//------------------------------// // Chapter 01 - A Rising Star // Story: Po-Ni-Oh!: Rise of the Heroes // by flawlessvictory20 //------------------------------// It was late in the afternoon in Ponyville, and the town was all abuzz. Today was the day where duelists from all over Equestria would come to claim one of the sixteen spots in this year's tournament. While many mares and colts were busy preparing for the upcoming duels, one young stallion was still asleep in bed. A faint beam of light grazed the sleeping colt's face. As the unwanted warmth touched his face, he slowly opened his seafoam eyes. Slowly sitting up, the young stallion began to stretch. “That was a good rest...” he said, a little drowsy. Still a little groggy, the sleepy colt made his way out of bed. As his hooves hit the ground, he scratched his stomach. This young stallion name was Star Driver. He's a young duelist with the potential to make it far in the tournament. The young ochre stallion then headed for the bathroom. As he walked down the hall, Star Driver reflected on the importance of today. 'Today's the day, huh?' he thought to himself, as he ran his fingers through his spiky brown mane. As he stepped into the shower, he turned the nozzle to start the flow of water. While the water trickled down his slightly muscular frame, the haziness began to fade and the severity of the day sank in. “This is it, Star. The first step to becoming 'King of Games' starts today,” he whispered to himself. After a few minutes, he turned the water off and stepped out of the shower to dry off. After he was completely dry, he headed back to his room to prepare for the day. After he got dressed, which was a black sleeveless V-neck shirt with a black long-sleeved undershirt and dark grey pants, he then walked over to his bed. He reached underneath it and pulled out a large box. With the box in hand, he sat at the foot of the bed. Opening the case, he marveled at the new Duel Disc that he purchased the night before. He took it out of the box and placed it on his right wrist. He picked up another box underneath the bed and put the box on his lap. The young stallion the set the deck that was inside into the deck slot of his Duel Disc. Now prepared to tackle the day, he headed for the front door. As he was heading down the stairs, he heard a knock at the door. “Who could that be?” he asked. He quickly made his way to the door. When he opened it, on the other side was a tall, muscular purple figure. As the sun reflected off the green spines, a smile appeared on Star Driver's face. It was one of his best friends, Spike. Wearing an orange crew neck shirt complemented by his purple pants and white sneakers, the drake returned the smile. As they exchanged a high five, the ochre pegasus was a bit confused. “Hey, bro. What brings you here?” asked Star Driver. “I was coming to get you, Star. Your match starts in like five minutes,” answered Spike. Star Driver merely waved off his buddy's comment as one of his trademark jokes. “Hilarious, Spike.” “It's not a joke, Star,” implored Spike, with a serious look. “Sure it isn't, Spike. You know as well as I do my match isn't until-” he trailed off as he looked at his watch. To his horror, the clock read 2:55 p.m. “OH CRAP! I'M LATE!!” Without a moment to lose, he bolted past his scaly friend and made a beeline for Town Hall. After a small chuckle, Spike soon followed after his friend. “Same old Star,” he sighed. At Town Hall, the residents were all abuzz for the final match scheduled for today. Outside the Hall, where a multitude of vendors and decorations to celebrate the end of the qualifying rounds for the tournament. Young fillies and colts surveyed the stands to partake of such treats as cotton candy, popcorn, and the other assortments of junk foods. Inside, the hall had been converted into a temporary duel field. The stands were along the east and west walls of the building while the Duel Field (which was a large blue rectangular stage with a white outline) lay in the center of it. The energetic crowd buzzed with anticipation for the upcoming duel. On the sidelines of the field, two mares were waiting for the other competitor to arrive. One of the mares was none other the mayor of Ponyville, Mayor Mare. As she was waiting for the other competitor to arrive, her elegant figure began to slump slightly. Her long-sleeved black jacket with a white collared blouse and teal decorative tie swayed back and forth as she shifted around. As she placed on hand her hip, adorned with a black miniskirt, she began to tap her hoof rapidly. She looked up at the clock on the Northern Wall, and it read 3:01 pm. “Where is that Star Driver?” she muttered, slightly annoyed. She observed the crowd. As she saw how the ponies were starting to become restless for the match, it only served