//------------------------------//
// Chapter 6: Magical Friendship (By ShootingStar25) 
// Story: The Missing Barian Numbers 
// by Golden Flare 
//------------------------------//


Crystal Prep Academy
3rd Person POV
12 Days Remain


The sun rose over the city of Canterlot. It was another glorious day as birds were out and about, their singing signaled the start of a new day. Yet, with that day, it meant the event that everybody was looking forward to was drawing very near. The students of Crystal Prep Academy were shown attending a school rally being held in the auditorium, with the Friendship Games coming up, the school was doing its best to make sure they picked the most valuable and advantageous Duelists to represent them in the event. 12 slots were on the team as the selecting process was based on grades, Win/Loss Record, as well as a person's deck itself.

For the one in charge, Principal Abacus Cinch knew that to be the best, they had to be the best. That meant not taking any chances with people who claimed they were deserving of being on the team. But actually, proving your worth.

The entire student body was gathered as soon their attention was called to the front. The person who they saw was none other than the Dean of the school. She was a girl who had pale, light grayish-purple eyes. She also had moderate violet with brilliant rose and pale gold streaks in her hair, as well as she had pale, light grayish cerise skin color.

"Good morning, students," said Cadence as she spoke into the microphone. Her response got a few murmurs among the sea of students present, "As you know, the Friendship Games are just around the corner. For the past few weeks, you have been tested and evaluated more than you ever have. But by doing so, we were able to conduct our research in determining who will fill out the spots to represent Crystal Prep in the event. Know that this was a hard and tedious process. Nevertheless, we hope that those who are selected know it is an honor to be representing your school. With that, time to unveil the final results."

The Dean now turned behind her as she pressed a remote. A projector screen lowered behind her as it then turned on. On the screen, for all to see, were the twelve empty slots. One by one, each slot was filled with the individual's name and their overall score that allowed them to get their spot.




Crystal Prep Academy's Top 12 Duelists
1. Twilight Sparkle - W/L: 6/0
2. Enix - W/L: 30/8
3. Indigo Zap - W/L: 32/11
4. Sugarcoat - W/L: 20/9
5. Isaac - W/L: 37/12
6. Sunny Flare - W/L: 9/3
7. Sour Sweet - W/L: 30/20
8. Lemon Zest - W/L: 36/28
9. Upper Crust - W/L: 24/19
10. Jet Set - W/L: 27/23
11. Royal Pin - W/L: 33/27
12. Suri Polomare - W/L: 31/29




Once the last of the slots were filled, everybody saw who would represent their school. Chatter began to break out as they were expressing what they saw.

Not a second later, did that stop. The air turned a bit cold, as the doors to the entrance opened up. Upon seeing who it was, nearly the entire room was quiet. Not a sound was made as you could hear a fly land on the wall. The person who made such silence happen was none other than the Principal of CPA. A woman who had grayish fuchsia eyes, her skin was that of light opalish gray. And her hair was a mix of colors that included, dark fuchsia, dark orchid, grayish magenta, grayish heliotrope, and moderate fuchsia. Her name was none other than Principal Abacus Cinch.

The woman pushed her glasses up as she began to walk. The sounds of heels clicking against the hard, wooden floor could be heard. She continued up the small flight of stairs to the stage as the sound was louder and robust. She then got to where Cadence was as the Dean stepped to the side as she allowed her to speak.

"Students of Crystal Prep. As you all know, the Friendship Games have come once again. The purpose behind these games is to acknowledge the friendship that is between Crystal Prep and Canterlot High. And in the spirit of friendship, both schools select their team of duelists against the other to see which one is truly the best. And every single time, Crystal Prep has proven its worth and walked away as the victors. The halls of these very schools are lined with such history and prestige. It would be a disservice and disrespectful to have everyone think about anything other than winning."

The students heard the small statement made by their principal as the majority of them agreed with her about them beating CHS with ease in the past.

"As such, I look forward to seeing what this year will bring for this team of competitors that have been chosen to represent Crystal Prep. The results are final, for the twelve names you see behind will be the ones to fight in the biggest event for both schools. And for those that have been selected, know what an honor and a privilege it is. For should you emerge victoriously, you will join an elite roster at our school in which your name will go down in this school's history. So...I pray to those that you do not get comfortable. For even the slightest hint of weakness is shown, our enemy will not hesitate to act on it. We are the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be."

The students felt motivated by Cinch's response that the majority of them cheered and made some noises. The principal smirked evilly as she had them all in the palm of her hand. She raised her hand once more as she had one final thing to say.

"And so, those selected will be putting in extra hours of training and prepping. That does not exclude you from assignments from your teachers or used an excuse to fall behind. Failure to do so will be given the harshest punishments and your spot will be taken away."

That statement caused murmurs to occur as the students were a bit frightened by the consequences laid down by their principal.

"We've invested everything in you, and sometimes in life, you just have to take a step back and look at your investment and decide, is this investment truly, going to pay off? Or is this investment just some cost? If you want to know what you have with a lump of coal, you stick it under immense pressure. That pressure does one of two things: the pressure either causes it to crumble and turn to dust and render it useless, or that pressure turns it into the diamond that you always hoped it could be. The question now is: Do you crumble or you do become the diamond that we have invested in? Because the pressure is on!!"

With that final statement, the students were now fired up as a sea of them raised their fists in unison. They chanted their school's name as they were boasting how they were going to smash Canterlot High at the Friendship Games. For Principal Cinch, she was watching her students as if they were soldiers ready to go to war. She then turned to look at the screen behind her as each of the twelve names selected she had a keen eye to watch them closely.





The days to come were filled with intense training sessions. The twelve individuals selected to represent their schools were gathered in a training room and pitted against A.I. bots to test their skills and sometimes each other. All the while, Cadence and Principal Cinch were watching their students as they were prepping their warriors for combat, the former feeling uneasy as these students we're so much more than soldiers to her.

One of the girls selected for the event was shown exiting the training room as she let out a sigh. She had managed to finish earlier than expected as she wanted to get away from the rest of the action she was taking part in. The girl was in her Crystal Prep uniform as she held a book in her hand. Her hair was a mass of pink-streaked purple hair tied into a bun. She had moderate violet eyes and had light mulberrish gray skin as well as thick black glasses on her face.

She had her Duel Disk on her wrist as she grabbed her backpack and began walking. The girl had her head down as she avoided all the passing stares she was getting from her classmates. Safe to say, despite being selected to represent their school, they didn't seem to like her that much. If anything, being chosen to compete in the Friendship Games made her that much more of a hated person.

She was wrestling with the thoughts in her head that she didn't notice she bumped into something. The girl fell as her glasses landed in front of her. She quickly retrieved it as she began to apologize.

"I'm s-sorry. I didn't see where I was going," spoke the girl nervously.

"Well, well, look who it is. If it isn't little Miss Know-It-All," said a student.

"I thought the glasses were supposed to help her see. Clearly, she's blind as a bat even with them," said another student.

"It's not her vision that's impaired. It's her brain," snickered another student.

The trio that was heckling the girl was also her teammates that would represent their school. The one the girl bumped into had moderate azure eyes as he too had some glasses. His hair was dark gray as his skin was that of spring greenish-gray. The person next to him was none other than his girlfriend. The girl had moderate persian blue eyes. Her hair consisted of pale, light grayish indigo with light gray streaks as her skin tone was pale, light grayish olive. The last of the trio was another male student who had moderate gold eyes. His hair consisted of white and pale, light grayish cobalt blue as his skin tone was grayish azure.

The trio now closed in on the girl who was still sitting on the floor.

"I'm sorry, please," said the girl as she appeared helpless and put her book up to protect her.

"Hey! Leave her alone," said a voice.

The trio looked up as did the girl on the floor to where the voice came from. It belonged to another student, for he too had been selected as one of the twelve individuals to participate in the Friendship Games. The boy however was a friend of the girl on the floor as he would always look out and defend her from any harassing and bullying.

The teen took a step forward as he stood a few meters behind the girl on the floor. His skin tone was that of brown, though one could even say caramel as was his eye color. As his hair was that of a darker shade, chocolate. He looked at the trio as he began to address them.

"She said she was sorry. Accept it and move on."

"Well, look who also shows up. The other of this outliner pair," said Jet Set.

"Figures, she wouldn't go anywhere with her 'boyfriend' to protect her," taunted Upper Crust.

"The saying goes, outliners have to stick together. Since there's no place for them," snickered Royal Pin.

"Tell me, boy? How did you get selected to be on the team? Matter of fact, how could you even go here without the proper funds?" asked Upper Crust.

"Because unlike you three spoiled brats, I had to work hard to get to where I am. I had to bust my ass every day, and not just me, but my parents. And I stand here on my accord and own merits. I don't rely on my parent's money to get whatever I want. I work for it." said the boy.

"Fitting that's where you belong. See, Isaac, there's a hierarchy in life. And those who had the most power, stand at the top, while those who have nothing and are weak, pathetic, shall remain at the bottom." stated Upper Crust.

"And yet, I'm on the team, aren't I?"

"Which beg the question: Why did Principal Cinch put you on the team?" asked Royal Pin.

"'Cause I'm one of the individuals who got a high score during the evaluations. Seems she recognizes that I got potential."

"Or she felt pity for you. And I wouldn't blame her to be honest. Cause if this wasn't about beating Canterlot High and proving once again why Crystal Prep is the dominant school, you wouldn't even be in the conversation."

"Without his friend here, he wouldn't even pass his classes," snickered Upper Crust.

"In your fantasy world, nothing is better than representing your school. You're gonna home, to your family. And you're gonna tell your parents, how far you've come. Mom and dad, look at me, have I made you proud in your pathetic lives?!!" stated Jet Set in a mocking tone as he got in the face of Isaac. "And they're gonna be so proud. They're gonna put your picture on the wall. Everybody's gonna be clapping. 'Oh my god, little Isaac, we're so proud of you. You did it, Isaac. And you know what the best part is, Isaac? You did it, you did it by yourself, Isaac. Isaac's a champion.' Then reality hits!"

