//------------------------------// // Episode 5 [Part 2] - Dueling Feathers // Story: Heart of the Cards // by AspirantWriter //------------------------------// Two days passed since Half Coin came to Ponyville and always comes to Dusk for Duel Monster lessons; eager to learn the game and take the fight to the evil Numbers. During the first practice duels with Half Coin, Dusk made use of his test decks and went easy on the pegasus like he did with Twilight before. However, Half Coin insisted that Dusk shouldn’t hold back on him and take him seriously instead, which the stallion willingly obliged. Despite only having a few days worth of lessons and practice, Half Coin surprisingly learned rules of the game quickly. Dusk wasn’t sure if the pegasus was either quick learner or it was thanks to Number 82, Half Coin’s good Number. Regardless, Dusk thought tomorrow would the last lesson since Half Coin stated he would leave Ponyville the day after. As where they were now, Dusk and Half Coin were with Twilight as they were walking through town. On the way, they notice Rainbow Dash lounging on a cloud. “Enjoying your stay in town?” Dusk asked. “Indeed. It’s not only peaceful here, but everypony is friendly as well.” Half Coin replied. “Glad to hear that.” Twilight said as they reached a bookstore, which the unicorn begun to window-shop. As Dusk and Half Coin begun to look around, they soon saw Pinkie Pie skipping towards a group of ponies while humming to herself. “As expected, she is always full of energy.” Half Coin noted. “That she is.” Dusk agreed. During Half Coin’s stay in Ponyville, Dusk and Twilight introduced the pegasus to their friends. Unsurprisingly, Pinkie was quick to set up a welcoming party for the new arrival. During the party, the silver pegasus told everypony of his story and that Dusk would be teaching him Duel Monsters during his stay in Ponyville. Many ponies were rather amazed that Half Coin stood up against a Number despite having little to none knowledge of Duel Monsters. Dusk and Twilight noticed that their friends were a bit envious that Half Coin had his own deck and while they have yet to have one of their own. Luckily, the two put them at ease when they told them what the pegasus generously gave to Dusk, which would allow him to complete their decks in a matter of days. As Dusk and Half Coin watched Pinkie, they were able to hear that she was looking for Rainbow Dash. When they turned their eyes to the sky and towards the pegasus in question, they notice that she digging into the cloud and trying to hide herself. Moments later, Pinkie approached them and both ponies knew what she was going to say. “Dusk, Half Coin, have you two seen Rainbow Dash anywhere?” “She is over there.” Half Coin pointed to the cloud where Dash tried to hide herself in. Dusk shook his head as the blue pegasus only managed to hide her head and left her frank visible. “Rainbow Dash.” Pinkie called out to the blue pegasus. However, Dash quickly flew away to where Dusk believed Sweet Apple Acres was. Pinkie was undaunted though as she bounced away to give chase. “I wonder what Pinkie Pie had planned if she needs Rainbow Dash?” Dusk muttered as he, Half Coin and Twilight continued on with their day. Despite that, there were two occasions that Dusk saw a rainbow streak in the sky. He knew Rainbow Rain was trying get away from Pinkie, but if there is an aspect about the pony that he would note, it would be that she is persistent. “I have to thank Half Coin again for giving me these cards…” Dusk was back in the library as he looked though his now impressive reserve of Duel Monster cards in his room. He was going to be downstairs, but he saw Twilight was preparing an experiment and decided to give her privacy. “Never thought I would have so much cards…” Once only having a few hundred cards since he came to Ponyville, the stallion now had close to a thousand cards available for use. Even back on Earth, he never had this many cards before. “But now…” Dusk muttered as he looked at a set of six decks in front of him on a table, one each for Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. “These decks are almost complete.” Thanks to Half Coin’s gift, he had more than enough cards to finally construct his friends’ decks. Despite taking hours in organizing all the cards in reserve, Dusk manage to find both the cards and archetypes which would suit his friends’ expectations. As of today, he has finally accomplished the goal of designing the decks as he begun to grab each of them one-by-one and inspect the contents for any mistakes. “Spike should be very happy with his deck.” Dusk inspected the first deck, meant for Spike. Spike’s first attempt of creating deck resulted in nothing but Dragon-Type monsters and while some of the monsters had useful effects, all monster decks cannot win duels. Dusk spend the time revamping the deck by adding in Spell and Trap cards; some supporting Dragon-Types. Thanks to Half Coin’s contribution though, Dusk finally had his hooves on the Armed Dragons series and decided to place them into Spike’s deck as his ace cards. “This may not by what Applejack’s expected, but it is the closest I can get.” Dusk then inspected the second deck, meant for Applejack. He manages to find the Sylvan archetype within his newly vast reserve of cards, which he feels that the trees and plants that the cards represent should at least satisfy the earth pony’s expectations. Now he need to find Spells and Traps which supports Plant-Types. By a stroke of luck, Dusk manage to find a rare Trap Card known as Golden Apples, which he quickly added to Applejack’s deck. “If Rainbow views this deck as uncool, I don’t what to do…” Dusk then turned his attention to the third deck, meant for Rainbow Dash. From his reserve, he also found the Mecha Phantom Beast archetype and cards that directly support Machine-Types. Dusk hope to explain to the pegasus that the cards represents the aircrafts found on Earth, which could do things that she would never imagine. While the deck is a few Synchro and Xyz monsters belonging to the archetype, Dusk wishes to add in more since they would benefit from the archetype’s special