When Princess Twilight learned that someone was gathering representatives from different dimensions for a once in an epoch gathering, a fighting tournament wasn't what she was expecting.
When Princess Twilight learned that someone was gathering representatives from different dimensions for a once in an epoch gathering, a fighting tournament wasn't what she was expecting.
Two lights shone in the morning sky. One of them was Celestia's sun, yellowish white and familiar. The other...
Rainbow Dash flew at full speed towards the blue and maroon star, fully ready to buck it into next week, whatever it was. As her back hoof reached the unknown light, an object emerged, making contact with the brash Pegasus.
As the now very sore Rainbow swore like a pony (she said ow), the object landed in front of Princess Twilight's castle. It was gunmetal blue in color, and round like two bowls held together. A circular platform was deployed out the bottom of the craft. standing upon it were two figures, both ponies.
Princess Twilight was already outside by the time the platform had touched the ground. "Um, greetings!" she said, "I'm- I mean, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle."
The pony stepped forwards. She was a crystal pony with a gold coat and an emerald-green mane, her cutie mark was of two trees with pink leaves. "Greetings Princess. I am Cherry Grove of To-Kyoto. And this is Princess Cornucopia."
The Princess was a pink Crystal pony with a Kirin's horn and magenta Zebra stripes running across their body. Their cutie mark was of a woven ram's horn filled with fruits and vegetables. Sitting atop her orange and red mane was a bronze crown tipped with rubies. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Princess."
"And you, Princess." Twilight said, bowing. "May I ask, where did you come from and how did you get here?" She looked at the craft which the two had arrived in. It was truly unlike anything she had ever seen before.
The strange princess smiled, "To put it simply, we are from another universe." = = = Twilight had invited the, apparently interdimensional visitors, inside her castle. She had also informed the other three Princesses, all of whom had since arrived. The rest of the Council of Friendship were also present.
"I take it you are already familiar with the concept of alternate universes?" Princess Cornucopia asked, taking a sip of the tea Twilight had Spike prepare.
"Yes. We've actually visited a few before." Twilight said.
"Then you know how complicated it can be." Cherry said, standing at her Princess's side. "When our Universe discovered how to travel freely between them, The Ancients decreed that this discovery was too dangerous to be left in the control of mortal creatures."
"I'm sorry, The Ancients?" Starlight asked.
"It's a term some creatures use to describe creatures like myself, Luna, and Discord." Celestia explained.
"Precisely." Cornucopia continued, "The Ancients of our universe have allowed one event to take place before inter-universal travel is banned, however. A fighting tournament, between the strongest fighters of the different universes."
This was a shock to the ponies present. "So this will be the only time individuals from other universes are able to meet each other, and you want them to spend it, beating each other up?" Cadence asked.
"That sounds AWESOME!" Rainbow cheered. "Count me in!"
"Rainbow! Why?"
"Why not? We solve all our problems by either talking about our feelings or using the Elements of Harmony. I want the chance to show off my moves." She said, striking a pose on the table/map. "Do I get a trophy if I win?"
"Better, a genie will grant you three wishes. If you want a trophy, or your own castle, it will be yours if you win."
"I'm sorry, did you say three wishes?" Rarity asked. "Forgive me Twilight, but I'm in."
"Me too!" Applejack chimed in.
"Me four!" Pinkie cheered. "Will I be allowed to use my party cannon?"
Cherry nodded, "Weapons will be allowed, as will all forms of magic."
Shining Armor, who had joined his wife in coming here, sighed, "Well, if you girls are joining, I might as well to."
"Shiny?" Cadence asked, concerned.
"Well, I was Captain of the Royal Guard. It's about time I put all that training to work."
Starlight stepped forwards. "I'm joining as well, there are a few combat spells I'd like to try out."
Celestia finished off her cup of tea. "Well, sister? Are we going to let our little ponies face danger alone?"
Luna grinned. "I think not, sister."
Twilight sighed, "Alright, if this is what everyone wants."
"I don't want to fight." Fluttershy squeaked out.
