[Dusk’s Life Points: 8000]
[Number 72’s Life Points: 8000]
[Turn 1: Number 72]
[Dusk’s Cards in Hoof: 5]
[Number 72’s Cards in Hand: 5]
“I’ll go first. Draw!” Number 72 called out as it drew its card and then played one from its hand.
“I activate the Field Spell, Line World!”
Upon playing it, an array of green lines then spread quickly across the ground, creating squares of equal length and width. In a few moments, every bit of ground inside the dome looked more like a checkerboard.
“What is this?” Dusk said as he and the other ponies looked upon the field spell in confusion.
“You will find out soon enough.” The Number replied as it played another card. “I summon Shogi Pawn in Attack mode.”
Dusk muttered as he saw a lightly-armored samurai with a spear appeared on the Number’s side of the field. Its face however was covered with a shogi piece, which the kanji 歩兵 (Foot Soldier).
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 500] [DEF: 100] [Level: 3]
“When Shogi Pawn is summoned, I can Special Summon two more Shogi Pawns from my deck with their effects negated.”
Two cards slipped out of Number 72’s deck and flew to his hand, which he immediately played.
On both sides of the first Shogi Pawn, a second and third Shogi Pawn appeared and both in Attack mode.
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 500] [DEF: 100] [Level: 3]
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 500] [DEF: 100] [Level: 3]
‘Three monsters summoned on the same turn?” Dusk thought as he looked at the three monsters. ‘But they have low ATK points...’
“Its not over.” Number 72 stated as its Field Spell begun to glow. “Line World’s effect now activates. All “Shogi” monsters I control gains 500 ATK.”
All three Shogi Pawns glowed green as they gained additional power from Line World.
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 500 (+)> 1000]
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 500 (+)> 1000]
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 500 (+)> 1000]
“I’ll set two cards face-down and end my turn.” Two set cards then appeared on Number 72’s field.
[Turn 2: Dusk]
[Dusk’s Cards in Hoof: 5]
[Number 72’s Cards in Hand: 3]
“It’s my turn! Draw!” As he drew his card, Dusk turned his eyes to the crowd. “You all are going to be in a surprise for I’m not using my samurai deck for this duel.”
As the crowd gasped in surprise that the stallion was using a different deck, Dusk then played a card from his hand.
“I summon Photon Cerberus in Attack mode.” Soon, a cerberus-like being appeared in front of Dusk. Some parts of its body including its three heads had a combination of red, black and gold. The same can’t be said for the rest of its body though for it was made entirely of a glowing light blue matter.
[Photon Cerberus] [ATK: 1300] [DEF: 600] [Level: 3]
“Photon?!”
Applejack called out as she and her friends saw that Dusk was using his Photon and Galaxy deck.
The only time they seen him use this deck was back in the ruined castle, which he dueled Number 40. After that, they never seen Dusk use the deck again until of this very moment.
“Wow...” Spike knew about the deck since Dusk showed it to him a day after the Nightmare Moon incident. Now, he could finally see it being played with his own eyes.
As for the crowd, they looked in awe at the monster and its glowing translucent form.
“Ha! You activated my Trap!” Number 72 said as it pointed to one of his face-downs.
At the same time, Photon Cerberus made a loud roar as it raised all three of its head to the air.
Before Number 72 knew it, his face-downs were covered with a light bluish aura.
“What have you done!?” It tried activate his face-down, but it refused to respond.
“Photon Cerberus’s special effect.” Dusk explained. “When it is Normal Summoned, neither of us can activate Trap Cards while this card is face-up on the field for the rest of the turn.”
The Number growled in frustration at the setback as Dusk continued on his turn.
“Next, I activate Photon Trident.”
After playing the card, an elegant-looking trident then appeared above the Photon monster. From Cerberus’s back then emerged a mechanical appendage which grabbed onto the trident.
“Due to the effect of Photon Trident, Photon Cerberus gains an additional 700 ATK until the End Phase.”
