns with Shaolin Temple uniforms. “Who are they?” Johanne asked. “Huh, a unicorns eyes that glow crimson,” Johannes added, when a blinding crimson light appears, and when it disappears, the hooded people are gone. “Oh, could they be the ones? Ha-ha, I found you!”
A New RoarA New Roar In the Chinese desert, near the Yellow River, “Get it on! Is everyone having a good time?” The announcer, still in his blimp, said as it fires above the stadium. “This is the greatest tag-team tournament ever! Today, at the Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù tournament, we’ll begin the second round with the teams that made it through the first round! The next battle ground iiiiiisssss ... in the middle of nowhere again!” He said as the blimp flies above the stadium, which has a some buildings around is as the spectators sit in the stands around the arena, which is about the size of a football field, all made of a yellow sand. “The stadium is built on a plateau of yellow soil!” Soon, the first match of the quarterfinals, having Andromeda and Anubis, begins. Their opposing team has a unicorn with dull red eyes, making him a viable candidate. “You can do it, Andromeda!” Tempest called from the stands, with his mother, Rainbow Dash, his friends Bismarck, Radiance, Flora, Tempest, Bucky, Peach Cobbler, Mei-Mei and Chao Xin. “You too, Anubis!” Peach added. “Let’s do this, Anubis!” Andromeda said to her partner. “Okay, Miss Andromeda,” Anubis said as the two corner the unicorn. “Andromeda and Anubis are alongside of one of their opponents! This looks like a pincer attack for sure!” The announcer said as Anubis prevents the unicorn from escaping, while Andromeda fires a gust of wind at him, sending him flying out of the stadium, giving them the win. “The winner of the first match of the second round is the Andromeda/Anubis team!” The announcer added as Andromeda’s friends cheer for her. “They did it!” Mei-Mei said. “That was lonesome!” “‘That was awesome’ you meant to say.” Chao Xin corrected. “With thet vicko'y, they move on the top four,” Bismarck added. “Again, not the guys,” Andromeda said as she and Anubis watch the losing team leaves. “Miss Andromeda?” “Good work out there, by the way,” Andromeda said to Anubis. “Keep that kind of effort up for the next one, too.” “You beat,” Anubis said as the two leave the arena. My teamwork with Miss Andromeda has gotten a lot better. I hope. Anubis thought as Dashan and Chin-yun go past them. “The next match is up now!” The announcer said as the two next teams enter the arena. “Our very own Dashan/Chin-yun team verses the Ash/Satoshi team! Get ready kids!” The announcer said as the two teams get ready, with Satoshi having red-orange eyes. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” “Let’s go! Time for a Strong Arm Barrage!” Dashan said as he fires the spell at Ash. “And a Thunder Sword Waltz!” Chin-yun added as he fires his spells at Satoshi, making the two panic. “It’s a done deal!” The announcer said as the Ash/Satoshi team land outside of the arena. “The Dashan/Chin-yun team effortlessly advances to the top four!” “So, it wasn't them either, I see,” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun leave. “No, only Legendary Warriors would have a chance against us,” Chin-yun pointed out. “That was easy,” Chao Xin said. “Good work, Dashan! You too, Chin-yun!” Mei-Mei yelled out, not knowing that a unicorn with pure red eyes, a blood-red mane that drapes below his shoulders, a black coat and two swords that cross each other, accompanied by several unicorns and griffins in cloak, is watching them. “You guys are on a role! Your gonna prove that the Shaolin Temple is the strongest!” “The strongest she says?” The unicorn, Bao, asked. “Humph! The word ‘strongest’ exists only for us, understand?” “Huh?” Cherry said as she turns her head to look above, but sees no one on the stairs above them. “What is it, sis?” Berry asked. “I thought ... I thought someone was watching us.” Cherry answered. “Watching us?” Chao Xin said as he looks around, while Andromeda and Anubis reach the top of the stands. “Wow!” Andromeda said as they see no one in the arena. “Dashan and Chin-yun’s match is already over? That was fast.” “The next match is starting right away, though,” Anubis pointed out as he and Andromeda walk down toward the others. “Yeah. Next up is Leone and Taurus,” Andromeda said as the two in question walk into the stadium. “After Taurus signal handedly won their first round, here is the Leone/Taurus team, and their opponents...” The announcer said as Johannes and Motti, who’s jumping around the stadium, meowing and waving at the crowd, while Johannes looks on in embarrassment. “Johannes won their first round all by his lonesome, too. Here is the Johannes/Motti team!” “You know what to do,” Johannes said to Motti, getting her attention. “Run away and play during this match, too. Understand?” “Meow!” Motti said as she salutes Johannes. “Motti will run and play with all her might! Meow!” “What’s up with that? This is no joke!” Taurus angrily said as steam comes out of his nostrils for a moment. “Bull! They’re gonna pay! Leone, pal, please leave this match to me, as well.” “No.” Leone firmly said. “No?” “I’ll be his opponent this time,” Leone added, remembering a small conversation before the second round began. ================================================================== “What? You think that the cat-colt thingy is a Legendary Warrior?” A slightly surprised Leone asked. “At the very least, we know that Johannes has amazing skill and weaponry, there’s absolutely no doubt about that,” Radiance said. “The next team to face him will be you two. So don’t let your guard down,” Andromeda said to Leone and Taurus. “Hmmm. Interesting,” Leone said. ================================================================== “Let’s see how powerful you really are. Bring it on, kitty cat!” Leone said, making Johannes smirk. “Leone, pal,” Taurus began to say. “What is he is a Legendary Warrior, after all?” “Then I’ll crush him,” Leone simply said. “If he’s not?” Taurus added. “I’ll still crush him.” “Right on! You can do it, Leone!” “Taurus, don’t make any moves on your own.” “Check!” Taurus said as he stands like a guard, completely still. “I, Taurus, will of course remain perfectly still to serve my friend: Leone.” “Man, these guys are clowns,” Johannes said as he scratches his head. “I don’t have any interest in fighting you infants at all. I only care about one pony at the moment, the one who’s magic gives off a crimson glow. This match is just a minor distraction at best.” “Ha! Lets go, kitty,” Leone said as he puts some sand on his leg, which Taurus notices. “Uh, whats up?” Taurus asked. “Think you can beat me? Let’s see!” Leone said as he extends his claws while he enters the ring, with Johannes taking some magdrillium claws with him into the ring as well. “So, then, let's do this thing!” The announcer called out. “Now!?” Both Taurus and Motti said as they frantically run after their partners into the ring. “Leone, Taurus, you can do it!” Berry and Cherry called out from the stands. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!**” Everyone said, making Leone and Johannes charge at each other, while Taurus and Motti say near the edge of the ring. Leone slashes at Johannes, who doges them and slashes at Leone occasionally. “Oh, it’s on! Right away, Leone and Johannes send off sparks as they clash at each other with all their might!*” The announcer said, while Taurus looks on in worry. “Leone, pal,” Taurus said, unable to site back, but knows he can’t. On the other end of the ring, a butterfly flies by Motti, which she takes notice of. “Butterfly, meow! Meow! Wait, wait,” Motti said as she goes after the butterfly, while trying not to step out of the ring, making the group look at her in a number of emotions. “Uh, whats with that?” Andromeda asked. “I’m gonna send you flying!” Leone said as he controls the sand and uses it to send Johannes into the air, who gracefully lands just near the edge of the ring. “Oh, it’s getting hot in here,” Johannes said. “That’s nothing,” Leone said as he charges at Johannes, claws ready to slice and dice. “Leone is attacking fiercely against his opponent, Johannes. And here comes Leone again friends. Fasten your seat belts everyone!” The announcer said as Johannes just moves out of Leone’s way, who turns around and charges at Johannes again, with the same thing happening. “Leone missed him! Johannes’s amazing, catlike agility allowed him to doge Leone’s attacks, which all end in a breeze by, giving the Johannes/Motti team 5 more points than the Leone/Taurus team,” the announcer added, while Leone growls in frustration. “Like I said before, I don’t have time to wast fighting someone like you, okay?” Johannes said, making Leone angry. Leone charges at Johannes again several times, but the same thing happens. “See? If I wan’t to be sure to win, this is the best way.” “I see now,” Andromeda said. “Since you can gain points by dodging attacks as well, Johannes never intended to fight fair in the first place.” “So, he’s planning to wait until time runs out, where he and that mare Motti will have more points,” Anubis said. “Keep it up there, buddy,” Johannes said. “Keep on attacking till you give me all the points I need.” “Hump! You think so, do you?” Leone said as he stops and stands still in the center of the arena. “Now what?” Johannes asked. “What’s this?” The announcer asked when he sees that Leone has stop. “Leone has suddenly stop moving. He has taken position at the center of the stadium, and is just standing there quietly and politely! What in the world is he thinking!?” “Leone, pal?” Taurus asked from the edge of the arena. “Just watch and learn,” Leone said to Taurus. “Uh, yes! Yes, sir,” Taurus said, while Motti is still after the butterfly. “Meow. Meow, bad butterfly,” Motti said as she tries to catch it, until it leaves the arena. “Meow.” “Chopsticks! What can the plan be now?” The announcer asked as the four competitors stay still, with 3 minutes and 55 seconds remaining. “They aren't moving. They’re just standing in place. They stand as still as the Great Wall of China!” “Whats Leone doing?” Tempest asked. “Does he think he can win by standing still now?” Peach added. “Since his attacks aren't able to connect, it’s not such a bad idea, for now at least,” Dashan said, while Mei-Mei begins to look around the stands. “Yeah, but Johannes and that Motti girl have more points, so Leone can’t just stand still for long,” Andromeda added. “They’re bored,” Mei-Mei suddenly said, making the group look at her curiously. “What gives? Do something!” Someone in the stand yelled. “This is boring, boys. Fight already!” Another yelled out. “This mega boring match is stirring a sympathy of booing from the spectators here today,” the announcer said as the crowd boos at the four, with Motti just yawning it off. “Even so, neither one of them moves a millimeter!” “What’s the scoop?” Taurus asked. “Just wait,” Leone said. “But how long can we sit still?” Taurus said as he looks at the clock, which shows they have 3 minutes left. Come on, cat-colt thingy. Go ahead and attack. Leone thought as he glares at Johannes. “I get it now,” Johannes suddenly said. “So, you’ve decided to wait until I make a move, no matter what. Well, personally, I’m fine with waiting like this until time runs out. No biggie,” Johannes said, getting boos from the crowd. “But my fans seem restless, so I will give you what you want!” Johannes said as he charges at Leone. “Wake up!” The announcer suddenly said. “At last, Johannes makes a move out there!” “Leone, it’s on!” Taurus yelled. “That’s fine with me,” Leone said with a smile, making Taurus look at him like he’s crazy. “Bring it on! The real fight starts right now!” “Johannes is closing in! Look out, Leone! Surly, you have to move!” The announcer said, with Leone still doing nothing. “I got you now!” Johannes yelled as he strikes Leone with all of his might, creating a large dust cloud that Johannes quickly leaves from. “Leone!” Taurus cried as the dust begins to settle, with Motti coughing as everyone in the stand watch with dread. “Johannes’s powerful attack nails Leone! Is the match over?” The announcer said while the dust clears some more. “Leone?” Cherry asked as the dust dissipates completely, showing that Leone is still standing, like nothing happened. “No way!” A stun Johannes said, when what appears to be a pice of Leone’s skin falls off, but it’s made of pure sand. “Get out-of-town! Leone has somehow created an armor of pure sand that absorbed Johannes’s attack! It’s as if nothing happened at all!” The announcer said as Leone replaces the broken off pice of sand with a new pice, changing the color to match his natural one. “Whoa!” The group said. “What’s going on?” Johannes asked. “Whats wrong? Your giving up after one attack?” Leone asked the cat-colt thing. “Why not come at me again? Keep on attacking, pal!” “Okay, I will!” Johannes said with a hiss as he charges and strikes Leone again and again, but the sand armor is keeping Leone safe from harm. “Attaboy!” Leone shouted. “Keep coming. I won’t try to runaway like you did! I will stop all of your attacks!” Leone added as a light green glowing lion appears behind him. “How did Leone get that sand armor on?” Berry asked. “He must have put it on before the match started,” Andromeda said. “Hold on, Leone always charges head first into any situation he’s in,” Tempest pointed out. “That’s how he always roles.” “Yeah, but Leone has always used defensive techniques. In this match with Johannes, where defense is the most important, he’s able to turn his earth controlling ability into the ultimate shield,” Andromeda said. “Meaning, he understands now,” Andromeda said, remembering the Philippine Island. ================================================================== “So, Leone, what is a Legendary Warrior? Just someone who has the power of the Star Fragment in them? Don’t you think a true Legendary Warrior is something more? Someone who can completely control the power that they posses.” Andromeda said to Leone. ================================================================== Andromeda then smiles, as Leone antagonizes Johannes. “I wouldn’t be able to see your true strength if you kept on running away like a scaredy cat! So, come on! If you really are a Legendary Warrior, then come at me with your full strength to defeat me.” Leone said. “You really shouldn't get on my bad side,” Johannes said as he charges at Leone, slides underneath him and uppercuts Leone up into the air. Once Leone lands, Johannes charges and uppercuts Leone again, this time he lands right near the edge of the arena. “Baby, that was close,” Mei-Mei said as Leone charges at Johannes. “They only have a couple of minutes left,” Rainbow added. “If they don’t do something, Johannes is gonna win.” “Johannes did a double uppercut attacks which nail Leone. Leone looks kind of overwhelmed, but a cat-colt thing will do that to you,” the announcer said, making Johannes sight in frustration. “Why does everyone call me a ‘cat-colt thing’?” Johannes asked, while Taurus looks at Leone with worry. “Leone, pal,” Taurus said with a frustrated growl. We only have 2 minutes or so left! Can I really not step in, even in a time like this? Taurus thought as he looks around the arena. There must be something I can do! “Huh?” Taurus said when he sees Motti lying on the ground, playing with a stick she somehow got. “Meow. I’m a board cat,” Motti said, board out of her mind, not knowing what’s coming. Ha-Ha! Now I know. Taurus thought as he charges at Motti, making her panic and runaway. “Taurus!” Leone shouted. “Oops! I’m sorry about that, Leone, pal. But this match would be over when at least one opponent is defeated, isn’t that right? I will defeat her and end this fight this second.” Taurus said as he looks over toward the terrified Motti and charges at her. “I got you now!” “Stop it! Meow!” Motti suddenly said, widening her light green eyes to the size of saucers, even adding a small lip quiver for the final effect. “Don’t pick on Motti. Meow.” “What?” Taurus asked as he stops dead in his tracks, not seeing a Saddle Arabian, but “a cute kitty!” Taurus said as he is suddenly taken away to a rainy day in some city, where he’s walking in the street with an umbrella, when he sees a white kitten in a box. “Aww, you poor thing,” Taurus said as the kitten suddenly turns into Motti, with big eyes, which makes Taurus almost cry as he kneels down. “Oh, you poor thing. Come here, kitty,” Taurus added as he gives the white kitten a hand in friendship, to which the cat growls angrily and scratches him, which sends him back to reality when Motti does the same thing, and runs across the stadium, laughing. “Meow, meow, meow, what a chump,” Motti said, as Taurus’s entire head turns red as he nearly screams in anger as steam comes out of his nostrils, making a the sound of a steam engine, while Motti stops at the edge of the arena. “From here, I can see any attack coming. Isn’t that nice, meow?” Motti added, when she sees that Taurus is gone, a hole where he used to be. “Huh, where did he go? Meow?” “I think those two did a big mistake,” Peach said as they watch the scene unfold. “You got that right,” Tempest said. Suddenly, Motti sees something digging under the ground, heading right toward her. Motti, thinking that it might be ground hogs, runs toward it, when ... “AHHHHHH! PAYBACK TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Taurus shouted as he pops out of the ground, and uppercuts Motti into the air, making her scream in both pain and fear as she lands just next to the edge of the ring, barley avoiding losing the match in the process. “You got me good before, I admit it! But this time--” “Oh, spare me! Please, sir! Meow!!” Motti cried as she does her cute act again. “I was just confused before. Motti just didn’t know how to respond when someone was nice to her, that’s all.” “Huh?” Taurus asked as Motti’s cute act gets really cute. “This time I promise not to hurt you, okay, Taurus,” Motti said as she throws in some fake tears. “Oh, wait a minute!” Taurus said when he realizes there’s only 55 seconds left. “I won’t be taken in by that again! I will … do this, for Leone! I must harden my heart and defeat you!” Taurus said as his eyes catch fire as he points toward Motti. “Fat chance!” A clearly scared Motti said. “Sorry!” Taurus added as he charges at Motti like a wild bull, which he is. “Hey! What do you think you're doing?!” Johannes said as he gets in between the two. “No way! Johannes has gone to the rescue of his partner, the kitty pony!” The announcer said as a completely different scene plays out in his head. “Their cries for each other ring through the stadium. Their beautiful friendship is unbelievably touching!” The announcer said as he cries. “You know, I told you not to get in my way!” Johannes hissed at Motti as he places a bomb in between the two and jumps away, as it explodes, sending both Motti and Taurus flying. “Taurus?” Leone asked. “Yikes!” “Not good,” Peach and Flora said as the two land outside of the arena, at the same time! “A … a simultaneous stadium out!” The announcer cried. “Because it happened at the same time, and since Taurus’s assault on Motti gave the Leone/Taurus team points which matched the Johannes/Motti teams points exactly, it’s a tie! This means that there will be no time limit or points as Leone and Johannes settle things, friends.” “You were about to make me lose the match, bad kitty!” Johannes shouted at Motti. “I will remove anyone who gets in my way!” “Ah! Not nice, meow,” Motti said with tears in her eyes. “I was just trying to help. I thought we were a team?” “Taurus, same for you!” Leone shouted. “I thought I told you not to move on you own?” “I’m so sorry. So sad,” Taurus said. “Did you actually think I would lose this match?” Leone asked. “Now stay still, hear me?” “Hmm, you sure are confident,” Johannes noted when he’s done hissing at Motti. “Whatever! Now that those two nuisances are gone, it’s time to finish this thing,” Johannes said as he pulls out a sword and charges at Leone. “That’s not good,” Andromeda said. “With his magdrillium weapons, and his amazing agility and reflexes, he could pierce Leone’s armor with ease.” Anubis said. “Or he could throw it at Leone so he can sneak up and go for an uppercut attack,” Mei-Mei added. “If he does a combo move like before, Leone’s done,” Chao Xin said. “Leone, yo' need t'be careful out thar!” Bismarck called out. “‘Careful’ he says. Who are you talking to, black hat?” Leone asked as Johannes hisses at him. “This is it!” Johannes hissed as he charges at Leone. “I’ve already seen the limit of your power,” Leone said as he creates a tornado. “Whoa! It’s the Wall of Sandstorm,” Rainbow said. “He’s planing to block Johannes with the powerful tornado of sand.” Andromeda said. “We’ll just see about that,” Johannes said as he gets into the tornado with ease. “It looks like you wasted too much energy with keeping your sand armor in check. Something weak like this won’t stop me.” “Humph! Is that so?” Leone asked. “That’s right!” Johannes said, when, suddenly, he begins to fly into the tornado. “What!?” The cat-colt thing said as he’s lifted into the air. “So, that tornado wasn’t meant to block Johannes at all,” Tempest said. “He’s planning on using a special move, I just now it,” Andromeda said as the tornado begins to disappear. “Your right, Andi,” Leone said. “Since Cetus and now Anubis have one, so do I,” Leone said he glows green. “Special move: King Lion Crushing Fang!” Suddenly, the light green glowing lion leaps from his legend aura and strikes Johannes, causing an explosion that disperses the twister and sends him flying, right into the wall near Motti. “Whoa baby! It’s decided! Earning a spot in the top four is the Leone/Taurus team!” The announcer excitedly cried as the spectators cheer at Leone’s victory. “Yeah! You did it! Well, done Leone, buddy!” Taurus said as Leone glares at Johannes. “So, I have seen the full limit of your power,” Leone said to Johannes, who looks at Leone as beast as the big pain in his back would let him, and sees the lion behind Leone. “You should watch yourself, puss! One thing’s sure now, your no Legendary Warrior!” “Thing is, I don’t remember ever calming that I was, pal,” Johannes as he falls to the ground. “Johannes!” Motti cried as a medic team takes him and leaves, followed by Motti as Leone and Taurus leave the arena. “A special move now, huh?” Andromeda said. “Oh boy.” “Now then, time to begin the match that will decide the last contenders in the top four!” The announcer said as the two teams step into the arena. One is the Bao/Aguma team, which the group noticing Bao’s eye color. “Hey, that unicorns eyes are pure red,” Radiance said. “Yer right, Radiance,” Bismarck said. “So, the only red-eyed unicorn left is him,” Dashan said. “I think it's about time we get serious, too,” Aguma said to Bao. “Yes, you are right,” Bao said. “Well, then, lets begin!” The announcer said, as Bao and Aguma take on an intimidating stance, which shocks Dashan at the familiarity. “Check the stance,” Chao Xin said, also recognizing it. “It can’t be!” Both Mei-Mei and Chin-yun said, recognizing it as well. “Let’s get started!” The announcer said. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” Suddenly, right when Bao enter the ring, a crimson glow appears, getting even the hurt Johannes’s attention. “No way!” Anubis said. “It’s a crimson flash!” Andromeda said, when an explosion happens. When the smoke clears, the opposing team is outside of the arena, with Bao and Aguma in a victory stance. “Stir fry! The match is decided, in a split second! The final spot in the top four is taken by the one, the only Bao/Aguma team!” The announcer said as Bao and Aguma ease themselves. “Could he be the one?” Andromeda asked. “Was that the same crimson flash you saw, Chao Xin?” Flora asked. “Yes, there’s absolutely no doubt.” Chao Xin said. “No doubt, but I can’t believe that they are the ones who have it,” Dashan said. “What do you mean, dude?” Tempest asked. “It looks like you’ve caught on, finally,” Bao said, having overheard them. The group then looks at him curiously. “Yes, we’re from the Hundred Schools of Shaolin Fist!” Both Bao and Aguma said in unison as the take on their stance from before the match began. “Of Shaolin Fist?” Andromeda asked. “It is the one, dark spot in all of the Shaolin Monastery's 4000 year history,” Dashan answered. “Two-thousand years ago, one group within the Shaolin Temple school started a revolt in order to take control of Shaolin Temple. The fight between the two groups quickly spread throughout all of China. The period later became known as the ‘Waring Period of Shaolin,’ a long, long battle that continued for years. And at the end of the fight, one group lost, and retreated to the back regions of China.” “It’s true, we are their descendants!” Bao shouted at Dashan. “Our ancestors lost the battle against the main school of Shaolin Temple, and suffered a long period of exile. But now that time is over. We will win this tournament and prove that we, of the Shaolin Fist, are grater than you ever were! Do you understand what I’m saying to you?” “No, I don’t!” Dashan shouted back. “We are going to bring the last 2000 years of bitterness to an end! It’s gonna be one, swell party,” Bao said as he and Aguma leave, with the Shaolin Temple glaring at them.