effects. “While Rarity may be disappointed, these cards would make a fine substitute.” Dusk begun to scan through the fourth deck, meant for Rairty. Dusk manage to find both the Gem-Knight and Crystron archetypes and after some thought, he decided to combine both archtypes and their supports into one deck. While the former would be prevalent in the deck, the latter could turn the tide of the duel if things goes wrong. Despite the cards may not be to Rarity’s wishes, Dusk knew the unicorn loves gems and wouldn’t complain if she has such a deck. “Fluttershy without doubt though would love this deck.” Dusk check through the fifth deck, meant for Fluttershy. The Naturia archetype is known for both its cute-looking monsters and special effects that could control the field. Since most of the monsters have low ATK and DEF, Dusk is still trying to find the right cards to help even the scales during a duel. As much Fluttershy loves animals, Naturia’s monsters usually represent insects and vegetation, but Dusk believed that she wouldn’t mind as long they are not scary-looking. “As for Pinkie, she would be bouncing all over the place in joy.” Dusk finally reached the sixth deck, meant for Pinkie Pie. Since Pendulum Summons is quite new back on earth, related archetypes are quite rare. Remarkably, the Performapal archetype was among the cards Half Coin provided to Dusk and with its relation to entertainment makes it a match for Pinkie’s character. While he never done a Pendulum Summon before, Dusk knew the mechanics and was capable of passing that knowledge down to Pinkie. Just as he gathered the decks and put them away, he heard something like a poof downstairs. “What did Twilight do now?” Dusk muttered as he left his room and went down to check on the unicorn. When he was downstairs, the stallion saw that everything was intact and the unicorn was snickering to herself. Apparently, Pinkie and Dash played a prank on her by replacing her ink with invisible ink. Confused on why the writing on her notes suddenly vanished, she didn’t pay attention to her experiment and resulted in the noise he heard. ‘So that’s why Pinkie was trying to get Rainbow for.’ Dusk thought as he realized he could next victim in the duo’s pranks. Strangely, nothing happened to him for the rest of the day; from getting a new batch of ink for Twilight from a store to going to bed at night. On the next day, Half Coin was in the library with Dusk, Twilight and Spike. Since it was going to be his last day in Ponyville, he was preparing for his final lesson in Duel Monsters. “Looks like Number 82 is back at full strength.” Dusk was holding onto Half Coin’s Number and the feeling its emits onto him is now the same as when he holds Number 39. “If that is the case, is it possible for Half Coin to make a duel disk appear on his hoof?” Twilight asked Dusk. “It happened to you when you got Utopia.” “That is what we are going to find out.” Dusk said as he returned Number 82 back to Half Coin. “How is that going to work though?” The pegasus questioned. “For me, I just imagined the duel disk in my head and then say “Duel Disk on.” Dusk answered. “See if that method works for you?” Half Coin closed his eyes and imagined the duel disk he used back in his duel with Dusk and spoke the words. “Duel Disk on.” The pegasus was skeptical at first, but was amazed along with the others to see a duel disk manifest on his left hoof. The design is akin to a spread-out wing and have the same colour like its owner’s coat. “Well I be…” Twilight muttered. “I guess it would apply to anypony with a Number’s support.” ‘This is something I need to report to Celestia.’ Dusk mentally noted as Half Coin looked at his new duel disk with bewildered eyes. “Just say “Duel Disk off” and it will vanish.” The pegasus nodded and upon saying the words, his duel disk vanish just like that. “So, do you think Twilight could get a Number?” Spike asked Dusk. “I am not sure. While I know not all Numbers are evil, I still can’t grasp their nature though.” He replied as he looked at Twilight. “I guessing a good Number has to see if you are worthy or not.” “Well, seeing how I fare against you in a duel, I think I should be fine without a Number.” Twilight said with a confident smile. “So Half Coin.” Dusk turned his attention to the pegasus. “Are you ready for…” He was interrupted when the library door opened without warning. Everyone turned to see it was Pinkie Pie and she wasn’t in her usual mood. “Are you okay Pinkie?” Dusk asked, seeing that the pony was somewhat upset. “No, I am not okay and I will you why I am not okay.” Pinkie then begun to explain what happened early on the day. Apparently, Rainbow Dash brought a friend to Ponyville and surprisingly to Dusk, it was griffon named Gilda. However, Pinkie described Gilda to be both grumpy and mean since she always steals Dash’s attention and telling the party pony to leave. “You are sure Gilda is as mean as you say?” Dusk found it hard to see Dash being friends with someone like that. “Of course.” Pinkie answered. “I've never met a griffon this mean. Well, actually, I've never met a griffon at all, but still.” “You know what I think, Pinkie Pie.” Twilight made her assumptions. “Well, I think... you're jealous.” “Jealous?” Pinkie said in shock. “Green with envy. Well, in your case, pink with envy.” Spike provided his input. “Half Coin.” Dusk asked the pegasus. “Are you able to discern if Pinkie telling the truth or not?” “Unfortunately no. I can tell though that Pinkie is frustrated and that is one the signs of jealousy.” Half Coin said. The two stallions watched as Twilight insisted to Pinkie that she is jealous and she need to improve her attitude. All it did was make the party pony more frustrated then before and she merely left the library. “You’re sure that Pinkie is being jealous?” Dusk asked Twilight, wondering if it would be alright to leave Pinkie as she is. “I am sure. She just needs to cool her head and take in what I said.” “I hope you are right Twilight.” After that, Dusk went upstairs with Half Coin to give him his final lesson while Twilight and Spike stayed downstairs to look through some books. ‘I hope Pinkies okay.’ Dusk thought out of worry for his friend. While the pony wasn’t the most rational in his circle of friends, he felt there is some truth in her words. Pinkie isn’t the type to lie to her friends after all. Sometime later however, Pinkie Pie returned to the library to invite everyone inside to a Sugarcube Corner, where she planned a welcoming party for Gilda. Despite Pinkie being like herself again, Dusk had a strange feeling that something was going to happen at the party. Then again, it was his chance to see Gilda and see if she is as mean as Pinkie claimed. “Welcome, welcome, welcome!” Dusk, Twilight and Half Coin were in Sugarcube Corner, which was all decorated and was packed with ponies. The three were with Applejack Rarity and Fluttershy as they were talking about Dash’s friend Gilda. “Who's this Gilda I've heard nothing about?” Applejack asked. “I hear she's an old friend of Rainbow Dash. A griffon, so rare.” Rarity answered. “Well, this would be my first time seeing a griffon.” Dusk said as he turned to Half Coin. “What about you?” “The same as well.” The pegasus replied while Twilight spoke with Fluttershy. “You've met Gilda, right? What's she like?” “Oh, um, well, I'll tell you later, Twilight.” Dusk frowned upon seeing the shy pegasus’s response as she walked towards Pinkie. ‘Pinkie may be right about Gilda.’ Dusk thought. The moment of truth came when he saw the griffon, which apparently matches those he read in legends; half eagle and half lion. She has a brown coat and feathers along with a white head. However, he felt an unusual feeling from her and while it felt familiar, Dusk couldn’t put his hoof on it. Half Coin felt the same thing and swore he felt this feeling before. They both kept this in their minds as they saw Pinkie pranked Gilda with a joy buzzer. Dusk flinched though upon seeing that the griffon was literally shocked and dropped to the ground. Upon getting up, Gilda was about to show her anger at Pinkie, but calmed down when Dash came by and found the hoof-shake prank to be funny. “Oh Pinkie Pie, the old hoof-shake buzzer. You are a scream.” “Yeah. Uh, good one, Pinkie Pie.” Gilda supposedly brushed it off, but remain cautious with Pinkie Pie and claims she knows what the party pony is planning. “Half Coin, what can you tell me about Gilda?” Dusk quietly asked the pegasus, wondering if he could provide some insight to the griffon’s behaviour. “I can tell she has the usual qualities that defines a griffon, but when I look deeper… Its clouded and…” “Clouded?” “Nevermind… Let us enjoy the party.” Dusk confused what Half Coin was saying, but nevertheless agreed to enjoy the welcoming party just as Pinkie officially started the whole event. While the ponies were having fun, Gilda was an exception since she became a victim of a number of pranks. When the griffon took one of the Vanilla Lemon drops from one of the bowls, she literally spit fire from her mouth. Dusk found it strange though that Pinkie somehow had now a marshmallow on a stick and was using the said fire to roast it. Rushing to the punch bowl, Gilda got herself a glass of punch and quickly drink its contents. The thing is that it didn’t go into her mouth and instead was spilled all over her coat. “Well, whaddya know! Pepper in the vanilla lemon drops, and the punch served in a dribble glass!” Pinkie exclaimed as everypony at the party was laughing, including Rainbow Dash. “Ha! Priceless! Priceless!” “Yeah, hilarious.” Gilda gasped out after finding another glass of punch and quickly drank it. From her tone, Dusk and Half Coin could tell she was getting irritated from the pranks. “I hope she is just being unlucky.” Dusk muttered as he didn’t want to think Pinkie set up this party to get even with Gilda by pranking her. When Dash gestured her griffon friend to the set of presents on a table, Gilda smiled widely as she took one of them. Upon unwrapping it however, a bunch of fake snakes popped out of the present and scared her. “Spittin' snakes. Hah, somepony pulled that prank on me last month.” Applejack said as the ponies around Gilda laughed at the prank. “Ha ha. I bet I know who that was.” Gilda stated as her body shook from the anger slowly building inside her. “You do?” Pinkie merely said innocently. As time passed in the party, Pinkie brought in a large cake with lit candles. “Cake time everypony!” Spike at first wanted to blow out the candles, but Twilight insisted that Gilda should do it as she is technically the guest of honour. Dusk was angry when the griffon elbowed Spike out of the way, but kept himself in check as he catches the baby dragon before he hit the floor. When Gilda blew out all the candles, they suddenly relit once more. She tried kept on blowing until she was out of breath, but the candles kept on relighting themselves. “Re-lighting birthday candles, I love that prank! What a classic!” Spike laughed along with the other ponies. “Now, I wonder who could've done that?” Pinkie questioned. “Yeah, I wonder…” Gilda was now struggling to keep her anger in check. “Mmm, who cares. This cake is amazing.” Dusk was very surprised to see Spike popping from the cake. Checking the sides of the cake, he saw that the baby dragon practically tunneled all the way to the top. ‘Uh, I don’t think I want a slice now…’ He thought as Twilight voice her disapproval of Spike’s action. “Hey G, you're not upset about some silly candles, are you?” Dash asked Gilda, who quickly changed her expression. “No way, Dash. Like I said, I'm down with a good prank.” Dusk and Half saw that griffin always tries to hide her annoyance and anger whenever Dash is around. However, every prank is causing her to slowly lose her cool. At the same time, they could feel the unusual feeling she is emitting to be getting stronger and was becoming more familiar with the two. ‘This feeling… It is like… No.’ Dusk shook his head when nopony was looking. ‘That can’t be the case.’ When it was for a game of Pin the Tail on the Pony, Gilda went first since she was the guest of honour. After being blindfolded and spun around, Pinkie was going to lead her to the poster where she would pin the tail. Gilda however thought it was another prank from Pinkie, so she went to the opposite direction. “Wait. The poster is this…” Pinkie was being sincere, but Gilda refused to listen. Things came to a head when the griffon slipped on a piece of cake and skidded all the way to the kitchen. By the time she got out, Gilda was covered with cake and was now wearing the tail as a mustache. “Uh, Gilda? You pinned the tail on the wrong end.” Pinkie pointed out as the ponies laughed once more. Seeing how the griffon was shaking, Dusk and Half Coin surmised that Gilda was about to reveal her true colours. That was apparently the case as Gilda made an angry roar and quickly took to the air. “This is your idea of a good time? I've never met a lamer bunch of dweebs in all my life!” She cried out to everyone in anger. “And Pinkie Pie, you!” Gilda turned to face Pinkie closely as she pointed a talon at her. “You are queen lame-o with your weak little party pranks. Did you really think you could make me lose my cool?” Dusk and Half Coin were looking at the scene in worry. It wasn’t because of how Gilda was acting, but because the unusual feeling from her begun to spike up; it now felt unnatural and cold. “Well, Dash and I have ten times as much cool as the rest of you put together!” Gilda stated as he wrapped her arm around her neck. “Come on Dash, we're bailing on this pathetic scene.” She then walks towards the door, but notice that Dash wasn’t following her and she had a disapproving expression on her face. “Come on Rainbow Dash. I said, we're leaving.” “You know Gilda, I was the one who set up all those weak pranks at this party.” Gilda gasped in shock while Pinkie was surprised that the pranks was Dash’s doing. ‘I would have never thought…’ Dusk always thought everything were Pinkie’s all the long, but it was all done by Rainbows Dash. “So I guess I'm queen lame-o?” Dash questioned Gilda in a disappointed tone. “Come on, Dash, you're joshing me.” “They weren't all meant for you specifically, it was just dumb luck that you set them all off.” “I shoulda known, that dribble cup had Rainbow Dash written all over it.” Pinkie said to Spike. “No way! It was Pinkie Pie! She set up this party to trip me up, to make a fool of me!” Gilda insisted that everything that happened to her was all Pinkie’s fault. The party pony however disapproves of her claim. “Me? I threw this party to improve your attitude. I thought a good party might turn that frown upside down.” Dusk flinched seeing Pinkie actually turning her head 180 degrees, but kept his full attention on the scene. “And you sure didn't need any help making a fool of yourself.” Dash exclaimed to Gilda. “You know, this is not how I thought my old friends would treat my new friends... If being cool is all you care about, maybe you should go find some new cool friends someplace else?” Despite seeing that her true emotions were “clouded”, Half Coin could still tell that Gilda was hit hard by Dash’s words. However, he and Dusk’s eyes widened at they soon felt the unusual feeling reach its peak and they finally recognize what this feeling was. ‘Not good! This belongs to a…’ “Rrgh! Yeah? Well you, you, you are such a… Flip Flop…!” Gilda struggled to talk back at Dash as her breathing became harder. Soon, she clutches her head as tears appeared from her eyes. Moments later, she made a loud scream that echoed through the building. Everyone looked in horror as a black aura suddenly appeared from Gilda’s body; some stayed close to her while the rest quickly blocked the door and all the windows. “Gilda!?” Dash yelled as she quickly entangled by tendrils that appeared from the aura around the griffon, who now had a sinister expression. “Ah… There is nothing more refreshing than the feeling of one’s heart being torn into two.” Gilda said in an eerily happy tone. “Wait…” While entangled, Dash soon recall an event that occur in a similar manner as of now. Her eyes widened as she realized what happened and who was actually before her now. “You’re… A Number!” She exclaimed as everyone gasped upon hearing the pegasus. “Look likes you know me.” The possessed griffon said. “I am Number 60.” “What did you do to Gilda!?” “Oh, my host… She is still here, but she is currently wallowing in her pain and misery. After all, her greatest fear became reality and I have you to thank.” “Hold it!” Dusk shouted as he approached the possessed Gilda. “This is as far as you go Number 60!” “Oh, looks like the Number Hunter wants to play. However, I have no interest in you…” Number 60 then turned to Half Coin. “I wish to have a rematch with Half Coin there.” “Huh?!” Everypony cried in surprise as the silver pegasus frowned. “I remember now… You were the Number that possessed Green Leaf back in Manehattan!” Half Coin shouted. “I cannot see Gilda’s true feelings, but I recognize those twisted emotions anywhere!” “So, you do you remember me.” Number 60 laughed. “I could tell that the Number Hunter thought you how to play properly. Hopefully, you will not be as disappointing as before.” “Answer me! Why possess Green Leaf and Gilda? Why do you do this?” Half Coin said in a demanding tone, which Dusk never heard from the quiet pegasus before. “We Numbers have ways to sustain ourselves... Many like myself feed on negative emotions like jealousy, anger and personally my favourite, misery. After feeding on that park-loving pony’s misery, I gained enough power to manifest myself in an immaterial form. To maintain my new form, I been going possessing pony by pony since then.” “What about Gilda!?” Dash angrily questioned. “When I first found her, I decided to be subtle with my possession. Instead of completely taking control, I pretended to be the second voice in her head. She was naturally ill-tempered, so it was easy for me to influence her actions despite her ultimately being in control of her body.” “Wait, so you were why Gilda was so mean?” Pinkie questioned. “Indeed. Then again, you were watch me closely today. I know you were watching when I scared that granny, swiped an apple and roared at the that pegasus over there.” Number 40 pointed to Fluttershy, who was hiding behind her friends. “What do you mean?” Twilight said with a hint of anger in her voice. “Welll…” Pinkie