//------------------------------// // Episode 7 [Extra] - Courageous Illumination // Story: Heart of the Cards // by AspirantWriter //------------------------------// “What?!” Twilight was utterly shocked to hear that Number 8 proclaimed her to be its opponent. “You heard me.  You will duel me in the Number Hunter’s stead.” Number 8 stated as it pointed to Dusk, who was surrounded by black tendrils.  “Unless you want to be trapped here along with your friends for all eternality, you will duel me.”  Everypony were now looking at Twilight in worry.  Even though she was essential Dusk’s first student in Duel Monsters, she doesn’t have the same amount of experience like him.  Especially when it came to fighting Numbers. “Twilight!”  Dusk called out to her.  “You have to take up the Number’s challenge!  There is no other option!” “But Dusk, I...” The unicorn wasn’t sure if she was up for the task.  Even though Dusk taught her Duel Monsters to stand a chance when she has a run-in with a Number, Twilight was hoping it would never come to that. Now, she was being forced to duel Number 8, where refusal or defeat would spell doom for not only herself, but also her friends.  She wasn’t sure if she could take on such a burden if she would to fail. “Twilight.”  The stallion once more called out in a reassuring tone.  “I have faith in you and so does the others.  Just have faith in your deck.” “He’s right sugarcube.”  Applejack agreed.  “Amongst us, you are the one with most experience when it comes to Duel Monsters.” “Yeah.”  Dash followed up.  “If Dusk could defeat a Number, so could you.” Despite their reassurances, Twilight was still unsure if she could take on Number 8.  The only one she ever duelled against was Dusk and she never won once when he plays seriously.  From her observations of the evil Numbers, they are ruthless yet skilled when playing Duel Monsters. “You have to Twilight.”  Rarity said as she pointed to the entangled Fluttershy.  “You are the only one who could save her.” “You can do it!”  Pinkie stated.  “We know you can!” With that, Twilight closed her eyes as she took a deep breath.  A few moments later, she looked at Number 8 with a serious expression. “Very well, I accept.” “Good.”  The Number then pointed to Dusk.  “Now get your deck and duel disk from the Number Hunter.” On cue, the stallion placed his backpack on the ground and pulled out the duel disk.  After placing Twilight’s deck in it, he then raised the duel disk in the air. “Twilight, here.” The tendrils surrounding Dusk didn’t interfere when the unicorn used her magic to bring the duel disk to her. “Even if I am not as skilled as Dusk...”  Twilight said as she placed the duel disk on her left hoof.  “I will defeat you Number 8.” “We’ll see.” Number 8 raised his left arm as a white, sharp-looking duel dusk materialized along with its deck.  Both entered their dueling stances as their duel disks then activated their primary functions. “Solid Reality Vision Link established.” The computerized voice echo throughout the cave as the screens display their names and Life Points as usual appeared above them. Applejack, Dash, Rarity and Pinkie went to Dusk’s side while keeping their distance from the tendrils around him.  They soon heard the word that signal the start of all duels as Twilight used her magic to draw and hold onto her cards while Number 8 used its hands. “DUEL!”  [Twilight’s Life Points: 8000] [Number 8’s Life Points: 8000] [Turn 1: Number 8] [Twilight’s Cards in Hoof: 5] [Number 8’s Cards in Hand: 5] “I’ll start the first turn.  Draw!”  Number 8 drew its card and immediately played it.  “I summon Heraldic Beast Aberconway in Attack mode.” On the Number’s field then appeared a red-scaled dragon white armor platings on the top of its head, the top portion of its legs and the entirety of its arms. [Heraldic Beast Aberconway] [ATK: 1800] [DEF: 900] [Level: 4] Despite being entangled, Fluttershy shook in fear upon seeing the dragon.  Even though it is nothing more than an illusion, it is still indistinguishable from real-life. “Then I activate Foolish Burial, where I send a monster from my deck to my Graveyard.” Taking out his deck and checking through the contents, Number 8 found the card he wants and slipped it into the Graveyard slot of his duel disk. “I set three cards face-down to end my turn.”  After putting his deck back, its face-down cards then appeared on the field behind Aberconway. “Number 8.”  Twilight called out. “What are you doing here?  Does involve the dragon spreading smoke across Equestria?” “Indeed, but I am more interested in the dragon than its smoke.”  The Number replied.  “Sure, I would feed on the misery that would come from a smoke-filled land, but it would be a matter of time before all life there would be extinguished.  Then I would have nowhere else to rephenish myself.” “If that is case, why didn’t you possess him?” Twilight asked, which everypony found it to be a good question.  