The Cyberse Tournament's first round was still going and in one of the tunnels, Sandbar was watching as his Giant Soldier of Stone fought against a Doppelwarrior. The spy monster fired its machine guns, but the bullets did nothing against the rock monster.
He charged and drew one of his stone swords, then swung it around to crush the gun out of Doppelwarrior's hands. He then used one of his giant feet to slam into the spy's chest, knocking it flying backwards as it exploded.
"Yes!" Sandbar cheered as the wall disappeared. He headed down the hallway and found an exit, making him smile as he stepped towards it.
Meanwhile, inside the loser's room, Sunset and Ocellus watched as the other Duels were taking place.
The pair continued to shift their attention between the Duel featuring Spike and Applebloom and the Duel featuring Fluttershy and Sweetie. That Duel was really interesting, since neither side had yet to let their Life Points remain below four thousand. In fact, Sweetie's Life Points were higher than that thanks to Fluttershy's strategy. But it was a strategy that was really helping her out.
Meanwhile, Spike was currently in a really dangerous spot. He had less Life Points than Applebloom, who currently had two monsters whilst Spike had none. And one of those monsters was the mighty Elder Tree, Draco-Root. Spike had narrowly avoided losing during the last turn. If he didn't get something good this turn, he would be in serious trouble.
Spike stared at the monster, then turned to his Deck master. "We're not out of this yet. Let's show Applebloom we're not to be taken lightly." The dragon roared as Spike reached for his deck. "It's my turn...I DRAW!"
Adagio: "Spike isn't letting himself throw in the towel yet. But against such dangerous odds, what could the poor Duellist possibly do to come back?"
Spike added his new card to his hand, then reached for his Extra Deck. "With the ability of Flame Banner Draco Kid, I can send him to the graveyard and add two Dragon-Type Pendulum Monsters from my deck to my hand." Two cards slotted out of his deck, which he took and quickly slapped down on the Duel Disk. "Now, Scale one Flame Viper Dragon and Scale ten Repulser Dracokid, set the Pendulum Scale."
Applebloom watched the columns appear, with two serpentine dragons appearing within them.
As soon as they were there, Spike started chanting. "Now it's my turn, to burn through space time and blaze the arc of victory!" The portal formed, "I PENDULUM SUMMON!"
The portal opened and two fireballs flew out, exploding upon the ground and revealing a pair of monsters. One of them was his swordsman "Drag-Blader!" (A1800/1200/L4)
The other was a lizard, who had a trail of fire running down his back all the way to his tail. "And Burning Salamander!" (A1600/D1400/L4)
"Oh no," Applebloom realised what Spike had. And sure enough, Burning Salamander leapt into the air and burst into flames.
"Now watch!" Spike cried, as the flames split into four. "As I tune my two monsters together to form an even mightier beast!" The flames carved a circle of fire, which Drag-Blader leapt up into. "Cast your flames across this battlefield, and burn everything that is weak to ashes!" Everyone watched as his monsters were consumed by an explosion of fire. "I SYNCHRO SUMMON!"
The flames died down to reveal his Synchro Pendulum monster, who flew down and hovered behind Spike with its sword at the ready. "Dragonic BLAZELORD!" (A3000/D2000/L8/P4)
Adagio: "There it is! The monster that embodies Spike's ever burning soul. Will this be enough for Spike to defeat Applebloom?
"Blazelord's skill!" Spike cried, as several fireballs appeared in front of him. "For every Dragon in my graveyard, he gains two hundred ATK points." Assault Wyvern, Dracokid, Drag-Blader and Burning Salamander appeared from out of the flames, then shot up into Blazelord's mouth. (A3800/D2000/L8/P4) "Now, Blazelord, activate your special ability!" The dragon raised his sword, which burst into flames. "By skipping my Battle Phase, I can destroy every monster on your side of the field with less ATK than Blazelord."
"Great," Applebloom frowned. Her Trap was once again useless.
She watched, as Blazelord swung his sword around and unleashed a wave of five. That wave slammed into Elder Tree and Iris Maiden, destroying them both with the explosions slamming into her.
Adagio: "Ouch! And with Blazelord's ability, Applebloom will take four hundred points of damage for every monster destroyed. Which will bring her score down to match Spike's. Good thing his Deck Master's effect only works in battle."
Spike: 2200
Applebloom: 2200
"I'll throw down a face down and then call it a turn." Blazelord's sword extinguished, but was ready to attack again the next time Spike needed it
At the same time, Gallus continued to march through the frozen wasteland that was meant to be his battlefield.
The teen shivered as he fought his way through the snow, but the cold of the place was starting to get to him. He was currently near the base of a mountain, when he suddenly had enough. "COME ON!" He cried, his voice echoing through the terrain. "My opponent better show up soon. The sooner I beat them, the sooner I can get out of here. So come on out ALREADY!"
He stood there, listening to his voice echo through the landscape. And as he did, he suddenly heard a rumbling sound and turned to see the mountain was visibly shaking. And soon enough, the snow on the mountain began to break off of it.
