----4:50 pm----
Back at the Crystal Stadium, the crowd was anxious for the final match of the first round to start. On the sidelines, Twilight and the others began to worry where Star and the others were.
“I wonder what's keeping them? The hotel isn't that far away,” said Twilight.
“Yeah, what in the hay is takin' them so long?” asked Applejack.
“Probably scared I'm gonna wipe the floor with'em,” Rainbow Dash said, as she hovered in the air.
“I doubt that darling,” said Rarity. “But I do wonder where they could be?”
As the group continued their discussion, Pegasus walked past them to take his place on the Duel Field. He looked back at them with a subtle, yet sinister smirk.
'I doubt that he will be making it girls...'
He felt his mistress, was trying to contact him.
'Pegasus!' she called.
'Yes, my mistress?' he answered.
'How are things proceeding? Were you able to do as I instructed?' she asked.
'Yes, my mistress. Even as we speak, my shadow is enslaving young Star Driver's mind. Soon, he will be your loyal servant,' explained Pegasus.
'Excellent, with him as my servant I will no longer fear any more hindrances to my plans,' Ehm spoke with glee.
'Indeed...' Pegasus chuckled.
“So this is the place?” asked Spike, as he looked at the cave that lay before them.
“I believe so. He said Star's scent leads here. Right, little pup?” said Fluttershy.
The little pup barked happily. The dog had led them to a crystal cave just on the outskirts of the Crystal Empire. The entrance seemed unguarded, but Spike still remained vigilant.
“Okay, but we gotta proceed with caution. Who knows what may lie in wait for us?” Spike spoke as he walked into the cave.
“Thank you again for your help,” she spoke, as she patted the crystal dog on the head.
With that, the dog then left for the city. The timid pony gazed at the ominous cave before her. Fluttershy loudly gulped, as she slowly moved toward the cave. As the two friends ventured into the cave, they noticed the torch-lite pathway.
“Stay close, okay Fluttershy,” Spike whispered.
“O-Okay...” she spoke.
They proceeded further into the cave, they heard a faint noise coming from around the next corner. As Spike looked around the corner, he saw a group of crystal-coated Diamond dogs at the end of the corridor.
“Diamond Dogs...that's just great!” Spike softly huffed.
“What would they want with Star?” asked Fluttershy.
“You got me. But now we know we have to be extra careful not to get caught. Last time we had the gang to back us up, but now it's just us,” spoke Spike. “So let's be smart and move quietly.”
“R-Right,” softly spoke Fluttershy.
As soon as the coast was clear, Spike motioned to Fluttershy to follow behind him. The two then proceeded to venture deep inside the cave.
Back in the chamber, Ranger still had a firm grasp on Star. The others could only watch as the figure had control over their bodies. As the young colt cried out in agony, Mere Ka felt a sharp pain swirling in her chest.
“Please stop! Can't you see you're hurting him?!” she cried.
“You say that as if I should care, my dear,” spoke the figure, as he turned to Mere Ka. “I told him that it would've been easier for him to say 'yes'.”
“But at this rate, you'll end up killing him,” Mere Ka spoke.
“If he does then he isn't worthy enough to be a servant of my mistress,” the figure darkly spoke.
With a sinister chuckle, he turned his attention back to Star Driver. Mere Ka felt a chill run through her body.
'This guy is a monster!' she thought.
A sinister chuckle escaped the figure's lips as he knew that it wouldn't be long before Star was under his control.
'It won't be long now.'
The figure noticed something appear on Star's forehead. It looked just like the strange eye symbol that was on his pendant.
'What is that?'
No sooner than he spoke those words, Star's pendant began to shine brightly. It soon began to move around rapidly. Within moments, Ranger was sent flying into an opposing wall. Star Driver panted as he remained in mid-air.
“Okay...that...really...hurt...” Star spoke weakly.
The whole room stood silent, as the figure tried to comprehend what just happened.
'How could this foal be able to resist that spell? Not even the most skilled unicorn can repel it!' thought the figure.
He noticed the pendant around Star Driver's neck.
'Of course! Why didn't I realize it before? It's because of that pendant!'
He turned to Ranger who struggled to get to his paws.
“On your feet servant!” demanded the figure.
After a few failed attempts, Ranger was finally able to get to his feet.
“Now, continue the spell!”
