//------------------------------// // How About A Game of Dartz? // Story: The Seal // by Shadow Kick //------------------------------// The Paradias building started shaking. “The building collapsing!” warned Rarity. “Must be some sort of self-destruct,” said Rainbow. “Get out of here!” said Adagio. “While ya still can!” “She’s right!” said Applejack. Suddenly, the roof split and a huge chasm appeared, then the elevator collapsed. “Now how will we get down?!” asked Pinkie. “Hey!” said a voice from above. “Up here!” “Is that?” asked Twilight. “It’s Daring Do!!” yelled Rainbow. Daring was hovering over them in a Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter. “We’re saved!” cried Fluttershy. “Land the plane on that pad!” ordered Daring. “Roger that, ma’am!” said her pilot. The helicopter then landed on the designated pad, which was one level up from the girls. “Let’s move!” called Rainbow. Daring opened the rear and a ramp extended out. Rainbow carried Flash while Applejack carried Sunset into the copter. Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity then ran in. Twilight was helping a weakened Adagio up the stairs. “We’re almost there, hang on,” said the Princess. “I’ll try,” said Adagio. “Ready?” asked Daring. “Wait!” said Fluttershy. “Twilight’s still out there!” When they were just two steps away from the top, the stairway broke loose. “Twilight!!” called the girls. “We have to go back and get them!!” yelled Rarity. The landing pad itself started to split open. “We have to leave, now!!” called Daring. “Say what?!” asked Applejack. “We ain’t leaving without our friend!” Adagio saw the gap between the stairs and the ground. “The gap isn’t that big! We can make it if we jump! You go first while I gather my strength.” “Okay,” said Twilight. She jumped across the small gap. “Your turn!” Adagio was getting ready to jump, but then the staircase crumbled. “No!!” cried Twilight. Adagio managed to hang onto the edge of the building as the stairway fell down. “Hang on!” yelled Twilight. “I won’t leave without you!” Adagio pulled a computer chip out of her pocket and threw it over to Twilight. “Take this! Don’t lose it! You’ll need it if you’re planning to take out Dartz!” “I thought he was here!” yelled Twilight. “This was just a cover building,” replied Adagio. “What is this thing?” asked Twilight. But before Adagio could answer, she lost her grip and fell into the dust of the rubble. “Adagio!!” The pad was collapsing closer and closer to the helicopter. “We have to leave right now or we’re dead!” yelled Daring. “Twilight! Come on!” yelled Applejack. Twilight finally ran over to the copter and jumped in. Just as the helicopter rose off the pad, it collapsed beneath them. The rest of the building collapsed as well. “Boy, that was close,” said Rainbow. “No kidding,” said Applejack. “How did you know where we were?” asked Twilight. “I didn’t,” admitted Daring. “I was heading back to the location of those Atlantean ruins to conduct further research and I just happened to see you girls on top of that crumbling building. So I guess it was just dumb luck.” “Thank God you did,” said Rarity. “Thank you so much for saving us,” said Fluttershy. “No problem,” said Daring. She then looked at Flash and Sunset. “Are they okay?” “Oh, uh...” said Applejack. “They just blacked out,” said Rarity. “They can’t handle heights.” “Yeah… that’s right,” said AJ. “We better let them rest then,” said Daring. “That was close,” whispered Rarity. “Where did you get this helicopter?” asked Rainbow. “I thought only the Marines used this kind of aircraft.” “I’m in the Marines Reserve,” said Daring as she pulled out her military I.D. “Awesome,” said Rainbow. “So… did we win?” asked Pinkie. “Not quite,” said Twilight. “That building was just a cover. Dartz is still out there somewhere.” “But where?” asked Rarity. Twilight then took out the chip she got from Adagio. “Maybe this can help.” “What is it?” asked