Sparkling TornadoSparkling Tornado In the Bayan Har Mountains of China, four helicopters, one carrying Andromeda and Anubis, are flying to where the semifinals will take place. “Just how far are they gonna take us? When are we gonna stop?” Andromeda asked, tired of sitting in a noise filled chopper, while Anubis looks out a window. “Ah, Miss Andromeda, ma’am, look there,” Anubis said as he points ahead at several stone pillars with flat tops, four having small huts, two having the spectators, and one if the center is the stadium. “Do you think that could be the place?” “Huh? That’s an arena?” A slightly surprised Andromeda asked. “What’s up?” The announcer, still in the blimp, said over the giant screen. “These are the competitors who have made it to the semifinals and have finally arrived,” he said as the four helicopters land on the pillars that have the small huts. “Go get em everyone!” Mei-Mei cheered from the stands with Chao Xin, Tempest and his mother, Rainbow Dash, Bismarck, Radiance, Flora, Tempest, Bucky and Peach Cobbler, as the four teams leave their helicopters. “This is the worlds greatest tag-team tournament, Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù, and the stage for the semifinals is this amazing sky arena!” The announcer said as Andromeda and Anubis walk to the edge of the pillar they're on. “Whoa. You can’t even see the bottom,” Andromeda said as she looks down, seeing nothing but a net between them and the drop through the mist of doom. “What would happen is someone who could’t fly were to fall down there and missed the net?” Anubis asked. “Let’s not find out,” Andromeda said as she and the others look over toward Bao and Aguma. “Just two more. If we win two more, our greatest hope will come true,” Bao said to Aguma. “Those Shaolin Fist guys kind of remind me of Nightmare Moon,” Rainbow said. “Really? How?” Chao Xin asked, not really familiar with Equestrian history. “Well, you see, 1000 years ago, Luna and Celestia ruled Equestria together like they do today, but over time, Luna became resentful since the ponies of the time relished and played in the day Celestia brought forth, but shunned and slept through Luna’s beautiful night. Eventually, Luna turned into Nightmare Moon and, reluctantly, Celestia had to use the Elements of Harmony to seal Luna in the moon. Twenty-one years ago, Luna, or Nightmare Moon, broke free, and-” “You are right, Rainbow Dash,” Bao interrupted, having overheard Rainbow in the stands, “ours and Nightmare Moon’s pasts are similar, but there are differences. From the day that we, of the Shaolin Fist, lost the fight against the main school of Shaolin Temple, we were forced into a difficult way of life, never knowing what the future might hold. But throughout that time, our one and only goal was to one day defeat the original school. So, we have spent our entire lives undergoing strict and sever training, under waterfalls, in blizzards, raging sandstorms, and everything in between. And then, after almost 2000 years of training and hardship, our day came, a miracle descended from the sky! The fact is, the heavens chose us with the light that fell from the sky.” “The Shaolin Monastery is no longer a threat to us,” Aguma added. “Now we have the power of to crush that school completely! Our revenge is close now. And we will bring this news to all of China. No, to the entire world!” Bao added, making Dashan and Chin-yun gasp in shock. “All will know that the Hundred Schools of Shaolin Fist are the martial arts strongest school without a doubt.” “I have to say that I’m surprised, and shocked that the Shaolin Fist still exists today,” Dashan said after having a few moments for the words that Bao said to sink in. “But what I really can’t believe is that they got their hands on the power of the Star Fragment.” “It’s so weird. Why would it chose the Shaolin Fist, an outlaw group, instead of the main school of Shaolin Temple?” Chin-yun asked. “I don’t know,” Dashan simply said. “But we must settle things with the Shaolin Fist. The Shaolin Temples techniques are for protection, but their techniques have been made powerful by following a confused path that only attacks. They were once part of our school, meaning that we are responsible for stopping them. It’s our duty to do so!” “Yes, it is. With Shaolin Temples pride on the line, we must win!” Chin-yun added. “Quite so, and soon.” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun look over toward Andromeda and Anubis. “Now, let me reintroduce the competing teams,” the announcer suddenly said. “The first match of the semifinals pits the Dashan/Chin-yun team verses the Andromeda/Anubis team! And the second match will be the Bao/Aguma team verses the Leone/Taurus team!” The announcer finished, causing the crowd to go into an uproar. “The rules are different now. Now, there is no time limit, so, in order to win, you have to knock out either one or both of your opponents during the semifinal matches and the final round.” “I don’t know anything about this ‘Shaolin Fist’ or ‘crimson flash,’ but I’m sure that this is as far as they’ll get here, especially since there’s no time limit now.” Leone said. “That’s the scoop! Leone and I will be moving on to the final round, hear me!” “Humph! Oh, really boys?” Bao said to their opponents. “We better stay sharp, okay?” Aguma said to Bao. “That’s some power he has,” Aguma added, remembering Leone’s match against Johannes if the previous round, and his special move. In the stands, Johannes is watching, with Motti next to him, eating dumplings, again. “So, the Legendary Warrior of China will be facing Leone. Is that it? Interesting,” Johannes said to no one in particular. “This will conveniently make it clear just how powerful he really is.” “So, time to find out who wins and moves on, and who loses and goes home, everyone. Lets get going with the first match of the semifinals, shall we?” The announcer said as he rings a gong, officially starting the semifinals. Suddenly, one of the walls from two of the four huts lowers down, and stretches toward the stadium in the middle of the pillars, and turns into a bridge. “Um, so we have to cross this?” Anubis asked, terrified of falling, despite their being a net below. “Don’t worry, if you fall, I’ll catch you. Okay?” Andromeda said as she flies below the bridge. Anubis takes a gulp as he begins to cross the bridge, when it begins to shake. Anubis quickly grabs onto the handle bars as he, if he had them, begins shaking in his boats. “Not good! Not good! Not good!” Anubis frantically said. “Cal down, Anubis,” Andromeda said as she flies right next to him. They then see Dashan and Chin-yun jump over the bridge and land in the arena, completely safe. “Whoa!” Anubis said. “What’s wrong?” Dashan asked Anubis. “Quit fooling around and get over here, Anubis.” “Coming!” Anubis said as he lets the handle bars go and takes a few steps, when the bridge begins to shake again, making him quiver in fear again, while Andromeda sighs from seeing this. She then grabs Anubis with her magic and gently places him in the arena. “Phew, I thought I was a goner,” Anubis said, when the bridge suddenly retreats. “The bridge!” “Andromeda!” Dashan suddenly called out from the other end of the stadium. “I’ve been looking forward to this. The time has finally arrived when I get to duel you again.” “I’ve been looking forward to this to, Dashan,” Andromeda said. “Anubis Mizusawa, do your best not to weigh Andromeda down again, okay?” Chin-yun said. “I’ve gotten better, Mister Chin-yun. Don’t dismiss me, you hear?” Anubis said. “Let’s do this, Andromeda,” Dashan said as he points toward her. “Show me your reborn power! I’ve been waiting long enough.” “My power, huh?” Andromeda said, remembering Leone’s match from the second round. ================================================================== “Since Cetus and now Anubis have one, so do I,” Leone said he glows green. “Special move: *King Lion Crushing Fang!*” Suddenly, the light green glowing lion leaps from his legend aura and strikes Johannes. ================================================================== “My power, is it?” Andromeda said to herself. “Okay! I will show it to you, and after that, I’ll show it to Leone, too,” Andromeda said as she and the others get ready. “Get ready, ‘cause here we goooooo!” The announcer called out. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” Imminently, Andromeda, followed by Anubis, charge at Chin-yun, only for him to use the... “Solid Iron Wall!” Chin-yun said as he stops the twos attacks. “What?” Anubis said. “Chin-yun is using the Shaolin Temples secret technique, the Solid Iron Wall! Andromeda and Anubis’ attacks does nothing at all!” The announcer said. “The Chin-yun of today is very different from the Chin-yun at the time of the World Duel Championships XI. After further training and increase effort, there's nothing that can break through this Solid Iron Wall.” Suddenly, Dashan charges at Andromeda and Anubis, and with a single touch from his hoof, he’s able to throw the two back several feet. Anubis tries to attack Dashan, but he steps out-of-the-way as Chin-yun protects him, before Dashan tackles Anubis. “Ah, Miss Andromeda,” Anubis said to his partner. “It looks like they are splitting up the jobs of attack and defense.” “It does seem like that way, Anubis,” Andromeda said. “In a tag-team match, the key is combination,” Dashan pointed out. “One who attacks...” “...and one who defends,” Chin-yun added. “The two work together as one.” “Which makes for a perfect combination,” Dashan finished. “I see now,” Andromeda said, as she and Anubis catch on. “Attack and defense. Well, we can do that too, boys. Anubis?” “Yes!” Anubis said. “You can try it, but your going to lose,” Chin-yun said as Andromeda charges at Dashan, only for Chin-yun to stop her, when… “I got you now!” Anubis said as he charges at a non-expecting Dashan. “Way to go, Anubis!” Tempest called from the stands. “That dog sure is good,” Rainbow said. “Not good enough,” Chao Xin said. “What?” “Solid Iron Wall!” Dashan said as he takes the full force of Anubis’ attack, when Chin-yun attacks and sends Anubis back to the edge of the stadium. “They switched their attack and defense roles,” Andromeda said. “They’re fighting this match in the stenches,” Mei-Mei said. “You mean, ‘in the trenches’?” Chao Xin corrected. “Yes, sir,” Mei-Mei said, blushing slightly. “That’s something a team that was just formed yesterday cannot possibly hope to do.” “Okay, now it’s our turn,” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun take on a kung fu stance as they charge a spell. The two fire at Anubis’ feet, making him stumble back, close to the edge of the arena, right above the long way down and net. “Anubis, be carful!”Andromeda said as Anubis regains his balance as he barely falls off, and makes it back onto the arena. “Yeah, I'm okay,” Anubis said. “An opening,” Dashan suddenly said as he and Chin-yun fire at Andromeda, making her jump back just in time as the blast leave a hole behind. “That was close,” Tempest said. “Almost got her,” Mei-Mei said. “Miss Andromeda, we can’t go on like this,” Anubis said. “We must break through their defenses.” “We have to,” Andromeda said. As if on cue, Anubis charges at Chin-yun, only for him to use the Solid Iron Wall again. “Ha! A weak attack like that won’t effect Chin-yun at all.” “Then how about this one?” Andromeda said as she fires a blast of air at Chin-yun, sending him back several feet. “Oh my!” The announcer said. “Andromeda has just pushed Chin-yun back with her signature blasts of air!” “You may have a combination of attack and defense, but when the two of us combine our power, we make something else, a double attack,” Andromeda said. “It’s no big thing,” Chin-yun said, when he and Dashan suddenly fire two blasts at Andromeda and Anubis. “What now?” Andromeda and Anubis both asked. “Oh, baby! This time, both Dashan and Chin-yun combine their Solid Iron Walls with two magic blasts!” The announcer said. “It’s double trouble, oh my!” “Tough luck for you!” Chin-yun said. “Your idea was as clever as always, Andromeda, but it won’t work on us, I’m afraid.” Dashan added. “Chin-yun, it’s time to finish this thing,” Dashan said, as Chin-yun nods. “Time for a joint spell, the Heavens Supreme Destruction Bomb!” Both Dashan and Chin-yun shouted as a giant ball of fire is created, and fires the ball right at Andromeda and Anubis. At the last second, Andromeda manages to push the fireball away, making it crash down two feet in front of them. “The joint spell lands a near direct hit,” the announcer said as an explosion happens. The shockwave pushes Anubis off the edge of the stadium. “Anubis!” Andromeda cried as she grabs Anubis’ paw, and pulls him back up. “This is amazing, folks!” The announcer said. “Andromeda risked life and limb to save Anubis from falling onto the now burring net below,” he said as the net quickly disintegrates, before some griffins and pegasi fly down and put in a new one. “Way to close,” Tempest said as Andromeda and Anubis get back up. “Impressive, Andromeda,” Dashan said. “You okay?” Andromeda asked Anubis. “Yes. Thank you very much, Miss Andromeda,” Anubis said as he uses his scepter as a walking stick, as he’s still shaken from the near death experience. “There not gonna let us win that easily now, are they?” Dashan said to Chin-yun. “Then we’ll just do it again,” Chin-yun said. “Anubis, this time hold on tight, so you don’t fall off this sucker!” Chin-yun finished as he and Dashan get ready to do the joint spell again. “We can’t get hit by that again!” Andromeda nearly shouted. “Anubis...” “Your right,” Anubis said. Suddenly, the black Damond Dog teleports behind of Andromeda as Chin-yun and stops him from attacking Andromeda. “No way!” A surprised Chin-yun said. “Chin-yun, if you can act as Mister Dashan’s shield, then I can act as Miss Andromeda’s shield, too,” Anubis said. “Miss Andromeda, I’ll take care of Chin-yun. You deal with Dashan, okay?” “Okay, leave him to me,” Andromeda said as she charges at Dashan. “Wanna try me? Solid Iron Wall!” Dashan shouted as he takes on the stance of the Solid Iron Wall technique. “Not gonna work this time,” Andromeda said as she generates gale force winds, combined with a laser from her horn, is enough to send Dashan back several feet. “Ah! The Solid Iron Wall will hold!” Dashan growled. “Not after this,” Andromeda said as she creates a blade of solid air. “Not gonna happen!” Dashan said as he conjures a sword. Dashan and Andromeda then do a sword fight with each other, while everyone in the crowd cheers. “Dashan and Andromeda are clashing fiercely with each other, neither one holding back!” The announcer said as Andromeda and Dashan back off a little, breathing heavily. “So, this is your new power, is it?” Dashan said. “Well, done, Andromeda.” “You too, Dashan,” Andromeda said. “It looks like I cant win this way,” Andromeda said, remembering Leone’s special move, King Lion Crushing Fang. What would I do if I had a special move right now? Andromeda thought to herself. “An opening!” Dashan suddenly said. “Huh?” Was all Andromeda managed to say as Dashan fires at her, which sends her back, while some boulders from the explosion pin her down. “I … I can't move,” Andromeda said as she tries to lift the boulder, but groans in pain as Dashan’s spell temporally blocks her magic. “Aw, yes!” Chao Xin said. “Got her,” Mei-Mei added as she and Chao Xin smile, while Andromeda’s friends, especially Tempest, look on is shock and worry. “Andromeda has gotten stuck in some debris, and is unable to get out!” The announcer said. “Sorry, Andromeda,” Dashan said as he holds back a chuckle as he watches Andromeda try to move the boulder the old-fashioned way; simply trying to move the boulder with her strength. “It’s over. We just cannot allow ourselves to lose here today,” Dashan said as he turns his attention toward Anubis, who takes notice as he backs away from Chin-yun. “Not good,” Anubis managed to say as he uses his scepter to block Dashan’s sword, and throw him back several feet. “We must win,” Dashan added. “The Shaolin Fist must be dealt with immediately! We will claim victory. It is the way it has to be!” “You’ve done well to survive until now, goody. But you simply will not be able to withstand Chin-yun and Dashan’s double attack any longer! Get it?” Chin-yun added, as he and Dashan attack Anubis, who manages to block them with his scepter. “I can’t give up,” Anubis said, breathing heavy due to exhaustion. “This match is already over,” Mei-Mei said in the stands. “You can do it, Anubis!” Flora cheered from the stands. “This match isn’t decided yet!” Anubis said to Dashan and Chin-yun. “I will not give up on it now! I know I’m getting stronger, I can feel it! I’m in it as long as I won’t quit!” Anubis the screams as he gives off an indigo aura. “Special move: Brave Impact!” Anubis said as the two-legged Egyptian jackal manifest itself, surprising both Dashan and Chin-yun as Anubis pushes the two back, almost all the way to the edge of the stadium. “No way!” Aguma said as he and Bao watch in both shock and surprise. “He’s a stubborn one,” Mai-Mei noted as she and the others watch from the stands. “Dashan, Chin-yun, finish this, right now!” Chao Xin said, as Andromeda looks on. This is bad, Andromeda though to herself. If I don’t do something, we’ll lose. I got one option, but if I’m not completely ready with my own power, I could destroy myself. But there’s no other way! I will gain control of my power, no matter what happens. Andromeda then gives off a yellow aura, just like Anubis, as she begins to scream, surprising everyone, especially Aguma and Bao. Suddenly, a pillar of yellow light erupts from the stadium, and Andromeda rises above, completely free, as the yellow glowing toga mare alicorn appears behind her. “No way!” A completely shocked Dashan said as he and Chin-yun look on. “Go now, Miss Andromeda!” Anubis said to his partner. “Count on me,” Andromeda said as she gives off her yellow aura as she dives straight down toward Dashan and Chin-yun. “Let’s finish this, Andromeda,” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun do a, “Double Solid Iron Wall!” Both Dashan and Chin-yun said as they do the Shaolin Temples secret protective technique. “Won’t work!” Andromeda said as she gains speed. “I sure hope this works,” Andromeda said under a whisper as she begins to spin. “Special move: Sparkling Tornado!” Andromeda said as she turns into a yellow glowing tornado that sparkles, and when it hits, a large explosion happens, with most if not all, of the spectators protecting themselves from the shockwave. The smoke then begins to clear, and Andromeda and Anubis are the first things that are seen. “Andi and Anubis are safe, but where’s Dashan and Chin-yun?” Tempest asked as Anubis looks over the edge, and sees that Dashan and Chin-yun are in the net below. “Look!” Anubis excitedly said. “We did it!” “Unbelievable! After almost losing, an amazing comeback victory, the winner is the Andromeda/Anubis team!” The announcer said as the crowed cheers. “Again?” Chin-yun asked as he and Dashan are pulled back up by some griffins. “No way,” Chao Xin said under a whisper. “They won! All right!” Tempest said a she flies toward Andromeda and Anubis. “You guys did it!” “I can’t believe you ignore the possible danger … just to bring out your power,” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun are dropped onto one of the four pillars. “Well, if I wasn’t prepared to do that, I would’t have created that special move, or defeat you two,” Andromeda said as she, Anubis and Tempest head toward their pillar. “You made me dig that deep.” “She sure is an honorable opponent,” Dashan said to Chin-yun. “Ah, yes she is. But now we can’t settle the score with the Shaolin Fist, can we?” Chin-yun asked. “They’ll have to do it now,” Dashan simply said as he sees Andromeda talk with Tempest. “Now it’s up to Andromeda’s team, and Leone’s team.” “Leone, pal, Andromeda has a special move now too, right?” Taurus said to the lioncorn. “Ha! It wouldn’t be any fun if she didn’t,” Leone said as the bridges for his and the Bao/Aguma teams pillar stretch out toward the stadium. “Just you wait, Andromeda. I’ll be the one to defeat you in the final. Mark my words. Let’s go,” Leone said a she walks across the bridge, followed by Taurus. “Catch your breath, everyone!” The announcer suddenly said. “Who will advanced to the finals? Will it be the Leone/Taurus team, or the Bao/Aguma team?” The announcer said as the two teams reach the stadium, and face each other. “Taurus!” “Yes?” “Listen, I will be that Bao guy’s opponent,” Leone said. “You hold off his partner. Do you understand?” “Leave it to me! I will not allow him to get in you way, Leone, pal!” Taurus excitedly said. “I never thought the main school would be defeated before they fought us,” Aguma said. “How far they have fallen.” “Oh well,” Bao simply said. “Amusing ourselves with these guys will cheer us up. This is going to be tones of fun!” “Whats up?!” The announcer suddenly said. “Okay, then, let’s start the final round! Here we go! 3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” Leone than charges at Bao, who’s taken aback by the sudden attack. “Bao!” Aguma shouted. “I will be your opponent. Get ready!” Taurus said to Aguma as he charges at the griffin like a wild bull. Aguma can only use his scythe to try to hold off the minotaur. “Show me, and right now!” Leone said to Bao. “What’s the deal? Are you a Legendary Warrior or not?” “The Shaolin Fist won’t be rushed!” Bao shouted back. “Get pushy with me and you're gonna get hurt! Flash Attack!” Bao said as he entire body glows crimson as he charges toward Leone, making most audience members gasp in shock. “Right there! The crimson flash!” Chao Xin said. “Lion Gale Force Wall!” Leone shouted as he creates a tornado with his magic, which stops Bao dead in his tracks, surprising everyone. “Leone’s tornado stops Bao’s attack,” the announcer said as everyone, especially Johannes, look on in surprise and confusion. “Really? Is that all?” Leone asked. “In that case, I’ll end this right away,” Leone said as Bao is lifted up into the air. “Leone’s gonna use his special move!” Tempest said. “Wait!” Andromeda suddenly said. “Something is not right. There’s no way it should be that easy for Leone.” “He obviously posses the same power of light that we do!” Aguma said as he punches Taurus in the nose, and quickly gets to the center of the stadium. “Hey there, buddy!” Taurus angrily yelled as his nose begins to bleed. “I am your opponent, okay?” Suddenly, Aguma begins to give off an orange aura as he begins to scream, while his eyes glow red. “What the…?” “Special move: Great Ring of Destruction!” Aguma yelled as a pillar of orange light burst up into the sky. In the light, a griffin skeleton in a black hood and carrying a scythe, appears and does a slash, causing a blinding light to appear. When the light dissipates, both Leone and Taurus are on the nets below, as he tries to wrap his head around what just happened. Leone then hears laughing form above, and sees Bao. “Looks like you were paying too much attention to me and not watching your back,” Bao said to the lioncorn below. “Leone lost to them that fast?” A shocked Tempest asked. “How did that happened?” Anubis asked. “I think I know,” Andromeda said. “The one who received the power of the Star Fragment wasn’t Bao, it was Aguma,” Andromeda said as she stares at the griffin, who’s still giving off an orange aura while his eyes are still glowing red.