"Oh," he watched the avalanche approaching, "great." He turned away from the mountain and started moving as fast as he could, though with the waist high snow that wasn't exactly easy. "Come on. Come on!" he fought through the snow, as the avalanche got closer and closer.
He got so despite, he started leaping up out of the snow but that did almost nothing to him. And as he pulled himself up out of the hole he made, the snow finally reached him.
"GYAAAAAH!" The snow slammed into him and he was pushed forward, the teen feeling himself roll around and around with incredible speed until he finally came to a stop. "Ow." His eyes were spinning in their sockets, the teen groaning as he followed the standard avalanche survival guide.
"Ew," Ocellus cried as she watched Gallus release some drool. "What's he doing?"
"Actually, it's a pretty smart thing to do." Ocellus gave Sunset a puzzled look. "After an avalanche, you need to figure out which way up you are." They then heard Gallus groan, as the drool went up his nose. "Now he knows."
They watched as he started digging around himself, managing to create a small circle around him that allowed him to pull his legs out of the snow and get the right way up. Once he did that, he started digging upwards. It would likely take a while, but it wasn't like he had anything better to do.
Sunset and Ocellus then turned to the screen showing Sweetie and Fluttershy, it now being the older woman's turn.
"My draw," Fluttershy drew her card and quickly activated it. "I play Charity from the Poor. This Spell lets me draw one card for every Level One Monster in my Graveyard." She drew three cards and smiled. "Now, I set the Pendulum Scale. With Scale Three Sacred Guardian Beast, Prowling Wolf and Scale Eight Sacred Guardian Beast, Looming Snake!"
The Columns of Light appeared on either side of her, with a large white and gray wolf appearing in one and a long green and yellow snake appearing in the other. As the two flew up, the portal began to form.
"Now, I cut through space time and carve the arc of victory." The portal completed and began to open. "I PENDULUM SUMMON!" A light shot out of the portal and hit the ground, exploding before revealing a large yellow dragon with pink spikes sticking out her back. "Awaken and protect all those before you. Sacred Guardian Beast, Kindness Dragonoid!" (A2600/D1900/L7/P5)
Sonata: "Fluttershy has brought out the big guns now. However, her monster has been summoned into Def Position. Why would she do that?"
"I activate my Dragonoid's Special Ability." She turned to Rush Rabbit and let out a breath, which caused the humanoid bunny to be surrounded with a pink mist. (A2000/D1300/L4) (A2400/D1900/L7/P5) "Effect Skip!" Fluttershy stated. "I activate this effect five more times."
Sonata: "Effect Skip can be done whenever a Duellist does not wish to repeatedly use an effect. So long as her Opponent allows it."
Sweetie nodded. She had no way of stopping her from using the Ability as much as she wanted. As such, Kindness Dragon unleashed one large cloud of smoke onto Rush Rabbit and powered him up even more than before. (A3000/D1300/L4) (A1400/D1900/L7/P5) "Now, Rush Rabbit, attack Elegy!"
Rush Rabbit shot forward. But before he could strike, Sweetie activated her face down. "Go, Melodious Rhythm Change!" Elegy transformed into a light and flew into Sweetie's hand, as another of Sweetie's cards then shot out and flew towards the field. "This Trap lets me swap a Melodious Monster with another one that's in my hand. So now I summon Soprano, the Melodious Songstress."
The card exploded and revealed a green skinned woman, with flowing pink hair and a blue metal dress. (A1400/D1400/L4)
Fluttershy watched as Soprano took a defensive position, whilst Sweetie reached for her Duel Disk. "When Soprano is Special Summoned, she lets me add a Melodious Monster from my grave to my hand." A card came out and she added it to her hand, as Soprano was struck and destroyed.
Sonata: "Since a Melodious Monster was just destroyed. Sweetie's Deck Master Ability will now grant her another Songbird Token."
Sure enough, the small bird appeared. But it didn't stay for long, as Fluttershy ordered her Pegasus to attack. And attack it did, flying forward before giving the bird a gentle swat with her tail. It didn't look painful, but it made the bird explode. "I summon Kuribon to the field end my turn." The little furball appeared in DEF mode again, ready to be attacked and saved by its effect. (A300/D200/L1)
All over the world, the people watching were wondering if this Duel would ever progress.
"It's my turn," Sweetie reached for her deck. "I draw!" She smiled when she saw what it was and instantly played it. "Go, Polymerization!" In a flash of light, two monsters appeared on the field. The first was Elegy, whilst the second was a pink skinned woman with green hair and a purple dress. "Now I'll fuse Elegy the Melodious Songstress and Shopina the Melodious Maestra." A portal appeared and sucked the monsters inside. "Two voices, harmonizing as one to create a music strong enough to shake the Earth!" The portal exploded and a new monster flew out of it. "I FUSION SUMMON!"
The light faded and revealed a blue skinned woman with orange hair, wearing a black, brown, pink and yellow dress with a yellow mask over her eyes. She did several twirls before striking a pose. "Schuberta the Melodious Maestra!"(A2400/D2000/L6!)
Sonata: "Sweetie's really kicking it up a notch. Will her Fusion Summon help her get the edge she needs?"
