//------------------------------// // episode 24: Deeper Through the Shadows! // 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 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 is 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 shoots 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 for their friends and family. [Babidi's Ship - Third Person POV.] "And so ends the hired help. I'm afraid I'll be leaving a poor score their annual review," Babidi cackles. Scootaloo was the first to recover from her shock and rembled with furry. "What's wrong with you!? How could you do that!? They were on your side!!!!" "Oh? Compassion for your enemy? From the way you spoke to them, I got the impression you hated those two. So why should you care if they live or perish?" "They didn't deserve to die!!! It doesn't matter what I felt about them; you had no right to kill them!" "My dear, I have every right to do with my pawns as I please. You will learn very soon that there are two types of people in the universe; those with power and those without it. Those with power rule over those without it. And those without power try and claim it by any means. They came to me out of a desire for power, and I graciously gave that to them. The only caveat was that they must never fail me. Look at yourself, for example. Those stallions told me how you got power from your teacher over there and how you were weak before. But now, you were able to completely dominant them with nary a scratch on your person. I bet it must've felt good lording you strength over them and making them feel helpless!" "Shut up! It's not the same! We don't kill for the heck of it or because we can! We--" "You do it for the greater good?" Babidi's response was met with no reply from Scootaloo. "You can look back at the Kai and ask him how many times he's killed for that very same reason. Do you honestly believe he will let me live because of some high standard of morality? No. He's out to kill me because I am his enemy as you are all mine!!!" Scootaloo looks back at the Supreme Kai, who, in turn, sends her a stoic. "It is a harsh necessity, but the likes of Babidi must be stopped to ensure the universe safety," "Haha, you see? There's your proof straight from the horse mouth, and not a hint of hesitation or remorse," Babidi laughs. Scootaloo's eyes widen before she vehemently shakes her head in defiance. "No! We're better than that!!!" "Give it a rest, Scoots," Spike said. "It's clear a friendship lesson isn't going to work this time. Just look at what happen to Tirek and Chrysalis," Crystal hissed at the dragon for that remark. "And I'm pretty sure Sombra went through a lot get the power he has now," Shade turned his head in shame at that. Scootaloo was almost beside herself at what she was hearing. She tried looking around the room for support but found none. Gohan and Ember were both conflicted. Shade gave her a look of resignation as his past action came to the forefront of his mind. Spike and Crystal's stance was already clear, whereas Vegeta couldn't care less about the conversation. However, when she got to her mentor, Goku gave her a reassuring smile. "You talk about having power and how we're the same. But that's wrong. Taking a life means you failed in another aspect. You couldn't see past yourself and try to understand others. The only thing you've proven is how black your soul has become," Babidi appears to have gone silent as Scootaloo smiles gratefully at her master. However, a chuckle from Vegeta got everyone's attention. "I see that your death has taught you nothing, Kakarot. You still preach those worthless sentiments. What you fail to understand is that morality and sensibilities only distract from a fundamental fact," "And what's that?" "The ugly little imp is right; power is the driving factor behind everything. What's the point in clinging to your ideology if you don't have the strength to back them up?" Vegeta looks at Scootaloo as he says this. "Even your princess understands that much. Would you respect them or trust your wellbeing to them if they were weak? The only difference I can see is that they don't want to admit it. Compassion and bleeding hearts have no place with warriors!" "And yet, it was that same compassion that spared your life all those years ago," Goku countered, earning a scoff from the Saiyan prince. "By your logic, you should be dead right now," "If you are quite done with your philosophy and feelings, I'd like to get back to killing you all," Pui-Pui said in a mildly irritated tone. "Hmph, you should cherish your lost remaining moments being alive!" Vegeta flickers to Pui Pui's position as he took his stance. "Welcome to the end of your life. And