//------------------------------// // Chapter 20: Farewell // Story: Yu-Gi-Oh! Equus X Zexal // by moviemaster8510 //------------------------------// Alex vs. Yuma ================================================================================ “I'll take the first turn,” spoke Alex, placing his fingers upon the top of his deck. “Go for it, Alex!” encouraged Yuma. “Be sure to give it your very all!” “Then I won't disappoint.” ================================================================================ Alex's Turn: Alex activates Hieratic Seal of Supremacy, special summoning a Hieratic monster from his hand, choosing Hieratic Seal of the Dragon King (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Next, Alex activates Dragon Hatchling, which becomes a Dragon-type monster with the same level of a Dragon-type monster that he controls (6). Alex overlays Hieratic Seal of the Dragon King and Dragon Hatchling to xyz summon Jade Wyvern (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2100). Alex sets one monster. Alex ends his turn. Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0 *************************************************** “Amazing,” observed Astral, “he summoned his Stone of Equus monster on his first turn. Alex really wants to give us a good fight.” “Of course,” spoke Yuma. “And I'll be sure to give him one too. Ready, Alex? 'Cause here I come! Kattobingu-da, ore!” *************************************************** Yuma's Turn: Yuma summons Goblindbergh (ATK: 1400 DEF: 0). When Yuma normal summons Goblindbergh, he can special summon a level 4 or lower monster from his hand, choosing Gogogo Golem (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1500). Yuma overlays Goblindbergh and Gogogo Golem to xyz summon Number 39: Utopia (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000). Yuma attacks Jade Wyvern with Number 39: Utopia, but Alex activates Jade Wyvern's effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, Alex can prevent the destruction of one of his monsters by battle, choosing Jade Wyvern. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 39: Utopia is not destroyed. Yuma places two cards face down and ends his turn. Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2 *************************************************** So this is how it's going to be, huh? thought Alex. Since his monster can only be destroyed by other Numbers, he can continue attacking Jade Wyvern without fear of Utopia's destruction. I don't have enough xyz materials to have Jade Wyvern last much longer, so I need to find a way to protect him. Hopefully, my next draw can determine something for me. “Alex!” shouted Yuma, breaking his friend out of his concentration. “Both of our monsters are out. Show me your kattobing and take me on!” “Alright,” called back Alex, “you asked for it!” *************************************************** Alex's Turn: Alex flip summons Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb (ATK: 1800 DEF: 400). Alex then tributes Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb to summon Dragunity Arma Mystletainn (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1500). When Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb is tributed, Alex can special summon a Hieratic normal monster from his hand, deck, or graveyard, choosing Hieratic Seal of the Dragon King in his graveyard. Alex overlays Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon King and Dragunity Arma Mystletainn to xyz summon Hieratic Dragon King of Atum (ATK: 2400 DEF: 2100). ================================================================================ “Awesome!” declared Yuma. “Another xyz summon on your next turn! Eee! This is great, Alex!” “Hold on to your horses, Yuma, pun fully intended,” spoke Alex, “I'm far from done!” ================================================================================ Alex activates Xyz Treasure, drawing a card for each xyz monster on the field (3). Alex then activates Hieratic Dragon King of Atum's effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, he can special summon a Dragon-type monster from his hand, deck, or graveyard and make its ATK and DEF 0, choosing Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit from his deck (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1400) (ATK: 2100 -> 0, DEF: 1400 -> 0). Alex then tributes Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit to special summon Hieratic Dragon of Su from his hand (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1000). When Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit is tributed, Alex can special summon a Hieratic normal monster from his hand, deck, or graveyard, choosing Hieratic Seal of the Dragon King in his graveyard. Alex overlays Hieratic Seal of the Dragon King and Hieratic Dragon of Su to xyz summon Tourmaline Griffon (ATK: 2300 DEF: 2200). ================================================================================ “No way,” gasped Kite, from the sidelines. “Two xyz summons in one turn!” spoke Shark. “Go, Alex!” cheered Twilight. “You can do it!” called Tom in his best Rob Schneider impression. The crystal ponies cheered at Alex's complex, but fruitful move. But Alex's confident smirk could only mean that he still had more to give. ================================================================================ Alex activates Dragon Mastery, allowing him to equip a Dragon-type Dragunity monster to a monster he controls from his hand, equipping Dragunity Brandistock onto Jade Wyvern. With Dragon Mastery's effect, a monster equipped with a Dragunity monster has its ATK increased by 500 (ATK: 2500 -> 3000). Alex attacks Number 39: Utopia with Jade Wyvern, but Yuma activates Overlay Buster, increasing the ATK of an xyz monster that he controls by 500 during the battle phase (ATK: 2500 -> 3000). Alex activates Jade Wyvern's effect, detaching its last xyz material to prevent the destruction of one monster that he controls by battle, choosing Jade Wyvern. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 39: Utopia is not destroyed. Number 39: Utopia's ATK returns to normal (ATK: 3000 -> 2500). Alex places one card face down and ends his turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-1 *************************************************** Alex panted from the energy he exerted from his previous move. Despite not landing any damage towards Yuma, as well as losing Jade Wyvern's last xyz material, he couldn't fight the smile forming upon his face. “Well,” spoke Alex finally, “I can certainly see why Twilight had such an enjoyable time dueling you.” “Huh?” questioned Yuma. “There's something about your energy, your skills, your drive to fight on. It just beckons the other player to fight just as hard, if not harder.” “Of course,” responded Yuma. “That's exactly what kattobing is supposed to feel like. The only way we can transfer our feelings to each other while dueling is to give the best fight that you possibly can. And the harder we fight, the stronger the kattobing becomes, and the stronger the kattobing, the stronger our bonds with our friends become!” Alex gasped, impressed by Yuma's insight, but retained his smirk soon after. “It's so true.” Yuma and Astral looked towards Alex, ready to hear him explain himself. “Before I dueled Kite, there was an air of hostility between us. However, after we dueled, I could finally feel our camaraderie. I could also see the same thing happen when you dueled Twilight and Shining Armor and Cadance.” Shining Armor and Cadance smiled at the memory of their duel. “The way that Cadance's urge to fight was restored through your duel, there's no mistaking it: it's your spirit– no, our spirits that light the fires of passion within the duelists we face.” “Alex,” sighed Twilight, touched by the truth in Alex's statement. Yuma and Astral couldn't help but smile at Alex's words. “Oh,” cried Cadance, wiping the tears forming in her eyes with her hoof, “I'm going to miss him so much!” Yuma glanced at Cadance, glad to see how much he meant to her. “Now,” concluded Alex, “Yuma, show me your burning passion! Show me a duel worthy of being before the Stones of Equus!” “Hehe,” giggled Yuma, placing his hand on his deck, “that's exactly what I want to do.” *************************************************** Yuma's Turn: Yuma attacks Jade Wyvern with Number 39: Utopia, but Yuma activates Number 39: Utopia's effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, Yuma can negate a monster's attack, negating Number 39: Utopia's attack. Yuma then activates the quick-play spell Double or Nothing! from his hand, doubling the ATK of a monster whose attack was negated and allowing it to attack again, choosing Number 39: Utopia (ATK: 2500 -> 5000). Yuma attacks Jade Wyvern again with Number 39: Utopia. Alex's Life Points: 4000 -> 2000 Alex activates Card of Last Will, drawing five cards when a monster of his is destroyed by battle. During the end of the battle phase, Number 39: Utopia Ray's ATK returns to normal (ATK: 5000 -> 2500). Yuma summons Gogogo Giant (ATK: 2000 DEF: 0). When Gogogo Giant is normal summoned, Yuma can special summon Gogogo Golem from his graveyard in defense position and then switch Gogogo Giant into defense position. Yuma overlays Gogogo Golem and Gogogo Giant to xyz summon Gagaga Cowboy in defense position (ATK: 1500 DEF: 2400). Yuma activates Gagaga Cowboy's effect. By detaching one xyz material from it while it's in defense position, Yuma can inflict 800 points of damage to his opponent. Alex's Life Points: 2000 -> 1200 Yuma ends his turn. Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1 *************************************************** “Eeeeee!” squealed Yuma, before launching into a backflip. “Yahha! I took down Jade Wyvern! Did everyone see that? How great was that?” Yuma began running around backwards in a circle, giggling and whooping simultaneously. Twilight and Cadance couldn't help but giggle at Yuma's celebratory movements. Kite and Shark smiled respectfully, having realized what a good move Yuma had made. Alex, who was floored from the succession of damage, finally sat up. Sitting into an Indian position, he looked at his replenished hand. Yuma, thought Alex. You really are a strong duelist. You never fail to find new ways to surprise me every time you duel. However, I'm not going to let your kattobing die in vain if you win this duel without taking any damage. I'm definitely going to get you this turn. Just you wait. Alex hopped off his rump and landed crouched on his feet before standing tall. “Yuma!” called Alex. “You may have inflicted some huge damage just now, but now, it's my turn to strike.” “Alright.” called Yuma, “Go for it, Alex!” Alex smiled as his fingers were placed upon