Ultraman Tiga

by Tigapower

The Forbidden Monster Valley

“So,” Holt began as the screen flashed to life, showcasing the fight between Tiga, Golza, and melba. The scene where Ultraman dropped his elbow upon Golza played while the team watched.

“It appears that Ultraman has a plethora of light based abilities, three of which we know of now. Our research team has determined that Ultraman has the ability to manipulate various forms of light for a different array of weapons. In Ponyville where the first monster, code named ‘Earthron’, was taken down by a photon based ray made of the element ,Zepellion’, a rare but destructive isotope which destroys organic matter at a cellular level. However in this battle, Ultraman used ultraviolet radiation from the sun to destroy Melba.” The footage paused where Tiga was in his powered mode, “Here his body changed at a molecular level. His cells tripled in density, giving him the superior strength needed to handle both monsters.”

Marlin raised his taloned claw, “So if he’s stronger in that form, why doesn’t he just use it from the get go?”

Holt nodded, “I wondered the same thing. But as it turns out, this form drains his power at a much faster rate than his multicolored form. He couldn’t pursue Golza when he fled, because Ultraman lacked the energy to do so. Therefore he prioritized on destroying Melba after he incapacitated her.”

“He also has the color blue on his body,” Lyra observed, “Would this mean he has a form we are yet to see?”

“Inconclusive,” spoke a familiar voice to Cory. From the entrance trotted a small alicorn. She wore a pair of glasses and a white lab coat, her hair done up in a ponytail.

“Twilight, thank you for joining us.” Holt extended his hoof, “Thank you for coming all this way from the Crystal Empire.”

She grinned, “Of course, and to answer Ms. Heartstrings question about Ultraman, we currently don’t know about the potential for other combat forms. But since we see he has a form for facing stronger or numerous opponents, we’ve come to the conclusion that he has the ability to tailor his body and abilities to his opponents.”

“And the light on his chest?” inquired Marlin.

“We have found that the light flashes when his energy levels are depleted to a certain level. We believe this light acts as an audible and visual gauge for Ultraman when he’s nearing his active limit.”

“He can’t fight for as long as he wants?” Aurora asked somewhat annoyed, “What’s his limit?”
Twilight flipped through her papers, “We estimate about three minutes.”

Sapphire exhaled in disappointment, “We get someone who can kill these things in one shot but only for three minutes, what a catch.”

Cory sat with his brows furrowed, it fascinated him to hear about this strange giant who shared his life with him. What was it that limited Tiga’s power? Was it his own mortality?

In the busy city streets, Cory and Lyra walked side by side back to their cottage. Cory held the majority of the bags while Lyra used her magic to levitate a few items she had purchased having got her first pay check from EMEP. Her hair was done up in a bun, her makeup looked its best to match her new level of confidence.

“Sun shine always seems brighter on pay day.” She sighed, gazing up at the blue sky.

“I wouldn’t know.” Cory mumbled, carrying a stack of boxed goods.

“Oh hush,” she giggled, using her magic to lift a few more boxes from his stack, “There, have a little natural light.”

He dramatically gazed up at the sky before cracking a grin. She rolled her eyes and laughed, “You’re horrible.”

“Yeah but I’m still carrying your stuff.” He winked.

“Touché’” She turned to trot along towards their cottage.

“Incoming!” shouted a familiar voice. Both and human and equine ducked as Ditsy Doo swooped down and crash landed. A few stray letters slowly settled on the ground where she lay in a heap, smiling awkwardly, “Whoops, my bad.”

“Looks like the mails on time today.” Cory thought.

“Smooth landing, huh Derpy?” Lyra snickered.

“Don’t call me that.” Ditsy’s ears flopped down in sadness.

Lyra and Cory laughed, “We’re kidding, we got something for you.” Cory kneeled down and picked up a box. Derpy whinnied in happiness and grabbed the box and opened it. She snorted as she pulled out a red scarf that she wrapped around her neck, “It’s pretty, it’ll make my routes easy when its cold, thanks again Lyra!”

“Cory bought it for you.” Lyra nudged him with her elbow.

Derpy smiled but then felt a bit of guilt twinge her chest, “I’m sorry I called you odd Mr, I, us, Cory.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He smiled, patting her bowed head. His smile faded as he heard from far away the deep roar of a monster. It echoed through his ear, a shrill, roar that sounded deep but got progressively higher pitched.

“What is this?” He looked towards the Everfree forest, “Its roar isn’t that threatening but I can feel an intense sense of dread, no, malice.”

He snapped back to his senses when he noticed Lyra giving him a puzzled look, “What?” he asked.

