//------------------------------// // The 4,000 Year Old Secret // Story: The World Duel Championships X // by The Avenger //------------------------------// The 4,000 Year Old Secret In the Beijing National Stadium … “Check it out! Welcome back to the first round of the A-Block in the World Duel Championships X! Right now the teams are tied with 1 win and 1 lose each. The last match, which will decide the winner, is between our Dashan Wang and the star from Equestria, Andromeda!” The commentator said to the excited crowd. “He has all those fans cheering him on behind him, Dashan won’t just win, he’ll mop the floor with Andromeda! So let’s here you on out there big time!” “Wang Hu Zhong! Wang Hu Zhong! Wang Hu Zhong!” The audience shouted. ================================================================== In Team Star Swirl’s waiting room, Radiance, Yu, Sagittario, Bismarck and Tempest watch. “Wow. They’re acting like they already won the third match,” an amazed Tempest said. “It’s like they don’t even care about what happened in the last one,” Bismarck added. “Aw! If only we had won the first two matches in a row, this thing will be over!” Sagittario complained, only to get a well deserved punch from Bismarck. “Put a sock in it, Sagittario!” Radiance scolded. “Ow! What was that for?” Sagittario asked. “Just look,” Tempest said as he points across the room, to where Firestorm, having recovered from the fight, is sitting with his head down low. He then slowly raises his head and looks toward the others. “I’m sorry, everyone,” Firestorm said. “Sorry that I lost.” “No worries. You did your best. You did a good job out there,” Sagittario sheepishly said. “He’s right.” Radiance added. “Sure, maybe you got a little nuts in the end when you went berserk and all,” Radiance finished, but Firestorm just sighs as he lowers his head down. “Anyway, one lost is nothin’ to freak out over,” Bismarck added. “Right,” Radiance said. “After all, it doesn't mean that the team lost the series.” Radiance added, while Yu and Tempest look at Firestorm with worry. “Your worried too, huh?” Tempest whispered to Yu. “I am,” Yu answered in a whispered also. “The only place I even remotely saw a resemblance to Firestorm’s rampage was in a history book.” “About Queen Chrysalis’ Changeling invasion of Canterlot during the royal wedding 31 years ago,” Tempest whispered. “I sure hope that resemblance is just a coincidence.” Yu said. “Hey, where’s Andi?” Sagittario suddenly asked. “I think she’s washing up in the restroom,” Radiance answered. “I don’t blame her,” Tempest said. “She has a big match soon, and …” Tempest was hesitant for a moment. “And what?” Sagittario asked. “She didn’t asked to be here like we did,” Tempest pointed out. “She was literally dragged into all of this. First her duel with Leone a little over a week ago, then that so-called ‘practice duel’ with Dashan at Shaolin Temple 3 days ago, and now this. Also, the farthest Equestria has gotten to winning the world championships was in the World Duel Championships I, and most teams afterwards lost in either the first or second rounds. A lot is probably going through her head right now.” “Well, whatever is going through her head, I won’t allow her to lose, being the number 1 duelist and all,” Sagittario said, before Tempest hits him in the head. “Ow!” “How can you be so insensitive, especially toward your own cousin?” Tempest asked. ================================================================== Meanwhile, in the mares restroom, Andromeda is at the sink, washing her face, trying to think. “Calm down, Andi,” Andromeda said to herself. “It’s just a dumb fight. All you have to do is win and try not to get hurt. Sounds easy, but…” Andromeda then looks at her reflection, worrying about Dashan’s power. “I can’t start second guessing myself!” She said as she walks away from the mirror. “I have to fight. If I don’t show, they will either let Yu stand in, or they’ll consider it a forfeit. I can’t let those jerks at the Academy mock me any more!” Andromeda shouted. Even after she officially left, Andromeda still sees some of the Academy students from time to time, and she hates every time she does see them. “I can’t lose. I have to win, otherwise I'll never hear the end of it from them, or my cousin.” Andromeda said as she walks out of the restroom. ================================================================== In Wang Hu Zhong’s waiting room, Chi-yun is doing pushups with only one hoof for some reason. “Your working out right after your duel? Are you okay, Chi-yun?” Mei-Mei asked. “I fought