//------------------------------// // episode 20: Melee at the Preliminaries, enter the Supreme Kai! // Story: Dragonball MLP: Buu's Calamity! // by ultrapoknee //------------------------------// [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 enters 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 EAT 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. [EAT Colosseum - Smolder's POV.] "Stupid tournament - UH! - stupid master!" I wailed, punching this dumb wall in front of me. I stayed out of bounds to vent my frustrations. The wall was sturdy enough to handle my punches, and I was at it for a while. It was easy to lose track of time when I kept pretending the supports was that jerk of a master, Spike. I wish I could do this for feal, but I knew I couldn't, so this was the next best thing. I think some officials came to check up on me, but I scared them away. They probably saw me tenderizing this wall and felt better than to bug me. I bet they think I'm a sore loser right now. Well, forget them. Forget all of this stupid fighting. "Stupid. Stupid! STUPID!!!" I was so busy pummeling this wall that I didn't notice somebody behind me until they grab my wrist. I was about to bit their head off in more ways than one when I saw it was a bigger version of Goten. He was his dad or brother. "Hey, there, that's a nice punch. But do you mind not destroying the support for the audience? That will cause a mess, trust me," I blinked as I watched this guy peering down at me. "Have you been crying?" I snatched my hand away and moved backward. "You ever heard of personal space?" "I just came to congratulate you. That fight had me on the edge of my seat," I crossed my arms and looked away from this guy. "Tch. Yeah, sure, I bet you're also want to say that I went too far, or I could've killed somebody," "It did get a little intense out there. But, I could tell you were in complete control. I didn't think I would see so many junior fighters display the level of skill I've seen today," I looked back at Goten's dad to see him smiling down at me. "It doesn't matter anyway. I still lost..." "There's no shame in losing. You could say losing is the greatest teacher of all time. It allows you to work on what you lack so that you can succeed the next time," I didn't say anything, but I did look back at him. It doesn't feel like he's talking down or scolding me at all. "...I guess..." "I bet Spike is proud of your performance," "Who cares what he thinks!" I growled out. "Everything about him is stupid! His attitude, the way he talks down to me, how he always got some tests that make hurt my friends!!!" I felt a hand on my shoulder and saw Goten's dad had bent down to my level. "Is that why you've been crying?" "..." I didn't say anything, but I felt myself nodding anyway. "Has he mistreated you?" "...He never physically hurt me. Well, he didn't do it himself. No, that's not right either-- Urgh!" "Ok, let's take a step back. Now I know Spike isn't the type to harm people out of spite. But, I believe he's been instilling the wrong lesson onto you. I know a few bad masters like that. But, that also doesn't sound like Spike, especially when I taught him. What about Ember?' "The dragon lord helps reign him back when he gets too crazy with his training methods. Lately, I think she has been getting worried about him. Wait, you taught how to fight?" "Yeah. Spike came to me after the gauntlet of fire thing a few years back. We had a run-in with a few dragons that ruffed him up a bit. "My brother kept saying some ponies and a hairless monkey thing cost him the specter. That was you!?" I saw him nod as I groaned. "So, in a way, you're to blame for all my problems!" I growled at him as he put his hands up defensively. I pointed my finger at him while power flowed out of my body. "If you didn't teach that jerk anything, then I wouldn't be here!" "I wasn't trying to mess with you or your brother. Besides, I had to fight that huge dragon because of it," I felt a pit form in my stomach at that. "Torch. You fought the former dragonlord..." I said blankly. I thought those were just some crazy rumors. "Yep, but, back to Spike. He only wanted to learn martial arts to protect those precious to him and to surpass him himself as a person,' I crossed my arms as I scoffed. "I guess some dragons do change after a while," "So, he wasn't always the way you described when he started training you?" "...He was a lot like the ponies when we started..." "I think this sudden change is more in-depth than either of us know. But don't worry about anything else. From here on out, I'll set Spike straight," At least that's one problem I don't have to worry about anymore. I