to fuel her annoyance. “I may have to call it a forfeit if he doesn't show up soon,” she huffed, twirling her microphone in her hands. “Don't worry, dude. He'll be here,” grinned a white unicorn. The mayor turns to see the other competitor who was nonchalantly sitting on the floor. It was none other than the infamous Vinyl Scratch, aka DJ PON-3. Her spiky mane swayed (which was two shades of light and dark, shocking blue) as looked up to speak. Wearing a white sports vest with cobalt trim and light blue jeans with a white belt, the grinning mare turns her head to the mayor. Hiding her magenta eyes behind her trademark rose-tinted shades, she continued. “I'm sure he on his way.” “I sure hope so. Otherwise, I'm going to have to call it a forfeit.” “No worries, Mayor. I'm sure he'll come busting through those doors any second.” The white unicorn then gazed at the clock. 'Don't make me a liar, bro,' she thought to herself. As he ran through Ponyville, Star weaved through the crowd. While he narrowly dodged the spectators, Star Driver ran through the crowd with a purpose. 'I can't believe I overslept. I'm such an-WHOA!' His thoughts were halted by suddenly crashing into an unsuspecting pony. Regaining his composure, Star rose to his hooves. He turned to apologize, but his heart nearly stopped when he saw who it was. It was none other than his foalhood friend Fluttershy. “Oh my gosh, 'Shy! Are you alright?” he asked with genuine concern. He knelt down to extend his hand to help her up. As she rubbed her head slightly, she accepted his gesture. “I'm okay, Star. Why are you in such a hurry?” she said, as she rose to her hooves. “Well, I'm kinda running late. My duel is about to start.” “Oh, that's right. You have a match scheduled for today. Well, good luck. I'll be cheering you on from the stands,” Fluttershy smiled. As he was about to respond, his voice seemed to have gone missing. Star began to slightly blush as he looked at the yellow pegasus' natural beauty. Though her attire was a simple goldenrod turtleneck sweater and a long brown skirt, it seemed to capture her elegance. Her long silky pink mane seemed to flow down her slender frame, complemented by her bang as it cascaded slightly over her left eye set his heart aflutter. While lost in her beauty, the ochre pegasus was shocked back into reality as he felt a gentle shake from the timid pegasus. “Star, are you okay? You were spacing out,” asked a worried Fluttershy. “Sorry about that 'Shy. I guess I hit my head harder than I thought. I'll be fine though,” he lied. “Thank goodness. But shouldn't you be at the Town Hall? Your match started three minutes ago?” she said. “Crap, I forgot. I'll see ya later, 'Shy. I gotta jet,” exclaimed Star Driver, as he took to the skies. His actions left the timid pegasus in a bewildered state, as the young stallion raced to Town Hall. While she looked to the skies in confusion, the shy pegasus was greeted with a tap on her shoulder. She turned around to see the grinning drake. “Hey there, Fluttershy. Was that Star that just took off?” he inquired. “Yeah, he's always so energetic isn't he?” she giggled. “Of course. We better hurry or we'll miss the match,” grinned the purple drake. The two then raced toward Town Hall. As the mayor looked to see that Star was ten minutes late, the amber mare had no other choice. “I know you were looking forward to this match, Ms. Scratch. But I have to call this match a forfeit.” “But I'm sure he'll be here. If you wait just a few more minutes...” pleaded Vinyl. “We can't wait any longer!” With microphone in hand, the disgruntled mayor then walked to the middle of the field. As she reached the center of the hall, she began to speak, “Greetings, everypony. I apologize, but it looks like this match will be...” “WAIT!” shouted a voice. All eyes turned to see that Star Driver had finally arrived. Still, out of breath, he trotted onto the field, where he was greeted by the scowl of Mayor Mare. “You are late, Star Driver!” she bellowed, with her arms crossed. “I sincerely apologize, Mayor! I overslept,” he replied with a sheepish grin. “It's about time you showed up, bro,” chimed Vinyl. Star turned to see Vinyl walking up to them. She had put her custom-made duel disc on her right wrist, and she extended a fist. “Hey, Vi. Sorry to keep you waiting,” he greeted his friend with a fist bump. “Glad you made it. If you would've arrived a second later the mayor would've called the match a forfeit,” grinned the spiky maned unicorn. With both combatants now present, the final match of the qualifying round was ready to begin. The mayor motioned for the two to take their places. As they were walking to the opposite sides of the field, Vinyl tightened her fingerless violet gloves. As they reached their positions, they turn to face each other. With