open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

"I wouldn't go that far in terms of a beatdown." Dynamo would say, before holding up a hoof. "Now I'm not defending them. I want them to regret what they've done, but I guess I just don't want to cause violence. My old teacher had taught me that if there was a dispute, then you solve it through games. He actually had an old saying of sole problems through games and not your fists. He usually had a no violence policy at the arcade he worked at. He was the type of pony that wanted to help Equestria to be better and safer. Feeling like video games can help bring others together." He explained, smiling slightly as he always appreciated the teachings of his teacher, Pinball Wizard.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad

"There are just sometimes where you gotta use your fists through. Sometimes, a running mouth needs to be shut...and a wallop across the jaw would do it." Thundy said looking at Dynamo...then sighing again. "There I go...letting my impure heart get the best of me...again." Thundy said putting his head down. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

"Maybe, but my teacher felt that violence was only necessary in certain situations. He did have to admit that using games as a way to settle things can only get you so far. Instead of a running mouth that needs to be shut, he would mention the saying of putting your money where your moth is. At least when it came to putting up with games or to stand down." He frowned as he saw Thundy had put his head down with a sigh. Walking over, he had placed a comforting hoof upon his shoulder. "I'm really sorry if I had said anything that brought up how you've been feeling, Thundy. I wasn't trying to say anything like that. I mean, is there a way for an impure heart to be purified?" He asks, wanting to do his best to help his friend.

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad

Thundy sat down and picked up Dynamo, placing him on his lap. "Dynamo...it's not as simple as you put it. It's all about the person with the impure heart. Look at Vegeta...he let himself become majin because of power. He was blinded by his jealousy and the fact he was a prince. Meanwhile, me, the anger of almost being abandoned by my parents because of this." Thundy said pointing to himself. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

As he watched Thundy sit down, Dynamo blinked in surprise as he was suddenly picked up. All before being placed upon the griffon's lap. As he sat, he listened as Thundy had explained what it meant to have an impure heart. "I guess there's more to it than just that. I mean, sure. I do remember what Vegeta had gone through in order to obtain power. I remember that fight he had with Goku all too well and how he tried to correct his mistakes." He says as the griffon pointed to himself when mentioning about his anger. "If you really feel that way, then would it work if you went to go see your parents again? I mean, is there a way to travel from here to earth? I know it might be a bit of a long shot and all. Even so, maybe there can be a time to let them know how you feel like how Vegeta let Goku how he felt. I'm not sure if it would work or not, but I feel it's better to try. It's like the old saying of better to try than to not at all, right?" He asks, giving his griffon friend a hopeful expression.

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad

"Gah, you know part of me would want to see them again and show them that I am not a monster. They never apologized for what they said, and they owe me that." Thundy stated starting to stroke Dynamo's mane. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

"I at least think that they should have a moment for you and your parents to sit down and talk about everything. They should at least explain why they acted the way they acted. I admit that it's not right for one to call or treat anyone like a monster. Just because of something that was out of their control." He explained, remembering how Thundy mentioned in how he turned into a griffon. "Hopefully they can apologize and at least explain themselves." He would say as he felt Thundy had begun to stroke his mane. The gaming unicorn had to admit that he was feeling nervous about bringing something up to the griffon. However, he felt it was necessary to talk about. Considering how he had mentioned about Vegeta only moments ago. "I-I hope it's okay for me to say something." He started, trying to find the right words to say, as well as the courage to speak.

"I know how you don't like those three, but I was wondering something. Y-You don't...have any l-lack of trust in my, d-do you?" He asks, taking a moment, before continuing. "I-it's just...when Frozen spoke, he has that way of getting to someone. Most if not all the time, he's very accurate with his eyes. As much as I hate to admit that he was right. I was a little worried in terms of trust against you, Thundy. The reason was that at times, I thought that you and Cosmic were somewhat similar." Before he continued, he waved his hooves in front of him to stop the griffon from assuming anything. "Please don't misunderstand. I'm not saying that you and him are one in the same." He placed his front hooves down as he let out a sigh. "I guess I was just worried and concerned. There were moments that happened between us that reminded me of Cosmic. One example being that time we were all going back to the real world or staying in the video game to complete said game. When we had that talk and you told me I was trying to do things on my own. I-I had to admit that it h-hurt me. I honestly thought that I was being selfish and wanted to do things on my own. However, I just wanted to work together with everyone, while you had gone off to fight the enemies that stood in our way." He explained, while making sure he had his thoughts together.