If Number 8 was already at the top of the mountain, why didn’t it possess the dragon prior to their arrival? “I would have, but I couldn’t.  I may have power the possess that dragon, but I wouldn’t be able to control his body for long.  The dragon’s strength and willpower was just too formidable.” Number 8 then turned to Fluttershy. “And she was my key to gaining the power needed to overwhelm those resistances.” The ponies gasped in shock as the Number continued on talking.  “When I caught sight of you all, I saw how scared and weak-willed that pony is.  Seeing that she did nothing but cause trouble during your trek up the mountain, I thought I would benefit me if I gave you all a little push.” “What little push?”  Dusk questioned. “The push needed for you all lose your patience with your weakest link and leave her behind.  Abandoned, alone, unwanted, unloved...  The weakest link would be filled with so much despair, which I would feed on and obtained enough power to possess that dragon permanently.” Everypony gasped louder than before upon hearing its intentions. “So those stray rocks and the collapsing cliffs from before...”  Twilight recall those incidents which involved Fluttershy in someway.  “Those were your doing?” “Correct, but I also have a hand in that avalanche.”  Number 8 said much to everypony’s shock.  “It wasn’t possible, but even with weakest link’s screaming her heart out, the avalanche never happened.” “So, you intervened and made the avalanche appear to be a delayed reaction?”  Dusk pointed out. “Yes.  It was intended that the survivors would lash everything at the weakest link, who would be unharmed from the rocks.”  The Number confirmed his statement.  “But you had to interfere Number Hunter.  You and Number 39...” “What made you think we would abandon Fluttershy?”  Twilight wasn’t happy that the Number was trying to turn them against the shy pegasus.  “She’s our friend!” “But, you were clearly all annoyed by her...” “Don’t you dare say that!”  Dash shouted at Number 8 in anger.  “Even with what happened today, it will never change the fact she would always be our friend!  Show it what you are made off Twilight!” The unicorn nodded to her in response as the duel continues on. [Turn 2: Twilight Sparkle] [Twilight’s Cards in Hoof: 5] [Number 8’s Cards in Hand: 2] “It’s my turn.  Draw!”  Twilight drew her card and add it to her “hoof”.  After looking through her cards, she then made her move. “I summon Strength of Prophecy in Attack mode.” On her side of the field was a female warrior-mage wearing a red outfit as she wield a large ornate axe.  Circling around her weapon were red symbols of different kinds. [Strength of Prophecy] [ATK: 1500] [DEF: 1400] [Level: 4] “Next, I play the Continuous Spell, Wave-Motion Cannon.” To the right of Twilight then appeared large yet strange-looking green magical cannon.  Its vents were pumping out steam as it s gauges were pointing to the number zero. “During my Main Phase, I can send this card to the Graveyard.”  Twilight explained its effects.  “If I do that, I can inflict 1000 points of damage to you for each of my Standby Phases that have passed when it was activated.” “Is that so?  That isn’t going to help you against me.”  The Number taunted. “Then I activate Spellbook of Power, which boost my monster’s ATK by 1000 points.” As Twilight played the card, the orange-coloured book then appeared in front of the spellcaster, who grabbed it and was imbued with power upon opening. [Strength of Prophecy] [ATK: 1500 (+)> 2500] “Now Strength, attack Aberconway!” The Strength of Prophecy charged at the dragon with her axe over her head.  However, Number 8 pointed to one of its face-downs in response, which immediately flipped up. “Trap activate, Heraldry Protection!” Soon, a purple crest of unusual design appeared on Aberconway’s chest just as Strength was about to deliver an overhead slash.  “While Heraldry Protection is face-up, Aberconway cannot be destroyed in battle, but loses 800 ATK.” [Heraldic Beast Aberconway] [ATK: 1800 (-)> 1000] With great force, she cleaves Aberconway across its chest, but like the Number said, the dragon isn’t destroyed due to the effect of the continuous Trap card. The same couldn’t be said for Number 8’s Life Points, but was surprisingly unfazed by the damage. [Number 8’s Life Points: 8000 (-)> 6500] “Why would it do that?”  Dash was confused why the Number did such a move. “Number 8 sacrificed its Life Points to protect its monster.”  Dusk pointed out.  “Not only that, the second effect of Spellbook of Power can’t activate since the monster isn’t destroyed.” The Number made a chuckle as it then pointed to another of its face-downs as it also flipped up. “Since I taken Battle Damage, I can activate Damage Gate!  Now I can Special Summon a monster from Graveyard whose ATK is equal or less to the damage I taken.” “From the Graveyard?”  Twilight quickly realized why the Number used Foolish Burial.  “So you were saving it for this moment. The Number chuckled again as a rectangular portal appeared on its field.  “Now come forth in Attack mode, Heraldic Beast Twin-Headed Eagle!” Soon, a purple two-headed eagle wearing some orange armor plating flew out from the portal and shrieked loudly at Twilight. [Heraldic Beast Twin-Headed Eagle] [ATK: 1200] [DEF: 1400] [Level: 4] “Wow.”  Pinkie said as she gazes upon the two-headed eagle.  As much as it is fascinating, it was nevertheless disturbing to the ponies. “I’ll end my turn with two face-down.”  Twilight said as the set cards then appeared in front of her. [Turn 3: Number 8] [Twilight’s Cards in Hoof: 1] [Number 8’s Cards in Hand: 2] “Now all the pieces are in place!  Draw!”  After Number 8 drew its card,  it then grabbed onto its mask as everypony wondered what it was going to do. “Now I overlay my Level 4 Heraldic Beast Aberconway and my Heraldic Beast Twin-Headed Eagle!”  The dragon glowed red while the eagle glowed purple, but the two turned into light as they flew upwards just as a vortex appeared. “With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon!”  The ponies look in shock for the Number then took off its mask and threw into the vortex just after the two lights went into it. Since Aberconway is no longer on the field, Heraldry Protection was in turn destroyed. “Despair for now you face Number 8: Heraldic King Genom-Heritage!” After the vortex exploded, a blue aura emerged and begun to take shape.  In a few moments, a horse-like being appeared and its appearance was found disturbing by the mares. Its hooves were pointed, its mane was styled into something akin to ponytails and its outfit was strange-looking yet accustomed with gold jewellery.  Circling around its body are two Overlay units. “Oh my...”  Rarity found the monster’s outfit to be too bizarre and colourful for her looking. However, they saw that it wore the same mask as the Number, but it has the symbol shaped like an eight on the top left. [Number 8: Heraldic King Genom-Heritage] [ATK: 2400] [DEF: 1800] [Rank: 4] “This is your true form?”  Twilight questioned. “Obviously.”  Number 8 said as its other begun to move mechanically as it pointed to the last face-down.  “But first, I activate my last face-down, Xyz Effect!” Upon flipping, a force of energy emerges from the cards and struck Prophecy of Strength, which caused to glow white before vanishing. “What?”  The unicorn was shocked to see her monster suddenly destroyed. “I can activate Xyz Effect when I successfully do an Xyz Summon, which would allow to destroy one card on the field.” The Number’s other body then pulled a card from its hand and played it.  “Now I summon Heraldic Beast Basilisk in Attack mode.” Now beside Number 8 then appeared a fiendish rooster with the tail and wings of a dragon.  It shrieked as the ponies too found its appearance to be disturbing, especially to Applejack and Fluttershy. [Heraldic Beast Basilisk] [ATK: 1000] [DEF: 1000] [Level: 4] “Twilight has no monsters to defend herself.”  Applejack said as she knew that two direct attacks were coming her way. “Now, I will personally attack you directly!”  Number 8’s mane begun to stretch and split into multiple tendrils.  “Flash Impact!” The mane tendrils begun to move towards Twilight with blinding speed and was about to strike her from all directions.  However, she quickly pointed to one of her face-downs and activated it. “Trap activate!  Defense Draw!” Soon, a barrier appeared around Twilight and block all the tendrils much to Number’s displeasure. “Not only the Battle Damage from this attack becomes zero, it also allows me to draw one card.” “But you forgotten that I still have Basilisk.”  Number 8 pointed out as Twilight drew her card.  “Go!  Direct Attack!” Basilisk was covered in flames, which then move towards Twilight and struck her, inflicting damage in the process. “Ahhh!” [Twilight’s Life Points: 8000 (-)> 7000] “You just activated another one of my face-downs.”  Twilight grunted as she then pointed to her other set card.  “Attack and Receive.  When I take any damage, you will 700 points of damage.” When it flipped up, a curved sword was suddenly thrown from the picture and struck Number 8’s other body, which recoiled only a little. [Number 8’s Life Points: 6500 (-)> 5800] “Alright!  Twilight is still in the lead!”  Pinkie cheered and it was shared amongst the other ponies.  Number 8 only growled in response. “This isn’t over yet.  I set two cards face-down and end my turn.” [Turn 4: Twilight Sparkle] [Twilight’s Cards in Hoof: 2] [Number 8’s Cards in Hand: 0] “It’s my turn.  Draw!”  Twilight drew her card before she then played the card she gained from Defense Draw. At the same time, the gauges on Wave-Motion Cannon moved up to one for Twilight’s first Standby Phase has passed. [Wave-Motion Cannon - Standby Phases Passed: 0 (+)> 1] “I activate Spellbook of Secrets, which I can add a “Spellbook” card from deck to my hoof.” As she was looking through her deck, the white book appeared on the field as its pages flipped by themselves.  