Celestia: Welcome back to the Double X tournament's Final Round.
Luna: We've reached the final round of the first semi-final match. Both team Dominator and team Wonderbolt have one win each. This will decide it.
Celestia: And that match will be between the team captains, Rainbow and Tempest.
As she said that, the Wonderbolt Academy crowd began to chant loudly. "RAH! RAH! RAINBOW!"
In the VIP box, the younger audience members were going along with it. "Rah! Rah! Rainbow!" Scootaloo, Applebloom, Sweetie and Spike cried out, pumping their arms in the air in a motion Flurry began to mimic. Everyone else laughed while looking down at the Duel Field.
Inside the corridor, Rainbow and Gilda were running down it until they spotted their beaten teammate treading towards them looking down.
"Soarin!" He looked up at the two, showing them a look of shame.
"I'm sorry guys," he told them. "I couldn't...he was just...I..."
Rainbow smiled as she stepped up to him and place a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. You did great and have nothing to be ashamed of. You made our school proud."
Soarin smiled back at her, nodding. "It's up to you now."
Rainbow nodded back. "Don't worry," she stepped passed him. "I've got this." With that, she headed off to the field while Soarin and Gilda headed up to the stands.
In the other corridor, Tempest stepped down the hallway.
She then spotted Heath, who stopped and glared at her before continuing. "I did my job," he stated as he passed her
"And I'm grateful," she replied. "Be ready for the finals. No matter who we're up against, I want to push them to the limit."
"That depends on if you can actually get us to the finals." Heath continued to march off, leaving a frowning Tempest.
"Oh, I'll get us there." She spotted the exit and started walking towards it, "Operation Omega Zenith depends on it." She smiled. "And the liberation from this accursed world draws near."
Celestia: It's finally time for the final match. The winner of this Duel will earn their team a spot in the final.
Luna: let's introduce our competitors. First, from team Dominator, a Duellist who's gotten to this point without losing a single match. Tempest Shadow!
The girl stepped out onto the field, nobody really wanting to cheer for such a Duellist.
Celestia: And her opponent, from team Wonderbolts, a Duellist whose truly flying high. Rainbow Dash!
In response, Rainbow's response was met with a mighty uproar. "RAH! RAH! RAINBOW!"
The two met in the centre, where the ref was waiting. "It's been a while since the first round," Tempest noted. "I'm intrigued to see how much better you've gotten. But I doubt you have."
"That so?" Rainbow asked before smirking. "I can say the same to you," Tempest smirked back, as they pulled out their Duel Disks.
Luna: Now that's out of the way. Let's see which field they'll be facing off on.
She held up a remote and pressed the button.
Suddenly the floor beneath their feet began to shine as it projected the Duel Field, as a robotic female voice said. "AUGMENTED REALITY COMBAT SYSTEM ENERGISED."
In the blink of an eye, the two suddenly found themselves on the top level of a multi-level rocky green area filled with rivers, lakes and waterfalls that appeared to be rainbows.
Celestia: Rainbow Falls! What a beautiful scenery to do battle on. How will this affect the outcome of the game?
Luna: Only one way to find out. In THREE!
Luna: TWO!
All: ONE!
"DUEL!"
Rainbow: 4000
Tempest: 4000
"ACTION CARDS DISPERSED!"
"Here goes!" Rainbow drew her card, "I summon Rainbow Wing Purple Condor!" A tornado appeared infront of her before exploding to reveal Rainbow's bird of prey. (A1800/D100/L3) "Then I'll use his ability to slash away six hundred of your life points." The large bird extended its large wings before letting out a mighty screech, which struck Tempest and pushed her back a few feet
Rainbow: 4000
Tempest: 3400
Celestia: Despite it being the first turn, Rainbow draws first blood.
Rainbow smirked, "I place two cards face down and end my turn."
Tempest, after regaining her balance, turned to Rainbow and gave her a quizzical look before reaching for her deck. "It's my turn. I draw!" She saw what she'd gotten and nodded before taking out two cards. "I set the Pendulum Scale, with scale one Spinehog Dominator and scale eight Tempest Unicorn Dominator!" The pillars of light appeared on either side of her before the two monsters flew up into them, the portal of light forming as they did. "I PENDULUM SUMMON!"
The portal opened before a pair of lights shot out and hit the ground, revealing her monsters. "Storm Guard Dominator Spear!" (A1800/D800/L4" And Storm Guard Dominator Glaive!" (A1900/D1200/L4/P3) "And whenever a Dominator Monster is Special Summoned, Spinehog's Pendulum Ability lets me draw two cards." She did so and instantly activated one of them, "Obsidian Orb!" Rainbow's eyes went wide as she watched the orb appear in Glaive's hand before it was tossed at Condor, surrounding the bird in the mist before it faded to reveal the statue.
