To the southeast, just north of the desert known as the Badlands, a pegasus mare covered in red clothing stood on top of one of the highest of the Macintosh Hills. (By the way I'm using the fan made Equestrian map that seems to be the most well known and accepted, I'm not just making these places up). "Hmm" her voice was very calm, composed, and smooth "I wonder if this tournament will actually be worth going to. From what my contacts have told me, this will be a most interesting series of fights." She held up her forehoof, looking at a small screen. "I don't think I can win from the stats of a couple of these competitors and these others have little to no record of any previous fights. These guys could be full of surprises, that'll make it all the more." The mare took off "watch out, world tournament, here comes Pyro!"
To the far north, past the Crystal Empire and in the cold, unforgiving mountains of the Frozen North a bear fell from high in the cloudy sky, causing a crater to be created in the snowy ground. Then a huge, muscular earth pony in a shining crimson leotard landed next to it. "I am sorry, friend, but there is somewhere I must be, I have no time to fight with you." His voice had a rich Spanish accent to it. "This tournament is full of strong opponents," he paused and looked to his side, seeing an ursa minor "hopefully stronger than you." He dashed right towards it without showing any fear, in fact he was only full of confidence and slight boredom.
To the southwest, in a prison in the San Palomino Desert, guards in heavy armor and armed with spears and swords were gathering in an empty courtyard. They sat there in silence, all waiting impatiently and uneasily for the prisoner that was attempting an escape. First they saw the heavy iron door get thrown off its hinges and land in front of them, following were five guards, all of which were knocked out cold. Then came the one they had all prepared for, a pegasus in a stripped orange and white prison uniform. "Look, I know you guys weren't trained to be real martial artists, but come on! Too easy!" He walked toward them all, calmly and confidently. All the guards charged him, stabbing and swinging at him. He grabbed at a couple of spears and broke them off, flipping back with the pieces in his hooves and kicking the other halves, knocking a few guards over. "You guys forgot who you're dealing with here, I'm the greatest street fighter that ever lived, the Scarlet Menace." His coat turned red and veins revealed themselves as he charged forward and in a whirlwind of swings knocked out all the guards, leaving only one standing. "Now tell me, is there anywhere I can go where I can face some real challengers?"
"We-well, there is a tournament in Canterlot. They s-say th-that this year i-is going to be different. The captain of the royal guard wi-wil be there."
"Interesting," he swung once more, breaking the guard's helmet and knocking him out.
In the north, in the Crystal Empire, Shining Armor himself was getting ready for this tournament. He'd heard all about the new challengers and looked forward to facing them. He'd been forced to enter by the public and did not want to enter at all at first but if he had refused to then he would've been seen as cowardly. Now he looked completely forward to it, he didn't care if he lost, just as long as he got to enjoy himself instead of breezing his way through all the thugs and untrained youngsters, thinking they were invincible. "This is going to be the best tournament that Equestria has ever seen, that the world has ever seen."
"I don't doubt that one bit," said a mare's voice behind him.
"Twili?" He turned around to see his favorite, not to mention, only, sister and gave her a hug. "What brings you here? Are you here to wish your brother good luck?"
"Yes, also I'm here to take you to the tournament," her tone turned dark "and to warn you."
"What about?" Shining Armor's expression changed from nonchalant to concerned and confused.
"They the Scarlet Menace is going to be there and that a couple of the fighters don't have records of them. They could be dangerous, especially one who just felt completely dark."
"And what do you want me to do? Back off? I can't. You know that."
"No, all we really want is for you not to push yourself too hard against these guys. Know when to quit." Though she tried to hide it, Shining Armor could clearly tell she was very worried.
"That's fair enough, I guess, but don't expect me to give up so easily."
"I know," Twilight brightened up a bit and gave he brother another hug "I am your sister after all."
"Thank you Twilight."
"You're welcome, now come on the tournament is about to begin."
