//------------------------------// // Turn 43: Duelling, the Tale of Two Suns // Story: Yugioh EQG: XX // by Banshee531 //------------------------------// Celestia: Welcome back to the Double X tournament's second Semi-Final match. Luna: In our last Duel, Fluttershy defeated Spike and earned her team the first point. Now it's up to the V-Fighter's next Duellist to keep them in this game. In the corridor leading to their room, Fluttershy was walking down it with a smile on her face. "FLUTTERSHY!" She looked ahead and saw her teammates rushing up to her, Twilight throwing her arms around her. "You were amazing!" "Yeah," Sunset agreed as Twilight let her go, "you did incredibly out there. You sure you don't wanna try and go pro?" Fluttershy blushed hearing this, making Sunset laugh. "I'm just kidding," she patted her on the shoulder, "but seriously. You were incredible out there." "Thanks," Fluttershy said. "I'm just glad I didn't end up being a burden to you." "Fluttershy," Twilight sighed, "you were never a burden. And even if you were, which you weren't, you more the made up for it out there." "Thanks," Fluttershy said before turning to Sunset, "now it's all you. Go out there and get us our second win." "No problem," Sunset said as she started making her way out to the stadium. She glanced back at her teammates, "sorry Twi. Looks like you won't be getting to go up against your boyfriend. Because the Tidal Maidens are winning here and now." Twilight smiled at her, "just be careful out there." Sunset smiled. "No problem." She turned back towards the exit, "this is my chance to become a pro. I won't let it slip past me." With that, she headed off. In the other corridor, Flash and Sunburst ran down the corridor and stopped when they saw Spike walking towards them solemnly. "Spike." The teen looked up, showing he was crying. He sniffed while rubbing his eyes with his sleeve, "I'm sorry guys." They both smiled before moving over to comfort him. Flash placed a hand on his head, "it's alright." "You did great out there," Sunburst assured him. "That Duel could have gone either way." "Maybe, but now we're one loss away from being disqualified." Sunburst smirked, "then I'd better not lose then." With that, he stepped passed him and headed down the corridor. "Sunburst," he stopped and glanced back, "be careful. You know how tricky Sunset can be." Sunburst nodded and continued down the corridor, while Flash and Spike headed back into their room. Celestia: It time for the second Duel of the second semi-final match. Luna: Let's welcome our competitors to the stage. First, from team V-Fighters, Sunburst! The crowd cheered as the teens stepped out onto the field. But up in team Dominator's box, Starlight frowned. Her heart was beating, showing just how much of a connection her host still had with this human. "Grrr!" She clutched her chest, "stop it!" Tempest turned to her in confusion, but said nothing. Hopefully, seeing him lose would finally free her from that pointless bond. Celestia: And his opponent, from team Tidal Maidens, Sunset! The crowd continued to cheer, no one louder than a certain Mexican. "ALRIGHT SUNSET!" Tidal waved his flag around so fast it gave the spectators around him a nice breeze, "you go girl!" Sunset and Sunburst both met in the centre of the field, where the ref was waiting. "Long time no Duel," Sunset told him. "I'm looking forward to seeing how much better you've gotten." Sunburst smirked back. "Well, you'll be surprised to see how much stronger I am." He pulled out his Duel Disk, "I'm not letting you beat me this time." "We'll see," Sunset pulled out her Duel Disk and did the same. The ref held up the coin, "heads or tail?" "Tails," Sunset announced before the ref flipped it. He looked down to see what it had landed on and nodded, "tails. Sunset takes the first move." They nodded as the ref headed off-field, activating their Duel Disks. Luna: Time to see which field our players will 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 a rocky terrain filled with pools of water. Steam was coming off each of those pools, indicated just how hot they were. Celestia: Hot-Spring Paradise! Usually a place of relaxation, but not for these two. Luna: Are both Duellists ready? Sunset and Sunburst nodded. Celestia: Then in THREE! Luna: TWO!" All: ONE" "DUEL!" Sunset: 4000 Sunburst: 4000 "ACTION CARDS DISPERSED!" "Here goes!" Sunset reached for her deck, "I draw!" She smiled when she saw what she'd gotten, "and I'll start by setting the Pendulum Scale with scale two Corona Paladin Incenderrum and scale eight Corona Mage Marlena!" The pillars of light appeared on either side of her before two monsters flew up into them, one being Marlena and the other being a young knight with a naginata that had a sun on its crossguard. As they flew up, Sunset began to chant. "Burn through space time and blaze the arc of victory!" The