Luna: Tempest isn't wasting any time Dominating Rainbow's monsters.
"Now I attack with Glaive Dominator!" The giant ape's weapon charged with electricity before it charged forwards, ready to slice the bird statue in half.
"I activate my Trap!" Rainbow announced as her face down flipped up, "Tornado Guard!" A tornado exploded around the statue before Glaive's attack struck, bouncing off of it. "This card protects my Wind monster from being destroyed this turn and then cuts the damage I take in half.
Rainbow: 3950
Tempest: 3400
Tempest smirked. "Very well, then I'll attack with Spear Dominator!" The second giant ape's body surged with electricity. (A900/D800/L4) That electrical power flowed into its spear, which it then tossed towards Rainbow. The spear landed infront of the teen before discharging the lightning, zapping her.
"Aaahhh!" She cried as the power shot through her.
Rainbow: 3050
Tempest: 3400
"I place one card face down and end my turn."
Celestia: Rainbow managed to protect herself from some serious damage there. But with her only monster Dominated, how will she fight back against Tempest?
"It's my turn," Rainbow reached for her deck. "I draw, then summon Rainbow Wing Red Kestrel!" Another tornado shot up next to her before exploding to reveal her monster. (A1500/D1200/L4) "And since he was special summoned, I can summon one Level four of below Winged-Beast monster from my hand to the field. So now I summon Rainbow Wing, Orange Osprey!" Another tornado signalled the arrival of Rainbow's third Rainbow Wing. (A1200/D1000/L3) "And since he was summoned using Kestrel's ability, his level goes up by one. (A1200/D1000/L4)
"Alright!" Soarin cried, "two Level fours."
"That's just what she needs," Gilda agreed. "Go get'em Dash!"
"You got it!" Rainbow cried back before the two monsters glowed and shot into the air, as a black hole appeared on the ground and they flew inside. "Wings of freedom, descend upon this land and unleash a hurricane of power." The black hole exploded in a burst of light. "I XYZ SUMMON!"
The light faded, revealing Rainbow's ace. The birdman flew through the air and gave several sword slashes before landing. "Rainbow Battle Wing Gold." (A2500/D1500/R4/P7) "And since Osprey became an Overlay Unit, his ability grants my monster an extra three hundred ATK points." (A2800/D1500/R4/P7)
Luna: What a come back for Rainbow. How will she continue this streak.
"Now, by removing an Overlay Unit, I can look at the top five cards of my deck and summon one Level four or below Winged-Beast to the field." The Xyz Monster crushed its Overlay Unit, as Rainbow drew her cards before picking one. "Come on out, Rainbow Wing Pegasus!" A third tornado appeared before exploding to reveal the pony version of Rainbow, which she wasted no time jumping onto. (A1800/D1200/L4/P5) "And when Pegasus is Special Summon, her ability lets me add a Level four or below Winged-Beast from my deck to my hand." Her deck shuffled out before slotting out a card, which she took.
Tempest smirked. "Not a bad move I must admit, but it won't be enough to save you."
"We'll see about that!" Rainbow cried before pointing at Tempest's monster, "Battle Wing attack Spear Dominator!" The Xyz monster flew forwards, drawing its katana. "And with two Winged-Beasts on the field, he gets three hundred ATK points for each one. (A3400/D1500/R4/P7)
Meanwhile, Tempest rushed over to a nearby rainbow river as she had spotted an Action Card floating down it. She caught the card and activated it. "I play the Action Card, Evasion!" Spear Dominator leapt back, just managing to evade the blade of Battle Wing's sword.
This made Rainbow frown, only for her to spot an Action Card falling down a rainbow waterfall. She quickly flew towards it and grabbed it as it fell, smiling when she saw what it was. "I activate the Action Spell Shine Like Rainbows!" This card pumps my monster up by its Level times one hundred." A rainbow aura wrapped around Pegasus, pumping up its power. (A2200/D1200/L4/P5) Rainbow then leapt off her monster, as it flew up high. "ATTACK!"
Tempest watched as Pegasus arced around before shooting towards Spear, the girl unable to spot any Action Cards that could help her. As such, all she could do was watch as the pegasus sudden created a rainbow/sonic-boom combo as it dive-bombed Spear Dominator and destroyed it. The force was so great it sent Tempest flying off her feet, rolling along the ground until came to a stop right next to a rainbow lake.
