The Black Sun

The 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!”