The Black Sun

The 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.