[Intro.]
High over the horizon, a long, serpentine-like dragon, Shenron, soars through the skies. Upon his head were the likes of Gohan, Goten, and Trunks enjoying the ride. Moments later, a portal opens. Flying past the dragon, Vegeta, and Piccolo enter the portal first as the trio looks on in awe. Shenron lets out a roar as he follows the two through it. The scenery quickly changes from Earth to Equis.
Celestia enjoyed a cup of tea on her balcony with her sister Luna as Shenron exits the portal in the background. Fluttershy was busy tending to the animals in her sanctuary as Angel bunny frantically points to the dragon above. The yellow pegasus looks up and gasps at the sight. Over in Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack hauling in her product before a large gust of wind from Shenron's passing blows her hat off. The farm mare puts down her produce and gives chase. In Ponyville, Pinkie gasps as she hovers in the air while Shenron passes. A moment later, the party mare disappears, leaving behind an outline of smoke. Rarity is struggling on a new line at the carousel boutique, featuring the combat Gi's Spike and Scootaloo wore before Shenron passes by her window. A look of inspiration hit the fashion mare as she quickly stretches something out before running outside. Rainbow Dash was resting on a cloud when she spotted Shenron in the skies. Looking at their destination, Rainbow shot off her perch with her signature sonic rain-boom. The trios of Saiyans leap off the great dragon while landing in front of the castle. There, Twilight is standing at the entrance, waving them over. The rest of the elements of harmony, Piccolo and Vegeta, were there to greet them.
Elsewhere, Dragonlord Ember was walking through a hellish landscape. The silhouette of a massive dragon was reaching toward her. She closes her eyes, only to open them again as Spike looks at her with concern. In a coliseum filled with cheering spectators, Scootaloo walks in with the E.A.T. belt around her waist. Her opponent was a man in a brown and white Gi that sported an afro. She shoots her opponent a confident grin as the two charge one another. A second later, Scootaloo sends her rival out of bounds as two announcers - one blond human and Earth pony of similar features - declare her the winner. High above the castle of Friendship, the Great Saiyaman floats above the structure as the sun rises. He smirks as he flies off into the rising sun.
The sunsets as the moon rising over a statue of Goku. Spike and Scootaloo stood there wearing somber expressions at the loss of their beloved mentor. However, the transparent image of Goku puts a reassuring hand on Scootaloo's and Spike's shoulders. They turn around in shock at his appearance. He smiles at his pupils before he fades away, with the two of them chasing after him. They don't get far as several figures cloaked in shadows appear before them. Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, Trunks, and Goten land beside them as they all take combat stances. There was a staredown between the two factions before they collide in an explosion of light. Finally, the ponies and dragons stand next to the Z fighters in front of the School of Friendship. Goku lands between his wife while draping his arm over Gohan's shoulder. They both share wide grins for their friends and family.
[E.A.T. Colosseum - Third Person POV.]
The two figures watched in silence as the z warriors walked further away. One of them took an aggressive step forward before their partner stops them. "What are you doing?!"
"What are you doing?"
"Our job! We need energy for the master. Dodoloo is the champ. She has it coming for what she and her little friends did to us!"
"I agree, but what do you suggest? Do we blow our cover now, pick a fight with her and her friends, and get away scot-free?"
"..."
"Maybe we could beat all of those freaks she got around herself along with the elements and the princesses,"
"Oh, come on, it's not like the princesses are an issue. The master has a plan for them,"
"And we can't ruin that plan by doing something stupid! We play it smart for now and pick our spot. Once our job is said and done, the 'champ' will get what's coming to her!"
The two mystery fighters blend into the crowd as the spectator went to get their seats. The competitors began to organize inside the Colosseum ring. The juniors division contenders stood in front of the adult division. Goku looked around the arena to get a better look at his future opponents. There were many fighters present that he fought both on Earth and Equis. However, many of the warriors of Equis instantly recognized Goku. It was hard to forget the man that was bold enough to challenge Princess Celestia. Upon that realization that the winner of the first E.A.T. was here, the chatter grew in volume. Goku's presence was beginning to draw attention to their little group. Vegeta scoffs at the attention while Crystal rolls her eyes. 18 and Piccolo put an air of indifference, while Krillin smiles meekly at them. Scootaloo pouts a bit at the lack of comments about her, but a reassuring shoulder grab from Gohan made her forget about the glory.