portal formed above her, "I PENDULUM SUMMON!" The portal opened before a fireball shot out and exploded, revealing Sunset's monster. "Sky-high, Blaze Wing Firebird!" (A1400/D800/L4) "And since he was special summoned, I get an extra two hundred life points for each card in my hand." Sunset: 4600 Sunburst: 4000 "Then I activate the Continuous Spell card Mind Scan, which'll let me see every card you draw." Sunburst frowned at this, remembering that card from their last Duel. "I place one card face down and end my turn." Celestia: Sunset's not wasting any time. Luna: I get the feeling this Duel's about to heat up. "It's my turn," Sunburst reached for his deck. "I draw!" He drew his card and held it up for all to see, revealing Red Sun Magician. "Since you know it's here, I might as well use it. I set Red Sun Magician into the Pendulum Scale alongside Pink Sun Magician!" The pillars of light appeared on either side of him before the two magician flew up into them, the portal forming above Sunburst's head. "Now it's my turn to burn through space time and blaze the arc of victory." The portal finished forming, "I PENDULUM SUMMON!" The portal opened before a pair of fireballs shot out and struck the ground, exploding to reveal his monsters. "Sunburst Familiar!" (A1200/D1000/L3) "And Ashes Magician!" (A1400/D1400/L4) "Now, with the Pendulum Ability of Red Sun Magician, I can increase my Familiar's Level by three." The magician waved its staff before firing a trio of fireballs, which hit the kitsune and powered it up. (A1200/D1000/L6) "Then, with Pink Sun Magician's Pendulum Ability, I can send a Ritual Spell from my deck to my grave and activate it." Sunset watched as the female magician waved her staff, right as a familiar-looking altar and candles appeared. "This is bad." Sunburst Familiar burst into six fireballs, which flew over and light six of the twelve candles as Sunburst chanted. "Honourable inferno, that burns like the sun, give life to the archer whose quickfire aim is always true!" The fire on the candles shot up before flying into the basin, "I RITUAL SUMMON!" The basin exploded, the fire shooting up and taking form before fading to reveal Sunburst's monster. "Sunburst Ranger!" (A2300/D1500/L6) Celestia: You were right about this Duel starting to heat up. Luna: Told you. Now how will Sunset respond to this development. Sunset responded by jumping up and grabbing Firebird's feet, the winged beast flying her into the air as they searched for an Action Card. Sunburst and his monsters soon began to follow, Sunburst pointing at the. "Sunburst Ranger, fry that turkey!" The archer pulled its bow back before firing a flaming arrow. While this was happening, Sunset spotted an Action Card in one of the pools. But before she could try and get it, the arrow impaled her monster and it let out a mighty squawk as it was destroyed. "WOW!" She cried as she fell to the ground next to the pool, moaning as she pressed something on her Duel Disk. Sunset: 3700 Sunburst: 4000 "You activated my Trap!" Her face down flipped up, "Eruption Draw. Now I can draw the same number of cards as my monsters Level." She did so. "Well, Ashes Magician will now attack you directly!" The dark grey cloaked wizard pointed its staff at Sunset and unleashed a cloud of soot. But before it hit, Sunset reached over and pulled the card out of the pool. "Go, Steam Shield!" The pool's steam increased and wrapped around Sunset, "this card cuts any Battle Damage I take this turn in half." The soot flew through the steam and was diminished, lessening the pain Sunset felt as it struck her. "Gaaahhh!" Sunset: 3000 Sunburst: 4000 Sunburst frowned at this, "I activate Sunburst Ranger's ability!" Ashes Magician burst into flames and flew into the Ritual Monster's weapon. "By tributing a Fire monster on my field, I can destroy one card on your side of the field." Sunburst pointed at the card he was destroying, "and he's aiming for your Mind Scan card!" Ranger pulled back on the bow while aiming at the Spell before firing, an arrow made of pure fire shooting out of the bow and hitting Sunset's card and incinerating it. "I place one card face down and end my turn." "Then it's my turn," Sunset reached for her deck. "I draw." She looked through her cards and nodded as a plan came together. "Alright, time to show those scouts something to be impressed by." The portal formed above her, "I PENDULUM SUMMON!" The portal opened before a single fireball flew out, hitting the ground and revealing her monster. "Knight of New Dawn, Novaculo!" (A1300/D500/L3/P4) "Novaculo's skill! I discard one card and add a fire monster to my hand." She did so, smiling when she saw what she'd gotten. "Then I play Monster Reborn, to revive the monster I just discarded." Said monster was a large black wasp with a red stinger and flame-coloured wings. "Corona Beast, Shimmer Swarm." (A100/D100/L1) "And