“What do you mean?” asked Shining Armor.
“Simple, I summon 'Terra Beast – Blast Gorilla' in Attack mode,” spoke Big Mac.
Terra Beast – Blast Gorilla
ATT: FIRE
Level: 4 stars
Type: Beast/Effect
Card Text: Once per turn, by paying 500 Life Points, you can destroy 1 card on the field.
ATK/DEF: 1800/0500
A massive brown gorilla emerged on the field. This rugged-looking beast donned a tattered maroon vest, mahogany pants with a red-orange sash, brown boots, and silver gauntlets. The gauntlets that he wore were sectioned off by four horizontal rings.
“Impressive looking monster you have there,” stated Shining Armor.
“Just wait Your Highness. Because I activate his special ability,” said Big Mac.
“What ability?”
“By sacrificing 500 Life Points, I can destroy one card on the field. And I'm targeting your 'Royal Guard LV7'.”
Big Mac's Life Points were reduced to 2000. With that, the rings on the monster's gauntlets started to glow. After a few moments, the gorilla's gauntlets were wholly illuminated. With one swift motion, he launched a crushing shockwave to the armored guard. As it impacted, the guard was instantly destroyed.
“No, my 'Royal Guard',” said Shining Armor.
“Now, 'Blast Gorilla' destroy his 'Blade Knight' with Primal Rush!”
The gorilla's body was then engulfed with a crimson-red aura. As his aura fluctuated, the beast charged the silver knight. Upon impact, the knight was destroyed. Shining Armor's Life Points were reduced to 1300.
“Ah set on card facedown, and that'll do fer this turn,” spoke Big Mac.
Shining Armor then drew his card.
'This is a minor setback,' thought Shining Armor. I wasn't expecting him to destroy my guard so easily.
As he looked at his card, he tried to formulate some kind of strategy.
'It's not what I wanted, but I guess it'll do.'
He then turned his attention to Big Mac.
“I activate the Spell card 'Royal Reserve',” Shining Armor stated, as he played the card he drew.
Royal Reserve
ATT: SPELL
Type: Spell Card
Card Text: Draw 1 card. On the turn this card is activated, if there is a face-up monster with 'Royal' in its card name, draw 2 cards instead.
“Normally this lets me draw a card from my Deck, but since I have 'Royal Modifier' on my field I can draw two cards instead,” he said, as he drew his two cards.
Looking at his cards, a small smile formed on his snout.
'This'll be a bit tricky, but I think I can turn this duel around.'
Shining Armor then proceeded with his turn.
“Next, I play Spell card 'The Warrior Returning Alive'.”
The Warrior Returning Alive
ATT: SPELL
Type: Spell Card
Card Text: Target 1 Warrior-Type monster in your Graveyard, and add that target to your hand.
“And with this card, I bring back one Warrior-Type monster from my Graveyard. The monster I choose is 'Royal Guard LV5'.”
He sent the Spell to the Graveyard and retrieved the monster card.
“Now, I sacrifice 'Royal Modifier' to summon 'Royal Guard LV5' in Attack mode.”
The young boy disappeared from the field, and the armor-clad warrior then emerged in its place.
“Now, 'Royal Guard LV5' attack his 'Blast Gorilla' with Royal Wave!”
With another swing of his mighty blade, the warrior launched a massive aura slash. The defending beast was destroyed in a flash. Big Mac Life Points were reduced to 1000.
“And now that I inflicted damage to your Life Points, I can send my monster to the Graveyard to Special Summon 'Royal Guard LV7' from my Deck.
Once again, the young warrior vanished and was replaced with a stronger, slightly older-looking man.
“That will do for now,” Shining Armor spoke.
It was then, on his otherwise stoic visage, a small smile appeared on Big Mac's face. This action left Shining Armor somewhat confused.
“What's with the smile, Big Mac?”
“Simple really, this is the first time I've ever had this much fun in a duel,” he answered. “I reckon AJ is the only other pony I've ever fought that kept me on my hooves.”
As he heard his words a smile formed across the snout of Shining Armor.
“I must admit, I feel the same Big Mac.”
“But, don't count me out just yet, your highness.”
“You can call me by my name, Big Mac,” Shining Armor chuckled.
“Alright then, Shining Armor. It's my go.”
Deep within the dark realm, from her dark fortress, the mistress in the flames looked on with great interest. As she observed the duel through her magic mirror, she could feel the competitive energy the two stallions were producing. She basked in the glow of such strong power.
