//------------------------------// // Duel #37: Lies and Consequences: Sunset vs. Rainbow, Part 2 // Story: Equestria Girls: Duel Monsters Arc 2 // by Night-Quill //------------------------------// “Duel!” Duel Start! Rainbow Dash Life Points: 4000 Sunset Shimmer Life Points: 4000 The digital coin unveiled and flipped itself with a virtual “ping”. The heads showed on Rainbow’s screen. Turn 1: Rainbow Dash (Hand: 5) “No holding back. No mercy,” muttered Rainbow as her hand fanned out. “I summon Junk Forward in attack mode!” To her field emerged a mechanical humanoid, shorter than the average person. Its body was composed of a sandy yellow, segmented metal plating, with red gems on its forehead and around its pelvic area; the front, and on the sides of each thigh. On its back was slung a tubular gun of some kind. (Level 3, 900/1500) “When I control no monsters, Junk Forward can be Special Summoned from my hand. I then Normal Summon the Tuner Monster Junk Changer, also in attack mode.” Beside Junk Forward arose a robot; its body a mostly light blue cylinder, with a single red orb, possibly some form of sensor on its side. The structure was supported by a pair of thick, boxy legs, and a pair of short, angular arms stuck out from the sides. On the top was a low, cylindrical head with tiny yellow eyes peering from underneath a visor. (Level 3, 1500/900) “Junk Changer’s effect: When summoned, I can increase or decrease the level of one ‘Junk’ monster by one. I decrease Changer’s by one (Level 2). I then Tune my level two Junk Changer to my level three Junk Forward!” On command, Junk Changer’s form faded, releasing its two tuning rings. They aligned over Junk Forward, its form also fading, unveiling the three stars representing its level. (Level 2 + 3 = 5) “By the grace of the gathered stars; battered and broken, still fighting on. Let the scars of adversity show your awesome resolve.” The stars within the rings erupted into a pillar of light, the silhouette of something new forming within. “Synchro Summon! To battle, Level 5, unbreakable veteran, Scarred Warrior!” With the pillar fading, in the Synchro Material’s place was a tall, bronze-skinned man, the left side of his body appearing very much human, garbed in white, his skin bore a multitude of great scars. His right side on the other had was composed entirely of armor, or rather, cybernetic grafts of cold steely silver. Without so much as a motion, the bandage covered right arm unveiled a large, pointed blade extending from within. (Level 5, 2100/1000) “I set one card. My turn’s done.” (Hand: 2) Turn 2: Sunset Shimmer (Hand: 5) Sunset drew her first card, going over her hand, trying to focus on a response as best she could under duress. Odd-Eyes was not in her hand at the moment, nor was there an adequate Pendulum scale available… At least not until she made note of the card she drew. She could start going all out, but, learning from her previous encounter with Mr. Turner, she knew going all out too soon could be costly. “I take the scale two Oafdragon Magician and the scale 5 Wisdom-Eye Magician to set the Pendulum Scale!” She placed each card in one fluid motion at the edges of her duel disk’s tray, the circuitry within the cleft lighting up in a rainbow of color, followed by the word ‘Pendulum’ being spelled out in holographic lights. Oafdragon Magician, the oriental-style wizard wielding a bident glaive arose to one side, and on the other was a new Magician she’d yet to unveil: Dressed in a white robe with golden inlays, his sleek body framed within a wide, billowing brown cloak. His hair was platinum and the lower part of his face covered by a mask seemingly part of his robe. Most notable features were the giant blue orbs embedded in his robe’s shoulder pads, along with six identical gems lining the front of his robe, and one underneath a contrasting red sash around his waist. Each of these iridescent gems took the likeness of great blue eyes, the shoulders in particular seeming to move as if in response to stimulus. In his hands he wielded a rob, at the end of which, in a bead-lined cord, hung a cylindrical weight. The numerals two and five appeared underneath them. “The swing of the pendulum connecting two worlds draws out the arc of harmony.” “Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my companions!” Sunset called it, two swathes of light erupting from the scales. “Level 4; Odd-Eyes Luster Dragon!” The first was a deep blue, semi-quadrupedal dragon: Its body was encased is a coarse, mildly prismatic blue carapace: The shoulders, knees, talons and head being pristine white, the head in particular giving it the likeness of a skull, with one orange and one green eye staring from within gaps. Bony white wings spread out from its back, bereft of a proper membrane. (Level 4, 1900/1600) “And level 4; Odd-Eyes Spear Dragon!” The second looked closer to a pterosaur than a proper dragon. Blue in color, with boney-white around its belly, its head was a sizeable keel with a snout tapering into a fine, sharp point, reinforced with the similar white carapace endemic to the Odd-Eyes family. Slanted dichromatic eyes of orange and green peered from underneath the crest. (Level 4, 1900/0) “To battle!” Sunset declared, pointing at her target. “Odd-Eyes Spear Dragon attacks Scarred Warrior!” Its eyes glinting underneath its hefty crest, Odd-Eyes Spear Dragon (ATK: 1900) flapped its forelimb wings, opening a tapered maw, showing off an axe-like carapace surrounding its jaws. “When attacking Odd-Eyes Spear Dragon gains 500 additional attack points.” Rainbow remained stoic as Odd-Eye Spear Dragon (ATK: 1900 -> 2400) charged up a swirling orb of red energy and fired it as an arrow-like projectile at Scarred Warrior (ATK: 2100). The scar-ridden warrior abruptly swung his arm, diverting the attack with his blade. “Once each turn, Scarred Warrior can’t be destroyed in battle,” Rainbow responded. “You still take damage from the attack though,” Sunset added. Rainbow Dash Life Points: 4000 – 300 = 3700 “I will leave the Battle Phase,” said Sunset, to which Odd-Eyes Spear Dragon hunched down on its winged forelimbs (DEF: 0). “If Odd-Eyes Spear Dragon activated its effect, at the end of the Battle