I promise you it's going to hurt," "Hmm," Pui-Pui grunted as he smiles. The two warriors remained still until Pui-Pui raised one leg and leaped into the air. He does three spins before launching a roundhouse a Vegeta. The Saiyan prince remained unfazed as he merely brings up his forearm to block it. A look of shock adorns Pui-Pui's features. However, he pulls back and throws a left straight. But Vegeta blocks it with his hand this time. Slightly frustrated, Pui-Pui gains some space before charging again. He launches a barrage of rapid-fire punches that Vegeta easily dodges with expert head movement. Pui-Pui tries to throw in several kicks, but Vegeta dodges them all the same. Pui-Pui commits to another roundhouse, but Vegeta grabs him by the ankle and kicks him in the stomach. The impact launches his opponent to the upper wall before he collapses to the ground. Pui-Pui slowly picks himself up as Vegeta looked down on him with an unimpressed glare. The Saiyan prince throws out his leg and kicks Pui-Pui skyward and then vanishing. Appearing behind Pui-Pui as he recovers, Vegeta punches him back down to the ground. Pui-Pui bounces off of the floor with a heavy thud. "Vegeta's skill is amazing," Shade complements. "Or Babidi's fighter is weaker than we thought," Spike suggests. "He is making it seem that way," Ember noted. "Naw, Vegeta's definitely improved," Gohan said. "That's what happens when you train nonstop," Goku said with a smirk. In the back, Supreme Kai watches in awe at how easily Vegeta is winning. "Have you had enough?" Vegeta aks. "...No!!!" Pui-Pui growls. He tries to throw another punch, but Vegeta leaps upon his head and throws him off balance. Pui-Pui turns around only to find a kick waiting for him. Vegeta then connects with a series of punches to Pui-Pui's face and torso before ending the combo with a swift kick, knock Babidi's warrior down once more. As Vegeta approaches him, the entire room shifts into a barren landscape, shocking our heroes. "What the?" Goku exclaims. "We've been teleported!" Shade stated. "To where?! The moon!?" Crystal asked. "Why does it feel like the ground is pulling us down?" Ember strained out. "It's that Babidi!" Supreme said distastefully. "He used his magic to change the room, most likely to give his fighter the advantage!" "Ah, should be interesting," Goku said with a smile. "I don't Vegeta will share that sentiment," Shade said. "I wouldn't worry about it," As Vegeta looks around, Pui-Pui returns to his feet with a rock in his hand. "Welcome to my home! I've won many great battles here, and by now, You will find that it is much different than yours..." He proceeds to drop the rock as it leaves an impression on the ground. "It's the gravity; ten times stronger than the Earth's and Equis. Your hopes of winning are falling faster than that stone! You won't leave here alive. Haha!!!!: "That's it?" Spike asks. "That all he did? Talk about lame," "What are you talking about, fool?!" "It does seem like a lot of effort for zero results," Scootaloo added. By now, Pui-Pui saw that our heroes were mostly unaffected by the change. "Wha--" Vegeta could only chuckle at the development. "Maybe, if this five hundred times the normal gravity, you might have an advantage. But ten? I don't even feel it," A beat of sweat began to fall from Pui-Pui's brow. "You're all bluffing. I know you are!!!" "Maybe I am? It's hard to tell," "Enough!" Pui-Pui charges at Vegeta again with a flurry of punches, but like before, Vegeta dodges them with no issues. The Saiyan prince counters with an uppercut to Pui-Pui's stomach that knock the air of Babidi's warrior. The prince sends him flying with another kick, that Pui-Pui crashes against a boulder. He slowly gets up to a sight that rocks him to the core. "Impossible!?" Vegeta was bouncing on his toes with a boxer's stance as if he was weightless. "So, do you still think I'm bluffing?" Pui-Pui snarls as he breaks into a mad dash toward Vegeta. Vegeta returns the favor in kind and cuts Pui-Pui off. He places both of his hands on Pui-Pui armor. The two lock eyes with one another one last before Vegeta vaporizes him into space dust. Both the Supreme Kai and Babidi watched on in astonished horror as Pui-Pui fell in battle. The room shifts back to normal as Vegeta spoke. "I am amazed Babidi would send us such a weakling," "Yeah, he was all talk and no bite," Spike laughs. "...Amazing...!" Supreme Kai stated in wonder. "Well, that was a disappointing outcome," Gera noted from the sidelines. She turns back to our heroes and claps her hands. "Congratulations. you beat level one and can now proceed," "Tsk! How can you be so calm? You're guy lost, and your so-called master doesn't care!" The