"Someone's popular," 18 noted.
"It's no surprise since Goku won the first tournament," Scootaloo shrugs.
"Hmph. Who cares about Kakarot's pathetic fan club. I only want to start so we can thin the weaklings out," Vegeta stated.
"I knew my eyes weren't deceiving me. It's good to see you again, Ambassador!"
The Z warriors turned over to find King Iron Hoof - alongside his son Cloven Hoof - prepared for war. "It's been far too long!"
"Hey, you're that minotaur king. Iron Hoof, right?" Goku asked.
The king of Minos let out a boisterous laugh. "I'm glad you remember me, Ambassador. Of all the battles I had over the years, none can compare to our first bout," Scootaloo's frown was palpable after that. "Since then, I have honed my skills for combat. You will not best me so easily this time!"
Goku watches as his ax glowed from the runes etched into it. He looks at Iron Hoof, who appeared to be aging slightly but still fit for battle, with a smile. "Looking forward to it. Can I expect both of you during the preliminaries?"
This time Cloven Hoof spoke up. "Father will be going first. Should he fall, you will face me. My armor has gone through several improvements. And I want to have a proper duel with you this time," The last part of that held a hint of regret. His past transgressions about Goku were misguided at best. It was unbecoming of a king to put himself before the needs of his people, yet that what Cloven Hoof did when he challenged Goku. He wanted to apologize, but how could he? Cloven stayed quiet while staring at Goku the entire time. Smug laughter broke the young bulls musing as he turns to Crystal. "What's so funny?"
"You. You're a well of regret and sorrow. All of it directed at Son Goku here - but he isn't the cause, no - he's more a symptom of it," Crystal began walking a circle around the two bulls. "I can read your whole story from the look on your face. You were grieving. You wanted revenge, but the target was innocent. Now you want to apologize, but you can't bring yourself to do because of your pride," Crystal's mocking tone left Cloven Hoof seething. She turns to him with a scoff as she continues. "Honestly. What a pathetic excuse of a minotaur you are!"
A hidden blade unsheaths from Colven's embrace. He lets out a snort as he charges at the smirking woman. However, Iron Hoof places his ax between the two. Cloven looks confused as his father gave him a natural expression. "What is anger?" Iron Hoof asks.
It took some effort, but Cloven calms down to reply. "Anger is a tool many welds as a weapon. And a warrior must always be in control of his weapon," Cloven Hoof glares at Crystal. "You're right, father. When the time comes, I will use my weapon properly!"
"Oh, I am petrified~,"
"Crystal," Goku said in a warning tone. Crystal gave him a dismissive wave in response. "Besides, it looks like it's starting!"
"GOOD AFTERNOON FIGHT FANS!!!" The audience erupts into cheers as a well-dress stallion takes center stage. "HERE WE ARE ONCE AGAIN AT THE GRANDEST STAGE OF THE YEAR! AS YOU KNOW, I AM YOUR WONDERFUL HOST, COLOR COMMENTARY WELCOMING YOU BACK TO THE EQUIS ALLIED TOURNAMENT!" More cheers rang out as C.C. continues. "AS I LOOK AROUND THE ARENA, I CAN TELL THAT THIS YEAR IS GOING TO SOMETHING SPECTACULAR. WE HAVE SET NEW RECORDS IN ATTENDANCE BY HOUSING FIGHT FANS FROM TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS!"
"YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN, C.C. THIS TURNOUT BEATS ANY ATTENDANCE RECORD I EVER SEEN ON EARTH!"
C.C. turns to his left to see a human dress in similar attire to himself. A black and blue suit with black sunglasses of his own. "WHOA. CHECK OUT THIS HANDSOME DEVIL. IF I DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER, I'D SAY I FOUND MY LONG LAST BROTHER! AND WHO MIGHT YOU BE, MY COMPATRIOT?"
