open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Samurai Equine 52,488]

@Courageous Thunder Dash, @Dynamo Pad

Samurai nods. "Pretty much what Thundy-niisan said. If anyone was likely to cheat in this tournament, I'd expect it from him." Samurai says, watching this fight carefully. Samurai thinks about what Thundy says as the fight begins. "Hmm... If my star signs are correct, I am a Scorpius".

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@Dynamo Pad

"Attack me first, and you'll see what I have to offer." Calhoun says, and soon after, his request is granted when Cosmic summons a big lion.

"Ooh! What ever could this be?!" Mayor White commentates. "We saw this during the preliminaries. This astrology beast is a construct of Wrath's, or rather Cosmic's magic, so it's allowed under tournament rules." Straightaway answers. "But don't be fooled by that fact! It can still act and fight like the real deal!" Elusive adds.

However, while it's introduction is scary enough to frighten a few of the spectators, Calhoun looks less than impressed. He takes a claw strike to the head with no damage, and he tilts his head so that the beast only ends up chomping on Calhoun's rather tough horn. Again, no damage. To put it simply, these attacks are about as effective as tossing rocks at a tank. "...Is there more? Is it my turn attack now?" Calhoun asks, his tilted head allowing him to look at Cosmic while he holds Leo off.

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@Starforce

"Oh come on, ref! Even if it's not real, there's got to be a rule against bringing pets into the fight! Might as well be cheating." Mayor Black says, not happy about the fight. He then hears Opia's question. "I'm happy right here. Besides, unless they have a business proposal, I'll just shoo them again." Mayor Black answers.

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

"Both of your expectations are right on that, you guys." Dynamo responded, hoping to clear up any questions. "Cosmic's always like that. No matter if it's a fighting tournament like this, or even in a video game tournament. He'll use whatever trick in the book in order to get what he wants. Even if he has to fight dirty or cheat." He would say, listening as Thundy began listing off the different constellations and their dates they fall under. All the while, mentioning that he was a Sagittarius, while Samurai was a Scorpius. "Based on when I was born. I think my star sign is a Cancer Crab."

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash @Starforce @PawelS

Even as the lion had made contact, it had done little to no damage. Cosmic had even noticed Calhoun, who had tilted his head so Leo had sank his teeth into one of the yak's horns. "Hmm...intriguing. For my first time in facing a yak, your claim of strength is unmatched. I guess I'll have to take it up a notch." He calmly stated, using his magic to call upon another star constellation. This time, a bull with long, curved horns. "If you can match Leo, then let's see you match Taurus. Let's go power for power. Besides, you said you wanted to join up, right? Let's see what you're made of. So, feel free to attack at anytime." The way that Calhoun tilted his head gave Cosmic the feeling that he was being overconfident. He just had to test the waters and see what this yak was capable of. If Frozen recommended Calhoun, then there had to be some form of promise. Giving a nod to Taurus, the bull scraped his front left hoof across the ring. Almost as if charging it's strength up in preparation to run. Without warning, the bull snarled as he charged down the ring. The ground shaking beneath its tremendous strength. Leo tried attacking Calhoun's sides, while at the same time, tried to keep the bull in place. If this yak was confident in his abilities, then it would try to keep the foe in place for Taurus to make a move.

[Thundy]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad

"Yaks sure are tough...it'll take way more to bring Calhoun down. It's too bad that Cosmic will play dirty. I just hope that Calhoun will make it out. But I'll say it once and I'll say it again: What goes around comes around." Thundy stated as he watched the fight unfold.  

[Samurai Equine 52,488]

@Courageous Thunder Dash, @Dynamo Pad

"I must say, this Calhoun is exceeding my expectations so far. Tsuyoi ushi... But these beasts remind of Ursa Majors and Ursa Minors. Is this a unique magic Cosmic has?" Samurai can't help but ask.

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@Dynamo Pad

As soon as Cosmic name drops Taurus, Calhoun reaches into his satchel and pulls out some kind of helmet with protective goggles for the eyes. As soon as he puts it on, it's clear that the left lens has been shattered and removed before coming to this fight, and the right one only has one line of breaking. Still, with this helmet and with one working lens, Calhoun is able to see clearly through one eye, like a prescription lens. "...Ah! I knew it! A fellow bovinae! Time to tussle." Lowering his head, Calhoun also scrapes his hoof against the arena floor and gets ready to stampede, and charges before Leo has a chance to attack him.

The two beasts instantly lock horns! And though it is a struggle, Calhoun begins to push Taurus back. ...Slowly. One shaky hoof step at a time. "Ngh... Very good, my horned brethren, but there can be only one victor here... Now let's see. If I calculate the beast's height, weight, acceleration... Multiply by a factor of... Adjust for probability factor..." Calhoun mumbles to himself as he takes in everything. He has to work fast, because Leo is about to attack his backside, and might destroy his satchel if he's not careful.

