//------------------------------// // 1 VS 3 // Story: An Equestrian Element // by Quillion9000 //------------------------------// CHS: Classroom, Day… Flash and the CMC found an empty classroom before rearranging the desk to allow all of them to see one another. The four duelists then took a seat and placed their decks on their respective desk ready to begin. “The rules are simple.” Flash stated. “You three will go up against me, and we’ll each have 2000 life points. Beyond that, all the usual rules apply.” “Let’s duel!” (Flash Sentry 2000/Sweetie Bell, Scootaloo, & Apple Bloom 2000) “Considering you three wanted me to be your teacher, I’ll take the first move.” Flash drew. “I’ll begin with something new I’ve added to this deck, the field spell Clock Tower Prison. This card has some abilities I’ll explain as they become relevant. For now, I activate D-Spirit. Since I control no Destiny Heroes, this card lets me special summon a Level 4 or lower Destiny Hero from my hand, and I choose one of my favorites Destiny Hero-Diamond Dude(LV 4/1400/1600).” A dark hero with a diamond motive was depicted. “Whoa, he’s really not taking this duel slow at all.” Scootaloo commented. “First lesson in dueling.” Flash declared. “You got to know when to conserve. It all depends on who your opponents are and what hand you’re dealt. Speaking of that, my turn isn’t over yet. I now activate Diamond Dude’s effect. I reveal the top card of my deck. If it’s a spell card, I send it to the grave and use that effect the next time my 1st main phase comes around. Anything else goes to the bottom of the deck.” He flipped the card revealing the spell Misfortune, so Flash put it in his grave. “Now, I summon Destiny HERO - Dread Servant(LV 400/700).” A dark hero in dark armor was depicted. “When this monster is normal summoned, this card adds a Clock Counter to my field spell. I’ll then finish by setting two cards, so it’s the next duelist’s turn.” The members of the CMC looked at each other as they were trying to decide who should go next; however, two of the members could agree on one thing. “Alright, guess I’ll…” Apple Bloom began. “I’ll take the next turn.” Sweetie Bell interrupted. “Sweetie Bell?” Apple Bloom asked confused. “Don’t be surprised Apple Bloom.” Scootaloo nodded. “You’re the better duelist out of the three of us, so putting you last gives us the best chance to show what we’re capable of.” She smiled. “Sweetie Bell simply beat me to the punch on going next.” “Don’t be surprised, Scoots.” Sweetie Bell grinned. “I simply jumped in before you would have.” She drew. “Regardless, it’s time to play.” “On your Stand-By Phase, my Clock Tower Prison adds another counter to itself bringing its total to 2.” Flash declared. “Alright, I’ll continue my turn and summon Mermail Abysslinde(LV 3/1500/1200). A female mermaid with red armor was depicted. “I’ll then activate Zero Blade. With this, I can target Abysslinde, and they can attack twice this turn. Also, your face up monsters lose 1000 ATK.” Destiny Hero-Diamond Dude(LV 4/400/1600 effect) Destiny HERO - Dread Servant(LV 0/700 effect) “I activate my first face down D-Fusion.” Flash countered. “This trap allows me to use Destiny Hero monsters I control as fusion material. As a bonus, the monster summoned can’t be destroyed by battle or card effect this turn. I now combine Diamond Dude with Dread Servant. Fusion summon Destiny Hero-Dystopia(LV 8/2800/2400).” A dark hero in blue and gold attire was depicted. “When he’s special summoned, I can target any Level 4 or lower Destiny Hero monster in my grave. Then, I deal damage to my opponent equal to that monster’s ATK.” “That’s not good!” Sweetie Bell/Scootaloo exclaimed in shock. “Don’t worry girls because I got us.” Apple Bloom interrupted. “By sending Clear Kuriboh from my hand to the grave, this card negates an effect that would deal damage to us.” “Not bad.” Flash nodded. “Proceed with your turn Sweetie Bell.” “All I can do is set one card and end my turn.” Sweetie Bell declared. “You’re move Scootaloo.” “Alright, it’s my turn.” Scootaloo drew. “On your turn, my Clock Tower Prison gains its third counter.” Flash informed. “Does that mean anything, or is it like the prior two times it gained a counter?” Scootaloo asked. “When the effect matters, I’ll bring it up.” Flash informed. “For now, you can proceed with your turn.” “I’ll activate Vendread Origins.” Scootaloo decided there was no use in trying to pry information, so she’d just do as he said. “Thanks to this, I can