thanks to Marlena's Pendulum Ability, since Shimmer Swarm is Level four or below, I can summon as many copies of it from my deck as I want." Two more fireballs appeared before exploding to reveal two new black wasps. "The downside is their ATK and DEF is zeroed out and they're destroyed during the End Phase." (A0/D0/L1)X2 "So then what's the point of summoning them?" Sunburst asked. Sunset smiled. "The point is that Incenderrum's Pendulum Ability burns away three hundred ATK points from a monster on your field for every Fire monster on my field." The young knight swung his flaming weapon through the air and laughed four blades of fire, each hitting Sunburst Ranger and lowering its ATK power. (A1100/D1500/L6) "Uh oh," Sunburst realised. "There's more," Sunset explained. "Shimmer Swarm gains a Level for every other copy of itself on the field. And with two more copies..." "They're gaining two more Levels," Sunburst realised. "Correctamundo!" (A100/D100/L3) (A0/D0/L3)X2 "Which means I can now Overlay these three monsters!" The three bugs transformed into lights that shot into the air, as a black hole appeared at Sunset's feet. "Flames of life, burn brighter than ever before and ignite the spirit of this new beast!" The black hole exploded, unleashing a burst of light. "I XYZ SUMMON!" The light faded to reveal Sunset's new monster, which appeared to be a darker version of Solar Flare Phoenix. The normally red feathers with now black and the flames on its tail and wingtips were now dark blue. "Corona Beast, Revival Phoenix!" (A2400/D2000/R3) Celestia: Impressive move. She used the weaker monsters to power down Sunburst's monster, then used them to summon an even stronger one. "Revival Phoenix, attack Sunburst Ranger!" The black firebird took to the skies and flew towards Sunburst, who had begun running off in search of an Action Card and spotted one on a rock next to a pool. He grabbed it and frowned, but activated it anyway. "I play Super Draw. This card lets me draw one card for every monster on your field." He drew two cards as Revival Phoenix reached them. "Then I activate my Trap," her face down flipped up. "Spirit Barrier!" The phoenix's wings ignited before it flapped them, unleashing a burst of fire that struck Ranger and destroyed it before heading for Sunburst. But before it got to him, a bubble appeared around Sunburst and protected him from the flames. Sunset then smiled. "I remove one Overlay Unit to activate Revival Phoenix's ability, which lets me revive the monster I just destroyed onto my side of the field in defence mode." "What?" Sunburst asked before watching the flames on the Phoenix fly off it, taking shape before fading to reveal a kneeling Sunburst Ranger. "That's not good." "It'll be even worst when Novaculo attacks you directly." The knight rushed forwards before slashing Sunburst with his sword, making him grunt out in pain. Sunset: 3000 Sunburst: 2700 "Then I'll use the ability of your Sunburst Ranger!" Novaculo burst into flames, which flew into the archer's bow as he pulled it back before firing a flaming arrow at Sunburst's Spirit Barrier. Sunburst frowned as she watched his Trap be destroyed. "I place one card face down and end my turn." Luna: Sunset's really managed to pull herself back from the brink. What will Sunburst do to try and pull things back. "It's my turn. I draw!" The portal formed above Sunburst's head, "I PENDULUM SUMMON!" The portal opened before a pair of fireballs shot out and struck the ground, exploding to reveal his monsters. "Burn Blader!" (A1800/D100/L4) "And Blue Sun Magician!" (A2600/D1300/L6/P7) "Then I'll have Red Sun use his Pendulum Ability, to increase Blue Sun's Level." Once again, the magician unleashed a trio of fireballs that struck the Pendulum Monster in the back. (A2600/D1300/L9/P7) "He must be planning on Ritual Summoning again," Sunset realised. "I am!" Sunburst replied as his deck slotted out a card. "Using Pink Sun Magician's ability, I activate the effect of Sunburst Gate!" The magical door appeared behind him as Blue Sun exploded into nine fireballs. Seven of them flew into the holes surrounding the door, whilst Sunburst closed his eyes and began to chant. "Courageous flames, that burns like the sun, give life to the warrior whose fiery heart cannot be extinguished!" The doors of the gate flew open and unleashed a giant fireball, "I RITUAL SUMMON!" The flames faded, revealing his monster. "Sunburst Knight!" (A2600/D1900/L7) "Now attack!" The knight rushed forward, but not before absorbing the power of the multiple Fire monsters on the field and increasing its ATK power. (A4100/D1900/L7) Sunset looked around for an Action Card and spotted one stuck to a deer scarer, which she ran over to and grabbed. But as she turned it over, she saw it was a Trap. Celestia: Steam Scorcher. That Trap forces her to discard any Traps in her hand. Luckily, Sunset didn't have