//------------------------------// // Draconic Revelations and the Exam/ The Drake That Walked at Midnight // Story: Equestrian Elseworlds: The Fiend, The Warrior and the Spellcaster // by Equestrian Ghost //------------------------------// I arrived at the tower, going up the elevator as Yubel helped me do some last-minute studying to make sure I was prepared. "Remain calm at all times or else you will solve nothing," she told me, smiling softly. "Thanks Yubel, you're as good help as you were when I was a hatchling," I answered, smiling softly as I hugged her. Said hug was short-lived since the doors of the elevator opened, and I saw the desks in front of me. There were several men and women writing down names, as well as several teens in registration. I walked up to a man and he asked me: "Name?" "Spike Solaris," I answered, waiting for a response before he nodded in approval, giving me a motion to proceed to a room full of teens. Each teen was seated, and the only things on their desks were a pencil, an eraser, and the test. I took a seat, only for the man in charge of watching us said: "You have one hour to answer your exam. Now, you may begin." I went to doing the questions, and it was a breeze in a way: Written Exam, by Dr. Vellian Crowler 1. At least how many cards must you have in your graveyard to activate "Reversal of Graves"? A. 10 cards B. 18 cards C. 15 cards Answer: 18 cards 2. Black Luster Soldier + Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon = A. F.G.D. B. Paladin of White Dragon C. Master of Dragon Soldier Answer: Master of Dragon Soldier 3. Dark Blade + Pitch-Dark Dragon = A. Rare Metal Dragon B. Dark Blade The Dragon Knight C. Invader of Darkness Answer: Dark Blade The Dragon Knight 4. Elemental Hero Avian + Elemental Hero Burstinatrix = A. Elemental Hero Thunder Giant B. UFOroid Fighter C. Elemental Hero Flame Wingman Answer: Elemental Hero Flame Wingman 5. "Flame Manipulator" and which monster are Fusion-Material for "Flame Swordsman"? A. Karbonala Warrior B. Swordsman from a Foreign Land C. Masaki the Legendary Swordsman Answer: Masaki the Legendary Swordsman 6. If "A Legendary Ocean" is on the field, which monster can be summoned without a tribute? A. Terrorking Salmon B. Gogiga Gagagigo C. Levia-Dragon - Daedalus Answer: Terrorking Salmon 7. Of the three types of "Gaia", which has the highest attack? A. Gaia the Fierce Knight B. Gaia the Dragon Champion C. Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight Answer: Gaia the Dragon Champion 8. These cards have the following effect: Return cards to the owner's hand. Which one allow you to retrieve the most cards? A. Penguin Soldier B. Hane-Hane C. Hade-Hane Answer: Penguin Soldier 9. When I soar through the sky, My victims run. My master's true name Is known by none. What card am I? 'This is a difficult one, hardly any card has an official story of its own.' I thought, before looking at the picture of an Egyptian tablet that stood in the classroom. 'The game originally began in Ancient Egypt, and the gods had an influence. There was Anubis, Osiris, and Ra, the three main gods. The first was the god of the underworld, while the second was the god/goddess of death. Ra was the sun god and nobody knew his name... That's it!' I ended, scribbling my answer quickly before exiting my classroom, only to walk to a table with several cards set in the table. "The second stage is a timed duel, every time you restart, you will lose 10 points. Also remember, you can check both decks to make your moves," the tester said, as he observed. Spike: 900 - Tester 2: 3100 I saw the set of cards in front of me, seeing as I had a face-up defense-position monster (Opressed People) and two face-downs, while my opponent had two face-up attack position monsters. "Alright, I've got two monsters in my hand, and two spells as well," I said, reading the description description of my opponent's first monster: "Spell Canceller, as long as this card is face-up, you cannot activate Spell Cards..." Well, it doesn't make it immune to monster effects! I'll summon 'Tsukuyomi' in Attack Mode (1100 ATK). Its effect allows me to 'Book of Moon' a monster, so Canceller's going face-down," I said, flipping it face-down. "Next, I'll use Call of the Haunted to bring back 'People Running About' in Attack Mode (600 ATK). As for my next move, I'll activate 'Monster Reincarnation' to ditch my 'United Resistance' for the Bokoichi the Freightening Car," I said, adding said card to my