open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

As the griffon sat down, Dynamo had listened as Thundy explained a bit about Flash Magnus. "The old Pillars of Equestria? That sounds a bit familiar, but I'm not sure if I've heard of it from school. I think my mother told me stories regarding Mistmane working together with other ponies that were well known in their regards." He explained, before Thundy had summoned a book with his electricity. On the title it had read, "The Old Pillars of Equestria." Once the book had been opened, Dynamo had glanced at each page being turned. Learning the names of those that were listed off as a pillar. One of them being Flash Magnus, while others like Somnambula, Rockhoof, and Mage Meadowbrook were mentioned. It wasn't until Dynamo's eyes widened as he saw two other names that were mentioned. "Mistmane!? Starswirl the Bearded!?" He blushed in slight embarrassment as he yelled out the other two pillars names among the crowd. His ears falling as he tried to compose himself once more. "I'm sorry about my outburst. It's just that I didn't know that Starswirl was among the others in being the pillars. It's like I said before that my mother had told me stories about Mistmane. Even mentioning that Mistmane was among others that were well known, but I didn't know it was from the Pillars." He would say in amazement as a smile graced his lips.

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

Thundy chuckled softly. "Yep, I read about them all when I went to the library. My favorite has to be Mistmane. Don't get me wrong, I love the story of Somnambula and the Sphinx. Back in my home planet, Sphinxes are guardians of tombstones and there are actually 3 variants." Thundy explained as he gathered some electricity and made a hologram of The Great Sphinx in Egypt appear. It rotated and hovered in Thundy's talon. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

"Glad it's not just me who's favorite is Mistmane. I think my mother told me stories about her was because of how Mistmane's horn is curved like mine. I guess it was to show that I could relate to someone when I thought I had a possible birth defect back when I was born." He explained with a shake of his head and smiled slightly. "However, it wasn't the case when I found my cutie mark and magic. It was still nice of my mom to make me feel like I wasn't alone. I just always thought Mistmane was just stories, but I'm so glad to know she was more than just stories." He would say, watching as Thundy had summoned up a hologram sphinx in his talons. "That looks pretty cool. I briefly glanced over Somnambula and the sphinx, but she sounds pretty interesting, in my opinion. 

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

"Somnambula's story is really cool, the fact that it really focuses on trusting yourself, faith and hope." Thundy stated as he made the hologram of the Sphinx disappear. "Kronos is all about tech and smarts. Flash is just about the same minus the extras. Let's see how this fight will turn out." Thundy said. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash

"I do like the idea of hope being a huge part of a story. It reminds me of someone I know that helped in giving me hope when I lost all hope within myself." He explained, while Thundy had made the Sphinx hologram to disappear. At the mention of going to see the fight between Kronos and Flash, Dynamo had begun turning back towards the fight in the B Block arena. "Are you sure you don't want to stay and watch this fight? I wonder who's competing." He had heard Straightaway mention the two names being Stonewall and Wrath, but he didn't truly know who those two were. As he craned his neck to see the fighters, Dynamo had noticed the one known as Stonewall. Based on their appearance, Stonewall was a crystal pony. To the gaming unicorn, this crystal pony looked similar, but different at the same time. Based on his appearance, expression and how his armor had looked. "I wonder if Stonewall was the brother that Gemsworth was talking about. I know he told us to look out for his older brother, but I didn't think he'd be fighting so soon. I wonder who he's fighting?" He winced slightly from the glare, while craning his neck more to see the other fighter. As he looked upon the one known as Wrath, Dynamo had suddenly frozen on the spot.

"Oh no." He muttered softly to himself, while hoping that nobody else could hear him. 'Oh, no, no, no, no, no.' He thought, gulping in worry as his eyes began to slowly shrink in both shock and fear. For the pony that was standing across from Stonewall was the one and only, Cosmic Clown. 'T-That can't be possible. This just can't be. H-How is Cosmic even here? I didn't think he'd show himself here of all places.' It was then that a sudden realization had occurred to the gaming unicorn. 'If Cosmic is up there and competing, then does that mean the others are here too? Oh, dear, sweet, Celestia. This is really not good.' He shook slightly in fear, before turning back to both Samurai and Thundy at a breakneck pace. "Y-You know what? On second thought, I'm actually curious to see the fight between Kronos and F-Flash. I-It's just like what you said, right, T-Thundy? Kronos is a-all about smarts and tech, while Flash is the same, b-but minus the extras. I-I don't really get what the e-e-extras means, but the fight does sound pretty interesting, you know?" He spoke as if he had taken a huge breath, while talking so fast it was difficult to understand everything he had said. Chuckling nervously, while he took a few jittery steps over towards C Block. "S-So, what are we w-waiting for? Let's go hurry on over to the C Block ring. W-We don't want to miss a single second of that fight. Plus, I got to take a glimpse of that book of the pillars you had been showing me. So, I-I want to see this fight first hoof." He explained, nervousness clearly evident in his voice. He just hoped that Cosmic hadn't seen him at all or even during the fight. 

Unfortunately for Dynamo, Cosmic did. Especially when the two had traded glances at each other, before Dynamo had quickly turned and made his exit. 'It seems that you know that I and the others are now here, Kyubiki. It's even better to know that you're still a little fearful of me. That's perfect because you should be. It's not just you either as everyone will soon be afraid of who I am.' He chuckled softly, a small smirk etching its way onto his expression. All the while, taking his attention away from Stonewall and focusing more on the scared and retreating blue unicorn.

