Lightning accelerated into high gear and caught up to Starlight. She drew her opening hand and the Duel picked up again.
DUEL
Lightning Dust: 4000
Starlight Glimmer: 2000
“My turn! I draw!” Lightning said as she drew her sixth card. Even though Lyra left her most cherished monster with her, Lightning knew she still needed something more if she wanted to win this game. Lightning picked a card from her hand and played it to the field, determined to start strong.
“First: I activate the Spell, Dark Hole! This card will destroy all of our monsters; so Mister Hot, Bright, and Shiny -- along with that worthless tin can and that magician -- are no more.”
“But... that will also destroy your monster as well! Why would you do something so reckless?” Starlight wondered aloud before she suddenly realized what Lightning was planning.
“I see you’ve caught on! That’s right: during the End Phase, Zelda comes back -- but before all that, I activate my own Field Spell, Raidraptor Mega Hanger.” A giant mechanical fortress descended from the clouds and hovered over the city that was still in play. “Thanks to this fort of mine, whenever I Normal or Special Summon a ‘Raidraptor’ monster: I can Special Summon another copy of that same monster from my hand or Deck once per turn, during either player's turn!”
“Speaking of which... since I have no monsters on my field, I can Special Summon Raidraptor Upgrade Lanius from my hand in Attack Mode.” A black and green mechanical bird appeared and flew next to Lightning as it let loose a mechanized screech.
Raidraptor - Upgrade Lanius
LV: 5
ATK: 2000
“Now Mega Fortress’s effect activates! With it: another Upgrade Lanius takes flight from my Deck and joins the one on my field.” A flurry of activity ignited upon the Mega Fortress as the runway was loaded with a second Upgrade Lanius that was launched into the sky before it took flight of its own accord and soared alongside the first.
Raidraptor - Upgrade Lanius
LV: 5
ATK: 2000
“That’s not the end of my flock! Since I control a ‘Raidraptor’ monster, I can Special Summon Raidraptor Repair Lanius in Defense Mode.” Another mechanical bird took flight, only this particular one had a number of arms with repair and maintenance tools in its back.
Raidraptor - Repair Lanius
LV: 5
DEF: 2900
“Now that my monsters are ready, I Overlay my two Level Five Upgrade Lanius with my Level Five Repair Lanius.” All three of Lightning’s monsters turned into streams of purple energy and entered a galaxy-like portal and exploded.
“Wings of crimson and claws of steel! Fly high and incinerate my foes to ash! Xyz Summon! Burn Brightly! Rank 5! Raidraptor Torch Phoenix!” A crimson mechanical bird with exhaust pipes for feathers and chains for tail feathers descended from the sky and flew above Lightning as it emanated an intense heat.
Raidraptor - Torch Phoenix
Rank: 5
ATK: 3000
Units: 3
“3000 Attack Points? That’s very strong, indeed -- and I'm guessing that bird has an effect I should be worrying about?” Starlight asked, fully well knowing that she may come to regret asking.
“Absolutely correct! Here is a demonstration! By detaching an Overlay Unit: Torch Phoenix destroys all of the cards that are on your field and you take 400 points of damage for each card destroyed by this effect.”
UNITS 3 - 1 = 2
Torch Phoenix absorbed one of its Overlay Units into its chest and flew higher into the air, then dropped a massive amount of bombs onto the city below -- destroying it completely. During the recreation of The London Blitz created by Lightning, Starlight managed to appear safely out of the blaze holding an Action Card that had blown towards her during the bombing. She activated it to the field with a smirk.
“While your Phoenix was busy destroying my city, I managed to grab the Action Spell, Reversal! Now: instead of losing Life Points, I gain the same amount I would have lost.” Starlight was covered in a green aura as her Life Points rose up.
Lightning: 4000
Starlight: 2400
“You may have avoided my blitzkrieg, but now the effect of Upgrade Lanius activates! When it's detached from a Xyz Monster, I'm allowed to add a ‘Rank-Up-Magic’ Spell from my Deck to my hand -- and the one I'm adding is Rank-Up-Magic Phoenix Force.” Lightning’s Deck flashed, and one of her cards lit up so she knew which one to grab. Both Lightning and Starlight drove for the Sphere, ready for battle.
“Time for me to knock you out of this match. Torch Phoenix, attack Starlight directly with Flame Impact Revolution!” Torch Phoenix flew higher into the sky and dived down toward Starlight at an incredible speed while covering itself in a coat of fire.
“I'm not going anywhere -- but this guy is! By banishing Necro Gardna from my Graveyard, I can extinguish your Phoenix’s flames and stop its attack.” The spirit of Necro Gardna charged at Torch Phoenix and stopped its attack before vanishing once again.