his deck. *************************************************** Alex's Turn: Alex activates Hieratic Dragon King of Atum's effect, detaching its last xyz material to special summon a Dragon-type monster from his hand, deck, or graveyard and make its ATK 0, choosing Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord from his deck (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Alex then normal summons Hieratic Dragon of Eset with no tributes with its effect, making its ATK 1000 (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1200) (ATK: 1900 -> 1000). Alex activates Hieratic Dragon of Eset's effect, making the levels of all Hieratic monsters on the field the same as a Dragon-type normal monster that he controls, choosing Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord (Lvl.: 5 -> 8). ================================================================================ “Here it comes!” shouted Tom excitedly. ================================================================================ Alex overlays Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord and Hieratic Dragon of Eset to xyz summon Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2400). ================================================================================ “Woah!” exclaimed Yuma. “I've never seen this monster before!” “Yuma,” spoke Astral. “Let's be careful. This monster looks very powerful.” “Yeah!” “Just a little something for our climactic duel with each other,” said Alex. “Let's see you stand up to its might!” ================================================================================ Alex activates Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis' effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, he can tribute any monsters from his field and/or hand and destroy that many monsters on the field, tributing Hieratic Dragon King of Atum on his field to destroy Yuma's face down card. Alex then activates Space Cyclone, detaching an xyz material from Number 39: Utopia. Next, Alex activates the effect of Dragon Mastery, equipping a monster that he controls with a Dragon-type Dragunity monster from his hand, equipping Dragunity Pilum onto Tourmaline Griffon (ATK: 2300 -> 2800). Alex attacks Number 39: Utopia with Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis, but Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, so Number 39: Utopia isn't destroyed. Battle damage is applied normally. Yuma's Life Points: 4000 -> 3500 Alex then activates Dragunity Pilum's effect, allowing the monster that's equipped with it to attack the opponent directly while halving the battle damage. Alex attacks Yuma directly with Tourmaline Griffon. Yuma special summons Gagaga Gardna from his hand with its effect, as his opponent's monster declared a direct attack (ATK: 1500 DEF: 2000). Since Yuma is still the target of the attack, the attack still hits him. Yuma's Life Points: 3500 -> 2100 Alex places two cards face down and ends his turn. Status: Hand-1 Life-1200 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2 *************************************************** “Interesting,” mused Alex aloud over Gagaga Gardna. “No doubt he's going for another xyz summon. Let's see how that goes...” *************************************************** Yuma's Turn: Yuma activates his own Xyz Treasure, drawing cards for each xyz monster on the field (4). Yuma summons Gagaga Magician (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000). When Yuma normal summons a level four monster, he can special summon Kagetokage from his hand (ATK: 1100 DEF: 1500). Yuma overlays Gagaga Magician, Kagetokage, and Gagaga Gardna to xyz summon One-Eyed Skill Gainer (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2600). Yuma activates One-Eyed Skill Gainer's effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, he can gain the the name and effects of an opponent's monster, choosing Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis. Yuma then activates Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis' effect through One-Eyed Skill Gainer, detaching an xyz material to tribute any number of monster cards from his hand or field to destroy that many cards on the field. Yuma tributes the Stinging Swordsman and Overlay Eater in his hand to destroy Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord and Tourmaline Griffon, but Alex activates Utopian Aura, detaching an xyz material from a monster he controls (Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis) to prevent the destruction of xyz monsters he controls by card effects until the end phase. Yuma then activates the effect of Overlay Eater in his graveyard, banishing it to to detach an xyz material from a monster his opponent controls and attach it to an xyz monster that he controls, detaching an xyz material from Tourmaline Griffon and attaching it to Number 39: Utopia. Yuma then activates Gagaga Cowboy's effect, detaching its last xyz material from it to inflict 800 points of damage to his opponent when its in defense position. Alex's Life Points: 1200 -> 400 Yuma ends his turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-2100 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-0 *************************************************** “Now,” called Yuma, “call out Shining Platinum Dragon!” Alex was shocked by his statement. He normally reserved Shining Platinum