“I should be asking you that.” she said plainly, “Sometimes you get this weird look on your face like you can sense or hear something we can’t.”

“Er, no, I just thought I forgot something back at the base.” The roar echoed in his ear again. This time it was different. It was calling for him, challenging him. He ignored it as he, Lyra, and Derpy entered their home.

In the mountains beyond the everfree forest, a group of scientists were documenting a list of newly discovered plant species in the mountain crevices. The team was hiking up a mountainside with their equipment, using ropes to help scale some of the steeper parts. The sun was starting to set on the horizon when the finally made camp. One of the researchers perked his ears, hearing a rumbling from not far off.

“Did you hear that?” He turned towards his teammates.

“I felt that actually.” A grey haired stallion stood up. Moments later, a thick fog billowed into, catching the team off guard.

“What the hell?” The team lead stood from his seat and glanced around. His eyes caught the confused face of one mare, her eyes looking at the compass in confusion.

“I don’t know what happening, the Compass it darting all over the place. It’s like we are in some magnetic field.”

“It’s this fog,” The team lead began gathering his items, “Everyone grab your stuff, we are getting out of here.”

A shrill roar echoed through the mountain, paralyzing the team in fear. Their greatest fear came true as a tall, segmented monster stood tall over them. It’s hands were silver, crab like claws, and it’s head was oblong with two yellow piercing eyes. It roared while the team screamed in fear and tried to flee while the beats arms extended towards them, grabbing members and stuffing them into its maw. This beast, Sadora, roared with glee as he pursued the team members, filling the night sky with terrible screams and roars of sadism.

Miles away in Ponyville, Cory lay in bed covering his ears, their screams died down, but he could hear the beast roar tauntingly. “It knows I’m here.” He walked to his window and opened it, letting the night air waft in, his eyes filled with anger.

The next morning, Cory, Lyra, and Sapphire sat in the EMEP headquarters as Holt entered the room. Aurora blew bubbles with her gum as Hademchuk snored in his seat loudly, jerking awake as his snot bubble popped, “Like hell you’ll get Hademchuk, monster!” he snorted. Marlin lifted his head from his forelegs and gestured at the Yak in annoyance. Hademchuk blushed red as he placed his hooves at his side, smiling awkwardly.

“I hope you all got plenty of sleep,” Holt looked at the Yak with a side glare, “We’ve received reports of a missing research team in the Everfree mountains. We’ve attempted to make contact with the team, but there appears to be an electro-magnetic blight surrounding the area. The rescue team is currently stationed there as we speak. It’s up to us in order to supply a defensive perimeter should we encounter any monsters.”

“In other words, boxed nasties for lunch?” Sapphire inquired.

Holt looked at his report, “Yes.” The team groaned in unison.

The team arrived through the temporary entry point from the royal guard. The team holstered their weapons and dismounted their vehicles as they were guided to the head of the rescue effort. Twilight trotted through the crowd along with her small companion, Spike, who rode upon her back.

“Thank you all for coming, we’ve set up the station as fast and best as we could. Spike, “she gestured him to step forward, “Meet EMEP.”

Spike looked through the crowd, “So a Yak, two Ponies, a Griffon, a diamond dog, and, uh, you?” he raised a brow at Cory while pointing at him.

“Human.” Cory said plainly. He sensed just a bit of cockiness from the small dragon. Hell, even a hello would do.
“I haven’t seen anything like you before, which part of the earth do you come from?”

“Spike,” Twilight snapped, “What did I tell you about asking Cory too many questions?”

“That’s Cory?” Spike gestured at him, “Uh, sorry about that.”

Cory chuckled, “Its alright bud,” he held out his hand, “Nice to meet you.”

Spike returned the handshake, “Pleasures all mine friend.”

Holt had just finished consulting with one of the Guard members, “Alright, we are going to set up a search party, Cory, Lyra, and Sapphire will come with me. The rest of you will stay with Ms. Sparkle.”

“Copy!” the team responded. With a nod, Holt led the four of them and several guard members down the valley. They slowly approached the maw of a large cavern, the guard members using their horns to illuminate their way. Cory held a small flashlight and scanned the cavern walls, using his ears to listen for that same mysterious roar.

“He’s making that face again,” Sapphire whispered to Lyra. Lyra looked concerningly at Cory as he froze in place. The Guard members looked back in annoyance as they noticed him stop dead in his tracks.

“What’s the matter? Why’re you not walking?” One bellowed.

“That can’t be,” Cory said out loud in disbelief, what he was hearing wasn’t the same roar he had heard the day before. This one was shrill and its, no, their aura dripped with malice.

“I can hear it, a monster’s voice!” he yelled back to them. Sapphire and Lyra exchanged looks.

