As the crowd cheered in anticipation for the next match, on the sidelines, Pinkie Pie bounced around with excitement.
“This is so awesome!” beamed Pinkie.
“I know this is gonna be a good match. Even if it is against such a tough opponent,” said Star Driver, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
Before Pinkie could respond, Star Driver was shoved to the ground as Gilda came face-to-face with her opponent.
“So, I gotta take you out first huh? This is gonna be a breeze,” scoffed Gilda.
“Don't be too sure Gildie. I'm no pushover,” answered Pinkie Pie.
“STOP CALLING ME THAT!! THE NAME IS GILDA!!” shouted the griffin.
“Aww, but Gildie makes you sound a lot cuter,” pouted Pinkie Pie.
“I'm not here to be cute. I'm here to win!” said Gilda.
“Well, you'll have to get past me first,” grinned Pinkie Pie.
“That's the plan, dweeb,” spoke Gilda, as she stared into her opponent's eyes.
As to two shared a competitive glare, Star Driver rose to his hooves.
“Don't worry, Pinkie. With the way you duel, there's no way Ms. Second Place here can beat you,” said Star Driver, as he was dusting himself off.
This comment was met with another shove to the ground from the hotheaded griffin.
“Cram it, loser!” she bellowed.
As he witnessed this display, Pegasus couldn't help but chuckle.
'She sure is a feisty one,' he thought to himself.
He then turned his attention back to the crowd.
“Let's keep this momentum going. Will Pinkie Pie and Gilda please make your way to the field?”
Heeding his instructions, the two opponents made their way onto the field. As they reached the middle of the field, the two stared each other down. While shuffling each other’s decks, Gilda continued to glare at Pinkie Pie. In contrast to her opponent, Pinkie stared at Gilda with her trademark grin.
“I'm gonna wipe that stupid grin off your face, Pinkie,” threatened Gilda.
“Well, we'll see how long you'll keep being a mopey pants after I'm through,” smiled Pinkie Pie.
Once they were done shuffling each other’s decks, the two moved to their respective Duel Zones. As they activated their Duel Discs, Pegasus then motioned to the two combatants.
“Are you two ready?”
They responded with a simple nod.
“Then, let the match begin!”
“I'll get this party started,” said Pinkie Pie, as she drew her card.
After she looked at her card, she then proceeded with her turn.
“First, I summon ‘Cloudian – Acid Cloud’ in attack mode,” stated Pinkie Pie.
Cloudian - Acid Cloud
ATT: WATER
Level: 4 stars
Type: Fairy/Effect
Card Text: This card cannot be destroyed by battle. If this card is in face-up Defense Position, destroy it. When you Normal Summon this card, place 1 Fog Counter on it for each "Cloudian" monster on the field. You can remove 2 Fog Counters from this card to destroy 1 Spell or Trap Card.
ATK/DEF: 0500/0000
At that moment, a reasonably large green cloud emerged on the field. The cloud then morphed into a muscular figure with a circular brow.
“And because of his effect, he gains one fog counter,” explained the party pony.
With that, a small light blue orb hovered above the monster's head. Gilda let out a loud laugh as she looked at Pinkie's monster.
“What's so funny?” asked Pinkie Pie.
“You think you can beat me with a cloud?” she said in between laughs.
“I wouldn’t underestimate my ‘Cloudian’ monsters, Gildie. They’re tougher than they look,” warned Pinkie Pie. “Next, I place two cards facedown and in my turn.”
“Let the thrashing begin,” said Gilda.
As she drew her card a smile snaked across her beak.
“Awesome, first I summon ‘Harpie’s Brother’ in Attack Mode,” said Gilda.
Harpie’s Brother
ATT: WIND
Type: Winged Beast/Effect
Level: 4 stars
ATK/DEF: 1800/1300
A winged masked humanoid warrior appeared on the field. He was a young, muscular man, with wings protruding from his back. His red and black feathered wings flapped silently as he hovered inches from the ground. Clothed with a dark brown sleeveless turtleneck shirt, dark brown arm sleeves, and grey pants with a slanted red stripe. Adorned on his right wrist were the long, curved claws.
