//------------------------------// // Episode 5 [Part 1] - Dueling Feathers // Story: Heart of the Cards // by AspirantWriter //------------------------------// A few days has passed since Dusk and Twilight had their duel and the two were the center of attention of Ponyville for some time now. They found the attention awkward at first since it reminded them of what happened when the ponies learned about the Gala tickets. Luckily for Dusk and Twilight, they just receive praises for showing a good duel. Some ponies even asked Dusk if he could try to teach them to play the game. He was reluctant however since he found it more comfortable teaching one pony at a time than an entire class. Twilight though insisted that he had what it takes to be a teacher, but the stallion still remain unsure. Nevertheless, Dusk decided to give it a shot and said to everypony he would try to set up a special class for those interested in Duel Monsters in the near the future. As for where Dusk and Twilight were at as of now, they were currently in the library along with Spike. They were currently looking though all the cards that Dusk had with him, excluding his personal decks. “I guess you are right.” Twilight sighed as she dropped the cards she was levitating on the table. “None of these of cards would appeal to our friends.” “I told you customizing a deck would be difficult.” Dusk said as he turned his attention to his notes. After their duel, Dusk and Twilight asked their friends if they were now interested in Duel Monsters. They not only showed their enthusiasm in learning how the game worked, but also the prospect of having a personalized deck like Twilight. The problem however was that Dusk had not only a limited number of cards, but he may not have the cards that would appeal to of his friend’s liking. “Okay, Rainbow Dash said she wants a deck that represents her completely. Fast, spectacular and cool.” Dusk stated as he read his notes. “What about that Blackwing Deck?” Twilight asked, which the stallion shook his head. “I already asked her yesterday and she just said that it wasn’t cool enough.” Dusk scratched his head. “What does she see as cool anyway?” “I don’t know, but I am sure that none of these cards would appeal to Applejack.” Twilight stated. “I haven’t found a single card related to apples, trees or farming.” “I did find a few cute Monster cards that would suit Fluttershy’s deck, like she wished for. They are not enough to make a full deck I’m afraid. Found anything for Rarity?” “I’m not sure... She did say she wants monsters that wear outfits that would leave ponies in awe, but I doubt the outfits found in many of these cards are suitable for poines. As for Pinkie…” “Yeah... Nothing related to parties or sweets whatsoever…” The two ponies sighed as they saw finding the right cards for their friends is still far off. “Spike on the other hoof…” Dusk said as he and Twilight turned to the baby dragon, who had a lot of cards in front of him as he was carefully inspecting them. “I know. I am surprised that many of your cards are related to dragons.” Twilight watched as Spike gathered the cards he looked into a deck and had to Dusk. “I think I made a good deck. What do you think Dusk?” Spike asked as the stallion grabbed the deck and quickly looked through them. “Spike…” Dusk sighed. “Do you know you picked nothing but Monster cards?” “Yeah. So what?” He and Twilight resisted the urge to facehoof after hearing the baby dragon’s reply. “Uh Spike, do you remember what Dusk said about deck composition?” Twilight said. “Of course. Each deck require a balance of Monsters, Spells and Traps…” Spike then realize his initial mistake. “Oh…” “Don’t worry Spike.” The stallion chuckled. “I will handle your deck from here.” After some time, Dusk packed up his cards with Twilight and Spikes help. While the stallion felt disappointed that he wouldn’t be able to create decks for the rest of the friends, he was able to at least start working on Spike’s deck. While Spike stayed in the library, Dusk and Twilight were walking through town. “How am I going to explain to the others?” The stallion muttered. “Just tell them that you are unable to make their decks at the moment. I’m sure they would understand.” The unicorn replied, but felt a bit guilty that her friends would have to wait for their own decks. “I am not sure they would be patient for long… If only if I had more cards…” As he sighed, he and Twilight then caught sight of a