Pony Kombat: The First Tournament

Chapters

The Letters
Boat Ride
Stories of the Past
Applejack vs. Adagio Dazzle
Gilda Gryphon vs. Lightning Dust
Twilight Sparkle vs. Celestia
Pinkie Pie vs. Adagio Dazzle
Twilight Sparkle vs. Gilda Gryphon

The Letters

The sun was rising in the early morning. Light slowly casting it's shine on the front of the temple, as a mare walked up the steps leading to the front of the temple.

This mare was a lavender unicorn, with violet eyes. Her mane was long, messy, and was a shade of indigo. She wore very casual clothing, a simple grey coat over her white tank top, black pants, and white shoes on her hind legs.

As she got to the front doors, she pushed them open to a long throne room. The room was quite large, with two rows of pillars on either side, keeping the room up. Most of the walls on either side of the room were glass, which showed the entire view of the landscape, including mountains and lakes. A long carpet leading up to a throne, with two rows of ponies wearing red togahs, and white pants, standing on both sides. The ponies were standing straight up and perfectly still, but upon seeing new visitor come in, they all started bowing, as she walked past them. At the end of the carpet was a throne, on top of a large square stone, with torches on both sides.

This new pony was an old, white, unicorn mare with purple and white hair. She too also wore a red robe, but it was heavier, and had gold linings around the collar and sleeves.

The lavender mare walked up to the older mare, and bowed upon reaching her.

“Master Velvet.” The mare said. “You have called me here, because you request to discuss something urgent.”

“Yes, Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight Velvet explained. “You have been chosen to compete.”

“Compete?” Twilight asked. “Compete in what.”

The grandmaster of the White Lotus Society then pulled out a folded piece of paper, and opened it up to reveal a letter.

“We received a letter, saying there is a fighting tournament going on that will decide the fate of equestria.” Twilight Velvet explained, showing Twilight Sparkle the letter. The letter itself looked very old, the paper was very dry, and almost had yellowish hue, it was also written using a quill and ink. “We have decided to choose you, to represent the White Lotus, in the tournament.”

The lavender unicorn just stood there, shocked. She really had no idea what to say. She was chosen to defend the entire world, in a death match. “B-but why me?” Twilight asked, frantically. “I-I don’t even know anything about this tournament, a-and I haven’t even-”

She was cut off by the grandmaster. “Twilight, I’ve chosen you because you are the most dependable mare, the White Lotus community have ever seen. Almost as good as the great Starswirl.” The elder Twilight explained. “We NEED you to fight for the fate of not just our clan, but all of equestria as well.

‘The great Starswirl?’ Twilight thought confused. She really had no idea who he was talking about. All she did know was that she had to fight, for the entire realm of Equestria. “Alright I’ll do it….. Where is this tournament held.” Twilight asked.

“It doesn’t state where exactly.” Twilight Velvet explained. “But it says to wait at pier number thirteen, and to watch for a ‘floating dragon’.”

‘Floating dragon?’ Twilight thought. ‘What could that mean?’

Later that night in the city of Applewood, Coltifornia, a female earth pony was sitting in a lounge chair, watching the news

She was bright pink, with messy dark pink hair. She was wearing nothing but a dark green collared shirt, with the sleeves rolled up, and dark blue pants. She looked very exhausted, and kinda depressed, seeing stories about her on the T.V.

That’s when a male pegasus came in. “Uhh… Ms. Pie.” He asked. “You’ve been in here for an hour watching the news, don’t you think we should go over the script for “Iron Mare”, that new movie you’re gonna star in?”

Pinkie then just turned her head towards her agent, and just shrugged. “What’s the point?” He asked solemnly. “Everyone thinks I’m a fraud. Why should I continue on, when everyone thinks my moves are all wire-work and special effects?”

“Pinkie, why does this bother you so much?” Pinkie’s agent asked, more annoyed than worried.

“Because I spent YEARS being trained by various martial artists from around the world.” Pinkie explained.

“So?” The agent asked. “You’re a millionaire, because you starred in hundreds of actions movies.”

Pinkie just stared at him confused. “What good is the money, if everywhere you go, people think your a fraud!? Dragon Hooves, Ninja Mime, Sudden Violence. All those movies are nothing compared to THIS on the screen!” Pinkie said, angrily standing up and pointing at the TV, which currently showed ponies debating over whether Pinkie stunts were real or not

The agent was starting to get annoyed at this moment, knowing that if they fail this audition they could lose a lot of money. “Well……” The agent thought for a moment. “Well, you better get over this soon enough because it’s not like a chance to prove yourself a fighter will show up all of a sudden!”

As if with perfect timing, a knock came from the door.

“Come in.” Pinkie replied, wondering who it could be.

It was another pegasus, this time a mare. She wore a headset, and was caring a letter.

“What is it?” Pinkie asked not wanting, whatever important event her secretary had to say to her.

“This letter came for you today.” She explained. “Although it’s awfully strange as there’s no return address, and this paper looks really old…”

Pinkie just walked over and took the letter from her secretary. Sure enough, she was right. This letter, like the one from before, looked old, and was written using a quill. Pinkie carefully read over it, her eyes widening as she got to the end.

Taking notice of this, Pinkies agent asked. “What is it Pinkie?”

“Pack my bags.” Pinkie replied, smiling the biggest she’s ever done not on set. “I just got an invitation, to what will show the world I’m a true fighter.”

The next day, it was really dark and dusky visiting Pier Thirteen in the beginning of night. Many ponies could be seen loading stuff onto boats, or welding stuff and selling them to other ponies. But the thing that stood out the most were the group of ponies waiting for a certain boat to arrive.

Among them were Pinkie herself, now wearing a pink shirt, with a light blue overcoat, and matching pants and tie. She was also wearing five hundred dollar sunglasses, despite the sun already setting and black shoes on her hind legs. Accompanying her were her agent and secretary, who were currently trying to talk Pinkie out of leaving.

“Pinkie listen to me.” The agent said. “I really think you should reconsider, this tournament isn’t sanctioned by any martial arts organization, and I can’t find ANYONE who’s heard of this damn thing!”

Pinkie simply just ignored him, as her secretary stepped in. “Pinkie, you’ve got to be back by the fifteenth to star in “Iron Mare”. We’re looking at twenty mil, are you really going to risk it for that?”

Just then as if in a flash of light, a boat appeared. The boat was really big and really old, almost ancient. The front of the mast looked a like a dragon’s head with the rest of the boat being its body. It almost looked menacing, like it was going to come to life and attack everyone. A bridge from the boat lowered onto the dock all the fighters were on letting them walk on board.

“Don’t worry about it.” Pinkie explained, as she started making her way onto the boat. “I’ll be back within two weeks tops. I promise these are quality ponies.”

“Just don’t get hit in the face.” The agent said.

“Hey, who could hit Pinkie?” Pinkie asked. “Everypony LOVES me.”

A few miles away from the docs, a massive car chase was happening. A bullet-proof, silver van was being shot at by several ponies in a jeep, the van was chasing. The van had four ponies two stallions, and two mares. While most of them were wearing masks one did not.

She was a yellow unicorn, with curly, marigold hair, with yellow streaks. She wore a white sleeveless shirt, with matching pants. She had light brown boots on her hind legs, with black gauntlets on her fore legs, as well as knives strapped to he boots. She also had black belt around her waist and dark brown bandolier around her chest. But what stood out the most however was her right eye, unlike her left which was normal with a magenta iris, her right was instead replaced with a silver, cybernetic replacement with a glowing red pupil.

The stallion driving the jeep, then turns his head toward the cybernetic mare. “You’d better watch yer back at the tournament, Adagio.” He explained “I hear stories about the weirdo hosting it.”

“Whatever, I’m gonna tear ‘er heart out and eat it for breakfast.” Adagio Dazzle shouted.

“Yeah! Slice n’ dice Dazzle! Slice n’ dice!” The other stallion shouted.

“And after I win the tournament, I want the entire Black Dragon there gang there.” Adagio explained. “I hear there’s a palace on that island made of GOLD! We’ll be looting for months!”

Adagio then stood up, from where she was sitting. “Later hoodlums! I got a date with a bullet-proof winnebago!” She shouted, as she leaped off the jeep, and onto the hood of the van and jumped over it startling the driver.

The driver of the van in question was a large, red statillion with orange hair, and green eyes. He was wearing a dark green military outfit, with several pins, and brown boots on his hind legs. He also had a silver belt with a red center around his chest.

Big Mac watched as Adagio jumped on the hood and over onto the roof of the van, moving too fast for him to tell who she is.

“Who was that?” Big Mac asked, as he and the other soldiers in the van heard hoof steps from the roof.

“Heads up AJ! We got a live one at twelve!” The soldier in the passengers side yelled.

“Too bad this thing is bullet-proof!” Another soldier shouted.

“Yeah, I’d have that sucker tap dancing!” A third soldier shouted.

The last one in van sitting close to the back doors didn’t say anything and just sat thinking. She was an orange, earth pony, mare, with blonde hair and green eyes. She wore a green training bra, with black tights over green pants. She had a black headband, black, studded gauntlets and white shoes on her hind legs.

‘Only one pony would have the guts to pull this off…’ Applejack thought, as she looked out the windows of the back van doors, causing her eyes to widen. “Adagio!” She shouted “That was Adagio! We can’t let her get away!”

Applejack then unbuckles herself, and grabs a gun, and turns to the driver. “Big Mac! You and the rest stay after that jeep” Applejack shouted. “I’m going after Adagio, to make her pay for what she did!”

Applejack then unlocked the doors of the van and hopped out running after Adagio Dazzle. She ran after her, but Adagio was good at keeping a distance. When Adagio turned a corner, Applejack completely lost her upon turning the same corner. Applejack then stopped for a bit to see where she was.

She was near what looked like the some kind of storage location, it was hard to tell in the dark as the area was only lit by moonlight, as the sun had fully set. She started walking, holding her gun ready in case of a sudden attack, she could tell she was near the ocean by the smell of salt in the air.

As she made her way past some oil cans, she heard the sound of several gunshots. She quickly ducked down, and as she looked back to see Adagio shooting at her. Applejack managed to quickly roll behind some crates. As soon as the gun fire subsided, Applejack rolled out a pointed her gun as Adagio, as Adagio pointed her gun at Applejack.
“Applejack…” Adagio said, chuckling. “Funny meeting you ‘round here.”

“Adagio Dazzle!” Applejack shouted, angrily. “I’ve been hunting you for years! And now yer finally mine!”

Adagio simply chuckled. “Still mad about the death of yer partner, I see? Well I’d love to stay and chat but ‘ave got a boat t’ catch.” Adagio then pointed her gun at the oil drums and shot them a couple of times causing a massive explosion.