"Schuberta's Skill!" Sweetie cried, as a portal opened up between them. Winged Kuriboh, Sphere Kuriboh and Rainbow Kuriboh suddenly appeared out of it before disintegrating. "By banishing any three cards in our graves, Schuberta gains three hundred points for each. (A3300/D2000/L6!) "Next, I activate a Spell Card. Maestra's Mayhem!" Schuberta began to sing and as she did, she unleashed a sonic wave that flew towards Fluttershy's field.
She gasped as the soundwave slammed into all four of her monsters and caused them to explode, then struck Fluttershy and made her cry out.
Sweetie: 4400
Fluttershy: 2800
Fluttershy hit the ground, Kuriboh flying over and looking worried. "I'm okay," Fluttershy sat up. "But what was that?"
"Maestra Mayhem," Sweetie repeated. "It lets a Melodious Maestra Monster destroy every monster with less ATK than her, then deal you three hundred points for each one. But it means I can't attack this turn." Fluttershy looked impressed. "I activate the effect of Fortissimo, to power Schuberta up." (A4100/D2000/L6!) "Turn end."
Sonata: "Wow. With one move, Sweetie's turned this entire Duel Around. Now it's Fluttershy who's on the defensive. Will she be able to do something to bring the Duel back into her favour?"
Fluttershy stood up and took a deep breath. This wasn't gonna be easy.
Back with Gallus, he was still digging his way through the snow.
Eventually, he felt the snow above him get softer and with one good punch, he broke through the top and was finally free. "Yes!" He pulled himself out of the snow, feeling the fresh air as he crawled out of his makeshift tunnel. When he did, he heard the sounds of crashing waves and looked over to the side.
The avalanche had carried him towards the edge of a glacier, Gallus crawling to the edge and finding it was a good ten meter drop. If the force of the snow had been any stronger, he would have been thrown into the sea. "That was way too close." But as he said that, a cracking sound filled the air. "Oh, come on!"
The edge broke off of the glacier, Gallus screaming as he fell towards the water. He eventually hit the water and with a splash, he went into the ocean. He was amazed that the water didn't feel even colder, though Twilight had probably kept it this warm so his brain didn't explode from shock.
After a few seconds, the chunk of ice under him began to surface. He suddenly found himself slamming into the ice and pushed upwards, eventually breaking the surface with Gallus taking a deep breath.
He lay upon the ice float, trying to regain his breath as he panted. Once he could breathe enough to speak, he let out a groan. "I would trade my best card to get out of this wintry hellhole."
Back with Spike and Applebloom, the girl stared at the Synchro Pendulum that had wiped out her field. This wouldn't be easy.
"It's ma'h turn. A'h draw!" She quickly activated a card. "A'h play Seed Reload! Which lets me banish Dandylion from ma'h grave and draw three cards." As she did, the portal formed above her head. "A'H PENDULUM SUMMON!"
The portal opened and a pair of lights shot out of it, exploding on the ground and revealing Applebloom's monsters. "Iris Maiden!" (A1800/D1300/L4/P5)
The other was another flower themed girl. "And Maiden of Spring's Bloom!" (A1400/D1100/L3) Spike knew what was coming next and had to be ready for it. "Now, a'm tunin' Level three Maiden of Spring's Bloom with Level four Iris Maiden!" Applebloom's Tuner Monster changed into a quartet of lights, which flew into the air and carved four circles that Iris Maiden leapt into. "Seasons change and bring new life. Now bloom into a bright future!" The monsters disappeared in an explosion of light, "A'H SYNCHRO SUMMON!"
The light faded to reveal a woman in red, green and yellow plant clothing, with white hair up in a bun held by plant shaped hair clips. In her hands was a wooden instrument that looked to be a cross between a hoe and scythe. "Bountiful Maiden of Grand Bloom." (A2500/D2200/L7/P3)
Adagio: "Spike has summoned his ace and to counter it, Applebloom has done the same. How will this affect the outcome of the match?"
"When Bountiful Maiden is Special Summoned, I can add a Plant-type Maiden from ma'h deck to ma'h hand." Her deck slotted out a card and she instantly summoned it. "Go, Celosia Maiden!" Another plant dressed lady appeared besides the other two, spinning a wooden staff around. (A2000/D1000/L4/P3) The two monsters were in defence Position, preparing themselves for the oncoming attack. "A'h place one card face down and end ma'h turn."
"It's my turn," Spike drew his card as the portal formed above his head. "And I PENDULUM SUMMON!" The portal opened up and a fireball shot out, exploding and appearing to reveal a large wyvern with a scythe on its tail. "Iron Tail Dragon!" (A2100/D1400/L6)
"Trap Card open!" Applebloom announced, as the wall of the castle suddenly exploded and revealed a bunch of Vines. "Bindin' Vine!" The vines wrapped around Blazelord and forced it to change into DEF mode. "This equip Trap, forces ya'h monster into DEF mode. An' if ya'h try to switch him back whilst it's on him, he'll be destroyed. Plus, his abilities are all put out of action too."
"Seriously?" Spike sighed. "Alright then. Iron Tail Dragon. Attack Celosia Maiden!" The dragon took off and flew towards the monsters.