"I wasn't sure why you said what you said. I guess I just felt responsible for getting everyone trapped within the game. I wanted to do all that I could in order to get everyone out. Considering I was the one that touched the helmet. That, and I was worried that if we lost all our lives to the bosses, then we might not have been able to go back to Friendshire. It's why I wanted to see if you and I, along with the others, could work together. That way, we wouldn't need to proceed with caution, while finding the best way to beat the level. It's why I got all bent out of shape when I thought I had lost you and the others. I lost someone very important to me once and I didn't want to ever go through that again. The moment I thought I lost you guys in the game. Especially with what happened today, I-I felt like I was going to lose everything that was important to me." He says, trembling slightly as seeing everyone fall in the game was painful for Dynamo to watch. 

"One other thing that had happened was when we were helping everyone from the wreckage after the war for Friendshire. I know it might sound childish or ridiculous, but I guess I was upset when you said the tendril powers I had were scary. I admit that they were powers that I didn't know I had when using the belt. However, it was only because Cosmic and the others had said things in regards to my horn being ugly. Times that they thought my horn was a curse and others would be too if I got near them. Of course, that was when we were all young colts. Even so, I guess I was just upset as I wanted to help you and Bluebell with saving those from the wreckage. I felt as if I wasn't doing my part and I wanted to do the best I could. The only other thing was when Chelsea had sensed an energy signal and wanted us to follow her. I remember mentioning that we needed to save the other citizens first, before going to that signal. However, I felt really bad when I thought I saw a look of hurt or disappointment in Chelsea's eyes. I felt like I was ruining her discovery, but it's more to it than that. When we went and found Trilby the next day, I think I was putting two and two together. What if Trilby was the one that Chelsea had sensed. If that's true, then I feel really guilty. We probably could have saved him sooner instead of almost losing a friend." He gritted his teeth as he felt guilt well up within his heart. "I-I'm really sorry, Thundy. I wasn't trying to compare you to Cosmic in any way whatsoever. After talking about this with you, however, I did happen to notice something." He looked up to the griffon's gaze as he wanted to show him that he was telling the truth. 

"You and him are not the same. You at least can be kind and considerate of those you care about, while he's all getting what he wants. I guess I was just worried as I went through a lot growing up due to bullying. I was afraid of going through similar things again and I became hesitant of the friendship we had. I'm really sorry if I ever acted doubtful of you, Thundy. I know that you and Cosmic aren't the same after all the things you and the others had said to me previously. I just hope you can find it in you to forgive me for how I've been feeling and/or acting." After letting out his feelings to Thundy, Dynamo had closed his eyes and looked away slightly. Worrying if what he had said would cause the griffon to hate the gaming unicorn. 

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad

Thundy simply sighed, for he was a griffon who had an eye for things. I take opportunities when I see them. It may be selfish, but it benefits in the long run. Yes, I know you wanted to help, and I'm so sorry if it hurt when  I said that you looked scary. I wanted to make sure the foals wouldn't get scared by you. That was looking out for others. The point is Dynamo, we all think and see things differently. Sometimes, you just gotta let it happen because it may be something very valuable." Thundy said. 

[Samurai Equine 52,081]

It looked as if things were settling down. Samurai can sigh in relief a little bit. "Well I'm not fully sure what happened here, but it looks like everything worked out in the end. Now, if you'll excuse me, I still have some personal business to attend to..." With a nod, Starlight walks away from the group, glad that Dynamo was able to work things out with his friends. She even gives him a passing wave.

@Kronos the Revenant

Suddenly, Samurai jumps. "Eh! Yabe! Kronos-san? When did you get here?" Samurai also asks. What a wild day this has been!

@Ragland Tiger, @Dynamo Pad

Samurai blushes deeply and gives a startled gasp when he sees Bluebell and Dynamo kiss! Even his ears are burning. He tries to cover up the scene so no one else can see it. "Maybe you two should save that for when you're in private?" Samurai says, his heart beating extra fast.

@ExplosionMare

Samurai was glad that Sparkly was here to offer Dynamo some support as well. He'll have to thank her some time later.

@Courageous Thunder Dash, @Dynamo Pad

At first it seemed like Thundy wanted to be left behind. Neither Samurai nor Final looked like they wanted to just leave him alone. Thankfully, Dynamo was helping him out. He gives Thundy and Dynamo the room they need to have a heart-to-heart. "Hmm... I still need to ask about something, but I guess it can wait..." Samurai mumbles to himself, nodding. For now, he'll stick with the group.