felt myself getting sad again as I thought about the others. "Are you thinking about your friends?" "No!" I could see the doubt in Goten's dad's face as I sighed. There was no point in lying now. "...They're not my friends anymore..." "I think that's up to them to decide, but you won't get an answer hiding here in the dark," He then looks behind me with a smirk. "But, it looks lie you won't have to go far," I followed his gaze as my heart skipped a beat. Yona and Ocellus were there. Ocellus gave me a shy wave while Yona had a big grin on her face. I didn't know what to do. How much did they hear? I got my answer when Yona smothers me in a hug. "Yona miss dragon friend. Yona is sorry she missed your fights. Yona was still dizzy from the fight with alicorn," "I - You - What?" Ocellus came up and squeezed underneath Yona to hug me too. We broke off, and I stared at Ocellus. I know she could feel what I am feeling, but I still had to say. "I'm--" "You should wait until everyone is together," Ocellus stated, cutting me off. "It's better than having to repeat yourself. Let's go," Yona came up behind us and hoisted us on her shoulder. "We got to hurry. We go to our friends, then watch adult fighters!" I shook my head at this, but I didn't bother fighting back. I looked around to Goten's dad, who smiles at me while giving me a thumbs up. It was stupid, but I sent gave him one back. [Third Person POV.] "See? I told you there was nothing to worry about, Ember," Goku turns around to see Spike and Ember walking up to him. "Is Smolder alright?" Ember asked. "She's doing a lot better now. Some of her friends came and picked her up," Goku said. Goku paid close attention to their reactions. Ember appeared relieved as she sighs. Spike, however, looked slightly annoyed. "Well, thanks for that. Now we can focus on more important--" Spike started, but Ember cut him off. "I still want to talk with her," "Is there a point anymore?" Spike groaned. "We're going to be late!" "Actually," Goku said, draping his arms over the two drakes and pulling them close. "There's going to be a brief intermission to repair the damage to the ring. So, the others and I was going to grab a quick bite to eat!" Both dragons wanted to protest for different reasons. However, despite Goku's cheerful demeanor, his grip on both of them said it all. They did not have a choice in the matter. A moment later, the trio vanished from their position and reappeared in front of the others. "Hey, everyone, look who I found," "Hey Goku, you're right on time. The mess hall got a nice spread waiting for us," Krillin stated. "Spike," Scootaloo said curtly. "Scoots," Spike replied with the same tone. "Great. You brought the lizards..." Crystal quips. "Excuse me?" Ember stated in a threatening tone. "You're excused. Now go ahead and leave," "Huh, I guess you are like a roach, Chrysalis. No matter how many times we squash you, you pop up again," Spike stated, much to the surprise of everyone else. "What? Is that disguise supposed to fool anyone? Same eyes, same hair, and the halo floating above her head. Although, I thought succubi had little horns on their heads," Crystals' hand lit with magic as she approaches a smug-looking Spike. "You dare--" "Whoa, there, save the fighting for the arena. Now's the time for eating," Goku said, defusing the tension. "Gohan! There you are," Videl's voice rang out. "Oh, hey, Videl. We missed you during the junior finals. Where were you?" "I was with my father in the medical bay. He caught a sudden case of the flu shortly after the qualifiers. But, he seemed to be over it now," Scootaloo sends Videl a look as Krillin chuckles in his hands. "Oh yeah. I hear stomach flu is quite common when you travel between worlds," "Or maybe it's a case of stage fright after Smolder's qualifier," Scootaloo joked. "and what's that suppose to mean?" Scootaloo went to reply, but Spike's laughter cut her off. "Y-you mean that afro-mane disco reject is your father? I thought you were the help, not the offspring," "People often make the mistake of taking me lightly. It usually ends with the heads embedded into the ground," Videl stated with an edge in her tone. Before Spike could respond, Ember goes up to her and offers a handshake. "If you're the daughter of the human champion, then I look forward to fighting you. Fair warning: I won't be going easy on you," Videl sent Ember a dubious look before shaking her hand. "Sure thing, same to you," Spike rolls his eyes and enters the room. Everyone soon joined in after him as they found a large table. The waiters were waiting at the table and took everyone's orders. Goku looks around the mess hall at the other fighters before