After the classes finished, Spike and Twilight Sparkle had returned home, Spike still couldn't believe what had happened, he had fought against a Pro Duelist and won, he kept silent because of everything he was going to tell in the dinner.
A few minutes later.
At dinner, the Sparkle family was having dinner, Twilight Velvet was their mother, she had light gray skin, moderate purple and lighter gray striped hair, light arctic blue eyes, and she wore a lighter gray long sleeve shirt underneath a gray sweater vest over a red shirt, a purple three star necklace, reddish violet cropped khakis, and dark reddish violet ballet flats.
There was also their father, Night Light, he had darker blue skin, dark phthalo blue hair, moderate amber eyes, and he wore a blue striped flannel shirt with an orange tie underneath a navy blue sweater, and had grayish blue khakis, and black business sneakers.
"So, did something interesting happen to you at school?" Velvet asked them.
Spike almost choked on his food, he was going to say something, but no words came out of his mouth, that's when Twilight helped him.
"Of course Mom," Twilight Sparkle responded enthusiastically, "Spike won a duel, and against a Pro Duelist."
Hearing that, their eyes widened, Night Light was the first to ask the first question, "Spike defeated a Pro Duelist?"
Spike nodded, "Yeah dad, well, it wasn't a big deal."
"Spike, of course that's a big deal, you've become a hero," Twilight Sparkle told him.
"A hero?" Twilight Velvet asked with a smile, she knew that her daughter was telling the truth when she saw the light in her eyes, but she was more happy for her son who always wanted to be stronger in duels.
Spike was going to speak but Twilight beat him to it, "Yeah, because he helped out AJ, Rainbow and Rarity sisters, you see, there was this creepy guy named Rover, and his gang who…"
Twilight Sparkle continued talking about everything she had heard and seen in the duel that Spike had, at the end, Velvet and Night Light were surprised, but the emotion for their son's victory outweighed the concern they had for anything that Rover could have done it.
“That's my son,” Night Light said as he stroked Spike's head, ruffling it up a bit.
"Spike, I'm so proud of you, not because you won, but because you protected those 3 girls," Twilight Velvet told him as she hugged him, "Shining Armor taught you well."
Then Velvet looked at her daughter, "You should be careful Twilight, because if Spike keeps going like this, one day he's going to beat you."
Twilight Sparkle just laughed, “Yeah, that'll be the day.”
"You know Twi, mom is right, one day I plan to get over you," Spike told her smiling.
Twilight simply smiled, because of the excitement she felt for the next duel that would come and for her little brother recovering his smile.
“So Spike,” Night Light approached, “Which of the 3 girls?”
"Huh?" Spike asked.
“Oh come on,” Night Light told him, “You can't fool us, we know you'd only do something so risky if it's because one of the girls stole your heart.”
Twilight Sparkle smirked at that.
Spike blushed deeply.
“Is it the farmer, the skater, or the one with the beautiful voice? asked Night Light.
"Oh, its the three of them," Velvet smirked, “Spike, you sure are a Casanova.”
Spike's cheeks were red as hell, "Oh look at the time, I think it's time for bed."
At that moment Spike pretended to have a watch on his wrist and ran to his room.
Twilight giggled, "Don't worry, I'll make sure to keep his hormones in check."
At that moment, Twilight also headed for her room, but not before stopping at Spike's room.
“Spike is growing up,” Twilight Velvet said with a smile.
"Hey Spike," Twilight said, walking into Spike's room.
"Twi, I swear I didn't mean that, please don't tell the girls..."
But Twilight cut him off, "Relax Spike, mom and dad were just picking on you."
"Oh," Spike replied, feeling a little silly.
Then Twilight smirked again, "Though from your reaction, I don't think they're wrong."
Spike blushed again.
Twilight laughed again, "It's so funny to see your reactions, but other than that, you really did something very good, not only did you defeat Rover, you also taught all those Pro Snobs a lesson."
Spike smiled confidently, "Someone had to put them in their place, they can't look down on duelists like us who play for fun."
"And you did very well," Twilight said goodbye as she hugged him.
But after a few seconds when Spike realized he was alone, something had crossed his mind.
"Wait," Spike said worriedly, "I've pissed off a lot of Pro Duelists, what the hell was I thinking?"
"I guess you weren't thinking," said his Link Monster which was on his desk.
"Oh holy gems, and there you are, what the hell is going on, why you can talk and who are you?" Spike asked like he was going to freak out.
"Calm down Spike, I'll introduce myself," the card said as it began to glow, at that moment, Master Heathspike materialized in front of Spike who gulped at seeing his monster outside the card.
"I will introduce myself, you know me as Master Heathspike, The Mystic Dracoslayer, but my full name is Master Kenbroath Gilspotten Heathspike."