[Photon Cerberus] [ATK: 1300 (+)> 2000]
“Now Photon Cerberus, attack the first Shogi Pawn!”
Cerberus then leaped into the air and slammed into upon the Shogi Pawn in question. It then used the trident to pierced the opposing monster’s chest, which resulted in its destruction.
Number 72 braced itself as it was the first to take damage.
[Number 72’s Life Points: 8000 (-)> 7000]
“It’s not over yet.” Dusk gestured to the Trap that the Number tried to activate previously. “Since Cerberus inflicted Battle Damage to you, another effect of Photon Trident is activated. Now a Spell or Trap card on the field is destroyed.”
‘My Trap Hole!’ The Number watched as his set Trap shatter into many pieces.
“Yeah!” Dash cheered out as the crowd followed suit. “Show that Number whose boss!”
“I end my turn with a face-down.” After Dusk his card, the effect of Photon Trident wore off as it vanished from the field.
[Photon Cerberus] [ATK: 2000 (-)> 1300]
[Turn 3: Number 72]
[Dusk’s Cards in Hoof: 3]
[Number 72’s Cards in Hand: 3]
“You little... Draw!”
Upon drawing, Number 72 played the card immediately.
“I play Premature Burial. By paying 800 Life Points, I can special summon a monster in my Graveyard and equip this card to it. Return, Shogi Pawn!”
[Number 72’s Life Points: 7000 (-)> 6200]
The Shogi Pawn that was destroyed the previous turn has returned to Number 72’s field.
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 500] [DEF: 100] [Level: 3]
Soon, the Shogi Pawn recived the effects of Line World as it glowed green.
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 500 (+)> 1000]
“Now I release that Shogi Pawn...” A portal then appeared beneath the Shogi monster as it slowly descended until it was gone without a trace. At the same time, Premature Burial is destroyed since the equipped monster left the field.
“To Advanced Summon Shogi Bishop!”
From the portal then appeared a Japanese monk wielding an ornate bronze staff. Like the others, its face was covered with a shogi piece has the kanji 角行 (Angle Mover).
[Shogi Bishop] [ATK: 1800] [DEF: 1400] [Level: 6]
As a “Shogi” monster, it glowed green as it gains the effect of Line World.
[Shogi Bishop] [ATK: 1800 (+)> 2300]
“And since Shogi Bishop was successfully Advanced Summoned, all “Shogi” monsters currently on the field including itself gain 500 ATK.”
The Shogi Bishop raised its staff as it released a wave of energy, granting it and the Shogi Pawns an additional boost to their ATK.
[Shogi Bishop] [ATK: 2300 (+)> 2800]
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 1000 (+)> 1500]
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 1000 (+)> 1500]
“Oh no...” Rarity muttered as she and the others saw that Dusk was now at a disadvantage against the Number’s empowered monsters.
“Now I activate my face-down! Line Flanking Maneuver!”
Upon activation, all three monsters on Number 72’s field suddenly jumped to the sides of the field; Shogi Bishop went to the left and the two Shogi Pawns went to the right.
“Until the End Phase, all “Shogi” monsters I control lose half of their ATK points, but they would be able to attack you directly!”
“What?” Dusk muttered as the Number’s monsters prepared their weapons despite their drop in their respective ATK.
[Shogi Bishop] [ATK: 2800 (-)> 1400]
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 1500 (-)> 750]
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 1500 (-)> 750]
“Time to start the offensive!” Number 72 pointed to the stallion. “Shogi Bishop, direct attack!”
Shogi Bishop pointed it staff at Dusk and unleased several magical bolts. He braced himself as he was struck by the attack.
“Agh!” Dusk covered his face with his right hoof as he took damage to his Life Points.
[Dusk’s Life Points: 8000 (-)> 6600]
“Its not over yet! My Shogi Pawns, direct attack as well!”
The two samurai-like monsters charged at Dusk and struck him with their spears.
“Ugh!” The spears were holograms and thus didn’t truly harm Dusk. His Life Points though took another drop.