Both Lightning and Starlight exited the Sphere, and Lightning decided to show Starlight something even more powerful.
“You may have stopped my Phoenix’s attack, but that does not mean I'm finished. Next up; I activate the Spell Rank-Up-Magic Phoenix Force,” Lightning said as a Spell with a picture of the Raidraptor emblem covered in red and blue fire appeared on the field.
“This card Ranks Up my Torch Phoenix into a ‘Raidraptor’ Xyz Monster that is three Ranks higher and also becomes an additional Overlay Unit for that monster. So; I will rebuild the Overlay Network with my Torch Phoenix!” Torch Phoenix turned into a stream of purple energy and entered a galaxy-like portal that exploded.
“Mighty bird of legend, forged from the flames of battle! Evolve into an even mightier bird and transcend the atmosphere! Rank Up Xyz Evolution! Take Off! Raidraptor Satellite Cannon Falcon!” A new falcon with red and white plating equipped with many futuristic blasters materialized on the field, screeching as it took off like a rocket -- stopping high above the clouds and almost completely unseen by the Duelists on the ground.
Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon
RANK: 8
ATK: 3000
UNITS: 4
“As much as I would love to keep fighting, I'm afraid I must end this now -- so for my final move, I activate the Spell Xyz Soul Blast!” Lightning said as a Spell with a picture of a Xyz Monster firing its Overlay Units as if they were a volley of missiles appeared on Lightning’s field. “This Spell detaches all of Satellite Cannon Falcon’s Overlay Units, and you take 1,000 damage for each one. So; with four units, that’s 4,000 damage! Looks like that's the end for you.” Four purple stars appeared around the Raidraptor emblem in the sky that seemed to actually be Lightning’s monster, surging with power.
“It's not over ‘til the last card is played, and I do have a card left to play! That card is my Seven Slot Summoner! When I would take effect damage; I can discard this card and halve the damage, but that's not all -- I can also Special Summon up to three Level Seven monsters from my hand, Deck, or Graveyard -- so from my Deck, I bring back the Elemental HERO Neos! And from my Graveyard, I resurrect Dark Magician -- and I’ll play both in Attack Mode.” Neos and Dark Magician appeared out of a purple portal and stood to await Starlight’s command.
Elemental Hero Neos
LV: 7
ATK: 2500
Dark Magician
LV: 7
ATK: 2500
“Good thing I was prepared for that. By discarding Raidraptor Charger Lanius: any effect damage I inflict becomes doubled. There is no way I'm letting you out-maneuver this move, by any means!”
Before the distant stars were revealed to actually be huge purple flaming meteors, Starlight saw an Action Card above her and grabbed it as she passed underneath. Starlight was not happy about it -- but had no other options, so she activated it anyway.
“Fine! If I'm going down, you're going down with me. I activate the Action Spell, String of Fate! Whenever I would take effect damage: this card inflicts that damage to both of us at the same time, instead. Looks like that's the end of our time in the spotlight.” A red string appeared and tied itself around both Starlight and Lightning’s pinkie fingers, linking the two Duelists together. As the meteors fell and crashed around Starlight one by one, the vibrations from the string affected Lightning, draining her Life Points as well.
Lightning Dust: 0
Starlight Glimmer: 0
DRAW
“I may be going down, but remember that Zelda comes back now that my turn is over.” A yellow light appeared overhead and Zelda came back from within it, awaiting the next Duelist.
Zelda the Melodious Goddess
LV: 10
ATK: 4000
Both Starlight and Lightning drove for their respective pits and handed their batons to the next Duelists, who were both ready on standby and waiting for their chance.
“Sorry. I couldn’t keep things going and my best attack failed,” Lightning said with a sigh as she passed the baton and the cards on her Duel Disk over to Silver.
“It's okay, Lightning. It was still a draw and not a loss, so be proud of yourself and enjoy the next match,” Silver said before taking off.
At the same time, Starlight pulled into her pit and passed her own baton to Sunset.
“That was the most fun match I ever had! Too bad I was forced to end it in a draw,” Starlight said as she passed the baton and her monsters to Sunset.
“Don't worry; a draw is not so bad -- besides, I have been waiting for this matchup for a long time,” Sunset said as she took off.
Both Silver and Sunset took off at incredible speed. Silver felt the feelings of his teammates resonate in both of the monsters they had left him with. Sunset felt the same way about the monster her team left her with, overjoyed by the fact she could square off against such a worthy foe.
“Well, Silver. This is it: the match we promised each other a couple of months ago!” Sunset said with giddy anticipation.
“Indeed it is, Sunset! Let's give it our all, and give the audience a great show,” Silver said as the crowd cheered louder.
