//------------------------------// // Episode 10 [Extra] - Repelling a Pesky Moth // Story: Heart of the Cards // by AspirantWriter //------------------------------// “Why you...” Number 28 growled at Applejack or more specifically, the Number that chose to aid her in her time of need. In the meantime, the possessed parasprites managed to recompose themselves after their failure to stop Number 75. As for Applejack, she was quickly inspecting her new duel disk and was trying to adapt to the strange feeling in her front hooves. ‘It is like Twilight said...’ When Twilight first gained her Number Seraph Star Sentry, she tried her best to explain to her friends what it was like to “grip” onto things with her hooves. As strange as the feeling was to her, the farm pony knew there was more pressing matters to attend to. Like dealing with Number 28 that dared hold her beloved family hostage. “Alright! Now I’m ready for you Number!” Applejack exclaimed as she glared a at the Number while trying her best to copy the dueling posture that Dusk used. However, she found it to be more troublesome then she expected since she had to maintain her balance on just her hind legs. While she did stand on her hind legs in the past, it was only for a few seconds. From all the duels she has witness, Dusk was able to do so for minutes without any discomfort. “How does Dusk make it so easy?” Applejack muttered to herself. “Let me help. ”Number 75 said in her head as the farm pony then felt the warm feeling across her body once again. When the feeling faded away, Applejack found herself able to perfectly emulate Dusk’s dueling posture. Dusk along with rest of her family were surprised what the farm pony had accomplished while Number 28 merely growled. “Let get this over with!” The Number stated as an insect-like duel disk then appeared on its left arm. “When I’m with you, my swarm will devour everything you hold dear!” “Like I let you!” Applejack said back. “I’ll protect my home and my family!” With that said, their duel disks then activated their holographic functions as the usual screens and data appeared above their heads. “Solid Reality Vision Link established. ”The computerized voice echoed across Sweet Apple Acres as Applejack and Number 28 drew their cards from their respective decks. “DUEL!” [Applejack’s Life Points: 8000] [Number 28’s Life Points: 8000] [Turn 1: Number 28] [Applejack’s Cards in Hoof: 5] [Number 28’s Cards in Hand: 5] “It’s my turn! Draw!” Upon looking at the card it drew, Number 28 would be smirking if it had a mouth. “Excellent. I play Petit Moth in Defence mode.” Appearing on its field was green caterpillar with several patterns adorning its skin. With its appearance and stats, it didn’t appear to be a threat to anypony. [Petit Moth] [ATK: 300] [DEF: 200] [Level: 1] “Huh?” Applejack was dumbfounded that Number 28 would play such a weak monster on the first turn. Dusk on the other hoof didn’t feel the same way for knew the card and the combos related to it. ‘So that what it’s planning...’ As much as he wanted to warn Applejack, the stallion was worried that the Number would harm the rest of the Apples if he tried to interfered. With that in mind, the only thing he could do for now is cheer for her. “Next I then summon Cocoon of Evolution and equip it to Petit Moth.” Number 28 said just as threads of silk then appeared around the insect and wrapped around its form; forming a cocoon. “As you should know, Cocoon of Evolution is actually a monster, but it can act as an equip card if I have Petit Moth on my field.”It told Applejack. “Now Petit Moth gains the ATK and DEF of Cocoon of Evolution.” Above the cocoon then appeared its stats screen, which was then transferred to the moth that is encased within. [Cocoon of Evolution] [ATK: 0] [DEF: 2000] [Level: 3] While Petit Moth didn’t gain any ATK, it does gain a substantial boost to its DEF. [Petit Moth] [DEF: 200 (+)> 2200] “I then end my turn with these two face-downs. ”Number 28 set two cards from its hand to the field. “Now is your turn.” [Turn 2: Applejack] [Applejack’s Cards in Hoof: 5] [Number 28’s Cards in Hand: 2] “Alright, its my turn!” Applejack called out as she prepared to draw from her deck. At first, she found the sensation of “holding” onto her cards with just her hooves to be awkward. But if Dusk and Twilight are able to do the same thing without any difficulties, so can she. “Draw!” Adding the card to her hoof, she tried to devise a strategy with what she has. After a few seconds of deliberation, she then made her move. “Here goes nothing. I first play the Continuous Spell card, Seed Cannon.” Beside then appeared a large flower, which the stem, leaves and bulb were covered in sharp thorns. “Then I summon Sylvan Bladefender in Attack mode.” In front of her emerged a warrior wearing a feudal Japanese outfit along with a variety of plants of different colours. On its hips were a pair of katanas, which almost appeared to be each made from a large blade of grass. [Sylvan Bladefender] [ATK: 1900] [DEF: 700] [Level: 4] Upon being summoned, one of the leaves on Seed Cannon begun to glow. “What is going on?” Number 28 asked. “Its Seed Cannon’s special effect. When Plant-type monster is summoned, a Plant Counter is then added to it to a max of five.” [Seed Cannon - Plant