Author's Note: Thanks for reading. Have fun. :D
[At the tournament Bass's P.O.V.]
"So master," I said coyly.
"What is it, Bass?" he asked sighing.
"Who do you think is going to win today?"
"I thought that'd be obvious," he said grinning.
"Well who is gonna do it?! Who's going to win?!" I ask excitedly.
My master opened his mouth but was interrupted by ponies around us moving. They moved until a straight line from me to a blue pony formed.
"Bass!" Goldie yelled running at me.
"Hey Bass!" a voice above me yelled.
I looked up to find Shadow in the air with a concerned expression on his face.
"You might want to run!" Shadow yelled.
"Can't you just-" I said interrupted by Goldie tackling me.
"I tried to warn you..." Shadow sighed disappointedly.
"I oughta kill you!" Goldie said putting his front legs around my neck.
"Hello Golden."
"Oh hi Master Art," he replied pleasantly.
Golden's muscles eased at the greeting.
"Wait, what was I doing again??" he asked dumbly.
"You were going to let me go?" I tried desperately.
"Oh right, I was going to kill you!" he shouted placing his right front leg around my neck. His grip tightened. I began to gasp desperately for breath. I looked at master to find he was smiling. You cruel bastard! Why won't you help me?!
He seemed to grin wider. He knew what I was thinking.
"Welcome folks to the title bout!"I heard the announcer yell exuberantly. I couldn't see the stage as Golden had put my head in a hold with his left front leg. Taking advantage I took a big gulp of air.
The crowd roared with thunderous applause. Goldie pulled my ear to his head and whispered maliciously, "Later."
I grunted a sigh of worry, pain, and strangely relief.. Golden smiled and spun me around to face the stage.
"We have come a long way and seen many great bouts. Such as the one with the Changing Charley!" As he said that, a random pony went up to him and whispered in his ear. "Oh my mistake. I mean the performer formerly known as Charley."
He went on and on about the matches Adven had. How he defeated that griffin and that swordsmare. I saw Adven's face contort when that came up. His eyes burned with anguish. When he arrived at his latest match Adven sat down. The air around Adven felt cold.
When the announcer was finished he began to recount some of Shadic's own fights. Apparently he had fought an enemy that could become a gas. Then a fighter who was powered by the sun that gave him powers or something like that. Although, the most perplexing was who he won the title from. It was by all accounts an average pony. Oddly enough it was his toughest match. At least with how the announcer told the story it was.
"And now that we have finished our walk down memory lane let's get down to the reason we're all here today! To see if the champion can retain his title or be defeated," he said cartwheeling into a jump to the outside of the ring. "Will the competitors please enter now?"
Adven entered the ring and the crowd exploded with cheers.
"You're my hero!" a young filly shouted.
"Kick his flank!" a gruff voice chimed in.
"You can do it Adveny! Bite his freaking head off!"
Was that last one Pinkie?!
The crowd murmured eagerly awaiting the champion’s entrance.
A loud boom hushed the crowd.
Above us we saw a trail of blue and red collide into the ring. Smoke consumed it.
A figure could be made out of the smoke. The figure swept the dust away.
It stood on two legs. Its hair was spiky. Each of its spikes alternated from dark blue to red. Its arms and legs were lanky. Wings were connected to its back. It wore plain white gloves and tennis shoes. Seeing Shadic like this is so weird.
His eyes were closed as his mouth grew into a smirk.
"So, you are serious?"
"Of course. After all, it’s in this form I won the championship. So, it'll be in this form I'll retain it."
Adven was about to answer back when the announcer coughed. Adven had interrupted him. Adven mouthed sorry to the pony.
The announcer nodded and continued. "Wow! The champion has entered with a blaze of confidence. Effortlessly landing in his spot! Truly incredible!" the announcer shouted. How can he yell without choking on the damn dust?!
"Now in this corner," he said pointing at Shadic,"our esteemed champion. The sensational speedy striker, Shadic!"
Stomps filled the air as the pegasushog rose his right arm.
"And here is the challenger. The fearsome force of fencing, Adven Turer!" he yelled.
Adven's support was just as strong as Shadic's. Shadic eyed Adven with ire.
"Okay. You two know the rules. However, in this round we're making one small change," the announcer said as his sunglasses twinkled. "There will be no ring outs! The only ways to win are by knock out or decision. You both understand?" Shadic and Adven nodded.