"...Got it!" Calhoun forces his head and Taurus' head downwards before jerking them both up super fast. In that spit second moment, he disengages horns with the beast and slides under Taurus' body limbo-style. "If I did this right, Taurus' lack of resistance against me will cause him to suddenly speed up and crash into Leo!" Calhoun thinks himself. And once he pops up behind Taurus, he gets on all fours again and stampedes as fast as he can towards Cosmic!

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@Starforce

Mayor Black has to lean in and move an ear closer. "...Did that yak just speak clearly? I thought I heard him articulate. From what I learned, yak's don't normally talk like that."

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

Upon hearing Samurai's question, Dynamo could only shake his head with an unsure expression upon his face. "To be honest, I don't know. Cosmic was gifted in terms of magic when he was younger. I remember his cutie mark was all about the stars and constellations. Growing up, he figured out the constellations through magic, but they were all transparent. Completely see through and was more for show, or in his case. He used them to scare others or intimidate if they didn't know about his magic. So, I'm not sure if it counts as unique or new magic, but I would have to guess along the lines of constellation magic." He explained, nodding at Thundy's comment about Calhoun. "You can say that again. Seeing a yak in person, Calhoun is taking these attacks like they are nothing. It's like Cosmic's creatures can't get a single attack in or do any damage." For the moment, Dynamo had wanted to say that maybe Calhoun would win. Knowing Cosmic, however, this fight was just getting started.

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash @Starforce @PawelS

As Taurus was continuing its charge, Cosmic had raised an eyebrow as he thought he saw Calhoun reaching into his satchel. Upon bringing out a helmet, the yak placed said helmet on his head, while the one working lens was slipped over one of his eyes. Even through the thundering steps of Taurus, Cosmic had heard the yak's exclamation. 'Did this guy not realize what the Taurus constellation is, or can he not see?' He didn't pay much attention to the yak as he was busy talking with Fold back in the gym area. However, the neon green unicorn was starting to notice and pick up things as the two fought. With how Calhoun mirrored the exact same stance and movement of Taurus, the two were soon clashed. Locking horns, while trying to assume dominance in terms of strength. Cosmic was smart as it looked like both sides were struggling. So, power for power was a good call, but he truly did not expect to hear that kind of talk from the yak's mouth.

"So, he's not just strong, but he's able to think on his hooves too. Very intriguing." The neon green unicorn narrowed his eyes as Calhoun used every and all calculation to his advantage. Even with the yak gaining the upper hand in terms of strength. Strategy was still added to tip the favor in case Leo was added into the mix of the attack. With a shift in the attack, the yak had caused Taurus to disengage, before rushing head first towards Leo. From the looks of things, it seemed that both Leo and Taurus were about to crash headfirst into each other. Cosmic smirked as he used his magic to turn Taurus tangible as the bull had phased right through Leo. Looking over to see Calhoun charging right at the unicorn, Cosmic merely closed his eyes as it he wasn't worried. His horn glowed with magic once more as he used a teleportation spell before contact could occur. Allowing Cosmic to teleport where his two constellations were on the other side of the ring. 'Now I'm starting to see why he wants Calhoun to join. Even going so far as to not break him. You picked a fine candidate, indeed, Frozen.' He gave a small smirk as he looked at the yak, who seemed to have slowed down in his charge. "Not half bad. I was expecting a clash, but more on the idea of who would overpower who. I'll have to admit that I wasn't expecting you to do such a thing. You're not like the yaks I've learned about as they don't use their mind to use both brain and brawn. You're a special case, aren't you? I'm impressed." He would say, Taurus shook its head to shake away any confusion from before. Snorting angrily as it scraped its hoof angrily across the floor. It seemed that this fight wouldn't be easily won with just power alone. However, the neon green unicorn didn't come unprepared in the off chance something like this would happen.

Edited September 15, 2021 by Dynamo Pad

[Samurai Equine 52,488]

@Courageous Thunder Dash, @Dynamo Pad

Samurai nods. "Constellation magic sounds about right. Either way, it's quite unique to me. I don't think I've seen anything like it before. If I'm lucky, I could generate enough fire magic to burn as hot as the sun, or a star even hotter than our own sun. But generating that much fire could end me." Samurai explains.

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@Dynamo Pad

"What a dashing escape!" Mayor Black says. "Once again, the magic of a unicorn really triumphs." Straightaway commentates.

When Cosmic teleports, Calhoun is left putting on the breaks, stomping the back of his hooves against the ring to make himself stop. Thankfully, the friction kicks in and he stops before he can reach the end of the ring. Turning around, he faces Cosmic again. He takes a moment to think. "...Eh, why not. This one is based on a game of Pokemon that I saw a random pony playing once." With a leap, Calhoun tucks into a ball and begins to spin in place, really revving up. But instead of dashing forward, he begins to bounce up and down. And because of his weight and muscle, it makes the entire arena shake an wobble, like an earthquake!