Edited August 7, 2021 by Dynamo Pad

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

Thundy noticed the sudden shift in Dynamo's tone and expression. "Oh dear...is everything okay Dynamo...it certainly doesn't look like it..." Thundy said, ready to hug Dynamo in case he needed one. 

[Samurai Equine 52,095]

@Courageous Thunder Dash, @ExplosionMare, @PawelS

Starlight had walked to a different part of the museum, and soon found that she was being followed. She gives them a smile and rubs the back of her head. "I just feel a little out of place, I guess. At Ponyville, giving hugs is a normal everyday thing. Sometimes I feel like I can't walk two steps without getting one from Pinkie or somepony else. And at school, I always make a concentrated effort to be there for my students and help them however they need it! I'm no stranger to stepping outside my comfort zone, but I just met you all, so I wasn't sure what to do back there. But I am glad you are all friends, and you have each other." Starlight says, talking about how Pencil was able to give Chelsea the hug she needed.

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@Kronos the Revenant, @Dynamo Pad, @Courageous Thunder Dash, @Ragland Tiger

In the A Block arena,
Before the fight can begin, Tiger Muscle goes up to Sledge Hoof and begins whispering too him. At first, the crowd boos loudly, but then Sledge Hoof pushes him aside. "No way! You can keep your filthy money! I'm not backing down from this fight for anything!" The gruff earth pony in construction clothing declares.

"I'm not sure what's going on, but it doesn't look like this match with Tiger Muscle isn't going to be a repeat of the last one!" Straightaway commentates. Tiger Muscle is beside himself. "But why?! It's good mon--I mean, it's a good, lucrative offer! What else could you want?!" Tiger Muscle demands. "I'm a citizen of Friendshire, strong and proud! Was a time when that didn't mean much, but now, with all the new citizens sprucing things up and making things more lively, and after that big ol' war we just had and whatnot... I ain't backin' down now! I'm gonna prove that Friendshire still has some life and some fight left in it!" Sledge Hoof pulls out his weapon, a combination wrench as big as a sword or club. "Youze listen up, Tiger! I'm Sledge Hoof, chief engineer of the Friendshire Construction Crew! We build 'em strong and tough, cause we's got builder's pride!" For a second, Tiger Muscle is speechless, jaw a gap. But then, he beams a big smile, his mask hiding most of his happiness. Tiger Muscle assumes a wrestling stance. "In that case... Show it to me! Show me the resolve of your pride! Make your precious town proud!"

The two fighters run at each other, ready to duel it out! Tiger Muscle goes in for a clothesline strike, only for his head to be grabbed by Sledge's giant wrench and then forcefully thrown down on to his back. Tiger Muscle falls with painful thud, groan and all, but rolls over to the side before Sledge can bash him with his wrench. While he's distracted, Tiger Muscle hops up from behind and gets Sledge into an inverted facelock! The crowd is started to go wild for this weapon vs. standard wrestling match!

In the B Block arena,
Samurai nods. "Glad you both enjoyed my fight. It wasn't too bad, but my opponent was in the ring for all the wrong reasons. Kept him from being a better opponent than I would have liked." Samurai explains. Soon enough, there was more fights going on. A pillar would be taking the next fight in C Block, and Samurai did notice Stonewall but didn't say anything about it. Soon, they were all talking about the Pillars. "Hmm... Perhaps Flash was able to arrange his fight because he is one of the Pillars? I can't imagine just anyone being able to put in such a request. Flash Magnus... I know Mistmane is from my homelands, however she's been perfecting her earthen magic elsewhere. I heard a rumor that she visited the Crystal Empire to practice her abilities on crystal plants. Still perfecting her magic even at an old age..." Samurai says, nodding with admiration.

But then, Dynamo's demeanor suddenly changes, and it grabs Samurai's attention. "Dynamo? Daijoubu desu ka?" Samurai asks. But then Dynamo makes an offer that confuses the asian pony. "C Block? But all three arenas are located at the center of this massive room. We can watch all of them easily no matter what block we stand in." Samurai says. Still, he can't deny the look of panic in Dynamo's eyes. "Dynamo-san, do you need help?"

In the arena itself, Stonewall does not look amused in the least bit by his opponent. "My younger brother was a fool in thinking that cheap tricks, such as keeping your unicorn horn hidden, would make a difference in at true battle." Even his voice is surprisingly deep. "You'll find I'm not as careless as he is." With sharp focus, the armored crystal pony activates his magic. Soon 6 crystal clones of Stonewall appear in the ring. Their faces aren't as detailed, but everything else is a match. Some leap up into the air while the others dash and surround Wrath/Cosmic on all sides. Together, they all begin to throw their own collective set of punches and kicks. "What am I seeing?! There appears to be many doubles in the ring! This better not be an attempt to sneak multiple fighters into the ring, because that would be an automatic disqualification!" Straightaway commentates with a bit of confusion. But Stonewall isn't done. His horn is still glowing. He closes his eyes as he concentrates, a rather wide magical circle forming underneath him.