They turned to face one another.
"Its too bad. Now there's no way you can win," Shadic said arrogantly.
"I won't hold back Shadic," he said clicking his watch. As he did it changed into something different than anything he previously used.
"You didn't!" he screamed slightly trembling.
"I did," he said showing off his two new weapons. "Snowy let me examine her hammer and now I have two of my own."
"Damn you!"
"Begin!" the announcer yelled suddenly.
"Interesting," Master murmured holding his chin with his right front hoof. Oh sure now you move! You're so heartless!
[Adven's P.O.V. Play ]
He became a bizarre blur. Within two seconds, he was in front of me.
He threw a speedy right followed by a fierce left.
With my hammers I diverted his attempts. If I try to absorb them I can kiss my chance of winning this match goodbye!
I swung my right hammer in a horizontal slash at his torso. He back-flipped away.
He breathed deeply. He clenched his fists and his eyes bore into mine.
He launched himself at me with a mighty kick.
I evaded it easily.
I swung the right hammer at his head. His head connected with the blow.
He stumbled backwards from the hit. He crouched forward in a daze.
"Well looks like we," the announcer muttered stunned.
"Don't you dare!" I yelled furiously at the pony. I know you won't go down that easily Shadic.
The pony's jaw dropped surprised at me.
[Shadic's P.O.V.]
"Owwww! That stings!" I yelled shaking my head. I picked myself up.
I met Adven's eyes. He smirked and I smirked.
"You didn’t buy it? Even for one second?" I asked already knowing the answer.
"Not a chance. I know you too well," he replied confidently.
“Did you know I can do this!" I yelled rushing at him.
I threw a quick right to his right. I was within his left leg's reach. He could never swing the hammer fast enough.
I felt something hit my right side. The force of the blow sent me to the ground.
"What was?!" I asked looking at Adven.
He had leaned in and struck with his left hammer. It wasn't as destructive but effective.
Damn it! He's faster than I expected. I have to be more careful. One lucky hit with those and it'll be over!
His left weapon changed into a giant key. He can't be serious.
I stood my ground refusing to be intimidated by an over-sized key. His wings flapped sending him right in front of me.
I heard something cutting against something. I knew he had connected with the weapon. And I still stood.
"Looks like you-" I was suddenly interrupted as I began dropping down onto my knees. I hacked furiously despite myself. My hands instinctively went to clasp my neck.
"Underestimated the power of the Keyblade," he said smirking. He was two feet in front of me.
I put my hands down to haul my body up.
You're not powerful enough.
Yes I am! I struggled to raise my body, trembling viciously. I rushed at Adven. He easily backpedaled out of my reach.
You're not fast enough.
No.
You need our help!
I won't do that! I must defeat him myself!
You can't.
I grinded my teeth.
Adven, seeing my focus waver, pounced on me. A right blow to the left side of my head. A left blow to the right side of my torso. Lastly, a tackle to push me back before I could retaliate.
He changed the right hammer to a red staff. He whispered something and it grew absurdly long. It pushed me into the backstage wall. I felt rubble collapse on top of me. I struggled to toss the rubble aside. I tried to move but it was no use. There was no room.
[Stop Music]
Dark.
What?!
I won't let him win. Not like this. Not when I can still fight! Get ready. You're up!
Not fair.
[Adven's P.O.V.]
I breathed heavily. I’ve never thought to use the power pole and Keyblade one after another before. But it did the trick. There's no way he can rise after that.
[PLAY]
The rubble, formerly the backstage, began to violently shake. A dark purple glow emanated from it. A booming voice roared sending most of the debris flying away.
I turned to find Shadic there grinning.
His body had changed to a dark shade. Looks like he decided to use them after all.
"What is this?! It appears Shadic has decided to use his special technique! In this form his attacks are twice as powerful," the announcer shouted excited. "We'll soon see why he is the champion!"
"Lets go!" Dark yelled, running at me.
I slided to the right evading a fierce combo of punches. I backed away. That was, ugh! My side! It burns! Damn it! Even though he didn't hit me, the air he struck did. He is stronger than I remember. I gritted my teeth as my eyes watered in agony. I looked down trying to compose myself.
Dark smiled, nearing me. I stumbled backwards. The pain prevented me from properly moving.
What should I do?! What would master do?!
