//------------------------------// // Turn 28: Dance of the Underdog // Story: Crossover Into Chaos // by dabestgamer //------------------------------// “Did you say ‘Synchro Summon’?” Yusei asked. “And there was a ‘ritual’?” “Y-yes…” Fluttershy shuddered. “I was so scared… I don’t remember what happened after that…” “This is the end for you!” Latrose shouted. “Underrogue Cerberus!” The three-headed canine opened their maws. A burst of blackness shot out towards Twilight and her friends. The alicorn instinctively raised a magic shield, deflecting the blast. “I think that’s our cue to get out of here,” Steel Heart suggested. “That’d be a great idea,” Spike commented, “but in case you haven’t noticed, we’re kinda trapped here.” “Then the only thing to do is to force our way out.” The gray unicorn began tackling the diamond walls that now blocked the entrance. Big Macintosh followed suit by turning around and kicking the wall. Twilight glimpsed behind her toward her friends. “Right…” she mumbled as she teleported above the armored dog. She yelled as magic burst from her horn at the canine, pushing it back towards Latrose. “Not bad, princess,” Latrose sneered. His canine swiped his paw at Twilight, the latter barely dodging the blow. Another blast of magic knocked the beast onto its side. The alicorn charged straight at the canine, her horn glowing once more. “But it’s not enough! I activate the Continuous Trap Diamond Chain!” Four chains shot out from different areas of the dome’s walls at Twilight, restricting her. “What?!” Yusei exclaimed. “Twilight!” the others shouted. “What… is this…?” Twilight wondered, the aura on her horn vanishing. “These chains… they’re draining my energy…” “What’s going on here?” Spike asked. “This isn’t good,” Steel Heart stated. “These walls aren’t budging.” “Nope,” Big Macintosh added. Yusei glared at Latrose. “This is the power of a Psychic Duelist,” he thought. “Now what should we do?” “Once more, Cerberus!” Latrose snapped his fingers as his monster rose to its feet, its mouths brimming with darkness. Twilight looked on in horror as the three heads staring at her opened their maws. “No…” she mumbled. “This can’t be happening…” “End of the line.” “Stop it!” Yusei shouted. “Go! Cerber—!” The hooded man found himself cut off by his left arm being jerked away. “What?!” All eyes turned to see Latrose’s Duel Disk being pulled off his arm slowly by a green aura. They were then startled by the sound of an engine running. A swift orange blur rammed into Latrose, knocking him away while the green aura yanked his Duel Disk off his arm. The man looked up to see an orange pegasus on a blue wooden scooter. The Duel Disk then floated over to a wall where a white unicorn and a light yellow earth pony stood. “Girls?!” Fluttershy called out. Twilight noticed a sudden change in the chains that bound her, as her horn began glowing once more. “You little…” Latrose groaned. “Give back my Duel Disk now!” “Nah,” Sweetie Belle replied. As she placed the Duel Disk next to Apple Bloom’s hoof, Scootaloo returned to her two best friends and blew a raspberry at the hooded man. The earth pony raised her hoof above the machine. “No! Don’t!” the man shouted. Apple Bloom slammed her hoof into the ground, crushing the Duel Disk and grinding it to pieces. “Well, that takes care of that,” she grinned. Latrose looked around the room in a panic as his monster, chains, and walls began to fade. Twilight teleported out of the chains and charged at the canine once more. A blast of magic shot out from her horn, hurling the fading beast towards the wall. An explosion occurred as the beast faded, along with the dome that had trapped those inside. The gray clouds blocking out the sky above could be seen once more. Latrose rose to his feet as he saw the alicorn approach. “Looks to me like you don’t have any power left,” Twilight said, glaring at the hooded man. “Surrender, now.” Latrose backed away until he felt his feet being restricted. He looked down to see a darkness surrounding him and pulling him into the ground. “No! This can’t be!” Twilight sprinted forward. “You’re not going anywhere!” Using her horn, she began to pull the man from the blackness that constricted him. “Look out, Twi!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. Twilight released the man as she was startled by the darkness creeping towards her. The darkness faded and neither Latrose—nor his smashed Duel Disk, for that matter—was anywhere to be seen. “He’s gone…” the alicorn mumbled. “I was so close to getting answers from him, too!” She groaned loudly. The quietness of the scene abruptly vanished when the three girls suddenly found themselves in Fluttershy’s embrace. “Oh, girls! I was so worried about you!” “So are they why you showed up here, Fluttershy?” Yusei asked. “Yes, Spike and I were in the middle of leading everypony out until we realized they had gone missing. I had no idea that they were here!” The girls chuckled nervously. “Sorry…” Apple Bloom replied. “Why did you three come here?” Twilight asked, her back still towards the others. “I thought I said it was dangerous.” “We just wanted to help,” Scootaloo answered. “You should’ve left with the others. What if you got hurt?” “But Twilight—!” Sweetie Belle spoke. “It’s already bad enough that your sisters have been captured by them.” “But you’re gonna save them, right, Twi?” Apple Bloom asked. “I am,” the alicorn answered. “But I don’t want to get you