DUEL
Silver Chance: 4000
Sunset Shimmer: 4000
“My turn! I draw!” Sunset said as she drew her sixth card. Even though Sunset valued the bonds of her team she wanted to start things off with just her and Siver since she had been wanting this match for months now. Sunset drew the exact card she needed to do just that.
“To start thing off: I will activate the Spell Future Warp,” Sunset said as a Spell with a picture of a wrestler being zapped inside a time machine appeared on Sunset’s field. “This Spell banishes all of our monsters for the next two turns.” Both the monsters on each side of the field were hit by a green bolt of lightning that removed them from the game board without a trace.
“I want this match to start off just between the two of us -- besides, this won't be fun if it ends as quickly as the last game did,” Sunset said, a sentiment she shared with Silver, who nodded in agreement.
“Anyway, back to the Duel! I discard Level Eater from my hand to Special Summon Quickdraw Synchron.” A robotic cowboy with blue plating appeared and reached for the gun in his holster, ready to fire at a moment’s notice.
Quickdraw Synchron
LV: 5
ATK: 700
“Now; I activate Level Eater’s effect from my Graveyard. By reducing the Level of a Level Five or higher monster I control by one, I can Special Summon it to the field.” A black bug with a single red and yellow Level star on its back appeared from the grave and passed through Quickdraw, reducing its Level.
5 - 1 = 4
Level Eater
LV: 1
ATK: 600
“Next up; I Summon Synchron Carrier.” An orange and yellow tow truck-like robot appeared and began loudly blaring its siren as it landed next to Sunset.
Synchron Carrier
LV: 2
ATK: 0
“Before I go into just what my Carrier does, I activate the Spell, Tuning! This allows me to add a ‘Synchron’ Tuner monster to my hand, but I must mill my top card after I do so. I will add Junk Synchron to my hand.” Sunset added her chosen monster to her hand and then milled the top card from her Deck.
33 - 1 = 32
“Now to explain what my Carrier does. Once per turn: during the Main Phase, I can Normal Summon or Set a ‘Synchron’ monster one additional time, along with my primary Normal Summon -- so I will summon the monster I just added: Junk Synchron!” A robot with orange plating made of various items, thin orange glasses, and a long white scarf appeared next to Carrier.
Junk Synchron
LV: 3
ATK: 1300
“When I Normal Summon Junk Synchron: I can Special Summon a Level Two or lower monster from my Graveyard, so I will bring back Tuningware.” A tiny robot with a yellow scarf and a pot for a hat spun around and then landed in the Zone next to Junk Synchron.
Tuningware
LV: 1
DEF: 300
“Five monsters at once without a Pendulum Summon... that is very awesome. Can't wait to see what you’ve got planned next!” Silver said with excitement.
“Well; get ready to see just that -- because I tune my Level Three Junk Synchron with my Level Two Synchron Carrier.” Junk Synchron pulled the ripcord on his chest plate and revved its engines before turning into three stars, then three green rings that encircled Synchron Carrier and turned it into two stars that fell into alignment.
2 + 3 = 5
“Scholar of the future! Show me the path to victory and enlighten my foe! Synchro Summon! Appear! Level Five! Tech Genus Hyper Librarian!” A man dressed like an uppity college professor landed onto the field and began looking closely at his futuristic tablet.
Tech Genus Hyper Librarian
LV: 5
ATK: 2400
“But wait, there's still more to come! Now; I tune my Level Four Quickdraw Synchron with my Level One Level Eater to Synchro Summon a creature that will bring my plan to the next stage.” Quickdraw fired its gun at a roulette table and shot a hole through a card that looked like a road-paving robot and then turned into four stars, then four rings that encircled Level Eater and turned it into a single star.
1 + 4 = 5
“Clustering wishes! Become the law that shines brighter and brings justice to the streets below! Synchro Summon! Shoot em all! Level Five! Road Sniper!” A golden mechanical soldier with silver armor plating pulled out his highly customized sniper rifle and took aim at Silver.
Road Sniper
LV: 5
ATK: 2300
“Librarian’s effect activates! Whenever a player performs a successful Synchro Summon: I’m allowed to draw one card, and the best part is that it's a passive effect -- so I can just keep on using it,” Sunset said as she drew her new card.
“I activate Road Sniper’s effect. Once per turn: I'm allowed to Special Summon a Level Two or lower Warrior or Machine-Type monster from my Deck in Attack Mode, and you take damage equal to its Attack Points! With this effect, I Special Summon Jet Synchron from my Deck.” Road Sniper fired a yellow flare that then turned into a road of light that a turbine-like robot skated onto the field with, coming to a hard stop next to Road Sniper.
Jet Synchron
LV: 1
ATK: 500
“Since Jet Synchron has 500 Attack Points, you take 500 points of damage.” Road Sniper took aim and fired a shot at Silver, nailing him right in the back.