Princess Cornucopia stood up, "The rest of you are welcome to come and watch but not participate. We will be departing in a few minutes. If there is anything you need, now is the time to get it." = = = A few minutes later, everypony was gathered by the ship. Pinkie Pie had a wheelbarrow's worth of baking supplies and Rarity had Spike carry her usual stack of suitcases. Twilight for her part had her saddlebags filled with black scrolls for taking notes, a surplus of quills and ink bottles; and just as a precaution, the Elements of Harmony. She hoped they wouldn't need them, but it was always better to be prepared. And Cadence had Flurry Heart
"Is everyone ready?" Princess Cornucopia asked. "Then let's be off." They all stepped onto the platform that rose into the vessel.
The inside of the ship was a bronze green, with flashing lights on the walls and control panels attached to the walls.
"So how long until we get there?" Rainbow asked impatiently.
Cherry smirked as she pulled a lever. "Instantaneous."
A feeling very similar to falling filled the ponies as the vessel disappeared in a burst of blue and red.
As the dimension hopping craft exited into a new universe, its occupants were quick to collect themselves, with only a couple having experienced dimensional travel before. As the door opened, the impatient Pegasus flew out and began to empty her stomach.
As the rest of the ponies exited, they were met with the sight of a massive stone bowl that would have dwarfed the Crystal Empire's Palace. Surrounding what must be the tournament stadium were numerous vessels; both round saucers like the one that brought them, but also air-ships and other vehicles. Twilight even saw what looked like one of the Storm King's ships docked closer to the stadium.
In the sky above them, they saw a dim white sun, many stars, and even a few other planets. "What universe is this?" Luna asked, not recognizing any of the constellations.
"It doesn't have a name, and it's completely uninhabited." Cherry "So our presence won't cause anyone any harm."
With Fluttershy nursing Rainbow Dash back to health, the ponies entered the stadium. After passing through a network of hallways, they emerged into the main arena.
Rows upon rows of stands were filled with all number of different creatures. From ponies to griffons, from antelopes to zebra, and all number of species that the ponies didn't recognize.
"To make things simpler, we'll be calling your group; Universe P." Princess Cornucopia explained, pointing to the plaque above the waiting area which did have the letter P engraved on it. "You'll have to wait until Universe Z has arrived before the tournament can begin."
Twilight quickly ran through the alphabet in her mind. "Do you think you'll be able to find 10 other universes who are willing to enter?"
"Actually, many have already accepted the invitation." Cornucopia explained, as she and her aid turned to leave, "They just needed some more time before they were ready to fight."
As if on que, the gate of the waiting area to the ponies right opened, letting another group of ponies into the arena. Leading this group was an alicorn as tall as Celestia, but with a pale-yellow coat of fur and mane of cherry red tipped in sea blue.
"Queen Novo?" Celestia questioned.
The alicorn looked over. "Hello, my name is Nova, Princess of the Moon."
"My apologies." Celestia back tracked, "But you bear a striking resemblance to a friend of mine."
The stranger laughed, "Considering the circumstances of our meeting, that may not be a coincidence."
Twilight looked around the stadium, seeing if she recognized anyone. Then, her blood ran cold, as she did indeed recognize many of the fighters. In the waiting area to their left, was Chrysalis, the former Queen of the Changelings, who had kidnapped Princess Cadence before her wedding, and then later, tried to replace every member of the Council of Harmony with her drones.
"Well, isn't that cute." the black insectoid cooed, "Looks like the Pretty Princess got her happy ending."
Cadence immediately moved her daughter away from her oldest enemy. Luna approached the Changeling, "What are you doing here?"
Chrysalis laughed, "I'm getting my three wishes. Same as you."
Rarity inquired, "How could the organizers let someone like her into this tournament?"
Shining Armor pointed out, "It looks like a lot of her kind are here."
Indeed, in various waiting pits around the arena, the ponies could see many of their old villains. Nightmare Moon, King Sombra, The Storm King and Tempest Shadow, Tirek; Twilight and Spike also recognized The Dazzlings, and even Sunset Shimmer in her corrupted form.