Rainbow: 3050
Tempest: 3000
Rainbow smirked as her Pegasus flew by, quickly jumping up onto it. "I end my turn." Battle Wing Gold's ATK points returned to normal. (A2800/D1500/R4/P7) Also, cracks began to appear around the Condor Statue before the rock shattered off the bird.
Celestia: There's only fifty points between them. This Duel's looking to be a close one.
Luna: Neither Duellist has pulled out any of their big moves. But I get the feeling that'll change soon.
Once Tempest had picked herself up, she turned to glare at Rainbow. "You think you're hot stuff? Well, so far I haven't seen anything that tells me you've changed from the first round." She drew her card as the portal opened up above her head, "I PENDULUM SUMMON!"
The portal opened before a light shot out and hit the ground besides Glaive Dominator, exploding with sparks of electricity. "Tempest Rogue Dominator Scarvolt!" (A2500/D2000/L7/P4) Tempest smiled as she drew her card, "there's no way you'll survive this. With this Duel, your fate is in my hands. Skill activated!" Scarvolt reached into her cloak before pulling out a pair of Obsidian Orbs, which she tossed at Pegasus and Condor.
Rainbow's eyes went wide before leaping off Pegasus, right as the orbs struck it and Condor. All she could do was watch as her monsters were turned to stone. "No way."
"Then I activate the Spell card Dominator Lightning, which will allow me to grant a Dominator on my field five hundred extra ATK points for each Dominated monster on the field." Electrical Energy shot out of the statues and flew up to Scarvolt, surging around her body and increasing her power. (A3500/D2000/L7/P4)
"This is bad," Rainbow realised.
"Now you see the fragility of the bonds you call friendship," she turned towards Tempest. "You may think it's unbreakable, but see how easy it is to separate you." Scarvolt rushed forwards, "attack!" Tempest Unicorn's Pendulum Ability activated, powering her up. (A3900/D2000/L7/P4)
"I activate my Trap!" Rainbow's face down flipped up. "Xyz Guardian! This Continuous Trap makes it so that you can only attack my Battle Wing, as long as this Trap remains on the field." Rainbow knew about Scarvolt's ability, so hopefully, this would limit the damage done.
Seconds later, Scarvolt reached Battle Wing and drew her broken sword before charging it with electricity. She then slashed the Xyz monster with the sword, unleashing a wave of lightning that flew through Battle Wing's body. It then leapt off him and struck Rainbow, making her cry out and she felt the energy scorch her. "GAHHH!"
Rainbow: 2500
Tempest: 3000
Scarvolt then disappeared before reappearing behind Battle Wing and stabbing him in the back. And once again the lightning flew through the Xyz monster before hitting Rainbow, "AAARRRHHH!"
Rainbow: 1950
Tempest: 3000
Celestia: Rainbow managed to protect herself from some serious damage, but with most of her monsters Dominated she'll have a hard time pulling herself back from defeat.
Tempest smiled as she saw Rainbow swaying from side the side, "I switch Glaive Dominator to DEF mode and end my turn." She stared down at the girl, "you said before that your friends are what give you power. But look how easily I was able to cut you off from them. Power is all that matters. Power that you grasp alone."
As she panted, Rainbow finally managed to stop swaying and stand upright. She then looked up at Tempest, grunting from the pain of the electricity. "You're wrong. Power alone is nothing compared to the power you can wield with your friends beside you." She reached for her deck, "let me show you. I draw!" She smiled when she saw what she'd gotten. "I set the Pendulum Scale, with scale one Supporting Filly and scale eight Rainbow Wing Knight Owl!" The pillars of light appeared before the two monsters flew up into them, but the portal didn't form.
"What's the point of that?" Tempest asked her.
Rainbow smiled as she discarded a card, "the point is Owl's Pendulum Ability. By discarding a card, I can add a Rank-Up-Magic card from my deck to my hand." Her deck slotted out a card, which she took before Battle Wing crushed its last Overlay Unit. "Now I'll use Battle Wing's ability!" She drew five cards before grabbing one, "come on out Wing Knight Falcon!" Another tornado appeared before exploding to reveal the blue bird armoured warrior. (A1600/D1400/L4/P4)
Luna: Rainbow's really pulling out all the stops. And I think I know what's coming next.
Rainbow smirked as the rainbow coloured tornado exploded around Battle Wing. "GO, Rank-Up-Magic Infinite Spectrum!" The black hole appeared above their heads, which the rainbow tornado flew up into. "With this card, I can Rank-up my Xyz monster into a Spectrum Battle Wing!"
