The Black Sun

Sparkling 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.