//------------------------------// // Chapter 25 - Old Rivals Returns (part 01) // Story: Po-Ni-Oh!: Rise of the Heroes // by flawlessvictory20 //------------------------------// Back at the Crystal Empire, one of Sombra’s shadows scoured the crowd in search of a potential pawn in his latest scheme. As surveyed the multitude, he spotted a navy blue mare walking by. This unicorn mare had deep violet mane with a black streak, a long bang covering her right eye which was scarred, a teal left eye with gray flecks, a braided tail, and wore a black backless long skirt dress with a slit on the right hip. He could sense the darkness that lie within her heart. ‘Perfect,’ he grinned. While he followed her discreetly, he used the power of the replica Millennium Rod to scan her mind. He was pleased to discovery that the mare bore a strong dislike against Star Driver for knocking her out of the qualifying rounds. Once he was sure they were alone, he casually approached her. “Excuse me, miss. Might I have a word?” he spoke, his face covered by the hood of his cloak. She turned to him with her brow raised. “That depends on who you are. Otherwise, bug off,” the mare said with crossed arms as she glared at the cloaked stallion. “Might I ask your name?” “It’s Amethyst Dawn…” “I see…such a strong willed mare you are. I like that.” “Look, either get to the point or get lost!” ‘Oh she will be an excellent pawn indeed.’ He quickly bowed to her. “My apologies, I’m just a huge dueling fan. I saw you and wondered if you’d like an opportunity to get a little payback at the colt that cost you your spot in the tournament?” She pursed her lips. “That punk with the HEROs? He’s nothing but an amateur. I’m a way better duelist than he is by a mile!” Amethyst studied him carefully. “If he’s getting knocked out of the tournament, I’d be pleased. But what can you do about it?” “I have my ways,” he darkly chuckled. “But I’ll need your cooperation.” Sombra slowly made his way over to her. As he did, she continued to watch him with vigilance. “You have my attention, but my cooperation is another story. Can you guarantee that I’ll replace him?” she asked uncrossing her arms and reaching towards the slit in dress (where she kept her cards that were presently stored in a deck box that was strapped to her thigh). He stopped a few feet in front of her. “I guarantee it. So, do we have a deal?” he said as he extended his hand. She nodded, accepting the offered handshake and smirked arrogantly. “His HEROs are nothing compared to my Cyber Dragons. If I have to duel him for his spot, I can claim victory with ease.” The stallion then darkly chuckled. “Oh, I have no doubt you can. But as a little insurance...” He then lifted the replica Millennium Rod to meet her gaze and cast a mind controlling spell. She’s then blinded by the golden light, she staggered and fell to a knee. “W-What...” she stammered. She felt a mysterious power wash over her mind. Though her mind was strong, Amethyst was unable to deny its influence. She was quickly overpowered by the magic of the Millennium Rod. Her eyes then became distant and devoid of life. “I will take care of him...my master,” Amethyst said, under the influence of the Rod’s dark magic. “Such a good slave. Now come!” he ordered, as he started to walk away. “We have work to do.” She nodded and stood up to follow him. “Of course...master…” Meanwhile, at a familiar restaurant, the group celebrated the victories in the latest rounds. “That was such an awesome duel ‘Shy! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time,” grinned Star. “Yeah, you’ve really come a long way as a duelist,” complimented Twilight. This got a blush from the timid mare. “Thanks you guys,” she smiled. “Yeah! And I was surprised AJ was able to pull an upset over Princess Cadence,” stated Pinkie. “It was no upset, Pinkie,” stated Applejack. “Just two mares out there givin’ it their all. Ah just happened to be the one who came out on top.” “Yes, it was rather unfortunate,” Princess Cadence sighed. “But at least the Crystal Royal Family will be represented in the next round.” “Indeed dear, though it would’ve been better if we both would’ve made it,” Shining said with a nuzzle. “Oh you~” Phantom remained silent, as she aimlessly stared at her plate. “Hey, are you okay Phantom? You’ve been awful quiet,” asked Spike. She snapped out of her thoughts quickly looked up. “Huh? I’m sorry did you say something?” she replied with a sheepish grin. Star turned to his friend. “Something on your mind?” he asked. “Well…just processing the fact that I’m going to the quarter finals. I didn’t think I’d make it this far to be honest. It’s a