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

Thundy continued to watch the fight as he saw Calhoun curl into a ball. "Wow, now that's impressive for a yak." Thundy stated. He gasped when he saw Callhun rev up. "Rollout? How in the world did he...?" Thundy asked as he saw Callhun bounce in the air and come down like a wrecking ball. Gathering some electricity, he sent it to his feet, allowing him to stay perfectly balanced. His feet stuck to the ground like magnets as the yak bounced around. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

"Glad that my guess wasn't too far off." Dynamo responded with a nod, while still being unsure of how Cosmic could get the constellations to have a physical body. "I've traveled around Equestria to take part in video game tournaments. However, I haven't met anyone that could do magic quite like that before. I think that's pretty interesting of having that kind of fire magic, but it does sound very dangerous. I wouldn't go and risk that unless it was a last resort of sorts." He would say, glancing down at his belt in curiosity. If what Samurai said was true, then the unicorn could only wonder how far his gaming magic could take him. Looking back up towards the fight, Dynamo nodded in agreement to Thundy, who had commented on the yak's capabilities. "You can say that again, bro. Calhoun is really impressive. I actually didn't know yaks could fight like this." His eyes suddenly widened slightly in shock as the yak curled himself into a ball. Upon revving up, the unicorn's jaw dropped as he couldn't believe what he was witnessing. "Wait a minute. I didn't know someone else could do that!" He shook his head as he thought he was the only one who could turn into a ball. However, unlike the spin dash, Calhoun took the opportunity to hop up and down like a bouncing ball. Based on the weight, muscle and precision of the bounce, the results caused the ground to rumble.

"Uh oh!" He exclaimed, grabbing onto the side of the wall that was a threshold to the waiting room and the outside arena. "That looks like rollout, but it sort of like he's using the move Earthquake. Maybe it's a combination of the two. He could probably move around as rollout gets faster each turn used, while using earthquake to immobilize. Giving him the perfect way to hit with that kind of fast, spinning motion." He says, watching as he tried to hold on so he wouldn't lose his balance.

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash @Starforce @PawelS

Back in the fight, Cosmic could only raise an eyebrow as he heard the yak's comment. "Pokemon? Sorry, but that stuff is not really for me. I like fighting games more than strategical games. That stuff is for Frozen, so I guess that's something in common for the both of you." His comment was interrupted as Calhoun spun and revved up the spin. The unicorn in the ring had to admit that this yak was full of surprises. Calhoun definitely was different than the rest if he was able to perform feats such as this. As he prepared for a possible charging assault, he soon found the ground beginning to shake and wobble. With each bounce upon the ground, Cosmic couldn't help himself as he started to lose his balance. He could try and lean on both Leo and Taurus for support, but he knew they were starting to struggle. Leo trying to dig his claws into the ring, while Taurus tried to change his stance to have a wider range of balance. All the while, trying to dig his horns into the ring to stay standing.

"Okay. This is starting to get obnoxious. Time to go airborne." With a shaky jump, Cosmic managed to get a few inches off the ground. With his magic glowing in his horn, he had summoned yet another constellation. This time, being the winged horse, Pegasus. Along with the constellation, Artemis, he had summoned before in the preliminary matches. With a loud neigh, the constellation had appeared as Cosmic grabbed onto one of Pegasus' legs for support. As Artemis had sat on Pegasus' back with her quiver and arrows on her back. Taking off to the sky, the neon green unicorn had a bird's eye view of the entire arena. He could have helped Leo and Taurus, but he could care less. That, and they seemed to have gotten themselves secured. If not, then they weren't worth the summon in his eyes. 'With how he's bouncing around like that, then he might not have a way to tell where he's going. Unless he has a way to track me or to dodge.' Thinking it through, the neon green unicorn knew that power alone would not be enough. There was one idea that could level the playing field and now was the perfect chance to test it out. "Now it's time for us to have some fun." With a small, yet sinister smirk, Cosmic's horn began to glow once more. However, his eyes had flashed, before glowing red. Closing his eyes, he pictured Pegasus to merge with him as a bright light was taking place within the sky. The flash was only for a moment, before the light began to fade. Pegasus was gone, but in the place was Cosmic, who had floated without using a levitation spell. 

Instead, Cosmic had sprouted Pegasus' wings as he continued to flap said wings to stay afloat. Artemis was still with him, but now sitting on his back as Cosmic supported them both. "Now it's time for some target practice." He still had to test whether or not Calhoun could see or move with agile-like reflexes. Charing up his horn once again, Artemis readied some arrows in her bow. The neon green unicorn had launched his laser spell at the bouncing yak, while the arrows were sent in multiple directions. Some were real, while the others would land and vanish as if it was see through. Cosmic had made sure to enhance the arrows that were real with his magic to have a bit more kick to them. If any of the arrows had hit where Calhoun could move, then the arrows wouldn't be knocked away so easily. If the laser hit, then it would cause some damage to Calhoun and knock him out of his spin. The spell itself was held back so it wouldn't damage the ring on contact.

Edited September 16, 2021 by Dynamo Pad

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

Thundy reached over and picked up Dynamo, holding him close so that way, he wouldn't have to struggle to keep his balance. Thundy saw as Cosmic had sprouted some pegasus wings. "Pft, I have a friend named Thunder Dash who could give non-pegasai true pegasus wings. I've seen him do it quite a few times." Thundy commented as he watched Cosmic create the arrows. "As long as those arrows aren't the pointed ones..." He added as he held Dynamo close, his feet still stuck to the ground due to his magnet spell. 