Phase; it’s forced into defense position. I’ll end my turn here.” (Hand: 2) Turn 3: Rainbow Dash (Hand: 2) Rainbow did her first draw, in her own specific, energetic manner. Muddled as her memories were from between possession and the present, she knew how her foe operated. This was a battle between equals. Rainbow looked at her next card: Tuning. Perfect. Looking over at Sunset’s field, two of the magically spawned Pendulums somehow warped from cards they had put together to create this deck. Destroying them would be easy; they were both weaker than Scarred Warrior. But she had witnessed much since Sunset unlocked Pendulum Summoning: Sunset had used it to defeat Trixie, Spitfire, Lightning Dust, Night Quill, all of them decent in their own ways. Each of them came to the cusp of winning, but each time Sunset would pull through. Duel Monsters, according not only to Princess Twilight, but Sunset, and even Principal Celestia and Vice-principal Luna, was more so than a game as everything led them to believe: A battle of will and dedication manifesting through an ancient ritual brought into the modern day. Did it mean none of the others had the will to win? Sunset lost to Fluttershy the same day this all started. She wasn’t fighting at the utmost to win no matter what. If she’s really hiding something from me, shouldn’t my goals be seen as the right one? I want to know why Scootaloo had to be taken… Dammit, Sunset. You won’t keep secrets from me. Not from Fluttershy. Not anyone. If I have to pound you to the ground… “Spell card, Tuning, activate,” Rainbow slid her newly drawn card into the disk. “I add one ‘Synchron’ from my deck to my hand,” her chosen card was ejected following a shuffle, “after which I send the top card of my deck to the graveyard. The card I chose,” she flicked it around in her fingers, “is Junk Synchron, which I then summon.” To her field leapt the small orange mechanical creature with its tall hat and billowing scarf. (Level 3, 1300/500) “When summoned, Junk Synchron lets me Special Summon a level 2 or lower monster from my graveyard; I’ll summon Key Man the Key Warrior.” Junk Synchron held out a hand, opening a portal, from which arose the low-level Key Man; a small humanoid covered head to toe in a gunmetal-grey suit of armor themed after a lock: Complete with a small, chunky kite shield bearing a keyhole at its center, and a long, brazen sword whose blade was a literal key. (Level 2, 1000/500) She must have sent that to the graveyard with Tuning. I don’t know if she fully realizes, but it seems she and her deck are in perfect sync. “Once during my turn; I can change Key Man’s level from two to three. After which I tune my level three Junk Synchron and the now level three Key Man.” Junk Synchron reached behind itself, pulling on the ripcord connected to the engine apparatus attached to its back, the machine revving to life as the Tuner faded into a glowing outline, erupting with three Tuning rings. Key Man leap into the air, the rings aligning with his form as he went, before his form too faded, revealing three shimmering orbs. (Level 3 + 3 = 6) “Gathering stars will call upon a new force! A warrior who’s fist of awesome might will clear the way to victory!” “Synchro Summon! Come forth, Mighty Warrior!” From the resulting erupting pillar of force, down to the field dropped another one of Rainbow’s myriad of mismatched Warriors: A dark blue body lined with intricate patterns of golden circuitry-like lines, from which extended whitish blue, muscled legs and left arm. The right arm, in turn, was a hefty robotic limb, as wide as the warrior itself. The humanoid landed with what might have been earthshattering force if not for its massless nature, the bionic fist erupting with a hiss of hydraulics. (Level 6, 2200/2000) “Battle!” called Rainbow. “I attack Odd-Eyes Spear Dragon with Mighty Warrior! Mighty Knuckle!” Might Warrior leapt forth with a herculean grunt, twisting its body for a downward strike with its robotic fist (ATK: 2200). The bionically enhanced warrior dropped down towards the hunched Odd-Eyes Spear Dragon (DEF: 0) and with snapping of mechanics drove his fist forth just a split second before being in striking distance. The sounds of concrete shattering followed as the dragon was shattered, leaving behind a crater where the fist impacted. “Mighty Warrior’s effect activates on destroying a monster. You take damage equal to half of the attack points of the monster he destroyed.” “Pendulum Monsters do not go to the graveyard, lest you forgot,” remarked Sunset. In her experience; there was always a catch that the destroyed card absolutely had to go to the graveyard to trigger a damage effect. “Mighty Warrior’s effect triggers regardless of where the target went,” she pointed at Sunset with her fingers in a pistol-formation. “Therefore, you still take 950 points of damage.” Sunset flinched as Mighty Warrior drove its fist into the floor, sending a fault line splitting in her direction, just where her invisible forcefield would begin, and the line burst into a fissure, sending a blast of stone and volcanic fire over her. Sunset Shimmer Life Points: 4000 – 950 = 3050 “I then attack your Odd-Eyes Luster Dragon with Scarred Warrior! Brave Dagger!” Brandishing his own prosthetic arm’s punching-dagger blade, Scarred Warrior rushed forth (ATK: 2100) and swiped at the neck of Odd-Eyes Luster Dragon (ATK: 1900). Before any grisly result could be witnessed, the lesser dragon erupted into pixels. Sunset Shimmer Life Points: 3050 – 200 = 2750 “I end my turn,” declared Rainbow with finality. She did not boast, she did not dare for her foe to try harder. This was Rainbow at her best, while also not embracing her passion. (Hand: 2) Turn 4: Sunset Shimmer (Hand: 2) Sunset drew her next card. No Odd-Eyes yet. Still, not that it mattered; her Pendulum Scale remained. “Pendulum Summon! Return, my monsters!” On command, Odd-Eyes Luster Dragon (Level 4, 1900/1600) and Odd-Eyes Spear Dragon (Level 4, 1900/0) re-emerged from the scales. She didn’t start off big, but now it was time to resume as such with the card she’d been holding since the beginning. “From my hand, I activate Polymerization. With it I’ll fuse the two dragons on