Spike didn't say anything, he just thought his name was weird.
"I admit it's a bit long, I'd say call me Spike, but since that's also your name it would get even more confusing, so just call me Heathspike, okay?"
Spike just nodded nerviously.
“And I am basically what some duelists call, a Duel Spirit,” Heathspike said.
“A Duel Spirit?” Spike asked.
"A spirit that awakens when it chooses a player worthy of its power, I woke up next to you, therefore, you are my partner."
At that moment Spike smiled, "I mean, among so many duelists you chose me, wow, it means you need my help for something big, something magical, am I some kind of chosen one who saved the world from some supervillain?"
"What? Hell no stupid,” Heathspike replied, “I think you've read a lot of comic books in your life, I just woke up with you, there's nothing sinister threatening the world, I just exist in this world now and that's it.”
"Oh," Spike replied, feeling a little dejected but relieved that he wouldn't have to fight some ruthless lunatic trying to rule or destroy the world through a kid's card game.
"I'm sorry I let you down," Heathspike apologized.
"No, okay, does that mean you'll stay with me?"
"Of course, although what you should know is that I'm not the only one, surely there are other Heathspikes in other places that have already awakened, but don't let that discourage you either."
"Don't worry it won't," Spike replied, "So am I the only one who can see and hear you?"
“Yes and no, that depends, only you can decide who can see and hear me, but duelists with other spirits can see me and vice versa,” Heathspike replied, “For example, for a brief moment I could detect a similar energy coming from that orange girl with short hair."
"Scootaloo, you say she also has a Duel Spirit?" Spike asked.
Heathspike nodded.
"Mmm, well, I guess we can talk to the girls about you and then tell Twilight when the time comes," Spike told him.
"I have a hunch Twilight knows about that too, but she won't believe it until she sees it, that's all I can say at the moment, so I hope we have some good duels," Heathspike held out his hand to Spike.
Spike smiled and accepted the handshake, "The pleasure is mine, Heathspike."
And even if it was a spirit, if they could touch each other, "Oh and we can make contact with each other, but not with other spirits, in the same way it applies to the fact that I can't touch anything in your world and you can't touch another spirit, only we would go through them.”
Spike nodded.
The next day at Canterlot High.
“Though I understand that you angered a lot of Pros,” Heathspike spoke up, “Such a ridiculous costume was necessary.”
Spike was dressed in a hat and a trench coat, in addition to wearing sunglasses, "Of course, I don't want to attract attention, who knows what they could do to me, they could hit me, kick me, steal my underwear and hang it on the flagpole and force me to run naked across the schoolyard.”
"Don't you think you're being a little paranoid?" Heathspike asked.
"You can ask my sister that, compared to her, I'm perfectly normal," Spike replied as he walked through the halls.
At that moment, Spike heard the voices of Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle behind him, "Hey Spike."
"Spike, Who's Spike?" Spike asked in a fake voice which didn't fool the girls.
"Umm, you're Spike, Spike," Apple Bloom replied.
"Yes, and why are you dressed like that?" asked Sweetie Belle.
“Girls, you're blowing my cover,” Spike told them, returning to his normal voice, “How'd you even know it was me?”
“Because you're you,” Scootaloo said as she pointed to the spot, “In a coat, hat and glasses, also, we're the only ones here.”
Scootaloo was right, there was no one else in the hallway, and Spike noticed that he was in his locker.
"Spike, why do you need a disguise?" asked Sweetie Belle.
"Because I think I did something stupid, and now the Pro Duelists are after me," Spike replied, looking both ways.
"Oh that," said Apple Bloom.
Spike nodded fearfully.
Scootaloo smiled, "Well, you don't have to worry about that."
"What are you talking about?" Spike asked.
“Not only the Pro Duelists heard you, but also duelists like us, who were touched by your words,” Sweetie Belle told him, “I highly doubt anyone dares to do anything to you around them.”
"That's a relief," Spike sighed, "Duelists like us, you mean the Fun Duelists?"
“We prefer the term Rogue Duelists,” Apple Bloom replied.
"That sounds better," Spike thought.
“Yes, and you should meet them,” Scootaloo told him with a smile.
"Huh?" Spike asked.
"Yes, come join us after school," Apple Bloom told him excitedly.
"Oh, okay, I have to tell my parents, but that's okay," Spike accepted the invitation although he was a little unsure what his new friends wanted to show him.
Later, when school was over, Spike, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom were taking a bus, Spike thought, "Maybe I should have told Twilight."
“Could you tell me where we are going?” he ask his new friends.
“To our den,” Scootaloo replied.
"Yes, the old barn," Apple Bloom added, "That's where you'll meet my brother."
"Your brother?" Spike asked.