smiling. "Yo, Shade, over here!" The rest of the Z warriors watch as one of the other competitors made their way over to them. The man wore a light frown aimed at Goku, who smiled in return. "Huh, I thought it would take more to bring you over," Shade took his seat and merely scoffed at the remark. "I am sure you would've caused a scene and bring unwanted attention to myself," "Oh yeah, this guy is the ex evil king you spoke with earlier," Krillin asked. "A pleasure to meet you all," Shade looks around the table as most of the group was indifferent about his presence. However, three of the members were sending him death glares. "Scootaloo, Dragon, Chrysalis," Shade nods to each of them. "Sup," Scootaloo said flatly. "That's Spike: the brave and glorious to you!" Spike said. "King Sombra. I see you're still wearing that horrid face," Crystal stated. "And I see you are looking well for a corpse," "What I want to know is why you have Kakarot's energy within you?" Vegeta demanded. Shade clears his throat as the food came. He had a rare look of embarrassment adorning his features. "I procured a sample of his blood and fused it to my genetic make-up," The rest of the Z warriors looked confused at the explanation. "Procured?" Android 18 inquired. "Hmph, more like stolen, no doubt due to Kakarot's carelessness," Vegeta deduced. "But, how did your body assimilate my father's blood without suffering from coagulation?" Gohan asked. There was a brief silence as everyone stares at Gohan before Shade spoke. "My species is DNA is completely malleable. So the process had no ill effects. I must say that it's surprising your this astute, given your relations," "Yep, Gohan is our resident egghead. But, don't worry, he can still kick some flanks like my master," Scootaloo said, dropping an arm over her colt friend. "Anyway, time to chow down!!!" Goku said, holding a bowl and a pair of chopsticks. All at once, the Saiyan and Shade dove into their meals, devouring anything within reach. Scootaloo did her best to emulate her master while Spike and Ember had no such issues. Videl's eyes bulged out of her skull. "They ate a full course meal in under two minutes..." The chiefs worked overtime as they carried dish after dish to the kitchen and replaced them with more food. "These dumplings are delish!" Gohan stated. "Hey, you should try the fish!" Goku added. "Hey! Bring me some more egg rolls!" Vegeta stated. "I require more drumsticks!" Shade orders. "Good grief! You Saiyans are pigs!" Krillin groaned. "Saiyans? What are they?" Videl asked, snapping out of her stupor. Gohan immediately slaps his hands over Krillin's mouth. "Haha, Saiyans? You got to stop making up things, Krillin!" "Y-Yeah, just ignore me," Krillin said sheepishly. Looking around the table, Videl noted 18, Crystal, and Piccolo weren't eating as well. "You three didn't order anything?" "As if I could maintain an appetite watching these gluttons!" Crystal spat in disgust. 18 was resting her head on her hand, watching the scene with a bored expression. "I don't need nutrients anymore. Besides, they're eating enough for all of us," "Water is enough for me," Piccolo stated. Videl wanted to inquire but decided against it and ate her meal. As Piccolo went to take a sip, his eyes fell on a pair of fighter staring directly at them. Piccolo arches a brow at them as the shorter remember of the duo casts him a smile. The Namekian warrior didn't know why, but he was getting a deep sense of foreboding from them. Just as he about to stand up, the mysterious duo vanished as the chiefs passed by them. "Are you alright, Piccolo?" Gohan asks. "Yeah, you seem nervous," Scootaloo said. "it's nothing," Piccolo said. [Twenty minutes later.] "Whew! That food was the best. If any of us get paired up in the matches, please don't hit me in the gut," "So, what strategy should we employ for the preliminaries?" Shade asks. "Well, if I'm fighting Kakarot, then the first thing I'm going to do is punch him the gut," Vegeta said. "Oh man, no mercy," Goku whined. "We usually team up for the prelims because of the multiple fighters. We stick together, thin out the ranks, and meet each other in the finals. Easy," Scootaloo explained. "If you want to do something so cowardly, then be my guest. I won't need any weaklings distracting me," Vegeta said. "For once, we agree. Any excuse that allows me to distance myself from you riffraff is a blessing unlike any other!" Crystal stated. As the group reenters the colosseum, Gohan makes not of something. "Hey, shouldn't Trunks be getting his wish?" "Oh yeah, well, they decide to give both winners of each division at the same time at the end of the tournament. there was an