//------------------------------// // Black Dragons Vs. Obelisk Blue // Story: Duel Monsters Are Magic GX // by snivygamer97 //------------------------------// Early one morning, Rarity and Applejack were sitting on a blanket in the middle of the grass in front of the Slifer Red dorm. They were talking with each other about their school work while eating some Obelisk Blue food and apples from Sweet Apple Acres. “So, this next assignment that Dr. Crowler gave us sounds hard, doesn’t it? I’m not sure where to start with calculating the proper life points on the assignment without my duel disk,” Applejack said. “Actually, the assignment seems to be rather simple, Applejack,” Rarity pointed out. “I know that math isn’t your best subject, but just think of dueling like you’d think of apple farming and you’re likely to find the answer.” “Thanks Rarity,” Applejack thanked Rarity.  “So, how are Spike and Rainbow Dash doing? I hear they may get into Ra Yellow soon,” Rarity changed the subject. “Yes, they are. Rainbow is a fairly skilled Duelist and Spike, while not as good, is still talented and has great test scores. They’ll be tested on the next month’s exams and if they do well enough they will have the opportunity to get into Ra Yellow,” Applejack explained. “That sounds great! Maybe one day we’ll all be in Obelisk Blue! I just have to say, it’s great being there! The students there love me! With my beauty and dueling skills, I’m close to being at the top of my class!” Rarity gushed. “Sorry, I just had to gush. So, how are things in Slifer Red?” Rarity asked out of curiosity. “I-I’m doin’ fine, Rarity,” Applejack hesitantly answered. “So, how are things back in Equestria?” Applejack quickly changed the subject. “Well, I have a big new order for several new dresses from a client in Canterlot! My business is starting to go up thanks to my work for the gala, the royal wedding, and for Sapphire Shores! What about you? Are things going well at Sweet Apple Acres?” Rarity asked. “Yes, they are! The Acres are doing just as well as ever! With how the time is different between both dimensions, I’m able to still be there to work with my family like normal,” Applejack answered, with a hint of sadness in her voice. “So, how are things with your family?” “Well, my parents asked for me to go with them to a fried food festival in a few days. I don’t want to ignore my diet and I have some work to do on all the dresses so I had to tell them no,” Rarity explained. “Look, Rarity, are you sure you should be ignoring having an outing with your family like that? After all, your parents won’t be around forever,” Applejack gently argued. “I understand your concern, Applejack, but I still have visited my parents from time to time, though I do believe it’s been some time since we had some close bonding time with each other,” Rarity responded. “I’ll just hang out with them the next time they ask me.” “Well, alright,” Applejack begrudgingly accepted.  “So, have you made any new friends at Duel Academy since we got here? I know you’ve made friends with Blair, but I don’t know if you made friends with anyone else here outside of our current social circle,” Rarity asked. “Uh…,” Applejack said with uncertainty. “Come on, darling. I’ve made friends with Alexis and her two friends. You can tell me of any friends you’ve made here. I promise not to judge you,” Rarity pleaded. “Well, I’ve actually made no friends here at Duel Academy outside of our friend group,” Applejack finally admitted. “You’ve what?! B-But you’re a talented duelist and apple farmer! Not to mention a good athlete. I may not be part of such a circle but I know that you should be able to make a lot of friends in Slifer Red,” Rarity said. “How do you not have any new friends?” “I don’t know, Rarity. I just don’t find myself gettin’ along with any of the other students here, that’s all,” Applejack explained. “Well, that simply won’t do! How about we go out and look for some new friends for you to spend some time with? Won’t that be fun?” Rarity asked. “I’d rather be back at Sweet Apple Acres,” Applejack mumbled to herself. “Uh, what was that?” Rarity asked, having barely heard her mumble to herself. “Nothin’” Applejack responded, not liking that she wasn’t being completely honest with herself or her friend. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And so, Rarity went to help Applejack find some new friends at the Academy. First, they tried the Slifer Red students. However, every student was overwhelmed at how one of the best students for their dorm wanted to talk with them and they ultimately left, not feeling comfortable being friends with her.  