//------------------------------// // Chapter 21 - One Tough Apple (part 01) // Story: Po-Ni-Oh!: Rise of the Heroes // by flawlessvictory20 //------------------------------// As the crowd cheered for the upcoming match, Applejack sported a huge grin. “Woowee, Ah finally get to show my stuff,” she spoke. “Can't wait to see whatcha got, AJ,” grinned Pinkie Pie. “Ah promise not to disappoint,”she grinned, as she tipped her stetson. “Would the duelist please make their way to the field,” instructed Pegasus. “Oh right,” spoke both Cadence and Applejack. Applejack then walked onto field. As Princess Cadence made her way to the field, she was stopped by her loving husband. He then gave her a affectionate kiss. “Good luck out there dear,” he said. “Thank you, my love. I promise to give it my all,” she beamed. Once they were both on the field, the two made their way to mid-field. All the while a certain yellow filly could be heard over the cheering crowd. “Let's go, sis. Show'em what we Apples can really do!” Apple Bloom shouted. Applejack barely maintain her focused demeanor when she heard such cheering from her little sister. Once at mid-field, they then began to shuffle each others' deck. “Ah reckon Ah didn't think Ah'd be dueling you in the first round, Princess,” commented Applejack. “Ah feel rather honored.” “I as well Applejack. It's not everyday one gets to face an Element of Harmony in battle,” Cadence responded. “This will prove to be an interesting challenge for me.” “Well, don't you be expectin' me to go easy on ya just cuz your my friend's sister-in-law,” grinned Applejack. Cadence couldn't help but chuckle in reply. “Indeed, dear Applejack. And I will not hold back as well,” she smiled. --------- On the sidelines, tensions already began to surface as the Team Cadence/Team Applejack lines were already drawn. “So, Big Mac. Do you think that AJ's gonna win?” asked Star Driver. “Eeyup,” answered the stoic stallion. “Is that so?” queried Shining Armor. “Eeyup. While Ah don't rightly know what type of deck that wife of yours uses, Ah'm for certain my sis 'il win,” answered Big Mac. “I wouldn't be too sure of that one Big Mac,” warned Shining Armor. “My wife's no pushover. I'm sure she will prove to be quite the skilled duelist.” The two then shared a stoic glare. Pinkie couldn't help but laugh at their display. “It's just like the Shining/Mac duel all over again,” chuckled Pinkie. “Yes, but I must admit I don't know who to root for,” spoke Phantom Heart. “That one's easy, PH,” chimed Star. “You gotta go with Applejack.” “PH? Is that me?” she asked, with slightly tilted head. “Yeah, I give nickname to all my friends,” smiled Star. “We're friends?” “I don't see why not.” She then gave him a sheepish smile. “Maybe because you're telling her to root for the wrong pony,” Twilight chimed in. They then turned to see Twilight standing behind them. “Is that so, Twily?” scoffed Star. “I know Applejack is a good duelist, but she's never face a pony like Cadence. I'm glad that I'm not to be facing her in the first round,” explained Twilight. “Yeah...yeah. She may be good, but AJ is got a nasty habit of turning the tables at the last second,” mentioned Star. “Is that because she kicks your flank and regular basis?” chuckled Rainbow Dash. “Shut up, Rainbow! And it's not every time.” “Yeah, only the last four times in a row,” Rainbow mocked. “Bite me, Rainbow.” --------- Back on the field, Cadence and AJ had just finish shuffling each others decks. They then retreated to their respective Duel Zones. “Okay, are the combatants ready?” asked Pegasus. They both nodded in response. “Then let the match begin!” he declared. “Ah'll start things of if ya don't mind, princess,” Applejack said, as she drew card. She then looked at her card and the proceeded with her turn. “First, Ah'll summon 'Amazoness Fighter' to the field in Attack Mode.” Amazoness Fighter ATT: EARTH Level: 4 stars Type: Warrior/Effect Card Text: You take no Battle Damage from attacks involving this card. ATK/DEF: 1500/1300 A tall, muscular humanoid woman emerged onto the field. She has tanned skin, aqua green eyes and long spiky brown hair tied back in a ponytail. She donned a turquoise strapless bikini top linked with a gold ring, black straps that encircle her torso and linked by a silver ring (for the upper torso) and gold ring (for the abdomen), turquoise loincloth with light blue and black waist band, gold arm bands, light blue and black wrist bands, taped hands, light blue and black band on her upper thigh, and taped feet. “Next, Ah place one card facedown and end my turn.” “Okay, then. My turn,” spoke Cadence. She then drew her card. As she looked at card she flashed a brief smirk. “Okay, first I set this monster in Defense mode. Then I'll place two cards facedown and end my turn.” Three facedown cards appeared on the field. “Alright, then my go!” exclaimed Applejack. She then drew her card. “Awesome,” she