Counter: 0 (+)> 1] “Hmm. Still, that monster of yours can’t break through my moth’s cocoon.” Number 28 noted. “I know that.” Applejack replied. “So, I’m going to equip my Bladefender with Lucky Iron Axe.” In the monster’s very hands then appeared a simple-looking axe with a few glowing runes. Even so, it imbued Bladefender with power for it provide a substantial boost to its ATK. [Sylvan Bladefender] [ATK: 1900 (+)> 2400] “Lucky Iron Axe increases my monster’s ATK by 500, which means it can break open that cocoon of yours!” Applejack said as she pointed to the Number’s Cocoon of Evolution, which encased the Petit Moth. “Now Bladefender, attack!” Just as Bladefender dashed towards the cocoon and prepare to take a slash at it, the Number pointed to one of its face-downs. “I open my first face-down, Turn Jump!” Appearing from the card then emerged a silver pocket watch, which begun to tick loudly just as its arms were quickly moving clockwise. “Due to its effect, six turns will now pass and that means we skipped three of our respective turns.” Number 28 stated as the holographic screens were updating the sudden change in the number of turns passed. [Turn 2: Applejack] -Skipped- [Turn 3: Number 28] -Skipped- [Turn 4: Applejack] -Skipped- [Turn 5: Number 28] -Skipped- [Turn 6: Applejack] -Skipped- [Turn 7: Number 28] -Skipped- [Turn 8: Applejack] -Current- “However, the Battle Phase will resume on the new turn, which is yours.” “You kidding me right?” Applejack said as she then ordered her monster to attack once more. If anything to her, it was a waste of a card since it didn’t stop her attack in anyway. Dusk only shook his head as he got a good feeling what the farm pony was thinking. It seems that she forgotten one of his most important lessons in Duel Monsters Every card has its uses regardless of its effect. The only thing that matters is that you play it correctly and at the best possible time. Knowing the combo that Number 28 was attempting to do, Turn Jump was a boon. He could only hope that Applejack was ready when the time comes. As before, Bladefender prepared himself to strike the cocoon, but the Number then activated its other face-down. “Not quite. I now activate my last face-down, Negate Attack!” Number 28 said as it activated the card.“Your attack is not only stopped, but your Battle Phase ends as well.” Just before Bladefender could get close to the cocoon, the face-up trap unleashed a burst of energy and pushed the plant-like warrior away. “Fine, I set a card face-down and end my turn.” Despite the setback, Applejack kept her cool as she set her cards. [Turn 9: Number 28] [Applejack’s Cards in Hoof: 3] [Number 28’s Cards in Hand: 2] “Now its my turn! Draw!” Number 28 drew its card and immediately played it. “I activate Card of Demise, which I can draw until I have five cards in my hand. On my fifth Standby Phase however, I then have to discard my entire hand.” Upon drawing the cards, the Number snickered as it can finally put its plan into motion. “It is finally time! Since four turns has passed since Petit Moth was equipped Cocoon of Evolution, I can release it...” Just as it said that, the cocoon’s begun crack open before it then exploded into a ball of light. “To Advance Summon Great Moth in Attack mode!” From that very ball of light then emerged a gigantic greenish moth which was now hovering above the ground with its vast wings before landing. [Giant Moth] [ATK: 2600] [DEF: 2500] [Level: 8] “Wha?!” Applejack was shocked to see that the Number brought out such a powerful monster, which was stronger then her own. Recalling what it said a few moments ago, she soon realizes why it played Turn Jump in the first place. ‘So that why it played that card! To bring out that Giant Moth much faster!’ The rest of her family could only look on in utter shock at the gigantic insect that was hovering before them. Despite their efforts, they are unable to break free from the Number’s tendrils. “That is not all. Next I activate from my hand Premature Burial.” Number 28 said. “By paying 800 of my Life Points, I can Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard and equip the card to it. Return to me Petit Moth!” [Number 28’s Life Points: 8000 (-)> 7200] After paying the cost, the small caterpillar then reappeared on the Number’s field in Attack mode; right next to its grown-up counterpart. [Petit Moth] [ATK: 300] [DEF: 200] [Level: 1] ‘Why did it bring Petit Moth out again, especially in Attack mode?’ Dusk thought as Applejack thought the same thing. Number 28 merely snickered again as it played another card from its card. “Now I’ll activate the Spell card, Super Cocoon of Evolution!” Much to the two ponies’ surprise, Petit Moth was then encased in a golden cocoon, which shimmer with power unlike its original counterpart. “By releasing an Insect-type monster with an Equip card on either side of the field, I can Special Summon any Insect-type monster from my deck, ignoring Summoning conditions!” Dusk’s and Applejack’s eyes widen as they watched the golden cocoon started to crack before becoming a large pillar of light. With everything that is going on here, it is surprising that no pony from town came by to investigate. “Now come forth from my Deck! Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth!” Appearing from the light then appeared another gigantic moth with bluish wings and it was more fearsome in both appearance and strength than Great Moth. It too hovered momentarily above the ground before landing beside Great Moth. [Perfectly Ultimate Giant Moth] [ATK: 3500] [DEF: 3000] [Level: 8] “Oh ponyfeathers...” Applejack mutter in shock as looked upon the two powerful moths that Number 28 had on his field. She was clearly now in a disadvantage since they were much stronger than her only monster Bladefender. However, the Number wasn’t done just yet. “If you think this is bad, wait till I play Offerings to the Doomed.” Just as it played the said card from its hand, Bladefender then was quickly covered by white bandage-like wrappings before he exploded into nothing. “Bladefender!” “When Offerings to the Doomed is activated, a face-up monster on the field is destroyed at the cost of me skipping my next Draw Phase.” The farm pony could only brace herself for she has nothing to protect her from direct attacks, which Number 28 begun to take full advantage of. “Now that you are wide open, I will let Great Moth attack you directly. ”It called out while gesturing to the said monster. “Moth Hurricane!” Taking to the air for a brief moment, Great Moth flapped its wings and unleash a series of powerful gales against Applejack. Despite her best efforts, she was immediately knocked to the ground and skidded a few feet across the dirt; her Life Points took a sharp dive. [Applejack’s Life Points: 8000 (-)> 5400] “Applejack!” Dusk called out to her as she slowly got up from the ground and tried to regain her bearings. However, the pony notice that Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth was also taking to the air. “There is no point of doing that for you will be down in the dirt again! Now my Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth! ”Number 28 said as it then pointed to its other gigantic moth. “Direct Attack! Perfect Moth Hurricane!” Like its counterpart, Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth flapped its wings yet unleashed even more powerful gales towards Applejack. This time, the force was strong enough to roll her body across the dirt; being more disoriented and battered than before; her Life points again taking another dive. [Applejack’s Life Points: 5400 (-)> 1900] “Ugh...” Despite taking the brunt of two Direct Attacks, Applejack refused to give up as she forced herself off the ground; her body was covered with patches of dirt and several bruises. “Ready to yield to me?” Number 28 asked the pony, which she responded with a glare. “Never...” “Struggle all you like. My moths will easily destroy what monsters you bring out. And if you are thinking of putting them in Defense mode, think again.” With that said, Number 28 then played a card from its hand. “I’ll equip my Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth with Fairy Meteor Crush. Now if it destroyed a monster in Defense mode, you will take piercing damage.” “Applejack...” Dusk muttered as he watches the farm pony walk back to where she once stood; breathing hard as she weathered through the pain that she felt all over her body. Her family in turn was becoming more demoralize at the disadvantage that their family member is in. “It’s not over yet...”Applejack said with an unyielding look in her eyes. “You really must have hit your head that bad. Of course it is! ”Number 28 refuted. “I have two monsters that can blow away anything that you send out!Not only that, you already lost like 3/4th of your Life Points!” To the Number’s eyes, it was just a turn away from obtaining victory. Even so, Applejack wasn’t intimidated by its declaration by the slightest. “I’ll admit that I’m not that skilled in dueling like Dusk here, but he did teach me to the best of his abilities... Applejack stated as she gestured to the stallion before then pointing to one of her face-downs. “And I don’t intend to let all his lessons be all for nothing!I activate my trap, The Golden Apples!” When her Trap flipped up, Number 28 watched as a golden apple then appeared in front of Applejack’s face. “At first, I liked this card because the picture was this fancy apple. When Dusk told me what it does, I realized that it actually embodies what it means to be an Apple.” Applejack smiled as the golden apple begun to glow and covered her body in a relieving aura. “No matter what is thrown at us, we don’t give up so easily!” When both the apple and aura finally disappeared, Dusk smiled as he saw that the bruises on Applejack’s body were gone and her Life Points were returning back to its original value. [Applejack’s Life Points: 1900 (+)> 8000] “What?! Impossible!!!” Number 28 roared out as the rest of the Apples were looking at their family member in utter awe. “The Golden Apples only activates when I take Battle Damage and I have no Monsters on the field. Whatever damage I taken prior to using this Trap, my Life Points goes up by the same amount.” “So you essentially negated what damage I inflicted on you... ”The Number growled. “That doesn’t change the fact that...” “There is more to The Golden Apples you know.” Applejack interrupted. “I can then Special Summon a Malus Token on the field.” With that said, the specified token then appeared on her side of the field. Having