//------------------------------// // Four Way Duel // Story: An Equestrian Element // by Quillion9000 //------------------------------// Duelist Kingdom: Meadow Joey and Thunder were now standing across from each other with the later handing over the agreed upon star chip. “You’re one heck of a duelist, Joey.” He nodded. “I sure hope I end up seeing you at Pegasus’ castle.” Joey put the star chip in his gauntlet bringing him to three total chips. “I’m actually hoping you make it to that castle to.” He grinned. “I wouldn’t mind dueling you again. Honestly, even if you don’t, I wouldn’t mind dueling you anywhere or time.” The gang and Arctic stood off to the side with smiles at the good sportsmanship these two seemed to have. “Considering those two just had a spirited duel, I think I want to get in on the action.” Arctic decided to turn his attention to Sunset. “What do you say to being my opponent?” “You want to duel me?” Sunset asked. The Elemental Hero user wasn’t against this; however, she assumed everyone would want to challenge Yugi, and she’d just have to challenge others like Joey. Obviously Blue Blood did challenge her and Yugi, but he seemed to have ulterior motives. “Of course, I want to duel you.” Arctic declared. “I’ve always wanted to duel someone who understands what it’s like choosing the decks we have. I believe by dueling you, I’ll come to a better understanding of myself.” “When he puts it that way, I think it sounds like a great idea.” Yugi commented with a smile. “Anything he could manage to learn about himself would at least somewhat apply to Sunset considering the similarities in how their chosen decks affected them as duelists.” “That is a compelling point, and I’d like to think of myself as someone who doesn’t back away from a challenge.” Sunset smiled. “Alright, I’ll…” “Hold it right there.” Mai declared as she walked over to everyone now with four star chips in her gauntlet. “If anyone is going to duel Sunset next, then it’s going to be me.” Tea liked the sound of having Mai far away from Yugi, so she ended up leaning in close to Sunset. “Do me a favor Sunset.” The Hero user looked to her friend and was surprised by how intense she seemed. “Knock her out of the competition and off the island.” Before Sunset could speak up, Arctic interjected himself in between the two of them. “Get in line lady.” He crossed his arms. “I just challenged Sunset to a duel, so you can take her on after me.” “This has been building up between her and I since we first met on the ship here.” Mai retorted. “Why don’t you step aside, and I’ll give you a kiss on the cheek?” Joey blushed at that. “If I step aside, could I get that?” “Joey, I am now seriously concerned you will throw the duel should you ever duel her now.” Sunset declared frustrated. “I don’t care about any offer like that.” Arctic returned. “I came to Duelist Kingdom to duel, so that’s what I intend to do. At this point, I might just insist you have to duel me for even trying something like that. Let alone if you want to duel Sunset before I do.” “I’ll have you know I’m breaking my motto of taking out the weakest first just to duel her.” Mai retorted. “Wait right there, Mai Valentine!” A rather commanding, masculine voice declared. “If you’re dueling anyone next, it’ll be me!” A tall, young man with raspberry red hair in a pompadour, matching eyes, and a slightly tanned complexion approached the group. His attire consists of a grey t-shirt underneath a long, black blazer he wore draped over his shoulder, and matching, loose fitting pants. “Who’s that guy?” Joey asked. “Beats me.” Mai returned. “It’s understandable you wouldn’t know me; however, you defeated my best bud to get those star chips.” The guy crossed his arms. “When you lose all your star chips, you get kicked off the island.” “What, you’re here to get revenge for your friend?” Mai asked. “Heh, I’m not petty. We entered this tournament accepting that we may lose. That’s life.” The guy retorted. “I’m here to duel you precisely because you beat my bud. My name is Mektaveus Armaldo, and my goal with this game is to duel the best duelists I can find.” “If that guy in similar attire was his friend, then he must be an easy duelist, but…” Mai looked away from him. “I don’t care who you or this other guy want to duel.” She focused squarely on Sunset. “She’s the next person I’ll duel. End of story.” “Like I’ve told you, I’m