//------------------------------// // episode 26: The Final Bout. // Story: Dragonball MLP // by ultrapoknee //------------------------------// [Canterlot - E.A.T Tournament - Third Person POV.] Within the Mess hall, the numerous contestants sat down and enjoyed a hearty meal after today's events. Many of the fighters gave out congratulations to those that progress as far as they did. There was also the usual hazing for those losing early on. However, most of the competitors were trying to engage in casual conversation with the winners advancing to the semi-finals. The results were less than ideal. "I SAID BUZZ OFF!I'm not looking for recruits; least of all a flock of failures like you who couldn't even make it past the preliminaries!" Lightning Dust barked out. She was being swarmed by serval pegasi that were looking to join the Ultra Bolts. "But the Ultra Bolts are the next big thing right now!" "We can't miss out on this!" "The Wonderbolts don't even compare to your group!" "You gotta let us join!" "Of course they don't compare because they have nothing with losers and the Ultra Bolts doesn't accept losers!" Lightning Dust said as she took her meal and left the mess hall. Whereas Lightning Dust was opposed to the attention, Flim and flam soaked it up. "Our Battle armament Mrk. 1, has a multitude of features for any given situation in battle. It even works on different terrains. Hot desert of the Badlands bearing down on you? The armor has a nifty cooling system for that. Are the freezing mountains of the frozen north becoming an issue? The armor generates a cozy summer's warmth during your trek," Flim advertised as Flam stood proudly as a display model. "What's your offer?" "I need this armor!" "Name your price, and I'll match it tenfold!" "Now. Now our eager patrons. As my brother had already informed you all earlier, you can have your armor at the Las Pegasus venue a week from today. We promise you won't be dissatisfied," Flam said as he and his brother made their way back to their secluded table. "Hoho, I can't believe our luck brother of mine. We already have everypony chomping at the bit purchases of the battle armament!" Flam said excitedly. "You said it, Flam. It was a stroke of good fortune that we bumped into that mechanical engineer during our travels. A few slick words here and there and we have this brand spanking new armor," Flim said. "Good thing for contracts too. That stallion lets us advertise the armor as long as there's credit were it's due. Or it would have if our mutual friend read the fine print," Flam said as he chuckles smugly. "But Flim, how are we going to sell more of this armor when it's one of a kind?" "Well, dear brother, I happen to snag the blueprint from our 'benefactor,' and I'm confident we can slap together some replicates for our devoted consumers. Sadly, they won't be as good as the one you're wearing, but you know the old saying 'quality over quantity' don't you?" Flim said. "Indeed I do brother of mine. And, once our customers pay their weight in bits, we'll split town and live out the rest of our days as kings," Flam said as they shared a haughty laugh. The majority of the occupants were especially interested in Goku. Now that they are no longer enemies, they wanted to get to know him a little better. However, they soon got their wish as Goku and company were enjoying their meals. And the sight before them was further testament to Goku's unique qualities. There was a variety of food on the table as Goku, Spike, Ember, Zecora, and Rainbow Dash dined. However, despite the vast quantity of the food, it was quickly being devoured by the Saiyan. Several of the staff personnel found themselves hard pressed to replace the food that the Saiyan warrior was consuming. And the number of dirty dishes were steadily growing. "So, is this normally how your kind eats cuisine, Goku?" Ember asked, completely transfixed of the rapid pace of Goku's eating habits. Goku pauses as a string of noodles hung from his mouth. "Hmmhmm," was all Ember could make out as Goku continued eating. "I think that it may only be Goku that eats like this... And Pinkie Pie," Spike added. Rainbow tried and failed to contain her laughter at the bizarre scene. "I-I don't see the problem here. the faster we eat; the faster we can get back to the action," Rainbow said. "I am aghast. How can one eat food this fast?!" Zecora asked to no one in particular. As the group continues to replenish themselves, a familiar alabaster unicorn came up to their table. "Aw, just the fighter I was looking for," The group all look toward the voice to find BlueBlood standing at their table. He was holding a briefcase of some kind as well as wearing a self-assured grin. "And what do you want?" Rainbow asked, irritation evident in her tone that causes BlueBlood to scoff. He ignores Rainbow's question and continues speaking. "I must admit ambassador; you are a very heard stallion to get a hold of," Goku swallows his food and addresses the prince. "Who me? We've been here the past few minutes eating. You wanna bite?" "Thank you for the offer, but I will pass. You see I've come here today to offer you a proposition..." BlueBlood said as he places the briefcase on the table. "It turns out that you, my friend, have a high chance of winning this little tournament--" "Ha! He'll have to beat me first!" Rainbow boasted, cutting the prince off. BlueBlood glares at the cyan pegasus for a moment. "Right-- Now I have some cohorts who wish the tournament to flow in a certain direction if you will," "Which direction do you want the tournament to go?" Goku asked obviously while the rest of the group was catching on. Happy that he had Goku's attention so far, BlueBlood opens the briefcase to reveal a large stockpile of bits and gems. "As a prince, I have access to the royal treasury, and I can do with such influence as I please. I understand you will be leaving eventually. So why not make the remainder of your stay a pleasant one. All the bits and gems within this case are yours provided you lose your next bout," "So that's what this is? You want Goku to dive into exchange for these bits!" Spike said with venom in his tone. "Your intentions are misplaced. Goku shall never take part in this disgrace!" Zecora said with disgust. "I cannot fathom why you're all getting upset. This transaction is between the Ambassador and I. Think of it, good sir. I can grant you any wish just the same as my Aunts — mares, bits, and power. Nothing would be out of your reach. You need only to accept," BlueBlood insisted. Goku looks deep in thought as he stares at the briefcase filled with gold. The others watched in disbelief as they were unable to comprehend that Goku would even consider this offer. However, their worries were for naught. "Hmm, no thanks," He said with a cheerful smile. BlueBlood sputtered out a response. "W-what?! Why? How can you--" His confusion quickly turned to rage. "I am offering you a fortune and any wish you can dream of made into reality. How can you refuse?!?!" "Well, I don't need money since I work with Applejack on the farm and only Celestia can grant the wish I want," Goku said. BlueBlood gritted his teeth at this response. "How Dare You?! There is nothing my Aunt can do that I cannot match-" "Except for raising the sun and ruling a kingdom successfully for a thousand years," Spike chimed in, causing the spoiled prince to eat his words. "Yeah, and she also wielded all the elements at once. It takes an awesome pony to do that" Rainbow added. "SILENCE!!" BlueBlood shouted. His little outburst was starting to draw attention. Before he could go on another tirade, BlueBlood found himself encased in a red aura. Ember had her specter trained on the irritate prince and floats him off the ground. "Goku has given you his answer and has denied your