"Yes, Apple Bloom's older brother is our leader, he runs the place, as well as being a very strong duelist," Sweetie Belle replied.
Spike felt a little more relieved, but still keeping alert for how far the place was from the city.
But at that time.
BAMMM.
The bus got out of control and stopped causing a small ruckus among the passengers.
"Ahhh, what happened?" asked Sweetie Belle a little worried.
“I think it was a tire,” Apple Bloom replied, recovering herself.
"What if someone shot the tire?" Spike wondered.
"What if they want to steal our best cards?"
“What if we end up enslaved for life in a factory making fake cards to be sold on the black market?”
Spike kept asking himself those questions.
“Ok that's it,” Scootaloo said as she walked over to Spike.
SLAP.
And she slap him on the cheek, “Ouch.”
"I'm sorry Spike, but you looked like you were losing your mind," Scootaloo apologized.
"Don't apologize," Spike replied.
"Don't feel bad Spike, you were just a little paranoid," Sweetie Belle reassured him, "Rarity told me about all the psychotic breaks Twilight has had, I think that runs in your family."
Spike smiled a little ruefully.
“The good thing about this is that we're so close, but I already called my brother anyway,” Apple Bloom said as she texted on her phone, “He's a mechanic, he can handle this.”
“Thank you, miss,” the bus driver thanked her.
A few minutes passed, that's when Apple Bloom spoke, "There it is."
Spike leaned out of the bus window, and saw a muscular boy with orange brown hair, reddish skin and green eyes arrive, he was wearing an unbuttoned red shirt and under that he also wore a white shirt with the drawing of a green apple, he wore red jeans and sneakers.
"Hello brother, could you give us a hand?" asked Apple Bloom.
“Eeyup,” Apple Bloom's brother nodded, pulling out a toolbox and starting to change the tire.
Several seconds passed and he had finished the job, "All set."
“Thank you friend,” the driver thanked him as he paid for his services.
"Well, I guess it's time for introductions, Spike, this is Big Mac," Apple Bloom said as she introduced her older brother.
“Nice to meet you,” Spike greeted, extending his arm.
Big Mac smiled and accepted the handshake, "Eeyup."
"Big Mac, he's the Duelist I told you about, the one who defeated Rover and put those Pros in their place."
Big Mac smiled, "So that's you, awesome."
"Well I have my moments," Spike said, but at that moment without anyone noticing, Heathspike jumped out of the card and slapped him to humble himself, "Ouch, but I guess it was just luck."
"Nope," Big Mac said, "Luck favors winners."
Spike smiled, "Thanks."
"Well, I guess they brought you here to show you our dueling place."
Spike nodded.
“Well, what are you waiting for,” Big Mac told them as he got into his car and started the engine, “Get in.”
They got into Big Mac's car, which took them through the woods.
"A little scary don't you think?" Spike asked where his lair was located.
“Hehe,” Big Mac laughed, “Ah know, that's why our family relocated our farm, that's why I decided that the old farm would be the perfect place, speaking of, we arrived.”
Upon reaching Spike, it seemed like a very interesting place, although the barn was in a deplorable state, the lights that illuminated the place made it look full of life, on the outskirts of the barn, other duelists could be seen, Spike was able to recognize some from Canterlot High.
Some were having duels, others were checking their decks, and even though it was weird, Spike could feel a great harmony in the air.
“Welcome to Team Apple Harmony's lair,” the three girls said at the same time.
“Team Apple Harmony?” Spike asked.
“It's the name of our team, a team that duels not just for fun, but also to learn and bond, that's what dueling is all about,” Sweetie Belle replied.
"All thanks to Big Mac," added Apple Bloom, "He's the one who founded the team and set up the place for dueling, we owe him a lot."
“Hehe, eeyup,” Big Mac replied embarrassed, “Anyone could have done it.”
“But Big Mac, you're the one who takes care of everything here, like the electric bill, the maintenance of the barn and even some cards you gave us,” Scootaloo told him.
"Wow," Spike replied in surprise.
The 5 approached, upon arrival, they were greeted by a boy who seemed to be Twilight's age, he had light yellow skin, long brown hair, but what was most striking was his clothing, the guy was dressed as a cowboy, with hat and boots.
“Cousin Big Mac, mind yer manners, you have yet to introduce me to your compadre,” the boy said, pointing at Spike.
“He is Spike, he is in the same class as my sister,” Big Mac told him.
“Hi,” Spike greeted.
"Well howdy Spike, Im Braeburn, Big Mac's cousin, who by the way was almost late for his duel."
“Umm nope, it's only been 3 minutes,” Big Mac replied.
“That's 3 minutes less for your new friend to delight in the pleasures and wonders of your duels,” Braeburn replied.
Big Mac sighed and headed to the old barn, "Okay, I guess you're right, wish me luck."