pegasus stallion talking to a pony outside of a house, which they recognized as Bon Bon. Dusk remembered her as a friend of Lyra, the pony that was possessed by Number 22 back at the Summer Sun Celebration. The pegasus however was somepony they never met before. He had a silver coat and light grey mane while his cutie mark looked like pair of coins; one showing heads and the other showing tails. He had two pouches on each side of him and they appeared to be stuffed. Dusk however felt a strange feeling coming from the pegasus, but he chose to ignore it for the moment. Despite knowing it was rude to easedrop, Dusk and Twilight nevertheless listened to the conversation. “Thank you so much for helping Lyra.” Bon Bon said happily. “Maybe she can finally put the incident at the Summer Sun Celebration to rest.” “I am just doing what I do best.” The pegasus replied. “I will be in Ponyville for a few days, so feel free to get me if your friend needs another appointment.” After the two ponies shook hooves, Bon Bon went back inside the house. The pegasus was about to leave when he saw Dusk and Twilight. “Oh, I haven’t met you two before.” He said as he walked towards them. Dusk and Twilight swore they felt a relieving feeling when he looked at them with is light blue eyes. “We haven’t met you either.” Dusk said. “What were doing with Bon Bon?” “Oh her. I just arrived in town a few hours ago and I first met with her and her friend Lyra.” The pegasus explained. “I could tell something was bothering Lyra, so I eased her worries and help her to move on from it. I would have never thought she was previous possessed by a Number.” The unicorn wasn’t surprised though that the pegasus know about the Numbers. Since Dusk’s arrival to Equestria, news about the Numbers and Duel Monsters would have no doubt spread across the land. “So, you are a therapist?” Twilight asked the pegasus. “That is correct. I travel across Equestria and help those who suffered from emotional trauma. I was quite busy for the last few weeks, helping ponies who were hurt from these so-called Numbers. Luckily, I have able to get to move on and see the brighter side of life.” “I am glad to meet a pony who care much for others.” Dusk smiled at the pegasus before gazing at his cutie mark. “But how does your cutie mark relate to your job as a therapist?” “Oh, my cutie mark?” The pegasus turned his gaze to his frank. “Well, I had a gift for reading a pony’s emotion when I was just a colt. I was confused at first when I got my cutie mark, but I soon realize what it meant.” “Your cutie mark reminded of a phase I know…” Dusk rubbed his chin. “Of course, two sides of the same coin…” “Sometime like that. To simply put, I could understand a pony’s true feelings; good and ill.” “Interesting…” Twilight said. “What is your name.” “Half Coin. And you two.” “My name is Twilight Sparkle.” She said as she then gestured to the stallion. “He’s Dusk.” “Dusk…?” Half Coin muttered in surprise. “Like in the Dusk that knows about this strange game of Duel Monsters.” “Yes, that is indeed me.” Dusk stated and was startled when the pegasus grabbed his right hoof and shook it. “I am pleased to meet you at last.” Half Coin said. “I never thought you were a fan of me.” Despite finding the hoofshake abrupt, Dusk remained polite. “Is there anything I could help you with?” “Yes.” The pegasus nodded. “I wish for you to teach me this game of Duel Monsters.” “Huh?” Dusk and Twilight was caught off guard by Half Coin’s request. Back at the library, Dusk and Twilight were having a discussion with Half Coin and regarding his request. “Before I agree Half Coin, I wish to know why you want to learn Duel Monsters?” Half Coin cleared his throat as he begun to explain. “Well, I was in Manehattan when these Duel Monsters first appeared in Equestria…” ‘Manehattan?’ Dusk thought it was very strange for an Equestrian city to sound very similar to Manhattan back on Earth. Nevertheless, he gave Half Coin his full attention as he continued his story. “I saw a few flashes of light in the sky and suddenly, the cards rained from the sky and piled in the streets…” He and Twilight were surprised to hear that thousands of Duel Monsters cards rained across the city and many of the inhabitants curiously picked them up. Half Coin picked up plenty of cards during the event, but like everypony in Equestria at the time, he was unsure of what they were or where they came from. The pegasus nevertheless kept the cards in case he meets a colt or filly who wanted to collect such cards. “If so many cards appeared in Manehattan, that would mean…?” Twilight asked, but Half Coin knew what she was going to say. “Yes. There were a hoofful of ponies that became possessed by these Numbers. I didn’t know back then and I thought that some of the cards contained a malevolent being.” The pegasus sighed in sadness as he spoke of the incidents that occurred in the city by the hooves of the possessed ponies; hours after the appearance of the Duel Monster cards. The majority of the incidents were the usual threatening of innocent ponies, destruction of property and civil disorder. However, Dusk and Twilight were horrified that one of the possessed ponies started a fire in one of the city’s parks. Apparently, the possessed pony was named Green Leaf and one of the park’s caretaker, which was irony when she ended up set alight the park. While nopony was hurt from the incident, a portion of the park was in ruins after the fire was put out. “How horrible…” Twilight said sadly. “I knew what Numbers were capable of, but that was out of hoof…” “I know. I was there.” Half Coin solemnly said. “When I gaze upon the pony, I could feel nothing but twisted emotions. It was then I realized it belonged to the Number and not Green Leaf herself…” The pegasus was quiet for a few moments, recalling the incident before he continued on. “There were a few ponies that tried to stop her, but they were pushed away by the black aura surrounding her. She then pulled out a deck made from the Duel Monsters cards and stated she could only be stopped by a duel. After the incident, I then caught on what she meant…” “However, you know nothing how to play Duel Monsters…” Dusk stated to the pegasus. “Truth, but I had to at least try to stop the Number. A day after the fire, I heard Green Leaf reappeared near the park. I rushed there and challenged her to duel in hopes of stopping the Number possessing her.” Dusk and Twilight were very surprised to hear that Half Coin tried to duel the possessed pony even though he knows nothing about the card game. “But you don’t have a duel disk.” Twilight noted to Half Coin. “Duel disk?” The pegasus was rather confused what the unicorn was referring to. Dusk then briefly explained what a duel disk is and even showed his old one to Half Coin. “Interesting. I always wondered about the object that appeared on Green Leaf’s hoof. Anyway, she used the aura around her to convert one of the patio tables near a café into something she called a duel table.” “Duel table huh? And your deck…?” Dusk asked, which the pegasus made a deep sigh. “Unfortunately, the deck I made was made from an assortment of random cards. And as I feared, I was hopelessly outmatched against Green Leaf.” Half Coin said as he thought back to his first duel. “When we played, the lifelike illusions of the cards we played appeared and it startled many ponies and scared others away. Yet, Green Leaf looked amused when I kept calm.” The pegasus then sighed again. “While I gained an understanding how to play by observing her during her turns, I was nevertheless defeated in the end. It was strange though.” “Strange?” Dusk questioned. “What do you mean?” “Well, I understood that you lose the duel if your Life Points drops to zero, but Green Leaf had many opportunities to finish me off. Truth be told, our duel lasted for ten turns.” Half Coin stated. “That is strange.” Dusk noted. “May be the Number possessing Green Leaf chose to toy with you…” “Did she do anything to you when you lost?” Twilight asked. “No.” Half Coin shook his head. “She just said she was disappointed in my skills and left the scene.” “What about Green Leaf herself?” Twilight asked next, which the pegasus had a solemn look on his face. “A few days after my defeat, I learned that she was back in the park . When I got there, Green Leaf was found weeping and was constantly crying sorry. Also, she didn’t have that strange aura around her when I first saw her…” “Wait… That would mean the Number was defeated in a duel right?” “I don’t think that was the case Twilight. No pony knows Duel Monsters at the time.” Dusk stated. “It was likely the Number just left Green Leaf’s body. However, she was left with all the memories of the things the Number force her to commit…” He and the unicorn frowned as they remember Grey Wing and Lyra, who remember everything they did when possessed by the Numbers and it hit them hard. Half Coin