“This is what I've been waiting for,” she squealed with delight. “Such refreshing energy...it's delicious.”
She licked her lips.
“And these stallions aren't too bad either.”
As she continued to watch the match, she noticed an excited pegasus jumping around on the sidelines. She turned the focus of the mirror's view toward the pegasus. She didn't know why she was drawn to him but continued to gaze at the young colt. As she did, the figure felt a stirring in her chest, a sensation she had not felt in a millennia. She quickly dismissed it as nothing at first, but an image of a young pegasus staring up at her with a carefree smile on his face flashed in her mind.
“What was that just now?” she gasped.
Her gaze turned from an inquisitive glance into a piercing glare.
“Who is this fool?”
Once again she used her magic, she telepathically communicated with Pegasus. Back at the tournament, Pegasus merely smiled as he was witnessing the impressive duel. As he felt a small tingle at the base of his neck, he knew it was his mistress.
'Pegasus!' she spoke.
'Yes, my mistress,' he answered.
'Who is that young colt on the sidelines!'
Flinching subtly, he turned his attention to the sidelines where he saw Star Driver jumping around excitedly.
'Do you mean that whelp Star Driver?'
'Star Driver...' she whispered, touching the magic mirror.
'What about him?' he asked, scratching his head.
'I sense that this fool will be a problem for us in the future. I want him out of the picture,' she explained, glaring intently at Star.
'What?! But, mistress. There's nothing to fear from-'
'ELIMINATE HIM!' she ordered, as she slammed her fist on the arm of her throne.
Pegasus winced at her words. He couldn't understand, what his mistress was thinking.
'My lady, with all due respect. This colt poses no threat to our plans.'
'Don't question me, servant!'
Pegasus then looked at the young colt in confusion.
'But why him?'
'You needn't worry about that! Just make sure he is gone!'
My lady, be reasonable. If ponies start disappearing now, Princess Celestia may become suspicious. he pleaded.
At his statement, she merely huffed. She knew that it would end badly if Princess Celestia found out about their plans too early.
'Very well, but I have plans for this stallion.'
'Plans?' he asked, as he tilted his head.
'Listen closely, servant. I have something I need you to do...' she spoke, with a menacing smile.
Back on the field, Big Mac drew his card. He looked at his card, then glanced at Shining Armor.
“Well, this is a surprise. Ah didn't expect to draw this card so soon,” said Big Mac.
“What did you draw?” asked Shining Armor.
“Rather than tell ya, Ah'll show ya. By removing from the play 'Stone Porcupine', 'Swift Raven' and 'Blast Gorilla', I summon 'Terra Beast – Legendary Golem'!”
Terra Beast – Legendary Golem
ATT: EARTH
Level: 7 stars
Type: Rock/Effect
Card Text: This card cannot be Normal Summon or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned by banishing 3 'Terra Beast' monsters with different card names from your Graveyard. On the turn, this card is Special Summoned, increase the ATK of this card by 200 for every 'Terra Beast' monster that is banished. Once per turn, by banishing 1 'Terra Beast' monster, you can inflict 1000 points of damage to your opponent's Life Points.
ATK/DEF: 3000/2300
The field began to quake strongly. At that moment a swirling vortex appeared in the center of the field. From the center, a colossal figure slowly emerged from within the vortex. As it stood on the ground, Shining Armor's eyes widened at the enormous behemoth that stood before him. The beast was well ten times the size of his warrior. It had a slate grey stone body that was chiseled perfectly. It donned a dark gray breastplate with a large emerald at the center, ancient silver gauntlets with mystical runes engraved on them, and an iron mask.
“What do you think, Shining Armor? He sure is something ain't he?” said Big Mac.
“That's an understatement,” gulped Shining Armor.
“And thanks to his ability, he gets 200 additional ATK for each 'Terra Beast' that is removed from play.”
Legendary Golem ATK was increased to 3600.
'This isn't good,' thought Shining Armor.
“Now 'Legendary Golem' destroy his guard with 'Terra Fist'!” ordered Big Mac.
Without hesitation, the colossal stone warrior delivered a devastating strike to the defending monster. Upon impact, the monster was instantly destroyed, which caused a massive shockwave that knocked Shining Armor off his hooves. While on the ground, his Life Points were reduced to 600.
“Shining!” shouted Cadence.
“Big brother!” yelled Twilight.
As he rose to his hooves, a smile appeared on Shining Armor's face.
“What's with the smile?” asked Star.