"You won't need it," Apple Bloom told him.
"Big Mac has his duels in the old barn?" Spike asked.
“That's right, the duels in the old barn are more important than any duel you're witnessing right now,” Sweetie Belle replied, pointing to the other duelists.
Scootaloo continued, "Only the leader can fight in the old barn, since those duels are his most important, other duelists on the team, even duelists outside the team come from all over to challenge the leader, in this case Big Mac, to try to break their winning streaks.”
"Somebody made it?" Spike asked.
"Surprisingly no, at this point when it comes to a duel in the old barn, my brother is undefeated," Apple Bloom replied.
“Yeah, he's got 30 wins in a row,” Scootaloo added.
"Wow, that's amazing," Spike said in surprise.
"Yes, my brother is amazing," Apple Bloom told him.
“So what are we waiting for, let's go see Big Mac in action,” Braeburn told them as he led them through the old barn.
Upon entering they saw that the spectator duelists were seated on various chairs and benches but leaving space to the central area where the duelists would play.
Spike and his friends sat in good places, that's when a white skinned woman with lots of black stripes around her skin approached them, she looked like Big Mac's age, she was wearing a brown shirt with a long skirt, she was wearing many gold bracelets, and her hairstyle was a mohawk, “Well, who is it that we have here? It's Apple Bloom and friends, my dear!”
"Hello Zecora, did you also come to see my brother's duel?"
“You know I never miss any of his duels, he overpowers his opponents with his power in full,” Zecora replied.
At that moment, the lights in the barn went out, and they heard a voice that seemed to come from some speakers, “Welcome back, Apple Harmony members, as you know it is always a delight to witness duels in this barn, where we witness great battles. ”
The lights came on, at least only in the part of the center where the duel would take place, there you could see the woman to whom the voice belonged since she was wearing a microphone, she was a woman who was the age of Twilight, she had pink skin, dark pink hair, wore a yellow shirt with a skirt of the same color.
"Wait, I know that girl," Spike said, "She works in the library at Canterlot High."
“You're right, but Cheerilee also likes to be the announcer when it comes to our duels,” Sweetie Belle added.
"Without more to add, let's get started," Cheerilee announced, "Let's introduce the duelists, first there is our leader, the powerful duelist of the Apple clan with 30 consecutive victories, he will manage to maintain that streak, 20-year-old, Big Mac."
At that moment Big Mac arrived at the center of the place with a red Duel Disk on his wrist, from the looks of it, it was a Duel Disk that still required cards to work, Big Mac upon arrival greeted all the spectators and nodded, "Eeyup."
“And now, our challenger,” Cheerilee announced as a duelist approached, looking about Twilight's age, that girl had red hair with yellow stripes, yellow skin, and wore a black leather jacket with black boots, the drawing of a sun on her shirt was seen, “Invading our lair, she has won several official competitions, she is the Empress of Flames in all her splendor, 17-year-old Sunset Shimmer.”
“Your winning streak will end today,” Sunset Shimmer told him as she activated her Duel Disk, it was yellow in color, judging by its appearance, it was a modern Duel Disk which projected the user's cards holographically, “I bet that those other 30 duelists were weaklings.”
When Sunset Shimmer activated her Duel Disk a robotic voice was heard: “Local VR Network, Duel Standby.”
"Be careful," Big Mac smirked as he activated his Duel Disk, "Or you could be the weakling number 31."
When Big Mac activated his Duel Disk a robotic voice was heard: “Local VR Network, Duel Standby.”
Far from getting angry, Sunset smirked, "Wow, you know how to answer, I hope that's not your only talent."
At that moment, Big Mac noded and placed his deck in the slot of the Duel Disk, a red energy blade forming, Big Mac drew 5 cards from his deck and placed them in his left hand.
While Sunset Shimmer only had to press a button on her Duel Disk, at that moment, 5 digital cards materialized in front of her, on her Duel Disk the following could be read: CARDS DIGITIZE COMPLETE.
"Are you ready?" asked Cheerilee.
At that moment, Big Mac and Sunset Shimmer nodded and called out:
"DUEL!"
Big Mac: 4000 LP
Sunset Shimmer: 4000 LP
“I'll go first,” Sunset Shimmer said as she activated one of her cards, “I'll start by activating the spell card, Graceful Charity, it allows me to draw 3 cards from my deck and then discard 2.”
“She started off strong,” Scootaloo said.
“Depends on what deck she uses, she could take a big advantage,” Spike added.
At that moment, 3 digital cards materialized in front of Sunset, she smiled, "Nice."
Immediately afterwards, 2 of his cards were sent to the graveyard.