At that moment, Jet Set slapped the boy to his face as he turned from the impact. Twilight saw this as she gasped at seeing the boy defend herself now be targeted for her actions.

"And that reality is staring you in the damn face, boy! That no matter what, you will never, never, amount to anything!" said Jet Set as he smirked along with his pals.

Isaac had brought his hand up to feel his cheek as he could sense the sting that it produced a moment ago. Yet, despite that, he didn't get angry, but more so laughed. This confused the trio in front of him as he was chuckling to himself as they thought he had finally lost it. The laughing soon died down as Isaac turned back to address the trio.

"Listen, you can talk bad about me all you want. I welcome it. But if you talk about my parents or Twilight, for that matter. Then you deal with me, face to face."

"Is that a threat?" said Jet Set as he wasn't buying Isaac's bluff.

"Feeling froggy? Jump," taunted the boy.

Jet Set didn't like being disrespected as he went to slap the boy once more. But this time, Isaac ducked under as he then did a slap of his own to the boy. His was more powerful than the one he received as Jet Set fell back into the arms of Upper Crust and Royal Pin as they couldn't believe someone of lower status had the gall to strike one of them. They were about to teach the boy a lesson when they were stopped.

"Seems I'll have to teach you what happens when those who don't listen to people of superior status step out of line." Jet Set strapped on one of Crystal Prep's state-of-the-art Solid Reality Duel Disks as the hard-light card tray with a silver outline beamed out.

"I was hoping you would ask that. Let's go," stated Isaac as he pulled out his own Solid Reality Duel Disk, the card tray's outline colored a golden yellow. "Duel Disk, go! Duel Gazer, let's roll!" said the boy as he had a small device over his left eye as Jet Set and the other three did the same.

"Augmented Reality Vision Link established," said a computerized, automatic voice.

"Let's Duel!" shouted both teens as the display showed their life points.

Jet Set: 4,000 LP
Isaac: 4,000 LP

Turn 1: Isaac - Hand: 5

"I'll start, I draw!" said the boy as he drew his card and looked at his hand. "I'll summon my Berry Magician Girl." A small baby spellcaster appeared as she had a tiny wand and sucked on a pacifier.





Berry Magician Girl
Attribute: EARTH
Level: 1
Type: Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 400
DEF: 400
Effect: If this card is Normal Summoned: You can add 1 "Magician Girl" monster from your Deck to your hand. Once per turn, during either player's turn, when your opponent activates a card or effect that targets this card, or targets this card for an attack: You can change this card's battle position, and if you do, Special Summon 1 "Magician Girl" monster from your Deck, except "Berry Magician Girl".





"That's it?!" scoffed Upper Crust and Royal Pin at what monster Isaac chose to bring out on his first turn.

"No wonder, you're truly pathetic. A measly monster who doesn't have enough attack points to take down anything. Seems you're not the person we need to represent Crystal Prep." stated Jet Set.

"Don't judge a book by its cover. My Berry Magician Girl is quite powerful. For when she's summoned to the field, I can add a different 'Magician Girl' from my deck to my hand." The small baby then appeared as she sat down on the shoulder of her master as the images of his different options appeared on his Duel Disk.

"Which one do you want, Berry?" asked the boy to his magician as she sucked on her pacifier.

"Chocolate," said the baby as she selected one of her big sisters.

The boy nodded as he touched the card and clicked confirm as it slid out for him to grab and add to his hand. He gave the small baby a tummy rub as she giggled before returning to the field.

"I choose to add my Chocolate Magician Girl."





Chocolate Magician Girl
Attribute: WATER
Level: 4
Type: Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 1600
DEF: 1000
Effect: Once per turn: You can discard 1 Spellcaster-Type monster; draw 1 card. Once per turn, if this card is targeted for an attack: You can target 1 Spellcaster-Type monster in your Graveyard, except "Chocolate Magician Girl"; Special Summon it, then change the attack target to it, and if you do, the attacking monster's ATK becomes half its current ATK.





"Then I'll place one card face-down and end my turn."

Turn 2: Jet Set - Hand: 5

"All that, and you accomplished nothing. Let me show you how a true duelist does it. I draw! I summon Crashbug Y in Attack Mode." said the boy as out emerged a monster who wore a striped uniform and had cuffs around its wrists.





Crashbug Y
Attribute: DARK
Level: 3
Type: Fiend/Effect
ATK: 1400
DEF: 1600
Effect: When this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 "Crashbug X" from your Deck. You must control a face-up "Crashbug Z" to activate and to resolve this effect.





"Now, I'll have my monster attack your weak magician!"

"As I said, don't judge a book by its cover. For you see, my Berry Magician Girl has one last trick up her sleeve. Whenever she becomes the target of an attack, I can switch into Defense Mode. Then I'm allowed to summon another 'Magician Girl' from my deck to the field. So join us, Dark Magician Girl!" shouted the teen as from his Duel Disk emerged a light as it died down. Out appeared a female who wore a skirt, had blond hair, green eyes, and wielded a wand that matched her outfit that had the colors of blue and pink with a few touches of yellow.





Dark Magician Girl
Attribute: DARK
Level: 6
Type: Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 2000
DEF: 1700
Effect: Gains 300 ATK for every "Dark Magician" or "Magician of Black Chaos" in the GY.





"Like that changes anything, my monster is still going to attack your Berry Magician Girl!" stated Jet Set.

"Then how about this, I reveal my face-down, Shift! Since you designated one monster on my side of the field as the target of a Spell, Trap, or attack. I can then choose a different target on my field. So now your Crashbug Y is attacking my Dark Magician Girl. And since she has higher Attack Points, the difference comes out of your Life Points, and you lose your monster!"





Shift (anime version)
Normal Trap Card
Effect: You can activate this card when your opponent designates 1 monster on your side of the field as the target of a Spell, Trap, or battle attack. Change the target to a different monster on your side of the field.





"What?" exclaimed Upper Crust and Royal Pin.

The insect now headed towards Dark Magician Girl as the magician showed no fear. She simply pointed her wand in retaliation and blasted a spell that took out the creature as it bit the dust (Jet Set: 4,000 - 600 = 3400).

"Looks like this outliner knows what he's doing," taunted Isaac.

"One fancy move and you think you're all that. Please, you're still as I said you were. And I'm going to prove it. I place one card face-down and end my turn."

Turn 3: Isaac - Hand: 5

"It's my move, I draw! I summon my Chocolate Magician Girl (1600/1000). Then I activate her ability, so by sending my Magician's Robe to the graveyard, I'm allowed to draw one more card. And since I currently control a Level 4 or lower monster on my field, I can summon this monster to join the fray. Mage Annette in Defense Mode!"

A small kid magician appeared before the teen. She had brunette hair as she had a book in her left hand and a wand in her right. She wore glasses and a white shoulder-less dress as she twirled around with bits of particles appearing as she spun in a circle.





Mage Annette
Attribute: LIGHT
Level: 4
Type: Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 1300
DEF: 1700
Effect: If you control a Level 4 or lower monster: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. When this monster is summoned: You can draw one card from your Deck.





"By summoning Mage Annette, I can draw another card. Then I'll have my Chocolate Magician Girl attack you directly!" commanded the boy as his spellcaster pointed her wand at his opponent as she blasted away another chunk of his life points (Jet Set: 3,400 - 1,600 = 1,800 LP).

"Time to seal the deal, Dark Magician Girl, attack him directly!"

"Not this time! I reveal Shrink! Now I can cut your Dark Magician Girl's Attack Points by half until the end of the turn!" stated Jet Set as he weaken his foe's monster (Dark Magician Girl: ATK 2000 - 1000 = 1000) but still managed to get hit by a powerful attack (Jet Set: 1,800 - 1,000 = 800 LP)





Shrink
Quick-Play Spell Card
Effect: Target 1 face-up monster on the field; its original ATK becomes halved until the end of this turn.





"In that case, I'll end my turn by switching my Berry Magician Girl back to attack mode." as Isaac finished, Dark Magician Girl’s Attack Points went back to their maximum amount (Dark Magician Girl: ATK 1000 + 1000 = 2000).

Turn 4: Jet Set - Hand: 4

"It's my draw, I'll start by playing The Shallow Grave."





The Shallow Grave
Normal Spell Card
Effect: Each player targets 1 monster in their own GY; each player Special Summons the target from their GY in face-down Defense Position.





"Now we each pick a monster in our Graveyard to bring back. But they have to be face-down in Defense Mode. So I'm bringing back my Crashbug Y." stated Jet Set.

"And I bring back my Magician's Robe (700/2000)," said Isaac as he now had another monster on his field as all of his slots were full.

"Then I'll then flip over my Crashbug Y. Next, I'll summon Crashbug X to join the field!"





Crashbug X
Attribute: DARK
Level: 3
Type: Fiend/Effect
ATK: 0
DEF: 2000
Effect: When this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 "Crashbug Z" from your Deck. You must control a face-up "Crashbug Y" to activate and to resolve this effect.





"And by doing that, I can activate its effect, since I control Crashbug Y, Crashbug X allows me to summon Crashbug Z from my deck!" Two lights appeared as standing to the monster already on the field were two similar fiends.





Crashbug Z
Attribute: DARK
Level: 3
Type: Fiend/Effect
ATK: 0
DEF: 1500
Effect: When this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 "Crashbug Y" from your Deck. You must control a face-up "Crashbug X" to activate and to resolve this effect.





"With that, I'll now overlay all three of my monsters to build the Overlay Network!" shouted Jet Set as all three of his monsters turned into orbs of light. A red portal opened in front of him as they all entered as a pillar of light emerged. “With the three deadliest viruses of the net, I call upon the most fearful of machines! That's right, prepare to meet your defeat! Here comes Number 34: Terror-Byte in Defense Mode!" The new monster that appeared unfolded itself as its Xyz Materials circled it as the creature let out a sound.





Number 34: Terror-Byte
Attribute: DARK
Rank: 3
Type: Machine/Xyz/Effect
ATK: 0
DEF: 2900
Effect: 3 Level 3 monsters
Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card to target 1 Level 4 or lower Attack Position monster your opponent controls; gain control of it until the End Phase.