one eye and a mouth, its paper-like form was shaped like a small flame and shimmer in multiple colours. [Malus Token] [ATK: ?] [DEF: ?] [Level: 1] “Both its ATK and DEF are undetermined...” Number 28 noted in confusion as Applejack merely smirked. “I’m getting to the good part. Malus Token’s ATK and DEF then become equal to the Battle Damage I’ve taken!” “What?!” [Malus Token] [ATK: ? (+)> 6100] [DEF: ? (+)> 6100] “6100 ATK...”Dusk muttered as he looked upon the Malus Token, which was far more powerful than the Number’s moths despite its small size. “I set a card face-down... And my turn...” Number 28 set its card in bewilderment at the fact that Applejack managed to bring forth a reversal with just a single card. [Turn 10: Applejack] [Applejack’s Cards in Hoof: 2] [Number 28’s Cards in Hand: 0] “Now that is over, I draw!” Applejack drew her card as she sighed in relief that she now has the advantage over Number 28. “I’ll first set a monster face-down.” As the horizontal face-down card appeared in front of her, she then pointed to the Number’s Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth. “Now to blow away that big moth of yours! I’ll attack your Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth with my Malus Token!” Opening its mouth, the token unleashed a stream of multi-coloured fire at the hovering moth and set it ablaze. With its wings on fire, it then crashed into the ground before exploding into a fireball. Luckily for the Apples, that it was nothing more than a hologram and that their trees were safe from the flames. The Number however ended up losing both its monster and a chunk of its Life Points. “Ugh! My moth!” [Number 28’s Life Points: 7200 (-)> 4600] “With that done, I’ll end my turn with a face-down.” Applejack said while setting her card onto the field. Now with Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth gone along with its equip card, she was safe from piercing damage. [Turn 11: Number 28] [Applejack’s Cards in Hoof: 2] [Number 28’s Cards in Hand: 0] “It’s my turn...Dra...Agh!” Number 28 growled out as it clenched its right hand into a fist in anger. This was supposed to be the turn where it would finish off Applejack, but that was now ruined thanks to the pony’s trap, The Golden Apples. “Due to the effects of Offering to the Doomed, the Number has to skip its Draw Phase for this turn.” Dusk said out loud which made Applejack smile. Since it has no cards in its hand and unable to draw another one till its next turn, there was only one option that Number 28 could do for this turn. “I switch my Great Moth to Defense mode and end my turn...” Shifting the card on his duel disk sideways, Great Moth slowly landed on the ground and curled its wings; bracing itself for any attack. [Turn 12: Applejack] [Applejack’s Cards in Hoof: 2] [Number 28’s Cards in Hand: 0] “It’s now my turn! Draw!” Applejack then played the card she just drew. “I summon Sylvan Marshalleaf in Attack mode.” On her field then appeared a plant-like creature with its head styled like a leaf. Around its neck was a flower-like necklace and in each of its hands were purple pedal-like batons. [Sylvan Marshalleaf] [ATK: 1500] [DEF: 1200] [Level: 3] Since another Plant-type monster was summoned onto the field, Seed Cannon gains a Plant Counter as another of its leaves begun to glow. [Seed Cannon - Plant Counter: 1 (+)> 2] While Marshalleaf has an effect that activates when Normal Summoned, Applejack chose to not to use it and instead has something else planned. “I’ll then activate Seed Cannon’s effect.” Applejack said as she pointed to her Continuous Spell. “By sending this card to the Graveyard, I can inflict 500 points of damage to you for every Plant Counter it has.” With that, Seed Cannon then fired two volleys of seeds from its flower at Number 28, which struck the chest and head respectively. [Number 28’s Life Points: 4600 (-)> 3600] “Guh...” The Number quickly recovered from both volleys just as Seed Cannon then vanished from the field. “Not done yet.” Applejack said. “Malus Token, now destroy Great Moth!” Unleashing another stream of multi-coloured flame at Great Moth, the giant insect soon suffered the same fate as its counterpart and turned into an exploding fireball. “Now you are wide open. Marshalleaf, Direct Attack!” Now that Number 28 has no monsters on its side of the field, the said monster then rushed up to it. However, the Number quickly pointed to its face-down. “Trap activate! Dimensional Wall!” In front of Marshalleaf was a small portal and the monster ended up swinging its baton right into it. At the same time, Dusk notice another small portal appearing behind Applejack and flinched when that very attack from Marshalleaf ended up chunking the farm pony’s head from the back. “Ow!” [Applejack’s Life Points: 8000 (-)> 6500] “When my opponent declares an attack, Dimensional Wall can redirect any Battle Damage I would have taken from that attack onto my opponent instead.” “Ugh, I will end my turn then." Applejack said as she rubbed the back on her head to relive herself from the pain. [Turn 13: Number 28] [Applejack’s Cards in Hoof: 2] [Number 28’s Cards in Hand: 0] “It’s my turn, Draw!” Number 28 said as it could finally draw a card from its deck. “Now my comeback begins!" Number 28 said out loud. "! play