eager grins plastered on their faces, the two were ready to begin the match. Vinyl then lowered her shades, signaling she was ready to start. The amber mare turned to the crowd. “Fillies and gentlecolts, thank you for your patience. It's now time to begin the final match of the qualifying round. The winner will earn the final spot in this year's tournament,” announced the mayor. The crowd erupted in a sea of cheers. “Introducing first, known for her dubstep beats and bass drops, The Iconic Vinyl Scratch!” The DJ greeted the roaring crowd with an energetic wave. “And next we have the energetic enigma, Star Driver!” As he threw his fist in the air, Star Driver was greeted with a roaring cheer. In the midst of the crowd, Spike and Fluttershy had just arrived. After they heard the mayor's announcement, they both breathed a sigh of relief. “Whew, thank goodness we didn't miss it,” panted Fluttershy. “Yeah...” huffed Spike. “Spike! Fluttershy! Over here!” shouted a voice from the crowd. They both turned to see Pinkie Pie waving to them. The two then made their way over to her. The party pony's attire was a yellow tube top with a white undershirt and white pants with red lining. The hyperactive mare bounced up and down with her well-known enthusiasm, as the two of them finally reached her. “Hey, you two! Are you as excited as I am for this match?” exclaimed the party pony. “Yeah, this is gonna be epic,” chimed Spike. “Say, Pinkie. Where are Twilight and the others?” asked Fluttershy. Pinkie merely shrugged at the question. “They all said that they’re too busy preparing for the tournament to come out,” sighed Pinkie. “Really?” inquired Fluttershy. “Yeah, Twilight told me that she was gonna study various dueling strategies before I left,” explained Spike. “Oh, well that's too bad. They're gonna miss an awesome match,” said Fluttershy. “Yep, it's their loss,” said Pinkie Pie, as she turned her attention back the field. As she walked off the field, the silver-maned mare motioned to the combatants to begin the match. “Let's duel!” they both exclaimed. As they drew their cards, Vinyl was the first to begin. “I'll kick this off,” Vinyl stated, as she drew her card. Looking at her card, she proceeded with her turn. “I set this card in Defense Mode! And then, I'll set these two cards facedown and end my turn!” Star Driver then drew his card. As he looked at it, a smile appeared on his face. “Okay, Vi. First, I summon 'Marauding Captain' in Attack mode.” Marauding Captain Attribute: EARTH Level: 3 stars Type: Warrior/Effect ATK/DEF: 1200/0400 A humanoid soldier appeared on the field. He's dressed in battle-scarred silver armor and a tattered cape. “And thanks to his effect I can also summon 'Command Knight' in Attack mode!” Command Knight Attribute: FIRE Level: 4 stars Type: Warrior/Effect ATK/DEF: 1200/1900 With that, a new female humanoid soldier emerged on the field. She was dressed in decorative dark red armor (polished to perfection) and adorned with a crimson cape. “And since my girl is on the field, both of my monsters get 400 ATK point boost!” Command Knight and Marauding Captain ATK were increased to 1600. “Not bad, Star,” grinned the white unicorn. “And I'm not done yet! ‘Marauding Captain’ take out that facedown monster with Calvary Strike!” As he was commanded, the battle-scarred warrior drew his sword and charged the defending monster. It was revealed as A giant blue and white mechanical gear. “No my 'Bass Gear'!" said Vinyl. Bass Gear Attribute: EARTH LVL: 1 star Type: Machine ATK/DEF: 0500/1500 The mechanical gear was destroyed. “Now, ‘Command Knight’! Attack her directly with Burning Slash!” The crimson knight then charged the spiky-maned DJ. The approaching assault was met with a grin. “Not so fast, bro! I activate my facedown card...Draining Shield!” Draining Shield Attribute: TRAP Type: Trap Card Card Text: Negate the attack of 1 your opponent's monsters and increase your Life Points by the attacking monster's ATK. The facedown card lifted up to reveal the hidden Trap card. It was then that a pale green sphere surrounded Vinyl. As the sword slash impacted the area, the assault was absorbed, and Vinyl withstood the hit. With her trademark grin, she let out a smug chuckle. “Nice try, dude. But all that did was give me more Life Points.” A green aura engulfed Vinyl, as her Life Point increased to 5600. Annoyed by her counter move, Star proceeded with his turn. “I place two cards facedown and end my turn!” As the roar of the crowd intensified, Vinyl drew a new card. As she looked upon it, another smirk snaked across her muzzle. “Perfect! First, I play my facedown Spell card ‘The Beat Goes On!’