"Finally deciding to get serious, are we?" Tempest asked as the rainbow coloured lightning sparked out of the black hole, as Rainbow Dash began to chant.
"Radiant colours of the universe, infuse your powers and give life to your new herald!" The rainbow tornado shot out of the black hole and hit the field, sending a mighty gust of wind across the battlefield. "RANK-UP XYZ EVOLUTION!"
The tornado exploded, revealing Rainbow's hyper-evolved Xyz monster as he flew through the field. "Spectrum Battle Wing...PRISM BOLT!" (A3000/D2500/R5/P6)
The crowd all cheered at this, those in the VIP box crying out seeing her evolved monster. "Come on Rainbow!" Flash cheered her own.
"You got this!" Spike agreed.
Rainbow smirked before continuing. "Since Prism Bolt was summoned using Infinite Spectrum, his ability lets me destroy one card on your field for every Overlay Unit attached to him." Prism Bolt raised his wings before the Overlay Unit flew passed them, creating a rainbow beam that flew up at Tempest's Pendulum Zone and struck her unicorn.
Tempest frowned as she watched her monster be destroyed. Looks like Rainbow was trying to weaken her offensive power.
"Now I'll use Prism Bolt's skill, to remove an Overlay Unit to power down your Tempest Rogue by Wing Knight Falcon's ATK power." Prism Bolt raised its wings before the crystals on them unleashed lightning that was the same colour as the crystals. The fourteen bolts of rainbow lightning wrapped around Wing Knight before flying off it and hitting Scarvolt, electrocuting her. (A900/D2000/L7/P4)
Celestia: Incredible. Rainbow's monster has powered down Tempest's. With this, she may end up winning this whole Duel.
Rainbow and Tempest stared each other down, Rainbow glaring at her opponent. "Friends will always be there for you, no matter what obstacles you're facing." Rainbow pointed at Scarvolt. "Prism Bolt, attack now!" Prism Bolt took to the skies, while Tempest and her monsters rushed off in search of an Action Card.
She finally spotted one on a rock by a rainbow pool one level down, jumping over the edge and landing besides to it before grabbing the card. "I activate the Action Spell Baton Pass. This card lets me swap your attack target to any other card on my field." Scarvolt and Glaive Dominator flickered out of existence before reappearing in each other's spot, right before Prism Bolt struck the ape and destroyed it.
Luna: Wow. What a lucky card. Since Glaive was in DEF mode, Tempest was protected from taking major damage."
Rainbow frowned at this, "don't think you can escape that easily." Wing Knight Falcon rushed forwards, sword at the ready. "Attack!" It and Scarvolt clashed swords before the Wing Knight pushed through and cut her down the chest, destroying her.
Rainbow: 1950
Tempest: 2300
"I end my turn by equipping Prism Bolt with The Courageous Shield of Netitus." The golden shield appeared in the Xyz monster's hand, increasing his DEF power. (A3000/D2800/R5/P6) "Now Prism Bolt can't be destroyed by battle."
Celestia: What a brilliant strategy. That card, coupled with the Xyz Guardian card she still has out, means her weaker monsters are safe from attack."
In that moment, Pegasus and Condor both cracked up before the rock around them shattered. Tempest frowned as she reached for her deck, "it's my turn. I draw. And I activate Storm Guard Reload. So by banishing my Spear Dominator, I can now draw four new cards." She did so and smiled when she saw what she'd gotten. "I'll start by placing scale nine Storm Guard Dominator Ryyk, into the Pendulum Scale." The second pillar of light appeared before the ape flew up into it, the portal forming between the two. "I PENDULUM SUMMON!"
The portal opened before three lights shot out of it, hitting the ground and revealing Tempest's monster. "Tempest Rogue Dominator Scarvolt!" (A2500/D2000/L7/P4)
"Tempest Unicorn Dominator!" (A2800/D1800/L7/P8)
"Storm Guard Dominator Glaive!" (A1900/D1200/L4/P3)
Rainbow began to grow worried. She wouldn't have summoned those cards if she didn't have a plan. But what was it? "Wait?" She suddenly remembered back at the beach, and the monster Flash said was possessing Tempest. "Don't tell me."
"Now, I equip Scarvolt with the Staff of Sacanas!" Said sat appeared in Scarvolt's hand, the Tempest Rogue spinning it around as her power increased. (A3000/D2000/L7/P4)
Luna: A good card, but with that Shield in hand she won't be able to take down Prism Bolt.
Celestia: What's she planning?