Adven, a weapon is extension of yourself. Each weapon you use is a different part of yourself. Remember one thing. That, when you're in a jam, sometimes it is best to rely on the weapon that is the part of you only you understand.
That's it! I can't beat him like this!
I forced my power pole and keyblade away. Dark rose a brow.
"Surely, you can't expect to beat me unarmed."
I ignored him. I shut my eyelids .
"Don't ignore me!" he shouted charging at me! His energy radiating sporadically. It wildly spun creating a miniature tornado. He is emotional as ever. Good.
I concentrated on my surroundings. On the ponies in the audience. On the announcer. And on my opponent.
He roared and rushed at me in a blind rage. I listened as he approached.
He ran and jumped into the air. No doubt he was using his wings to move faster. He swiped madly in my direction.
I opened my eyes. My true weapon materialized in my hooves.
"Damn," Dark muttered, the realization that I'd avoided his strike dawning on him.
I counterattacked with a deep cut to his torso. I then moved to attack his ear.
The blow grazed it. His body had already begun to fall by then.
"He did it," the announcer said overdramatically. "He has defeated the champion?!"
"Not yet," I panted slightly irritated.
[PLAY]
Dark's body began to rise. It grew pale. Even paler than Shadic's usual colors.
"So, now it is you, Light. I hope you can challenge me unlike Dark," I said calmly.
" I'm not as hot headed as him. Now then," he said entering a fighting stance. "Lets begin!"
I separated my blades. "Yes," I agreed entering a defensive stance.
He ran at me. I swatted away his blows. Whether it's Shadic, Dark, or Light their movements are too easy to read.
Light vainly attempted to pass through my defense.
Still they make up for it. I felt my front legs weaken. I paused to catch a second wind.
I blinked and he was in front of me. Before I could gasp, I felt my body bombarded by countless blows.
I couldn't move my blades or evade. I didn't have time. He was too fast.
The pain was excruciating. Suddenly, he backed up several feet away from me.
He was at the opposite side of the ring. He was teetering on the edge of it. He used it to send himself flying at me.
I rose my swords in a defensive position. Why would he? I looked frantically around. Wait, that means that the backstage is...!
Before I could finish my thought, Light rushed at me with the force of a speeding train. I collided the remaining debris of the backstage.
I stood there trapped. My mind suddenly became clear. Light's own augmented speed has limited his power. Which is why Shadic had used Dark first. Dark's raw power would cause injuries. Then Light's immeasurable speed would pound away at them. Still though, I won't lose.
[Stop the music]
I shifted my body in order to escape. My body told me to stop. I refused to listen.
Through some moments of struggling, I escaped. I suppose he didn't put me too deep in it. He clearly lacks Dark’s power.
I pulled myself out to find Shadic there. He wheezed desperately for air. His eyes were in utter disbelief.
I grinned as I stumbled back into the ring. He made an annoyed groan.
"Can't beat me. Even with those two helping you," I bluffed as my body shouted to rest.
"Yeah I knew that. Besides, it wouldn't do if I didn't defeat you myself," he replied with fierce determination.
I pointed my right hoof to the pile of debris. With a great burst of light my blades returned to my grasp. I reconnected them. "I'm ready. Are you?"
"Ready to lose? Not even close."
I nodded.
[Shadic's P.O.V.]
Come on! Let us out! You can't possibly defeat him without us!
That'd be idiotic. His body has already sustained too many injuries. If he did he would risk dying. And even Shadic is not that stupid.
But he still has some of my power! You may be done but I'm not!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dark. By the way I need that remaining power of yours. Now give it over.
This is not fair.
Quit complaining and do what he said.
Tch.Fine.
I felt my arms feel filled with new life. I flexed them in order to test them. I looked back at Adven.
I tried to walk and found my legs were still damaged. I could only limp. I noticed Adven's legs were the same.
[PLAY]
We eventually limped to meet in the middle of the ring.
"Now that they have reached one another. Which one will be the first to move?! Who will win in this test of strength?!" the announcer blared joyfully.
Adven swung his blade at my right arm. I left it there.
The blade connected with my arm. However it didn't draw blood.
"What?!" he yelled bewildered.
My arm was engulfed in a dark purple aura. It was the same energy Dark had used to free us from the debris.
He grunted realizing this.
The aura disappeared from my right arm. Seeing this Adven attacked it again.