"I'M A SIMPLE ANNOUNCER, MUCH LIKE YOURSELF, FOR THE WORLD MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT HELD ON EARTH. WHEN I HEARD OF IT'S MIGRATION TO THIS WORLD, I COULD NOT STAY AWAY!"
"AND THAT'S WHY I LOVE THE BUSINESS FOLKS. THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A GOOD SPECTATOR SPORT TO BRING THE WORLDS TOGETHER! NOW LET'S GIVE A BIG HAND TO THE ONES WHO ORGANIZE THIS EVENT: THE PRINCESSES OF EQUESTRIA!"
A ball of light appears over the Colosseum as it descends from the heavens. It disperses on top of the overlooking skybox, revealing the forms of Celestia, Luna, Twilight, and Cadence. The cheers grew in volume, mostly from the Equians, for the Equestrian royalty. Celestia steps forward and politely gestures for them to stop. "Thank you all for coming here once again. We are pleased with this turnout," Celestia said.
"We see that there is no shortage of warriors from both worlds. It is our sincerest hope everyone here today gives their all," Cadence stated.
"The chance for honor, glory, and victory looms over each of you. Who amongst you here has the drive and determination?" Luna asked. The participates responded with a resounding roar of affirmation that brought a smile to Luna's face.
"But, there can only be one winner. And should you prevail, any desire you wish can be yours," Twilight finished.
Celestia steps forward again, only to pause and grip her head. Twilight and others looked concerned, but Celestia waved it off. "Now, it is time to commence!"
More cheers accompanied the tetrarchy words. "THE RULES HAVE CHANGED DUE TO THE STAGGERING AMOUNT OF PARTICIPATES FOR THE ADULT DIVISION. THE WORLD TOURNAMENT ORGANISERS CAME UP WITH A SOLUTION. A DEVICE TO TEST THE MIGHT OF EVERYONE HERE," The announcer pulls out a capsule and throws it. A large machine with a red pad appears before the gathered fighters. "THIS IS A PUNCHING MACHINE. THE COUNTER ABOVE IT WILL MEASURE THE STRENGTH OF THE IMPACT. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS STRIKE THE PRESSURE PAD. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE TWO CURRENT CHAMPIONS TO GIVE US A DEMONSTRATION," Scootaloo flew up to the machine as Hercule made a spectacle.
"Allow me to go first, little missy," Hercule discards his white cape as he took his stance. "HOOAH!!! MEGATON PUNCH!!!" He throws a straight punch against the pressure point. The screen above flashed several times before settling on a three-digit number.
"AMAZING SPORTS FANS! THE WORLD CHAMPION OF EARTH SCORED ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVEN POINTS! HOW WILL OUR REIGNING EAT CHAMPION RESPOND?"
Hercule walks back with a proud grin on his face. He places a reassuring hand on Scootaloo's shoulder as he spoke. "I hope this doesn't give you feet or anything. There are not many people that can measure up to me!"
"I'm sure you'd be surprised about how many that do..." Scootaloo mutters. She steps up to the machine. Since Hercule was grandstanding, she decided to show off as well. She took a deep breath and flared her wings. "SUPER TERRIFIC ULRTA POWERFUL INSTANT DESTROYER PUNCH!!!" Despite the dramatic name, Scootaloo's punch was barely considered a love tap.
Piccolo chuckled in amusement. "Nice acronym,"
The human announcer wore a gobsmack expression as he read the score. "One hundred and seventy-six points..."
"Eh?" Hercule said. The crowd shared the world champ's sentiments. Hercule regains some composure. "That wasn't bad. But there's no need to push yourself already. We got to save the good stuff for the fans,"
Scootaloo gave Hercule a flat as she stares at Hercule. He was putting on a front, evident by the trickle of sweat going down his head. Hercule's nervous expression only seems to grow as a shy smile appears on Scootaloo's features. "Don't worry, champ. I got plenty of tricks up my sleeves,"
"Alright, good. Come on, you grunts! Get up here and show this machine whose boss!"