The God of SaturnThe God of Saturn “Special move: Great Ring of Destruction!” Aguma yelled as a pillar of orange light burst up into the sky. In the light, a griffin skeleton in a black hood and carrying a scythe, appears and does a slash, causing a blinding light to appear. When the light dissipates, both Leone and Taurus are on the nets below, as he tries to wrap his head around what just happened. Leone then hears laughing from above, and sees Bao. “Looks like you were paying too much attention to me and not watching your back,” Bao said to the lioncorn below. “Leone lost to them that fast?” A shocked Tempest asked. “How did that happened?” Anubis asked. “I think I know,” Andromeda said. “The one who received the power of the Star Fragment wasn’t Bao, it was Aguma,” Andromeda said as she stares at the griffin, who’s still giving off an orange aura while his eyes are still glowing red. “There you go, folks!” The announcer suddenly said as Aguma’s aura disappears while his eyes go back to normal. “The winner of the second match of the semifinals is the Bao/Aguma team!” The announcer said while the crowd cheers. “Uh … What just happened out there?” Mei-Mei asked as Leone flies up while Taurus climbs the rock pillar, up to the stadium. “That … must have been the power of the Star Fragment,” Rainbow Dash said. “But … I’ve never seen magic like that.” “What kind of technique was that special move?” Chao Xin asked. “I mean, Bao was up in Leone’s tornado when that happened.” “Are you kidding me?!” Leone suddenly said. “The Legendary Warrior wasn’t the guy with the crimson flash after all?” “Humph! Who ever told you that I was?” Bao said in a mocking tone. “It was, until now, we’ve been facing opponents that Bao could easily defeat on his own,” Aguma said. “However, you were a little different. My special move is tricky. Using it with this Scythe of Kronos doesn't happen very often,” Aguma said as he puts up the scythe in question, which looks like it belongs with the Grim Reaper. “Whoa, the Scythe of Kronos,” Andromeda said. “Aguma defiantly has the power of the Star Fragment, and he channeled it into that scythe,” Anubis said, as Leone begins to growl in anger. “I’m sorry, Leone,” Taurus apologetically said. “It sucks!” Leone snapped. “I should’ve known that from the start! Then I wouldn’t have lost to a punk like you!” Leone said, making Aguma smirk. “So, all that remains for the greatest tag-team tournament in the whole world, Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù, is the final round,” the announcer said. “So, lets check out the teams, shale we?” He said as the screen on the blimp shows Andromeda, Anubis, Bao and Aguma, while the crowd cheers in anticipation. “The Andromeda/Anubis team verses the Bao/Aguma team, and, where is the epic duel take place, you ask?” The announcer said as he strikes a gong, signaling some pegasi and griffins to create a hole in the clouds above an ancient temple in the mountains, with statues of dragons wrapped around two pillars, guarding the entrance. “The starting point of all Chinese martial arts, the mysteries, legendary Bayan Martial Arts Hall.” “There’s a temple all the way up there?” A surprised Peach Cobbler asked, while Mei-Mei and Chao Xin stare at the temple in awe. “Shaolin Temple, Praying Mantis style, White Crane style,” Chao Xin suddenly said. “It is an ancient and sacred temple,” Mei-Mei added. “It’s from there that all Chinese martial art styles were born.” “Bayan,” Dashan said in a low voice. “It’s legendary grounds. Chin-yun wanted to fight there so badly.” “Too bad you lost then, huh?” Bao said to Dashan and Chin-yun. “But that figures, since the light from the sky chose the Shaolin Fist to visit. It ignored Shaolin Temple, isn’t that right?” “At that point, our score with your sad little school was settled. Now, the ones we must to defeat have nothing to do with you people. We only care about those who have the same power of light.” Aguma added, making Dashan and Chin-yun growl in anger. “You all should watch quietly. Maybe you can learn something as we defeat Andromeda, which your school was unable to do. The Hundred Schools of Shaolin Fist will claim the tittle of the best of the best!” “We came from the same style, originally,” Bao pointed out as he and Aguma make their way toward the helicopter. “So, feel free to cheer for us, boys,” Bao finished with a laugh. “I really don’t like those guys,” Chin-yun said as he and Dashan glare at Aguma and Bao. “Dashan. Chin-yun,” Andromeda said, worried about her friends. “Come on, let's go, Miss Andromeda,” Anubis said, reminding Andi of the final round. “Oh, yeah,” Andromeda said as she and Anubis head for their helicopter. “Rock on!” The announcer suddenly said. “You don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime duel! Come one and all to the battleground!” He said as two blimps place themselves in front of the two groups of spectators. “Do we really have to move again?” Radiance asked, trying not to sound like a drama queen like her mother. “Meow! This is getting very interesting,” Johannes said to Motti. “Gotta scurry to get the best seats! Meow!” Motti excitedly said as the board the blimp first. A few minutes later, the helicopters and the blimps are approaching the temple. “Well, after surviving the first 4 rounds, two teams of heroes have traveled up the entire Yellow River and are about to pass though the Gate to Glory,” the announcer said, as the 5 vehicles pass by the dragon pillars. “The question is: which team will win this match and claim the crown of victory?” He asked as the helicopters land in the temple, while the blimps land just outside the gate. The spectators then quickly get to their seats to see the match between the Andromeda/Anubis and the Aguma/Bao team. “Let’s get this final match started and find out!” The announcer said in his room, as he rings a gong. The crowed then screams in both excitement and anticipation, as Andromeda and Anubis wait in one of the two waiting areas, Bao and Aguma waiting in the other on the other side of the temple. “The Hundred Schools of Shaolin Fist’s Aguma, and his Scythe of Kronos,” Andromeda said. “We finally found him. The fifth Legendary Warrior,” Anubis added. “True,” a familiar voice said from behind. They turn around and see Dashan and Chin-yun walking up to them. “But I don't think they would just listen to what you have to say, Andromeda.” “Dashan? Chin-yun?” “Their hearts are filled with the desire for revenge against the Shaolin Temple,” Dashan pointed out. “But you two defeated Chin-yun and Dashan in our tag-team match. Now they’re completely focused on defeating you in battle.” “Shaolin Fist, they’re thinking of only winning this tournament, and making their power known all over the world, it’s all they care about. We know you don’t like to fight, Andromeda, but what do you plan to do?” Dashan asked. “I know they won’t listen,” Andromeda said. “That is, until I fight them, but they will listen when the match is done, whether I win or not.” “I figured you would say that,” Dashan replied. “But be careful, Andromeda. As you know, the techniques taught at Shaolin Tempe are for protection, based on preventing enemy assaults at all cost.” “On the other hand, Shaolin Fist’s power is specialized for the soul purposes of defeating enemies, making them an attack centric style. They’re a band of outlaws who objected to the protective style of Shaolin Temple and revolted,” Chin-yun added. “Defeating Leone in a single attack proves that Aguma is extremely powerful with magic.” “And if he was able to defeat so many on his own, Bao’s power must be great as well, possibly being able to rival Celestia’s,” Dashan noted. “Keep your guard up, okay?” “We will,” Andromeda said. “Shaolin Temple will have this settled.” “Were counting on you, Andromeda,” Dashan said, as Chin-yun looks toward Anubis. “Got it.” “And Anubis, were counting on you too, okay? Please, help beat those guys out there.” Chin-yun said to the Diamond Dog. “Huh? Mister Chin-yun…” Anubis tried to say, only for a ringing gong to stop him. “Hot rocks, yeah baby! Here come the two teams!” The announcer said. “Let’s go, Anubis,” Andromeda said. “Yeah!” Anubis said as the two head out for the stadium. “Good luck, guys,” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun head up to the stands. “The first to arrive is the Andromeda/Anubis team!” The announcer said as Andromeda and Anubis stop near the edge of the stadium. “You can do it Andromeda! You too, Anubis!” The Pie twins called from the stands. “We’re all behind you, guys! Go get ‘em!” Mei-Mei added. “And now, the Bao/Aguma team arrives!” The announcer said as Bao and Aguma walk out to the other end of the football size stadium. “We got the best seats ever! Meow!” Motti said as she drinks some soda, while Johannes eats some dumplings. “Just remember: they're not litter boxes,” Johannes said. “And check this out, friends! The stadium for the final match!” The announcer suddenly said as he rings the gong again, as red walls emerge from the ground. “The Red Wall Work of Martial Art Genius!” “Red Wall what?” Tempest asked when he and the others see the maze-like structure. “Red walls block the path through the stadium like a maze,” the announcer continued. “You may chose to use the walls in your fight, or try to get through them quickly and fight in the space in the center. Strategy is the key to this match!” “Our new enemies, an alicorn and a Diamond Dog, both of them have the same power of light,” Aguma noted, glade that the walls are preventing both of the two teams from seeing or hearing each other. “Let’s show no mercy,” Aguma added as he pulls out his scythe, already planing on how to win. “Andromeda, ma’am, what should we do?” Anubis asked. “Those walls don’t look very strong,” Andromeda noted. “So it would be easy for us to blast them apart. However…” “The enemy is two martial arts guys who specialize in attacking,” Anubis pointed out. “Your right,” Andromeda said. “There’s no doubt that they would start attacking fiercely right away.” “Time to get it on!” The announcer suddenly said. “3 … 2 … 1 … GO!” At that, the two teams quickly enter the maze, ready for the match. “Andromeda, you know what to do, right?” Leone said in the stands, near the others. “Don’t lose now, you’ve come to far.” “Follow me, Anubis,” Andromeda said. “Check,” Anubis said as the two navigate the maze without much difficulty. “The Andromeda/Anubis team is racing through the maze with great efficacy,” the announcer said, as he looks over to the other end of the stadium. “What about their opponent, the Bao/Aguma team?” “Flash attack!” Bao shouted as the crimson flash appears jumping from one wall to the other, and sees Andromeda and Anubis below him. “Found you!” Bao said as he charges down and sends the two against one of the walls. “What the?” Andromeda asked as she and Anubis get back up, slightly dizzy. “Rickshaw! The crimson flash catches both Andromeda and Anubis off guard!” The announcer commented. “There’s no need for Aguma to fight!” Bao said to Andromeda and Anubis. “I will win this duel myself!” Bao said as he charges at the two, the crimson flash not far behind. “Keep dreaming, flash boy!” Anubis said as he stops Bao right in his tracks. “Leave this to me, okay?” Anubis said to Andromeda as he pushes Bao back several feet. “You hurry on ahead.” “I’m counting on you, Anubis,” Andromeda said as she continues through the maze, and eventually makes it to the center. “While Anubis bravely holds off Bao, Andromeda quickly escapes the maze,” the announcer said. “But is she safe?” “Where is he?” Andromeda asked herself. “Where’s Aguma hiding?” Tempest asked. “He can’t use his wings, no matter what kind of maze you're in, so where is he?” “Over there!” Rainbow said as dust appears at one of the walls, accompanied by the screaming of Aguma as he bursts through the other walls with ease, and catches Andromeda off guard, who’s barley able to get out-of-the-way as he slashes his scythe down, creating a 5 foot long crack in the ground. “Oh snap! Aguma uses sheer force to break through the walls in his path!” The announcer said as Aguma tries to slash Andromeda. “And now Aguma’s slashing at Andromeda with that amazing power,” he added, as the crowd cheers for both, as Aguma and Andromeda’s aura appears as they hold each other off. “Aguma’s endless waves of attacks pushes Andromeda back little by little. Is the match over already?” He said as Andromeda is pushed against the wall. “Andromeda!” Tempest nearly yelled. “What are you doing out there?” Chao Xin asked. “Hang in there!” Radiance added. “Just chill out,” Leone suddenly said, as the others curiously look at him. “Something like that won’t beat Andromeda, no way. Just watch,” Leone said as he and the others watch. Right then, Andromeda knocks Aguma’s scythe out of his grip with a well-timed air blast. “What?” A shocked Aguma asked. “Ha! I expected you to use your strength like that,” Andromeda said as she conjures up a sword for her to use. “I was saving my strength for when that happened. There’s no way I’ll lose to anyone now!” Andromeda said as Aguma picks up his scythe. She then charges at Aguma and uses her sword to knock the scythe out of Aguma’s hand, and then she bucks him against the wall, making the crowd cheer. “Whoa yeah! Dig it! Andromeda has actually thrown Aguma’s attack right back in his face!” The announcer said. “Wow,” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun take seats behind Mei-Mei and Chao Xin. “Dashan! Chin-yun!” A surprised Mei-Mei said. “Looks like they listen to mine and Dashan’s warning after all. Andromeda is doing pretty well out there, and she sure is holding her own.” “Uh huh,” Dashan began to say. “By using power to break through the walls right away, Aguma messed up. He has used up his strength unnecessarily,” Dashan added as Andromeda fires a powerful blast of air at Aguma, enough to leave behind a griffin shaped impression in one of the red walls. “Ha! It wouldn’t be fun if you couldn't fight,” Aguma said as he meets Andromeda’s next attack. The two begin to clash fiercely as the give off sparks that look like explosions from both their blades, and their heated warriors spirits. “Well, now! Andromeda and Aguma clash with all out attacks!” The announcer said as everyone in the stands looks on in awe. “This is a duel! This is a heated battle! In this birthplace of all Chinese martial arts, Bayan, where we witnessed the origin of the magic duel!” “Go get ‘em, Andromeda! Crush him now!” Leone called out from the stands. “That’s right! One more hit!” Taurus added. “Mewow. Impressive,” Johannes said. “Incredible, meow,” Motti added. “Whoa! I’m getting fired up! There, go hard! Don’t give in, either one of you!” The announcer suddenly said as he does varies kung fu stances, cheering for both Andromeda and Aguma. “One thing’s for sure: your good,” Andromeda said, sweating and panting. “I guess I can’t take care of you the usual way,” Aguma said, also seating as the announcer collapses. “Looks like both of the competitors have finally started to get tired,” the announcer said as he pulls out a fan and cools himself off. “This would be a great time to get help from their partners, I suppose.” “Andromeda, ma’am!” Anubis said, having overheard. “You stay right where you are! Do you hear me?” Bao suddenly said as he conjures up sword and charges at Anubis with the crimson flash, but it barely hits Anubis as he's pushed back against the wall. “Soy sauce! This time, Bao stops Anubis as he tries to go to Andromeda’s aid! It’s madness I tell ya!” The announcer said as he Anubis manages to escape to a more open area. “You won’t get away that easy!” Bao said as he goes after Anubis. “That’s what you think, flash boy!” Anubis said as he destroys a wall, and buries Bao under it. “Anubis skillfully avoids Bao’s attack, and has trapped him under rubble from the red wall!” The announcer said as Anubis heads to help Andromeda. “And look, Anubis has arrived at the center,” he added as Anubis tackles Aguma, and knocks him back several feet. “Anubis!” A slightly surprised Andromeda said. “Miss Andromeda, now,” Anubis said, with Andromeda knowing what he means. “Okay!” Andromeda said as she does air punches that hit Aguma from above, while Anubis uses his scepter to attack Aguma from below. “All right!” Bismarck cheered from the stands. “Anubis is hittin' Aguma wif uppercut attacks!” “And Andromeda’s attacks from above is working, too!” Tempest added. “Everyone knows that if you get hit from above and below like that, you won’t be able to stand for long.” “That’s true,” Dashan said. “Then why is Aguma still so calm?” “Huh?” Everyone asked as Aguma regains his composure. “This is nothing at all,” Aguma said to himself. “Compared to the hardships we have suffered, this is a walk in a park on a sunny day,” Aguma said as Anubis attacks again, but he just passes by Aguma, as if nothing happened. “What was that?” A surprised and angry Anubis said. Andromeda then fires an air punch at Aguma, but what happened to Anubis repeats with Andromeda. “No way. It just passed by?” A completely stunned Andromeda asked. “What’s going on now?” Chao Xin asked as Radiance pulls out Andromeda’s laptop from her saddlebag. “Their attacks were connecting before.” “Let’s see,” Radiance said as she watches Anubis’ attack in slow motion, and sees something. “Uh oh. According to Andromeda’s computer, Aguma has somehow made several currents of air, making a shield that redirects attacks. He can control air just like Andi.” “Seriously?!” Tempest asked. “Can it be so?” Dashan asked, when he sees Aguma do something familiar. “Hey, what is Aguma doing?” “Hundred Schools of Shaolin Fist Secret Technique: Iron Wall Fist!” Aguma shouted as he takes the stance used for the Solid Iron Wall, shocking the members of Wang Hu Zhong. “No way!” Both Chao Xin and Mei-Mei said, completely stun. “How can the attack style Shaolin Fist be using Shaolin Temple’s secret protective technique?” Chin-yun asked. “Shaolin Temple and Shaolin Fist were originally part of the same school,” Dashan pointed out. “It would’t be that strange for them to have mastered a protective technique as well.” “Andromeda, Anubis, you need to be careful out there!” Tempest shouted from the stands. “Aguma can control the air like you, Andi, and he’s using something like Shaolin Temple's Solid Iron Wall!” “So, he’s planing to wait this out till we get tired. That’s his strategy, is it?” Anubis said. “Don’t group us together with those Shaolin Temple fools,” Aguma suddenly said. “They win only by relying on defense,” Aguma added as the air currents around him begins to speed up, while he gives off an orange aura. “Shaolin Fist can turn this protective technique into attack power, just watch us!” He then does a single, horizontal swipe with his scythe, and a F3 tornado forms. The wind is so strong, that the red walls around them begin to break apart and fly in the air, as Andromeda and Anubis shield their eyes from the piercing wind. “No way!” Leone said when he and Taurus see something familiar about the tornado. “Ugh! Copy Leone’s move, will ya!” An angry Taurus shouted. “Oh come on!” Andromeda said as she opens her eyes. “This doesn't even come close to Leone’s Lion Gale Force Wall. I can easily get through,” Andi said as she charges into the twister toward Aguma. “Bad move, purple puss,” Aguma said as he slaps his hands together while grunting and giving of the orange aura. “Watch, this is the power of Shaolin Fist that surpasses Shaolin Temple. Exploding Fist!” He cried as he spreads out his arms suddenly as the tornado condenses, picking up the broken rocks, which stops Andromeda and send her flying back. She doesn't have much time to recover, as the broken pieces of the walls fly toward her. She barely dodges them, since the rules won’t allow anyone to teleport, even if it’s a small distance. “Oh, no way!” An ecstatic announcer said as he does some wushu stances. “Aguma has turned even the broken pieces of the wall into a weapon. How about that blossoms? Andromeda and Anubis can’t even get close. Protected by a ring of flying rock, Aguma is like the planet Saturn floating in space.” “Enjoying the show?” Aguma asked within the ring, a miracle that the others can hear him over the sound of the wind. “This is the anger we built up throughout the long, bitter days after getting turfed out of the main school. It messes with your head,” Aguma added as the ring slowly expands. “We got to find a way to fight back,” Andromeda said as she and Anubis are pushed against a wall. “This is bad,” Tempest worriedly said. “They’l be pushed out of the arena if they don’t do something,” Peach Cobble added. “Do something fast, Andromeda!” Taurus shouted as Leone growls angrily. “I have to use the Sparkling Tornado,” Andromeda said, making Anubis look at her curiously. “We got to bet it all on that.” “Your right. But, in order to use it, we have to do something about Aguma’s wind, first,” Anubis pointed out, when he gets an idea. “Miss Andromeda, ma’am, please leave that part to me, okay?” “Do it,” Andromeda said, getting a nod from him. “If I use my special move, I can dive under the ring and get to Aguma,” Anubis resend as he runs toward the ring. “Special move: Brave Impact!” Anubis said as he dives under the ring. “What’s this?” Aguma asked as Anubis tackles him, making the ring dissipate. “Aguma’s ring has disappears!” Dashan said, wide-eyed. “Go now, Miss Andromeda!” Anubis said as he tries his best to keep Aguma still. “Right!” Andromeda said as she sprints into a gallop, giving off her yellow aura. “Special move: Sparkling-” “Not so fast! Flash attack!” Bao screeched as his crimson flash stops Andromeda in her tracks. “Give me a break!” Andromeda said as Bao pushes her back. “Do it now, Aguma! Don’t worry about me!” Bao shouted. “But Bao…” Aguma tried to say, only for Anubis to push him back several feet. “I won’t let you, hear me.” Anubis said to the blue and tan griffin, who glares back at him while he gives off his orange aura. “I think it's about time for me to end this,” Aguma said as his eyes begin to glow red. “Special move: Great Ring of Destruction!” Aguma yelled as a pillar of orange light burst up into the sky. In the light, Aguma’s spirit beast, Kronos, appears and does a downward slash, causing a blinding light to appear as Anubis, Andromeda and Bao scream as they are sent flying from the shockwave, while 4 gashes in the floor of the temple spread out, forming a perfect X of destruction. An explosion then happens, filling the space with black smoke. “Whut in tarnation happened? Ah can’t see a thin,’” Bismarck asked as the smoke slowly begins to dissipate. The first thing they see is Aguma, in the center of the arena. They then see Andromeda, Anubis and Bao laying on the ground, all outside of the arena. “Unbelievable!” The announcer said. “At the very end, Aguma delivers a massive attack that even takes out his partner. The winner of the greatest tag-team tournament in the whole world, Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù, has been decided: it's the Bao/Aguma team, yeah!” He finished as the entire crowd goes wild, all of them oblivious to how important Anubis, Leone, Andromeda and Aguma really are. “Andromeda … she lost,” a completely shocked and angry Tempest said as he and the others stare at the sight. “We did it Aguma,” Bao said as he limbs back to Aguma. “Now what?” “This is the first step,” Aguma said, with Leone hearing everything they say due to his lion hearing. “We must clear away the humiliation we of Shaolin Fist have been subjected to for 2000 years. Our revenge is not complete. We must defeat every style of the martial arts in the entire world.” “Fist Cetus wins, and now Aguma,” Andromeda groaned in both anger and pain as she gets back up along with Anubis. “Why has the Star Fragment chosen to award people like them?” Anubis asked. “Not nice!” Motti said, crying and holding onto one of Johannes’ legs. “Scary, meow!” “Scary? I can defiantly use him,” Johannes said with a sinister smile as he leaves for the stadium floor.