clumsily. My training has not been sufficient,” Chi-yun answered as he keeps doing the pushups. “You won, so it’s all good, right?” Chao Xin asked as he rest his feet on the table. “So take it easy.” “Chao Xin!” “It’s not all good,” said Chi-yun. “My opponent really defeated himself. It was not a true victory.” “However, that does not change the fact that it was an important win,” Dashan suddenly said, which makes Chi-yun stop. “For us right now, anyway. You did a good job by winning, Chi-yun, no matter how dangerous the situation became.” “Dashan?” “What’s important is not to get upset with yourself but to make sure you don’t repeat the same mistakes again,” Dashan added. “Dashan,” a surprised Mei-Mei said. “I understand. I, Chi-yun, will never forget what happened today.” “That’s good to hear,” Dashan said as he gets up. “Now, don’t worry about anything else. With the win you earned us, I promise to lead Wang Hu Zhong to the ultimate victory.” “Dashan,” both Mei-Mei and Chi-yun said. “I will not allow us to be defeated. Shaolin Temple’s reputation is on the line. I will not fail!” ================================================================== In Team Star Swirl's waiting room, Yu, Bismarck and Radiance are all talking about Firestorm's match, Sagittario is eating, while Tempest just looks Firestorm, who is still feeling down. “Hey, are you okay?” Tempest finally asked. “I will be,” Firestorm said, though both he and Tempest know he’s lying. “When you went completely mental, you tried to use it, didn’t you?” Tempest asked as Andromeda walks into the room. “I did,” said Firestorm. “Use what?” Andromeda asked. “The Tornado Buster,” Tempest answered. “It an unbeatable technique created by the original 13 Wonderbolts 70 years ago. The only problem is that no one has been able to perfect it, and anyone who tries to use it … well … you know since we all saw Firestorm's match.” Suddenly … “Now, the third and final match is about to begin! Lookout, y’all!” The commentator said on the screen. Though she’s taken off guard by the sudden announcement, Andromeda soon gains a determined look before she leaves the room, followed by the others. “You can do it, Andi,” Radiance said as they all walk down the corridor toward the stadium. “If you lose, I’m gonna bug you about it forever,” Sagittario said. “I know. I know!” Andromeda nearly shouted. “Don’t make me any more nervous than I’m already am. Huh?” Andromeda said, when they see 12 Shaolin Temple monks standing at attention in front of the, waiting for something. “Whoa. Who are these guys?” Sagittario asked. “Arn’t they the Shaolin Temple warriors?” Radiance asked. “Yeah, but what are they doing here?” Yu asked. “Beats me,” said Bismarck. “Besides, we got to hurry. The match is about to begin.” Suddenly, the monks all place their left fist against their right palm (or left hoof against their right one for the ponies), which makes the team stop for a moment. They then see the reason the monks just did that. “Dashan,” Andromeda said as Team Wang Hu Zhong exits their waiting room. Dashan then stops for a moment and turns towards Andromeda. “Know this, Andromeda; the responsibilities you and I carry are different.” “Huh?” “I represent 4,000 years of Shaolin Temple tradition. I cannot and will not lost.” Dashan added, before he and the other Shaolin Temple warriors leave. ================================================================== A few minutes later, both Dashan and Andromeda are at the stadium, ready. “Welcome to the event you’ve all been waiting for, the third match in the first round of Block A in the World Duel Championships!” The commentator said to the excited audience. “So, who will win this match and claim the first round victory? Will it be the young genius daughter of Princess Twilight Sparkle from Equestria, Andromeda?” ================================================================== In the Crystal Palace, everyone is watching with anticipation. “Go get him, Andromeda!” Orion cheered. “This is going to put a lot of pressure on Andromeda,” Twilight said. “I know,” said Flash Sentry. “The first time I fought in the World Duel Championships I, I was a nervous wreck. But after the duel started, I calmed down and won.” “I still remember that,” Twilight said. “It was the kiss I gave you for good luck before your team left, was it?” “Yes, it was.” ================================================================== “If she loses here, then it’s over,” Celestia said as she, Luna and Discord watch in Canterlot. “Our challenged to the world will end, just like that.” “We're counting