"And that activated ma'h other Trap!" Her card flipped up, as a giant Venus Fly Trap flew out of it and shielded the monster. "Deadly Venus!" Iron Tail Dragon flew into the fly trap and before it could escape, it closed around the monster and made it roar as it was crushed. "Since you attacked a Plant monster, Deadly Venus lets me destroy your monster and then you take damage equal to its Level."
Spike: 1600
Applebloom: 2200
"Ahh man," Spike sighed. "Alright. I end my turn."
Adagio: "Spike looked ready to take the lead, but now Applebloom has destroyed another monster and taken it herself. What will she do next?"
"It's ma'h draw!" Applebloom reached for her deck and took a card. As she did, the portal began to form above her head. "A'H PENDULUM SUMMON!" The portal opened an a pair of light flew out of it, slamming into the ground and exploding. "Iris Maiden!" (A1800/D1300/L4/P5)
The other revealed a woman in purple flower clothing who was carrying a large water jug. "Rambler Maiden!" (A1400/D1100/L3/P6) "And when she's Special Summoned, A'h get to draw one card for every other Plant-Type Monster on ma'h field." She drew two cards. "Next, a'h activate Celosia Maiden's Skill"
Adagio: "That's a very impressive skill. It lets Applebloom increase all her Plant-Type monsters to have their ATK match another Plant monster on the field."
Celosia raised her staff and Bountiful Maiden began to glow. The light then flew off of her, splitting into three and hitting the other monsters. (A2500/D1300/L4/P5) (A2500/D1000/L4/P3) (A2500/D1100/L3/P6) "Now," Applebloom swapped her DEF position Monsters to ATK mode. "Bountiful Maiden of Grand Bloom! Attack Dragonic Blazelord!"
Spike watched as The Synchro Pendulum Monster leapt into the air, raising her scythe as she flew towards his monster. "I activate my Trap!" The card flipped up, "Roar of the Mighty Dragon! Since you're targeting a Dragon Monster that's at least Level Seven, this card lets us both draw until we get a monster." Both players drew, Applebloom getting Shield Seed Squire whilst Spike got Eruptor Horn Dragon.
Adagio: "Since Spike's monster is a higher Level, that attack fails!"
Dragonic Blazelord unleashed a powerful roar, which acted like a wall that the Synchro Pendulum bounced off of. Both players then sent the monster they summoned to the Graveyard. "Iris Maiden!" Applebloom cried, as her monster drew its bow and fired an arrow.
"Once again, my Roar of the Mighty Dragon activates!" Spike drew until he got a monster, the Level six Des Volstgalph. At the same time, Applebloom's draw gave her Rose Witch. Blazelord roared again, the sonic wall deflecting the arrow. But as it did, Celosia Maiden thrust her staff forward and attacked again. The pair drew their cards, Spike frowning as he showed her Dragonic Blazemaster, Assault Mode. "Try blocking this."
Applebloom looked at her card and showed her Level two Maiden of Winter's Fall. This caused Blazelord to unleash its roar and stop the attack, as Applebloom pointed at the dragon. "Rambler Maiden!" The woman raised her vase before thrusting it forward, unleashing a wave of water that flew out and looked ready to was Spike and his monster away.
Luckily, Armored Wyvern got in front of him and beat his wings to block the wave. This allowed Spike to draw his card, which he saw was Underling Dragon. "Level Two."
Applebloom drew her card and smiled, spinning it around to show Nutrient Dragon. "Level Three." The wave broke through the barrier Blazelord created and washed the monster backwards, ripping it free of the vines binding it before it exploded.
Adagio: "Spike's luck ran out there, but it could have been worse. It could have run out when one of the other monsters attacked. If it had, Spike would most certainly be out of this Duel."
"A'm placin' two cards face down and endin' ma'h turn." The ATK of her monsters all returned to normal.
"It's my turn," Fluttershy reached for her deck. "I draw!" As soon as she did, the portal began to form above Fluttershy's head. "I PENDULUM SUMMON!"
The portal opened and two monsters flew out of it, exploding and revealing her monsters. "Awaken and protect all those before you. Sacred Guardian Beast, Kindness Dragonoid!" (A2600/D1900/L7/P5)
"Let your gentle heart shine, Sacred Guardian beast Kindness Pegasus!" (A1000/18000/L4/P5) "Since Kindness Pegasus was special summoned, her effect lets me add a Sacred Guardian Beast to my hand." A card slotted out for her to take, as Prowling Wolf suddenly moved. "Next, I'll activate my Wolf's Pendulum Effect. It lets me look at the top five cards of my deck and if any our Level One monsters, I can summon them."
Sonata: "Interesting strategy. Will Fluttershy get what she needs?"
Five cards flew off the top of her deck and floated in front of her, Fluttershy looking them over before picking on. "I summon Clear Kuriboh!" The lake splashed before what appeared to be a dark blue Kuriboh popped out. That Kuriboh then split in half to reveal a smaller Kuriboh inside, which split again with an even smaller Kuriboh revealed. It laughed before pulling the two Kuriboh shells back onto it. (A300/D200/L1)
Sweetie hummed, wondering what Fluttershy was up to.