my field.” The Fusion vortex opened up over the field, the two Odd-Eyes dragons being drawn in, before the gravity of the vortex maw made them swirl together, being drawn into the shimmering eye in its center. “Dragons of dichromatic eyes, unite together and combine your power under the arc of harmony.” Sunset brought her hands together, fingers entwined, “Fusion Summon! Take flight; Level 7; Odd-Eyes Vortex Dragon!” Erupting from the vortex in a veritable funnel cloud, the green armored flying Odd-Eyes erupted its way through its elements, letting loose a shrieking snarl over the field of battle, red and blue dichromatic eyes glinting with the powers it possessed. (Level 7, 2500/3000) “When successfully Special Summoned; Odd-Eyes Vortex Dragon lets me target one attack-position monster and return it to the hand. And I’ve chosen your Scarred Warrior!” Extending the golden metallic fins functioning as its wings, Odd-Eyes Vortex Dragon unleashed a funnel cloud from the raging storm aura permeating its form. The cloud swallowed Scarred Warrior, dragging it upwards before dissipating, leaving no trace of the bionic fighter. Rainbow was forced to take his card and reinsert it into the Extra Deck port. “I attack Mighty Warrior with Odd-Eyes Vortex Dragon! Spiral Vortex Strike!” Vortex Dragon revved its neck (ATK: 2500), focusing its storm aura into its mouth and launching it as a swerving, concentrated burst of wind, winding its way at the targeted Mighty Warrior (ATK: 2200). The warrior attempted to defend himself with his fist, but the attack came to engulf him and seemingly disintegrate him from sheer force. Rainbow Dash Life Points: 3700 – 300 = 3400 Still not in the lead, by roughly 700 points, but she did manage to wipe Rainbow’s board for the most part, “I set one card. I end my turn. (Hand: 2) Turn 5: Rainbow Dash (Hand: 2) That’s the one she used to beat Night Quill. From Pendulum, to Tribute, then Fusion. If this magic BS is doing something, then do I even have a chance…? I mean she’s a magic talking unicorn, when I’m just plain human, how’s anyone seriously to compete with that? … No, no they’re saying said magic’s been around here since forever, we just didn’t notice. Twilight said something about… Aw hell; if I can’t even put up a fight then what’s the point of me even trying?! Looking up at Sunset’s dragon, with its decent attack strength and its effect that swept her board clean. By all accounts of what made sense; that dragon shouldn’t even exist. Hell; Sunset’s entire deck shouldn’t exist. It was but a bunch of scrapings from the bottom of the figurative barrel before whatever magic wormed its way in and changed it, and seemed to keep changing it every time she was in need. It was insane, unfair even, not like everyone else who had to spend time to change their decks. She found her hand tentatively reaching for her deck, the tips of her fingers barely touching the cards. Was she… hesitating? Rainbow Dash, the captain, one of CHS’ best, in sports and as a duelist. No? Maybe… Yes, she was hesitating. She was fighting a foe she for the longest time couldn’t fathom. Sunset Shimmer, the Duel Queen of CHS, the She-Demon, the unicorn. And just knowing the truth made the battle feel even more pointless. How could someone like that be a Ghoul? Aria Blaze had to be playing her. Why was she even doing this…? Scootaloo… “Rainbow…?” Sunset could see something was wrong. Rainbow hadn’t proceeded with the duel, a notion very unlike her. If she knew Rainbow Dash, she was the first to jump straight into the fray, no hesitations. Rainbow visibly grit her teeth as her fingers closed in on her deck and she swiped the next card from her deck. Sunset’s surprise was furthered when she made out a blue trace following Rainbow’s arm movements. Was she…? Did she tap into the Dark Game just now?! Rainbow, still holding onto her drawn card, swiped a hand over her duel disk’s screen, “Trap card, activate: Descending Lost Star! When played, this card lets me Special Summon a Synchro monster from my graveyard in defense position. But as a cost it cannot change its position, and its defense points drop to zero. I summon back Mighty Warrior.” Arising from the dark graveyard portal, Mighty Warrior hunched down over the field, brandishing his gauntlet arm as a makeshift, albeit useless, shield. (Level 6, 2200/0) “Now, I sacrifice Mighty Warrior,” in a swirl of light, the revived Synchro monster found itself sent back to the graveyard, “to Tribute Summon Salvage Warrior.” Emerging to her field this time was a large, rotund humanoid of an aqua blue skin, all of it being raw muscle barely being contained within a yellow padded vest and green pants. A gritting face stared from betwixt a tight-fitting studded purple helmet’s occularium. Hitched to his back was a hefty pulley device, with chains ending in clasping hooks borne in both its overly muscled hands. (Level 5, 1900/1600) “When Tribute Summoned, Salvage Warrior lets me Special Summon any Tuner Monster in my graveyard. Return, Junk Synchron!” The graveyard portal opened on the field, to which Salvage Warrior tossed one of its hooks into the depts. With a yank, Junk Synchron was pulled out of the abyss, letting out a peppy “Hup!” as it took its place beside its chunky rescuer (Level 3, 1300/500) That’s a level eight Synchro summon she’s setting up for. Sunset frowned. This could be tough… Rainbow seemed to breathe in, then slowly exhaled, her right hand clenching into a fist. “I tune the level three Junk Synchron with the level five Salvage Warrior!” Revving its ripcord again, Junk Synchron unleashed its Tuning rings, aligning themselves around the hefty Salvage Warrior, the fading humanoid beginning to rise from the ground until only the five orbs representing its level remained. “Loyal guardian of the skies, spread your awesome wings that shield those beneath your gaze from adversity. Bring your light to the darkness of despair.” The summon commenced, the orbs erupting into the pillar, so great it consumed the Tuning rings in an instant, a shrieking call erupting from within. This was not something usual for Rainbow Dash. In fact, the last time something like this happened was… “Synchro Summon! Take