[Samurai Equine 52,488]

@Courageous Thunder Dash, @Dynamo Pad

"Yabai!" Samurai notices the rumbling. There is not much he can do other than brace himself against a wall for the time being. Doing that almost makes Samurai miss what's going in the fight, but he does get to see Cosmic's unexpected show of magic. "Eh? Transformation?"

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@Dynamo Pad

"What ever could this rumbling accomplish?!" Elusive asks as the judges do their best to sit through it.

"A slight miscalculation, but I've still got this... But just for one shot, though. Make it count!" Calhoun thinks to himself. As soon as Cosmic is airborne and merged with his pegasus, Calhoun makes his last bounce before rolling out as fast as car! With another quick bounce, he lands on Taurus' face and rolls up, using his head as a catapult! Neither the laser nor the arrows that Cosmic fired were intended for a moving target, nor an airborne one! Can he readjust his aim before this cannon ball of a beast strikes him down from the sky?!

With the bouncing now longer in affect, the quake is over. Everyone can watch calmly, but with suspense over what will happen next!

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@Starforce

"Eh, I doubt it since we just saw a changeling fight earlier. If that was the case, I think we would have seen a clue by now. He's probably just unusual. This is a last resort town, after all. We're bound to attract the weird ones." Mayor Black says. Just as he is taking a huff of his cigar, he nearly chokes on it because of the rumbling. "Goodness gracious Luna alive! What are they doing down there?!" Thankfully, the simulated earthquake soon comes to an end. "That move better not have caused any damage to this town! We've all ready spent a good amount of the repair budget."

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

Dynamo gasped with a yelp in surprise as he felt someone pick him up. He was so focused on the fight and not falling, he didn't realize that someone had grabbed him. Quickly looking over, he soon saw that it was Thundy, who had been standing like it was nothing. "T-Thanks for the help, bro. How are you able to stand so easily?" He wondered if it was the electricity, but the gaming unicorn didn't want to assume. The gaming unicorn had to shield his eyes from the bright flash fo light, before the bright light slowly dissipated. He didn't hear Thundy's remark very well as he was in disbelief in seeing Cosmic, who had undergone a transformation. "N-No...t-there's just no way." He shook his head almost as if he couldn't believe what he was witnessing. "I know Cosmic is strong in magic. Even when we were colts he was considered gifted, but he could never use this kind of magic." It just wasn't adding up or making any sense. With what he knew about Cosmic, Dynamo had known that Cosmic was indeed powerful. However, he was only able to go so far in terms of his constellation magic. He tried to think of an answer, but he was coming up with nothing. As the rumbling and shaking came to an end. Dynamo had managed to gain his footing once more as he leaned off of Thundy to stand back up. 

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash @Starforce @PawelS

Once the bouncing had ceased, Leo and Taurus began removing themselves from the ring to regain their balance. That didn't stop Taurus from getting slammed on top of his head. Being slammed onto the ground, the bull was unable to go intangible thanks to Cosmic. Speaking of Cosmic, the neon green unicorn grunted as he felt a pain on the top of his head. Ignoring the dull pain, he watched with one eye open as Calhoun was launched up like a catapult. The yak was flying towards him and flying fast. If he didn't do anything soon, then he would get hit and lose altitude. The laser he launched would hit the ground, but that gave him an idea. 'Time to see how good my aim really is.' Just as Calhoun was making his way, he flapped his wings to give him a nice push away from the yak cannonball. Trailing his eyes over to Artemis, the constellation nodded as another transformation had taken place. As the light faded, Cosmic had kept the wings. However, he had begun launching laser spell after laser spell. One that went directly towards Calhoun, while some had been aimed at the ring below. As some had hit the ground and ricocheted, others would bounce into each other. Causing the lasers to launch faster with more power and ferocity. Some had missed after bouncing repeatedly as they traveled up towards Calhoun. Because of his gained accuracy, he made sure his laser attacks were both accurate and precision timing. If the first spell landed, then it would hit Calhoun to stop his spin. If not, then each laser that ricocheted off of each other would make their way towards him. He learned that his opponent was durable, but an attack with increased speed, power and ferocity should be enough to do its job.

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad

"I created a temporary magnetic field right below my feet and and used the leftover electricity to magnetize my feet. That's how I'm stable like this." Thundy said rubbing Dynamo tenderly as he continued to watch the fight. Once the bouncing stopped, Thundy demagnetized his feet and the area around him and gently put Dynamo back on the ground patting his head. "Wow...that Cosmic is good...but I know he's got a weakness...somewhere." Thundy said. 

[Samurai Equine 52,488]

@Courageous Thunder Dash, @Dynamo Pad

"Well... Maybe with age comes experience, or perhaps he's been training and improving his magic for this day." Samurai surmises as he tries to answer Dynamo's question. However, something happens during the match. Samurai narrows his eyes when he sees it. "Eh? Could it be?" He scratches the back of his head, but then Thundy starts asking about a weakness. "Well Thundy-niisan, I could be wrong, but I think I just saw a possible weakness."

