//------------------------------// // Chapter 04 - Crystals vs. Dragons (part 01) // Story: Po-Ni-Oh!: Rise of the Heroes // by flawlessvictory20 //------------------------------// With the first match set, Pegasus directed the other participants off the field and to the sidelines. Once off the field, Pegasus motioned to the two competitors to come to the field. As they made their way to center field, they both looked at each other intently. Meanwhile, in the midst of the crowd, three certain fillies were ready for the duel to start. While two of them were excited, one was feeling conflicted. “Ah can't believe Spike and Rarity are dueling each other right out the gate,” said Applebloom. The yellow filly wore blue jean overall shorts with a goldenrod short-sleeved shirt, red scarf, light crimson bow, and bright yellow stockings. “I know right. This duel's gonna be sweet,” chimed Scootaloo. The orange pegasus sported a dark maroon spaghetti strap shirt, light orange jacket with a purple pinstripe, and plum-colored pants. “Who you gonna cheer for, Sweetie Belle?” asked Scootaloo. The white filly folded her arms as she was lost in thought. She was dressed in a white long-sleeved tube top, a silver belt chain, and black pants. Rocking back and forth, she was unable to reach a decision. “I don't know. I wanna cheer for my big sis, but I gotta support my Spikey. Do I cheer for my sis or Spike? Oh...why did they have to be in the first match?” asked Sweetie Belle. “Well, not just cheer'em both on?” answered Applebloom. “Really?” “Yeah, I'm sure that they won't mind it,” replied Scootaloo. “Hmm, I guess you're right,” smiled Sweetie Belle. She turned to face the stage. “Go Rarity! Go, Spike!” Sweetie Belle shouted. Back on the field, Rarity and Spike stood face to face. As they shuffled each other's decks, she looked earnestly at her opponent. As she gazed into the purple dragon emerald eyes, she let out a soft chuckle. “Hmm, is something funny, Rarity?” asked Spike. “It's just funny how fate works, you know?” she answered. “How so?” “Well, I knew I was bound to face my friends in the tournament. But I never thought I would face you in the first round, darling.” “Me either, but let's make it a good match,” smiled Spike, extending his claw. As a show of good sportsmanship, she accepted his gesture. But she then slightly squeezed his claw. “But don't think I'll go easy on you just because your Sweetums boyfriend,” Rarity spoke, with a competitive gleam in her eyes. “And don't expect me to hold back because of our history either,” he responded, with a confident smirk. “I wouldn't dream of it, darling,” she smiled. After their decks were shuffled, they both departed to their respective Duel Zones. Once in position, they turned to each other and activated their duel disc. “Competitors, are you ready?” asked Pegasus. They merely nodded. “Then let the match begin!” “I'll go first if you don't mind, darling,” Rarity spoke, as she drew her card. Looking at her card, she proceeded with her turn. “I'll set one card in Defense Mode, and play two cards facedown,” she spoke. At that moment, three facedown cards appeared on the field. “And I'll end my turn,” she stated. “Alright, my turn then,” Spike exclaimed, as he drew his card. As he looked at his card, a toothy grin flashed across his face. “Okay, first I will summon 'Armed Dragon LV3' in attack mode!” Armed Dragon LV3 ATT: WIND Level: 3 stars Type: Dragon/Effect Card Text: During your Standby Phase, by sending this face-up card to the Graveyard, Special Summon 1 “Armed Dragon LV5” from your hand or Deck. ATK/DEF: 1200/0900 With that, a small orange dragon with dark beige plating and silver spikes emerged on the field. On the sidelines, Applejack and Twilight looked on closely. “So do ya think Spike'll have a strategy to fight against Rarity?” asked Applejack. “I'm sure he does,” Twilight professed proudly. “I'm positive that he'll analyze the field before he-” “Armed Dragon LV3, attack her facedown card!” ordered Spike. Twilight merely facepalmed. “Nevermind...” On the field, the mini-dragon charged the hidden monster. “Bad move, Spike,” stated Rarity. Her hidden monster is revealed. It is a large white Siberian Tiger with an opal hide. As the dragon slashed at its body, the impact sent the dragon flying backward. Shocked at what happened, Spike looked to see Rarity with a smug smile on her face. “So sorry, my dear Spike. But your dragon is far too weak to even put a scratch on my beast, Opal - The Crystal Feline,” she explained. Opal - The Crystal Feline ATT: LIGHT Level: 2 stars Type: Crystal ATK/DEF: 100/2300 “And since she has 2300 Defense Points, you lose 1100 Life Points.” Spike's Life Points were reduced to 2900. “You really shouldn't rush things, darling,” she said with a smile. “I'll lay one card facedown, and end my turn,” said Spike. Rarity then drew her card. A smile gently snaked across her face, as she looked upon her card. “Well, this is a pleasant turn of events. First, I activate the Field Spell 'Crystalia - The Crystal Kingdom'.” Crystalia - The Crystal Kingdom ATT: SPELL Type: Field Spell Card Card Text: Increase the ATK and DEF of all