the Spell, Card of Sanctity! Now we draw until we each have six cards!” Applejack narrowed her eyes at the Number as she drew from her deck.Thanks to the Card of Sanctity, her opponent now has a full hand to make a counter-attack. After examining the cards that he drew from its deck, Number 28 made a dark chuckle for it now has what it needs to retake the initiative. “First, I activate the Continuous Spell, Insect Neglect.” Around Number 28’s monster zones on its side of the field was a cage made from sticks and some rope. “Whenever you would declare an attack, I can now negate it by banishing an Insect-type from my Graveyard.” ‘Number 28 has Petit Moth, Great Moth and Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth in its Graveyard, so it would be able to negate up to three of Applejack’s attacks.’ Dusk noted in his head. “Now I will then Special Summon Shimmering Moth in Attack mode.” In front of the Number was silver-scaled elegant-looking moth and like its name, it was shimmering in the sunlight. Compared to both Great Moth and Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth, it wasn’t very intimidating. [Shimmering Moth] [ATK: 1000] [DEF: 1000] [Level: 7] “If I control no monsters on the field, I can Special Summon this card from my hand. ”Number 28 explained. “Not only that, if it is used in the Xyz Summon of Insect-type Xyz monster, it can be treated like two monsters!” “What?!” Applejack and Dusk yelled in shock just as black tendrils appeared beneath of the Number, which in the process of holding onto both its duel disk and cards. “Now then, I overlay my two Level 7 Shimmering Moths!” Number 28 called out as it gestured to the moth, which glowed as it split into two; both identical in appearance and size. Both turning into silver lights, they rose into the air before the Number itself followed suit; its tendrils on the ground now ready do draw and play the cards in its place. “With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!” When the vortex portal appeared on the field, the two lights were the first to enter before Number 28 quickly joined them. “Xyz Summon!” With that, the portal exploded as the true from of Number 28 begun to take shape. “Look upon my all-powerful form and despair!Now you’ll face Number 28: Titanic Moth!” Slowly rising up from the portal then appeared a massive white moth-like being, which was adorned with multiple colours with its only limbs being two humanoid arms. There were a pair of feather-like appendages at the top of the Number’s strange one-eyed head and the bottom of its abdomen, where the number 28 was visible on its bottom-left side. As it hovered above the ground, an Overlay Unit was circling around its chest. [Number 28: Titanic Moth] [ATK: 2400] [DEF: 2200] [Rank: 7] “Now that is one weird insect.” Applejack said while startled at the Number 28’s form, which was similar yet equally different to the moths that the Number played before.The Number paid no mind to her comment as it prepared its next move. “Next, I equip myself with Xyz Unit.” Number 28 said in its true form just as the tendrils placed the card onto the duel disk, which resulted in the Number being covered in some form of white armor plating. “This card can only be equipped to Xyz Monster like myself and I gain 200 ATK multiplied by my Rank. Since my Rank is seven, I gain a total of 1400 ATK.” [Number 28: Titanic Moth] [ATK: 2400 (+)> 3800] “Also, if I have to detach an Overlay Unit to activate my effect, Xyz Unit can act as a substitute.” “Quite a card you have there.”Applejack commented.“But you are still no match for Malus Token through.” “Unfortunately for you, I do not intend to fight that token of yours head-on. ”Number 28 stated before points its finger at Applejack. “I am coming for you.” “Huh?” “Its one of my special effects. If I don’t have any monsters beside myself on the field, I can attack you directly at the cost of cutting the Battle Damage you would take in half.” “What?! You gotta be kidding me!” Halved Battle Damage or not, Applejack didn’t want another gale of wind to shove her into the dirt again. Too bad for her, something worse was coming her way as flames begun to appear throughout Number 28’s vast wings. “Now I will attack you personally!” The Number called out as it begun to flap its now-flaming wings at Applejack. “Fire Tornado!” The farm pony in question could only look in horror at the flaming tornado that Number 28, which headed towards her while ignoring her monsters in the process. “Uaghhh!” Again, Applejack soon found herself being pushed into the dirt by the force of the attack before the flames begun to dissipate. [Applejack’s Life Points: 6500 (-)> 4600] “I’m not done!I activate another of my special effects!” Number 28 said as its only Overlay flew straight into its eye, which it didn’t flinch one bit.