[Dusk’s Life Points: 6600 (-)> 5850 (-)> 5100]
“Dusk!” His friends cried out as the stallion regained his balance after the direct attacks. At the same time, the crowd became worried at the amount of damage that Dusk took.
“I set a card and end my turn.” Number 72 then set his card as the effect of its Trap wore off and its monsters’ ATK went back up.
[Shogi Bishop] [ATK: 1400 (+)> 2800]
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 750 (-)> 1500]
[Shogi Pawn] [ATK: 750 (-)> 1500]
[Turn 4: Dusk
[Dusk’s Cards in Hoof: 3]
[Number 72’s Cards in Hand: 1]
“Dusk! Hang in there!” Applejack said.
“It’s not over yet. Draw!” With that, Dusk then played the card he just drew. “I activate Photon Trade. By sending a “Photon” monster from my hoof to the Graveyard, I draw two more cards.”
After discarding the chosen card, Dusk drew his cards and smiled what he just got.
“Now I equip Photon Cerberus with Photon Spear.”
Above the back of the Cerberus now appeared two identical spears. Two mechanical appendages then emerged from its back which grabbed onto them.
“What is the point of that? My monsters are still stronger! You can’t possibly turn this around!” Number 72 exclaimed.
“Oh really?” Dusk then pointed to Cerberus as it begun to glow. “By the effect of Photon Spear, the equipped monster can be treated as two tributes!”
“Two tributes?” The Number muttered as it saw a clone of Cerberus emerge from the original; spears included.
“Now I release my Photon Cerberus!” Dusk shouted as he pointed his hoof to the air.
The two Cerberus roared as they both turned into particles of light, which flew into the air to form an starry spiral.
The entire crowd looked at upon the incredible spectacle in complete awe.
“Incredible...” Spike muttered out as the spiral begun to spin quickly and was now brighter than before. The mares though only smiled for they knew what about to come.
“Descend before us and stand against the darkness! Reveal yourself! Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!”
Soon, a large dragon emerged from the center of spiral and it gave out a mighty roar as it finally revealed itself.
[Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon] [ATK: 3000] [DEF: 2500] [Level: 8]
The crowd was startled at first upon the dragon’s summoning, but they soon burst into a cheer as they look upon its unique appearance.
“Alright! He summoned Galaxy-Eyes!” Dash exclaimed in joy, which was shared amongst her friends.
As for Spike, he was speechless as gazes upon Galaxy-Eyes and the overwhelming presence its radiates.
“Now Galaxy-Eyes attack the Shogi Pawn to the left!” Dusk yelled out. “Photon Stream of Destruction!”
The dragon then unleashed a powerful beam of energy at the specified Shogi Pawn. Upon being enveloped by the attack, the monster quickly vanishes into nothing.
“Agh!” Number 72 cried out as it felt the shockwave of the attack as it cut into its Life Points.
[Number 72’s Life Points: 6200 (-)> 4700]
“I end my turn.”
[Turn 5: Number 72]
[Dusk’s Cards in Hoof: 2]
[Number 72’s Cards in Hand: 1]
‘Grrr... Shogi Bishop isn’t strong enough to take on Galaxy-Eyes and if I go defensive, that pony is going to swarm me with his own monsters.’
The Number growled in anger as it clutched its hands tightly while the crowd cheered for Dusk. However, it refuse to relent as it grew its card.
“My turn... Draw!” Upon looking at the card he drew, Number 72 begun to laugh darkly.
“It’s time...” It crackled. “I summon Shogi Knight in Attack mode!”
A centaur wearing samurai armor and wielding a large blade appeared on the Number’s field. Like all “Shogi” monsters, there is a shogi piece covering its face with the kanji 桂馬 (Cassia Horse).
[Shogi Knight] [ATK: 800] [DEF: 400] [Level: 3]
The monster soon received the effects of Line World as it was imbued with green energy.