involved. These humans are too dangerous.” “That’s never stopped you before,” Scootaloo said. “And we can help you save—” “NO,” Twilight interrupted. She turned her head, with a sorrowful expression on her face. “I absolutely cannot let you get involved. I don’t want you to get killed, like Fluttershy and I almost did.” “But, you almost—” “Don’t get me wrong. You three were brave to jump in like you have and you did save me—and I appreciate that—but the only reason things worked out the way they did was because you caught him by surprise. If he had seen you, he would’ve captured you. Who knows what else could’ve happened if he did? If something happened to you three, your sisters would be devastated and I’d never forgive myself.” Silence. “Please… don’t get involved any more than you already have,” Twilight hung her head as she walked back into the castle. “Twilight, wait up!” Spike followed. Big Macintosh and the girls exchanged glances—the latter’s ears drooping—before heading back inside as well. “I guess it’s time for me to head off as well. See ya around,” Steel Heart said before following the others. Yusei nodded. He staggered as he struggled to rise to his feet. “Oh my gosh, are you okay, Yusei?” Fluttershy asked. “Yeah, that attack hit me hard.” Yusei rubbed his back. “Let me take a look.” “Sure.” Yusei pulled up the back of his shirt as the pegasus walked behind him. “Goodness! We should treat this as soon as possible! Let’s get you inside, then I’ll pick up some supplies from my cottage.” Yusei nodded, as Fluttershy placed his arm around her. “Thanks.” “You’re welcome.” Yusei sat while Fluttershy wrapped bandages around his upper body, making sure to cover the bruised region of his back. “I’ve got to hand to hand it to you. You’re good at this,” he complimented. “Thanks,” Fluttershy replied. “I take care of a bunch of critters at my cottage, so it’s not that much different.” “Speaking of which, I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many animals in one place.” “That’s because I take care of them.” “All of them?” “Why, yes. My special talent is communicating with animals, which it makes it easier to care of them.” “Special talent? Twilight once told me that you ponies carry a mark on your body that symbolizes your talent, isn’t that right?” “Yes, that’s right. Our cutie marks.” “I see.” Yusei replied. “It’s hard to believe that this same pegasus was trapped in a Duel Monster not too long ago. But that makes me wonder…” “I’m done, Yusei.” “Oh, right. Thanks.” Yusei donned his shirt and jacket, then rose to his feet. “Fluttershy.” “Yes?” “Earlier, you mentioned a ritual?” “Y-yes…?” “Is there anything else you remember about that moment?” “Well… um… I remember all of my friends, except Twilight, were there watching… but they couldn’t do anything…” “How did you all get captured anyway?” “Didn’t Twilight tell you?” “She only said that you were all attacked by humans one day.” “Oh… yes… that’s right. We were enjoying one of Pinkie Pie’s parties at Sugarcube Corner, then they showed up. We headed over to Golden Oak Library to use the Elements of Harmony, but then they surprised us. The next thing I knew, there was a huge explosion. Then Twilight was gone.” “Elements of Harmony… I’ve heard that term used a number of times.” “Well, they’re some of the most powerful magical objects in Equestria.” “Right, Twilight did say as much when she explained it,” Yusei recalled. “She also said something about one of them being hers.” “She means that the she and the rest of our closest friends each represent an Element of Harmony,” Fluttershy said. “Pinkie Pie’s is laughter, Rainbow Dash’s is loyalty, Rarity’s is generosity, Applejack’s is honesty, Twilight’s is magic, and mine is kindness.” “So there are four more of you…” Yusei paused for a moment. “I’m sorry to ask again, but when you mentioned the ritual, you said your friends were there, too?” “Y-yes…” “And these friends… are they the same friends that each represent an Element of Harmony?” “Yes, that’s right.” “So they’ve been gathering all of the Elements of Harmony… and doing these rituals… but why? And where do my friends and I play into all this?” Yusei wondered. “There are still a number of other pieces that don’t fit, either.” “Is something the matter, Yusei?” “I think we should go meet up with Twilight,” he replied. “Do you know where she is?” “She’s probably in the castle library.” “Can you show me the way?” “Sure,” the pegasus smiled. “Thanks. There are a couple of things I need to talk to her about,” Yusei replied. “About what?” “A couple of clues I picked up. It’s probably best you’re there to hear it, too.” “Oh, okay.” Twilight stood in the library, scanning through volume after volume in quick succession. “Are you all right, Twilight?” Spike asked. “Yes, I am. Why do you ask?” Twilight replied, continuing to sift through the books. “You’ve been anxious since you beat that human and his giant dog.” “Well, the sooner we find our friends, the better. The only clue I have is this pendant that unicorn dropper earlier.” “Are you sure it’s not just an ordinary pendant?” “Yes, I’m sure. This design is pretty unique; I just can’t remember if I’ve seen it before. Here, Spike. You can help look, too.” “Wait, what?” A dozen or so books got dropped in a pile before the dragon. “Come on. Like I said, the sooner, the better.” “Okay, fine.” Spike picked one of the volumes in front of him and began scanning the pages. Their search