Tempest smiled as she held up another card, just as Scarvolt lifted the staff into the air. It then unleashed twin bolts of lightning, that hit the two Dominators besides her. They both silently screamed in pain as they were destroyed, their essences being sucked into the staff. Seconds later, the staff flew out of her hands and suddenly unleashed a power spiralling gust of electrified wind that surrounded Scarvolt.
"This is it," Flash said. "Rainbow, you've gotta be careful with what's coming."
Rainbow could barely keep herself from shielding her eyes from the wind, as she heard Tempest laugh. "By sacrificing Scarvolt whilst she's equipped with the Staff of Sacanas, along with two Dominator monsters, I can give life to the ultimate Dominator!" Everyone in the stadium watched as the lightning in the tornado shot into the eye below the staff, beginning to take humanoid form.
The staff then began to descend, as the figure raised one of its arms and grasped the relic. As soon as it did, the lightning was sucked into the staff and revealed the monster's form. "Behold...the ultimate Dominator monster. STORM KING DOMINATOR!" (A4000/D4000/L12)
Everyone in the stadium went completely silent, the mere presence of this beast giving the lot of them chills. "So that's it," Twilight asked.
"Yeah," Flash replied, "Storm King Dominator. The monster controlling Tempest."
"Well hopefully Rainbow can beat it and free her," Scootaloo said.
"Don't be so sure," Spike told her. "With that thing's ability, it'll be next to impossible."
"Come on Rainbow!" Soarin cried out from the stands, "don't let that thing intimidate you!"
Gilda nodded, "show that oversized orangutan why you don't mess with team Wonderbolt."
Rainbow nodded, not taking her eyes off Storm King. "This could be bad." As she said this, Storm King raised the Staff of Sacanas.
"I activate Storm King's ability!" The Dominator slammed the staff into the ground, unleashing several bolts of lightning that flew across the field and struck Prism Bolt, Pegasus, Condor and Wing Knight, transforming the lot of them into statues.
Celestia: Unbelievable! Storm King has Dominated Rainbow's entire field.
Luna: Things aren't looking good for her.
Rainbow began to run off in search of an Action Card, spotting floating down one of the rainbow rivers. As she rushed after it, Tempest pointed at her Prism Bolt. "Storm King, attack!" The Dominator raised his staff, as lightning sparked out the end of it. It then pointed the staff at the Prism Bolt statue, which was still holding the shield, and fired a blast of lightning that flew towards the Xyz monster.
Meanwhile, Rainbow had finally caught up to the card and as the lightning drew near, she reached out. "Got it!" She gasped as her hands grabbed the card, pulling it to her and seeing what it was. "This is..." Before she could finish, the lightning bolt struck Prism Bolt. It bounced off the shield before flying down and hitting Rainbow. "AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!"
Rainbow: 950
Tempest: 2300
"RAINBOW!" Everyone yelled in horror, as they watched Rainbow fall to the ground.
Tempest smiled as she looked down at Rainbow, seeing smoke coming off the girl's limp body. "This pain you feel...is nothing. Not compared to the pain I've suffered through. The pain of war, of death. The overwhelming sense of hopelessness that overcomes you as the end nears." Rainbow then started to move, rolling over before slowly picking herself up. "The pain me and my kind has suffered through and will continue to suffer through, because of you humans."
"How is any of this our fault?" Rainbow asked once she was back on her feet. She then took out the Action Card she'd gotten. "I play...End of the Rainbow. This Action Card lets me destroy any monster on my field and for each one, I can draw one card." Tempest's eyes went wide as she watched all four of Rainbow's monsters shatter, while she drew four cards.
Celestia: Brilliant. Not only has she drawn more cards, but she's also freed her monster from the Dominate.
Luna: And since she'll be able to Pendulum Summon most of them back next turn, she'll have practically used zero cost for that card.
Tempest frowned before taking out two cards and placing them face down, "I place two cards face down and end my turn."
"This is bad," Twilight said. "Against a monster that powerful, it'll be almost impossible to take it down."
"So Rainbow's gonna lose?" Scootaloo asked, horrified by the thought of her idol being beaten.
"Relax sis," everyone turned to Flash and saw he had a large smile on his lips. "Rainbow's not done yet. There's still one monster that can help her. The one that almost beat me."
Everyone thought about this for a moment, then realised what he was talking about.
"It's my turn." Instead of drawing, Rainbow reached for her graveyard as a card slotted out. She took the card and smiled at it, then turned to Tempest. "You know, you're right. I don't know what you've been through. I don't know what horrors you've seen and fears you've faced." Her eyes then got serious, "but what right does that give you to come here and try and mess with the game we love?" The portal of light began to form above her, "I PENDULUM SUMMON!"