Next, they talked to Twilight in order to see if she could help them find Applejack a friend in Ra Yellow. Twilight suggested to try and be herself with the students. However, most everyone was put off by Applejack’s rough demeanour and the fact that she only talked about apple farming and sports, which a large amount of the students weren’t terribly interested in. Even the ones that were into sports found that she wasn’t too interesting to talk to. “Look, Rarity. Maybe we should just accept that we aren’t going to find any friends for me at this school. I don’t mind. I have plenty of friends with Spike, Jaden, Syrus, Blair, and you girls already,” Applejack tried to console Rarity. ` “Nonsense, Applejack. You’ve helped out many ponies around Ponyville plenty of times already, including me. You deserve to have a friend to yourself,” Rarity reassured. “In fact, why didn’t I think of this sooner? Let’s find you a female friend from Obelisk Blue!” “Are you sure about that, Rarity? From what I’ve heard, most of the girls that go to this school are girly girls, not really my type all that much,” Applejack pointed out. “Well, there may be a friend for you among them if you give them a chance,” Rarity reasoned. “Well, alright. We’ll give it a try. But if this doesn’t work out, then you can’t complain if I don’t make any new friends,” Applejack reluctantly agreed. “Well, alright. Don’t worry, Applejack! There must be a student that wants to be friends with you in Obelisk Blue,” Rarity said. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Applejack! One of the best Slifer Reds and hopefully soon to be Ra Yellow!” Rarity introduced Applejack to a large group of Obelisk Blue girls. “Howdy!” Applejack said. The reception to Applejack, however, wasn’t that positive. “Seriously? Why did you bring that cowgirl from Slifer Red in here?” One girl snidely asked. “Yeah! She is likely not worthy of being in Obelisk Blue if she was placed in Slifer Red,” Another girl reminded. “Hey! That was only because one of my friends mouthed off to Kaiba and he decided to base our ranking on scores and personal preference!” Applejack countered. “Well, your friend must also not be that bright if he insulted the creator of this school!” A third girl yelled out. Before Applejack could yell anything else out, Rarity interrupted, “Now, now. I understand that there are some tensions here, but we can all get along, right?” Unfortunately, the other girls didn’t agree. “Look, Rarity, we love you, but you really need to have a better taste in friends,” A fourth girl said as the group left, leaving only Applejack, Rarity, Alexis, and a fourth girl with long red hair and tanner skin. “Now, see here! Applejack may be a bit of a fixer upper, but she is still one of my closest friends!” Rarity yelled out. “Um, Rarity? Everyone left,” Alexis pointed out. “Oh. Sorry we couldn’t find you a friend, Applejack. I was certain for a moment that we would find you your own friend while we were here,” Rarity apologized. “Well, that’s okay. I can always make some new friends back home,” Applejack responded. “So, what was that all about, anyway?” The red haired girl asked. “Rarity here was tryin’ to find me a friend out here on campus so far, we’ve had no luck,” Applejack answered. “Well, if you’d like, you can try hanging out with me and my friends,” Alexis suggested. “Hold on, Alexis. Are you sure we should be hangin’ out with the girl in Slifer Red? I mean, what athletic talent can a girl like her possibly have, anyway?” The red haired girl warned. “Now, hold on, Ashley, we shouldn’t be rude to her. I met Jaden who’s in Slifer Red and he’s a talented duelist. Heck, he could have made it into Ra Yellow if he didn’t decide otherwise,” Alexis reminded. “Yeah! I’m a talented athlete and a decent duelist to boot!” Applejack argued. “Yeah! So don’t sell the girl short. She knows what she is doing!” Rarity yelled out. “Well, perhaps you may be what I’m lookin’ for in a friend after all. Maybe I should test her out first. With a duel. Applejack, you and your friend Rarity here win and I’ll give you a chance. I win, you leave me alone, understood?” Ashley offered. “R-Really?” Applejack asked, confused for a moment before responding, “Fine! If it’s a duel you want it’s a duel you’re goin’’ to get!”  “I concur,” Rarity agreed. “But, won’t you be overwhelmed if you duel all by yourself?” “Oh right. Hey, Alexis, you want to be my tag partner?” Ashley asked the blonde. “Really? Well, okay I could use an excuse to dust off my deck. Alright! Let’s duel!” Alexis agreed. Rarity and Applejack 8000 Alexis and Ashley 8000 “I’ll take the first move! I summon Cephalotus onto the field in attack mode (1850 Attack)! I place a facedown and end my turn,” Rarity ended her turn. “My turn then! I summon out Cyber Tutu in attack mode (1000 Attack)! Thanks to her ability, she can attack you directly if all your opposing monsters have higher attack points! However, since this is my first turn, I can’t attack. So, I’ll end my turn with a facedown,” Alexis played. “My turn! I summon out Naturia Horneedle in attack mode (1800 Attack)! I place one card facedown and end my turn!” Applejack played. “My turn, then!” Ashley said as she drew her card. “Before you make your move, I play Naturia Berry Blast! Now, when either of us special summons, we take 800 points of damage for our monster,” Applejack played. “Impressive. You’ve blocked out the ability to special summon without taking damage. Maybe you’ll be a good friend after all. But, keep in mind. Our duel is far from over. I summon out Pouncing Tiger to the field in attack mode (Level 4/Wind/Beast/1600 Attack/1000 Defense)!” Ashley’s monster was a yellow tiger with sharp claws and stood on two legs. “I end my turn with three facedowns,” Ashley set her cards. “Three facedowns? Ashley must be planning something to place that many out on her first turn. Still, I believe Applejack and I can pull through.” Rarity thought before saying, “I summon Witch of the Black Rose in attack mode (1700 Attack)! Now, I think I’ll attack your Cyber Tutu with Cephalotus!” “Not so fast! I play the trap card Doble Passe! With it, your attack turns into a direct attack and my monster attacks you directly!” Alexis countered. Rarity and Applejack 7000 Alexis and Ashley 6150 “That was some hit you dealt us, Rarity. Good job,” Ashley gave her condolences. “Thanks. But if you think that was a good attack, wait until you see this! Witch of the Black Rose, attack and destroy Cyber Tutu!” Rarity attacked. “Like it would be easy! I activate my trap card Negate Attack! With it, I can block your attack!” “Well, in that case, I play Seven Tools of the Bandit! With it, I can negate your trap’s effect by paying 1000 life points!” Rarity countered. “Nice trap, but you won’t be gettin’ much further! I also play the trap Seven Tools of the Bandit to stop your Seven Tools!” Ashley played. “So much for your second attack!” Rarity and Applejack 6000 Alexis and Ashley 5150 “Thanks for your help, Ashley!” Alexis thanked her partner. “You’re welcome!” Ashley accepted the thanks. “Don’t worry, Rarity! We can find a way to counter them next turn!” Applejack tried to be supportive. “Right! For now, I play the spell card Rose Bell of Revelation! With it, I can add a monster with 2400 or more attack points to my hand as long as it is a plant-type monster. So, I’ll add Gigaplant to my hand! I’ll end my turn there,” Rarity ended her turn. “Very well, then. My move! I start my turn off by summoning Etoile Cyber in attack mode(1200 Attack)! Then, I play the ritual spell Angel Machine Ritual! With it, I can tribute monsters I control or have in my hand in order to ritual summon a Cyber Angel monster!” Alexis explained. “So, you do have more moves other than summoning Cyber Blader!” Rarity realized. “Yes, I do. A great duelist is ready for any contingency and relies on multiple cards in order to win,” Alexis answered, much to the discomfort of Applejack, though she didn’t say anything. “Now, I’ll tribute both monsters I have out in order to ritual summon Cyber Angel Benten (1800 Attack)! I’ll now have her attack your Witch of the Black Rose!” “That could have gone worse. After all, you lose 800 life points for special summoning a monster,” Rarity said. “It could have gone a lot better, too,” Applejack dryly muttered. “Your friend has a point. After all, When Cyber Benten destroys a monster you take damage equal to the destroyed monster’s defense points,” Alexis explained. Rarity and Applejack 4700 Alexis and Ashley 4350 “I end my turn there. So, what will you two do now?” Alexis asked Rarity and Applejack. “I guess I might as well fight back! I draw! I summon Naturia Cherries to the field in attack mode (200 Attack)! Now, I’ll tune my Naturia Cherries with my Naturia