“I activate Salamangreat Gazelle's effect, if a Salamangreat is sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon this card from my hand,” Sunset said as a black gazelle appeared on the field with flames surrounding it. (ATK 1500/DEF 1000/Lv 3)
"Salamangreat," Spike said through grinding his teeth, he remembered his old duels against decks like this, they wouldn't let him play quietly, "Big Mac will be in trouble."
“My Gazelle's effect allows me to send a Salamangreat from my deck to the graveyard,” Sunset said as she sent a card to the graveyard, “Now I summon Salamangreat Foxy.”
In the field appeared a metallic fox which had fire on its tail. (ATK 1000/DEF 1200/Lv 3)
“When is Normal Summoned, Foxy allows me to look at the top 3 cards of my deck and if one is a Salamangreat, I can add it to my hand,” Sunset said as 3 cards appeared in front of her, Sunset smiled, “Gotcha.”
“I add Salamangreat Mole,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“She's going to put up a good field, that's for sure,” Sweetie Belle said.
"Appear now, the circuit that will light the future," Sunset said as her 2 monsters began to glow in a red light at the same time that a circle appeared on the field which had 8 arrows similar to those of a Link Monster, "The condition to summon it is 2 Fire effect monsters.”
"I'm placing Foxy and Gazelle on the Link Markers," Sunset said as her monsters turned into energy which went to 2 arrows of the circle, one in the middle bottom and the other in the middle top, the arrows now colored red.
"Appear, wolf that howls with the power of the sun, look for the reinforcements that will illuminate my future, LINK SUMMON."
From the circle appeared an anthropomorphic wolf with an armored appearance which had flames surrounding its neck as if it were a scarf, “SALAMANGREAT, SUNLIGHT WOLF.” (ATK 1800/LINK-2)
“And thanks to its effect, I can add a fire-attribute monster from my deck to my hand,” Sunset Shimmer said as she drew another card from her deck.
"At least things can't get any worse," Spike said, intimidated by that wolf's appearance.
“And wait, things will get worse,” Sunset Shimmer told Big Mac.
“You just had to jinx it,” Scootaloo told him sarcastically.
"Sorry," Spike apologized.
“Salamangreat Mole effect,” Sunset told him, holding up a card, “If I Link Summoned this turn and you know it's true, Mole can be Special Summoned to an area the Link points to.”
Big Mac just kept watching with a smile.
An armored-looking mole appeared in the field, its claws were engulfed in fire which gave it an even cooler appearance. (ATK 0/DEF 0/Lv 1)
“And now, here comes another Link Summon,” Sunset Shimmer declared.
2 minutes later.
“And with that I end my turn,” Sunset Shimmer said after pulling off a great combo.
“A NICE START FOR SUNSET,” Cheerilee narrated into her microphone.
"Cracking Gems," Spike exclaimed, "And it was only her first turn."
In Sunset Shimmer's field were the Link Monsters Salamangreat Balelynx and Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf. (ATK 500/LINK-1) (ATK 1800/LINK-2)
And she had 2 cards face down.
"It's your turn Macintosh, I hope the rumors do you justice," Sunset Shimmer told him with a confident look.
“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied as he drew a card from his deck, at which point his turn began, “Spell card, Pot of Greed.”
“It's a good start,” Spike said.
“Yes, now Big Mac will be able to draw 2 new cards,” added Apple Bloom.
But it seemed that Sunset had an answer for that.
“I won't allow it,” Sunset Shimmer said as a ghostly maiden appeared in front of her, there were fathoms surrounding her, she was wearing a Japanese outfit and had cat ears, “I activate Ash Blossom's effect, discarding it from my hand I can negate your spell card.”
Ash Blossom launched a fireball towards Big Mac, and on his Duel Disk the following could be read: LOCK.
“A Hand Trap,” Spike exclaimed, “Must have been the card she went for with Sunlight Wolf's effect.”
“And that stopped my brother's first play,” added Apple Bloom.
“OH MY, THATS A HAND TRAP,” Cheerilee narrated, “HOW WILL BIG MAC GET OUT OF THIS?”
But Big Mac wasn't worried, he thought about the situation, after a few seconds he sent a card from his hand to the graveyard.
"Why did you do that?" asked Sunset Shimmer.
Big Mac responded by showing her the card in his hand, "Twin Twister, I discard a card and I can destroy 2 of your spell or trap cards."
Sunset frowned as she saw that her 2 face down cards had been blown away by a gust of wind.
“Activate, Premature Burrial,” Big Mac said as he activated a spell card which caused him to lose 800 life points.
Big Mac: 3200 LP
Sunset Shimmer: 4000 LP
"Apple Bloom, what does that card do?" Spike asked.
"It can revive one of its graveyard monsters at the price of 800 life points, but if the card is destroyed, the monster is destroyed too," Apple Bloom replied.
“But Big Mac has no monsters in his graveyard,” Spike said.