her next opponent.” Arctic declared firmly. “If you want to duel her, then you’ll have to beat me.” “Hold on a second, Mai is my next opponent.” Mektaveus declared firmly. “If you want to duel her, then you’ll have to duel me first!” “I’m hoping this is it for people jumping in because I’m starting to get lost on who wants to duel who here.” Tristan commented. “Huh, I’ve actually never seen big bro this serious about a duel before.” Thunder commented. “He must really want to duel Sunset.” The three of them, Arctic, Mai, and Mektaveus, were constantly going around in circles with no one being able to agree on who should duel who first. As for Sunset, she saw a simple solution on how everyone could duel the person they wanted while she got to duel strong duelists. “Listen to me!” The Hero user had stepped between all three of them. “Arctic and Mai want to duel me; however, they won’t allow the other to go before them, Mektaveus wants to duel Mai, and I don’t care who I duel. That’s why I suggest a four way duel.” “Just how do you propose we do that when none of these duel fields are set up for such a duel?” Mai asked. “The closest I’ve seen was that tag dueling one back near the forest, but at best it’s set up for one duelist against two who are working together.” “If all we need is a field meant for a four-way duel, then I saw one of those not too far from here.” Mektaveus supplied. “Before I agree to anything, what even are the stakes going to be?” Arctic asked. “We all have four star chips so we’ll put up half of that each meaning eight total star chips.” Sunset replied. “Winner gets to decide how they are divided. They could keep them all, give them back, or any other combination the winner can think of.” “I’m in!” Mektaveus declared with a huge grin. “A duel like this sounds right up my ally, and it’s the perfect one to enter the castle on.” “Taking on three opponents at once completely goes against my motto.” Mai turned a firm look at Sunset. “Even so, something about that girl makes me want to duel her.” She crossed her arms. “If it means I get my shot at you, I’ll agree.” “It’s certainly an interesting proposal.” Arctic smiled. “Count me in.” “Obviously, I suggested this, so I’m in.” Sunset declared. “Lead the way to this duel arena Mektaveus.” Everyone began following the guy. “Oh man, this is unfair.” Joey declared. “I want to participate.” “I don’t know if you should.” Thunder stated. “In the short time these four have been together, the intensity between them became palpable. Personally, I’d like a little more experience before getting into a duel like they’re about to.” “Joey could probably use more of that as well.” Tristan commented. “After all, he does only have three star chips now.” “Eh, that’s three more than you have.” Joey respnded. “True, but I’m not competing.” Tristan returned. “Guys, what are you even trying to accomplish?” Tea asked. “Uh, we’re not sure.” Joey/Tristan replied. “Sunset, for as much as I believe you’re weighing Yugi down, I’m fairly certain those three are weighing you and him down more.” Mai commented. “Think whatever you want Mai.” Sunset retorted firmly. “The simple fact is you know nothing about me, nor what all four of them, not just Yugi, have done for me.” “Heh, maybe you really are the one weighing all of them down then.” Mai countered. “See, now I’m starting to take some offense with you.” Mektaveus commented with a hint of anger. “Just from the short time I’ve seen them, these five seem like good buds. In my opinion, you can never go wrong with having your buds around.” “Couldn’t have said it better myself.” Arctic stated. “In fact, why are you determined to bring someone down?” “Hm, I’m not quite sure myself.” Mai commented. “We were a little catty to each other on that boat, but this feels like more than that. All I know is that I really want to beat her.” “Honestly, same for me.” Sunset returned. “I can’t explain it, but I’ve wanted to defeat you ever since we met.” “Maybe you two felt like the other was someone who could rival you.” Yugi stated. “As if she could rival me.” Mai commented. “We’ll just have to see, Mai.” Sunset retorted. Hill So, the group made it to the arena which was set up for a four way duel. Sunset, Arctic, Mektaveus, and Mai each took their place on their respective platforms. As they rose above the arena, Yugi, Tea, Joey, Tristan, and Thunder all stood off to