Monday, May 14, 2012
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“You’re watching Chicago’s very own WGN news. With Larry Potash, Robin Baumgarten, Paul Konrad with weather, Pat Tomasulo with sports, Erin McElroy with traffic, and Dean Richards with entertainment. This is WGN Morning News at 7:00.”
“Good morning,” said Larry. “Our top story today takes place in the Chicagoland suburban town of Naperville, where what was supposed to be an ordinary local dueling tournament turned into something quite extraordinary.”
Handheld footage of the duel between Alex and Kyle was shown, specifically of Alex’s obtaining of his Element of Harmony. The camera work and the audio quality was quite shoddy, but as long as the audience could get the gist of it, it would do.
“This video,” continued Larry, “was taken from a Flip camera yesterday during the Riverwalk Competition tournament. It seemed that during the duel, one of the duelists, having been identified as Alexander Yuwell, had a strange power from the world of Equestria come to him to literally assist him in winning the duel.”
Robin continued from there.
“The young man and his friends, including what appears to be several of the ponies from the land of Equestria, evaded the press shortly after. However we have received information from Equestria’s leader herself, Princess Celestia, about what happened.”
The studio turned on the broadcast made by Celestia, with captions transcribing her words.
“The artifact that appeared around Alex’s neck was one of seven of the Elements of Harmony, which is the most powerful form of magic known to ponykind. The magic stored by these relics can only be used when all bearers of each element are present during a very dire situation. Now, you might be wondering how a simple duel could warrant the use of such a power. The answer, I hope, is simple—”
Carolyn turned off the TV, already knowing what the rest of the story entailed: Celestia also explained about Rae Sulfa Tun, her relationship with Kyle, the Stones of Equus, and a warning to the media to not hound out Alex or any of his friends for any further information.
Alex, Tom, and Sarah came downstairs with backpacks on, ready for another day of school. Sarah had wanted to play hooky so she could bake a cake for her dad, who was coming home from a business trip in Seoul. Pinkie Pie said she would bake one for her instead and have it delivered to the house before he got home.
Alex came outside to see Princess Celestia, along with Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Spike, Shining Armor, and Cadance standing on the front lawn. Tom and Sarah followed after. With things as dire as they’ve become, Celestia wanted to allow the ponies to return to Equestria for a short while to be with their families. Rainbow Dash, however, opted to stay on Earth, claiming that she didn’t have any close family that would warrant such a short return.
Rainbow Dash, Spike, Shining Armor, and Cadance would stay at the house, where upon Alex’s return from school, the latter three would head to John’s card shop and get new decks.
“So, I guess this is goodbye?” asked Alex to Twilight.
“Only for today,” she assured him. Alex knelt down and gave his friend a hug. “Have a good day at school, and good luck on your test.”
“Please. With your help, I never needed luck.”
Once the three teens bid farewell to their other pony friends, Celestia grouped them all together, minus Rainbow Dash. With a blinding flash of light from her long, white horn, Princess Celestia disappeared, the five other ponies having gone with her.
Once Tom said goodbye to Rainbow Dash, the three teens made their way to school.
“Wait!” cried Carolyn. “What about lunch?”
“We’re buying!” called back Alex. “It’s our last hot lunch in high school! Woo!”
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Alex was very pleased about how the school day turned out. Alex wasn’t approached by too many people about what happened yesterday. He could hear in on some of the murmurs of his fellow students, and many believed that he had cheated in that final duel. While it bothered him that they would think that, an occasional high-five from other students would restore his morale again.
Alex’s second class was Calculus, and with Twilight’s help still fresh in his mind, he whizzed through his final test with little difficulty. His teacher was even surprised by how quickly he finished it, as Alex was usually the last in the class to finish any Calculus test with how badly he struggled. Once Alex sat back in his seat after handing in his test, Alex thought about the absence of Twilight and her friends.
If Rae, Kyle, or anyone else who works for her attacks me before Twilight and her friends return, thought Alex, I could be in big trouble. With any luck, Rae is reworking her battle strategies, so she’ll be too busy to attack me, if she knows I’m this vulnerable, of course.
Alex put the thought into the back of his mind and just waited until Calculus was over.
For lunch, Alex and Tom got what they both considered to be the best lunch at school: chicken fingers with curly fries, and a side of honey mustard for the chicken.
“Here’s to a great end of our high school experience,” said Tom, holding his bottle of Vitamin Water to Alex like a toast.
“And how,” agreed Alex, taking his Snapple bottle and colliding it with Tom’s bottle. With that, they started their last chicken finger meal in their high school.
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Alex, Tom, and Sarah returned home with a warm welcome from Spike. Shining Armor, Cadance, and Rainbow Dash, the latter of whom was very happy to see Tom.