also frown as he recalls how traumatised Green Leaf was from her possession. “While everypony knew that what possessed her was the one responsible, Green Leaf felt it was still her fault and was inconsolable. However, I was there to help her open up and spend the next days treating her trauma.” Half Coin looked at the floor solemnly. “I was able to at least help her resume her life in peace, but she nevertheless flinches whenever she sees a Duel Monster card. Even when news about the existence of the Numbers became widespread, Green Leaf still feels a hint of guilt for her uncontrolled actions.” “Me and Twilight feel the same way.” Dusk said with a comforting smile, which was shared with the unicorn. “Nopony deserve to suffer like that...” “So what brings you here to Ponyville?” Twilight asked. “Well, I heard rumors about Dusk and his deeds. After finishing everything in Manehattan, I left for Canterlot last week, hoping to meet him.” Half Coin replied as he turned his eyes to Dusk. “However, you weren’t there when I arrived. It was then I learned you were staying in Ponyville.” “How come you didn’t come last week then?” Dusk questioned the pegasus. “I would have, but I was treating an ex-royal guard named Grey Wing. No doubt you know him?” “Yes.” Dusk nodded. “He was possessed by a Number, but I freed him after defeating him in a duel. However, he resigned his position after that.” “He was very guilty what he done when he was possessed.” Half Coin sadly spoke. “He couldn’t find it in his heart to forgive himself.” “But Princess Celestia knew it was the Number’s fault and forgave him.” Twilight stated, but the pegasus shook his head. “Not in his eyes. During our first appointment, Grey Wing said he doesn’t deserve the Princess’s forgiveness…” Dusk and Twilight were saddened to hear about Grey Wing’s condition. “Were you able to…?” “Of course.” Half Coin answered Dusk. “As much I wanted to meet you, I couldn’t bear to see anypony hurt themselves like this and Grey Wing was no exception.” Half Coin then explained his ordeal during his stay in Canterlot. Grey Wing felt he was nothing he could do to atone for himself, but Half Coin refuse to give up on him. While there was some trouble during the first few appointments, the pegesus was finally able to get his patient to take his words. Half Coin told Grey Wing he could help ponies in trouble and redeem himself in his own eyes if he rejoined the royal guard. If he didn’t, he would put them at risk and would likely suffer the same trauma as he did, which would compound his guilt. It was only yesterday when Grey Wing took everything that Half Coin told him at heart and decided to return back to the royal guard. Pleased with Grey Wing’s recovery, Half Coin finally left Canterlot and took a train to Ponyville. “I am impressed Half Coin.” Twilight said happily. “Surely Princess Celestia would be pleased what you did.” The pegasus merely chuckled. “I didn’t stay to find out I’m afraid, but I’m sure she would indeed be pleased.” “Well then, I see you wish to learn Duel Monsters so you could stop the Numbers before they cause harm.” Dusk said. “If that is the case, I would like to see your deck?” “No problem, but I didn’t bring just bring my deck with me.” Half Coin then took off his pouches and much to Dusk’s and Twilight’s surprise, he used his hooves. “How did you do that?” Twilight questioned. “I thought Dusk was the only one who could do that.” “Well, that confirm that rumor that Dusk is unique from other ponies.” The pegasus said as he pulled out a folded cloth from the left pouch and presented to Dusk. “Regarding my hooves though, I am not sure. On my way to Canterlot, a card appeared in one of my pouches. I was very worried when I saw the name, but I got this strange feeling from it. After that, I could strangely grip things with my hooves.” Grabbing the cloth, Dusk opened it and gasped what was within. It was a Duel Monster card, but it wasn’t just any card since he felt a familiar feeling. It was when he first obtained Number 39, but it felt weak and dim. “You have a Number?!” Twilight gasped as well. “Number 82: Heartlandraco.” Dusk spoke the card’s name. “And this feeling… Looks like a good Number chose to support you.” “A good Number? How would know?” Half Coin questioned. “You are not the only one.” Dusk then reach to one of his pouches and pulled out his Extra Deck. He then took out Number 39 and showed it to the pegasus. “Number 39: Utopia?” He muttered