Just as Twilight was about to lose hope, she heard a voice call out her name. Looking over, she was surprised to find her and her friends' doppelgangers from Canterlot High. The normal Sunset Shimmer being the one to call out to her.
"Girls!" Twilight jumped over the barrier to hug her friends, Spike and Starlight quickly joining her. "Wow, I can't believe you're here!"
"I can't believe how cute and tiny you are!" The human Pinkie Pie squealed as she scooped the little pony up in her arms, somehow not being crushed under the weight of the 138-pound Alicorn.
"Wow, Spike!" Human Fluttershy cheered, "So this is what you look like as a dragon?"
Spike grinned, "Yup, this is the real deal."
"You got roped into this by your Rainbow Dash?" Starlight asked.
"A little." Sunset awkwardly admitted. "But I'm mostly here to keep our connection open once these 'ancients ones' close off interdimensional travel."
"Oh wow!" Twilight gasped, "I didn't even think about that. Do you think you'll be able to convince them?"
Sunset sighed, "I'll need to meet them first."
Princess Celestia approached the group. "It is good to see you again, my dear Sunset. I trust you are doing well."
"Heh, healthy as a horse, as the saying goes."
Any further discussion was cut off as a harsh light blanketed the stadium. Looking up, the ponies and humans saw a second sun had appeared in the sky above; this one large and red.
Pony Rainbow moaned on the ground. "Hey, who turned on the light?"
Luna looked to the far end of the arena. "Her." The venom and fear in her voice spoke volumes. Standing alone in one of the waiting zones was a tall, white alicorn with a flaming mane and wearing armor of angry gold and red.
"Is that, an evil Celestia?" Pony Applejack asked.
"Yes, her name is Daybreaker. I've only encountered her once, in my sister's nightmares. But if they are any indication, she is even more dangerous and powerful than Nightmare Moon." = = = High above the fighter's pits, several quadrupedal birds were manning the equipment for controlling the stadium. A red one with three horns questioned, "Lord Hae, should we do something about the sun this new fighter has summoned?"
Standing in the back of the room was a massive gold and white phoenix dressed in yellow robes. He looked up at the new celestial body. "It is merely a bit of showboating. If she tries use it to influence any of the fights besides her own, I will deal with it."
The ceratopsian nodded, "In that case, all the universes are accounted for, we're ready to begin."
Another of the dinosaurs, green with only two horns above his eyes, picked up a microphone. "Welcome, one and all to the first and only, Tournament of the Universes!" = = = Back down in the arena, Sunset's group had returned to their waiting area. "Before you today, the greatest warriors of the Multiverse will face off head-to-head in one-on-one matches until only one is left standing!" The audience cheered.
"Oh yeah! Here we go!" Rainbow cheered, having recovered from her bought of sickness.
"I hope the audience doesn't shake the stadium apart!" Rarity yelled as indeed, the ground was shaking, but not because of the audience.
A huge round rock was descending into the stadium, until it hovered just a few meters above the ground. "The matches will take place on this miniature planet! The winner will be decided by knock out, forfeit, or if they are able to pin their opponent for 30 seconds."
"Good luck, girls." Twilight encouraged as she, Spike, Fluttershy, and Cadence all took their seats on the benches.
"Our first fight today," the announcer continued, "will be between Princess Luna of Universe P against Flash Sentry of Universe G! The match will begin as soon as both contestants set down in the ring!"
"I'm first?" Luna said in surprise. "Well, let's get started." she flew up to the top of the 'ring'.
Universe G turned out to be the one with evil Sunset Shimmer. The Flash of that universe was dressed in blue armor plates and carried a sword and shield. The cyan glow from his eyes betraying the influence of that Sunset's stolen Element of Magic. A pair of spectral orange wings emerged from the back of his chest piece, carrying him onto the ring.
Princess Luna took a defensive stance as her opponent began circling. She had heard from her sister and young Twilight about how humans normally didn't have any magic. The fact that this Flash Sentry was wearing enchanted armor meant that he must have received outside help.