The Wolves noticed how slowly their leader walked over to Star. His face looked completely drained of life as if he were on the verge of death.
“Ranger, what's wrong?” asked Palpa.
As he was about to respond, the figure merely chuckled.
“He's simply feeling the effect of the spell.”
“What effect?” asked Mere Ka.
“You see the spell is a two-edged sword. While the spell can enslave a pony's mind, it also takes a major toll on the caster,” he explained. “The longer you cast the spell the more spiritual energy is drained. Any longer and I fear your leader won't be able to survive.”
Those words caused Mere Ka and the others to desperately try and free themselves. As he witnessed these actions, the figure couldn't help but laugh.
“Do you honestly believe you peons could ever-?”
He sharply turned his attention to the room's exit. Underneath his hood, his left eye glowed bright pink.
'My, My. I didn't expect the bearer of the Element of Kindness to be here.' he thought.
A menacing smirk then appeared on his muzzle.
'She must be here to save this fool. This presents a rare opportunity.'
He looked at the Moonstone Wolves. As he saw the pure hatred in their eye, he came up with a diabolical plan.
“It seems we have an uninvited guess,” he began. “I sense the Element of Kindness has entered your lair.”
“'Shy...” Star said, with a weak smile.
The cloaked stallion released the other Moonstone Wolves from his magical grip. Confused they cautiously looked at the stallion.
“I believe this mare is looking this for the young stallion. Why don't you four escort her here?” he smugly spoke.
This caught Star's attention. With what little strength he had left, Star managed to lift his head to glare at the cloaked figure.
“I-If you...lay one...hand on...her...you'll...be...sorry!” Star weakly threatened.
At this, the figure merely chuckled.
“Bring her to me...unharmed,” ordered the figure.
“Why should we?” asked Fusa.
The figure illuminated his hand, then balled his fist. Instantly Ranger fell to his knees, as he clasped his chest. Palpa rushed to his side, as he howled in pain.
“Ranger...what's wrong?” spoke Palpa.
Mere Ka glared at the stallion.
“What are you doing to him?!” bellowed Mere Ka.
“Crushing his very soul!” the stallion grinned.
As he tightened his fist, Ranger's howl increased in volume.
“Stop it! Please!” Palpa pleaded.
“I will, but only if you obey my command,” he said with a smug smile. “So, what's it going to be?”
Mere Ka turned and saw the pain her leader was in. As much as she hated this monstrous stallion, she loved her leader more.
“We'll do it...” Mere Ka whispered.
“What was that?” asked the stallion.
Mere Ka looked at him with the most disdainful glare.
“I said we will do it! So, please stop!” begged Mere Ka.
“Good. And if you fail...” he began. “Let's just say it won't be good for your leader's health.”
With disdain on their faces, the Wolves left to capture Fluttershy. On the floor, Ranger tightly clasped his chest.
“You...You'll regret...betraying the... Moonstone Wolves!”
The figure knelt down and magically lifted Ranger's face to meet his gaze.
“I highly doubt that!” he darkly chuckled.
----4:54 pm----
Spike and Fluttershy continued through the lair, as they desperately looked for their friend. Any door they came across, they would press their ears to see if they could hear anything. So far, they've been lucky enough not to get caught. After they had been searching for a few minutes they decided to rest for a moment.
“This place is like a maze! It's gonna take forever to find Star!” Spike groaned.
He looked at Fluttershy and could tell that she was worried. He's used to seeing her this way, but there was something different this time. It was if she was trying hard not to lose her composure. Spike gently placed a comforting claw on her shoulder, which caused her to snap back to reality.
“Don't worry Fluttershy. We'll get Star back, just wait and see,” he said with a reassuring smile.
“I hope so,” she said with a small smile.
“Hey! What are you doing here?!” shouted a voice.
The two friends turned to see a group of Crystal Diamond Dogs at the end of the hall.
“Run?” asked Fluttershy.
“Eeyup...”
As the two bolted down the corridor, the guard dogs chased after them. After many twists and turns, Spike saw an opening at the end of the corridor.
“Fluttershy...” Spike said, pointing to the opening.
“Right...”
They quickly passed through the opening, the two friends felt the entrance seal behind them.
“That was a close one,” said Fluttershy.
“Yeah, we can't let that happen again,” responded Spike, wiping the sweat from his brow.