as his body lightly shook. “Wait, this feeling… It is like when I first touched Number 82, but much stronger.” “From my experience, not all Numbers are malicious beings. It relieved me though that Number 39 isn’t the only good Number out there.” Dusk stated to Half Coin. “It is just an assumption, but I got the feeling that Number 82 had a run-in with an evil Number and was weakened as a result. Looks like the Number came to you because it can trust you while it regains its strength.” “You sure know a lot about these Numbers.” “Well, I defeated some after all.” Dusk then reach for a pouch which held the Number he obtained since he came to Equestria and showed them to Half Coin, which amazed him. “The more reason I wish for you to teach me who to play this card.” Half Coin said. “That I can do, but I still wish to see your deck.” “And like said before.” Half Coin reached for his right pouch and pulled out a cloth-wrapped bundle and placed it on the table. “I have more than my deck with me.” Dusk’s and Twilight’s jaws dropped when the pegasus opened the cloth and revealed its contents. “How… How did you…” Dusk muttered in shock. What Half Coin showed the two ponies were a dozen stacks of Duel Monster cards, neatly arranged together into a rectangle shape. From Dusk’s observation, each stack was likely consisted between fifty to sixty cards. “I initially only had a few decks worth of cards, but there were ponies in Manehattan who heard of my duel against Green Leaf. Much to my surprise, they praised my bravery for standing up against her despite losing in the end.” Half Coin stated to Dusk, who was looking at the stacks of cards in awe. “The ponies thought the cards they collect would be better use in my hooves and donated them to me. They are other ponies who also collected Duel Monster cards, but I heard they feared one of them could possess them and locked the cards up instead.” “Still, I only have a few hundred cards in storage.” Dusk said. “You have like three times the number of cards than I do.” “And they are all yours Dusk.” “Wha…?” Dusk’s and Twilight’s jaws dropped for the second time today upon hearing Half Coin’s words. “Since you are only one who knows about Duel Monster, I know that these cards I have is better off in your hooves than in mine.” “I don’t what to say… But thank you.” Dusk manage to say out after his shock of Half Coin donated so many cards to him. “Don’t mention it.” Half Coin reached for his left pouch again and this time pulled out a deck of Duel Monsters. “And finally, this is my deck.” He then handed it over to Dusk, who grabbed them and begun to examine it. “I revised it several times before coming to Ponyvile. As much I don’t know about Duel Monsters, I think the cards I chose should suffice.” “Hmm…” Dusk scanned through each card in Half Coin’s deck. “From what I can see, you made yourself a Beatdown deck.” “Beatdown?” Twilight and Half Coin said at the same time. “It is one of the oldest strategies in Duel Monsters. Basically, the player summons low Level monsters with high ATK to overwhelm their opponents and wither their Life Points. It may be simple, but is quite effective if used properly.” “If that’s the case, when can you teach me?” Half Coin asked. “If you wish…” Dusk smiled. “We can start right now.” Dusk and Half Coin were now at a meadow some distance away Ponyville, which the former provided the latter with his old duel disks. After the attention, he received a few days ago, Dusk chose the location since it was unlikely somepony would notice them duel. The stallion plan to do something different for Half Coin. Instead of going easy like he did with Twilight during practice, he plans not to hold back against the pegasus. He wishes to see how he reacts to unexpected maneuvers and see if he could stay calm under pressure. Despite not intending to hold back against the pegasus, Dusk would nevertheless during the duel, explain the rules of Duel Monsters and provide advice if needed. As much she wishes to see how Half Coin duel, Twilight however couldn’t didn’t join them since she needs to reorganize a number of the sleeves in the library. “So how does a duel disk work?” Half Coin was gazing upon the duel disk that Dusk placed onto his left hoof. “Let me explain…” Dusk then spend a few minutes explaining the mechanics of the duel disk. While it was different from the duel table he used back in Manehattan, Half Coin saw the same principles and rules applies to the