Flash had waited long enough and lunged forwards with his sword, aiming for the Princess chest just below her regalia. Luna flapped her wings, pushing herself out of reach from the blade. She then lit up her horn with a gentle sleeping spell, intending to end this fight quickly and painlessly. Yet when she cast the spell, the blue haired human stopped the spell with his shield.
"You'll have to do better than that, your highness." He taunted, before charging forward with another attack.
"Wow! The other Flash is really good with that sword!" The human Pinkie Pie said.
Luna put up a magical shield to protect herself for the moment. It seemed to do the trick, as Flash's blade bounced off the barrier harmlessly.
Down in Universe G's area, the demonic looking Sunset is joined by another corrupted highschooler. Midnight Sparkle, being tended to by a mind-controlled Crystal Prep student. "Looks like your little experiment is a failure." the dark angel chided. "The hero hasn't been able to land a single hit on her."
"Patience, my dear. This fight is only just getting started."
Luna dispelled her barrier with a wave of magic, throwing her two-legged opponent back a step. The equestrian royal capitalized on this and fired off her sleep spell again, this time with more force. The spell connected, but it appeared as if the boy's armor was enchanted the same as his shield, as he remained awake.
"I guess it's back to basics then." Luna said with a smile. She then conjured a pair of magical swords made out of moonlight. Charging forwards, the two fighters exchanged blows, their weapons clashing, blocking, and parrying almost faster than the eye could follow. What the audience could follow, was that Luna's attacks were pushing Flash backwards.
"I must admit, I haven't had this must fun in a very long time. But it's time to finish this." She put her two weapons together, merging them into a single greatsword.
But Flash wasn't done. He drew his sword across his shield, coating the blade in yellow and blue electrical energy.
Both drew their blades back, bringing them down on each other. As they clashed, the electricity arced down Luna's blade, jumping to her armor and shocking her. But her blade, being magical instead of solid, passed through the other weapon and cut through Flash's armor.
Both Flash and Luna were left shaking from their injuries, but it was Flash who fell first. After 30 seconds, Luna was declared the winner. A pair of Hippogriffs in medical uniforms came to take the injured human away.
"Will he be alright?" The Princess asked.
"It looks like he'll be fine. Your blade didn't cut deep enough to cause any real damage."
Luna sighed and returned to her Universe's waiting area.
"Way to go, Princess!" Rainbow cheered.
"Very nicely done." Shining complemented.
The announcer spoke again. "Our next match is Skuut, of Universe A, against Rainbow Dash, of Universe Z!"
"Another Rainbow Dash!? Awesome!" The Rainbow of Universe P (Our Rainbow) said, trying to get a good look at her double.
Setting down in the ring was indeed a blue mare with a rainbow mane, but her wings emerged from where her neck should have been, but where a humanoid torso started. This centaur Rainbow was smaller and had a far leaner build than Tirek did, and she wore a short shirt the same color as her cutie mark over her chest.
Being carried into the ring by a pair of Hippogriff helpers, was a large green creature. It stood on four hooves like a pony but was covered in heavy scales like a turtle or a pineapple. A pointed helmet with red glasses covered the creature's head, leaving only its jaw exposed.
"Well, you certainly look strong." The centaur doppelganger taunted. "But I should warn you, I'm the fastest thing alive." to prove this claim, she leaped across the field, pulling her arm back for a punch, but as her strike connected... "OOWW!" She reeled back, clutching her injured hand.
"Faast," The creature drawled, "Buut noot stroong eenough." With more speed than one would think a creature like that could posses, it threw a punch of its own, connecting with the meeting point between the centaur's two torsos. The strike sent her flying backwards and off the planetoid arena.
After crashing into an invisible barrier that protected the audience, Rainbow was very winded. "Okay. So we're doing it like this, huh?" She then spread her wings and returned to the fight. Not waiting for her opponent to throw another attack, she threw her hindlegs forwards, and kicked. This attack did succeed in pushing the armored warrior back. "Yeah! How do you like that, Ugly!?"