Dragon as a last and usually surefire resort to defeat his opponents, but Yuma was eager for it to be summoned. “What?” asked Alex, still unsure by the meaning of his decision. “You heard me. I won't accept a duel against the Stones of Equus without you summoning Shining Platinum Dragon. Now, come on! I want to see it come out!” Astral was also surprised to hear Yuma so eager to see Alex's true ace in all of its powerful glory, but Astral could feel the fire burn from inside his companion. Astral merely gazed at Alex and gave him a confident smile that pressured Alex to bring Shining Platinum Dragon forward. Alex looked to the crowd, only to find that Yuma's enthusiasm to see Alex's monster spread throughout the ponies and his friends like a plague. Their eager smiles and restless bobbing was evident enough that they were dying to see Shining Platinum Dragon's summoning as Yuma was. With his hands tied, Alex gave another trademark smirk. “Alright,” he responded, putting his fingers at the top of his deck. “Just remember that you asked for it. My turn!” he shouted, drawing a card. “Draw!” Alex looked at the card. “First, let's clear the field of your other monsters. This is going to be between Utopia and I.” *************************************************** Alex's Turn: Alex activates Fissure, destroying an opponents monster on the field with the lowest ATK, choosing Gagaga Cowboy. Alex activates his face down Xyz Soul, targeting an xyz monster in either player's graveyards, choosing Jade Wyvern, and increasing the ATK of all monsters that he currently controls by the rank of the targeted monster times 200 until the end phase (6 x 200 = 1200, ATK: 2800 -> 4000) (ATK: 3000 -> 4200). Then, Alex can shuffle that monster back into the owner's extra deck. Alex activates Tourmaline Griffon's effect. By detaching one xyz material from it (its last), Alex can special summon a monster from his extra deck that has already been summoned during the duel, choosing Jade Wyvern. Because his life points are below 500, Alex overlays Jade Wyvern and Tourmaline Griffon to xyz summon Shining Platinum Dragon (ATK: 3500 DEF: 2500). ================================================================================ With the white-and-green dragon finally on the field, Yuma and Astral looked at it in awe and excitement. The crowd around them cheered loudly; the real fight had now begun. ================================================================================ Alex activates Shining Platinum Dragon’s effect, detaching all xyz materials from it to reveal a number of cards on the top of his deck equal to the number of xyz materials detached (2). Shining Platinum Dragon gains 500 ATK for each Dragon-type monster revealed by this effect. The cards revealed are Hieratic Dragon of Asar and Dragunity Aklys (2 x 500 = 1000, ATK: 3500 -> 4500). Alex attacks One-Eyed Skill Gainer with Shining Platinum Dragon. Yuma's Life Points: 2100 -> 100 Alex then attacks Number 39: Utopia with Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis, but Yuma activates Number 39: Utopia's effect, detaching its last xyz material to negate the attack. During the end phase, the ATK of all monsters affected by Xyz Soul return to normal (ATK: 4200 -> 3000). Alex places one card face down and ends his turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-400 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1 *************************************************** Yuma, blasted to the ground from Shining Platinum Dragon's attack, picked himself up to his feet. “Yuma,” warned Astral calmly, “you only have 100 life points left. If you take any more damage, this duel is lost.” “Yeah, I know,” grunted Yuma, getting a tad nervous now. “Oy, Alex!” Alex aimed his eyes towards Yuma's, giving him his undivided attention. “Why didn't you attack Utopia with Shining Platinum Dragon? I thought that you wanted to–” “I want to give you an extra challenge,” interrupted Alex. “Like Astral said, you have only 100 life points left. If you want to survive this duel now, you better not let me touch them now. Now, Yuma, it's time for you to return the favor.” “Huh? Favor?” “Don't play dumb with me. Now that I've summoned Shining Platinum Dragon, you have to summon your Chaos Number.” He's right, thought Yuma. The only chance I have at winning this duel now is to summon him. As he continued thinking through his plan, he smiled. Of course, there's no way I'd duel against Alex and not summon him. If I'm going to bring it to Alex, I'm going to summon him right now! “Yuma,” advised Astral. “The time has come. Summon Utopia Ray now.” “I got it!” The ponies, now knowing they'd see Yuma's supercharged ace monster again, began to get riled up in excitement once again. *************************************************** Yuma's Turn: Since Yuma's life points are 1000 or lower, Yuma overlays Number 39: Utopia to chaos xyz summon Number C39: Utopia Ray (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000). Yuma activates Number C39: Utopia Ray’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK increases by 500 while a monster his opponent controls loses 1000 ATK, choosing Shining Platinum Dragon (ATK: 2500 -> 3000) (ATK: 3500 -> 2500). Yuma attacks Shining Platinum Dragon with Number C39: Utopia Ray, but Alex activates Shift, switching the target of the attack to Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis. Both