Ritual Summon any Vendread Ritual Monster by using cards from my hand or field. This ritual would also allow me to banish Zombie monsters from my grave, but I have nothing currently. “So, I’ll use the Level 8 Alghoul Mazera from my hand as the full recruitment. Ritual Summon Revendread Executor(LV 8/3000/0).” A red and grey armored monster was depicted. “Nice one Scoots.” Sweetie praised. “Yeah, that’s some power.” Apple Bloom added. “Just wait because I’m not done yet.” Scootaloo declared. “I activate Axe of Despair which will power up my Revendread Executor(LV 8/4000/0 effect) by a thousand ATK. He’ll now destroy Dystopia (Flash Sentry 800/S, S, & A 2000).” “I activate Call of the Haunted.” Flash declared. “Thanks to this, I can target and revive any monster in my grave. I choose Destiny Hero-Dystopia(LV 8/2800/2400). Since he was special summoned, I can target a monster, and I choose Destiny Hero-Diamond Dude(ATK 1400).” (Flash Sentry 800/S, S, & A 600).” “No wonder he can compete against our sisters.” Apple Bloom thought impressed. “Every time it looks like we might get the advantage, he keeps fighting back.” Scootaloo thought. “It hasn’t been his turn for two turns, yet he keeps going.” Sweetie Bell thought. “If that’s all, I believe it is Apple Bloom’s turn.” Flash spoke up. “Yeah, I got nothing left to play.” Scootaloo could summon a monster, but it didn’t seem smart when her strongest was already on the field. “You’re turn Apple Bloom.” “Alright, my move!” Apple Bloom drew. Flash now grinned. “With that, my card gets its fourth counter, and its effect is active.” This grabbed the girls’ attention. “It does me little good to reveal its effect now, but I’m certain it’ll be pertinent to reveal it soon.” “Okay, that does it!” Scootaloo declared frustrated. “Apple Bloom, please do something to activate that field spell, so we can finally know what it does.” “Agreed.” Sweetie added. “Alright girls, leave it to me.” Apple Bloom declared. “I’ll start by summoning Goblindbergh(LV 4/1400/0).” A goblin in a plane was depicted on the card. “Thanks to this card, I can special summon any level four or lower monster from my hand. The monster I choose is Rose, Warrior of Revenge(LV 4/1600/600).” A female in black attire with red hair appeared. “Now, Rose will give Goblindbergh a tune up to synchro for 8. Time to bring out my ace. Synchro summon Colossal Fighter(LV 8/2800/1000).” A large, white, and hulking figure was depicted on the card. “His first effect grants him 100 more ATK for every Warrior monster in any grave, and I count four total.” Colossal Fighter(LV 8/3200/1000 effect).” “For as strong as he is, your fighter is still four hundred points too weak to finish me.” Flash declared. “He doesn’t have to be because I have the equip spell Magnum Shield which grants any Warrior monster ATK equal to their DEF or vice versa depending on battle position. Since Colossal Fighter(LV 8/4200/1000 effect) is in ATK mode, he gains ATK equal to his DEF. Now, end this duel by destroying Flash’s Dystopia.” “That allows my field spell’s first effect to be shown off.” Flash declared. “While this card has four Clock Counters, I take no battle damage.” The three CMC members were shocked. “Of course, Dystopia is still destroyed, so there is that.” “With nothing else; I’ll set one card and end my turn.” Apple Bloom stated. “Your move, Flash.” “I draw!” Flash drew. “I now activate Mystical Space Typhoon which allows me to destroy any spell/trap card on the field, and I’m using it to destroy my own Clock Tower Prison.” “What!?” Sweetie Bell exclaimed shocked like the others. “Why would you destroy your own field spell?” Apple Bloom asked. “It’s to utilize its second effect.” Flash informed. “Whenever Clock Tower Prison is destroyed with four or more Clock Counters, I’m allowed to special summon a Destiny Hero-Dreadmaster(LV 8/?