any Traps in her hand. But unfortunately, Sunburst Knight had reached Revival Phoenix and cut it in half. The flames flew through her monster and struck Sunset, "AUGH!" She screamed while flying backwards and landing in one of the hot-spring, yelling out again due to the heat. Sunset: 1300 Sunburst: 2700 "And then I'll have Burn Blader take out my Sunburst Ranger!" The blazing suit of armour rushed forwards before slashing at the stolen Ritual Monster, destroying it. "And when Burn Blader destroys a monster, he deals you four hundred points of damage." The armour pointed its sword at Sunset and unleashed a burst of fire, which struck her in the chest. Sunset: 900 Sunburst: 2700 "I place one card face down and end my turn there." Sunburst Knight's ATK power returned to their normal total. (A2600/D1900/L7) As he was doing that, he spotted an Action Card nearby and grabbed it, seeing it was a Spell. Quickly reading its effect, he smiled before adding it to his hand. This would come in handy later. Up in the box, Cold watched as his former ward struggled to pull herself out of the pool. "Don't give up yet Sunset," he told her. "Remember, this is your chance to make it to the pros." He knew her winning was gonna take every single move he'd taught her, but he wasn't worried. He had faith in her." Luna: You can tell this Duel's been heating up. Celestia: How come? Luna: Because I'm starting to sweat. Celestia: You're not the only one. Sunset's life points have dropped to under a thousand. Can she pull things back? "My turn," Sunset reached for her deck. "I draw." Sunset looked through her cards and hummed at what she could do, only to look around and spot an Action Card on a nearby tree. She ran over and plucked it off the branch, smiling when she saw what it was. "I activate the Action Spell Steam Healing, which lets me summon a monster from my graveyard that has less than a thousand ATK points." A nearby unleashed a burst of steam, which then faded to show Shimmer Swarm. As that happened, the portal formed above them. "I PENDULUM SUMMON!" The portal opened before three fireballs flew out, exploding as they hit the ground and revealed Sunset's monsters. "Your warrior's spirit is blazing, Knight of New Dawn Novaculo!" (A1300/D500/L3/P4) "Let your magic shine, Corona Beast Sunset Unicorn!" (A1800/D1300/L4/P7) "Ignite your flame of victory, Solar Flare Phoenix!" (A2500/D2000/L7/P4) "And with each of their summons, I can activate their skills! My Phoenix doubles my Life Points." Sunset: 1800 Sunburst: 2700 Sunburst smiled, "I knew you'd do that." He grabbed the Action Card he'd gotten before, "that's why I'm glad I found this. Even Remedy. I can use this card whenever you regain Life Points, giving me the same boost!" Sunset: 1800 Sunburst: 3600 "Novaculo's lets me ditch a card to add a Fire monster to my hand," she did so. "And Unicorn's lets me decrease the Level of a monster on my field and make it into a Tuner." The unicorn turned to Stirder and fired a spell from her horn, causing the knight to glow. (A1300/D500/L2/P4) "And with four Fire Monsters on the field, Incenderrum's Pendulum Ability will cut away twelve hundred points from your monster!" The Pendulum Monster swung his naginata and launched four fire blades, which struck Sunburst Knight and powered it down. (A1400/D1900/L7) Sunburst gulped. "Not good." It got even worse when he saw Novaculo, Unicorn and Shimmer Swarm leap into the air. "Now, I tune these three monsters together!" Novaculo exploded into three fireballs that carved a trio of blazing rings the other two. "Ignite the inner flames of harmony, and let them shine for all eternity!" Her monsters were engulfed by an explosion of light, "I SYNCHRO SUMMON!" The light faded, revealing Sunset's Synchro Monster as it flew down next to her. "Shimmering Phoenix, Princess Daydream!" (A2300/D2200/L7) "Daydream's skill!" The ghostly image of Novaculo appeared in front of Sunset's Synchro monster before morphing into a fireball that she held in her hands. "By sending a Pendulum Monster from my Extra Deck to the graveyard, I can weaken every monster on your field by its Pendulum Scale!" Daydream tossed the fireball at Sunburst Knight and Burn Blader, weakening them both. (A1000/D1900/L7) (A1400/D100/L4) "ATTACK!" Solar Flare Phoenix's body ignited before flying towards Sunburst Knight. "I activate my Trap!" His face down flipped up, "Draining Shield!" "Not happening," Sunset replied. "Because Daydream can use her special ability to negate your card's effect. And all I have to do is give up three hundred Life Points!" Sunset: 1500 Sunburst: 3600 Daydream created another fireball, which she tossed at Sunburst's Trap and destroyed it. Seconds later, Phoenix's blazing body slammed into Sunburst Knight and destroyed it. "AUGH!" Sunburst cried, feeling singed from the heat. Sunset: 1500 Sunburst: 2100 "Now, Shimmering Princess