“Come on,” called Carolyn. “We’re going to be late!”
Tom and Sarah followed Carolyn into her car, while Alex stood by and watched them.
“Going to pick up their dad?” asked Shining Armor.
“Mmhm,” answered Alex.
“That reminds me,” spoke Cadance with interest, “what does their dad do that requires him to be away from home?”
“He goes and advertises his company’s D-Wheels over in different countries and cities. It just so happens that he was going to South Korea this time.”
Tom was the last one to close the doors before Carolyn started the car and left for the airport. Rainbow Dash was even allowed to come with, mainly so Tom’s dad could ease into the idea of these ponies living in their home.
“Come on,” said Alex to Shining Armor, Cadance, and Spike. “Let’s get you your decks and disks.”
Cont. from Spike and Alex vs. Shining Armor and Cadance
Cont. from Shining Armor’s Turn: Shining Armor overlays Heraldic Beast Aberconway, Heraldic Beast Bernard’s Falcon, and Cadance’s Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle to xyz summon Number 69: Heraldry God – Coat of Arms (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1400). When Number 69: Heraldry God – Coat of Arms is xyz summoned, the effects of all xyz monsters on the field are negated, negating the effects of Alex’s Jade Wyvern (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2100) and Spike’s Evolzar Laggia (ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000). Shining Armor activates Number 69: Heraldry God – Coat of Arms’ effect. During his main phase, he can target another xyz monster on the field and gain its effect, choosing Evolzar Laggia.
Shining Armor attacks Jade Wyvern with Number 69: Heraldry God – Coat of Arms. Spike tries to activate Mirror Force, but Shining Armor activates Evolzar Laggia’s effect through Number 69: Heraldry God – Coat of Arms. By detaching two xyz materials from it when a spell/trap card is activated, Shining Armor can negate the activation of that card and destroy it. Alex activates his face down Dxyz, returning Jade Wyvern to the extra deck and special summoning any xyz materials attached to it, special summoning Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1400) and Dragunity Arma Mystletainn (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1500). Shining Armor attacks Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit with Number 69: Heraldry God – Coat of Arms.
Alex and Spike’s Life Points: 700 -> 200
Shining Armor places one card face down and ends his turn.
Status: Hand-2 Life-1300 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1
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Alex’s Turn: Alex summons Dragunity Tribus (ATK: 500 DEF: 300). Spike activates Call from the Haunted, special summoning Jurrac Tyrannus from his graveyard (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1400). Alex activates Star Changer, increasing Jurrac Tyrannus’ level by one (Lvl.: 7 -> 8). Alex then activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Dragunity Arma Leyvaten from his graveyard. Alex overlays Dragunity Arma Leyvaten and Jurrac Tyrannus to xyz summon Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2400).
Alex activates Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis’ effect. By detaching one xyz material, Alex can tribute any number of monsters on his side of the field (Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit, Dragunity Tribus, and Evolzar Laggia) to destroy that many number of cards on the field, choosing Number 69: Heraldry God – Coat of Arms, Shining Armor’s face down card, and Cadance’s face down card.
Alex attacks Shining Armor and Cadance directly with Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis.
Shining Armor and Cadance’s Life Points: 1300 -> 0
Spike and Alex win.
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“And that’s game,” said Alex.
As Shining Armor got up, Alex congratulated Spike on his camaraderie with a fist bump.
“Think we have time for one more?” asked Shining Armor.
“Well,” wondered Alex aloud, “we’ve got about a half hour before Tom gets back, so sure.”
Just as everyone was putting their cards back in their decks, a light appeared before them.
“What the hell?” exclaimed Alex.
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Carolyn’s van pulled into the garage. Along with Tom, Sarah, Rainbow Dash, and Carolyn, an older man came from the vehicle. He was bald, but he had a blonde goatee with a soul patch. He had horn-rimmed glasses positioned close to his face. He was a tad overweight, but he still looked stylish in the black suit he was wearing.
Sarah and Tom helped him with his luggage as Carolyn opened the door for her husband. Thomas Emmitt walked into the darkened room as he inhaled from his nose, taking in the familiar scent of home.
“What smells like frosting?” he asked.
Suddenly the lights shot up. The house was adorned in balloons and streamers. In the kitchen, stood Alex, Shining Armor, Cadance, Spike, Twilight, and the rest of her friends. There was a banner hung on the ceiling with the words, “WELCOME HOME, DAD!” written in large, red letters. There was also a heavily decorated cake on the table where Alex and the ponies were standing around.
“SURPRISE!” they all yelled.
