> Yu-Gi-Oh! Friendship is Dueling 2: The Friendship Games > by Bahamut0 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Duel 1: Day Off > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Burst...", the voice called out. Burst stirred in his slumber. He had only won Duelist Kingdom yesterday, and fortunately it had been the weekend. Yet someone was determined to wake him up. 'Serves me right for saying yes to Pinkie's party for me...', Burst thought in his sleep. "Burst.", the voice said again. Finally shaking sleep from his bones, Burst woke up and found himself staring at Blue-Eyes at the foot of his bed. "You know what we must do since we can actually hang out now." Burst nodded as he grabbed his clothes for the day and changed in the bathroom as well as another article of clothing. When Burst stepped out, he was decked out in his clothes and also sporting a Jedi robe. He then fetched his collection of Star Wars DVDs. "Let's do this." Burst and Blue-Eyes went downstairs and helped themselves to the breakfast Burst's mom had gotten ready. The two of them had gotten their food and sat down near the TV. Burst had lay the DVDs out, and froze in horror at three in specific. Blue-Eyes noticed his friend's distress. "Burst? What's wrong?!" "Prequels. Prequels! PREQUELS!", Burst screamed. Blue-Eyes wondered what Burst meant. Then he saw the Star Wars prequel trilogy on the table. "How the heck did those snoozefests wind-up in your collection?!", Blue-Eyes asked. "Dad must have gotten them by mistake during his last visit. Well. There's any easy way to fix this.", Burst said. Blue-Eyes nodded. The two walked outside with the prequel trilogy in tow. "You know what to do Blue-Eyes." "White Lightning!", Blue-Eyes shouted as he fired his signature attack at the prequels! Instantly vaporizing them! "That's done with. Now let's back to a galaxy far, far away!" The two of them rushed back inside Burst's house and put on Episode IV. "Here comes the crawl...", Burst said with a grin as he and Blue-Eyes gazed with wide eyes at the legendary title crawl. One Star Wars marathon later... "Wow. THOSE WERE THE BEST MOVIES EVER!", Blue-Eyes screamed. "I don't even know where to start!" "Heh heh. Yup. Now you know how I felt when I saw my first space battle and lightsaber duel.", Burst said with a smile. "And this is just the beginning of our day off!" "What's next?", Blue-Eyes asked. "Here's a hint: Here comes a new challenger!" Burst led Blue-Eyes back to his room. Burst powered up his Wii and selected Super Street Fighter II. Burst and Blue-Eyes each selected their character. Both had chosen Ryu. "Take this!" Burst pulled off a heavy Shoryuken! "How can you even pull that off? All I can do is Hadoken and Hurricane Kick!", Blue-Eyes asked. "Yeah it's pretty tricky. You've gotta time it just right. Of course it's probably harder to play with claws like yours." "True.", Blue-Eyes said. "So what's next on the agenda?" "Sugar Cube Corner." "Sweet. Literally and figuratively. I'll fly us there." Burst and Blue-Eyes headed out the door and Burst got on Blue-Eyes back. Blue-Eyes took off and the two soon landed at Sugar Cube Corner. "Hey Pinkie!", Burst greeted. "Hi Burst! Hi Blue-Eyes!", Pinkie chirped. "The usual?" "Make that double.", Burst answered. "Sure thing! Oh! And Blue-Eyes?" "Yeah?" Pinkie smiled as she pulled out a monster-sized cupcake. "It's my latest work! Red-Eyes seems to have a real sweet-fang, so I made one in case you showed up!" Burst and Blue-Eyes noticed Inferno sipping on a soda while Red-Eyes was happily munching away at what was left of a giant cupcake. Blue-Eyes took a bite of the one Pinkie gave him. "This tastes awesome!" Blue-Eyes then continued munching away at his treat. Burst smiled. "Yeah. Pinkie is really good at making treats." Burst and Blue-Eyes sat down at a booth when Pinkie showed up with their sodas. "Thanks Pinkie." Burst raised his glass. "Here's to a good day off Blue-Eyes." Blue-Eyes clinked his glass against Burst's. > Duel 2: Party Time > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Before Burst knew it, the next day had come and it was time to head back to school. Burst woke up the next day, got ready, and waited for the bus. However, Burst noticed no one but the driver was on board. Burst shrugged it off and got on. Once he arrived at school, he noticed there was no one in the halls. Also, there were arrows that seemed to be leading someplace. "Weird..." Burst followed the arrows and found that they stopped at the gym. "I guess whatever's here must be important if the whole school is assembled..." Burst opened the doors, and the lights switched on! "SURPRISE!", everyone cheered! Burst was speechless! 'Should've guessed Pinkie would plan this.', Burst thought with a smile. Burst met up with his friends. "Well Burst? Did ya like it? Did ya? Did ya? Did ya?", Pinkie asked. "This was great Pinkie. I'm guessing you got the school in on it because they saw me win?" "Uh huh! The whole school wanted in on the action!", Pinkie chirped. "We thought it'd be a nice idea too.", Principal Celestia said with a warm smile. "Sorry to interrupt your party, but could we ask something of you Burst?", Vice Principal Luna asked. "Sure." "Well as you know, The Friendship Games are coming up pretty soon. And Luna and I have decided to add a new event to kick the games off. This new event is a duel pitting two students in a duel against each other from either school. We'd like it if you'd represent CHS." "Principal Celestia. I'd be honored.", Burst said with a smile. "ALRIGHT!", Rainbow Dash cheered. "Something tells me we're gonna win the games this year!" "Then lets rock the dragon!", Burst cheered. > Duel 3: Igniting Ice's Soul > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ice woke up that night. It was hard to sleep. Especially if you considered the fact he still had bad memories of when Dark Mist had taken his body over. Ice went to the bathroom and splashed himself with cold water. When he looked in the mirror, he found Dark Mist staring at him! Dark Mist jumped out of the mirror and grabbed Ice by the throat! "Did you really think you had escaped me Ice?", Dark Mist asked. Ice tried to speak, but he was petrified! "Maybe now I'll pay your dear family a visit." "No NO! NOOOOOOO!", Ice screamed! Ice woke up in a cold sweat. His breathing was heavy as he drifted out of his nightmare and into reality. "It was just a nightmare...", Ice thought out loud. Ice then went over to his deck. The deck he had modified upon Dark Mist possessing him. "Those years are on your mind aren't they?" Ice turned and saw Ace looking at him. "Ice. It's over. You're free now." "I know that!", Ice snapped. "But that doesn't mean I can just forget it! It's still in my head! Those duelists I defeated. When I attacked Dad...when I attacked you." "Ice. We're all okay." "Shadow had to be sent away for two years because of my stupid mistake! And why? Because I wanted the power to bring passion to dueling at my school! And because of that, I let Dark Mist in! I let him use my body like a suit and I tried to destroy you! I'm scared Ace! Dueling caused all this trouble...so I'm never going to duel again!" "Are you willing to abandon your passions so easily Ice?!", a voice boomed! Ace and Ice searched for the source of the voice. A pillar of flame appeared before them and soon condensed into a figure. It was a dragon. "Wh-who are you? And how do you know my name?!", Ice demanded. "My name is Red Dragon Archfiend.", Red Dragon Archfiend said. "And I've been waiting a long time for you Ice. I was the one who was supposed to bond with you. We share the same fiery passion when we duel. Ironic considering you name." "Well...you can show yourself out the door!", Ice snapped. "Ice? I'm here to be your friend. I want to be your partner. I'm not trying to control you like Dark Mist." "I already had one monster crawling inside me! I don't want another! Get out! JUST GET OUT!" Red Dragon Archfiend's head drooped at Ice's words. "I'm sorry to hear your decision Ice.", Red Dragon said sadly. "But if that's your choice, I'll respect it. But I do hope you'll change your mind Ice. I really would have liked to be your partner. But please. Don't give up dueling. I've seen how your soul lights up when you duel." "....I'll think about it.", Ice said flatly. Red Dragon Archfiend vanished in a swirl of fire. "I'm going back to bed Ace. I'm going to sleep this off like a bad dream..." The next day... Ice was walking the halls of Crystal Prep. His mind still troubled about last night. 