will destroy Burn Blader!" The Synchro Monster created one final fireball and tossed it towards the suit of armour, melting in upon contact. "Yaahhh!" Sunburst cried as the embers of the attack rained down upon him. Sunset: 1500 Sunburst: 1200 "And with that, I end my turn." Celestia: Seems Sunset really was able to turn things around. This Duel is a literal tug of war, with one side barely being able to pull ahead before the other side does the same. Luna: Now it's Sunburst's time to tug. "My draw!" Sunburst drew his cards and nodded, knowing what his best move was. "I PENDULUM SUMMON!" The portal opened before a pair of fireballs shot out and struck the ground, exploding to reveal his monsters. "Blue Sun Magician!" (A2600/D1300/L6/P7) "And Sunburst Guardian!" (A1400/D1800/L4) "Now I'll use Red Sun's Pendulum Ability to increase Guardian's Level. (A1400/D1800/L7) "Before using Pink Sun's to send another Sunburst Alter to the graveyard and activate it!" Sunset frowned. Daydream's ability only stopped him from activating cards, not their effects. That meant she couldn't stop his Pendulum Abilities. Everyone watched as the table and bronze basin appeared infront of Sunburst, along with the twelve candle stands. "Now, I sacrifice Sunburst Guardian." Said monster exploded into seven fireballs, which flew over to the candles and lit them as Sunburst closed his eyes and began to chant. "Mystical fire, that burns like the sun, give life to the wizard whose intellect cannot be extinguished!" The wooden doors of the gate flew open and unleashed a giant fireball, "I RITUAL SUMMON!" The fireball exploded to reveal Sunburst's ace. "Sunburst Magician!" (2300/D2200/L7) "Next, I'll activate his ability." Sunset: 1500 Sunburst: 900 He drew three cards and before taking out two. "I summon UFO Turtle and Sunburst Apprentice!" The two monsters appeared in an explosion of fire, "then I'll use Apprentice's skill to power up my Magician!" The young wizard pointed its staff at the Ritual Monster before unleashing a burst of fire, increasing his power. (A2800/D2200/L7) "Now, Blue Sun Magician, take out Daydream!" The Pendulum Monster pointed its staff at The Synchro Monster and unleashed a burst of blue fire, which struck and destroyed her. "Ahh!" Sunset cried at the flames. Sunset: 1200 Sunburst: 900 "Now, Sunburst Magician, attack Solar Flare Phoenix!" The Ritual Magician mimicked the Pendulum one and fired a blast of fire out of his staff, destroying it and burning Sunset once again. Sunset: 900 Sunburst: 900 "Now, Sunburst Apprentice, take her down!" The younger wizard pointed its staff directly at Sunset, unleashing a single fireball that would wipe out her life points. Celestia: This could be it. Luna: The scores are about to be tied up. "Not if I have anything to say about it," Sunset told them. "TRAP SUMMON!" Her face down flipped up before a burst of fire shot out, then took shape before fading to reveal a Trap Monster. "Corona Beast, Shield-Mane Lion!" (A0/03000/L6) The giant lion unfolded its shield to prepare for the attack that was coming its way, for it struck Sunburst would lose. "STOP!" Sunburst cried out to his monster, who used his magic to nullify the flames before they hit the lion. Celestia: She stopped it! Sunset's Trap monster protects her from being knocked out of the match. But, does Sunburst have something that can help him still claim victory? Sunburst sighed. "I end my turn." Luna: Sunset's got herself another turn. Now, how will she use it? Is there a way for her to win against Sunburst? Sunset smiled as she looked down at her hand. She'd gotten the card that could win her the match last turn, but she needed a certain card to summon it. Her victory all fell on the card she was about to draw. "I can do this." She thought back to how Twilight had first asked her to join her team. How reluctant she had been back then. She then remembered everything her and her team had been through getting to this point, and all the Duellists she'd had to face up til now. Adagio, Tempest, team Applejewels and so many others. Throughout the entire tournament, she'd grown as both a Duellist and a person. She helped her teammates as they struggled and they'd helped her in return. Now, everything they'd done up until now lead to this moment. Her chance to become pro were riding on these Duels, not to mention whatever the Dominators were up to. She wasn't gonna let anyone else face off against something like that. "I won't lose. There's too much riding on it. I DRAW!" She did so and when she saw what she'd gotten, a smile appeared on her face as her plan formed. "I summon Corona Beast, Sun-Heart Lion Cub!" The sword-wielding lion appeared beside her bigger one. (A800/D800/L2/P8) "Now, I PENDULUM SUMMON!" The portal opened before a pair of lights shot out and struck the ground, revealing her monsters. "Let your magic shine, Corona Beast Sunset