“Alright, Harpie’s Brother! Snuff out the cloud with Diving Claw!” ordered Gilda.
Heeding his master’s order, the avian warrior took to the skies. Once at an optimum height, the masked warrior dove straight for the opposing monster. As he leaped for the beast, Gilda heard Pinkie loudly giggle.
“What's so funny, dweeb?” asked Gilda.
“You walked right into my trap, silly,” explained Pinkie Pie.
She motioned to one of her facedown cards.
“I activate the Trap card ‘Spirit Barrier’.”
The card then lifted to activate.
Spirit Barrier
ATT: TRAP
Type: Continuous Trap Card
Card Text: As long as you control a face-up monster, you take no Battle Damage.
Just then, a golden-yellow translucent barrier formed around Pinkie Pie.
“Thanks to this card, as long as I got a monster on the field I don't take any Battle Damage,” grinned Pinkie Pie.
“That's not gonna help you, Stinkie Pie. Your monster's toast,” smirked Gilda.
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Gildie,” spoke Pinkie Pie, with a mischievous smile.
As her warrior slashed the cumulus monster, Gilda noticed the monster wasn't destroyed.
“Hey, what gives?” asked a shocked griffin.
Pinkie Pie merely responded with her trademark laugh.
“You silly filly, everypony knows that most ‘Cloudian’ monsters can't be destroyed in battle,” grinned Pinkie Pie.
“Why you....! Fine, I play one card facedown and end my turn!” huffed Gilda.
As the group looked on, Star Driver and Spike were cheering hard for Pinkie Pie.
“Way to go, Pinkie! Keep it up!” the two shouted.
“That’s quite an impressive combination she set up,” said Twilight Sparkle.
“Yeah, but that's Pinkie fer ya. Her style of duelin' always catches ya off guard,” chimed Applejack.
“Indeed, darling. But it's always entertaining to watch,” said Rarity.
“I wonder what G’s gonna do to counter Pinkie's cloud guys?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“Knowing her she has something up her sleeve,” spoke Twilight Sparkle.
Pinkie drew her next card. Looking at her card, she proceeded with her turn.
“I summon 'Cloudian – Ghost Fog' in Attack mode,” said Pinkie Pie.
Cloudian - Ghost Fog
ATT: WATER
Level: 1 star
Type Fiend /Effect
Card Text: This card cannot be Special Summoned. All Battle Damage to either player from a battle involving this monster becomes 0. If this card is destroyed by battle, distribute new Fog Counters equal to the Level of the monster that destroyed it among face-up monsters.
ATK/DEF: 0000/0000
Another cloud monster emerged onto the field. This light grey creature, however, it was slightly slimmer than the first one.
“And that ends my turn,” smiled Pinkie Pie.
“Good!” stated Gilda, as she drew her card.
Looking at her card a small smile appeared.
“Awesome! First, I activate the Spell card 'Mystical Space Typhoon',” said Gilda.
Mystical Space Typhoon
ATT: SPELL
Type: Quick-Play Spell Card
Card Text: Destroy 1 Spell or Trap card on the Field.
“With this, I can destroy ‘Spirit Barrier’.”
At that moment, a small blue and black swirl of wind destroyed Pinkie Pie's Trap card.
“Aww, party pooper,” pouted Pinkie Pie.
“And next I summon ‘Harpie Lady 1’ in Attack mode,” said Gilda.
Harpie Lady 1
ATT: WIND
Level: 4 stars
Type: Winged Beast/Effect
Card Text: This card's name is always treated as “Harpie Lady”. All WIND monsters gain 300 ATK.
ATK/DEF: 1300/1400
A female humanoid avian warrior emerged on the field. This slender young maiden possesses talons and claws in place of the usual appendages, and pale green wings that protruded from her wrists. She had long flowing light mauve hair that cascaded down her frame and donned a purple short-sleeved unitard (accented with black lining around her chest, waist, and legs).