"You're sure?" asked Apple Bloom with a smile.
“Revive, Ancient Gear Sniper,” Big Mac said, as some sort of mechanical, multi-geared soldier carrying a sniper rifle appeared on the field. (ATK 1200/DEF 800/Lv 4)
"But, at what point?" Spike wondered in surprise as he saw a monster come out of Big Mac's graveyard.
"Wait," Heathspike told him, "It's the card he discard when he use the Twin Twister."
"You're right, it was at that time," Spike replied, then he looked at Apple Bloom, "So your brother's deck is Ancient Gear, well, a strong deck for someone strong and muscular."
"And not only for that," replied Apple Bloom proudly, "My brother is a great mechanic, of all the machine decks he has tried, he liked this one the best."
“Ancient Gear Sniper's effect, when it's Special Summoned, I add 2 Ancient Gear cards to my hand but I can't add any more cards to my hand this turn or summon from my Deck,” Big Mac said as the Ancient Gear Sniper fired his rifle.
“I special summon Ancient Gear,” Big Mac said as he placed a card, a gear with wheels and mechanical arms manifested on the field. (ATK 100/DEF 800/Lv 2)
“Ancient Gear can be Special Summoned if the duelist controls an Ancient Gear,” Sunset Shimmer thought with a smirk, “That doesn't impress me.”
“I bet that impressed her,” Apple Bloom told them.
"Now, I Tribute my 2 monsters for a Tribute Summon," Big Mac said as his 2 monsters disappeared, then a giant monster appeared, it looked like some kind of ancient robot, since it didn't look so modern, but it had a red light on his head which looked like a red eye, which made him look more intimidating, "ANCIENT GEAR GOLEM." (ATK 3000/DEF 3000/Lv 8)
"Ancient Gear Golem," Spike was surprised.
“Its finally here,” Apple Bloom said excitedly.
“ONE OF THE BEST CARDS FROM BIG MAC,” Cheerilee narrated into her microphone, “BE CAREFUL SUNSET.”
“Battle,” Big Mac said as the Golem used its massive arm to strike at Sunlight Wolf, which confused Spike.
"Why he is attacking Sunlight Wolf?" Spike asked, "Don't he know that it would take more Life Points from Sunset if he attacked Balelynx?"
"You should fear not, little one," Zecora replied, "It's obvious that Big Mac has a plan."
The attack connected, causing Sunlight Wolf to be destroyed.
Big Mac: 3200 LP
Sunset Shimmer: 2800 LP
"End my turn," said Big Mac.
“In your End Phase I will activate a trap from my graveyard,” Sunset Shimmer declared, “Flames of Revenge and Hope, by banishing it, I can deal the same amount of damage to you as you dealt to me as long as it involved a Salamangreat monster.”
The monster that Ancient Gear Golem had destroyed appeared on the field in a ghostly form, then it turned into a fireball which attacked Big Mac, causing him to stumble.
Big Mac: 2000 LP
Sunset Shimmer: 2800 LP
"That's why he didn't attack Balelynx," Spike said, "Big Mac knew what her cards would do, so he avoided taking an absurd amount of damage."
"It's my turn, Draw," a card appeared in front of Sunset Shimmer, which quickly disappeared and appeared on the field, "I activate the spell card, Salamangreat Fire Reincarnation."
A large column of fire appeared on the field, and from it came Sunlight Wolf.
"But how?" Apple Bloom wondered when she saw the monster that the Golem destroyed again.
“This card allows me to revive a fire-attribute Link monster, in exchange for giving up a normal summon, but it has another effect that you might be interested in,” Sunset Shimmer said with a smile.
Big Mac crossed his arms.
“If I control a Salamangreat Link Monster,” Sunset said with a menacing look on her face, “I can summon a Salamangreat from my deck with their effects negated.”
"WHAT???" Spike, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom yelled at the same time clearly worried about Big Mac.
“Come, Salamangreat Falco,” Sunset said as an armored-looking falcon engulfed in flames appeared on the field. (ATK 1200/DEF 1600/Lv 4)
“Everything is ready now,” Sunset Shimmer said.
"Spike, I feel something," Heathspike spoke to him, "And it has a lot of power."
"Could it be that Sunset…" Spike said suspiciously.
But before he could continue, Sunset began to make her invocation, "Appear now, the circuit that will light the future."
Her monsters began to glow in a red light at the same time that a circle appeared on the field which had 8 arrows similar to those of a Link Monster, "The condition to summon it is at least 2 Salamangreat monsters.”
"Appear, sentry that will cross the skies protecting the weakest and burn those who abuse its power, LINK SUMMON."