Showdown at the Tower of BabylonShowdown at the Tower of Babylon “Unbelievable!” The announcer said. “At the very end, Aguma delivers a massive attack that even takes out his partner. The winner of the greatest tag-team tournament in the whole world, Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù, has been decided: it's the Bao/Aguma team, yeah!” He finished as the entire crowd goes wild, all of them oblivious to how important Anubis, Leone, Andromeda and Aguma really are. “Andromeda … she lost,” a completely shocked and angry Tempest said as he and the others stare at the sight. “We did it Aguma,” Bao said as he limbs back to Aguma. “Now what?” “This is the first step,” Aguma said, with Leone hearing everything they say due to his lion hearing. “We must clear away the humiliation we of Shaolin Fist have been subjected to for 2000 years. Our revenge is not complete. We must defeat every style of the martial arts in the entire world.” “Fist Cetus wins, and now Aguma,” Andromeda groaned in both anger and pain as she gets back up along with Anubis. “Why has the Star Fragment chosen to award people like them?” Anubis asked. “Not nice!” Motti said, crying and holding onto one of Johannes’ legs. “Scary, meow!” “Scary? I can defiantly use him,” Johannes said with a sinister smile as he leaves for the stadium floor, as Aguma and Bao leave for their helicopter. There, they get on, not noticing that Johannes is not far behind them. “I can’t forget about my responsibilities now, can I?” The cat-colt thing said as he pulls out a light brown cat from his cloak. “I’m counting on you, little cutie,” Johannes said as he puts the cat on the ground. It then runs toward the copter and gets on right as the door closes. The pilot then starts the engine, making the propeller blades, making it take off, which everyone else takes notice of. “What the? AHHHHH!” The announcer screamed when he sees the helicopter, with Bao and Aguma in it, takes off and leaves. “Oh no!” Anubis said as Wang Hu Zhong, nothing they can do to stop it. “They split?” Dashan asked. “Wait! Aguma, Bao, we have a trophy and coupons for you!!! Come back,” the announcer finished as the copter disappears from sight. “We finally find a Legendary Warrior, and he leaves,” Anubis said as he and the others look on. ================================================================== Later, at the Shaolin Temple, Andromeda and the others are in the dinning room, resting from the fight with Aguma, wondering. “I wonder where those two took of too?” Andromeda asked as Flora bandages her left-wing. “We have no idea, and there’s been absolute no sign of them,” Chao Xin said. “Shaolin Temples 4000 year old information network is tracking them, too,” Chin-yun added. “We haven't gotten any useful information yet at all,” Mei-Mei added. “So, what do you intend to do now, Andromeda?” Dashan asked. “There’s only one thing to do,” Andromeda began to answer. “Aguma is a Legendary Warrior, that’s what we know for sure.” “Okay then, now we have to find him somehow, and get him to listen to us,” Anubis said. “And before that power is handed over … It must not be given to the evildoers.” “But how are you going to find him?” Mei-Mei asked. “How do you expect to find guys who can’t even been found by all of Shaolin Temple’s resources combined?” Chao Xin added. “We check the tournaments,” Leone said from the other end of the room. “Leone?” Andromeda asked. “It doesn't matter where those chumps have gotten to. I overheard that Aguma guy said that they need to defeat every martial artist of every style around the world,” Leone pointed out. “You haven’t forgotten that, have you?” “Oh, yeah!” Taurus suddenly said. “Good call.” “So, in order to do that, it makes sense to join in on a lot of duels somewhere,” Anubis deducted. “And, we still have to search for the remaining Legendary Warriors anyway,” Radiance pointed out. “Leone is one,” Taurus said as he counts the known Legendary Warriors so far, “Andromeda, Cetus, Anubis and now Aguma. So that means there are still 5 Legendary Warriors left somewhere around the world.” “Sounds like a plan to me,” Tempest said with a smile. “Yep,” Rainbow added. “So, we just keep going to all the big tournaments around the world, we’ll run into them eventually,” Andromeda said. “And, when I find Aguma again, he’s going down!” Leone finished with determination in his eyes. “Next time I’ll make sure he knows who's the strongest in the world.” “That is not what the power we possessed is for at all! You know that!” Anubis firmly said. “The purposes is for this: the power of the fragment is to stop the revival of Nemesis.” “That’s not my problem,” Leone said, surprising Anubis. “Hey, Andi, are there any big tournaments they would be likely to appear in?” “Let me check,” Andromeda said as she pulls out her laptop from her saddle bag and opens it. “Oh!” A surprised Andromeda said when she sees that she has mail. “I got an e-mail, from Julian Konzern.” “Julian? The leader of Team Excalibur, the European representative team?” Rainbow asked. ================================================================== In the Chinese desert, the Shaolin Fist, composed of 3 unicorns and 3 griffins, not counting Aguma and Bao, are tracking through a sandstorm, with the two leading. “We finally did it, Aguma,” Bao said. “Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù was a big win,” Aguma added. “Now, Shaolin Temple isn’t a threat anymore.” Suddenly, Bao turns around and removes his clocks hood. “Listen up! From now on, we will launch an assault against the world!” Bao said to the other Shaolin Fist. “We will tighten our ranks even more. Shaolin Fist will become the strongest in the world, understood?” “Yeah!” They all said. “And then, all through the martial art world, Shaolin Fist will be the leader, do you hear me?” Bao added. “Yeah!” They all said. “Martial arts all over the world, it would answer to us forever!” Bao finished. “Yeah!” “Humph! Ha-ha-ha!” “Huh? Who’s there?” Bao asked when he heard the laugh. “Never mind,” the voice said as the Shaolin Fist searches for its origin. “I have an offer that you would want to hear. Are you in the mood to listen?” “There!” Bao shouted as he fires a laser at some boulders. They then see someone jump from behind the boulder and land in front of them. He’s wearing a large white cap with a yellow cross-like symbol covering most of his dark spiky hair and his right eye, along with a silver chain-like necklace and a white cloak with yellow symbols like on his cap with brown boots, but his most striking feature are his wide yellow eyes with feline pupils. It’s Johannes. “Oh my,” Johannes said when he lands. “That wasn’t nice.” “Be quiet!” Aguma demanded. “I recognize you!” Bao said. “You fought with that Leone guy in the quarterfinals. How’d you find us?” Bao asked, only for the cat to meow behind him, before it runs up to Johannes and jumps onto is back. “Aww, yeah. Good girl. You did well,” Johannes said as he rubs the cat's head. “I don’t know who you are, cat,” Aguma began to say. “But we have no intention of speaking with you. So, leave right now!” “Too late!” Bao said as he fires at Johannes, only for the cat-colt to deflect with his magdrillium sword. “Annoying,” Johannes commented. “The thing is, I didn’t come here to fight you, okay? So just listen to what I have to say.” “And why should we listen to you at all?” Bao asked. “Because, what I have to say is about the light that fell from the sky. Get me?” Johannes said. “What?” Both Aguma and Bao asked. “Now then, you do want to know why that light from the sky. That would make sense, right? I don’t think you'll be sorry if you listen to me.” Johannes said. “What do you think, Aguma?” Bao asked. After thinking for a few moments, Aguma has an answer. “Fine then, we’re listening.” “Hmmm, excellent choice.” Johannes said as the cat on his back takes a nap. Okay, one warrior down, 8 more to go. ================================================================== Meanwhile, in the Babylonian desert, in an arena with a 7 story tower… “Welcome to one hot tournament: the Babylon Tower Duel Royal!” A unicorn announcer suddenly said, as most of the competitors cry out due to anticipation. “We have waited a long time for this day, for this hour, when a new miracle has appeared right here, the birthplace of the Mesopotamian civilization! A mysteries light entered the sword, known as the Treasure of Ancient Babylonia. The legendary sword has been revived at last!” “Yeah!” All the competitors shouted. “This Babylon Tower Royal is necessary to decide the one worthy to wield the legendary sword,” the announcer added. “When I say ‘start,’ the participants will all run up the tower. While the climb is easy, you’ll have to do it while dueling and/or racing the other competitors. The one who reaches the top first will earn the right to duel the Babylonian Warrior waiting there! So then, if they are able to win against the great Babylonian Warrior, they would be recognized as the new Babylonian Warrior worthy of the legendary sword. Yes, the Treasure of Babylonia, the legendary sword, will become yours!” “Yeah! I’m gonna do it!” Someone among the competitors said. “Fat chance! I’m gonna win this thing!” Someone else said. “A true Babylonian treasure, and the legendary sword, huh?” A pegasus with a pale blue coat, a brilliant orange and amber mane that looks on fire, brilliant orange eyes, and a flaming lightning bolt for a cutie mark that is shown on his Wonderbolt suit. It’s Firestorm. “Well, if it is true, then the light residing in that treasured sword is surely from the Star Fragment. If I get that sword, that power will be mine.” “What drama! Who will be the one to win this fierce survival battle and claim the Babylonian Treasure?” The announcer asked. “And the battle will right about -- Huh?” He suddenly said when he sees a male changeling, only with of blue hair and eyes, around the same size as Chrysalis, with the same eyes and gapes in his legs, walk through the crowd up to the front. Once in main view, the announcer sees that he has a cutie mark, the constellation Cetus, meaning only one thing. “Cetus?” A surprised Firestorm said when he saw the King of Blue Changelings. “What? It’s the fabled king of the Blue Changeling horde: Cetus himself!” The announcer said, just as shocked as Firestorm and the other competitors are. “Does this mean that the Blue Changeling King is to take part also? This tournament has reach a whole other level, baby!” Cetus, Firestorm thought to himself. I’ve heard of him, the King of Blue Changelings. So he followed the rumor that a light entered the sword known as the Babylonian Treasure, too. “Huh?” He suddenly said when he sees a young unicorn colt in a red cape with a large blue and yellow pony logo on it, and wearing a wide brim hat, covering his face, standing next to Cetus. “Is that … Could it be…” “Snap out of it, people!” The announcer suddenly said, getting everyone's attention. “Let’s get this party started! The Babylon Tower Duel Royal is on! Three … two … one … Go, run for it!!!!” At that, all the competitors run into the tower, quickly getting up the first floor. “Run, run, run, the competitors scramble to be first as they climb up Babylon Tower at full speed. Huh? Wait, one competitor, Cetus, has not move from the starting point. Just what is the Sea Emperor up too?” The announcer asked, as Firestorm stops for a moment and looks at the blue changeling. “I wonder, too. But there’s no time to waste,” Firestorm said as he continues running. However, he barely dodges a magic blast from a unicorn competitor, but several griffins and pegasi behind him aren't as lucky. An boulder then falls behind Firestorm, cutting off most of the other competitors. “None shall pass!” An earth pony said to Firestorm as he runs up. “Get him!” A pegasus said to a unicorn next to them, who fires at the Wonderbolt. The blast creates plenty of dust that obscures their view, but they believe they got him. “Your toast!” The unicorn said, only to be proven wrong when Firestorm flies out of the smoke. “Mommy!” All three of them said. “Hey, I think that pegasus dude is … Firestorm!” The stunned earth pony said as Firestorm picks up speed. “Firestorm and a changeling king, together!?” “There’s no way we can win against even Firestorm, he’s Soarin’ and Spitfire’s son!” The pegasus said. “We’re just not worthy!” The unicorn added as Firestorm spins, creating a tornado that sends the three flying. “That was too easy. Time to fly!” Firestorm said as he continues up the tower, still having 3 stories to go. Suddenly, he sees an explosion on the level above. “What was that?” He asked as he climbs up, and sees that the young unicorn colt in a red cape with a large blue and yellow pony logo on it and wearing a wide brim hat, has defeated 4 older unicorns. “Run for it!” A unicorn said to the others when he notices Firestorm. The four cowardly unicorns then flee, as Firestorm approaches the colt. “Who are you?” Firestorm asked. The colt then takes off his hat, showing his lavender coat, midnight-blue mane, and magenta eyes. “So, it is you after all, Orion.” “What are you doing here, Firestorm?” Orion asked. “That’s my line, Orion. Why didn’t you go with your sister and the others to search for the other Legendary Warriors, huh?” “Things changed.” “Dose your sister, mother or any of the others know what you're doing?” “Sort of. I have to become really strong, Firestorm. There’s someone I need to take me seriously. It’s Cetus.” “Huh? Why Orion?” “Because, he’s a Legendary Warrior like Andromeda. I decided to be useful to her and the others in my own special way. Like this,” Orion said, remembering his conversation with Cetus that night. ================================================================== “It does, too! Andromeda and the others need your strength!” “Just give it up!” “I’ll just keep asking over and over again until you say yes. Do you hear me? I’ll follow you forever if I need to!” “Why are you willing to go so far with this?” “Because this is all I can do, now! This is the support I can give them, with all my might and strength!” Orion said. “Then challenge me, kid,” Cetus said, breaking the silence. “No matter what time it is, or where we are,” Cetus added, making Orion gasp in surprise. “Weather were eating or sleeping, can you actually force me to take you seriously.” “Cetus.” ================================================================== “That’s what he said,” Orion said to Firestorm. “Cetus said that if I can make him get series, he will listen to my request.” “Cetus said that, huh?” “That’s why I need something with the power of the Star Fragment, so I’ll be stronger. And I will get it, even if I have to go through you, Firestorm,” Orion finished, with Firestorm seeing the determined look in Orion’s eyes. “So be it,” Firestorm said, breaking the few moments of silence. “I understand why you want this. But all the same, Princess Celestia entrusted me with this investigation, and I have not given up on becoming a Legendary Warrior, myself. So, we both know that this Treasure of Babylonia, this sword that possesses a mysteries light inside is our goal. We’re gonna have to fight for it.” “I’m not afraid!” Orion said as he charges a spell and fires at Firebrand, who jumps above it, and sees the ground below him has been covered by ice for five feet in all directions. “Ice magic?” Firebrand asked. “When did you learn -- Whoa!” He said as he dodges another ice beam, which creates a pillars of ice. “Where’d you learn to do that?” “When following a changeling, you pick up a thing or two,” Orion answered as he prepares another ice beam. “Check it out!” The announcer said as they watch the fight on a plasma screen. “Firestorm and the caped colt are holding nothing back!” “Whoa! That colt in the bad cap is using ice magic.” A spectator said. “That little unicorn is good,” another spectator said. “Meanwhile, the other competitors are still booking to toward the top floor,” the announcer added. “Humph!” Cetus suddenly said as he calmly walks toward the tower. “Whoa! Cetus is on the move!” The announcer said when he notices Cetus heading toward the tower. “With the delicate steps of a woodland creature, he walks toward Babylon Tower. But will he be able to catch up to the other competitors now?” “That’s not bad, Orion,” Firestorm said after he avoids another ice beam. “I’ll finish this right now,” Firestorm said as he jumps, tricking Orion to freeze the wall above them. Firestorm than bucks the weakened wall, causing debris to fall as he uses it as cover. “Not good,” Orion said as he dodges the falling rock the best he can. Orion then briefly sees Firestorm’s shadow above a boulder. “There you are, Firestorm!” Orion shouted as he fires at the boulder with a normal laser, but Firestorm isn’t behind it. “What!?” “Up here,” Firestorm said. “You know what comes next, the Tornado Buster!” Firestorm said as he spins, engulfing him in a tornado. “The Wonderbolts unbeatable technique that was created so the original 13 Wonderbolts can escape from Tartarus 50 years ago,” Orion said as a red glow surrounds him. “I won’t lose!” Orion said as he creates a shield made of both magic and ice appears in between him and Firestorm. The shield is able to stop Firestorm’s attack dead in his tracks, shocking Firestorm as he regains his composer. “No way! He’s so different from the Orion I'm used to seeing. How did he get so strong and learn such advanced spells in such a short time,” Firestorm said as he flies around, and tackles the colt into the wall. “Sorry, Orion,” Firestorm said as he backs off a bit as Orion gets to the ground. “But I win, and you didn’t stop the Tornado Buster, it was just a fluke,” he added as he runs up to tower again. “That took longer then I thought, I’m late.” “After defeating the kid with the cape, Firestorm races forward,” the announcer said as the screen shows what’s going on at the top of the tower. “He may be too late as the remaining competitors have already begun a fierce fight on the top floor.” “Takes this!” “That tickled.” Two of the 11 competitors said. Suddenly, the floor below them collapses, as a giant, blue glowing sea serpent bursts out. “What is that?” The announcer asked as Firestorm reaches the top floor. “What now?” Firestorm asked as the serpent disappears. And once the smoke clears, showing Cetus standing there, giving off his blue colored aura, which soon disappears. “Cetus!” “So, it’s you, Firestorm.” Cetus said, having heard of the Wonderbolt prodigy. “Get lost. I won’t hand over the Star Fragment to anyone.” “I wasn’t asking,” Firestorm said to Cetus. “I’m taking the Star Fragment.” “Take this instead!” Cetus said as he fires a blast of water at Firestorm. “What was that?” Firestorm asked. “The power of the Star Fragment, that’s what,” Cetus said to Firestorm. “The what?” “In the face of my reborn power, you're the same as a little baby jellyfish; your absolutely nothing!” Cetus said to Firestorm as he creates a small tornado. “But why?” Firestorm asked. “You already have so much power, and a pice of the Star Fragment, why are you trying to get more power of the Star Fragment, anyway?” “No reason.” “Say what?!?!” “There can only be one strongest being in this world. The Sea Emperor just is the Sea Emperor! I will claim all the power in the world, even the Elements of Harmony! That’s the deal!” “Changeling of all colors do have a thing in common: they all got a screw loose! I won’t allow it!” Firestorm said as he takes to the air. “I’m done playing, Firestorm,” Cetus said as he creates icicles and fires them at Firestorm, only for him to climb higher into the sky. “I’m gonna stop you, with the unbeatable technique created so the original 13 Wonderbolts can escaped Tartarus: the Tornado Buster!” Firestorm said as he’s engulfed by a tornado. “Nonsense!” Cetus said as he begins to use his blue Legend Aura while water spouts appear around him. “This so called ‘Tartarus’ they saw is nothing compared to what we changelings have gone through living in a world of complete, utter darkness! Special move: Sea Emperor Supreme Flight!” He screeched as his spirit beast, the sea monster Cetus, emerges from him and destroys the Tornado Buster, grabs Firestorm, and then slams him down onto the floor with enough force that the entire tower shakes. “Amazing,” Firestorm said, wide-eyed, as Orion arrives. “The power of the Star Fragment.” “Firestorm, you okay?” Orion asked as Firestorm gets out of the hole. “I will be. I’m just glade that the Wonderbolt suite protects the wearer from extreme injury.” Firestorm said as he weakly gets out, while Cutes turns toward the small room that holds both the Babylonian Warrior and the Treasure of Babylonia. “Come on out!” Cetus demanded. “Your ridicules game is over, now. Don’t make me come in there!” Suddenly, a scrawny griffin in gold-colored plastic armor comes running out, screaming, before he trips and falls to the ground. “Stop!” He said. “Please, wait -- A changeling king and Firestorm, too!? I wasn’t told that anyone like you two would be participating in this thing today.” “And you are?” Cetus asked. “The Babylonian Warrior?” Orion guessed. “Yes,” the griffin admitted. “But I was only asked to play the part of the warrior in order to make this tournament more exciting. I’m just some weather captain from a small town in the country side. I’m not anything who could possibly beat you two.” “That’s just sad,” Firestorm said. “So, then what about the Treasure of Babylonia with the mysteries light inside?” Orion asked. “Oh, you mean this?” The griffin said as he shows them a gold covered sword. “It’s just a plastic sword that’s used for the trophy of the tournament. If you want, I can give--” But before he could finish, he drops the sword. It lands near Cetus’ hoofs, where Cutes crushes it under one of his hoofs. “Why you!” Cetus angrily said to the now terrified griffin. “Cetus, don’t do it!” Orion said as Cetus’ Legend Aura appears. “You have wasted a lot of my time!” Cetus said in a demonic tone as his Legend Aura appears. On the ground, the spectators see an explosion at the top of the tower, and see the sea serpent emerge from the tower, before it goes right through the tower, causing it to collapse, while anyone who can runs from the tower. As the smoke begins to clear, Cetus walks out of the rubble, soon followed by Orion and Firestorm. “Cetus! Wait for me, Cetus!” Orion said as he puts on his Wonderbolt goggles he got from Tempest for his birthday. “Wait. Orion!” Firestorm said, making Orion stop for a moment. “Are you still planing to go with him? Even now? He’s so powerful, there’s no way you can catch up to him. He’s just too dangerous.” “It's okay, Firestorm.” Orion said as he turns toward him. “Just leave Cetus to me, Firestorm. Oh, and please don’t tell mom, Andromeda or the others anything about this, you hear? I don’t want to cause them any unnecessary worry about me.” “Orion … are you sure?” “Okay, I have your word,” Orion quickly said as he puts on the hat and runs after Cetus. “Orion!” A bewildered Firestorm said, but the young unicorn colt just ignores him as he runs after Cetus, while the announcer and the griffin that played the Babylonian Warrior crawl out of the rubble. Firestorm then sighs as he realizes he needs to get moving. ================================================================== Back in China, at an airport, the group are about ready to leave, with Wang Hu Zhong saying their goodbyes. “See ya,” Tempest said to Wang Hu Zhong when they heard that their flight will take off soon. “Yes,” Dashan said. “Be carful, okay?” “The Shaolin Fist search will be our first priority. So don’t worry about that,” Mei-Mei added. “If we find anything, we’ll contact you right away.” Chao Xin added. “Thanks, guys,” Andromeda said. “Back to business.” Leone suddenly said as they head for their terminal. “Think it’s true? The idea that they found a lead on a Legendary Warrior in Greece? Is Julian even right?” “All we can do is go and see for ourselves,” Andromeda said as they board the plane. “And this time, I won’t let he or she get away.” Andromeda added as they take their seat, with Tempest and Flora sitting next to her, as she looks out the window, seeing the plane beginning to take off. Wait for us, Legendary Warrior number 6.