Fluttershy. “It’s some kind of computer chip,” said Rainbow. “Maybe Daring can help us.” Rainbow walked over to her. “Excuse me, Miss Do. Oh my god, it is such an honor to meet you. I’ve seen on you T.V. and read about every one of your adventures to all those countries.” “Thank you,” said Daring. She then noticed the chip. “Whatcha got there?” “We got it from someone at that building,” said Rainbow. “But we don’t know what it is. Could you maybe analyze it or something?” “Let me see,” said Daring. She put into her PDA, and a map appeared on the screen. “It’s a map.” “To where?” asked Pinkie. “To Dartz’s lair,” said Twilight. She then looked at Daring. “He’s the owner of Paradias, and he’s a very evil man.” “Dartz?!” asked Daring. “You know him?” asked Rainbow. “His bikers attacked one of my research facilities!” said Daring. “Let me see if my pilot can find this place.” “This is so cool,” said Rainbow. “We’re gonna save the world with the help of Daring Do!” A few minutes later. “Daring!” called the pilot. “We found the location!” “Good, where is it?” asked Daring. “About ten miles away,” said the copilot. “We can get there in about thirty minutes.” “Good, let’s go,” said Daring. “Time to pay this freak a visit.” As the copter neared the island, storm clouds appeared and lightning began crackling. “Oh great,” said the pilot. In his temple, Dartz was calling for his soldiers. “Ancient soldiers of the Orichalcos, return to me at once!” said Dartz. In the city, the Soldiers suddenly dissolved into glowing streaks, and hurtled away into the sky. All over the world, the other soldiers streaked home. “Yes, come home my children,” said Dartz. “We must begin the next phase of our battle.” At the base of the old Paradias building, Adagio emerged from the rubble. As the helicopter approached the island, the aircraft bounced around in the storm surrounding the island. In the back, Daring contacted the pilot. “What’s going on? We should have been at the island by now.” “It’s this weather ma’am!” said the pilot. “We can’t see a thing out here!” In his temple, Dartz began chanting. “Before the Age of Atlantis is ushered in, the mighty sea shall rise and the sky shall fall! Only then can paradise return.” Out in the storm, Twilight came up to the cockpit. “Just stay calm, everyone,” said Twilight. “I’m sure Dartz wants us to reach him.” Finally, the storm clouds parted and the island and temple became visible. “I can see the island,” said the pilot. “There’s no turning back now,” said Twilight. “Let’s do this,” said Rainbow. The helicopter landed just outside the temple steps. “Finally we can put an end to all this insanity,” said Twilight. “Miss Do? Will you look after Flash and Sunset?” “Sure,” said Daring. “I’ll radio for a rescue copter while you’re in.” “Thank you,” said Rainbow. “Come on, Twilight! I can’t wait to kick this guy’s ass.” The girls entered the temple's main hall, proceeding through wide, curved columns, towards the altar with its three open-mouthed serpents. “I’m not too fond of the snake motif,” said Rarity. “Me neither,” said Fluttershy. “This place gives me the creeps,” said Applejack. Finally, the girls entered the hall of captured souls. “Woah, what's with all the people chiseled in stone?” asked Pinkie. “They're not just any people,” said Rarity. “Look.” “Oh no, there’s Flash!” said Twilight. “And Sunset!” “This must be everyone who lost their soul,” said Rainbow. “Twi!” said Twilight when she saw her alter ego. The girls ran towards their friends images, but they heard Dartz’s voice. “What a touching reunion! Too bad your friends turned out to be a bunch of stiffs.” A ball of flame appeared before them, it slowly morphed into Dartz. “Dartz,” said Twilight. “You were expecting someone else?” asked Dartz. “Will due to the carelessness of my employees, I’m the only one left. You can’t find good help these days.” “Look, we want our friends back, so cut the small talk!” ordered