[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 was enjoying 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. At the carousel boutique, Rarity struggling on a new line 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 shots her opponent a confident grin as the two charges 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 that for their friends and family.
[E.A.T. Colosseum - Royal Booth - Third Person POV.]
"Ooh! Of all the people Flurry had to fight, why him!?" Cadence whine.
"Do you doubt your foals capabilities?' Luna asked.
"No, but look who she's fighting!"
"Fifty bits on the mini clone," Gilda wagers, earning a dirty look from Shining, Twilight, and Cadence.
"Prince Rutherford wants in on this action," The Yak prince stated.
"Hmm, he doesn't look like much to me," Queen Novo said. "Surely, the crystal princess victory is assured,"
"That would be the case if not for his father," Queen Cream puff said.
"A warrior's blood flows within him. To discredit that boy will make you quite dim," Chief Zomboiyay said.
"Flurry Heart comes from a warrior lineage as well. Don't forget who she's related too," Shining Armor stated.
"At least we won't have to worry about Flurry's well being too bad," Twilight said in a remorse tone. "I can't imagine what she was thinking!"
"You mean Spike's student?" Luna inquired.
"All of Smolder's actions, her mannerism and the way she fights, they reek of Spike's new attitude," There was a measure of contempt in Twilight's tone.
"I must admit that the dragon prince-consort change of attitude is surprising-- considering his mentor," King Razorclaw said.
With a sigh, Twilight continued. "You would think that, but these past few years brought an unprecedented change in him. What do you think, Princess Celestia?" Twilight turns to the older princess to see her rubbing the sides of her temples. "Princess Celestia?"
Celestia hiss in pain as she lit her horn. A few moments later, the solar princess sighs in relief. "Forgive me, everyone. I've had these headaches recently. They've become somewhat of an annoyance,"
"Headaches? I only get those from overtaxing my magic," Twilight said.
"It is nothing of concern, Twilight, I am fine," Celestia looks down to the arena as Goten and Flurry Heart walk out the waiting area. "As for the matchup, it was bound to happen sooner or later. While Goten is the spitting image of his father, they are not the same in strength. Flurry has undergone training from another being of prowess. Now it is time to see the result of that schooling,"
'Are you sure, sister?' Luna asks telepathically. 'The number of headaches your receiving has grown in volume. This one marks the fourth one for this month alone,'
'As I said, it is nothing to worry about, Luna. Ruling a country and raising the sun have brought about these afflictions beforehand,'
'So, is it a sign of fatigue? I raise the moon, as you the sun. My duties are the same as yours when it comes to ruling. I would wager my dream of walking to bear more stress onto me as you have learned for yourself. Yet, my headaches aren't nearly as numerous. Perhaps you should seek medical counsel?'
Celestia mentally scoffs at the notion. 'A few headaches scarcely warrants a medical visit, Luna. I am fine, ok?'
'Very well, as long as you are sure,'
Goku leans over the railing with unbridled glee this match. "Alright. I've got a good feeling about this one!"
"No, kidding. Seeing these two kids is bringing me back to the good old days," Krillin added with equal excitement.
"This scene does bring back some unsavory memories," Piccolo said before smirking. "I doubt they'll play out the same,"
Goku also smirks as he responds. "Maybe. I wonder how Flurry Heart will do though,"
Piccolo chuckles at Goku's remarks. "I'd say she'll do just fine. That filly has a natural talent that I've seen in only one other person,"
"I still can't believe you took another student without telling us. Although, it feels like I'm watching a reenactment of the stories you and dad told me," Gohan stated.
Goku and Piccolo shared a knowing look before Crystal spoils the mood. "Ergh! Stow the sentiments. The only thing I'm looking forward too is seeing these two brats rip each other apart!"
Back at the arena, Goten bows to Flurry as the filly does the same. They both took their stances as Goten spoke. "Hey, you're dressed like that green guy Gohan talks too,"
"Master Piccolo! And yes, I'm his student," Flurry responded, sounding a little miffed.