“And thanks to her, my creatures both get a 300 ATK point boost,” Gilda declared.
Harpie’s Brother’s ATK is increased to 2100, and Harpie Lady 1’s ATK is increased to 1600.
“Now, ‘Harpie Lady 1’ attack her ‘Cloudian - Ghost Fog’ with Avian Slash!” ordered Gilda.
The avian mistress charged toward the light grey cloud warrior. Upon reaching her target, the avian maiden delivered a crushing slash and destroyed the defenseless cloud.
“Thanks, Gildie. I was hoping you'd do that,” Pinkie smirked.
“What do you mean?” asked Gilda.
“Simple, when my 'Ghost Fog' was destroyed I can place Fog counters on any monster on the field,” she explained. “And I think I'll place three of them on my 'Acid Cloud' and one on your 'Harpie's Brother'.
At that moment, three more blue orbs appeared above 'Cloudian – Acid Cloud' (four total), and one appeared above 'Harpie's Brother'.
“Whatever, since your 'Spirit Barrier' is gone, you can now take damage from my attack. Now, Harpie's Brother' attack her 'Acid Cloud' with Diving Claw!” ordered Gilda.
Repeating his actions from the last time, the avian warrior attacked the opposing monster. Once again, Pinkie motioned to her facedown card.
“Sorry, Gildie. But I activate the Trap card 'Waboku',” stated Pinkie Pie.
Waboku
ATT: TRAP
Type: Trap Card
Card Text: You take no battle damage from your opponent's monsters this turn. Your monsters cannot be destroyed by battle this turn.
“And thanks to this card, I don't take any damage this turn,” grinned Pinkie Pie.
“You're starting to piss me off, Pinkie. I place this card facedown and end my turn,” spoke Gilda.
On the sidelines, sitting on the bench next to the crowd barrier, Fluttershy and Phantom Heart sat and observed the duel.
“Wow, this is an excellent duel,” said Phantom Heart.
“Yeah, Pinkie has a way of always making a duel exciting,” chimed Fluttershy.
It was then, that Fluttershy noticed Phantom Heart fidgeting on the bench. She could sense Phantom Heart's eagerness began to set in.
“Something wrong, Phantom?” asked Fluttershy.
“After seeing these duels, I'm just so excited. I can't wait until I get a chance to duel,” she smiled, with passion burning in her eyes.
“Well, I'm sure you'll do great out there,” said Fluttershy.
“So, who would you like to face in the tournament?” asked Phantom Heart.
The question caught Fluttershy off-guard.
“Hmm, I haven't really thought about it,” Fluttershy responded.
She turned her gaze to the energetic Star Driver. As she saw him cheer on Pinkie Pie with such enthusiasm, it made her smile.
“I guess I would want to duel against Star Driver,” answered Fluttershy.
“Really? Why is that?” asked Phantom Heart, a little curious.
“Well, I know that he'll be able to give me a good challenge,” she answered, with a gentle smile.
“Is he strong?” asked Phantom Heart.
“Oh, yes. I don't know many duelists that are as strong as him,” she answered.
“I see...” said Phantom Heart, returning her gaze to the duel.
The two turned their attention back to the duel.
“Okay, Gildie. Let's keep this party rocking,” said the energetic Pinkie Pie, as she drew her card.
Looking at her card, Pinkie Pie formulated a plan.
“Ooh, I place this card facedown in Defense mode and lay down a facedown!”
At that moment, two facedown cards appeared on the field.
“That'll do it for now.”
“Alright, it's my turn!” stated Gilda.
As she drew her card, Gilda glared at her opponent.
“Now, 'Harpie's Brother' attack her 'Acid Cloud'!”
Heeding his master's order, Harpie's Brother charged for Pinkie's monster.
“Gotcha again, Gildie! I activate another 'Spirit Barrier',” said Pinkie as she activated her facedown card.
Just before damage could be inflicted, Pinkie was once again surrounded by a golden-yellow translucent barrier.
“Fine! 'Harpie Lady 1' attack her facedown card!” ordered Gilda.