Crystal-type Monsters by 500. Once per turn, you can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Crystal-Type Monster from your hand or Deck. This card cannot be destroyed by your opponent's Spell and/or Trap cards. At that moment, the field was transformed into a city with buildings and streets adorned with various crystals and gems. The crowd was in awe of the city's beauty. “What do you think of my city? Enchanting isn't it, Spike?” she asked. “Yeah, but I know there's more to it than just its beauty,” he answered. “You're correct, darling. With this card, my Crystal monsters get a 500 Attack and Defense Point boost,” she gleamed. Opal's stats are then increased to 600 ATK and 2800 DEF. “And thanks to this card, I summon 'Ruby – The Crystal Princess' in attack mode.” Ruby - The Crystal Princess ATT: FIRE Level: 2 stars Type: Crystal-Fairy/Effect Card Text: As long as this card remains face-up on the field, other Crystal-Type monsters cannot be destroyed as a result of battle. On the turn this card is destroyed, destroy all of your opponent's Spell and Trap cards. ATK/DEF: 1000/0500 A crystal mare then emerged on the field. Her red coat and reddish-orange mane glimmered with a light red glow. She wore a flowing crimson-red sweetheart neckline dress with golden regalia. Due to the Field Spell effect, her ATK is increased to 1500. “Isn't she stunning?” Rarity squealed with joy. “Yeah...” answered Spike. “And thanks to her, my darlings can't be destroyed in battle,” she grinned. “What?” spoke Spike. “Now, my dear Ruby, take out his dragon with Ruby Rush!” she ordered. As she commanded, the ruby mare fired a crimson beam at the opposing dragon. Spike then flashed a mischievous grin. “I activate the trap card 'Draining Shield'!” The orange dragon was then encased in a pale green energy sphere. The crimson beam was absorbed by the sphere. “Thanks for the Life Points, Rarity.” grinned Spike. Spike's Life Points were increased to 4400. “Well played, Spike,” frowned Rarity, “I end my turn.” Taking that as his cue, Spike drew his card. 'I gotta get rid of that princess,' thought Spike. Looking at the card, Spike began to formulate a plan. “Cool, first I activate my dragon's ability,” stated Spike. “And what would that be?” asked Rarity. “By sending my monster to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon 'Armed Dragon LV5' from my Deck in Attack Mode!” Armed Dragon LV5 ATT: WIND Type: Dragon/Effect Card Text: By sending 1 Monster Card from your hand to the Graveyard, destroy 1 face-up monster on your opponent's side of the field with ATK equal to or less than the ATK of the sent monster. During the End Phase of the turn that this card destroyed a monster by battle, send this card to the Graveyard, Special Summon 1 “Armed Dragon LV7 from your hand or Deck. ATK/DEF: 2400/1700 With that, the tiny orange dragon disappeared from the field. And in its place appeared a much larger dragon. This red and dark brown beast is brandished with a multitude of spikes (on his shoulder, knuckles, jaw, belly, and tail) and drills (on his knees and elbows). “Oh my, what a rugged-looking beast!” Rarity spoke in shock. “Now, I activate his special ability. By sending this monster (Spear Dragon [ATK: 1900]) from my hand to the Graveyard, I can destroy one of your monsters. And I'm taking out that princess!” “What?!” she exclaimed. Just then, the armored dragon launched a barrage of spikes from his shoulders. As the spike impacted, the princess was destroyed. “Err...” seethed Rarity. “Next, I'll play two cards facedown and end my turn,” said Spike. “You're gonna pay for that Spike,” Rarity spoke with a frown. On the sidelines, Pinkie and Star bounced around with excitement. “That was amazawesome! What do you think Rarity's gonna do to counter?” asked Pinkie Pie. “Don't know, but I know it's gonna be amaza...amaza... What was that word you used?” said Star, as he hovered slightly off the ground. “Amazawesome?” “Yeah, that's the one. It's gonna be amazawesome!” As they witnessed the two friends talking beside her, Phantom Heart couldn't help but smile. “Those two are sure energetic,” giggled Phantom Heart. She felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to be greeted by Fluttershy's warm smile. “Hi there, Phantom Heart.” “Hi...um Fluttershy right?” asked Phantom Heart. “Yes. What do you think of the duel so far?” Fluttershy replied as she turned to the face the duel field. “It's pretty good so far. I can't wait to see what gonna happen next,” she stated. Back on the field, Rarity drew her card. As she looked at her card, she turned her attention back to the field. 