Rainbow. “Is that so?” asked Dartz. “Well guess what? We all want something. As for me I want your souls for my wall. I even have a spot picked out.” Two of the carvings next to Twi's image cleared, ready for two new souls. “Enough!” said Twilight. “For the last time, release our friends!” “That’s not possible,” said Dartz. “What do you mean?!” asked Twilight. “I mean they’ve already been put to use,” said Dartz. “As we speak, their life energies are supplying power to the most powerful creature that ever lived.” “Oh great,” said Fluttershy. “Now what?” “My ten thousand year old collection is almost complete,” said Dartz. “Once I get you two, the great beast can rise.” “Hold on!” ordered Twilight. “You’ve been collecting souls for all those years? Do you know how many lives you’ve destroyed?” Dartz chuckled. “Millions! And each one of them deserved their fate! Take a moment and look around, won’t you?” The walls and floor light up, revealing the entire interior covered with the soul plaques. “Some of my favorite conquests are in this very room. And since it’s taken me ten millennia to complete, it's quite the history lesson.” “He’s right,” said Rarity. “Look at the outfits on those people.” “I recognize some of these people from our history books,” said Applejack. “So some of these people lived in the past?” asked Pinkie. “Now you’re catching on,” said Dartz. “Ever since the Great Leviathan was laid to rest, I’ve been gathering the energy necessary to fuel its rebirth.” “I don’t know if I believe this or not,” said Rainbow. “But it all ends here!” “Oh, is that so?” asked Dartz. “Then duel me and I promise I’ll make a believer out of you. For when you lose, there will be no denying my power.” Dartz walked towards them, and a Dark Duel Disk appeared on his arm. “Then let’s stop talking and start dueling!” said Rainbow. “You can’t duel this monster alone, Rainbow,” said Twilight. “Then why don’t you join her?” asked Dartz. “And when I defeat you, I’ll get two souls for the price of one!” “Ready, Rainbow?” asked Twilight. “Always!” replied Rainbow. Meanwhile, Adagio found Sonata and loaded her soulless body into a jeep. “Don’t worry, I’ll save you, mark my words. Dartz is gonna pay! I just Aria’s okay, wherever she is.” Back in the temple, the duelists had drawn their five cards. Rainbow: LP 4000 Twilight: LP 4000 Dartz: LP 4000 “Ladies,” said Dartz. “Let the games commence.” Turn 1: Rainbow “I’ll go first,” said Rainbow. “Stand back, I play Painful Choice, which lets me pick five card-” “Yes, yes,” interrupted Dartz. “I know what it does, just show me your cards.” “Fine,” said Rainbow. She held up Crystal Beasts Cobalt Eagle, Topaz Tiger, Emerald Tortoise, Amethyst Cat and Amber Mammoth. “I’ll let you keep the eagle,” said Dartz. “Alright,” said Rainbow. “I’ll summon my Cobalt Eagle in defense mode, then I’ll let my partner take over.” Turn 2: Twilight “Don’t mind if I do,” said Twilight. “I summon Elemental Hero Neos Alius in attack mode. Then I’ll place one card face down and end my turn.” Turn 3: Dartz “Those pathetic creatures might work in your little card tournaments,” said Dartz. “But I’m afraid I play completely different game. A game in which the winner takes all! And the loser pays the ultimate prize! This card was born from the darkness itself! Behold a power that has existed since the dawn of time. The very power that will strip you of your souls!” “Oh no,” said Rainbow. “The Seal of Orichalcos!” said Twilight. The Seal expanded around them, and Rainbow and Twilight felt a tremor vibrate through them. “Do you feel that?” asked Applejack. “If you mean the sudden drop in temperature and the freaky evil vibe in the air, then yes,” said Pinkie. “Freaky,” said Rarity. Fluttershy held on to Applejack. “Now that I’ve set the tone for this duel,” said Dartz. “Allow me to continue. I play Pot of Greed, so I draw two more cards. Watch this, arise Orichalcos Gigas, in defense