'I don't care if Red Dragon was telling the truth...I don't care! I never want to pick up a duel disk for as long as I live! I never want to risk putting through that nightmare ever again.' Ice was so preoccupied with his thoughts, he failed to see where he was going and bumped into Indigo Zap! "Ow! Oh man! Sorry! I guess my head was..." Ice was caught off-guard when he got a good look at Indigo Zap. "Somewhere else. You okay?" "Yeah. I'm cool.", Indigo said as she got up. "Hey, you're Dark Ice! Man! You were one of the best duelists here! I'm Indigo Zap!" "You mean 'was'.", Ice said flatly. "I don't duel anymore." "What?! Why would anyone give up dueling?!" "...You wouldn't believe me if I ever told you. But let's just say I'd rather not think about it.", Ice said sadly. "Well that's a bummer. Here I was hoping to duel ya! But hey! We can still be friends! Me and my friends noticed you're usually alone." "Most of the students here are stuck-up rich kids." Ice then smiled at Indigo. "But you seem pretty cool." "Same to you. Most of the guys here are total sticks in the mud. And don't worry. My friends and I are far from dull!" Ice smiled. "Sounds like fun." Indigo introduced Ice to her friends. "You were right Zap. Your friends are pretty cool." "Our body heat is normal.", Sugar Coat replied. The whole group was puzzled. "It was a joke." The others then let out a few laughs. However, the laughter ceased the second Principal Cinch entered the cafeteria. "Mr. Ice. Would you come to my office? There's a matter I wish to discuss with you." Ice followed Cinch to her office. "Please. Have a seat." "You want something don't you?", Ice asked sternly. "You only get all friendly when you want something from a student." "You're quite perceptive. Very well then. As you know, you've had quite the absence from Crystal Prep." "Yeah. Oddly enough I'm surprised you didn't kick me out. Not that this is a place I wanna stick around." "Because you're one of our best duelists Ice. And Principal Celestia of CHS and I have agreed to make a slight alteration to this year's Friendship Games. Each of our schools will select a duelist to represent us. I want you to CRUSH the duelist representing CHS. He also happens to be the winner of Duelist Kingdom. I will NOT have Canterlot High be above us in any field. My legacy will endure, and our reputation will continue to stand." "You can forget it. My brothers go to CHS. And also, I don't duel anymore.", Ice said flatly. "Such a shame.", Cinch said. "I do believe you've forced my hand." Cinch then produced a folder with pictures of Indigo and her friends. "If you'll not comply, then I can't guarantee their continued enrollment here at Crystal Prep." "You wouldn't!", Ice growled. "Try me.", Cinch said with a smirk. Ice's heart began beating furiously! How DARE she hold Indigo and her friends hostage! "I'm not taking this lying down! I challenge you to a duel! Today at three after school! If I win, you let Zap and her friends stay here and I don't have to represent this school! And if you win...I'll duel." "I'm glad we could come to a compromise Mr. Ice. I look forward to your challenge.", Cinch said with a smug grin. Ice stormed out, and then the weight of what he'd done crashed upon him. "Oh man..what did I get myself into?!" The rest of the day went on, and Ice soon found himself at home. Ace noticed Ice's distressed expression and went over to him. "Ice? What's wrong?" "I just challenged my principal to a duel. And right after I swore off dueling. AGH! I screwed up again!" "No Ice. This is what you need.", Ace said as he put a hand on Ice's shoulder. "The only way you're going to get over your trauma is if you use the same instrument that brought it on. And I know just the place to help you prepare." "Is it far? Because I've gotta take on Principal Cinch at three." "It's pretty close. We're gonna build you a brand new deck Ice. One that suits your new beginning." "Thanks Ace." "Next stop: Discord's card shop." > Duel 4: Scorching Cinch > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cinch was waiting for Ice at school. A whole mess of students had gathered to see a student take on their principal. Among the crowd were Zap and her friends. "So who's the guy crazy enough to call out our principal?", Lemon Zest asked. "I think we're about to find out.", Sunny Flare said. "Someone's approaching Cinch!" Zap focused on who was heading into the dueling arena. It was Ice! "Well, well. I thought you were never going to duel again.", Cinch said with a smirk. "I found a good source of motivation.", Ice said as he sneaked a glance at Zap. "Now let's let our cards do the talking!" Ice: 8000 Principal Cinch: 8000 "Ladies first.", Cinch said. "I summon Ancient Gear Soldier in attack mode! Then I'll play the field spell Ancient Gear Castle to increase his attack points by 300 points! Then I'll set a card and end my turn." "My turn! I draw! I play Double Summon! This lets me conduct an extra normal summon this turn! I'll summon Vice Dragon! Then I'll tribute him to bring out Strong Wind Dragon! And since I used a dragon as tribute, he gains attack points equal to half of that monster's attack points! This boosts him to 3400! Attack Ancient Gear Soldier! Wind Gale!" Strong Wind Dragon unleashed a tornado from its wings that rusted Ancient Gear Soldier! "Then I'll set a card and end my turn." 'Looks like I've still got my dueling skills! I just hope they'll be good enough to keep Zap and the others in school.' Ice: 8000 Principal Cinch: 6200 "Impressive. But I believe I've let you advance in this duel far enough.", Cinch said with a smirk. "I play Dark Hole to destroy all monsters on the field!" Ice braced himself as Strong Wind Dragon! "Now that your field is empty, I can begin my assault! I play Terraforming to add a field spell from my deck to my hand! I activate the Geartown field spell! Thanks to this field, either of us can tribute summon an 'Ancient Gear' monster for one less tribute! I'll summon Ancient Gear Beast! And since I still have Ancient Gear Castle on my field, he gains 300 attack points! I can also put a Gear Counter on Ancient Gear Castle! I'll attack you directly!" "I activate my trap!", Ice countered! But when he tried to activate his card, nothing happened. "What?!" "Ancient Gear Beast's effect is that you can't activate spells or traps until after the damage step." Ice winced as Ancient Gear Beast punced on his life points! "I end my turn by playing Fusion Conscription to add a fusion material monster listed on a fusion monster from my deck to my hand." Ice: 5700 Principal Cinch: 6200 'Looks like her monsters are just as inflexible and rigid as she is! That puts a serious dent in my strategy if I have to wait until the end of the damage step to activate my card effects! Most of my traps are focused on being used during the damage step!' "My turn. I draw! I play Resonator Call! This lets me add a 'Resonator' monster from my deck to my hand! Then I'll summon a monster in defense mode and end my turn with another face-down." 'Not that it'll do much good with her Ancient Gears on the field.' "I draw. And now it ends! I'll send Ancient Gear Castle from my field to the graveyard to serve as the tribute for the monster I added with Fusion Conscription!" The whole crowd gasped! Cinch was about to bring out her most powerful monster! "I summon Ancient Gear Golem!" A fearsome looking metal giant arose from the earth! "Now I'll play March of the Monarchs! Since Ancient Gear Golem was tribute summoned, he can't be targeted or destroyed by card effects! Destroy his face-down monster! Mechanized Melee!" Ice cringed as Ancient Gear Golem smashed his face-down monster! "Now for Golem's other effect! When he destroys a monster by battle, he inflicts piercing damage!" Ice was winded as he took 3000 points of damage! "I'm not through yet! I'll attack again with Ancient Gear Beast!" Ice was brought to his knees as Ancient Gear Beast pounced on him. "I believe you've been punished for your insolence enough for this turn. It looks like you couldn't protect your friends after all." Ice: 700 Principal Cinch: 6200 'This is it...I'm done for.', Ice thought. 'And somehow...I feel alive! This trembling in my heart...it's pulsing through my body! My soul feels like it's on fire! What is this?!' Red Dragon Archfiend materialized in Ice's mind. 'This is your fire Ice! The passion and love of dueling, the spirit you locked away, the spirit that drew me to you, has been ignited once again!' Red Dragon the offered Ice his hand. 'Well partner? Let's show this vile woman just how bright our passions burn!' Ice was hesitant, but all hesitation instantly faded once he heard Cinch's words! Fire was blazing in his eyes! 