Applejack just barely managed to get away singe free, as Adagio ran towards the docs, where the dragon boat was starting to leave.

After the smoke cleared up, Applejack just managed to see Adagio run and jump towards the dragon boat, noticing how strange and old the boat looked.

Many questions ranked up in Applejack’s mind. ‘Where is she going? Who are all those other ponies? Other members of the Black Dragons? Should I open fire? But then I’d risk hurting the other ponies?’

Applejack new she just had to accept Adagio got away, but not for long. She then pulled out a walkie talkie and radioed for backup.

“Big Mac, this Applejack. Over.” Applejack said into the device.”

“What’s up, Applejack? Over.” Big Mac asked.

“I’m gonna need you to send a speed boat over by the docs.” Applejack explained. “I’m on Adagio’s tail.”

Pinkie and many of the other warriors all heard and saw the big explosion. Many were shocked, others were confused. Pinkie was standing by the edge of the boat watching the flames slowly die out. Good thing she was still wearing her sunglasses.

All of a sudden her attention was then drawn to a yellow hoof, which grabbed onto the the railing right beside Pinkie. The hoof revealed to be Adagio Dazzle who pulled herself up over the railing, and onto the boat.

“Dude, was that real?” Pinkie asked Adagio, as she hoisted herself up.

“No, it’s an illusion-” Adagio started to say sarcastically, but then she noticed who she was talking to. “Hey, you’re Pinkie Pie the famous actor! Can I have your autograph?”

Boat Ride

Twilight Sparkle looked around on the old boat. The moon had finally rose over, and lit up the entire ocean. Twilight was still nervous about all this, she wondered why the grand master chose her to fight, despite the fact she’s spent most of her life away from her homeland.

She remembers when she was orphaned as a child, and was taken in by the Shaolin Monks, to become a fighter. She was trained by a legendary martial arts master, whom she could not remember the name of. Around when she was eighteen she decided to leave the country to start a new life in Canterlot. She would remain there for years until she received a letter from Master Velvet to come to the temple.

And now here she was. On a boat to a tournament to fight for the fate of Equestria. She knows what this tournament is about, but the only thing on her mind right now, who exactly was she going to f-

She was quickly snapped out of her thoughts when she heard a loud slam, and someone groaning. She quickly ran over to the source of the sound to see some of the other fighters watching something. She made her way through the crowd to see Pinkie on the floor with a bruise on her cheek, next to a laughing Adagio Dazzle, who was accompanied by two other fighters.

“C’mon say it!” Adagio shouted. “I’ll be back!”

“That wasn’t my movie!” Pinkie said, angrily picking up her glasses, that were knocked off.

“Get up Pink’! Ya got no stunt doubles to take the pain for ya here!” Adagio said, she and her two friends getting ready for an early fight.

Just then Twilight jumps in between Pinkie and Adagio, facing the latter. “I’d say the movie star is fairly outnumbered!” She said, starting to circle Adagio in a battle ready motion.

Adagio just chuckled. “Oh yeah? What’s a scrawny looking mare, like you gonna do?“ She asked mockingly.

“I am Twilight Sparkle of the Shaolin Monks, and was sent by the Grandmaster Velvet, to fight for the fate of Equestria.” Twilight said proudly.

“So your a stupid peace-giving monk?” Adagio laughed. “I’d like to see you try-”

Adagio was cut off. While she was distracted by Twilight, Pinkie quickly got up on her hind legs and delivered this weird type of kick to Adagio knocking her over, by lifting up her leg and sliding across the floor, with a glowing green tracer coming behind her as she moves.

The other two fighters reacted to this, and attempted to step in to knock Pinkie down. Just then Twilight does some kind of flying kick and kicks one fighter into the other. Adagio angrily got back up, as did the other two fighters.

“I suggest you leave, cyclops.” Twilight said.

Adagio turned to face Pinkie. “Ya got lucky this time, Ms. Applewood. But at the tournament you’re toast!” Adagio said angrily, as she and her companions left the two.

Pinkie then turned to Twilight. “Hey thanks mare. You probably already know who I am, so I won’t bother introducing myself.” She said laughing.

“I know who you are. Your Pinkie Pie the famous action hero. Though I never watched any of your movies” Twilight replied.

“Why’s that?” Pinkie asked sarcastically. “You think I’m a fraud like everypony else?”

“What are you talking about?” Twilight asked.

“Despite all the cheesy lines I’ve said and commercials I’ve starred in, I’m no pushover.” Pinkie explained. “While I may use my abilities for the camera, there are no special effects or wire work. I’ve been trained by masters around Equestria to fight. And when I win this tournament ponies will finally know the truth.”

Twilight stood there dumbfounded for a bit, but then simply replied. “There’s more to this tournament, than you may think.”

Meanwhile, elsewhere on the boat a lone fighter is sneaking around.

She’s an aqua-colored pegasus mare, She wore black leggings, with a solid dark blue vest and loincloth over it. She also had black boots on her hind legs and black gauntlets on her forelegs. She also wore a black mask with a mouth cover the same color as her vest, that covered her entire head with only her orange colored eyes being visible. She also had a bright orange and marigold mane coming out of the back of her mask. Most of her body was covered up.

Lightning Dust was sneaking around the cabin of the boat, to see if there was any information about this tournament she was invited to. She remembers how just last month, she had to save equestria from a sorcerer and her master, but as soon as she got back to her temple she was visited by ANOTHER sorcerer to be asked to compete in this tournament. Lightning Dust agreed, but only because she knew only she could assassinate this sorcerer.

“I don’t know what, this sorcerer is planning at?” Lightning Dust whispered. “But it doesn’t matter, she will-”

“Lin Kuei…”

Hearing her clan’s name, in that familiar voice, sent shivers down her spine.

“No…” Lightning Dust whispered. She turned around to face someone she wouldn’t think she’d ever see again.

She wasn’t a pony but, instead a gryphon with no pupils, just pure white eyes. Her outfit was very similar to Lightning’s. She too, wore black leggings and boots on her legs, black gauntlets on her arms, and a black cowl on her head. She also had a vest, loincloth, mouth cover and shin guards but they were yellow instead of blue.

“It…. Can’t be…” Lightning Dust said disbelieved at seeing this other ninja.

“But it is. It’s me Gilda.” Gilda said quietly, her eyes glowing in the night sky. “You killed me!”

“I had no choice!” Lightning Dust shouted, angrily. "I was told-"

“Words will not save you…” Gilda interrupted, getting into a fighting stance. “You will die right now!”

Lightning Dust didn’t want to fight now, but she knew she had no choice, as she stood up on her hind legs, ready to fight.

Gilda then dashed towards Lightning Dust with her fist in the air, ready to strike. Lightning Dust dodged the incoming punch and countered it with a swift kick to the gut. Gilda pulled back clutching her stomach in pain, as Lightning readied to strike with her own fist. Gilda suddenly disappeared in a flash of fire and reappeared behind Lightning Dust.

“What the?” Lightning Dust was caught off-guard, and received a punch in the back of the head so hard it knocked her down onto the lower part of the boat.

Lightning Dust landed just a few hooves away from where Pinkie and Twilight were talking, her impact causing the two to run towards where the commotion was coming from. As soon as the two caught to the spot, Lightning Dust had already gotten up, rubbing her head in pain.

Lightning Dust turned around to see the other two fighters starring at her in confusion.

“What’s up.” Lightning Dust said, casually.

Just then Gilda, appears right between Lightning Dust, and the other two fighters in a flash of fire, facing the blue ninja.

Gilda proceed to throw punches and kicks at Lightning Dust, she managed to dodge all of them and did a backflip to make to make some distance. She landed on her back legs and then put her fore hoofs together to produce some kind of glowing blue orb, that she soon shot out of both her hooves. It seemed to be some kind of ice-based projectile, and it was heading straight for Gilda.

Gilda simply did a front flip over the projectile towards Lightning Dust, as Pinkie and Twilight jumped down to avoid it also. The projectile hit the mast, and part of it was frozen completely.

Gilda lifted up her leg in midair, ready to kick Lightning Dust in the face. To Gilda it was happening quickly, while to Lightning it was happening slowly.

Just before Gilda’s foot made contact with Lightning Dust’s face, a bolt of lightning came crashing down from the sky, (despite there not being a cloud in the sky) and landed right in between the two warriors, knocking them both back.

All four fighters recoiled in the flash of light that appeared before them, and when they looked back a new pony was standing in their way.

This new mare, was a white unicorn, although she looks genuinely taller than most other unicorns. She wore a white karate outfit, with a black belt and white boots on her hind legs. She also wore an asian conical hat over her long pink mane.

Twilight, and Lightning got up and eyed the new warrior recognizing her, while Pinkie just stood there dumbfounded.

The new mare lifted her head up, revealing her solid glowing blue-ish white eyes, no pupils.

“Celestia!” Twilight shouted recognizing this creature.

“Cel-who?” Pinkie asked confused, only to be shot down by Celestia’s powerful stare, her large scale towering over the movie star.

She then turns her attention towards the two ninjas. “That’s enough you two, it is against the rules to engage in kombat, before the tournament.” Celestia states, her expression never changing. “Try anymore and Equestria will be disqualified, and Outworld will win the tenth tournament.”

Celestia then teleports away in another flash of lightning. Leaving the gryphon and three ponies standing there.

Gilda turns towards Lightning Dust. “At the tournament you DIE!” She said, before teleporting away. After Lightning Dust left the two mares, Pinkie turned to Twilight

“W-who was that… Giant mare?” Pinkie asked Twilight, confused and also somewhat scared.

“She is Princess Celestia.” Twilight replied. “And she’s the god of thunder.”

Author's Note

So we almost met all of our main characters.

Quick note: The two fighters accompanying Adagio are NOT Aria or Sonata

Stories of the Past

It was morning by the time the boat reached its destination. A large unknown island, with a mountain sticking out amongst the trees in of the forest. The boat pulled up to a dock on the beach, and lowered the bridge allowing the fighters to walk off the boat and onto the island.

They were all so lead by several strange looking guards holding spears. Their outs consisted of green robes with black belts and beige pants went past their back legs. They also wore strange masks, they almost looked cat-like, and were half black and half white, with triangle shaped eye holes. Their entire bodies were covered with only their tails visible, so it was impossible to tell them apart. In the depths of the crowd, Twilight and Pinkie managed to stay together.

As the guards lead the fighters to point near the top of the mountain, Twilight looked around there was no sign of Adagio or the two ninjas from last night. They were probably somewhere else amidst the crowd of fighters. Walking behind the guard ponies, Twilight was first to notice one of the guards stood out, while the other guard’s tails were black and cut short, the one closest to her looked different. The guard’s tail was curly, with stripes of yellow and red in a flame-like pattern.