Silver Chance: 3500
Sunset Shimmer: 4000
“For the next one, I tune my Level One Jet Synchron with the Level One Tuningware.” Jet Synchron began spinning its turbine and then burst into a star and then transformed into a ring and encircled Tuningware and turning it into a single star.
1 + 1 = 2
“Clustering wishes will call out a new speed's horizon! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! The Power of Hope! Synchro Tuner! Formula Synchron!” A race car-like robot appeared and transformed into a semi-humanoid robot form and crossed its arms.
Formula Synchron
LV: 2
DEF: 1500
“Now; the effects of Hyper Librarian, Formula Synchron, and Tuningware chain to each other -- each of them allowing me to draw one more card,” Sunset added as she drew her three cards. As much as Sunset wanted to bring out her ultimate weapon, she also wanted to give Silver a fair chance.
“ I set two cards face-down and end my turn,” Sunset said as two set cards appeared behind her monsters.
“ My turn I draw,” Silver said as he drew his sixth card. Silver recognized this setup Sunset had and realized that if he tried destroying her monsters she would summon something more powerful and end things fast.
“ First I set the pendulum scale with scale one Thorn Buster Destruction Sword and scale nine Pollen Buster Destruction Sword. Two pillars of light sprang up between Silver. In the left one a whelp carrying a red sword with a vine design engraved on the blade and a rose shaped pommel appeared above a stylized one and in the right one, a whelp carrying a golden sword with a butterfly-like hilt appeared above a stylized nine.
Silver: ♦1___________9♦
“Now, I can simultaneously Summon multiple monsters between the Levels of Two and Eight.” A portal opened from the web that was created in the sky and three streams of light came out.
“I Pendulum Summon My Buster Blader, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, and Curse Buster Destruction Sword from my hand!” Buster Blader landed and readied his sword while Odd-Eyes unleashed a mighty roar upon landing. Finally, while not as imposing, a whelp with a skull-like hat carrying a black sword decorated with a golden skull on the hilt in its mouth appeared alongside the larger monsters.
Buster Blader
LV: 7
ATK: 2600
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon
LV: 7
ATK: 2500
Curse Buster Destruction Sword
LV: 3
ATK: 1500
“Before I continue my move, this is one thing you should know: my Thorn Buster’s Pendulum Effect negates all your monsters’ effects while I control Buster Blader, so your precious Accel Synchro won’t work this time,” Silver pointed out as the waves of energy emanating from Thorn Buster wrapped all of Sunset’s monsters in thick, pointed vines.
“I knew you might try something like this -- which is why I Set this card. I activate the Trap Card, Synchro Air Raid!” Sunset said as a Trap with a picture of Dark Strike Fighter dropping bombs onto a city revealed itself. “This Trap allows me to destroy one card on the field for every Synchro Monster I control. Since I have a total of three, I can destroy three cards! Say goodbye to your Pendulum Scales and... my other Set card.” Road Sniper took aim at Pollen Buster and shot it down. Hyper Librarian swiped at his tablet and fired a square shaped beam from said tablet at Thorn Buster and destroyed it as well. Finally, Formula Synchron leaped into the air and drop-kicked Sunset’s other Set card.
“Before my Set card gets destroyed, I will activate it -- so behold: my Conquered Territory,” Sunset said as the same card Twilight used in her section of the Duel activated. “You remember what this does, right? Just in case you don’t: it allows me to activate a Field Spell from my Deck, so I activate my Field Spell: Starlight Junktion!” New segments of track began to replace certain parts of the track and formed a clover-shaped junction with lights that made the stadium sparkle like the city at night around the Sphere and added new ways in and out of the Sphere. “There is one thing Twilight did not tell you about this Trap, though. If it’s activated while you already have a Field Spell in play, your Field Spell is demolished.” Suddenly; the fortress hovering above the stadium self-destructed and crashed into the arena before exploding into a blizzard of pixels.
“Allow me to explain what my Field Spell does. Whenever I perform a Synchro Summon during your turn, I can send any one of your cards back to your Deck -- and in case you did not know, Accel Synchro Summons count as Synchro Summoning during your turn.”
“Well; since my Scales are gone, I guess it's time to use my original strategy. I still have my Normal Summon, so I will Summon Buster Whelp in Attack Mode!” Buster Whelp flew out of its portal and landed next to its master.
Buster Whelp
LV: 1
ATK: 400
“I’m sure you remember what happens when my Whelp is Normal Summoned -- he allows me to add a ‘Destruction Sword’ card to my hand, so I think I will go with an old favorite: Dragon Buster Destruction Sword.” Silver added the card to his hand and activated Dragon Buster’s equip effect, much like he always tended to do.