'Let's do it!' Back in the real world, the top card of Ice's deck was on fire! In fact, his whole body was wrapped in flames! "Hey Cinch!" Cinch was shocked to find Ice back on his feet. A proud smile was on his face. "I suppose I should thank you! It's been so long since I last enjoyed a duel. But now I'm gonna end this! I activate Curse of Anubis! This switches all effect monsters into face-up defense mode! And since you dealt me damage, I can special summon Gorz, the Emissary of Darkness from my hand! And since you dealt me battle damage, this lets me special summon an Emissary Token with attack equal to the damage I took! Now I'll summon the 'Resonator' monster I added to my hand! I summon Barrier Resonator! Then I'll tune him with my token!" A large pillar of flame shot up from the ground as Ice tuned his monsters! A flaming card materialized in Ice's extra deck! "I synchro summon Red Dragon Archfiend!" Red Dragon's wings exploded from the pillar of flame, and he was revealed in all his glory as the embers died down! "Next I'll play Hidden Armory! This lets me add an equip spell from my deck to my hand! Then I'll activate the equip spell I added! Big Bang Shot! This boosts Red Dragon by 400 points! Then I'll trash your Ancient Gear Golem! Absolute Power Force!" Cinch cringed as Anciet Gear Golem was reduced to molten slag! "Now Big Bang Shot's effect lets me deal piercing damage! Also, Red Dragon Archfiend's effect destroys all defense mode monsters you control! This lets Gorz attack you directly! Void Slash!" Cinch braced herself as Gorz slashed at her life points! Ice: 700 Principal Cinch: 100 "But I'm not done yet! I activate another trap! Lineage of Destruction! Since I destroyed a defense mode monster, I can target a level eight monster I control! It can attack again! And there's only one level eight monster on my field", Ice said with a smile. 'Time to burn this wiich!' "I-impossible!", Cinch whispered. "Oh it's possible alright! End this Red Dragon! Absolute Power Force!" Red Dragon Archfiend charged with his fist ready to collide with the last of Cinch's life points! But as he got closer, he extended his arm so that his fist was an inch away from Cinch's face! Cinch was knocked to the ground from the resulting winds of the blow as her life points dropped to zero! Ice raised his fist in triumph as the crowd cheered his name! Indigo Zap and her friends went down to congratulate Ice on his win. 'Looks like Zap and the others will be sticking around for a while.' "I thought you didn't duel anymore.", Indigo said with a sly smile. "...I found some reasons too.", Ice said with a smile as he looked at Indigo. "I'm looking at my favorite one right now." Indigo was speechless as Ice kissed her! "So? Wanna make us a thing?" Ice then walked away into the sunset with Red Dragon Archfiend. "I guess you could say...", Red Dragon Archfiend began as he slipped on a pair of sunglasses. "Cinch got scorched." Ice fist-bumped his dragon as they headed home. > Duel 5: Tests > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the day was ending, Sunset approached Burst. "Hey Burst?", she asked. "What's up Sunset?" "Do you know how you could do that dragon power-up thing back at Duelist Kingdom? The girls and I can pony-up, but we've usually only been able to do the same when we unlock the magic inside us. And usually it results in a rainbow laser. I was thinking maybe it's different with you. Maybe we should also get Inferno to see if the same happens." "Well, I guess that makes sense. I've got some free time today." Burst and the guys met up with the girls after school. "Okay. Test 1: Correlation to monster partner's presence. First, summon your monster partners.", Sunset instructed. Burst and the guys summoned their monster partners. "Okay. Now try to transform." Burst was the first one to try it. And to his surprise, he transformed without any strain or thought! In fact, it was almost instantaneous! "Okay. So it's not tied to your monster partner's presence. That theory is ruled out.", Sunset said as she crossed it off the list. "The rest of you try to transform." The rest of the guys tried, but had no success. "Weird. It looks like Burst is the only one who can transform at the moment. But at least we know how it happened." "Well don't keep us in suspense! Tell us!", Steel said. "At Duelist Kingdom, Burst gained a new card. Harmony Absolute. And with it he was able to bring out an unstoppable form of Blue-Eyes. Blue-Eyes Absolute Dragon. But after the duel ended, Sombra had fused with Zorc and tried to attack us. Then Burst grew those dragon wings of his and his eyes turned dragonic. The transformation happened because of Burst's strong bond with Blue-Eyes. The 'Harmony' card must have unlocked the power. That's why Burst's the only one who can transform right now. And if the rest of you are going to try getting your own 'Harmony' card, don't hold your breath. Harmony Absolute only added itself to Burst's deck when he was at his breaking point. And I doubt the fate of the world will hang in the balance anytime soon." "Well, thanks for telling us anyway.", Inferno said. "I don't know about anyone else here, but I'm heading home." "Yeah. We'd better get some rest. The Friendship Games are only a few days away.", Burst said as he powered down. "And something tells me things are gonna be different this year." > Duel 6: Let the Games Begin > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'It seems my plan to use Dark Ice failed. No matter. There's another student I can use.', Cinch thought with a smile as she looked over Twilight Sparkle's file. 'She's not defiant like Ice. And I know just the bait to use.' Cinch put the file away as Twilight entered her office. Cadence and Shining Armor were also present. "Ah. Twilight Sparkle. My most gifted student. Have a seat." "Am I in trouble?", Twilight asked. "No. But there is one matter I'd like to bring up. As you know, the annual Friendship Games are coming up fairly soon. And I would like you to compete in them." Twilight freaked out. "There's no reason to worry Twilight. Shining Armor? You participated in The Friendship Games once. What was the outcome?" "Well it's pretty obvious. We won.", Shining Armor answered. "Just like every year." "As expected. Could you two leave us for a bit?" Cadence and Shining Armor nodded and left Twilight alone with Cinch. "Ms. Sparkle. I know of your application to Everton." "Everton?! You could get me in?!" "I have a fair amount of connections. Although...I could also have your application denied." Twilight's heart sank. "But you'll have nothing to worry about. So long as you compete in the games, your application will be accepted." "You've...given me something to think about.", Twilight said as she left. "I do hope you'll make the right choice.", Cinch said with a smirk. However, she was unaware that Ice was listening in. Ice scowled at everything he heard. The second Twilight left, Ice barged into Cinch's office. "Well if it isn't the delinquent." "Why are you holding Twilight's future ransom?", Ice demanded. "To ensure my legacy endures. But I wouldn't expect someone who refused to represent Crystal Prep just because he has family at CHS to understand." "WHAT WOULD YOU KNOW OF FAMILY?!", Ice screamed before he left. Cinch then looked at an old photo on her desk. "More than you know Dark Ice..." Cinch had a frown as she looked at the little boy in the photo. "Why couldn't you understand Nightfall?" > Duel 7: Date Night > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next school day went by pretty quickly, and Inferno was looking pretty forward to the end of today especially. He found Rarity waiting around his locker for him. "Her gorgeous. Ready for tonight?", he asked. Rarity smiled. "Only if you're ready to show me a good time.", Rarity answered. "Rarity. I plan on making tonight perfect.", Inferno said with a smile. "If that case, I'll be waiting darling." Rarity then kissed Inferno. "Don't keep me too long." "Wouldn't dream of it.", Inferno said with a fond smile as Rarity walked away. Night soon fell, and Inferno arrived at Rarity's house with Red-Eyes. Sweetie Belle answered the door. "She's gonna be five minutes.", Sweetie Belle answered. "Knowing her, it's worth the wait. Usually." "I'm almost there!", Rarity called out from her room. Rarity then made her way to the door. "And here I thought I was gonna be the one to keep you waiting." "Oh, hush you!", Rarity said playfully. "Now let's be off darling. I can't wait to see what you have planned." The two left on their date, but were unaware they were being watched. "That cursed dragon user!", Lance hissed. "He'll pay for humiliating me!" Inferno flew Rarity with Red-Eyes to where he planned on taking Rarity for dinner. After enjoying their meal, the two took a stroll at the duel park. "It sure is lovely tonight.", Rarity said with a blissful smile. "I can think of one better sight.", Inferno said. "And it's you falling by my hand!" Inferno and Rarity turned and saw Lance with his duel disk activated. "Ugh! THIS guy again? Didn't you learn your lesson last time?" "That maiden will be mine!", Lance hissed. Inferno sighed. "If you're after my treasure.." Inferno activated his duel disk. "Then you're gonna have to get past me first!" Inferno: 8000 Lance: 8000 'Can't belive I've gotta deal with THIS punk again.' "I've got the first move! I summon Black Stone of Legend! Then I'll tribute him to bring out Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my deck! Then I'll equip him with Black Metal Dragon to boost him by 600 points! Then I'll set a card and end my turn." "I draw! I play Fusion Conscription to add a fusion material from my hand! Then I'll activate Destruction Swordsman Fusion! I'll