duel disk. “So how do players decide who goes first?” Half Coin asked as he placed his deck into the duel disk. “Usually, the players decide amongst themselves before a duel. One of the popular methods though was that the first one to draw his or her cards at the start of the duel goes take the first turn.” Dusk explained before gazing upon his left hoof. “Duel Disk on.” He said as his duel disk materialized and placed his deck into it. “For this duel, I’ll let you go first.” “How did you do that?” Half Coin said in surprise as he looked at he newly appeared duel disk. “You are not a unicorn.” “When I first obtained Number 39, I’ve gained this strange ability to manifest this duel disk.” Dusk answered. “If Number 82 recovers, maybe you would gain that ability as well.” “I guess we’ll see in time.” Half Coin said as he and Dusk prepared themselves for the duel. “You’re ready?” “As always.” Soon, their duel disks activated and the usual dueling procedures begin. “Solid Reality Vision Link established.” The holographic screens appeared above the two ponies as the computerized voice echoed across the field. Despite seeing this for the first time, Half Coin was remarkable calm by Dusk’s point of view. “DUEL!” Dusk and Half Coin called out as they drew their cards. [Dusk’s Life Points: 8000] [Half Coin’s Life Points: 8000] [Turn 1: Half Coin] [Dusk’s Cards in Hoof: 5] [Half Coin’s Cards in Hoof: 5] “It’s my turn. Draw.” Half Coin drew his card and look through his hoof. Despite dueling only once prior to meeting Dusk, he at least knows the basic rules of the game. Such as how to summon monsters and place them in the right battle positions. “Alright, I summon Battle Footballer in Defense mode.” On Half Coin’s field, a cybernetic football player appeared and kneeled down with its arms crossed. [Battle Footballer] [ATK: 1000] [DEF: 2100] [Level: 4] “I then set two cards face-down and end my turn.” [Turn 2: Dusk] [Dusk’s Cards in Hoof: 5] [Half Coin’s Cards in Hoof: 3] “Looks like you indeed know a bit about Duel Monsters.” Dusk said as Half-Coin set his face-downs. “However, the game is more complex then that.” Before drawing his card, Dusk begun to explain about how each player’s turn comprised of six phases. He gave a brief overview of each phase and the different card types to Half Coin. “I never would have thought a card game would be this complicated.” Half Coin said. “Oh, I am just scratching the surface. There is much more to Duel Monsters. I draw!” Upon drawing his card, Dusk made his move. “I play Six Samurai United.” The Continuous Spell Card then appeared on the field. “Every time a "Six Samurai" monster is Normal or Special Summoned, a Bushido Counter is added to this card. Now I summon Legendary Six Samurai – Shinai in Attack mode.” A muscular samurai wearing purple armor appeared on Dusk’s field, wielding two large kanabōs in each hand. [Legendary Six Samurai - Shinai] [ATK: 1500] [DEF: 1500] [Level: 3] At the same time, a Bushido Counter was placed on Six Samurai United. [Six Samurai United - Bushido Counter 0 (+)> 1] “Since Shinai is face-up on my field, I can Special Summon Legendary Six Samurai – Mizuho.” Now, a female samurai wearing red armor appeared to the left of Shinai. She wielded dual blades which were unusual in design; the blades curve downwards close to the hilt as a crescent. [Legendary Six Samurai - Mizuho] [ATK: 1600] [DEF: 1000] [Level: 3] Once more, a Bushido Counter was added to Six Samurai United. [Six Samurai United - Bushido Counter 1 (+)> 2] “Now I activate Mizuho’s special effect.” Dusk then gestured to the female samurai. “I can tribute a “Six Samurai” monster I control to destroy one card on the field.” The stallion then turned to Shinai, who vanished in particles of light and flew into Mizuho’s blades. She then swung her blades, launching two waves of red energy at Battle Footballer. Moments later, the cyborg exploded in a cloud of smoke. Half Coin covered his eyes as his monster was destroyed. “Now Mizuho, direct attack!” As the samurai charged at Half Coin, the pegasus calmly pointed to one of his face-down. “I activate my trap, Shadow Spell.” After the card flip up, black chains appeared from the picture and wrapped around Mizuho and stopped her attack. The samurai tried to break free, but found herself being weakened. “Now Mizuho not only loses 700 ATK, but she also cannot attack or change battle positions.” [Legendary Six Samurai - Mizuho] [ATK: 1600 (-)> 900] “Not