//------------------------------// // Getting signed up and meeting new people // Story: Fighting the Storm Dragon // by Goku the Super Sandwich4 //------------------------------// After 62 hours of driving, listening to music, eating tacos and burgers, and of course bathroom breaks the two finally made it to Ponyville. Ponyville had decorations all over the place and was full of life people seemed to be everywhere whether they were talking or just putting up decorations. The two brothers had parked at a motel and checked in, it wasn't a fancy five star hotel but it sure was cozy, there were two beds a small table and a television. The bathroom had a tub and shower along with the basic bathroom things like the toilet, sink, and mirror. Upon seeing a bed Swift did a front flip on the bed then got comfy. Dax could only shake his head and say, “Yeah, how about we not break the beds, besides we need to go and get registered for the tournament.” “Aww but we just got here can’t we chill for a while then go register?” Swift replied in a begging tone. “No we have to go now or we won’t be a part of the tournament.” “(Sigh) fine let’s go, say where are we supposed to sign up?” “Well I asked the desk clerk and she told me the registration is at town hall.” “Well then let’s go.” Swift said then headed out the door, but he didn't look where he was going and bumped into someone. It took a few second for him to recover but as he did he saw the person, it was a human male, he wore a grey hoodie that had the hood up so you couldn't see his eye’s, and he also wore some grey cargo pants and black parkour shoes. “Oh man sorry about that I must have not looked were I was going.” Swift said. The mysterious hooded man just gave a short nod got up and walked away. Swift could only give a questioned look. “Man that was creepy.” He said. “Yeah well some people are like that now let’s go.” Dax said in an irritated voice. As the two walked through town they could help but realize how different Ponyville was compared to Manehatten there weren't and skyscrapers or busy cars in the road, there were mostly just carriages and carts that were being pulled by ponies. The two finally made their way to town hall, the entire place was full people and ponies that seemed to be signing up for the tournament. “Dax look at all these people, man we are going to have a blast.” Swift said in an amusing tone. “Yeah most of them look pretty tough, our chances of getting that prize money just went extremely down.” Dax replied in a hopeless tone. “Oh come on dude you have to stop thinking like that.” Swift told him. “Besides we are just as strong as most people here.” Regaining some of his confidence Dax smiled and gave Swift a reassuring nod. ”Ok let’s do this.” The two had finally got signed up, it was awkward when they had to go through signing up and the mare at the desk as drunk and would keep hitting on everyone that was signing up to compete. Fortunately her sister who was the town’s school teacher manage to get her off the desk and take the job. “Well now that we have signed up I’m going to check out our competition.” Dax said. “So by check out, you mean see everyone’s fighting styles so you can make me use the right style to use on them.” Swift replied. “Exactly.” “Well I’m going to fly around town, train, then get some food.” “Just don’t stuff yourself you can’t fight with an overly full stomach.” “Whatever.” Swift Winds had exited the building, thrown on his hoodie, and took to the skies. One thing was for sure the air was a lot clearer than Manehatten. As he flying he spotted the perfect place to train it was a forest that looked like no one ever went to. As he landed he saw a sign that said ‘EVERFREE FOREST DO NOT ENTER IF YOU VALUE YOUR LIVES’. “Well it can’t be that bad.” Swift said to himself then entered. The forest was pretty dark but it still had enough light to see where you’re going. After walking for a few minutes Swift had decided that if he was going to be walking he might as well put on some weighted gear, once he was finished he continued walking. After an hour or so he heard some noise in the bushes curious of what it was Swift decided to check it out. He finally moved the most of the bush to and to his surprise it was the most strange looking creature it had the head of a chicken but the body of a snake, “What taturaus is that, wait didn't Dax say these were called cockatrices?” Swift asked himself. Then in an instant the cockatrice