“I will equip Dragon Buster from my hand, and then I will unequip him to Special Summon him to the field.” Buster Blader’s sword changed for a brief moment, but he immediately threw it aside and the whelp carrying it appeared and landed onto the field as it caught the hilt in its mouth.
Dragon Buster Destruction Sword
LV: 1
ATK; 400
“I’m sure you remember that you’re not the only one who can Synchro Summon, Sunset! I tune my Level One Dragon Buster with my Level Seven Buster Blader to Synchro Summon one of my best cards.” Dragon Buster leaped into the air and swung its sword before turning into a star and then a green ring that encircled Buster Blader who turned into seven stars that fell into alignment.
LV 7 + LV 1 = LV 8
" mighty dragon that guards the treasure of the hero -- come to my aid, and protect thy hero and his allies! Synchro Summon! Rise up! Level Eight! Buster Dragon!” Buster Dragon descended from the sky and took up its defensive position like it always did.
Buster Dragon
LV: 8
DEF: 2800
“I didn’t forget. But you should remember that when one of us Synchro Summons, I get to draw one card,” Sunset reminded Silver as she drew her free card, courtesy of Buster Dragon.
“That's fine by me because now Buster Dragon's first effect activates. If I don't control a Buster Blader, he Summons one from my Graveyard. Appear, Buster Blader!” Buster Dragon slammed its tail on the ground and Buster Blader leaped out from the portal it opened and prepared his sword.
Buster Blader
LV: 7
ATK: 2600
“Let's not forget my dragon’s passive effect. It turns all of your monsters into Dragon-Types.” All of Sunset’s monsters transformed into futuristic-looking dragons while still maintaining their original aspects and unique features.
2600 + 1500 = 4100
“As much as I would like to attack your monsters, they are what is keeping mine stronger -- so I will end my turn here.”
Future Warp: 1
“My turn! I draw,” Sunset said as she drew her fifth card. Sunset planned to end things, but Silver interrupted her.
“My dragon’s other effect now activates! During your turn: I'm allowed to equip a Destruction Sword card from my Graveyard to Buster Blader, so I will equip Dragon Buster. Now; you can’t Summon any more monsters from your Extra Deck.” The sword Dragon Buster was carrying replaced the sword Buster Blader was holding.
“Nice try, Silver; but I’ve seen you use that tactic more times than I can count, so I will counter it by activating the Quick-Play Spell, Cosmic Cyclone! By paying 1000 Life Points, I can target one Spell or Trap Card and banish it -- and as you may know, while Dragon Buster is equipped to your monster it counts as a Spell Card. So, say goodbye!”
Silver Chance: 3500
Sunset Shimmer: 3000
A purple vortex appeared and sucked up Dragon Buster and Buster Blader’s transformed sword and undid the short-lived lock on Sunset’s Extra Deck.
“Now that my Extra Deck is freed up again; time for me to show you my ultimate monster!” Sunset shifted to Mach 1 as she declared her Summoning.
“I tune my Level Two Synchro Tuner Formula Synchron with my Level Five Road Sniper and Level Five Tech Genus Hyper Librarian!” Sunset shouted as she leaned right and took off from the nearby ramp.
"When the gathering stars become one, a new bond will illuminate the future! Become the path its light shines upon! Limit Over Accel Synchro!” Sunset shouted with all her might before vanishing in the middle of her jump and then reappeared ahead of Silver with her new monster. The light of evolution! Level Twelve! Shooting Quasar Dragon!" A stark white dragon with scales as bright as the stars appeared and left a trail of stardust in its wake.
Shooting Quasar Dragon
LV: 12
ATK: 4000
4100 - 1000 = 3100
“That's quite the dragon you’ve Summoned. I'm guessing it must have some powerful effects?” Silver asked, knowing he must stay on his guard.
“Indeed it does. Like, for instance: my dragon can attack a number of times, equal to the number of non-Tuners used to Summon it. Since my non-Tuners were Road Sniper and Hyper Librarian, it can attack twice -- but that’s not all. Once, during either of our turns: it can negate the activation or effect of any card and destroy it!”
Both Silver and Sunset drove towards the Sphere and began the battle.
“Time to fight! Shooting Quasar Dragon, attack Buster Blader with Creation Burst!” Two orbs of light appeared in Shooting Quasar’s claws. The first one was thrown at Buster Blader before it took the spiritual form of Road Sniper before his eyes, charging headlong at Buster Blader with his rifle pointing forward like a blade. Silver was worried until he saw an Action Card beneath him and leaped down to grab it. Silver used Odd-Eyes as a mount and jumped back onto his Runner. Silver activated his new Action Card just in the nick of time.