"PLEASE NOTE THAT JUNIOR DIVISION RULES HAVE NOT CHANGED AND WE DRAW BRACKETS AS BEFORE!"
At that moment, the two cloaked fighters Scootaloo saw earlier came up to the machine. The Z warriors noted one was a head taller than the other. The tallest one stops in front of Scootaloo, seemingly to size her up. Scootaloo herself was unsure of the fighter's motives but kept her guard up. She could tell the being in front of her was a stallion. Stallions give off a harsher snort from their nostrils than mares. She locked eyes with her would-be challenger for a few more moments before speaking. "If you want an autograph, you'll have to wait during the break,"
"Urgh! You even sound like that rainbow loser now. But, you're still the same Dodoloo to me!" Scootaloo's eyes widen in shock at the insult. She didn't have time to process the remark as the mystery stallion struck the machine.
"Uh, two hundred and six..." The announcer said.
Hercule's jaw nearly dislocated at what he saw, but Scootaloo ignored him. "Rotten Core?!" She had not seen Rotten Core since the first E.A.T. tournament.
"That's right, chicken wings. I'm back. I am better, stronger, and ready for payback!"
"Payback?"
A snarl worked its way to Rotten's features. "Because of you, I had to go through two years of sensitivity training! All those doctors tried to do was tell me that who I was didn't fit in their society. Buck that!" Rotten took off his cloak to off his physique. He was wearing white shorts with a belt buckle around his waist. The clip itself had the letter M on it. He was also as tall as a minotaur and as bulky as a yak. "You like the new bod?" He flexed his arms and pectorals as veins pulsated with each motion.
Scootaloo's features morphed into disgust. Pegasi proportions were always sleek and aerodynamic. The only expectations were when other traits entered the gene pool, such as earth or unicorn genes. But Pegasi genes were almost as stubborn as earth pony genes. Bulk Biceps was the only extreme case of deviation due to his great ancestor being a minotaur. Rotten's new body felt unnatural. At least, not without some intervention. Despite the bulging muscles, Scootaloo wasn't impressed.
"So, what, you graduated from a beanstalk? Is that letter suppose to mean 'meathead' now?"
Another snarl appears before the sound of laughter went off. "We both been through some changes. But, for the most part, she's right. You're still a meathead," Spoiled takes his turn and hits the pressure point. Once again, the crowd and announcers went silent.
"...Two hundred and fourteen..." Hercule whispered out.
Scootaloo arches another brow at the familiar voice. "Spoiled Brat?"
"Surprised? We thought now would be a good time for a reunion,"
Scootaloo remembers the Spoiled family leaving Ponyvile for Canterlot sometime after Rotten Core got arrested. They wanted to distance themselves from associating with Rotten's family. However, they ran into some bad luck affording a home in the capital and took some questionable loans. Spoiled's family wound up so far in debt that they became destitute. However, Canterlot has the best homeless programs, but it wasn't enough for Spoiled. He ran away at the first chance. Just like Rotten, Spoiled Brat underwent some changes as well. His body structure was similar to Hercule. However, he wore long baggy pants with the same belt buckle.
"Ok, I get it. You're both here to settle some score we never had - to satisfy your bruised egos - while blaming every pony but yourselves. I would say I expected better, but Applebloom would nag me for lying,"
Rotten took an aggressive step forward before Spoiled stops him. "Well, here's some truth for you. We're going to crush you in every single aspect of your life!"
"Count on that, Dodoloo!" Rotten sneered as they both walked away.
"THINGS KEEP GETTING MORE AND MORE INTERESTING, FIGHT FANS! THIS YEAR'S TOURNAMENT IS BRIMMING WITH TENSION FROM OLD RIVILARIES!!!!"
Up in the bleachers, the rest of Gohan's herd were in shock. "Are Y'all seeing this? Those two snakes are back!" Applebloom said.
"Who?" Silver Spoon asked.
"Spoiled and Rotten. Those two annoying little dorks are entering the tournament!" Diamond Tiara sneered.
"Really? What happened to them? Rooten looks like he has Bulk Biceps as a gym coach!"