The fighters were led up the mountain, for almost an hour they walked until they arrived at a some sort of courtyard, in front of a gray, stone stage with the yin-yan symbol on the front, as well as two stair cases leading to the top. The stage was covered by a large green gazebo, standing on red pillars. The was also a large throne on stage near the front, with two dragon statues on either side. Below the stage, were two rows of stone bleachers, with several masked guards standing between the bleachers and the arena.

“Once again, I’m the best looking mare here.” Pinkie said eyeing the crowd, causing Twilight to just roll her eyes in disbelief.

Just then drums could be heard playing, as several bald ponies wearing ceramic robes, walked from the left and right of the stage, and sat in the seats below the stage. As the bald ponies were seating, a mare on the stage walked to the front to sit in the throne and speak to the crowd. She was an elderly light blue unicorn, with light violet eyes, her hair was long and white, but there still hints of blue stripes. She wore a long, light brown robe that covered even her hind legs, with a dark brown striped on the bottom. She also wore a shorter, dark blue robe over the first one, that had gold linings on the sleeves and opening, that was closed together a dark blue belt. She also had a sword in black sheath held by the same belt, and although no one could see it she also wore white socks and black shoes on her hind legs.

“Welcome kombatants to the greatest of martial arts tournaments.” The elderly unicorn said, in a raspy voice. “My name is Trixie Lulamoon, champion master and….. Your humble host. Now before I continue, let me introduce a….. Last minute contestant.”

Just then, a two masked guards came in dragging in a struggling Applejack.

Twilight Sparkle stood there wondering where this new fighter came from. "Hey Pinkie, how could she know where this island is?.... Pinkie?"

Pinkie wasn't listening, she just stood wide eyed at the beautiful, blonde mare standing up of the stage..... With her forelegs held behind her back.

“Lt. Applejack.” Trixie said jestering her hoof towards Applejack. “We found her following our boat to to this sacred island."

“Let me go!” Applejack said, angrily trying break free of the guards grip. “I’m not part of your tournament!”

“On the contrary, you are very much a kontestant.” Trixie said, approaching Applejack leaning in closer to her, to whisper. “And your life, as well as the rest of your squad, depend on your performance.”

Applejack started to get angry, wanting to just kick Trixie in the chest. But after thinking about it, she simply just walked down to join the rest of the crowd, after the guards let her go.

“As I was saying. You all have traveled a long distance to come here, I hope you prove it was... Well worth it.” Trixie explains.

As Trixie continues to talk, Pinkie quickly runs a hoof through her mane and tries to talk to Applejack, who was conveniently standing next to her and Twilight.

“Hey, I’m Pinkie Pie.” Applejack doesn’t respond, so Pinkie tries again. “The film actor?”

“I don’t watch movies.” Applejack responds blandly, not even making eye contact.

“Not even mine?” Pinkie asks in disbelief. When Applejack doesn’t respond again, Pinkie just shrugs and faces Trixie, continuing to list to her.

“You have all been chosen to participate in the most important Pony Kombat tournament in history!” Trixie shouts, lifting up her front hooves in the air, as if to gather more attention, before setting back, and resumed speaking normally. “Some of you may even have the…. Distinct honor of facing Prince Snowflake.”

“Who?” Pinkie asks Twilight, who just shrugs in response.

“If you defeat all of your opponents, you will face one final challenge... ME.” Trixie explains, before finishing. “The tournament will begin in a few hours, until then… Make yourselves at home on our humble island, It might be the last thing you’ll ever enjoy.”

Trixie then turns around and walks away, as the rest of the crowd disperts, leaving only Twilight, Pinkie, and Applejack.

“Heh heh. ‘It might be your last’, what a joke.” Pinkie laughs, as Applejack starts walking

But as Applejack tries to leave, she is stopped by Twilight.

“Wait, Miss….. Applejack” Twilight asks. “Trixie said you were following the boat to this island. Why?”

“I’m on a mission.” Applejack simply says, before attempting to walk away again, only to be stopped again. This time by Pinkie Pie.

“What KIND of mission?” Pinkie asked curious.

Applejack took a deep breath, before reluctantly telling them. “A dangerous criminal named Adagio Dazzle, was seen boarding the boat that arrived at this island.”

“Adagio Dazzle? You mean the scumbag, with the weird… robot eye?” Twilight asked.

“Yes! You know her?” Applejack asked, mood changing almost immediately after hearing Twilight mention the wanted criminal’s name.

“Yeah, she attacked me on the boat and she probably would’ve hurt me badly had Twilight not stepped in.” Pinkie explained. “Who is that mare? And why does she have a glowing, red, robot eye?”

“Adagio Dazzle is the leader of the ‘Black Dragons’ a huge crime organization, that appeal mainly in arms dealing.” Applejack explained.

“Sooo…. I take it this mare is very dangerous?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, VERY dangerous. She’s killed a lot of members of Special Forces, including my old partner.” Applejack explained. “I remember about a year ago, she broke into Special Forces Maximum Security Prison and helped several dangerous criminals with unnatural abilities break out, so they could help her steal an experimental nuclear warhead.”

“Whoa? That sounds intense!” Pinkie shouted amazed.

“Me and my new partner Big Mac managed to track her down, and retrieve the device, but she and the escaped convicts got away.” Applejack explained. “That's also how she lost her eye, when she fought Big Mac.”

“But the cybernetic implant, is what I don’t understand.” Twilight explains. “Where could she have gotten THAT installed.”

“Well as far as I know, there appears to be a few scientists in the Black Dragons, who were studying cybernetic implants, for a tall order from another organization.”

“Well I hope you succeed in the tournament.” Pinkie explained, clearly trying to hit on the Special Forces agent. “I know once I come out on top, everyone will finally know I’m a true warrior."

“Thanks, but it doesn’t matter, because I’m calling S.F. to send in more troops to save my squad and arrest Adagio.” Applejack explains again, pulling out a radio.

“I’m afraid your radio won’t work where we are, Lt. Applejack.” Said a familiar voice.

All of a sudden, Celestia teleports in front of the three mares in a flash of lightning, just like earlier on the boat.

“Hey I know you!” Pinkie shouted. “Your that lightning mare… Celular!”

“It’s Celestia, Pinkie.” Twilight corrected. “Princess Celestia, god of thunder.”

Celestia stood high and mighty as she turned to stare her pupiless eyes into Applejack’s green eyes, before turning back to face all three. “There is more to this tournament then personal glory or a chance for revenge.” Celestia explained. “You are all fighting for the fate of Equestria.”

Applejack and Pinkie Pie just stared at Celestia confused. “W-What are you talking about?” Applejack asked.

“Walk with me.” Celestia explains walking away, as the three other fighters followed. They traveled down a path, through a beautiful garden, with trees, bushes, flowers and even a river.”

“The tournament of Pony Kombat was made by the elder gods to give a chance for Equestria to defend itself from an evil emperor who wishes to merge our realm with his realm, Outworld.” Celestia explained. “If Outworld were to win ten tournaments in a row they will be given permission to do so. Outworld has won nine so far, so it is at utmost importance that they do not win.”

“Hey I’m not worried.” Pinkie explained. “If that old geezer is the final challenge, this tournament should be easy.”

“Trixie Lulamoon, is one of the most powerful sorcerers in all of the realms, very few are more powerful than her.” Celestia explains, causing Pinkie to look at her confused. “Her most dangerous ability is her ability to steal souls, which gives her eternal life.”

“Eternal life?” Twilight asks confused. “I thought only mortals could compete in this tournament.”

“Trixie may be ageless, but she is not immortal and is just as vulnerable to death as all of you.” Celestia explains.

“What about this ‘Snowflake’ character that Trixie mentioned?” Pinkie asked.

“Snowflake is a Shokan, a race from Outworld. They’re half-pony, half-dragon, and are known for being quite large, dwarfing ponies in size and having twice the forelegs.” Celestia explains. “Snowflake is actually the prince of all shoken, and current champion of Pony Kombat after defeating StarSwirl.”

“StarSwirl?” Twilight asked, surprise. “As in THE great StarSwirl?”

“Yes, Twilight. One of the oldest defenders of Equestria.” Celestia replied. “He had managed to defeat the previous champion, Trixie herself in Pony Kombat and saved Equestria from being merged with Outworld.”

"Soooo.... What exactly happened to him?" Pinkie Pie asked.

Celestia took a deep breath. "After Starswirl become the new champion of Pony Kombat, he would go on to train for the next tournament fifty years later. As it says in the rules of Pony Kombat, the current champion of Pony Kombat would not age, until the next tournament." Celestia explained. "He was a magnificent fighter, probably the best Equestria had to offer. No one in the realm of Equestria could defeat him. But Snowflake is not from Equestria, no one knew how to even approach a creature such as Snowflake. But StarSwirl did not give up hope, he pushed on and fought with all his might. He fought hard, but in the end....... He was struck down by the Shokan prince, and Snowflake was made the new champion."

"Snowflake..... KILLED him?" Pinkie asked, distraught and confused. She really had no idea what she had gotten herself into.

Just then Applejack buts in, stopping to point something out.

“Hey look!”

In the distance a familiar fighter was seen walking past some of the trees. This particular warrior was unmistakably Lightning Dust.

“Hey! I know her!” Pinkie said. “She’s that freak that shoots ice from her hooves!”

“That’s Lightning Dust and she’s a member of a clan of assassins, called the Lin Kuei.” Celestia explained “I’ve actually interacted with her once.”

“You have?” Twilight asked.

“Yes. You see, Lighting is a cyromancer, being born with power of ice magic, she has complete control of over the elements of ice and snow. She is also one of the most loyal members to the grandmaster of the Lin Kuei. Although she is not very merciful, with her defeated opponents. She usually does any mission given to her without question.” Celestia explained. “However, one time her carelessness almost cost all of Equestria to a sorcerer and her master.”

“ANOTHER sorcerer?” Pinkie asked, disbelieved.

“Indeed. The sorcerer Starlight Glimmer, ruler of the Netherrealm and one of few sorcerer's whose power is at similar power to Trixie’s. She tasked the the Lin Kuei to break into the Shaolin Temple and steal a map that lead to the location of a powerful amulet that belonged to a former elder god, King Sombra.”

Twilight was shocked, she actually remembers the report of there being a break in at her temple and how a lot of her fellow monks were killed, she felt guilt for not being there to help defend. “King Sombra? I’ve read about that guy, he was stripped of his status as elder god, because of his lust for power.” Twilight explained.

“That’s correct, Twilight.” Celestia replied. “And had I not made Lightning Dust go and get the amulet back, Sombra would’ve escaped from the Netherrealm and took over Equestria.”