response Scootaloo got was a shrug from her. "You know, Babidi can get rid of you just like he did Rotten and Spoiled!" "Hmm, I suppose the possibility is there, but I believe I am far more useful than they were, and my plan is still in effect. Now come along," Gera stands before the fall panel opens, and she jumps inside. "I. Do not. Like her!" Scootaloo growls out. Gohan places a comforting hand on her shoulder as he spoke. The other Z warriors began to follow after her. "Don't worry about her. We'll stop whatever she is cooking up. And don't let what Babidi said get to you. A wise warrior once said this; 'It is not a sin to fight for the right cause.' Some people can't change with words. Frieza and Cell were like that, and Babidi is the same way. But that doesn't mean we're bad like they are. Our strength comes from things we cherish. That's why we must fight to protect it!" Scootaloo smiles at that and kisses Gohan on the cheek. "Thanks, I'm glad I can always count on our resident egghead to figure stuff out," "Aw, young love is the sweetest candy," Crystal said, causing Scootaloo and Gohan to jump. "Don't stop on my account," "Let's go!" Scootaloo said with a blush, dragging Gohan past the changeling. [Level 2] "Wow. This room is the same as the last one," Goku noted. "I guess Babidi isn't big on interior decoration," Gohan said. "We should still keep on our guard," Shade said. "The room could change the location at any moment," "I just hope they have someone stronger than the last guy," Goku said. "I can name an assortment of enemies that Babidi has at his disposal. We must tread carefully," Supreme Kai warned. "No offense, but after that last fight, I wouldn't say that," Ember said. "Honestly. You've exaggerated every threat we've faced so far, starting with that Dabura. So why should this one be any different?" Vegeta asked. "What?" Supreme Kai asked. "Judging by Dabura's movements and the level of his attacks, as long as we avoid his dangerous loogies, then he's nothing we can't handle." Crystal shudders at remember Dabura's method of certification. "What sort of creatures biology allows for such a dangerous result with a ridiculous method?" "A changeling arguing against odd biology? Are we sure Discord got stoned?" Spike asks. "Hold on, you all share this opinion about Dabura?" Supreme Kai asks. "Well, yeah, I'd put him on the same level as Cell, but we are all a lot stronger now," Goku said nonchalantly. "Hey! What's the hold-up? Let's get this fight started!" The door in front of open to reveal an imposing figure hiding in the shadows. It took a step forward, the light shining on a green hindleg as the rest of the body followed. It was two times taller than even Princess Celestia with green amphibian-like skin. It had three claws on each hand with a hidden stinger resting above it. On its back were four spines similar to the ones on its arms and a retractable tail with a spear tip at the end. The head protruded from a hunchback as it opened its mouth, showcasing razor-sharp teeth. Two yellow eyes with red pupils contracted with anticipation. The creature's mouth started salivating at the prospect of a new meal. In the middle of it' body was the symbol for Majin as the beast moved its arms in a threatening manner. Another being walks out after the first. It's the same height as the green creature. However, its features are less distinctive. It was in the shape of a quadrupedal pony of the earth. However, it seemed to be made entirely out of shadows. The barrel of its body, from the legs to the head, was jet black. Grayish flames were coming from each of its heels and long flowing tail. Its wings morphed onto the chest petrol. The equine's eyes glowed a ghoulish white as it bared its fangs. The Majin symbol laid etched upon each flank. "What the hay is that thing?!" Scootaloo exclaims. The monsters step closer and loom over the Z warriors. "Who is it?" Its voice was deep and gravely. "Who do I get to eat at first?" Goku walks up to the monster with a confused expression. "Uh, can I get a different opponent?" "That's Yakon! The dreaded space beast! One f the most feared monsters in the universe! This will not be an easy fight!" Supreme Kai stated. The shadow stallion gaze stayed fixated on Shade's position. "...Sombra..." It said in a ghastly, hissing voice. "...The Pony of Shadows!" Shade whispered. "How do you know that?" Spike asked. "In the earlier stages of my reign, I had many projects. One of which was separating part of my essence to create the perfect minion. I thought it would help me establish a foothold in Equestria. But the experiment needed a host to maintain a physical form. None of my volunteers work because the shadow gained