In the C Block arena,
Flash is pushed, but he is too nimble to be pushed out so easily. He turns this push into some backflips, using the to avoid the swords. "Careful what you strike there, high-tech. Isn't there a rule about breaking the ring?" Flash taunts, giving him a nickname. Once his far back enough, Flash flies up high, backflipping over Kronos from a safe distance, and uses the sudden boost from the backflip to quickly attack from behind! Flash extends his shield, using it to hopefully trip Kronos. At the same time, he extends his back hooves in a kicking motion. This way if Kronos does trip, he won't fall backwards onto Flash, he'll fall forwards instead.

Edited August 7, 2021 by Samurai Equine

[Thundy]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad

While Thundy's waiting for Dynamo to answer, he took a look at the fights that were going on. In one ring, he saw what appeared to be clones of one of the fighters. In the other, he saw Flash taunt Kronos. "Oh you shouldn't go there Flash...that's a mistake you will regret..." He said out loud. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash

Flinching slightly from Samurai's and Thundy's remarks, Dynamo hesitantly, yet slowly turned towards the duo. "Uh...y-yeah. I-I'm okay. No need to worry, you know? G-Guess I just saw something that freaked me out." He wanted to let the two know that he honestly wanted help, but he was worried to bring anything up. He felt that they were his friends, but he still had doubt of believing him. With everything Cosmic and the others have done, he still had trouble believing others with trust. Hearing Samurai's remark of being in the center was a bit relieving, but it still gave him a hint of worry. "O-Oh." He responded, realization kicking in as he looked around at where they were at. The asian pony's words holding truth as they were indeed at the center of the building and arena's. "S-Sorry about that. I guess I didn't really notice where we were at. It's a bit difficult to see based on the lights and all." He wasn't lying as there were a few lights active in the area, but most of it was focused on the rings themselves. Even so, he decided to go with Samurai's words and stick to the center for the time being. 'As long as I don't look at Cosmic's fight, then I should be okay. Just ignore him and nothing will happen. Right? Right.' He thought to himself to try to keep calm.

In the B Block arena,
Cosmic continued to keep his eyes trained on his old victim that he didn't seem to notice that Stonewall had gone and created several clones of himself. Glancing slightly back at his opponent, he raised an eyebrow. All the while, giving an uncaring expression at his opponent. "Oh? Are you still here and still talking? Sorry, but I thought you would have walked away by now. Are you sure you're not as foolish, if not, then more foolish than your brother?" He gave a smug smile as some clones had leaped into the air. While some dashed around, Cosmic could see that all were trying to throw some sort of punch and kicks in their own regard. "Oh, please." He closed his eyes, his horn flashing quickly as a shield had been raised to keep him protected. With his gift, the punches and kicks wouldn't do any sort of harm to the shield. Raising his magic a little higher, the shield expanded to push any and all enemies away from his place in the ring. Narrowing his eyes slightly at the wide magical circle forming underneath Stonewall. "Trying to plan something against me, eh? Well, unfortunately for you it won't work against me. So, you're out of luck with that, fool." As his horn glowed once more, his eyes flashed a dark crimson as his magic had come to life. From a beam of energy, a slightly taller anthropomorphic pony had stood. An earth pony mare that shined as brightly as the stars, he carried a bow, arrows and a quiver to hold the arrows. "Allow me to introduce you. This is someone I'd like to call Artemis. She's a goddess of the moon as like her twin brother, Apollo, who is the god of the sun. However, she's very well known for her bow and arrow. Something that you should be very mindful of as you've split yourself into six copies. So, I think it's time for some target practice." He smirked, his horn glowing as Artemis had pulled a few arrows from her quiver. Taking a few into the bow as she pulled back to take aim. Once she was ready, she fired several arrows at Stonewall and his clones. They flew fast as the made a sound in midair. Signaling that these arrows were dangerous if being hit on contact, but it wouldn't be fatal.

In the C Block arena,
As the fight between Kronos and Flash had continued, Dynamo had taken notice of Kronos using four swords. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the cybernetic pony had split his arms from two to four. "It kind of reminds of Zoro with the three sword style. I-In this case, it's four. It does look like Flash is giving him a bit of a challenge though." He would say, noticing Flash avoiding Kronos' attacks with little effort. As he pushed his shield forward, it looked like the pegasus was extending his hooves into a kicking motion. "It looks like he's trying to attack him from a blind spot. If Kronos can't turn around fast enough, then Flash can strike. I hope Kronos will be okay." He had recalled hearing the maniacal laughter, as well as the cybernetic pony scarping the arena ground with his blades. "I guess it's a good thing I wasn't paired up against him in C Block. Otherwise, I think I'd be in trouble fighting against him. Granted, I think that's his spirits being a part of his fighting style?" He asks, tilting his head in confusion as he wasn't truly sure. He wouldn't call Kronos crazy, but he will say he felt intimidated. 