the side ready to watch. “Let’s Duel!” Sunset: 2000 Arctic: 2000 Mai: 2000 Mektaveus: 2000 “Alright, how do we determine the turn order?” Mektaveus asked. “I have a way; however, let’s agree right now that none of us can attack until one full rotation has gone through.” Arctic declared and received nods in return. “Alright, I’m thinking of a number between one and ten. Whoever is the closest goes first.” “I choose 8.” Sunset declared. “I’ll choose 4.” Mektaveus stated. “I want number 1.” Mai confirmed. “The number I had selected was 8 meaning the turn order is confirmed.” Arctic declared. “It’ll go Sunset, Mektaveus, Mai, and I’ll go last since I chose the number. Now, let’s get this started.” Sunset, Mektaveus, and Arctic all drew their starting hands while Mai laid her five out before her without even looking at them. The other three duelists raised an eyebrow, but none of them commented. “Alright, it’s my turn!” Sunset drew. “I’ll normal summon Elemental Hero Bubbleman(LV 4/800/1200).” A hero in blue armor appeared. “When he is summoned in anyway, and he’s the only card I control, I can draw 2 cards. “One of the cards I drew was my Bubble Blaster which I’ll equip to Elemental Hero Bubbleman(LV 4/1600/1200 effect) raising his ATK by 800. It has another effect, but I’ll save that for later while simply ending my turn.” “Whoa, she just ended her turn with the exact same number of cards as she began with.” Thunder stated. “Considering everyone is your opponent, that’s a great first turn.” “Thanks for the support bro.” Arctic commented sarcastically. “Not my fault I got to wait three who turns before you get to play.” Thunder retorted. “Plus, you know I’m ultimately rooting for you.” “Well, I don’t have something as impressive as that; however, I can still do something.” Mektaveus drew. “I summon Superheavy Samurai Swordsman(LV 3/1000/1800) in face up defense position.” A bulky red and black machine appeared. “I’ll end my turn there.” “That’s interesting.” Yugi commented. “What’s up Yugi?” Tristan questioned. “In a duel like this, Sunset’s turn is understandable since she doesn’t have to worry about retaliation; however, the danger grows as they move along the rotation.” Yugi explained. “Essentially, it’ll be that many people you will potentially contend with until your next turn. While there are times you don’t draw anything you can set, Mektaveus seems a little too confident.” He shook his head. “There’s something different about his deck, but that’s about all I can tell from his first turn.” “About all he can tell?” Mektaveus sweat dropped. “One turn, and that one is already close to figuring out my deck.” He then smiled. “He could certainly be someone I got to take on at some point in the future.” “Looks like it’s my turn.” Mai stated. She drew another card and lined it up with the rest without even looking at it. Mai then began hovering her hand over the card with her eyes closed. This left everyone confused. “What are you doing?” Mektaveus asked. “Divining my card.” Mai had opened her eyes. “I have to mystically chose which one is the best.” That caught Yugi and Sunset’s attention. “What, are you a psychic or something?” Joey called out. Rather than respond, Mai simply grinned. “I know exactly what my turn shall be. First, I activate the field spell, Elborz, the Sacred Lands of Simorgh.” The duel field became a wide open plain underneath a white, cloud filled sky. “This card grants all Wind Winged Beast 300 ATK/DEF. It also has two unique effects, but I can’t use the first at this time. I will end up utilizing the first after I normal summon Harpie Lady 1(LV 4/1600/1700 effect).” A harpy with long, magenta hair appeared. “Harpie Lady 1(LV 1900/1700 effect) gives all Wind monsters 300 extra ATK. Provided I control a Wind Winged Beast monster, Elborz’s second effect allows me to normal summon again. “I choose Harpie Harpist(LV 4/2300/900 effect).” A harpy with long red hair and a harp appeared. “With that, I shall set one card ending my turn.” “She just made every play without even looking at her cards!” Thunder exclaimed in shock. “How could she do that?” Joey questioned. “I’m starting to see how you got the better of my best bud, but it won’t defeat me.” Mektaveus declared firmly. Mai smirked which drew Sunset’s attention. “Can you only see what your cards are, or do you know what all of us have in our hands?” “What a silly