The Crystal TeamThe Crystal Team In the thick Mexicolt jungle, Johannes is leading the Shaolin Fist through. “Just where, exactly, are you taking us, pal?” An annoyed Bao asked. “Just keep quiet and follow me.” Johannes said as they approach a clearing. “Look, you can see it now.” Johannes said as they see an ancient Mayan temple. “So, boys, this is it. There’s a unicorn here who can grant your wish.” “In this place?” Aguma asked as Johannes climbs up the stairs, followed by the Shaolin Fist. ================================================================== Once inside, they begin to walk down some sitars, the walls carved with pictures of skulls, lit by torchlight. They eventually reach the bottom, only to find … “A dead end?” Bao asked. “What’s the deal, bub?” Aguma asked. “Oh, there’s no need to panic, my friends,” Johannes said as he presses a picture of something that looks like an Element of Harmony. It then pushes into the wall, which begins to rise, surprising the Shaolin Fist. “We’ve arrived,” Johannes said as he enters the room. “What’s this?” Bao asked when they see a fissure that separates them from a tunnel that looks like the head of a dragon. In the fissure, 1000 feet below, is a river of magma. Johannes then kneels down, surprising the Shaolin Fist. “I have returned as instructed.” Johannes began to say. “Here is my report: one Legendary Warrior has come with me.” “Well done, Johannes,” a voice suddenly called out from the tunnel. “So, tell us who you are?!” “Come out and show yourself!” Boa and then Aguma demanded. “Soon, a new era will dawn!” The voice suddenly said, causing the Shaolin Fist to gasp in surprise. “However, no matter how bright the dawn, it cannot arrive without the darkness of night,” the voice said as it’s owner, a Unicorn wearing a grey cloak that covers most of his body including his face, with all that can be made out from his face is his nose and his eyes, although they are covered blue goggles, but the most striking feature he has is that his horn in red and curved, shows himself. “History is written by the continuing cycle of destruction and creation. In order to bring about an even brighter history, the Black Sun will repaint this world with darkness! Offer up the power of the light that fell from the sky to the god Nemesis so it may posses the power of the Black Sun and destroy everything!” “The light that fell from the sky?” Bao asked. “Are you saying that you want to use the power we gained?” Aguma asked. “When we enter the new era, we shall make the Hundred Schools of Shaolin Fist will become the main martial art school of the world.” The cloaked unicorn said. “Our Shaolin Fist, you say?” Aguma asked. “This will mean that both the martial arts and the duels of the new era will be centered around the Shaolin Fist.” The clocked unicorn added. “The Shaolin Fist will be at the center of the world itself.” Bao said as Johannes gets up. “Well, that is what you want most of all, is it not?” Johannes asked. “This is all the will of the cosmos,” the clocked unicorn continued. “That is the reason the Star Fragment descended upon this earth!” “Will of the cosmos?” Bao asked. “That’s the reason the light has come?” Aguma asked as he and Bao remember that night. ================================================================== Aguma and Bao are in the desert training during the freezing night. Suddenly, a light appears in the sky, the two looking on is amazement. The two brace themselves when they realize that it’s heading straight for them. Once it hits, they open their eyes, seeing that nothing has happened. But when Aguma looks at his scythe’s blade for a moment, he sees that his eyes are now sparkling. ================================================================== “But what evidence do you have of all that you said?” Aguma asked. “Shaolin Fist greatest desire for 2000 years has been to conquer the world. We cannot lend you our strength without any proof. Hear me?” “That’s right!” Boa added. “If that story is true, then show us some kind of proof.” “If you want proof, concentrate the power of the Star Fragment into your hand and present it to the altar,” the clocked unicorn said. “The Black Sun will respond with the power of light!” “‘The power of light,’ he say?” Boa asked. “So, you already posses the same power of light that we do?” Aguma asked. “What does he need us for, then? I wonder…” “Beats me,” Bao said. “Interesting,” Aguma said as his left hand begins to glow orange. “Tell you what there, buddy, let’s see the power you posses!” Aguma said as he holds out his orange glowing hand to the altar. The unicorn the holds out his arms as the eyes of the tunnel begin to glow with a blinding light, causing the Shaolin Fist members to shield their eyes. They suddenly find themselves out in the middle of space, several galaxies of different sizes and colors around them, with Johannes gone. “What?” Bao asked when he and the others open their eyes. “Where are we?” Aguma asked. Suddenly, a black sun appears and heads right for them, causing them to scream, until the allusion disappears. “Huh?” “Now we have two,” the black unicorn said. ================================================================== In a Greek airport, an earth pony colt with a blue coat, piercing blue eyes, a short brown mane with bangs cover his right eye with a lance for a cutie mark, and a pegasus mare with a white coat, a pale blue wavy long mane, green eyes and a golden heart for a cutie mark are waiting for someone, who they see when they leave a plane from China. “There they are,” the earth pony said. “Andromeda, Tempest, Bismarck, Radiance!” The pegasus said, catching the group's attention. “Wales! Sophie!” An excited Andromeda said as she and the others run toward them. “Really nice for you to came here and meet us.” “It’s been awhile,” Bismarck said as Radiance and most of the others arrive. “How are you guys?” Radiance asked. “Pretty good,” the earth pony, Wales, answered. “That looks heavy. Allow me to carry it.” “Still as formal as ever, huh?” Radiance said as she lets Wales take her heavy bag, while Bismarck glares at the two while Radiance and Bucky laugh a little. “You must be Rainbow Dash, Flora, Peach Cobbler, Bucky, Cherry and Berry Pie,” the pegasus, Sophie, said to the others as Anubis catches up. “That’s us,” Peach said. “Uh, hello, my name is, uh, Anubis,” Anubis nervously said. “Anubis Mizusawa, right?” Sophie asked as she hold out her hoof. “I’m Sophie, we welcome you.” She said as the two shake hoofs/paws. “Hi. It’s very nice to meet you.” Anubis said. “Where’s your general?” Leone asked as he and Taurus catch up. “And Klaus isn’t with you either, I see,” Taurus said. “The two of them have already gone ahead to the site to check it out.” Wales answered. “The Legendary Warrior is there, right?” Andromeda asked. “So you already found him, is that true?” Anubis asked. “Sort of,” Sophie said, not sure how to explain it. “Tell you what, we’ll fill you in on the details on the way, okay?” Wales said to the group, confusing them slightly. ================================================================== Later, the group are on a motor boat, sailing across the Mediterranean Sea toward the smaller islands of Greece. “After being contacted by Princess Celestia, we’ve been using all of the European Unions resources to search for the locations of the Star Fragment.” Wales explained to the group as they have some soda on the boat. “As a result, we were able to confirm that at least one of those lights fell over Europe.” “But, unfortunately, we were unable to find the exact location of where it fell to earth, which was disappointing.” Sophie said. “That’s when we got lucky. We turned to a legend that has been passed down in Greece since olden times from before Celestia and Luna.” “A legend?” Anubis asked. “Yes,” Sophie said as she begins to recount the legend. “‘The savage sword and shield, the cost of their fury was to lose their light and sleep in the Blue Temple.’” “What does that mean?” Taurus asked. “It a legend about two magic relics,” Sophie answered. “It’s from long ago about feared weapons known as the Sword and Shield of the Gods. It was said that once the Legendary Weapons were drawn for battle, they would not stop until they cut down all of their enemies. A warrior who could control that amazingly strong power never appeared, so fearing that they would run wild, it is said that the people sealed it deep within a temple so that no one can ever get a hold of them.” “Two magical artifacts that were sealed away because they were too strong?” Rainbow asked. “That’s nearly like how the Elements of Harmony and the Crystal Heart were hidden away.” “The legend says, be aware of this one fact, it’s important, ‘for when a new light falls the bindings of the gods will be broken again.’” Wales said. “The Sword and Shield of the Gods were hidden away secretly, so no one could come near them again,” Sophie added. “So finding the temple they were sealed in was very difficult and took a long time to track down. We’re heading there now.” “Is that it?” Peach asked as she points toward an island ahead, with a temple on the top of a hill. ================================================================== Later, at the temple, the group are awe-struck by the fact that the temple is destroyed. “This is the Blue Temple?” Tempest asked. “Whut th' hay happened t'it?” Bismarck asked. Suddenly, they see a tall, Italian pegasus stallion with royal blue eyes, a blonde mane that reaches down to his shoulders, a pale purple coat and a slim physique, wearing a red tuxedo with a golden rose for a cutie mark, followed by a green very muscular minotaur with brown hair with light brown highlights in the sides, brown eyes, wearing a bright gold pendant around his neck, a dark green dress shirt under a black jacket with orange designs and a unique belt with several gold buckles. “Julian, Klaus,” Andromeda said, recognizing the two. “Andromeda, I have some bad news for you, I’m afraid.” The pegasus, Julian, said. “We don’t know what happened here,” the minotaur said. “It was totally trashed when we arrived.” “Someone did this?” Tempest asked. “Yes,” Julian answered. “There is no doubt that, before we got here, it seems that someone else must’ve taken the Sword and Shield of the Gods.” “No!” “Not good!” Andromeda and then Anubis both said. “So the Legendary Weapons broke the seal and did this to the temple?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Yes,” Julian answered. “There’s no other explanation.” “But who did it?” Andromeda asked. “Who got their hands on that sword and shield?” “Unfortunately, we do not have that information yet,” Julian said. “What now?” Tempest asked. “It just isn’t fair.” “No sir! And if the legend about the power of the Sword and Shield of the Gods is true, we can’t leave something that dangerous out there in the world.” Anubis added. “But how are we supposed to find it?” Andromeda asked. “The Sword and Shield of the Gods are weapons that enjoy fighting,” Klaus suddenly said. “After awakening from such a long sleep, the Sword and Shield of the Gods must be very hungry for a fight.” “Yes. There is a good chance that the one who took them will appear at a tournament that allows swords where there will be many strong and powerful duelist in attendance.” Julian added. “Your right,” Andromeda said as she pulls out her laptop. “So, are there any big tournament like that happening in this area soon?” Tempest asked. “Let’s see…” Andromeda said as she looks for one. “There are no big tournaments coming up in Europe that I can find here, but how about … Oh! But there is a really big one starting tomorrow called Crystal Dome!” “What did you say?” Leone suddenly asked. “Then we should have just gone there first, not this dump!” “Well, sorry, you highness,” Tempest began to ay in a mocking tone. “But the last time I checked, we came here because the info that Julian had was the most important thing.” Tempest finished, making Leone turn away in anger, as Tempest begins to mumble. “Where is this tournament taking place, anyway?” Flora asked, as she and the others look at Andromeda for the answer. “Oh, uh … it’s a bit far,” Andromeda said, not sure how to say it. “In the Crystal Empire.” “The Crystal Empire!?!?!?” They all asked. ================================================================== “Crystal Dome? Yeah, that’s coming up,” Sagittario said to his cousin and her friends over webcam, while his parents, along with a mare crystal pony with a ruby-red crystal coat, a bright pink mane, sapphire eyes, and a punching bag for a cutie mark, with a stallion crystal pegasus that has a silver crystal coat, a grey mane, gold eyes, and a silver lightning bolt for a cutie mare, standing behind him, with the three in a gym of some kind. “Apparently, the Equestrian and Russian space programs created a special arena they developed in a joint effort, and it’s been completed. So, on the same day as the Crystal Fair, they're celebrating the opening with a big tournament.” “Oh come on!” Tempest shouted. “I wan’t to be in there, too!” “Calm down, Tempest,” Andromeda said. “So, do you know if there are any competitors from Europe? The Legendary Warrior were chasing might have made it there and entered the tournament.” “It’s possible,” Sagittario said. “But ponies from all over the world have come here to be a part of the tournament. I have no idea where each one of them is from. How could I?” “From all over the world!?!?!” Both Tempest and Bismarck shouted. “Eff'n thet’s th' case, then we’re in too!” Bismarck said. “That’s right!” Tempest added. “But it’s too late for you two to do that,” the silver crystal stallion said. “Silver Bolt’s right. The qualifying tournaments are already over.” Sagittario added. “What!?!? No way!!!!” Both Bismarck and Tempest said as he leave the view of the camera, as Bucky, Berry, Rainbow and Radiance go to them. “Thanks.” Anubis said as he gets into view of the camera. “At any rate, we’re gonna head there right away now. See you later.” Anubis finished as he cuts the connection. “That was weird,” the mare crystal pony said. “Got that right, Ruby,” Cadence said. “My cousin has got to have the noisiest people for friends, ever,” Sagittario said. “Oh well,” Silver Bolt said. “Let’s get back to training.” “Yeah!” Sagittario said. “Aim for it: number 1!” “Aim for Destroyer Dome victory, too!” Ruby added. “Sorry, but I will be claiming that victory,” a male voice suddenly said at the entrance of the gym. Shining Armor, Cadence, Sagittario, Ruby and Silver turn toward the door, and see four familiar faces. “Applejack, Rarity, Firestorm and Princess Luna?” Cadence asked when she saw them. “Why are you guys here?” Sagittario asked. “When we heard about the Crystal Dome Tournament at this years Crystal Fair, Celestia asked Firestorm here to attend, and us to be part of the spectators,” Firestorm said. “Hold on, wait, how did you know about the Legendary Warriors, Firestorm?” Sagittario asked. “I’ve been searching for them separately from Andromeda and the others, Celestia asked me to do so herself.” “Oh. So that’s why your all here?” Sagittario asked. “Indeed,” Luna said. “Celestia sent us here because there’s a very good chance a Legendary Warrior would appear at the Crystal Dome event.” “The plan is for me to participate while Rarity, Applejack and Luna watch closely for any potential Legendary Warriors.” Firestorm said. “What a waste of time.” Sagittario said. “A Legendary Warrior has already been found.” “Really?” Applejack asked. “Where is he?” Rarity added. “Right here,” Sagittario answered. “Here? Where?” Firestorm asked, annoying Sagittario. “Heres, where!” Sagittario said as he places a hoof on his chest. “It’s me!” “You?” A bewildered Luna asked. “Sure.” Sagittario continued. “If Andi and Leone both become one, then there’s no way that I wont. Doesn't that make sense?” “Huh?” All four asked. “And the Crystal Dome is the first big tournament since Ruby, Silver Bolt and I formed the Crystal Team, so that all made sense too. The whole thing is lining up absolutely perfectly. If we clash with our heated warrior spirits using all out might, the Star Fragment that I defiantly have will awaken. I have it all figured out, and there’s no flaws in my logic,” Sagittario added, making Firestorm, Applejack, Rarity and Luna stare at him in confusion. “Wait just a minute,” Silver Bolt suddenly said. “In that case, I have the same chance as you, don’t I?” “Me too,” Ruby added. “When it comes to a burning warrior spirit, I won’t lose to anypony!” “Maybe all three of us will awaken together?” Silver Bolt asked. “That would rock!” “Yeah!” Sagittario added. “That would be the best. Aim for number 1!” “Aim to become a Legendary Warrior!” Ruby added. Hmmm … do these guys actually have something here? Firestorm thought to himself. Sounds like crazy talk, but what if their right? Maybe if I duel with Sagittario and his friends, then perhaps I’ll awaken as a Legendary Warrior, too? “Say, Sagittario, I’ve been meaning to asked you, where’s my old armor, sword and shield I gave you?” Shining Armor asked, snapping Firestorm back to reality. “Well, in case you didn’t notice, dad, but I’m not as big and strong as you are, so I’m having Coach Steel modified them in the back.” Sagittario answered. “Modified?” Cadence asked. “He’s using a detailed blueprint I thought long and hard on,” Sagittario continued. “Even an amateur coach like him will be able to do it.” Suddenly, the door at the back of the gym swing open, as an imposing unicorn crystal pony with a dark blue coat, a dull yellow mane, amber eyes, and a dumbbell for a cutie mark angrily busts out with a sheet of paper in his amber-colored magic. “Who’s an amateur coach, Sagittario!?!?” He angrily asked as he walks over to him and the others, making him hide behind his father. “Just because your Shining Armor and Princess Cadence’s son, doesn't mean you can be so ungrateful! Try to imagine what’s it like for me to work form a ‘blueprint’ like this!” The crystal unicorn, Coach Steel, said as he shows them a paper with what looks like doodles, bad ones, on it of Sagittario, the armor, sword, and shield on it, with most of it in a barrage of colors that make it nearly impossible to tell things apart. “Yease,” Firestorm said when he, Applejack, Rarity, and Princess Luna saw the ‘blueprints.’ “Is that even language?” Rarity asked. “So, what is this?” Coach Steel asked Sagittario. “The sword and shield are to change into a bow and arrow, while the sword’s supposed to do this and da-da-da into a ‘super-double-easy-win mode’? Exactly, how am I supposed to modify your old stallions old gear, my friend?” “Ha-ha! That’s just a rough guide, Coach,” Sagittario shyly answered as best as he can. “You can do it anyway you like to, of course. Like you say, it’s the effort that counts. I was just trying my best as always.” “Fine,” Coach Steel said as he backs off a little. “I will do my best to get done your so-called ‘specifications’ for your duel in the Crystal Dome. It’s a good thing you're in the later Block B, that’s all I can say.” “B Block? So I’m in a different block then you are?” Firestorm asked Sagittario. “Aw, you're in A Blok with Ruby and Silver Bolt? So I won’t duel with you,” Sagittario said. “The tournament will be fought battle royal style. So that meant the last three remaining competitors in each block will move on to the finals,” Silver Bolt said. “So, if we want to duel each other, obviously we all have to make it to final round for that to happen.” Sagittario added. “Don’t worry,” Ruby said. “We are defiantly gonna win in the first round.” “Yeah!” Sagittario said, as Shining Armor, Princess Cadence, Rarity, Princess Luna, Applejack and Firestorm chuckle a little. ================================================================== That night on a plane, Andromeda, Bismarck, Radiance, Berry and Cherry, Flora, Tempest, Peach Cobbler, Bucky, Rainbow Dash, Leone and Taurus are in first class seats as they head back home toward Equestria, with Taurus, Bucky, Peach and Leone asleep, while the others, specifically Bismarck and Tempest and shaking in their seats, way too excited for the Crystal Dome event, while Andromeda stares out of her window. “Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! If we take too long, the tournament will start without us!” Tempest said. “I think the stress of traveling has started to get to them,” Radiance said. “Especially for Andromeda,” Flora said as they see Andromeda stare at the constellation Orion, thinking of her brother. “I wonder if we’ll see mom and Orion when we get back?” She asked herself as she gets some sleep for tomorrow.
Crystal Dome, Block ACrystal Dome, Block A In the Crystal Empire, at the Crystal Stadium, a crowd has gathered at stadium. In the center, a large, hollow crystal ball, 4 stories in height and width, with four main entrances that can only be accessed by elevator. “Welcome to the one and only Crystal Dome,” a crystal pony mare commentator said at the highest point of the stadium. “This amazing stadium where it is possible to attack from all 360°. There are no exits and no stadium outs, so the duel must end when one participant strikes the point on a special vest that will automatically send the other one out of the Crystal Dome by teleportation. The most dynamic stadium in history is right here, right now! So, get ready to rock n roll, let’s do this thing!” ================================================================== “Duelist participating in A Block, please stand by,” a mare said over an intercom in the waiting area. “Let’s do this,” Silver Bolt said to Sagittario, Shining Armor, Cadence, Ruby, Applejack, Rarity, Firestorm and Princess Luna. “Yeah!” Ruby added. “Sagittario, we’ll be back when we win our way to the final round.” “You bet!” Sagittario said. “I’ll be right behind you guys, okay?” “Good luck then,” Cadence said, while Luna looks down, a feeling of sadness overcoming her as they head out into the hallway, heading for the arena. “Good luck, big brother,” a familiar voice to Firestorm said at the rooms door, and they see Soarin,’ Spitfire and a little filly pegasus that has a brilliant orange coat, a dark blue mane with brilliant orange and amber highlights, emerald-green eyes, without a cutie mark. “Mom, dad, and Blaze!” A mildly surprised Firestorm said. “Why are you here?” “Celestia told us you were here, so we decided to come and cheer you on,” Spitfire answered as her young daughter jumps onto Firestorms back, the two laughing as they leave. “Just remember, we’ll be cheering you on from the stands.” Shining Armor said when they reach the fork in the hallway, one leading to the stadium while the other heads for the stands. “I can’t take it anymore!” A mare down the hallway that leads to the stadium said, catching the group's attention. They see 4 ponies, the two oldest being unicorn stallions, a young pegasus mare, and an earth pony colt. The oldest unicorn has a black mane in dreadlocks with a large read headband, a dark green coat, brown eyes, a thick blue vest, forearm bands on his legs, brown boats and a sledgehammer for a cutie mark. The second oldest unicorn has a brown mane in an afro, a dark green coat, brown eyes, a grey vest, brown boats and a saw for a cutie mark. The third oldest, the pegasus mare, has a short wavy, brown mane, eyes are brown, a dull yellow coat, wearing a small black coat, and a rain cloud for a cutie mark. The youngest, the earth pony colt, has a dark green messy mane, a light brown coat, brown eyes, a green vest, and a shovel for a cutie mark. “We’re not puppets you can control, big bro!” The earth pony colt said. “The Garcias are here?” A shocked Sagittario asked. “Apparently, they got past the qualifying round as well,” an equally shocked Firestorm said. “What’s this then?” The oldest asked. “You two are refusing to listen to me?” “That’s right, big bro,” the colt said. “Say what?” The oldest said while the second oldest gasp in shock. “We lost in the last World Championships, and since teams can’t reenter again after competing, we won’t be able to try again because of you!” The mare said. “We really look like fools to everyone out there.” “We can’t go along blindly with the way you do things anymore, Argo!” The colt said to his oldest brother. “What did you say?” Argo asked. “The Garcias are broken up,” the mare added. “For now on, I will fight for myself.” “Like wise,” the colt said. “See ya!” They both said as they run down the hallway. “Wait! Selen, Enzo!” The second oldest cried as they two turn a corner, ignoring him. “Could the Garcias really be about to split up?” Sagittario asked as he and the others look on bewildered. “It sure looks like it,” Firestorm said. ================================================================== “And now, the moment you all have been waited for!” The commentator said to an excited crowd. “I will introduce the competitors in Block A to you,” she said as a chubby unicorn stallion with a light blue coat and a dark blue mane, a wight for a cutie mark, rides one of the elevator up to the middle platform outside of the dome. “First up is the rough and tumble power wight, Maximus!” “I am Maximus!” The blue unicorn shouted as a pegasus stallion with a blue mane, a yellow coat, wearing a white scarf and three droplets of water for a cutie mark rides another elevator. “Next is the famously handsome pegasus, Blue Spirit!” The announcer said when the elevator Blue Spirit reaches the top as he waves at the crowd. “My scarf is fabulous,” Blue Spirit said. “Who do you think is next?” Rarity asked. “Were about to find out.” Shining Armor said. “The next participant is the amazing … The amazing who? There’s no one on the elevator,” the commentator said when he sees the empty elevator reaches the top. “I guess he or she chickened out,” Sagittario said. Suddenly, an arrow with a zip line attached to it hits the exact center of the elevator, surprising everyone. “Whoa! There’s an arrow, but we can't see the one who owns it.” The commentator said as he looks around the arena, looking for the arrows origin. “I’m right up here, buddy!” Someone