'I must find a way to take care of that pesky dragon of his,' she thought. “First, I play Pot of Greed, which lets me draw two new cards,” Rarity declared. She drew two new cards. Looking at her new cards, a smile snaked across her snout. “Perfect! Now, I Special Summon another 'Ruby – The Crystal Princess' from my Deck in attack mode.” Another ruby mare was summoned to the field. Her ATK is increased to 1500. “Oh, come on!” groaned Spike. “Now, I summon 'Emerald – The Crystal Prince' in attack mode.” Emerald - The Crystal Prince ATT: WIND Level: 4 stars Type: Crystal-Warrior ATK/DEF: 2000/0100 At that moment, a tall, slightly muscular crystal stallion emerged onto the field. His green coat and jade green mane radiated with a bright emerald glow. His attire was a light-collared long-sleeved shirt with an emerald trim, a teal sash, and dark green pants. His ATK was then increased to 2500. “A handsome stallion fit for any mare,” Rarity swooned. “This could present a problem,” said Spike. “I'm not done yet. Next, I activate the Spell Card 'A Royal Escort'.” spoke Rarity. A Royal Escort ATT: SPELL Type: Spell Card Card Text: You can only activate this when “Emerald – The Crystal Prince” and “Ruby – The Crystal Princess” are face-up on the field. Special Summon 1 “Zircon – The Captain of the Crystal Guard” from your hand or Deck. “What does that do?” asked Spike. “Thanks to this card, I can Special Summon, ' Zircon – The Captain of the Crystal Guard' from my deck in attack mode,” explained Rarity. “What?” he responded. Zircon - The Captain of the Crystal Guard ATT: WATER Level: 6 stars Type: Crystal-Warrior/Effect Card Text: On the turn, this card is summoned, Special Summon one "Sapphire Guard" from your hand or Deck. While this card is face-up on the field, whenever your opponent declares a Crystal-Type monster as the target of the attack, switch it to this card. ATK/DEF: 1800/1500 As he emerged on the field, the stoic-looking stallion glared at his opponents. His light blue coat shone with a pale blue glow. As the stocky stallion stood on the field, he was dressed in golden crystal armor (chest-piece, shoulder guards, and gauntlets), dark blue pants, and carried his crystal blade in its scabbard on his left side. His ATK was increased to 2300. “And since he was summoned to the field, I summon 'Sapphire Guard' from my deck in attack mode,” said Rarity. Sapphire Guard ATT: WATER Level: 4 stars Type: Crystal-Warrior ATK/DEF: 1700/1900 Yet another crystal stallion came forth. With his dark blue coat shimmering brightly, the muscular stallion was poised to strike. Garbed in silver armor (chest-piece, shoulder guards, and gauntlets), light blue pants, and wielding a long sapphire halberd. As Spike looked at the field full of monsters on the opposing side of the field, his vigor began to waver. 'This isn't good. Not only does she have five monsters on the field, but because of the princess, they can't be destroyed in battle,' spoke Spike. “This isn't looking good for Spike,” said Twilight from the sidelines. “Don't worry, Twi. I know my, bro can get out of this,” Star spoke with confidence. “Let's hope so, Star,” said an unsure Applejack. With her plan almost completed, Rarity couldn't help but chuckle. “Well, my dear Spike. Whatever shall you do?” “What do you mean?” Spike spoke, trying not to let his concern show in his voice. “Now that my field is set, it's time to go on the offensive,” she smirked. 'Oh buck...' thought Spike. “Now, Emerald! Destroy his dragon with Emerald Fist!” ordered Rarity. The green stallion then raised his fist in the air. After a few seconds, his fist illuminated with a light glow. With his fist engulfed with his aura, he delivered a massive aura fist. Before his attack could connect, Spike was ready you counter her assault. “Nice try, but I activate the Trap card 'Sakuretsu Armor'!” Sakuretsu Armor ATT: TRAP Type: Trap Card Card Text: When an opponent's monster declares an attack, destroy the attacking monster. “That was to be expected. Very well, I end my turn,” said Rarity. As Spike drew his card, he tried to think of a way to turn things around. 'There's gotta be a way for me to turn this around,' thought Spike. He looked at his card. 'It's not what I wanted, but it'll help.' Spike turned his attention to Rarity. “Okay, Rarity. I'll lay one card facedown and end my turn.” “Well, let's see what I can do, Spikey,” she spoke with a mischievous grin. She drew her card. A happy squeal escaped her lips, as she looked at her card. “Finally! I'm sorry, darling but it looks like this is where the duel ends,” said Rarity. “I wouldn't count me out just yet, Rarity,” Spike huffed. “Well, let’s see what you say when I play this. I activate the Spell 'Sapphire Charge',” she confidently grinned. Sapphire Charge ATT: SPELL Type: Spell Card Card Text: You can only activate this card when "Sapphire Guard" is face-up on the field. Destroy all monsters on your opponent's side of the field. Increase your opponent's Life Points by 500 for each monster that was destroyed. “With this, I can destroy all your monsters on the field,” she smiled. “What?!” With that, Spike's armored dragon was destroyed. “But don't fret, dear Spike. For each monster that was destroyed, you gain 500 Life Points.” Spike's Life Points were increased to 4900. “And now that you have no monsters on the field. You're wide open for a direct assault.” “Buck me...” Spike muttered to himself. “I'm sorry, Spike. But this is the end for you. I attack you with all my monsters!” Heeding their master's orders, the three crystal monsters then charged at Spike. "Spike, look out!" shouted Sweetie Belle from the crowd. “This is gonna hurt,” Spike yelped.