"FIGHTER'S READY? BEGIN!!!!
Both Goten and Flurry Heart charge at each other and lock hands. Flurry Heart, being slightly taller, leans forward to push Goten back. Goten responds by shifting their position to the left, thus resetting the grapple hold. Flurry threw out a knee, but Goten blocks it with one of his own. Flurry break their hold and throws a jab aim for Goten's face. Goten dodged to the left and spun on his heels, launching a back fist. Flurry blocks it with her forearm while quickly grabbing at Goten's waist. She falls back while keeping her hold to launch Goten over her head. Goten balances out before dashing toward Flurry Heart again. Goten throws several rapid-fire punches that put Flurry Heart on the defensive. The youngest Saiyan was steadily gaining ground as Flurry Heart began to retreat. However, Flurry reengaged their grapple again by catching both of Goten's fists. She flares her massive wings and shot into the air. The sudden take-off gave Flurry an opening, allowing her to connect with a knee strike to Goten's chest, and forcing him to let go. Those unaware of Goten's abilities gasp out in horror as he fell. However, Goten rights himself a mere ten feet from the arena floor. He grimaces as he covers his stomach. The audience watched on in bafflement as Goten hover's above the ground.
"I-Is that boy floating?"
"How is he doing that?"
"It has to be magic or some visual effects. They wouldn't let a boy become roadkill,"
The human announcer adjusts his glasses as a big smile begins to form. "WHAT YOU SEE BEFORE YOU IS NO MERE PALOR TRICK, FOLKS. YOUNG GOTEN HAS SAVED HIMSELF FROM CERTAIN DISASTER AND IS NOW HOVERING IN MIDAIR!!!"
"IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE CRYSTAL PRINCESS WILL HAVE TO UP HER GAME IF SHE WANTS TO COME OUT THE VICTOR!"
Flurry Heart smirks at that. She spreads her arms out wide as two orbs forms in her palms. "Ok, game on!!!" Flurry thrust her hands forward and rained down a volley of Ki blasts. Goten darts around the ground while dodging an explosion from each burst. Goten responds by flipping over and firing his Ki blasts of his own. So, smoke and explosion shrouded the airspace. Both fighters flew into the smoke and collided with tremendous force. The shockwave blew the smoke away in an instant as Flurry and Goten exchange of blows. The crowd became transfixed, unable to look away from the duel before them. The only sound anyone could hear was the clashing of fists and the cheering from each side supporting members.
"THAT'S RIGHT, GOTEN! KEEP THE UP PRESSURE!!!" Chi-Chi hollered!
"TAKE HIM DOWN, FLURRY!!!" Cadence shouted.
"SHOW THAT BOY WHY YOU'RE THE CRYSTAL PRINCESS!!!" Shining Armor said, joining his wife.
"CRUSH THAT LITTLE UPSTART PRINCESS! AND YOU, DESTROY THAT SAIYAN PEST!!!" Crystal screamed. The z warriors gave her a confused look as she turned to them. "What?"
Goten manages to gain the upper hand as he vanishes to avoid Flurry's punch before reappearing behind her. He slams Flurry back to the ground with a double-hand overhead strike. Flurry was slow to get up as Goten smirks down at her. "Haha, I got you now!" Goten dives down at Flurry Heart like a heat-seeking missile.
However, Flurry smirks as she raises her hand slowly. "No, I got you!" She thrust up two fingers, and a Ki orb shot from the ground.
"Wha--" Goten had no time to prepare as the energy collides with his face. The youngest Saiyan hit the ground hard as he began to cough. Flurry's smile grew as she repeated the motion with her other hand, and two more Ki blast struck Goten. "Aah!" The explosion flung Goten back and forth, hitting his front and back, as Goten started to jump away. Unfortunately, the moment he landed, an explosion went off below his feet. Goten gritted his teeth as every time he landed on the ground, an explosion was there to meet him. The ground around Goten began to glow a bright yellow as several Ki blast ascended.