Sweetie Belle shakes her head at the arena floor. "It's obvious they want to start trouble,"
"Well, it's not like they can with Scootaloo or Gohan," Silver said. "Then, there all the others down there,"
"I doubt they even make it past the preliminaries," Diamond said, sharing a laugh with Silver Spoon.
"But, still, I got a bad feeling about all this," Applebloom said cautiously.
Scootaloo steps back from the machine and rejoins Gohan and the others. The other members of the adult division all took their turns afterward. Most of the earthling fighters scored below Hercule, so they were exempt from competing. Most of the Equians managed to tie with either Scootalo or Hercule. The scores discouraged some of the humans, but many held firm. That was until the rest of the Z warriors went up. All of their scores match or surpassed Scootaloo's score, leaving the other participates stunned as Goku steps back, the other mystery fighter steps past him. The space between the two seems to fade out as the figure stops as well. The cloak fell to the floor as Goku recoils in shock. He was wearing a silver chest plate on top of a dark green shirt. A pair of leg braces resting over black tunic pants and matching gauntlets on his wrist. Around the man's waistline was a red cape with white fur trimming. What stuck out most was the crown with a red gem at the center. The man turned to the punching and thrust his palm into it. Like the other Z fighters, his score was above standards.
"TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN! HOW UNBELIEVABLE, FIGHT FANS! THIS YEARS TOURNAMENT IS BRIMMING WITH PRIME CONTENDERS!!!!"
Goku blinks for a few moments before he finally spoke. "Hold on, aren't you King Sombra?"
"...I see you've grown my perceptive..." Sombra said, looking around nervously.
"What are you doing here? I thought the princesses banished you,"
"Yes, they did. But, my banishment pertains to the Crystal Empire. I have chosen an alias to compete in this tournament. I don't want any undue attention upon myself. You may refer to me as Shade,"
Goku smirks as he looks back at the punching machine. "Well, it's going to be hard to hide out with your score just now,"
"Yes, but I couldn't get my wish if I showed weakness here,"
"Your wish, huh?" The shift in Goku's tone put Smbra on guard. "Are you going to as them to lift your punishment?"
"You may find this hard to believe, but I am on a quest of penance. I wish to undo the sins that I have wrought,"
Goku looked confused as he responds. "I doubt you can get people to forgive your sins by asking the princesses,"
"True. But, the goal I have in mind is far more tangible. I wish to restore Queen Amore,"
"Restore?"
"When I discovered the truth about my nature, I petrified her. Then, I shattered and scattered her remains to the wayside. I know that princesses have gained the means to restore life. Once I win, I will plead my case to them and, hopefully, they will help me,"
'So he's after the Dragonballs, huh,' Goku thought. "If you don't want forgiveness, then why fight at all? What if the princesses say no?"
"They won't say no. Queen Amore was dear to them. And, I want my foal to look at me and not see a monster..."
"Whoa! You're having a baby!?" Sombra frowns at Goku's outburst. Everyone quickly turns to them as Goku laughs sheepishly. "Sorry. Is Radiant Hope here right now?"
"She is, and she already had a foal-- A little colt,"
"Congratulations. But, don't think I'll go easy on you,"
Goku extends his hand as Sombra accepts. "I'd be insulted if you did,"
The two break away as Goku returns to the other Z warriors. "Hey, Kakarot! Who is that?" Vegeta asks.
"Just another average fighter,"
Vegeta scoffs at this. "There's nothing average about that one. His energy feels similar to yours, but he can't be a Saiyan!"
"You can say we have a connection. But, the only way to test him out is to fight him yourself,"
Piccolo took this time to step forward. "Do you honestly think the princesses would allow their former enemy to use the Dragonballs?"
Goku gave the Namekian a baffled look. "How--"
Piccolo merely points to his ears. "I have the best hearing in the universe, remember?"
"Wait, you said something about that guy being trouble. How? He's a human as far as I can tell," Krillin said.
"Does the name King Sombra mean anything to you?" Piccolo asks Scootaloo.