incident involving the last junior division champion..." Scootaloo said sheepishly. "How so?" Videl asks. "Scoots here challenged Celestia to a match. Not only did she lose, but they destroyed most of the ring, and it took forever to repair, haha!" Spike laughed. "She's done this every time since her first win. Five years ago. She called out Twilight. Basically, it was a classic case of brains vs. brawn, and Scootaloo lacks a brain so..." "S-shut up! The princesses were the only ones strong enough to give me a challenge. I would've fought you, but you ran away to the Dragonlands," At that remark, Spike snorts a plume of smoke. "There you are!" A new voice said. Our heroes looked up to see Rainbow Dash landing between them. "Having a party without us?" "Rainbow!" Scootaloo said. "Still trying to win?" Rainbow puffs her chest out in pride. "You know it. And look who's with me!" Rainbow drapes her around Applejack and, surprisingly, Fluttershy. "Fluttershy?" Gohan, Scootaloo, and Goku yelled out. "And Pinkie Pie!!!" Pinkie shouted out, somehow sitting on top of Piccolo's shoulder pads. Piccolo's face held a myriad form of confusion at the pink mare's appearance. "Professor Fluttershy, are you sure you want to compete?" Videl asks, aware of her teacher's aversion to fighting. "It not like we have much choice. Rainbow here got us by the horns," Applejack stated. "Yeah, we're on a dare after a sleepover we had last week," Pinkie said. Goku approached Fluttershy while putting a hand on her shoulder. The poor mare eyes darted around nervously before she flinches at his touch. "You can stick by one of us if you are not feeling confident. We'll get you through the preliminaries, and you can quit after; sounds good?" "Oh, that would be great, but I wouldn't want you to do all the work," Fluttershy said softly. "Oh, come on, Fluttershy. After all the stuff we faced, fighting these bozos should be easy. After all, you faced down a dragon! And the strongest fighters are all right here," Rainbow gestures to the Z warriors. "So, its say to safe to say we're good," "Oh, um, I'll try my best," Fluttershy said. "ALRIGHT FIGHT FANS! IT'S TIME FOR THE PRELIMINARY ROUND FOR THE ADULT DIVISION!" The erupts with newfound excitement. "WE'RE BREAKING RECORDS IN ATTENDANCE THIS TIME AROUND!" "INDEED WE ARE, MY HUMAN COMPADRE. AND THESE NUMBERS COULD USE SOME THINNING OUT. THE LAST REMAINING THIRTY CONTESTANTS WILL MOVE ON TO THE QUARTERFINALS. WHO WILL CLAIM VICTORY TODAY? LET'S FIND OUT!" Goku rolls shoulders as he performs some light stretching. "Alright, this should be good," "Hey, Spike, are you capable of showing restraint this time?" Scootaloo asks, cracking her knuckles. "As if these weaklings are worth the effort. But, you should steer clear to prevent any accidents," Spike said. "Let's form a circle to keep anyone from flanking our sides," Gohan suggests. "I doubt anyone would be brave enough to attack us, given our scores," 18 said. "Replace bravery with stupidity," Ember stated. "Yeah, I saw a couple of people eyeing us beforehand. We might be contending with everyone at once," Krillin said with a small modicum of concern. All the fighters in the arena got into position, wielding various weapons and magical prowess. The Z warriors their stances as well. However, Vegeta and Crystal made good on their promise and spit from the group. "FIGHTERS! ARE YOU READY?" Everyone roared approval. "BEGIN!!!" The sound of battle cries went off as the fighters charged each other. The skies above quickly occupied the flies as they battled for aerial supremacy. Vegeta darts off into the highest populated section, and bodies are flung around moments later. Crystal casually strolls through the ensuing mayhem with a confident stride. From the corner of her eye, she saw Yamcha in the crowd. He was waving his hand and cheering loudly for her. His cheering turned frantic, however, as a large minotaur swung down at her with a broadsword. Crystal catches the blade with two fingers, much to her enemy's shock. The minotaur began sweating profusely at the wicked gleam in Crystal eyes. Spike flew into the skies, firing multiple blasts at any in his path. Ember covers his back with additional blasts before both dragons spew a torrent of flames from their maws. The skies were ablaze with blue and green flames as the other participates scattered to safety. On the ground, Shade levitates several pieces of the arena in a circle. Shade waves his hand around as the improvised defense deflected any attacks to his person. Krillin faces off against three opponents. He jumps up and kicks a day guard in the face. As he landed, Krillin dries his elbow into the body of a