"Amazing! She must've planted those blasts from her last attack!" Goku said.
"It's like a regular mind field!" Gohan added.
Piccolo was having a hard time hiding his amusement. "So, how will Goten deal with this?"
Goten looks around frantically as Flurry's attack cut off every exit. He looks back at Flurry, who was smiling back at him broadly. "Hell Zone Grenade!!!" All the Ki orbs rushed toward Goten as Flurry crosses her arms. The result was a chain reaction of explosion upon Goten's position. A thick cloud of smoke shrouded the youngest Saiyan's fate in uncertainty.
Shining, Cadence, and Twilight instantly stood up indignation. "FLURRY HEART! LANGUAGE!!!"
"OH MY, FIGHT FANS! PRINCESS FLURRY HEART MAY HAVE JUST SEALED THE DEAL WITH THIS BATTLE! CAN GOTEN RECOVER FROM SUCH AN ATTACK!?"
The arena stared at the cloud of smoke, fully anticipating to see Goten out of the fight. However, Flurry's eyes widen as a blue light shone in the darkness. A moment later, a blazing yellow aura blew away the smoke while revealing Goten in his Super Saiyan form. And a Kamehameha at the ready. Flurry Heart gasps while she lit up her horn just as Goten thrust his hands forward. The beam lit up the area as it struck the alicorn filly. However, Flurry Heart was able to summon a shield in time. The beam collides with the guard and slowly pushed Flurry Heart. Sensing that she was getting closer to a ring out, Flurry places two fingers against her forehead. Goten thrust his hand forward again, increasing his sustained attack output, while Flurry gathers her Ki. Cracks began to form on her shields while Flurry's magic shone brighter under strain. Flurry Heart's hand trembled from the technique as she points it straight ahead. A flash erupts from her shield, and Goten's attack suddenly shoots upwards. Flurry Heart quickly extends her free hand and creates a hexagon shield above Goten's wave. The attack redirected again with Goten as its new target. Goten jumps out of the way to evade, leaving his back exposed. With a smile, Flurry Heart teleports behind her unawares opponent and fires her attack.
"Special Beam Cannon!!!"
The crystal's princess aim was right as it hit its mark against Goten's back. "Waah!?!?" Goten propels forward into the spectators stand. The audience saw his approach and got out of harm's way. Goten squatted in the air as if trying to skip to a halt, but his momentum was too high, and he stops with his feet touching the seat. Goten gains his bearings and soon realizes where he was standing. "Aaa-Aaah!?"
"NOW THERE'S A MATCH FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS! GOTEN MAY HAVE BEEN THE POWERHOUSE IN THIS FIGHT, BUT FLURRY HEART'S QUICK THINKING KEPT HER ONE STEP AHEAD! PRINCESS FLURRY HEART IS THE WINNER!!!
The crowd went nuts over Flurry's victory. Up in the royal booth, Twilight, Shing Armor, and Cadence embrace each other in a hug while cheering for their foal. Flurry floats back to the ground as she falls to her knee. Exhaustion thoroughly consuming the little alicorn as Goten lands and powers down. He offers her a hand that she gladly accepts. He pulls back and bows in respect while Flurry did the same before wrapping the young Saiyan in a hug. She breaks the hug and holds up Goten's hand as the crowd gives them both a stand ovation. Flurry glances up toward Piccolo, who gave her a simple nod and smile. Despite feeling drained, Flurry Heart beams rightly at her master's approval.
"AW, FROM FIERCE RIVALS TO THE BEST OF FRIENDS. THERE IS NOT GREATER FEELING IN THE WORLD EVERY CREATURE!!!"
Goten and Flurry Heart return to the junior waiting area, only for Trunks to wait for them with a smile on his face. "Nice match. You two were great,"
"Haha, thanks, Trunks. I guess I wasn't fast enough at the end," Goten said.
"Yeah, you were tough. It was a starting to look bad out there," Flurry said in a tired tone.