suddenly called from the roof of the stadium. Everyone sees a slim unicorn of average height with a light blue coat, a yellow mane in an afro, brown eyes with his left covered by an aiming device. He’s wearing a long white and black coat with many buckles and buttons zipped up to his neck, and a lollipop in his mouth. “He’s there!” The commentator began. “The elusive, extraordinary sniper with anything, Capri Tobin!” The commentator said as Capri hooks a t-bar to the zip line, and slides down to the platform, and lands with a perfect four point landing. “It’s been a while since Captain Capri has been this excited,” Capri said as he chews his lollipop. “Whoa. That sure was a super flashy entrance,” Sagittario said. “It sure was,” Applejack added as the next contestants ride up the elevator. “And, from the winning team of the World Duel Championships IX, the Wonderbolt Prodigy, Firestorm!” The commentator said as Firestorm reaches the top. “Go and win this, big brother!” Blaze called from the stands. “And the four siblings of Brazil, Argo, Ian, Selen and Enzo of Team Garcia,” The commentator said as the four reach the top of their elevator. “Okay, stop acting like babies you two. Hear me?” Ian, the second oldest, said to Selen and Enzo. “Can’t hear,” both Selen and Enzo said. “Check it out,” Sagittario said to the others. “It sure looks like their fighting, doesn't it?” “It does,” Rarity said as the last two climb the elevator. “Yeah baby! The last to arrive are our very own Silver Bolt and Ruby from the Crystal Gym!” The commentator finished. “Take it to them!” A member of the Crystal Gym cheered from behind the group. “All the way, guys!” Another member added. “Don’t hold back! Solver Bolt, Ruby, go for it!” Sagittario finished as several forms of high-tech transportation, including scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and bikes, just to name a few, are brought to the main platform. All of them have what look like magnets on their wheels. Some crystal ponies also bring some electronic vests that are given to each of the competitors. “Each competitor must choose one set of wheels in order to move around freely in the stadium,” the commentator said. “It doesn't matter which you pick, the electromagnets will keep you connected to the steel line stadium, so no worries if you can’t fly. Also, the vest you were given will teleport you out of the dome once an opponent strikes you at just the right spot and turns the vest from green to red. So you better watch out.” “I call the roller skates,” Silver Bolt said as he and the others take the wheels of their choice. “Block A will be fought by these 10 duelists in a battle royal,” the commentator added. “Only 3 of them will move on to the finals, so lets see who will become the first winners of Crystal Dome!” The commentator said. Meanwhile, outside of the stadium, Andromeda, Bismarck, Radiance, Berry and Cherry, Rainbow Dash, Flora, Tempest, Peach Cobbler, Bucky, Leone and Taurus are running through the streets of the empire, heading for the arena. “Hurry! The match is about to start, guys!” Andromeda said as Tempest and Bismarck run past a pony carrying some scarfs, which they accidentally wrap around their necks, not caring as they hurry. “Crystal cherry pie! Time to start the first match ever in this stadium. Are you ready?” The commentator asked the audience. “Yeah!” Everypony said. “3 … 2 … 1 … GO!” They all said as the group arrives, and sees the competitors launch themselves into the dome, making them gasp as they see them going in different directions at different angles, all at high-speed. “Wow! What an amazing sight!” The commentator said as everyone, including the participants in the dome, look on in awe. “There is no right or left. No up or down. Only 360°! Wicked fast, amazingly powerful, welcome to the thrill of Crystal Dome, my friends!” “This is so cool!” Peach said as she and the others, even the normally unimpressed Leone, stare on in awe. “What a crazy stadium this place is,” Taurus said. “The competitors look just like satellites that are orbiting the earth at high-speed.” Anubis added as Tempest and Bismarck look on in excitement. “This is the coolest stadium I’ve ever seen!” An ecstatic Tempest said. “Man, oh man! Ah wan’t t'be a part of this hyar too!” An equally excited Bismarck added. “Can’t stop,” Tempest whispered. “We’re going in!!” Both Tempest and Bismarck said as they make a run for the stadium, only for Taurus to grab the two by the scarfs around their necks, stopping them dead in their tracks, making the two try their best to remove the scarfs since they can’t breath now. “Where are you two going?” Taurus asked as they start to turn a dark blue while the others look on in shock and worry. “Just how do you think your supposed to get in now, huh?” Taurus added as he lets the two go, who quickly tear off the scarfs and take very deep breaths, while some of the others chuckle a little. “Please, calm down everyone,” Andromeda said. “We understand how you feel, for sure,” Anubis added. “Hey, up here!” A familiar voice said from above. They see Sagittario, Shining Armor, Cadence, Applejack, Rarity, Princess Luna, Soarin,’ Spitfire and Blaze waving at them from above. “Come on up here, guys! Let’s watch it together!” Sagittario added as Silver Bolt, on roller skates, and Ruby, ridding a skateboard, circle around each other, creating something like a typhoon, which catches Blue Spirit off guard, sending him flying to the other end of the stadium. “Whoa!” Peach said as she and the others reach Sagittario, Shining Armor, Cadence, Applejack, Rarity, Princess Luna, Soarin,’ Spitfire and Blaze. “Looking good out there, Silver Bolt, Ruby!” Sagittario cheered. “Wow, Silver Bolt and Ruby are doing amazing,” Tempest said. “They used the unique qualities of the stadium in their attack,” Anubis said, getting the group's attention. “They added the rotation they created from spinning to the centrifugal force as they circled the stadium. That’ll increase the force of their attacks,” Anubis finished as Silver Bolt and Ruby stop their Crystal Typhoon. “I see what you mean, Anubis,” Andromeda said, the only one who understood Anubis just now. “Real cool. One’s things for sure about guys who are that skilled: they’re no ordinary ponies,” Anubis added. “Hey, you really have their number. That’s for sure,” Sagittario said. “I’m Anubis Mizusawa. It's a real pleaser to met you,” Anubis said as he does a polite bow to Sagittario, Cadence and Shining Armor. “Thanks. It’s nice to meet you too,” Cadence said as Rarity and Applejack see their kids. “You haven't tried anything with my baby girl now, have you?” Rarity asked Bismarck. “Mom!” Radiance groaned. “Soarin,’ Spitfire, Blaze,” Rainbow said when she sees the family. “Good to see you, Rainbow,” Spitfire said as they two shake hoofs. “Where’s your brother, Blaze?” Tempest asked. “Just look,” the filly said as she points toward the dome, where they see Firestorm using a pari of roller skates in the dome. “Firestorm? Whut is he doin' hyar?” Bismarck asked. “Celestia asked him to be here,” Luna answered. “What!?” Both Tempest and Bismarck asked. “If he got invited, then why weren't we?” Tempest said as he and Bismarck hang their heads low. “They really wanted to be in this tournament.” Andromeda said to a bewildered Sagittario, Shining Armor, Cadence, Applejack, Rarity, Princess Luna, Soarin,’ Spitfire and Blaze, as Taurus sees a familiar unicorn bouncing around on a skate board. “Yee-haw!” Captain Capri cried out as he jumps across the dome with his light brown magic. “And look there,” Taurus said as he points toward the dome. “Capri is dueling here, too.” “This is an impressive group for sure,” Andromeda said as Capri lands for a moment, and looks at Maximus and Blue Spirit through his aiming device. “Okay, okay, now I understand the flow of this stadium.” Capri said as he turns his sights on Maximus. Suddenly, Capri jumps again, and hits Maximus on the right spot on the vest, which turns red. A split-second later, Maximus is teleported out of the stadium and safely lands 100 feet away. “Maximinus don’t like.” “Smokin! With one hit, Capri has knocked Maximus out.” The commentator said. Capri then jumps again, and this time hits Blue Spirit, teleporting him out of the stadium too. “No way!” Blue Spirit said as he gets up outside of the dome. “And there, Blue Spirit has hit rock bottom thanks to Capri!” The commentator said, as the group, except for Leone, look on in surprise. “That’s awesome,” Anubis said. “Capri’s spell that lets him jump like that is as effective inside the stadium as out.” Andromeda said. “It’s not just his spell,” Leone added. “His magic and dueling skills have also improved.” Leone said, remembering his last run in with Capri. “Those who don’t improve are just sad cats,” Capri said, when the Garcias begin to tail him. “Okay, our first target is that patchy guy,” Argo said to his siblings. “Selen, Enzo, you better follow us,” Ian said to the two youngest members, as the group notice their presence in the stadium. “The Garcias!?!?” A shocked and angry Andromeda said when she sees the four siblings. “Are they planing on using dirty tricks again?” “Maybe, but just watch. Things might get pretty interesting with them,” Sagittario casually said, confusing Andromeda, Tempest, Bismarck and Radiance. “Sagittario, what are you talking about?” Tempest asked. “Oh, just keep watching,” Sagittario said. “Four ponies against one, huh? This is a bit of a nuisance.” Capri said when he notices the Garcias, all of them ridding either skateboards or roller skates. “Selen, Enzo, attack Capri from both sides,” Argo ordered, but he gets a little chuckle from Selen. “What’s up? Can’t you here?” Ian asked his younger siblings. “Uh, no,” Enzo said. “You two are annoying,” Selen added as she moves to Capri’s left while Enzo moves to his right. “That’s much better,” Ian said. “If you two just keep quiet and listen to us, you’ll be fine.” “Not again,” Selen suddenly said. “Quit acting all high and mighty, giving us orders.” “We already told you that we’re not puppets you can control out there.” Enzo added. Suddenly, the two siblings turn around and head straight for Ian. “What now!?” Both Ian and Argo asked as Selen and Enzo hit Ian, and run up the dome. “Huh!?!?” Andromeda, Tempest, Bismarck and Radiance all asked in shock. “Told ya,” Sagittario said. “Well, paint my mane black and white! Selen and Enzo have turned on their own brother, Ian.” The surprised commentator said. “We won’t let anyone tell us what to do anymore,” Selen said to her older brothers from above them. “We had enough paving the way in matches for you two ego maniacs, get it?” Enzo added. “Stop Selen, Enzo!” Ian begged. “Have the Garcias really split up?” A shocked Bismarck asked. “I don’t believe it,” Radiance said. “You two are gonna betray me? Have you both lost your minds?” Argo asked his younger siblings. “We haven’t lost anything at all,” Selen said to her older brothers. “Our match with Team Star Swirl in the last World Championships made us come to our senses, that’s all,” Selen added, surprising Sagittario, Andromeda, Bismarck, Tempest and Radiance. “The match with us?” Andromeda asked. “When we dueled them, me and Selen learned that to truly win, you must do it with honor!” Enzo said. “We will fight and win with our own strength!” Selen added. “We will win for ourselves and not for anyone else!” Both Selen and Enzo said together. “You two are nuts!” Argo said, as Silver Bolt and Ruby look on. “Not for anyone else, is that it?” Ruby asked Silver Bolt. “For themselves, they said,” Silver Bolt added with a smile, as some of the spectators begin to cry with happiness. “Selen. Enzo,” a crying Sagittario tried to say. “They finally come t'unnerstan' th' impotence of honesty, af'er all,” Bismarck said, as Taurus begins to cry a river, with Leone as emotionless as ever. “B-bull! This type of thing always gets me right in the heart.” Taurus said. “If that's right, then we’ll cheer for you, too,” Shining Armor said. “Go hard, Selen, Enzo!” Sagittario added as everyone begins to cheer for the two young siblings, who are both shock and surprised by the applause they are getting. “Oh. Thank you so much, everyone!” Both of them said, as Argo growls in anger. “So were the only bad guys?” Ian asked. “Ha-ha!” Capri said as he reaches the other end of the dome, away from the Garcias. “A duel is a bad time for a family feud. But it did save me from being attacked.” “Don’t feel all cozy just yet!” “Huh?” Capri asked as a flash of blue and orange goes by him, before it stops. It’s the Wonderbolt Prodigy. “Ah! Firestorm!” “I’ll be you opponent.” Firestorm offered. “Let’s go, Captain Capri!” “Oh yeah, Firestorm? So you're gonna be my opponent, are you?” Capri asked as he turns around and charges at the Wonderbolt Prodigy. Meanwhile … “Okay, have it your way, then.” Ian said to his younger siblings. “If your starting a fight with us, that must mean you prepared yourselves for the consequences, right?” “You two do understand, right?” Argo asked, clear to everyone that he’s extremely mad. “Those that break the Garcia’s iron clad rules will only find punishment!!!!” Argo shouted as he burst into flames due to anger, which terrifies Selen and Enzo to the point of screaming. “You two are no longer family members! So get out of here right NOW!” Argo screamed as he fires a laser at Selen, which sends her flying across the stadium, with her teleported out right as she was gonna hit the wall. Selen quickly regains her composure, and lands on a low-lying cloud. “Ha-ha-ha! That's what happens when you betray me, understand ex-sister!” “That’s horrible,” Luna said as she and the others watch. “How kin they be so heartless t'their own sister?” Bismarck asked. “Hey, Enzo!” Ian called out, making Enzo gasp in shock. “You’re next, ex-brother!” Ian added as he prepares to fire a laser. “Oh no!” A petrified Enzo said. “Okay, here I come!” Argo suddenly said as he charges at Enzo, terrifying the colt into screaming as he two older brothers charge at him. Suddenly, Silver Bolt and Ruby stop Argo and Ian dead in their tracks, which shock the two Brazilian unicorns. “Crystal cherries! Argo and Ian were just about to pounce on Enzo, but, in a surprised move, Silver Bolt and Ruby foil them!” The commentator said. “Yeah, Ruby, Silver Bolt!” Sagittario cheered. “Hey, what gives?” Enzo asked the two crystal ponies as they push both Ian and Argo away. “We know where your coming from, friends,” Silver Bolt said to Selen and Enzo. “Because that dirtbag Sombra trick all of the Crystal Empire before he took over 1000 years ago and used some of us as puppets to do it,” Ruby added. “Every crystal pony knows what it’s like.” “That’s why we won’t abandoned you,” Silver Bolt finish, which make Enzo cry out of happiness. “Tha- … Oh thank you,” the crying Enzo said. “Here we go, Enzo.” Ruby said as she takes Enzo’s left, while Silver Bolt takes his right. “Let’s fight together,” Silver Bolt added. “Yes!” A happy Enzo said, which makes his older brothers growl in anger. “What’s happening here?” The commentator asked. “Holy moly, this duel has created a new friendship! This moment has the empire weeping more than our Crystal Kingdom Anthem!” “Go get ‘em now, Silver Bolt, Ruby!” Sagittario cheered. “You too, Enzo!” Andromeda added, while Taurus is crying even more, while Leone is as emotionless as ever. “This kind of thing gets me even more,” Taurus said as Silver Bolt, Ruby, and Enzo charge at Argo and Ian, the three of them managing to toss the two Brazilian unicorns halfway across the stadium. “The power of friendship has sent Ian and Argo flying all over the place, mares and gentlecolts,” the commentator said. “We’re not done yet,” Silver Bolt said to the recovering Argo and Ian. “One more time, okay Enzo?” Ruby asked the young earth colt. “You bet,” Enzo said as the three climb up the dome, building up speed for their next attack. “If that three-way attack hits one more time, Ian and Argo will be in big trouble,” Soarin’ said as the three charge down, when suddenly, with a sinister grin, Enzo stops, which makes Silver Bolt and Ruby trip over him, surprising everyone as Enzo heads back to Argo and Ian. “What’s going on here?!” Tempest demanded. “What? Enzo has joined back up with Argo and Ian,” the commentator said, as surprised as everyone else. Suddenly, Enzo and Selen, who's lying on the outer wall above her brothers, begin laughing. “Man! What a bunch of maroons!” Said Selen. “You were fooled again, chumps!” Enzo said. “As usually, you Equestrians would believe anything you hear,” Ian added. “There’s no way we would ever betray our brothers, you knuckleheads,” Selen said to Silver Bolt and Ruby as they get back up. “What did you say!?!?” An infuriated Ruby demanded. “We just put on that act just to make sure we win,” Ian said. “Only three can advance to the finals, you know that, right?” Selen said to the two. “I let my brothers knock me out on purpose just to trick you chumps into letting your guards down. Pretty clever, huh?” “B-b-b-b-b-b-bull!” Taurus said through gritted teeth. “That was a pretty sad display,” Leone said, pretty much the only one among the group who isn’t surprised. “What snakes!” Sagittario angrily said. “They haven't change a bit!” Bismarck added. “You tricked me into crying, you weasels!” Taurus shouted. “GIVE ME BACK MY TEARS!!!!!!” “Go ahead and get angry, guys,” Enzo mockingly said. “The kid’s right,” Ian added. “You two won’t last much longer in here,” Ian said to Silver Bolt and Ruby, who glare at them as they get up. “Looks like Silver Bolt and Ruby have been thoroughly bamboozled by the Garcias,” the commentator said. “The Garcias have made us all look foolish with their fake act. They certainly have no fans here at all now,” she said as many spectators begin shouting and booing at the Garcias. “Okay, finish them!” Argo ordered his brothers, referring to Ruby and Silver Bolt. “Let’s go, Ian, Enzo!” “Yeah!” Both Ian and Enzo said as they follow Argo. “I guess some people don’t really change, do they?” Firestorm said after the confession. Firestorm than charges at the three Garcias, when… “Oh no you don’t! You’re not getting away,” Capri said as he jumps in front of Firestorm. “I am your opponent!” Capri added, making Firestorm grit his teeth and Argo and Ian begin to attack Ruby. “Ruby!” Silver Bolt said as he sees Argo and Ian fire lasers at her. He tries to go to her aid, but Enzo blocks him by grabbing Silver Bolts mane. “Don’t you get in my way, you little brat!” “Too late buddy,” Enzo said as he pulls on Silver Bolts mane, while Capri is jumping all around Firestorm, keeping him from moving at all. “Check it out!” The commentator said when she sees the fight between Capri and Firestorm. “Firestorm is struggling against Capri’s fierce attacks.” Having had enough of this, Firestorm closes his eyes, and pictures Capri jumping, and … “Got ya!” “What!?” Capri said as Firestorm strikes him, which causes him to be sent flying out of the stadium. “That decides it,” the commentator said as the spectators begin cheering due to Firestorm’s move. “Firestorm waited for the moment Capri would land to attack. Capri is out!” “Way to go, big bro!” Blaze cheered. “I lost,” Capri said as he begins to sulk. “I’ve been defeated again.” In the dome, Argo and Ian continue their barrage against Ruby, who is barely able to avoid them. “Let’s end this thing right now,” Argo said to Ian, tired of Ruby dodging their attacks. “Aw yeah!” Ian simply replied as he and Argo move back several feet before they charge at Ruby, when suddenly, Firestorm stops them by ramming Argo. “Go Firestorm!” Ruby said, relive that she now has time to recover. “What the?!” Argo said as Firestorm backs off a little. “I guess you're not used to doing things fairly so your confused” Firestorm said to Argo as Ruby gets away. “That’s enough!” Argo shouted, not wanting to hear anything else coming from Firestorms mouth except his screams. “I still owe you from the last World Championships, do I not? I’ll pay you back double right now!” Suddenly, Argo races around Firestorm, and something strange happens. “What gives?” A confused Firestorm asked. “Argo has multiplied!” Andromeda said as there are now 9 Argos circling around Firestorm. “Round and round,” Argo said with a laugh that would fit Sombra. “Okay, Firestorm, taste our displeasure right now!” Argo said as each of the doubles hits Firestorm one after another, with him unable to tell which is the real one. “I’m gonna smash you until your nothing but dust!” Argo shouted as the attack become more frequent. “Big brother!” Blaze shout as she, Spitfire and Soarin can only watch as Firestorm is pulverize by Argo. “Time for the finishing touch!” Argo said as he fires a laser at Firestorm, which send the Wonderbolt Prodigy across the dome, right toward the wall at high-speed! “If he hits the wall at that speed, even with his suit, he’ll get hurt or worse!” Andromeda said as everyone holds their breath, when… “Wonderbolt Technique: Diving Crush!” Firestorm suddenly said as he stops himself in midair and dives down toward Argo, who is shock. “Not possible,” the shocked Argo said. “Atta boy, Firestorm!” Soarin cheered. “My, my, Firestorm has used Argo’s own attack to unleash one of the Wonderbolts most powerful techniques!” The commentator said as Firestorm gets closer to Argo, intending to teach the Brazilian a lesson. “Big bro Argo!” Enzo frantically said as he jumps, taking Firestorm’s hit while Argo escapes. “Argo narrowly escapes, but by taking his place, Enzo has been knocked out of the stadium.” The commentator said as Enzo is teleported out of the dome, where Selen catches him. “Uh, just when I almost had him down,” Firestorm said to himself as the dust begins to clear. “This is our battle, Firestorm,” Argo suddenly said. “The real fight begins right now!” Argo added as he uses his magic to push Firestorm up the dome. “I won’t give in that easy!” Firestorm said as he stops the magic wall with pure force of will. “Tisk-tisk. You can’t hold on forever, birdbrain,” Ian said as he backs up Argo’s spell with his own, causing Firestorm to lose his footing as he is pushed up the dome. “Looks like this is as far as you go!” “You’re finished now!” Argo said as the wall heads toward the domes top, where they intend to crush Firestorm at. Suddenly … “WE WON’T ALLOW IT!” Both Silver Bolt and Ruby said as they come back up Firestorm, pushing the wall back. “Silver Bolt, Ruby,” a pleasantly surprised Firestorm said as they push the magic wall further back. “Don’t get ahead of yourselves, kids!” Argo shouted as he adds gain spikes to the wall. “Let me add the finishing touch!” Ian said as he puts in some saw blades to the wall. “Uh-oh!” All three said as the try their best to avid the spikes and saws. “Hows that!” Ian said the three friends. “This time you should sink to the bottom in the face of our brotherly bond!” Argo added as the three back off a bit. “Your bro bond sucks!” Firestorm shouted. “We won’t lose to your sad, cowardly techniques!” “We’re walking out the winners!” Ruby and then Silver Bolt added. “Crystal Spell: Ruby Flash, now!” Ruby suddenly said as a red glow encases her. “Crystal Spell: Silver Strike, yeah!” Silver Bolt said as the same thing happens to him, only the magic glow is silver. “How are they doing that?” Anubis asked. “Simple; when crystal ponies need the power necessary, like at this moment with Silver Bolt and Ruby, the Crystal Heart gives them that power,” Shining Armor said as Ian and Argo gasp in shock as they realize they’ll be in trouble soon. “Time to finish this, with a Tornado Buster!” Firestorm said as an incredible glow fills the dome, blinding everyone. When it stops, everyone both in and outside the dome hold their breath, when they see Argo and Ian outside. “What!?” “It can’t be!” Ian and then Argo both said when they see that they lost, as the crowd begins to cheer for the winners. “It’s all over!” The commentator said. “The three winners of Block A are Silver Bolt, Ruby, and Firestorm!” “Way to go Silver Bolt, Ruby!” “Good job Firestorm!” Spitfire said. “You did it, big bro!” Blaze added. “That was a close one,” Firestorm pointed out. “You know it, but we won,” Silver Bolt excitedly added. “Oh yeah!” “Now we can all go to the final round!” Ruby said, while the defeated Garcias head for the closest exit. “Stop right there!” Sagittario said to the Garcias, standing on top of the exit corridor. “You should be ashamed of yourselves!” Suddenly, the Garcias begin crying, which surprises Sagittario. “I never felt like this before,” a crying Argo said. “Even though we lost, I feel better.” “It’s almost as if we’ve been reborn,” a weeping Ian added. “We're sorry we acted that way,” the crying Selen said. “It’s like we really have leaned the importance of honesty,” the crying Enzo finished. “Aw. That’s beautiful!” Sagittario said as he closes his eyes because of his tears. But when he opens them … “Huh? Where'd they go?” Sagittario asked when he sees that the Garcias are gone. “Like that would ever happen. What chumps,” Sagittario head. It’s Ian, who’s in the corridor with the others. “We are hard-core through and through,” Argo added. “We will do anything in order to win,” Selen said. “That is the way the Garcias rule!” They all said before they high tailed it out of there. “What!? No way! I was tricked again!” A furies Sagittario said, looking like he’s gonna bust into flames any moment. “Just ignore them!” Ruby said, calming Sagittario down when he sees Silver Bolt and Ruby below him. “Silver Bolt. Ruby.” “We won, as promised,” Silver Bolt said, reminding his best friend. “I’s your turn next, Sagittario. Just remember what it was like for us as the Crystal Empire's Cutie Mark Crusaders, this will be a walk in a park for you,” Ruby added, which cheers Sagittario up. “Go get ‘em!” “Aw yeah!” Sagittario said, forgetting about the Garcias trick. “Well, the competitors who have advanced into the finals from Block A have been decided.” The commentator suddenly said. “”Now, who will win in Block B and face those three there? Stick around and find out!”