"I'm certainly glad Pegasus incorporated the Astral Numbers into his game after Astral World and Barian World's petty, little war! I then activate Terror-Byte's ability, by using one Overlay Unit, I can target one Level 4 or lower monster you control and bring it to my side of the field until the End Phase. So I select your Chocolate Magician Girl!" said Jet Set as one of Isaac's monsters was yanked to the opposite side (Number 34: Terror-Byte: OLU 3 - 1 = 2).

"So, you gonna attack?" taunted the teen.

"You think I'm stupid? You put your Berry Magician Girl back into Attack Mode cause you were hoping to bring out another monster. I don't fall for the same trick twice. I then play the Continuous Spell Card, Infected Mail."





Infected Mail
Continuous Spell Card
Effect: Once per turn: You can target 1 Level 4 or lower monster you control; it can attack your opponent directly this turn. Send it to the Graveyard at the end of the Battle Phase.





"Now, I can target one Level 4 or lower monster that I control, and it can attack you directly. And since my Chocolate Magician Girl is Level 4, she fits the bill."

"You mean, my Chocolate Magician Girl. You stole her from me!"

"Yes, 'cause she wasn't worthy to be with a boy like you. Me, on the other hand, well, I'm more than qualified to have a beauty like her by my side. So now, attack him directly!" stated Jet Set as he pointed. The magician heard the command as she had a face of regret as she pointed her wand and fired a spell that collided with her master (Isaac: 4,000 - 1,600 = 2,400 LP).

"With that, the Battle Phase ends and so I have no need for the girl anymore," stated Jet Set as he waved his hand to dismiss the magician as she was gone into Isaac's Graveyard due to Infected Mail's second effect. "Now that she's no longer involved with me, I think I'll go shopping for a new girl to hook up with. Which one of your girls are you willing to lend me, Isaac?"

"Hands off, buddy. My girls are loyal to me. They wouldn't be caught dead with a man like you," stated the teen as the rest of his female magicians all stuck their tongues at his opponent.

"We'll see. For now, I place one card face-down and end my turn."

Turn 5: Isaac - Hand: 5

"It's my turn, so here goes!" said Isaac as he drew his card and then looked at his hand.

Alright, what do I got to work with? Right now, the only monster that Jet Set has is Terror-Byte. On its own, it's not threatening. However, its special ability makes it that much more difficult. So long as it has Xyz Materials, he can simply remove an Overlay Unit to take control of any of my Level 4 or lower monsters. Right now, my Dark Magician Girl is protecting me as she has 2,000 Attack Points and he doesn't have a monster to take her out. Not to mention she's Level 6, so he can't take control of her.

But even then, she can't defend me forever. And then there's his Spell, Infected Mail. It allows him to have one monster he controls to attack me directly, then send it to the Graveyard afterwards. And right now, I have three other monsters that he can control and use to chip away at my Life Points till I reach zero. With that plan in mind, he might not even need to worry about my Dark Magician Girl. So, I got to find a way to take that monster out and go in for the final blow. Maybe...

The boy now looked at his hand as he was seeing the cards he had. He looked at one and then another as in his brain he was connecting the dots as the line was laying out his roadmap that he could use to win.

Hope this works.

"I'll now sacrifice my Berry Magician Girl so that I can summon my Apprentice Illusion Magician!" stated Isaac as his small magician disappeared as a new, older, female girl appeared twirled her wand.





Apprentice Illusion Magician
Attribute: DARK
Level: 6
Type: Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 2000
DEF: 1700
Effect: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) by discarding 1 card. If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can add 1 "Dark Magician" from your Deck to your hand. During damage calculation, if your other DARK Spellcaster monster battles an opponent's monster (Quick Effect): You can send this card from your hand or face-up field to the GY; that monster you control gains 2000 ATK/DEF during that damage calculation only.





"Then the effect of my Apprentice Illusion Magician activates since I summoned her, I can add 'Dark Magician' to my hand from my deck." The Duel Disk then ejected the card as the boy grabbed it.

"Now, Dark Magician Girl, attack Terror-Byte!"

"Are you dumb? She has 2,000 Attack Points while my monster has 2,900 Defense Points. In a head-to-head battle, she wouldn't even deal a blow and you're the one who's going to lose Life Points in their difference." stated Jet Set.

"Yes, that's true," smirked Isaac. "That is...if I didn't have this. For you see my Apprentice Illusion Magician has another trick to perform. By sending her to the Graveyard, I can give a DARK-Attribute Spellcaster on my field an additional 2,000 Attack Points."

"What?" said Upper Crust and Royal Pin.

"So now my Dark Magician Girl has 4,000 total Attack Points. Which makes her stronger than your monster. Go, Dark Burning Attack!" shouted the boy to his female magician (Dark Magician Girl: ATK 2000 + 2000 = 4000).

"My monster is not going anywhere, I reveal Half Unbreak. Thanks to this Trap, my monster can't be destroyed in battle. And any damage I take is cut in half!" stated Jet Set as a bubble barrier formed around Terror-Byte as the spell made contact with the shield as it was stopped. It did make the boy lose his balance a bit as his Trap held.





Half Unbreak
Normal Trap Card
Effect: Target 1 monster on the field; this turn, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle, also any battle damage you take from attacks involving that monster is halved.





"Well, shit," mumbled Isaac to himself at his plan for failing. But as Twilight says, it's not over yet.

The boy looked at his hand as he knew what to do.

"I end my turn by placing one card face-down. Your move."

Turn 6: Jet Set - Hand: 2

"Indeed it is," said the boy as he drew his card. "Now, I'll activate Terror-Byte's ability once more, I use another Xyz Material to take control of one Level 4 or lower monster on your side of the field. And I'll choose your Mage Annette!" Once more, another monster of Isaac's was forced to switch sides as the small girl had a sad face that she was about to harm her master (Number 34: Terror-Byte: OLU 2 - 1 = 1).

"Then I'll activate the effect of my Infected Mail. So now this turn, she can attack you directly. Time to lose more Life Points!" mocked Jet Set as the girl lifted her small wand and fired a spell to which Isaac merely blocked it by lifting his Duel Disk as he stood his ground (Isaac: 2,400 - 1,300 = 1,100 LP). "And now that the Battle Phase is over, she is destroyed. With that, I'll now switch my Terror-Byte into Attack Mode."

"Huh?" said Twilight as she was still on the ground watching the duel.

"Almost there. I play the Quick-Play Spell Hand Destruction!"





Hand Destruction
Quick-Play Spell Card
Effect: Each player sends 2 cards from their hand to the GY, then draws 2 cards.





"Now we both discard two cards, then draw two new ones." Jet Set stated as they both did so.

What are you planning to do?" Isaac asked.

"Simple, 'cause now since I have Crashbug X, Y, and Z in my Graveyard. By banishing them, I can summon this. Super Crashbug in Defense Mode!" shouted Jet Set as the ground in front of him opened up. A hand then emerged as out came the monster to which it was huge and let out a sound.





Super Crashbug
Attribute: DARK
Level: 4
Type: Fiend/Effect
ATK: 0
DEF: 3000
Effect: Cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. Must first be Special Summoned (from your hand) in face-up Defense Position, by banishing "Crashbug X", "Crashbug Y", and "Crashbug Z" from your Graveyard. Switch the ATK and DEF of all face-up Attack Position monsters on the field. There can only be 1 face-up "Super Crashbug" on the field.





"Now, Super Crashbug's ability activates. All face-up monsters have their Attack and Defense Points switched. So now my Terror-Byte has 2,900 Attack Points, while your Dark Magician Girl only has 1,700 Attack Points. Come next turn, you lose. So any final words?"

Turn 7: Isaac - Hand: 5

"Yeah, I do. This duel ain't over yet."

"Please."

"Watch this, I draw!" shouted the boy as he drew his card. "To start, I'll activate the effect of my Level Lifter."





Level Lifter
Normal Spell Card
Effect: Send 1 monster from your hand to the Graveyard, then target up to 2 face-up monsters you control; until the end of this turn, their Levels become the original Level of the monster sent to the Graveyard to activate this card.





"So by sending one card from my hand to the Graveyard, I can target up to two monsters I control and have their Levels match the monster I sent away. So I choose to discard my Magician of Dark Illusion." stated Isaac as he slotted his monster into the Graveyard slot of his Duel Disk.





Magician of Dark Illusion
Attribute: DARK
Level: 7
Type: Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 2100
DEF: 2500
Effect: This card's name becomes "Dark Magician" while on the field. You can only use each of these effects of "Magician of Dark Illusion" once per turn.
●During your opponent's turn, if you activate a Spell/Trap Card or effect (except during the Damage Step): You can Special Summon this card from your hand.
●If you activate a Spell/Trap Card or effect while this card is face-up on your field (except during the Damage Step): You can target 1 "Dark Magician" in your GY; Special Summon it. This effect can only be used once while this card is face-up on the field.





"And since he was Level 7, that means both my Dark Magician Girl and Magician's Robe have their Levels increased to 7." The magician and living robe felt their Levels grow suddenly (Dark Magician Girl: Level 6 > 7) (Magician's Robe: Level 2 > 7).

"2 Level 7 monsters? But...wait..."

"Now...I overlay both my Dark Magician Girl and Magician's Robe to build...the Overlay Network!" Both of the boy's monsters turned into dark orbs of light as they hovered in place. A red portal opened up in front of him as they entered and a pillar of light emerged. "With the young, beautiful wizard and the garments of the mage, I bring forth the ebony-colored illusionist! I Xyz Summon, Ebon Illusion Magician!!"





Ebon Illusion Magician
Attribute: DARK
Rank: 7
Type: Spellcaster/Xyz/Effect
ATK: 2100
DEF: 2500
Effect: 2 Level 7 monsters
You can also Xyz Summon this card by using a Rank 6 Spellcaster-Type Xyz Monster you control as the Xyz Material. (Xyz Materials attached to that monster also become Xyz Materials on this card.) Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; Special Summon 1 Spellcaster-Type Normal Monster from your hand or Deck. When a Spellcaster-Type Normal Monster declares an attack: You can target 1 card your opponent controls; banish it. You can only use this effect of "Ebon Illusion Magician" once per turn.