"Yeah, that was a real shocker. I thought you would at least make it to the finals with me, Goten. Oh well, makes my job easier," Trunks said as Goten pouts angrily at him. "Don't give me that look. Did you forget what that we weren't supposed to go super!"
"Oh, oops!"
"Tsk, 'oops,' he says," Trunks look over to Flurry, who was still out of breath. "You ok?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. That fight was nothing I hadn't trained for, thanks," Flurry said.
"Wow, she pulled off an upset," Krillin cheered.
Piccolo hadn't stopped smiling for a moment. "It was touch and go for a while there. Flurry Heart couldn't hope to match Goten in terms of Ki energy. So, we focused on refining her magical skills. We discovered that Flurry Heart could utilize both power sets independently. A much safer option than trying to combine the two energies,"
"That seems tough. I know Twilight still struggles to use both Ki and magic at the same time," Gohan stated.
"It's only an issue if she tries to perform techniques that require more power from each type. In this fight, she used what she could handle in terms of magic, and only two Ki attacks. Even that Special Beam Cannon was lacking in stopping power, but strong enough to push Goten out of bounds," Despite saying this, Piccolo frowns a bit as he catches Flurry Heart panting. "She might've pushed herself harder than she wanted too. But, given her opponent, I'm not surprised,"
"It's nice to see a worthless Saiyan fail for once," Crystal said with a disturbing amount of satisfaction. Gohan frowns at that comment.
"Didn't you fail several times as a queen?" Goku asked, much to the hidden changeling dismay.
"Oh, yeah, three times," Gohan said while counting off. "There was the wedding, then the umbra invasion, and the fight with Tirek,"
"You both will remain silent and let my savor this moment! It's bad enough I had to root for either a pathetic pony or idiotic monkey. I will not suffer having my mishaps thrown back at me!" Crystal snarls.
"But they're so numerous and well known that you can't expect us not to laugh about it," Vegeta said, earning Crystal ire next. "My favorite one has to be your entire colony abandoning you for their sporting new look,"
Crystal began to hiss at the Saiyan prince. "At least my race is still thriving! Tell me - prince of nothing - does it take more than one hand to count how many Saiyan exist?"
Vegeta's smug expression drops as he bares his teeth. "Worthless little insect! How about I even out the numbers between our races starting with you!"
"I'm already dead, you simian simpleton. But, I'll gladly share the experience with you!"
"Ok, cool off, you two. The next fight is starting," Goku said, getting in between the two hotheads.
"TRUNKS OF EARTH VS OCELLUS OF THE CHANGELING HIVES PLEASE REPORT TO THE ARENA!"
Trunks took his stance as Ocellus took her own. "I hope you got some crazy monster up your sleeves because that's the only way you can win,"
"Are you sure? I don't want to discourage you,"
"Nah, go for it,"
"AND BEGIN!!!"
(I couldn't find one that extended past two minutes.)
Ocellus rushes forward while morphing into a manticore. Ocellus pounces at Trunks with her claws, ready to tear into him. The crowd gasps out in horror as the strike came down. But Trunks leaped away at the last second. Ocellus quickly gave chase, swiping and gnawing at the Saiyan, who narrowly avoided her attacks each time. One particular swipe manages to cut a few strands of hair from the boy. In response, Trunks jumps over Ocellus as she goes in for a bite and springboards over the manticore head. The scorpion stinger lashed out, but Trunks flips in midair to evade. He grabs onto the tail as he came down and pulled. Ocellus roars in surprise as his claws scraped against the ground. It was all for naught as Trunks lift the dreaded predator over his head and slams it to the ground. He repeated this process two more times before he started spinning in place. After the fifth rotation, Trunks lets go and hurls Ocellus toward the bleachers for a ring out. However, Ocellus flares her wings out and stops herself. Trunks cross his arms with a confident smirk adorning his features, chuckling at his foe.
"Is that it? A big mangy mismatched cat?"