question.” The Harpie user replied confidently. “I know what each of you are holding.” “Alright, name them then.” Sunset retorted. “Huh, what?” Mai asked. “I said name them.” Sunset held up her hand while ensuring she couldn’t possibly see them. “Name every card in my hand if you already know what they are.” “What is she doing?” Mai thought. No other duelist she’s faced up to this point thought to ask because they were thrown off their game completely by such a reveal. For some reason Mai couldn’t figure out, Sunset wasn’t. As for how Sunset knew something was fishy, it was a skill she cultivated over the years. Naturally, the Elemental Hero user wasn’t proud of this as she had developed such a skill through her time at CHS. Despite people having their ideas and negative opinions of her, no one could prove anything. Still, if it could help her weed out a cheating opponent, then why ignore it? “I don’t know what you’re hoping to achieve, but it won’t work.” Mai declared. Sunset closed her eyes. “It’s been a while, but how did I used to get a secret I…” Her nose was now picking up something. “Wait, all these scents. I’ve smelt them before when I was around Rarity’s. It’s all a bunch of perfume.” “Now, are you done because I believe…” Mai began. “I’ve seen through your trick.” Sunset opened her eyes to see Mai was shocked by that. “You sprayed all your cards with different perfumes.” “I get it!” Arctic declared. “With each card sprayed differently, you’d merely need to memorize the scent. Then, you’d always know what you had to play with and could psyche your opponent out. Sunset, that was amazing.” “No way!” Mai exclaimed. “How could a punk like her see through my aroma strategy?” “I’m not proud of it, but my past helped me find the truth.” Sunset explained. “I know when someone is hiding something, and you were just too confident.” It helped to have her and Yugi’s duel with Pegasus as a reference. Pegasus was the right kind of confident for someone with actual power. All that said, Sunset’s little line about her past did not fly over Tea’s head, for obvious reasons, and the other members of their gang found it weird to. “That means she was just some phony.” Mektaveus scoffed at that. “Okay, now you and I have a problem.” He looked off in the distance. “I’ll also need to remember to have a talk with my bud about losing to someone like you.” “What does me being a phony mater?” Mai questioned. “Just because you all know it was an act, doesn’t mean I’ll lose this duel.” “I think it does because you have nothing now.” Sunset retorted. “You have no pride as a true duelist, no faith in your own skills, and your loner attitude leaves no one in your corner.” She shook her head. “Without even one of those things, you can’t hope to win. Though, I suppose the duel will just have to speak for itself. Arctic, it is your move. Sorry about that by the way. Didn’t mean to interrupt you before you could even take your turn.” “Don’t worry because your words were illuminating.” Arctic drew. “I just drew Fortune Fairy En(LV 2/0/0). By revealing her, she can be special summoned.” A small fairy with red hair appeared. “If she’s special summoned from the hand, she can target any set card you control. Then, she destroys it. Mai, you’re the only one of my opponents who has one meaning it goes.” Sunset and Mektaveus nodded at that before he continued. “Don’t go thinking I’m just targeting her because we’re all still opponents here. That’s why I’m tributing Fortune Fairy En for one of my strongest monsters within my main deck. Lady of the earth, grace this field with your presence. I summon Fortune Lady Earth(LV 6/?/?).” A woman in black and yellow appeared wielding a staff. “Eh, why’s that monster have a question mark for its ATK/DEF?” Joey questioned. “Well Joey, there are many duel monsters with question marks for their ATK and/or defense DEF.” Yugi informed. “Usually, it’s their effect that helps them draw power.” “Yugi’s right as my Fortune Lady’s derive power from their level.” Arctic stated. “Fortune Lady Earth(LV 6/2400/2400 effect)’s ATK/DEF is equal to her level x 400. They also have a secondary effect. Allow me to demonstrate by activating the spell card Leveled Turns. This continuous spell allows me to increase or decrease the level of my monsters by 1. I’m increasing the level of Fortune Lady Earth(LV 7/2800/2800 effect). When her level increases, my opponent