[Shogi Knight] [ATK: 800 (+)> 1300]
“When it is Normal Summoned, I can target one set Spell or Trap card your control and see what it is and if it is a Trap, it is destroyed.”
“Not good...” Dusk whispered as his last face-down was flipped up and it was revealed to be Photon Current, which was a Trap card.
Shogi Knight then swung its blade at the card and cleaved it into two as the two halves soon shattered into pieces.
“Since a Trap card was destroyed by this effect, Shogi Knight’s second effect now activates. Now I can Special Summon a Level 3 EARTH monster from my hand in Defense mode.”
Number 72 stated as something begun to appear near Shogi Knight.
“Appear, Shogi Lance!”
Surprisingly, the monster summoned as basically a wheel adorned with eight spearheads. In the center of the wheel as a shogi piece with the Kanji 香車 (Incense Chariot).
[Shogi Lance] [ATK: 500] [DEF: 500] [Level: 3]
It too received the effects of Line World.
[Shogi Lance] [ATK: 500 (+)> 1000]
“I activate Shogi Lance’s special effect.” The Number gestured to his monsters as it begun to emit a golden glow. “Once per turn, I can target one Level 3 Beast-Warrior-Type monster I control and I chose Shogi Knight.”
Shogi Knight soon was covered in the some golden aura as Shogi Lance.
“Now the Levels of Shogi Knight and Shogi Lance become the combined Levels of those two monsters!”
[Shogi Knight] [Level: 3 (+)> 6]
[Shogi Lance] [Level 3(+)> 6]
“Three Level 6 monsters... You don’t mean...” Dusk soon realized what Number 72 was planning to do.
“Yes! Now I overlay my Level 6 Shogi Knight and Shogi Lance!" As the Xyz vortex appeared on its field, a black aura soon emerged from the Number’s wooden “body” and flew into the air. At the same time, the two monsters the Number chosen became a pair orange light and joined up the aura.
“With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon!” The voice echoed from the black aura.
The two orange lights were the first to descending into the vortex before the black aura followed suit. When vortex exploded a moment later, an unusual red and yellow figure appeared.
“Prepare yourself for you face the full might of Number 72: Shogi Rook!”
The Number’s true form appeared robotic in appearance, but its most fearsome aspect was a pair of spiked wheels. In the center of each of the wheels was a yellow orb with a shogi piece, which had the kanji 飛車 (Flying Chariot). On the left side of the Number’s chest was the symbol of number 70 as a pair of Overlay Units spun around in.
[Number 72: Shogi Rook] [ATK: 2500] [DEF: 1200] [Rank: 6]
“The Number’s true form...” Applejack muttered as she looked upon Number 72. Its wooden “body” still stood on its feet, but was now barely moving.
“If you think my true from is fearsome, wait till I gain the effects of Line World.” The Number chuckled as it gained additional ATK.
[Number 72: Shogi Rook] [ATK: 2500 (+)> 3000]
“Now I activate my own special effect!” Number 72 then struck one of its Overlay Units with its spiked wheels. “By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can destroy one monster and one set Spell or Trap you control! While you have no set cards, you say goodbye to your dragon!”
“No! Galaxy-Eyes!”
Dusk cried out as Number 72 then threw one of its spiked wheels at Galaxy-Eyes. After giving out a pained roar when the wheel struck deeply into its chest, the dragon quickly exploded. The wheel however remained in intact as it returned back the Number.
“As a price for using this effect however, any Battle Damage you take this turn will be halved.” The Number stated out. “It doesn’t matter for victory will be mine in the end.”
As everyone looked horrified after seeing Galaxy-Eyes being destroyed in an instant, Dusk gritted his teeth as he has nothing left to defend himself.
“Feel my wrath!” Number 72 exclaimed just before throwing the same wheel that destroyed Galaxy-Eyes at Dusk. “I will attack you directly!”
“Aghhh!” Dusk was knocked to the ground after being struck by the wheel. At the same time, it took a chunk out of his Life Points.