monsters' ATKs are equal, but Numbers can only be destroyed in battle by other Numbers, so only Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis is destroyed. During the end phase, Number C39: Utopia Ray and Shining Platinum Dragon's ATK return to normal (ATK: 3000 -> 2500) (ATK: 2500 -> 3500). Yuma places one card face down and ends his turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-100 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1 *************************************************** “And then there were two,” spoke Alex. The tension of the duel was at an all time high now. Neither player had any cards in their hand, and the only two monsters on the field were Shining Platinum Dragon and Number C39: Utopia Ray. Both duelists and both monsters stared each other down, ready to make the attack when their owner declared it. Twilight looked at both monsters with reverent exhilaration. With the tension as high as it was, no one in the crowd could dare make a peep as they waited to see how the outcome of this duel would pan out. “Alex,” called Yuma. “This duel is getting really intense. I don't think either of us are going to last much longer.” “Hmph,” responded Alex. “You got that right.” “I just want to tell you that I'm really enjoying this match.” “Yeah. So am I. It's just a crying shame that it's going to be my last turn.” “What?” gasped both Yuma and Astral. “That's right. After my turn, this duel will end by my hand. Ready, Yuma? Here I come!” *************************************************** Alex's Turn: Alex attacks Number C39: Utopia Ray with Shining Platinum Dragon, but Yuma activates Attack Invulnerability, choosing the second effect to take no battle damage this turn. Because Numbers can only be destroyed in battle by other Numbers, Number C39: Utopia Ray isn't destroyed. Alex activates Dragon Mastery's effect, allowing him to equip a Dragon-type Dragunity monster to a monster he controls from his hand, equipping Shining Platinum Dragon with Dragunity Corsesca (ATK: 3500 -> 4000). Alex ends his turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0 *************************************************** At least with this, thought Alex, if Yuma tries to increase Utopia Ray's ATK this turn, he won't be able to get close to my monster. All I need now is to survive the next turn and I can win this. Alex looked on to Yuma, whose face of determination and concentration was evident to him. Yuma, he continued to muse. You are indeed one strong duelist. Whether you can emerge from this victorious or not, I can at least rest in the consolation that I faced one of the greatest duelists that I'll ever face in my life. “Yuma,” declared Astral, “let's win.” “Alright, Astral. Let's go!” *************************************************** Yuma's Turn: Yuma summons Cardcar D (ATK: 800 DEF: 400). Yuma activates its effect, tributing it to draw two cards. ================================================================================ Now what do you have? thought Alex. ================================================================================ Yuma activates Blustering Winds, increasing the ATK and DEF of Number C39: Utopia Ray by 1000 (ATK: 2500 -> 3500, DEF: 2000 -> 3000). ================================================================================ “Kattobingu-da, ore!” shouted Yuma. “I attack Shining Platinum Dragon with Utopia Ray!” Yuma's monster lunged at Alex's dragon, the robotic hands on his shoulders grabbing the large sword on its back as its normal hands grabbed the swords on his sides. “Yuma!” shouted Twilight, Cadance, and Shining Armor in tandem. “What is he thinking?” yelled Shark. “Yuma!” called Orbital in smug glee. “You're such an idiot!” “Have you forgotten?” asked Alex, his voice energized with his imminent win. “My monster's ATK is still higher than yours!” “Not anymore, it's not!” declared Yuma. “I activate the quick-play spell Ego Boost!” “What?” shouted Alex. ================================================================================ Yuma attacks Shining Platinum Dragon with Number C39: Utopia Ray. Yuma then activates the quick-play spell Ego Boost. When a monster declares an attack, Yuma can increase the ATK of a monster on the field by 1000 while reducing the attack target's ATK to its original value, raising Number C39: Utopia Ray's ATK and reducing Shining Platinum Dragon's (ATK: 3500 -> 4500) (ATK: 4000 -> 3500). ================================================================================ “Go!” shouted Yuma. “Attack Shining Platinum Dragon! Hope Blade – Chaos Slash!” Alex's eyes went wide as he saw his monster's ATK fall and Yuma's monster's rise. However, as the monster came closer to Shining Platinum Dragon, Alex threw both his arms to the side and shut his eyes, making his body the shape of a cross. As he heard his monster's destruction at Utopia Ray's hands, he felt the blast from the resulting explosion come closer. As the heat and force of the blast lifted Alex off his feet, he gave a content smile, happy to have had such a fun and exciting duel come to such a climactic end. ================================================================================ Alex's Life Points: 400 -> 0 Yuma wins. _________________________________________________________________________________________ There was a long bout of silence from