leaped at him so with his quick reflexes Swift punched it in the beak. The cockatrice fell back on the ground and hissed at him. “You’re going to have to do better than that if you’re going to take me down.” Just then more cockatrices came out of nowhere and circled him. “Well this just made things interesting.” He said then got into his combat stance. The cockatrices took the offensive and charged at Swift but he countered by brutally assaulted them with extremely fast punches, his fist were like bullets each one was so quick and precise, and roundhouse kicks he then felt his legs getting heavy as he looked down he see that part of his legs had been turned to stone. “You know there’s a saying use your enemy’s weapons against them and return it tenfold.” He said then axe kicked a cockatrice to the ground. Swift had finally took down most of the cockatrices but there was still two left. He gave them a playful smile which freaked both of them out and in an instant they both ran off. “Well that was interesting.” Just then he heard something rustling in the bush were the cockatrices were. Swift went further into the bush but what he say blew his mind the only words he could muster up were ‘No way’. It was a phoenix, but not an ordinary one instead of having red flaming feathers this one had green windy ones instead, that was lying on the ground and it seemed to be in pain. “Hey little guy what happen to you.” All the phoenix could do was give a faint squawk, Swift then saw that the phoenix wing was sprained so he decided to press down on some of its pressure points so the wing could move again. “There all better now fly off little guy.” But the phoenix didn't fly instead it flew up to Swift Winds face and pecked him in his forehead. “Ow what the hell was that for?!” He told the Phoenix in an upset tone while rubbing his forehead. ‘I did this so you could understand me.’ Said a female voice. “Huh who said that?” Swift said looking around but seeing nothing but the phoenix. Looking at the phoenix felt the gears turning in his head. “Wait you can talk.” ‘You know for a skilled warrior you aren't that bright.’ The Phoenix replied. “Well excuse me for not knowing you could speak Equestrian.” Swift replied with an annoyed look. ‘Actually I can’t speak Equestrian, I’m speaking to you telepathically that’s why I pecked you in the forehead, and it’s a mind speaking spell to help me understand you.’ “Uh ok but why do you want to speak to me?” ‘Well first off I wanted to thank you for healing and saving me, those cockatrices surprised attacked me and sprained my wing. If you hadn’t shown up I might have been a goner and because of your bravery I am now you servant.’ “Look um…” ‘Boreas, my name is Boreas.’ “Okay look Boreas you don’t have to be my servant its fine.” ‘But I do the Phoenix code states that when a Phoenix’s life is saved it will become a servant for life.’ “So I’m stuck with you no matter what I say.” ‘Yes.’ “(Sigh) Okay but instead of servant how about my sidekick.” ‘If that is how you feel then I shall obey your command master.’ “Ugh don’t call me master, Swift is fine.” ‘Okay Swift so what do we do know?’ “Well first we need to get out of the forest.” Swift said then flew. ‘I’m right behind you.’ Boreas replied then followed. As they took flight Swift couldn't help look at Boreas every once in a while. ‘Is there something wrong mas- I mean Swift?’ “Well it’s just that most phoenix’s I've seen have a red orange color but yours is forest green and light green, why is that?” ‘You only noticed that now, you don’t pay attention often don’t you?’ “I do but only when I feel like it.” ‘Right, anyways I am a wind phoenix I’m basically like a regular phoenix but I have a different color and element there are all kinds of phoenixes but fire ones are just more common, normally I live in mountains but I ran out of food so I came to the Everfree forest.’ “Well I guess that explains that.” Swift and Boreas finally made it town, Swift started to feel hungry and decided to look for a place to eat, and unfortunately for him Swift did not look where he was flying and crashed into someone. Both he and the unknown Pegasus fell into an unknown cloud. “Oh my goodness I am so sorry!” Said a female voice. “Actually I should be the one apologizing.” Swift replied ‘You should watch were your flying then.’ Boreas said. “Not now Boreas.” Swift Replied as he grabbed Boreas and stuffed her into his jacket, she didn't really put up much of a struggle due to the fact that Swift was stronger than her. “Who are you talking to?” She asked with a hint of laughter. “Oh uh sorry.” Swift apologized then returned his attention to the mare, he saw a grey pegasus mare, and she had a short blonde mane and golden eyes that seemed to be in looking in different directions. As for her body, she definitely had a nice figure and slightly big breast, she was only a foot or two shorter than Swift. The mare wore a mail mare uniform, which consisted of a navy blue blouse and matching skirt, and had a brown satchel over her shoulder. “My name is Swift, Swift Winds, and you are?” “Ditzy, Ditzy Dew, I’m the local mail mare here in Ponyville.” She replied with a cheerful attitude. Ditzy couldn't help but look at Swift and saw him staring at her. “(Sigh) you’re looking at my eyes aren't you?” “Well I uh yes.” He replied with a hint of defeat in his voice. “I know their weird looking but...” “Actually you pull it off.” Swift said. “Really!?!” Ditzy replied with some happiness in her tone. “Yeah I’d say your eyes are pretty unique.” Ditzy couldn't help but blush at Swift compliment until she realize her one of her boxes were crushed. “Oh no!” she said in a worried tone. “What, what is it?” Swift asked. “Their crush.” She said then opened the box to find crushed muffins. “My muffins are ruined.” “Oh man I’m sorry Ditzy.” Swift replied feeling a little bad. “Hey why don’t I make up to you and rebuy you some muffins?” “Really I mean are you sure?” “Sure I was looking for a place to eat anyways.” “Great there’s a great place called Sugarcube Corner where I get my muffins- wait on Equestria is that?” She said while pointing to at his chest. “What do you mean?” He replied. “The thing in your jacket it’s moving around.” “Oh that it-" He was about to explain to Ditzy until Boreas head popped up. “Aww it’s an albino phoenix.” Ditzy said in a cooing voice. “Where did you find her?” ‘Albino!?!’ Boreas said angrily. “Actually she’s a wind phoenix and her name is Boreas.” Swift corrected her. “I found her in the Everfree she was injured so I healed her and she kinda followed me.” “That’s so cool the only pony I know that has a phoenix is Princess Celestia I mean there really hard to catch.” Derpy replied. ‘Swift I’m going to find it very hard to be nice to this mare.’ Boreas said in an agitated tone “Don’t get you feathers in a bunch it’s a common mistake.” Swift replied in his usual chilled manner. ‘(Sigh) I suppose so but if someone call me albino again I will claw out their eyes.’ After flying for five minute the three made it to Sugarcube Corner, seeing the building only one word went through his head Diabetes the entire place was painted of candies and sweet treats. Once they got inside Swift blood sugar started to return to normal. “Hey I’ll order the muffins just get us a table.” Swift told. “Sure thing Swift.” Ditzy replied. Then he remember the Boreas was still in his jacket looking down he saw that Boreas was sound asleep, she looked pretty adorable just breathing softly. “I better not wake her up.” Two minutes later Swift came back with a plate of muffins and two cups of coffee. But when he found Ditzy some stallion was talking to her and she seemed uncomfortable, he was a foot taller than Swift and wore a black tank top with blue cargoes, sensing this stallion was trouble he braced himself for what was about to happen. “Oh come one baby don’t be like that just ditch the stallion you were hanging out with and I’ll show you a good time.” The stallion said. “I told you already I’m not interested.” Ditzy replied in an annoyed tone. “Yeah she said she’s not interested.” Swift added. “Huh who the taturaus are you?” the stallion said in a careless tone. “Well I’m the one you’re telling this mare to ditch.” “You’re the stallion that is on a date with my Ditzy well you better back off she’s mine.” “First of its not a date second she not yours Ditzy is not property.” “Shut up before I make you shut up.” “Look I don’t want any trouble so just chill out, it obvious that she want to stay so leave her alone.” “Don’t tell me what to do.” The stallion yelled then threw a punch. But Swift was too fast and caught the punch like it was nothing.” You shouldn't have done that.” Swift said in a more serious tone. He started to crush the stallion fist. “Ahhh stop please it hurts.” “You have to stop bothering Ditzy and apologize to her.” “Yeah sure whatever just let go.” “Fine.” Swift said then let his