flight, my devotion! Level eight, Stardust Dragon!” The call was heard all across campus, and well beyond. The pillar of light signifying a powerful Synchro Summon erupted over the roof of CHS for all bystanders to witness. Impossible to go unnoticed by Fluttershy, and somehow, she just knew the rest of the girls were watching too. A sound they hadn’t heard since before the Fall Formal Championship. “Rainbow?” A pair of sleek, pristine white wings unfurled in the air. Framed between was a creature of a lithe form, but undoubtedly more powerful than it let on: A snaking, slender neck ended in an angular head with three backwards facing fins. A tail longer than the entirety of the monster’s body and neck combined snaked elegantly behind, ending in a four-pronged crest. All its four distinctly avian-like limbs ended in vicious talons, while purple gem-like orbs protruded from its pectorals and shoulder. A yellow glint from its eyes elicited a fearsome viciousness, despite its elegant, downright beautiful form. (Level 8, 2500/2000) Rainbow Dash had unleashed the one thing meant specifically for her, back when the darkness still held. Sunset could not help but awe at the new dragon. But it’s still not powerful enough to defeat Vortex Dragon. Unless Rainbow is planning on sacrificing it. Somehow, seeing this new monster wasted in such a way felt insulting, on both their parts. Rainbow slipped another card from her hand into the spell and trap port; “Equip Spell, Silver Wing!” Glistening particles emerged surrounding Stardust Dragon’s wings, the graceful monster shrieking in emphasis as these glistening specks coalesced and adhered to its wings, letting loose a multitude of light beams, giving the look of plumage composed of lights. “Battle!” Rainbow shouted, pointing a fist towards Vortex Dragon in defiance. “Stardust Dragon attacks Odd-Eyes Vortex Dragon!” Stardust unfurled its new glistening wings further and with one powerful downward stroke launched itself into the air. Vortex Dragon, like being goaded, or by some inherent instinct to follow after a powerful contender, unfurled its metallic fins and soared upwards with a self-generating updraft, calling out in its own distinct roar. As the two dragons alit, Stardust’s maw began to surge with accruing energy, the air around it rippling from the sheer disturbance. “Shooting Sonic!” Coming to an abrupt halt in its ascent, Stardust Dragon (ATK: 2500) lunged its head forth like a striking snake, launching a concentrated white beam that distorted the very air around it. Vortex Dragon (ATK: 2500) responded in kind; unleashing its swerving stream of wind to meet its foe’s attack head-on. The two attacks collided for but a moment, the sheer force behind each causing them to spark, when Vortex Dragon’s curled around dangerously, while Stardust’s pierced through the funnel, itself not abating from the disturbance. Both attacks struck their intended targets. Stardust’s wings flared up as the wind funnel bore into its body, while a horrific crackle in the air preceded as Vortex Dragon’s armor was pierced, the white beam penetrating its body. Vortex Dragon exploded, while Stardust remained, correcting itself in the air after its foe’s attack dissipated. “Silver Wing’s effect: It can only be equipped to a level eight Dragon-type Synchro Monster. Twice per turn, the equipped monster can’t be destroyed in battle,” Rainbow proceeded to explain. For emphasis, Stardust Dragon descending just above its master, snaking its neck in letting loose another screech. “I may have used him poorly when Twilight and me faced off. But now, I know I can’t just do what I always do and just wing it. I will know the truth.” That uncomfortable tightness at the pit of her stomach came back fierce. Sunset for the first time since knowing the headstrong and brash Rainbow Dash felt genuine intimidation. The battle for the truth she’d kept was now reaching its apex. But also seeing Rainbow’s dedication, and she understood why she was doing this. Sunset never wanted anyone to know this part of her, but also knowing why Rainbow was so adamant. “I end my turn.” (Hand: 1) Turn 6: Sunset Shimmer (Hand: 2) Draw. Wavering Eyes? Perfect. “I play the Quick-Play Spell; Wavering Eyes. When activated, I destroy as many Pendulum cards on either players’ Pendulum Zones. Of course, I’m the only one with Pendulum, so I destroy Oafdragon and Wisdom-Eye Magician.” The pillars holding the respective Magicians shattered, their forms fading away. “Since I destroyed two cards; you take 500 points of damage,” A gust picked up from behind Sunset, bringing with it a flurry of blood red petals that swarmed around Rainbow, reveling her forcefield. Rainbow Dash Life Points: 3400 – 500 = 2900 “and I get to add one Pendulum Monster from my deck to my hand.” Another shuffle and her chosen card was provided. “Now that I have more than three Pendulum cards in my graveyard and Extra Deck, I can activate from my hand Pot of Riches. I return from the graveyard Odd-Eyes Luster and Spear Dragon, and from my Extra Deck Oafdragon Magician to my deck,” the three chosen cards were ejected from their respective ports, which she returned to her deck, the automated shuffler engaging, after which her Duel Disk screen blared green with ‘DRAW’. “This lets me draw two cards, but for the rest of the turn I can’t summon aside from Pendulum Summoning.” She fanned out the two cards she drew, almost breaking her poise in relief. She placed on card in her hand and took a different one to join the one she drew, “I take the scale four Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon and scale eight Odd-Eyes Mirage Dragon to reset the Pendulum Scales!” The scales were set anew; one the blue, boney-armored Odd-Eyes, the other the smaller green tusked Odd-Eyes. The six multicolored lights spun back in alignment between their respective pillars. “Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my partner, the valiant dragon of dichromatic eyes! Level 7, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!” In a glint of teal and orange, the red sauropodian dragon emerged from betwixt the scales, thrashing its neck whilst letting loose its own call. (Level 7, 2500/2000). As if