From the circle, a yellow pegasus appeared, its mane was blue, but what stood out the most is that it wasn't hair, its mane was made of blue fire, including its tail, the pegasus also had an armored appearance with blue flames surrounding it, and in his back and neck had the symbol of a shield with a lightning bolt in the center, "SALAMANGREAT, FLASH PEGASUS." (ATK 3000/Link-4)
"I hope you're ready, few survive after fighting Flash Pegasus," Sunset Shimmer told him.
And for the first time, Big Mac, even without saying anything, was put on guard.
"Judging by Big Mac's reaction," Apple Bloom said, "That must be her ace monster."
“Are you saying that because of the incredible amount of attack, the number of monsters she used, or that the fire is a blue color that stands out from her other creatures?” asked Sweetie Belle.
“I think for all those reasons,” Apple Bloom replied.
But Spike seemed a bit nervous.
“That monster,” Spike told Heathspike discreetly.
But before he could answer, Sunset spoke.
“Its time you learned about the power of Flash,” Sunset told him.
“Let's do this, Sunset,” Flash Pegasus replied.
"He can talk," Spike thought, and saw that no one but him and Sunset noticed.
“As I suspected,” Heathspike said, “That monster…”
Spike and Heathspike said at the same time, "It's a Duel Spirit."
"You were right, there are many spirits like you," Spike told him.
"And it is said that duelists with spirits attract each other even if they don't want to," Heathspike replied, "We must be careful, we don't know if they could be allies or enemies."
Spike nodded nervously.
That's when they saw the flames in Flash's mane getting bigger. (ATK 4600)
"What happened to his attack points?" Scootaloo asked terrified.
"Great question, little one, I'll answer it for you," Sunset Shimmer told her, "During my Battle Phase, Flash gains 800 points for each Link Monster in my graveyard, unfortunately I'll have to banish a Link in my graveyard in my End Phase."
Big Mac frowned upon hearing that.
"What are we waiting for?" Flash Pegasus asked Sunset Shimmer, "We have to reduce that hulk to screws and gears."
"I'm with you Flash," Sunset Shimmer replied, then she looked at the Golem, "Now it's time for battle, use your Lighting Bolt."
"Aye," Flash replied as he lunged at the Golem covered in flames, impacting and burning it, destroying it.
“Grhhhggh,” Big Mac was thrown from the impact.
Big Mac: 400 LP
Sunset Shimmer: 2800 LP
“BIG MAC,” Apple Bloom yelled in concern.
“Now my turn is over,” Sunset Shimmer said as Balelynx left the graveyard and Flash Pegasus's attack returned to normal. (ATK 3000)
“BIG MAC HAS FEW LIFE POINTS LEFT, WILL SUNSET BREAK HIS STREAK?” Cheerilee wondered, the bad thing is that this time she was very close to Sunset.
“Ahhhh, could you turn the volume down a bit and your intensity?” Sunset asked.
“SORRY GIRL, BUT NARRATING WITH STYLE IS MY JOB,” Cheerilee yelled into her microphone.
Big Mac recovered from the attack and saw the situation he was in.
“She destroy a powerful monster, and I'm sure Flash Pegasus has another special effect,” Spike said.
“You're right little one,” Sunset Shimmer told him, “Flash Pegasus cannot be destroyed by battle or effects, nor can it be targeted by monsters, spells, or traps.”
“That means he's practically invincible,” Sweetie Belle said worriedly.
"Does that mean Mac is going to lose?" Spike asked Apple Bloom, she was going to answer him but Big Mac beat her to it.
“NNNNOPE,” he said with a very strong tone as he took out a card, seeing it he smiled and clenched his fist.
“Something tells me he drew a very good card,” said Apple Bloom hopefully.
“Active, Monster Reincarnation,” Big Mac said as he discarded a card from his hand and retrieved his Golem from the graveyard.
"So? Even if you managed to summon your Golem again, you wouldn't be able to do anything against Flash Pegasus," Sunset Shimmer told him.
But Big Mac smiled and showed her a card from his hand, Sunset's eyes widened when she saw it.
“That card is Ancient Gear Fusion,” Sunset said with concern.
“EEYUP,” Big Mac said forcefully the moment he activated it.
“Must be an improved version of Polymerization,” Spike said.
“With it, Big Mac can Fusion Summon an Ancient Gear monster, and can use materials from his Deck if he has an Ancient Gear Golem in his hand or field,” Apple Bloom replied excitedly.
“Destroy everything in your path, knocking back, punching and crushing anyone who gets in your way, FUSION SUMMON.”
At that moment, a monster appeared that looked like a stronger and more terrifying version of the Golem, one of its claws had a purer metal making it shine and stand out, but its lower half looked like that of a horse, without losing his gears and metal, making him look like a centaur, “ULTIMATE ANCIENT GEAR GOLEM.” (ATK 4400/DEF 3400/Lv 10)
“ITS HERE, THE ULTIMATE FUSION OF THE ANCIENT GEAR,” Cheerilee shouted.