/?) from my hand or deck.” Flash retrieved the monster from his deck and played it which depicted a hulking, muscular hero. “Wait, your monster’s ATK/DEF are question marks.” Scootaloo voiced. “What does that mean?” “All will be explained.” Flash declared. “Firstly, if he’s special summoned by Clock Tower Prison, any potential, non-Destiny Heroes I control are destroyed. Regardless of what I control when he hits the field this way, I’m allowed to special summon 2 Destiny Heroes from the grave. Welcome back Destiny Hero-Diamond Dude(LV 4/1400/1600) and Destiny Hero-Dystopia(LV 8/2800/2400). While I could use Dystopia’s effect. It would hardly be worth it as I’m able to win with what I currently have.” “How exactly do you intend to win this turn?” Apple Bloom asked genuinely curious. “I have my ways, and the way I’ll win is rather simple.” Flash explained. “Still, I really want this to sink in. That’s the reason I’m going as far as I am this turn.” Destiny Hero-Dreadmaster(LV 8/4200/4200 effect). “First, Dreadmaster’s ATK/DEF is equal to the combined ATK of all Destiny Hero monsters I control. Next, I utilize the spell card Diamond Dude pitched through his effect on my first turn which was my Misfortune. This card allows me to target any monster my opponent controls and deal them damage equal to half that monster’s Original ATK. By targeting Apple Bloom’s own Colossal Fighter, I deal each of you 1400 life points of damage.” (Flash Sentry 800/S, S, & A 0) “He beat us without ever attacking.” Sweetie Bell stated wide eyed. “Actually, he beat us while dealing most of the damage out of his own turn.” Scootaloo corrected. “Yeah, he couldn’t have even attacked until his second turn’s Battle Phase.” Apple Bloom added. The CMC looked from Flash to each other before grinning. “We picked the right teacher!” Despite how everyone reacted to the truth of the situation, it didn’t change what these three did as Anon-a-Miss. Even though Flash recognized the truth of the situation, that everyone had their parts to play in what happened to Sunset, he still felt compelled to say something. “Alright you three, I want you to look at and listen to me.” Flash stated which did get their attention. "I just wanted to say my piece on Anon-a-Miss. After this, I won’t bring it up myself, but what I do have to say is that you were lucky. What you did was drive school apart and really hurt someone. Even if that someone was Sunset Shimmer, that’s no excuse. Not for what you did nor how anyone here treated her. I got to know why’d you do it?” The CMC looked at each other sadly before staring at the teen. "We were stupid, scared, and jealous." Sweetie Bell stated. “After everything Sunset did, it felt like she was getting off too easy with our sisters.” Scootaloo continued. “Then, they started spending more and more time with her.” “We felt left out, so we formed Anon-a-Miss to hurt Sunset like she once hurt this school. We were also aiming to get our sisters to spend time with us more. It wasn’t until the end, the day Sunset would leave, that we realized she had genuinely changed.” Apple Bloom finished. “I see.” Flash sighed as he crossed his arms. “Well, I think there’s something we’ve all learned from this whole mess. It’s that none of us were the people we’d have wanted to be. You three did this, almost everyone started turning on each other, and then there’s those who did trust Sunset. To my knowledge, none of us approached Sunset to offer a hand.” This got the girl’s attention. “While I know people like Derpy and Vinyl believed Sunset wasn’t Anon-a-Miss, I knew it couldn’t have been her.” “What are you saying?” Apple Bloom inquired curious. “All that time I spent dating Sunset told me more than enough.” Flash sighed again. “What you three did just wasn’t Sunset’s style. She was manipulative and controlling while you tried to sell someone more overt. I guess I’m in the same boat as you three. After everything Sunset did to me, I felt content to see her being put through that. Looking back, I feel sick to my stomach, every time, that I felt that way. I wasn’t the guy I wanted to be, and I regret my inaction. Ultimately, I’m thankful you three did show me that side of myself because it tells me I have a lot of work to do on becoming the man I want to be. It also helped me truly forgive Sunset for everything because it seems I wasn’t all that dissimilar from her in certain aspects.” He looked at the three middle schoolers who were all shocked. “Look, no matter what you think, I assure you the whole school is in the same boat. No matter what you believe they think about you, I can guarantee your families still love you to. Hatting you three over this, even with as little as I do know on all of them, isn’t them. All you’ve done is disappoint them and lost their trust. In the end, those are things you can regain, and I know you will because you three are good kids who just made a mistake.” The CMC’s eyes started to water, but their smiles indicated they weren’t saddened by his words. All three of them rushed to hug the rocker which was an equally positive sign. Eventually, they all parted from the hug as the bell