“ After I delivered a successful Direct Attack, you will then take 500 points of damage for every card in your hand or in your case hoof!” Just before Applejack could get herself back up on her hooves, she was suddenly engulfed in a pillar of fire that appeared beneath her. “Ahhhhhhh!” “Applejack!” Dusk cried out as the pillar of fire then vanish and revealed the farm pony still down on the ground; breathing hard while her Life Points took a sharp dive down. [Applejack’s Life Points: 4600 (-)> 1600] “I’ll set a card face-down and end my turn. ”Number 28 said as the set card appeared behind it. “Make your final move.” [Turn 14: Applejack] [Applejack’s Cards in Hoof: 6] [Number 28’s Cards in Hand: 2] “It’s my turn...” At first, Applejack was quite taken back by Number 28’s fearsome attack and effect combination. With the state of her Life Points as it is, another Direct Attack from Number 28’s true form would surely finish her off. Not matter how strong-willed she is, every attack and damage that she endured is starting to take its tool. It was only by seeing the scared faces that her entangled family was making that she quickly put herself together .For the sake of her beloved family, she has to win no matter what. “Draw!” After drawing her card, Number 28’s tendrils then activated its face-down much to the pony’s surprise. “Before you do anything, allow me to activate my Trap!Spirit Barrier!” With its activation, a ghost-like being emerged from the card’s picture and entered Number 28’s form. “Now as long I have a monster on the field, I’ll take no Battle Damage! With my immunity to destruction from non-Numbers combined with the effect of Spirit Barrier, I’m now invincible!” The Number said with utmost confidence in its voice, believing that victory is assured on its next turn. However, it forgotten that Applejack still has her ace in the hole. “No matter what you throw at me, I will not give up!Especially since I am not alone in this duel!” Applejack stated as she then flipped her set monster face-up. “I’ll start by Flip Summoning Sylvan Komushroomo in Defense mode.” After flipping upwards, the set monster revealed itself to be small mushroom-like humanoid with its mushroom cap being on fire. While sitting on the ground cross-legged and in its right hand was a ringed monk staff. [Sylvan Komushroomo] [ATK: 100] [DEF: 2000] [Level: 2] “Since Komushroomo was flipped face-up, I can activate its special effect. ”The farm pony stated as her monster glowed dimly while pointing its staff towards the sky. “Choosing from a number from one to five, I can excavate that many cards from my deck.” “Excavate?”The Number questioned for it never heard such a term before in its existence. “And I choose to excavate five cards.” Upon excavating the said number of cards from her deck, Applejack looked through them before showing them to the Number. “Whenever I excavate cards, I have to reveal them to my opponent.” Revealing the five cards that she excavated, they were Monster Reincarnation, Sylvan Charity, Wall of Thorns and remarkably, two additional copies of Sylvan Komushroomo. “What kind of effect is that? Revealing the cards in your deck to your opponent?” Number 28 said in a mocking manner, which Applejack ignored as she continued on her move. “For any Plant-type monsters that I excavate, they are sent to the Graveyard. ”She then places the two copies of Komushroomo into the Graveyard slot of her duel disk. “As for the other cards, they are then placed at the bottom of my deck in any order.” Just as Applejack placed the remaining excavated cards at the bottom of her deck, the ghostly forms of the two Komushroomos that were sent to the Graveyard appeared by her left and right side. “What the...?” “Since my Komushroomos were excavated and sent the Graveyard by a card effect, another of their special effect now activates.” The farm pony said while the two ghostly Komushroomos beside her slowly transformed themselves into spectral fireballs. “Now two of your Spell and Traps are destroyed!” “What?!” Before Number 28 can react, one of those fireballs struck Xyz Unit wearing while the other one struck Insect Neglect. The former smashed the Number’s equipped armor into a hundred pieces while the latter turned the wooden cage into ash. [Number 28: Titanic Moth] [ATK: 3800 (+)> 2400] “Ugh...” The Number found itself weakened due to the lost of Xyz Unit. “Attacking me will still be pointless. I still have my Spirit Barrier.” “Did you forget what I said before?I am not alone in this duel.”Applejack said back. “Hah, you are just referring to that Number Hunter and your fa...” Number 28 stopped mid-sentence for he finally realized what she was referring to. “Number 75...” “That’s right.” Applejack said with a smirk as she played a card from her hoof.“Now I play the Spell, Level Lifter.” Upon activation, she then took another card from her hoof yet sent it to the Graveyard. At the same time, both Marshalleaf and Komushroomo that she has on the field begun to glow. “By sending a monster from my hoof to the Graveyard, the Level of two of my monsters on the field then becomes the original Level of the sent monster until the End Phase.” She explained.