“Okay… But what about the OTHER ninja that Lightning was fighting, the gryphon in yellow?” Pinkie asked.

“That’s Gilda.” Celestia explained. “She is also part of a clan of assassins, or rather she WAS.”

“Huh?” Twilight asked.

“You see, the Lin Kuei wasn’t the only clan that Starlight asked to retrieve the map from the Shaolin Temple.” Celestia explained. “Just in case Lightning Dust failed her mission, Starlight had also recruited the best assassin of the Shirai Ryu, the rival clan to the Lin Kuei, back when Gilda was still alive.”

“Still alive?” Applejack asked, confused.

“It turns out both ninjas managed to make it to the room with the map and they knew only one of them was going to leave alive, so they engaged. Gilda however underestimated Lightning Dust, due to her appearing normal, she really had no idea of the powers that Lightning Dust utilized. And because of that Gilda was defeated and killed at the hands of Lightning Dust.” Celestia explained. “But that’s not all. Afterwards a huge massacre befell upon Gilda's clan, every member of the Shirai Ryu was slain in cold blood, including Gilda's wife and son. It was believe that massacre was done by a group of the Lin Kuei, lead by Lightning Dust.”

“So she just slaughtered, a whole bunch of innocent lives?” Twilight asked, disbelieved.

“I’m afraid so. After Gilda died, her soul woke up in the Netherrealm, the realm of eternal suffering. There she met Starlight Glimmer, who told her about her clan and family’s demise.” Celestia explained. “Enraged and wanting revenge, Gilda made a deal with the sorcerer to give her a chance to get revenge on Lightning Dust. Thus Gilda was resurrected as a spirit of vengeance.”

“So, is she like a ghost or something?” Pinkie asked.

“As an undead specter, Gilda was given all new hellfire powers, as well as the ability to teleport.” Celestia explained.

“That’s horrible!” Twilight exclaimed, putting her fore hooves on her face and looking down. “I can’t imagine the pain she went through, losing her clan.... Her family.”

“It gets worse, I heard what Gilda had to trade with Starlight in exchange to get revenge on Lightning Dust was something very special to her, something no one deserves to lose, but it’s not our problem.” Celestia explained. “We all have been chosen to participate in this tournament. If Equestria loses it will be merged with Outworld.”

“Don’t worry Princess.” Twilight assured. “If we stick together we can win-”

“We? What do you mean we?” Celestia asked, confused.

“I mean as in-” Twilight started to say, but was interrupted.

“Listen Twilight, I appreciate your enthusiasm.” Celestia explains. “But you aren’t yet a true fighter, you can help fight, but it will be me who will challenge Trixie and save Equestria.”

Twilight just stood there shocked. She had been chosen by the Shaolin Monks themselves, by Twilight Velvet herself to compete in this tournament, to compete in the tournament and Celestia thinks she doesn’t have it in her.

Just then a loud gong sound was heard, knocking Twilight out of her train of thought.

“Sounds like the first match is about to begin.” Celestia said.

Applejack vs. Adagio Dazzle

Several of the fighters, once again gathered around the same arena in front of the gazebo. Trixie was once again sitting in her throne on the stage, but now she was accompanied by several ponies wearing only black pants and shoes, their faces were covered entirely by dark red burqas. There was also a gong with a dragon symbol on it, that looked exactly like the dragon that was on the boat.

“Kombatants! It appears our tournament is starting a bit earlier than usual.” Trixie shouted. “Someone has challenged our last minute contestant.”

Knowing she was talking about her, Applejack walked onto the arena. “Okay fine, who is it anyway?” She asked.

“Me.” Said a voice, that instantly made Applejack froze.

Adagio Dazzle walked from behind Trixie’s throne, before jumping down on the opposite side of the arena, facing Applejack.

“Adagio…” Applejack growled.

“Didn’t ‘spect ya to find me.” Adagio sneered. “Looks like ya DO got guts.”

“It doesn’t matter how far you’ve gotten.” Applejack said, standing on her hind legs ready to fight. “What matters is I finally found you and you won’t escape this time. I will finally take you down and bring you to custody”

“Heh-heh, pitiful. Yer gonna ARREST me!?” Adagio asked, mockingly. “Even afta all the things I done, you STILL don’t have the guts ta kill anyone!?”

“I’m not like you, Adagio!” Applejack said with gritted teeth.

“That’s what yer partner also said, ‘fore I gave ‘em a permanent smile…… With a KNIFE” Adagio laughed.

Applejack had just about enough of Adagio and her scumbag personality. “That it! Adagio this has gone on long enough, you go down right NOW!” Applejack shouted.

“Fine by me!” Adagio Dazzle shouted, standing on her hind legs as well.

“Then it’s settled!” Trixie shouted, as one of the burqa wearing ponies walked up to the gong, before hitting it with a hammer, making the gong ring signaling the fight to begin.

“FIGHT!”

Adagio and Applejack rushed towards each other, and jump in the air to try and hit each other. Applejack attempts to punch Adagio but, she counters it by kicking her the chest with one of her hind legs.

Both fall back down, Adagio landing on her hind legs, while Applejack falls flat on her back, groaning. Applejack managed to jump back up and continues rushing at Adagio Dazzle. She delivers a straight punch, which Adagio dodges, a back hand punch, which Adagio blocks, before finally managing to hit Adagio with a roundhouse kick, knocking her over.

Adagio managed to get up, and rush towards Applejack. The both of them proceed to start throwing punches, until eventually they caught each other’s fists, staring each other in the eye.

“Well, am impressed you’ve already lasted longer than yer partner.” Adagio laughed, kicking Applejack in the gut knocking her over again. Adagio then attempts to stomp on Applejack’s head, but she manages to roll out of the way, and trips Adagio over with a sweep kick. Applejack then jumps onto Adagio pinning her down, but Adagio manages to throw her off of her. Applejack rolls across the ground, before jumping to her hind legs, just in time to dodge a jump kick from Adagio.

Adagio threw more kicks and punches, as well as Applejack, but both seemed to do a good job of blocking each other’s hits. Adagio then all of sudden spat in Applejack’s eye, causing the soldier to recoil holding her eye. While she was distracted, Adagio struck Applejack with punch, followed by a backhand punch, an overhead punch, and finally a roundhouse kick. However, Applejack dodge the roundhouse kick and while Adagio was following over, she gave a normal kick to Adagio’s face knocking her backwards. After Applejack gets the saliva out of her eye, she notices Adagio getting up and then an idea pops in her mind.

While Adagio was getting steady, Applejack points her hoof forwards her and shoots three pink ring-like projectiles out of her gauntlet, striking Adagio in the chest and knocking her over. Applejack then rushes over to the fallen mercenary, and attempts to stomp on her chest, but Adagio manages to do a backward somersault and stands back up.

“Oh… So ya brought weapons.” Adagio smiles, and reaches down towards her ankles, and pulls two silver butterfly knives from the sheaves on her boots. “So did I.”

Applejack gasps, as Adagio starts running towards her, butterfly knifes in tow. All of a sudden Adagio jumped and did a somersault in midair, and somehow stayed in that position and continued flying like a cannonball, towards Applejack. Applejack managed to block the pony cannonball, but she was still knocked back a bit.

The ricocheted Adagio uncurled and did a roundhouse kick in midair, striking Applejack in the face, causing her to recoil in pain. Adagio then swung her butterfly knives towards Applejack, she managed to dodge the first one, but was slashed across the chest by the second one, causing a spurt of scarlet to erupt from her chest.

Adagio continued to swing her butterfly knives, occasionally punching too. While Applejack managed to block and throw a couple of punches herself, it was mostly her getting punched and cut. Adagio then swung her left butterfly knife, but Applejack did a back-flip to dodge it, and knock the opposing knife out of Adagio’s hoof. When she landed only a couple of meters away, she suddenly did a handstand and grabbed Adagio by the neck with her hind legs and flip her over onto her back.

Adagio managed to sit up, and looked behind her to see Applejack about to fire another set of pink energy rings. Adagio managed to do a forward roll to dodge the speeding rings, and threw her remaining butterfly towards Applejack. The knife lodge right into Applejack’s gauntlet damaging her laser device.

“NO!” Applejack shouted, staring at her sparking and smoking gauntlet.

“No fancy gadgets ta help ya now, baby.” Adagio said, grinning. She then jumped up and did another cannonball towards Applejack, this time striking her hard in chest knocking her back. Applejack managed to quickly stand back up and attempted to fight back. However Adagio managed to duck under her punch and jump over her sweep kick. Adagio then throws a hard punch across the right side of Applejack’s head and another one across the left side of his head, before grabbing her by the shirt and slamming her face againt her hard, metal eye implantment, before throwing her to ground hard. Blood appearing from ever hit Applejack took.

“Don’t feel like a soldier now, do ya?” Adagio said, grinning evilly.

“No!” Shouted Pinkie, who had been watching the whole fight go out. “C’mon Applejack! Get up!”

Applejack attempted to stand back up……… But fell back down shortly after. Applejack was defeated.

“Adagio Dazzle wins!” Trixie shouts from the stage. “Now, FINISH HER!”

Adagio looks down at the fallen Applejack. “W-well what are you waiting for?” Applejack asks.

“Nah, I think I’ll let ya live, I wanna a better challenge.” Adagio sneered. “Also this way ya can live wi’ how ya failed yer partner.”

“Very well…” Trixie said. “The next match will happen in exactly in an hour! Dismiss!”

Adagio then walked away from the fallen Applejack as, Trixie and the rest of crowd walked away. Pinkie Pie and Twilight however ran over to help Applejack get back up.

“Are you okay?” Pinkie asked. “She didn’t break anything? Did she? I swear if she broke ANYTHING I'll-”

“It doesn’t matter how I feel on the outside.” Applejack interrupted. “It feels worse on the inside! I failed my partner!”

“Well actually physical pain CAN be an ins-” Twilight started, but was interrupted.

“You knew what I meant!” Applejack shouted

Suddenly Celestia appeared before them. “Appelejack!” Celestia shouted. “Your failure disappoints me!”

“Hey lay off of her.” Twilight said angrily.

“The reason she lost was because of her blind hatred.” Celestia explained. “Her desire for revenge and hatred towards Adagio was her biggest weakness and cost her this fight.”

Celestia then turned towards Applejack. “Lt. Applejack, there are other ways to find peace, and revenge is not one of them.”

Applejack felt small, under Celestia’s tall gaze. “B-but I trusted Adagio…. A-and then she-” Applejack started.

“I know you’re upset and you felt betrayed when it happened, but you must let the past stay in the past.” Celestia explained.

Applejack looked down and thought for a moment, before taking a deep breath and getting up.