loses 400 life points of damage, and that’s all of you.” Sunset: 1600 Arctic: 1600 Mai: 1600 “The best part about this continuous spell is that it can be activated as a quick effect on any duelist’s turn meaning Earth will be burning all of you for every turn that goes by.” Arctic continued. “Every turn it can burn!?” Tristan exclaimed. “How many turns does that even give them?” “Without any other forms of damage, they’d have four turns to dismantle this combo.” Yugi stated. “Considering Arctic has a full deck, unless one of them manages to defeat or disrupt his combo, they have less than that.” “I’ll end my turn by placing two cards face down.” Arctic declared. “Your move Sunset.” The Hero user drew prompting him to continue speaking. “I now activate Leveled Turns on Fortune Lady Earth(LV 8/3200/3200 effect) once more meaning you all take more damage.” Sunset: 1200 Arctic: 1200 Mai: 1200 “Get ready Mai because this turn, I’m making good on my word.” Sunset declared. “I activate Polymerization to combine two Elemental Heroes, from my hand, with different attributes. I choose Gusting Avian and Liquid Soldier. Hero who brings with him a new day, arise! Fusion Summon Elemental Hero Sunrise(LV 7/2500/1200).” A red, yellow, and black armored hero appeared. “This hero comes with quite the number of effects; however, I must first address Liquid Soldier. Since he was sent to the grave as a fusion material, I get to draw 2 cards, but I must then discard 1 card from my hand. Now, for Sunrise. Firstly, all monster I control gain 200 ATK for every monster I control with a different attribute. I control two, so that’s 400 for each of mine.” Elemental Hero Sunrise(LV 7/2900/1200 effect) Bubbleman(LV 4/2000/1200 effect) Then, whenever Sunrise is special summoned, I can add a Miracle Fusion from my deck to my hand. I’ll immediately activate it to banish Gusting Avian and Liquid Soldier from my grave as the requirements for a fusion summon. Hero of the devastating winds, grace this field! Fusion summon Elemetnal Hero Great Tornado(LV 8/2800/2200).” A hero in a green and yellow jump suit with tattered cloak appeared. “If this card is Fusion Summoned, he halves the ATK/DEF of all your monsters.” Superheavy Samurai Swordsman(LV 3/500/900 effect) Harpie Lady 1(LV 950/850 effect) Harpie Harpist(LV 4/1150/450 effect) Fortune Lady Earth(LV 8/1600/1600 effect) “Don’t forget Sunrise is still in effect meaning every monster I control is now 600 ATK stronger due to me controlling a Water, Light, and Wind attributed monster.” Sunset declared. Elemental Hero Sunrise(LV 7/3100/1200 effect) Bubbleman(LV 4/2200/1200 effect) Elemetnal Hero Great Tornado(LV 8/3400/2200 effect) “Alright, she’s officially on the list of duelist I got to take on 1 vs 1.” Mektaveus thought impressed. “I wasn’t expecting a turn like that.” Arctic thought. “Looks like Elemental Heroes are no joke of a deck. That’s for sure.” “How is that possible?” Mai questioned shocked. “You’re supposed to be all talk.” “I think that was you projecting Mai because talk is all you had.” Sunset replied. “It’s time to battle, and my Bubbleman will take you out of this game by destroying your Harpie Lady 1. Before that, this activates the last effect of Sunrise. Once per turn, when an attack is declared that involves a Hero monster, he can destroy any 1 card on the field. I’ll target the left set card you have Arctic. Go Sun Sphere!” A small sphere of light crashed into the card destroying it. “Now, take down Mai, Bubbleman!” Bubbleman fired his equipped blaster destroying Harpie Lady 1 Mai: 0. “Way to go Sunset!” Tea cheered. “That’s showing her!” Tristan added. “How?” Mai questioned shocked. “How could I lose to some nobody punk?” “You lost because all you had was talk.” Sunset stated. “That never would be enough against a duelist like me, so forget about those who sit at the top. Speaking of duelists, I still have two other opponents. Up next, my Sunrise will destroy your Swordsman, Mektaveus.” “Swordsman was in defense position, so I take no damage.” Mektaveus grinned. “Additionally, since I have no spell/trap cards in my grave, he reduces the ATK/DEF of the monster who destroyed him to 0.” Elemental Hero Sunrise(LV 7/0/0 effect) “I’ll have to deal with that after the Battle Phase.” Sunset turned her attention to Arctic. “Now, my Great Tornado will destroy your Fortune Lady Earth and nearly deplete your life