the crowd, Alex, as well as Yuma. The crowd was still in shock over the intensity of the duel that they had beheld. However, the loud, happy voice of Tori broke the silence like a cannon to the ears. “He did it!” she shouted. “Yuma won!” The crowd finally burst into cheering and applause, the ponies stomping their hooves onto the ground as any creature with hands clapped them together. “Yuma...” sputtered Orbital, “...won?” “He did it!” shouted Twilight, hopping up and down with Spike. “He really did it!” Alex lied on his back after he was floored from the attack. He was perfectly alright, but he felt content lying on the ground as he recovered from the shock of his tense duel. “Well done, Yuma Tsukumo,” he sighed. “Well done.” The cheering began to die down into casual chatter as the holographic auras died down and caused Number C39: Utopia Ray to disappear, allowing Alex to hear a familiar voice from where he lied. “Oy, Alex!” called Yuma. Alex put his head up to see Yuma walking up to Alex while Astral floated behind, the deactivated Duel Rezzer in his hand. “That was an excellent duel, Yuma,” spoke Alex. “I can honestly say that was one of the best ones I've ever played.” “Yeah,” answered Yuma. “Me too.” Yuma offered his open hand down to his friend, which he gladly took. Yuma helped pull his friend up as Alex also tried standing to help Yuma out. As Alex brushed his coat of dust that he collected from the floor, Shining Armor, Twilight, and Cadance walked inside the open circle that was made for the duel. “Hey,” called Shining Armor. “Are you guys alright? That was one hay of a duel!” “We're fine,” said Alex. “Perfectly fine.” “That's good,” responded Cadance, “but, sadly, the time has come. Please use this time to say goodbye to your friends before you leave.” Yuma turned back to Alex, handing him his Duel Rezzer. Twilight watched them both engage in a final exchange with tearing eyes, knowing that her time with her friends was coming to an end. “This is yours,” Yuma declared. “Thanks, bud,” said Alex, graciously taking the device in his left hand. With his right hand, he offered it to Yuma. “It's been great knowing you, Yuma.” “Yeah,” he replied, clasping his hand into Alex's. “Good luck to you in the future.” “Um, Yuma?” squeaked Twilight's voice. Yuma let go of Alex to turn and face Twilight. “Oh,” he exclaimed, “Twi–” He was interrupted by Twilight jumping onto a surprised Yuma, wrapping her soft, velvety arms over his shoulders and nuzzling her tear-soaked cheek into Yuma's neck. “Goodbye, Yuma,” she wept. “I'm so glad that I got to meet you. I'm going to miss you.” Yuma gently placed his arms on the unicorn's back. “I'm going to miss you too, Twilight,” responded Yuma. In an attempt to ease Twilight's pain, as well as give their farewells to their friend, Shining Armor, Cadance, and Spike came to the two of them, wrapping their own arms around Twilight and Yuma. Yuma slipped his arms off Twilight, managing to get each arm on Shining Armor and Cadance. Spike, being too low to reach, merely hugged Twilight and Yuma's legs. “I'm going to miss you all, too,” said Yuma, his waterworks beginning to form. Alex watched as Yuma sniffled as his tears rolled down his cheeks. He then looked to Astral. “Hey,” called Alex, getting Astral's attention. “Take care of him, alright?” Astral smiled. “I will do my best,” he responded. “Farewell, Alex Yuwell.” “So long, Astral.” _________________________________________________________________________________________ Rainbow Dash was turned away from Shark, trying to hide her own tears. However, Shark was much more observant than Rainbow Dash cared to know. “You,” scolded Shark. “Stop crying.” Rainbow Dash turned her head to face Shark, her eyes red and watery. She quickly rubbed her hoof into her eyes to dry and conceal her tears. “I'm...” she sobbed. “I'm not crying. I just have something in my eye! I just can't get it out!” Unable to take any more emotions from her as he felt them starting to overtake him, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a card, handing it in front of Rainbow Dash. “Take this,” he said, getting her attention once again. Her sobbing stopped, allowing her to observe the card she was being given, her eyes widened upon seeing what it was: Submersible Carrier Aero Shark. “What?” she choked. “But this is your card.” “Whatever,” he spoke. “I can just get another one. Please, take it, in memory of a friend.” Rainbow Dash slowly took the card from Shark's hand. Upon him letting go of it, he held his arms up for a hug that he knew Rainbow Dash was desperate for. Rainbow Dash, right on cue, leaped into Shark's embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck while his arms were fastened around her back and wings. “Thank you, Shark,” she resumed sobbing. “I'll never forget you as long as I live.” Shark, feeling his emotions creeping into his heart, nestled his head onto the pegasus' shoulder and smiled contently. _________________________________________________________________________________________ “Now, Hart,” spoke Pinkie Pie to a weeping Hart, who could hardly contain herself as well, “you be a good boy and listen to your brother. I'm going to miss you, buddy.” “I'm going to miss you too, Pinkie,” he cried. “I love you.” Hart, fell onto Pinkie Pie, putting his arms around her neck and putting his face into the front of Pinkie Pie's