"Effect Skip!" Fluttershy announced. "I transfer all of Kindness Dragonoid's ATK points to Kindness Pegasus!" The dragon turned to the winged horse and breathed on her upon her, transferring all its power to the Pegasus. (A3600/18000/L4/P5) (A0/D1900/L7/P5)
"That's still not enough to defeat my Maestra!"
"Just wait!" Fluttershy activated another card. "Come forth, "Ritual of the Sacred Guardians!" The Spell appeared and Sweetie gasped, as a stone tablet with multiple animals appeared in front of her. On either side of it were a pair of stone animal statues. "Now I can special summon a Sacred Guardian Ritual Monster, so long as I tribute Kindness Dragonoid and another monster that's Level one or above."
Sweetie watched, as Kindness Dragonoid and Clear Kuriboh glowed. They were then transformed into a pair of lights, that flew into the mouths of the animal statues. The statues then spun around until they were facing each other before the lights shot out and met in front of the tablet. "The power of nature flows through us all, and only by understanding it can our greatest strength awaken." The tablet absorbed the light into itself before shooting a beam up into the sky. "I RITUAL SUMMON!"
The beam of light hit the skies, as clouds began to form around it. Then when it faded, the clouds floated down before disappearing to reveal Fluttershy's new monster. A yellow lemia dragon with pink armor and shields on the backs of her arms and pink spikes running down the back of its neck, spine and tail until they reached the shield tipped end. "Sacred Guardian Deity, Kindness...DRAGONERA!" (A3000/D2500/L8)
Sonata: "There it is. One of Fluttershy's best monsters. This is gonna be a problem for Sweetie."
"Dragonera's skill!" A portal opened up and Kuribon flew out of it. "By returning a Level One Monster to the bottom of my deck, I can double the ATK of a Level Four or below monster on my field." Dragonera created a sphere of light, which she threw towards Kindness Pegasus. The horse neighed, as its power began to increase. (A7200/18000/L4/P5)
"Seventy-two hundred points?" Sweetie asked, fearing there might be more.
"Kindness Pegasus," Fluttershy pointed at Schuberta. "Attack!" The monster spread its wings and shot forward, flying at high speed and slamming into Schuberta. This caused an explosion, which caused Sweetie to be thrown backwards.
"WOW!" She flew through the air and slammed into the ground, her Life Points taking a serious hit.
Sweetie: 1300
Fluttershy: 2800
Sonata: "Wow, talk about painful. This Duel just keeps jumping from one leader to another. Luckily for Sweetie, her Deck Master's ability will replace her monster with a Songbird Token."
Sure enough, as Sweetie picked herself up, a smaller version of her Deck Master appeared and let out a melodious squawk as it did. (A0/D0/L1) "Ow," Sweetie picked herself up as Dragonera took to the air.
The beast opened its mouth and let out a silent roar, which unleashed a blast of air that struck the token and destroyed it. Sweetie let out a sigh as she braced herself, the explosion almost knocking her over. As she did, Fluttershy ended her turn. Kindness Pegasus' ATK returned to its original state, or the state it had been in after Dragonoid had transferred its power to her. (A3600/18000/L4/P5)
Sweetie took several deep breath, then reached for her deck. "It's my turn." She drew her card and nodded. "I activate the effect of Sound Smith, Concerta!" She discarded the card. "By sending him to the graveyard, I card draw one card for every Face-up Spell or Trap that's on the field. You have four and I have one, so I draw five cards." She drew and a smile appeared on her lips.
Fluttershy raised an eyebrow wondering why she was so happy.
"Say goodbye to all your cards," Sweetie stated as she activated one. "Go, Harpy's Feather Duster!" Fluttershy's eyes went wide as a giant feather appeared in the air, which swung through the air and unleashed a powerful gale that blew away all of Fluttershy's cards.
Sonata: "With that, Fluttershy can no longer Pendulum Summon. And her other cards won't be helping her either."
"I'm not stopping there. I activate another Spell Card. Tribute to the Doomed!" She discarded a card. "Now I can destroy any monster on the field. Like you Kindness Dragonera!" The Spell appeared and unleashed a bunch of bandages, which shot towards the Ritual Monster and wrapped around it. Once she was completely mummified, they started growing tighter until she exploded.
"Dragonera!" Fluttershy gasped, as Sweetie played yet another card.
"And for my final Spell. Go, Funeral Fusion. This card lets me Fusion Summon using monsters that are in my Graveyard. The only downside is the resulting monster's ATK points are dropped to zero." A portal opened up before Schuberta and Elegy appeared out of it, a vortex appearing behind the pair and sucking them inside. "Once again, two beautiful voices will meld in an effort to create an even greater sound." The vortex exploded, unleashing a barrage of petals that blinded Fluttershy. "I FUSION SUMMON!"
The petal blizzard began to fade away and as it did, Fluttershy opened her eyes and looked ahead to see a large flower bulb floating in front of Sweetie. The petals began to bloom and as they did, it revealed a woman inside the flower.