fuse Buster Blader and Luster Dragon from my hand! I fusion summon Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman! Now his effect activates! He gains 1000 attack for each dragon-type monster in your graveyard and you control! You have one dragon in your graveyard and one on your field! This boosts him by 2000 points! Raising him to 4800! Also, all your dragons are changed into defense mode! Also, they cant activate their effects! And if he destroys a monster in defense mode, I can inflict piercing damage! Destroy Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" Inferno winced as Red-Eyes was destroyed! "I'll end my turn with a face-down. And since Black Metal Dragon was sent to the graveyard, Buster gains another 1000 attack points! Unfortunately, he can't attack you directly." Inferno: 5200 Lance: 8000 'Darn! That monster has dragon destruction in his name for a reason! It's practically poison to any dragon deck! But there's gotta be some way to get rid of it!' "Since Black Metal Dragon was sent to the graveyard, I can add a 'Red-Eyes' spell or trap card from my deck to my hand! I'll add Red-Eyes Fusion and activate it! I'll send Red-Eyes Black Dragon and Summoned Skull to my graveyard to fusion summon Archfiend Black-Skull Dragon in defense mode! Then I'll return Black Stone of Legend to my hand to shuffle a level seven or lower 'Red-Eyes' monster from my graveyard back into my deck!" 'This won't help much. But it should reduce the damage I take and keep me in the duel a little bit longer!' "Hmph. No matter! I'll destroy your monster all the same!" Buster Blader charged and cut down Archfiend Black Skull Dragon! "I end my turn.", Lance said with a smirk. "And now Buster's attack points rise to 5800!" Inferno: 2900 Lance: 8000 'Not good! He's gotten stronger since Duelist Kingdom! But I can't give up!', Inferno thought as he looked at Rarity. 'Especially since he's trying to steal the one I treasure most!' A rainbow-colored flash went off on top of Inferno's deck! "Huh?" Inferno then drew his next card. "No way..." It was Harmony Absolute. "Time to turn the tide! I'll tribute Black Stone of Legend to bring out Red-Eyes Black Dragon! Then I'll activate Harmony Absolute! This brings out Red-Eyes Absolute Dragon from my deck!" "You've summoned a mighty beast indeed. Only for it to fall!" "I don't think so! Red-Eyes Absolute is unaffected by card effects! Meaning he can still use his effects and isn't forced into defense mode! Now that there's two more dragons in my graveyard, Buster Blader gains another 2000 attack points. Just what I was hoping for! I activate one of Red-Eyes Absolute's effects! I'll destroy Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman!" A pillar of flame destroyed Buster Blader! "Now you take damage equal to his attack points!" 'Looks like his own monster burned him in the end!' "AUUGH!", Lance howled as his life points dropped! "I end my turn." Inferno: 2900 Lance: 200 "I...I...I summon a monster in defense mode! Too bad you can't do piercing damage!", Lance said with a strained smile. Inferno then sprouted dragon wings and his eyes turned dragonic! "No. I don't need to. I can halve Red-Eyes Absolute's attack points to attack you directly! Absolute Inferno Impact!" Lance's jaw dropped as Red-Eyes Absolute made impact! When the dust cleared, Lance ran away! "THIS ISN'T WORTH IT!!!!!", Lance screamed as he ran away. Satisfied that his treasure was safe, Inferno turned to face Rarity. "You alright Rarity?", Inferno asked. Rarity was speechless at Inferno's new appearance. "Whoa." Inferno had just noticed his new wings. "I guess my dragonic powers got unlocked too." Rarity approached Inferno and wrapped her arms around him. "It doesn't matter. You'll always be my handsome dragon.", Rarity said with a loving smile. "Oh! That reminds me..." Inferno fished around his pockets, and pulled out a necklace with a blazing ruby. "I wanted to give you this. It shows that I treasure you." Rarity smiled as she put the necklace on and pulled Inferno into a kiss. Inferno then wrapped his arms and newfound wings around her. "I take it you had a good night?" "It was perfect darling. So. Care to see if those wings work?" Inferno then hoisted Rarity onto his back. "Only one way to find out." Inferno then flew Rarity home on his back. "Good night Rarity.", Inferno said as he kissed Rarity goodbye. "Sweet dreams darling.", Rarity said as she went inside. Inferno took off back home and as he and Rarity slept, both were dreaming of each other. > Duel 8: Siren's Song > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ace was in a pretty good mood. Lunch was just around the corner, and he would get to sit with his girlfriend. The minute lunch hit, Ace made his way to the cafeteria. Once he had his food, he instantly sought out Sonata. He found her sitting by herself. But some reason, she wasn't smiling. "Hey Sonata. How're you doing?", Ace asked. "Oh. It's nothing Ace. Just...thinking is all.", Sonata said with a small smile. "Is it about people accepting you?" "No. It's....you know when we were beaten at The Battle of the Bands?" "Yeah. Your necklaces were destroyed. Weren't those the things that were giving you your magic?" "Well, they were also the reason we could sing so well. Now me, Adagio and Ari would probably sound horrible." "I can't speak for everyone, but you'd still sound beautiful to me.", Ace said with a kind smile. "If that's not love, I don't know what is.", Adagio said with a smile. "Sorry if we kept you waiting Sonata." Veenus was by her side. "Especially since you took so long to decide what to get.", Aria said with a smirk. Fang sat right beside her as she scratched his ears. "I wasn't alone for long.", Sonata said as she hugged Ace tightly. "Sonata....vision's going black....", Ace wheezed. Sonata then released him. "But then again, I can't complain. You do give nice hugs." "So what's got Sonata moping?", Aria asked. "Losing her singing voice.", Ace answered. "Oh. Yeah. I guess we're all still pretty down about that.", Aria said with a frown. Fang noticed her drop in mood and kissed her cheek. "Heh heh! Thanks Fang." "No problem!", Fang said with a grin as his tail wagged. "I always like making you smile." "You are SO going to get extra belly rubs later.", Aria said with a smile as she kissed Fang. "I guess each of us still has a number one fan. Even if we can't sing anymore." "Hmmm.", Adagio had a smile as she contemplated something. "Welll, that might not be as true as we believe." "Adagio. What are you planning?", Aria asked. "There's that old story we heard back in Equestria. About a regular pony who fell in love with a siren. Her charm was destroyed, but she gained an even more beautiful voice from his love. I wonder..." "Considering you came from a world full of magic talking ponies, I'd not rule out the possibility.", Veenus said. "So why not give it a shot?" Adagio took a breath and tried singing a few notes, and was shocked to find her voice had changed! "I think that was more than just an old story." Adagio then had smile on her face. Aria knew that look. "No. Adagio, no! We are not going to try another crazy bid for stardom!" "I was just going to suggest us putting on a performance for The Friendship Games.", Adagio said with a pout. "Oh. Whoops." "Maybe you all can have a dual performance with me and the guys.", Ace said with a smile. "Our band's scheduled to perform at the welcome reception for Crystal Prep. All we gotta do is teach you the lyrics for the song we're gonna perform. I just need to ask the guys." "You'd really do that for us?", Sonata asked with wide eyes. "Wouldn't be a good boyfriend if I didn't try to make you happy now would I?" Sonata smiled and kissed Ace full-on! "And then there's that." Aria sighed. "I GUESS there's no reason why we can't give one last show." "And I'll be cheering for you the loudest!", Fang said with a smile. Aria smiled and scratched Fang's ears. "So can I count on you giving me a standing ovation?", Adagio asked Veenus. "You'll be getting something even better.", Veenus said with a smile. "But you're gonna have to wait until you finish performing." "Always keeping me guessing.", Adagio said with a pout. "Isn't that why you love me?" Adagio smiled as she kissed Veenus. "Just make sure it's a good surprise." > Duel 9: Practice > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Steel was watching Rainbow Dash practice for the games. From the look of things, she was working herself pretty hard. In fact, she was almost at the point of collapse! Steel rushed to her side and managed to prop her up! "Easy there Dash! You're almost hitting the ground you're going at it so hard." "I guess...I could take a break.", Rainbow Dash said with an exhausted smile. "You're practicing pretty hard." "Yeah. We're gonna win The Friendship Games this year! Crystal Prep's beat us pretty much every year! So we've become pretty big rivals! But the whole school's been brought together now! We're SURE to win this year!" "Not to