It vanishes just as Twilight added the card she wanted to her “hoof”. “Next I activate Spellbook of Knowledge by sending a “Spellbook” card to the Graveyard, which I can now draw two cards.”  After paying the cost, she then drew the cards from her deck. “Perfect.  I summon Fool of Prophecy in Attack mode.” Standing in the stop where Strength used to be was a young magician wearing a green and yellow outfit with silver outlines.  He cracked a smile was he lend his ornate gold staff that is in his right hand over his shoulder. [Fool of Prophecy] [ATK: 1600] [DEF: 900] [Level: 3] “Now I activate Fool of Prophecy’s effect.  Once per turn, I can send a “Spellbook” card from my deck to the Graveyard.” The mares were unsure what Twilight has planned, but Dusk had a good idea what she was trying to do. After sending the chosen card from her deck to the Graveyard, Twilight then pointed to Basilisk. “Now Fool will attack your Basilisk!” As the magician pointed his staff at the unnatural rooster and started in incantation, Number 8 merely laughed. “Like that is going to work!  I activate Basilisk’s special effect!” Suddenly erupting in flames, Basilisk shrieked as those very flames then struck Fool.  Consumed by the flames, they were both destroyed. “What?!  How?!”  Twilight was caught off guard by the loss of her monster and the fact that her initial strategy was ruined. “When Basilisk battles a monster controlled by my opponent, I can destroy both monsters without damage calculations.  We lose our monsters, but we don’t take any Battle Damage.” ‘Not good...’  Dusk thought as he knew that Twilight had a total of five “Spellbook” cards in her Graveyard, it would meet the minimal requirement for Fool’s second effect upon the activation of its first effect. During the End Phase on the turn when the card activated its effect, Fool of Prophecy can be tribute to Special Summon a Level 5 or more DARK Spellcaster-Type Monster from the deck.  Twilight would have been able to bring forth a powerful monster this turn, but Fool’s destruction made that attempt null. “I set a card face-down then and end my turn.”  While she has no monsters on the field to defend her again, Twilight hoped that her face-down would turn the tide. [Turn 5: Number 8] [Twilight’s Cards in Hoof: 2] [Number 8’s Cards in Hand: 0] “Prepare yourself!  Draw!”  Number 8’s other body drew from the deck in a mechanical fashion and played it in the same manner.  “I activate from my hand, Oni-Gami Combo!” Both of Number 8’s Overlay Units exploded as waves of energy from them were unleashed.  The Number soon absorbed the waves as it was imbued with a new power. “By detaching all the Overlay Units of an Xyz Monster I control like myself, I can attack twice during Battle Phase for this turn.” “Even if you attack me, I will still have a chance to turn things around.”  Twilight said. “Oh really?”  Number 8 snickered as a card then slipped out of its Graveyard.  “Next, I activate Heraldic Beast Twin-Headed Eagle’s special effect from the Graveyard.  By banishing this card, I can then attach two monsters from the Graveyard as Overlay Units to a Heraldry" Xyz Monster I control with no Overlay Units.” “Huh?”  Twilight muttered as the Number’s Graveyard glowed as two Overlay Units flew out and begun to circle around Number 8 when they reached it. “Not only that, I activate one of my face-downs, Heraldry Reborn.” With that, a strange purple crest appeared beside Number 8 along with a portal on the ground. “Now I can bring back a “Heraldic Beast” monster from my Graveyard.  Return back Basilisk!” From the portal then emerged the rooster-like creature, which shrieked to signal its return. [Heraldic Beast Basilisk] [ATK: 1000] [DEF: 1000] [Level: 4] “Now, let’s see if you avoid this again.  I attack you directly!  Flash Impact!” Twilight braced herself as she was struck from the Number’s hair tendrils, which knock her to the ground and inflicted heavy damage. Twilight’s Life Points: 7000 (-)> 4600] “Twilight!”  Everypony cried out as the unicorn slowly got back up on her hooves. “Huh...  Since I taken damage, I can now activate my Damage Condenser.” When her face-down flipped open, a large condenser appeared in front of Twilight.  Within its glass tubes were electricity which slowly begun to build up. “With it, I can Special Summon a monster from my Deck with an ATK equal to or less than the Battle Damage I took this turn before it is activated.” Soon, the glass tubes of the condenser started to glow brightly to which it enveloped the entire machine. “I wish I didn’t have to summon this monster, but I have no choice.”  Twilight took the chosen card from her deck and played it via Damage Condensor.  “I chose to Special Summon Reaper of Prophecy in Attack mode.” Immediately, the condenser vanished in a flash of light and in its place was a fearsome mage wielding a wicked scythe.  The mares were unnerved by its nightmarish outfit and its skull mask which covers half of his face. [Reaper of Prophecy] [ATK: 2000] [DEF: 1600] [Level: 6] “Well I be...  