Edited August 30, 2021 by Samurai Equine

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

Dynamo had winced as he heard the griffon sigh, but slowly opened an eye as he heard the griffon speak. He didn't sound angry, but it sounded like he understood the unicorn's worries. "I wouldn't say that you were being selfish. It's probably how you do things when it came to video games, fighting or anything along those lines in general.  I guess it might have worked if we rearranged team leaders and such to get to certain levels. With everything going on in the game, it felt like there wasn't much time to waste to figure things out." Dynamo noted, before continuing. "I guess it would make sense in not trying to worry the foals or any lost or injured civilians. I guess I was discovering more of what the belt could do that I wanted to help the best way that I could. With the person I turned into on that day, I remember how he is when he was a hero. His idea of a hero is to save those, while having a smile on your face. Even if you're afraid, letting others see that smile is a way to lessen their fear. In a way, it's pretty inspiring, in my opinion. Even if the power that was being used was possibly scary, just letting them know that everything would be okay could possibly be reassuring." He explained, remembering that he was mostly helping Bluebell and the others out of the wreckage, while the group was rescuing anyone who was hurt that day. As he listened to what Thundy had said, Dynamo had nodded as he felt that he could understand. "You make a really good point, Thundy. That, and I think I get what you're trying to say. We all can't see eye to eye on the same thing because then things would be boring. I guess it's always good to be different as we all have opinions for debates or discussions. I guess when you say that you got to let it happen, then it sounds like the saying some things happen for a reason." He wasn't sure if he was on the right track, but he hoped that it could be explained if he was wrong.

"H-Hey, Thundy? Y-You're not mad, upset or d-disappointed about what I was talking about before, w-were you?" He asks as he was worried about bringing everything up. He knew now that both Cosmic and Thundy were never the same, but he still wanted to talk about it. With how the griffon had spoke, he was honestly surprised by his actions.

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad

”Mad? Upset? Of course not! Tension and disagreement may happen but it’s not the end of the world. Friendships can be tough to hold on to because friends think differently. Dynamo, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: friendship is always worth the fight no matter how many times you disagree or argue.” Thundy affirmed holding Dynamo close, rubbing his back. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

As he was held close by the griffon, Dynamo's jaw dropped in disbelief as to what he had heard. Seeing that the griffon was very understanding had caught the unicorn off guard. "I-I remember hearing something like that before. After everything that was said by you and the others, what you're saying now makes perfect sense." He would say as felt the griffon was rubbing his back. "Still, I-I'm really sorry for how I was acting. I never really had any friends growing up. There's a reason, but I'll explain after the tournament is over." He explained, not wanting to mention that Cosmic and the others were involved. Given how Thundy's reactions were to the trio, he didn't want to make his friend feel angry. "I'm also sorry about everything that had happened in the game world. I know it might sound random or odd to say, but I guess I was jealous. With all of your abilities in terms of games, you're pretty awesome. There are even some abilities that I hadn't even seen before like the power binding." He smiled as he recalled the different kinds of powers that the griffon had possessed. Even as he thought, a sudden frown had appeared to take the smiles place. "Even though I still say that your abilities are pretty awesome. There was one thing that I really wanted to ask. Do you remember when you saw me staring off into space earlier?" He asks, remembering the moment he had heard Thundy's voice of concern. "I know it might sound strange, but I was talking to some internal voice. I think it might be the same voice that I heard, while in the game. I know I received my answer, but I still felt it was important to ask you."

He took a deep breath as he prepared himself with his question. "Every time I saw you do extraordinary things in regards to games. I can't help, but think that maybe you were the one who was worthy to wield the Game Driver and the Gamer Code. Was what Frozen and Cosmic said were correct? Was I just a factory recall, while you were meant to be the real one? That I was just a...m-mistake?" He knew that he said he wouldn't mention Cosmic or the other's to Thundy. However, he still wanted to ask to see what the griffon had thought. "I mean, what makes me different from you when I was chosen by the game or code to have the belt and Gamer Code?"