mention you could bust out your magic.", Steel said jokingly. "No way! We're gonna beat Crystal Prep with our own skills!" "No wonder you're my kind of girl Dash. ", Steel said with a smile. "You're loyal. Not to mention pretty determined." "Heh. The other girls said I'd never get a guy to like me. I guess you showed them." "Yeah. Hope you rock the games Dash." Steel then kissed her. "I'll be sure to cheer extra loud for you." "And I'll be listening.", Rainbow Dash said with a wink. Meanwhile with Sunset and Gold... "Hard to believe we found each other right?", Gold asked as he was walking with Sunset. "Not to mention everything you've been through. Plus, nice new outfit." "Thanks. I thought I'd get a look that showed my new outlook. Rarity was a big help in that. But to be honest, you're the one who really makes my life brighter." "I guess I could say the same for you. And...there's something I want to give you. To show just how much you mean to me." Gold pulled a small box out of his pockets and opened it to reveal a ring. "This ring belonged to my passed-on adopted mother. Pegasus gave it to me, and told me to give it to the girl who means the most to me. When I first got to this world, I thought I'd never find anyone like me. But then I found you." Sunset slipped the ring on and smiled. "You really rise to the occasion every time." "That's my line.", Gold said with a chuckle. "Good luck in the games Sunset." "Just make sure you and the guys put on a rockin' performance!", Sunset said. "I better go and meet up with the girls. Rarity wanted to show us something. Probably whatever outfits she made for the games. That we might not use at all." > Duel 10: Welcome Crystal Prep > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The day of the Friendship Games had finally arrived. However, the visiting Crystal Prep students were far from friendly. 'Geez! These guys are real buckets of sunshine.', Burst thought as he went off to find his friends. "Hey everyone. What's up?" "Rarity's just going over the mountain of uniforms she made for the games.", Applejack stated. "Ah think she mighta overdone it." "Don't be ridiculous darling. You never know what events are going to be, or what outfit you'll need!", Rarity countered. "You sure you aren't tired from making all of these Rarity?", Sunset asked. "Oh on the contrary darling. I feel full of energy!" Rarity levitated in the air, and ponied up! However, just as soon as the magic had appeared, it faded away! Burst caught the trail of fading magic. "On second thought....I am feeling a bit tired." Burst bolted for the door, and threw it open to find.... "TWILIGHT?" Twilight Sparkle froze when she looked at Burst. "How do you know my name?", she asked. The others soon showed up and were just as amazed. Spike then got out of Twilight's back pack. "SPIKE!", the girls cheered. "You know my dog's name too?", Twilight asked. Suddenly, Twilight's device went off again! And it was in Burst's presence! "What the?!" The device opened up, and tried to absorb Burst's magic! But when it tried to siphon it, Burst's magic fought back! It snapped free of the suction and channeled back into Burst. "How...how did you do that?" "Don't know. Don't care. But I do know one thing. You're not the Twilight we know." "Yeah. What's with your clothes?", Rainbow Dash asked. "It's...my uniform. For Crystal Prep.", Twilight answered. "Crystal Prep?", the whole group nearly screamed. Principal Celestia had just arrived on the scene. "What's all the noise abou-Twilight?" "There you are Twilight.", Principal Cinch said. "I must thank you for finding my prized student." "YOUR student?", Celestia asked. "And I see you've met your opponent for the duel Twilight.", Cinch said as she looked at Burst Stream. "Burst Stream. The champion of Duelist Kingdom." "I'm dueling against the Duelist Kingdom Champion?!", Twilight freaked. Burst took a good look at Twilight. "May the best duelist win.", Burst said with a smile. "That will be Twilight.", Cinch said with a smug smile. "Gee. For the Friendship Games, you're sure not acting friendly.", Burst said with a frown. "I wouldn't expect that of a school that has no reputation to speak of.", Cinch said. Out of the corner of her eye, Cinch noticed a boy she was quite familiar with. "Nightfall." Nightfall Silvers froze, and turned to face Cinch. "Hello mother.", Night said. "I still don't know what you see in this place.", Cinch said coldly. "Isn't it obvious? This school's principal isn't delusional with establishing a legacy, OR using students to get what she wants.", Night spat. "Then your choice is made. Traitor. Come Twilight." And with that, Cinch was off. "THAT'S your mother?", Inferno asked. "Unfortunately.", Night said with a sigh. "Let's just say we're not on the best terms." "Family issues aside, nice to meet you.", Burst said as he fist-bumped Night. "Nightfall right?" "Call me Night for short. Everyone knows who you are Burst." Time passed by, and the students of CHS and Crystal Prep were gathered in the gym and neither wanted anything to do with the other. Not if Pinkie had anything to say about it. She also dragged their world's Twilight in on the fun and fired off her party cannons! The students then began to mingle as Burst and his band as well as the Dazzlings took the stage. The band began playing, and Burst and the former sirens began to sing. Burst Sonata Aria Adagio All Mysteries abound made of a deep energy Foes all around, but I will go fearless and free! I'll give you strength. You give me love, that's how we'll live! My courage won't fade. If you're with me, my enemies will never win! We will fight for love and glory! We will live to tell the story! There is nothing we can't live through! Nothing ever dies, we will rise again! Don't stop, don't stop! We're in luck now! Don't stop keep your spirit proud! And ride upon the wind! All we have to do is go! Don't stop, don't stop! We're in luck now! Don't stop there's so much to be found! We can find paradise! All we have to do is go, go! Free your soul! Dragon Sooooul! The whole crowd cheered for the performance, but Principal Cinch cut the music as she took the stage. Burst, his band and the Dazzlings stepped off the stage. "Everyone looked like they were having fun. Until she showed up.", Burst remarked as they left the stage. "I already don't like her.", Aria said with a frown. "She seems like a real meanie.", Sonata noted. The events for the games were soon announced! The Friendship Games were underway! > Duel 11: Game On! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "The first event will be a duel! Twilight Sparkle of Crystal Prep will be pitted against our own Burst Stream!", Principal Celestia announced. The whole crowd cheered as Burst and Twilight took the field. Both activated their duel disks. Burst noticed Twilight's distress at the crowd. "Hey Twilight! Piece of advice: Ignore the crowd! Just focus on the duel!", Burst called out. Twilight nodded. Burst: 8000 Twilight: 8000 "I'll let you have the first move." "Okay then. Here goes!" Twilight took a good look at her hand. 'Alright Twilight. You've got a pretty good hand. Just stay calm, and you'll be in Everton soon.' "I summon Magician's Rod! This lets me add a spell or trap card from my deck to my hand that lists Dark Magician in its text! Now I'll activate the card I added! Illusion Magic! I'll tribute my rod to add two Dark Magicians from my deck to my hand! Then I'll set two cards and end my turn." "I draw!", Burst said. 'Geez. Even after my advice, she still looks so tense. Dueling should be fun, so why's she playing like her future's riding on this duel. I wonder if she even wants to be here?' "I'll reveal Blue-Eyes White Dragon in my hand to special summon Blue-Eyes Alternative!" "I activate my trap! Solemn Strikes! I pay 1500 life points to negate the special summon of your monster! And since I played a spell or trap card during your turn, I can special summon Magician of Dark Illusion from my hand! Also, his name becomes Dark Magician while he's on the field! Then I'll activate my other trap! Magician Navigation! This lets me special summon Dark Magician from my deck!" "I guess I'll end my turn with a face-down." 'No wonder she's my opponent. She's pretty good with her Dark Magicians!' "I draw! I'll attack you directly with both of my monsters! Dark Magic attack!" "I activate my trap! Curse of Anubis! This switches all effect monsters on the field into face-up defense mode and makes their defense zero! Their positions can't be changed!" "I didn't see that coming." 