on you, Andromeda.” Luna said. ================================================================== “Or will it be the torchbearer of Shaolin Temple’s 4,000 year old secret, Wang Hu Zhong’s strongest member, our very own Dashan Wang?” The commentator asked, making the crowd cheer for Dashan even more than usual. “Dashan Wang! Dashan Wang! Dashan Wang!” The monks from the temple all chanted, cheering Dashan on from the stands. The responsibilities we carry are different? Andromeda thought as she glances back at her friends. I am carrying everyone’s hopes as well. “You can do it, Andrea!” Yu cheered. “We’re all behind you, Andi!” Sagittario added. “I won’t lose!” Andromeda said in a serious tone. “Let’s find out. Right now, Andromeda!” Dashan said as he and Andromeda get ready. “Now, let's get this party started!” The commentator said. “Three … two … one … GO!” At that, the two race to the center of the stadium. Although Andromeda is clearly faster due to her smaller size, Dashan soon takes the upper hand by quickly repelling Andromeda with a kung fu technique, sending her flying to the edge of the ring. “Andrea!” “That chi shield that Dashan uses is amazing,” Radiance said as she analyzes using Andromeda’s Zapple Brick. “It really does absorb power.” Not good. Andromeda thought as Dashan chuckles a little. If it goes on like this, it’ll just be a repeat of when we fought at Shaolin Temple. If a straight on attack won’t work, then how about … this! Suddenly, Andromeda teleports, which surprises everyone, before she reappears above the stadium, charging another spell. “What up?! Did I just see that? Andromeda has already starting using spells like that? Impossible!” The commentator said as Andromeda prepares to fire. “All right! Andi has this match for sure!” said Sagittario. “I figured you do that,” Dashan said as Andromeda fires a laser. “Say what?”Andromeda asked as she teleports herself back to the ground. “Sorry, but that kind of attack won’t faze me at all. Hi-ya! Storm Surge!” Dashan shouted, before he attacks the laser from below and redirects it to Andromeda. Acting quickly, Andromeda creates a shield from her own spell. “Unbelievable!” “Whoa! Dashan has stopped and then redirected Andromeda’s attack!” The commentator said. “So that is the strength of your magic,” Dashan said while panting, having had more trouble then expected to redirect that blast. “What amazing power, even more than I expected! No matter, even at such a level, you cannot defeat me.” “Nicely done, Dashan,” Chi-yun said. “It’s my turn to go next,” Dashan said, before … “Crushing Blast!” Dashan shouted as he, using his magic, fires a blast of fire at Andromeda, who creates a shield to protect herself, but it isn’t enough as she is pushed back to edge of the stadium. “This time Dashan’s attack explodes right on top of Andromeda!” The commentator said. “Andromeda!” “Don’t dare lose!” Sagittario said, before Andromeda narrowly escapes from the assault. “Awesome! Andromeda has managed to withstand Dashan’s assault,” said the commentator. “This match has our competitors exchanging special attacks one after another. Where will this epic duel go from here?” “Wang Hu Zhong! Wang Hu Zhong! Wang Hu Zhong!” The audience all chanted, making Andromeda gasp in surprise by their support for Dashan and his team. ================================================================== In the Crystal Palace, everyone is just as surprised as Andromeda by the support for the home team. “Don’t give up, Andi!” Berry said. “Don’t let those chanting chuckleheads throw you off. You can do it, Andi!” Orion cheered. “Now is the time to show what your made of, Andromeda,” said Twilight. ================================================================== “I see how you were able to recreate your mothers spell. You’re good, Andromeda. Withstanding my Crushing Blast is not something a normal unicorn can do,” Dashan said to Andromeda. “You too. I would’ve never thought you could have counterattack like that,” Andromeda said. “But I’m still full of power, this match won’t be won by a single attack.” Andromeda said as she charges in to attack Dashan directly. “In that case, I’ll keep at it until all that power is gone. Strong Arm Barrage!” Dashan said as Andromeda fires another laser at Dashan, but the combination of the Strong Arm Barrage and his chi armor allows Dashan to match Andromeda’s power, demonstrated when Andromeda is pushed back by the collision, while Dashan stands strong, surprising everyone. “That’s not good,” Radiance said as she checks Andromeda’s condition with the Zapple