She manages to summon Reaper after all.”  Dusk muttered for it was powerful when used correctly.  The others however were more focused on the mage’s dark-themed outfit though. “Ahhh!  That thing is something out of a nightmare!”  Rarity shrieked in fear. “Compared to the other monsters we seen before, I don’t think its that scary.”  Dash made a brave face despite finding its appearance uneasy.” “Ha!  Like that is going to help you.”  Number 8 said.  “I am clearly stronger.” “Not for long.”  Twilight stated in confidence as Reaper begun to emit a dark aura.  “Since Reaper was summoned, I can activate its special effect.  I can apply as many effects to him based on the number of “Spellbook” cards in my Graveyard.” “So how many those books are there Dusk?”  Pinkie asked. “She has a total of five “Spellbook” cards.”  Dusk replied.  “Which means Reaper can use its effect to his fullest.” “Really?”  The party pony looked upon Reaper and saw the dark aura around to be growing stronger. “First, if I have three or more “Spellbook” cards in my Graveyard, Reaper gains 600 ATK.” Twilight stated the first tier of the effect as Reaper’s scythe glowed darkly before returning back to normal. [Reaper of Prophecy] [ATK: 2000 (+)> 2600] “Then if I have four or more “Spellbook” cards in my Graveyard, I can add a “Spellbook” card from my deck to my hoof.” Twilight looked through her deck and placed the card she wanted into her “hoof”. “Finally, if I have five or more “Spellbook” cards in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Level 5 or more DARK Spellcaster-Type monster from my deck.” “Two monsters on the same turn?  Interesting...”  Number 8 muttered as a portal then emerged to the left of Reaper. “I have little choice but to bring this out.  Appear, Prophecy Destroyer!” Rising from the portal was a wicked humanoid wielding a sinister sword.  From his wings, tail and horns, all the mares swore they witness the coming of a demon as it roared. [Prophecy Destroyer] [ATK: 2500] [DEF: 1200] [Level: 6] “How is that thing a magician?”  Applejack said to Dusk.  “It looks like more like a horror!” “Don’t ask me.  It’s written on the card itself; a Spellcaster.”  The stallion replied.  “It does have a useful effect though.” “It must be if Twilight would bring out such a beast!”  Rarity stated. “So...  You have two monsters stronger than me eh?” From a normal point of view, it wouldn’t be able to attack them due to their greater ATK points.  Basilisk could use its effect, but that would still leave one standing. However, Number 8 wasn’t intimated by Twilight’s monsters and merely snickered. “Let see if you can handle this. Since you have monsters now, I’ll activate my face-down.  Bad Luck Blast!” Upon flipping up, a round black bomb with a lit fuse appeared from the picture. “When activated, I take damage equal to half of the ATK of a monster you control of my choice.” “What?”  Twilight was surprised of the notion that Number 8 would harm itself.  “Why would you do that.” “I have Life Points to burn and when I’m done this turn, you will have very little left.  You see that after I take damage from Bad Luck Blast’s effect, you then take the same amount of damage that I took.” The unicorn gasped as Number 8’s other body stiffly pointed to Reaper of Prophecy. “Since Reaper has 2600 ATK, we’ll take 1300 points of damage in the end.” Soon, the bomb exploded and Number 8 felt the shockwave of the blast.  It grunted just as its Life Points dropped. [Number 8’s Life Points: 5800 (-)> 4500] However, the smoke created from the blast suddenly rush towards Twilight as her Life Points dropped as well. Twilight’s Life Points: 4600 (-)> 3300] “It’s far from over.  Now I will attack your Prophecy Destroyer personally!” “But why?  My monster is stronger than you!”  Twilight pointed out to the Number. “Not for long." It repeated what Twilight said moments ago.  "I’ll activate my special effect!” One of its Overlay Units then flew into its mask and created a bright glow.  “By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can activate one of my three effects!” “Three effects?!”  Everypony were shocked that Number 8 had such versatility. “I chose to activate my first effect!”  The Number’s mane then stretched and split up into many tendrils again and wrapped around Prophecy Destroyer. “What happened?”  Twilight saw that not only her monsters was turning gray, the tendrils were emitting a red aura like it was draining Destroyer of his power and giving it to Number 8. “When I battle a monster my opponent controls, until the End Phase, that monster’s ATK drops to zero while my ATK become that monster’s original ATK!” “Wha...!?”  Twilight couldn’t finish as she and the others were flabbergasted when they witness Number 8 suddenly transforming into the Prophecy Destroyer himself; including the sword itself.  