Horneedle in order to Synchro Summon Naturia Beast (2200 Attack)! Sure, I’ll take damage due to my trap card, but I can still attack and destroy your Cyber Angel Benten!” Applejack played. Rarity and Applejack 3900 Alexis and Ashley 4350 “You walked right into my trap! Go, Mirror Force! I decided to wait on pulling this card until you summoned a stronger monster, but it was all worth it, as now I can destroy all monsters you two have in attack mode! Better luck next time!” Ashley said as she played her trap “Oh dear! This doesn’t look good, darling! At this rate, you won’t be making any new friends at this school at all!” Rarity said her concerns. “Why won’t you just realize that I didn’t want to make any new friends here?!” Applejack yelled out. “Wait! You don’t want to make any new friends here? But why?” Rarity asked her cowgirl friend. “Does it really matter? We’re in the middle of a duel here, Rarity! One we’re only in because you are obsessed with gettin’ me a friend!” Applejack countered. “I only want to help you, Applejack! Why won’t you just stop being stubborn and accept my help?!” Rarity shot back. “Because I don’t belong here!” Applejack finally confessed. She panted hard as she saw the shocked look on the other three girls faces. “I don’t belong here.” “Whatever do you mean, darling? You’re a talented duelist that can grow in skill with more time. Even if you aren’t the best duelist now, you can be better with proper practice and studying. Why don’t you belong?” “I know, but I’m not truly into the game. Duel Monsters is fine, but I don’t have an immense interest in it. Not only that, but there are many duelists at this school that are better than I am,” Applejack continued. “So you’re not interested. You’re not compelled to duel, but are doing so because you feel like you need to do so?” Rarity questioned. “Correct, but that isn’t the only reason. I-I feel powerless and like I can’t be of help to anyone here. Back home, I can always be of assistance to someone, and it feels great to help others and be myself. I realize that everyone needs me to be strong, so I try to be the anchor that holds everyone together, which I am able to pull off. Here, however, everyone can help themselves or are able to find someone other than me. What can I do if no one needs my help, though?” Applejack admitted. “I don’t honestly know, Applejack. But, why do you feel so compelled to help out others like this?” Rarity asked, wanting to know the reason. “I wasn’t always trying to hold everyone together. I used to be a lot more reckless than I am now. However, that all changed after my mom and dad died,” Applejack revealed. “W-Wait! Your parents are dead?! I always just thought that they wandered across the land,” Rarity was shocked and sympathetic. “Well, no. They’re no longer around. They’re dead. They have been dead for a long time. I’ve had to grow up a bit fast once it happened. I guess that in order to fill the void and make sure that others don’t feel the way I can feel inside that I help others for those reasons. I have moments of weakness though, but I try not to let what happened to my parents bother me because I realize that others need me more,” Applejack confessed as a tear rolled down her cheek. “A-Applejack. I’m sorry. Both for trying to force you to make friends and for what happened to your parents,” Rarity apologized. “Apology accepted. You were just tryin’ to help me. I might have done the same if I was in your shoes,” Applejack accepted the apology. “So, do you still want to finish this duel?” “Sure, if you are okay with it,” Rarity decided. “I end my turn,” Applejack said. “W-Well, then it’s my turn,” Ashley began, being a bit surprised by Applejack’s confession. “I summon out Soaking Goldfish in defense mode (Level 3/Water/Fish/0 Attack/1800 Defense)” Ashley yelled as she summoned out a Fish sitting in a bowl of water. “Now, I’ll play the spell Polymerization in order to Fusion Summon Torrential Tiger (Level 6/Wind/Beast/2500 Attack/2000 Defense)! I may take damage due to your trap, Applejack, but it is well worth it if you lose more life points. Now, I’ll have my Torrential Tiger attack you directly! I end my turn with a facedown.” Rarity and Applejack 1400 Alexis and Ashley 3550 “Nice move, but I’ll turn this duel around. My move! I activate the spell Pot of Greed in order to draw two cards! Next, I’ll play the spell card Fissure in order to get rid of Cyber Angel Benten,” Rarity said with a grin. “Unfortunately, that