griffon. Finally, he lands a fierce uppercut onto the night guard. All of his opponents hit the ground. Krillin smirks at a job well done. However, the strongest human missed a buffalo charging straight for him. The enemy never got close as a Ki blast intercepts him. Krillin flinches from the explosion as he looks back to a fallen buffalo and Android 18's smoking appendage. Krillin rubs his head sheepishly while 18 walks away to another approaching group. Goku couldn't keep the smile off his face as wave after wave of enemies challenged him. He looks around o find himself surrounded from every angle. The group of fighters lets out a yell and charge at their assailant. Goku crosses his arms against his chest before extending outward. A shockwave blows away all his foes as Goku wipes his brow. Taking another stance, Goku eagerly awaited the next wave. "Hold it right there, you ruffians!" Gohan said to four kirin warriors. "You shall not prevail this day! For you are in the presence of the hero of both worlds! The one. The only Great Saiyaman!!!" Gohan finished his speech with his signature heroic pose. The kirin looked at each other for a moment before transforming into Niriks. They open their maws and spit out purple flames, engulfing his body. The Niriks stop their assault only to reel back in shock. Gohan was completely unscathed by their attack. He still held his pose, but his cape was reduced to ashes. "Well now, that was hardly neighborly. Justice Flash Stike!!!" Before the Nirik could react, Gohan flickers behind them, clapping his hands together. There was a moment of silence before the Nirik revert back to Kirin and fall to the ground. Gohan stood straight while bending his left arm around his forehead and his other on his cheek, giving a peace sign. A sudden rumble beneath Gohan's feet made him look around. He leaps out of as a giant crocodile made of rock came barreling past him with Applejack riding atop of it. "COMIN" THROUGH, PARTNER! YEEHAW!!!" The farm mare held on like a true bull rider as she wrapped her lasso around the beast's mouth and pulled. The crocodile fell to its side as Applejack got to work, binding its legs and tail. The beast morphs back into a changeling as Applejack wipes her brow. "Whew. You were an ornery little critter, but I'm the hogtie champion of Applelossa for nothing," As Applejack says this, the sound of yelling came from her left. She turns to see a group of changelings barreling towards her, only for a blast of confetti to knock them away. Applejack tips her hat to the pink mare sporting a blue cannon. "Much obliged, Pinkie," The party pony gave the farm mare a salute while wearing a bright smile. "No problem, Jackie. Now then..." She twirls the party cannon in a circle before it stopped onto another group of fighters. "I can here to give party favors and eat cupcakes. And guess what..." Pinkie pulls out two cupcakes, eating one, and loading the other in her party cannon. "I like to share both!!!" The sound of a wet splat of the cupcake only matched the horrified screams of the contests. Fluttershy wasn't as cheerful as her friends were in this situation. The timid mare clung to the back of Piccolo's cape as if her life depended on it. Piccolo glances back at the mare, shaking like a leaf on his cape, and sighed. "...Honestly, when did I become a babysitter...?" At that moment, an Abyssian lea[t at the duo, causing Fluttershy to clutch Piccolo tighter and Piccolo to frown at the result. His antenna twitched before two electric bolts shot out. The Abyssian warrior's body spasmed from the current before crumbling to the ground. "Oh my..." Fluttershy said in concern. "Don't worry about it," Piccolo dismissed. "Hey, look, this guy's trying to protect his girlfriend. He won't be able to fight us!" An enemy said. Piccolo let out an annoyed sigh as five dragons approached them. Fluttershy poked her head out from the Namekian warrior and spoke. "Oh, um, we're not a couple..." Piccolo groans again as their foes missed a word she said from how softly she spoke. "Didn't that rainbow one said you fought a dragon before?" "Oh no, it wasn't a fight. I politely and firmly asked him to have some consideration for everyone and take his nap somewhere else," Fluttershy stated. "Ha. This scared little pony was the one that sent Flare running back to us!" "As I said, it wasn't exactly like--" Fluttershy started, but the dragon on the left cut her off. "I always knew he was a loser!" The one second from the left said. "That isn't very nice--" "We should visit him after this. He always has the best hoard!" The middle dragon said. "Yeah, and we can take it for ourselves since he's a pushover," The last dragon