“I activate the Action Spell, Miracle! Not only does this halve the battle damage, but my Buster Blader lives to fight another day.”
“Nice try! I activate Quasar’s effect, so your card’s effect is negated. Quasar’s attack continues!” Silver’s Action Card was covered in a white aura that then destroyed it.
Silver noticed another Action Card and grabbed it, activating it out of desperation. “I activate the Action Spell, Double Attack! This doubles my Blader’s current Attack Points until the End Phase of this turn!” Buster Blader began to glow with power as his Attack Points skyrocketed.
3100 x 2 = 6200
The ghostly form of Road Sniper collided into Buster Blader and was deflected back at Shooting Quasar Dragon, thus destroying it and creating a huge plume of smoke that covered the whole interior of the Sphere.
Silver Chance: 3500
Sunset Shimmer: 800
Silver was about ready to declare his next attack until the smoke cleared and Sunset appeared from within with a new dragon by her side that shared the same shimmering white scales as the last one.
Shooting Star Dragon
LV: 10
ATK: 3300
“What is that dragon? And how did you Summon it?” Silver asked, confused by what had happened within the smoke.
“Simple! When Shooting Quasar Dragon is destroyed, he allows me to summon Shooting Star Dragon from my Extra Deck -- so now I attack Odd-Eyes with Stardust Mirage!” Shooting Star charged at Odd-Eyes and created a trail of afterimages in its wake as it moved at blistering speeds and destroyed Odd-Eyes.
Silver Chance: 2700
Sunset Shimmer: 800
Both Silver and Sunset exited the Sphere and Sunset continued her turn. “I set four cards face-down and end my turn,” she said as four Set cards appeared behind her newly Summoned Shooting Star Dragon.
6200 - 3100 = 3100
“My turn! I draw!” Silver said as he drew his card. Silver needed some way to regain his ground before Sunset could do any more damage to him.
“First; I activate the Spell Rebuild Pendulum! If there are any face-up Pendulum Monsters in my Extra Deck, I can activate Pendulum Monsters from my Deck whose scales are in between the highest and lowest Scale number there. Since Thorn Buster is Scale One and Pollen Buster is Scale Nine, I can activate two Scales between Two and Eight -- so I activate the Scale Two Wolf Buster and Scale Eight Dragonpit Magician from my Deck directly to the field!” A whelp carrying a silver Excalibur-like sword with a golden wolf head design on the hilt appeared above a stylized two and Dragonpit Magician appeared above a stylized eight.
Silver: ♦2____________8♦
“Now I can Pendulum Summon multiple monsters between the Levels of Three and Seven.” A pink hole opened above Silver and three streams of light burst forth from it.
“I Pendulum Summon my Thorn Buster and Pollen Buster Destruction Sword monsters, alongside Odd-Eyes!” Thorn Buster and Pollen Buster clashed their swords together as they landed on the field and Odd-Eyes let loose a mighty roar.
Thorn Buster Destruction Sword
LV: 4
ATK: 1600
Pollen Buster Destruction Sword
LV: 3
ATK: 1200
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon
LV: 7
ATK: 2500
“Thorn Buster’s effect now activates! When this card is Special Summoned: I can destroy one of your cards for every ‘Destruction Sword’ monster I control. Including my Scales, that's four -- so I will destroy your back row.” Silver was sure he had won until Sunset pointed out one little flaw in his plan.
“My Shooting Star Dragon negates one effect that involves destruction per turn, so my cards are safe,” Sunset said mockingly, amused that Silver had missed such an important part of Shooting Star’s effect.
“That's what you think! My Wolf Buster’s Pendulum effect negates the effects of all your Monsters as long as I control Buster Blader, so your dragon can't do anything to stop me.”
Sunset was less amused that she had missed Wolf Buster’s effect, but she was not deterred. “I still have my backup plan. I activate my Trap, Starlight Road! Since at least two of my cards are being targeted for destruction: I can negate your monster’s effect and destroy it instead.” Sunset’s revealed Trap Card fired a white blast of energy at Thorn Buster and destroyed it. “But here’s the best part: after I do that, I can Special Summon Stardust Dragon straight from my Extra Deck.” Stardust Dragon appeared out of a flash of light and roared.
Stardust Dragon
LV: 8
ATK: 2500
“Not bad. I activate Pollen Buster’s effect! When you Special Summon a monster: I can tribute this card and at least one other ‘Destruction Sword’ monster and draw two cards.” Silver sacrificed Pollen Buster, Buster Whelp, and Curse Buster then drew his two cards, relieved to see that he drew exactly what he needed and right when he needed it.
“Time for me to Summon my part of our team’s plan -- and to do just that, I activate the Spell Destruction Swordsman Fusion!” Sunset was worried since she knew what that card did and could not stop it at the moment.