neck. Pinkie Pie consoled him by giving him a tight, warm hug, her tears beginning to stream. “I love you too, Hart,” she finally wept. Kite watched the two say their goodbyes with a sympathetic face. He was fully aware that without Pinkie Pie, Hart's time in Equestria might have easily been a living hell. He watched more as he saw Hart finally let go of her. “I'm going to say goodbye to Cadance now,” he said. “If that's okay with you, of course.” “Go,” urged Pinkie Pie, lightly pushing him towards Cadance's direction. “Take as much time as you need.” As she watched the boy go to say more goodbyes, she could hear Kite moving behind her. Turning around, she saw Kite kneeling in front of her, now level with her. “Kite,” she sniffled, “I–” She was interrupted by Kite wrapping his right arm over Pinkie Pie's back while his left wrapped around her neck, allowing him to place the palm of his hand on the back of her mane. Kite's unusual act of comfort caused Pinkie Pie to squeak slightly in surprise. “Thank you, Pinkie Pie,” he said. “I don't know how Hart could have made it through these days without you.” “It certainly helps that he has the bestest big brother in the world,” she said. As Pinkie Pie put her own arms around Kite's back in a hug, he squeezed Pinkie Pie even harder, finding it harder and harder to eventually let go of his new friend. _________________________________________________________________________________________ “Y'all come back now, ya hear?” spoke Applejack as she gave Tori a final hug. “Goodbye, Applejack,” Tori responded. Rarity and Fluttershy were next to say goodbye to Tori, and as Tori said goodbye to Rarity, a robot accelerated towards Applejack. “Ms. Applejack!” it called. Orbital wheeled to the front and jumped onto Applejack, giving her a hug as well. “Whoa!” exclaimed Applejack. “Settle down there, partner. Ah, who am I kidding?” Applejack, using her strength, constricted Orbital into her arms, causing it to squeal. “I'm gonna' miss you like crazy, cutie,” she spoke. “You're...” Orbital wheezed, “...breaking me!” _________________________________________________________________________________________ “Just be a good boy, okay Hart?” asked Cadance, as she eventually let Hart go. “I promise,” he said, putting his fist to his eye. His voice was less shaky as he became more comfortable saying goodbye. Cadance giggled, putting her own hoof to her eye. “Hart,” said Alex, right behind him. “Let's go find your brother.” Turning to see Alex, Hart ran to Alex's side and followed him into the crowd. Goodbye, Hart, thought Cadance, a tear rolling down her face. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Tom and Shark were shaking hands as Alex and Hart walked past them. “You're certainly a better duelist than you let on,” spoke Shark. “And it's really cool that I got to meet you,” said Tom. “Now if you excuse me, I want to say farewell to Kite and Hart.” “Hmph. Go ahead.” “Well, bye Shark,” said Tom with a wave. “Yeah.” Tom walked back to where Alex, Hart, Kite, and Pinkie Pie were, where Alex was shaking Kite's hand. “You really put on a good fight there,” complimented Kite. “I can certainly see you becoming a great duelist in the future.” “Thanks, Kite,” said Alex. “I really appreciate it.” “Ahem,” Tom exclaimed, clearing his throat. “Tom,” spoke Kite. “You weren't going to forget about me, right?” Tom melodramatically cried. “I thought what we had was special!” “Calm down,” spoke Kite sternly. “You're overreacting.” “Oh. Okay!” spoke Tom in a much more chipper voice, earning a warm smile from Kite. The two finally clasped hands and said their farewells. “Goodbye Alex and Tom,” said Kite. “I wish you both the best of luck. “You too,” replied Tom. “Hope you and your brother do okay.” Kite shifted his smile from Tom to Alex, taking in the last moments he'd be with them. _________________________________________________________________________________________ After about fifteen minutes of more goodbyes from the ponies and other native humans, Yuma, Astral, Shark, Kite, Hart, Tori, and Orbital along with Shark's motorcycle and the larger gifts from Lauren were placed in the underside of the crystal palace just south of where the Crystal Heart was placed. Dozens of crystal ponies surrounded the palace and watched to see their friends off. Alex, Twilight, Shining Armor, and Cadance, were also in the underside, addressing Yuma and his friends upon what to expect as everyone else joined the crystal ponies. “You'll be carried away by a ball of light that will form from the Heart,” explained Shining Armor. “Then, you'll be teleported back into your home world. I'm not sure exactly where Lauren will send you, but I trust that she knows what she's doing.” “Yo!” called Tom. “I just got a message from Lauren! She says she's ready when you are!” “Alright,” said Yuma. “Thank you all for helping us.” “Not a problem,” said Twilight. She walked up to Yuma to give him one last hug. Yuma returned her embrace all the same. As she finally mustered the strength to let go, Alex walked up to him. Without missing a beat, Alex held out his balled fist in front of Yuma. Understanding the gesture, Yuma pressed his fist into Alex's. “I'll see you around, Yuma,” spoke Alex. “This life or the other.” “Awesome,” replied Yuma. “I'll wait for you then.” Alex began backing up, along with Shining Armor, Cadance, and Twilight, none