She was a yellow skinned woman with blue hair, wearing a blue dress with a pink sash swirled around her arms and along the back of her neck. "Bloom Diva, the Melodious Choir!" (A0/D2000/L6)
Sonata: "Sweetie managed to Fusion Summon, but it's a monster with zero ATK points. What could she be thinking?"
Bloom Diva stared Fluttershy and Kindness Pegasus down, the pair getting ready for whatever Sweetie had planned. "Bloom Diva, attack Kindness Pegasus!"
"What?" Fluttershy asked, as he monster began to sing and unleashed the sonic blast.
"Bloom Diva's ability means I take no damage from a battle involving her," Sweetie explained. "And since Kindness Pegasus was Special Summoned, her other ability activates. One that lets me deal the damage I would have taken to you instead, whilst also destroying your monster." Fluttershy's eyes went wide, whilst the rest of the audience gasped in shock.
Sonata: "Incredible. If this works, Sweetie will claim victory!"
Kindness Pegasus shot into the air and flew into the sound wall, attempting to push through it but having very little success. And eventually, she was blasted back and exploded with the smoke slamming into Fluttershy.
"GYAH!" She screamed, as the smoke completely surrounded her. Everyone watching was on the edge of their seat, wondering what had happened. But that didn't distract them from the other Duel still going on.
"It's my turn," Spike reached for his deck. "I draw!" As he did, the portal formed above his head. "And now, I PENDULUM SUMMON!" The portal opened and a single fireball shot out, exploding to reveal Spike's ace. "Burn this world to ashes, Dragonic Blazelord!"
"Great," Applebloom frowned. "A'h hoped a'h got rid of you."
"Nope," Spike smirked. "And don't forget Blazelord's Special Ability," Spike announced. "Remember, Roar of the Mighty Dragon sent all my Dragons to the Graveyard. That means he gets an extra two hundred points for each and every one of them." The nine ghostly flames appeared before they flew into Blazelord, making it roar as its power increased by a huge amount. (A4800/D2000/L8/P4) "Now, Dragonic Blazelord, Activate your Ability!"
Applebloom watched as the dragon raised its sword, which burst into flames. But before it launched the attack, Applebloom pointed at the ground. "Trap Card, open!" Her Face Down flipped up. "Tree of Life!" A large tree grew out of the castle, right as Blazelord unleashed the wave of fire.
It struck Applebloom's field and burned her monsters, destroying them and blasting Applebloom.
Spike: 1600
Applebloom: 600
As Applebloom staggered back, the Tree of Life glowed before four red fruit grew out of it. She took a deep breath and stood tall, as Spike's monster lowered its sword. "I end my turn."
"Alright," Applebloom told him. "Ya'h got me good there." She stood tall, "but a'm not gonna let ma'h self be beaten so easily."
"Me neither," Spike smirked. "And you're not the first Duelist to say that to me." He pointed at her. "I've come a long way since the Double X. I've grown a lot and this is where I'm gonna show the fruits of my training."
"We'll see," Applebloom reached for her deck. "A'h draw!" As she did, the portal formed above her head. "And a'h PENDULUM SUMMON!" The portal opened and four lights shot out, her monsters appearing from them.
"Bountiful Maiden of Grand Bloom!" (A2500/D2200/L7/P3)
"Iris Maiden!" (A1800/D1300/L4/P5)
"Rambler Maiden!" (A1400/D1100/L3/P6)
"Celosia Maiden!" (A2000/D1000/L4/P3)
Adagio: "Applebloom has reassembled her forces, but that'll just mean Spike gets to blast them back down next turn. What could she be planning."
"Bountiful Maiden and Rambler Maiden's Abilities now activate!" She reached for her deck, adding five new cards to her hand. And when she saw one, she smirked before pointing to her Trap Card. "A'h Activate the effect of ma'h Tree of Life. Every time a monster was destroyed, a fruit grew from it. And now, a'm sacrificing ma'h Trap to gain four hundred Life Points for each fruit." The fruit burst into lights, which flew into Applebloom as the tree vanished.
Spike: 1600
Applebloom: 2200
Spike frowned. "It's like my last attack didn't do anything."
"Next," Applebloom played a card. "A'm activating ma'h Heavy Storm!" A powerful gust of wind exploded out onto the castle, making Spike cry out as his Trap was destroyed. Applebloom's Trap was also destroyed, the pair having trouble keeping their balance on the field until the wind faded away.
Adagio: "Spike's in trouble now. Without that Trap, he won't be able to protect his Dragon. But with his Dragon's power so high, will he need to protect it."
"Next, I summon Prickle Bulb in ATK mode." In a flash of light, a monster that looked like a tadpole appeared. It was a green sphere with a leaf on its behind like a tail. It was also covered in pink spikes. (A200/D300/L1) "Now, I pay one thousand Life Points to activate my Spell Card. Miracle Synchronisation!"