Meanwhile, Frozen had maneuvered around the crowd as he managed to find Cheap amongst the sea of fighters. He had been standing off to the side in the corner of C Block. "There you are. I've been looking all over for you. Seems like you managed to win your fight in lackluster fashion." He remarked, Cheap giving his pegasus teammate a sour expression. "Oh, buzz off! I won my fight, did I not? Besides, Flim was a pushover. He wasn't a threat to begin with. More of a nuisance if you ask me." Hearing this caused a curious eyebrow to raise from Frozen. "Flim, huh? I didn't expect him to be here of all places. Then again, it only makes logical sense as anyone could come here. Considering that Pad is here, after all." Mentioning Dynamo's name had given Frozen the opportunity to continue. "Speaking of which. I managed to talk to Cosmic and he said there's been a change in plans. Technically, we are still dividing and conquering in our respective blocks. However, there's been a minuscule change in the plot." He explained, Cheap groaning as he used his right foreleg to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Oh, for crying out loud! Is it something that I'm just going to forget and not care? What else do we have to do now!?" His whining was getting on Frozen's nerves, but he remained to persevere. "It's so easy that even a buffoon like you will find it easy to understand." He adjusted his glasses, while smirking at Cheap fuming at being called a buffoon. Holding up a hoof to cease his teammate from exploding, he decided to explain. "We're going to still divide and conquer like I mentioned before. Only this time, we're going to get the crowd to go against Pad." He whispered softly, leaning into Cheap's ears as he whispered the updated plan. As time went on, Cheap's eyebrows were rising, while his lips started to form into a smirk. Which then lead to a smile, a grin, before his eyes sparkled in delight. "Oh, that's rich. It's even easy for me to follow as we're making Drool Pad suffer. So, when do we attack the crowd and Drool Pad?" He wiggled his eyebrows as he knew what he had meant about striking both Dynamo and the crowd. Frozen's eyes darted around, before landing back on Cheap. "We attack the crowd now. We attack Pad the moment we are given the signal. You know what to do, so do it. Now." He says, receiving a salute from the burgundy earth pony, before the two broke away. Frozen heading back towards his respective block to begin the plan. Cheap, in the meantime, began talking to other competitors in spreading some rumors about Dynamo.

 

Edited August 7, 2021 by Dynamo Pad

[Ragland Tiger 3,417]

@Dynamo Pad @Courageous Thunder Dash  @PawelS @Samurai Equine

While Bluebell was talking to Nopony and Finn,  her pendant began to glow brightly.   "Uh oh," she said, feeling Dynamo's panic.  "It's-it's Dynamo, s-something's wrong, I have to g-g-go!"  She turned and ran as fast as she could to the tournament,  Upon entering the hall she began calling out, "Dynamo! d-d-Dynamo! Wh-w-where are you!?"

Spoiler

 

 

Edited August 8, 2021 by Ragland Tiger

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash

While Dynamo continued to watch the fight, he couldn't help in stealing glances at the fight Cosmic had been paired up against. He could see the lack of emotion as he fought. Almost as if he was bored of his opponent. Like he wasn't facing any sort of challenge. 'He's still the same as always. Rather, it seems like he much different.' He couldn't explain it, but it felt like things had gotten worse than the last time he had seen the neon green unicorn. As he attempted to look back at the fight between Kronos and Flash. Dynamo's eyes widened in surprise as he heard a familiar voice calling out to him. "B-Bluebell?" His eyes darted around rapidly as he tried to find her. As he took a few steps forward, he noticed a glow coming from around his neck. That glow belonging to his pendant as he felt Bluebell's feeling and emotions. As he took a few hesitant steps forward, his eyes soon landed on who he was searching for. There, right at the entrance hall to the building, was the bespectacled mare. "B-Bluebell! Bluebell, I'm right over here!" He called out to her, waving his left foreleg to gain her attention. He tried to push past the crowd of fighters as he hurried over towards his girlfriend. 

[Thundy]

@Ragland Tiger @Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

Thundy saw as Dynamo's pendant started to glow. He gasped. "Bluebell is near." He said as he hurried after Dynamo, making sure that he and Bluebell would get to each other successfully amidst the crowds. 

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Samurai Equine

“Yes, I do. But....” Mirabelle looks away from them, her tensed expression weakening, sighing, “Keen was the first to actually care about me and so am I to her. As my name suggest, I'm a florist, however, I am a huge failure with flowers and my business never flourished”

“Everything was all becoming blue for me. Then, I met Keen Fan” she looks at Keen still with a cold expression, “What did she first introduced herself? Mm, 'the most awesome earth pony gamer in all of Equestria'” she continued her speech without any interrupted from Shadow and Keen, a smile slowly forming and her negative expression vanishing into a look which clearly says it's owner is having flashbacks of good nostalgic memories, “since then, I started going to conventions and parties, finding new friends. Meanwhile, with all the stress and doubts I had gone, my business suddenly started to gain customers. Then, before I knew it, Keen started advertising outside my shop with a very ridiculous sign attached to her chest.

”but long after, that day fate has taken my friend from me had come" she finally put her gaze at the group, “Keen lost a writing contest, I made the excuse to go to a public bathroom, but my real intention was to surprise her a cotton candy. However, when I came back, everyone was gathering around her as she lay on the group, convulsing, foam coming out of her mouth. She was rushed to the hospital, then four days later, she ran away"

“Therefore,” before they knew it, Mirabelle violently pushed Trilby aside and approaches Keen, “We have a secret you have never told everypony since it's only one of its kind. What is your favorite special game?”

Keen smiled, knowing the answer “Mass Effect!”

Mirabelle turned to Shadow, “Do you know that?"

“No” Shadow simply replied. Satisfied, she turned to Trilby.