Unicorn!" (A1800/D1300/L4/P7) "Ignite your flame of victory, Solar Flare Phoenix!" (A2500/D2000/L7/P4) "Now their abilities activate!" Sunset: 1800 Sunburst: 900 "With Sunset Unicorn's skill, Sun-Heart's Level goes down by one." The unicorn blasted the lion cub with her magic. (A800/D800/L1/P8) "That means I can now sacrifice it and Solar Flare, in order to awaken my Phoenix's ultimate power!" With that, Sun-Heart exploded into a massive burst of fire that wrapped around the bird to become a flaming cocoon. Sunburst eyes went wide as he realised what card she was summoning, knowing it would not be one he could stand up against. And so he started running, as Sunset let out a mighty cry. "TRANSCEND!" The flaming sun-faded to reveal Sunset's ultimate monster, which flew down as she jumped up and landed on it back before they took to the air. "Solar Phoenix, BLAZE-INCARNATE!" (A3000/D2500/L8) Celestia: There it is! Sunset's go-to monster. Luna: I wouldn't wanna be Sunburst right now. "Is this bad?" Spike asked. "It could be worse," Flash said. "That thing's basically Magna Harmony and I've lost using that card before. It all depends on what Sunburst does against it." "You think Sunset's gonna win?" Fluttershy asked Twilight. "I don't know," she replied. "I hope so, but Sunburst is smart. I'm sure he has a way to counter Sunset's monster, so it's all a matter of finding it." "Blaze-Incarnate's skill," Sunset reached for her graveyard and pulled out Revival Phoenix and Princess Daydream. "Blaze-Incarnate gains these monster's abilities." Everyone watched as the spirits of said monsters appeared infront of Blaze-Incarnate. "Inheriting the inextinguishable souls of our fallen comrades, to help blaze a new future. Go, Will of Fire!" They burst into flames, which wrapped around Blaze-Incarnate as it let out a mighty cry. Sunburst meanwhile, had spotted an Action Card in one of the pools and grabbed it. But when he turned it around, he saw a Trap called Steam Burn. Suddenly, steam practically exploded off the pool and singed him. "Ahh!" Sunset: 1800 Sunburst: 600 Sunset smiled at this. "I'm activating the skill inherited from Princess Daydream." She removed Sun-Heart from her Extra Deck and sent it to the graveyard, as his spirit appeared in front of Blaze-Incarnate before exploding into a wave of fire that hit all of Sunburst's Monsters. (A1500/D2200/L7) (A1800/D1300/L6/P7) (A700/D1300/L4) (A600/D1200/L4) Celestia: Sunburst's entire field as been completely de-powered. Luna: An attack on any of those monsters will mean defeat. Sunset smiled, "it's been fun Sun. But now it's time for my team to head to the finals. ATTACK!" Blaze-Incarnate took to the skies as its entire body exploded into flames, Sunset standing atop them feeling nothing but a pleasant sensation. Sunburst meanwhile, continued to run. He still had hope he could find an Action Card before she struck. "Come on," he looked around. "Come on," Sunset was getting closer. "THERE!" He spotted one on a rock next to a pool and leapt for it, "my only hope!" Time seemed to slow down as the two drew closer to their target. Blaze-Incarnate inching towards Blue Sun, while Sunburst's hand got closer and closer to the card. Time finally sped back up as Blaze-Incarnate struck Blue Sun, causing a massive explosion that filled the area. "SUNBURST!" His teammates cried out from their room. Everyone watched as Blaze-Incarnate flew out of the cloud, Sunset still on its back trying to see if she'd gotten him. But the smoke was too thick to see. Celestia: Is it over? Luna: I can't tell. Finally, the smoke began to fade and reveal Sunburst. He was laying on his back, moaning, but began to pick himself up. Sunset looked down at her Duel Disk, seeing his Life Points. Sunset: 1800 Sunburst: 300 "How?" She looked back down and saw that all of his monsters were no in DEF mode, which made her gasp in realisation. "The Action Card." Sunburst nodded, "Hot-Spring Relaxation." Celestia: Brilliant. That Action Card allows him to give up half his life points and switch all of his monsters to DEF mode. Luna: Since they're in DEF mode, Sunset can't damage Sunburst. Sunburst frowned, but then spotted a nearby Action Card that her attack and knocked out of hiding. She flew down and snatched the card, smiling when she saw what it was. "I activate the Action Spell Hot-Springs Energy! By destroying all but one of my monsters, that one monster can attack until you have zero monsters on your field." Sunset Unicorn and Shield-Mane Lion burst into steam, which wrapped around Blaze-Incarnate before the beast charged forwards. "Attack UFO Turtle!" And it did so, flapping its wings and sending a fireball that struck the monster and destroyed it. Sunburst frowned, knowing using that monster's ability would be pointless. "Now attack Sunburst Apprentice!" Another flap of its wings sent a fireball out that struck the