Pony Kombat: The First Tournament

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.