The portal opened before five lights shot out, revealing Prism Bolt, Pegasus and Wing Knight Falcon all ready for battle. The last two lights then became Rainbow Wing Yellow Eagle and Green Hawk. (A1700/D1300/L4) (A1400/D800/L4)
Tempest frowned at the giant flock that was staring down at her. "This game has done nothing but turn my people into weapons and toys for your amusement. Wouldn't you try and do the same, if some lesser beings were trying to control you?" In that moment Prism Bolt was engulfed by a rainbow coloured tornado.
"Dude, you really don't understand this game at all!" Rainbow slotted the card she'd just gotten back. "I activate my Rank-Up-Magic Infinite Spectrum!" The black hole appeared above their heads, which the rainbow tornado flew up into. "Now I can once again evolve my monster and summon and Spectrum Battle Wing that's one Rank higher!"
Tempest growled as she looked up and saw the rainbow lightning spark out of it, while Rainbow began to chant.
"Now watch, as the multicoloured forces of the universe clash to give life to this mighty being!" The rainbow tornado shot out of the black hole and hit the field, sending a mighty gust of wind across the battlefield. "RANK-UP XYZ EVOLUTION!"
The tornado exploded, unleashing a blinding light that quickly faded to reveal Rainbow's monster. "Spectrum Battle Wing...BRAVE REFRACTOR!" (A1000/D3000/R6/P5)
Celestia: YES: Rainbow Dash brings out her speciality trump card.
The crowd cheered at this, Rainbow's friends and classmates chanting. "RAH, RAH...RAINBOW!"
Rainbow smiled at the cheer, then turned back to Tempest. "Since Brave Refractor was summoned using Infinite Spectrum, I can send one monster on your field back to your deck for every Overlay Unit he has."
"I don't think so," Tempest told her. "You see, Storm King has an effect that he can't be removed from the field by your card effects." The crowd all gasped at this, while Rainbow frowned.
Luna: That means the only way to get rid of Storm King is to destroy it in battle. And with four thousand ATK points, that'll be no easy feat."
Rainbow continued to frown, but wouldn't allow that to stop her. "I've decided to take on this mission, and I won't stop until I've seen it through!" As she said that, Brave Refractor flew forwards. "Brave Refractor's skill!" Brave Refractor's Overlay Unit flew into his chest spike, causing it to glow red as it raised its gauntlets. "His ATK now goes up by the ATK of the monster he's attacking!" Each of its claws began to glow one of the six remaining colours of the rainbow, the light flowing out and extending them until they were twice as long. "And you know what else? I'm proud to fight for it!"
Tempest rushed off in search of an Action Card, spotting one floating down the rainbow river.
As Brave Refractor got closer to Storm King, she reached out and grabbed the card. But as she did, she turned it over and saw it was a Trap that dealt her five hundred points of damage. The card exploded, unleashing a rainbow of light that made her cry out. "Augh!"
Rainbow: 950
Tempest: 1800
Seconds later, Brave Refractor reached Storm King and used its glowing claws to Slash at the beast. The giant satyr roared as it was destroyed, pushing Tempest back.
Rainbow: 950
Tempest: 800
Before anyone could cheer at the monster's destruction, Tempest's face down flipped up. "I activate my Trap, Storm Fragment. Since my monster was just destroyed, I can pay half my life points to revive him during the End Phase.
Rainbow: 950
Tempest: 400
"There ain't gonna be an End Phase!" Rainbow told her as Pegasus flew upwards. "I won't let whatever plans you have come to pass. Not if they involve destroying the game I love." Once it was high enough, Pegasus spun around towards Tempest. "Cause I'm not just fighting for myself. I'm fighting for our future. A future we can all share in together!"
"RAR, RAR...RAINBOW!
Tempest frowned at Rainbow, hating how she was pushing her. 'She's nothing like she was last time."
"Rainbow Wing Pegasus, ATTACK!" The winged horse shot down towards Tempest, building speed as she drew closer to both her and the sound barrier's limit.
Celestia: This is it. If Rainbow's attack succeeds, team Dominator will be out of the competition!
Tempest shook as this thought washed over her. A human, beating her. "No," she turned to Rainbow and froze as she saw the determination in her eyes.