[Dusk’s Life Points: 5100 (-)> 3600]
“Next, my Shogi Priest will attack you directly as well!” The monster in question then unleashed another wave of magical bolts at Dusk, who has yet to get back up.
He gasped as he was then struck again by the barrage, which took even more of his Life Points away.
[Dusk’s Life Points: 3600 (-)> 2200]
“I’m not done with you yet. Now I activate my face-down, Xyz Buster!”
After the card flipped-up, Number 72 was then covered with a reddish glow before it condensed into its chest. Suddenly, it was unleashed upon Dusk and struck him while he was still on the ground.
“Aghhhh!”
Everyone were horrified as Dusk was struck by the effect, which cut a portion of his already diminished Life Points.
[Dusk’s Life Points: 2200 (-)> 400]
“When Xyz Buster is activated, I target one Xyz Monster I control and inflict damage to my opponent by the Xyz’s Rank multiplied by 300 points!”
Number 72 laughed as Dusk struggled to get back up after the Number’s aggressive maneuver.
“Looks like you had enough for now. I end my turn.”
[Turn 6: Dusk]
[Dusk’s Cards in Hoof: 2]
[Number 72’s Cards in Hand: 0]
“Ugh...” Dusk slowly got back on his hooves as he was recovering from the previous direct attacks and the effect of Xyz Buster.
Dusk looked upon his field and saw how dire the situation was. He had no cards on the field while Number 72 was on the field along with Shogi Bishop; both powerful monsters.
“Give up.” Number 72 stated to him. “You can’t win.”
The stallion was silent as the crowd held their breath. While they were worried as well, Dusk’s friends still have faith in him.
They knew him long enough that he wouldn’t give up no matter the odds.
“Never...!” Dusk yelled at the Number. “As long I can draw a card... I can make a miracle happen! Draw!”
Upon hearing that, everyone sighed in relief and cheered on Dusk as he drew the card and immediately played it.
"I activate Pot of Greed, which allows me to draw two cards."
After drawing, he again immediately played one of the two cards he drew.
“Next, I activate the Spell, Photon Sublimation. By banishing two “Photon” monsters from my Graveyard, I draw more two cards.”
After setting aside the two cards that slipped out of his Graveyard, Dusk closed his eyes as he drew his cards; hoping for the cards that would grant him victory.
As he opened his eyes and looked upon the cards, he smiled with confidence as he now had the means to win the duel.
“Since I have no monsters on the field, I can Special Summon Photon Thrasher in Attack mode.”
Soon appearing on the field was the blue armored photon warrior, who readied his sword for battle.
[Photon Thrasher] [ATK: 2100] [DEF: 0] [Level: 4]
“Next, I summon Photon Crusher in Attack mode as well.”
Beside Thrasher was its fellow green armored photon warrior, who spun his double-ended mace and entered his combat stance.
[Photon Crusher] [ATK: 2000] [DEF: 0] [Level: 4]
“Could he be...?” Applejack muttered with a smile as she and others realized what Dusk was planning to do.
“What is going to do?” Spike questioned.
“Dusk is going to bring him out!” Dash replied.
“Uh?”
“Now, I overlay my Level 4 Photon Thrasher and Photon Crusher!” Dusk said as the two monsters became a pair of golden light and flew into the air, a vortex then appeared in front of Dusk.
“With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon!” The vortex soon exploded just after the two lights descended into it.
“Reveal yourself Number 39! The warrior of light, Utopia!”
The crowd gasped in surprise as they notice the symbol 39 appeared near Dusk’s cutie mark. At the same time, the golden winged warrior himself appeared on his field.
[Number 39: Utopia] [ATK: 2500] [DEF: 2000] [Rank: 4]
“Woah...”
Spike’s mouth was agape as he and the rest of the crowd were mesmerizing Utopia’s formidable appearance; like a shining beacon of light.
The mares were not as affected since they already seen Utopia before, but they nevertheless smiled at the good Number.