points.” “Both the traps I had set were good ones, but I’m glad you choose my left trap since the right is just what I need.” Arctic declared. “I activate my Damage Diet. For this turn only, all damage I may take is cut in half Arctic: 1100.” “Then, I’ll set two cards and end my turn.” Sunset declared. “Alright, my turn!” Mektaveus drew before grinning. “Looks like it’s time to bust out my strongest. I summon Superheavy Samurai Big Benkei(LV 8/1000/3500) in defense mode.” A hulking black and red machine appeared. “That monster doesn’t seem all that tough.” Joey commented. “I know what you mean.” Tristan added. “Considering his cards seem to rely on their being no spell/traps in his grave to run at full power, it’s unlikely that he has either to help him.” “Don’t be hasty you two.” Yugi stated. “While its true spell/traps are the back bone of any deck, there are decks that can make it work. I think Mektaveus’ deck not only makes it work, but his cards might just have one last trick that is the key to his defensive strategy.” “You really are a smart one Yugi, so why don’t I show off what makes some of my monsters special before you ruin the surprise.” Mektaveus grinned. “First, I’m equipping my Big Benkei with Superheavy Samurai Soul Horns.” Benkei gained a pair of blue, metal horns on his head. “When this monster equips to a Superheavy Samurai monster, they can attack twice each Battle Phase. Before anyone speaks up. Benkei’s effect allows him to attack while in defense position and treat his DEF as his ATK.” Everyone was shocked by that. “That means it’ll be hitting anyone of those monsters with 3500 ATK!” Joey exclaimed. “Not only that, but Sunset is the only one with any monsters meaning she’s the only one he can attack!” Tristan declared. “With Sunrise having no ATK, just 1 attack from it would be enough to take Sunset out of the duel!” Tea shouted shocked. “Big Benkei, destroy Elemental Hero Sunrise!” Mektaveus declared. “I activate my face down Hero Sprit.” Sunset countered. “Sunrise will still be destroyed, but all battle damage from this battle is reduced to 0. Additionally, the boost Sunrise initially gave my remaining heroes will remain in effect.” “You staved off 1 ATK, but my monster can just ATK again.” Mektaveus declared. “Destroying your Bubbleman will still defeat you.” “Rather than Elemental Hero Bubbleman(LV 4/1400/1200 effect) falling in battle, he can sacrifice his equipped Bubble Blaster and reduce all battle damage from that battle to 0.” Sunset countered. “You are something else.” Mektaveus chuckled. “I end my turn.” “Alright, it’s my move!” Arctic drew. “I activate the last effect of my Leveled Turns. By sending this card to the grave, I can special summon any Spellcaster with a level equivalent to or less than the number of times I activated its first effect from my hand or deck. I had activated it twice meaning I can special summon any Level 2 or lower spellcaster from my deck. I choose Fortune Lady Past(LV 1/?/?).” A female spellcaster in black and orange robes appeared. “Her ATK/DEF is equal to 200 x her level.” Fortune Lady Past(LV 1/?/?). “Next, I’ll normal summon Fortune Fary Hu(LV 3/0/0).” A small fairy in a green dress and with matching hair appeared. “I’ll then activate Spellcaster’s Calling. Provided I control at least 1 Spellcaster, I get to target any Spellcaster from my deck. If that monster has a different name than any other monster I control, I can special summon them regardless of summoning conditions. The monster I choose is Silent Magician LV 8(LV 8/3500/1000).” A woman in white and blue robes appeared. “Whoa, Silent Magician’s ATK/DEF is a mirror of Benkai’s.” Joey commented. “Just wait because it won’t remain like that for long.” Thunder alluded. “Now, my Level 1 Past will give Hu a tune up to Synchro for 4. It’s time to introduce you all to the only non-spellcaster monster I use. Synchro summon Armory Arm(LV 4/1800/1200).” A black and red metal arm appeared. Once per turn, this monster can equip itself to any monster on the field and boost their ATK by 1000. I target my Silent Magician LV 8(LV 8/4500/1000 effect) giving me a monster with enough ATK to destroy Benkai.” “Even if you destroy my monster, he’s in defense mode, so you wasted your ATK.” Mektaveus declared. “Not quite.” Arctic grinned as Silent Magician tore through the machine and came to stand before the Superheavy user. “Armory