begun to explain what she seen prior to preparing the party for Gilda. Taking in Twilight’s words at the library, she observed Gilda to see if she was wrong about the griffin. However, he saw she was right all the long when Gilda scared Granny Smith, Applejack’s grandmother at an apple stand. After the old pony ran off, the griffon then used her tail to take an apple when nopony was looking. It was then Fluttershy accidently bumped into her while guiding a family of ducks. Despite Fluttershy apologizing to her, Gilda angrily roared at her and the pegasus ran away in tears. “Scaring my granny and Fluttershy is one thing…” Applejack was angry, a feeling shared with the rest of her friends. “But making us think Gilda was responsible is definitely crossing line!” “Oh, making Gilda a scapegoat isn’t my goal. My goal was to influence her actions to which I make her greatest fear come true. Then, I would feed on her despair as she realizes it was responsible for letting it happen… Without her ever knowing I had a part of it…” “Her greatest fear?” Dash questioned and thinking back to moment before Number 60 took over Gilda, so soon realize what it was. “It can’t be…” “Yes, you foolish pegasus!” Number 60 mocked her. “Gilda’s greatest fear was losing her closest and oldest friend! You!” Dusk and the others angrily gritted their teeth as the Number laughed in delight at Dash. “It was easy to influence Gilda into letting out her anger and made her think it was all to drive away those who would take you away from her. The way to quickly renounced her as a friend up to her face… It was as I hoped for…” “No… No…” Dash muttered as tears begun to pour from her eyes. Thanks to Number 60’s manipulation, Dash thought Gilda showed her true colours as a jerk. By ending her friendship with her, she not only played her part in the Number’s plan, she also hurt her oldest friend in the process. “Enough!” Dusk yelled out as he was about to bring forth his duel disk. However, he was interrupted when Half Coin patted him on the back. “No. This is my fight.” Everypony was shocked to hear the pegasus’s proclamation, especially Dusk. “But Half Coin! You…!” The silver pegasus turned to the stallion with a reassuring smile. “I have faith in my deck like you have faith in yours. Please have faith in me… Dusk, everyone...” Despite his worries, Dusk could feel the determination in Half Coin’s eyes. Reluctantly, the stallion walked back to his friends, letting the pegasus take his place. “Duel Disk on.” Half Coin muttered as his duel disk appeared on his left hoof, which surprised everyone but Dusk, Twilight and Spike since they saw it already. “You caused much suffering in your wake Number... I will see to that you will never hurt anyone in Equestria ever again.” Half Coin stated as he placed his deck into his duel disk; his tone was back to normal. “Oh, I see now...” Number 60 looked closely at Half Coin. “Number 82 decided to help you. It will make no difference I’m afraid.” “Number 82?” Rarity questioned. “Oh yeah. I forgot to mention it when me and Twilight introduce you all to Half Coin.” Dusk said. “He has a good Number just like me.” “Huh!?” “Hope you put up a better fight than last time.” Number 60 stated as its duel disk appeared on Gilda’s left arm. It was dark brown colour and its blade was like a pair of spread-out eagle wings. “Because I will not show any mercy if you lose to me this time!” As the Number’s and Half Coin’s duel disk begun to activate its holographic functions, the computerized voice made its announcement. “Solid Reality Vision Link established.” As usual, the holographic screen appeared with both their respective pictures and Life Point counters. “DUEL!” Half Coin and Number 60 called out and soon, drew their cards from their decks. [Half Coin’s Life Points: 8000] [Gilda/Number 60’s Life Points: 8000] [Turn 1: Gilda/Number 60] [Half Coin’s Cards in Hoof: 5] [Gilda/Number 60’s Cards in Claw: 5] “Prepare yourself! It is my turn and I draw!” Number 60 drew its card, using Gilda as a vessel. “I activate the Field Spell, Rising Air Current.” Within Sugarcube Corner, everyone suddenly felt powerful gusts of wind as it blew through their manes. “Now my WIND monsters gain 500 ATK while losing 400 DEF. Next I Summon Harpie Lady in Attack mode. On the Number’s field then appeared a fearsome harpie with purple wings and reddish hair. She made a bird screech as she readied her claws. [Harpie Lady] [ATK: 1300] [DEF: 1400] [Level: 4] “Harpie Lady?” Dusk noticed that the monster was wearing a purple jumpsuit. If he remember, the original Harpie Lady cards had a more revealing outfit. “Since Harpie Lady is a WIND monster, she is affected by Rising Air Current!” The harpy’s power grew as wind channeled around her form. [Harpie Lady] [ATK: 1300 (+)> 1800] [DEF: 1400 (-)> 1000] “I set three cards face-down. I end my turn.” With that, three set cards appeared in front of Number 60. [Turn 2: Half Coin] [Half Coin’s Cards in Hoof: 5] [Gilda/Number 60’s Cards in Claw: 1] “It’s my turn. Draw.” Half Coin looked through his cards and soon have a plan in mind. “I set a monster face-down.” A horizontal face-down card appeared in place of a monster, much to the confusion of many ponies. Dusk knew though it was a common move used by many duelists. Twilight knew as well since the stallion pass it down to her. “I set two cards face-down and end my turn.” The audience wondered what the pegasus has planned as two set cards appeared on his field. [Turn 3: Gilda/Number 60] [Half Coin’s Cards in Hoof: 3] [Gilda/Number 60’s Cards in Claw: 1] “That’s it? How disappointing... Draw!” Number 60 drew its card from its deck and played it. “I activate Graceful Charity, which I can draw three cards and then discard two.” Drawing three cards, the Number surprisingly just picked two random cards and discarded them. “What are you doing?” Half Coin questioned upon seeing how Number 60 discard its cards without qualm. “Just part of my plan. Next I activate one of my face-downs.” One of Number 60’s set cards then flipped up. “Disgraceful Charity!” A winged figure appeared from the picture of the card, who then pointed to Number 60’s Graveyard as