hand after putting United Resistance in the grave. "My fourth step will be reviving 'United Resistance' with 'Premature Burial', it'll cost me 800 Life Points, but it's on the field," I said, seeing how the damage was subtracted (900 - 800 = 100 LP) before I put 'United Resistance' in Attack Mode (1000 ATK). "And now, it's time to clean up, I'll activate Huge Revolution! As long as I have 'Opressed People', 'People Running About' and 'United Resistance' on the field, I can destroy all cards you have on the field, and also make you discard the cards in your hand," I said, putting them in the graveyard. "To finish things off, I'll switch 'Opressed People' to attack mode, and attack with all," I said, smiling as the tester's Life Points dropped to 0. "Well done, you may proceed to the third and final stage of the entry exam," he said, smiling as I walked to the field, which was pretty much full. I saw my opponent, who was another tester, who had her disk ready. "I hope you're ready for the most difficult phase," she said, looking at me. "Ready as I'll ever be," I answered, preparing my duel disk and grabbing my Red-Eyes deck, shuffling it and putting it in the deck holder of the disk. "The duel exam begins now." Spike: 4000 - Tester 3: 4000 "Ladies first," I said. "I see you have manners, and I accept." 1. Tester "I'll summon 'Winged Sage Falcos' in Attack Mode (1700 ATK). Then, I'll end my turn with two turns. Your move, Snake-Eyes," she said. I guess she saw my eyes and decided to give me a nickname. 2. Spike "I'll start off by activating 'Heavy Storm', which allows me to destroy all Spell and Trap cards on the field," I said, seeing her cards turn to smithereens. "Then," I'll drop off my 'Masked Dragon' in Attack Mode (1400 ATK). To end my Main Phase, I'll activate 'Red-Eyes Transmigration'. By sending monsters whose combined levels equal 8 or more, I can Ritual Summon a 'Lord of the Red' from my hand. Luckily, I'll send a copy of it to bring my other copy onto the field, so give it up for 'Lord of the Red', in Attack Mode (2400 ATK)!" I said, seeing as it appeared on the field. "Is that all?" She asked. "Not skipping my Battle Phase. Now, 'Lord of the Red', attack the sage with Red Rage!" I said, as it charged at the sage, destroying it instantly. "'Masked Dragon', attack directly!" I yelled, seeing as her life points dropped a bit. Spike: 4000 - Tester: 1900 3. Tester "I'll play 'Premature Burial'. This card lets me summon a monster from my Graveyard by paying 800 Life Points." She said, smiling. "It's a shame I've got Lord on the field: its effect allows me to destroy a Spell or Trap card when a card or effect is activated, that is, if it isn't Lord's effect," I countered, seeing how the Equip Spell was destroyed, leaving her without the chance of resurrecting her 'Winged Sage Falcos'. "I'll end my turn by summoning Flying Kamakiri #1 in Defense Mode (900 DEF)." Spike: 4000 - Tester: 1100 4. Spike "It's time I finish what I started. I'll summon a second Masked Dragon in Attack Mode (1400 ATK). Now, my first 'Masked Dragon' will attack that Kamakiri you've got there," I said, seeing the dragon headbutt the giant mosquito. However, the tester smiled, spawning a dragon onto the field. "When my Flying Kamakiri #1 is destroyed by battle, I can special summon a Wind-type monster with 1500 or less Attack Points in Attack Mode," she said, as I saw the monster, which turned out to be 'Harpie's Pet Baby Dragon (1200 ATK). "Well, I'll take it down with my second 'Masked Dragon'." I said, seeing as no monsters were left after the second 'Masked Dragon' attacked, before I continued. "'Lord of the Red', attack with Red Rage!" I yelled, seeing the tester's Life Points drop to zero. Spike: 4000 - Tester 0 "You are well-trained," the tester said, looking at me. "I'm doing alright, still need to polish my skills," I answered, smiling softly before leaving the field. However, there were two men in suits waiting for me, and they didn't look like they wanted to be friends. "Mr. Spike Solaris, your presence has been requested by Seto Kaiba and his wife," the left one said. "We will escort you to the observation room, where the couple is located," the one on the right added. "Very well then..." I said, following them as they began walking. I didn't know who Seto Kaiba nor his wife were at the time, but I'd soon receive answers once I entered the room. In that room, I saw a man and a woman. The man had brown hair, a white jacket and