Skuut appeared unfazed, only walking forwards at a slow pace. Rainbow wasn't a patient mare in any universe, and met her opponent halfway, rearing up to kick at him with her fore pair of hooves. But she wasn't expecting him to reach up and grab the sides of her head with his hooves. Nor was she expecting the sudden blast of cold that engulfed her.
The green warrior dropped back to the ground, his opponent seemingly paralyzed by his attack. Once the cloud of white disappeared, it was revealed that Rainbow Dash's head was encased in ice. A thirty-count left Skuut the winner.
The Rainbow of Universe P was left speechless. Her comrades less so.
"It's like that crystal spell Starlight used on me and Twilight!" Spike commented.
"Except this guy didn't use any magic." Starlight pointed out. "What is this guy."
"An Ice Warrior." Said a voice. The ponies of Universe P looked at the crowd behind them. Leaning over the edge was a brown stallion wearing a green tie and dress collar.
"Doctor Hooves?" Rarity asked, recognizing the stallion from when he, or their universe's version of him, shopped at her boutique. "What is an Ice Warrior."
"To make a long story short, they're reptilians from a planet called Mars. Very tough, and very aggressive. That mare was lucky she had help nearby." he said, pointing towards the centaur, who was being dethawed by a Kirin.
"Yeah, well just wait until I get in there!" Rainbow yelled, snapping out of her daze. "I'm going to beat those Ice Warriors into next week and show them what Rainbow Dash can really do!"
"You're taking this awfully personal, Sugarcube." Applejack commented.
"Of course I am! An insult against any Rainbow Dash is an insult against all of me!"
"All of us." Twilight corrected.
"Now that the ring is empty." The announcer said, "We can begin the next match. Pharanx of Universe Q against Bright Mac of Universe L!"
Being set down in the ring by a tournament aid was a tall yellow stallion with red hair and wearing the same brown stetson as the Element of Honesty.
"Applejack, that is your father!" Rarity said, remember his face from the few times she had met the apple farmer during her fillyhood.
"Wow, Applejack, your dad's a lot younger than I thought he was." Pinkie Pie commented. Applejack was about to ask what she ment, only to then notice that yes, the Bright Mac standing in the ring was indeed younger than Applejack remembered her father ever being.
In the waiting area next to them, a pink Unicorn with a pale blue mane was leading an unreformed changling with purple eyes into the arena. "Come on, mister Pharanx, it's your turn to fight!"
The Changling groaned, "Guh, I'm supposed to fight an Earth Pony? Tshk, could have been worse." He then grumpilly flew up to the ring.
Bright Mac was surprised at his opponent, of all the creatures he had been expecting to fight, a malnourished bug pony was not one of them. "Sure you don't want to drop out, friend?"
Pharanx looked at the apple farmer, "Friend? That's a dirty word." He then cast a beam of purple magic out from his horn. Bright Mac just barely dodged the attack. But Pharanx didn't relent, casting spell after spell. As the stallion was starting to tire, one shot connected with his head, freezing the pony in place.
"Guess that's that." The Changeling said, disappointed at the outcome. Yet as he turned his back, he was suddenly kicked in the flanks by his opponent. "What?!" Looking back, it seemed his spell only ended up paralyzing his hat in place, not his whole body. Bright Mac swung around for another kick, this one pushing the startled changling back by a few meters.
Pharanx shakily picked himself up and stared down the farmer. "Okay, now this is getting interesting." He then engulfed himself in purple flames, causing many in the audience to gasp in shock, as he transformed into dark furred yak with purple horns.
"AHHHHH!" The changeling yelled as he charged down the now smaller pony. Bright Mac just managed to roll out of the way before he was trampled. But Pharanx was quick with his turnaround and caught him from behind, tossing the stallion into the air like he was a scarecrow.
Bright Mac tried to pick himself up, but it seemed his injuries were too much, and he was left kneeling. "I surrender."
"Pharanx of Universe Q is the winner!" The audience erupted as the winner was declared, but amidst the cheers were many upset jeers, the reputation of the Changelings as parasites apparently being known to many.