"Only 2,500 Attack Points, it's strong. But that's not strong enough to take out my boyfriend's monster," snickered Upper Crust.

"Oh, trust me. It has the power to take down that beast. Watch, I activate Ebon Illusion Magician's special ability. By using one Overlay Unit (Ebon Illusion Magician: OLU 2 - 1 = 1), I can summon a Normal Spellcaster-type monster from my hand or Deck. So...make way for the one and only, Dark Magician (2500/2100)!" A pillar of light shined as soon it died down to reveal the powerful and legendary monster as it stood before all.

"Two magicians, but one with 2,100 Attack Points due to Super Crashbug's ability. The math still adds up, you can't beat me." taunted Jet Set.

"Then maybe this will change your mind, cause I still have a face-down. I reveal my Thousand Knives!"





Thousand Knives
Normal Spell Card
Effect: If you control "Dark Magician": Target 1 monster your opponent controls; destroy that target.





"Since I control Dark Magician, this card allows me to destroy one card on your field! So say goodbye to your Super Crashbug!" stated Isaac as thousands of small daggers appeared before being hurled toward the giant creatures as they embedded into its skin and turned to particles.

"Now, Dark Magician, attack!"

"Huh?" said the trio.

"Oops, I forgot. It slipped my mind, see, Ebon Illusion Magician has another effect. Whenever a Normal Spellcaster-type monster declares an attack, I can target one card you control and...banish it."

"Banish?!!" said the trio as they didn't like hearing that.

"So, with a snap of my fingers. Your monster...disappears," stated Isaac as he snapped his fingers as Terror-Byte vanished in a puff of smoke.

"No...impossible..." said Jet Set as he fell to his knees.

"I think it's time I put you out of your misery. Dark Magician, finish this Duel! Dark Magic Attack!!" shouted Isaac as he thrust his hand out. The magician heard the command as he spun his staff in his hand and then fired a powerful spell that made contact with his foe as he was flung backward and onto the ground (Jet Set: 800 - 2,500 = 0 LP).

WINNER: Isaac

The Duel ended as the Augmented Reality dissipated. Upper Crust and Royal Pin were by their friend's side as they checked on him. Meanwhile, Twilight was on the ground when she noticed a shadow over her.

"You okay?" asked Isaac as he offered his hand to his friend.

Twilight nodded as she grabbed his hand with hers which got her to turn a bit red. With one tug, he pulled his friend to her knees as she dusted off her uniform. Before she could thank her friend for defending her, they heard a voice.

"Don't think you're gonna walk away just yet!" shouted Upper Crust. "You hurt my boyfriend, so it's time I make you pay!" The girl slapped on her Duel Disk with the card tray's outline a pale purple and put on her Duel Gazer as she looked ready to rumble.

"I'm always up for a Duel," smiled Isaac as he put back on his Duel Gazer.

//Augmented Reality Vision Link established.// said the voice as the field changed again.

Isaac: 4,000 LP
Upper Crust: 4,000 LP

Turn 1: Upper Crust - Hand: 5

"Ladies first," said Upper Crust as she drew her card. "I summon Fluffal Leo!" A plushie lion came out as it gave a cute roar.





Fluffal Leo
Attribute: EARTH
Level: 4
Type: Fairy/Effect
ATK: 1600
DEF: 1200
Effect: When this card declares an attack: It gains 500 ATK until the end of the Battle Phase.





"With that done, I'll then activate Toy Vendor."





Toy Vendor
Continuous Spell Card
Effect: Once per turn: You can discard 1 card; draw 1 card and show it, then if it is a "Fluffal" monster, you can Special Summon 1 monster from your hand. Otherwise, discard the card you drew. If this card is sent to the Graveyard: You can add 1 "Edge Imp Sabres" or 1 "Fluffal" monster from your Deck to your hand.





"Now by discarding one card from my hand, I can draw a card and reveal it. If it's a 'Fluffal' monster, it means I can special summon one monster from my hand. But if it's not, I have to get rid of it. So, time to find out!"

The vendor then had a coin slot in as the dial was turned. Out popped a small capsule as it revealed what Upper Crust's next card was.

"Looks like I was right, it's my Fluffal Dolphin. So that means I can summon any monster I choose. So make way for a really sharp monster, Edge Imp Saw." The monster that emerged was indeed a saw as its eyes were shown in blood red.





Fluffal Dolphin
Attribute: WATER
Level: 4
Type: Fairy/Effect
ATK: 1600
DEF: 1000
Effect: You can target 1 "Toy Vendor" in your GY; Set it, and if you do, send 1 "Fluffal" monster or 1 "Edge Imp Sabres" from your Deck to the GY. If this card is sent to the GY as Fusion Material for a Fusion Summon: You can shuffle into the Deck, 1 of your "Fusion" Spells or "Polymerization" Spells that is banished or in your GY. You can only use each effect of "Fluffal Dolphin" once per turn.





Edge Imp Saw
Attribute: DARK
Level: 3
Type: Fiend/Effect
ATK: 500
DEF: 1000
Effect: When this card is Normal Summoned: You can send 1 "Fluffal" monster from your hand to the Graveyard; draw 2 cards, then place 1 card from your hand on either the top or bottom of your Deck. You can only use this effect of "Edge Imp Saw" once per turn.





"Now I play Polymerization so I'll combine both my Edge Imp Saw and Fluffal Leo!”





Polymerization
Normal Spell Card
Effect: Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters from your hand or field as Fusion Material.





“Sharpened steel and ruler of the jungle! When the two come together, prepare to rumble! I Fusion Summon! Level 7! Frightfur Leo!"

The monster that emerged was something only dreamed about in nightmares. A lion that stood on its leg as its face was ripped open with saw blades coming out of its head and whole middle body as it let out a fierce growl that shook the whole school.





Frightfur Leo
Attribute: DARK
Level: 7
Type: Fiend/Fusion/Effect
ATK: 2400
DEF: 2000
Effect: "Edge Imp Saw" + 1 "Fluffal" monster
Must be Fusion Summoned. You can target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; destroy it, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK. You can only use this effect of "Frightfur Leo" once per turn. This card cannot attack directly during the turn you activate this effect.





"With that, I end my turn."

Turn 2: Isaac - Hand: 5

"My turn, I draw," stated Isaac as he began to devise a plan to deal with Upper Crust's monster. "I'll start by summoning my Magician's Valkyria in Defense Mode." A portal opened up as out came a teen magician girl who spun her staff before taking her position in front of her master.





Magician's Valkyria
Attribute: LIGHT
Level: 4
Type: Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 1600
DEF: 1800
Effect: Monsters your opponent controls cannot target face-up Spellcaster-Type monsters for attacks, except this one.





"Next, I'll play Graceful Charity. So I draw three cards and discard two."





Graceful Charity
Normal Spell Card
Effect: Draw 3 cards, then discard 2 cards.





The boy picked up his cards as he now began to look through his hand for the ones he wanted to get rid of. He grabbed them as he slotted them into his Graveyard.

"I'll then lay one card face-down and end my turn."

Turn 3: Upper Crust - Hand: 3

"Couldn't do much against my Leo. Don't worry, I'll make sure that your defeat is slow and painful. Now then," said the girl as she drew her card. "I activate Frightfur Leo's special ability!"

"Uh-oh," said Isaac as he knew what the monster's effect was.

"Indeed. Now I can target one monster you control and destroy it. So your Magician's Valkyria is gone!" Frightfur Leo then powered up its saws as it shot them out in smaller disks as they cut right through the girl as she let out a scream before turning into particles.

"Now the second effect of my monster activates, you take damage equal to your monster's Attack Points," smirked Upper Crust. The saws now headed towards Isaac as he was able to move his foot out of the way as one of them embedded into the ground. He covered up as they zoomed past him (Isaac: 4,000 - 1,600 = 2,400 LP).

"I'm far from done, ‘cause I now summon Fluffal Owl."





Fluffal Owl
Attribute: EARTH
Level: 2
Type: Fairy/Effect
ATK: 1000
DEF: 1000
Effect: When this card is Normal or Special Summoned from the hand: You can add 1 "Polymerization" from your Deck to your hand. You can pay 500 LP; Fusion Summon 1 "Frightfur" Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters from your hand or field as Fusion Materials. You can only use 1 "Fluffal Owl" effect per turn, and only once that turn.





"And when I summon Fluffal Owl, I can add a Polymerization from my Deck to my hand." Out came a small plushie owl as it then floated towards the girl's Duel Disk as it pecked at it. It managed to grab the fusion Spell as she took it. "And I'll activate it now, I fuse my Fluffal Owl, and the Edge Imp Sabres and Fluffal Bear in my hand! Bird of prey, edge of sharpness, fury of bear! When the three come together, prepare for a scare! I Fusion Summon! Level 6! Frightfur Tiger!" Once more another scary-looking creature appeared as the middle of its body was separated by the sabers as it let out a roar.





Edge Imp Sabres
Attribute: DARK
Level: 3
Type: Fiend/Effect
ATK: 1200
DEF: 800
Effect: If this card is in your GY: You can place 1 card from your hand on the top of the Deck; Special Summon this card in Defense Position. You can only use this effect of "Edge Imp Sabres" once per turn.





Fluffal Bear
Attribute: EARTH
Level: 3
Type: Fairy/Effect
ATK: 1200
DEF: 800
Effect: You can send this card from your hand to the Graveyard; Set 1 "Toy Vendor" directly from your Deck to your Spell & Trap Zone. You can Tribute this card, then target 1 "Polymerization" in your Graveyard; add it to your hand. You can only use 1 "Fluffal Bear" effect per turn, and only once that turn.