Brick. “When Andromeda’s attacks are deflected back at her, or when Dashan attacks, he uses the chi armor, which lets Andromeda regains her balance, but her stamina is drained.” “So that means Dashan is gradually darning Andromeda’s strength until the fatigue is right for him to finis her,” Bismarck said, knowing how dangerous fatigue can be. “What are you doing out there, Andromeda?” Sagittario yelled. “If you’re in a magic fight like this, then you should have the advantage. So attack, attack, and keep on attacking!” “Don’t you think I know that, Sagittarius!” Andromeda shouted. She then begins to run around Dashan and fires a barrage of lasers at Dashan, who does his best to avoid them. “Yeah!” “That’s more like it!” “Using small, long-range attacks minimizes the backlash from the chi armor as well.” “Keep taking to him, Andrea!” Sagittario, Bismarck, Radiance and Yu all said, when … “Solid Iron Wall!” Dashan suddenly shouted as all of Andromeda’s lasers suddenly stop, making her stop and gasp in shock. “What!? Now you’re on the defensive?” Andromeda asked. Firestorm then gasp as he recognizes the Solid Iron Wall. “That’s the technique Chi-yun used in his fight with me.” “Check it out,” said the commentator. “It’s the secret technique passed down for centuries at the Shaolin Temple. Yeah. You know what I’m talking about. The Solid Iron Wall!” He added, while all of the Shaolin Temple warriors all place their left fist against their right palm (or left hoof against their right one for the ponies) as a sign of respect for the 4,000 year old technique. “That ain’t good,” Bismarck said. “If Andrea attacks, Dashan will simply block it which makes her power drain. So where does that leave her?” Yu asked. “Ha-ha!” Chi-yun laughed. “Plus, because Dashan’s chi is so powerful, his Solid Iron Wall is far greater than my own.” “Until Andromeda tires out and falls to the ground, that defense will not be broken,” Mei-Mei added. “Man! Winning by staying in a defensive stance the whole time is a lame way to duel,” a disappointed Chao Xin simply said. “Chao Xin!” “Oh well. This way Dashan’s victory has been decided, as long as Andromeda doesn't find any confidence.” Chao Xin said. “That’s a good point,” Mei-Mei said. “It does seem like that Andromeda has very bad confidence in herself.” “Damn it! If I attack, he’ll deflect it back at me. And if I don’t attack, he’ll attack me. And if I keep standing here talking, there’s no way to win,” Andromeda said to herself. “I can’t let it end like this.” Andromeda said, before she fires a blast at Dashan. “It’s no use,” Dashan said as he uses the Solid Iron Wall to stop the blast, before he directs it back at Andromeda, who barely avoids it. ================================================================== In the Crystal Palace … “Andromeda can attack all she wants, it wont do a thing!” The commentator said as everyone watches the match live. “It’s almost like he’s being protected by an iron wall,” Pinkie noted. “Yeah, like mountains that won’t be moved by any storm, and that’s not a good thing,” Twilight said. “Come on, Andromeda. Remember what I told you.” ================================================================== Andromeda is seeing a large mountain protecting Dashan, as he calmly stands in the center of the ring. “Are you still not getting it?” Dashan suddenly asked, getting Andromeda’s attention. “We Shaolin Temple warriors have used this Solid Iron Wall to protect our traditions from varies outside threats for over 4,000 years! This is the legacy of the Shaolin Temple passed down to us! Power like yours means nothing to us,” Dashan finished, while Mei-Mei, Chi-yun, and all of the Shaolin Temple warriors all place their left fist against their right palm (or left hoof against their right one for the ponies), the only one not doing so being Chao Xin. “You got to be kidding me!” Andromeda said as she fires another blast at Dashan, but he redirects it back at her yet again. “I’m not done!” Andromeda shouted as she grabs the blast and throws it back at Dashan using her magic, but he redirects it up into the sky. “Why aren't you listening?” Dashan asked. “The responsibilities we carry are different,” Dashan said as Andromeda begins to hallucinate that Chi-yun, Chao Xin, Mei-Mei and all of Shaolin Temple are standing behind him. “This is the reality. As you stand all alone, there is nothing you can do the break through the 4,000 year legacy of Shaolin Temple!” “Wang Hu Zhong! Wang Hu Zhong! Wang Hu Zhong!” The audience all chanted, making Team Star Swirl gasp at the sheer volume of the