young wizard, destroying it. "Finally, take out his Ritual Monster!" The beast's entire body ignited before it flew down and struck Sunburst Magician, destroying it and sending Sunburst flying back. "And now I'll use the skill inherited from Revival Phoenix, banishing one Level one monster from my grave in place of an Overlay Unit!" The flames flew off the phoenix and took the shape of Sunburst's Magician, who took a defensive position. "I end my turn." Celestia: Sunburst may have survived the attack, but Sunset's left him with barely anything to work with. Luna: This turn is very likely his last one. Will it end with him victorious, or wallowing in defeat? Sunburst panted as he picked himself up, then looked up at Sunset as she floated above him. "Man, you don't mess around." Sunset nodded, "I've been through too much to mess around. Me and my team are going to the top. After everything we've done to get here, it's finals or bust." Sunburst smiled. "I can respect that. But you know, you're not the only team whose been through a lot to get here." He remembered back to everything his team had been through to get here. All the challenges they'd faced, especially with him. "My friends have stood by me since the beginning. I won't let them down. More so," he looked over at one of the VIP boxes. "There's someone I have to face off against. Someone...who I can't lose too." He turned back to Sunset, "and right now you're standing in my way." He reached for his deck, "so I have to knock you...DOWN!" he drew his card and, upon seeing what it was, smiled as he came up with a plan. "This Duel is mine. I activate the effect of Sunburst Gate!" "What?" Sunset asked. By moving it from my grave to my deck, I can add a Ritual Monster back to my hand." He did so, as the portal formed above him. "I PENDULUM SUMMON!" The portal opened and a single light shot out, revealing Blue Sun Magician. "Now, I activate both Red Sun and Pink Sun Magician's Pendulum Abilities!" Red Sun waved his wand and increased Blue Sun's Level, while Pink Sun caused a card to slot out of Sunburst's hand. "Now I can activate the effect of the Sunburst Gate I returned earlier." Said gate appeared back on the field before Blue Sun exploded into seven fireballs. Each one filled one of the wholes in the gate, as Sunburst began to chant. "Courageous flames, that burns like the sun, give life to the warrior whose fiery heart cannot be extinguished!" The doors of the gate flew open and unleashed a giant fireball, "I RITUAL SUMMON!" The basin exploded, the fire shooting up and took form before fading. "Sunburst Knight!" (A2600/D1900/L7) The return of this monster made her worry. Even with its ability, Sunburst couldn't take out enough of her life points to win. But even so... "There," she spotted an Action Card and jumped down off her monster, landing beside the card and grabbing it. "Evasion." She smiled. With this, she was safe. "Don't think That Action Card will save you!" Sunburst announced as he activated the card he'd drawn, "GO! Rebirth Ritual!" A pillar of fire erupted out of the ground and engulfed Sunburst Knight. "With this, Sunburst Knight can evolve to the next stage of his existence!" The pillar grew in size until it eventually exploded and unleashed a powerful light. "RITUAL EVOLUTION!" The light began to fade, reveal Sunburst's monster. "Sunburst...PALADIN!" (A3200/D2300/L8) "But that's..." Sunset knew what that card could do. That meant her Action Spell was useless. "Rebirth Ritual's added effect now activates, increasing Paladin's ATK points by one thousand for the remainder of the turn!" (A4200/D2300/L8) "There's more. Sunburst Paladin gains three hundred ATK points for every other Fire monster on our fields and in our graveyards." Luna: Wait, how many Fire monsters is that? Celestia: Nineteen. And times three hundred is... BOTH: FIFTY-SEVEN-HUNDRED! Sunburst Paladin raised its staff, as the ghostly images of all their fallen monsters appeared around him before bursting into flames. They surrounded the blade of the staff, while the monsters on Sunset's field gave off a flaming aura that did the same and raised the Paladin's power even more. Finally, the final total came out at (A9900/D2300/L8) Celestia: That might be the biggest point total I've ever seen. Luna: And Sunset's powerless to stop it. With Paladin's other ability, Sunburst just has to discard a card to negate whatever Spell or Trap she tried to use. "No way," Sunset whispered. She then turned to Sunburst, seeing a big smile on his face. And in doing so, she couldn't help but smile back. "You really have grown stronger." She gave him a thumbs up. Sunburst's smile increased. "It's been fun...Sun." He pointed at Blaze-Incarnate, "ATTACK!" The evolved Ritual monster rushed across the field and raised its blazing weapon, then swung it around and cut Sunset's monster in half while shooting flames at