bribery request. Now if you don't leave us in peace, I will show you an aspect of Dragon culture that is perfect for disciplining obnoxious hatchlings. Are we clear?" She firmly stated as she narrows her eyes. BlueBlood got the hint and begrudgingly agreed. Ember sets him down, and he proceeds to collect his bits and takes his leave. "I see greed is not far removed from ponies as I had come to believe. But I am curious about what wish you will ask the princess," Ember inquired. "Haha, it's a secret," Goku said. As the contestants finished their well-earned meals, they took their place back in the spectator stands. The remaining finalist returned to the arena. "ALRIGHT FIGHTERS. INTERMISSION IS NOW OVER, AND IT'S TIME TO BEGIN THE NEXT MATCH. RAINBOW DASH OF PONYVILLE VS LIGHTNING DUST OF CLOUDSDALE!" C.C. said as the two stood in the center of the Colosseum. "I have been waiting for this moment for three years. Ever since that day at the academy, the day you ruined everything, I never wanted to get back at a pony so badly," Lightning Dust said. "So you're going to blame me for what happens?" Rainbow asked. "OF COURSE I AM. I WAS A BETTER CADET! I PUSHED MYSELF HARDER THAN YOU EVER WOULD! I WAS THE LEAD PONY WHILE YOU DID NOTHING BUT HOLD ME BACK! YOU COST ME, MY CHILDHOOD DREAM!" Lightning yelled. Rainbow started to get angry. "YOU'RE STUBBORN RECKLESSNESS NEARLY COST ME, MY FRIENDS! A WONDERBOLT HAS TO SET THE EXAMPLE FOR EVERYPONY TO LOOK UP TOO! AND IF YOU THINK DOING WHATEVER YOU WANT WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT HOW IT AFFECTS OTHERS IS GOOD, THEN YOU DESERVED TO BE KICKED OUT!" "THEN I GUESS WE'LL SEE WHO'S RIGHT AFTER THE ULTRA BOLTS ARE STANDING TALL AFTER I WIN!" Lightning shot back. "OH MY FOLKS, IT SEEMS THAT THERE IS SOME PERSONAL HISTORY BETWEEN THESE TWO COMPETITORS. FIGHTERS, ARE YOU READY--" "JUST START THE MATCH!!!" Both Rainbow and Lightning Dust screamed together. "...Begin..." C.C. said meekly. Both Lightning Dust and Rainbow charged forward and slammed their forearms into each other. They glared daggers at one another while the arms shook from exertion. Lightning Dust flared out her wing and primed her wing blades. Rainbow saw this and flew into the air, narrowly avoiding a razor-sharp swipe from her opponents' appendages. Lightning gritted her teeth and quickly followed. The two pegasi dance around each other in a circle before they both went for a flyby. Rainbow had to contort her body just right to land a glancing blow at Lightning's hip. Lightning Dust, herself, scored a slash mark on her shoulder. The wound was small, but it bled profusely. Rainbow glares at Lightning who wore a smug grin. "Oops. it seems I scrapped you in passing," Lightning in a condescendingly as she flicked the blood off. "IT LOOKS LIKE LIGHTNING DUST HAS GAINED THE UPPER HAND. CAN RAINBOW DASH MAKE UP FOR IT?" C.C. said. "Just watch me!" Rainbow snarled as she bolted toward Lighting Dust. She threw a wild haymaker at Lightning's head but Lightning, in turn, bobs to the left swipes her wing again. Rainbow avoids the worst of it by back peddling, but she did receive a new gash on her thigh. She gritted her teeth as she winced in pain. Lightning shot her another smug look that was on the verge of driving Rainbow mad. She was about to charge again when Spitfire's voice resonated in her mind. "She's out to prove something here. Don't underestimate Rainbow!" Her captains' words were enough to calm her down and start using her head as much as Rainbow didn't want to admit it. She and Lightning were so alike that, once an upon a time, she would have called the turquoise mare her sister. "Wait...! That's it!!!" Rainbow said as she hit an epiphany. "We share the same qualities, and that means we share the same faults," She said as she looked at Lightning with a cocky grin. "Hey, Lightning dork. Are done with these love taps?" Lightning scoffs at the remark and dashes forward. She went for another flyby with her wing blade, but Rainbow was ready this time. Rather than meet her opponent, Rainbow instead flips over Lightning and springboarding off her back. Lightning flailed in the air before regaining. She turns around to see Rainbow sticking her tongue out at her and making a silly face. Lightning Dust became incensed at the mockery and darted at Rainbow Dash. She then proceeded to launch a flurry of punches and kicks with the occasional wing blade thrown in as well. However, Rainbow was able to dodge them all while continuing to taunt her rival. "Hold Still!" Lightning screamed as she missed another slash from her wings. "Pfft, yeah right, I'll get right on that. I'm amazed you think your band of Ultra Poser could beat the Wonderbolts when you're the only one left. I guess that means you're kinda sorta slightly better at being a Poser than they are," Rainbow's constant put-downs were wearing on Lightning Dust's last nerves, and she soon found herself becoming more and more infuriated. Every missed attempt ended with a taunt by Rainbow. Rainbow dodged another wing swipe and went to speak. "And here I thought you were as fast as me. Guess I gave you too much credit," That was the last straw. With an almost primal roar, Lightning lunged at Rainbow with reckless abandon. Rainbow smirked as her plan was working. Right before the turquoise mare got close, Rainbow close her wings shut and fell under her assailant. Once Lightning was directly overhead, Rainbow flapped her wings and slammed her fist straight into Lightning's stomach. She followed up with a roundhouse kick to the muzzle that sent her rival spiraling away. Lightning Dust brought herself to a stop and hovered in the air as she tried to catch her breath. She shook the cobwebs from her head and glared hatefully at Rainbow. "AND NOW RAINBOW DASH HAS TURNED THE TABLES! LIGHTNING DUST DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE AN ANSWER FOR HER CYAN COUNTERPART," C.C. said. Lightning hated that. "YOU THINK THIS LOSER COMPARES TO ME?!?! I WILL PUT AN END TO THIS RIGHT NOW!!!" She bellowed and shot toward the storm cloud that Rainbow made earlier. She proceeded to buck it, and the cloud activated. Rainbow realized what Lightning Dust had planned and went after her. Just as a bolt of lightning came down on Lightning Dust, Rainbow grapples her arms. The bolt strikes both of them, resulting in a bright flash of light. When the light faded, both fighters had lightning bolts dancing around their forms. "AMAZING, FOLKS. IT'S SAFE TO ASSUME THAT BOTH WARRIORS ARE WEATHER PONIES, MEANING THAT, THEY CAN CHANNEL THE ELEMENTS OF THE WEATHER INTO THEIR BEING. MUCH LIKE SPITFIRE'S HEAT CLOAK; THIS FORM IS KNOW AS THE LIGHTNING SHROUD. BUT BOTH COMPETITORS ARE EVENLY MATCHED SO FAR, AND THIS IS JUST FURTHER PROOF TO THAT POINT! WILL WE HAVE A DECISIVE WINNER?" C.C. said. "I'll prove once and for all that I'm superior to you in every way!" Lightning said in a low tone. A smile graced her muzzle. "And what better way to do that then to show you up with my sonic boom!!!" Rainbow eyes blasted opened with that declaration as Lighting Dust flew off in the other direction as fast as she could. Rainbow mimicked this action and flew off as well. Both fighter's had gained some distance from each other and the Colosseum. They both turned sharply and burst back to the arena. They steadily grew closer as a march cone formed around them. Rainbow knew this sensation all too well as the cone around her narrows to a 12-degree angle. Both pegasi were now mere meters away from each other until-- *BOOOM* A loud, eardrum shattering boom erupted above the Colosseum. The visible spectrum distorted and a rainbow shockwave with lightning sparks exploded out in all direction. The spectators marvel at the sight while trying to locate the two combatants. Just then, both pegasi