"IT LOOKS LIKE TRUNKS KNOWS NO FEAR TOWARD ONE OF THE DEADLIEST PREDATORS OF THE EVER FREE FOREST! HOW WILL OCELLUS RESPOND?"
Ocellus snorts as she morphs again. The form she chose was much smaller than it barely came up to Trunks' chest. Trunks blink at the creature. "Is that a hedgehog?"
"ACTUALLY. THAT LITTLE MENACE IS THE PUKWUDGIET! THEY LIVE IN HERDS WITHIN THE EVER FREE FOREST. THEY DON'T TAKE KINDLY TO INTRUDERS ON THEIR TRUFF!"
Trunks threw his head back in a chuckle. "So what's that little fluffball suppose to do?"
The orange quills started to glow intensely with Ki energy. It turned around and fired its quills at alarming speeds. Trunks stop his laugh and dodge to the left. The needle-like projectiles pierce the wall behind him. A beat of sweet ran down Trunks neck at sight. He looks back at CC, as he explains. "THE PUKWUDGIET MAIN METHOD OF ATTACK IS SHOOTING QUILS TO DISABLE ITS PREY. SOME CASEs HAVE SHOWN THAT THE QUIL TIP CARRY A POTENT PARALIZING AGENT THAT LEAVE YOU UNABLE TO MOVE FOR A WEEK. AND OCELLUS SEEMS TO HAVE MADE THEM MORE DEADLY!!!"
Ocellus fires again, but Trunks glares at her, ready to counter. As the needles came closer, Trunks thrust his arm forward. A shockwave erupted from his fist and blew away the attack. In response, Ocellus morphs into a diamond dog and borrowing into the ground. Trunks patiently waited while staring at the earth. The ground beneath him rumbled, and two blue hands burst from the ground. The young Saiyan vanishes to the air as a new creature emerges from the earth. Trunks took the time to study it as he hovers in the air. This creature was much more extensive and resembled a blue mole.
Trunks flare his aura as he charges his next attack. Ki orbs gathered in his palms as he brought his two index fingers together. "Big Tree Cannon!!!" The golden beam struck on top of the best head as it roars. "Ha! I'm an ace at whack - O - mole!" Trunks didn't have time to celebrate further as four tendrils shot from the smoke, wrapping his arms and legs. "What!?" As Trunks struggles, he comes face to face with another predator of this world that looked like a giant worm.
"FROM THE MENACING MAULWULF TO THE TERRIFYING TATZLWURM, THERE SEEM TO BE NO END TO THE ASSORTMENT OF CREATURES OCELLUS CAN BECOME!!!"
"THAT THING BEATS THE WORST CASE OF TAPEWORMS AT ANY GIVEN DAY!!!"
Trunks continue to struggle as Ocellus changes again. The young Saiyan now found himself constricted by a green, scaley appendage leading back to a body with a chicken for its head. It's red eyes gazed into Trunks' as the boy felt his body stiffen. "Oh, no! That's not good!" Gohan stated.
"Huh? You know what that thing is?" Krillin asked.
"One of the lessons for Earth transfer students was wildlife studies. Fluttershy wanted to stress the importance of awareness for the more dangerous animals here. That's a Cockatrice! It can turn its victims into solid stone!"
"What!?" Vegeta exclaimed. "You mean that absurd abomination against nature can turn people to stone! Don't be ridiculous!"
"Take a look!" Vegeta huffed and did just that, only for his eyes to widen at what he was witnessing.
It was confirmed as Ocellus unwraps her tail to reveal Trunks' lower body already encased in stone. It quickly worked its way past his midsection and arms until the petrification process reached his neck. "TRUNKS! YOU GOT TO DO SOMETHING!!!" Bulma exclaimed.
"Ah! I-I can't I--" The process completed itself, and Trunks was left entirely petrified.
"IF I DIDN'T SEE IT, I WOULD'VE SAID OCELLUS HAS A CARRER IN SCULPTING! BUT, IS SUCH A THING ALLOWED?"