it glowed red. “When this card is activated, all the cards from each player’s respective Graveyards that were discarded by the effect of a Spell Card activated this turn to their hands.” Number 60 said as much of the audience were confused what it meant by hands. Only Dusk knew what it meant since he was formerly a human. The same applied to Spike and the mares since the stallion shared with them his origin. “For you, it would be your hoof and for me, it would be host’s claw. However, since I was the only one who discard cards due to a Spell Card, Disgraceful Charity only applies to me!” From its Graveyard, the two cards that was discards slipped out and Number 60 eagerly took them back. “Wait, that would mean that Number 60 actually drew three cards.” Twilight noted in worry. “A card reinforcement combo…” Dusk muttered. “It is not over yet.” Number 60 then played one of its cards. “I summon Phantom Gryphon in Attack mode.” Beside Harpie Lady, a large blue-coated and gold-feathered griffon appeared as it made a roar. Fluttershy flinched since it reminded her of Gilda’s roaring at her back then. [Phantom Griffon] [ATK: 2000] [DEF: 0] [Level: 4] “Since it is a WIND monster, Phantom Griffon receives the effect of Rising Air Current.” The griffon made another roar as its ATK rose to greater heights. The negative impact on its DEF is null since it already 0 to being with. [Phantom Griffon] [ATK: 2000 (+)> 2500] “Oh no.” Dash muttered as she saw that the Number has the advantage. Yet, she saw that Half Coin was rather calm in this predicament. “Now Harpie Lady! Destroy that face-down monster!” Number 60 ordered as the harpy flew towards the set card and was prepared to rend it with her claws. The set card then flipped up and there appeared a scary-looking ladybug with four stars on its back. However, it was quickly destroyed by the harpy’s swipes. “Sorry Number 60, but you activated 4-Starred Ladybug of Doom’s special effect.” Half Coin said with a smile. “When this card is flipped face-up, all Level 4 monsters you control are destroyed.” “What?!” Number 60 yelled as Harpie Lady and Phantom Griffon were surrounded with a glowing green aura. After they both gave a yelp, the two monsters were then destroyed. The audience looked at awe at how Half Coin destroyed all of the Number’s monsters. “What the… How did that work?” Applejack said in confusion. “Well...” Twilight then explained to her friend. “Dusk told me that when a set monster is attacked, it is then flipped face-up. Not only that, there are some monsters which have effects that could only be activated when it is flipped face-up.” “So, a face-down monster can actually be a mean surprise then?” “That is correct Applejack.” Dusk said. “In a duel, a careless attack on a set monster could put one in a difficult situation. Something like Number 60 put itself into.” Number 60 growled at Half Coin for destroying its monsters with just a set monster. “You… I play Monster Reincarnation, which I discard one card to return Phantom Griffon from my Graveyard to my hand!” After discarding a card to the Graveyard, the card, Phantom Griffon slipped out and the Number took hold of it. “I end my turn.” [Turn 4: Half Coin] [Half Coin’s Cards in Hoof: 3] [Gilda/Number 60’s Cards in Claw: 2] “It is my turn. Draw.” Half Coin drew his card and then played it. “I activate Double Summon. Now I can Normal Summon two monsters this turn.” He then places two cards into his monster slots; one set face-down while the other face-up. “I will set a monster face-down and then summon Hyper Hammerhead in attack mode.” Now, a dinosaur with a hammer-shaped head appeared on the field and it roared at Number 60. [Hyper Hammerhead] [ATK: 1500] [DEF: 1200] [Level: 4] “Hyper Hammerhead, attack Number 60 directly.” Half Coin pointed to the possessed Gilda as the dinosaur made a mad dash at the Number and delivered a headbutt. “Agh!” Number 60 yelled as it felt the impact of the direct attack, damaging its Life Points. Despite knowing that the Number was in possession of Gilda, Dash flinched upon seeing the direct attack on the griffon; knowing that her friend is still there somewhere. [Gilda/Number 60’s Life Points: 8000 (-)> 6500] “I end my turn.” The audience cheered at Half Coin as he was the first to deal damage. Dusk, Spike and the mares however were worried since Number 60 had Phantom Griffon, which it could summon very soon. [Turn 5: Gilda/Number 60] [Half Coin’s Cards in Hoof: 1] [Gilda/Number 60’s Cards in Claw: 2] “My turn, Draw!” The Number drew his card. “I once more summon Phantom Griffon in Attack mode!” The same griffon soon reappeared on the field, ready for vengeance for its previous destruction. [Phantom Griffon] [ATK: 2000] [DEF: 0] [Level: 4] Its power is then further bolstered thanks to Rising Air Currents. [Phantom Griffon] [ATK: 2000 (+)> 2500] “Next, I play a face-down, Hysteric Party!” After the card flipped up, sparks appeared left and right of Phantom Griffon. “What is going on?” Half Coin said as he watched the sparks getting stronger and stronger. “This card only activates by discard a card…” Number 60 then discarded its last card. “Now I can Special Summon as many cards with the name “Harpie Lady” from the Graveyard.” The audience gasped as two Harpie Ladies appeared on the field as they brandish their claws. [Harpie Lady] [ATK: 1300] [DEF: 1400] [Level: 4] [Harpie Lady] [ATK: 1300] [DEF: 1400] [Level: 4] At the same time, they were affected by Rising Air Currents. [Harpie Lady] [ATK: 1300 (+)> 1800] [DEF: 1400 (-)> 1000] [Level: 4] [Harpie Lady] [ATK: 1300 (+)> 1800] [DEF: 1400 (-)> 1000] [Level: 4] “Two Harpie Ladies, but you only had… Monster Reincarnation.” Half Coin realized how Number 60 have another Harpie Lady in its Graveyatd. “An all-out attack?” “I was the initial plan, but I see you are much better than the first time we duelled.” Number 60 said. “Looks like I have to reveal myself after all.” “What?” “Let me show you! I overlay my Level 4 Phantom Griffin and my two Harpie Ladies!” Soon, the vortex appeared on its field and the Number’s monster soon transformed into green lights. However, everyone was in shock to see a dark aura slipped out Gilda and flew above the portal. “Gilda!” Dash called to the griffon, but she didn’t response. The pegasus saw that Gilda’s eyes were blank and her body stood eerily still like a statue. “Sorry Dash, but Gilda is as of now my puppet…” A feminine voice was heard from the dark aura. The blue pegasus soon realize that was Number 60. ‘It was like with Number 40…!’ The green light that were the Number’s monsters danced around the dark aura before making their descent into the portal. “With these three monsters, I build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon!” The green lights were the first to enter the portal before the dark aura joined in as well. Moments later, the portal exploded as Number 60’s voice echoed throughout the building. “Behold! Look upon Number 60: Niohre the Winged Fury!” Appearing from the portal was a purpled haired harpy wearing a fearsome set of armor, giving her an intimidating presence. Her claws were also fearsome and appeared it could rend metal easily as the symbol of number 60 was on top of the right claw. Dancing around her were three golden orbs; Overlay Units. [Number 60: Niohre the Winged Fury] [ATK: 3000] [DEF: 800] [Rank: 4] “As a WIND monster, I gain the effect of Rising Air Currents.” The monster spoke with Number 60’s voice as it is affected by the Field Spell. [Number 60: Niohre the Winged Fury] [ATK: 3000 (+)> 3500] [DEF: 800 (-)> 400] “That is your true form Number 60?” Half Coin questioned. “Indeed.” In its new form, Number 60 then gestured to its last face-down as it flipped up. “Now I activate Reckless Greed! Now I can draw two cards, but I have to skip my next two Draw Phases!” Many in the audience were shocked to see Gilda draw the cards for the Number despite it leaving her body during the Xyz Summon. “Gilda! Please snap out of it!” Dash cried again to griffon, but she reminded unresponsive. “Don’t bother.” Number 60 snickered. “I may have left her body, but still have a connection to her. Gilda is no longer my host, but my puppet.” Gilda then mechanically then played a card from her claw, acting under the orders of the Number. “Now play Gust Fan, which I gain 400 ATK but lose 200 DEF!” Number 60 chuckled as it gained even more power. [Number 60: Niohre the Winged Fury] [ATK: 3500 (+)> 3900] [DEF: 400 (-)> 200] “Oh no...” Twilight said in worry as Number 60 made itself very powerful. “Can’t you do something Dusk.” “I’m afraid not. Interfering with an official duel is strictly prohibited.” Dusk shook his head. “Number 60 will no doubt enforce it, especially since it has Dash as an hostage.” “Dash…” The unicorn mutter sadly as she watches the pegasus tried in vain to get through to the griffon. “I told you not to bother.” Number 60 mocked Dash before turning to Half Coin. “As for you, I will destroy that Hyper Hammerhead of yours!” The Number flew to Hyper Hammerhead, but Half Coin then pointed to one of his face-downs. “Trap Card activate, Magic Cylinder.” In front of Hyper Hammerhead, a pair of ornate cylinders appeared. Number 60 tried to cleave the dinosaur, but its attack was absorbed by the cylinder to its left. “Sorry. Magic Cylinder not only negates your attack, but you take damage equal the negated monster’s ATK.” “Wha…?!” “All you did is hurt yourself.” From the cylinder to the Number’s right, a powerful blast was fired and it struck Number 60 with great force. “Ahhh! You dare!?” Number roared in anger as it took a massage drop in its Life Points from the Trap. [Gilda/Number 60’s Life Points: 6500 (-)> 2600] The audience was about to cheer, but they stopped when they saw Gilda played the last card from her claw; given her orders from the Number. “I will make you pay for that!” Number 60 shouted at Half Coin. “I play Double or Nothing!!” Soon, Number 60 was surrounded with a golden aura. “When a monster’s attack is negated, its ATK is doubled and can attack again!” “What!?” Everypony yelled out in shock as Number 60 became more powerful than ever. [Number 60: Niohre the Winged Fury] [ATK: 3900 (+)> 7800] “7800 ATK!” Dash and Dusk shouted at the same time. “Now! I will crush you!” Number 60 flew once more to the dinosaur and finally unleashed a powerful slash with its claws, destroying the monster instantly. “Ahhhh!” Half Coin was now on the floor from the attack, but he manage to get back up. His Life Points though was different matter. [Half Coin’s Life Points: 8000 (-)> 1700] Since the battle was over, Number 60’s ATK return back to normal. [Number 60: Niohre the Winged Fury] [ATK: 7800 (-)> 3900] “When the monster that battles Hyper Hammerhead isn’t destroyed, it is returned back to the hand and for your case, Gilda’s claw.” Half Coin said as Number 60 was then surrounded by a dark green mist. “But for you, you would return back to the Extra Deck.” Much to his shock, Number 60 remained on the field as the mist was blown away by a gust of wind. “What happened?” “Once of my special effect.” Number 60 then grabbed one of its Overlay Units. “Once per turn, when I leave the field by a card effect, I can detach an Overlay Unit to not only negate the effect, but you take 500 points of damage!” Upon absorbing the Overlay Unit, the same gust of wind then struck Half Coin as he takes further damage. [Half Coin’s Life Points: 1700 (-)> 1200] “That is not all, I can also detach an Overlay Unit to give myself piercing damage until the End Phase. So even if you go defensive, I will finish you off on my next turn!” The audience was now on the verge of panic as Half Coin was in a complete disadvantage. “I end my turn.” Number 60 laughed darkly as it is confident that it would defeat Half Coin on its next turn. [Turn 6: Half Coin] [Half Coin’s Cards in Hoof: 1] [Gilda/Number 60’s Cards in Claw: 0] “Its my turn...” Half Coin could feel the audience’s feeling as he was about to draw his card. ‘They are losing hope… Was this a mistake? Should I’ve let Dusk duel instead?” There were a few moments the pegasus would get frustrated and this was one of them. However, a voice in his head calmed him down. ‘Have faith in your deck...’ ‘What? What are you…’ Dusk found the voice to be both comforting and familiar. ‘Wait, are you Number 82?’ ‘Yes.’ The voice answered. ‘Remember… Have faith in your deck.’ ‘Faith in my deck? It is what Dusk told me…’ Half Coin remembered the stallion telling him that by putting his faith in his deck, he would answer him and gives him the card he needed most. “I will not give up…” Half Coin muttered as he looked at his deck. “Please give me the card that would defeat Number 60… Draw!” Upon looking at the card, he smiled as he heard Number 82’s voice once again in his head. ‘Now you have what you need to summon me…’ “Right.” The pegasus then played the card he drew. “I summon Drillroid in Attack mode.” On Half Coin’s field, a cartoonish-looking drilling machine appeared and boldly smiled at Number 60. [Drillroid] [ATK: 1600] [DEF: 1600] [Level: 4] “Do you know what you are doing now is pointless?” Number 60 said, but the pegsasus ignored it. “Next, I Flip Summon Battle Footballer.” The set card flipped open and revealed the cybernetic football player, kneeling down. [Battle Footballer] [ATK: 1000] [DEF: 2100] [Level: 4] “Flip Summon?” Pinkie questioned. “Basically, you just flip-up a set monster.” Dusk briefly explained. “But Half Coin now has two Level 4 monsters… Could he be…” “Now, I overlay my Level 4 Drillroid and Battle Footballer!” Now, the same vortex as before appeared on Half Coin’s field. Drillroid became a purple light as Battle Footballer became a red light; both though flew above the portal. “With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network. Xyz Summon!” Soon, those lights entered the portal, which resulted in its explosion. “Appear before us! Number 82: Heartlandraco!” Except for Dusk, Spike and the mares, the audience gasped upon hearing the words. They gasped again when they saw that beside Half Coin’s cutie mark, a symbol shaped like number 82 appeared. It was then a pinkish toy-like dragon with white outlines appeared from the portal. As usual, two Overlay Units circle around the dragon. Over its left eye was a white heart marking while a pink heart marking adorned its belly near wind-up key. In the enter of the pink heart though was the same symbol as the one near the pegasus’s cutie mark. [Number 82: Heartlandraco] [ATK: 2000] [DEF: 1500] [Rank: 4] “That’s Half Coin’s number?” Spike said as he looked at the dragon. “It looks like more of a toy.” “Don’t understand the Number Spike.” Dusk stated. “All Numbers have a special effect and not to be underestimated though.” “It looks cute though.” Fluttershy noted the Number’s appearance, which was more cute-looking than scary. “Number 82…” Number 60 gazes upon the toy-like dragon before laughing. “You think that will help you? Number 82 pales in power compared to mine!” Heartlandraco merely growled as Half Coin just smiled at his opponent’s overconfidence. “I then activate my face-down, Rush Recklessly.” The card flipped up and a wave of energy struck the dragon. “Now Number 82 gains 700 ATK.” [Number 82: Heartlandraco] [ATK: 2000 (+)> 2700] “It still means nothing to me!” Number 60 stated. “Number 82 can’t harm me!” “Maybe not physically, but what about spiritually?” Half Coin countered. “What?” “I activate Heartlandraco’s special effect.” The dragon opened its mouth as it consumed one of its Overlay Units. “By detaching an Overlay Unit, at the cost of the rest of my monsters being unable to attack this turn, this card can attack you directly.” “Impossible!” Number 82 yelled in defiance. “Number 82's ATK now surpassed Number 60’s Life Points...” Dusk said with a smile. “Incredible! Half Coin has this game in the bag!” Applejack cheered. Soon, the rest of the audience cheered as well. “How can this be!? No!” “Its over Number 60… Your hold over Gilda and twisted desire ends here!” Half Coin exclaimed as he gestured to his Number. “Heartlandraco, direct attack!” The dragon begun to channel pinkish energy into its mouth before firing a powerful beam, which was directed at Number 60 “NOOOO!” The evil Number scream as the attack overwhelmed it and depleted its Life Points. [Gilda/Number 60’s Life Points: 2600 (-)> 0] [Winner: Half Coin] After the attack, Number 60’s monster form shattered into pieces before vanishing into nothing. In its place was now the Number’s wraith form, but it only made a scream as it also vanished. With the Number’s defeat, the black aura blocking the door and the windows dissipated. Also, the tendrils that entangled Rainbow Dash were now gone and she was finally free. As for Gilda, she dropped to the ground as the duel disk that were on her left arm vanished. The only thing that is left of Number 60’s presence was its deck, which was now scattered on the floor. While many of the ponies were breathing in relief that the Number was defeated, Half Coin then dropped to his knees. “That was a tough duel…” He muttered as Dusk and Twilight rushed up to him. “Are you okay?” Dusk asked. “I’m just tired. I never thought facing a Number in its true form to be such a challenge.” “But in the end, you manage to win. You even successfully summon Number 82.” Twilight said. “As impressive as it was, I still have another challenge to face.” Half Coin said as he gestured to where Gilda was. Dusk and Twilight turned to see Dash and Pinkie was checking on the griffon. The pegasus was shaking Gilda’s body, but the griffon was clearly out cold after her possession. “Gilda…” Twilight muttered sadly. “I hope Rainbow could be friends with her again. It was the Number 60’s fault that all of this happened.” “Maybe with Half Coin’s help…” Dusk helped the silver pegasus back on his hooves. “Maybe that would be possible." After the incident, everyone was doing what they can to get everything back to normal. Twilight and her friends carried the unconscious Gilda to the hospital and let her recover there. Knowing that the griffon would no doubt remember everything after her possession, Half Coin decided to stay in Ponyville until Gilda wakes up and gets the therapy she needs. Dusk in the other hoof was in the library, looking through the cards that Number 60 used in the duel, especially the Number card itself. In time, he would prepare a priority report for Princess Celestia regarding the incident. Only time would tell how the aftermath would play out…