While Pinkie looked apathetic on the outside, inside she was fuming. She really had it with Adagio, starting from when she met her on the boat and Pinkie knew one, if someone is going to to put that scumbag in her place it’s going to be her.

“Why do you care so much about us, if YOU’RE going to be the one to take down Trixie?” Twilight asked.

“Because I still want you three to learn from your mistakes so you can try harder next time.” Celestia explains, before teleporting away.

As the three disbanded, one last thought went through Twilight’s mind. ‘Learn from your mistakes? I’ll show her!’

Author's Note

Okay chapter four, this is where the fighting finally happens. And if you're wondering what's with Celestia's character, well I wanted to make her the mentor like Raiden, but also give her a LITTLE bit of Raiden's personality in the first game.

Next time two ninjas face off.

Gilda Gryphon vs. Lightning Dust

It had been exactly one day, since Twilight arrived to this island. Since being told by Celestia, god of lightning, that she’s not a true warrior, Twilight had been spending most of her time training near the beach. Twilight had apparently removed her tank top and overcoat leaving her only in her black pants and shoes. After doing a few exercises, she sat cross legged on the shore, meditating. She felt confident, hearing that she was ready by the grandmaster but compared to Celestia, the White Lotus was just another group of peasants. Twilight really had no idea Celestia would even be here, let alone claiming to be the one to take down Trixie.

“What are you doing?” Asked a familiar voice.

Twilight immediately woke from her meditation, and looked behind her to be greeted by none other then the same blue ninja, she saw on the boat.

“Lightning Dust!” Twilight shouted, immediately getting up. “I-I was just meditating, getting ready for my next fight.”

“But do you really need it?” Lightning asked. “You’ve come pretty far.”

“I’ve only done two fights.” Twilight explained, rolling her eyes.

“I know. I saw them.” Lighting dust explained. “Tell me though, why do you SPARE those you take down?”

“They don’t need to die.” Twilight explained. “They’ve already been eliminated from the tournament, there’s nothing left to do after that.”

“Oh… You. Pitiful. Naive. Monk.” Lightning Dust said, staring at the ground and shaking her head. “Sparing someone you defeat, means nothing. They’ll just come back for revenge. Maybe even stronger. That’s why I make sure to finish off those, after I’ve defeated them.

“Y-yeah I know…” Twilight said, somberly as she remembers watching the first battle, between Lightning Dust and another pony. She remembers after Lightning Dust won, she grabbed her defeated foe by the neck and somehow managed to pull his head off, along with the spinal cord still attached. After that she decided to not watch anymore fights that starred Lightning Dust.” Just then, a thought crossed Twilight’s mind.

“W-wait! What about that “Gilda” fellow? Celestia told me you killed her, and now she’s back for revenge.” Twilight asked.

“Gilda is a very persistent fighter. But I guess that’s why she lost in the first place.” Lightning Dust laughed.

“How can you say that?” Twilight asked, shocked. “You were the one who slaughtered Gilda's friends and family. I could see why you didn't have a choice to spare Gilda, but there was no reason for you to attack the entire Shirai Ryu.”

“Gilda’s clan was just a farce compared, to the Lin Kuei. It was even founded by a traitor to our clan, long ago.” Lightning explained. “But I DIDN'T participate in the assassination of the entire Shirai Ryu.”

"What? Then why does Gilda believe you did?" Twilight asked.

Lightning Dust took a deep breath, before explaining her story. "One time I received a mission from a sorcerer named Starlight Glimmer-"

"To retrieve Sombra's amulet from the guardian temple." Twilight finished.

"You know about this?" Lightning Dust asked

"Yes. Celestia told us everything, about you and Gilda." Twilight explained.

"Well did she explain about how Starlight framed me for killing Gilda's wife and son?" Lightning Dust asked.

"W-wha-" Twilight started, but was interrupted.

"Yes. The grandmaster requested Starlight to eliminate the entire Shirai Ryu, as payment for my services." Lightning Dust explained. "So while my clan is responsible for the Shirai Ryu's extermination, I was unaware of this deal, until after it was done."

Twilight stood there, she was about to ask why the grandmaster of the Lin Kuei would want this, but decided to let it go, and move on. “So anyway is it true? Did you actually almost, get Equestria taken over by a former elder god?” Twilight asked.

Lightning then looked down, ashamed. “Yes. It is true. I didn’t know of his existence until, I was told of by his lackey, Starlight Glimmer. After I stole the map of elements from the temple of your clan, I had to travel to four different temples, and defeat four different elemental gods, one of them being Celestia’s sister.” Lightning Dust, explained. “But it turns out it was all a setup, just to clear the path of Starlight getting Sombra’s amulet. As punishment, I was forced to travel to the Netherrealm and retrieve Sombra’s amulet myself.”

“How did you defeat a sorcerer AND a fallen elder god?” Twilight asked.

“The elder god, I didn’t defeat. I simply just took his amulet and escaped.” Lightning Dust explained. “As for the sorcerer…. I received some help.” Lightning was staring down, while saying that last sentence.

“Help? From who?” Twilight asked.

“While I was in the Netherealm, several of Starlight’s guards tried to stop me. I killed all, but one of them.” Lightning Dust explained. “Her name was Ditzy Doo, and I….. Spared her.”

“What!?” Twilight asked, disbelieve at what she was being told.

“When I fought her, I noticed she wasn’t as skilled as some of the other guards I fought. That’s when I noticed she wasn’t a warrior, but a student in training. So I spared her, so she could become a real fighter.” Lightning Dust explained. “When I fought Starlight, we both seemed even matched, but Starlight seemed to overpower me. And when she was about to finish me… Ditzy came and quickly knocked Starlight off the bridge. She explained her desire to escape the Netherrealm and asked me to take her with me… But then she was quickly killed by Sombra.”

Twilight stood there stunned. “If sparing someone once helped you? Why do continue to slaughter those you defeat?” Twilight asked. “You have the option to-”

“It doesn’t work like that, Twilight.” Lightning interrupted. “I’m an assassin of the Lin Kuei. We were trained to not show emotion, as it is believed to prevent us from accomplishing our missions and I will continue to follow the grandmaster's commands, less she goes away with her plan and-”.

Just then a gong was heard interrupting Lightning Dust’s speech, signalling another fight about to take place.

“Come on, we got to go” Lightning Dust explained, running towards the arena.

Twilight stood there for bit, wondering what Lightning Dust was going to say, when she mentioned something about the grandmaster having a plan of some sort. She just shrugged it off and followed Lightning Dust to the arena.

She was one of the last fighters to arrive, as she ran towards the front to reunite with Pinkie Pie and Applejack. At some point during last night, Pinkie had changed her outfit. Now she wore black shorts with a red karate belt, and black spiked gauntlets on her fore legs, her sunglasses and shoes were the only things that remained from her previous outfit.

“Glad to see you made it on time.” Pinkie said, chuckling.

“What were you even doing by the shore anyway?” Applejack asked.

“I had a talk with Lightning Dust.” Twilight explained.

Just then Celestia, teleported on the other side of Twilight. Twilight then turned to face Celestia.

“Princess Celestia… Is Lightning Dust evil for being an assassin?” Twilight Sparkle asked.

“Lightning Dust is indeed evil, but it is not because she is an assassin. Lightning Dust is evil because she is reckless and shows no mercy.” Celestia explained. “I got her to realize this, after her little “engagement” with Sombra. I told her that it is possible to change her corrupted soul, but of now if she were to die, she would descend to the fifth plane of the Netherrealm to face a terrible fate, not even I nor the elder gods could tell you what it is.”

Just then Trixie spoke up. “Kombatants! The next fight will now commence! Fighting will be…” Trixie looked around at the silent fighters. “Lightning Dust of the Lin Kuei!”

Lightning Dust grinned behind her mask, and walked out onto the arena. “Alright, who’s the poor sap, that’s going to die today!” She asked.

Just then a bail of fire appeared, on a spot on the opposite side of the stage. From the fire, a being emerged. It was the none other, then the familiar, undead, yellow-clad gryphon.

“Gilda Gryphon! Specter of the Netherrealm!” Trixie shouted. “Former member of the Shirai Ryu!”

The fire around Gilda’s feet dissipated, as she lifted up her head. Her soulless eyes piercing the crowd, despite no pupils.

“You…” Gilda growled, turning her head towards Lightning Dust. “The Shirai Ryu are dead. You will suffer as they did.”

“You really are naive, aren’t you.” Light Dust explained. “You think you can trust a sorcerer, my grandmaster did the same thing and it almost cost all of Equestria.”

“Vengeance will be MINE!” Gilda shouted, raising her arms up in a fight stance.

“Heh-heh” Lightning Dust chuckled, standing on her hind legs in a fight stance. “This fight will be your last!”

“FIGHT!” Trixie shouted.

Lightning Dust and Gilda both flew at one another, Gilda threw a punch, but Lightning Dust blocked it with her fist. Almost immediately after, Lightning Dust threw a punch, but Gilda blocked it the same way. Gilda then did a roundhouse kick, but Lightning blocked that with her forehooves. Gilda then kicked Lightning Dust backward, making her slide across the ground.

Lightning Dust managed to get herself, steady before staring straight at Gilda. Gilda then began rushing towards her causing Gilda to smile, as she put her forehooves together and shot out a an ice-based projectile, just like she did on the boat.

Gilda managed to dodge the icy projectile, by doing a forward roll, and rolling under it. She pulled herself up and did another roundhouse kick, this time striking Lightning Dust in the side of the head, knocking her over.

Lightning Dust managed to jump to her hind legs, shaking her head rapidly to rid any dizziness. She looked up, to see Gilda rushing towards her with her fist in the air. Lightning Dust quickly side stepped, dodging the punch. Lightning Dust then grabbed Gilda’s still extended arm and quickly froze it, with her ice powers.

Gilda pulled away screaming in pain, and used her hellfire to quickly thaw out her arm. But while she was distracted, Lightning Dust had jumped in the air and delivered a swift kick to the back of Gilda’s head, knocking her off her feet and causing her to flip and land right on her back.

Lightning Dust then stood over her and lifted her hind leg up, attempting to stomp on Gilda’s head. Taking notice of this, Gilda disappeared in a flash of fire, before Lightning Dust hoof could touch her. Gilda then reappeared behind Lightning Dust and attempted to kick Lightning Dust in the side, but Lightning Dust managed to doge that attack as well. Gilda then turned her head towards Lightning Dust, before jumping in the air towards her.

Lightning Dust did a back-flip to dodge the giant stomp, covering a bit of distance from the undead gryphon. When she was far enough, she then jumped forward and slid across the ground towards Gilda, as if the ground was covered in ice. The undead gryphon was once again, knocked off her feet.