said, after she looked at her card. “Ah summon 'Amazoness Swords Woman' in Attack mode.” Amazoness Swords Woman ATT: EARTH Level: 4 stars Type: Warrior/Effect Card Effect: Your opponent takes all Battle Damage that you would have taken from a battle involving this card. ATK/DEF: 1500/1600 A tall, slender humanoid female warrior appeared. She had long, wavy maroon hair, light tan skin, and piercing light green eyes. She wore a dark purple headdress, a purple strapless top with dark orange spikes, bronze wristbands, a purple loincloth with dark orange spikes, and tribal leg guards. She wielded a large sword with purple hilt. “All right, 'Swords Woman' attack her facedown monster with Savage Slash!” ordered Applejack. The female warrior then charged into battle. As she slashed the defending monster, it revealed a large, bulbous light pink monster. It appeared to have an upside-down smiling face. When her sword struck the creature, her blade sunk into its skin. “What the hay?” inquired Applejack. “Thank you, dear Applejack. You attacked my 'Marshmallon',” spoke Cadence. Marshmallon ATT: LIGHT Type: Fairy/Effect Level: 3 stars Card Text: After damage calculation, if this card was attacked, and was face-down at the start of the Damage Step: The attacking player takes 1000 damage. Cannot be destroyed by battle. ATK/DEF: 0300/0500 “Thanks to one of its abilities it can't be destroyed in battle,” Cadence explained. “Err...” huffed Applejack. “And thanks to it's second ability, since you attacked it while it was facedown, you lose 1000 Life Points.” “What?!” As the female warrior removed her blade for the monster, the bulbous creature expelled a small shockwave. When it hit Applejack she stumbled slightly as the Life Point were reduced to 3000. “Ah'll end by playing this card facedown.” --------- On the sidelines, Team Cadence cheered loudly. “”Awesome move, Cadence,” shouted Twilight. “Keep it up dear,” encouraged Shining Armor. Star merely huffed. “I'll admit that was a good counter, but Applejack will definitely respond back. Right Big Mac?” “Eeyup,” he responded. “Well, time will tell Star,” smirked Twilight. --------- Back on the field, Cadence proceeded with her turn. “Okay, it's my turn,” she said, as she drew her. She then looked at her card with a smile. “Perfect, I first play the Spell 'Double Summon'.” Double Summon ATT: SPELL Type: Spell Card Card Text: You can Normal Summon 1 additional time this turn. You can only gain this effect once per turn. “And thanks to this card I can summon twice this turn,” stated Cadence. “And I set 2 monsters facedown and end my turn.” Two facedown cards emerged on the field. Applejack then drew her card. Ah gotta be careful not to rush things. Don't wanna repeat of last turn, she thought. After she looked at her card she proceeded with her turn. “First, Ah equip 'Amazoness Heirloom to mah 'Amazoness Swords Woman,” she stated. Amazoness Heirloom ATT: SPELL Type: Equipment Spell Card Card Text: Equip only to an 'Amazoness' monster. Once per turn, that monster cannot be destroy by battle. When the equipped monster attacks, after damage calculation, destroy the attack target. At that moment, a large brown tribal pendant with a light green pearl appeared around the Swords Woman's neck. “Alright, 'Amazoness Fighter' attack that facedown card on the right. Amazon Hammer!” ordered Applejack. The bulky fighter then charged into battle. The defending monster then flipped up to reveal a male humanoid angel. He had short dirty blonde hair, pale skin, four golden wings and light blue eyes. He donned a white toga with a golden waistband, golden armbands, bronze yellow wrist gauntlets, and light brown sandals. As her fists impacted, the creature was instantly destroyed. “Perfect, you just destroyed my 'Shining Angel',” smiled Cadence. Shining Angel ATT: LIGHT Level: 4 stars Type: Fairy/Effect Card Text: When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon 1 LIGHT monster with 1500 or less ATK from your Deck, in face-up Attack Position. ATK/DEF: 1400/0800 “What's that do?” asked Applejack. “Since it was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a LIGHT monster from my Deck. And I summon 'Crystal Resonator' to the field in Attack Mode.” Crystal Resonator ATT: LIGHT Level: 1 star Type: Fairy/Tuner Card Text: This card cannot be destroyed as a result of battle or by card effects. This card can only used as a Synchro Material Monster for 'Crystal Fairy Guardian'. When this card if this card is sent to the Graveyard for the Synchro Summon of Fairy-Type monster, that monster cannot be destroyed by card effect. ATK/DEF: 0900/0500 A shining female humanoid fairy appeared on the field. She long flowing crimson hair, peach crystalized skin, and cerulean eyes. She had a sleeveless light pink dress with a ruby sash, silver armbands and light brown sandals. “Well, since Ah destroyed your monster Ah activate my Trap 'Queen's Pawn'!” Queen's Pawn ATT: TRAP Type: Trap Card: Activate only when an "Amazoness" monster you control destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard. Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Amazoness" monster from your Deck. “And thanks to it's effect, Ah can Special Summon a level 4 monster from my Deck. And Ah summon 'Amazoness Paladin'.” Amazoness Paladin ATT: EARTH Level: 4 stars Type: Warrior/Effect Card Text: This card gains 100 ATK for each "Amazoness" monster you control. ATK/DEF:1700/300 A slender female humanoid warrior appeared on the field. She has tan skin, wavy blonde hair and green eyes. She's wearing a tattered beige cloak with light brown tribal borders and dark mauve feathers, tattered skirt with light brown tribal print on the waist, dark sienna armbands, wrist gauntlets and dark sienna leg guards. She wielded a large sword with a golden hilt. “And thanks to her effect she gains 100 ATK for every 'Amazoness' on the field. So she gets 300 additional ATK,” explained Applejack. Paladin's ATK increase to 2000. “And now 'Swords Woman' attack her 'Crystal Resonator' with Savage Slash!” Just as before, she female warrior then charged into battle. She then slashed the defending monster. “Sorry, Applejack. But due to one of her special abilities, she can't be destroyed in battle,” grinned Cadence. The slash across the fairy's body then instantly healed. “Yeah, but y'all still lose Life Points.” Cadence Life Points were reduced to 3400. “But thanks to my Spell card, your monster is automatically destroyed.” The pendant then began to glow brightly. “Sorry, but thanks to her other ability, she can't be destroyed by card effects.” “Err, fine! 'Paladin' attack her with Amazon Rush!” Her blade then glowed with a bright light. After a few seconds, she launched a powerful aura slash at the defending fairy. As she was it with the attack, Cadence was hit by a shockwave that reduced her Life Points to 2300. “Ah'll lay this card facedown and end my turn.” --------- In her castle deep in the Abyssal Realm, Ehm continued to watch the tournament from her mirror. Though the duel produced the much needed amount of energy for her plan, Ehm looked upon the duel with an unpleased frown. As she glared at the source of her annoyance, Star Driver, a sense confusion filled her mind. She had been a millennia in the Abyssal Realm and never before had one stallion plague her mind so. What is it about him that I can shake? Why him of all ponies? What is so special about- Her thoughts were once again interrupted by another image. This time she saw herself walking down an old dirt road. In front of her was the familiar young colt from before. He seemed to be talking with a lot energy. She saw that he wasn't paying attention to the path ahead and tripped on a stray root. As he fell to the ground, he scrapped his knees. The colt looked as though he was going to cry, but instead got up from the ground and dusted himself off. I'm a big colt. And big colt don't cry... he said with a pained smile. Ehm shook her head to try and snap herself out of the image. Ever since she saw him, her mind has been plagued with the various images of her and and that small colt. What is the connection with you?! she internally screamed at him. As she looked on, one of her servants knocked on her door. “Enter...” “My mistress, the three elements have arrive at the castle. They await you in the dungeon,” he spoke. “Excellent, you may leave me,” she ordered. “Yes, my mistress,” he said, as he left her presence. She then turned her attention back to the mirror and glared at Star. Who are you?! --------- Back on the field, Cadence began her turn. I was able to get my tuner out on the field, now I just need- she thought. She then saw her new card that she drew. Perfect! She then turned her attention to then field. “First, I Flip Summon 'Spirit of the Harp'.” Spirit of the Harp ATT: LIGHT Level: 4 stars Type: Fairy ATK/DEF: 0800/2000 A humanoid maiden appeared on the field. She had pale skin, light green hair, and blue eyes. She wore a goldenrod monk robe, red headband with blue ear coverings and light brown sandals. She wielded a giant golden harp. “Next, I activate my facedown card 'Ancient Rules'.” Her facedown card then flipped up to reveal her hidden Spell card. Ancient Rules ATT: SPELL Type: Spell Card Card Text: Special Summon 1 Level 5 or higher Normal Monster from your hand. “And thanks to this card I can summon a high level Normal Monster from my hand without a sacrifice.” “What?!” Applejack said, in disbelief. “And I summon 'Wingweaver' in Attack Mode!” Wingweaver ATT: LIGHT Level: 7 stars Type: Fairy ATK/DEF: 2750/2400 A six-winged humanoid angel then descended from the sky. She had peach skin, long flowing purple and captivating blue eyes. She donned a goldenrod wrapped dress, golden head crown, necklace with sapphire pendant, golden ring belt with a light gem buckle and golden ankle rings. “And now