bit overwhelming to say the least,” she admitted. This was met with a confident smirk from the energetic stallion. “Don’t sell yourself short, Phantom,” Star began. “That was an amazing comeback you pulled off.” “Y-You think so?” she queried. “You kidding? I couldn’t have done it better myself,” he smirked. This got a smile from the bespectacled mare. “Thanks Star.” “Don’t mention it.” “So what’s the plan?” asked Spike. “Hit up the concession stands for some goodies again?” “Sounds like a plan to me,” Star cheered. They then began to discuss which stands to hit first. Unknown to them, Sombra and his new slave observed them from the shadows. “Soon my plan will be set in motion. Now, go my slave and don’t fail me!” Amethyst bowed. “Yes Master…” She headed out of the alleyway and blended in the crowd. As they lead the restaurant, the group headed into town to scope the stands. Fluttershy stayed close to Star, while the others scattered about. “Where do you wanna go first, ‘Shy?” asked Star. “Hmm…how about over there~”?” she replied pointing to the cotton candy vendor. “You got it!” As the two headed to the vendor, Amethyst made her way over to her target. While she approached him, she received her orders telepathically. ‘Listen well, slave. You must lure that foal to a secluded place. That way we can eliminate him without drawing attention,’ he commanded. ‘Yes, master…’ After getting their cotton candy, the two friends decided to tour the city and see the sights. As they were walking, Star bumped into Amethyst. “Oh, sorry I didn’t- Amethyst? Is that you?” spoke Star. “The one and only,” she answered. “We haven’t seen you since the qualifying rounds. How’ve you been?” asked Fluttershy. “I’ve been well, just came to see how the colt who beat me would fair. So far…I’m not impressed,” she huffed. Star merely rolled his eyes at her response. Amethyst then looked at him smugly. “I hear ponies are placing bets on you become the next ‘King of Games’, while others are betting you're not going to make it any further than the quarter finals.” “Well, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see,” grinned Star. She raised her left arm to reveal her Duel Disc (the field portion was constructed of futuristic-looking moving parts that almost resembled weaponry, while the rest was constructed to resemble a laptop computer). “I want to duel you, Star Driver. Do you accept?” she leaned forward, sneering. “Or are you scared?” He shrugged her challenge off. “Why bother Amethyst? I already beat ya once. What do I have to prove?” She winced at the reminder. “I’ve studied your strategy- I’m positive I can defeat you this time!” she raised her left arm again, brandishing her Duel Disc. “Your pesky ‘Celestial HEROs’ won’t stand a chance against my upgraded Deck! If you want proof, you’ll have to see it first-hand!” He looked to Fluttershy then back to Amethyst. “As tempting as that sounds, I think I'll pass. Maybe some other time,” he spoke as he started to walk away. ‘Do something, slave!’ barked Sombra. Thinking quickly she remember the trick she knew that got under his fur when they duel before. “Are you worried your deck isn’t up to snuff!? Maybe you’re rejecting the challenge because you know you're not strong enough!” She shouted, flashing her ‘Cyber End Dragon’ card. “My ‘End Dragon’ would be overkill against you, wouldn’t it?” This made Star stop in his tracks. The one thing that irked him the most, was those that mocked his strength as a duelist. Fluttershy knew this and tried to quell his temper. “Star don’t—” spoke Fluttershy. He then turned around with his left eye slightly twitching. “What did you just say?” “Maybe…you’re…too…weak…” Amethyst sneered. She brought up her Duel Disc, and hovered her right hand over her Deck. “So, what’ll it be?” Star then activated his Duel disc. “You know what Amethyst? You’re on!” he said with a smirk. “It’ll be fun to see you lose again...Amethyst.” Sombra smirked at how easily Star fell for Amethyst taunting and his plan was now set in motion. ‘Excellent work, slave,’ praised Sombra. ‘Now lead him to into that nearby alley.’ ‘Yes, master…’ She looked to Star with an impish smile. “Follow me,” she stated as she walked past them. With a nod, the two followed her. As they were walking, Fluttershy could sense that something was going on with Amethyst. “Star…something seems off,” said a worried Fluttershy. “Don’t worry so much ‘Shy,” stated Star. “It’s just Amethyst being her cheery self.” “Yes I know, but she seems more aggressive than normal.” “Probably still sour after I beat her last time.” “Maybe…but…” Amethyst then lead them to a spacious alley. Star stepped away from Fluttershy and faced off against the stoic mare. “Ready to lose again?” he chuckled. “You’ll be the one losing this Duel,” she smirked, and drew her initial hand. She spreaded her cards in hand like a fan as her Duel Disc expanded. “Let’s Duel!” Once again, Star’s Millennium Pendant began to glow and oscillate rapidly. “PONIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!” His then expanded as well Duel disc. “Let’s duel, Amethyst!” ‘Excellent work, my slave,’ Sombra spoke from the shadows. ‘Now, let’s change this field.” He used the power of his Millennium Rod to warp the area around them. The sky then turned black and the surrounding buildings had a dark violet hue to them. “What’s going on?” asked Star. “What is this Amethyst?!” Sombra then took over Amethyst mind and spoke through her. “Greetings, young Star Driver,” he coldly spoke. “A-Amethyst?” “Not quite. You’re speaking to one of Empress Ehm’s commanders. The former ruler of the Crystal Empire King Sombra!” he declared. “What?” said Star in disbelief. “That’s impossible…you were destroyed years ago…” uttered Fluttershy. “That I was, but thanks to my beloved empress I was reborn thru the power of the Millennium Rod.” ‘So, she does have some Millennium Items,’ frowned Star. “What did you do to Amethyst?” “I’m merely using this mare to accomplish our goals,” he darkly chuckled “Goals? What goals?” asked Fluttershy. “Simple, my dear. To eliminate any threat that will hinder our empress’ return,” he spoke before glaring at Star. “Which means you boy!” “It’ll take more than some cheap carnival tricks to beat me!” scoffed Star. “Oh this is no trick. You’re in the middle of a Shadow Game. In this duel the attacks are real as well as the damage they inflict. And the loser’s soul will be sent to the Abyss for all eternity.” “What? You’ve got to be kidding?!” “Oh this is no joke. You’re in a duel for your very life! Good luck, boy!” he spoke before he gave back control to Amethyst. “Amethyst please, I don’t wanna duel you. If you lose you’ll be stuck in this realm forever,” warned Star. She hovered her hand over her deck, not seeming to register what he said. “Who gets the first draw?” she asked coldly, waiting to see what Star would do. ‘I guess I have no choice,’ he said as he drew his card. Once he looked at his card he proceeded with his turn. “I set one monster in defense mode, and lay two cards facedown. That’ll end my turn.” Three facedown cards emerge on the field. “Your move Amethyst.” She drew and smiled. “I’m afraid this duel may be rather short, Star,” she said. “I summon my ‘Cyber Dragon Core’ in Attack Mode!” Cyber Dragon Core ATT: LIGHT Level: 2 stars Type: Machine/Effect Card Text: When this card is Normal Summoned: Add 1 “Cyber” Spell or Trap Card from your Deck to your hand. If your opponent controls a monster and you control no monsters: You can banish this card from the Graveyard; Special Summon 1 “Cyber Dragon” monster from your Deck. You can only use 1 “Cyber Dragon Core” effect per turn, and only once that turn. This card’s name becomes “Cyber Dragon” while it is on the field or in the Graveyard. ATK/DEF: 0400/1500 On the field emerged mechanic snake like creature. It had a silver body with red valves that connected from the head to the neck, a large core with a red sphere in the center of it and four tendrils that protruded from it. "With the effect of ‘Core’, I add the Trap Card ‘Cyber Network’ from my Deck to my hand!” The card shot out from the Deck, and Amethyst snatched it skillfully. “I then place three cards face-down, and end my turn.” “My go!” Star said as he drew his car. “Okay, first I summon ‘Celestial Hero Yin’ in Attack Mode.” Celestial Hero Yin ATT: LIGHT Type: Warrior ATK/DEF: 1800/1500 In a flash of light, a humanoid maiden appeared on the field. She's a tall, slender young woman. She has light tan skin, long raven hair, and captivating magenta eyes. She wore a long, flowing sleeveless white dress with golden waistband, a see-through facial veil, a golden headband, golden wristbands, and light brown sandals. “Now ‘Yin’, attack her core with Mystic Beam!” The young maiden then fired an aura blast at the cyber core. To which Amethyst smirked. “Not so fast. I activate my Trap card ‘Waboku’!” 