“How about you, professional hat maker extraordinaire. Do you know Mass Effect?”

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

@Samurai Equine

Kronos disregarded Flash’s remarks about him destroying the arena. If he recalls, they can cause as much damage to the ring as they wish, just not destroy the stadium itself with anything over the top. 
 

Suddenly, he felt his legs getting kicked from behind and he began to fall forward. Kronos quickly set his swords into his arms and set them into the ring. He then popped two more swords at his legs and propped himself up, becoming a crude insectoid looking thing. He quickly scuttled towards Flash with his sword limbs piercing the ground as he yelled “THOUSAND CUTS!!”

[Samurai Equine 52,095]

@Windy Breeze

Well, she really read him well. The humble hat maker was not a fighter nor a soldier. Mirabelle had an easy time pushing him out the way, but much to her surprise, Trilby hugs her leg as soon as he hits the ground. Anything to keep her at bay or slow her down at least.

Still, hearing all of this was rather surprising. At least, until an issue of games comes up, and Mirabelle asks him a question. "...Okay, I'll admit, I'm learning things. Also, I'm a hat maker and clothing making too, so I wouldn't know Mass Effect from Mass Hysteria. But what does that matter? Keen and I are still friends, even if we are still learning about each other. She doesn't even know what the best hat material is, but I don't hold that against her! ...It's felt, by the way. Don't believe any cotton hat that say it's washable; it's not." Trilby takes a risk and adjusts his hat with one hoof, which loosens his hold on Mirabelle. "But now I have a question... Did you ever find out why Keen left? She might not have left for the reasons you think, even though it clearly hurt you when it happened."

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@Ragland Tiger, @PawelS

Final was having a good time talking to Nopony and Bluebell, casually watching the preliminaries on the various monitors, until suddenly Bluebell runs off. "Bluebell?! You can't got that way! That's for staff only!" Final calls out, noticing that she is running through the building and going down a path that she is not suppose to go. He would give chase, but he looks over at Nopony first. "Should we follow her? I'm use to letting time work itself out." Final says.

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@Kronos the Revenant, @Dynamo Pad, @Courageous Thunder Dash, @Ragland Tiger

Samurai isn't sure how to feel about Dynamo's mannerisms. He is definitely worried though. However, before he can think of anything to say, Dynamo runs off and Thundy gives chase. "Oi! Chotto matte! Dynamo-san, Thundy-san!" Samurai reaches out and gives chase. But soon, it becomes clear why Dynamo ran off.

However before Bluebell and Dynamo can be reunited, a group of SUPER buff and really tall tournament staff, earth ponies mostly, block Bluebell off from entering the fighter's section. "Not so fast, ma'am." One of them says, holding up a hoof. "No one goes beyond this point without a fighter's pass. Not a fighter? No entry. If you know one of the fighters here, they can join you in the hallway, but you can't enter the fighter's section." The staff member explains.

In the B Block arena,
When the magic shield goes up, it keeps the clones at bay. However, one of the clones shatters and turns to dust against it when the shield expands. "Seems we have our explanation. These clones are just magic-made fakes. If they were real, there'd at least be a body left over." Straightaway observes. And shortly after he explains it, Cosmic summons his own ally.

Still, the explanation doesn't exactly make Stonewall any happier. Apollo's arrows take out the other clones easily, but Stonewall doesn't seem to care. He just focuses his magic harder, closing his eyes. "God? There are no gods. The closest thing we have to those is the princesses, and they walk among us. So take your false god rhetoric, and choke on it." From the magic circle suddenly pops up a large, jagged crystal formation? No, it's not one, it's a series of them! The spread rapidly, making a trail towards Artemis. The last one comes up from under Apollo and forms into a claw, grabbing Apollo in a magic ensnare. Then, Stonewall's eyes open suddenly, his eyes glowing.

He leaps into the air almost as high as you would expect from a pegasus, and his magic swirls around his leg, forming into a giant, spinning, diamond-tipped drill. "This is my Double Ensnare Drill." Stonewall thinks to himself as he performs the magical attack.

In the C Block arena,
Flash is easily surprised, to say the least. "Form change? I KNEW you were awesome!" Flash says, excited. Picking himself up, Flash moves in and uses his shield to hold back some of Kronos' new sword limbs. The simple metal shield is holding up surprisingly well. "You like? First magic shield ever... But what I want to know is, what drives you to fight? What's your end goal, Kronos?" Flash asks in the middle of their bout.

Edited August 8, 2021 by Samurai Equine

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Samurai Equine

“Do I have to know, Mr. Hat maker extraordinaire?” Keen kicked out her hindleg Trilby is holding into. If she succeeded removing his hoof, she would wrap Keen in a hug, “Just knowing she still remembers our secret is acceptable and good enough for me”

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash

As he was about to be reunited with Bluebell, he gasped and stopped in his tracks. His eyes widening in surprise as buff and tall tournament staff had stood in Bluebell’s way effectively blocking her from getting to the gaming unicorn. He was still feeling nervous in regards to seeing Cosmic from moments prior. It didn’t help that these tournament staff ponies looked intimidating to boot. Even so, he wanted to make sure that Bluebell, while letting the staff know he was the one she was looking for. “Um…e-excuse me.” He tried calling out to the staff to get their attention. “C-Can you let Bluebell into the arena area please? She was looking for me and I was trying to make my way over to her. Can you please make an exception to let her through so she and I can see each other and talk?” He asks, while he didn’t hear most of what the staff had previously said to Bluebell. Dynamo had been walking through the crowd of fighters to get to his girlfriend. So, while he didn’t hear the staff’s explanation. He still felt it was safe to ask.