Frightfur Tiger
Attribute: DARK
Level: 6
Type: Fiend/Fusion/Effect
ATK: 1900
DEF: 1200
Effect: "Edge Imp Sabres" + 1 or more "Fluffal" monsters
When this card is Fusion Summoned: You can target cards on the field, up to the number of Fusion Materials used for its Fusion Summon; destroy them. All "Frightfur" monsters you control gain 300 ATK for each "Fluffal" monster and "Frightfur" monster you control. You can only control 1 "Frightfur Tiger".





"Now my Frightfur Tiger's effect activates, when he's Fusion Summoned, I can target cards on the field, up to the number of Fusion Materials that I used to summon it and destroy them. So since I used three materials, I can destroy up to three cards. But I only need one, and so your face-down is gone!" stated Upper Crust as the only card left on Isaac's field was destroyed.

"Also, my tiger's other effect, is that all my 'Frightfur' monsters I control gain 300 extra Attack Points for each 'Fluffal' and 'Frightfur' monster I control. So since I currently have two 'Frightfur' monsters, that means both of my monsters gain 600 more Attack Points. Giving my Frightfur Leo a total of 3000 Attack Points and my Frightfur Tiger a total of 2500 Attack Points. And that's more than enough to finish this duel, right now!" stated Upper Crust with a smile as the horrifying monsters gained new power (Frightfur Leo: ATK 2400 + 600 = 3000)(Frightfur Tiger: ATK 1900 + 600 = 2500), "So, time to pay for beating my boyfriend. Frightfur Tiger, end him!" shouted the girl.

"Please, this Duel isn't over. And I'm still in this."

"How? You have no monsters to defend you. And your face-down which you probably set up to protect yourself from any of my attacks, is also gone. You have literally, have nothing on the field!"

"True, but yet I'm still in this Duel," stated Isaac.

"Stop speaking in riddles, what do you mean?"

"Let me ask you something, Upper Crust: Do you remember every move I made during my turn?"

"You played a monster, then Graceful Charity to draw three more cards but you had to discard two. And a simple face-down. Well, I took care of that monster while dealing you damage. Then I took care of your face-down that you set. So, you have nothing!"

"Wrong again!"

"What trickery are you trying to pull? You... have... nothing!! I win!!!"

"It's not over," smirked the boy.

At that moment, before Upper Crust's monster could make contact with the boy. A wall of electricity formed as it paralyzed the monster in its tracks as it let out a howl from being stunned. A small metal turtle was shown as it was releasing all the voltage it had stored up as it managed to slow down Frightfur Tiger as it returned to the girl's side of the field.

"What happened?!!!" demanded Upper Crust.

"It's simple. I told you, this duel wasn't over. You didn't believe."

"This doesn't make sense. How could you have stopped my attack when you had nothing on your field?"

"I didn't use the field. I used my Graveyard."

"What?!!" said the girl with a raised eyebrow while she growled.

"During my turn, I played Magician's Valkyria, then Graceful Charity, followed by a face-down. You were right in taking out my monster and then my face-down. However, they were just a mere distraction. The one you should have paid attention to was when I played Graceful Charity. For you see, I had to discard cards. But you didn't see what card I got rid of. I'd figured you would find a way to leave me with an empty field, so I prepared myself for when you launched your attack, I could stop it dead in its tracks. And I did...thanks to my Electromagnetic Turtle!"





Electromagnetic Turtle
Attribute: LIGHT
Level: 4
Type: Machine/Effect
ATK: 0
DEF: 1800
Effect: During your opponent's Battle Phase (Quick Effect): You can banish this card from your GY; end the Battle Phase. You can only use this effect of "Electromagnetic Turtle" once per Duel.





The small turtle then appeared in front of the boy as his duel disk ejected his card as he grabbed it and showed it.

"That thing, stopped my assault?" said Upper Crust as she didn't believe the boy's bluff.

"Yes, for you see, if I banish Electromagnetic Turtle from my Graveyard, I can immediately end the Battle Phase. He may not be much on his own when it comes to power, but his true strength lies within his special ability. Which is more than enough for me to have him in my deck as a valuable member of my team. So by removing my monster, you reach the end of your turn." smirked Isaac.

"Maybe, but now I have two powerful monsters with at least 2500 Attack Points. And you only have 2400 Life Points and no other current cards on the field. So come next turn, I'm finishing you!" stated Upper Crust with a smile of overconfidence.

Turn 4: Isaac - Hand: 4

"Then, I better make this turn count. Here goes something," said the boy casually as he drew his card and looked at it. "I've drawn Palladium Oracle Mahad. When I draw Mahad, I can reveal him and then summon him to the field!" Out emerged another magician as it was the same person who was the boy's Dark Magician as he was in his Egyptian garments.





Palladium Oracle Mahad
Attribute: LIGHT
Level: 7
Type: Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 2500
DEF: 2100
Effect: When you draw this card: You can reveal this card; Special Summon it from your hand. If this card battles a DARK monster, its ATK is doubled during the Damage Step only. If this card is destroyed by battle or card effect: You can Special Summon 1 "Dark Magician" from your hand, Deck, or Graveyard.





"Next, I'll play Dark Magic Veil to Special Summon my Dark Magician Girl from my hand by paying 1,000 Life Points!" after making the aforementioned payment (Isaac: 2,400 - 1,000 = 1,400 LP) a circle made from dark magic appeared in the center of Isaac's field and the iconic apprentice, Dark Magician Girl warps out of it, making her second appearance in the course of two Duels (2000/1700).





Dark Magic Veil
Normal Spell Card
Effect: Pay 1000 LP; Special Summon 1 DARK Spellcaster-Type monster from your hand or Graveyard.





"Then, I'll do a little Fusion Summoning of my own, with this. The Eye of Timaeus!" shouted the boy as he held his card above him as it shined with a bright light.





The Eye of Timaeus
Normal Spell Card
Effect: (This card is also always treated as "Legendary Dragon Timaeus".)
Target 1 "Dark Magician" monster you control; Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck that lists that monster on the field as Fusion Material, using it as the Fusion Material. You can only activate 1 "The Eye of Timaeus" per turn.





"With this, I can combine my Dark Magician Girl with my Eye of Timaeus so that I can Fusion Summon. By combining the beautiful mage and the eye of the mighty dragon, I create the one of the greatest and noblest knights! I Fusion Summon! Level 7! Dark Magician Girl the Dragon Knight!" Out came a dragon that was humongous as it spread its wings and let out a roar. In addition, there was also a rider on the dragon’s back. The rider was a female and she dawned a silver outfit that not only resembled her previous outfit but also looked like a suit of armor; instead of her trusted wand, she wielded a sword.





Dark Magician Girl the Dragon Knight
Attribute: DARK
Level: 7
Type: Dragon/Fusion/Effect
ATK: 2600
DEF: 1700
Effect: "Dark Magician Girl" + 1 Dragon monster
Must be Fusion Summoned with the above Fusion Materials or with "The Eye of Timaeus". Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can send 1 card from your hand to the GY, then target 1 face-up card on the field; destroy that target.





"So you summoned a Fusion Monster, big deal. My Frightfur Leo is still the strongest one on the field. And come next turn, his ability will kick in to allow me to destroy one monster on your field and then you take damage equal to its attack points. And since both of your monsters have over 2400 attack points, all I need to do is pick one, and the rest of your life points drop to zero." smirked the girl.

"There won't be a next turn, well...not for you, anyways."

"What?"

"Watch! Mahad, attack her Frightfur Leo!"

"Are you a dumbass?! My monster beats your magician by 500 points."

"Then I should explain Mahad's ability! When he battles a DARK-Attribute monster, his Attack Points double!"

"No way!!" said the girl as she realized what that meant.

"Frightfur Leo is a DARK-Attribute, so that means my Mahad rises to 5000 attack points, which makes him stronger than your monster!" (Palladium Oracle Mahad: ATK 2500 x 2 = 5000) stated the boy as his magician fired his staff at the nightmarish lion as the buzz saws it threw to ward off the attack simply missed before the spellcaster fired his attack to destroy the creature (Upper Crust: 4,000 - 2,000 = 2,000 LP).

"With your Frightfur Leo gone, your Frightfur Tiger loses 300 Attack Points, making it drop down to 2200. Now, Dark Magician Girl the Dragon Knight, slay that monstrosity!!" commanded the boy as his monster obeyed (Frightfur Tiger: ATK 2,500 - 400 = 2,100). The dragon opened its mouth as the girl, powered up her sword. Once both were charged up, they aimed their attacks at the other creature as they combined and took it out as well (Upper Crust: 2,100 - 400 = 1,700).

"One more attack."

"How? Both of your monsters have already battled?!!"

"This. De-Fusion!"





De-Fusion
Quick-Play Spell Card
Effect: Target 1 Fusion Monster on the field; return that target to the Extra Deck, then, if all the Fusion Materials that were used for its Fusion Summon are in your GY, you can Special Summon all of them.





"Now I can split my Dark Magician Girl the Dragon Knight back to its components. So rise my Dark Magician Girl!" shouted Isaac as the Fusion Monster that was before him was gone as the dragon vanished and his female magician was left. "And because I summoned my Dark Magician Girl in the middle of the battle, it can attack right now."

"No!!" said Upper Crust as there was nothing she could do.

"Go, Mana! Dark Burning Attack!" stated the boy as he thrust his arm out. The female sorcerer winked at her master before firing off a powerful spell that hit her foe in the chest.

"Ahhh!!" screamed Upper Crust as she was thrown onto the ground (Upper Crust: 1,700 - 2,000 = 0 LP)

WINNER: Isaac

Once more, the augmented reality link disappeared. Royal Pin was checking on his pals as Twilight appeared behind her friend.

"That..."

"Hold on, Twilight," said Isaac as he put a finger up.

"You forgot about me!" stated Royal Pin as he strapped up to fight, the card tray's outline a dark blue.

"Figured this would happen," said Isaac with a smile as he could see this coming from a mile away. He reset his Duel Disk as the field was set.

"Augmented Reality Vision Link established," said the voice of their Duel Disks.

"Let's Duel!" shouted both duelists.