landed on the ground. Both of their respective uniforms sported rips and tatters with scorch marks adorning most of their bodies. Their pants were heavy as they stared each other down. There was a long moment of silence as everyone watched on with bated breath. And then the unthinkable happens; Rainbow clutched the left side of her hip and fell to her knee's. Several gasps rang out as the audience watched intently. One of Lightning's wing blades had been lodged into her lower abdomen and bled profusely. Lightning Dust smirked at the damage she inflicted. She was going to march over to the downed prismatic mare and finally claim her victory over her. But, to her shock and dismay, her legs refused to move. Her body felt heavy, and she was finding it increasingly difficult to see straight. "...N-no! I finally-" Lightning's words cut short as her body gave out and fell to the ground. Rainbow couldn't help but smile despite the pain she felt. For a moment, C.C. was speechless before he snapped out of is stupor. "OUTSTANDING FIGHT FANS! I CERTAINLY WASN'T EXPECTING THIS OUTCOME AS BOTH FIGHTER HAD COLLAPSED TO THE ARENA FLOOR. THEY'RE DOWN BUT NOT OUT SO IN THIS RARE OCCASION IF ONE FIGHTER CAN STAND UP BEFORE THE TEN COUNT THEN THAT PONY WILL ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND!" Both Rainbow and Lightning Dust eyes widen at this. They were both exhausted and injured after the battle they had. Despite this, the two pegasi knew that this was the final test of their resolve. This moment would undoubtedly prove who was the better of the two. Rainbow shakily removes her hand from the blade inserted in her side and places it on her knee whereas Lightning dust groaned and grunted as she struggled to raise her arms to her side to push herself off the ground. "1, 2, 3, 4...." C.C. said. Each number only served to aid in the building panic both mares were experiencing. Rainbow managed to get one knee off the ground while she gritted her teeth. While Lightning Dust slowly pushed herself up, her arms barely holding her weight. "5, 6, 7, 8..." The count was nearing its end and both mares were hard pressed to gain a foot holding. Rainbow was now on her hooves, her leg muscles strained under their task, and was trying desperately to get into an upright position. Meanwhile, Lightning Dust succeeded in getting to her hands and knees. B Despite her injuries and throbbing pain, Rainbow Dash had succeeded in standing up whereas Lightning Dust was only able to get one leg under her. "WAAAHOOO!! WAY TO GO, BIG SIS!" Scootaloo cheered as the rest of the crowd followed. Rainbow managed a smile before she turns over to her opponent. Lightning was still on her hands and knees with her head buried in her forearm. It was hard to make out, but Rainbow could've sworn she heard cursing. With some considerable effort, she got up and her way to the turquoise mare. "...Lightning, despite everything, that was an awesome match..." Rainbow said, but Lightning didn't respond. "I know you felt like I stole your dream away, but I never wanted to get kicked out. You and I are so much alike that it's freaky, and that's kind of how I knew what buttons to push. Plus, I performed the sonic rain-boom more times than you did so It was for me to control," Lightning remained silent. "I think that if you were to change your outlook on things, then you would be prime Wonderbolt material. I can vouch for you, so, friends?" Rainbow said with sincerity. Lightning Dust finally looked up at the cyan pegasus but what greeted Rainbow was a look of pure fury. "I don't need your petty! I set out to beat you and destroy your dreams like you did mine! No amount of lovely-dovely words is going to change that. We are not Over!" Lightning punctuated as her voice trembles with anger. Rainbow sighed and went to the bleachers where some medical ponies were waiting for her. "NOW IT IS TIME FOR THE NEXT MATCH, SON GOKU VS ZECORA!" C.C. said. Both fighters stood in the arena as they stared each other down. Goku bowed his head in respect while Zecora did the same. "Kick his keister Zecora!" Applejack said. "Good luck to the both of you, darlings," Rarity added. "While my skills may not compare, excitement is in the air. A challenge such as you will aid me, this is true," Zecora said as she readied her staff. "Haha, I'm pretty excited myself!" Goku replied as he took his stance. "FIGHTER'S READY AND BEGIN!" C.C. said. Zecora studies Goku carefully as she slowly inches her way towards him. Her eyes roam up and down his form to find a weakness in his posture. She was now within striking distance of the Saiyan warrior who remained stock still. Zecora decided to gain the advantage by launching the first strike. She thrusts the end of her staff into Goku's who promptly deflected it with his backhand. Zecora pulled back and pushed her weapon toward his midsection, but Goku veered to the left and countered. He launched his fist into her face, but Zecora deflects it with a twirl of her pole at the last moment. She jumps back and begins to circle her opponent. Goku did the same but mostly to add pressure to Zecora. "AFTER A BRIEF EXCHANGE, BOTH FIGHTERS ARE TRYING TO MEASURE EACH OTHER UP TO TURN THE MATCH IN THEIR FAVOR. SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE FOLKS!" C.C. said. "I don't know how effective Zecora will be in this match..." Cadence said with concern. "Zecora has a few tricks in her cloak. She may not win, but she won't be easy to beat," Twilight said. Zecora was racking her brain; trying to decipher a way to get past Goku's defense. "A powerful warrior, indeed. His reflexes respond at a great speed. I must remove his senses to succeed. And I have just the tool for this situation," Zecora said to herself as she pulled out a pouch she had concealed. She darted forward again. She grabs a handful of the contents of the bag and tosses it at Goku's fight. The contents burst into a dust cloud that quickly envelops Goku's form. Goku manages to shield himself and cocks back his right arm. He then sends a small shockwave to dispell the dust cloud. "You'll have to do better than that!" Goku said, however, his vision started to get blurry. He shook his and looks back to Zecora only to find that there were now ten zebra's in the arena. "Whoa, does she know the afterimage technique too?" The Zecora smirked at Goku and rushed him. Goku tried to pinpoint the real Zecora using his eyes, but his vision blurred again. The first zebra clone went for an overhead strike, but Goku stood still as the attack went through him. Another clone launched an attack aimed at Goku's shins. And to his surprise, he recoiled from the blow. Goku eyes widen, but before he could react, another clone came up and thrusts her staff in his gut. He winces and tries to retaliate, but his attack goes right the zebra mare again. "ZECORA HAS TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE FIGHT AND IS NOW PUMMELING GOKU. OUR NEWCOMER DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE AN ANSWER AS HE HELPLESSLY FLAILS AROUND TRYING TO LAND AN COUNTER!" "Flailing? I was sure that Zecora was in front of me..." Goku pondered as he slowly put the pieces together. "That dust must be messing with my senses. But I can still track her Ki so I'll have to fall back on that," Goku concentrates as he locks on to Zecora's energy signature. Goku felt a presence coming from behind. So he pivots his body and sends a kick towards it. He felt his leg connect with something followed by a snapping sound. Zecora looked stunned as she barely managed to stop that attack. "How can that be?!" She said in awe as she discarded her now useless staff. "He was still able to detect me?" Before Zecora could continue her musing, Goku took advantage of her vulnerable state and pressed his attack. However, Zecora