The Star FragmentThe Star Fragment In an observatory just outside of Equestria, a young male, and yet scrawny, Diamond Dog with light grey fur, indigo eyes with glasses, a sky blue blazer with dark blue highlights and white trim with a red tie that has a star design in the middle and a white shirt, is looking at the night sky through the telescope, talking to himself. “Space. Countless stars twinkle, and they’re are so many with planets, that the excitement of finding a new star with a planet that could be teaming with life is never-ending,” he then takes out a picture of when he was a pup, with his grandfather. “Grandfather, you new this,” suddenly, one of his instruments begins to beep as it flashes red, catching his attention. “Ah! It’ here! It’s arrived at last!” He said as he moves the giant telescope towards the anomaly the instrument detected and looks through, to see a meteor heading toward the planet. “Ah, I can’t believe it. I finally found it! There it is, the new Star Fragment!” He said as he looks away from the telescope for a brief moment. ================================================================== In Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle’s daughter Andromeda is busy reading on the subject of time travel, reading about the potential consequences. “I thought you were through with time travel?” Twilight asked as she walks into Andromeda’s work room. “And I thought I told you to put Orion to bed?” “I did, mom,” Andromeda said as she puts the book down. “I’d figured I might as well learn as much as I--” however, they were distracted from their conversation when they suddenly detected a massive surge of magic, so powerful it almost felt like a physical blow to their horns. The shock of it knocked them to the floor. “Did you feel that?” Andromeda asked. “I did,” Twilight said as she gets up. “Go check on Orion. I need to find the Advanced Spell Craft and Magical Phenomena book, then get some paper and a quill. I need to send the Princess a letter.” Twilight said as Andromeda goes upstairs to her brother’s room, praying to Celestia that everything’s all right. ================================================================== Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie is merrily humming her Cupcakes Song as she withdrew a fresh batch of the titular treats from the oven. She took them to the counter to apply some icing, her mind wandering as it often did. At the moment, she was wondering what her kids would say when she would give them a ‘Six-Months-Before-Your-Birthdays-Cupcake-Cake-Surprise. How would Cherry and Berry react? I bet they would love it! Suddenly a powerful shudder ran up her spine as her Pinkie Sense went into overdrive. Her entire body shook with the force of the sensation, her spine twisting like a pretzel before she spun around in a circle like a miniature pink tornado. Finally, she plopped down on the ground, the spinning leaving her dizzy. Pinkie shook her head, trying to clear it. What was that? She hadn’t felt a Pinkie Sense like that at all, and when a new Pinkie Sense suddenly surprised her, it usually means trouble of the worst kind. She looked at the cupcakes on the counter that had miraculously survived her seizure, but the colorful confections no longer appealed to her. She just didn't want to bake anymore, which is shocking to even her. ================================================================== Princess Celestia was in a terribly boring meeting about the wages of weather ponies in Hoofington when she felt it. A wave of magic, stronger than anything anypony other than even herself or her sister could manage. But this wasn’t magic, that much she could tell. This strange magic was ... different. The Princess raised a hoof to stop the mayor of Hoofington. “I’m sorry, Parchment Paper, but I’m going to have to cut our meeting short. Something has just come up. Please, put any further concerns you have in writing and have them delivered to my secretary. I’ll be sure to give them due consideration.” She ignored the mare’s protests as she nearly bolted from the room. It took her less than a minute to arrive at Luna’s room. The younger Alicorn was waiting for her with a nerves look on her face. “You felt it too, didn’t you, Tia?” She asked. “That was different.” “Oh, I felt it all right.” Celestia assured her, having a look of concern across her face. “I don’t know where it came from, but...” She was interrupted as a scroll materialized in a flash of magenta light before her. “Ah, sweet, dutiful Twilight. She and her family must have felt it as well. Let’s see what they have discovered.” She levitated the scroll up and opened it. ================================================================== At some ancient ruins in the thick Mexicolt jungle, a Unicorn wearing a grey cloak that covers most of his body including his face, with all that can be made out from his face is his nose and his eyes, although they are covered blue goggles, is standing on top of the ruins, looking up toward the night sky. “When a dazzling and majestic glow lights up the Earth from the heavens, a new Star Fragment will arrive and awaken a great power,” he said as he gets onto his hind legs and spreads his arms. “That time has come at last!” He said as he sees the meteor enter the planet's atmosphere as it seems to be heading straight towards his location. “Star Fragment, hear me, give that great power to our BLACK SUN!” The mysteries Unicorn demanded, when, suddenly, the Star Fragment splits into 10 pieces of light, shocking him into saying, “Huh?” ================================================================== “No way,” the Diamond Dog said as he sees the Star Fragment explode, when he notices one of the 10 pieces heading right for him! “AH!” He screamed as the light enters his observatory, filling the room he was in with so much light, that he can’t see for a moment. When it’s over, he’s on the ground, visibly shaken by the ordeal. ================================================================== In Mexicolt, the hooded Unicorn sees a pice of the Star Fragment crashes down not far away, but the resulting impact is so strong that a dome of light can be seen. “Ah, what on Earth is going on here?” He asked as the light disappears. “Johannes!” He called, as an Earth Pony stallion from Saddle Arabia appears behind him. He’s wearing a large white cap with a yellow cross-like symbol covering most of his dark spiky hair and his right eye, along with a silver chain-like necklace and a white cloak with yellow symbols like on his cap with brown boots, but his most striking feature are his wide yellow eyes with feline pupils. “Track down the locations of all the scattered fragments,” the hooded Unicorn said, to which Johannes nods as he disappears. “Hmmm ... Oh well. Now it’s just a matter of time until Nemesis is revived.” ================================================================== In Ponyville, Andromeda walks into her brother's room, and sees that Orion is looking out the window. “You and mom felt it too, that surge of magic?” He asked as Andromeda heads to the window, and looks at the night sky also. “We did. Mom wanted me to check on you,” Andromeda said as she sits down next to her baby brother. “I’m just glad your safe for now,” she said as she gets up, when the two notice a light outside. “What the?” She managed to say as the light enters the room and hits her, filling the room with blinding light. When the light disappears, Orion quickly gets out of bed and runs to his sister when he sees her on the floor, shaken by the experience just now. “Andromeda! Are you okay?” He asked, not sure he wanted to find out. “I’m fine.” Andromeda said as she looks over to Orion, when she sees the look of shock on his face. “What is it?” “You might want to look in the mirror.” Orion said. Andromeda, not entirely sure why Orion is all freaked out now, goes to the closes mirror she can find, and gasps. Her eyes are now sparkling like the night sky, almost as if that light change her. “What the ... What?” Andromeda asked as the sparkling disappears. “How is that possible?” A completely stunned Andromeda asked as her brother holds her hoof. “Do you think we should tell mom?” “Just go back to bed and get some sleep for now.” Andromeda said as she leaves the room. “We’ll tell her in the morning.” ================================================================== The next morning, Twilight, is making breakfast for Andromeda and Orion, their favorite, moon flower pancakes with sweet apple tree syrup. Smelling the pancakes, Andromeda and Orion trot down into the kitchen, where they immediately sit, forks and knifes in hoof. “Good to see you two are all better now.” Twilight said as she levitates some pancakes to the two, who notice that their father is gone. “Where’s dad?” Orion asked. “He had to go to Manehattan with some friends last night.” Twilight said as she takes a seat. “He’ll be back in a few days. So, Orion, did you feel anything strange last night?” “I did, and then this light fell from the sky and hit Andromeda, and after the light disappeared, Andromeda’s eyes were sparkling.” Orion said, slightly shocking his mother. A moment later, a scroll materialized before them. The letter dropped out of the air a moment later, and Twilight had to use a quick bit of magic to keep it from landing on top of the syrup-drenched pancakes. “That was close.” Twilight said as she opens the letter and reads it’s contents. “What does it say?” Andromeda asked. “Is it about that surge of magic last night?” Orion added. “Well, whatever it was last night, not even Celestia and Luna know.” Twilight said, slightly stunning the two. “But she is gonna try to solve it, whatever it was,” and with that, the three began to eat the pancakes, till they hear a knocking at the library door. “I’ll get it!” Orion said. Before his sister or mother could protest, he has already eaten his pancakes and is running over to the door and opens it, and sees Rarity, Radiance, Pinkie Pie, the Pie twins, Applejack, Bismarck, Bucky, Fluttershy, Peach Cobbler, Flora, Rainbow Dash and Tempest at the door. “Guys? What is it?” Orion asked as she heads outside, followed by his sister, while Twilight was busy cleaning the mess in the kitchen Orion left. “Well, Pinkie Pie and Radiance have a really bad feeling last night.” Tempest said. “Exactly!” Rarity said. “Last night, we were coming up with some new designs for the coming summer, when Radiance's horn lit up, and then we felt this strange and powerful magic with my horn.” “And I had this really weird Pinkie Sense, like when Fluttershy was in Froggy Bottom Bog, but it felt like it was trying to tell me that something either really good or really bad has happened!” “We felt the same thing, and so did the Princesses,” Andromeda said. “It can’t just be a coincidence,” she said as Tempest lands next to her, who sees an arrow flying at her. “Get down!” Tempest said as he takes Andromeda out-of-the-way, when Twilight walks out of the doorway. “Guys, whats going on--” she began to say, only for the arrow to barely hit Twilight as it impales into the library. “MOM!” Both Andromeda and Orion cried as Twilight collapses to the ground, breathing heavy as her friends rush to her aid. “Oh dear, Twilight! Are you all right?” Rarity asked. “Who would do something that!?!” Andromeda asked, enraged that someone nearly killed her mother, when she notices something odd about the arrow. “Hey, something’s attach to it,” she said when she finds a not tied to the arrow, which she takes off. “What is it?” Flora asked. “Let’s see. ‘Andromeda Sparkle, you are mine, meet me by the lake near the Everfree Forest.’” Andromeda read. “Oh great, another hotshot unicorn who want's to challenge you.” Orion said as Twilight gets back up. “Ever since you and your team won the World Duel Championships IX, unicorns from all around the world have wanted to defeat you, wanting the title of champion.” Twilight said. “Well, if he want’s to pick a fight, he’s got one!” Andromeda said as she heads toward the lake in question, followed by her friends and family. “Andromeda, hold on, we don’t even know who this guy is!” Tempest said as they all go after her. ================================================================== Later in Everfree Forest, Andromeda and her friends and family are waiting by the shore, where Andromeda has lost her patience with her challenger, something that rarely happens. “There’s nopony here! No fair! Where is my challenger?” “Yo' know whut, guys?” Bucky began to say. “Isn’t it weird thet a challenge letter came not long af'er th' whole time travel incident.” “I noticed.” Tempest said. “This guy must have spied on Andromeda for a while now.” He said as Andromeda continues her little tantrum. “Who do you think the challenger is?” Radiance asked. “This guy sure has some nerve sending a challenge and then showing up late! Come on out I say!” Andromeda screamed, when the group suddenly begin to hear a creaking sound on the water, scaring Flora, Fluttershy, and the Pie twins into holding onto each other out of fear. “What’s that?” Cherry asked as her mother tries to comfort her. “Don’t know, it’s a creepy sound,” Flora said, when they see a shape beginning to form in the fog on the lake, what looks like a young unicorn stallion around Andromeda’s age standing on a boat, with a minotaur rowing it. “Hey, someone’s coming,” Flora said, making Andromeda growl in anger as the two in the fog become more visible. She sees that the unicorn is quite muscular, similar to Tempest. He also has a dark green mane that spikes high above his head along with a ponytail that drapes behind his head, while his coat is a brilliant azure. He also has sharp light green lion-like eyes that have long scars shaped like cross going across them and is wearing a green coat with ripped-off sleeves. His cutie mark is a tornado. “Huh, you?” Andromeda said, recognizing the challenger. “Sorry I’m late, Andromeda Sparkle.” The azure and green unicorn said, clearly visible to the others now, who also recognize him. “Leone Lulamoon.” Andromeda said. “Trixie’s son?” Tempest said. “It was Leone?” Bismarck said. “Bummer.” The Cutie Mark Crusaders all said. “What do you mean ‘bummer’?” The brown minotaur that has a big build with a large stomach, short purple hair that is covered by a white beanie hat that has a red bull's skull on it and a red and black jacket with red strip on both the front side that is zipped on his torso, asked as he stops rowing and gets up, only for him to get off balanced and fall into the water. He quickly gets back to the surface and grabs onto the boat. “Hey there, Andromeda. So now, I hope you haven’t forgotten about your duel with Leone at the World Duel Championships IX. Have you, huh?” He said as he pushes the boat the rest of the way to shore. “What does he mean?” Rarity asked. “I know.” Orion said. “Team Star Swirl, which consisted of Andromeda, our cousin Sagittario, Tempest, Bismarck, Firestorm, Yu as a sub member, and me with Radiance as support members did win the overall team battle against Team Wild Fang during the quarter finals.” “But Andromeda and Leone tied in a double knockout during their match.” Tempest added. “You just got lucky, Andromeda.” Leone said. “Stop bragging that you’re number 1.” “What?” “The deal is,” Leone said as he jumps off the boat, and lands just feet away from Andromeda, “that I, Leone Lulamoon, will now defeat you!” “It’s not like Andromeda’s been bragging, really.” Tempest said. “She’s been quiet humble, ah reckon.” Bismarck added. “In her own way.” Radiance said. “Enough talk!” The minotaur, whose name is Taurus, said. “You guys just watch, this will rock!” Andromeda then chuckles a little. “Okay, Leone, we’ll duel. Since you nearly hurt my mom, I need some payback. So bring it on whenever, pal.” “I guess those two never change their attitude to each other, do they?” Berry said. “It’s like things are back to normal.” Twilight said. “But don’t do anything stupid, Andromeda!” “We don’t have any walls or rules out here.” Leone pointed out. “This entire area is our arena. Let’s use the whole space, Andromeda.” “Sounds good to me.” Andromeda said. “Let’s do this!” Leone said as he runs, followed by Andromeda, as their duel begins. “Hey, this time you’re going down, hear me!” Leone said as he prepares his signature spell as his horn glows green. “Lion Gale Force Wall!” He yelled as he casts the spell, causing a tornado to appear, sucking up the sand on the beach, temporally blinding Andromeda. “Watch this. Leone trained really hard to improve the true Lion Gale Force Wall, making it into a completely new spell.” Taurus said to the others as they do their best to keep up. “It’s the new true Lion Gale Force Wall Version 2: Wall of Sandstorm!” “The new true ... sandstorm?” Peach Cobbler asked. “Guys, look.” Twilight said while pointing toward the tornado. “Leone is using the tornado to swirl up the sand on the beach. Andromeda, be careful, that sand twister is stronger than any wall of wind he’s made before!” “Ha! Andromeda, I’m gonna smash you into beach sand!” Leone said as he moves the twister towards Andromeda, who has to teleport away several feet just to avoid the sand. “That’s it!” Andromeda said as she charges a blast and fires, but the tornado somehow redirects the blast toward some boulders, destroying them. “Say what?” “The tornado was able to redirect Andromeda’s blast?” A stunned Orion said. “Yeah! All right! Good job, Leone pal!” Taurus cheered. “I’m not done!” Leone said as he moves his tornado toward the broken boulders, and hurls the pieces toward Andromeda, who has to create a shield to protect herself. “Seriously!?” Andromeda asked as he shield cracks a little. “Keep it up, Leone buddy!” Taurus cheered. “Andromeda!” Both Orion, Twilight and Tempest shouted, worried for her safety. “That’s a cheesy move.” Radiance said. “Usin' busted rocks sure is low.” Bismarck added. “Why not try using your own power for a change.” Rainbow Dash said, getting an annoyed look from Taurus. “Enough!” Taurus nearly yelled. “A lion hunts fiercely.” Leone pointed out. “I told you already. This isn’t some well-mannered stadium or coliseum with a ton of rules, this is the wild, get me?” Leone said as his assault of rock and sand ceases on Andromeda. “It’s a competition to see who can survive.” “Are you telling me that’s why you pick this location?” Andromeda said as she lowers her shield. “That’s right, Andi.” Leone said. “Luring your pry somewhere that gives you an advantage is the best way to hunt. This is how the wild lion battles. This is how I battle too!” “Yes, I know that’s how you fight, Leone. I still remember the first time we meet when we were foals all those years ago,” Andromeda said, remembering the meeting all to well. “That’s when our rivalry first began. So now, just like my mom did when she first meet yours, I won’t let myself loose,” she said as she moves to the right position to get ride of the tornado. “I know what to do now,” Andromeda said as she charges up another blast and prepares to fire. “Sis, what are you doing, he’ll just deflect it again!” Orion called out. “Don’t worry. I can use this wilderness setting as a weapon too,” Andromeda said as she fires at the right spot on the tornado, which deflects the laser toward a tree, knocking it down onto the tornado, making it dissipate. “What!?” Leone said as Andromeda’s friends and family cheer, while Taurus looks on in shock. “Awesome!” Tempest shouted. “That was so cool, Andromeda.” “She made him deflect the blast on purpose to knock down that tree to get rid of the tornado.” Twilight said. “Huh, I didn't see that coming.” Leone said, when he notices that Andromeda’s gone. “Where did she go?” “Over here!” Andromeda said as she heads into the swamp. “Catch me if you can.” She said as she disappears into the brush. “Come back here!” Leone said as he and the others go after Andromeda, who’s going by some standing boulders, which Leone knocks down, causing a domino effect, causing the standing boulders to fall toward Andromeda. “Andromeda, look out!” Tempest yelled as a boulder’s about to fall on her, but she manages to teleport a few feet away from where the boulder landed. “Ha! That’s no big deal!” Leone said as the others try their best to avoid any debris, who see Andromeda and Leone hurl rocks at each other with their magic, sending more debris their way. “This is quickly getting out of hand!” Pinkie Pie said. “And I was just gonna ask Andromeda out, too!” Tempest said under his breath, making sure the others won’t hear him. “You're as good as always, Leone.” Andromeda said as they head deeper into the swamp. “Say that while you can, Andromeda. I’m gonna settle things once and for all.” “I don’t think so,” Andromeda said as she quickly blasts the ground Leone was on, and sends him hurtling into a bog. “Nuts!” Leone said as Andromeda teleports into a tree and prepares to finish this duel. “Finish it, sis!” Orion cheered. “Yeah, plus, Leone’s stuck, he kin’t use his signature spell in thet thick water.” Bucky added. “This should end it.” Flora said as Andromeda charges a knockout spell, and fires it at Leone. “Not quiet yet!” Leone yelled as he charges his spell, and creates a cyclone of water, blocking the blast. “Huh?” Andromeda and her friends and family all said. “Yeah!” Taurus said. “This is Leone’s new new spell. New True Lion Gale Force Wall Version 2.5! Storm of -- No, Wall of Water ... Um?” “Aw, just call them all ‘Lion Gale Force Wall.’” A slightly annoyed Peach Cobbler said. “The name doesn't matter.” Leone said inside the cyclone of water as he stops the spell in it’s tracks. Andromeda, fed up with this duel, decides to cut through the tornado, but as she lands, Leone is gone. “What? Where’s Leone?” Andromeda asked, not noticing that she’s starting to sink into the black water. “Looking for me?” Leone said, now out of the water, with a clear shot at Andromeda. “Huh?” “Whoa, Leone muss haf teleported outta th' tornado when Andromeda dived in,” Applejack said as she and the others look on in awe, especially Taurus. “Whoa! That's Leone for ya, kids!” Taurus said. “Now Leone will probably brag about beating Andromeda.” Twilight said as Leon points toward Andromeda. “Well, well, it looks like chasing me into the swamp has backfired,” Leone mocked. “Andromeda, it is for the sole purpose of defeating you that I continue to grow stronger. Today, more than yesterday, tomorrow, more than today. As you are now, can you fight against this?” Leone said, making Andromeda growl in anger. “I am the wild king of beasts, I do not allow my prey to escape!” “You’ve got her now, Leone pal!” Taurus cheered. “This is starting to get dangerous for Andromeda!” Tempest said as he tries to fly to Andromeda to help her, but Bismarck stops him. “This hyar is Andromeda’s fight, Tempest. She'd wan’t yo' t'stay out of it,” Bismarck said, causing the reluctant Tempest to land on the ground, and hope for the best. “You sure did put up a good fight, Andromeda.” Leone said as he charges another spell. “You did good yourself, Leone. You really are my strongest and bravest rival,” Andromeda began to say. “However, it doesn't matter,” Andromeda said as a yellow glow encases her. “I will not lose. I don’t like to lose. If you become stronger, then I’ll become stronger than you ARE!” “Why do I get the feeling that something bad is about to happen?” Orion said as the two charge up a blast. “Forget it! This is the end!” Leone said as a green glow encases him as he prepares to fire along with Andromeda. “I will not lose!” Andromeda said as the two fire, with the resulting impact being so powerful, that a small explosion happens, blinding everyone as something miraculous happens to Leone and Andromeda. When the smoke clears, Tempest, Twilight and her son Orion, along with Taurus are the first the see that something has happened. “Andromeda?” Tempest, Twilight and Orion said at the same time. “Leone, pal?” Taurus said, when they see something completely shocking. Andromeda has gained wings, and her cutie mark has change from the Andromeda galaxy to the constellation Andromeda, while Leone has also gained wings and his cutie mark has changed to the constellation Leo, but he also now has fangs like a lion, while his mane has turned into something like a lion's mane. “Huh?!” A completely stunned Andromeda said when she notices her new wings. “What that heck!?” Leon asked when three bone claws, a foot long each, extend from one of his hoofs. The entire group than gasps at the sight. “They ... they turned into Alicorns!” A shocked Radiance said. “And Leone has turned into a lion-colt thing!” The Pie twins said at the same time. “And their cutie marks changed!” Tempest added. “How can that be?” Twilight asked. “What’s going on?” Taurus asked as Orion runs up to his sister, both happy and scared at the same time. “Awesome! This is so awesome Andromeda!” Orion said as he, Andromeda and Leone leave the now dried pond of water. “I agree with you on that, Orion!” Leone said, slightly surprising the two siblings as the others follow them. “Andromeda, I have no idea what just happened to us, but I don’t care. I dig it!” Leone said as he extends claws from both of his front hoofs and slices and dices some trees in his way, opening up a path to an open field. “Leone, buddy!” Taurus called out as he and the others follow Andromeda and Leone. “Let’s go, Andromeda. Showdown!” Leone said as he charges another blast. “Yeah!” Andromeda said as she does the same thing, but not before she get’s Orion a safe distance. The two rivals than fire at each other again, this time the explosion is so large that it can be seen for miles. Once the smoke clears, the group see that Twilight had managed to create a shield around them, protecting them from the blast. “Andromeda!” All of Andromeda’s friends and family shouted. “You okay, Leone? How did the showdown end?” Taurus asked as the smoke clears, where they see the two on the ground, having used up all their strength. “Andromeda!” “Leone, pal!” They yelled as they run to their aid. ================================================================== Meanwhile, just outside of Equestria at an airport, the Diamond Dog from the observatory, now carrying a leather bag on his back, is running toward the blimp that’s heading for Canterlot. “I have to hurry. I have to tell Celestia and Luna about this right away.” He said as he runs for the blimp. Suddenly, the Saddle Arabian earth pony from earlier appears behind him as a black ally cat walks up to him from behind, where he pets the little thing, planning on how to stop the Diamond Dog once he arrives at the capital of Equestria.