“All I can hear is tinnitus,” Holt stuck a hoof in his ear.

“What’re you on about? Any monsters worth worrying about wouldn’t able to fit in the cave. You’re supposed to be a monster extermination expert, if you’re afraid of the dark just say so.” He laughed, a few of the other guard members joining him as they turned and ventured deeper into the cavern.

“I’m not lying, there’s something in this cavern! Let’s grab the rest of the team and then continue, come back!”

They scoffed at him, looking about the cave as their horns lit the way. Cory felt Lyra grab onto his arm, her eyes were filled with fear.

“Can you really hear something?” Sapphire asked.

“Yes, just a little further in this cavern.” He ran towards the Royal Guard members who stood in place gazing up at the caves ceiling. Holt gave Cory a pensive stare, something was either very off, or very special about this man, he thought.

“What’s wrong?” Cory looked at the lead who looked on in horror. Cory looked to where they gazed, and to his horror saw several pairs of yellow eyes with blue pupils staring back at them. It’s head entered the light and roared menacingly, invoking a scream from the royal Guard. One moved from the ceiling and lunged down upon them. It’s head was narrow and had a segmented body, almost reminiscent of a worm. The monster descended upon the lead guard who screamed in terror as the beast clamped down upon his head, crushing it in his maw. Several other of these wormlike reptilian monsters burrowed through different angles of the cavern, roaring at the intruders. One lunged at Cory who unsheathed his ray gun, blasting a sizeable chunk from the beasts shoulder.

“Shit,” he fired his gun at the beast as it tried to lunge once more at the human, “We’ve entered a hornets nest.”

“Hornets nest?” Lyra shouted.

“These are Teresdon Larvae, according to EMEP records. We can handle them at this size, but any larger they can become a real pain in our ass.” He fired his ray gun once more, downing another, “Retreat! Get back to the cave entrance!” Cory and the others dashed for the entrance, all the while carrying both Sapphire and Lyra under each arm.

“When did he?” Sapphire asked in confusion, gesturing towards Cory. Lyra shrugged in response. Cory glanced behind him to see the guard members taken out one by one, screaming while they were dragged back into the caverns depths. He swore to himself and carried his team mates to safety. They exited the cavern with Holt aiming his gun at the entryway, eyes fixed through his gun sights as the eyes of a Teresdon burned towards him.

“I’ll hold them off!” he screamed to Cory, “You go and tell the others!”

“Captain,” Cory began to protest, but noticed that the beast within the cave didn’t pursue them outside the cave. It stayed there with its eyes glowing with hatred, roaring challengingly at the trio.

“That’s it,” said Holt, “These things hate sunlight.” He looked over his shoulder, “Grab the rest of the team and get as many explosives as you can. We’re sealing this cavern off.”

The team had converged on the cavern and gathered the entire rescue teams explosives, setting them around the cavern entrance and its sides. TNT was also strategically placed on the top of the hill, making sure to cave the entire hill upon this hellish nest. Once they were in place, Marlin held the detonator in his claws while Sapphire counted down. It was at the moment when she said zero that a pair of glowing yellow eyes appeared in the darkness, roaring menacingly at them. Marlins feathers stood on end as he pressed the switch, detonating the explosives and sending the entire cave crashing down upon the Teresdon nest. Cries could be heard from inside of the cave as it came crashing down, crushing the miniature monsters under tons of rocks and debris. One monster attempted to flee, but was caught under the collapsing entrance, crushing half of its body. The wormlike reptilian gave a weak cry before it succumbed to it’s injuries, its eyes slowly glossing over as it stared at the team.

“That settles that.” Lyra retracted her visor.

“No, we are yet to find the research team.” Holt reholstered his gun, “Our job is far from over.”

Cory nodded in agreement, the monster who he knew was responsible for the teams disappearance was still out there, waiting for him. He was yet to hear its voice that given day, but he knew it was out there in the mountains, just waiting for the right moment to attack. His train of thought was halted the ground beneath his feet began to shake.

“Now what?” Aurora shouted, nearly losing her footing.

“Did we somehow trigger and earthquake?” yelled Marlin, gripping onto a boulder.

The ground shook as fissures formed from the trembling. An earth shattering roar erupted through the air and froze the team in place. From the earth rose the mother of the previously destroyed nest, a fully grown, and rather ticked off Teresdon. She roared in anger from the sudden destruction of her children who she gazed down upon, roaring in anger as he bloodshot eyes locked on the equines beneath her.

Marlin used his front paw to block the sun from his vision, “Ooo, I don’t like that.”