bad Half Coin, but it is not over. I send Six Samurai United to the Graveyard.” Dusk stated as his Spell vanish. “For each Bushido Counter placed on this card, I draw 1 card.” He then drew two cards and after glancing at them, he set them face-down. “I set two cards face-down, ending my turn.” [Turn 3: Half Coin] [Dusk’s Cards in Hoof: 3] [Half Coin’s Cards in Hoof: 3] “You sure live up to the rumors I heard Dusk. Draw.” As he drew from his deck, Half Coin then pointed to his face-down. “I activate Jar of Greed, which lets me draw another card.” Half Coin smiled at what he drew and played it. “I activate Double Summon, which I can Normal Summon two monster this turn.” He then took two cards from his hoof and play them. “I summon Neo the Magic Swordsman and Fencing Fire Ferret, both in Attack mode. To the right of Half Coin’s field appeared a blond long-haired swordsman who was channeling magic in his left hand. Beside him then appeared a small pillar of fire, which revealed a fearsome ferret with a bladed tail. [Neo the Magic Swordsman] [ATK: 1700] [DEF: 1000] [Level: 4] [Fencing Fire Ferret] [ATK: 1700] [DEF: 600] [Level: 4] “Next, I equip Neo with the Spell Card, Black Pendent, which boost his ATK by 500.” Around the swordsman’s neck was a dark purple amulet with violet beads, which strengthened his power. [Neo the Magic Swordsman] [ATK: 1700 (+)> 2200] “Now Fencing Fire Ferret, attack Mizuho.” Half Coin called out as his monster rushed at the chained Samurai with its bladed tail ready to strike. “Not so fast.” Dusk said as he gestured to one of his face downs. “I activate my Trap, Rising Energy.” After discard a card from his hoof, a powerful aura emitted from Mizuho just before the Fencing Fire Ferret struck her with its tail. Upon contact, the aura around the samurai blasted the ferret away. “What?” “The effect of Rising Energy. By discard 1 card, 1 monster I control gains 1500 ATK until the End Phase.” [Legendary Six Samurai - Mizuho] [ATK: 900 (+)> 2400] “Since Mizuho has more ATK, your ferret is destroyed instead.” Dusk said as Half Coin’ monster shattered into particles of light before hitting the ground. The pegasus gritted his teeth as he felt his Life Points drop due to the counter. [Half Coin’s Life Points: 8000 (-)> 7300] “However, Fencing Fire Ferret has a special effect of its own.” He said. “If the card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, a monster you control is destroyed and you also take 500 damage.” A pillar of fire erupted beneath Mizuho, which quickly destroyed her. At the same time, Shadow Spell was destroyed as well since its target was no longer on the field. Dusk felt some of the sparks from the pillar hit him, which represents the damage to his Life Points. [Dusk’s Life Points: 8000 (-)> 7500] “Since you have no monsters left, Neo can attack you directly.” Half Coin gestured to his remaining monster, who charged at Dusk with its sword ready. “I activate my other Trap.” Dusk pointed to his remaining face-down. “Ring of Destruction!” After flipping up, a large ring with a number of explosives flew from the Trap’s picture. Before Neo could strike, the ring reached him and shrunk tightly around his neck. “What have you done?” The pegasus said as he watched Neo struggle in vain to get the ring off. “Ring of Destruction allows me to destroy 1 monster on the field and we both take damage equal to its ATK.” Dusk replied as the explosives on the ring exploded and the blast enveloped the swordsman. He and Half Coin soon felt the force of the blast which cut into their respective Life Points. [Dusk’s Life Points: 7500 (-)> 5300] [Half Coin’s Life Points: 7300 (-)> 5100] “To think you can counter my moves like this…” Half Coin said as he recovered from the force of the blast. “You definitely have skill, but you have to be careful when you plan your attacks. Whenever you see a face-down, you need to decide if attacking would be the best choice. After all, one mistake can cost you the duel.” Dusk stated. “I will keep that in mind, but Black Pendent has another effect. If this card is sent from the field to the Graveyard, you take 500 damage.” “Ugh.” Dusk flinched when he was surrounded by a dark aura, which impacted his Life Points. [Dusk’s Life Points: 5300 (-)> 4800] “I set one card face-down and end my turn.” Half Coin then set his last card in his hoof. [Turn 4: Dusk] [Dusk’s Cards in Hoof: 3] [Half Coin’s Cards in Hoof: 0] “My turn. Draw! I play Pot of Greed, which