“Number 39...” Number 72 bitterly said. “I wouldn’t matter though. Number 39 cannot defeat either me or Shogi Bishop.”
“Not alone that is.” Dusk then played a card from his hoof. “I activate Monster Reborn! Come back to me, Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!”
Moments later, the dragon reappeared on the field in a bright flash of blue light. The crowd cheered on as the witness the return of Galaxy-Eyes.
[Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon] [ATK: 3000] [DEF: 2500] [Level: 8]
“Now for my trump card... I equip Galaxy-Eyes with Photon Wing!”
Galaxy-Eyes made a powerful roar as a second pair of wings of wings grew from its back, which were much larger than the original pair. Everyone watched the sparkles that appeared from the wings, which shine brightly as the stars in the sky.
“Once per turn, I can target 1 Xyz Monster you control and detach all of its Overlay Units. Utopia! Lend Galaxy-Eyes your aid!”
Utopia obliged as it detached its two Overlay Units, which flew away from him and towards Galaxy-Eyes and were absorbed by its new pair of wings.
“Now until the End Phase, the equipped monster gains ATK equal to that targeted Xyz’s Rank multiplied by 200 points. Since Utopia’s Rank is 4, Galaxy-Eyes gains 800 ATK.”
The dragon’s wings glowed brightly as it signified the boost in its power.
[Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon] [ATK: 3000 (+)> 3800]
“Is that so?”
Number 72 wasn’t fazed by Galaxy-Eyes now being stronger than itself or Shogi Bishop.
“I cannot be destroyed in battle by a non-Number and even if you destroy Shogi Bishop, I will use my effect next turn to destroy your dragon and then personally crush Number 39!”
Dusk merely smirked.
“Unfortunately for you Number 72, I am not attacking either you or Shogi Bishop. You see when Photon Wing’s effect activates, the equipped monster can attack you directly!”
“What!?!
“Galaxy-Eyes!” The stallion pointed to the wooden “body” of the Number. “Direct Attack! Photon Stream of Destruction!”
The dragon roared in compliance as it unleashed its attack on the Number’s wooden “body”, which didn’t flinch from the impact. The feeling wasn’t the same for Number 72 for it yelled in pain as its Life Points dropped drastically.
[Number 72’s Life Points: 4700 (-)> 900]
“You think this will stop me... On my next turn, I’ll...”
“There is no next turn for you for I activate Miracle Galaxy!”
Dusk activated the last card in his hoof, which a shining aura then covered Galaxy-Eyes as it made another roar.
“During my Main Phase 2, if I took no Battle Damage during this turn's Battle Phase, I’m able to conduct another Battle Phase.”
“Impo... Impossible! But Galaxy-Eyes...” The Number cried in shock.
“Due to its effect, only one monster I control would be able to attack.” Dusk explained as he gazes upon his dragon. “However, Galaxy-Eyes more than suffice for Photon Wing’s effect is still active.”
The stallion then pointed to the Number’s wooden “body” once more. “Galaxy-Eyes, finish this! Photon Stream of Destruction! Second Direct Attack!”
“No! No!” Number 72 look in horror as the dragon begun to unleash the final blow. “My plan! It wasn’t to end like...!”
It couldn’t continue on as Galaxy-Eye struck the Number’s wooden “body” once again. This time, the attack unleashed a shockwave which struck Number 72’s true form and spread cracks all over.
“AHHHH!” Number 72 screamed as its form begun to break down into nothing.
[Number 72’s Life Points: 900 (-)> 0]
[Winner: Dusk]
With it true form now gone, Number 72 was in the form of a black wraith found in all Numbers. It made one last scream as the Number vanishes without a trace, which the black aura that created the dome and the tendrils followed suit.
As the holographs begun to disappear and Dusk dematerialized his duel dusk, he looked upon Number 72’s wooden “body”, which no longer had its duel disk. Now that Number 72’s essence is gone, it was essentially now a humanoid mannequin.
“Its over...” Dusk sighed in relief while he listened the cheering from the crowd, who were ecstatic of the stallion’s performance in the duel and his victory.