This time I used my left arm to divert his blow. I then pushed him back with a right punch.
"You're moving the energy over your body. That way you can maximize the offensive and defensive effectiveness of your remaining energy," Adven said more than asked.
I grinned.
"Then I'll just have to be faster than you," he said rushing at me.
He swiped at my torso. The energy was there to meet it.
I headbutted him.
His body jerked back along with his head. I moved forward with my left elbow hitting his body.
He groaned in pain. I aimed for his head with a right uppercut.
He used his wings to back up to avoid it. As he landed, he turned around and bucked at me.
I raised my arms, willing the energy into them, to block his attack. He jumped and a flash burst from him.
I felt myself get pushed back by a blow. When my eyes adjusted I saw he had changed his weapon into a katana.
He slashed at my neck. I quickly blocked it with my right arm.
He threw a flurry of hits at my right arm. Acting on pure instinct, I blocked it with my left arm.
He struck faster than the energy could move. The blade cut deep into my arm.
He stood there trying to pull his sword out of my arm. I threw a right hook sending him to the ground.
Damn this hurts! I moved the energy to my left arm to force the katana out.
Adven, seeing this, flew at me. He tackled me to the ground before I could relieve myself of the pain.
He pressed his right front hoof on my neck as he attempted to retrieve his sword. The stabbing pain of the wound traveled throughout my body.
When he got it back I jumped up hitting his head with my own. He staggered back holding it.
I then moved the power to my left arm. I punched him with it sending him skidding several feet across the ring floor.
Why is he not...? I looked at the sorry state my arm was in. I thought I had enough to heal it. The power is already leaving me. I can't do this much longer. Much less with a damaged arm.
He rose up. I don't know how he managed, but he did.
I have to put all my remaining power in one punch. I closed my eyes to concentrate on my right hand.
With a flash, Adven changed his sword into a metal horseshoe. He had the same idea.
We roared as we ran at one another. Time didn't seem to matter. The place didn't seem to matter. It was just us. Our fight. My victory awaited me.
Our blows connected with one another's heads. We collapsed.
My head rang. I shook my head as I heard a distortion of a familiar voice. It was the announcer. He was talking again.
"This is amazing! After an astounding display of strength, both combatants have been knocked out," he said tearing up. "They're truly impressive!"
My eyes met Adven's. We nodded as we got up.
"Shut up! We're not done yet!" we shouted at him.
"Uncool," I muttered annoyed.
"So uncool," he agreed disgusted.
"Wanna continue?" I asked him chuckling.
In answer, he changed his weapon. He now held a hammer in his right front hoof.
What? Two hammers too much for him now? I ran with a right punch to his face.
He jumped away and brought the hammer down on my head. I fell down hard.
I quickly picked myself up. I narrowly avoided Adven's second hit with the hammer. It left a giant crater in the ring.
I breathed a sigh of relief. Adven swung his hammer at my right side.
I backed up dodging the attack. I threw a left punch to his snout.
He froze for a moment but he didn’t fall down. He refused to fall down.
With a grunt of effort he moved his hammer to connect with my right side. My side aching I collapsed.
I saw Adven drag the hammer across the floor as he neared me. He raised his hammer above my head.
As he dropped the hammer, I rolled out of the way. Using my wings to pick myself up, I launched myself at Adven. He gasped as I connected with a right hook, followed by a double uppercut to his head.
He flew a few feet away from me. I gasped grabbing my side.
I looked over at him. I muttered bitterly, ”Damn it.” He had picked himself up again.
Once again we locked eyes. His weapon returned to its original shape.
[Stop Music.]
You're going down! I'm not going to lose!
"I've seen quite enough. You're both equally as pathetic and foolish. Hohoho," a boisterous laugh tore me from my thoughts.
I looked up to find Eggman's ship, the Egg Carrier. It was right above the ring.
"This tournament has been so dull. I still think I can save it though. With one idea," his voice rang disgustingly happy. "How about one more round? I know, ponies versus machines. How do you win you may ask? That is very simple. You can't."
As he said that, a compartment of the ship opened up. Out of it, emerged an army of Eggbots.
But even more surprising was who was leading them. It was Sonic.
They dropped down attacking the crowd. As they did this, me and Adven looked at one another again. And we understood one thing. We couldn't let Eggman get away with this, which meant we'd have to postpone our fight.
We roared as we exited the ring to help fight the robots.