"Wow, that robot is huge," Spike said as he looked at the new Golem, he was thankful that he wasn't in Sunset Shimmer's place at that precise moment.
“NOW,” Big Mac yelled as he activated a spell card, and all the duelists present saw the card and some nearly fainted with excitement.
“That card is…” Sunset said.
"That card..." Spike said.
"That card, no, Mac that's..." said Apple Bloom.
“LIMITER REMOVAL,” they all said at the same time.
"The power of all the machine type monsters," Sunset Shimmer said with fear in her eyes, "Is doubled."
And at that moment, the Golem began to charge its arms, which had turned into giant firearms. (ATK 8800)
“You played good Sunset, it was the best I've ever felt in this game,” Big Mac told her, “But this is my kingdom, and I'm going to defend my throne.”
Sunset frowned.
“ULTIMATE ANCIENT GEAR GOLEM, ATTACK!” Big Mac yelled, as the Golem fired at Flash Pegasus.
“This is it, Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem,” Sunset said as she watched Flash Pegasus fight off the attack but being defeated, she yelled upon being hit, “IS THIS THE POWER OF BIG MACINTOOOOOOSHH?”
Big Mac: 400 LP (WINNER)
Sunset Shimmer: 0 LP
Sunset fell to her knees, a few seconds later, the monsters disappeared.
“I admire your tenacity, you are very strong Sunset,” Big Mac offered his hand to help her up, “Lets play again sometime.”
“You bet I will,” Sunset said, getting up without his help, “I'll win next time.”
At that moment, Sunset Shimmer left the place, but not before looking directly at Spike.
Spike swallowed, apparently Sunset also noticed.
When Sunset left, the members of Team Apple Harmony approached Big Mac to congratulate him, among many compliments, those of Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stood out.
"Congratulations brother," Apple Bloom said, "That was amazing."
“You defeated Sunset Shimmer, a powerful Duelist,” Sweetie Belle said.
“That's 31 wins in a row,” added Scootaloo.
Big Mac smiled, at that moment he saw Spike approaching nervously.
"That..." said Spike, who was nervous at first but then steeled himself, "That was wonderful, your style of play, your movements, even in the worst situation you seemed very calm, I don't even know how to describe it."
"What did I tell you," Apple Bloom told him, "My brother's duels are amazing, he might be a man of few words but no one compares to him."
"Yeah, I could feel it," Spike answered as he put a hand to his heart, "An emotion inside of me, which makes me want to be stronger."
“If you feel that emotion after watching one of our duels, it means you have a good heart,” Big Mac told him, he walked over to Spike and placed a hand on his shoulder, “Tell me Spike, would you like to join Team Apple Harmony?”
"Huh?" Spike's eyes widened, maybe that was a joke, because he never thought they would want him on a team, he looked up to see Big Mac who looked at him with a warm smile.
"Yes Spike, it would be great to have you," Apple Bloom told him.
“Come on Spike, say yes,” Sweetie Belle told him.
Scootaloo just smiled.
“We'd like to have you little one,” Cheerilee told him.
“Yeah, a friend of Big Mac's is a friend of mine,” Braeburn told him.
Zecora looked at him with a smile.
He looked at the other Duelists who nodded and agreed, it was the first time he felt so loved outside of his family.
After thinking about it for a few seconds, Spike made his decision, "I'd like to be a join the team."
“Yeehaw,” Braeburn yelled, as the other team members cheered.
“EEYUPPP,” Big Mac exclaimed very happy for the new member.
“That means you will have a duel with another team member,” Zecora told him, “Choose well, and have a duel you always remember.”
"Eeyup," Big Mac agreed.
Spike felt nervous again, but since it wasn't a duel where he had to bet something, he calmed down for a moment, and thought about who he should challenge.
"Umm, excuse me," Scootaloo spoke, "If it's not a bother, I'd like your first duel on this team to be against me."
Spike looked at her a little surprised, from how little he knew Scootaloo, he knew that she was competitive, but he knew that that was not the reason why she wanted to have this duel.
"Is there any reason you want Spike to duel with you, Scootaloo?" asked Big Mac.
"Because I know Spike has a Duel Spirit," Scootaloo said.
That revelation was like a crashing car for Spike, quickly all the team's eyes turned to him.
"Busted," Spike said to Heathspike secretly though it was no use trying to hide it anymore.
“Oh well, the dragon is out of the bag,” Heathspike said with his hand on his forehead.
With the situation a little confusing for Spike, he will have a lot to explain, not only because of his duel with Scootaloo, but because now he can count on Heathspike's support.
But one thing was certain, his first duel on the team would be one he would not forget.