sentience and fed off of negative emotions. However, the ponies I used was devoid of any emotions. Worse still was that the entity grew rebellious and wanted to plunge the world into internal darkness. I deemed it a failure and discarded it," "Aw, so it is you I have to thank for this find. Well done. It's a shame you are a poor wizard. On the other hand, I grounded this essence and gave it a physical form with my magic. Now you will all suffer," Shade teleported away as dark tendrils shot from the on of shadows. He reappears behind and summons a whip made of dark magic. He cracks the whip against his creation's back. The living shadow howls in pain but grew in size as two more tendrils sprouted out from its sides. Shade's eyes widen at this as he began to dodge. His eyes shimmer with magic as Shade launched several offensive spells at the shadow pony. However, his spells were either swatted away or absorb into their being. Realizing magic was useless, Shade fires a Ki blast next. The attack had the desired effect as the pony of shadows crashed to the opposite end of the room. Meanwhile, Yakon raises its left hand and swipes down at Goku. The Saiyan warrior swiftly leaps out of the way, but Yakon quickly follows. The monster tries its best to land a blow, but Goku easily evades. Yakon rebounds off the ceiling and extends its hidden claws. There was a flash of light as both fighters land back on the floor. A moment later, part of Goku's orange Gi rips from the cut Yakon landed. "Eh!?" Goku gasps. "You see! I warned you this would happen! Goku's completely outmatched!!!" Supreme kai said in warrior. "And this other creature is somehow getting stronger!" "From that little scratch?" Spike laughs. "Maybe if his goal is to ruin our clothes than, yeah, we're in serious trouble," "Yeah, Master Goku got this," Scootaloo said with the utmost confidence. "Bah, I can only wish that monster would win off a fluke, but so far, that is a pipe dream," Crystal said in a bored tone. "I could care less about that other oaf though," "Wow! Those are some wicked claws. It looks like I got to be more careful," Goku said. Suddenly, the room shifts again. This time, the landscape was a dark and moist cavern. There was an eerie black mist that hovers a few inches off the floor. "Man, it pitched back out. I wonder where we are?" Shade returns to Goku's side as the shadow pony dissolved into the floor. "This place might prove to be an issue," "We're on planet Onkoku. A world totally devoid of light and Yakon's home!" Supreme Kai stated. "Yes, none of my prey has ever escaped the darkness," Yakon said as his body blended seamlessly into the dark. Yakon primed his claws again and charged with blinding speed at the duo. However, Goku jumps out of the way while Shade shifts into his Umbrum form and allows the space beast to pass through him. However, several tendrils shot out from every direction. Goku dodges in the air while Shade was able to maneuver around them. However, one tendril was able to scrape the side of his form. Shade reverts to normal, clutching his shoulder. A small gash was bleeding profusely as more tendrils barrel down on him. Each appendage grips at Shade's limb as he grunted in discomfort. The pony of shadows revealed itself again with a look of wicked glee as it pulls Shade into its body. "...Bond with me, Sombra! Become one with me again as it always should've been!" Goku noticed Shade's dilemma and went to help. Although Yakon makes another attempt at him, Goku was ready. As the space beast drew closer, Goku extends his leg and connects with Yakon's lower jaw. As the best sailed into a stalagmite, Goku turns around and fires rapid Ki blast at the tendrils. The shadow pony howls in pain, but it did not release Shade as Goku prepared more attacks, Yakon cam blitzing toward him. He threw several swipes at Goku, but none of them could land much like their first exchange. Yakon tries thrusting both claws down on his opponent. But Goku flickers behind the space beast and releases a shockwave, blasting the monster toward the Pony of Shadows. The shadow pony snarls at Goku as Yakon got up. "How!?" Yakon demanded. "How can you see me in the dark!?" "I can't, but then again, I don't need to see to sense your energy," Goku replied. "It doesn't matter. You will fall eventually like your friend," Goku's unwavering smile ave Yako and the pony of shadows pause. "You sure about that?" Just then, a golden light terminated from the center of the shadow pony's barrel. Yakon watches on in confusion as the light grew brighter. The howls of the pony of shadows grew louder as its body shifted and spasmed. Several rays of golden light punched out of the shadow pony's body. The light