Arm’s last effect deals you damage equal to the ATK your monster has within the grave.” She lunged forward slashing through him Mektaveus: 200. “I then activate Arcane Burst. This quick-play spell deals 500 life points to everyone who had a monster destroyed by battle Mektaveus: 0.” “Whoa, I lost…” Mektaveus laughed. “You got me this time, but I’ll come back for a rematch eventually. When that comes, I’ll win.” “We’ll just have to see about that; however, this duel isn’t over.” Arctic looked to Sunset. “It’s your move. Hit me with your best shot.” “I plan to.” Sunset drew and grinned. “With this card and a fusion on the field, I have everything I need. I activate Skydive Scorcher. With this, I can target any Elemental Hero Fusion monster I control. I currently control Elemental Hero Great Tornado(ATK 3400 effect). Then, Skydive Scorcher destroys every monster on the field and inflicts damage to my opponent equal to the monster with the highest ATK. All you control is Silent Magician LV 8, and she meets the requirement meaning this duel is over!” “Even if I used Damage Diet’s graveyard effect, half of this effect damage would still be more than enough to end me. Looks like all I can do is make sure this duel is closer than this.” Arctic thought. “I activate the graveyard effect of Arcane Burst. By banishing this card from the grave, I deal 500 life points of damage to my opponent!” A raging fire enveloped Great Tornado who lunged clear through Silent Magician destroying her at the same time a sphere of magic fired off at Sunset. Sunset: 700 Mektaveus: 0 Mai: 0 Arctic: 0 “I don’t think I would have stood much of a chance against her like I did Joey.” Thunder thought. “Yeah, Sunset won!” Tea cheered. “Never doubted it for a second.” Tristan added. “I had no idea Sunset was that skilled.” Joey commented. Sunset turned to her friends and smiled which resulted in Yugi giving a thumbs up. The four duelists met back on the ground where she was presented with two star chips from each of them. Six additional star chips which would give her the ten needed to enter the castle. To Sunset, it felt like one, huge anti-climax to what she had come to want. Two duels, neither one on one, and she was in. To her, that didn’t sit right, so she ended up inserting two star chips into her gauntlet bringing her up to six total. “Alright, I have the two I wagered plus two from the pot.” Sunset stated getting everyone’s attention. “Arctic, you were the last one standing, so you can have the two star chips you wagered back. Mai and Mektaveus, you were the first two out, so you can have one each.” Almost everyone, except Yugi, were confused. “What are you doing!?” Mai shouted. “You just won your ticket into Pegasus’ castle!” “That’s true, but my friends asked me a fairly important question shortly after this started.” Sunset informed. “They asked what I wanted, and my response was that I want to hone my skills. Back when I first got into dueling, I dueled for the wrong reasons. I quit when I realized this. Then, I came back to the game a couple of months later to play an important one. One I lost. After that, I had little direction on what this game meant to me until I met my new friends. Through them, I gained a genuine passion for dueling. I want to be a better duelist and maybe one day stand at the top of a game I’ve come to genuinely love. Right now, I don’t feel ready to enter that castle. Not after what amounts to two duels.” “You know, even if this duel wasn’t one on one like I wanted, I think I did end up learning a lot.” Arctic nodded. “Come on Thunder, let’s go see what else this tournament has to offer.” “Right, bro.” Thunder ran on over before turning and waving back at the group. “See you around.” He nodded to Joey. “I’ll be seeing you at that castle.” Joey chuckled good naturedly. “I’ll be looking forward to it.” They left and Mektaveus put his hands in his pocket. “I think I’m going to take my leave to.” He walked away. “Sunset Shimmer, I’ll see you at that castle.” “I don’t quite understand what any of this amounted to, but this isn’t over between us.” Mai walked off. “I will make it to that castle, and we will duel again, Sunset.” “Next time, come at me like a real duelist; otherwise, you won’t get farther than you did this time!” Sunset called out. Mai said nothing, and the four other duelists were gone leaving the gang to continue the tournament.