After dusting himself off, Shining Armor let out a brief chuckle.
“Somethin' funny, Shining Armor?” asked Big Mac.
“It's just I'm happy to be dueling such a worthy adversary. You're really pushing me to the limit,” said Shining Armor.
“And don't think I'll let up either,” chuckled Big Mac. “That does it for now.”
On the sidelines, Twilight and Cadence began to worry about Shining Armor's chances.
“Come on, Shining! You gotta do something,” Cadence pleaded, clasping her hands.
“I know my brother has to have some way to turn it around. He's just waiting for the right card,” said Twilight.
“Ah wouldn't count on it, Twi,” chuckled Applejack. “Once Big Mac's golem is on the field, his victory is almost guaranteed.”
“Never count out my BBBFF!” huffed Twilight. “He's gonna win! Just wait!”
“Sure he will, Twi,” snickered Applejack.
“Well, we'll see, Twilight,” chimed Star.
Gritting her teeth, Twilight looked on with desperation.
'Come on, Shining Armor,' said Twilight.
Back on the field, Shining Armor was desperately trying to think of a way to handle his opponent's monster.
'This is bad. Not only does he have a monster with over 3000 ATK, but I'm completely defenseless. If I don't draw something here, I'm done for,' thought Shining Armor, as he drew his card.
As he looked at his card, a gleam of hope flickered in his eyes.
'YES! This is just what I needed!'
He looked at his opponent with a determined smile.
'What's he got planned?' thought Big Mac.
“I guess it's time to take the kid gloves off,” said Shining Armor. “First, I play the Spell card 'Report for Duty!'.”
Report for Duty!
ATT: SPELL
Type: Spell Card
Card Text: If a Warrior-Type monster was destroyed on the previous turn, you can Special Summon that destroyed monster from the Graveyard. The selected monster cannot attack, and its effects are negated. During the End Phase of the turn, this card is activated the selected monster is destroyed.
“And I'm bringing back 'Royal Guard LV5!”
With that, the armored knight emerged on the field.
“But he won't be staying long because I activate my facedown card 'Level Up!'”
One facedown card lifted to reveal the hidden Spell card.
Level Up!
ATT: SPELL
Type: Spell Card
Card Text: Send 1 face-up "LV" monster you control to the Graveyard. Special Summon 1 monster from your hand or Deck that is listed in the sent monster's text, ignoring its Summoning conditions.
“I send 'Royal Guard LV5' to the Graveyard, to Special Summon 'Royal Guard LV7' from my Deck.”
The young warrior once again vanished, and an older warrior clad in armor emerged in his place.
“And now, I sacrifice my 'Royal Guard LV7' to Special Summon this. Report for duty, 'Royal Guard LV10'!”
Royal Guard LV10
LVL: 10 stars
ATT: FIRE
Type: Warrior/Effect
Card Text: This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned by sacrificing a face-up 'Royal Guard LVL 7'. Once per turn, by discarding your hand, you can destroy all cards on your opponent's side of the field (negating any activation or effects). For every card that was destroyed by this effect, inflict 400 points of damage to your opponent's Life Points. On the turn this effect is activated, you cannot declare an attack with any monsters.
ATK/DEF: 3200/2500
The armored warrior leaves the field, and a new warrior appears. This new warrior was much taller, and more muscular than his predecessor. His spiky hair has gotten longer and is tied back in a ponytail. He has a thick beard as well as a scar over his right eye. His decorative golden armor adorned various jewels and gems. As he wielded his mighty blade, the armored warrior stared down his colossal opponent.
“That's a might impressive, Shining Armor. But, I'm afraid your monsters are too weak to take on my golem,” observed Big Mac.
At this, Shining Armor quietly chuckled.
“Who says your monster is going to stay for very long,” Shining Armor said, with a mischievous grin. “By sending my hand to the Graveyard, I can destroy every card on your side of the field.”
“WHAT?!”
After sending his hand to the Graveyard, the warrior leaped in the air. With his blade drawn, the muscular knight impaled the ground. As the sword was embedded in the ground, a massive rush of energy rushed toward the opposing side. With no means to defend against it, Big Mac's monster was instantly destroyed.
“Mah golem...”
The shockwave of the destruction sent Big Mac flying to the ground.
“I also forgot to mention, with each card that was destroyed you lose 200 Life Points. And since you had four cards on the field you lose 800 Life Points,” explained Shining Armor.