“ The monster I sent to the Graveyard was another Sylvan Bladefender, who is Level 4.That means Marshalleaf and Komushroomo become Level 4 as well.” Marshalleaf and Komushroomo continued to glow until their respective levels became that of Sylvan Bladefender’s own; Level 4. [Sylvan Marshalleaf] [Level: 3 (+)> 4] [Sylvan Komushroomo] [Level 2 (+)> 4] “Everything is now set! I overlay my Level 4 Sylvan Marshalleaf and Sylvan Komushroomo!” With the two monsters respectively becoming green and red lights, they spiralled into air just as the spiral vortex then appeared in front of the farm pony. “With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon!” With the two lights finally descended into the portal and caused an explosion. “Rise up! Number 75!” It was then the symbol shaped like the number 75 appeared next to Applejack’s cutie mark as a vast oak tree then emerged from the portal. “Aid me in my time of need! Bulewark the Great Ent!” It was then that very tree begun to transform; its roots turning into strong legs while powerful arms begun to appear from its sides. On the very top of the trunk leading to the crown where two Overlay Unit were circling around, a pair of glowing green eyes then appeared and glared at Number 28. [Number 75: Bulewark the Great Ent] [ATK: 2000] [DEF: 2800] [Rank: 4] “Impressive...” Dusk said as he and the rest of the Apples looked up Applejack’s Number, which was larger than any tree that is found in Sweet Apple Acres. “So you finally appeared Number 75...” Number 28 said in a cold tone.“Number or not, I am still stronger!” “Not for long!” Applejack refuted as she gestured to her Number.“ I activate Bulwark’s special effect!” One of its Overlay Units flew into the crown and infused itself with the good Number. “By detaching an Overlay Unit from it, I can then equip a Plant-type monster from my Graveyard to Bulewark and choose Sylvan Bladefender.” The ghostly form of Bladefender appeared above the crown of Bulewark. Turning himself in a stream of green energy, he imbued the good Number with his power. “Whenever a monster is equipped to Bulewark by this effect, half of its original ATK while be then transferred to Bulewark’s own ATK. Since Bladefender original ATK was 1900, Bulewark will gain 950 ATK.” “What?!” Number 28 cried out as Bulewark made a fearsome roar as its own strength spiked up due to its effect. [Number 75: Bulewark the Great Ent] [ATK: 2000 (+)> 2950] “No!This cannot be!”Number 28 was shocked to see that foe’s ATK now surpass its own. “Now to swat you as the pesk you are! Bulewark, attack!” The good Number obliged as it lumbered towards the evil Number. “Unrelenting Melee!” With its right hand now being infused with a greenish aura, it then clenched it into a fist and swiftly delivered a powerful punch to Number 28’s chest. “UHHGHH!” Number 28 gasped out in pain as glowing cracks begun to appear all over its form.In a matter of seconds, it burst into flames and collapsed to the ground before exploding. Since there are no monsters left on Number 28’s side of the field, Spirit Barrier’s protective effect is no longer active. [Number 28’s Life Points: 3600 (-)> 3050] “No...” Appearing from the smoke caused from the prior explosion was Number 28’s wraith form. However, it struggled to retain its form due to the damage sustained from the loss of its true form. “I was so close...” “Now to make sure you don’t hurt my family or anypony ever again! Malus Token! Direct Attack!” Unleashing its attack for third and final time, Malus Token quickly engulfed Number 28 and the tendrils behind it with its multi-coloured flame. “NOOAAGGHH!” [Number 28’s Life Points: 3050 (-)> 0] [Winner: Applejack] With its defeat, the evil Number begun to break down until it vanished without a trace. The only left of it was the cards that it used, which was now lying on the ground. All the while, all the tendrils begun to disappear as the parasprites in the area returning back to normal.The parasprites would have wreaked havoc upon the farm if not for Bulewark revealing itself as a greenish tree-like humanoid wraith. Once again, the fearsome power of a Number was overwhelming and it caused the parasprites to flee straight to Ponyville. “I hope Twilight and Pinkie is ready when that swarm reaches town.” Dusk muttered to himself as he went up to pick up Number 28’s cards and put them in one of his pouches. With that done, he turned his attention to Applejack who was breathing hard in relief that the duel was over and in her victory. “Duel Disk off.” Applejack said just after she removed her deck from the device, recalling what Dusk told her and others before regarding the properties of these unique Duel Disks. As she looked upon the dematerialization of her Duel Disk in amazement, the stallion then approached her with a heartfelt smile. “You did it Applejack. You defeated not only an evil Number, but you have the help of a good Number as well.” “I wouldn’t have done it if not for your lessons Dusk.” Applejack replied with a heartfelt smile of her own as she turned her attention to her family, who were currently recovering from being entangled by the evil Number’s tendrils before. As much as she wanted to celebrate her victory with her family, Applejack knew that there was still much to be done. Ponyville after all was still in danger from the relentless swarm of parasprites. “Since I have a Number of my own, I can now protect the farm.” She said. “Best for you to check on the others back in town.” “Well do.” Dusk nodded his head as he left Sweet Apple Acres and made his way back to Ponyville. On the way, he could hear the cheering from behind him and smiled for Applejack. With what she had to deal with today, the farm pony definitely deserved what praises that her family was giving her right now. “Looks like everything went well. I suppose...” Dusk muttered to himself as