As Gilda got up, Lightning Dust shot another projectile of ice towards the gryphon. Gilda was taken off guard, and this time she was hit, and frozen completely solid. Lightning Dust then flew over towards the frozen gryphon and picked up her frozen, statue-like body, flying up into the air and throwing it towards the ground. The ice around Gilda’s body shattered, but Gilda herself was completely find and intact. Gilda’s body just laid there, appearing to be unconscious.

Lightning Dust noticed this and grinned. “This ends now!” She said, as she did a front-flip and attempting to smash Gilda’s skull, with both her hooves this time.

Right before her hind hooves touched could reach their intended target, Gilda once again teleported in a flash of fire. Lightning Dust taken completely off guard, was met with a punch to the back of the head. Gilda then immediately teleported again, in front of Lightning Dust and delivered a kick to Lightning Dust’s stomach. Gilda continued her teleporting attacks, alternating between punches and kicks, before finally ending it with a swift jump, roundhouse kick to the pegasus’ face.

Lightning Dust, now extremely injured from that brutal beating, slowly started to pick herself up. As soon as she was standing up fully again, Gilda unleashed a new attack. She threw her arm forward, causing a kunai attached to a rope, to come shooting out from her gauntlet. The kunai struck itself right into the chest of Lightning Dust, causing her to scream in pain, and make blood spurt from the newly made wound.

“Get over here!” Gilda roared, as she pulled at the rope tied to the kunai in Lightning Dust’s chest.

Lightning Dust was pulled towards Gilda and as soon as she was in hitting distance, Gilda’s forearm was engulfed in hellfire and she used it to deliver a swift, powerful uppercut to Lightning Dust’s jaw, knocking her in the air and landing flat on her back. Lightning Dust was defeated.

“Finally!” Gilda shouted. “You feel my pain!”

Trixie just sat there, in her throne grinning at the sight of the bleeding Lightning Dust, slowly standing back up. Twilight on the other hand, just stood there speechless, having a good guess of what was gonna happen next.

“FINISH HER!” Trixie shouted from the stage.

“No…” Lightning Dust breathed, too weak to do anything, but watch.

Gilda, then grabbed the bottom of her cowl and pulled it off her head, revealing the horrors beneath it. Gilda had no face, not even any eyes, underneath her mask was nothing but a white, flaming skull. Her empty, flame-filled eye sockets stared down at Lightning Dust, before a barrage of hellfire was breathed out of Gilda’s white beak, towards Lightning Dust’s hooves.

The flames completely engulfed Lighting’s body, like it was a living entity. Lightning Dust could do nothing but scream as the fire ate away at her body, while it was only lasted about a few minutes, it was the most painful minutes of her life.

After the flames died out, all that was left of Lightning Dust Dust was her skeleton, that soon crumpled over in a pile of bones. Gilda then lifted her cowl into the air, facing the crowd with her flame engulfed skull. She finally got her revenge, Lightning Dust is dead.

“Fatality!” Trixie shouted.

Twilight Sparkle vs. Celestia

Later that night, after witnessing the death of Lighting Dust, Twilight decided she, Pinkie and Applejack should split up and explore the island to find anymore information on the tournament.

Twilight was now sneaking around the back of a large fortress, most likely belonging to Trixie. She had to cross over a large stone bridge with a large pit of spikes at the bottom, it was hard to tell but she was sure there were several body parts mounted on those spikes.

“Oof!” Twilight said, as she she fell over.

Twilight was distracted by her memory, she didn’t notice the other passerby, until it was too late. She had unknowingly bumped into the pony and tripping them both over.

“Sorry about that?” Twilight said, as she picked herself up. She then turned around to see the other pony. “Are you oka-”

Twilight froze, it turns out the pony she bumped into, was actually a masked guard, who had just, pulled itself up.

Twilight immediately took an offensive position, ready to fight. “Who are you? And What can you tell me about Trixie?” She asked, bring up one of her hooves, like she was holding something. Just then a ball of fire appeared in her open hoof, it was unnatural, almost like her hoof was a lighter emitting a flame from the top.

Strangely though, the guard just stood there, not even bothering to try and pick up his dropped spear or pull out his sword. That’s when Twilight got a better look at her, despite the darkness around them both, Twilight could still make out the overall appearance of the guards tail, revealing it was the curly, flame-like, tailed guard that escorted her, and the other fighters on day one. Most of the guards, that Twilight had seen had black tails, but upon closer examination she noticed a few other details, that were different about this guard. He was slightly shorter and slightly less buff, compared to the other guards. Also though it was hard to tell, Twilight could barely see something coming out of the back of his robe, it looked metallic and sharp. The guard all of a sudden, jumped and ran away in the opposite direction.

“Hey!” Twilight shouted, running after him. “You there! Stop!”

Twilight chased after the guard, she feared he was going to report to Trixie about her snooping around the fortress. Unbeknownst to her, there was another living being that was following her. As soon as Twilight was gone, he revealed himself out of this air.

This fighter was a light purple, earth pony, with green eyes and light green mane. He wore the same ninja garb as Gilda and Lightning Dust, only this time his tunic, mouth cover and shin guards were green.

“I must inform Trixie of this!” The ninja said, before pulling out a smoke bomb and throwing it, down towards his hooves. The ninja then disappeared into a puff of smoke.

“Get. Back. HERE!” Twilight demanded, still chasing after that guard.

Despite Twilight’s physical attributes, the mask guard managed to keep ahead. Twilight brought her hoof up again, which reignited itself, before bringing it forward and shooting a ball of fire at the guard, as this projectile traveled it seemed to change shape, looking almost like the head of a dragon.

The guard however managed to dodge the fiery dragon head and continued running. Twilight tried again and again to hit the guard, but she kept dodging her fireballs. So Twilight tried something else, she jumped up into the air with her hind legs shot forward and flew across the ground towards the mask guard. Right before her hind hoof came into contact with the guard’s head, the guard disappeared in a flash of blue light. This caught Twilight off-guard and she fell flat on her face. Groaning, Twilight sat up and looked around, the guard was nowhere to be seen. With a sigh, she slowly pulled herself up, looking around where this chase lead her to.

This new location, was some kind of shrine. It was a large, arena-sized, outdoor hallway, with stone arcs on either end, a large blue-ish gray carpet connecting the two arcs and a roof above the whole thing, being held up by stone columns. Lining both sides of the hallway, were stone statues of all the various fighters that were competing in the tournament, including Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Adagio, Celestia, Gilda, and Lightning Dust.

"What is this place?" Twilight asked, no one.

"The Warrior's Shrine." Celestia replied.

Twilight jumped, and turned around to see Celestia herself standing at one end of the arena. "The what?" Twilight asked.

"The Warrior's Shrine." Celestia said again. "A shrine dedicated to honor the contestants of the tenth Pony Kombat tournament."

"Interesting..." Twilight replied. "So what are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for you, Twilight Sparkle." Celestia replied. "I recently found out, we are destined to fight each other in the next round."

"What!?" Twilight asked

"I wish to not hurt you Twilight Sparkle." Celestia explains. "So that is why I've come to ask that you forfeit this match and leave the tournament."

Twilight was hesitant, but after thinking about all this she decided. "No, Celestia... I won't." Twilight said.

Celestia was taken aback by this. "What? But Twilight-"

"It is my destiny to fight in this tournament. It is my destiny to defeat Trixie Lulamoon. And nothing will keep me from achieving my destiny." Twilight said. "If I must defeat you to achieve victory, then so be it. I will see you at the tournament tomorrow."

"Why wait?" Celestia said, standing on her hind legs and getting into a fighting position. "Let's fight NOW!"

Twilight stood up on her hind legs and got into a fight position as well. "Fine by me!"

Celestia brought her two forehooves together and shot out a bolt of electricity towards Twilight. Twilight reacted quickly enough to shoot a ball of fire at the lightning bolt, causing a small flash explosion. Twilight shield herself from the flash, before turning her head just in time to see Celestia running at her, with her fist in the air.

Twilight managed to dodge the punch and attempted to strike with her own fist from behind, but Celestia blocked the incoming punch and swung her hind leg around, striking Twilight in the chest so hard it sends her flying.

Twilight landed flat on her back. "Give it up, Twilight I've been studying your moves." Celestia explained, as Twilight stood up.

"Oh yeah? Study THIS!" Twilight shouted, as she jumped and did a flying kick towards Celestia. However just like with the guard, Celestia teleported out of the way, this time in a flash of white electricity. Twilight however, this time managed to land on her hind hooves this time.

Twilight turned around and was met with hoof to the side of her cheek. Celestia threw another but, Twilight blocked it and delivered a punch to Celestia's cheek, followed by another punch to Celestia's other cheek. Celestia staggered for a bit, gripping her head, as Twilight put her forehooves together and shot out a fire ball, which struck Celestia right in the chest, knocking her over.

Not wasting anytime, Twilight did a front-flip into the air and attempted to stomp on Celestia’s chest, with her hind legs. Celestia teleported again, right before Twilight landed on her and appeared right behind Twilight, standing up. Twilight turned around and attempted to punch Celestia, but she teleport again. Celestia appeared behind Twilight again, so Twilight tried again to punch her, but like before she teleported again. She once again appeared behind Twilight, where Twilight tried a roundhouse kick this time, but like the first two times, Celestia teleported. This time however she teleport a couple of meters away from Twilight. Twilight quickly turned to face her, ready to attack.

Suddenly Celestia shot her whole body forward like a torpedo, with her front hooves forward like she was aiming to grab something, all the while shouting something in-audible. Stunned, Twilight was grabbed by the flying torpedo, and was slammed right into the side of one of the arcs at one end of the arena. Celestia let go of Twilight and did a back-flip to cover some distance from her and the fallen monk. Twilight quickly jumped to her back hooves.

“Impressive.” Celestia admitted. “You’re a lot more durable, than I thought.”

Celestia shot another bolt of electricity, which Twilight simply jumped over and ran towards the thunder god. Celestia shot out two more bolts of electricity, Twilight quickly brought her hooves up and shot two fireballs out of each hoof, each fireball colliding with one lightning bolt, cancelling them out, as Twilight ran up to Celestia. Twilight swung her fist towards Celestia, striking her square in head, following it up with a kick to the chest and finally ending with her quickly jumping around Celestia and delivering a powerful kick to the back of the head, sending the thunder god flying.

Celestia landed a few meters away from Twilight, she slowly got up, staring deeply at Twilight, with her pupiless eyes. Seizing the opportunity, she got up and did another torpedo towards Twilight. Twilight however, was ready for this, and did a somersault over the flying god. While in the air, Twilight managed to quickly grab Celestia, by her back legs, and swung Celestia in different direction. Celestia slammed right against a one of the warrior statues (her statue to be exact), and fell flat on her face.