acknowledging its new challenger, Stardust Dragon appeared to screech in response. This was an occurrence most odd, at least to those unaware. “Odd-EyesPendulum Dragon’s strength is equal to Stardust’s, so you know it won’t do anything with Silver Wing equipped,” remarked Rainbow. “I know. However, Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon’s Pendulum Effect comes into play: If I have an Odd-Eyes in my other Pendulum Zone, I can increase a battling Odd-Eyes monster’s attack points by 1200.” Rainbow frowned, “Oh right, that’s what you used against Night last time.” “Also when Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon battles a level five or higher monster, it inflicts double the battle damage.” Sunset pointed at the airborne Stardust, “To battle! I attack Stardust Dragon with Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Spiral Strike Burst!” Odd-Eyes charged forth, bringing its sharply angular head down as its toothy maw accrued power (ATK: 2500 -> 3700). With a furious roar it lunged its head upwards, launching its swirling red breath attack towards its winged foe. Stardust responded in kind (ATK: 2500), accruing and launching its pure white beam, but it was pushed very much back by the stronger, fiercer attack by Odd-Eyes, the lither white dragon getting struck and tossed further up in the air. The intensifying sheen of its wings indicated Silver Wing’s effect saving it. Rainbow Dash Life Points: 2900 – 2400 = 500 That did it! That attack just knocked Rainbow down to 500 Life Points. She’ll likely switch it to defense next turn and Silver Wing will keep it from being destroyed. But that gives me time to fortify. “I set one card, my turn ends.” (Hand: 1) Turn 7: Rainbow Dash (Hand: 1) Rainbow, refusing to show weakness, grit her teeth underneath his lips as he reached for her next draw. I’m not done yet, Sunset! In an equally vicious momentum, Rainbow drew her next card, the same blue blur trailing behind as the last. This could turn out tricky; she was inadvertently channeling her imbalanced force of will into her dueling. An impressive feat, let alone for one who was only vaguely aware behind the truth of Duel Monsters. Let alone without a spirit to guide her as one had Sunset and Twilight. Sunset felt the oddest form of emotion given the newly flared hostility; she felt strangely proud. “I change Stardust Dragon to defense mode (DEF: 2000).” On command, Stardust furled its wings around itself, effectively encasing itself protectively within the effect of Silver Wing. “I then activate the Continuous Spell; Mirage of Nightmare, then set one card. My turn ends.” (Hand: 0) Turn 8: Sunset Shimmer (Hand: 1) Sunset drew, when the image of Mirage of Nightmare on Rainbow’s field flared up green, indicating its effect was triggered. “During your Draw Phase, Mirage of Nightmare’s effect triggers; this lets me draw until I have four cards in my hand, but during my Stand-by Phase I have to ditch the same amount of cards I drew.” “So, you replenish your hand, only to lose all of it? What’s the point?” asked Sunset, though she felt as if she’d seen this tactic somewhere before. “Not quite; I play my set card next; Quick-Play Spell Emergency Provisions,” Rainbow’s set card unveiled itself. “This lets me send any number of spell and trap cards to the graveyard, to which I gain 1000 Life Points.” The image of Mirage of Nightmare was erased from the field. Rainbow Dash Life Points: 500 + 1000 = 1500 Right, so she replenished both her hand and Life Points with that combo. The feel on invigoration she hadn’t felt since she last dueled Turner; she was legitimately facing someone her true equal now. A pity it would have to end. “I sacrifice Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon to Tribute Summon from my hand,” as she declared her intent the floor underneath Odd-Eyes crackled and erupted in a red surge, the dragon letting loose a sky-splitting roar as its form became engulfed, “the level 8 Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon!” From the pillar erupted a grand pair of red wings, the eruption dissipating to show off Odd-Eyes not so much gone, but once more ascended to a different form. The more adequately traditional four-limbed, winged dragon snarled down at the smaller Stardust. (Level 8, 3000/2500) “That’s the one you used to beat Spitfire,” remarked Rainbow reservedly. Defiant to the end. “That’s right: Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon can be Tribute Summoned for one sacrifice if the monster being used is level five or higher. When successfully summoned, I can destroy one monster on your side, and you take damage equal to that monster’s original attack points. Silver Wing might protect Stardust from destruction by battle, but not against effects!” Rainbow swiftly seized a card in her hand and fed it into the graveyard port. From up above a ghostly apparition of a gender-ambiguous, teal-haired human with white wings appeared before Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon. They held forth their arms, followed by the dragon’s form becoming enshrouded in a mist-like covering. “By discarding Effect Veiler from my hand, I negate Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon’s effects for this turn.” Sunset almost had the gall to smirk. For what felt like all the wrong reasons; she was enjoying this spectacle. I still won’t let you catch me off guard. “With my Pendulum Scale still up, I Pendulum Summon back my monsters!” The Scales opened up, two flashed bursting down to the ground. “Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (Level 7, 2500/2000) and the level four Wisdom Eye Magician. (Level 4, 1500/1500). Since attacking your monster now would be pointless, I end my turn.” (Hand: 1) Turn 9: Rainbow Dash (Hand: 3) Now with Rainbow’s hand being reinforced due to Mirage of Nightmare, and having a monster particularly sturdy to get through, it could go either way this turn. As Rainbow drew, she barely took the time to acknowledge what she’d gotten as her drawing hand went down to her holding hand and with dexterous finger work snatched a card, slapping it onto her tray. “I summon the Tuner Monster Righty Driver in attack mode!” To Rainbow’s