recovers from her shock and sent a series of quick jabs at the approaching fist. Goku eyes widen as his arm suddenly lost all feeling in it. Zecora then threw a jab into Goku's right knee, causing him to buckle as two of his appendages swung limply against his body. "W-what gives? I can't move my arm and leg!!!" Goku said in a mild panic. "To beat an opponent as strong as you, I had to use a move to surprise you. I have cut off the responses to your limbs, and now you are at mercy to my whims," Zecora explains. Try as he might, Goku couldn't get his limbs to respond. Zecora carefully approaches her disabled adversary. If she could strike the pressure point in his neck, then victory will be hers. "I AM NOT 100% CLEAR ON WHAT HAPPENING, BUT ZECORA'S RENDERED GOKU'S ARM AND LEG USELESS. SHE'S SLOWLY MAKES HER WAY TOWARDS HIM LIKE AN MANTICORE STALKING ITS PREY!" C.C. said. Goku had to admit that he wasn't expecting something like this. But that does not mean Goku was out of surprises as well. Right as Zecora thrusts her first to the pressure point in Goku's neck, Goku lifts his head, and his eyes flashed yellow. He focused his ki to his pupils and launched small beams to the unsuspecting zebra mare. Zecora was caught entirely off guard and thrown back from the blast. She fell to the ground a few feet away from Goku's position and slid to a halt. "OH MY! WHAT AN UPSET! SOMEHOW, DESPITE BEING PARALYZED, GOKU HAD MANAGE A CRITICAL BLOW AGAINST ZECORA. TIME TO START THE COUNT 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. THE MATCH IS DECIDED; SON GOKU ADVANCES TO THE NEXT MATCH!!!" C.C. declared as the crowd cheered. Goku got to his feet (albeit, shakily) and made his way to Zecora. The shaman herself was a little worse for wear. Her cloak had rips and tears on it, and her face had slight scorch marks on it. She coughs up a little before she got onto her hooves. "I wasn't expecting that kind of attack. Your move set threw me out of whack," Zecora said. "Same here. I never encountered anyone using that technique. Think you could teach me a thing or two," Goku said. Zecora went over and struck his arm and leg, restoring the feeling to them. "The knowledge of a shaman has always been free to give. When you wish to learn, come find me, you know where I live," Zecora said as they both give their respect to each other. "It looks like you were right about Zecora, Twilight. If her opponent had been anyone else, then she would be advancing right now," Shining Armor said. Twilight let out a sigh before speaking. "I believe you might be correct BBBFF. I wasn't expecting Goku to have an ability like that still," "In battle, one must be adaptable to achieve victory," Luna commented. "That match should have been over the moment it began," Sombra said in an irritated tone. "How can a being as strong as this creature lower himself to those that are beneath him," "My, somepony's getting cranky~," Chrysalis teased. "Does whittle Sombra want his teddy," Before Sombra could reply, Hope stood up and made her way off the bleachers. "I have just spotted another prime candidate. Please reframe from acting like fools," she said as she teleported away. Hope materialized in front of the infirmary. She lit up her horn and disguise herself as a doctor. It did not take long to find the pony she was looking for as the distinct swearing and occasional banging were a dead give away. Hope found Lightning Dust ranting and raving about her recent loss, and she knew that with her current mental state that it would not take much to persuade her. "MOTHER BUCKER!!! THAT ARROGANT RAINBOW MANED HUSSY! I'LL SHOW HER; I'LL BE BACK, AND I WILL PROVE THAT I AM THE BEST FLYER!!" "Then perhaps you would like some assistance," Hope said as she got the irate mare's attention. "I told you prissy doctors that I'm fine. Now Buck. Off!" "You misunderstand. What I'm offering is not medical aid but a chance at retribution. I was that match between you and that Wonderbolt and it was clear to me who was the better out of the two of you," Lightning Dust chuckled at this. "At least some ponies are not blind to the obvious. So you want to help me get back at Rainbow terp. Why?" "I require somepony of your talents to aid my associates and myself in a certain endeavor. If you agree, I promise you'll have your chance at Rainbow Dash," Lightning Dust paused for a moment before a smug grin appeared. "If I can teach that rainbow headed dork who owns the skies than I'm in!" "TIME FOR OUR NEXT MATCH. SPIKE OF PONYVILLE VS EMBER OF THE DRAGON LANDS!" C.C. said. The dragons in the roared in approval as Spike and Ember stood in the arena. Spike bowed his head in respect for his friend and fellow dragon. "Um, good luck, Ember..." He said with an air of nervousness. Spike felt at odds with himself about fighting one of his friends. But he had to win and not just because of his wish. "I wish you the best as well, Spike. I am...looking forward to this," Ember said, but Spike couldn't help but notice the pause in her speech as well as the particular way she was looking at him. "ALRIGHT, THE COMBATANTS ARE SET AND BEGIN!!!" C. C. Said. Ember flared her wings and darted toward Spike at high speeds. Taking her weapon, she swung it at the purple dragons sternum. Spike reacted quickly and grabbed hold of it. However, Spike was surprised to find out that Ember strike had made him skid across the ground. Not only that but the longer Spike held onto the wand, the more heat generated. While dragons are heat retardant, there is a limit to what they can take. And Spike's claws was rapidly approaching that limit. Ember shot Spike a knowing smirk as the heat from the specter wasn't affecting her in the slightest. Her grin turned vicious as took her knee launched it at Spike's stomachs. Spike blocks the attempt with his knee, but this led to Ember headbutting him in the face. Spike recoils and lets go of the specter, thus, giving Ember an opening. She spun on her heels and tail whips him in the chest, causing Spike to skid back further. "EMBER QUICKLY GAINED SOME GROUND WITH THAT MANEUVER," C.C. said as Ember rushed Spike again and proceeds to beat him with her specter. "AND NOW SHE'S GOT HIM ON THE ROPES WITH HER RELENTLESS ASSAULT AS SHE TAKES THE AGGRESSIVE APPROACH IN THIS BATTLE!!" "Don't tell me this is all your capable of, Spike. I am expecting a lot from you here, so do not disappoint me!" Ember said as she continues pounding away at Spike. Spike had enough as he reached out and grabbed the specter again. He then brings it and Ember's arm over his shoulder and tosses her in the air. Ember recovers and smirks down at Spike. She points her specter above her head, and the bloodstone emits a glow. Soon enough, a red orb of magic appears, and Ember stares at Spike with a stoic demeanor. "Secret Skill: Rain of Desolation!" The sphere fires a barrage of smaller projectiles straight towards Spike's vicinity. Spike, himself, responds by back dashing and flipping as the beams struck the ground around him. "I need to get rid of that specter..." Spike said to himself. He charged up his Ki and brought it to his hands. "Rapid Fire!" Spike called out as he sent a volley of Ki blasts that collided with Ember's attack. The two attacks exploded on contact, combining into one giant orb that blinded everyone else. The ball lasted for a few seconds longer before dissipating. Spike used this opportunity to flicker in front of Ember and disarm her of the bloodstone specter much to her disbelief. He then proceeds to land a double hand strike and send Ember crashing to the ground below. "LOOK AT THESE FIREWORKS FIGHT FANS. I CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE WHAT'S WHAT HAPPENING OUT THERE AND I'M WEARING SUNGLASSES. BUT, IT LOOKS LIKE SPIKE HAD DISARMED EMBER OF HER SPECTER, AND NOW