Since the incident at the Riverwalk tournament gained international attention, Thomas learned about the ponies and their acquaintance with Alex and Tom (even more so on the ride back). Despite his knowledge of them though, he was quite startled by their appearance via surprise party. He then looked at all of the decorations laid out for his homecoming.
“That was certainly…” he began, trying to be polite, “…unexpected.” He spoke in slightly southern baritone voice, which threw Applejack for a loop.
“Thanks,” squeaked Pinkie Pie, bounding towards him. “I’m Pinkie Pie, and we threw this party just for you. Would you like some cake?”
“It certainly looks good, but how about dinner first? Frankly, I’ve been craving a Chicago-style dog for a while.”
Alex, Tom, and Sarah laughed as they sat their father at the table, allowing him to relax in his house once again.
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Friday, May 18, 2012
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“10, 9, 8, 7, 6,” counted Alex and Tom aloud, reading the clock in the small cafeteria.
In six seconds, the bell for the end of fourth period would ring. For freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, it would just mark the transition from fourth to fifth period. For seniors, on the other hand, it would be the last six seconds of high school before they were released.
“5, 4, 3, 2, 1!”
*BEEP*
Tom immediately pressed play on his iPod which was connected to an amp that he brought into school with Alex’s help (and the principal’s permission (so long as they didn’t play any “naughty” music)). The amp began to blare the Sex Pistols cover of Frank Sinatra’s My Way.
While Alex and Tom danced with the other seniors that began to gather in the cafeteria, specifically Reese, Emma, Jenny, and Lisa when they arrived. Some of the other seniors threw papers and books into the air, creating fireworks of sorts in the large room.
Once the song was over, Tom and Alex carried the amp back to the north parking lot where Carolyn would be picking them up and taking them to Centennial Beach, which was closed off for the day to accommodate the senior class. Alex and Tom loaded the amp into the back before the two of them got into the van themselves.
“I’m so proud of you,” said Carolyn, pulling away from the school.
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Monday, May 21, 2012
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As a plethora of caps filled the night sky with Fun’s We Are Young playing over the North football stadium’s sound system, Alex joined his other seniors in jumping up and down in a celebratory fashion, their high school experience having officially come to an end.
Despite taking a while to reunite with Tom, they were able to quickly reconvene with their family and pony friends (minus Shining Armor and Cadance, who stayed to guard the house), who came to watch the humans’ rite of passage.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am of you two!” she choked through tears, hugging both Alex and Tom.
“Yes,” agreed Thomas. “You’ve done the Emmitt family very proud.” Twilight and Rainbow Dash then rushed over and gave congratulatory hugs to Alex and Tom, respectively. Alex and Tom alike couldn’t help but giggle at the prospect of being in the warm, fuzzy embrace of his friends.
As Sarah was hugging Tom, Reese and Emma began to approach them. They were both stopped as Pinkie Pie jumped down out of nowhere to give them both a hug.
“Congratulations!” she cheered. “I sure hope you’re all coming to the big graduation party I’m throwing for you!”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Pinkie,” assured Reese.
“Great,” spoke Emma. “We just need to find Jenny and Lisa, and we’re golden.”
“I’ll go find them!” quipped Pinkie, and she zoomed off to find them. Alex took a small break from the joyous chaos and looked up at the sky.
“I did it, Mom,” he whispered. “I did it, Dad.”
“Come on,” said Carolyn. Alex redirected his attention towards his family to see Tom taking a picture with his grandmother. “Get in the picture with your brother.”
Smiling, Alex went to Tom’s side, wrapping his arm over his shoulder while Thomas took a snapshot of the two.
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Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow Dash rode with the Emmitts in their van while Pinkie Pie and Rarity rode with Reese and Emma. Fluttershy and Applejack hitched with Jenny and Lisa. Knowing how congested traffic would be, Carolyn led everyone to their house through the residential backroads south of the school.
Alex himself couldn’t believe that he was through with high school. He couldn’t wait for college, but as he looked out of the car window, he felt emptier than he thought he should have. As much as he wanted his parents to be alive to see him graduate, he felt like they were already watching him. He suddenly felt a hoof on his shoulder. Alex turned to see that it belonged to Twilight.
“I’m certain that they would be very proud of you,” she said.
Alex responded with a slight nod as he placed his hand on Twilight’s hoof.
As Carolyn continued to drive, it started to become foggy out. Carolyn stopped the car to see what was happening.
“Where did all that fog come from?” asked Spike.
“Fog wouldn’t just roll in that quickly,” mused Thomas.
“Unless…” thought Twilight aloud.
“Unless what?” asked Rainbow Dash.
Reese and Jenny’s car were stopped on the street as a result.
“What’s going on?” wondered Reese.