of whom kept their eyes off of them. With their distance now safe for the procedure, the crystal ponies began to bow to the floor, causing the streets to glow an icy blue. Rainbow Dash and Shark looked at each other for as long as time would allow, along with Kite and Hart looking to Pinkie Pie as their last minutes were reduced to seconds. Yuma then looked to Twilight and then Alex, giving a thumbs up to both of them with a wide smile. Alex, smiling and chuckling, held a thumbs up as well. The glowing began to travel into the center of the empire, hitting the Crystal Heart. An orb of light began to shine outwards. However, it stopped as it was about to go outside. From Alex's perspective, Yuma and his friends were now nothing more than silhouettes inside the bright orb. Suddenly, the light converged into the Crystal Heart, taking the silhouettes of Yuma and his friends with it, leaving no body inside the underside. The light inside the Heart then shot up through the palace and into the sky as a bright, blue beam. As the beam hit the sky, a burst of red, yellow, and blue beams waved across the sky like it did the previous day. However, the blue beam continued to shoot up and up into space, becoming more invisible as it traveled upwards, leaving each and every pony smiling as it carried them home. And just like that, Yuma and his friends were gone. “Goodbye, Yuma Tsukumo,” spoke Alex, giving a small wave to the sky. “Don't stay away too long.” Alex then felt a nudging at his side. Looking down, he saw Twilight's head resting upon his hip. Alex placed his hand behind her ear and gently ran his fingernails through his friend's coat. Twilight tilted her head up to him. “Do you think they'll ever come back?” she asked. “I don't know,” said Alex. “But right now, they're home. Safe and sound. Which is exactly where I want to be right now.” Twilight smiled at her friend's statement, forgetting how much she missed her treehouse in Ponyville. “Well,” said Twilight to her brother and sister-in-law, “Alex is right. I think it's time we all go home.” “That sounds alright with me,” he responded. “Have a safe trip, Twily.” After a short hug with Shining Armor and Cadance, Twilight turned to the south and began walking back to the train station. Alex was the next to follow, followed by Spike, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and then Tom and Rainbow Dash. As Tom walked, Rainbow Dash followed on his right, leaning into his side as they moved. Tom placed a hand upon her own right side, keeping her close as they walked towards the train that would return them to Canterlot. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Date Unknown, Heartland City, Japan, Afternoon _________________________________________________________________________________________ The Heartland Docks were rarely occupied, an ideal spot for Yuma and his friends to return to their world unnoticed. Over the concrete, green sparks began to shock and spread over the area in several short bursts. Then, a green sphere of light appeared about five feet above the docks that expended until the bottom hit the ground. Upon doing so, the sphere burst like a bubble, revealing Yuma, Astral, Shark, Kite, Hart, Tori, Orbital, Shark's motorcycle, and Lauren's gifts standing on the concrete surface. They all looked around to see the familiarity of their surroundings. “We're home,” spoke Hart. “We're home.” “Not quite,” spoke Kite. “Dr. Faker is probably waiting for us.” “Yeah.” Hart looked up to the sky one last time before he would finally return. “Alex,” he whispered. “Pinkie Pie. Cadance. Goodbye.” “It's alright,” cooed Kite, his hand on his brother's shoulder. “Time heals all wounds. Now, let's go home.” “Alright, brother.” “Orbital!” shouted Kite at the robot. “Let's go!” “Understood!” it complied. Transforming into a glider and affixing itself on Kite's back, Orbital waited for Hart, who held onto his new plushie, to grab onto his brother and his brother to grab onto him before he flew upwards into the sky and towards the remains of the destroyed Heartland Tower. Yuma looked up at the two of them as they flew away and out of sight. Yuma still looked up to the sky, reminiscing about all that he had been through in the past several days. Shark was quick to break his concentration. “Yuma,” spoke Shark. “Let's return home. Our families are probably worried sick.” Yuma suddenly got an idea, as told by his gasp and widened eyes. “You know,” said Yuma, “we still never got to finish that duel of ours. Let's settle that right now before we leave.” Shark was surprised and somewhat annoyed. “Yuma,” he told in a flat, serious tone, “you were one attack from defeating me that day. It's clear that you won that duel.” “Don't joke with me! The duel wasn't finished so it still couldn't be decided. Come on, Shark, just one more duel for old time's sake.” Shark looked to Astral, who in turn looked at him. “Our families are still waiting for us to return,” he spoke. “What's another ten minutes?” Shark realizing the truth in that, smirked. “Alright,” he calmly relented. “I accept this challenge. I need to get my mind off of missing Rainbow Dash anyways.” Tori giggled at Yuma's successful attempts to rope Shark into a duel. “Go, Yuma!” she cheered. “Win!” “Let's do this then,” shouted Yuma, jumping into the air with his fist punching up at the sky. “Kattobingu-da, ore!”