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad

The pieces were put together in Thundy’s head. He knew that there was something in Dynamo’s mind that guided him. “Dynamo…that voice you hear…listen to it. If it followed you out the game, it must have a purpose. Yes, I have my memories, and they speak to me. Now, you must let this voice guide you. See though, like I did in the game. Remember the first boss in the game? Elusive, how she used her speakers as a weapon? Remember how I created that field to spring that bout of harsh feedback? That’s what it id Dynamo. Seeing through when there seems to be no way out.” Thundy explained. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

As he listened to the griffon's explanation, Dynamo had wondered if what he said had made sense. "I know you said that your memories are what power the abilities you possess. I wonder if it's just the voice of that particular game, or if it's something more. I know it might be a bit of a stretch, but I wonder if that voice is really the game code talking to me." He knew it was a guess, but he still didn't want to assume. "I seem to recall. It was how we were able to destroy Elusive's vehicle and cause feedback that ruined the speakers. If what you said is true, then how? I mean, what makes us different to where the code and belt had deemed me worthy? If you ask me, then I can imagine you or anyone else could be more worthy. Especially since you're able to do things that even I don't know much about, or haven't seen before." He wasn't trying to put himself down. Even though he had talked to that internal voice, he still wondered what made him different from Thundy to receive the belt and code.

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad

"Maybe the spirit or being saw something in you that you don't see in yourself." Thundy simply replied. If you spend your time bringing yourself down, then you may miss the real truth, why the code chose you, like in some scenes of pokemon, how some of the pokemon chose their trainer, rather than the trainer choosing the pokemon." Thundy explained still holding Dynamo close. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

As he listened to Thundy's response, Dynamo had let his words sink in. Given everything that had happened since he had encountered the voice, maybe this was what the spirit or being was trying to tell him. "I...I think you might be right and/or onto something there, Thundy. With how Cosmic and the others had tried to bring me down, I guess I always had missed the real truth. Just like when I missed the real truth when it came to our previous discussion. I guess I let those bullies get to me so much that I lost something within myself." He explained, nodding at the example about Pokemon. "You can say that again. It's always a special connection when it comes to a Pokemon choosing their trainer. Just like a special bond being formed, or something like that." He would say as he felt the griffon continuing to hold him close. "You know? I think I realized something. Maybe we are able to do some things that are similar, but we're still different. For example, I'm able to do certain characters from an anime video game like My Hero Academia, while you're able to do power binding in terms of cards. I guess there are some things I can do when it comes to the belt, while you're able to as much as your memory allows you. What do you think?" He asks, thinking that they weren't as similar in abilities as he thought they were. All the while, wrapping his arms around Thundy as he returned the embrace.

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad

"Yes, it's true. But everyday I make new memories and the possibilities keep growing. But I know someday Dynamo, you may not even need that belt anymore. You may just become like me, relying on all your memories to wield your abilities." Thundy said nuzzling Dynamo with his beak. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

"That's true when you put it that way. The same can be said for me when it comes to playing different games. The possibilities for different abilities keeps expanding to greater heights." He smiled, while wondering if he might not need the belt at some point. "I mean, it's a possibility, but I'm not entirely sure. I know that I didn't need the belt to do that spin dash during the Friendshire war. I know it sounds weird, but I guess I just needed to be faster to save that crying, lost child. After that, I somehow rushed over and saved the child from the cragadile. I don't know the exact reason as to how I did that, but maybe your theory might have some merit. I'm not sure if I might become like you in terms of using memories. However, I guess the only way we'll know is to continue heading down this path." He says, chuckling as the griffon has used his beak to nuzzle the gaming unicorn. "So, what do you say, my friend? Do you think we should start making our way back towards the others. I don't think it would be a good idea if we made them worry that we haven't made it back yet."

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine 

"Sure thing bro. Let's head on back." Thundy said as he got up holding Dynamo close. He gathered some electricity. "Here we go. Close your eyes." He said as he charged a teleportation. He disappeared with a poof holding Dynamo. He then reappeared in the fighter's area still holding Dynamo. He then gently put him down on the ground and patted his head. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

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

Dynamo smiled softly as he Thundy had called him his brother. While things had been off to a rocky start. Considering what had happened with his encounter with Cosmic and the others. Dynamo was truly happy and thankful to have amazing friends and loved ones he has met since coming to Friendshire. As the griffon stood back up, Dynamo felt himself being lifted up. Nodding, he closed his eyes as Thundy charged up his electricity. As he stayed close to his friend, the two had disappeared in a poof, before reappearing near the fighter's area. As he was gently placed down, Dynamo felt a tingle running up and down his spine. It seemed the teleportation due to electricity had caused some static. "I don't think I'll ever get used to travel by electricity, but it was worth it." He chuckled, shaking as he tried to get his mane to not stand on end. "Thanks for the help bro and thank you for the talk. I think I really needed to hear that from you, as well as the others." He would say, looking around for the others as he felt Thundy pat his head. "Speaking of the others, I hope that they're okay. I thought we were going to teleport to their location, but I guess they might be close. Especially since we arrived near the fighter's area."