SHE'S DOWN THE GROUND. WILL SHE BE ABLE TO REESTABLISH DOMINANCE?" C.C. said. Spike flickers back onto the ground to survey the damage. Ember was back on her feet, but her armor had dents and scuff marks. Her breathing elevated, but she still held a determined look on her face. "You lost Ember. Without the specter, you can't use those crazy moves of yours," Spike points out. To his surprise, Ember started chuckling. "Well done, Spike. I'm impressed that you improve this much, but you're wrong about something..." Ember said as she held out an open palm. Suddenly, the bloodstone specter reappeared in Ember's claws again. "A true Dragon Lord is never without the Bloodstone Specter. Now I believe a certain drake should stop holding back or else he'll prove that he's still the same weakling he was six months ago," Ember goaded. That lit the flame in Spike's belly. Ember was correct in her assumption. Spike was indeed holding back on the grounds of not wishing to harm his friend. But that little quip had dashed away all inhibitions. Spike brought both his palms up and gathered his Ki. His energy grew to twice his size as he narrows his eyes at his target. With a grunt, he launches the Ki blast straight at the Dragon Lord. The situation played right into Ember's hands, however. She brought the tip of the specter and point the gem at the oncoming blast. The enlarged ball of Ki impacted against the wand, and sparks began to fly. Ember was hoping to absorb Spike's power much like she did with Spitfire and use it to claim victory. Unfortunately for the young Dragon Lord, this was not the case. Ember eyes slammed open when she discovered that the specter wasn't absorbing the attack in front of her. She quickly lost ground, and the Ki blast completely consumed her. The attack slammed into the shields around the audience and detonated in a massive explosion. "SWEET CELESTIA! WHAT AN ATTACK BY SPIKE! IT WOULD SEEM THAT CHALLENGING THAT MOVE HAD BACKFIRED ON EMBER BIG TIME. I WILL START THE COUNT 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. EMBER IS DEFEATED; THE WINNER IS SPIKE!" C.C. declares as the crowd watches on in disbelief. "Oh, drake!!!" Spike exclaimed as she ran over to Ember's prone form. "Ember? Ember! Are you ok?" he said. Ember gave a few coughs in respond as Spike helps her to her feet. "I don't understand..." She said as she brought the specter to her and inspected it. The wand itself was scorch, and the gemstone on top cracked from all the fighting. "Why couldn't I absorb your power?!" Spike adopted a thoughtful pose before speaking. "Um, maybe because the specter can only absorb magic. The power I'm using a power known as Ki," Ember couldn't help but chuckle at this. "I see It was a good match Spike, and I apologize if I came off as insensitive," "It's fine, and I'm glad I didn't hurt you too badly. Guess I pass your little test, huh?" Spike said with a smug grin. "That you did, and for your valor, I wish to give you something," Ember said as she returned the smile. "What is it?" Spike asked. Ember said nothing as she got closer. She put her claws on his shoulder's and stared deeply into his eyes. Spike's cheeks burned red as Ember leans in. Then, all of a sudden, her eyes glowed blue and fired built up in her mouth. This action caused Spike to mimic the same effect. As they stared into each others burning eyes, the flames left from their mouths and combined as one. A steady stream of magenta fire connected the two dragons before it subsided and Spike and Ember returned to normal. "...W-what was that?" Ember sighed breathlessly before answering. "A promise," she said, but Spike still looked confused. "I'll explain sometime later. And I would appreciate it if you won this tournament. Later Spike~." "Um, sure? T-thanks, I guess..." And with that, they both returned to the bleachers. Spike suddenly felt a new sensation build up as he walked beside Ember. 'Why do I feel like I wanna hold tails with her?' "OH HOHO, SPIKE NOT ONLY WON THE MATCH BUT A SWEET CONSOLATION PRIZE AS WELL. LET'S WISH HIM THE BEST OF LUCK, FOLKS (Celestia knows he's going to need it). ANYWAY, IT'S TIME FOR THE NEXT MATCH!" "I don't understand. What did the announcer mean by that? And what was it that Ember just did?" Twilight asked, completely missing the knowing smiles from the elder alicorns. "It's nothing that's cause for concern, my dear Twilight. The Dragon Lord was sharing a time-honored tradition with Spike," Celestia informs. "Verily sister, it has been quite some time since we hath witness the promise flame. This union is sure to bring about great tidings. Would you not agree, niece?" Luna inquired. "Hmm, there is something in the works, but Spike feeling still seems to be divided," Cadence analyzed. "I think we can guess where the other half of his attention is going too," Shining Armor added. Twilight let out an annoyed groan at being left out. "Will somepony mind explain what is happening?!" Shining Armor chuckles at this. "Maybe when you're older, Twily," The rest of the matches went by reasonably quickly without much excitement. Garble was with one of the dragons he brought with him. After some 'convincing' on his part. Garble's opponent lost rather quickly. Flam once again put his battle suit to work and outclassed the other dragon in the roster. The brackets once again left room for a bypass into the final round. And there were now only five competitors remaining. "THE ACTION KEEPS ON GOING AS THE E.A.T TOURNAMENT CONTINUES. ONTO THE NEXT MATCH; SON GOKU VS FLAM!" C.C. said. Flam had the FF battle Armament Mrk. 1 primed and ready as he stared down his new adversary. "FIGHTER'S? ARE YOU READY?" "You bet," Goku said. "Just a moment, my furless friend. I have a proposal," Flam said. "Ok, what is it?" Goku asked. "Well, you have certainly proven yourself to be a capable fighter. But I have noticed that most of your matches lack a certain flair. Something that could make the audience feel like their hard earned bits are going into something extraordinary. So how about instead of the same old boring fisticuffs. We hit each other with our best moves right out of the gate. Whoever is left stand can claim victory," Flam explains. "A lovely idea brother of mine," Flim said. He was standing next to C.C. with his microphone. Goku rubs his chin as he pondered this angle of approach. "I don't see a problem with that. Alright, let's do it," He said with a determined look. "Excellent my good sir and since I came up with this revolutionary idea, I shall be going first," Flam said. He had to suppress the grin forming on his face. "WHAT A STRANGE DEVELOPMENT WE HAVE HERE FIGHT FANS. BOTH FIGHTER'S HAVE AGREED TO FOREGO TRADITIONAL COMBAT AND JUST HIT EACH OTHER WITH THEIR BEST MOVES RIGHT FROM THE START," C.C. clarified. "THIS CERTAINLY MAKES THINGS MORE INTERESTING SO WHAT FURTHER ADO-- BEGIN!!!" Flam crouches down powers up his suit. The green gem in the centerpiece glows brightly. Several grappling hooks shot out from the suits hip area and embed themselves into the ground for support. Flam was visibly sweating from the heat the suit was generating. The centerpiece began to give off a hum, and sparks began to shoot out. Goku brought his hands to the side of his hips and clenched his fist as he braces himself. Flam had a wicked grin as he arched his body back and fired a massive beam from his chest plate. The beam barrel down on Goku who didn't move an inch. The beam collided with the Saiyan warrior, and a dome of magic engulfs the surrounding area. The Colosseum shook under pressure as everyone held on to their seats. When the blast finally subsided, a massive smoke cloud billows from Goku's position. "Ahahaha, sorry about that good sir. I hope there won't be any hard feelings since I will be advancing. The Uni-beam needed a