grip go. When he did the stallion ran off and the two ponies sat. “Sorry you had to see that.” “No its fine he was a meanie and deserved what was coming to him.” Ditzy replied. “But how did you catch his fist quickly I mean it was moving pretty fast and you caught it like if it was in slow motion?” “I guess years of training and honing my skills.” “Training what kind of training?” “Well martial arts training.” “Martial Arts, wait are you here for the tournament?” “Yes I am actually.” “Well what are you going to do with the prize money if you win?” “Well pay off my dojo and get new equipment for my students.” “Wait a minute so your teacher?” “Yeah I teach kids and teenagers they can be a little hard headed at time but I love em.” “Wow I tried taking karate once but I fail instead of breaking the board I kinda broke my instructor’s muzzle she was pretty mad at me I think she in the tournament to now that I think about it.” “Hey I have an idea why don’t you come along with me to the tournament trust me they are super fun.” “Well I don’t know-“ “Come on Ditzy you won’t regret it.” “(Sigh) if you say so but I need to get out this uniform so we need to stop at my house first then the tournament okay?” “Okay that’s fine with me.” So after the two ate they walked over to Ditzy’s house. The house was medium sized and had a cozy feeling. As Swift enter he hear a bunch of noise mostly laughter which was coming from the living room. Upon entering the living they saw a unicorn filly and brown earth pony colt, the filly had a blonde mane similar to Ditzy the only difference was hers mane had a darker tint to it and she wore a navy blue overalls and a white t-shirt the colt wore a red and yellow propeller hat, grey t-shirt, and blue jeans. Just then the filly turned around and saw the two. “Your home Button Mash I and were waiting for you.” The filly said in a joyful tone then ran up to Ditzy and hugged her. “Is this your sister?” Swift asked. “Actually she’s my daughter.” Ditzy replied then ruffle the fillies mane as the filly returned to colt. “Oh oka- wait daughter?!?” “Yes she’s my daughter that’s not a problem is it?” “Wha- I mean no not at all.” “I know, I had her young it’s something I’d rather not get into detail with.” She said in a sad tone. “Then I won’t bring up the subject.” Swift said. “Well why don’t you stay here and get to know Ditzy and her friend while I go and get into something more comfortable.” “Uh sure by the time you get back we’ll be friends.” Swift replies with a smile on his face. When Ditzy leaves Swift make his way over to the kids, they were so busy playing that they didn't realize Swift was behind them. “Dang it Dinky how do you keep beating me.” The Button said. “I dunno I guess I’m just that good.” Dinky replied. “Hey kids what up?” Swift said in his kindest tone possible. Dinky and her friend pause their game and turn their attention to Swift they both had a neutral expression on their faces that made Swift feel uneasy. “Hi are you taking my mommy on a date?” Dinky ask in a curious tone. “Wha-what no I just taking her to the tournament I assure you we are just friends.” Swift said in an awkward tone with a heavy blush. “Are you sure?” The Button asked. “Yeah I am, hey why don’t you two come to the tournament it could be lots of fun.” “Uh I dunno if my mom would let us go.” Dinky said in an unsure tone. Swift was going to reply but Ditzy came back, she was wearing some blue shorts that hugged her butt firmly and a white t-shirt, Swift started to start for a while but shook out of his stupor in an instant. “Well I’m ready to go.” Ditzy said. “Mommy can me and Button go with you and Mister Swift to the tournament?” “Sure my little muffin well as long and Mister Swift is ok with it.” “Hey I don’t mid the more the merrier.” “YAY!!!” The children yelled in unison. “Well we better go don’t wanna be late.” Swift said. The group made to the tournament and it appeared to a coliseum. While Ditzy and the kids stare in awe while Swift acted completely natural this was not his first time being in a coliseum seeing that he’s been in numerous tournament. They then went inside and bought their tickets, well except Swift since he was participating in the tournament, inside the coliseum there were people and ponies everywhere. “Swift Swift hey Swift!!!” yelled a familiar voice. Swift turned around and saw Dax run up to him he seemed a little annoyed which was not a good sign. “Uh hey Dax how it going?” “Do give