won’t happen because I remove my Machine Angel Ritual from my graveyard from play in order to protect Cyber Angel Benten from being destroyed,” Alexis played. “Well then, how about I play a different move by playing the spell card Rose Bind. With it, I can negate a spell or trap card until the end phase in exchange for it not being in effect until the next end phase. Now, I’ll activate the other effect of Rose Bell of Revelation. Now, by removing it from play, I can special summon my Gigaplant (2400 Attack)! I’ll also summon Copy Plant (0 Defense). I’ll tune my Copy Plant with my Gigaplant in order to Synchro Summon Black Rose Dragon (2400 Attack)! Now, I’ll play her effect and destroy all cards on the field, at least all but the Naturia Berry Blast!” Rarity played. “So, you’ve destroyed every card on the field? Don’t you realize that you’ve painted a target on your back by removing all our cards,” Ashley was surprised and confused at the move. “Well, what about if I play Monster Reborn in order to bring back Black Rose Dragon! Now, I’ll have her attack you directly! I end my turn with a facedown,” Rarity ended her move. Rarity and Applejack 1400 Alexis and Ashley 1150 “So, ya’ like what we’ve been able to pull off so far?” Applejack asked Ashley. “I’ll admit. You’re pretty impressive considering that you can live with all that you have goin’ on. Most people would probably snap sooner than later if they lost their parents at a young age. However, this duel is still goin’ to end with our victory,” Ashley responded. “Sorry about this, you two, but I’m afraid this duel is over. I play the spell Graceful Charity! With it, I can draw three cards but I have to discard two. Now, I’ll play the spell card Machine Angel Absolute Ritual,” Alexis played. “Another ritual spell? But what’s the difference?” Applejack asked. “With it, I can return the Cyber Angel Benten and the Petit Cyber Angel I discarded earlier in my graveyard back to my deck in order to ritual summon Cyber Angel Dakini (2700 Attack)!” “2700 Attack points?!”  “That’s not the only impressive thing about my charming lady. When she’s ritual summoned, I can remove one monster on the field and send them to the graveyard. So, say goodbye to your Black Rose Dragon! Now, to end this duel. Cyber Angel Dakini, attack them directly!” Alexis yelled out. “Not so fast! I play the spell card Shrink! With it, I can halve your monster’s attack for one turn (1350 Attack) We may take another attack, but at least this time we’ll survive,” Rarity countered. Rarity and Applejack 50 Alexis and Ashley 1150 “Now, I activate the trap card Special Beam Burst! Now during my standby phase, you’ll take 500 points of damage for every special summoned monster we control,” Ashley played. “B-But we don’t have enough life points to survive that!” Rarity was shocked. “Well then, you better make your next move count then. I end my turn,” Alexis ended her move. “I draw. I play the spell card Synchro Trail! With it, I can Synchro Summon a monster using cards in my graveyard, hand, or field. In exchange, I can’t normal summon or set this turn. So, I’ll tune my Naturia Butterfly and Naturia Beast in order to Synchro Summon Black-Winged Dragon (2800 Attack)!” “Don’t forget, Naturia Berry Blast will deal damage to your life points,” Ashley reminded. “Not if I use my Dragon’s ability! See, thanks to his ability, I can lower his attack points by 700 in order to negate the damage I would take! Now, I’ll use his other effect to return his attack points to normal in order to lower Dakini’s attack points by 700 and deal damage to your life points by the same amount! Now, attack Black-Winged Dragon!” Applejack cried out as she lowered their life points to zero. “So, what did ya’ think of what we were able to do?” “I must say, you’re a lot more talented than you look, Applejack. Perhaps we can be friends after all. I’m sorry I doubted ya’. So, Applejack, do you wanna be my friend?” Ashley asked. Applejack stood there thinking for a moment before deciding, “Sure. I can always use another friend.” From afar, Rarity looked happy to see that her friend had accepted Ashely as a friend, hoping that they would get along well. She also was thinking about going with her parents after all, seeing as how they wouldn’t be around forever. Meanwhile, Alexis looked at the others before walking off deep in thought. “Hope to see you again soon, Atticus, mom,” Alexis whispered to herself as a tear rolled down her cheek.