"You don't understand this game, because you're not a true Duellist. You've taken over Tempest Shadow's body, so you can't understand the bond Duellists share with their monsters. The cards you're using aren't your friends or partners, but your slaves. So no matter how strong you think you are, you're way of Duelling is fake." She smirked, as her monster created its sonic rainboom. "that's why...you're gonna lose."
Tempest continued to shake, as she stared at the girl before her. As she did, memories of long ago came to her. Memories of how her journey started.
Long ago.
Night had fallen on the battlefield, the fight having ended many hours ago.
The only proof of said fight was the stone chunks that had once been the mighty satyr. But now they lay across the ground in a hundred pieces, likely never to be whole again.
Or so you'd think.
Suddenly, the rocks began to shake and rattle before they started to roll along the floor towards a single direction. This lead to them slowly coming together, the stone slotting into place before the cracks welded together, forming the image of the satyr. Once this happened, the rock once again cracked before completely shattering and revealing the now flash and blood satyr.
Freed from its confinement, the beast fell to its knees and panted. And once it got its breath back, it looked itself over. "How?"
"You can thank me for that," he looked up and saw a figure floating above his head. He couldn't see who it was in the darkness, but saw his body was snake-like while its arms and legs were different shapes.
"Who...who are you."
The figure laughed, "I am a zealot. I have been sent by my lord to show you the path." He pointed at the satyr, "why do you fight?"
"Why?" The beast stood back up, "because it was the only way to become stronger. And only by being strong can you survive in this world. I've spent my entire life fighting, gaining the strength needed to wipe out all who oppose me." He then clutched his fist, "but that wasn't enough" The memories of his fight with Scarvolt flashed infront of his eyes, "she was able to beat me."
"She beat you because of her partner."
"Partner?" The satyr looked up at it in confusion, seeing it nod.
"The human world, where those beings play a game that lets them use our power. They have the power to affect how the battles in this world play out. Not only that, but they also use our power for their own selfish goals." He held out his hand, "join us and you will be given the power to fight against these humans."
"How?" He asked.
"Operation Omega Zenith!"
"Omega...Zenith."
"In time, all will become clear." The figure snapped his fingers before something appeared before him, then started floating down to the satyr. The beast saw it was a staff with a crystal on it, which he took in his hand. "The Staff of Sacanas. With this, you will do our lords bidding."
The satyr stared down at the staff, then up at the figure. "Don't worry..."
Present.
"I won't fail my mission," Tempest's eyes shot open. "TRAP SUMMON!" A burst of lightning exploded between Tempest as Pegasus, as a giant ape carrying a pair of shields appeared. "Storm Guard Dominator, Lightning Sentinel!" (A1100/D2300/L6) The ape used its shields to block Pegasus's attack, pushing it backwards and leaving Tempest unharmed. "Skill activated!" The two shields then opened up and unleashed a familiar green mist, which covered Rainbow's entire field. "Dominate all monsters on the field with ATK less than its DEF."
Rainbow gasped as all but Brave Refractor was turned to stone, leaving her field filled with statues.
Luna: She survived! That Trap monster has saved Tempest from defeat. Now Rainbow only has one choice.
"I place one card face down and end my turn." As Rainbow said that, Brave Refractor's ATK points returned to normal. (A1000/D3000/R6/P5) Also, the rocks around her monsters shattered off of them. Meanwhile, a burst of lightning appeared next to Tempest as Storm King reappeared. Rainbow frowned at her missed opportunity but wasn't scared. She'd prepared for this and had the perfect face down from when Storm King attacked. Magic Cylinder. "This Duel is mine."
Tempest, however, was just as determined to win. "I won't let a human defeat me." She drew her card, "I will destroy you and everything connected to this accursed game! I summon Storm Guard Dominator, Puppeteer!" A burst of lightning revealed the arrival of the Dominator, who stood besides Storm King and Lightning Sentinel. (A1000/D1000/L4)
Up in the VIP box, the V-Fighter's all stood up and stared at the monster with eyes of horror.
"Not that card!" Spike cried.
"Ahh!" Sunburst cried while ruffling his hair, "this is really bad."
"What's so bad about that monster?" Scootaloo asked, "it's not that strong."
"Maybe not on its own," Flash told her. "But with Storm King, it's a problem."
"Why?" Twilight asked in worry, but Flash didn't reply as Tempest made her move.
"Storm King's skill!" The Dominator raised the Staff of Sacanas before slamming it into the ground, unleashing several bolts of lightning that flew across the field and struck all five or Rainbow's monsters.
"NO!" Rainbow cried as she watched her friends be turned to stone.