Celestia slowly got up, rather dizzy this time, as Twilight ran in for the finishing move. Twilight jumped up and did another flying kick towards Celestia, this time successfully colliding her hind leg right into Celestia’s face, knocking her back again. Celestia landed squarely on her back, defeated.

Twilight stood there panting, that match had taken a lot out of her.

“Well done!” Said a familiar voice.

Twilight looked behind her, to see a smiling Trixie walking towards her, while slowly clapping. Twilight’s expression did not change, seeing the evil sorcerer walk in.

“Now…. Finish her.” Trixie said, pointing to the fallen god.

Twilight looked back at the fallen god, the one who said that she wasn’t ‘a true fighter yet’. Twilight stood there for a bit, before replying. “No… I won’t kill her.”

“What?” Trixie shouted in disbelief. “Even after all the things she said to you?”

“I already defeated her and eliminated her from the tournament.” Twilight explained. “There’s nothing left for me to prove.”

Begrudgingly Trixie, just turned and walked away. As soon as she was out of ear sight, Celestia quickly got up.

“Well done, Twilight.” Celestia said, smiling. “I knew you had it in you.”

“W-what?” Twilight said, confused. “B-b-but you said-”

“It was all a test…” Celestia explained. “One final test to see if you were ready…”

“Test… FINAL test!?” Twilight asked. “What are you talking about.”

“Twilight let me explain… When Outworld won the ninth tournament, I feared there was no hope and Equestria was doomed. That is until I came across you.” Celestia explained. “When I saw you, you seemed to already be a natural at martial arts. I saw potential in you, I saw you as Equestria’s last hope.”

Twilight just stood there speechless. Why hadn’t she remembered this? Was she too young?

“Despite you already being able to fight, I decided to have your fighting skills increased, so I personally brought you to Thunderhooves, a master of martial arts, to teach you on how you can increase your abilities, he even taught you that flying kick, you just used.” Celestia explained. “After several years of training, I had you enrolled in the White Lotus Society, an order of warriors that was created by me personally to protect Equestria.”

Twilight was now completely dumbfounded, she was about to say something, when her attention was grabbed by something else. Out of the many statues, of the many warriors, one stood out.

This was a statues of a male, pegasus stallion, only he was way larger than any stallion Twilight has ever seen. He was really buff and muscular, and had his wings spread out, showing off their largeness. But most disturbing of all though, was that he had two pairs of fore hooves, when Twilight saw that, she instantly knew who this was a statue of.

“I-is that…” Twilight started asking.

“Yes… Twilight.” Celestia replied. “This is Snowflake, prince of the Shokan."

“He’s like nothing I’ve ever seen.” Twilight replied.

Trixie continued, walking through the dark night, making her way back to her temple. How foolish she was to think Twilight would have the guts to kill Celestia, even if she managed to eliminate her from the tournament. Suddenly Trixie stopped, she could sense something in the night air.

“Show yourself, Spike. I know your there.” Trixie said.

Spike suddenly appeared in a puff of smoke, just a few meters from behind Trixie.

“Trixie, I’ve come to warn you about the Shaolin Monk.” Spike explained. “It seems she-”

“I already know, Spike. She is quite versatile indeed. But also rather blunt when it comes to finishing her opponents.” Trixie interrupted, turning to face Spike. “She has already eliminated the thunder god, only she is to be disposed of, to require victory in the tournament.”

“What about that actor and mercenary?” Spike asked. “They seem to be doing alright in the tournament.”

“I plan on having those two fight each other tomorrow.” Trixie explains. “And whoever makes it out of THAT fight, I will have them fight you, Spike.”

“O-oh. Of course.” Spike replied.

Trixie then turned and continued walking, as Spike pulled out another smoke bomb.

“Oh and Spike.” Trixie said, face still turned away from the ninja.

“Y-yeah.” Spike asked, pausing from throwing his smoke bomb.

“Do not fail me.” Trixie replied.

Pinkie Pie vs. Adagio Dazzle

“Is that all ya got?” Adagio asked mockingly, as she threw another punch. Adagio was currently fighting another opponent in the tournament, her opponent was an exceptionally skilled fighter, but he was no match for Adagio.

The location they were currently fighting, was not the same arena the first two fights took place. Instead they seem to be in a throne room. The walls were red, with several windows shaped like dragons, several large pillars, and a long red carpet going across the room. In the center of the room, between two golden dragon statues, was a throne and sitting in the throne was none other than Trixie herself. Trixie was simply just sitting there watching the fight go down, waiting patiently for Adagio’s opponent to go down. She could never explain how she knew when an opponent was done, she could just always see it.

Finally, after Adagio delivered one final uppercut to the pony’s jaw, Trixie knew he was finished.

“Finish him!” Trixie shouted.

Adagio grinned, as soon as her opponent was standing up, Adagio plunged her hoof straight into the stallion’s chest. The stallion’s head shot up, eyes wide, gurgling on the blood leaking out of his mouth. Soon Adagio pulled her hoof out of her opponent’s chest, along with the fighter’s still beating heart. Adagio could of sworn, the stallion turn his eyes slightly towards his heart, right before dying and falling over. Adagio then held the still beating heart, up high for everyone to see.

“Adagio wins!” Trixie shouted, while clapping. “Fatalitiy!”

Pinkie Pie was among the few fighters left watching the fight. The amount of fighters still around, wasn’t even a quarter of the amount that she, saw on the ship. And speaking of what she saw on the ship, no one else knows this, but the opponent Adagio just killed was actually one of the fighters she befriended, one of the ponies that attacked her on the ship alongside Adagio and Adagio just ripped his heart out.

“Adagio Dazzle!” Trixie shouted from her throne, causing Adagio to turn towards her. “You are now one of the finalists in this tournament.”

Adagio simply smiled. “No surprises there.” she said.

“Your next opponent will be…..” Trixie said, pretending to think. “Pinkie Pie!”

Pinkie gulped, before removing her sunglasses and walking onto the arena, at the opposite side of Adagio.

“Heh, if it isn’t Ms. Applewood.” Adagio snarled, cracking her hooves. “Ah told ya at the boat, we’d meet.”

“Speaking of that…” Pinkie said, facing Adagio. “I couldn’t help but notice that stallion you slaughtered, was one of your…. ‘Friends’ that was bullying me on the boat.”

“Yeah well ah wasn’t gonna let him, git in the way of me winning this tournament.” Adagio said, standing on her hind legs. “Prolly gonna reward me, with tons of gold.”

‘Oh if only you knew, what your getting yourself into’ Pinkie Pie thought, getting on her hind legs as well, in preparation to fight.

“Alright…” Trixie said. “FIGHT!”

Adagio ran towards Pinkie, raising her first, attempting to punch Pinkie. Pinkie swiftly dodged the punch, and countered with a punch of her own. Adagio simply blocked this punch and swung around delivering a roundhouse kick to Pinkie’s left cheek, knocking her over.

Pinkie quickly got up and quickly faced Adagio, as she started running towards her again, this time Pinkie had a new plan. She quickly brought her hoof forward and shot out a green, glowing orb of energy towards Adagio. Adagio, taken completely off guard by this sudden attack, was hit in the chest and knocked flat on her back.

“H-how did you?...” Adagio was completely confused on how Pinkie did that, at with Applejack, it clearly obvious she was shooting her pink rings from her gauntlets. Pinkie however didn’t have anything on her forehooves. “Ah don’t know, how yer pulling that off, but it won’ save ya” Adagio said, as she jumped and did a flip in the air towards Pinkie.

Pinkie, assuming Adagio was aiming to kick her in the face, quickly put her forehooves up to block the oncoming kick. However this kick never came, as Adagio instead, landed behind Pinkie and delivered a sweep kick, knocking Pinkie onto her back. Adagio then proceeded to deliver a powerful stomp on Pinkie’s chest, before reaching down and grabbing Pinkie by the neck, pulling her up and delivering a powerful uppercut sending her flying across the arena, landing flat on her back.

“Oh come on’, Ah expected more even fo’ an actor, like you!” Adagio said. “Even AJ, was puttin’ up a betta fight!”

Pinkie groaned, as she pulled herself up. She turned around only to see a flying Adagio cannonball flying right at her. Pinkie managed to quickly leap into the air and over the cannonball, landing right on her hind legs. As soon as Adagio landed a few meters, in front of Pinkie Pie, she quickly did her signature Shadow Kick towards Adagio, striking her hard in the back knocking her to the ground. Adagio quickly pulled herself back up and rushed over, to Pinkie with her fist in the air. She through a punch, but Pinkie managed to side step and quickly locked Adagio’s fore hoof, with hers. Pinkie then quickly kneed her hind leg into Adagio’s stomach, smashed her head into her and finally tossing Adagio over her shoulder. Adagio landed and bounced a couple time, before finally settling on her side.

“How’s that for ‘fightin’ betta’” Pinkie said, mocking Adagio’s accent.

Adagio slowly pulled herself up, growling angrily as she faced Pinkie. As soon as she got up she quickly pulled out her butterfly knives from her boots, and threw them towards Pinkie Pie. Pinkie quickly did forward roll to dodge the flying knives and quickly got back on her hind legs to throw another green force-ball at Adagio. Adagio simply jumped over the green and glowing projectile and pulled out another set of butterfly knives.

Adagio landed in front of Pinkie and started slashing at Pinkie. Pinkie managed to dodge the slashing blades and did a back-flip away from Adagio, while she was still in the air, she threw another force-ball towards Adagio. This time Adagio was ready for it and threw one of her knives at the glowing, green projectile, he two projectiles being destroyed, when they collided. Pinkie ran up and threw a punch at Adagio. Adagio managed to catch the punch in her own hoof, before twisting Pinkie’s leg and jumping around and attempting to stab her other knife into the Pinkie’s neck. Pinkie however, sensing the danger and quickly twisted around, causing Adagio to instead, stab Pinkie in the shoulder.

Pinkie managed to kick Adagio off, as she quickly pulled the fat knife out of her leg and threw it to the ground. She then faced Adagio, who was now branding, a third pair of butterfly knives. At this point Pinkie finally snapped.

“Are you a mercenary, or a coward?” Pinkie asked. “A true fighter wouldn’t need weapons to win a fight. So if you are as dangerous as you say, why don’t you fight naturally?”