field test, and I saw this wager as the perfect opportunity to do just that," Flam explained. "A marvelous idea brother of mine," Flim said as the two engage in triumphant laughter. Unbeknownst to the two unicorn brother's, a silhouette stood in the dust cloud. "Just what you expect from a couple of con ponies like them!" Applejack seethed. "Ah got half a mind to go down there and show 'em what for," "Oh no, is Goku alright?" Fluttershy said with concern. "That's a silly question. Sonny's just fine," Pinkie Pie chirped. The others eyed her curiously before she pointed to the arena floor. The smoke finally vanished, and there standing in the epicenter of the destruction was the orange and blue clad warrior. "Now be a good stallion and announce my brother as the victor if you will," Flim said confidently. "WEL, I SUPPOSE THAT I DON'T REALLY - HOLD ON - DO MY EYES DECEIVE ME?" C.C. said as he spotted Goku's form. "WHY YES, FIGHT FANS, GOKU HAS INDEED WITHSTOOD THE BATTLE ARMAMENTS BEST ATTACK AND HE'S COMPLETELY UNSCATHED!" The crowd let out several surprised gasps. The area around Goku was utterly torn asunder yet Goku himself was free of any damage. "Amazing!" "That stallion's pretty tough!" "I thought that armor was supposed to be unstoppable!" The two brothers began to sweat as the seeds of doubt about their armor were starting to bloom. They weren't expecting Goku to be able to shrug off the armors attack like that. Goku smiled at their expressions. "Hey, that was pretty good. It reminds me of the time I fought against the Red Ribbon Army. So now it's my turn, right?" The unicorn shook his head to clear away the shock. He found himself in a tough situation as he never expected that he would now have to honor his proposal. However, He was confident that the armor could handle anything that Goku will throw at it. "Of course good sir. The balls in your court as they say. Just don't get discouraged when your attack fails..." He said as he straightens his posture. Goku confidently grins before he took both arms and claps his palms together in front of him. He then brings them to the right side of his body, leaving a space between them. Spike and Scootaloo instantly picked up on Goku gathering his Ki and watched intently. "Hey Spike, what's Goku doing?" Rainbow asked. Although, Ember recognized that stance as well. Spike never averted his eyes from his mentor as he answered. "...His signature move..." Back with the elements, Rarity was looking frantically from side to side. "Oh dear, darlings, perhaps we should get to higher ground..." Rarity said with a hint of fear. "Ooooh, she might be right. I feel a doozy coming on," Pinkie said as her body shook. She pulled out a hard hat and placed it on her head. The rest of the royal family was taken aback when twilight suddenly put a shield spell over their booth. When asked for the reason of this, Twilight stated this: "You'll thank me soon enough," Just then a blue orb of Ki appeared in Goku's hands. "KA ME HA ME HAAAA!!!" Goku called out as he fired his signature attack to his armored opponent. If one was watching closely, they could make out the moment when Flam swallowed a lemon down his throat. The blast connected and even more tremendous explosion erupted in the Colosseum. The detonation died down, and it was Flam standing in a crater. However, the difference was staggering. The red-maned, mustached unicorn was covered head to hooves in soot and had multiple smoke trails coming from his body. The armor quickly succumbs to the damage and crumbles to the ground in scattered heaps. Flam coughs up a plume of smoke before collapsing to the ground. "LOOKS LIKE THE BATTLE ARMAMENT COULDN'T HOLD ITSELF TOGETHER. LET'S START THE COUNT 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. SON GOKU ADVANCES TO THE NEXT ROUND!" C.C. stated as the crowd finally overcame their stupor and cheered. Flam was escorted out of the ring by his brother. There are very few moments in Sombra's long life where he was genuinely left stupefied by anything. Here he was with a baffled expression, overworking his brain to process the last match he just witnessed. Suddenly, all the assessments he made on Goku were now null and void. He turned to his two compatriots to find that they were in a similar state. "Such-such power...! No wonder he was able to fight off my control," Chrysalis said. "I-I'm going seek out the last of the candidates to join us. We-we can leave and begin preparations," Hope said with trepidation. As she teleported away, Sombra couldn't help but stare at Goku as he made his way back. "He is strong, too strong in fact. Our plans will never succeed with the creature here in Equestria. We need to eliminate him from the equation," Sombra said. Chrysalis merely scoffs at this. "After that display power, just how do you suggest we accomplish this?" Sombra look around the Colosseum until his eyes fell upon a certain young filly. "Even those with power have their weaknesses," A malicious grin worked his way on his face. "I have a task for you Queen Chrysalis," Hope once again found herself in the fighter's waiting area. Although the next two candidates did not impress her, their equipment did. She spotted the two unicorns in question as they seemed to be bickering over their recent misfortune. "We had everything planned out perfectly. There was going to be scores of clients ready to throw their bits at us. But it was all washed away by that monstrous ape," Flim ranted. "How can something like that exist?" Flam said, still reeling from his harrowing experience. "Regardless, we're finished here. Nopony will buy a shoddy product, and we lack the means to repair it. It's not like we can go back to the engineer. We're doomed. "Not necessarily," A voice caught the brother's attention. "I have an offer that the two of you can't refuse," The brother's eyed the mare incredulously. "And what offer might that be?" Flam asked slowly. "I have taken an interest in your equipment, and I would like to bring you into my employ..." Hope said as she pulled out a hefty bag of bits. "I promise that it will be quite lucrative," "As tempting as that sounds I'm afraid we have to decline since our product is--" Hope's horn and her aura encased the charred remains of the battle suit. A moment later, the suit no damages whatsoever. The brothers were astounded at the level of magical prowess. "--Is now fully restored. So, as your new benefactor, I hope we can do business well together. " Hope said as she held out her hand. The brothers looked between themselves before a broad grin appeared on their faces. "We most certainly can!" They said in unison as they shook her hand. "Well, Gilda, It looks like you were correct in your bid with the Ambassador," Squawk said nervously. "L-Like I said, you gotta know a winner when you see one," Gilda replied. One hand she was happy she was right. On the other, she was quaking in her boots. "Hmph, I dare say that the Ambassador was going easy on me during our battle. This news demands rectification. I must rechallenge him and prove my worth!" Iron Hoof said. The rest of the leaders could only facepalm at his bull-headedness. "TIME FOR THE NEXT MATCH; RAINBOW DASH VS GARBLE!" C.C. said. Garble flew down to the arena first as he anxiously waited to start. Rainbow was about to follow suit before Spike stopped her. "Rainbow be careful. Garble is a loudmouth, but he is dangerous," Spike warned. "No worries Spike. I got this and talks for the big bean guy," Rainbow said. "No problem; best of luck out there," Goku said as she flew down to the arena. "ARE YOU READY FIGHTER'S?" "Hey wait... you're that rainbow pony that was with the other two when we went on that raid," Garble realized. "Wow, I'm surprised you remember me," Rainbow quipped. "Yeah, I remember that you're friends