Down in the fighter's waiting pit, Applejack was disappointed her father's double didn't win.
"Good fight, dude!" Spike cheered as the now untransformed changeling returns to his area.
"Tch." The warrior only scoffs as he disappears back into the corridor.
Spike looked upset that his friend's brother was apparently still a sourpuss. Celestia put her hoof on the small dragon's shoulder in comfort. "Don't worry Spike, I'm sure he'll learn the true power of love and friendship sooner rather than later."
"I think he already has." Starlight commented. "His wings were long and shiny like Thorax's were after he was accepted by the Crystal Empire."
"Our next match," The announcer declared, "Is Luna of Universe N, against Mistletoe of Universe J!"
Universe J was in fact the Nightmare Moon universe, the black Alicorn sneering that her lesser half would be called before her not once, but twice. Turning to a bat winged pegasus in midnight armor, apparently the fighter Mistletoe, she commands, "End this pale reflection of your Queen's brilliance."
"As you command." The warrior then enters the ring. Her red eyes standing out against the dark green of her coat and mane. She flares her wings, glints of metal at the wing's 'finger-tips' betraying the weapons she is armed with.
A second later, the Luna of Universe N sets down. Unlike our Luna, this one wore no armor or jewelry.
The nightguard took to the air, ready to attack; only for the Alicorn to fire a burst of blue grey magic out of her horn, striking the mare in the forehead. The pegasus lost all momentum, dropping to the ground like a stone.
"I'm sorry, child." The other Luna said, "But I cannot afford to lose."
"The- The winner is Luna of Universe N! By a knock-out!" An attendant said, after having completed the thirty-count.
This came as a total surprise to the ponies of Universe P, even the Alicorn sisters having no idea what spell the other Luna cast that had put the other pony to sleep like that.
Nightmare Moon was merely miffed at the outcome. "Failure."
"The next fight is Scorpan of Universe B, against Lyra of Universe Y!"
Entering the ring was an old human man with a brown beard, a gold crown sat atop his head and he carried a wooden scepter in his hands.
On the other end was Lyra, or a version of Lyra, dressed in yellow and gold robes, her tail was shaved save for a mohawk at the very end. A gold lyre was strapped to her side.
The human Scorpan bowed, "A pleasure, my little Pony. I trust this fight will be an honorable one."
Lyra gave no reply, only rushing forwards and grabbing the man's hand. "Oh!" She said, feeling at the appendage. "So many bones. And the fifth digit moves independently, HA! I was right!"
Scorpan was naturally put off by the mare's behavior. "Whatever are you doing?"
"Oh! Sorry. Humans are kind of an urban legend in my universe. The chance to study one is- er I mean, one of you, is such an amazing opportunity."
"I see," He withdrew his hand. "I hope you don't mind if I cut your 'investigation' short for a demonstration of human magic."
"Human magic?"
"Ventus!" with a single word and a wave of his wand, a gust of blue wind pushed the Unicorn away. She tumbled head over hooves before catching herself, staring at the man. "Termino!" A circle of magical energy appeared under the mare, who found she could not get up or move her body at all.
"One, two, three..." The organizers started the pin count.
Lyra tried to cast a spell, but every time she got close, her hooves felt numb and broke her concentration.
"... 28, 29, 30! The winner is Scorpan!" The victory was met with a few applause, the two quick matches leaving many in the audience disappointed.
Scorpan dispelled the circle, letting Miss Heartstrings move again. "That was crazy!" She cried out, "I've never heard of a spell like that before!"
"If you wish, I would be glad to teach you."
"Really?!"
Down in the waiting area, Applejack was elbowing Rainbow Dash. "So, how long do ya think you'll last in the ring before ya lose."
"Lose? What makes you think I'm capable of losing?" She bragged, sweating.
Applejack just turned her attention back to the arena, "Ten Bits says you'll last a whole minute."
"Our next match, Fluttershy of Universe Y versus Rainbow Dash of Universe P!"
Rainbow was started to hear her own name be called, but immediately perked up once she heard her opponent's name. "Deal."