Adagio stood there for bit, before spinning her knives around in her hooves and quickly shoving them back into the slots on her boots. She then ran over to Pinkie and threw punch, Pinkie blocked, of course and threw her own punch. Adagio quickly dodge it and delivered a hook to the right side of Pinkie’s jaw, before following up with another hook to the left side of Pinkie’s jaws, before grabbing Pinkie by the throat again and smashing her face into Pinkie’s, her cybernetic implant providing more of an impact and throwing her a couple meters away. Pinkie slowly got back up, spitting a bit of blood out of her mouth, as Adagio jumped in the air. While still in the air, she did another cannonball down towards Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie reacted quickly, but rather than simply blocking the attack, she did a quick roundhouse kick and reflected Adagio like she was kicking a soccer ball, knocking Adagio right into a column, on the opposite side of the arena. Adagio slowly got back up still a bit dizzy, Pinkie quickly ran and did a shadow kick right into Adagio’s chest, completely sandwiching her between the column and Pinkie’s hind leg, causing Adagio to slowly slide back down. Adagio was defeated.

“Pinkie Pie Wins!” Trixie shouted, from her throne, as Pinkie put her glasses back on and blew a kiss towards the crowd. “Now… FINISH HER!”

Pinkie stood there, staring back at Trixie’s demand, she thought about it. Adagio was criminal, that seriously hurt one of her friends. She turned towards the beaten mercenary, Adagio was already defeated and put in about as much pain as Applejack was. Pinkie thought hard for bit, before turning a facing Trixie.

“I won’t kill her!” Pinkie shouted, before turning a walking out of the throne room, as well as everyone else.

All that remained in the throne, seemed to be Trixie Lulamoon. That is until a puff of smoke appeared next to her, before clearing up to reveal none other than Spike.

“So it’s the movie star, I’ll be fighting?” Spike asked.

“Appears so…” Trixie explained. “But not right now…. First I have another fight to settle.”

“What?” Spike asked.

“Don’t worry, your time will come...” Trixie explained. “First I have to rid that monk, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight Sparkle vs. Gilda Gryphon

Only after a couple hours, after the fight with Pinkie Pie and Adagio Dazzle, and Adagio losing. Twilight was called in to fight. Twilight has had quite a week, first she made a few new friends, then she met a mare that almost got Equestria taken over a by a fallen elder god, then she defeated a god in the form of a mare and then she found out she’s the chosen one to save Equestria. Regardless Twilight made her way to the throne room, going through the palace gates.

The palace gates, consisted of a large stone arch, with a stone path leading down to a pair of red double-doors on the other side. On one side of the path, is covered with mossy bricks and the other is covered with dirt. On the dirt side, was a stone lined with statues

Of course, one thing she couldn’t get out of her mind, was that mysterious guard with the bizarre tail and metallic thing in the back of her robe. Why did she run away after seeing her? Twilight didn’t even say anything, it’s like the guard, didn’t want her to recognize her. She also couldn’t forget about potentially having to fight the shokan, Snowflake and Trixie herself. Trixie didn’t seem that fierce at first, being a decrepit old mare, but after finding out she’s a soul sucking, sorcerer, she didn’t know what to expect.

“Twilight!”

The familiar voice, halted Twilight and she looked up, to see Trixie herself, standing between her and the double doors.

“Trixie…” Twilight said, glaring at the host of this tournament. Even though Twilight appeared normal, she was still keeping her guard up for a surprise assault.

“Twilight Sparkle… I was… Disappointed with your fight with the thunder god.” Trixie said. “But maybe this will be your time to redeem yourself… You have a challenger.”

Suddenly, several flames appeared behind Trixie and in front of the double doors. Twilight recognized those flames and new exactly who her challenger was, as The yellow clad, ninja gryphon herself, Gilda emerged from the flames.

“Gilda Gryphon! You have chosen to challenge the Shaolin Monk, Twilight Sparkle!” Trixie, shouted.

Gilda, said nothing as she made her way closer to her opponent, as Trixie stepped out of her way to a safe distance to watch the fight.

Once Gilda was around half way on the right side of the arena, about a couple meters away from Twilight, she raised her left arm up, in her fighting position.
Twilight only stood there, staring at the specter with an unpleasant look. “You know it disappoints me to see you.” Twilight said. “Why are you still here? You already killed Lightning Dust.”

“I have my reasons.” Gilda said.

“Are they also for petty revenge?” Twilight asked, looking rather angry. “Celestia has told me to never hold grudges, that you need to ‘let things go’, instead you let your anger get the best of you and you slaughtered a ninja, who didn’t even take part in the assination of your people, or your wife and son

Gilda just stood there confused. “Wife? Son? I never had either of those things.” Gilda said, truthfully.

Twilight stood there confused. “You know!? Your wife and son, the two people you wanted to kill to get revenge?” Twilight, asked.

“I-I don’t remember ever getting married or having a child!” Gilda shouted.

Twilight was generally confused, from what she saw of the specter, her being in denial about things wasn’t weird, but Gilda actually seemed to be really believe this. How can she not remember her own wife and son? Celstia told me-. Suddenly, Twilight went wide-eyed when she remembered what Celestia said. Wait…

“What Gilda had to trade with Starlight in exchange to get revenge on Lightning Dust was something very special to her, something no one deserves to lose.”

Twilight stood there, shocked at this realization. This is what she was talking about! Twilight Sparkle thought. What Gidla gave up… Was the memories of her own family!

“I can not believe it… Your hunger for revenge is so big, you’d even sacrifice the memory of what is for? You disgust me.” Twilight said, getting ready to fight.

“It doesn’t matter!” Gilda shouted, also getting ready to fight. “This where you DIE!”

“FIGHT!” Trixie shouted.

Twilight ran up and did a flying kick towards Gilda. Only for her to teleport in a flash of fire. Twilight then landed on her hind hooves, as Gilda reappeared behind her, before dashing forward with her fist raised in the air. She swung and Twilight dodge, countering with a swift high kick. Gilda blocked that and threw a straight punch forward, Twilight grabbed Gilda’s arm and threw her over her shoulder, causing her to land on her back. Twilight then spun around and shot a dragon fire ball towards Gilda, only for her to teleport again and appear behind Twilight again. Gilda threw a punch, but Twilight ducked and spun and delivered a high kick, only for Gilda to block it. Gilda countered again by throwing a swift back hand towards Twilight. Twilight caught the hand and countered with a roundhouse kick knocking Gilda onto her side.

Twilight then bent forward and grabbed Gilda by the neck lifting her up to eye view. “Give it up. I defeated Celestia, and lord knows she’s had a lot more practice with teleportation.”

Gilda’s only response was to grab ahold of Twilight’s arm and burn her forehoof with her hellfire. Twilight immediately let go of Gilda’s neck in pain. Gilda then proceeded to swing each of her still lit fists at Twilight, before throwing her foot into the mix. Twilight managed to dodge the fists, but not so much as the foot, as she was kicked right in the snout, a loud crack could be heard.Twilight immediately grasped her face, and when she pulled it up, blood was leaking out of her nostrils.

She glared at Gilda and then threw a punch, only for Gilda to dodge and grab a hold of Twilight’s neck with both her hands strangling her, Twilight in response started doing the same to Gilda, with both her hooves. The two fighters struggled, in each other’s grips, before Gilda broke it by delivering a powerful kick to Twilight’s chest, knocking her back.

Twilight stumbled for a bit, before straightening herself and shooting a dragon fire ball towards Gilda. Gilda lifted her arms up and blocked the fire, but when she lowered them, the only thing she saw was Twilight’s hind hoof delivering a flying kick to her face, knocking Gilda off her feet and sending her back. However, she managed to land on her feet again, sliding slightly.

Gilda, just rubbed her face, as Twilight noticed blood dripping from it. Suddenly Gilda teleported and appeared right in front of Twilight. Before she could react, Gilda quickly delivered a swift punch to the side of Twilight’s head, following it up with a swift kick to the gut, before Gilda grabbed Twilight by the ears and slammed her already broken muzzle into her knee.

Twilight backed up a bit, grabbing her snout in pain. Gilda then pulled her right arm back, which suddenly was engulfed in fire and delivered a swift uppercut right to Twilight’s jaw. This sent Twilight upwards into the air and she landed flat on her back, a few meters away.

Gilda then slowly walked towards Twilight’s body, who appeared to be unconscious. she stood right up beside her, she took a glance towards Trixie who was watching the fight, before looking back down at Twilight. Gilda then brandished her kunai, and held it by the handle like a dagger and brought it down towards Twilight’s chest, in an attempt to end her.

Suddenly Twilight opened her eyes and rolled right out of the way of the incoming dagger and quickly did a sweep kick knocking Gilda onto her back. Twilight then quickly got and shot a fire ball at Gilda who was starting to get up as well, knocking her back down.

Gilda suddenly teleported out in a flash of fire, but this time she didn’t immediately appear again. Twilight stopped and looked around the arena and she didn’t see any sign of the yellow clad ninja. Despite this, Twilight did not let her guard down, she knew the gryphon didn’t runaway, she was planning something, but what?

Suddenly, as if on instinct, Twilight quickly jumped out of the way of an incoming kunai on rope that came from behind her. She quickly swerved around to see none other than Gilda herself, standing a few meters away. Twilight lifted her hoofs up, ready to face Gilda.

Gilda put her hand to her mask, Twilight knew instantly what was coming, so she ran towards the undead gryphon, dashing at a high speed. Gilda pulled off his mask, revealing the familiar, yet just as shocking, white skull underneath and shot a barrage of fire out of her mouth, at the hooves of Twilight.

Twilight managed to jump, just the fire hit the ground, she did flip into the air and lifted up her hind leg, heading straight towards the spector. Twilight’s hind collided right with Gilda’s forehead, sending her off feet and square onto her back, skidding across the ground. Gilda was defeated, as Twilight landed safely on her hind hooves.

“Twilight wins!” Trixie shouted, before continuing in her normal voice. “Now I think you know what I want you to do.”

“I won’t kill her…” Twilight replied.

“Of course you won’t, I don’t expect a peaceful monk like you, would be capable of such a feat.” Trixie explained. “Even if you did, it wouldn’t matter for Gilda.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked, confused.

“Gilda is a spector, an undead spirit that walks Equestria. She cannot be killed by physical assault, only the destruction of her soul, will ensure she stays dead.” Trixie explains. “A power that only a sorcerer, a necromancer…. Or a god, can accomplish.”

Trixie then turns and proceeds to walk away, leaving the two fighters behind. Twilight watched as Gilda struggled to get back up.

Twilight walked over to the undead gryphon. “It doesn’t have to be this way. You can change your ways” Twilight said, holding out a hoof, the gryphon reluctantly took it and was helped up to her feet. “I want to help you, just like how Celestia helped me, you know you kind of remind me of a partner I have back-”

Suddenly Twilight was pushed to the ground by Gilda, who angrily shoved Twilight away from her, before teleporting away in a flash of fire.
Twilight just sat there on the ground, staring blankly at the burnt spot of where Gilda used to be. She sighed.

“There’s still hope for you.”