with the shrimp. I'm going to have some fun today," Garble said with a malicious grin. "BEGIN!!" Garble wasted no time rushing the pegasus. However, Rainbow Dash was already in the air by the time Garble reached her. Garble went to pursue, but Rainbow had flown around and slammed her hooves into his back. She quickly followed up by kneeing the maroon drake in the chin. Garble tried to swipe at her with his claws, but Rainbow had already flown away. Garble was getting extremely annoyed by this hit and run tactic. "HE MIGHT HAVE POWER, BUT GARBLE IS FINDING IMPOSSIBLE TO TAG THE PRISMATIC SPEEDSTER. WILL HE FIND THE ANSWER?" "Come on Rainbow you got this," Fleetfoot cheered. "Keep your distance and fall back on your speed," Soarin advised. "Stick to the strategy and don't fight him head-on, Crash!" Spitfire added. Garble snorted as he missed yet again. "Running away must be a trait all ponies share. You think you can beat me like that," "Not my fault you're too slow to keep up," Rainbow countered. She did as her time instructed and continues her hit and run tactic. She had to wear him down enough to land a critical blow. Garble loathe to admit it, but his prey was too fast. He needed to immobilize her if he wanted to make any headway. That was when an idea sprang into his head. Garble allowed another of Rainbows blows to strike him, only this time, he fell to the ground. Rainbow carefully studies his prone form for a time before she landed. Something felt off about this situation, but she couldn't place it. "AND GARBLE IS DOWN. THIS DRAKE JUST COULDN'T MATCH THIS SPEED DEMON. TIME TO START THE COUNT. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7..." As the ten counts grew closer, Rainbow began to celebrate. "Aw yeah, who's the most awesomely amazing pony in Equestria? Me, that's who," Rainbow said. However, this would prove to be her downfall. Garble shot up faster than anyone could react and shot fire straight toward Rainbow. The flames hit her left wing, burning off most of the primary feathers, and damaging most the wing tissue. "AAAAAAAAARGH!!!!" She hollers as she hit the ground, but Garble was vying for more. He ran toward the downed mare and took hold of her right wing. He gripped the feather appendage in an armlock as he slowly began bending it at an awkward angle. Rainbow winced as Garble put more of a strain on her wing. She looks with a horrified expression, and he looks at her with a sadistic expression. Garble stop bending once he met with resistance. He turns his gaze to Spike, who was staring back wide-eyed and trembling slightly. They stared at one another for what felt like an eternity before Garble had a sadistic grin flash on his face. "Make a wish, Spikey..." *SNAP* The arena went silent as the sickening crack echoed throughout the Colosseum. Everyone looked on in shock as Rainbow's wing was snapped in two and hung limply to her side. It took a moment before Rainbow finally registered the pain and let out a cry of pure agony. "AAAAAAH-AAAAAAAAARGH!!!!!!" She wailed as tears threaten to fall. "OH NOOO!!" Goku yelled out. "RAINBOW!!!" Scootaloo called for her wounded sister. "Garble...!" Spike said through gritted teeth. "I-I AM AT A LOSS FOR WORDS FIGHT FANS. AFTER LURING RAINBOW IN A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY, GARBLE HAS JUST SADISTICALLY TAKEN OUT BOTH OF HER WINGS. SHE'S NOW GROUND AND AT THE DRAKES MERCY. FOR THE SAKE OF DECENCY I MUST ASK THIS QUESTION; RAINBOW DASH, DO YOU WISH TO FORFEIT?" C.C. asked. Despite her immense pain, Rainbow had made it to her hands and knees. She looked back at the announcer with a troubled but determined look. "NO! I-I can still fight!" She said. "Dagnabit Rainbow. Now ain't a time to be stubborn!" Applejack called out. "Please Rainbow, just give up!" Fluttershy pleaded. But before she can do anything further, Garble sent a swift kick to her ribcage. She quickly went to shield herself as Garble stood above her. "Have to admit that you're pretty tough for a flying rat but let's see for how much longer," He said as he continued to stomp at her side. A grunt and yelp of pain accompanied each blow. Spike's features went dark. Garble's actions were all to get back at him, and he wasn't going to stand for this. Right as Garble brought his foot down on the now unresponsive pegasus, something - or rather - someone stops him. Confused at this, Garble looks down to see a purple foot holding his own in the air. He traced the different limb back to the owner and found an angry Spike. Garble smiled, smugly at this. "Can I help you with anything?" Spike said nothing but continues to glare at the maroon drake. C.C. manage to break out of his stupor and begins speaking. "WHAT'S THIS? IN ANOTHER UNPRECEDENTED EVENT. ONE OF THE OTHER COMPETITORS HAS COME TO THE AID OF RAINBOW DASH. UNFORTUNATELY, THE RULES CLEARLY STATES THAT THERE IS ONLY TO BE ONE ON ONE BOUTS. NO OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE IS ALLOWED. SO IT IS WITH A HEAVY HEART THAT I DECLARE RAINBOW DASH THE LOSER HERE," Many of the spectators were dissatisfied with that call but begrudgingly accepted. Scootaloo flew to the arena and hesitantly lifted her sister. She was having a hard time resisting the urge to pummel the cocky dragon into oblivion. Luckily, someone else was here to do that for her. "...Spike..." She said softly with a slight tremble in her voice. "Yeah?" Spike replied without taking his eyes off Garble. Scootaloo looks up at her fellow pupil with a hardened expression. "Make it hurt!" was all she said as she took Rainbow Dash to Goku. He prepared another senzu bean and administered it to his cyan friend. The grain was able to heal the damage and mend her wings. However, it could not repair the damage feathers which meant they needed plucking so new ones could replace them. Rainbow had reawakened shortly after and received a bear hug from her little sister. Spike smiled when he saw that his friend was ok. But that smile turned into a frown when he turned back to Garble. "Messing with my friend was a big mistake," He said with a harsh tone. Garble chuckle at this. "And what are you gonna do about shrimp? Runaway? Sick your pet monkey on me? Hide behind the Dragon Lord again? Ha!" "No...! I'll handle you myself!" Spike said. He turned to C.C and went to address him. "Hey, The next match is going to be me vs. Garble!" "NOW HOLD ON AN MINUTE. I REALIZE TENSION ARE HIGH, BUT WE DO HAVE RULES TO FOLLOW. NOW LET'S SEE HERE..." C.C. stated as he looked over the brackets. "AH YES, ACCORDING TO THE BRACKETS, YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO RECEIVE A BYPASS WHILE SON GOKU AND GARBLE DUEL ONE ANOTHER. SO LET'S..." C.C. was cut off as he stared into the venomous glare coming from the purple drake. C.C. orange coat turned pale as he quaked with fear. "W-WELL, IF GOKU DOESN'T HAVE ANY OBJECTIONS T-THEN YOU CAN GIVE UP YOUR BYPASS IF THAT'S ALRIGHT..." Goku flickered from the bleachers and appeared next to his pupil. "I don't mind. Spike can fight this guy if he wants. But let me say this," He said as he places a hand on his student's shoulder. "Hey, I know this is very personal for you, but you can't let your anger blindly drive your actions. Otherwise, you'll make mistakes," Spike turned sharply to his mentor, features still contorted into a scowl. "Are you saying I'll lose to this jerk?" He challenged. Goku met the scowl with a neutral expression. "No, I'm saying you'll do something that you will come to regret later. Take a deep breath, go out there, and defeat him. Easy, right?" He chirped. Seeing that goofy smile was enough to sooth Spike's growing rage. He did as instructed and let out a deep breath. Goku gave a thumbs up now that Spike calmed down. Spike smiled and nodded at his mentor before he turned to Garble once