her. "AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" She screamed as the holographic flames engulfed her, but all the while a smile remained on her face. Sunset: 0 Sunburst: 300 (Winner) Celestia: The winner, Sunburst of team V-Fighters! Luna: It was a nail-biting Duel that could have gone either way, but in the end, Sunburst managed to pull off a win. "ALRIGHT!" Flash and Spike cheered before turning to one another, high-fiving as they did. And in the Tidal Maiden's room, Twilight and Fluttershy smiled. She may have lost, but Sunset showed just how amazing she was. No doubt the scouts saw that. "Well," Twilight stood up, "guess it's my turn." Fluttershy smiled, "you've got this Twilight." Meanwhile, Starlight growled. The reason, her heart was beating even faster. Her host was happy, which made her mad. "He thinks he's gonna save you. Think again. The next time we Duel, he's going down. And this time, he stays down." As the field and monsters faded, Sunburst turned to where Sunset had landed and moved over to her. "You okay?" He asked as she sat herself up. "Yeah," Sunset replied, "I'm fine." She picked herself up and sighed, turning to him and forcing a smile. "Great work out there." She held out a hand, which Sunburst happily shook. "No, I should be saying that to you. I may have won, but you were the one who stole the show. I hope the scouts decide to send you an invite. They'd be crazy if they didn't." "Thank you," Sunset turned to head back into her corridor while Sunburst did the same. As he got closer, his eyes drifted over to a certain VIP box. "I'm getting better, but I'm not there yet. But soon...soon I'll be able to save you." As Sunset headed down the corridor, she thought back on the Duel. She'd given it everything she'd had and had no regrets. If this didn't get her a spot as a pro, then nothing would. "Sunset," she looked up and saw her team heading towards her. "Hey, guys." The two stopped and looked at her, as if trying to gauge her emotion. "Sunset," Fluttershy stepped closer. "It's okay," he sullen expression turned to a smile. "I may have lost, but I lost giving it everything I had. That's fine by me." Fluttershy smiled at this and hugged her, as Twilight stepped up to and passed her. "Twilight," the girl looked back at her and they locked eyes. "Out of all the Duellists here, the only person close enough to Tempest is Flash." She gave her a serious look, "this Duel might be your toughest one in the tournament." Twilight nodded, "I know." She looked back towards the exit. "But I've come too far to let myself be beaten here. Flash might be strong, but I'm no pushover. Besides," she turned to smile back at the two, "I have you two backing me up." Sunset and Fluttershy both smiled back as she turned towards the exit and headed out. 'And there's one more person standing beside me. Moondancer...this is for you.' "Sunburst!" The bespectacled teen saw his teammates heading towards him. Once they got there, Spike swung around and slapped him on the back. "You were awesome!" Flash nodded, "you had me worried there for a moment, but it looks like I was scared for nothing." "Thanks guys," Sunburst then turned to Flash. "It's all on you now." "Yeah," Flash nodded, "I won't let you guys down." He turned towards the exit, "you guys gave your Duels everything you had. Now it's my turn to show you just how far I've come." With that, he headed out as Spike and Sunburst went to watch from the stands. Celestia: In the final semi-final Duel, we're about to see the two captains from team V-Fighters and team Tidal Maidens go head to head. The crowd cheered as the pair headed out. "GO GO AMIGO! Do it for Moondancer!" "You got this BRO!" Scootaloo cheered her brother on. "You can do this sis," Shining said. Cadance held Flurry up, "you ready to see your aunt and godfather face off?" Flurry replied with a bunch of giggles and clapping. Misty smiled as she watched her son prepare to go up against his girlfriend. He truly had grown into an amazing young man. "You got this sweetheart." Flash and Twilight smiled at one another as they arrived in the centre of the field. Twilight took out her Duel Disk and attached it to her arm. "I promised you, I'd be here." Flash gave her a cocky smile as he did the same, "I knew you would be." The ref flipped the coin and Flash was the one chosen to go first. Luna: Time to see where these two will be facing off in. 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 in a large library. Twilight recognised it as the one she'd been in during the vision Moondancer had given her, which made her smile. This was the perfect arena for them. She turned towards Flash, activating her Duel Disk. "You ready babe?" "Oh yeah!" Flash activated his, "let's do it!" Celestia: It's time to see which team will be moving on to face team Dominator in the finals. So in THREE! Luna: TWO!" All: ONE" "DUEL!"