While on the ground, Big Mac's Life Points were reduced to 200. On the sidelines, Applejack and Star's mouth hung open in disbelief.
“N-no way... Big Mac's golem was destroyed?” Star said in a state of shock.
Twilight and Cadence then began to jump excitedly.
“Way to go Shining! Keep it up!” cheered Cadence.
As she rose to his hooves, Applejack looked on with concern.
“Big Mac...” she whispered.
She turned to see Twilight looking at her with a mischievous smirk.
“What?” asked Applejack.
“So, Applejack? What was that about his golem securing his victory?”
“Err...”
“Too bad though, I suppose that golem was caught off guard,” teased Twilight.
Applejack tipped her hat to cover her growing annoyance.
“Just you wait, Twilight. Big Mac will bounce back from this,” said Star.
“I wouldn't count on it, Star. Big Mac's monster's gone, and he is wide open for a direct attack,” mocked Twilight.
“Oh, no...” said Star.
Back on the field, Big Mac had just gotten back to a vertical basis. As he looked at Shining Armor, he knew that this was the end for him.
“I must say, I didn't think my golem would be destroyed so easily,” he sighed. “But, I'm honored to lose to such a worthy opponent.”
At this, Shining Armor merely chuckled.
“Sorry, Big Mac. But, I'm afraid I'll have to wait until my next turn to finish things up,” explained Shining Armor.
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“You see when my guard uses his special ability, I can't attack this turn.”
This time it was Twilight and Cadence's mouths that hung open in disbelief.
“So, I'll have to end my turn for now.”
Big Mac drew his next card.
'No matter what monster I draw, I can't handle that guard's ability. I need to make this last turn count...' thought Big Mac.
As he looked at his new card, he breathed a sigh of relief.
'It's a long shot, but it just might work.'
Big Mac proceeded with his turn.
“I set one monster in Defense mode, and place one card facedown. That'll end my turn.”
“Too bad, Big Mac. This was such an amazing duel. But looks like I'm gonna wrap this duel up,” Shining Armor said, as he drew his card. “Now, by sending my hand to the Graveyard, I can destroy all the cards on your side of the field!”
Once he discarded his card, the warrior again took to the skies. Big Mac sprung into action.
“Not this time. I activate the Trap card 'Negate Effect,” Big Mac said, as he motioned to his facedown trap.
Negate Effect
ATT: TRAP
Type: Counter Trap Card
Card Text: This card can only be activated when your opponent activates an effect. Negate the activation of your opponent’s Spell, Trap, and Monster effects that target card(s) on your side of the field.
“Thanks to this card the effect of your Royal Guard is negated,” explained Big Mac.
“Err... Well played Big Mac,” said Shining, gritting his teeth. “But, I can still attack! 'Royal Guard LV10' destroy his facedown monster with Shooting Star Strike!”
Heeding his commander, the armored knight dove for the facedown monster. The monster is revealed as a large jet black scorpion with red lining accenting its appendages. Its large pincers were shielding its body from attacks.
“That's just what I wanted you to do. You attack my 'Terra Beast – Furtive Scorpion'.”
Terra Beast – Furtive Scorpion
ATT: EARTH
Level: 3 stars
Type: Insect/Effect
Card Text: Flip - If this face-down card was attacked by a non-EARTH attribute monster, destroy the attacking monster (negate any damage). This card can only be destroyed by EARTH attribute monsters.
ATK/DEF: 0200/2100
“And what's that do?” asked Shining Armor.
“Well, since you attacked it with a non-EARTH monster, yer knight is automatically destroyed.”
“No...”
The warrior's blade shattered against the large insect's hide. He was then struck by its piercing stinger. The impact immediately destroyed the armored knight. Dumbstruck, Shining Armor stood in disbelief.
“You took out one of my most powerful monsters...” said Shining Armor, still in shock. “I end my turn.”
The crowd began to cheer loudly for the two stallions. Half the crowd would chant: “Shi-ning Ar-mor!”, while the others would chant: “Go, Big Mac!” The two smiled as they knew that they were giving them a duel to remember.
“Okay, Shining Armor. Let's wrap things up,” said Big Mac, as he drew his card.
He looked at his card and then proceeded with his turn.
“Ah switch my scorpion to attack mode.”
The beast changed to an offensive stance.
“Now, scorpion attack his Life Points directly with Sonic Needle!”
The massive bug then swung its mighty tail and launched a piercing aura needle at the defending duelist. The force of the impact caused Shining Armor to winch slightly. His Life Points were reduced to 400.