Isaac: 4,000 LP
Royal Pin: 4,000 LP

Turn 1: Royal Pin - Hand: 5

"My draw and I'll start by playing the Spell card, Flower Stacking."





Flower Stacking
Normal Spell Card
Effect: Choose 3 "Flower Cardian" monsters with different names from your Deck, and place them on top of your Deck in any order. During your Main Phase, except the turn this card was sent to the Graveyard: You can banish this card from your Graveyard, then target 1 "Flower Cardian" monster in your Graveyard; add it to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Flower Stacking" once per turn.





"Now I can take 3 different 'Flower Cardian' monsters from my deck and place them on the top in any order I choose. so I'll take Flower Cardian Cherry Blossom, Flower Cardian Pine with Crane, and Flower Cardian Peony with Butterfly in that order." stated Royal Pin.





Flower Cardian Cherry Blossom
Attribute: DARK
Level: 3
Type: Warrior/Effect
ATK: 100
DEF: 100
Effect: If you control a Level 2 or lower "Flower Cardian" monster: You can Special Summon this card from your hand, also you cannot Normal or Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn, except "Flower Cardian" monsters. Once per turn: You can Tribute 1 "Flower Cardian" monster; draw 1 card, and if you do, show it, then, if it is a "Flower Cardian" monster, you can take 1 "Flower Cardian" monster from your Deck, except "Flower Cardian Cherry Blossom", and either add it to your hand or Special Summon it. Otherwise, send the card you drew to the GY.





Flower Cardian Pine with Crane
Attribute: DARK
Level: 1
Type: Warrior/Effect
ATK: 2000
DEF: 2000
Effect: Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must first be Special Summoned (from your hand) by Tributing 1 Level 1 "Flower Cardian" monster, except "Flower Cardian Pine with Crane". If this card is Special Summoned: Draw 1 card, and if you do, show it, then you can Special Summon it if it is a "Flower Cardian" monster. Otherwise, send it to the GY. Once per turn, at the end of the Battle Phase, if this card battled: You can draw 1 card.





Flower Cardian Peony with Butterfly
Attribute: DARK
Level: 6
Type: Warrior/Tuner/Effect
ATK: 1000
DEF: 1000
Effect: Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must first be Special Summoned (from your hand) by Tributing 1 "Flower Cardian" monster, except "Flower Cardian Peony with Butterfly". If this card is Special Summoned: Draw 1 card, and if you do, show it, then, if it is a "Flower Cardian" monster, look at the top 3 cards of your opponent's Deck, then place them all on the top or bottom of the Deck in any order. Otherwise, send it to the Graveyard. When this card is used as Synchro Material, you can treat it and all other Synchro Materials (that have a Level) as Level 2 monsters.





"Then I'll activate another Spell, Super Koi Koi!"





Super Koi Koi
Normal Spell Card
Effect: Excavate the top 3 cards of your Deck and Special Summon as many "Flower Cardian" monsters among them as possible, ignoring their Summoning conditions, but their Levels become 2 and they have their effects negated. Banish the remaining cards, face-down, and if you do, lose 1000 LP for each. You can banish this card from your Graveyard and Tribute 1 monster; Special Summon 1 "Flower Cardian" monster from your hand, ignoring its Summoning conditions. You can only activate 1 "Super Koi Koi" per turn.





"Now I can excavate the top 3 cards of my deck and summon any 'Flower Cardian' monsters among them."

"That's why you played the spell before so that you could manipulate what you were going to draw," stated Isaac.

"Correct, as you already know, all three of my cards are Flower Cardians. So they all appeared on the field, with their abilities negated and their Levels dropped to 2," said Royal Pin as the three monsters he mentioned before appeared before him as they were side by side. "Next, I'll take things to the next level thanks to Flower Cardian Peony with Butterfly cause it's a Tuner. So I tune my Level 2 Flower Cardian Peony with Butterfly along with Flower Cardian Cherry Blossom, and Flower Cardian Pine with Crane!"

The first monster leaped into the air as it turned into two giant green rings that circled its comrades who jumped in between the rings as a pillar of light was shot through them (Level 2 + 2 + 2 = 6).

"With the three flowery swordsmen, they can unite and show what happens to those who defy their master! I Synchro Summon, Level 6, Flower Cardian Moonflowerviewing!" The monster that came out was a geisha girl who had a small fan in her hand as the wind blew around her spreading leaves.





Flower Cardian Moonflowerviewing
Attribute: DARK
Level: 6
Type: Warrior/Synchro/Tuner/Effect
ATK: 2000
DEF: 2000
Effect: 1 Tuner + 2 non-Tuner monsters
Once per turn, during your Main Phase: You can draw 1 card, and if you do, show it, then, if it is a "Flower Cardian" monster, you can Special Summon it, ignoring its Summoning conditions, and it can attack directly this turn. If you activated this effect, skip the Draw Phase of your next turn. When this card is used as Synchro Material, you can treat it and all other Synchro Materials (that have a Level) as Level 2 monsters.





"Now I activate Moonflowerviewing's special ability, during my turn, I can draw one card, and if it's a 'Flower Cardian' monster. I can summon it." Royal Pin then drew his card as it was revealed to be a monster.

"I reveal Flower Cardian Willow with Calligrapher!" A new monster emerged as its power levels were on full display.





Flower Cardian Willow with Calligrapher
Attribute: DARK
Level: 11
Type: Warrior/Tuner/Effect
ATK: 2000
DEF: 2000
Effect: Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must first be Special Summoned (from your hand) by Tributing 1 Level 11 "Flower Cardian" monster, except "Flower Cardian Willow with Calligrapher". If this card is Special Summoned: Draw 1 card, and if you do, show it, then you can Special Summon it if it is a "Flower Cardian" monster. Otherwise, send it to the GY. When this card is used as Synchro Material, you can treat it and all other Synchro Materials (that have a Level) as Level 2 monsters.





"And thanks to my Moonflowerviewing's other half of its effect. It allows the monster I revealed to attack you directly, for this turn only. But before that, I activate the effect of Cardian Willow with Calligrapher, so I draw one card. And if it's a 'Flower Cardian' then I can summon it. And wouldn't you know, it is. Come forth, Flower Cardian Clover with Boar!" Another monster appeared as it had the image of the hog standing on its legs like a human in a suit of armor.





Flower Cardian Clover with Boar
Attribute: DARK
Level: 7
Type: Warrior/Tuner/Effect
ATK: 1000
DEF: 1000
Effect: Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must first be Special Summoned (from your hand) by Tributing 1 "Flower Cardian" monster, except "Flower Cardian Clover with Boar". If this card is Special Summoned: Draw 1 card, and if you do, show it, then, if it is a "Flower Cardian" monster, you can destroy 1 monster your opponent controls. Otherwise, send it to the Graveyard.





"Normally, when I Special Summon my Clover with Boar, I can do the same thing I just did. Draw one card and if it's a 'Flower Cardian' monster, I can summon it. In addition, I can destroy one monster you control. But since you currently have none, there's no point in activating his effect. But...I can still attack directly this turn. So give it to him, Flower Cardian Willow with Calligrapher!" shouted the boy as his monster rushed forward to collided with his foe as he skidded along the floor and stopped just a few meters in front of Twilight (Isaac: 4,000 - 2,000 = 2,000 LP).

"You're already down to half your life points, and you haven't taken your turn. Safe to say, this will be the fastest duel you've lost," mocked Royal Pin.

"You're right, this will be a fast duel. For you," smirked Isaac.

Turn 2: Isaac - Hand: 5

"It's my turn, I draw!" shouted the boy. "Time for you to meet my Tuner monster, Enchantress of Melody!" Isaac played his magician as a beautiful young girl with crimson-colored eyes, a determined and gentle look, and mid-length dark brown hair tied into two twin-tails to a ribbon that laid on her shoulders. She wore black robes and a cloak, she wielded a silver staff and kept a short sword sheathed around her waist. Underneath the cloak, she wore a low-cut blouse, ultra-short pink miniskirts, and wore burgundy boots that stopped before her knee caps. She also wore some leggings that stopped halfway to her thighs as she still showed off her fair smooth skin.





Enchantress of Melody
Attribute: DARK
Level: 3
Type: Spellcaster/Tuner/Effect
ATK: 900
DEF: 1800
Effect: Once per turn, roll a six-sided die: If the result is 1-3, you can either increase or decrease the Level of a monster you control equal to the result. If the result is 4-6: Re-roll.





"Then I'll play Pot of Greed to draw two cards. Then I activate Dark Magical Circle!"





Dark Magical Circle
Continuous Spell Card
Effect: When this card is activated: Look at the top 3 cards of your Deck, then you can reveal 1 of them that is "Dark Magician" or a Spell/Trap that mentions "Dark Magician", and add it to your hand, also place the remaining cards on top of your Deck in any order. If "Dark Magician" is Normal or Special Summoned to your field (except during the Damage Step): You can target 1 card your opponent controls; banish it. You can only use each effect of "Dark Magical Circle" once per turn.





"So now I can look at the top three cards of my deck, and then I can reveal a 'Dark Magician' related Spell or Trap card or the monster itself and add it to my hand and put the other cards back in any order I choose." Isaac's duel disk then showed his options as he made his choice as it slid out for him to grab as he used his screen to rearrange the order of his other cards.

"I reveal Dark Magic Expanded. Next, I'll play Strength in Unity."





Dark Magic Expanded
Quick-Play Spell Card
Effect: Apply these effects in sequence, based on the number of "Dark Magician" and/or "Dark Magician Girl" on the field and in the GYs.
●1+: 1 DARK Spellcaster monster on the field gains 1000 ATK until the end of this turn.
●2+: This turn, your opponent cannot activate cards and effects in response to your Spell/Trap Card or effect activation, also Spells/Traps you control cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects.
●3+: DARK Spellcaster monsters you currently control are unaffected by your opponent's card effects, until the end of this turn.