“I wouldn't do that if I were you,” warned Pinkie Pie.
“Whatever, nerd! I'll attack whoever I want to!” barked Gilda.
As 'Harpie Lady 1' attacked the face-down monster, it revealed a small red cloud. The cloud then conformed to a massive, muscular creature. In an instant, the monster was destroyed.
“See, I told you Gildie. You just destroyed my 'Cloudian – Poison Cloud',” Pinkie said with a sigh.
Cloudian - Poison Cloud
ATT: WATER
Level: 3 stars
Type: Fiend/ Effect
Card Text: When this card attacks or is attacked, and is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, destroy the monster that destroyed it, and then inflict 800 damage to your opponent.
ATK/DEF: 0000/1000
“That's one less headache I have to worry about,” Gilda said with a smirk.
However, she noticed Pinkie was silently chuckling.
“I must've missed the joke, Pinkie Pie,” said an annoyed Gilda.
“Well, you see Gildie when you destroyed my 'Poison Cloud' you activated his effect,” said Pinkie Pie.
“So what...” responded Gilda.
“So, when he was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, he destroys the monster that attacked him, and you lose 800 Life Points,” explained Pinkie Pie.
“What?!” shouted Gilda.
Just as she spoke, Harpie Lady 1 was destroyed. The resulting destruction caused a backlash that struck Gilda, which caused her to slightly stumble. Her Life Points were then reduced to 3200. With her monster's destruction, Harpie Brother's ATK was reduced to 1800. Gilda then looked at her opponent with an intense glare.
“You're gonna pay for that!” she bellowed.
“Hey, I tried to warn you, y'know,” Pinkie Pie said, in her defense.
“Whatever. I end my turn,” Gilda retorted.
“Aww, don't be such a mopey pants. This duel's just getting started,” smiled Pinkie Pie.
She drew her card.
“Okay, first I activate the Spell card 'Cloudian Squall'!” stated Pinkie Pie.
Cloudian Squall
ATT: SPELL
Type: Continuous Spell Card
Card Text: During each of your Standby Phase, place 1 Fog Counter on every face-up monster.
“Next, I summon 'Tribe-Infecting Virus' in Attack mode.”
Tribe-Infecting Virus
ATT: WATER
Level: 4 stars
Type: Aqua/Effect
Card Text: Discard 1 card from your hand and declare 1 Type of monster. Destroy all face-up monsters of the declared Type on the field.
ATK/DEF: 1600/1000
At that moment, a trio of diseased-stricken purple lizard monsters appeared on the field. Their scales were discolored with splotches of pale green scabs.
“I'll end my turn, by playing one card facedown.”
“Okay, it's time to get serious!” said Gilda, as she drew her card.
Looking at her card, a huge grin snaked across her beak. After a few moments, she let out a long chuckle. This action caused Pinkie to tilt her head in confusion.
“What's so funny, Gildie?” asked Pinkie Pie.
“This card will turn things around for me. I activate the Field Spell 'Harpie's Hunting Ground'!”
Harpies' Hunting Ground
ATT: SPELL
Type: Field Spell Card
Card Text: All Winged Beast-Type monsters gain 200 ATK and DEF. When any "Harpie Lady" or "Harpie Lady Sisters" are Normal or Special Summoned: The player who conducted the Summon targets 1 Spell/Trap Card on the field; destroy that target.
The field is then conformed to a mountainous terrain with multiple ledges surrounding the entire field. With his new surroundings, Harpie's Brother retreated to a nearby ledge. With the new change in scenery, Gilda then lets out a content sigh.
“This feels more like home,” Gilda spoke, with her eyes closed.
“Really? Doesn't seem very homey,” said Pinkie Pie.
“Yes! In the Grpyhonlands only the strong thrive! The weak are made prey! And guess what, dweeb!” Gilda said as she opened her eyes.
“What?” asked Pinkie Pie.
She delivered a piercing glare to her opponent.
“It's hunting season!” Gilda spoke with a mischievous grin.