“Well, I guess we gotta keep going forward. Seeing as the entrance got sealed off,” said Fluttershy.
“Well, let's get going.”
They continued their trek through the labyrinth, which is the Moonstone Wolves lair. After a while, they came to a fork in the road. Both paths seem to be long, dark, and scary. Spike used his draconic eyesight to peer through the darkness, to see if any guard dogs lay in wait.
“Do you see anything, Spike?” asked Fluttershy.
“Nope, I don't see any more guard dogs. But which path should we take?” said Spike, as he looked down both paths.
“I don't know...” she spoke timidly.
“Maybe we can help with that,” spoke a voice from behind the two.
They turned to see Mere Ka and the others standing a few feet behind them. With a mischievous grin on her face, Mere Ka motion for the others the surround the two friends. Back to back, Fluttershy and Spike stood ready to defend themselves.
“Who are you guys?” asked Spike.
“We're the legendary mercenary group, the Moonstone Wolves,” explained Palpa.
“W-What have you d-done with our f-friend?” Fluttershy asked.
“And who might that be?” spoke Mere Ka.
“Don't play dumb! We know you bandits took our friend! Now where is he?!” demanded Spike.
“A friend of yours? We don't have a clue who you're talking about,” lied Fusa.
“Don't give me that! We have an eyewitness that says you clowns were the ones that took him!” Spike nearly yelled.
Mere Ka walked over to the two of them.
“Oh, you mean you're here for my little Star?” she said with an impish grin.
Fluttershy ears perked up when she heard those words.
'Did she just say 'my little Star'?'
She turned her attention to Mere Ka.
“Excuse me, but what did you say?” asked Fluttershy.
Mere Ka in return gave her a smug smile.
“Ah, you must be his beloved 'Shy. He told me many things about you.”
'How does she know that nickname? Star's the only one who calls me that.'
“W-Where is he?” Fluttershy demanded.
Mere Ka grinned as she moved to one of the pathways.
“If you wanna know, you'll have to catch me first,” Mere Ka said, as she ran down the path.
“Wait, come back!” Fluttershy cried out to her.
Using her wings, Fluttershy jumped over the group and chased after Mere Ka.
“Fluttershy wait don't-”
Before Spike could try to stop her the path was sealed off.
“Our plan worked like a charm,” said Palpa.
“What plan?” asked Spike.
“We need that young filly to save our boss,” she explained. “And the best way to do that was to separate you two.”
Spike simply huffed.
'I can't believe I let that happen' thought Spike.
“But who knew we'd get a dragon as a bonus,” grinned Fusa.
“What makes you think you'll take me so easily,” asked Spike.
“Easy, there's three of us and one of you,” Mambay pointed out.
“Well. If you think it's going to be that easy,” Spike said, as he took a defensive stance. “Let's see you try it!”
The three then lunged at their prey.
Fluttershy flew at a rapid pace, as she closed in on Mere Ka. Before Fluttershy could reach her, Mere Ka made sharp a turn. Seeing this, Fluttershy skidded to a stop and pursued down the hall. Before long she witnessed Mere Ka waiting for her. With extreme caution, Fluttershy entered the room. Then without warning, the entrance sealed behind her. She turned to see Mere Ka with a smug smile on her face.
“Nice to see you came, Fluttershy. I was starting to think I gave the slip,” mocked Mere Ka.
“Who are you and what have you done to Star?” asked Fluttershy.
“I'm Mere Ka, second-in-command of the Moonstone Wolves,” she proudly declared. “You two really are alike, y'know,” Mere Ka chuckled.
“What do you mean?” asked Fluttershy.
“You fell for the same trap he did,” she chuckled.
“Enough games! Tell me where Star is!” Fluttershy shouted.
Mere Ka slightly flinched at her words.
'What the hell was that...? She seems different from before...'
Mere Ka quickly regained her composure.
“My, my. You seem a little tense, eh 'Shy?” said Mere Ka.
This was met with a glare from the once timid mare.
“Don't you dare call me that! Only one pony can call me that!” glared Fluttershy.
“Yep, you two are alike,” Mere Ka said with a smirk.
“WHERE IS HE?!” Fluttershy said, as she stomped her hoof.
As she saw Fluttershy's reaction, Mere Ka knew she had her where she wanted her.
“You really wanna see him that bad, huh? Is he really that important to you?” asked Mere Ka.