Strength in Unity
Continuous Spell Card
Effect: If you Ritual or Fusion Summon using "Blue-Eyes White Dragon" or "Dark Magician": You can target 1 card your opponent controls or in their GY; banish it. You can send this face-up card from the field to the GY, then target 1 Level 7 or higher Normal Monster in your GY; add it to your hand or shuffle it into the Deck. You can only use each effect of "Strength in Unity" once per turn.





"Then I'll play Advanced Ritual Art, so now I can Ritual Summon a monster by sending Normal Monsters from my deck to the Graveyard, so I send my Dark Magician so that I can Ritual Summon! With the masterful wizard as a sacrificial tribute, I order the chaotic mage to come forth and aid me! Ritual Summon! Level 7! Magician of Chaos!" Isaac's monster then entered a black portal as a pillar of light emerged, and soon his other monster emerged on the field.





Advanced Ritual Art
Ritual Spell Card
Effect: This card is used to Ritual Summon any 1 Ritual Monster. You must also send Normal Monsters from your Deck to the GY whose total Levels equal the Level of that Ritual Monster.





Magician of Chaos
Attribute: DARK
Level: 7
Type: Spellcaster/Ritual/Effect
ATK: 2500
DEF: 2100
Effect: You can Ritual Summon this card with "Chaos Form". This card's name becomes "Dark Magician" while on the field or in the GY. Once per turn, when a Spell/Trap Card or effect is activated (Quick Effect): You can target 1 card on the field; destroy it. If this Ritual Summoned card is destroyed by battle or card effect: You can Special Summon 1 "Chaos" or "Black Luster Soldier" Ritual Monster from your hand, except "Magician of Chaos", ignoring its Summoning conditions.





"Now my Dark Magical Circle's second effect activates when I summon Dark Magician, I can banish one card you control, and my Magician of Chaos becomes 'Dark Magician' when it's on the field or in my Graveyard. But that's not all, my Strength in Unity now activates, since I Ritual Summoned using Dark Magician, I can now banish a second card you control. So I'm banishing two of your monsters!"

"WHAT!!!" shouted Royal Pin as he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"So say adios to your Flower Cardian Moonflowerviewing and Flower Cardian Willow with Calligrapher!" stated the boy as with a snap of his fingers, they vanished.

"Next, I'll play Monster Reborn so that I can bring back my Dark Magician (2500/2100). Then activate my Enchantress of Melody's effect, so now I can roll a die and whatever number it lands on I can either increase or decrease a monster's level on my field by that amount." Isaac now had a die appear in his hand as his magician put her hand over his.

"Ready, Melody?"

The girl nodded to her master as they prepared to toss the die.

"Dice Roll!" shouted both of them as they tossed the die into the air as it spun and soon rolled around on the ground as it landed on a number. "Now I'll decrease my Melody's Level from 3 to 2 (Enchantress of Melody: Level 3 - 1 = 2). And with that, I'll now tune my Enchantress of Melody with my Dark Magician. And when I use Dark Magician as a Synchro Material, he counts as Level 6 instead of 7 (Dark Magician: Level 7 > 6). So now I tune my monsters together!" shouted Isaac as his female magician played her lyre and transformed into two giant green rings as they circled his other magician. "With the melodious mage and the mighty wizard, I unite them to create the one of the greatest magicians! I Synchro Summon, Level 8, Dark Sorcerer Magician!" Isaac now had his Synchro Monster as out came a spellcaster that had white hair and had garments that were dressed in an indigo/purple color scheme. It wielded a staff and was surrounded by bits of stardust and magical rune symbols.





Dark Sorcerer Magician
Attribute: DARK
Level: 8
Type: Spellcaster/Synchro/Effect
ATK: 2500
DEF: 2100
Effect: 1 Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner monsters
When this card is successfully Synchro Summoned: You can destroy 1 Spell/Trap on the field. If you use "Dark Magician" as a Synchro Material for this card, it counts as Level 6 instead of 7. When this card attacks an opponent's monster: That monster’s ATK becomes half its current ATK, and if it does, this card gains that lost ATK. When this card is destroyed, if you used "Dark Magician" as a Synchro Material: You can Special Summon that monster from your GY.





"I now play the second to last card in my hand, Dedication through Light and Darkness, so I'll tribute my Magician of Chaos so that I can summon my Dark Magician of Chaos."





Dark Magician of Chaos (anime)
Attribute: DARK
Level: 8
Type: Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 2800
DEF: 2600
Effect: When this card is Normal Summoned or Special Summoned successfully, you can add 1 Spell Card from your GY to your hand. A monster that is destroyed by this monster as a result of battle is banished instead of send to the GY.





"And when my Dark Magician of Chaos is summoned, I can then add a Spell card to my hand, so I choose my Monster Reborn, but I'll play it so that I can bring back my Magician of Chaos," said Isaac as he now had three monsters on his field.

"I now play the final card in my hand, Dark Magic Expanded. Now I can give a DARK Spellcaster on my field an extra 1,000 Attack Points this turn, so I choose my Magician of Chaos," said Isaac as his monster now had 3,500 Attack Points (Magician of Chaos: ATK 2500 + 1000 = 3500). "And now the effect of my Magician of Chaos activates, since a Spell, Trap, or effect is activated, I can target one card on the field and destroy it. So your last monster is gone!" stated the boy as he managed to clear out his opponent's field in one turn as he had more than enough firepower to win.

"No fair! I only had one turn!" stated Royal Pin as he couldn't believe he lost already.

"So now my magicians, combine your attacks and take out his Life Points!!" commanded the boy as his three monsters all put their staffs together as they created a huge beam of magical energy as it shot towards Royal Pin as he took a hard hit as it caused him to hit the ground (Royal Pin: 4,000 - 2,500 - 2,800 - 3,500 = 0 LP).

WINNER: Isaac
New Accomplishment Earned: Casual OTK
"Deal more than 4,000 damage to your opponent in one turn in Casual Duel Mode."

Once more, the duel ended.

"I'll take the ace," smirked Isaac.

Twilight, however, was in awe; never in all her life had she seen anyone who was able to utilize all of the known summoning methods in Duel Monsters. Sure, it all happened in the span of three duels, but that doesn't make it any less incredible, she had heard of very few people who knew how to accomplish such a feat, most of them were in tournaments on TV, but seeing it in action was something else. It made Twilight wonder what would happen if he used them all at once in one duel...

"Hey," spoke Twilight when her friend put up his hand once more.

Now all three of his opponents stood up as they reactivated their Duel Disks. Seems they had enough of the person who they thought was beneath them as they looked to put him in his place. They all stood in a line as they prepared to take him on at once. He just smiled as he reactivated his Duel Disk once more as the field changed for the last time.

"Time to take you down!" said Jet Set as he and his pals had enough disrespect from their foe.

"Bring it on," said the boy with not an ounce of worry.

"You can't duel 3 on 1. It's not fair," said Twilight to her pal.

"I got this. Just make sure to stay behind me," Isaac suggested to his friend as he then turned back to look at the trio in front of him.

"You should have listened to your 'girlfriend'. There's no way you're gonna take us down," taunted Upper Crust.

"I only need one move to beat you all," said the boy in a low tone.

He placed his hand on top of his deck as it flashed a special light. He drew his card as the entire room was now bathed in that light. It was so blinding that it caused Twilight to cover her eyes. It lasted for a bit as it slowly died down. Once that happened, Twilight blinked and was shocked by the sight that lay before her. All three of Isaac's opponents were laid on the ground unconscious as their Duel Disks registered their Life Points had dropped to zero.

WINNER: Isaac

For Isaac, he had his arm out as he closed his fist and put it down. For that split second, if you blinked, you would have missed it. But there was a special symbol that flashed within him. Like a number as the aura surrounded the boy in a golden light. It died down as the boy held his calm, demeanor as he finally took off his Duel Gazer and deactivated his Duel Disk.

"What did you..."

"Come with me," said the boy as he grabbed the girl's hand and began to lead his friend away.

Watching from afar, there was a person who had noticed the small struggle that went down between the five of them. Principal Cinch had been observing the individuals who made up her team as she was impressed by what she saw. Safe to say, she had almost pity for Canterlot High as the skills displayed by the four teens, especially Isaac, would most definitely give CHS a tough challenge. One that she was looking forward to with an evil smile and, unbeknownst to even her, one of her eyes shimmered with a mark that resembled the number 77...





The pair of friends made it back to Twilight's personal study in the school as Isaac managed to grab his backpack along the way. He let go of her hand and opened the door as he allowed his friend to enter with him following behind as the door closed.

The bookworm made it to her desk as she set her backpack down and sat in her chair. She took a deep breath before looking at her pal who was leaning against the door.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it," said the boy as he slid down the door and sat with his arm resting on his knee.

"I appreciate you standing up for me. And for not backing down."

"We're friends, Twilight. We look out for one another, especially in this environment. It's like how a lion hunts its prey. They don't go for the most crowded ones, they go for the ones that wander away from the rest of the pack. They corner it and then strike. That pack mentality, it's the way this works here in Crystal Prep. That's why to survive, you need to find someone who has your back. Someone you can count on, someone who you trust. Someone you can call a true friend. And to me...that's you." stated the boy as he looked at her with a genuine smile.

"I appreciate you sticking by, but...it just doesn't feel right. I mean, with your skills, you could easily gain popularity within the school. Students would flock to you and tell you how amazed they are by your talent. But yet, you associate yourself with me. I just feel like you could do better. I'm just holding you back and making people think you're not worth more than you really are. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I get what you're saying. Yeah, I could use my skills to improve my popularity within the school. Gain recognition, have fans, perhaps they think I would be a dueling protégé if I continued to polish my skills. But yet...would it all be real? People cling to the latest trends cause they want to be a part of the conversation, but what happens when the thing in style isn't all that anymore? What occurs? They move on to the next best thing and forget the previous thing ever existed. So say that would happen to me, I would lose popularity and all those 'supposed' loyal fans or people who claim to be my friends. They just up and leave me the second I was no longer able to provide them with amusement and entertainment. It's then, you realize who are your true supporters. The ones who stand by you through thick and thin. And no matter what, will always care about you, regardless of what others think. And so...I choose to be your friend, Twilight. 'Cause at the end of the day, I know you truly stand."