'That was a pretty good counter! No wonder he's the champion.' "Isn't that the fun part of a duel Twilight? You do know you can attack me directly with Dark Magician since he's a normal monster right?" "Oh! I almost forgot! I'll attack you directly with Dark Magician! Dark Magic Attack!" A blast of dark magic struck Burst's life points! "I end my turn." Burst: 5500 Twilight: 6500 "Not a bad move Twilight. Now it's my turn! I summon White Stone of Ancients! Then I'll target it with the Sage with Eyes of Blue from my hand! I'll send both to the graveyard to special summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my deck! Then I'll play Return of the Dragon Lords to revive the Blue-Eyes Alternative in my graveyard! I'll use Alternative's effect to destroy your Magician of Dark Illusion, and I'll attack Dark Magician with Blue-Eyes! White Lightning!" Twilight shielded herself as Dark Magician was destroyed with a blast of lightning! "Then I'll set a card and end my turn." Burst: 5500 Twilight: 6000 "My turn." Twilight drew her next card. 'This card's a bit of a cheap-shot, but I can't argue with the results.' "Hope you don't think this is a cheap shot, but I activate Dark Hole!" "I don't. Not when I activate my trap! Champion's Vigilance! Since I have a level seven or higher normal monster, I can negate the activation of a spell or trap card or the summon of a monster! Then I can destroy that card! I'll negate Dark Hole!" 'This is gonna be one back-and-forth duel!' "In that case, I end my turn with a face-down card." 'This trap should give me some good protection!' "I draw! Nice. I'll contact fuse my dragons to fusion summon Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon! Then I'll remove White Stone of Ancients from my graveyard to return Blue-Eyes White Dragon to my hand! I'll also play The Melody of Awakening Dragon to discard a card and add two dragon-type monsters from my deck to my hand! I'll attack you directly with Twin Burst!" "I activate my trap! Drowning Mirror Force! When you declare a direct attack, I can shuffle all attack mode monsters you control back into your deck! But since Twin Burst is a fusion monster, he returns to your extra deck." "Good move Twilight. I end my turn." 'I should've guessed that she'd have a card like that up her sleeve.' "Thanks. I draw! I play Dark Magic Veil! This lets me pay 1000 life points to special summon a dark spellcaster-type monster from my hand or graveyard! I'll bring back Dark Magician! Then I'll banish Magician's Navigation from my graveyard to negate the effects of your face-down until the end of this turn! Attack him directly!" Another blast of magic collided with Burst's life points! "I end my turn." This is great! I managed to deplete most of his life points!' Burst: 3000 Twilight: 5000 "Oh man! This duel's been back and forth the whole time!", Rainbow Dash remarked. "Burst's only down to 3000 life points, and Twilight's at 5000!" "This is pretty close...", Sunset almost whispered. Burst looked at Twilight. "Well?" Twilight was puzzled. "Well what?" "Are you having fun?" "Come to think of it...I kind of am.", Twilight said with a small smile. "Thanks for the tip about tuning out the crowd." "No problem. And the fun's only beginning! I draw! I'll play Trade-In to discard Blue-Eyes from my hand to draw two new cards! Then I'll play one of the cards I just drew! Advanced Ritual Art! I'll send another Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my deck to the graveyard to ritual summon Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon! Attack Dark Magician! Chaos Neutron Blast!" Twilight winced as Dark Magician was destroyed! "I end my turn." 'It's your move now Twilight.' Burst: 3000 Twilight: 3500 "I've never seen a monster that strong!", Twilight said in awe. "I don't know if I can take it down!" "Something tells me you'll find a way Twilight.", Burst said with a smile. "It's your move." "Right. I draw! I'll set this card and end my turn." "In that case, I'll attack you directly!" "I activate my trap! Quaking Mirror Force! Since you declared an attack, I can change all of your attack mode monsters into face-down defense mode! Also, their battle positions can't be changed!" "Good counter! I end my turn." 'Glad to see she's a bit less shy now.', Burst thought with a smile. "I draw! I play Thousand Knives to destroy your monster!" Burst winced as a storm of knives destroyed Chaos MAX! "Then I'll summon Magician's Robe and activate its effect! I'll discard a spell or trap card from my hand to special summon Dark Magician from my deck! Now I'll attack you directly with both of my monsters!" 'This is it!' "Then it's a good thing I saved this!" Burst activated his trap! "Mirror Force!" Twilight's monsters were destroyed by the force of her own attack! "I end my turn." 'Should've seen that coming.' "My move then! I draw! I play Silver's Cry! This revives a normal dragon-type monster from my graveayrd! I'll bring back Blue-Eyes White Dragon! Attack her directly! White Lightning!" Twilight winced as she took the full force of Blue-Eyes' attack! "Then I'll set a card and end my turn." 'I got the feeling her Dark Magicians still have a trick of two up their sleeves. Good thing I've got Return of the Dragon Lords in my graveyard.' Burst: 3000 Twilight: 500 "It all hangs on one draw...", Twilight said nervously. 'Yes! Just what I needed!' "I play Dark Magic Curtain! I pay half my life points to special summon my last copy of Dark Magician from my deck! Then I'll activate Dark Magic Expanded! I have two other Dark Magicians in my graveyard, so I get to use two of its effects! This turn, all dark spellcaster-type monsters I control gain 1000 attack! Attack Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" 'Sorry Twilight. But Blue-Eyes isn't going anywhere!' "I'll banish Return of the Dragon Lords to keep my monster safe from being destroyed!" The blast of magic hit Blue-Eyes, but he was still standing! "I end my turn." Burst: 2500 Twilight: 250 "Let's rock the dragon Blue-Eyes!" Blue-Eyes nodded. "White Lightning!", Blue-Eyes cried out as he fired his signature attack! Wiping out the last of Twilight's life points! All the CHS students cheered while the Crystal Prep students just stared disapprovingly at Twilight. Burst made his way over to Twilight, and offered her his hand. As she was about to accept it, Principal Cinch swatted Burst's hand away! "Hey! What's your deal?!", Burst demanded. 'Something tells me this woman has a lot to do with Twilight being here.' "My student can get up on her own. Twilight. We shall discuss the severity of this later." "Severity?! She just dueled with all she had! She gave a good duel, and that's that! So what if she didn't win?! She did her best! Shouldn't you be proud to say that much?!" "Foolish brat.", Cinch replied. "I picked her because I thought she could beat you. I find it disgraceful that Canterlot High School has even one edge over us." " 'Us' or you?", Burst growled. Cinch simply scoffed and walked off with Twilight. "I'm liking that woman less and less." "Tell me about it.", Blue-Eyes said. "She's as rigid as those Ancient Gear Monsters of hers." "We'd better head inside. Now the games are really about to begin..." > Duel 12: Heated Rivalry > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Both Crystal Prep and CHS were going all out at every event possible! It was when the triathlon hit that things really escalated. Applejack was helping Twilight hit the target for the archery portion, and soon ponied-up! And once again, Twilight's device sucked the magic right out of her! In the commotion, Twilight's device was knocked loose and a portal to Equestria opened! Living vines soon caused trouble on the motocross track! Sunset and Rainbow Dash were on the motocross portion when the vines started wreaking havoc! Rainbow gave Sunset her bike as she ponied-up and took care of the plants and saving some Crystal Prep students. When the whole ordeal was over, Burst and the guys went over to the girls and Twilight. Once again, Twilight's device stole the magic. This time from Rainbow Dash. Sunset was none to happy about what had gone on. "What were you thinking?" "I-I'm sorry!", Twilight said. "I just wanted to understand how the magic works!" "But you don't, do you?", Sunset said as she closed Twilight's device. "And because of you...my friends could've gotten hurt!" "But I want to understand it!", Twilight protested as she and Sunset grappled over the device. Burst stepped in, and snatched the device from Twilight! "Hey!" "Twilight, listen! What makes you think you CAN understand it?!", Burst asked. "Well...I..." "Twilight. Can't you accept the fact that there's somethings in this world you can't understand? Twilight, the magic is unstable. Don't you see what's happened? Somethings just can't be understood!" "Things like what?" "Like this!" Burst summoned Blue-Eyes and activated his dragon powers! Twilight's jaw dropped. "Twilight. That magic is dangerous. Destroy that device! As soon as you can!" Burst then powered down. "If you don't believe me, ask Dark Magician." "Y-you mean I can summon him too?" "Only one way to find out." Twilight pulled out Dark Magician and summoned him. And to her surprise, Dark Magician actually materialized! "Hello Twilight.", Dark Magician said with a small smile. "Nice to meet you in person." "This can't be real...", Twilight whispered. "I assure you I'm quite real Twilight. And so is the danger from