black pants, and a serious expression. As for the woman, she had white hair, blue eyes, and a dress, a caring expression on her face. This woman was drinking a cup of tea, and I was sure there was something strange about her. "You may be wondering why you are here, applicant. I am Seto Kaiba, and I will-" "My love, I can handle him, I am sure he will feel much more comfortable around me," she said, smiling softly. "Now, I want to talk to him, dragon-to-dragon," she added, as he walked out of the room. She got up and used some kind of magic to burn her dress away, leaving a battle attire as her attire. The battle attire consisted on a silver armor, and I saw her hands emit a white aura. "That explains the 'dragon-to-dragon' term," I said, seeing as the room was now a battle arena, several people cheering for her. "I wish to know how well you are as a fighter," she said, entering a fighting stance. "Let's see if Hell and Zombie World were a good training session," I said, as my hands caught on fire with my signature green fire. We ran at each other, and she spawned three orbs of white energy. I delivered a punch to her, but as soon as I did it, the orbs headed towards me, all three hitting me on the chest. She delivered several punches before knocking me down. I got up and wiped the blood that was pouring from my mouth, and then I spat on the ground to get rid of the taste. She projected the three orbs again, so I ran towards her once more. She smiled and used the orbs as projectiles once more, but I teleported behind her and delivered a flying kick. As she fell to the ground, I delivered a few punches to her face, each punch getting stronger, until I decided to stop and do a backflip. She got up and spawned the white aura on her body, regenerating herself as I maintained my balance. We ran at each other, and as I prepared another flying kick, she spawned two dragon wings on her back and flew at me, knocking me back a few meters before she delivered several kicks to my head, seeing as I fell. I hadn't come all the way here to lose in one fight. I began laughing, seeing how my scales returned. I had returned to my draconic form, which was the way I was before I was diagnosed with my disease. "Death of Equestria, give me the strength to avenge the fallen!" I yelled, as my body covered itself in flames. The fighter and I delivered punches to each other, until I used my dragon fire as a flame thrower. It would normally stagger opponents, but the fire now burnt away at her, and I used it to deliver several punches and kicks. I decided to finish it off by teleporting and delivering a punch to her head, said punch making her fall to the ground. The fight appeared to be over, until she enveloped herself in the white aura to recover from all damage she took. She then placed her hand on mine, and I felt myself recover as well. "You are quite skilled, you only need to improve a bit," she said, smiling softly as she warped us back to the room. By that time, she was in a dress once more, and then she proceeded to take a seat. "My name is Kisara, embodiment of the monster known as the Blue-Eyes White Dragon. What is your name, dragon-blood?" She said, looking at me as she went back to drinking her cup of tea. "I am Spike Solaris, born in Equestria and resurrected here. By the way, how did you find out I was a dragon?" I asked, smiling softly. "When I saw you on the field, what caught my attention were the dragon-eyes Solaris. Also, when I heard your name, it reminded me that it has been a long time since we last met." "What are you talking about?" "Let me show you," she said, holding my hand as she projected a moment in time I wasn't aware of. I saw three male dragons, one was blue, one purple and one that was pretty much Yubel Pink. Then, I saw Kisara in her dragon form: she was with a purple dragoness, observing what seemed to be my egg. Several centuries ago "This is my egg, what is left of my family after the clan war," the purple dragoness said, smiling softly. "Why are you not in sorrow, given the circumstances?" Kisara asked. "I learned to enjoy things despite the losses. I may have lost most of my family, but I will still have my hatchling." "I understand. By the way, do you have a name for it?" "I plan on naming him Solaris, given that I can feel it getting happier when it's in the sun rather than when it is receiving heat from me." "Considering what happened to your family, let me bless it," Kisara said, before resting a claw