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

"Well, we must stay alert, for either one of us could be fighting next. Prepare yourself Dynamo, it's time to get your head back into the game." Thundy said sort of sounding like Ike from the Fire Emblem series 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

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

Hearing that one of them might be fighting next had made Dynamo feel a bit uneasy. He still hadn't forgotten what had happened before with Cosmic and the crowd. Even though the two were standing outside the fighting arena, while waiting for the others to make it back. The gaming unicorn couldn't help himself into feeling nervousness getting to him. "Y-You can say that again, T-Thundy. I-I guess I'm not just nervous about who I might be facing, but also in regards to facing the crowd." He wasn't sure if the crowd knew that Cosmic and the others were lying, or if they believed their story and painted Dynamo in a new light. To be perfectly honest, he wanted to try and just leave the area. Just so he didn't have to face the crowd or their judging eyes and opinions. However, he stopped as he remembered what had been said to him earlier by his friends. 'Friends.' He thought as the word itself almost felt foreign to him. For so long he wished to have those that would accept him and be there for him no matter what. Now that he finally had those he could call friends, it was as if he could feel a bit of courage welling up in his heart. 

"I-I'm not going to lie to you, bro. I-I'm still scared of what might happen in regards to Cosmic, his team, the crowd and even the town. I know that I'm scared, but I still have to try and do my best. I now know that I'm not alone anymore. Even if the crowd may be against me, then I know that Bluebell, Sam, you and everyone else has my back. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't think I need a crowd to know that I've got those that have my back. Just the same way that I'll always have your back, as well as the others." He felt nervous, but he looked at Thundy as he flashed the griffon a somewhat shaky smile. Whatever happened next when he reenters the arena, he'd do his best with his friends by his side.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @Starforce @Kronos the Revenant @PawelS @Ragland Tiger

"Don't worry. Chelsea can fix the crowd. Just focus on the fight my friend. Please don't let yourself fall into a pit again..." Thundy said looking at Dynamo with a concerned look on his face. He hoped that Dynamo could really push through. 

 

[Samurai Equine 52,081]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

Samurai is just walking with the group, when he notices Thundy quickly disappearing with Dynamo, leaving him and everoyne else behind. "OI! Don't just do whatever you want like that! We're still here!!" Samurai begins to run, leaving FInal, Sparkly, Pencil, Chlesea, and the rest behind. "Wait for us!! I haven't even found out what Kyubiki Tenchu is!! THUNDY!!!" Samurai calls out, though he won't be heard. Seems despite all his attempts to help others, today is just not Samurai's day...

@Starforce

On this day, the mystery pony will find most are preoccupied with something. Hardly any of the citizens are out and about. And while there is many directions to go, the main roads will lead to the town square. At this town square is a large building, where a tournament is being advertised. There is also road maps marking out the majority of the town and it's sights. An aquarium, a nature preserve, library, the town's local government building, an arcade, lots of different housing districts, stores of all kinds, etc. This is where the mystery pony can either buy a ticket for the main event today, or choose to explore a different part of the town.

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

[Short Time Skip!]

It isn't long before the preliminaries are over. Which means, the finals are about to begin!

The area where the finals are happening is much different than where the preliminaries were being held.

First, the arena is MUCH bigger! It isn't locked behind a cage, and it's all happening out doors like a traditional fighting tournament. So no roof over anyone's head.
Second, the spectators who were watching on monitors before can now move to these stands that wrap around the parameter of the arena. Anyone who paid a ticket to the event can finally watch it up-close and personal.
Third, there is a backstage area just for the fighters. It has a room where fighters can rest and relax, a room for snacking and such, a medical room, and a room where fighters can get in some last-minute training or preparing. This backstage area is where they will stay until it's their turn to fight.
Fourth, there seems to be a special booth somewhere between the ring and the spectators, and it has room for three. Someone is all ready sitting there, and it's Elusive Facts the news mare.
Finally, in every corner outside the arena, hugging the walls that keep the spectators back, a few members of tournament staff.