your device. But it's your decision." Dark Magician returned to the monster world. Twilight was then left to her "Principal Celestia!", Principal Cinch yelled. "You can't possibly consider that last event fair! Your students have wings!" Celestia was about to counter when Burst stepped in. "And you fail to understand that YOUR students were in danger! Isn't that more of a concern?!", Burst spat. "You little..." "Finish that sentence.", Blue-Eyes said as he loomed over Cinch. "I dare you." "Come Twilight.", Cinch said with a frown. Twilight complied and left with Cinch. "I should've guessed that witch would be here.", a new voice said. Ace turned to find... "Ice!" Ace rushed up to his brother. "What're you doing here?" "I came to see how low Cinch would sink.", Ice replied. "Twilight's not here because she wants to be." "Then why is she here?", Inferno asked. "That old witch is holding her future hostage. But there's no way she'd eve admit it.", Ice said with a scowl. "And something tells me that hold is strong.", Burst added. "Let's just hope it doesn't lead to disaster..." > Duel 13: Magic Unleashed Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It had all come down to the final event. And Principal Cinch was in a foul mood. "I don't expect us to win. Especially since the students of Canterlot High School have an unfair advantage. But it seems we now have the means to fight fire with fire." Cinch then approached Twilight. "Or should I say, fight magic with magic?" "But...I don't understand how it works.", Twilight protested. "But you want to understand it.", Cinch answered. As Cinch and the other students pressured her, Twilight prepared to unleash the magic. Burst and Sunset noticed, and made a break for her! "STOP!", the two of them cried out! But it was too late! Twilight opened the device, and the magic exploded forth! "HELP....ME.....", Twilight screamed as the magic engulfed her in a flash of light! When it died down, Twilight had transformed. "HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! You were right! I didn't understand magic before. But I do now! And I want to understand it all!" "Twilight stop it! This isn't you!", Sunset cried out. "Like you, I thought I could use magic to get everything I wanted! But I was wrong! Please! Let me help you!" "Oh you're wrong. Unlike you, I AM going to get everything I want! And don't call me Twilight. Midnight is much more fitting for this form.", Midnight said with a cruel smile. Midnight then began firing beams of magic that ripped open portals to Equestria! "All I know is there's more magic there!" "But you're destroying this world to get it!" "So wha-?!" Nidnight was cut off when a blast of energy knocked her out of the sky! Sunset looked to her right, and saw Burst's hands smoking from the blast he had fired. "I warned you about this Twilight.", Burst said sadly. "But I promise. I'm going to fix this mistake!" Burst then activated his dragon powers! Sprouting white dragon wings. "WE'RE gonna fix this.", Inferno said as he powered up. "Can't let you have all the fun now can we?" Burst nodded as the two of them got into fighting stances. Midnight rose and powered up her magic. "You seem to have lots of magic inside yourselves. I couldn't get it before, but maybe that's changed now!" Burst and Inferno took to the air, and Midnight followed! Meanwhile, Cinch was about to make a break for it! "Where do you think you're going?!", Sunny Flare demanded. "Anywhere to escape that MONSTER! And I suggest you do the same.." Cinch was cut off by Ice, Nightfall, and Red Dragon Archfiend. "Where do you think YOU'RE going?", Ice asked. "You're not going anywhere Mom.", Nightfall said sternly. "You're taking responsibility for your mistakes!" "And who's going to stop me?", Cinch asked. "Maybe you forgot the dragon behind us?", Ice asked with a smirk as Red Dragon Archfiend cracked his knuckles. Cinch gulped. "Now sit back and enjoy the epic battle." Ice looked to the battle taking place in the sky. Burst and Inferno were dodging all of Midnight's blasts and deflecting them! "Stay still!", Midnight howled. "Nope!", Burst said as he fired his own blast! "Hadoken!" Midnight cringed as the blast hit her! "Wait. Shouldn't you call it White Lightning?", Inferno asked. "It looks like a Hadoken, so I'll call it a hadoken.", Burst answered. "In that case..." Inferno charged up his fist and it was wrapped in flames! Inferno glided over to Midnight and unleashed a devastating uppercut! "SHORYUKEN!" Midnight was winded from Inferno's punch. "Looks like you're too reliant on just magic. Burst! Let's do this DBZ style!" Burst and Inferno rushed Midnight with a series of punches and kicks! Back on the ground, the students of CHS and Crystal Prep were working together to help out anyone in danger of falling through the portals. Sunset had also gathered up the magic of her and her friends. "ENOUGH!", Midnight screamed. She shot a blast of magic that crippled Burst and Inferno! Sending them to the ground. "Time to end this!" Midnight began charging a blast that would have taken the whole school out, but Burst and Inferno recovered and intercepted its path! They put their hands out and managed to keep the blast at bay before it dissipated. However, stopping the blast had taken a lot out of them and they powered down. Sunset then took a stand. "Twilight! This isn't you! And this isn't true magic! True magic comes from Honest! Loyalty! Laughter! Kindness! Genorosity! And it's time I show you the most powerful magic of all!" Sunset then smashed the device Twilight had made, and was transformed! "The magic of Friendship." Sunset then used her new power to seal the dimensional tears and summoned a duel disk onto her arm. "Looks I've finally got a challenge!", Midnight said with a smirk as her own duel disk materialized. TO BE CONTINUED! > Duel 14: Magic Unleashed Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "It looks like there's only one way to get through to you.", Sunset said as she got her hand ready. "You can try...", Midnight said with a dark smile. Daydream Shimmer: 8000 Midnight Sparkle: 8000 "I summon Midnight Apprentice in attack mode! Then I'll equip her with Midnight Tome! This boosts the attack of a 'Midnight' monster by 500 points! Then I'll set a card and end my turn." "I draw!", Sunset said. 'This duel's the only way I can get through to Twilight! It's funny. Now our roles are reversed this time around. Just means I have to fight harder to save her!' "I summon Blue Flame Swordsman and equip him with Salamandra! This boosts him by 700 points! Attack Midnight Apprentice! Flame Slash!" Midnight Apprentice was cut down with one slash! "Then I'll set two cards and end my turn." Daydream Shimmer: 8000 Midnight Sparkle: 7500 "I activate my trap! Midnight Castle! Since a 'Midnight' monster was destroyed, I can place one Midnight Counter on my castle. Now that Midnight Apprentice was destroyed, I can special summon Midnight Sorceress from my hand or deck! Now I'll remove one Midnight Counter from my castle! This switches all monsters on my opponent's field and halves their defense! Did I forget to mention all 'Midnight' monsters have the ability to do piercing damage? Destroy her Blue Flame Swordsman! Midnight Destruction!" Sunset winced as he monster was destroyed! "I end my turn." Daydream Shimmer: 6600 Midnight Sparkle: 7500 "My move!" Sunset drew her next card. 'This monster should help me out! "I s'ummon a monster in defense mode and end my turn!" "In that case, I'll attack your monster!" Midnight Sorceress charged at Sunset's monster! "I activate one of my face-downs! The Flute of Summoning Kuriboh! I'll add Kuriboh to my hand! Then I'll discard it so that I don't take any damage! Now for my monster's effects!" Midnight was surprised when Sunset's monster was still on the field! "Marshmallon can't be destroyed by battle! And since he was attacked in face-down defense mode, you take 1000 points of damage!" "I end my turn with a face-down.", Midnight said with a frown. Daydream Shimmer: 6600 Midnight Sparkle: 6500 "I draw! I'll summon Blade Knight! Then I'll attack your monster! Now I activate my trap! Metalmorph! This lets Blade Knight gain 300 points! And when he attacks, he gains half of your monster's attack points!" 'This should help me get her monster off the field!' "I activate my face-down! Midnight Fury! This banishes all monsters you control!" "Not good!" Sunset watched her monsters disappear from the field! "I guess I'll end my turn with a face-down." 