rang. “Well, you three will have your work cut out for you.” Flash stood up and walked towards the door. “Honestly, working towards this chance to apologize to Sunset is a noble goal, so we need to talk with your families about this. I’m not even sure how they feel about you dueling right now, but I promise I’ll do what I can to help you get them on board with this.” He opened the door. “For now, you three should focus on fine tuning your decks.” “We will.” The girls nodded. Flash nodded before walking out into the hall. France: Hotel, Middle of the Night… A 24-year-old young man, with the muscular build of a fighter, was currently sleeping in an average room. He had short red and orange fiery hair. The room itself was rather sparse with a bed, T.V., nightstand, bathroom, and nearby balcony. A single duffle bag was set up against a wall, and a phone sat charging next to the bed. Said phone began ringing, but before it ended, the guy turned his head while opening his eyes revealing he had heterochromia. One eye was light blue while the other was white. “I swear this better be an emergency.” The guy thought before glancing at the number only to see that it was under Soren’s name. “Scratch that. This better be an emergency, or I’m finding a new agent.” “Helios, I think this is your sister.” That snapped Helios awake as he bolted to a sitting position revealing he had been wearing a white tank top with black sweatpants to bed. As he looked at the message, he noticed a link and immediately clicked on it. What he saw was a video of Duelist Kingdom’s opening ceremony. There were many duelists, but the section of video wasted little time in zeroing on a teenage girl with long red and yellow hair, light blue eyes, and a punk looking outfit. This led to Helios writing his own message back. “Soren, I don’t care what it takes. Find out where that duelist comes from, and the moment you do, I don’t care what’s planned, get me there.” Helios then put his phone on the nightstand. “If it is her, things won’t go like last time.” He clenched his fist over his pants. “This time, I’m strong enough to protect her.” Duelist Kingdom: Meadow, Day… All the duelists had dispersed when the allotted time was up, and the gang had left as well before stopping off in a meadow. “I’ve been thinking, and I’m not sure I can win this thing.” Joey looked from his glove to Yugi and Sunset. “Maybe you two should take my star chips. This way, you’ll be one step closer.” “Nah, you keep them, Joey.” Yugi smiled. “We’ve all already agreed to help each other with what we need to accomplish, so all that’s left is for the three of us to get the needed star chips. Then, we’ll all enter that castle together.” “Plus, you’re out of your mind if you think I’m going to let you simply give away your star chips just like that.” Sunset crossed her arms. “I won you entry into this, so the least you can do is give it your all.” Joey knew they both had faith in him, and these were just their respective ways of showing it. “Thanks.” “You just got to steer clear of the more experienced duelist.” Tea stated. “Yeah, your mistake was taking on Weevil right after Mr. Muto’s training.” Tristan added. “What you should have done, and should do now, is work your way up to duelist like him.” “Alright, no more doubts!” Joey smiled before looking at Sunset. “Oh yeah, what are you here for Sunset?” The Hero user looked at him. “I mean, I know you happened to get invited and came to help Yugi. Plus, you’ve agreed to help me with my sister.” “Yeah, that’s a good point.” Yugi added. “What do you want to achieve that we can help you with?” “Hm.” Sunset scratched her cheek. “I haven’t really thought about it, but I guess I want to hone my dueling skills.” “Considering the talent, that aren’t jerks, I’m sure you’ll have ample opportunities to improve.” Tea assured. “All of this is well and good, but what exactly is the plan?” Tristan asked. “I know we’ve just discussed Joey working his way up, but what about you and Yugi. Like, how are you guys going to get your star chips?” “I’m hoping to run into Blue Blood.” Yugi stated firmly. “He and I have a score to settle.” “While I know he and Weevil already have you and Joey as opponents, I wouldn’t mind taking a crack at either of them.” Sunset declared firmly while Tea was looking off in the distance wide eyed. “No one messes with any of you even if I’m… Tea?” “Sorry Sunset, but I want to know if any of you can see that!?” Tea declared while pointing. Everyone looked and