Final takes his seat next to Chelsea, Bluebell, Tree, Nopony, Sparkly (?), and Pencil. "I can't wait! I almost wish I had signed up as a fighter, but if I did that now, I'd just be creating a temporal paradox. So, too late now." Final explains. Meanwhile, a hooded stranger sits by himself. Not too far from the group of friends, but not too close either. He is wearing a hooded cloak, and yet to Chelsea, Sparkly, and Final; this spectator has an air of familiarity~.

With a cheer of the crowd, a sharply-dressed pony steps into the center of the arena, and speaks into a microphone. "Welcome one and all to the finals of the first ever FRIENDSHIRE GRAND FIGHTING TOURNAMENT! Sorry to keep you all waiting everypony, but the attraction you all came here for is moments away from beginning. My name is Straightaway Fairplay. Unlike the preliminaries, this time there will be THREE judges. I will be the first, the second is the lovely Ms. Elusive Facts, and the third is a mystery guest that will be joining us soon. But first, allow me to reiterate the rules of this tournament. THE RULES are as follows... 1) No fighting outside the arenas. Wait your turn to fight in the ring; any other non-sanctioned fights will be grounds for disqualification 2) No killing, amputating, maiming, dismembering, or any form of overly egregious bodily harm. This is a civilized fighting event, and failure to comply with this rule could be punishable beyond simple disqualification. 3) Only mele weapons are allowed. Even with this exception, we are trying to honor the spirit of traditional hoof-to-hoof combat. 4) No outside interference! If you are caught siphoning magic from spectators, sneaking in other fighters into the ring, forcing spectators into the ring, or bringing in anyone that was not approved before hand; you will be disqualified. 5) You are only allowed to fight you assigned opponent during a match. Endangering spectators, staff, or fighters on standby will result in immediate disqualification. And finally, 6) Don't destroy tournament property. Minimal damage to the arena is expected, but not at the cost of fair play, and complete arena destruction is forbidden. Likewise, do no make any attempt to destroy the spectator stands nor the tournament building itself."

Straightway catches his breath. "In a moment, we'll go over the match ups. For now, I want to direct the attention of the fighters and you the audience to the four inner corners. Here at this tournament, we have staff members of all kind. Pegasi, earth ponies, and unicorns. All of which are strong and capable of breaking things up and enforcing tournament rules, if necessary. Backstage, we have the best medical staff this town can provide. We are trying to prevent any server medical mishaps, but if it becomes necessary, we are ready and willing to provide aid for any of your medical needs. And now, fillies and gentlecolts, I want you all to give a roaring welcome to our third judge as he gives us a speech to help us properly start this event off!" Straightaway makes room from the third judge, who is about to appear.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

While Straightaway talks about the rules, it seems that there are 16 fighters gathered backstage, mostly gathered close to door that leads to the arena. Half of them know each other, but the other half don't. There's Samurai, Thundy, Dynamo, Kronos, Cosmic, Cheap, Frozen, Sledge Hoof, a reformed changeling, a pegasus, a yak, a diamond dog, a goat, a zebra, a giant spider of some kind, and some kind of andromorphic duck with water as some of its anatomy. While they wait, Sledge Hoof steps up to Dynamo.

"Excuse me, Mr. Dynamo sir? Name's Sledge Hoof. I sures am glad your victory was enough ta brings youze here. Anyways, I knows youze dunno me, but I'm one of those fighters in this here tournament. I'm also the head of the Friendshire construction team. And, well... I just wants ta say, on behalf of Friendshire and alls the fighters what witnessed that big hoopla earlier, we alls just wanna say... Sorry for doubtin' ya." The construction pony gives a bow. "We's was wrong ta be doubtin' ya like that. We should'a know better. There was a LOTTA fighters that was regrettin' them lies and everythin' that Wrath was feedin' us oilier. You protected this town when we needed ya'. We won't evah doubts youze again, see? And good luck out there." Sledge Hoof offers a hoof shake. Samurai smiles a little for Dynamo, glad everything is working out for him so far.

Edited September 1, 2021 by Samurai Equine

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare @Starforce @PawelS @Ragland Tiger

Thundy was right there, waiting with Dynamo. He heard one of the fighters chatting with Dynamo, saying his apologies. Thundy let out a sigh of relief. "Boy am I glad that things are resolved. Would ya look at that Dynamo, looks like you got even more support." Thundy said with a smile. 

Meanwhile Chelsea had sat down in the spectators area, eagerly waiting for the fights to be announced.