Doing his best not to make himself known, Alhimar hears that part and gets ready to write down some intel.

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@Dynamo Pad

The sudden appearance of arrows and lasers forces the tournament staff to create magical barriers to protect the audience, and it works. They are REALLY quick on the draw! "Fillies and gentlecolts, as we witness this stunning show of lights and magic, words cannot describe the scene unfolding before us right now." Straightaway comments with the judges fixated on the scene, much like the audience in question.

Calhoun manages to get close, but because of Cosmic's quick thinking and better mobility in the air, Calhoun misses. "No, no~!" He says as he reaches the arc of his vertical climb, which happens at an altitude higher than Cosmic, he begins to fall out of the rolling ball form. Calhoun tries to squirm, to do anything to slow his descent downwards. However, as soon as he descends down to Cosmic's level, the very split-second they make eye contact again, Calhoun is hit with a mighty laser. A burning sound can be heard along side a painful grunt, as Calhoun is forced to descend as fast as possible to the arena below, veering off to the side a little bit.

With a mighty and powerful slam, enough to cause a smaller earth rumble than the ones he made himself, Calhoun hits the ring dangerously close to the edge. The audience and some of the judges gasp; but despite a dangling hoof and what not, Calhoun never touches the outside of the ring. And before any judges can ask, Calhoun picks himself up and gets all the way back in the ring. With a blink he smiles and looks up at Cosmic. "Ha! Was the best--" But Calhoun is cut off when the tip of his left horn suddenly tilts and falls off. "HIs horn!! It's been cut!! Is Calhoun okay?!" Elusive says with a panic. "If this injury is serious, then Cosmic will be--!!" Mayor White begins, but is cut off when Calhoun curiously picks up his severed horn chunk. "...Huh." With a shrug, he just tosses it out of the ring. "He just tossed it like it was nothing! If that had been a unicorn's horn, this would be a very different story, fillies and gentlecolts. But is Calhoun really okay? Should we stop the match here?" Straightaway commentated.

But much to the judges surprise, Calhoun says nothing. Instead, he looks up at Cosmic, then looks down and begins to rub his chin, as if in contemplation. "Huh... I wonder..." At any moment, Taurus or Leo could attack, so might as well make the most of this. "HEY!! Mr. Cosmic!! Or should I say Wrath?! I GOT A PROPOSITION FOR YOU!!' Calhoun calls out to Cosmic, who is still soaring above.

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@Starforce

"Tempting. I don't see the need right now, but I wish I had someone like you working at my office. I always get stuck with some shmuck with no ambition, somepony who always wants me to 'play it safe' or some other nonsense." Mayor Black says, revealing a bit about his office life. However, when the fight suddenly cranks up to a new level or extreme, it looks like Calhoun is possibly injured. Mayor Black suddenly looks mad; and he stands all the way up. ... But then, Calhoun seems fine. No signs of pain or anguish. Mayor Black sits back down. "...Okay, I'll admit, I'm impressed. If he wanted a job in the town's militia or police force, he'd be a perfect fit."

Edited September 18, 2021 by Samurai Equine

[Pencil Pouch]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Courageous Thunder Dash @Starforce
Pencil put some thought into what Final said. Similarity to how events such as the singing competition and kart race attracted new ponies and creatures to Friendshire, this fighting tournament may attract new citizens as well. She figured that the ones least offended by the competition would be the ones to stay.

“Well, Final, I think at least some of the fighters might like to stay. The ones who can understand the respectful side of things will make friends out of their allies and make a decent living here, if they wanted.” Pencil replied.

“We must keep an eye out for anyone suspicious or potentially dangerous. We can’t allow any disgruntlements to happen again.” Sparkly warned, a mix of anger and a bit of regret for her past actions seeping into her voice.

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

As he listened to his friend's explanation, Dynamo looked towards the ground as it continued to rumble. The only difference that he wasn't losing any balance because of Thundy. "I guess that's something unique in regards to the power of electricity. That's both pretty cool and really helpful. Thanks for the help, bro." As the shaking finally ceased, the area around him was put back to normal. The gaming unicorn couldn't tell exactly, but it seemed as if everything around them that wasn't shaking had seemed to be normal once more. The worry he felt from seeing Cosmic had ceased momentarily as he felt a pat upon his head. Courtesy of Thundy, which caused Dynamo to smile. The smile soon faded, however, as he looked back at the pony in question. "I have to agree with you there, bro. You can definitely say that again." He sighed softly, shaking his head slightly as he couldn't think of a possible weakness in the transformed unicorn's state. He glanced towards Samurai, who had given suggestions as to why Cosmic was as strong as he was. Thinking back on it, Dynamo could only give his friend/brother a slow shake of his head. "That's the problem on both accounts, onii-san. You see, Cosmic never really trained. Given with how everyone told him he was so gifted, Cosmic never took the time to train. He was able to do things without any effort whatsoever. So, he thought training was a sign of weakness or a waste of time." He recalled times how Cosmic had been so boastful, yet was able to back up his claims. 