Ocellus reverts to her original form as she spoke. "It's alright. I'll undo the petrification after you start the count, please,"
The announcer looks up at the royal booth for confirmation. After a moment of deliberation, the world leaders agreed. "IT SEEMS WE HAVE A CONSENSUS. I WILL START THE COUNT! ONE TWO..."
"Is this fair?" Goku asked.
"I would say it is, given who that girl is fighting," 18 stated.
"I don't know about that, 18. Can you imagine not being able to move like that? He's completely vulnerable!" Krillin stated. Vegeta crosses his arms and frowns.
"THREE, FOUR..."
"It certainly is a dangerous technique. I'm glad we won't have to contend with it," Piccolo said.
"I guess changelings are more formidable than we thought, huh," Gohan noted.
"And you do well to remember that, cetin!" Crystal spat, but there was an air of pride in her tone. Vegeta's frown slowly turns into a sneer.
Up in the royal booth, Thorax takes a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. I didn't think she could win against such an opponent,"
"Don't believe the hype around these Saiyans, brother. Any opponent can fall with the right strategy. That boy was overconfident in his power," Pharynx said.
"FIVE, SIX..."
"Oh, man! That kid's a garden nom now!"
"Is he even breathing!?"
"I wouldn't want to fight that kid next!"
"Grr!" Vegeta growls at the irritating comments from the audience.
"SEVEN, EIGHT...!"
Vegeta was now openly glaring at everything at this point. He turns his head to the sound of laughter. "Oh, drake! I can't believe Trunks lost like this! It looks like this generation of Saiyans is a joke," Spike mocks.
"ENOUGH!!!" Vegeta's voice was so loud that it silences all chatter within the stadium. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING DOWN THERE, TRUNKS! ARE YOU HONESTLY GOING TO TELL ME THAT A MEASELY TECHNIQUE AS THAT BESTED YOU?! YOU ARE MAKING A MOCKERY OF YOUR HERITAGE! THE BLOOD OF THE STRONGEST WARRIOR LINEAGE FLOWS WITHIN YOU! FOR YOU ARE THE SON OF THE PRINCE OF SAIYANS! NOW SHOW ME YOUR PRIDE!!!"
Despite Vegeta's outburst, the count continued. "NINE-- WAIT! A CRACK IS FORMING AROUND CRACKS STONEY PRISON!"
Sure enough, several spider web cracks formed down from Trunks' face. Sensing the match was taking a wrong turn, Pharnyx shouted. "FINISH THE COUNT, YOU FOOL!!!"
"HMM? OH YES! TE--"
The announcer never got the chance to finish as Super Saiyan Trunks explodes out of his prison. "HAAAAA!!!"
"Hmph!" Vegeta smirks.
"TURN INTO SOMETHING ELSE! QUICKLY LITTLE NYMPH!!!" Crystal said with a surprising amount of concern.
Ocellus was about to do just that but stops in her tracks. She watches Trunks' aura with a mixture of curiosity and awe. It dances around like a campfire - wild and unruly - yet entirely contained. Her blue eyes sparkled from the light her enemy was producing as she unconsciously took a step forward. "...The light; it's beautiful...!" She whispers. Trunks smile at this as he raises his right hand. As Ocellus takes another step, Trunks vanishes behind, much to Ocellus' confusion.
"Like a moth to a flame..." Trunks gently bring his hand down in a chopping motion against the changeling nymph's neck. Ocellus' eyes briefly shot up with alarm before she passes out.
"OCELLUS IS DOWN! TIME FOR THE COUNT! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10! AGAINST ALL ODDS, LITTLE TRUNKS HERE HAS PULLED OFF AN MAJOR UPSET! I DOUBT ANY YOUNGSTER CAN MATCH THIS BOY IN COURAGE! TRUNKS ADVANCES TO THE SEMI-FINALS!!!"
Trunks kneel and shake Ocellus awake. The little nymph began to stir and met Trunks' eyes. "You ok?" Trunks ask.