The Greatest Tag-Team TournamentThe Greatest Tag-Team Tournament On China’s Yellow River, the group, along with team Wang Hu Zhong and Rainbow Dash, are on a river boat, heading toward the first site of the tournament. “So cool!” Tempest said as they all admire the giant pillar of rock near the river. “What amazing scenery,” Anubis added. “We’re thrilled to share China’s beauty with you,” Mei-Mei said. “However, there is no time to stare at the scenery,” Chao Xin said. “We’re approaching the site of the tournament,” Dashan added. “Way out here?” Peach Cobbler asked. “Isn’t this kinda out-of-the-way, you know, like the moon?” Taurus added. “We’re here. Look there,” Chin-yun said while pointing ahead. “Wow!” Rainbow said as they see four riverboats, surrounding an island made of yellow sandstone. The riverboats have the spectators on the top three floors, while on the floor closest to the water on one boat, all the competitors are waiting. Up above, a blimp with two giant screens, an overweight griffin announcer can be seen. “Hey now,” the announcer said. “Nín hǎo, hey there, competitors! Welcome to our tournament, Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù, or ‘Gateway to Success’! The stage for the first round of the tournament is a natural wonder created over a humongous period of time, this here Yellow River Stadium!” The announcer said as the crowd cheers. “Wow,” Bucky said. “So, listen up, my friends,” the announcer continued, “according to ancient Chinese legend, a carp that swims up the entire Yellow River will become a dragon. Who are the two dragons that will win this tournament and climb to the top of the tag-team world? Watch now ‘cause your about to find out!” “Go, Wang Hu Zhong!” Someone in the crowd cheered as the boat carrying the group enter the waiting area. “Be the dragon, you guys!” Someone else called out. “Mommy,” Anubis whispered, getting stage fright. “Everyone is getting pumped, huh,” Tempest said to Wang Hu Zhong. “Thats because this is the first big martial arts tournament in a long time,” Dashan answered. “Everyone is expecting that this time, Chin-yun and the others of Wang Hu Zhong will defeat you, Andromeda. We intend to see that they go home happy.” “Thats not gonna happen!” Andromeda said, her competitive side that she shares with her brother getting the best of her, again. “Sorry, but the team who will win is us! Right, Anubis?” “Uh, yes ma’am,” Anubis said, still having a little stage fright. “I’m honored that the first tournament I’ve ever been to, let alone compete in, will be on a team with Miss Andromeda. That’s for sure. I will do my very best.” “Huh? Did you say your first tournament?” Rainbow asked. “You've never been to a tournament of any kind before?” Tempest asked. “It’s true,” Anubis said with a nerves chuckle. “But I’ve been practicing really hard since I’ve meet you all, Miss Andromeda. So its okay.” “Shease! Practice is not the same thing at all,” Leone pointed out. “Your a total amateur.” “What? An amateur?” Anubis asked. “Doesn't matter!” Taurus suddenly said. “When it comes to a tag-team, Leone and I are the strongest. There’s no way we’ll lose to a newbie tag-team like yours.” “Yeah right,” Andromeda said. “You seem to be forgetting about us,” Mei-Mei began to say. “And that's a big mistake.” “I have to live to the expectations of my loyal fans, you know,” Chao Xin said as he waves at some female griffins in the stand. “Yeah! Chao Xin, baby!” One girl called out. “Win it for me, Chao Xin!” Another called. “I’m glade yo' don’t git like tat, bro,” Bucky said to his brother. “Same here,” Radiance added. “Chin-yun’s will win this thing!” “No way,” Tempest said as he places his arm on Andromeda, making her blush a bit. “Andi and Anubis will win it!” “Leone and I are gonna take it, hear!” “Settle down, everyone!” Bismarck suddenly said. “Ah unnerstan' yer feelings, but don’t forget t'other reason we’re hyar. Right, everyone?” “Bismarck’s right,” Radiance added. “We need to remember to keep our eyes open for signs of the Legendary Warrior that we’ve been looking for here in China,” Radiance said as she and the others look at the other competitors, 24, or 12 other teams, in total. “Who could it be?” Cherry asked. “Take a good look, Chao Xin,” Mei-Mei said. “Is the unicorn you saw in that group over there?” “Hard to say,” Chao Xin said. “When I saw him, his entire body was covered in a dark cloak. So, unfortunately, I didn’t see his face, or even what color he is.” “We have one clue,” Dashan said. “All we know is that the color of his magic is crimson red.” “I see at least 7 unicorns whose eye color is a shade of red in that group,” Radiance said. “It does narrow down who it is, but not by much.” “Right then, let's go over the rules of the Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù tournament,” the announcer suddenly said. “The rules are simple: you either have to knock either one or both of your opponents out of the arena, or get more points in the 5 minute time limit. The attack, form, and efficiency of your techniques all determine how many of points you will get. And remember, if at least one team member is defeated, the entire team loses. So, you better bring you A game!” Anubis then gasps at the fact that, “‘The team loses'? That stinks!” Anubis said. “Hey!” Leone said to the nerves Diamond Dog. “If Andromeda loses because of you, I won’t be happy. Understand? If Andromeda loses, it’s to me. So don’t dare lose before facing us,” Leone finished, making Anubis step back in fear. “Leone--” Andromeda tried to say, only for the announcer to interrupt her. “Yeah, baby!” The announcer said. “Time to get it on. Lets see who survives the first round, and goes on to fight in the even tougher second round.” “Let’s do this,” one of the competitors said. “It’s go time,” another said. Unfortunately, there is one team the group didn’t see. Both are earth ponies from Saddle Arabia, one is a stallion that’s wearing a large white cap with a yellow cross-like symbol covering most of his dark spiky hair and his right eye, along with a silver chain-like necklace and a white cloak with yellow symbols like on his cap with brown boots, but his most striking feature are his wide yellow eyes with feline pupils. The other is a mare with a yellow coat, a light brown mane with a white ribbon at the back of her head that looks like cat ears from the front. She has large, light green eyes like those of a cat, and two small catlike teeth sticking out of her mouth as well. “Meow, meow,” the mare said to the stallion, Johannes. “Are you sure you want Motti as you partner, big kitty? Meow. Motti has never been in a tournament. Meow.” “No one is counting your help, Motti,” Johannes said to her. “Do you understand me?” “Meow?” “All you have to do is just stay out of my way while I fight. Okay?” “Meow, meow?” “You see, I couldn't be in the tournament without a partner, that's all. I just brought you along in order to get in, not to compete. So you can just leave all the fighting that to me.” “That’s fine with me, then,” Motti said. “But I will make sure you give me the reward you promised! Meow, meow!” “You sure do go on about that,” Johannes noted. “You’ll get it, okay?” Johannes said, making Motti spin with all her might, turning into a yellow blur. Spinning like a top, she slammed to a sudden halt, her eyes bobbled around, still trying to adjust to the moving river that she couldn't see, as Johannes sighs in embarrassment. “Yeah, baby!” The announcer suddenly cried as he rings a gong, getting everyone’s attention. “Now, without further ado, let the tag-team tournament, Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù, begin!” He said as the crowd cheers while the first two team go to the stadium. “Let’s start the opening match right, with these two rock stars! From China’s own pride and joy, Wang Hu Zhong, comes the Dashan/Chin-yun team!” “Wang Hu Zhong! Wang Hu Zhong!” The crowd chanted, completely ignoring the other team as they land on the small island, who is a unicorn and pegasus team, with the unicorn having bright red eyes. “Man, gotta love that home town crowed, huh?” Rainbow said. “The whole place is cheering for Wang Hu Zhong,” Flora added. “I can’t believe I’m gonna be in front of such a huge crowd,” Anubis said to himself. “I can do this. I am one of the Legendary Warriors, don’t forget,” Anubis said as the first round begins. “Check it out! Here we go!” The announcer called out as he, along with everyone on the river, start the countdown. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” They said as the two teams charge at each other. “Here we go!” Dashan said as he and Chin-yun charge up a spell. “Time for a Storm Surge!” “And a Tempestuous Whirlwind Sword!” Chin-yun added as the two fire their spells at their panicking opponents. When the spells hit, a beam of light jumps into the sky, scaring the announcer. “Whoa! It's all over!” He said when he sees the unicorn and pegasus outside of the arena, while the crowd cheers loudly. “What a brilliant display of magic and power that was! In a matter of seconds, the Dashan-Chin-yun team effortlessly push through the first round!” “Amazing!” A completely stunned Anubis said. “You should’t be surprised that Dashan and Chin-yun would kick butt like that,” Mei-Mei said as Dashan and Chin-yun return to the boat, while Leone and Taurus go up next, their round already starting. “There’s no way that I’m losing to anyone here, either!” Taurus said as he charges at the their opponents, two griffin, and uppercuts them into the river. “Yes, sir. I get them good, huh Leone, pal?” “Yeah,” Leone said to Taurus as they head back to the boat. “The winner is the Leone/Taurus team,” the announcer said. “Leone did not have to do a thing, Taurus advanced them to the second round all by himself.” “You sure are stronger than you look, Taurus,” Tempest said. “Uh, thanks. I think,” Taurus said as the third match is about to start, as Rainbow notices who’s going up. “Oh, no,” Rainbow said, getting everyone's attention. “Mom, what is it?” Tempest asked. “Just look who’s up next,” Rainbow simply said. “Now, welcome to the stage...” the announcer said as the group look at the stadium, “Johannes!” “Well, look at what the cat dragged in,” Berry said. “And what is with that partner of his?” Cherry added. “And Motti!” The announcer said as Motti jump around the stadium, meowing and waving at the crowd, shocking the group. “What’s the deal with that?” A stunned Andromeda asked. “Ah said it befo'e, I’ll say it agin. Ah hate cats,” Bismarck said, as the other team steps onto the stage, causing the crowd to go into an uproar, getting the groups. “Their opposing team is, Hong Kong superstars, the Huǒ/Shuǐ team!” The announcer said as the two unicorns, both having bright red eyes, take on a karate stance. “After earning high scores in tournaments around the world, these two formed a tag-team to enter the Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù tournament.” “Well, let's get it on,” Huǒ said to the two cat-things. “Meow?” Motti asked. “You two kittens are going down,” Shuǐ added. “Meow! I’m scared of them!” Motti said as she holds onto Johannes’s led. “Ha! I can easily take care of those two myself with no problem,” Johannes said. “Say what?” Huǒ and Shuǐ asked as Motti let's go of Johannes. “What a brave kitty you are,” Motti said to Johannes. “Enough chitchat, kitty cat,” the announcer said. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” They all said as the two teams enter the arena. “Just play by yourself in the back so you don’t get in my way. Okay, kitty?” Johannes said to Motti, who jumps back and stands next to the arena’s outer rim. “Let’s get him!” “You bet!” Huǒ and Shuǐ respectfully said as they fire several blasts at Johannes, who doges them all with great ease. “So, how long can you avoid our barrage, cat-colt thingy?” “Humph! You two might be Hong Kong superstars, but you don’t understand the first thing about a tag-team match,” Johannes said. “Come again?” Shuǐ asked. “When both members of a team are unicorns, the attacks and fighting styles are two similar, I’m afraid,” Johannes said. “Save it. Your making that up,” Huǒ called out as he and Shuǐ prepare a spell. “Am I, really?” Johannes asked as the two unicorns fire, but Johannes takes his chain, and deflects their blasts. “No!” “He deflected them?” Huǒ and Shuǐ respectfully said. “Johannes deflected their knockout spells!” The announcer said. “How did he do that?” “His chain necklace is magdrillium too?” Tempest asked. “Apparently,” Andromeda said. “Oh! Who cares that he has something that can deflect magic?” Huǒ said, getting a laugh from Johannes. “Unfortunately for you, I also have a surprise for you two,” Johannes said. “Uh, oh!” Huǒ and Shuǐ said as Johannes throws a bomb at them, releasing gas. “I can’t see!” “Me either!” Shuǐ added as Johannes jumps in, and bucks the two into the river. “The Huǒ/Shuǐ team just got uppercutted out of the stadium!” The announcer said as the two unicorns emerge from the river, gasping for air. “The winner is the Johannes/Motti team!” The announcer finished as Motti does a little victory dance, while the group stare on in shock. “He defeated two talented unicorns, and so easily?” A shocked Dashan asked. “That smoke bomb allowed him to sneak up on them so he can kick them out of the stadium,” Radiance said as Johannes and Motti leave. “If he has such speed and agility, along with that strength and his magdrillium, then, Andromeda...” “Yeah,” Andromeda interrupted, “he may be one of us, a Legendary Warrior...” “Up next is one of the most exciting matches in the first round,” the announcer suddenly said. “Competitors who took part in the last World Duel Championships will clash in this awesome duel right before your eyes!” He said as a computer monitor shows the two teams, the Chao Xin/Me-Mei team verses the Andromeda/Anubis team. The match up causes the entire crowd to scream as Chao Xin and Mei-Mei take a boat to the stadium. “Who can forget Wang Hu Zhong’s great efforts in the World Championships?Here come two of those members, the Chao Xin/Me-Mei team.” “Wang Hu Zhong! Wang Hu Zhong!” The crowd chanted. “You can do it, Chao Xin!” A female griffin in the crowd called out. “Go Chao Xin, Hunkasaures!” Another added. “And speaking of the last World Duel Championships, this mare come to mind, does she not?” The announcer said as Andromeda and Anubis’s boat lands on the island. “Here’s the leader of the winning team of the World Duel Championships IX, Andromeda!” “Let’s go, Anubis,” Andromeda said as she steps onto the island, while Anubis stays on the boat, a little hesitant. Time to put up or shut up. I can’t let myself lose to Taurus or the members of Wang Hu Zhong. Anubis thought to himself, when Andromeda snaps him back to reality. “Come on, Anubis,” Andromeda said, making Anubis run after her. “Huh? Yes, ma’am,” Anubis said as he steps off the boat. “And her partner is the up and coming Diamond Dog: Anubis!” The announcer said, but instead of a cheer, the two get booing from the crowd, making Anubis gasp in terror. “Ah! What is with their mood?” Anubis asked. “They sure aren't our fans, are they?” Andromeda said, as Anubis isolates himself in his mind. “So, this is how it is,” Anubis said to himself, as Mei-Mei walks up to them a bit. “Hey there, Andromeda,” Mei-Mei began to say. “Are you ready to throw up with us? Huh?” “You meant to say, ‘throw down with us,’ right?” Chao Xin asked. “In a tag match, experience is a deodorant,” Mei-Mei added. “No, ‘experience is important’!” Chai Xin corrected. “Chao Xin and I are gonna give you a taste of our impressive frustration.” “‘A taste of our impressive combination,’ you mean,” Chai Xin corrected, again, as the others stare at them with a mix of disappointment and frustration. “They certainly understand each other, don’t they?” Radiance said as the match begins. “And now for the match you’ve been waiting for! Whoa baby!” The announcer suddenly said. “3 ... *2 ... 1 ... GO!***” Suddenly, Chao Xin and Mei-Mei charge at the two, heading for Andromeda! Anubis, due to the stress of his stage fright, he can’t move at all as Chao Xin and Mei-Mei gang up on Andromeda. “Miss Andromeda!” Anubis said, but still can’t move. “The Chao Xin/Mei-Mei teams attacks are working, gaining 20 points already!” The announcer called out. “Anubis can’t do a thing as he watches his partner take the full force of the attacks. What is going through his head?” The announcer finished as Chao Xin and Mei-Mei back off from Andromeda for a second. “I’m sorry, Miss Andromeda,” Anubis said, having calm down a little. “Don’t worry about it,” Andromeda said. “Just calm down, Anubis.” “I’m okay now. Don’t worry about me,” Anubis said as he prepares a spell. “Hold on a sec,” Andromeda tried to say, but it's too late as Anubis fires a laser at Chao Xin and Mei-Mei. “Humph! A small laser like that won’t do a thing against us,” Chao Xin said as he takes on a certain stance. “Solid Iron Wall!” Chao Xin said as the blast hits, but it dose’t even make him flinch. “Ah! No way!” A panicking Anubis said. “Don’t panic, Anubis,” Andromeda said on the other side of the stadium. “You need to calm down, but fast,” Andromeda said, when she sees that Anubis is beginning to shake. “I have to do ... something,” Anubis said, him being nerves not helping. “I have to make up for when I froze at the beginning,” Anubis added, with Leone growling in anger. “Pull yourself together! Okay, Anubis?” Taurus called out. “Whats going on with you, Anubis?” Flora asked. “During practice, you were in complete control! What’s wrong?” Cherry asked. “He’s overwhelmed with his fust tournament experience,” Bismarck answered. “Ah know th' feelin'.” “Bismarck is right,” Dashan added. “The difference in pressure from standing in a stadium or arena verses from watching in the stands is like the difference between the skies and the earth.” “Ha! He’s unfit. Can someone like that really be a Legendary Warrior?” Chin-yun asked as Andromeda fires a blast of air at Chao Xin and Mei-Mei. “Whoa!” Chao Xin and Mei-Mei said as they barely avoid the blast. “You two can’t avoid the air, can you?” Andromeda said as she creates an air sword. “So, this time, I’ll be your opponent!” “Now your talking turkey,” Chao Xin said. “Andromeda, we need to beat you to make this a true victory,” Mei-Mei added. “Andromeda has come to the rescue of Anubis, who is still shaking from the beginning! Andromeda begins to counterattack!” The announcer said. “Not on my watch, she won’t,” Mei-Mei said as she pushes Andromeda back several feet, near the edge of the stadium. Chao Xin then takes two swords and forces Andromeda further to the edge. “Andromeda can do nothing but try to hold on as she is hit again and again by Chao Xin and Mei-Mei’s attack waves!” The announcer said, while Anubis looks on in shock. “Andromeda, ma’am, please hold on. I’m gonna try to help,” Anubis said as he prepares a blast again. However, Mei-Mei and Chao Xin dodged the blast, and it hits Andromeda instead, sending her flying to the very edge the stadium. “Unbelievable! Anubis hits his teammate!” The announcer said. “Oh no, you didn’t!” Leone yelled as Andromeda gets back up, slightly hurt. She’ll lose. Anubis thought. She’ll lose because of me! Anubis then becomes so sacred that he can’t make a move. “Anubis?!” Tempest called out, getting no response. This is no good. What if I mess up again? Anubis thought, remembering what Leone said to him earlier. ================================================================== “If Andromeda loses because of you, I won’t be happy. Understand?” Leone said to the then calm Anubis. ================================================================== Anubis’s fear then increases as he nearly collapses to the ground. “Anubis, we can't make a move separately,” Andromeda said to the terrified Diamond Dog. “We only have 3 minutes left, so we need to combine our strength.” “That won’t work!” Anubis said. “Huh?” “I’ll just mess up. I’m just not good enough to be on your team, Miss Andromeda. I can’t aloud myself to get in your way anymore!” Anubis added. “What are you talking about?” Andromeda asked. “This is a tag-team match. We can’t win if we don’t work together, understand me?” “But I stink,” Anubis said. “Anubis, no...” Andromeda tried to say. “Looks like he’s lost his confidence, huh?” Chao Xin said. “Well, hitting your own partner does cause the most phycological dandruff,” Mei-Mei pointed out. “‘Phycological damage,’” Chao Xin corrected, again. “Never mind, all we have to do now is either wait this out, or go in for the kill. I’m inclined to go for the latter.” “That’s not gonna happen!” Andromeda said as Mei-Mei and Chao Xin cut her off from Anubis. “Chao Xin and Mei-Mei have cut Andromeda off from her partner! Is the end near?” The announcer asked. “Sure looks an unexpected result here,” Johannes said as he watches from the waiting area as Motti eats some dumplings, having not a care in the world. “Miss Andromeda,” Anubis said, but still doesn't do a thing. “You got to get a grip, Anubis! Just get in there! Andromeda can’t wait forever!” Tempest yelled out. “I can’t do it!” Anubis said to himself. “What if I accidentally hit her again? Because of me, Miss Andromeda will end up losing the match. Don’t you see?” “Anubis, come on!” Bucky yelled as Andromeda is pushed closer to the edge, as only 2 minutes and 30 seconds remain. “It’s all over,” a clearly happy Chin-yun said, while Anubis can’t move at al-- “Quit whining, will ya!” Leone suddenly yelled out, getting Anubis’ attention. “Leone!” Radiance barked at the lioncorn. “Leone, pal?” Taurus asked. “If Andromeda loses because you did nothing, it will be all your fault, dude!” Leone added. “Don’t just stand there, fight back!” “Mister Leone ... Fight back?” Anubis asked. “He’s right Anubis,” Andromeda said, getting Anubis’s attention. “We can talk about this later, but as long as you try, it doesn't matter if you lose. But losing because you didn’t try at all is unforgivable!” “But, Miss Andromeda...” Anubis tried to say. “Anubis!” Tempest suddenly called out. “Don’t you remember when you stood up to Cetus, that time?” Tempest asked, making Anubis gasp in realization and shock. ================================================================== “If you insist on walking away from us, than I will fight you,” the then gray Anubis said as he holds onto the broken rock like it’s a weapon. ================================================================== “Ah! I remember!” Anubis said. “If you try, you can do it!” Andromeda said to her partner, with only 1 minute and 50 seconds left. “That’s why the Start Fragment went to you. Isn’t that right? Just do it.” “Huh? What did she just say?” A shock Johannes said. That’s right! Anubis thought to himself. The Star Fragment came to me and gave me its power. When I can fully control that power, I will be a true Legendary Warrior, Anubis then takes a deep breath, calming himself down completely. Calm down, if I let something like this get the better of me, then I’m not qualified to be a Legendary Warrior, “Anubis, my boy, please be brave now, just believe in yourself and you can do it!” Anubis said as he prepares to fire another blast at Chao Xin and Mei-Mei. “What now?” Mei-Mei asked. “So, we’ll just have to make him hit his teammate again. ‘Kay Mei-Mei?” Chao Xin said as he and Mei-Mei jump out-of-the-way as Anubis fires, but he controls the laser, and it glides right past Andromeda. “Huh?” “No way!” Mei-Mei added. “Go now, Miss Andromeda!” Anubis said as he and Andromeda begin to glow, his being indigo and Andromeda’s being yellow. “Let’s do it!” Andromeda said as she and Anubis charge at the two, with Andromeda manifesting the toga mare alicorn while Anubis manifests the two-legged Egyptian jackal, which shocks Johannes even more. “Oh boy!” Johannes said. “Special move: Brave Impact!” Anubis suddenly said as he and Andromeda charge at the two. Suddenly, there's an explosion, with Mei-Mei and Chao Xin flying into the river, with 1 minuet to spare. “All right!” The entire group, except for Dashan, Chin-yun and Leone, said. “Where did that special move come from, Anubis?” Andromeda asked. “I don’t know. It just popped into my head,” Anubis said with a nerves laugh as the crowd begins to cheer. “Chopsticks! Chao Xin and Mei-Mei have lost!” The announcer said. “At the last moment, the Andromeda/Anubis team used excellent teamwork to turn the tables and win it!” The announcer said as Chao Xin and Mei-Mei reach the surface. “Oh, what a bummer!” Chao Xin said. “They got us. Talk about a bad buck,” Mei-Mei said. “Ugh, you meant to say, ‘bad luck,’ right?” Chao Xin asked. “No. I meant to say f--” “Ah! Do not say that word!” Chao Xin interrupted. “Chao Xin, Mei-Mei,” Dashan said as Chin-yun glares at Anubis. “Yeah, all right! They actually won, Leone,” Taurus said. “Humph! Just barley in the end,” Leone pointed out. “Leone’s right,” Taurus said. “Could it be?” Johannes said, while Motti is still eating the dumplings, oblivious to whats going on. “The Diamond Dog who’s head I nearly split open is a Legendary Warrior now. When did that happen?” “Humph! There goes one Shaolin Temple team, Aguma,” a unicorn with pure red eyes, a blood-red mane that drapes below his shoulders, a black coat and two swords that cross each other for a cutie mark said to a muscular griffin that has orange eyes, with feathers and fur of varying shades of blue and tan, and a tan scarf/cloak hybrid that he has, which holds a scythe. “Oh well, Bao. We will just have to enjoy it from afar this time. But I do look forward to a match with that alicorn and Diamond Dog.” The griffin, Aguma, said. “Well, the Tōng wǎng chénggōng zhī lù tournament is getting exciting!” The announcer suddenly said. “And there are so many exciting and amazing matches to come!”