"I...I...thanks. It's nice to hear that from someone. And...I feel the same way. I'm glad I have someone who I can depend on. I just wished I didn't have to rely on you to always fight the battles that I can't handle. I wish I had your courage to stand my ground."

"Courage isn't something that comes with ease. It takes time and practice, but once you mastered that, you'll be unmovable, no matter how many times people try to tear you down. Besides, I kinda like saving you. Allows me a chance to duel, which I never turn down a challenge."

"Then I guess I need to get into trouble more often," joked the bookworm as the pair of friends let out a chuckle. "Thanks. I'm glad to be your friend."

"No problem. Now, mind helping me out with some assignments? I can handle math pretty well, but physics. That shit I don't get, especially when the teacher tries to explain it. But when you teach it, I...I get it." stated Isaac with a smile.

"Alright," responded Twilight.

The girl now made room on her desk as the boy got up from sitting up against the door and grabbed a chair. He sat down next to his friend as the girl began to tutor her pal. For a while, the pair were enjoying themselves as the whole time, Twilight had a smile on her face.

"So after that, it just becomes a simple limit question," stated Twilight as she pointed at the book.

"Of course! Then you just insert 3 as the x for the difference quotient and after simplifying, you find that the limit f'(3) as h approaches 0 is equal to...6." said Isaac as he wrote down his answer in his notebook and showed it to his friend.

"You got it. Now, how about this problem?" asked Twilight as she wanted to test the boy's knowledge.

"Easy, so here you would use integration by parts," said Isaac as he began to work on the problem in front of the girl. "First, you set this part of the integral equal to u, and then take its derivative..."

And so it went on as the pair had finished all their assignments with tons of time to spare.

"Finished," sighed Isaac as he leaned back and stretched his limbs. "it feels very relieving."

"Isn't it?" smirked Twilight to her friend.

"Well, it helps that I have a wonderful tutor," said the boy as he looked at the bookworm.

"Oh, I'm not that wonderful," said Twilight blushing at the compliment as she twirled a piece of her hair with her finger.

"Anyone tell you you're kinda cute when being given a compliment. Not to mention adorkable," stated Isaac as he continued to tease his friend which worked as Twilight blushed a bit more.

"Now it's my turn to teach you."

"What do you mean?" asked Twilight.

"I mean since the Friendship Games are coming up and we're both on the team. Why not practice with each other outside of school, like a private lesson? I mean, I know you're smart and skillful when it comes to the game and wielding your own deck. But maybe, there are some tips that I can give you?"

"That's...a great idea," said the girl as she pulled out her deck of cards and placed them on the table.

The pair now sat on opposite ends of the table as they looked at one another.

"Just know, because you're my friend, I'm not gonna go easy on you."

"Wouldn't want you to. Besides, as you said, I'm quite skillful when it comes to playing," said Twilight with a hint of flirting in her tone.

"Now you got my attention," responded the boy back with his own flirt.

The pair now began to enjoy themselves with the games they played. It was getting late as soon everybody left. The two close friends were looking forward to continuing their lessons with one another. Isaac was now in his room as he had a card in his hand. It was the same one that was shown in the flash of light. The boy held the card as it was speaking to him, calling out.

"You really care for that girl, huh?" spoke a feminine voice.

"Of course, she's my friend. I would do anything for her. She was the first one at Crystal Prep to make me feel welcome and not treat me like an outliner like everybody else. So I choose to be her friend in return, and so what, people think we don't belong here. I don't care, 'cause as long as I have a friend in my life who I can count on, that's worth it. As long as I get to see Twilight smile, that's all I need for my world to brighten."

"Such dedication and admiration for a companion, let alone a girl. Truly remarkable. And it's why the power hasn't fully taken over you. Your bond and love for her keep it at bay. Yet it's that undying loyalty to your friend, that I have come to admire. This is why I haven't pressured you into unlocking my full power."

"I don't need any superpower to make her happy. I'm just glad to keep her safe when I can. Plus, Twilight's tougher than she looks."

"Still, should the situation arise? I will lend you my full power to use. But be warned, once you make the decision, it will be near impossible for you to control. I will take over, and I will pass judgment as fit. Are you willing to live with what might happen?"

Isaac took a deep breath as he was pondering what the card was telling him. He saw the kind of power it could give him as demonstrated when he took out all three of his teammates at once. But to use such power would come at a price. A price he would have to pay, but would he use it, if something bad were to happen to his friend and the girl he cared about the most.

"Yes," responded the boy as he looked ahead to see his Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl as their spirits appeared for a second to look at their master.

"Then it shall be here. All you need to do is call upon me and I will be the judge, jury, and executioner." spoke the Number.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," said the boy cracking a small smile.

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

"Who's to say I'm not?" countered the boy.

"Heh. Now I know why I chose you as my vessel. I like you." said the card as it flashed a light as the number 30 appeared on the boy's hand for a second and disappeared.






Meanwhile...


Day. Night. Duel in. Duel out. Lather, rinse, repeat. That had been the process of two Crystal Prep students whom of which had finished their late-night Dueling sessions with random people on the street. Yes, it was unbecoming of young women of their stature, but they didn't care, they didn't just want to be in the Friendship Games, they wanted to dominate them AND Canterlot High. And with the new powers they've gained, they knew they'll do just that. Lemon Zest tried so hard to keep her usual music-loving self present on the outside, but inside she didn't care about her loud-ass music anymore, she was almighty now...well, aside from her Dueling partner. Indigo Zap had been Dueling as much as she played her sports, but the anticipation of Dueling was eating away at her sanity as she couldn't find that rush she got from soccer or basketball or any other sport anymore, no, she found a new rush when she found that card...just thinking about her first time with it made her skin tingle as she shuddered in ecstasy.

But what they didn't know was that their newfound powers were corrupting them as marks appeared on Lemon's right bicep, the number 34, and the left side of Indigo's collarbone, the number 39...






Crystal Prep Academy
3rd Person POV
2 Hours Before Friendship Games


The days rolled by as the Friendship Games were drawing near. Each day the team to represent Crystal Prep was hard at work. Training for hours on end, trying to push themselves, elevate to achieve that next level. With the private lessons Isaac and Twilight had with each other, they too were getting stronger as they didn't want to let their school or the rest of their teammates think they were the weak links. And so, they practice, and practice, and practice every second they could. But as much as it was training, it was also a nice way for them to hang out with one another as they were doing an activity with the person with who they had a close bond.

It was a bright, warm day as the sounds of kids and people could be heard in the park. Sitting on a stone wall was Twilight, however, she wasn't wearing her Crystal Prep uniform. Her appearance also was a bit different. Instead of her usual bun style, the girl had put her hair in a ponytail and wore a polo sky blue striped purple with white-collar, a pink bow, and a purple pocket shirt with pink six-sided sparkle surrounded by five smaller white sparkles. She also wore white sparkle short socks and purple dress leather heeled shoes with pink laces. Yet, she still kept her signature glasses on.

The girl was sitting on the stone wall with her legs swinging below her as she had her deck in her hand. She was looking at it as the Friendship Games was right there.

"Well, we've done all we can to prepare. The only thing left in this science experiment is to go out and do our best."

"Don't forget, try to win," spoke Isaac.

The boy was with his friend as he was next to her lying down on the stone wall. He had his hands behind his head as he was staring up at the clouds that passed by. Like the girl, he too wasn't in his uniform as he wore an unzipped hoodie which was colored black, with silver pauldron-like additions to his sleeve and white lining. His undershirt was navy blue with a red patch in the center. His pants, similar to chaps, colored black on the outside, and navy blue on the inside, lined with silver-white edging. His pants were held together with a dark blue belt with a silver belt buckle. The pants also had a red pocket. Gloves were fingerless with them being black and yellow and having a grey shape in the center.

"But, don't forget to have fun. I mean, whoever we face from Canterlot High may be our opponents on the field. But who's to say we can't be friends off the Dueling field? Either way, I'm looking to have fun. Despite Principal Cinch saying that we need to show no compassion for our enemies; I'm willing to give them respect if they can challenge and push me to my limits."

"Well, hopefully, we do win."

"Yeah," smiled Isaac as he shifted his way to look at his friend. "Hey, Twilight?"

"Yeah?"

"Uh, uh, after the Friendship Games and if we win. How about me and you go celebrate? You know, just the two of us? Maybe...dinner and...a movie? If you're down for it?" asked the boy as he was a bit nervous saying this to his friend.

"Oh..." said Twilight as she looked away to not let her friend see she was turning red. "You mean...like...a d-d-da...hang out?"

"Yeah, that's...exactly what I mean," said the boy as he too shifted his eyes to his side as he blushed. "A hangout. Just...a normal hang out with two normal friends. Best friends. Nothing more, right?"

"Right," replied Twilight.

"Right," responded Isaac.

"Yeah."

"Yeah."

"Friends."

"Friends."

"Best friends," said both in unison as they were now both turning the biggest shade of red possible as they were flustered. Both looked away as they were trying to think of what to say in this awkward situation.

"So?" spoke Isaac trying to break the silence that was between them.

"I...I would like that," said the girl as she looked at her friend with a smile while retaining her blush.

"Okay," smiled the boy as he saw the expression on his friend's face as he too still had some red on him when he answered.

He then sat up as he rested his arm on his knee and looked at the girl. He brought his pinky finger up as she did the same. The pair then hooked their fingers as they looked at one another as they were determined about competing in the Friendship Games and showing everyone just what they can do.

Just as they let go, the two noticed the CPA bus cruised by park and to the bus stop where the other Crystal Prep students were waiting, they too were dressed casually, but in their own, rich kid way. Knowing that it was almost time, they turned to each other with determination in their eyes and hearts.

"Let's go win this thing," spoke Isaac.

"Absolutely," responded Twilight with a determined face.

With that said, they got off the stone wall and hurried to the bus before it left, ready to show both schools what they're made of.