“I fuse my Buster Blader with your Shooting Star Dragon to Summon my Deck’s greatest weapon.” Both Buster Blader and Shooting Star Dragon were absorbed by the vortex above them.
“Soul of the dragon that connects the bonds of friendship, combine with the hero who slays all evil that stands in his path! Fusion Summon! Rise, Buster Blader The Dragon Destroyer Swordsman!” Silver’s Dragon Destroyer landed next to Odd-Eyes and readied his sword for battle.
Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman
LV: 8
ATK: 2800 + 3000 = 5800
“You may have stopped my dragon from using any of its effects, but I'm not done yet,” Sunset said with determination.
“Maybe so, but don't forget that your dragon now must switch to Defense Mode.” Dragon Destroyer stabbed his sword into the ground and unleashed a magic wave onto Sunset’s field that forced all her Dragon-Type monsters, or rather, her single Dragon-Type monster into Defense Position.
Stardust Dragon
LV: 8
DEF: 2000
“Finally; I set one card face-down and end my turn. During my End Phase, my Scales are destroyed, since I used Rebuild Pendulum to activate them.” Both of Silver’s Pendulum Scales self-destructed as a storm cloud appeared and violent winds blew them away.
Future Warp: 2
“Now; the effect of Future Warp has ended, and our monsters return.” The monsters left behind by both side’s teammates reappeared and looked confused as to what had happened while they were gone.
Zelda The Melodious Goddess
LV: 10
ATK: 4000
Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon
Rank: 8
ATK: 3000
Units: 0
Elemental Hero Neos
LV: 7
DEF: 2000
Dark Magician
LV: 7
DEF: 2100
5800 + 2000 = 7800
“My turn! I draw,” Sunset said as she drew her card. Sunset had everything she needed to end this, but she had to find a way to get her monsters back into Attack Position to do so. She noticed that, luckily, she drew exactly what she needed to do just that.
“I may not be able to attack with everyone, but I can attack with my ace -- so, I equip Stardust Dragon with the Equip Spell Soldier's Pride! This Spell switches the monster that it’s equipped to into Attack Mode and prevents that monster from switching battle positions -- however; that monster must battle the monster on your field with the highest Attack Points.” Stardust Dragon switched back to its fighting stance, ready for battle.
Stardust Dragon
LV: 8
ATK: 2500
“I see. So; you’re betting everything on your dragon. That's fine, but you do realize I have him outmatched in more ways than one, don’t you?” Silver pointed out. He was sure that was the case -- until he remembered all of Sunset’s face-down cards.
“That’s right! I'm not just betting on my dragon -- I'm also betting on my friends, as well! So; first, compliments of the pony who guided me back to the path of friendship: I activate Dark Spiral Force! While I control ‘Dark Magician,’ I can choose another monster I control and double that monster’s Attack Points, so I choose Stardust Dragon!” Sunset and Twilight both said in unison as Dark Magician began channeling his magic into Stardust.
2500 x 2 = 5000
“And next, from my newest friend: I activate Neos Spiral Force! While I control Elemental HERO Neos, just like with Dark Spiral Force, I can double my dragon’s current Attack Points a second time,” Sunset and Starlight both said in unison as Neos fired a beam of blue energy into Stardust and poured additional power into him.
5000 x 2 = 10000
“We still have one more face-down to play, so I activate my Trap: Stardust Spiral Force,” Sunset said as a Trap with a picture of Stardust Dragon channeling white energy through its body activated. “While I control Stardust Dragon, this card once again doubles its Attack Points -- only this one lets Stardust Dragon attack, unlike the other two.” Stardust Dragon began building up even more power as it began to shine brighter.
10000 x 2 = 20000
“Hope you’re prepared for the final battle, Silver, ‘cause here I come!” Both Silver and Sunset drove towards the Sphere, ready for their final battle.
“Stardust Dragon, attack Buster Blader the Dragon Destroyer with Shooting Spiral Sonic!” Sunset, Starlight, and Twilight all shouted in unison as the combined power of their monsters fused with Stardust’s “Cosmic Flare” attack.
“Very impressive, but don't count me out of this Duel yet -- because I activate my Trap, Quadrupole Note Attack,” Silver said as a Trap with a picture of all four ‘Dimension Dragons’ combining forces revealed itself. “You're not the only one that can draw strength from their friends, because thanks to the monsters they left me with I can use this card now! Since I control at least one Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, and Pendulum Monster: I can choose one monster that is attacking or being attacked, and have it absorb your monster’s Attack Points! Looks like I win, Sunset.” Dragon Destroyer absorbed all the power that Stardust had gained and countered Sunset’s final attack.