The only difference is that it wore the same white mask like before. [Number 8: Heraldic King Genom-Heritage] [ATK: 2400 (+)> 2500] As for Prophecy Destroyer, it was now completely gray and was slumping downward due to losing its strength. [Prophecy Destroyer] [ATK: 2500 (-)> 0] “Vanish!”  Number 8 in Destroyer’s form swung its sword and unleashed a magical wave, which struck the true yet weakened Destroyer and immediately destroyed him. “Twilight!”  Everypony cried out once more as the unicorn was forcibly pushed to the ground from the attack and taken heavy damage to her Life Points. Twilight’s Life Points: 3300 (-)> 800] “Now Basilisk, attack Reaper of Prophecy and use your special effect once again!” Basilisk shrieked as it was enveloped in flames, which then struck Reaper and destroying the two monsters in the process. “Prepare your defense for your end is inevitable!”  Number 8 taunted as it was returning back to its horse-like form as its effect wore off.  “I end my turn!” [Number 8: Heraldic King Genom-Heritage] [ATK: 2500 (-)> 2400] [Turn 6: Twilight Sparkle] [Twilight’s Cards in Hoof: 2] [Number 8’s Cards in Hand: 0] “Twilight...”  Applejack muttered as she and the others looked at the unicorn in worry.  Not only the unicorn’s Life Points took a dive, she also lost two strong monsters as well. ‘What can I do...’  Twilight managed to get back up despite her hitting the ground hard.  “I have no cards that would help...” She looked through the cards she has left in her hoof and saw they would do very little against Number 8’s true form. ‘I could use Prophecy Destroyer’s effect, but what good will it do...’ If she tried to attack Number 8, it would then use its effect to finish her off.  If she summoned a monster in defense mode however, the Number would destroy it and likely have another monster ready to deliver the final blow. Besides Wave-Motion Cannon, she was no other set Spell or Traps on her field.  Her only chance was to draw the right card. As she looked at her deck, she recalled what Dusk told her while he was teaching her Duel Monsters. ‘As long you have faith in your deck, it will give you the card needed for victory.  ‘But...  I’m not like you...’ She always found Dusk to be special due to his affinity for Duel Monsters.  No matter how smart she is, Twilight felt she could never get the same connection with her cards like Dusk have with his. “Considering surrender?”  Number 8 said to disheartened unicorn. “Don’t listen to it Twilight!”  Dusk shouted.  “Trust your deck and draw!  I know... No, we know you can turn this around!” The other mares were quick to agree with the stallion’s statement and cheered on Twilight.  While it gave her much needed relief, the unicorn was still unsure if she could get the right card. ‘I...  I...’ ‘The chosen of Number 39 speaks true.’ ‘Huh?’ Just as she was about to draw, Twilight heard a kind voice in her head. ‘I’ve saw what within your heart and judge you worthy.  Use my power to defeat Number 8.’ She soon saw a mental image of symbol that was shaped like a number as she felt a warm sensation throughout her body. “...102” Everyone were caught off guard when Twilight was then enveloped in a golden light which slowly took the shape of a sphere. “What the?!  This is like what happened to Dusk back then!”  Applejack pointed out. “But wouldn’t that mean...!?”  Rarity asked, but was interpreted by Dusk. “I believe so!  Twilight just received the support a good Number!” Number 8 however was furious as he recognizes the feeling coming from the sphere. “You dare interfere!?  Number 102?!” When the sphere finally dissipated, Twilight was seen to be alright and had a confident look on her face.  However, she now had an elegant purple-coloured duel disk with gold outlines on her left hoof instead of Dusk’s old one, which was somehow on the ground in standby mode with no cards. Seeing that her deck was in the new duel disk and Wave-Motion Cannon is still active, Dusk surmised that all her cards were transferred from his old duel disk when she was within the golden sphere. “Hey Twilight, are you okay?”  Dash questioned the unicorn. “Yes.  More than ever.”  Twilight turned her gaze to her friends with a smile. “So what if Number 102 came to your aid?!”  Number 8 shouted in anger.  “It will not save you whatsoever?!” “You’re wrong.  As long I have my friends, I will not give up.  Draw!”  After finally drawing a card from her deck, she immediately played it. “I activate Card of Sanctity, which the both of us draw until we have six cards.” Twilight drew four cards while Number 8’s other body completely replenishes its hand with six cards. Not only that, the gauges on Wave-Motion Cannon once more moved up for Twilight’s second Standby Phase has passed. [Wave-Motion Cannon - Standby Phases Passed: 1 (+)> 2] “First, I activate Prophecy Destroyer’s effect in my Graveyard.”  Twilight’s Graveyard glowed as a portal then appeared on her field.  “By banishing three “Spellbook” cards from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon him back to the field.” Rising from the portal then emerged the demonic being from before as it readies its sword. [Prophecy Destroyer] [ATK: 2500] [DEF: 1200] [Level: 6] “Now then, allow me to show you what I was gifted with.  I summon Star Seraph Scout in Attack mode.” On her field then appeared what look like a winged mechanical machine, which was mostly black with a few golden outlines. [Star Seraph Scout] [ATK: 1200] [DEF: 1800] [Level: 4] “Star Seraph Scout?”  Dusk muttered as he never put that card in Twilight’s deck.  In fact, he never seen it before. “Since Star Seraph Scout was Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a “Star Seraph” monster from my hand.  I choose Star Seraph Sage.” Beside Scout then came forth a blue-coloured machine of unusual shape.  Its also have gold outlines across its form.  It was set in Attack mode. [Star Seraph Sage] [ATK: 1600] [DEF: 1400] [Level: 4] “I’m not done yet.  I activate Star Seraph Sage’s special effect.”  Sage’s outlines begun to glow brightly.  “Once per turn, I can send a Spell card from my hand to the Graveyard to Special Summon a “Star Seraph” monster from my hand.  Appear Star Seraph Sword.” Twilight said as that monster then appeared on her field in Attack mode.  It was similar to Star Seraph Scout in appearance, but was more like a sword with both gold and dark bronze colouring. [Star Seraph Sword] [ATK: 1400] [DEF: 1000] [Level: 4] “She just summoned three monsters on the same turn...”  Dusk said as he and the others look upon Twilight’s new monsters in surprise. “Now I activate the effect of Wave-Motion Cannon.  By sending this card to the Graveyard during my Main Phase, I can inflict 1000 points of damage to you for each of my Standby Phases that have passed.” Twilight gestured to the cannon, which magical energy was now condensing inside the barrel.  “Since two of my Standby Phase have passed since its activation, you now take 2000 points of damage!” The cannon then fired it payload at Number 8’s other body and engulfed it in an explosion.  Soon, the Wave-Motion Cannon broke down and vanished from the field. [Number 8’s Life Points: 4500 (-)> 2500] “I still have Life Points left and you will have none next turn!”  Number 8 yelled out.  “You are a fool to set your weak monsters in Attack mode!” “It has just begun.   I overlay my Level 4 Star Seraph Scout, Star Seraph Sage and Star Seraph Sword!”  All three monsters soon transform into golden lights and flew up in a spiral above the vortex. “With these three monsters, I build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon!”  The vortex exploded when the three lights descended into it. It was then a large ornate halo that was hovering above an object that was akin to a spiked stave with a golden gem on top.  The halo spun as it releases sparks of light that illuminated the interior of the cave. “Reveal yourself!  Number 102!” A symbol shaped like the number 102 appeared near Twilight’s cutie mark just as the halo begun to emit a golden glow. “Illuminate the darkness that stands before me!  Star Seraph Sentry!” The halo quickly transformed into a humanoid being wearing gold and silver plating and uses a golden bow.  Its most noticeable feature is that part of its chest and hips emit a golden glow, which was similar to the three Overlay Units that circle around it.  On its right wing was the same symbol that appeared near Twilight’s cutie mark. [Number 102: Star Seraph Sentry] [ATK: 2500] [DEF: 2000] [Rank: 4] “Woah!”  Dash looked upon Twilight’s new Number in amazement.  “Twilight really does have a Number now!” “Not to mention how bright it is!”  Applejack look through the entire cave as it was all brightened by Sentry’s glow. “I wonder how it would fare with Number 8 though.”  Dusk hoped that the good Number has an effect that would counter the evil Number’s own. “Number 102...!”  Number 8 growled in rage.  “But with my effect, I am still untouchable!” “That is where you’re wrong.  I activate Star Seraph Sentry’s special effect!”  Twilight stated as one of the Overlay Units circling Sentry infused itself to the bow.  “By detaching an Overlay Unit, a monster you control loses not only half of its ATK, but also its effect is negated!” “Impossible!”  Number 8 roared as Sentry readied its bow and pulled back the bowstring; creating an arrow of light in the process.  When the arrow was released, it struck the Number on its mask and soon, its entire form was covered with a shining aura. “Agh!”  The Number screamed as it begun to lose its strength and abilities.  “This can’t be!” [Number 8: Heraldic King Genom-Heritage] [ATK: 2400 (-)> 1200] “Lets finish this!  Prophecy Destroyer!  Destroy Number 8!” Following Twilight’s command, Destroyer flew towards the Number and delivered a devastating cleave across its mask.  Since Number 8’s effects were negated by Sentry, it can now be destroyed by a non-Number. “No...!” With its true form being destroyed and taken significant damage, Number 8 was forced back into its other body.  