“Y-Yes...he is,” she spoke with a light blush. “He's...very special to me. So, give him back!”
“I would, but I've taken a liking to him. After all, he is a handsome stallion.”
“If you did anything to him...”
“Calm down, 'Shy. He's fine...for the moment,” Mere Ka said with a grin. “But right now we currently have a dilemma.”
“Dilemma?”
“You wanna save the one you care for, but I too have someone close to my heart that I must save. So, I have a proposition for you.”
“And what would that be?” asked Fluttershy, with an arched eyebrow.
She revealed her Duel Disc.
“We have a duel. If I win you come with me willingly and you help me save the one I love. If you win I'll take to your beloved Star,” she offered. “So, what do you say?”
Fluttershy remained silent as she thought of her offer.
'I guess I have no choice...'
Fluttershy reached behind herself to retrieve her Duel Disc in response. A large smile snaked across Mere Ka's muzzle.
“So, I guess we're doing this the fun way.”
“Bring it on, Mere Ka!”
'Good, it's been a while since I've annihilated someone.'
Mere Ka then activated her Duel Disc.
“Alright then,” smiled Mere Ka. “Let's duel!”
Two drew their cards.
“I'll go first then,” Mere Ka stated, as she drew her card.
She reviewed her hand and proceeded with her turn.
“Ok first, I summon 'Giant Rat' in attack mode.”
Giant Rat
ATT: EARTH
Level: 4 stars
Type: Beast/Effect
Card Text: When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon 1 EARTH monster with 1500 or less ATK from your Deck, in face-up Attack Position.
ATK/DEF: 1400/1450
The monster was a large blue rat with sharp claws, glowing yellow eyes, and a long tail.
“Next, I place one card facedown and end my turn,” said Mere Ka, with a confident grin.
“Okay, it's my turn,” spoke Fluttershy.
As she looked at her card, a small smile formed on her face.
“First, I play the Field Spell 'Gaia Power'.”
Gaia Power
ATT: SPELL
Type: Field Spell
Card Text: All EARTH monsters gain 500 ATK and lose 400 DEF.
“Thanks to this Field Spell, all EARTH attribute monsters get a 500 ATK boost but they lose 400 DEF,” explained Fluttershy.
“Including my monsters,” spoke Mere Ka with a smug grin.
Giant Rat's ATK was increased to 1900 and its DEF was reduced to 1050.
"That's fine with me," shrugged Mere Ka.
“Next, I summon 'Gene-Warped Warwolf' in attack mode,” said Fluttershy.
Gene-Warped Warwolf
ATT: EARTH
Level: 4 stars
Type: Beast-Warrior
ATK/DEF: 2000/0100
The monster that emerged on the field was a tall, muscular werewolf. His skin was white with various black markings on his body. His paws were slate gray with crimson claws, and his black mane flowed down his back.
“And thanks to my Field Spell, my monster gets an ATK boost,” stated Fluttershy.
Gene-Warped Warwolf's ATK is increased to 2500, and its DEF is reduced to 0.
“Now, my beast. Attack her 'Giant Rat' with Warp Cross-Slash!”
Without hesitation, the beast launched a violet cross-slash the defending rat. As the attack impacted the massive rodent was destroyed, which caused Mere Ka's Life Points to be reduced to 3400.
“Not bad, 'Shy,” grinned Mere Ka.
“Stop calling me that!” shouted Fluttershy.
“My, my. Touchy,” she mocked. “Anyways, since you destroyed my 'Giant Rat' I can now summon 'Golem King – EARTH' in Defense Mode.
Golem King – EARTH
ATT: EARTH
Level: 4 stars
Type: Rock
ATK/DEF: 1000/3000
A giant dark brown rock creature emerged on the field in a kneeling position. This massive creature donned various vines and leaves around its body. Due to the effect of Gaia Power, its stats are changed to ATK: 1500 and DEF: 2600.
“Next, I place one card facedown and end my turn,” said Fluttershy.
“It's my turn, dear 'Shy,” Mere Ka spoke, as she drew her card.
As Mere Ka saw the anger in Fluttershy's eyes, a small smirk appeared on her lips.
'She's just as easy to mess with as Star is,' thought Mere Ka.
Her smirk then widened when she saw the card that she had drawn.
“Well, this is going to be fun.”