“Open fire!” Holt fired his gun at the subterranean kaijin who roared in annoyance, but was taken back by the sudden onslaught of the five different ray guns that burned across her body. Cory helped Twilight and Spike to safety, rejoining them with the other team research members.

“Thank you,” She hugged him and lifted Spike onto her back who looked at the battle between EMEP and Teresdon in awe. Before Cory could respond, a shadow was casted from behind a small mountain. A familiar roar echoed through the air as Cory looked up in shock to see the beast which had challenged him. The fog monster Sadora roared as he kicked away rocks that lay in his wake while swatting away an entire mountainside with his claws, roaring towards Teresdon who bellowed at her new foe.

“Retreat!” ordered Holt, getting his team from between the rampaging monsters.
Teresdon and Sadora converged on each other, exchanging roars before ramming their bodies against the other. Sadora swatted Teresdon across her face with his clawed hand, using his other to clamp down on her throat. A kick from Teresdon sent Sadora stumbling back, and a swipe from her tail sent him reeling back in pain once more.

“Should we get out of here while we still can?” Aurora said from behind a shrub, holding her gun as she watched the battle from over her shoulder.

Marlin recorded the whole fight from his helmet, “I’m as terrified as can be! But crap is this fun to watch!” He said, holding a foam finger with Sadora’s face on it.

“We’ve gotta get the research team out of here,” Cory glanced over to the survivors who huddled together in fear. The rest of the team followed suit except for Marlin who had to be pulled from the action by Hademchuk.

Sadora saw them trying to escape, roaring in annoyance whilst kicking several boulders in their direction. The shockwave casted dust and debris, with the sizeable rocks crushing several of the rescue team members in the process. Sadora swatted away Teresdon who roared is pain as she was once more overpowered by the Fog beast. As Sadora lumbered over to the team, Cory came to his senses and noticed an injured Lyra next to him. Her visor was cracked as he bled from an unseen wound on her forehead. The rest of the team managed to make it to the safety of their jeeps, With Hademchuk and Sapphire searching for the lost team members. Cory shook his comrade, screaming her name as he did so. He looked on in anger at the advancing monster who pinched his claws in anticipation. Cory pulled the Spark lance from his pocket and pressed the switch, enveloping him in light. From a blinding pillar of light came a front kick that sent Sadora onto his back, roaring in surprise. Squaring off to the downed beast was Tiga, his armor shining in the mid-day sunlight.

Holt smirked towards the giant, “It’s about time.”

Twilight looked at the titan in awe, “Is that Ultraman?”

“Where’s Cory and Lyra?” asked Marlin as Hademchuk and Sapphire returned.

“No luck, too many rocks and debris,” Hademchuk replied through winded breath.

Tiga looked to wear EMEP stood, casting something from his hand towards them. The ball of light raced for them at breakneck speed before landing softly, revealing Lyra whose eyes were wide with horror. She sighed in relief after looking herself over, brushing the dust from her uniform.

“Lyra!” Sapphire embraced her, wiping the tears from her eyes.

“Did you see Cory anywhere?” Holt asked, holding his gun.
“He was with me when that monster kicked the rock towards us.” Her eyes widened once more at the grim idea of him possibly being crushed, “No, we have to go back there!” she tried to run but Hademchuk held her back, “Lyra will stay! Can’t lose another team member!”

“We have to look, let go!” She thrashed about in his iron grip before making eye contact with Tiga who watched the scene. There was something about his stare that calmed her. She looked into his eyes and felt her muscles relax. Was there something this giant knew that she didn’t?

“Why are you still here?” Cory thought, “Get out of here!” He heard Sadora roar and a barely managed to dodge the beasts claws as it extended its arm towards him. A second extended arm nearly caught him in the chest. Tiga rolled out of the way and fired a hand slicer that cut into Sadora’s hide, making him stumble back.

He heard a low rumbling and looked t his left to see Teresdon’s maw churning with fire, her eyes locked onto him. The stream of nearly white hot flames nearly caught him should he hesitated to bring up his barrier. Another claw from Sadora crashed into his chest, sending him onto his back. He grunted while standing on one knee. His chest heaved as both Kaiju roared in defiance.

The gem on his forehead flashed blue, cascading the same color down his body as the red disappeared. Sadora launched another attack but Tiga swiftly leaped into the air, landing behind him and delivering a side kick that sent Sadora onto his face. He jumped onto Sadora’s back and landed chop after chop to the beast as Teresdon charged. Tiga rolled off Sadora and towards Teresdon who landed an elbow from his right hand a palm from his left, his bodyweight and momentum making the beast double over. Tiga stood up promptly, driving a left elbow into Teresdon’s jaw and a right palm to her throat. She roared in pain as she fell to her back.