went wide eyed themselves as they saw two, colossal monsters rise past the tree line. They looked like machine dragon. The first was black, silver, and light blue. The second was black, light blue, and copper while also seeming a bit bulkier. Duel Field Blue Blood was currently facing three duelist on a duel field designed to allow multiple opponents on each side. (Blue Blood 6000/Duelist 1, 2, & 3 2000) Blue Blood’s Field 1 card in hand Drytron Meteonis Quadrantids(LV 12/4000/4000) Drytron Meteonis Draconids(LV 12/4000/4000) Duelist 1’s Feld 3 cards in hand Alexandrite Dragon(LV 4/2000/100) Duelist 2’s Field 4 cards in hand Rabidragon(LV 8/2950/2900) Duelist 3’s Field 2 cards in hand Luster Dragon #2(LV6/2400/1400) “He just summoned two behemoth Ritual Monsters and wiped out our defenses!” “What did we get ourselves into!?” “Don’t panic because we’re not finished yet!” “Oh, I assure you that this turn is very much the end.” Blue Blood declared. “Especially since I’m activating Card of Sanctity meaning we all draw until we have six cards in hand. Perfect. I activate Drytron Generator. I can use this spell to special summon Drytron Token(LV 1/0/0)s to my opponents field. The number is simply determined by how many life points I wish to give up in intervals of five hundred, so I’ll use 1500 life points to give each of you one token (Blue Blood 4500). Here’s an interesting fact. Just as Quadrantids cleared out your spell/trap cards, Draconids has his own effect that activates provided the total levels of monsters used to summon him was two or below. He can attack all special summoned monsters my opponent controls.” “That means…” “…the tokens count…” “…We lost!” “Yes, you have.” Blue Blood stated matter of flatly. “Draconids, wipe out their tokens with Wide Scale Bombardment!” Light blue spheres ascended into the air before raining down on the tokens and detonating powerfully wiping the monsters out (Blue Blood 4500/Duelist 1, 2, & 3 0). Blue Blood then approached the duelists and secured all their star chips bringing him up to eight total. “Sorry, but thems the breaks gentlemen.” He walked away. “Adieu.” Path The gang had been running in the direction of the monsters even after they vanished; however, they now stopped as they crested a hill because there was Blue Blood casually walking down the very same path they were on. “Well, this is a rather fortunate meeting I should take full advantage of.” Blue Blood thought pleased. “Blue Blood…” Yugi firmed himself up. “Blue Blood, I challenge you to a duel!” “Counter offer!” Blue Blood yelled as he held up his gauntlet displaying, to the shock of everyone, that he had eight-star chips already. “I’ll take you and Sunset Shimmer on where we’ll wager four total star chips each.” “Whoa, he’s already two-star chips from entering the castle!” Tristan exclaimed shocked. “He must be some duelist.” Tea added. “Eh, why would they wager their star chips and risk losin’ their place to you!?” Joey yelled. “It’s quite simple.” Blue Blood drew closer to the group before taking out Joey’s first deck and fanning it out. “I have your deck, and I’ll return, along with the information on what happened to Exodia, provided they duel with the number of star chips I want.” “So, you know we knew you hadn’t really thrown them to the water?” Yugi asked. “Oh, I didn’t.” Blue smirked. “Thanks to you, I’ve confirmed that.” “What about Joey’s deck?” Sunset asked. “Last we heard from him, Weevil had it.” “He acquired this deck for me in exchange for some rare cards.” Blue Blood chuckled. “A simple exchange as it were. “Er.” Yugi shook his head. “Alright, I’ll agree because it’s time you answer for what you did on the boat.” His Millennium Puzzle glowed as he changed. “Time to find out just how good you really are.” “Same here.” Sunset declared firmly. “If you want to take us both on, you got it.” “Glad we’re all in agreement then!” Blue Blood shouted. Suddenly, the ground began to tremble. “It’s an earthquake!” Tristan shouted. “What have you done?” Yugi questioned. Eventually, the shaking stopped as the ground nearby opened wide letting out a duel arena. “Whoa, that’s something else.” Sunset commented. “These arenas must be set up all over the island.” Joey added. “I’ll take the red side while you two can have the blue side.” Blue Blood started walking. “May the best duelist win.” He grinned. “Realistically, I know you two will win considering what I’ll be using against you, so in reality I should say let me see your capabilities.”