'This card should help if she tries to wipe me out with a direct attack!' "I draw then! And so it ends! I'll banish Midnight Sorceress and Midnight Apprentice from my field and graveyard to summon Midnight Mistress!" A fearsome looking monster wearing purple armor and wielding a black staff appeared from a swirl of darkness! "Now I play a spell card! Midnight's Dominance! This doubles the attack of all 'Midnight' monsters on my field! Attack her directly!" "I activate my face-down! Magic Cylinder!" "I don't think so! Midnight Mistress can't be targeted or destroyed by card effects thanks to Midnight's Dominance!" Sunset braced herself as her life points took a massive hit! "I end my turn." Daydream Shimmer: 600 Midnight Sparkle: 6500 'One more attack and I'm done for!', Sunset thought. A rainbow-colored glow then came from the top of Sunset's deck! "Huh?" Sunset picked up the card, and was amazed at what she saw. "No way...my own harmony card!" Sunset's gaze steeled. "I activate the spell card Harmonic Fusion! I'll send Guardian Eatos and BLS from my deck to the graveyard to fusion summon Eatos-The Envoy of Harmony!" Eatos descended from the heavens! Clad in armor similar to BLS's, but designed for a female and amber in color! "Now to see what she can do! I'll banish your monster!" A beam of light shot from Eatos's sword! Banishing Midnight Mistress! "Now you take damage equal to half her attack points! The only downside is that Eatos can't attack after she uses this effect. So I'll end my turn." 'I'm going to get through to you Twilight. One way or another!' Daydream Shimmer: 600 Midnight Sparkle: 5000 "I draw! I play Midnight's Call! I pay half my life points to return a banished monster to my field! Welcome back Midnight Mistress! I'll have her go into defense mode and end my turn." "In that case, I'll attack!" Midnight Mistress was destroyed! 'Time to see what other abilites Eatos has!' "Too bad you couldn't get at my life points.", Midnight said with a smirk. "I don't think so! When Eatos destroys a monster by battle, she can attack again! Harmony Slash!" Eatos charged at Midnight, and slashed at her life points! "I'll end my turn." Daydream Shimmer: 600 Midnight Sparkle: 1500 "This isn't over!", Midnight roared. "I can still draw a card! NO!" Midnight was furious when she saw her hand. "Time to end this! Eatos!" "Time to light the darkness!", Eatos said as she fired a beam of light! Wiping out the last of Midnight's life points! Midnight shook the damage off and she and Sunset charged at each other! A bright flash went off! Inside the light... "Take my hand Twilight.", Sunset said as she offered Twilight her hand. "Let me help you. Like a friend did for me once..." Twilight nervously took Sunset's hand, and slowly returned to normal. The light faded to reveal Sunset and Twilight back on the ground. Slightly roughed up from the battle. Principal Cinch then stormed forth! "Principal Celestia! I demand that you forfeit the Friendship Games! You can't possibly consider any of this fair!" "I'd like to think saving the world benefits us all.", Celestia said with a smile. "This isn't the end! I'm going to the school board about this!" "Yeah Tell them about the crazy portals, magic, a talking dog, and students growing wings.", Cadence and Luna listed off. "Not to mention turning Twilight into a demon.", Sugar Coast said bluntly. "No. This is too easy for her.", Burst said. "Blue-Eyes." Blue-Eyes materialized and grabbed Cinch. "Unhand me!", Cinch screamed. "Oh I'd rather he hold onto you.", a voice said. Cinch froze. It was Superintendent Faust was here. "I've heard more than my fair share of reports about how you've been running Crystal Prep. And I am greatly disappointed in you. But after this incident, I can see it was a poor decision to put you in charge. Clean out your desk. You're fired." Faust then turned to Cadence. "I've already got the perfect replacement in mind." Faust then turned to Burst. "You wouldn't mind taking out the trash would you?", she asked with a smile. Burst and Blue-Eyes smirked at Cinch. "We've got a good way to do that." Burst got onto Blue-Eyes and they hovered over a trash can. "Bombs away!" Blue-Eyes dropped Cinch into the trash can! "Good riddance to bad rubbish!" Everyone cheered! "Now that we have a happy ending..." Burst then collapsed onto the ground. Sound asleep. Celestia smiled. "Let's get him to the infirmary. It's probably more comfortable than the ground", she said with a smile. "I declare us all winners!" > Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Burst stirred as he awakened. When he opened, he saw his friends standing by his bed. "Hey everyone. So how'd it go?" "You were awesome!", Rainbow Dash cheered. "You and Inferno put up an epic fight against Midnight Sparkle!" Twilight then stepped forward. "I'm sorry! I should have listened to you!" "Easy, Twi. It's cool. You know better now. That's all that matters. Just learn from this and move on.", Burst said with a smile. "Sunset was the one to save the day.", Gold said with a smile. "She even got her own harmony card." "Even got a new ace monster too.", Sunset said proudly. "But more importantly, we've got a new friend." "You're...saying we're friends?", Twilight asked. "Of course!", Pinkie chirped as she pulled out her phone and took a picture of all of them together. Principal Celestia then walked in. "I think you should all give Burst some space if you want him to be rested for the party." "See ya there man!", Inferno said as he and the others left Burst alone. However, Celestia was still present. "I didn't get a chance to thank you.", Celestia said with a smile. "For what?" "Standing up for Twilight, and sticking it to Cinch. I've wanted to toss her in a trash can for a long time.", Celestia said with a mischievous smile. Burst let out a small laugh. "Yeah. I enjoyed dropping her into the garbage too. Me and Blue-Eyes." Burst then took a moment to take in Celestia. He got lost in her lovely violet eyes. "You've grown into quite the young man Burst." "You haven't changed a bit Principal Celestia.", Burst said with a smile. Celestia smiled and inched closer. "Is there something on my face?" "No." Celestia then kissed Burst on the forehead. "Just wanted to give you a token of my thanks." "A-Anytime.", Burst said with a slight blush. "Thank you." Burst got out of bed. "I'm feeling rested, so I think I'll join my friends at the party." At CHS's Gym... "So where's the surprise you had for me Veenus?", Adagio asked. Veenus smiled as he pulled out a bouquet of flowers for Adagio. "I take it you like it?", Veenus asked. "C'mere.", Adagio said with a flirty smile as she pulled Veenus into a kiss. Meanwhile, Ice was introducing Indigo to his brothers. "Well Zap, these are my brothers. Ace and Shadow. Plus, you've seen my partner. Red Dragon Archfiend.", Ice said proudly. "Nice to meet all of you.", Indigo Zap said with a smile. "Good thing we don't gotta worry about Cinch giving us the riot act for even hanging around CHS students." Ice smiled, but then he sensed something. "Could you excuse me? I've gotta check on something..." Ice and Red Dragon Archfiend went outside to where Midnight Sparkle had been defeated. "You can stop hiding." Midnight Sparkle re-materialized. However, she wasn't the power-hungry demon he had seen earlier. In fact, she looked like a scared little girl. "I'll admit. I thought you were fried from all that magic. But what are you still doing here?" "D-don't know....scared.....alone....", Midnight whispered. Ice sighed. "I'll probably regret this. But...." Ice knelt down to Midnight's level. "Come with me. You can stay in my shadow." Midnight's eyes lit up as she slid into Ice's shadow with a joyful smile. "Thank you!" "Yeah. You do know I'll have to tell my friends about you sometime right?" Midnight nodded. "Good. Until then, I guess you'll just have to stay in my shadow until we get home. TRY not to make any trouble." Midnight nodded as she fused into Ice's shadow as he rejoined the party. Faraway at Tirek and Scorpan's Duel School.... Tirek was staring at The Wicked God Cards. He couldn't deny that they were powerful. But something felt....off. Then, the Wicked Gods spoke. "Feed us.", they boomed. "Wait. You can speak? And why should I feed you? What do you eat anyway?", Tirek asked. "Feed us, and we shall grant you power. Power to surpass your brother! Power that all of your students shall respect!" "And....just what is is that you eat?" "Your school is rich with food. The energy of the monsters your students use. Beat them in duels, and we shall absorb the energy. And in turn, your power shall grow!" Tirek was hesitant at first, but soon agreed. "ONE duel..." Later... Scorpan had just returned to the duel school, and found all of the students on the floor! All of them had been defeated, and their cards were grey and lifeless! "Who...who could have done this?!" He didn't have to search far. Scorpan heard laughter coming from the dueling arena. And he found Tirek standing. "TIREK! What have you done?!" "Ah. Brother. Did you see my handiwork? The Wicked God Cards are quite formidable. In fact, I think I've attained more than enough power to defeat you." "Then face me and pay for your actions!" Tirek paused, and then laughed! "HA HA HA HA HAH HAH HA! I'd love to. But now is neither the time or place. You will see me again brother. And when you do, you'll never pick up a deck for as long as you live!" Tirek faded away in a black mist. Leaving Scorpan alone with his thoughts.