As one of the clones shattered upon hitting the shield, Cosmic smirked as he figured it out. "So, that's how it is. You either split your magic into each clone to not give away the original. Even if you mixed yourself into the clones, or had them as the distraction, then they still cost magic for each. Simply put, you're playing a dangerous game if you’re trying to save that magic of yours. Sure, you barely put any magic for them to shatter so easily, but what’s the point? Trying to test the waters? Are you sure you won't lose your crystal form like your brother did previously?" He asks, tilting his head at Stonewall's explanation. "Oh, I know all too well about the princesses. You should be more open minded at what you mean about there being a god or not.” He says, his smug smirk turning into a somewhat crazed grin. "Still, telling me to take it somewhere else? How about I show you that you're nothing against me." He says, his eyes suddenly blinking in surprise as he saw a jagged crystal formation appearing from the circle. He jumped back a big, but Artemis was caught off guard from the sudden claw trailer towards her. "Oh no, Artemis! What ever will I do now!?” He called out, while the neon green unicorn wasn't concerned in the slightest. He had to admit that it was impressive of Stonewall had jumped high into the air. 

Seeing a diamond-tipped drill had formed on the crystal pony's leg, Cosmic whistled at the display. "Not too bad, but unfortunately it's not enough. What are you even aiming for? Trying to reach to the heavens? Sounds like some anime that my team and I remember, but that’s aside the point. Since if you’re aiming to meet your ruler, then all you had to do was ask. That new ruler is standing right in front of you.” He chuckled, pointing his right hoof. “Also, really? Did you honestly expect to ensnare Artemis the easily and expect to win?" His horn glowed as Artemis had become transparent. All the while, phasing through the claw that had captured and ensnared her. Jumping out of the way, Artemis had moved away from Cosmic, who began charging up his magic. Turning towards the claw, he blasted at the claw that had appeared from the circle. Artemis, on the other hoof, began preparing a few more arrows. Upon launching them, however, were different than the arrows that were launched previously. They looked the same, but some were real, while others would phase through Stonewall. Even if the drill would knock the arrows away, Cosmic's plan could still catch his opponent off guard. The neon green unicorn looked back at his opponent, before a fun idea came into mind. Having Artemis’ aim and accuracy, he aimed his magic at Stonewall. Just before firing, he shot the laser as the ground. While it didn’t damage the ring, the blast merely ricocheted from the ring, to the ceiling and back to the ring again. Almost moving around like a pinball, before the blast aimed at Stonewall’s back. With the crystal pony distracted by the physical and phasing arrows in the front, he wouldn’t expect Cosmic’s blast from the back. If it connected, the attacks would hopefully do some damage. He wasn’t expecting much based on the armor, but still aimed to slow Stonewall’s descent with the drill.

Edited August 8, 2021 by Dynamo Pad

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine

"Jeez, they should at least let fighters and visitors talk instead of just block off visitors just like that..." Thundy said to himself as he saw Dynamo trying to get the staff to let Bluebell in. 

@ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @PawelS

Chelsea listened to Starlight. "Hey now Starlight. It's okay. You'll find a place here. I know you will. It will take some time but that patience will pay off." Chelsea answered. 

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

@Samurai Equine

Kronos pauses his assault on his opponent to humor his inquiry. 
 

“Why do i fight?” he replied, “I fight to make myself stronger and find worthy allies. So far, you and Samurai have proven to me that this land has competent warriors around here. Show me what else you can do. Prove me right by facing me properly in combat.”

He got back upwards onto his feet and unleashed a flurry of attacks towards his opponent. 

[Ragland Tiger 3,417]

14 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

Samurai isn't sure how to feel about Dynamo's mannerisms. He is definitely worried though. However, before he can think of anything to say, Dynamo runs off and Thundy gives chase. "Oi! Chotto matte! Dynamo-san, Thundy-san!" Samurai reaches out and gives chase. But soon, it becomes clear why Dynamo ran off.

However before Bluebell and Dynamo can be reunited, a group of SUPER buff and really tall tournament staff, earth ponies mostly, block Bluebell off from entering the fighter's section. "Not so fast, ma'am." One of them says, holding up a hoof. "No one goes beyond this point without a fighter's pass. Not a fighter? No entry. If you know one of the fighters here, they can join you in the hallway, but you can't enter the fighter's section." The staff member explains.

@Dynamo Pad @Courageous Thunder Dash @Samurai Equine

"Please," said Bluebell.  "Y-you have to h-h-help me.  I need  to see d-d-d-Dynamo Pad and Samurai Equine.  It's ur-urgent.  Some po-ponies might get s-s-s-seriously hurt unless we d-do something.  Please, I b-b-beg you."

Edited August 8, 2021 by Ragland Tiger

[Pencil Pouch]

@Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash @PawelS

“It’s ok, Starlight. Truthfully, I’m not a huge hugger, either. I’ve known Chelsea for a while though, so I’m a bit more comfortable around her now. Usually though, if I’m given a random hug by someone I am not super close to, I feel really squeamish,” Pencil replied, relieved that Starlight was doing alright. “Heh, I’m glad I have somepony here to relate to that with. I felt like I was the only one who felt that way here.”