lets me draw two cards from my deck.” After drawing his card, Dusk smirked when he saw what he drew. “I summon The Six Samurai – Nisashi in Attack mode.” The green armored samurai appeared on the field with his dual blades drawn for battle. [The Six Samurai – Nisashi] [ATK: 1400] [DEF: 700] [Level: 4] “Since I have a “Six Samurai” monster on the field, I can Special Summon this monster.” Dusk then played the card he drew. “Appear, Grandmaster of the Six Samurai!” Now, an elderly samurai wearing a greyish outfit appeared on the field with a orgnate katana. Both his arms and his right eye were mechanic, but the former appeared more human-like. [Grandmaster of the Six Samurai] [ATK: 2100] [DEF: 800] [Level: 5] “When I have another “Six Samurai” monster on the field, Nisashi can attack two time during each Battle Phase.” Dusk said as he pointed at Half Coin. “Nisashi, attack Half Coin directly!” “Face-down open, Scapegoat.” Half Coin said calmly as his set card flipped open as from it, four small sheep appeared and floated to the field. “When Scapegoat is activated, I can Special Summon 4 Sheep Tokens in Defense Mode. [Sheep Token] [ATK: 0] [DEF: 0] [Level: 1] [Sheep Token] [ATK: 0] [DEF: 0] [Level: 1] [Sheep Token] [ATK: 0] [DEF: 0] [Level: 1] [Sheep Token] [ATK: 0] [DEF: 0] [Level: 1] “Not bad.” Dusk noted as Nisashi ended slashing one of the tokens instead of Half Coin. “However, your defenses cannot hold for long! Niashi, Grandmaster, attack!” Dusk ordered his monsters to destroy two more Sheep Tokens, leaving Half Coin with only one left. “I set two card face-down and end my turn.” [Turn 5: Half Coin] [Dusk’s Cards in Hoof: 1] [Half Coin’s Cards in Hoof: 0] With Dusk’s turn over, Half Coin found himself in dire straits. ‘He truly lives up to the rumors, but I will not give up.” Half Coin thought as he placed his hoof on his deck. “I draw.” Half Coin gazes upon the card he drew. ‘This may buy me another turn…’ He thought as he set the card on the field. “I set a card face-down and end my turn.” [Turn 6: Dusk] [Dusk’s Cards in Hoof: 1] [Half Coin’s Cards in Hoof: 0] “Risking everything with that card? Very well, I draw!” After drawing his card, Dusk pointed to one of his face-downs. “Trap Card activate, Double-Edged Sword Technique. I can Special Summon two “Six Samurai” monsters from my Graveyard in Attack mode. Return to me, Shinai and Mizuho!” Moments later, the two samurai return back to the field, prepared for battle once more. [Legendary Six Samurai - Shinai] [ATK: 1500] [DEF: 1500] [Level: 3] [Legendary Six Samurai - Mizuho] [ATK: 1600] [DEF: 1000] [Level: 3] “Prepare yourself Half Coin! Nisashi, destroy the last Sheep Token!” Just as the samurai dash into battle once again, Half Coin played his only face-down. “I activate Zero Gravity. Now all face-up monsters change battle positions.” The Trap flipped up and emitted a gravitational wave which spread throughout the field. “Trying to stop my attack? Not going to happen I’m afraid.” Dusk stated as he also played his final face-down. “I active Counter Trap, Solemn Judgement!” After it was activated, a bright aura begun to cover Zero Gravity as the wave begun to dissipate. “By paying half of my Life Points, I can negate the activation of your Trap and destroy it.” [Dusk’s Life Points: 4800 (-)> 2400] ‘He countered my move once again.’ Half Coin thought as his Trap was destroyed and Nisashi destroyed his last line of defense. “Now my samurais, finish this duel!” Dusk said as his monsters one-by-one charged at Half Coin for multiple direct attacks. “It’s over.” Half Coin muttered as he struck by Grandmaster, Shinai and Mizuho respectively. While he remarkably stood on his hooves, he kneeled down as his Life Points drop to nothing. [Half Coin’s Life Points: 5100 (-)> 3000 (-)> 1500 (-)> 0] [Winner: Dusk] “Duel Disk off.” After taking out his deck and dematerializing his duel disk, Dusk move up to Half Coin and helped him up. “Even though you lost, I can see you have plenty of potential.” “Thank you.” Half Coin said after he was back on his hooves. “But it looks like I still have a lot to learn about Duel Monsters.” “How long will you plan to stay in Ponyville?” “Well, I don’t wish to neglect on my job, so I would be staying in town for three days at best. Do you mind if I come to you for lessons everyday?” Dusk merely smiled at the Half Coin. “I am more than willing to teach you Half Coin. This isn’t the first time I taught a pony Duel Monsters after all.”