on the right said. "No!" Fluttershy had enough. "You all will do no such thing!" Piccolo arches a brow at the formerly timid mare as she steps in front of the dragons. "Our encounter Flare does not give you the right to steal from him. I'm sure he worked hard for that hoard. How would you feel if somebody stole from you? Being polite and considerate is not a form of weakness! You should all feel shame for even suggesting something so mean and despicable. Now I want you all to apologize and promise you won't hurt Flare in any way!!!" The dragons were silent for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Oh, my sides hurt!!!" Their laughter continues even as Fluttershy took a step forward. Four of the laughter died down the closer Fluttershy got, leaving one dragon still hunched over. "Yeah, like we're going to listen to some wimpy little pony..." The last dragon stooped, laughing when he felt a presence barring down on him. All the dragons looked back at Fluttershy and allowed down a lump in their throats. Even Piccolo had to suppress a shudder when he caught the corner of her eyes. The once timid pegasus had managed to cow five dragons with nothing but a stare. 'No, it's not just that. I can feel her Ki surging around them, making her presence far more imposing than usual. This planet's inhabitants sure are interesting," Piccolo thought. "I want you to promise me that will behave yourselves! Right now!!!" The dragons all nodded ruefully. "Good, now go wait in a corner until the tournament is over!" Piccolo could only laugh at the absurdity of the whole situation as the dragons retreated to the corner. However, that corner was set squarely out of bounds, and thus the dragons eliminated themselves. "Nicely done," Piccolo stated. "Indeed, one would not expect such fierceness from a gentle soul," Instantly, Piccolo wiped around to see the mysterious duo standing behind them. They wore similar outfits, but with a different color scheme. The mystery fighter on the left was as tall as Piccolo but appeared to be much older. His wrinkles emphasized his frowning features as he bore a hole into the Namekian and pegasus. The shorter fighter was the complete opposite of his counterpart and wore a soft smile. Piccolo felt that same sense of foreboding coming off the fighter to the right, which told him he was the bigger threat. The mysterious stranger puts his hand across his belly as he bows. "A pleasure to make you acquaintances. I've been searching for people like you for a while now," Piccolo visibly tensed up, whereas Fluttershy relaxed. "Oh, it's nice to meet you too. you're not here to fight us, are you?" "Well..." The stranger began, folding his arms behind his back. "That is the rules of this tournament, but for the duration of our conversation, there will be no distractions such as fighting," It was at that remark that Piccolo notices no one was attacking anymore. Several fights were happening all around them, yet the other contestants seem oblivious to what they were doing. A beat a sweat started to fall from his brow as Fluttershy continues. "Oh, that's a relief. My name is--" "Fluttershy. Born in Cloudsdale, bearer of the element of kindness, and the only pony to tame a being of chaos," The stranger said. Fluttershy recoils as if the stranger dealt her a fatal blow. While her status of being an element was well known, intimate details such as her birthplace and befriending discord was not privy to everyone. "How did you--" Before Fluttershy could finish, Discord appears in a poof of smoke, conjuring a police barricade, while wearing a royal guard uniform. Despite the comical entrance, the spirit of chaos was a glaring hole into the duo. "That's far enough!" His tone was dark and carried the edge of a thousand knives. "Discord!?" Fluttershy exclaimed. "This creature is the chaos spirit?" The tall stranger asked. "He is more unsightly up close," "It took longer than I expect for you to find us, Discord," The short fighter said. Discord merely snarls as his hand alit with chaos magic. "Only because there's been a lot of interference in the mana wavelengths. Something malevolent has entered this plane. But I have a funny inkling that you two could've stayed hidden for as long as you wanted. That tells me you wanted to be found," The short fighter said nothing, but his smile grew ever so slightly. "Stop!!!" Discord prepared to snap his finger before Piccolo grips his arm. The Namekian warrior's eyes never left the pair. "Tell me; are you the Grand kai?" "Very perspective. There are only a select few among the mortal realm that knows of the Grand kai's existence. I'd expect nothing less from you, Piccolo," Piccolo let