field arose a tiny humanoid robot: Its body was designed in the likeness of a little girl, though her near featureless steel grey armor plates lacked any details. The darker plates mimicking clothing and the soles on its little feet, combined with the flared out bright blue metal reminiscent of hair, complete with plate mimicking a tiara, looked like something out of Fluttershy’s shoujo mangas. It hovered off the ground, clinging with its right arm to what appeared to be an oversized Phillips-head pen screwdriver. (Level 1, 100/300) “Now that I have a Tuner on the field, I can Special Summon from my hand the Level 1 Boost Warrior.” Slapping another card to her tray, to her field arose a man-sized humanoid. Largely human-like, with a head of wild, red hair, largely encase in a heft purplish-blue armor, his sleek, overtly muscled abdomen visible, but the profuse amounts of scarring and bulging indicated he might have been largely just machine than flesh. His tubular arms held pincer-like apparatuses, likely some form of weapons. (Level 1, 300/200) “Since you control monsters that are over level five, I can Special Summon from my hand Junk Giant in attack mode!” A third card wound up on the tray from her hand. This next monster was much larger and heftier than Rainbow’s usual small and swift arsenal she was known for: It was a ten-foot-tall robot: Its main body composed of a hefty sphere with the front taken up by a spinning cog; at the very center of which stared a single lens meant to be an eye. Attached via balljoints to its sides were hefty, tubular arms, ending in massive metallic hands, the backs being studded by oval red gem-like apparatuses. Underneath on a curved extension were linked a pair of hefty, boxy legs, and from its back protruded a pair of tubes with conical tips. Incessant bursts of hissing steam erupted from the seams of these tubes. (Level 6, 2000/2400) Sunset observed the field curiously. That’s a total level of eight. This means she’s going to summon something particularly large. Glancing at the defending Stardust Dragon made her ponder at the possibilities of what it could be. “Righty Driver’s monster effect allows me to substitute her as a specific Synchron Tuner; as such I shall be using her as if she were Junk Synchron. I now tune the level one Righty Driver to the level one Boost Warrior and level six Junk Giant!” With a spin along her oversized screwdriver, Righty Driver generated a single tuning ring, whilst Boost Warrior and Junk Giant arose in alignment, their combined power coming to literal light as their forms faded, unveiling seven glowing orbs. (Level 1 + 1 + 6 = 8) “Beaten and broken, courage still lives on. Combine in your power, and break down your obstacle with awesome might.” “Synchro Summon! Level 8, ‘Junk Destroyer’!” With a resounding boom upon touching down on the roof, Rainbows new, hefty monster stood up. Towering at an impossible twelve feet, body encase in sheening black metal with bronze trims with great red spikes jutting up from its knee joints. A quintet of gems lining its chest, four of them green, with the largest central one being a fiery red. It boasted four massive arms, and the very top was a head covered in a brazen crown-like helm. This was all framed by a massive steel X attached to its back. (Level 8, 2600/2500) Sunset recognized it. “That’s a card you used against Twilight when…” “When summoned, Junk Destroyer can destroy a card for each non-tuner monster used to summon it: I’ll destroy your Safe Zone, to which the monster it is targeted towards is also destroyed.” “I don’t think so!” Twilight slid a card into her graveyard slot. “I send Effect Veiler to the graveyard.” “That’s right. But unlike last time; there’s no Effect Veiler to be used on it. And if you’re thinking of using that set card to counter it; Junk Giant prevents a Synchro Summoning from being negated, and you can’t use cards or effects in response.” Rainbow stated determinedly. “So now with two non-Tuners being used, Junk Destroyer can destroy two cards on your field; I choose Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon, and your Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon from bothering me further!” Junk Destroyer raised its quartet of arms and with a mighty grunt slammed them down to the floor. Two fissures began to loudly snake their way towards their intended targets, when spouts of flame erupted from beneath the two dragons. Odd-Eyes Advance roared in pain as it was engulfed, while the pillar holding Odd-Eyes Phantom shattered, thus severing the Pendulum Scales. “Now you don’t have that annoying power boost to complicate things! I switch Stardust Dragon to attack position.” Rainbow harshly pointed at Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon. “Junk Destroyer attacks Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!” Rushing across the field, Junk Destroyer (ATK: 2600) revved back its right-side arms and swung them forth in a double-impact so fierce it sent ripples of force as they connected with Odd-Eyes (ATK:2500). The dragon had nary a moment as it form splintered into pixels. Sunset Shimmer Life Points: 2750 – 100 = 2650 “I activate Odd-Eyes Mirage Dragon’s Pendulum Effect!” Sunset responded, Mirage Dragon’s pillar sparking green. “When an Odd-Eyes Pendulum Monster is destroyed, by destroying another Odd-Eyes card in my Pendulum Zone; I can place one Odd-Eyes Pendulum Monster from my Extra Deck to my Pendulum Zone. I place Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon.” Rainbow seemed to visibly mutter something as the sauropodian dragon found its place in the Pendulum Zone. “Stardust Dragon then attacks Wisdom Eye Magician! Shooting Sonic!” Stardust Dragon drew in energy (ATK: 2500) and launched its now overly familiar beam of rippling light at the hunched Wisdom Eye Magician (DEF: 1500). The beam struck home and detonated the very ground before him, leaving nothing behind. Rainbow looked at the last card in her hand; Defense Draw. If Sunset managed to rebound, at least she might stall her enough and come up with some form of counter attack. Her Life Points were at least over a thousand. “I set one card. My turn ends. (Hand: 0) Turn 10: Sunset