"..." Ocellus couldn't respond as she reaches out for Trunks' aura. She slowly swipes her hand through it, as if she could grasp the shimmering light within her hands.
"Um, hello, did you hear what I said?" Trunks still didn't receive an answer. however, it was around this time that he saw many of the changelings in the audience staring the same way. "Maybe, I should power down..."
The moment Trunks did so, Ocellus blinks before shaking her head. "What happened?"
Trunks give her a cheeky smile in response. "I won," Ocellus looks away from Trunks in disappointment. "Hey, don't feel bad. I had fun fighting all those crazy monsters. We should do it again sometime!"
Ocellus dips her head in a bashful manner. The two walked back to the waiting area as Ocellus spoke softly. "...I wouldn't mind as long as I can see your light again..."
"Huh? My light?"
"Nothing!"
"Now that's more like it!" Vegeta said in a smug tone.
"Wipe that swarm from your face, Vegeta!" Crystal spat.
"Oh, I'm sorry. You're looking upset at such a stunning defeat.
"He would've lost if not for your interference. I thought the rule was no Super Saiyan transformations!"
"I didn't say a word about transforming. I was merely offering words of encouragement,"
"I'm surprised a cold-hearted barbarian is capable of caring for anything," Crystal sneer turns into a coy smile as she continued. "Or perhaps you've gone soft!"
Vegeta growls at that. "What was that?!"
"It makes sense that you would lose your edge when surround by the flesh sack and their ideals. I mean, look at you with a new loving family. It won't be long before you're bouncing a new infant on your knee while reading the sports section!"
Crystal breaks out in mocking laughter as Vegeta raises his hand to threaten her. "Say another word, and you'll experience death for a second time!!!" Thankfully, Goku, Gohan, and Krillin intervened.
"Whoa, there, cool it. You can's start a fight up here!" Krillin said.
"I think it's best to save all the threats and insults for the ring, so no one gets hurt," Gohan said.
Vegeta scoffs as he lowers his hand. "The only that will get hurt will be her!"
"I'm waiting with bated breath," Crystal taunted again.
"NOW FOR THE LAST MATCH OF THE QUARTER FINALS! GALLUS OF GRIFFONSTONE VS SMOLDER OF THE DRAGONLANDS!!!"
Gallus cracks his knuckles in anticipation. "I hope you're ready to pay for what you did to Silverstream!"
Smolder was far from impressed. "Gallus, give up, that's the only way you won't get hurt!"
Gallus flexed his claws in response. "I should be telling you that!"
"FIGHTER'S READY? COMMENCE!!!"
Gallus vanished from sight, much like he did against Tigra, as clanging sounds in the area. Smolder scoffs as she spun around and caught two talons inches from her face. Gallus eyes went wide while Smolder's narrows. She launches a hick right to his jaw, sending him skyward. Flicking above his position, Smolder brought the same leg down upon the griffon's head. Gallus crashed into the ground with the force of a piston as Smolder landed. Gallus was motionless in the crater as Smolder gazed upon him. She stared for a few seconds before letting out a sigh. Turning to the announcers, she spoke. "Hey! Start the count!"
"IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE ANOTHER QUICK MATCH, FOLKF--"
"HURRY UP!!!"
"YESH! NO NEED TO YELL. ANYWAY, 1--" Gallus' wings shot up and flap in smolder's direction. The gust of wind knocks the little drakina off balance. A second flap went off as Gallus goes airborne. A nasty glare, coupled by a streak of blood from his beak, bore into Smolder. "WHAT AN AMAZING RECOVERY! NOW GALLUS IS OUT FOR BLOOD!!!"