Sparkly trotted closer, now interested in the conversation. She wanted offered her own thoughts on the matter. Turning to Starlight, she said,

“I am naturally very affectionate; I like giving friends hugs or pats on the back every now and then for encouragement. In my world, friendly physical affection is not very common unless it is among family or those who are romantically involved. Here, it seems, ponies are more comfortable doing that for friends too. It is wonderful to me that ponies can share a connection like that. It seems that not all ponies are this way, however, some are just not into that sort of thing.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if some humans from your world were openly affectionate towards friends, too, I doubt it’s completely impossible. I think it depends on everyone’s personalities, as well as some cultural aspects.” Pencil added.

Sparkly nodded. Although it was still true that ponies were much more openly friendly, differences in personalities and social norms still played a factor in who was a huge hugger and who was not. Pencil and Sparkly could probably go on for hours about the subject, but they were here to support Starlight, not form a huge discussion.

[Samurai Equine 52,095]

@Windy Breeze

Trilby blinks. By the dumb expression on his face, it's clear he wasn't expecting Mirabelle to just hug Keen like that. But, all's good now, right? "Thank goodness?" Trilby says with a confused smile.

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@Courageous Thunder Dash, @ExplosionMare, @PawelS

With affirmation, Starlight sighs in relief and nods. "Thanks Ms. Pencil."

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@Kronos the Revenant, @Dynamo Pad, @Courageous Thunder Dash, @Ragland Tiger

When Samurai sees the situation, he walks up. "Oi, oi, oi!! Mou ii yo!" Samurai says, which makes the guard relax a little. "It's all right. It's not that big a deal. Dynamo, you have your fighter's pass, right? The ticket that you received when you signed up? We all have one. Come with me." Samurai takes Dynamo by the hoof and leads him forward. The guards move aside and let Dynamo and Samurai into the hallway. "Bluebell can't enter the fighter's area, tournament policy. However, we can leave the fighter's area at any time we please. Just don't lose your ticket, or they won't let you back in." Samurai comes to a stop when Bluebell and Dynamo are reunited. He lets Dynamo go and walks away. "Oh! And don't take too long! You never know when they might call you up for another round." Samurai tells them before returning to the fighter's area with Thundy and the rest.

Little does either of them know that certain amounts of gossip are getting around thanks to Cheap and Frozen. It's making some of the fighters talk. Some don't want to believe what they are hearing because they have sentimental feelings for Dynamo, others might want some further proof about what is being said. Either way, there is whispered talk amongst the various fighters still around.

In the B Block arena,
This was quite the eye-opening sight! "It just phased through?! But how can it cancel out my ensnare like it was nothing?!" Stonewall thinks. He didn't have time to talk, despite the Jojo-like monologuing that was going on. Still, he had to act fast. With hesitation, he waits til Artemis' arrows get super close, and swings his mighty drill kick left and right to destroy all the arrows before they can harm him. A magically made drill is more than capable of such a feat. However, as soon as his decent is almost done, he propels himself backwards so that he doesn't land so close to Wrath/Cosmic.

"...Something strange is going on here. Even a magical assistant like that shouldn't be able to escape my ensnare magic that easily. Is it possible that he...." Stonewall begins to contemplate, until the laser strikes him by surprise. "NO! What have you done, you knave?!" That's all Stonewall can say before the worst happens. Apparently, Wrath/Cosmic didn't learn from Dynamo's fight with Gemsworth. Because instead of harming him, the laser gets absorbed into the crystal's pony body and then refracted into a new direction. Except this time, it's not going through a hoof, so Stonewall can't control the direction nor the refraction of the laser. As a result, the laser splits and fires out of Stonewall's body in MULTIPLE directions! Even with Stonewall bracing himself and tucking into a roll, it doesn't stop the multiple refractions. Observing fighters scream and run, trying not to get hit by a stray laser blast. Sometimes the walls or the arena floor takes a few of the hits. And if Wrath/Cosmic isn't careful, he'll get hit too. It's like trying to escape from a security room full of lasers, but these actually deal damage.

In the C Block arena,
Such a declaration leave Flash in awe. "No way. That's the exact same reason I came here in the first place!! I knew I should have brought Rockhoof with me for this!" Finding a kindred spirit, Flash does his best to block each strike with his shield, but he can feel the full weight of each attack.

Spreading his wings, Flash zips around and tries to head butt Kronos from different angles. "Oof~ You know, I really wish this arena didn't have a roof over our heads. I really want to show you my ultimate technique, but it's not easy in a cramped space like this!"

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Ragland Tiger @Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

Thundy breathed a sigh of relief when Samurai came to intervene. However, Thundy gained a funny feeling. He tried to connect with Chelsea telepathically, but there was too much interference. Therefore, he vanished to a quiet area. He sent the feeling and thoughts over to Chelsea. 

@ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @PawelS

Chelsea smiled when Starlight thanked Pencil. However, that smile was short lived as a thought from Thundy came into her mind. She gasped and started to pant. Panting meant there was some sort of trouble...