Upon hearing Samurai's claim of a possible weakness, Dynamo's ears perked in surprise. "Wait a minute? There might be a weakness to Cosmic? How can you tell, onii-san? What kind of weakness is there?" He asks, hoping to hear his friend/brother out. He didn't doubt the asian pony, but he was curious as to what Samurai saw that he, himself, was unable to.

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash @Starforce @PawelS

Once the tournament staff had summoned magical barriers to protect the audience, the lasers had simply bounced off of the barriers. Some collided with the barriers, before colliding into other beams to become stronger. Even on the quick thinking, it was as if Cosmic had planned out a performance for the audience. Calhoun had managed to climb higher and higher into the air, before reaching his peak altitude. Meeting each other through eye contact, Cosmic had smirked as one of his lasers had hit its mark. "Bullseye!" He thought he heard the sound of burning, but it didn't matter as the yak starting making his descent towards the ground. The lasers all continued to launch around, before soaring upwards towards the skies. Each one making a twinkle in the sky just as they fizzled out. He could allow Leo and Taurus to attack as the bull started to regain his bearings. Shaking his head, the bull stood back up with his nostrils flared in frustration. Just as they were about to take off, a might slam had been made on the ring. Cosmic had stared down at the yak, who was about to make a rebuttal. In the middle of Calhoun's talking, Cosmic stared as the tip of Calhoun's left horn had fallen off. "Whoops." He smirked as he tried to play off what had happened. "That's my bad. I was aiming to hit you to knock you out of your spin. That, or at least make sure I knock you out of the ring, of course. Not to make a chip out of your horn." He thought it wasn't that big of a deal as this was what they were getting themselves into, right? Either he chipped off a horn or did a fair amount of damage. To him, it didn't make any sort of difference.

What he didn't expect next was Calhoun to simply shrug and toss the horn away like it was yesterday's news. "Hey. Seriously?" His jaw dropped slightly that you could see his teeth. Just then, the neon green unicorn's lips curved into a sadistic smile. "Even after all that, he cares so little about his horn? This guy's crazy, but he's just like us." He grinned as he almost burst out into a fit of chuckles. His wings flapped as he slowly brought himself down to where he could hear the yak speak. However, he was still far away so he couldn't be attacked. As he listened to Calhoun, the thought of a proposition had piqued the unicorn's interest. "Oh? A proposition, eh? What kind of proposition are we talking about here? Calhoun, right? Well, I'm listening!"

 

[Thundy]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad

Thundy saw the patterns of lasers and sensed that the energy was growing. He gasped. "That's it! The more lasers Cosmic fires, the more powerful each of them become. The body could only hold in so much power. Think of a battery...what happens if a battery is overcharged?" Thundy asked. 

[Samurai Equine 52,488]

@Courageous Thunder Dash, @Dynamo Pad

Watching the fight, Samurai was glad the rumbling mostly came to a stop. However, when he sees what happened to Calhoun and his horn, Samurai is almost ready to run out there and stop the match himself! With his warrior instincts taking over, he even reaches for his sword, which he doesn't have right now. But thankfully, Calhoun seems perfectly fine. Samurai sighs in relief and relaxes a little.

But Dynamo asks a question, and Thundy gives a comment. "It's more than just that, Thundy-niisan. When Calhoun attacked that star beast, the giant bull, Cosmic momentarily acted like he was in pain too. Perhaps they share everything? Cosmic and his magical beasts share power and pain. If something happens to the beasts, Cosmic will feel it too." Samurai speculated. For a moment, it seems like the fight is slowing down, but the fighters have begun to talk to each other again.

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@Dynamo Pad

He watches Cosmic keeps a safe distance, but stays close enough to converse with. With a cleansing breath, Calhoun stands upright on his hindlegs and takes a stance similar to that of a sumo wrestler, pushing his hooves forward one at a time is a shoving motion. "I suggest one last attack between us to end the match. A power shove. Your best force push against mine; see who can't push the other out of the ring through sheer brute strength. I bet you can. You've all ready lasted way longer than any normal pony would against a yak, and you cut part of my horn off; so you're all ready incredibly strong. Sure, I could just concede defeat right now, but how useful would I be to anyone if I gave up too easily?" Calhoun states, waiting for Cosmic's answer.

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@Starforce

Mayor Black hears her words. "If you want more than yourself, Friendshire might not be the best place for you. In a town like this, you make the most of what little you've got. Right now, the best we can hope for is attracting more citizens. A while back, we had a huge exodus of citizens leaving this place. And now, some citizens and my brother are trying to turn that around." Mayor Black explains.

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@Courageous Thunder Dash, @ExplosionMare, @Ragland Tiger

Final sure was grateful that the staff were able to use their magic to protect the audience from random attacks. He nods at what Sparkly and Pencil have to say. "Understandable. Still, you've got lots of visitors here. Seems like a good time to try and make this town seem as attractive as possible, maybe encourage some of the visitors to stay if possible. I've notice this town still has lots of unoccupied buildings and spaces that are just waiting for new citizens." Final says.