Suddenly, Carolyn’s van began to move on its own. What scared Emma and, to an extent, Reese was that the car sped away faster than what was considered safe in a residential area during a fog this thick.
“Alex!” yelled Reese, slamming his foot on the gas and tried to follow the car.
“What just happened?” yelled Lisa, in the passenger seat of Jenny’s car.
“I dunno,” said Applejack, “but follow ‘em!”
Jenny sped off to try and follow Reese.
Carolyn watched in fear as the van continued to drive itself. Upon taking a right turn, Alex looked out the window and saw that the area, once filled with homes, was now a forest of trees.
“It’s taking us into Burlington Park!” said Tom.
The van continued down the now gravel path until it abruptly stopped at a circular parking area. Alex immediately hopped out of the car and ran to the back. Alex had brought his D-Pad with him in case anyone wanted to duel him before they were ushered to the football stadium for the graduation ceremony to begin.
After he disrobed himself of his gown, revealing a red dress shirt with a black tie and a pair of black dress pants, Alex quickly constructed his D-Pad and ran out into the grassy park. The darkness and the fog made seeing nearly impossible, but Alex knew this area like the back of his hand, so he was able to rely on his memory and other senses. There was nothing intrusive except for a canopy and a large fire pit.
“Where are you!” yelled Alex. “Show yourself!”
A laugh, evil but elegant, rang through the air.
“As you wish,” said a female voice.
Alex soon felt a strong gust blow into him. It wasn’t strong enough to knock Alex over, but it was able to blow the fog away. Even if the fog was cleared, it was too dark to make out what answered Alex’s call. However, now the Emmitts, along with Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Spike, could see the park’s entrance much clearly.
However, the trees that bordered the park soon went alight, a bright white orb materializing in about seven feet up from the ground around the bark. This provided more than enough illumination to reveal who had presumably brought them out here.
It was a blue unicorn mare with a bushed mane and tail that had two stripes of light blue and two stripes of an even lighter blue. She also wore a purple cape studded with blue and yellow stars held together by a light blue gem-shaped pin, along with a purple magician’s hat with a similar star design.
Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Spike gasped upon sight, knowing exactly who she was.
“You,” grunted Twilight.
“The great and powerful Trixie is glad to see you too,” spoke Trixie in 3rd person.
“Wait,” pondered Tom aloud. “Who?”
“That’s Trixie,” explained Rainbow Dash. “She’s this total showoff who thinks she’s better than everyone else. However, Twilight showed her up when she saved Ponyville from an Ursa Minor.”
“It seems that the great and powerful Trixie hasn’t left a positive impression on your small little dump you call a town,” insulted Trixie.
“I don’t think you’re even capable of leaving any good impressions with the way you treat everypony.”
“Au contraire, Twilight. Trixie is about to leave a ¬very good impression on you all.”
Trixie then shot a red beam from her horn, similar to the ones Flim and Flam used to get Alex and Reese to duel them. However, this one was aimed directly at Alex, and it made its target, wrapping around Alex’s right wrist.
“Let me guess,” hissed Alex. “You’re working for Rae Sulfa Tun to steal the Stones of Equus.”
“As if you hairless apes needed a hint,” giggled Trixie. “Now, if you wish to leave this forest in one piece, you will be a good little human and hand Trixie your Stone of Equus right now.”
“Fat chance, you bitch.”
“Hmph. Wrong answer.”
Trixie’s cutie mark, a magic wand with a star-shaped end in front of a blue, crescent-shaped aura began to glow. A white, five-pointed star and white crescent, both made of light, shot from the left side of her rump and into the air. The star spun until the points shifted until the star was now the shape of a diamond. Trixie stood up and outstretched her left forearm. The diamond flew onto Trixie’s left wrist, where it turned into a solid, white body with a graveyard slot, a spell/trap card slot, and a wrist dealer with a deck inside it.
The crescent then collided into the left side of the diamond D-Pad body, which became a large, white, crescent-shaped blade that curved upwards. There were five blue zones with red arrows on top of a purple shape that was fixed in the center. On the opposite side, there was a purple, downward triangle in the center with a turquoise-colored gem in the center of that. On both sides of the purple triangle, there were two, long, red, diamond-shaped designs, which looked like a pair of eyes from an opponent’s vantage point. There was also a turquoise gem on the left side of the crescent.
“Now,” said Trixie, setting back down on all fours, “you’re going to learn firsthand why you should have never tried to best the great and powerful Trixie.”
“I’ll be the judge of that,” answered Alex.
Alex unsheathed his duel disk. When everything was ready, Alex and Trixie drew five cards from their decks.
“DUEL!” they both cried.