me that you were almost late.” “Yeah almost but I’m not.” “Yeah well how about- wait who’s the mare and the children?” “Oh um this is Ditzy Dew, her daughter Dinky, and Dinky’s friend Button Mash.” “A pleasure to meet you all but we have to go the tournament.” “Uh sure we’ll be rooting for Swift.” “Uh ok thanks- oh wait could you watch Boreas for me?” Swift asked. “Boreas?” Dax said with a curious look on his face. “Sure.” Ditzy replied. “Thanks I don’t this she would want to be in my jacket the entire time.” Swift said then pulled out Boreas out of his jacket she started to stir awake. ‘Oh hello Swift what happening? (Yawn)' “Boreas I’m leaving you with Ditzy for now.” ‘What!!!!!??' Boreas replied. ‘Don’t leave me with her.’ “Don’t worry you be fine and it’s only until the tournament is over.” ‘Sigh fine but if she calls me albino there will be bloodshed.’ “Good and be nice.” “Alright now let’s go!” Dax said then grabbed Swift’s arm and dragged him off. When they got to the contender’s waiting room Dax look to Swift and said. “How did you manage to get an albino phoenix?” “(Sigh) you know if Boreas was here she might of just clawed your eye’s out, she’s not albino she just a different element.” Swift said slightly annoyed. “She a Wind Phoenix there pretty rare.” “Man you always get the cool stuff.” Dax said then gave a playful smile. “You even got that mare.” “Wha- What no it not like that me a Ditzy are just friends.” Swift said in a nervous tone with a blush. “I kid I kid anyways why don’t I give you the Intel on your opponents.” “Uh sure.” Dax pointed at someone they seemed to have light brown skin and short black hair he also wore a white t-shirt and olive cargo shorts with combat boot and sports tape on his hands. “Okay first we’ll start with Nicolas Fletcher: he’s 35 years old, Caucasian/African American male, he’s served in the Army and the Marines but ended up in the Navy and is pretty good at what he does. Basically he fight with military hand to hand combat. His speed make his fighting style lethal I would suggesting using judo on him.” “Interesting, whose next?” Swift replied. Dax then turned his attention to a light brown earth pony he had a straight white mane he was 5’8 and wore an orange checkered buttoned shirt with blue jeans. “That right there is Drifter he’s 19 and one hell of a resilient bastard. He can ignore pain and return it tenfold his fighting style is standard boxing I would suggest using taekwondo a boxer weakness is his leg kicks his legs down to size.” “Ok what about her?” Swift said the pointed to a mare she was 4’9 and she had scarlet fur and a black straight mane. She wore a red hoodie and a black skirt with leggings but what really caught Swifts attention was the fact that she was carrying a gigantic scythe, it was blood red and extremely sharp. “I was getting to her anyways that’s Scarlet Rain age: 15. She’s a weapon type as you can see she has that gigantic scythe so she has range not to mention strength but since it’s a big weapon she lacks any speed whatsoever I would suggest judo and karate when engaging her.” “Hey Daxter Daxter!!!!” a voice yelled out. The two brother turned their attention to the voice and saw a unicorn stallion walk up to them. He was 5’3, he had dark purple fur with electric markings on his face and spiked black mane his tail reached the back of his knees. He wore a dark blue hoodie with the lunar insignia, black jeans, and dark blue finger less gloves. “Oh right this is Gale Force, we kinda met at the sign up’s he a good kid.” Dax told Swift. “He’s 17 years old, knows karate and is good with lighting and water magic. The thing is that he can infuse his fighting with his magic so his techniques inflict more damage.” “Wow you got quite the kick anyways my name is-“ “Swift Winds.” Gale said cutting Swift off. “I know about you I saw you win the Ember tournament in Manehatten, your typhoon axe kick was an awesome finisher in the finals.” “Uh thanks.” Swift replied. “So I can’t wait to see you in the tournament and I hope you’ll give it everything because I won’t be holding back.” “Yeah same here.” Gale replied. “All participants of the Tournament please report to the arena.” A voice said on one of the intercom. Swift looked at Gale and Daxter and said, “Guy’s this is it, let fight till we can throw another punch or kick.” “Yeah!!!” The two shouted in unison. “I just hope that I can come out on top though.” Swift thought to himself then walked out the door.