continued until they heard the sound of the library doors opening. “Twilight?” a female voice called. “We’re over here!” Spike responded. Twilight turned to see Yusei and Fluttershy approach. “What are you two doing?” the pegasus asked. A magenta aura carried over a small pendant for the two to see. “Looking for this symbol in one of these books,” Twilight answered. “Actually, Yusei. I’d like to ask… you wouldn’t happen to have seen this before, have you?” Yusei studied the pendant. “No, I haven’t.” “Just thought I’d ask. By the way… what was that… movement thing you mentioned before?” “What do you mean?” “Earlier, when we fought that human, you said he was a member of some group.” “Oh, that.” Spike and Fluttershy turned towards the human with curiosity. “The Arcadia Movement is a group of Psychic Duelists.” “Psychic Duelists?” Spike repeated. “Are they… Duelists with psychic powers?” Twilight questioned. “More accurately, they are Duelists with the ability to Summon and materialize their monsters and effects without needing to be in a Duel,” Yusei answered. “Psychic Duelists were able to use this ability to cause bodily harm with their cards, both inside and outside of Duels.” “Just like those humans we encountered here in Ponyville…” Twilight realized. “So that’s how you knew…” “Most of the Duelists we’ve encountered since your arrival in New Domino City had the abilities of a Psychic Duelist, starting from that officer that appeared in my apartment.” The alicorn became wide-eyed. “Doesn’t that mean…?” “Right,” Yusei answered. “Callos and that woman controlling the one you called ‘Princess Luna’ are also probably Psychic Duelists as well. The only organization I know that has a large number of Psychic Duelists in it is the Arcadia Movement itself.” “So what exactly is their goal?” “From what I remember, it was formed by a man named Sayer, who wanted to create a haven for Psychic Duelists since they were seen as dangerous and hostile to everyone. No one wanted to associate with them and were looked down upon as evil.” “So they’re just lashing out at the world?” Yusei nodded. “Yeah.” “But what about you? Don’t you have any powers? As a Signer, I mean.” “A what now?” said Spike. Yusei removed the glove on his right arm and pulled up his sleeve to reveal the mark on his arm. “What is that?” Fluttershy asked. “A Signer is someone, like me, who carries the mark of the Crimson Dragon,” he answered. “D-d-d-dragon…?” “What is it?” “Oh, don’t mind her reaction. She just has a fear of dragons,” Twilight stated, just before she caught Yusei glancing at Spike. “Except for Spike.” “Anyway, there are six of us,” Yusei continued, putting his sleeve and glove back on. “While we can tap into the Crimson Dragon’s power, we don’t have the same abilities as Psychic Duelists, except Akiza.” “Akiza is a Psychic Duelist?” the alicorn questioned. “Yeah. She was even once part of the Arcadia Movement, until she saw them for what they were. Since the incident with the Earthbound Immortals, the Arcadia Movement was thought to have disbanded.” “Well, that obviously isn’t the case now,” Twilight remarked. “Somehow, they managed to appear here in Equestria. On top of that… they even have control of Princess Luna as well.” “What?!” Spike exclaimed. “Unfortunately, yes…” “What about Princess Celestia?!” Spike asked. Yusei, Twilight, and Fluttershy all looked away. “What? Will someone tell me what’s going on?” “I’ll tell you later, Spike,” Twilight replied. “In any case, they clearly had to have planned this for a long time.” “But for how long?” Yusei wondered. “I don’t know, but based on this pendant that was dropped by a unicorn I fought earlier… I’d say this Arcadia Movement has been getting some help from here in Equestria.” “But who would do such a thing?” Fluttershy asked. “That’s what I’ve been trying to find out,” the alicorn continued. “One of these books might have something about the symbol on this pendant.” “I’ll help, too,” Yusei offered. “Me, too! …I-if you don’t mind, that is,” Fluttershy turned towards Twilight. “Well,” Twilight replied. “Sure, if it’s not too much trouble.” “It’s no trouble at all,” the pegasus grinned. “I’ll be glad to help,” Yusei nodded. “After this, we can head to Canterlot.” “Canterlot?” Spike asked. “Why there?” “I have reason to believe that that’s the place where the rest of your friends are.” “What?!” Twilight exclaimed. “How did you find out?!” “Back at Sweet Apple Acres, the Psychic Duelist I fought against leaked that information to me.” “…Are you sure he wasn’t lying?” “It’s possible he was, but I doubt it.” Twilight paused momentarily, before taking a deep breath. “Time to go to Canterlot.” “In that case… I’ll go, too,” Yusei replied. Twilight nodded. “So, uh… does that mean we’re not looking through these books anymore?” Spike asked. “No, Spike,” the princess answered. “I want you and Fluttershy to stay here and keep looking to see if you can find something about this pendant.” “Are you sure?” Fluttershy responded, concerned. “I am. This way, we can cover more ground. Yusei and I can rescue our friends while you two try to learn what you can about the pendant.” “Oh, okay,” the pegasus answered. “Aww…” Spike added. “It’s best if we travel together,” Yusei suggested. “I’ll let you know when I’m ready.” As he left the library, Twilight took another deep breath. “I can’t believe it… an actual clue as to where my friends are!” she thought. “Hang on, everypony. I’m coming.”