Spike: 1600
Applebloom: 1200
A portal opened up and from it, Maiden of Winter's Fall appeared. "With this, I can Synchro Summon using monsters I banish from the field or the Graveyard." The Tuner monster flew into the air and morphed into a pair of lights, which drew the circles that Prickle Bulb flew into. "Spirit of nature, give new life to the earth's newest protector." The monsters disappeared in an explosion of light, "A'H SYNCHRO SUMMON!"
The light faded to reveal a teenage girl with flowery attire, with an array of red flowers on her chest that made the shape of a heart. "Maiden of Floral Heart!" (A1200/D700/L3)
"Oh great," Spike remembered the last time he faced that monster. "This isn't good."
"Oh, it's very good." Applebloom pointed at the sky. "For me!" Bountiful Maiden and Floral Heart leapt into the air. "Now a'h tune ma'h Level seven Bountiful Maiden of Grand Bloom, with Level three Maiden of Floral Heart!" The Synchro Tuner waved her staff before transforming into a trio of light rings, which Bountiful Maiden flew up into. "The strength of flowers, constantly growing to reach the next stage of life. Now let their true power be revealed." As Bountiful Maiden flew through the rings, they exploded into light which covered the woman before the light formed a cocoon around her. "GO ACCEL SYNCHRO!"
The cocoon faded away, revealing a taller Bountiful Maiden of Grand Bloom, with a white dress, flower crown and axe-like weapon in hand. "Maiden of Bloomin' Heart's Glory!" (A3700/D2500/L10)
Adagio: "Amazing. It's only the first round and Applebloom has brought out an Accel Synchro. I don't see this going well for Spike!"
Spike was thinking the same thing, memories of the last time he Duelled her flowing through his head. He hadn't been able to survive that onslaught the last time. And if she planned to do the same thing again, he was gonna have a hard time overcoming her. But he refused to let himself be beaten. Not now.
"I'm going to survive this," he stated.
Back with Sweetie and Fluttershy's Duel, the girl was feeling anxious as she waited for the smoke to clear.
But slowly, her nerve began to fade as she started believing she had one. "I...I did it." She smiled and looked ready to start celebrating, "I did it!" But as the smoke cleared, her celebration was cut short as Fluttershy was still standing with Kuriboh floating in front of her. "What?" She looked down at her Duel Disk and was shocked.
Sweetie: 1300
Fluttershy: 2800
"Don't tell me."
"My Deck Master's Ability saved me," Fluttershy smiled. "Once per turn, I'm allowed to negate any type of damage dealt to me." Sweetie couldn't believe it.
Sonata: "That was a close one. But using Kuriboh's Deck Master Ability forced Fluttershy to summon him to the field. That means she's vulnerable."
Fluttershy smiled at Kuriboh, who smiled back whilst Sweetie placed two cards face down. "I end my turn." Bloom Diva's ATK Points rose to their normal amount. (A1000/D2000/L6)
Fluttershy sighed, since that had been a pretty close call. If she hadn't picked Kuriboh, she might have lost. But now she had one turn to win. One turn before Sweetie attempted to destroy Kuriboh and end the Duel. And Fluttershy wasn't sure she could protect her monster if that happened.
"I have to win, here and now." Kuriboh looked back at her, nodding to say it was with her all the way. "Okay," she reached for her deck. "Let's go. I DRAW!" She did so and checked the card she had drawn, seeing that it was a Spell Card. Once that was just what she needed. "I'm activating the ability of my Sacred Guardian Beast, Looming Serpent!" A portal opened up that said snake slithered out of them, then exploded. "By banishing it from my Extra Deck, I can summon a Sacred Guardian Beast without a tribute."
"So what?" Sweetie asked. "Doesn't matter what you summon, my Bloom Diva will destroy it."
"We'll see," Fluttershy smiled as she raised her card up. "Come forth, Sacred Guardian Beast Grand Grizzly!" She slapped the card on the Duel Disk and in a brilliant flash, Fluttershy's monster appeared as a giant four armed bear with armor. (A2300/D1800/L6)
Sonata: "Fluttershy managed to get an extra strong monster onto her field. And with its special ability, it'll gain a hundred points for every level one monster in the Graveyard. But how will this help her against Sweetie's monster?"
Grand Grizzly roared, as its power rose. (A2400/D1800/L6) Sweetie wasn't worried. Not with her Bloom Diva on the field.
"And now," Fluttershy stated. "The card that will win me this Duel." Sweetie's eyes went wide, as she activated a Spell card. "Go, Rainbow Blessing."
"Rainbow Blessing?" Sweetie had never heard of that card.
"It's a special Equip Spell, that can only be used on Kuriboh." Her Deck Master began to glow a rainbow of colours. "And now, I activate its effect. To Tribute my Kuriboh and form the Rainbow Arch!" Kuriboh flew into the air, forming a rainbow behind it as it flew up and then curved back down. When it stopped in front of Sweetie, it gave her an eye smile before vanishing and Grand Grizzly powered up. (A2500/D1800/L6)
Sonata: "Oh boy. Fluttershy's really put everything on the line now. Her Deck Master has left the field. If she can't end the Duel here or revive Kuriboh before the End Phase, Fluttershy will lose."
Sweetie had no idea what Fluttershy was planning. But she knew that if Bloom Diva's ability didn't save her, her two face downs would. However, Fluttershy didn't look so sure.