on it. The egg began flowing, and after a while, it faded. "This egg will withstand damage, securing its birth. As to when it will hatch, I do not know," she added. "Thank you Kisara, you have been quite the company." "Your welcome Artemis, I enjoyed seeing your egg." And with that, the image faded once she stopped holding my hand. "You met my mother?" I asked, looking into your eyes. "Yes, and many other dragons," Kisara answered, smiling softly. I couldn't help but smile softly, seeing the dragoness who was my mother, and the resemblance of the two. "By the way, how did you get to Equis all those years ago? Who were the three dragons that appeared at first?" "We discovered a portal centuries ago, which gave several of us access to your home planet, despite the fact that the portal was destroyed after a war. As for the dragons, they are the Legendary Dragons known as Timaeus, Critias and Hermos. The three dragons serve as our leaders, and they have done a wonderful job." "Wait, you mean the second clan war?" "I'm afraid you're correct, that war lead to the death of your mother and what remained of your clan." "Thanks for the knowledge Kisara," I said, sighing. "Now, why did you need to see my fighting skills? "The combat session was to see if you were apt for the mission we will send you on." "Do tell me more..." I said, taking a seat. "There has been paranormal activity in our academy, which involves the disappearance of students and the performance of Shadow Games. Seto and I need you to go and investigate, given that you are resilient to several types of magic, except the one of the Shadows." "I hate to be greedy, but what will I get out of this?" I asked. "Your scholarship will be covered by Kaiba Corps, you'll get access to the entire campus and several upcoming events." "All-in-all, I get to go around campus without being busted by you, and I get a VIP pass in certain upcoming events?" I asked. "Exactly. Now, do we have a deal?" She asked, standing up and extending her hand to me. I got up and shook her hand, smiling. "It's a deal." Now, I had to sign a contract which secured me in the category of Ra Yellow. Said contract also secured my scholarship and the all-access pass. I was going to put these things to good use, although I had to return to the Game Shop to get my few belongings before heading to the mentioned island. The Dreamscape Our dear Element of Kindness was walking through the forest, enjoying the nocturnal life. However, things would take a sharp turn as she came across a barn, this one being different from the one at Sweet Apple Acres. She entered and saw several ponies, griffons, dragons, and other species in tubes, writhing in fear and pain. Their screams of agony and terror started affecting the yellow mare, and then, a bipedal figure in ragged clothing came in. "Fluttershy, I see you joined the party!" He said, laughing a bit. "Who are you, and why do you know me?" Flutters asked, looking at him. "I am Spike, but my experiments nickname me Scarecrow!" He said, laughing. "Why are you doing this to them?" "They need to understand the true concept of fear, unlike yours. They also need to understand that the kind will always be the easiest to startle." "You won't hurt them anymore, I will use The Stare!" She said, looking into his eyes before he started screaming. NO, IT CAN'T BE! I'M FEELING FEAR AGAIN! CELESTIA, LUNA, HELP ME..." He yelled, before he began laughing. "Why doesn't it affect you?" She asked, scared. "I am smart, unlike the simpletons like Angel Bunny. Speaking of that damn hare..." He said, holding his head. "Angel!" She yelled. "He was pretty tasty, although I only kept the head to show you," he said, laughing. "Y-you, you monster!" She yelled. "You're the monster! You treated me in a less caring way than you would treat animals, hell, Angel took my slot! Now, it's time for you to know the true meaning of fear," he said, injecting a needle into her neck. As she felt the needle, her vision got hazy, slowly showing her images of her animal friends, her fellow elements, and Discord dying. "Ahh! Please make it stop!" She yelled, as the images then turned into her childhood memories: the bullying, the fear of flight, the death of her father, and several other factors. As the laughing became unbearable, she woke up. She was in the castle, and Discord was by her side. She saw the flame pillar, and had no other better idea than to walk to the pillar, heading to the Canterlot Cemetery.