he along with the other mares watched Celestia leave the outskirts of Ponyville in the same way she arrived; a sky chariot When he arrived back to town moments ago, the stallion heard what seemed to be a marching band coming down the street. Much to his relief, it was Pinkie and she playing every instrument that she gathered throughout the day both perfectly and in sync. Behind her were all the paraspites in town and they were quite enthralled to the music, just like she told him before. The insects followed her in an orderly and upbeat fashion as she leads them out of Ponyville and towards the Everfree Forest. Soon enough, Applejack came to join him since she heard Pinkie’s music all the way from her farm. Twilight, Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy were also out on the street, looking upon what their pink friend was doing. It was quite clear that the party pony has special knack of doing things that many would deem very difficult if not impossible. By the time Celestia arrived, Pinkie was still in the process of leading the parasprites out of town.Much to everyponies’ relief however, the Princess has mistaken the scene to be a part of parade for her visit. Surprisingly, Celestia told Twilight that she had to cancel her visit to Ponyville since she was needed in a city named Fillydelphia, which was infested with what she called “incredibly bothersome creatures”. Dusk couldn’t help but hope that the inhabitants of Fillydelphia have better luck than he and others had in Ponyville. When Celestia then asked Twilight if she learned anything new about friendship, the unicorn explained that solutions to problems may come from even the most unlikely of sources. She also explained that no matter how strange and absurd it is, it is always a wise idea to listen to a friend’s own opinion and views. Pleased what she heard from her student, Celestia then left for Fillydelphia even though Dusk was hoping she stayed a bit longer. He wanted to tell to her in person regarding the incident with Number 28, but it seems he would have to provide her with the written report as usual. “Hey, what happened to the princess?” Pinkie asked as she walked back to her friends after leading the last parasprite into the Everfree Forest.She was so focused on her task at the time that she didn’t pay attention to the conversation. “Emergency in Fillydelphia.” Twilight said. “Some sort of infestation.” Dash followed up, which made Pinkie gasped. “Oh no! Have they got parasprites too?” “Not to worry.I’m very sure that the princess can handle it easily.”Dusk assured Pinkie. “So you knew what those critters were all along, huh Pinkie Pie?”Applejack asked. “Well, duh! Why do you think I was so frantic to get my hooves on all these instruments? I tried to tell you.” “Pinkie...”Dusk said to her in a semi-scolding tone “Uh, I mean I should have told you all about it first before asking for your help.I’m sorry” “We understand, Pinkie Pie. At least Dusk told you about your mistake and we’re sorry as well for not listening to you.” Twilight said in an apologizing manner as the Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack told Pinkie how sorry they were. “Even if we don’t always understand you, you will always be a great friend.”Dusk told her, which made her very happy. “Thanks guys, you’re all great friends too, even when I don’t understand me.”She replied to him and everypony else. “You saved my reputation with Princess Celestia, and more importantly, you saved Ponyville.” “Only part of it I’m afraid.” Dusk tapped on Twilight’s shoulder and gestured her to the town at the distance. Even from this distance, it was easy to see the amount of damage that the parasprites had caused. “Or not...” “We can rebuild.” Dusk comforted the worried unicorn before he changed the conversion to another important subject. “If you are wondering, I was at Sweet Apple Acres. So can anypony tell me why no one notice all the explosions and noise coming from there?” “What are you talking about Dusk? Of course we noticed.”Dash told him. “It just that we were still having trouble dealing with those critters at the time.” “When I heard the explosions, I feared that a Number was coming for you and your family Applejack.” Twilight said to her before turning to Dusk. “I’m so relieved that you were there to put a stop to it Dusk.” “Oh, that is where you are wrong.”Dusk shook his head.“ I wasn’t the one that defeated it.It was Applejack.” The farm pony smirked as the other ponies turned towards her in shock and surprise. To confirm it was indeed the truth, Applejack then revealed her Number to the rest of her friends. “Number 75...?!” Twilight said the first portion of the card’s name in awe. “I don’t believe it!” Rarity was just in awe as her fellow unicorn. “Are you serious!? First Twilight gets a Number and now you?!” Dash yelled with a hint of jealousy in her voice. “Oh my...” Fluttershy was surprised at the thought that another of her friends gotten their own Number, but was quiet as usual. “Wow!” Pinkie being herself was excited at the notion that another good Number chose to join them. Dusk merely smiled as he looked up towards the clear sunny sky. It will take several days of repair, but life in Ponyville will return back to normal like before. Like it should be.