"Go, Grand Grizzly. Cross the Rainbow Arch!" Her monster got down onto all fours...all sixes and ran up the rainbow, which was solid enough to support its weight. Sweetie braced herself as the monster reached the top of the arch and began to run down it, straight to her.
She looked down at her Duel Disk, expecting it to ask if she wanted to use her face downs of Bloom Diva's ability. But it didn't. "What's going on?" She then got a sinking feeling. "Don't tell me. That's...a direct attack?"
"That's right," Fluttershy announced. "Grand Grizzly can use Rainbow Blessing to bypass your monsters and attack you directly!" Sweetie could only gasp, since her Traps only worked when a Melodious Monster was targeted. She tried to think, but she had nothing that could save her.
"Scootaloo. Applebloom. I'm sorry." She closed her eyes, as Grand Grizzly reached her. And with one mighty swing of its claws, the beast slashed her down the chest and she screamed out.
Sweetie: 0
Fluttershy: 2800 (Winner)
Sonata: "It's over! Fluttershy has defeated Sweetie and will be moving on to the next round. A shame for Sweetie Belle, but she certainly didn't make it easy for Fluttershy. I think she should be proud."
The monsters all vanished, as Fluttershy began to move over to Sweetie. "Are you okay?" Sweetie groaned as she held her chest.
"Those claws might be virtual, but they sure felt real." Fluttershy helped Sweetie back to her feet, Sweetie letting out a sigh. "I guess this is game over for me." Fluttershy frowned, "it's okay. I gave it my all and I have no regrets." Fluttershy smiled, as Sweetie held out a hand. "Good luck."
Fluttershy nodded and shook her hand. "Thank you. This was fun." Sweetie nodded as her body began to digitise, her feet and legs disappearing followed by the rest of her. When she was completely gone, Fluttershy let out a sigh as a portal appeared next to her. She nodded and walked forward, stepping into it and the next challenge facing her.
Sweetie blinked as she opened her eyes, finding herself staring at both Sunset and Ocellus.
"Hey," Sunset smiled, "nice Duel. You almost had her there." She patted the side of her couch, "come take a seat. Your friend might be just about to beat Spike." Sweetie heard this and turned to see Applebloom in action, but also noticed some of the other monitors. And one of them included Gallus, still floating upon his iceberg.
The teen was starting to look bored, though his clothes had dried off from the dunking he had suffered. the iceberg had remained in place, so he had had no reason to try and get back to the continent. However, he was starting to think he should since it was unlikely his opponent would get themselves tossed into the ocean as well.
At that moment, he felt a rumbling sound and turned to see the cliff above shaking. And the reason was because of a large wave of snow, which flew over the edge of the cliff and fell down towards him. "WOW!" He cried, as the snow smashed into the water and caused a wave, which pushed his iceberg away.
Gallus barely managed to hold on, as the cliff up above started the crack as well. "Seriously?" He watched as the ice broke off and fell towards the water. And as it did, he heard someone's voice.
"Wheeeee!" His eyes went wide, as he saw Silverstream riding atop the ice. She looked like she was having a blast, as the ice slammed down into the water.
Gallus once again held on, as the resulting wave pushed his iceberg back. A few moments later, Silverstream surfaced upon her iceberg and laughed. "That was fun."
"Silverstream!" She turned to him, gasping when she saw who it was.
"Hey Galley." Gallus frowned, really wishing she wouldn't call him that. She then gasped, "are you my opponent?"
"Obviously," Gallus stood up, "why else would I be here." He stood up and smirked, "hope you're ready." Silverstream smiled back and stood up as well, as the walls of cards appeared in front of them. As they started choosing their cards, Aria started speaking.
Aria: "Gallus and Silverstream. Two Duellists that managed to win the Double X with their other teammate. Said teammate has already made it through to the next round, but it seems the entire team will not be getting that far."
Sunset turned to Ocellus. "You know these two. Who do you think has the edge?"
"I'm not sure," Ocellus frowned. "Gallus has more offensive power, whilst Silverstream's deck focuses on building power over time. This could go either way." As she said that, the pair finished constructing their decks and were soon ready to Duel. There was just one thing left.
Aria: "It's time for them to choose their Deck Masters."
The pair pulled out their decks and started shuffling through them. Eventually, Gallus took one of them out. "I pick Gold Paladin, Brave Sabre to be my Deck Master!" In a flash of light, the knight of white and gold appeared besides Gallus.
Silverstream selected her own Deck Master, smiling as she did so. "I pick Alluring Skydiver!" Another flash signalled the appearance of a woman that seemed to be a bizarre fusion of a mermaid and a harpy. She had a long pink fish-like tail, with feathers on the end of it, whilst her arms had pink bird wings. Around her neck was some kind of necklace with a pink crystal on it.
Aria: "Both players have chosen their Deck Masters. How will these choices affect the outcome of the Duel? There's only one way to find out."
The two replaced their decks as their Duel Disks activated and their Life Points were set. "Let's Duel!"
Gallus: 4000
Silverstream: 4000