He turned to his friends and saw that Twilight was finally free from the tendrils that Number 72 entangled her with previously.
“You are safe Twil...” Dusk smiled at the unicorn, but was startled when Twilight quickly caught him in a hug with her eyes at the verge of tears.
“Idiot...” She said as her hooves was tightly wrapped around the stallion’s neck.
“That isn’t something you say to the one who saved you.” Dusk stated.
“Then why did you shield me...?” Dusk soon realize what Twilight meant. “If you were hit by that wheel, then...”
“I would have gotten hurt or worse.” He finished her sentence as he manages to get Twilight to let go of him.
“Twilight, I don’t want to see any my friends getting hurt and especially from a Number.” Dusk said looking in Twilight’s eyes. “While I wasn’t thinking clearly when I got between you and the wheel, but know this... I’m willing to risk my life for the sake of my friends and you are one of them.”
Twilight made a bright smile upon hearing Dusk’s words. Soon enough, the others approached Dusk with smiles of their own.
“Dusk!” Spike was the first to speak. “That Utopia and Galaxy-Eyes were incredible!”
“You said it.” Dash agreed. “The way he took down that Number was awesome!”
“I agree with Twilight though.” Rarity said to Dusk. “You had us all scared when you shielded her from that wheel.”
“But you then somehow created that barrier to shield yourself.” Applejack quickly noted. “How in Equestria did you do that Dusk? You are not a unicorn.”
“I... I don’t know...” Dusk replied. “When I was shielding Twilight, I suddenly felt this warm feeling across my body. When I opened my eyes, I then saw that golden aura...”
“Wait...” Twilight soon remembered what the aura looked like when it first appeared. “That aura was shaped like Utopia’s wings.”
“Yeah, I noticed that as well.” Applejack said. “Did Utopia really...”
“I believe so. It must have sensed I was in danger and appeared to protect me.” Dusk then took out the very card from his Extra Deck and looked at it.
“You think you could that again?” Dash asked.
“I’m not sure. As much I would like to think about it, I’m in no mood to think after what we been through tonight.” Dusk sighed. “Let’s get everything clean up and try to get a good night sleep.”
“Can’t argue with that.” Twilight felt the same since she had to use a lot of magic to stop the ursa minor and then being entangled by Number 72.
In the end, Snips and Snails were ordered by Twilight to clean up the area as punishment for bring the ursa minor to Ponyville and endangering everypony in the process. Feeling guilty what they done, the two colts willingly accept their punishment.
Surprisingly, Twilight casted the same spell that she practiced this morning, which give Snip, Snails and even Spike mustaches of different style.
As for Dusk, he went towards the wooden mannequin and picked up the cards that Number 72 used that lie on the ground.
After inspecting it, the stallion smiled as an idea came to his head.
“Do you really want this in your room?”
Back in the library, Twilight using her magic to levitate the wooden mannequin into Dusk’s room. However, she found it a bit strange that Dusk would want it in the first place since he wasn't the type to collect trophies.
“Don’t worry. Since Number 72 is defeated, it is just now a harmless mannequin.” Dusk assured her. “Just think of it as chance to learn about the physiology of a human in detail.”
“Really?” Twilight questioned.
“Of course.” Dusk pointed to each part of the mannequin. “The arms, legs, hands, fingers... These are the very things that make humans unique back on Earth.”
“Do you mind if you tell me about it tomorrow?” Twilight was now looking at the mannequin in interest.
While Dusk provided her rough sketches and descriptions back in Canterlot, it wasn’t enough for her to fully understand the human body. Now, she would have the opportunity to get an idea how the so-called fingers and toes worked.
“Sure thing Twilight, but I think we should make sure our reports are finished before we get to that.” Dusk said, which she nodded in agreement.
However, it was getting late, so the two decided to write their respective reports in the morning. After saying good night to each other, Twilight and Dusk soon went to bed and quickly found themselves fast asleep.