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. Amethyst’s field shone with a white light, as the blast hit Core. It deflected off, and created a dust cloud to the side. When the dust cleared, the mechanized dragon was still shining bright. “Sorry, Star. But my monster is safe this turn, just like my Life Points!” “Err...fine. I’ll throw down two facedowns and end my turn.” Amethyst nodded. “I’ve prepared for every contingency. Now, I draw,” she looked at the card she had drawn, and smiled. “Sorry, Star, but...your little monsters are nothing compared to this giant. But first, I activate ‘Cyber Network’!” Cyber Network ATT: TRAP Type: Continuous Trap Card Card Text: Destroy this card during your 3rd Standby Phase after activation. Once per turn, if “Cyber Dragon” is on the field: You can banish 1 LIGHT Machine-Type monster from your Deck. When this card is sent from the field to the Graveyard: Special Summon as many of your banished LIGHT Machine-Type monsters as possible, and if you do, destroy all Spell and Trap Cards you control. Monsters that were Special Summoned by this effect cannot activate their effects. You cannot conduct your Battle Phase the turn you activate this effect. Amethyst’s side of the field was swept with a pixelated wave, and outlines of various ‘Cyber Dragons’ appeared behind her. “With it, I can take advantage of my monster’s effect. Now, I banish one Light Machine-type monster from my deck,” she stated. She looked through her deck and selected the monster to banish. “Next, I sacrifice my ‘Cyber Dragon Core’ and Set one monster facedown,” she looked over her cards carefully. “I end my turn.” “My go!” Star said as he drew his card. ‘I gotta end this quick…’ He looked at his card and a smile snaked across his muzzle. “First, I play the Spell card ‘Skyscraper 3 - Hero Tower’,” Skyscraper 3 - Hero Tower ATT: SPELL Type: Field Spell Card Card Text: Increase that ATK and DEF of all ‘Celestial Hero’, ‘Elemental Hero’, and ‘Hero Kid’ monsters by 500. As long as this card remains of the field, negate the activation of your opponent's Spell and/or Trap cards that target monsters on your side of the field. At the End Phase of your turn, you can Special Summon 1 level 4 or lower ‘Celestial Hero’, ‘Elemental Hero’, and ‘Hero Kid’ monsters. At that moment, the field was converted into a metropolitan city with various building scattered around the field. And the center was a massive tower then emerged in the center of the city. The massive structure displayed a large ‘Hero Emblem’ toward the center of it. “And with this Field Spell, my heroes get a 500 ATK and DEF boost.” Celestial Hero Yin stats are changed to 2300/2000. “Now, Yin. Attack her facedown monster!” She fired another beam at the facedown monster. As it impacted, the facedown monster was revealed, and Amethyst smiled. “I’m sorry, you’re going to have to try harder than that, Star! You just attacked my ‘Satellite Cannon’!” As she spoke, an orbital satellite was revealed. It had four mirrored panels at its base and a narrowed tip cannon at the end. and was hit by the full force of the attack, yet the monster survived. Satellite Cannon ATT: LIGHT Level: 5 stars Type: Machine/Effect Card Text: This card cannot be destroyed by battle with a Level 7 or lower monster. During each of your End Phases: This card gains 1000 ATK. If this card attacks, this increased ATK returns to 0, after damage calculation. ATK/DEF: 0000/0000 “And, because my monster is in Defense Position, I take no battle damage!” Amethyst smiled cruelly. “Try again, loser.” “Err...I end my turn.” Amethyst drew her card, as ‘Cyber Network’ started to waver. “The countdown begins now. Can you stop it before my network gives me the power to destroy you?” Amethyst sneered, and added, “I summon ‘Cyber Dragon Zwei’, and activate its effect, by revealing ‘Power Bond’ that’s in my hand.” Cyber Dragon Zwei ATT: LIGHT Level: 4 stars Type: Machine/Effect Card Text: If this card attacks an opponent’s monster, it gains 300 ATK during the Damage Step only. Once per turn: You can reveal 1 Spell Card in your hand; this card’s name becomes “Cyber Dragon” until the End Phase. This card’s name becomes “Cyber Dragon” while it is in the Graveyard. ATK/DEF: 1500/1000 A large mechanized serpent-like dragon emerged onto the field. It had a silver plated body with lime green accents, a pointed head with six small spines on its neck, two larger spines on its mid back, and a tri-spike tail. “Next, I use my ‘Cyber Network’ to banish another monster from my Deck. She once again looked through her deck and selected the monster to banish. “I then set one card facedown, and end my turn.” Per its effect, Satellite Cannon’s ATK was increased by 1000. Star drew his card. “Amethyst, you gotta stop. I don't wanna be responsible for sending an innocent mare to the Abyss,” Amethyst looked at him calmly and gave him a sinister grin. “And who said I’ll be going to the Abyss?”she darkly chuckled“I’ve anticipated every single one of your moves, Star. If anyone is going...it’s you!”