Tempest smiled. "You talk about these monsters as if they're you're friends. But let me show you just how easily your friendship can be broken!" He pointed at Puppeteer, "Storm King Dominator's second ability now activates." The satyr pointed the Staff of Sacanas at Puppeteer Dominator before a beam of light shot out and hit the monster, causing it to fall to its knees as it looked physically weakened. (A0/D1000/L4) "By reducing a monster's ATK to zero, the staff can steal their special abilities and give them to Storm King."
"But what's Puppeteer's ability?" Rainbow asked. She got her answer when Storm King pointed its staff at all of her monsters before firing a blast of light that swept over them, causing the stone casing to dissolve. "What?"
Celestia: What's happening?
Luna: It appears they've been...freed from the Dominate. But why?
Tempest smirked as she explained. "Puppeteer has to power to free monsters from being Dominated, but for each one you lose two hundred Life Points."
Rainbow's eyes went wide hearing this before turning to her monsters, seeing what looked like puppet strings attached to them. Seconds later, Wing Knight Falcon rushed forwards before slashing at her with its sword. "AAAHHH!"
Rainbow: 750
Tempest: 400
As she staggered backwards, Eagle and Hawk both took to the air before dive-bombing her. "YAAARRR!" She cried as Eagle's talons slashed at her.
Rainbow: 550
Tempest: 400
Hawk quickly followed up and did the same. "GAAAHHH!"
Rainbow: 350
Tempest: 400
Rainbow clutched her chest from the pain, only to look up and see Pegasus trotting towards her. She saw the winged horse's eyes were filled with tears, as its body was forced to rush forwards and slam its head into Rainbow's stomach.
Rainbow: 150
Tempest: 400
Rainbow gasped as the wind was knocked out of her, while her Pegasus collapsed. She knelt down beside it and stroked her mane, "it's okay. It's not your fault." She looked up and saw a struggling Brave Refractor walking towards her, raising his claws. "Don't worry," she stood up and faced her monster with arms wide open. "It's okay."
With that, Brave Refractor swung its claws down and slashed Rainbow down her front. "AAARRRHHH!"
Rainbow: 0
Tempest: 400 (Winner)
Celestia: And the winner is Tempest Shadow!
Luna: After an intense battle, the winner of the first semi-final match is team Dominator!
Everyone frowned at this, as they watched the Action Field dissolve. They looked down and saw Rainbow on her hands and knees, obviously ashamed at her loss. But then they heard something.
"WONDERBOLTS! WONDERBOLTS! WONDERBOLTS!" The crowd, not just their schoolmates, were chanting their name with great excitement and vigour. Rainbow looked up at her crowd, confused by this, with Soarin and Gilda being equally puzzled.
Celestia: This is unheard of. The crowd is chanting the name of the losing team. Team Wonderbolts.
Luna: Amazing! They may have lost the match, but this team has certainly won the hearts of the spectators in the stadium.
In their VIP box, Spitfire smiled at the cheering before turning to the board of directors. "Well, I think our team has proven themselves. Even though they didn't win, they showed everyone what Wonderbolt Academy can do."
The directors said nothing, obviously agreeing with her but being too proud to say anything.
Instead, they stood up and headed out the room while Spitfire simply smiled before looking down at the field as the teams met up. "Great work kids. You've done this school proud." Hopefully next year, she can get another team of Duellists to compete in this tournament.
Team Dominator and team Wonderbolts met in the centre of the field.
Tempest smirked at her opponent. "To think, you honestly thought you could defeat me." She bent down to get eye-level with her, "wake up and realise that this is the real world."
Rainbow frowned. "Yeah, I lost. But don't think you've won the whole thing." She looked up at a certain VIP box, Tempest doing the same and spotting team V-Fighters and team Tidal Maidens.
She realised that she was right. One of those teams would face off against hers. But no matter which one turned out to be their opponents, they wouldn't be defeated so easily.
Tempest just huffed before turning to walk away, Heath and Starlight following.
Once they were gone, Rainbow turned to Soarin and Gilda. "Sorry guys. I let you down."
"You kidding?" Soarin asked, "you did great. Besides, if I didn't let you down after my Duel then there's no way you could let me down."
"Yeah," Gilda nodded, "you did pretty good." They all looked up at the still cheering crowd. "This has been one heck of an adventure."
Soarin nodded, "and I'm glad I was along for the ride."
Rainbow smiled at her teammates, happy she decided to enter this tournament with them. They may not have one, but competing had been an experience none of them would ever forget.
Now, all they could do was sit and watch as the tournament played out. But the question now was, which team would be the one to face off against team Dominator. Only time would tell.