cheering. ================================================================== In the Crystal Palace, Twilight, Orion and the others are looking on with worry. “She’s starting to lose it,” Orion said as he sees his older sister beginning to lose her temper. ================================================================== In a small town in the African country of Camelia, Leone is watching the match in the saloon. “Andromeda! You better not lose this!” ================================================================== “The responsibilities we carry are different,” Andromeda said, any confidence she had now gone as she sees the entire Shaolin Temple appear behind Dashan. Are you telling me that I can’t stand up to it with my own power? Andromeda thought. “Whoa! Check it out. Andromeda is just standing there now, completely silent. Is she giving up this duel and going home?” The commentator asked. “This is bad,” Sagittario said. “Pull yourself together, Andrea!” But what should I do? What should I …? Andromeda thought to herself. “It’s all over. Looks like there’s nothing else Andromeda can do now.” “It’s Dashan’s victory.” Chi-yun and Mei-Mei both said. Shaolin Temple’s 4,000 year legacy. That’s huge! How can I fight that? Compared to that, what can I do by myself? Andromeda thought, having lost all of her confidence, when … “Andromeda!” Tempest suddenly shouted. “Don’t quit! Just remember what your mom said: you have our support, not just as your teammates, but as your friends,” Tempest finished, which makes Andromeda gasp in total shock, having forgotten. “Just remember that you’re not alone. You have both the support of your team and your friends here.” Andromeda remembered what her mother said before they left for China. “Listen well. There’s only one pony in the world I want to defeat: it’s you, Andromeda! You alone.” She remembered what Leone said to her after the second qualifying duel back in Equestria. A spark then appears in Andromeda’s eyes as she begins to realize something. “Before you tire out, let us finish this with an attack. Hi-ya! Strong Arm Barrage!” Dashan shouted as he conjures up two green glowing boxing gloves and charges at Andromeda. However, Andromeda creates a shield that not only stops Dashan’s attack, but begins to push him back. “Huh?” “Tempest, mom, Leone … you're all right,” Andromeda said. “This is not my fight alone. I fight on the behalf of many others. I am carrying a heavy responsibility, and it’s just as important as the one you carry yourself! Do you understand, Dashan?” “No, I don’t.” “Do you see that I’m still here? Until it is over, I will not give up on my friends, family or anything else. Not ever!” Andromeda said, having regained all of her confidence. “You tell them, Andrea!” “Go hit him with all that you got!” “We’re all behind you Andromeda!” “Do it, Andromeda!” Yu, Sagittario, Radiance and Firestorm all cheered. ================================================================== “Shaolin Temple is a training school for misfits!” Taurus said. “You got everyone’s support going for you, Andi!” Bucky cheered. ================================================================== “Keep fighting, Andromeda,” Luna cheered as she, Celestia and Discord watch from the castle. ================================================================== “Let’s do this!” Andromeda said, having not to hear all of the support from her friends or family anymore. “For Tempest, Bismarck, Firestorm, Sagittario and Yu who have worked so hard to get here. For everyone back home in Equestria who are cheering us on. I must not lose here today!” Andromeda said as he shield kicks Dashan back to the very edge of the stadium. “It’s no use! The bonds and feelings you have with your friends is powerless before Shaolin Temples history!” Dashan said as he gets ready for another attack. “True strength and magic don’t come from history, they come form the magic of friendship and from the spirit that lives in here!” Andromeda said as she places a hoof on her chest. “Wait to say that until after you’ve won against me,” Dashan said. “Not a problem. I’ll show you my warriors spirit, just watch!” Andromeda said before she charges toward Dashan. “I’ll accept your challenge. Let’s see your warriors spirit take this!” Dashan said as he reignites his attacks (literally) and slams into Andromeda, causing a huge burst of power. “Dashan!” “Andromeda!” “It’s hopeless!” A very confident Dashan said, only to see that Andromeda is beginning to glow yellow as she pushes forward. “What!? It cannot be!” A stunned Dashan said as Andromeda kicks him