I tune 'Crystal Resonator' with 'Spirit of the Harp' and 'Marshmallon',” spoke Cadence. The two monsters are then transformed to balls of white light. “In ancient times, the fairies called upon this ancient warrior to heed the cries of distress...” Spirit of the Harp then flies through the a series of green rings, and faded into light. “Now, come forth! Crystal Fairy Guardian!” Crystal Fairy Guardian ATT: LIGHT Level: 8 stars Type: Fairy/Synchro/Effect Material Monsters: 'Crystal Resonator' + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters Card Text: On the turn this card is summoned to the field, Special Summon 2 level 4 or lower Fairy-type monsters from your Deck, Graveyard or monsters that have been removed from play. As long as this card is face-up on the field, the effects of all of your opponent's face-up monsters on the field are negated while those monsters are on the field. ATK/DEF: 2800/2400 From the sky a large ball of light descended toward the field. As it landed, it revealed a armored six-winged humanoid angel. She had light peach skin, long silver hair braided in a ponytail and with two large bangs draped over her aqua green eyes. She wore a decorative armored light cerulean headband trimmed with slate gray, a steel blue breastplate with silver lining and sky blue in the center of it (looks like the Crystal Heart), silver pauldrons, light demin gauntlets with light gray lining, silver fauld with an light blue underskirt, Prussian blue and dark cobalt greaves with midnight blue boots. She wielded a large shield and a broadsword. This isn't good, thought Applejack. “And thanks to one of her special abilities, I can summon 2 Fairies from my Deck. So, summon 'Shining Abyss' and 'Zolga' to the field in Attack Mode,” explained Cadence. Shining Abyss ATT: LIGHT Level: 4 stars Type: Fairy ATK/DEF: 1600/1800 A mechanical fairy emerged onto the field. It had a light seafoam body with golden orbs, light aqua green arms with golden ring on the elbows and golden knuckles, golden waist rings, seafoam round base with three round orbs, golden wings, and spherical face with spikes and curved head. Zolga ATT: EARTH Level: 4 stars Type: Fairy/Effect When a monster is Tribute Summoned by Tributing this card, increase the Life Points of the player who controlled the card by 2000. ATK/DEF: 1700/1200 A masked being appeared on the field. The masked was azure in color with a goldenrod headband with the ruby in the center of it and it's body was shrouded in a purple cloak. “But they won't be staying long. Because I sacrifice my 2 monsters to summon 'Guardian Angel Joan' in Attack Mode. Guardian Angel Joan ATT: LIGHT Level: 7 stars Type: Fairy/Effect Card Text: When this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard: Gain Life Points equal to the original ATK of that destroyed monster in the Graveyard. ATK/DEF: 2800/2000 As the two monsters disappeared from field, an angelic humanoid maiden emerged onto the field. She had fair skin, short dirty blonde hair and gentle light green eyes. She donned a long, flowing backless white dress with light brown corset with decorative golden yellow trim, a long white strap of cloth with golden trim and designs connected to a bronze gold pendant, cream colored armbands with golden trim, cream colored wrist gauntlets with bronze gold trim and black shoes. “And thanks to the effect 'Zolga', I gain 2000 Life Points.” Her Life Points were increased to 4300. --------- On the side lines, Star stood with his mouth agaped. He couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. “No way...she summoned three powerful monsters in one turn...” he spoke incredulously. “Amazing, isn't it Star?” asked Twilight with a puffed out chest. “That was a might impressive, Ah must say,” stated Big Mac. “And just still has her attack too,” grinned Shining Armor. “AJ...” said Star. “Things aren't looking for her guys,” Twilight smirked. “Ah wouldn't be so quick to count her, Twilight,” countered Big Mac. “She's quite resourceful.” “What you mean, Big Mac?” asked Shining Armor. “Y'all will see,” he spoke, with a stoic demeanor. --------- Back on the field, Applejack assessed the situation. Well this is a fine mess. Ah wasn't expecting her to summon three powerful monsters so soon. “Oh and one more thing you should know, dear Applejack,” mentioned Cadence. “Yeah, and what that?” Applejack replied, with an arched eyebrow. “While my guardian is on the field, all of you monsters' effects are negated,” Cadence spoke with a mischievous grin. Applejack then felt a bead a sweat roll down her brow. Uh-oh, that ain't good, Applejack gulped. “Now, my guardian attack her Swords Woman with Sacred Slash!” ordered Cadence. The armored fairy then gathered energy into her blade until it glowed with a strong cerulean light. Then with a single swipe of her blade, she launched a powerful aura slash at the defending warrior. “Ah horseapples...” groaned Applejack.