Shimmer (Hand: 1) Sunset drew. With that focused burst of pure willpower, Rainbow managed to inflict serious damage to her field: Her Pendulum Scale was offset, her strongest monster by pure, raw power alone was gone and even if she managed to reset the scales, Odd-Eyes would be unable to pierce through Stardust Dragon’s Silver Wing, let alone Junk Destroyer trumped most Odd-Eyes in terms of power. Despite being confined to the Pendulum Zone where monsters remained more stationary, Odd-Eyes stirred within its pillar, roaring fiercely. This had an affect on Stardust Dragon, which seemed to reciprocate, letting loose its own screeching call. This was not something normal, as evidenced by Rainbow noticing this bizarre reaction occurring before them. Were their dragons actively rearing to go at each other? That’s when Sunset gasped as she felt her vision blur. This again?! Finding herself within what she might deem as some form of mind- or soulscape, underneath the winding roots of the Tree of Harmony, two of the orbs has become active: Purple and magenta, orange and blue, now a third duo of spiraling roots had lit up the third and final orb: This one red and pink. Whatever stirred within; this one was more restless than the others: She could make out a small, writing serpentine shape with… Were they wings, protruding from its back? The only definitive she could gleam was a vibrant green glow of two eyes, when a guttural, feral roar shook the chamber. “Let them be your power, Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset gasped as her mind broke back into consciousness. Across the roof she could hear Rainbow calling out to her; “Hey! What’s going on?! Did you just…?” she visibly struggled to find whatever word she was looking for. Sunset however; she found her mind and body might not have been fully in sync yet, as what would occur next came what felt like unconscious movements controlled by something greater. “I take the scale eight White Wing Magician to reset the Pendulum Scale,” Sunset declared, the compulsion of some latent instruction driving her onwards. Resetting the scale was a lithe, peach-skinned human woman with neck-length pink hair: Garbed in a dress that would make Rarity fawn; it carried an intricate pattern of white, blue and black, with transparent teal sides to the hem, and elegant black and blue shoulder-length gloves that flared out at the ends opening to her hands. A white, pointed hat with a blue streak going through its center, slightly slanted. In one hand she held a scepter with brilliant emerald wings at its head, and on her back were a pair of translucent wing-like extensions. Sunset slid the final card of her hand into the spell and trap port, “Quick-play Spell; Pendulum Shift. I choose one card in my Pendulum Zone and change its scale anywhere from one to ten. I thus change Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon’s scale to eight, letting me summon any monsters between one to eight.” Rainbow did not fully understand what was happening. First their monsters were responding to something beyond the system. Then Sunset seemed to space out, only to come out with something entirely new. She swallowed, glancing down in hopes her set card would save her as it had done before. This…? Is this true Duel Monsters? “The swing of the pendulum connecting two worlds draws out the arc of harmony.” “Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monsters!” Three lights cast down from the scales. “Level 7, Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon (2500/2000). Level 3, Odd-Eyes Mirage Dragon (1200/600). And Level 4, Wisdom Eye Magician (1500/1500).” Sunset then tapped her screen, unveiling her set card; “Continuous Trap; Pendulum Switch. With this, once each turn, I can take a card in my Pendulum Zone and Special Summon it to my field.” The revealed card flared up; its conditions met. “I Special Summon the Tuner Monster White Wing Magician. (Level 4, 1600/1400) Rainbow’s eyes widened, “T-Tuner?!” “I tune my level four White Wing Magician to the level three Odd-Eyes Mirage Dragon.” Raising her scepter alight, in an upward pattern, the six wings of her scepter lit up, White Wing Magician’s form faded to unleash the tuning rings. Odd-Eyes Mirage Dragon snarled as its form was dragged up by some unseen force, unveiling the three orbs representing its level. The four rings aligned with the stars. (Level 4 + 3 = 7) “Dragon of dichromatic eyes, high above the arc of harmony: Descend from on high, and bring me your flame of courage.” The stars burst out with an intense pillar of light: Most telling was that it was a vibrant red instead of white. “Synchro Summon! Impact; level 7, Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon!” Something red and flaming shot out from the pillar and struck down with a booming impact. Arising from its self-made crater, a fiery orangish-red head arose with a deafening roar, glints of crimson and azure shining from underneath. The new dragon, though very similar to Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon’s form, was covered in elegantly curving armor reminiscent as if flames had solidified around its purple hide underneath. The sharp crescents upon its back had split into four and formed a cross-shape around its frame. A great blue gem was enveloped within its armor over its chest, its armor forcing it to stand more upright. (Level 7, 2500/2000) “When Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon is successfully Special Summoned, it allows me to Special Summon one card in my Pendulum Zone. Come before me, my companion; Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!” Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon revved its neck and let loose a call; the gem in its chest glowing the color of the scales. The pillar representing the Pendulum Scales shattered, and with another boom, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon joined its kin on the field. (Level 7, 2500/2000) “Now, with the level seven Odd-Eyes Pendulum and Phantom Dragon on the field, I use them to construct the Overlay Network!” “Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz?! It’s just like during the Fall Formal Championship.” The two Odd-Eyes devolved into swathes of red and blue lights which shot up and dove into the nebular opening before Sunset. Before anything else, a violently spreading gaggle of icicles began to enshroud and overwhelm it. “Dragon of dichromatic eyes, underneath the arc of harmony: Arise from the cold depths into the light.” “Xyz Summon! Break forth; rank 7, Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon!” The ice shattered as the ice-armored Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon veritably roared away the obstruction, its long tail snaking behind its sauropodian body before settling in a semi-curve. (Rank 7, 2800/2500) “Battle!” Sunset declared. “Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon attacks Junk Destroyer! Spiral Absolute Burst!” Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon revved its neck in a circular motion (ATK: 2800), its maw alighting with an orb of pure cold, which it then launched at Junk Destroyer (ATK: 2600). The giant multi-armed warrior became encased in violently forming patches of ice, until its form was entirely encased before erupting violently, many shards about to pelter Rainbow. “Trap card; Defense Draw!” Rainbow responded, the shards disappearing before impacting. “I negate the damage from one attack and draw a card.” Sunset looked un-movingly at her foe, “Turn over.” (Hand: 0) Turn 11: Rainbow Dash (Hand: 1) Rainbow drew her next card. While the attack itself could not have cost her the duel, keeping away as much damage as possible towards this point was crucial, and the addition to her hand was nothing to scoff at, now having two as opposed to one, versus zero in Sunset’s case. The fact Sunset once again pulled what should have been impossible against all logic over what went into building her new deck; it made Rainbow doubt much of what she believed. How could her devotion be weaker than Sunset’s? She looked over her hand; Half Shut… And Battle Tuned! And Sunset had left Wisdom Eye Magician in attack position. No, she could do this. She demanded the truth, about what was going on, and was Sunset possibly involved in what happened to Scootaloo. She could do this; she could win! For Scootaloo “To battle! I attack Wisdom Eye Magician with Stardust Dragon!” As Stardust pulled back its head to begin charging the final blow (ATK: 2500), Rainbow worked swiftly, inserting one card into her duel disk: “Quick-play Spell; Battle Tuned! I banish one Tuner Monster from my graveyard, then add its original attack points to a monster on my field!” A card was ejected from her graveyard port, “I banish Junk Changer, and increase Stardust Dragon’s attack by 1500!” Stardust’s accruing power rippled further as the strength of Junk Changer was channeled into it, the air around the silver-shining dragon distorting. (ATK: 2500 + 1500 = 4000) “This is it, Stardust! Finish this! Shooting Sonic!” The feeling of elation was soaring in her chest as Stardust Dragon launched its attack (ATK: 4000) at the puny Magician (ATK: 1500). Now she just needed to activate Half Shut and it was done. Sunset Shimmer, defeated. Not by Spitfire or Lightning Dust with their personalized squabbling over domination. It was her; like Twilight Sparkle did so before to save everyone, so too would Rainbow Dash with her devotion, to unveil the truth, to protect everyone. Loyalty, to the very end… The pit of her stomach felt as if it had struck the floor as one of the orbs revolving around Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon erred and embedded into its form. “Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon’s effect: When a player attacks, by removing one Overlay Unit, I negate the attack. Then I can Special Summon one Odd-Eyes monster from my hand or graveyard.” She didn’t have any cards in her hand, so it had to be the graveyard. Advance Dragon? No, it was no threat; it could only trigger its destruction effect on being Tribute Summoned. And if it could, Silver Wing could be sacrificed to precent Stardust’s Destruction. The only other Odd-Eyes monster she had in the graveyard was…! “I Special Summon Odd-Eyes Vortex Dragon!” Arising from a golden-rimmed portal, the green and gold Odd-Eyes of the storm winds arose to join its Synchro and Xyz kin. (Level 7, 2500/3000) “When Special Summoned, Odd-Eyes Vortex Dragon lets me return one attack position monster to the hand.” Almost as if accusing her of something, Sunset pointed at her, a stern frown on her face, “Your Silver Wing only protects from attacks. Therefore, I return your Stardust Dragon to the Extra Deck.” Rainbow’s breath halted in her chest as Vortex Dragon unleashed its effect dead-set onto Stardust. Her ace monster, defiant to the end attempted to fight the impossible storm. The shining aura from its wings literally, very literally, shattered like glass as Silver Wing was sent to the graveyard, and Stardust’s form vanished from the field. She made the exact same mistake as Lightning Dust; she gave into her desire to win to the point of not considering the possibilities of something hidden underneath the surface. Sunset wasn’t in any trouble; she might have even left Wisdom Eye Magician on the field to dare her to attack. That thing, Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon, another mystery dragon she hadn’t even seen before, as well as Meteorburst Dragon that helped summon it, together bringing up Vortex Dragon to win Sunset the duel. Rainbow, to her frustration and anger, felt her legs give in, falling to her knees, the three dragons looming over her; enormous beasts ready to pounce on the helpless little thing she was now. Half Shut was rendered entirely worthless. It would halve one’s attack strength, but it wouldn’t save her: Each of them had an attack strength of over two thousand. Just Wisdom Eye Magician alone could end her, if Sunset was feeling particularly demeaning towards her. For all her convictions and feeling, or rather knowing her drive was right, she couldn’t do it. She lost, just like everyone else. She fell further forward, to her arms, one hand a fist, the other gnarled over the concrete and her useless card. Those same words everyone else had uttered motioned on her lips. “I had you…” (Hand: 1)