back several feet to the edge of the ring. “Impossible! The Shaolin Temple’s time honored wall has … Ah! The honor of Shaolin Temple’s reputation is at stake. I cannot lose!” Dashan said as he covers himself in flames as he and Andromeda charge at each other, screaming as they clash at the center. “Go get him, Andi!” “Hold on!” “Dashan!” “Be strong, Dashan!” Tempest, Yu, Mei-Mei and Chi-yun all said. Suddenly, Dashan kicks Andromeda into the air, making her friends gasp in shock and fear. “All right, this time I’ll finish it!” Andromeda suddenly said, which surprises everyone before she begins to glow yellow. “Shooting Star Attack!” Andromeda shouted as she directs herself toward Dashan and falls down toward him. Looking just like a shooting star. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. Hi-ya! Crushing Blast!” Dashan shouted as he shoots a stream of fire at Andromeda. “I won’t lose! It won’t be tolerated! The fate of the Shaolin Temple’s 4,000 year legacy is in my hoofs!” “That's makes no difference,” Andromeda said to Dashan. “The bonds I have with my friends won’t lose to you, your temple or anything else!” Andromeda said as the to attacks collide, with Andromeda’s virtually destroying Dashan’s. As this is happening, Andromeda remembers something else that Leone said to her. “Andromeda, until you face me, don’t you dare lose to anyone.” You can count on that, Leone. Andromeda thought as her attack hits Dashan. Suddenly, a large amount of smoke appears, making everyone hold their breath as a figure flies out and lands outside of the ring. It’s Dashan! “It’s -- It’s all over! It’s been decided!” The commentator said as Dashan gets up, shocked. “The winner is Team Star Swirl’s Andromeda!” “I did it!” Andromeda said, completely fine as she stand triumphantly in the ring. “All right!” All of Team Star Swirl said. “Awesome job, Andrea!” “We’ve passed through the first round!” An excited Sagittario said as Andromeda runs up to her team. ================================================================== In the Crystal Palace, everyone is celebrating too. “She did it!” Peach said. “That’s out bestie best friend Andromeda for you!” Cherry added. “B-b-b-b-b-b-bull! Things like this always get me so fired up, and right now I’m burning up!” Taurus suddenly said. ================================================================== “This means that they all move on to round two,” Luna said. “Yes. But more importantly, Andromeda has just regained something she had no idea she lost,” Celestia said. “Her confidence. And she made new friends doing it.” ================================================================== “I lost?” A shocked Dashan said as he gets on his hoofs. “I’ve been … Shaolin Temple has been defeated? I’ve smeared mud on Shaolin Temple’s legacy. I’m so ashamed.” Dashan said, felling like he could break down at any moment. Suddenly … “Hey, why won’t you lighten up?” Chao Xin suddenly asked as he, Mei-Mei and Chi-yun walks up to Dashan, the three now staring at him. “Chao Xin!” “Shut up, Chao Xin!” “Just because you lost, Dashan, doesn't mean that a legacy that was built for over 4,000 years will disappear, ya know. You can just win next time. Relax.” Chao Xin added, ignoring Mei-Mei and Chi-yun. “What!?” Dashan asked. “A wise stallion once said that the important thing for you to do is not to get upset with yourself, but to make sure you don’t repeat the exact same mistake again. Am I right?” Chao Xin said to Dashan, who’s a bit surprised. “Chao Xin…” Dashan tired to say. “Dashan, you don’t have to carry the responsibility all by yourself.” Chi-yun pointed out. “Right on, Chi-yun. But for now on, we can all create a new legacy together. So how about that?” Chao Xin said, which surprises his teammates. “Chao Xin … that is brilliant.” “That’s the first clever thing you ever said,” Chi-yun and Mei-Mei both said. “Huh?” “Are you feeling all right?” Chi-yun asked the griffin. “Hey!” Chao Xin said as Mei-Mei laughs. “You’re right.” Dashan said with a big smile. “Let’s create our very own Shaolin Temple legacy.” “Yes!” “Okay!” The three said before they look over toward Team Star Swirl, who are congratulating Andromeda. Suddenly, the team all hear clapping, and see the DJ, Team Wang Hu Zhong, the Shaolin Temple warriors and even the audience are all clapping, congratulating on their victory today. This surprises them. “Okay.” Andromeda finally said. “That was the first big step, everypony. Now let’s aim for the best in the world!” Andromeda said as they all place hire hoofs on hers, making a promise that won’t be broken.