The orange pegasus gasps once she recognizes Sombra's form. "That is Som--"
"Shh!!!" Goku quickly silences his pupil. "Easy Scootaloo. We don't want to blow his cover,"
"Goku. He tried to take over the Crystal Empire again! He foal-napped me and infected me with his pet monsters!!!"
That remark brought a frown on Gohan's face. "I don't get it, dad. Why cover for that guy if he's bad news?"
"Because he wants to atone for his past," Piccolo said. "That doesn't mean the princesses will agree; let only Dende or me!"
"Well, even if they say no, we can still help," Everyone looked at Goku as if he'd grown a second head. "Come on, Piccolo. Can you of all people be against someone looking for a second chance?"
"...Fine..."
"Hmph! I see your death has taught you nothing pointless sensibilities!" Vegeta huffs.
"I guess I can't argue with that logic," Gohan said.
Scootaloo groans before perking up. "At least I get the chance to get some payback! But, I don't Spike will be as forgiving. Sombra did punch a hole into him,"
"Just remember that the only fighter you should be concerned about is me! Everyone else is irrelevant, and I won't have our battle marred by distractions!"
"Speaking of Spike, look," Gohan said, gesturing to the wayward dragon.
"Is this necessary?" Spike's voice called out. Everyone turned to see Spike, Ember, and Smolder approaching the machine.
"LOOK AT THIS, FIGHT FANS. SPIKE AND EMBER WERE BOTH PREVIOUS PARTICIPATE OF THE VERY FIRST EAT TOURNAMENT! FOR THOSE UNAWARE, SPIKE FOUGHT ALONGSIDE HIS MASTER SON GOKU WHO BOTH MADE TO THE FINALS! DRAGONLORD EMBER AND SPIKE ONCE SHARED THE FABLE PROMISE FLAME RIGHT HERE IN THIS VERY ARENA!" The audience had more mixed reactions as the Earth people were confused about the topic. "HAVE YOU COME TO BE TEST YOUR STRENGTH?"
"I can't say we are, I mean, look at this thing. Any drake in the audience can rip this thing to pieces. Smolder is a junior, and she can beat most the pretenders here,"
A series of gasp rang out from the crowd. "WHOA! A BRAZEN PROCLAMATION! I MAY BE NEW TO THE SCENE OF EQUIS, BUT I KNOW ARROGANCE WHEN I HEAR IT. TELL US SPIKE, WHY DO YOU SAY SUCH A CLAIM?"
Spike waves his hand over to the punching machine. "Let's talk about this thing for a second. It's supposed to measure someone's strength, right?" Spike got a nod from both announcers and Hercule. Although, for the Earth's champion, his response was more automatic than anything else. "But what if that creature was holding back? An attack that looks weak could knock someone off their hooves,"
Hercule shook his head from his stupor and steps toward Spike. "That's a whole lot of nonsense you're spewing. How can someone insanely strong make an attack look weak? Even a world-renowned martial artist like myself can old hold back so much," Spike merely smirks at this. He forms a flicking motion with his hand and stands at the pressure pad. "You can't be serious,"
"Here's 150..." Spike flicks his index finger, and the numbers one, five, and zero are displayed on the counter. "300," He flicks again, and the score reflected his words. "500. I'm sure you get it by now. Heck, even Smolder could break this thing in one hit," Spike nods to his pupil as Smolder took her position.
"Ok, now I know you're full of it. It's one thing to prop up yourself - with obvious defective machinery, I might add - but to overestimate a little girl like her is--"
"--HAH!!!" In one fluid motion, Smolder's fist broke the pressure, collapsed the machine inward, and launched the remains of the device against the wall. The audience panic briefly as the former punching collides with the barrier. Hercule's jaw got reintroduced with the ground as his eyes bulged out. The rest of the spectators did their best imitation of a goldfish.
"I'll never understand why humans obsess with these trinkets," Ember stated.
"You were saying something, champ?" Spike asks smugly.
Back with the Z warriors, Gohan slaps his hand to his head. "Huh, so much for restraining..." Goku said.
"Nice one, Spike," Scootaloo said with a frown.
"Now that one is speaking my language," Vegeta said with a smirk.