Lyra looked on in amazement, “His color changed again,”

Marlin recorded the whole event from his helmet, “Not only that, but his fighting style too. His reflexes have more than tripled”

“Yeah! That’s it!” Hademchuk stomped his hooves, snorting in excitement.

Sadora launched his clawed hand at Tiga once more, only to have the titan grab it and crush the appendage between his elbow and knee, breaking him. Before Sadora could counterattack, Tiga’s chest armor glowed white. Bringing his hands to his chest, he threw his fingertips forward, launching his Tiga guillotine at Sadora. The blade cut through the beast with ease, his body going limp and his head fell to the ground. A familiar rumbling caught Tiga’s attention, and he turned to see Teresdon conjuring up more fire. Tiga brought his fingertips together and then moved his arms back out at the elbow. Light gathered into his color timer as he charged up his Rambolt Light Bomb, casting the energy bolt at Teresdon who stumbled back from the shock. Her eyes glowed yellow as she was blown to pieces, letting out on last roar of surprise before being casted throughout the valley in burnt chunks.

“There’s a finisher in every form he takes.” Holt smiled, “He’s resourceful, I’ll give him that.”

“Yeah, rather than put on a show!” Aurora stood, covered in Teresdon remnants, “Why can’t he just use those, ‘Lasers’, to just kill the damn things to begin with!?”

“Enough,” Holt gestured with a hoof, “We need to do a headcount of the survivors.” His face grew solemn, “Cory has died, lets get a headcount and search for…”

“Heyyy!” called out a familiar voice. The team turned around and saw a bipedal figure standing atop of Sadora’s corpse. It waved to them as smiles spread across their faces.

“Cory!” Lyra called, eyes watering with happiness.

“I’m alright!” he waved. He jumped down from the downed beast and rejoined his team members who play slapped him lightly on his back and shoulders. Holt smirked at him.

“You must have an angel watching over you, or you’re immortal.” He chuckled and patted Cory on the shoulder.

Spike hopped on Lyra’s shoulder, his body still shaking from the adrenaline, “Don’t tell me you missed any of that, I may have peed a little but heck, that was amazing!”

“Had a front row seat hiding over in the rocks,” he stuck his fist out with Spike bumped with his own. The team, Twilight, and Spike laughed together as they walked away from the battlefield. Two more beasts were slain, and the team could sleep a little more peacefully that night.

In the streets of Canterlot walked a small man amongst the alleyways. At night, he ventured out to spy amongst the sleeping equines and would watch the castle from afar. It had been several days since he reawakened from what he thought would be an eternal slumber. He scratched at the festering acne on his left side, his dry, jagged nails digging into his inflamed and infected flesh.

“Thanatos, was it?” said a voice from behind him. He quickly turned around to see a man standing in the shadows. He could make out what appeared to be a feather headdress. In the dark. The figure stepped out from the shadows, revealing itself to the mysterious man.

“You?” it spoke, it’s voice raspy, “ War Chief Geronimon.”

“It’s been a while, child of Nyx.” Geronimon extended a hand towards the leper.
“What is it that you want?” Thanatos hissed, eyes ablaze, “Do you intend to kill me in this state?”

“My me,” Geronimon put his hand to his chest in feigned innocence, “I simply come to bring you news and ask for your help.”

“Start with the news,” Thanatos looked towards the street, uncertain of the War Chief’s intentions.

“As you may have, or have not heard, the fire thief has returned.”

Thanatos’s eyes were ablaze with rage at the mention of that name, “Prometheus…” he hissed, scratching at his face violently, groaning and grunting in anger as his breaths became raspy and shallow.

Geronimon nodded, “Yes, the titan that has made you what you are. They now refer to him as Ultraman.”

“And for what reason would you need my help? Surely you and your monsters could make short work of him.” Thanatos inquired.

“I ask that you aid me in my plan to rid ourselves of him, once and for all. As you stand now, you are weak. Which is why I am here to make an offer, I will restore you to your youth so long as you use your forbidden demonic powers.”

“You need my power of the Kyrie?” Thanatos scratched his dry neck as he pondered, he did not trust the native American man before him, but if he could have his youth restored, he could wield his power of the Kyrie once more. Once Prometheus was killed, he could get rid of Geronimon as well and rule over even the gods.

His brows furrowed, “You’ll restore to me to what times and Prometheus have stolen?”

“That and more,” Geronimon extended his hand, “You shall become Kyrieloid once more, and wield the greatest power of all titans.” Thanatos looked at Geronimon’s hand, shaking it. The two departed the area as Geronimon glowed, leaving behind the empty alleyway.