Its white mask reappeared on its face, but with a deep crack across the middle. [Number 8’s Life Points: 2500 (-)> 1200] “This can’t be happening...”  Number 8 couldn’t comprehend that his defeat was imminent.  “To be defeated by the hand of Number 102...” “Now Star Seraph Sentry!  Direct Attack!”  Twilight called out as Sentry once again prepared its bow to deliver the final attack.  “Lightning Cluster!” Immediately after Sentry fired its shot at Number 8, the arrow the split itself to become an entire volley. “NOOOOO!”  Number 8 screamed as it was bombarded by the rain of a hundred shining arrows. [Number 8’s Life Points: 1200 (-)> 0] [Winner: Twilight Sparkle] Number 8’s humanoid form broke down under the volley until it was nothing more than a wraith.  Making one final scream, the evil Number soon vanishes completely along with its constructs made from its black aura. Everypony made a deep sigh of relief as it was finally over.  They watched as Sentry turned to Twilight and nodded its head before it vanished along with rest of the holograms. While Dusk went up to check up on Twilight, the other made their way to see if Fluttershy was still alright despite her entanglement. “You did it Twilight.”  Dusk said when he reached her.  “You not only defeated Number 8, but also have a Number of your own.” “I know.  I still find it hard to believe.”  Twilight gazed upon the card in her hoof; Number 102: Star Seraph Sentry.  “I wonder what Princess Celestia’s reaction would be when she learns about this?” “She would definitely be surprised, but I think she would also be proud.”  The stallion replied.  “I’ll be sure to report everything when we get back to Ponyville. After getting her deck out of her new duel disk, Twilight then handed them to Dusk for safekeeping when they make their return trip back.  Just as the stallion put back his old duel disk back in his backpack along with the cards used by Number 8, he notices that the unicorn was having trouble getting hers off. “Eh Dusk, how did you get yours Duel Disk again?” “I thought you already know Twilight.  Just say “Duel Disk off” and it will disappear and if you want it back, say “Duel Disk on.” “Okay, here goes.  Duel Disk off.”  Upon saying that, Twilight saw the duel disk on her left hoof dematerialized.  “That was simple.” “Tell me about.”  Dusk said as he pointed to the rest of the group.  “Come on, let see how Fluttershy is doing.” As he and Twilight approached, they found that the others were comforting Fluttershy, who was lightly sobbing.  While the tendrils from before prevented her from speaking, it didn’t stop the pegasus from hearing everything that Number 8 said about her. She was really hurt from how it said she was weak and stating that her friends were annoyed with her behaviour during their trek.  The others however were quick to refute the Number’s claims with the truth that no matter what happened today, Fluttershy would always be their valued friend. Nevertheless, it took the group some time to put Fluttershy’s worries at ease and they soon begun their trip back to Ponyville. “That should be everything.” After everypony safely return back to Ponyville, Dusk was preparing his Number report for Celestia and just recently finished.  After rolling up his report into a scroll, he went to see Twilight and Spike, who were in the former’s room. “Ah Dusk.”  He was greeted by Twilight while Spike was sitting down writing down what was the unicorn’s Friendship Report.  “Finish with your report?” “Yes.”  He replied to Twilight.  “So did you have chance to tell Spike what happened?” “Tell me about what?”  Spike asked the two; wondering what happened at the mountain.  “And you said report Twilight.  Did Dusk defeat another Number?” “Well...”  Just as he was about to explain what really happened, Applejack was calling for him and Twilight. “Twilight!  Dusk!  You gotta come see this!  She's just five away from a new pony record!” Going to the room’s balcony, they saw Dash bouncing a ball on her head while the others around her. “347, 348...”  Dash was keeping count when Pinkie decided to play a trick on her. “Roar!” “Dragon!”  The pegasus surprisingly fell for the trick as she then played possum like Fluttershy did back at the mountain.  Much to her confusion, everypony were laughing at her. “Why are you laughing?”  She yelped.  “That awful dragon is back!” “Oh really Rainbow Dash?”  Dusk pointed to Pinkie Pie, who then made another roar. “Pinkie Pie, you scared me!”  Dash soon realized what she said.  “I mean, uh, you... Uh, broke my concentration.” “It's okay, Rainbow Dash.”  Fluttershy reassured her friend.  “Not everypony can be as brave as me.” Dash soon notice a stray leaf coming down from the library and blow it towards the shy pegasus’s back.  Upon landing on her back, Fluttershy made a brief scream before she played possum once more. “At least she didn’t yell out avalanche.” Dusk said with a smirk on his face before he laughed.  Everypony quickly joined in and laughed at their frozen friend.