again. "Alright, let's do this!" Garble smiled sadistically again as he marched up to Spike who now had a calm, focused expression. "It's gonna be a pleasure beating you into the ground!" "FIGHTER'S READY? AND BEGIN!!!" Garble grin wildly as he finally got his chance to end this pesky pony hugging dragon in front o him. "I'm so happy to have my favorite punching bag back. Try to scream louder this time. I want your pony pals to see what happens when-" A sharp pain in his abdominal area cut the arrogant dragon off. He looks down to see Spike's fist buried in his gut. He grunts in pain, but he was far from beaten. He swipes at Spike's head which in turn dodges to the right and slams his elbow into right between his eyes. The force of the blow causes Garble to stagger back and clutches his face. The maroon drake recovers to see Spike standing stoically, patiently waiting for him to make the next move. Garble snarls and charges forward. He sends two more swipes at Spike's head only for Spike to evade them. Spike retaliates by launching a one-two combo to his face. Garble went for a counter attack with his tail, but Spike grabs it and slams him to the ground. A small crater formed beneath the dazed dragon as Spike backs off. "While I detest wishing harm on other's, show that ruffian the meaning of pain Spikey-Wickey!" Rarity cheered. "GARBLE IS BEING TOSS AROUND LIKE A RAGDOLL BY HIS OPPONENT. ONE THING FOR SURE, GETTING ON THIS DRAGON'S BAD SIDE WAS NOT THE BEST MOVE!" Garble slowly dug himself out of the crater and stood to his full height. He was panting as he stares down his foe. "Don't get full of yourself. You got lucky, that's all. Now you're mine!" He said. But Spike merely scoffs at this. "In case you haven't notice, I'm a lot stronger now than I was during the Gauntlet. And while I would love to stand here and listen to you bluster at me. I have a million better things to do. So how about we wrap this up. I want you to hit me as hard as you can!" Spike proposed. Garble blinked a few times before laughing. "Please! I might break that soft pony hide of yours too fast-" "I wasn't done!" Spike retorted sharply, cutting him off. "You might have miss heard me. Not half as hard, not some arbitrary percentage, I Want You To Hit Me As HARD! As You Can!" He emphasized. "Why should I listen to you?" Garble asked. "Then I guess you're too scared to let everyone will know you're a weakling," Spike taunted. Garble growled and shot from his position. He slammed his left leg into the side of Spike's face. Garble smiled at landing a decisive blow, but his smile soon formed into bewilderment as the attack did not affect at all. Spike grabbed Garble's leg and delivered a kick of his own. However, his attack sent Garble flying straight into the barrier around the spectators. Spider web cracks appeared on impact and Garble slid to the ground. Spike watched as garble staggers to his feet and looks at him wide-eyed. "I know it's difficult for you to follow basic instruction, so I'm gonna give you another chance. You, me, hard as you can. Are we clear?" "SOMEPONY GET SOME OINTMENT FOR THAT BURN. OUR SNARKY DRAGON HAS JUST THROWN DOWN THE GAUNTLET TO HIS OPPONENT. HOW WILL GARBLE RESPOND?" Garble said nothing but instead puts both of his claws above his head. He then spewed fire all over them. Moments later, both of his nails were glowing from an orange coating. Garble proceeds to mash his knuckles together and generated a shock wave of heat. The attack past by Spike harmlessly as he arched a brow at this technique. Ember immediately recognized this move and became concerned. "Impossible! How did you learn Blaze Coating?" She demanded. "Um, Blaze Coating?" Goku pondered. "It is a move that allows a dragon to channel their inner flame to superheat any part of their body. With it, they can bypass a dragons natural heat resistance and inflict serious damage. However, it is an advanced move that takes years of mastery to utilize," Ember informs. "So how did Garble learn it?" Scootaloo asked. "There's no way he's that good or disciplined," "And you are correct. The move can be passed down from one generation to the other. I suspect that's how Garble learned it," Ember replies. "Hahaha...! It was nice hating you, shrimp!" Garble said as she bolted to Spike. He extended both his claws and aim his coated arms right for Spike's underbelly. He made contact, and a pillar of heat went skyward. "SPIKE!!!" Twilight called out as the pillar slowly died down. Spike and Garble stood stock still in the arena. However, Spike was standing hunched over and smoke trailing from his underbelly. Garble smiled victoriously. He had succeeded in disposing of this disgrace of a dragon. He brought his head closer so he could see the extent of the damage. The image of a gaping hole and Spike's horrified expression frozen in a state of death would help him sleep soundly for years to come. "Hard enough for you?" He said before he threw his head back, bursting into laughter. "Actually. I hardly felt a thing," Spike said nonchalantly. Garble's laughter swiftly died out as he slowly took a glance at his presumable defeat foe. He was sure his eyes were playing tricks on him. Some pony magic or something. "H-how?!" Spike shrugs at this, although he knew why he wanted to mess with Garble a little. "I don't know. Maybe you used a move that was too advanced for you or maybe you were just too weak to pull it off. But if it makes you feel any better, you did put a hole in my Gi," Spike gestures to the large hole that displayed his tone abdominal muscles and, to Garble's horror, virtually unscathed body. Spike had a smug grin at Garble's bafflement. He walks up to him and places his index and middle fingers an inch away from his underbelly. He held it there for a brief moment all while maintaining his smile. Just as Garble was about to say something, Spike clenches his fist and thrusts it forward. Garble's eyes went blank, and his mouth fell agape. Spike calmly steps aside and allows Garble's unconscious form to hit the ground. The Colosseum was deathly silent before they erupted in cheering. "TRULY AMAZING FIGHT FANS. AFTER TAKING GARBLE'S BEST SHOT, SPIKE TAKES HIM OUT IN ONE PUNCH. LET'S START THE COUNT. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10! GARBLE IS UNABLE TO BATTLE. SPIKE ADVANCES TO THE FINAL ROUND!" C.C. declares as the crowd cheers anew. "Way to go partner!" Applejack said. "You did well, Spike!" Starlight said. "Yay!" Fluttershy said. "You were positively dashing, Spikey!" Rarity said. "You kick flank!" Rainbow said. "Yeah, now you get to fight the final round against Goku!" Pinkie Pie said. All the cheering from Spike's friends abruptly stopped. "Wait. What?" They all said as they turned to the bubble gum mare. "Well duh, I mean that's what this tournament has been building up to for the past five chapters. Come on girls keep up," Pinkie said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "LET'S NOT WASTE ANY MORE TIME AND GET THE FINAL MATCH OF THE TOURNAMENT UNDERWAY. SON GOKU; THE BIZARRE NEWCOMER WITH AN EVEN WEIRDER MANE STYLE. GOING UP AGAINST HIS STUDENT AND TEAMMATE, THE SNARKY DRAGON; SPIKE!!! WILL THE STUDENT SURPASS THE MASTER OR IS A CERTAIN DRAGON GOING TO GET REMEDIAL LESSONS? FOUND OUT NOW!" C.C. said. Spike went pale as did the rest of his friends as they all finally grasp the severity of the situation. He felt a familiar and robust presence behind and hesitantly turn his head. There clad in the same Gi as himself was the man who taught him everything Spike knows about fighting. He stood tall and very imposing yet, at the same time, had a soothing air comfort - along with his trademark smile on his face. "This is gonna be great, Spike. I can't wait!" he said. At that moment, only one thing came to Spike's mind. "... Aw Drake..."