“That'll do it for now,” said Big Mac.
“All right, it's my go!” Shining Armor said as he drew his card.
As he stared at his opponent, Shining was at a loss.
'I need something here...anything...' he pleaded.
As he looked at his card, he felt his victory was at hand.
'Yes! This is just what I needed! But I can't let on what I have.'
“I set this monster facedown in defense mode and end my turn,” Shining Armor said, with a calm demeanor.
As he drew his card, Big Mac knew that Shining Armor was up to something.
'Ah don't know what he's got planned. But Ah know Ah got take out that facedown card first,' thought Big Mac.
He looked at his card and let out a brief chuckle.
“I've had a lot of fun with this duel, Shining Armor. But I'm afraid that Ah'm gonna have to end it here and now.”
“Is that so?” asked Shining Armor, with an arched eyebrow.
“That's right. First, I play the Spell card 'Poison Shot'.”
Poison Shot
ATT: SPELL
Type: Spell Card
Card Text: You can only activate this card when 'Terra Beast – Furtive Scorpion' is face-up on your side of the field. You can destroy 1 card on your opponent's side of the field. If the card that was a monster card, inflict 200 Life Points of damage.
“And with this, Ah can destroy one card on your side of the field.”
The giant scorpion then launched a purple aura needle at the facedown monster. As the aura needle struck, the defending monster was destroyed.
“And since it was a monster, you lose 200 Life Points.”
Shining Armor's Life Points were reduced to 200. Thinking his victory is secured, Big Mas was prepared to launch his final attack. However, before could, Shining Armor began to laugh.
“You were right about one thing Big Mac. This duel is over.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“You see, the monster you destroyed was my 'Aerial Guard – Mystic Cloak'.”
Aerial Guard – Mystic Cloak
ATT: WIND
Level: 4 stars
Type: On the turn this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, if it was by a card effect, inflict damage to your opponent's Life Points equal to the monster with the highest ATK level x 300.
ATK/DEF: 0000/0000
Big Mac saw an avian image maiden wrapped in a light brown cloak appear behind Shining Armor.
“Who's that?”
“She's the monster you just sent to the Graveyard. And since you sent her to the Graveyard, you activated her special ability.”
“And what does she do?”
“Since she was destroyed by a card effect, she can inflict 300 points of damage to your Life Points equal to your monster's level. Which means you take 900 points of damage,” explained Shining Armor.
The avian maiden flapped her wings, which caused a gust of air to rush towards Big Mac. With no way to defend himself, a blast of wind knocked Big Mac off his hooves. As he landed on his back, Big Mac's Life Points were reduced to 0.
As the match concluded, the crowd erupted with applause. Now in a sitting position, Big Mac let out a deep sigh.
“Oh well...just gotta try again next year,” he said, rubbing the back of his head.
This thought was broken, as Shining Armor extended a hand.
“Need some help, Big Mac?” offered Shining Armor.
“Thanks, Shining Armor,” he said, as he accepted his gesture.
As he rose to his hooves, the stoic stallion let out a small chuckle.
“Ah have to say, that was sure one heck of a duel. Y'all pushed me to my limit, Shining Armor,” said Big Mac, as he was dusting himself off.
BigMac extended his hand.
“It was an honor duelin' you, Shining Armor.”
Shining Armor accepted his handshake.
“Likewise, Big Mac.”
Pegasus landed next to the two stallions.
“What an amazing performance. Let's hear for these two for an excellent duel,” spoke Pegasus.
The crowd erupted with applause.
“Well, our final match of the first round of the preliminaries will take place later this afternoon. Now, let's see who it's gonna be,” said Pegasus, as he looked toward the screen.
The last two cards flipped over to reveal Rainbow Dash and Star Driver.
“It looks like the final match will be Rainbow Dash vs. Star Driver!”
On the sidelines, Star Driver leaped into the air.
“Aww, yeah! I finally get to show what I'm made of!” Star jumped with excitement.
“Too bad I'm your opponent, Star. I guess you won't make it to the next round, huh?” teased Rainbow Dash.
“Oh yeah!” he responded, as he pressed his snout against hers.
“Yeah!” she said as she pressed back.
The two shared a heated glare before they turned away from each other in a huff. Back on the field, Pegasus stared directly at Star Driver.
'I'm sorry, Star Driver. But, Rainbow Dash is right. You're not even going to make it to your next match...' Pegasus thought, as he smiled menacingly.