7800 + 20000 = 27800
Buster Blader the Dragon Destroyer swung his mighty sword and sent Stardust Dragon’s ultimate attack right back at it -- destroying it, along with the rest of Sunset’s remaining Life Points.
Silver Chance: 2700
Sunset Shimmer: 0
WINNER: Silver Chance
Both Duelists exited the Sphere and drove back to their respective teams’ pits.
“THAT'S IT! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, AFTER ONE HECK OF A FINALE, THE WINNERS OF THE CANTERLOT SELECTION STAGE ARE TEAM SILVER WING!” The MC belted out his congratulations as the crowd went absolutely crazy with their cheering. Both teams met on the center stage to shake on a very amazing Duel.
“I must say Silver, that last card was very unexpected! I never knew you had that one,” Sunset said.
“That card has been in my collection for a long time, but I could never use it before because the activation requirements are very difficult to meet all by yourself -- but when you have teammates like mine, anything is possible,” Silver said with pride. Lyra and Lightning blushed and fidgeted at the praise.
“AND NOW, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN; LET'S HEAR IT ONE MORE TIME FOR TEAM SILVER WING! WE WISH THEM THE BEST OF LUCK IN THE NEXT LEG OF THE PRIX -- TO BE HELD IN THE FABULOUS LAS PEGASUS!” The MC shouted as the crowd’s booming roars echoed through the stadium.
A few hours later, at the statue in front of CHS, everyone gathered at the entrance to the portal to see Twilight and Starlight off -- but not before Silver stopped Twilight to give her something.
“Twilight. I would like for you to take these as thanks, for giving me and my team a Duel to remember,” Silver said as he handed Twilight his spare copies of the Stargazer and Timegazer Pendulum magicians.
“I know you said Equestria has not discovered Pendulum Summoning yet, but I know you can make great use of these cards and bring the game to its next level back home.”
“Silver... you have no idea what this means to me. Thank you!” Twilight said as she leaped at Silver and hugged him tightly. Suddenly overcome with a sense of embarrassment, she caught herself and apologized.
“Anyway; we need to get going now. Best of luck with the rest of the circuit!” Twilight encouraged with a wave as she and Starlight returned through the portal.
Back in Equestria, inside the Castle of Friendship; the others were waiting in the library for Twilight and Starlight to come back -- and sure enough, after only a few minutes of anticipation, they did.
“Twilight! Starlight! What took you guys so long?” Pinkie asked.
“You might not believe us if we told you,” Starlight said.
“Ooh! You spent the last two months training for a Duel Monsters tournament that required you two to learn a new style of dueling and came close to reclaiming your magic prisms from the meanies that stole them only to have them choose a handsome red-headed boy and his two friends in the end instead and then you challenged them to one doozy of a Duel but lost and then he trusted you to bring a new Summoning mechanic back to Equestria with you?” Pinkie asked at high speed without even pausing to breathe, summarizing their journey in surprising detail.
“Wha -- How did you know?” Starlight asked.
“Just a hunch!” Pinkie said as she squeed.
“In any case, I'm just glad to be home. How about you, Starlight?” Twilight asked.
“I am, too. It was nice seeing another world and all, but next time -- let’s just keep all the evil plans and bloodshed out of it,” Starlight said before bidding the rest of the girl's goodnight and heading to her room to rest.
“Well, girls; I have some work to do now that I’m back, but come tomorrow there is something I want to show you,” Twilight explained to her confused friends before leaving them to their own devices to head to her lab.
Twilight pulled out her Equestrian Duel Disk. It worked like an ordinary Duel Disk, only it was obviously more optimized for use by ponies. Twilight forged new slots for the ends of the blade of her Disk and then soldered the wiring into the main interface. After successfully integrating the Pendulum Zones into her Duel Disk, Twilight went to sleep, excited about showing them off.
The next day in the throne room, the Mane Six gathered around the central map and waited for Twilight to get ready. Twilight confidently entered the throne room, ready to show her friends what she had learned from her most recent adventure.
“Uh, Twilight? Please tell me you did not call us all the way here just for a Duel,” Rainbow Dash said impatiently.
“Just watch, everypony,” Twilight said as two slots opened on the far ends of her Duel Disk.
“I set the Pendulum Scale with the Scale One Stargazer Magician and Scale Eight Timegazer Magician!” Twilight said as she set the cards Silver gave her into the slots and then closed them. Two columns of light shot up as Stargazer appeared over a stylized one and Timegazer appeared over a stylized eight.
Twilight: ♦1______________8♦
Twilight explained the ins and outs of this new Summoning technique -- and everypony gathered was completely amazed by it.
“Whoa! When can I get cards like those?” Rainbow asked Twilight excitedly.
“Soon, Rainbow. Very soon,” Twilight replied.