evaporated the Pony of Shadow's as Shade form was engulf in a golden aura with green wisps of energy. His hair was somewhat spike but flowed in the wind like the alicorn princesses. A light purple haze formed around his eyes while his striking brown pupils bared down on Yakon. Shade flickers and appears at Goku's sides, which surprise yakon, while the Saiyan warrior smile grew wider. The rest of the Z warriors were as shocked as Yakon. "What the?!" Vegeta exclaimed. "What is that light?" Yakon asked in a mesmerized tone. Ignoring them, Goku spoke. "Looking good; I think you wear Super Saiyan well," Shade chuckles at his ally. "I suppose I should've expected this reaction from you. Have you always known I was capable of this?" Shade gestures to himself. "I had a feeling. You got to tell me the story," Goku said, turning back to Yakon. "As you can see, we don't fear the darkness..." In an instant, Goku becomes a Super Saiyan as well. The combined golden aura fully illuminated the area. "The light follows us wherever we go," "Whoa. That's amazing!" Gohan stated. "But is that a good thing?" Spike said with a frown. "Do we want Sombra to walk around with that kind of power?" "Well, he is reformed now, right?" Scootaloo reminded but was uncertain herself. "Yes. delicious light, come to me!!!" Yakon stated. He opened his jaw and began inhaling the air in front of him. The section was so great that both Shade's and Goku's aura went into the space monster's maw as well. Yakon continued to devour their aura until both Goku and Shade powered down. "They returned to normal?" Ember asked. "Yeah, what gives?" Scootaloo asked. "Hmm, it doesn't seem like that was entirely on purpose," Vegeta noted. "Yakon is a creature that lives in total darkness. That is because its species possess the ability to consume light itself. Their Super Saiyan auras must be like a delicacy to him," Supreme Kai said. Yakon pats its stomach as it let out a belch. "Yes. Yes! Delicious light. Give me more!!!" "What are you doing, you fool! That energy belongs to Majin Buu, not trapped inside your gullet!!!" Babidi's voiceover said. "That is an irksome trait," Shade said cautiously. "I am opened to suggestions," "Not to worry, just follow my lead. Hey, Yakon!" Goku shouts before transforming again. "I hope you saved room for a second helping," Shade arches a brow at this course of action but transformed along with Goku. "Yes. More! Feed me more!!!" Yakon bellows as he starts sucking up their auras again. The suction was stronger this time as both Super Saiyan was pulled toward the space beast. In the midst of the consumption, Yakon's belly began to distend and bloat. Soon the rest of his body followed until Yakon was the size of an overinflated beach ball. Yet, the monster refused to stop. Vegeta's eyes went wide when he saw Goku smile before his features flashed brightly. A surge of Ki energy flew into Yakon's mouth. As a result, Yakon's body couldn't hold onto the energy he swallowed any longer and burst into a fiery explosion. "Unbelievable! They defeated Yakon!" Supreme Kai said in awe. "Maybe to the untrained eye..." Vegeta mutters in a low tone. "...Curse you, Kakarot," "Whew, talk about eating to you burst," Goku said, powering down. "Ingenius. Using his appetite against him like that. I never pegged you for the stagiest type," Shade praised. Goku chuckles in response. The room returns to normal as gear walks up and applaud Goku and Shade's victory. "Congratulations once again. You can now advance to level three," As the floor panel opens and Gera went to descends, Scootaoo stops her. "Hold up! Rotten and Spoiled took a little filly with them. Where is she?!" "Hmm, does she has cutesy locks, a light shade of pink fur, and an overbearing sense of adorableness tacked on her?" Scootaloo nods. "Who knows? Master Babidi might have, or she could be a stone ornament right now. Although, my personal wish is that she was fed to Yakon. In any case, you have to advance if you want to find out," With that said, Gera descends to level three. Scootaloo growls intently at the opening before Supreme Kai spoke. "I would not worry about that child's wellbeing. She is still alive. However, my concern rest in why Babidi would take her in the first place when there was no need to at all," "I guess it doesn't make much sense why they would take her. But, at this rate, we'll save her and stop Babidi's plans," Gohan said optimistically as he and the other Z warriors went through to level three. "With the mediocre fighters they have? That's no surprise. Hopefully, the next one will put up some fight," Spike said. "You may yet have you wish, spike, if the fighter I suspect shows up," Supreme Kai says grimly.