Edited September 19, 2021 by Samurai Equine

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

As he listened to Thundy's theory, Dynamo had tilted his head as he wondered if that was the case. "That's a possible theory, bro. However, I'm not entirely sure. Based on what he was doing, I was thinking that he was trying to use each laser beam to hit one another. Allowing each beam to bounce off of one another, then each would become stronger and faster. Sort of like each beam is feeding off of one another to absorb strength. Just like a ricocheted pinball gets when hitting certain bumpers in a pinball machine." It was mostly a theory, but that's what he had thought when he noticed the attack being performed. As he looked at the aftermath, Dynamo was stunned as a piece of Calhoun's hoof was taken away from the laser spell. It didn't help that his eyes glanced over to Samurai, who was just about to rush out onto the ring. "I-I can't believe he lost a bit of his horn. I-It's like he's not even phased that even happened." He reached his front left hoof up to where his horn was as he gave a shuddering sigh. Even if he was made fun of when he was a colt, he still knew that his horn was his horn. He wouldn't wish anything bad to happen to his or anyone else's horn. "I just hope Calhoun will be okay. I hope this isn't a bad question, but can a yak's horn grow back? Sort of like a unicorn's as I think their horn's are able to recover, right?"

Listening to his other friend/brother's explanation, Dynamo blinked his eyes as if realization had dawned upon him. Cosmic was a bit too high in the air to notice the interaction taking place, but it still made the gaming unicorn think. "You know? I think I recall seeing something like that during the preliminary. When he was fighting Stonewall, some of the crystal pony's attacks had gone right through Artemis and I think the Ursa Minor. I guess he was trying to lessen any sort of damage they might receive which would go back to him. Maybe there's a sort of limit on how much damage he can take when trying to sustain each constellation."

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash @Starforce @PawelS

Continuing to keep his distance, Cosmic had taken notice of Calhoun, who had stood upright on his own hind legs. "One last attack, huh? Hmm...I think that's fair. I mean, we aren't really getting anywhere. With how smart you've been acting and how I've given you damage. It's just a stalemate." He huffed, smirking at the praise he had been receiving from the yak. It looked as if someone was starting to see what he had been trying to prove. Flapping his wings, the neon green unicorn had made his way back towards the ground. Folding his wings in like a pegasus would was odd and tricky at first, but he managed to get it right. If he was going to shove, then he wasn't going to allow the yak to pull on his wings to gain some advantage. Taurus and Leo had been circling the ring to make their way back to Cosmic, while keeping their eyes trained upon Calhoun. Even Cosmic was at the ready to attack if there was any sort of funny business, but it didn't seem to be the case. "You seem to be quite the deal maker. I have to respect the fact that you don't want to give up too easily. Given by what you wanted from the beginning, you seem to be fitting to join us. I think this last test will pretty much decide it all."

Using his magic, he allowed Leo to disappear, while he went to absorb Taurus. Gaining his strength, but making sure to not gain the horns. Knowing Calhoun, he would grab said horns to try and lift him over the yak to be thrown out of the ring. He wanted a test of strength, then Cosmic would happily oblige. Thinking the unicorn had also used his horn to prepare for another constellation summon. Brushing his front right hoof upon the ground as if he was ready to charge, Cosmic stared at the yak as he was ready to end this fight. As soon as the yak was about to charge, then so would he. 

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

”Kinda like the Pokémon move substitution since that move requires you to use health points to create the substitution. So if Calhoun could find a way to isolate and destroy the constellations, could get Cosmic to reach his limit and who knows what would happen then…” Thundy theorized. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

Perking his ears upon hearing Thundy's theory, Dynamo glanced towards his friend/brother. Humming at the idea, before nodding at the idea that was presented. "I can see that since it might be Cosmic that puts magic into the summon of the constellations. So, maybe instead of it being a substitution, then maybe it's a link. Whatever one feels, the other will feel it, as well. I'm not entirely sure if that's the case, but what you said could be possible, bro." He explained, before looking back at the fight. "Although, it's strange..." He took a breath, before letting it out in a sigh. "...I can't exactly explain it. I just know that when we were younger, Cosmic could only make astral projections of them. They were all transparent that were just for show. Either to show off his abilities or to try and scare others. Yet, he's making them capable of being tangible and even fight alongside him. In his way, he always said that it was too much of a hassle to summon even one constellation. Going on to say that it requires a good amount of magic to make them real. If that's really true, then how is this possible?" He asks, wondering how Cosmic could summon four constellations, while even merging with some of them.

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

”High magic stamina. Maybe it’s part of that special thing he has…it’s still unbelievable since things like this are only granted to the pure hearted, so I imagine there’s s a huge downside, which could show itself if Cosmic advances to later rounds.” Thundy supposed. 

 

[Pencil Pouch]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine @Ragland Tiger @PawelS

Pencil flinched as lasers showered the arena. Sparkly nearly puffed her wings out protectively but was quickly able to stop them in order to keep them hidden. Both mares were prepared to dodge one way or another. Thankfully, the arena was fully protected since the lasers bounced everywhere except for near the audience. Pencil sighed in relief and Sparkly relaxed her posture.