.” The facedown card lifted up, to reveal the hidden Spell card. The Beat Goes On! Type: Spell Card Card Text: If there are no monsters on your side of the field, Special Summon 3 "Bass tokens" (Machine-type/EARTH/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 1000). “And since I have no monsters on the field, I get to summon 3 Bass tokens to the field.” With that, three little blue and white mechanical gear monster tokens emerged on the field. “But they're not staying for long. Because I'm gonna sacrifice my three tokens to summon 'DJ- Bass Mast3r' in Attack Mode!” said the spiky-maned mare. DJ – Bass Mast3r Attribute: LIGHT Level: 6 stars Type: Warrior/Effect Card Text: This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned, by sacrificing 3 'Bass Tokens'. On the turn this card is summoned, if there are no other monsters on your side of the field, draw two cards. ATK/DEF: 2500/2000 In an instant, the three tokens vanished from the field, and a humanoid warrior appeared in their place. The monster resembled the energetic DJ in both hairstyle and shades. Her attire was a magenta tank top with a black camisole, black armband with purple fingerless gloves with black trim. Her bottoms were black yoga pants with a white music note on each hip, with magenta sneakers with black trim. Vinyl looked at her opponent square in the face and couldn't help but grin. “Thanks to her special ability, since she's the only monster I got, I can draw two cards.” She quickly drew her two cards and went on the offensive. “Alright 'Bass Mast3r' attack 'Marauding Captain'! Bass Shock!” exclaimed Vinyl. The dubstep warrior hands illuminated with the light blue aura. She then delivered a pulsating shockwave that destroyed Marauding Captain. Star Driver's Life Points were decreased to 3100. “Next, I'll lay this card facedown, and end my turn!” Not wasting any time, Star Driver drew his next card. He grimaced as he looked at what he pulled. 'This won't help me at all,' thought the ochre pegasus. He turned his attention back to Vinyl, and he began his turn. “First, I activate the Spell card 'Pot of Greed'!” Pot of Greed Attribute: SPELL Type: Spell Card Card Text: Draw 2 cards from Deck. “Thanks to this, I can draw two more cards!” stated Star Driver. As he looked at the two cards he drew, a smile snaked across his muzzle. “Perfect! I summon another 'Command Knight' in Attack mode.” Another female warrior appeared on to his side of the field. “And since I have another 'Command Knight' on the field, my ladies get another 400 ATK” declared Star Driver. Both of Star Driver's warriors ATK increased to 2000. “I play one card facedown and end my turn,” he grinned. Across the field, Vinyl was anything but amused. “Trying to stall for time, huh?” frowned Vinyl. “That's the plan!” he smiled. Vinyl merely huffed in response. In the midst of the crowd, three specific ponies were cheering on the ochre pegasus. “That was a nice move, bro!” shouted Spike. “Huh? What do you mean, Spike?” asked Fluttershy. He turned to her and began to explain, “You know how when 'Command Knight' is on the field if there's another monster on the field it can't be the target of an attack,” said the drake. “Yeah?” she answered. “Well, since he has two of them on the field Vinyl can't attack either of them!” chimed in Pinkie Pie. “Oh I see, that was smart of Star to do,” replied Fluttershy. “Yeah, let's see what other tricks does he has up his sleeve,” said the drake, brimming with excitement. Back on the field, Vinyl began her turn. “Alright, let's spin this bit!” she exclaimed, as she drew her card. As she saw the card in her hand, her frown quickly turned into a smile. “Now we're talking! First, I equip 'Bass Mast3r' with the Spell card 'Prototype Bass Cannon'.” Prototype Bass Cannon Attribute: SPELL Type: Equipment Spell Card Card Text: This card can only be equipped to "DJ-Bass Mast3r". Increased the equipped monsters ATK by 200. When this card has 4 or more Bass Counters on it, you may sacrifice this card and add 1 "Mecha Bass Cannon" from your Deck. In front of her monster appeared a faded black rustic subwoofer with four mini speakers in the front with a red button on the top of the speaker. “And thanks to this beauty, my monsters ATK increases by 200,” said Vinyl with a smirk. DJ – Bass Mast3r ATK was increased to 2700. “Next, I activate my facedown card 'Waiting for the Bass Drop'!” smiled Vinyl. She motioned to one of her facedown cards, revealing the hidden Spell card. Waiting for the Bass Drop Attribute: SPELL Type: Continuous Spell Card Card Text: Once per turn, you can add 1 "Bass Counter" to "Prototype Bass Cannon". A puzzled look appeared on Star Driver's face, as she revealed her Spell card. “Is that a new card, Vi?” asked a befuddled Star Driver. “Yeah, you like it?” she responded. “What does it do?” he inquired. As she lifted her shades, Vinyl stared right in Star's seafoam eyes. “You'll find out soon enough,” she winked with a mischievous grin.