Smolder growl's at the announcer's incompetence while Gallus saw an opening. The air around him swirled around his paws and feet. He throws two hooks and three roundhouse kicks as the attacks turned into wind blades. Smoler's eyes narrowed into slits as she jumps back, dodging each blow as they cut the ground. Smolder flips back while extending her leg to counterattack. A wave of heat cuts through Gallus attack like a knife through butter. Gallus cries out in shock as he manages to dodge it, but burning his feathers in the process. His training allowed him to stay airborne, but he took his eyes off of Smolder to inspect the damage. The little Drakina was on him instantly as she shot off the ground. She made a swiping past behind him, ripping into his shirt from his waist, and drawing some more blood. Gallus hisses in pain but responded in kind. The two exchanged blows in the air. But, Smolder had the advantage. Every punch, swipe, and kick Gallus threw, Smolder gave back two-fold. Gallus had cuts on his legs, shoulders, and chest as blood drips from his wounds.
"Stop making this harder than it needs to be and give up!" Smolder shouts.
"I won't stop until I won and make you sorry for hurting Silver!"
Gallus swung wildly with a kick, but Smolder slams her elbow and knee on his joint. Gallus squawks in pain before Smolder plants her fist into his stomach. As Gallus lurched forward, Smolder grips his face and toss the griffon back down to earth. But Smolder was far from done as Gallus bounced off the ground, Smolder drives her fist into his stomach. At this point, Gallus coughs up blood. She throws a series of rapid-fire punches for good measure before finishing with a stiff jab to his face again. Smolder was left panting from her efforts, but it seemed like Gallus was down for good. She didn't gaze too long at her fallen friend as she walks away.
The two announcers ran past her to check on Gallus, but Smolder's attention was all over the place. It landed on the crowd who were dead silent with shock all over their faces. It lands over to her other opponents, and it was the same look as before; disappointment from some and fear from her friends. Smolder didn't know why she looked at Spike and Ember. Spike was happy, downright pleased, in fact, but Ember had a crestfallen look on her features. However, her features turned to one of shock as the dragonlord focused behind her. Smolder sucks her teeth. She turns around, stops in her tracks. Gallus was standing as the announcers backed away from him. His head hung low while his injured leg trembled from his weight. His arms tried to form a sluggish stance, but the griffon was having trouble keeping his arms up. The worst part was the blood. All the slash wounds, though shallow, was bleeding profusely. Gallus took a shaky step forward as Smolder took one back.
"What's wrong with you?!" Smolder shouted in frustration. "Why are you still trying to fight?! It's over! I won!!!"
"..." Gallus had no reply, instead, taking another shaky step forward.
Smolder took another step back. "You think this is funny?! Look at yourself! Just lay down and get some help!!!!"
"...S-S-Silver s-stream..." Gallus stumbled a bit. His voice was low and strained. "I have to w-win for S-Silverstream. I-I have to pay you back! I-I have to win f-for gramps...!" The dead glazed-over look in Gallus' eyes made Smolder's heart sink. Again, she tried to retreat.
'Hey, what's the holdup?' Another telepathic message from Spike made Smolder stop in her tracks. 'A gentle breeze could knock Gallus over, and you're backing away? Let's move on already!'
Smolder began to sweat as she turns to the announcers. "Hey! Call the match already! He's in no shape to fight!!!"
"WE, UH..."
"A-AS LONG AS GALLUS IS STILL STANDING THEN THE MATCH CAN CONTINUE!"
"Oh, I get it..." Smolder cinched her fist so hard that it drew blood. "You're all doing this on purpose-- to make me the big bad dragon, huh?" She brought up her hand and gathered her Ki. The orb obscured her feature enough to hid her forming tears. "...Just remember: this was you, not me!" Despite the danger, Gallus continues in his advance. Smolder fires, and the attack explodes on impact. Gallus flies out of the smoke and into the lower bleachers.
"GALLUS IS OUT OF BOUNDS!!!"
"SMOLDER ADVANCES!!!"
Smolder let her arm fall limply to her side as the paramedics came to tend to her fallen friend. Although, Smolder knew that her chance of reconciliation with her former friends went up in smoke. She had won, and she was going to the finals. But, the question she kept asking herself, as she returns to the waiting and ignoring the judgemental stares, kept replaying in her head.
"Why does winning hurt so much?"