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine

As the tournament staff had stood in front of him, Dynamo was becoming desperate. He could feel his pendant glowing brightly as he felt Bluebell's concern and worry. He felt his legs collapse from underneath him as he kneeled down. Bowing at the tournament staff's backs as he was begging. "Please. I know it might be a lot to ask for, but please let Bluebell enter the area. I really need to see her. It's difficult to explain, but we really need to see each other right now. I'm begging you, please. Please allow her to enter the area." He would say, before he heard Samurai speaking up towards the tournament staff. As they relaxed a little, he felt himself being raised up, as well as standing as his hoof was taken. Glancing up to who was leading him forward, he saw that it was Samurai, who was helping him through the remaining crowd and guards. As the staff had finally ceased and moved aside, Dynamo was lead into the hallway by Samurai. "I wish the policy could overlook things and allow her to enter. However, I'm glad to know that we can enter and leave the area at any time." He smiled slightly, before a thought of realization had come to mind. Looking back at the asian pony, he bowed his head, before giving Samurai and apologetic expression. "I'm really sorry as I guess I honestly forgot about the whole ticket, Sam. I think I've been going through a lot with this tournament that I guess I either didn't realize, of I forgot." It was true that with seeing Cosmic, Dynamo had been put on edge. It didn't help that seeing his old bully had caused him to be paranoid.

As he felt Samurai let go of his hoof, Dynamo had rushed over towards the bespectacled mare. "Bluebell! I'm so glad to see you! Are you okay? I could hear you, but I couldn't see you because of the guards blocking the way." He says, a look of worry was present upon his expression. As the asian pony had started returning towards the fighter's area, Dynamo had glanced back towards the one who lead him here. "Hey, Sam! Wait a minute! Bluebell said that she needed to see you and I. Please come back!" He called out to Samurai, but he wasn't sure if he could hear the gaming unicorn. Little did Dynamo or the others realize was that Cheap had noticed the interaction first hoof. From the confrontation with the staff, to the begging and being lead out of the fighter's area. "Oh, that's just too rich. Drool Pad looks so pathetic right now trying to beg for his life. I wonder why, though?" He asks, having his question answered almost immediately as he saw a blue unicorn mare with blue eyes, a purple mane with a light purple streak and glasses. "A mare? Wait a minute...no way..." His jaw dropped in almost disbelief, before chuckling as a gleeful smile etched it's way onto his face. "Oh, the boss and Frozen are going to love and want to hear this." He went back to work in trying to gain the crowd's favor, while using new rumor's to aid in their cause.

@Samurai Equine @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash

In the B Block arena,
Cosmic could see the stumped expression on Stonewall's face and was enjoying every second of it. He didn't realize what Artemis, or any of his magic spells were capable of. So, he had an advantage going into this fight. All the more reason to keep the stallion on his hooves and make him sweat a little. He still had to admit that the crystal pony had guts when it came to swinging the drill kick to destroy most of the arrow. All the while, some of the transparent arrows to phase right through him. 'Given that he looks like, or is a guard, then he's had to have gone through a lot to show no fear. Upon seeing Stonewall propel backwards, Cosmic smirked as his opponent did exactly what he was aiming for. The laser being too close to dodge as the laser landed its mark. While the laser didn't harm Stonewall, it looked as if the attack had absorbed into his body. At the same time, refracted as it was blasted out of his body, while splitting off into multiple directions. Cosmic merely and easily dodged our of the way. Making handstands as if he was in a circus performance, while the lasers phased right through Artemis. The same couldn't be said for the fighters observing as the lasers nearly hit everyone watching. Some lasers hit the arena floor, but it only caused the neon green unicorn to smirk. "What have I done? Well, I think I'm starting to figure out how you tick. Maybe the spell wasn't going to work, or maybe I learned that you can absorb magic, before sending it right back. Sort of like bouncing light off of a prism to get more light, or even a rainbow." He explained, sticking his tongue out and gagging at the word rainbow. 

Looking towards Artemis, Cosmic's horn had started to glow as he prepared another spell. Only this time, he launched his magic at the slightly taller anthropomorphic earth pony. Artemis had disappeared, before standing in her place was a giant dark blue bear had appeared. It was much bigger than a normal bear as it had stars aligning all over his body, red eyes, sharp claws and teeth, and a star pattern upon its forehead. However, the bear wasn't a normal bear as it was an Ursa Minor. "If regular tactics aren't going to do all that much, then let's add a little bit of force, shall we?" He smirked as the Ursa Minor had growled, before letting out a spine-chilling roar in the building. His eyes glanced quickly from side to side as he took in the fear and panic in the crowd of fighters. Seeing their expressions as he looked back at Stonewall was music to his ears. He continued to stand as the Ursa Minor had stepped in front of the neon green unicorn. Ready to protect it's master, while preparing to attack if necessary.

Spoiler

 

Edited August 9, 2021 by Dynamo Pad

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine

Thundy used his keen hearing and heard a voice, mentioning that dreaded "Drool Pad" name. Then...something worse happened, Thundy saw that he took notice of Bluebell. He growled. "Frick! He knows! I won't let that punk bring down my friend Dynamo." Thundy said to himself. He sent another relay to Chelsea

@ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @PawelS

Chelsea slowly recovered from her panting fit, but another thought from Thundy came. Her knees nearly gave way, causing her to lose her balance. Something was definately not right.