“I honestly had no idea so many places were still vacant. Guess I really haven’t been around much, heh,” Pencil replied to Final. “I’m sure if everyone really wanted to, they could find more ponies and creatures to populate the place. For now, though, I think having all these events really helps.”

“The more tourists that arrive here, the more chances I have to educate them about Earth and the world they currently reside in. It is very important that all creatures understand how vastly complex the world is and how they can make a change in it. No one should live their lives with their head down, simply following the rules.” Sparkly added, looking over at Pencil and Final.

[Samurai Equine 52,488]

@Courageous Thunder Dash, @Dynamo Pad

Samurai shrugs at the question. "I wouldn't know anything about yak anatomy. You'd have to ask Calhoun yourself, otouto-san." Samurai says to Dynamo.

But something Thundy says catches his attention. "Pure of heart? Maybe in most situations, but there are plenty of exceptions. Sometimes having a special link or bond to something. Other times, sheer determination and force of will can ignite amazing powers, even if you're not the nicest of creatures. As for why Cosmic has gotten stronger... Maybe puberty?" Samurai says.

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@Dynamo Pad

Calhoun nods. He doesn't mind whatever Cosmic is doing. Any prep work Cosmic needs is all right by Calhoun. He scrapes his hind hooves against the arena before running head first at Cosmic, with every intent of connecting his upper hooves with Cosmic's upper hooves and pushing with all his yak might. "This seems to be it, fillies and gentlecolts. The final power shove that could determine this whole match." Straightaway commentates.

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@Starforce

He nods. "If you're fine staying here, you'll fit right in. As for duties... We can talk about more when we get back to the office. Today, I just want to see how this tournament plays out. Maybe it'll be a big mess for me to clean up, or maybe it'll work out in my favor. But any other day, I'm busy putting my brother and this town to the test. My brother is too much of a sentimental idealist. I'd rather turn his ideas on his head and see who gets the real results. ME, that's who." Mayor Black declares, almost getting loud enough to draw attention to himself. 

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@Courageous Thunder Dash, @ExplosionMare, @Ragland Tiger

Final nods at what Sparkly and Pencil have to say. "Wish I could help, but as a time traveler, there is only so much I can interact with before things get dangerous. Often, it's better to just be an observer. I've seen a lot of amazing things, though. One day, I hope I can observe the great Equestria-founding moments in time, though. Like the escapades of the Pillars of Equestria, or how Princess Celestia and Princess Luna came to this world." Final says.

[Chelsea]

@ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @Ragland Tiger

“Thundy could certainly help with educating citizens about earth and how the dimensions are connected. It’s really interesting how you and Thundy came from Earth. You two should certainly get along.” Chelsea commented. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

"I can imagine high magic stamina could be an idea. I'm just not sure if that can be something someone is born with, or if it counts towards training to have that much magic stamina. I guess it could be argues that both options are possible." Dynamo responded, shrugging his shoulders as he wasn't entirely sure. "Whatever special thing he has, I have to say that he's holding his own against Calhoun. Considering that both sides are trying to outsmart each other." Looking over towards from Thundy to Samurai, the blue unicorn nodded at his previous remark. "That's understandable as my school only covered the basics of yaks and other creatures. I just hope his horn will be able to be restored or grow back. It's still just surprising how he tossed the chipped part of his horn away without any cause for alarm." Dynamo tilted his head in confusion to Samurai's possibility, but nodded at the mention of sheer determination and force of will. "I'm not entirely sure if puberty is a part of the reason. Cosmic and I are around the same age. So, if he had gone through that, then the same could be same for me. However, I'm still not the best when it come to using magic. So, I would say maybe, but not entirely sure. I do agree with what you said, onii-san. I remember the moment I felt myself move faster during the war for Friendshire, so I could try to help save anyone that needed help. I couldn't explain it, but it felt like a surge of strength coming from determination, as well as the need to save and protect." He says, recalling the moment he gained the spin dash as he tried to help the crying child from cragadiles.

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash @Starforce @PawelS

Once he saw Calhoun starting to charge forward, Cosmic smirked as he knew the time had arrived. "It looks like we've reached the grand finale." Taking a step forward, the neon green unicorn suddenly broke out into a sprint towards the yak. All the while, summoning out his final constellation summon for the match. From his summon, it appeared to be some sort of warrior that had a shield, a sword that was held around a kilt/skirt and a giant club. The constellation was Orion the Hunter, who was following right behind Cosmic. As the distance was closing between the two combatants, Orion started to glow a bright light, before being absorbed by the neon green unicorn. As the light faded, Cosmic continued to run as a club and shield floated around him. Just as they were about to collide, Cosmic stood up as he levitated the shield over his front left hoof. If their upper hooves met, then one of Calhoun's hooves would be met with a slam by the shield Cosmic had manifested. His other hoof would meet Calhoun's, while the club would still float around him. Cosmic would push with all of his combined might of Orion and Taurus. With Artemis' sharp eyes for her archery, Cosmic would keep a sharp eye and mind on finding different ways to outsmart the yak if need be.