out a grunt of nervousness at that. "However, you are wrong in your assumption. I am not the Grand Kai. I am the Supreme kai, and he is my assistant, Kibito," "B-but, why are you here?" Piccolo managed to say through his shock. "The Supreme Kai's business is his own. He has no reason to explain himself to the likes of mortals," Kibito stated. "Well, this 'mortal' is to seconds from turning your insides to the outsides!" Discord threatened. "Enough! You don't know what you're dealing with right now!!!" Piccolo shouted. Supreme Kai held up his hands to quell the growing tension. "Peace, my friends. As I said before, there will be no fighting. However, Discord, you are correct about one thing. A malevolent force has entered Equestria, and they have been gathering their forces for this very moment," Supreme Kai raises a hand toward two particular fighters across from. "Observe, and please do not interfere," Up in the skies, Rainbow shakes her head at Pinkie's randomness. Scootaloo and Videl were on her side as more flyers trailed behind them. "Looks like we have some company on our six, Dash," Scootaloo said. "You remember that maneuver I showed you before last month's wonder bolt derby?" Rainbow asked. "The Windy Twister?" Scootaloo asks. Rainbow gives her a sly smile. "Haha, hey Videl, veer off and watch this!" Videl scoffs at Scootaloo's request. "Just because we're helping each other doesn't mean I take orders from you," Scootaloo just shrugs at this. "Alright, just try not to get caught in it," With that, Rainbow and Scootaloo began to pick up speed, flying along with the colosseum's opening. Some of the fliers tried to keep pace, but the wind and g force the two pegasi were producing was too great. As a march cone begins to form, Rainbow and Scootaloo exit the momentum and steer it to the other competitors. The maneuver acted like a vacuum, sucking in any that got too close it. After one lap around the airspace, most flyers were all trapped in the wind tunnel. The two pegasi flew up before throwing their attack toward the ground. The wind had dispersed throughout the arena floor and blew away any that was within the blast zone. Our heroes and a few other contestants were able to brace themselves from the furious gust of wind. When it was all over, almost half of the fighters were on the ground groaning from the attack. Rainbow and Scootaloo hovered in the air as they high five each other. "I'd say we knocked the wind out of them," Rainbow said. "Yeah, who knew we were such blowhards!" Scootaloo joking as the two laughed. Scootaloo notices Videl hovering toward them with a look of awe on her face. "Hey, Videl, so was that a hundred percent awesome or what?" Videl shook her head and scoffed as she went to respond. However, she caught sight of a shady figure rapidly approaching them from behind. "Watch out!!!" Reacting quickly, Videl pushes Rainbow and Scootaloo out of the way, only for the brute to tackle her instead. They hit the ground hard as Videl grunted from the pain and the massive hands against her throat. The compact drew up a dust cloud that obscured their vision, but Videl could hear her assailant shout out. "NOW!!!" There was the sound of rushing clipping and a loud humming sound as the dust cleared away. "I've waited a long time for this-- What?!" The assailant looks down at Videl and looks back up to the sky. His intended targets were batting against the shield his partner created. Videl could now see it was the burly pegasus from the qualifier. "No! Put the shield down!" "I can't now. You know that!" "Oh, come on!!!" That moment of distraction gave Videl some breathing room as she kicks her leg out, connecting with the underside of his muzzle, and freed herself. Videl rolls out of the way while taking her stance. "You're that meathead from earlier. You know it's rude to butt in on other people's conversation!" "You stupid furless freak! You just had to get in the way!" Rotten Core arose to his full height as he looks back to Scootaloo. The mare was pounding insistently at the barrier between them. "Ha, look at that. She seems to care about you. Maybe this isn't a total botch," "Just take her power, and let's go. We gather more than enough energy already!" Rotten snarls at Spoiled. "Shut up! We had a deal, and if I can't hurt Dodloo one way, this is a good substitute. Besides..." Rotten Core flexed his muscles as he cracks his knuckles. "Some pony's got to teach these uppity apes their place!" "So you're holding a grudge, and you're specist? I was going to take you down quick you on the champs behalf, but now I might take my time teaching you some manners," "Feisty. I like that. Let's beat it out of you!"