mode. (Orichalcos Gigas: 400 – 900) Next I’ll sacrifice 500 of my life points. Rainbow: LP 4000 Twilight: LP 4000 Dartz: LP 3500 That allows me to Special Summon my Orichalcos Kyutora in Defense Position, (Orichalcos Kyutora: 500 – 1000) but I’ll place him in my back row. I then place a card face down and end my turn.” Turn 4: Rainbow “Then allow me,” said Rainbow. “How sad, I actually believed I was up against a talented duelist, until now. I summon my Sapphire Pegasus in attack mode, then I’ll use his effect and place Ruby Carbuncle in my spell card zone. Now I can special summon, the one, the only, Rainbow Dragon! Next I’ll switch my Eagle to attack mode. Now Sapphire Pegasus, attack his Gigas!” “Nice try,” said Dartz. “But you’ll have to do better than that. Orichalcos Gigas, return! And every time my Gigas is destroyed by anything, I can bring it back to the field by skipping my draw phase. Plus it gains an extra 500 ATK points each time. But I think I’ll bring back in defense mode, for the time being. (Orichalcos Gigas: 900 → 1400/1500) “Oh boy,” said Rainbow. “I think I’ll end my turn.” Turn 5: Twilight “Don’t worry, Rainbow,” said Twilight. “I got you. It’s my turn, I’ll activate Neos’s effect and summon his again so he can use his Gemini effect. Now his name is treated as Neos. Then I’ll fuse him with Rainbow’s Dragon to form, Rainbow Neos!” “Woah,” said Fluttershy. “Talk about the dream team!” said Rarity. “Impressive,” said Dartz. “Unfortunately, I have a trap. Breakthrough Skill! This card negates every single one of your new monster’s effects.” “Then I guess it’s a good thing I have this,” said Twilight “I activate my face down card, Strike Slash! Not only does this card gives our monster 700 extra points, but it also gives Neos the power to inflict piercing damage!” (Rainbow Neos: 4500 – 5200) “If my math is correct, that's a difference of 3,700,” said Rarity. “That's more than enough to wipe Dartz out!” said Pinkie. “Awesome!” said AJ. “Yay,” cheered Fluttershy. “Time to free our friends,” said Twilight. “Rainbow Neos, attack his Gigas and wipe out his life points! Your twisted game is done!” “Such a valiant effort, Princess,” said Dartz. “Unfortunately, your attack was in vain.” Rainbow looked at the score, Dartz’s life points were still at 3500. “What?!” asked Rainbow. “You didn’t lose a single point!” “Didn’t I just tell you your attack didn’t work?” asked Dartz. “Thanks to the effect of my Kyutora, my damage was reduced to zero.” “Dang!” said applejack. “I thought they had him for sure.” “Me too,” said Fluttershy. “Now it’s his turn,” said Rarity. Turn 6: Dartz “Orichalcos Gigas, return!” said Dartz. “Now he gains 500 more points! (Orichalcos Gigas: 1400 – 1900) (Rainbow Neos: 5200 – 4500) Face it, you’ll never defeat me. The power of the Orichalcos will swallow you both, now back to the duel. Because my Gigas returned to me, I can’t draw a card. But no matter, everything I need is in my hand. So I’ll enhance the power of the Seal with this, the magic of Orichalcos Deuteros!” Waves of glowing power washed over the Seal, and the players within it." “What’s going on?” asked Rainbow. “I don’t know,” answered Twilight. Meanwhile outside, a float plane was approaching Dartz's island. As it flew over, its ramp opened up and Adagio dropped out on her motorcycle. After landing on the island, she headed straight up the stairway to the temple. “Ladies!” said Dartz. “Welcome to the second level of darkness!” “What in the world?” asked Rainbow. “I don’t know how,” said Twilight. “But Dartz added another layer to the seal.” “The first benefit of Orichalcos Deuteros is the addition of 500 life points each turn for each monster I control,” said Dartz. “Since I have two, I gain 1000 extra life points.” Rainbow: LP 4000 Twilight: LP 4000 Dartz: LP 4500 “How are we supposed to beat him?” asked Rainbow. “You can’t,” said Dartz. “It makes me invincible. Now I’ll attack your little eagle, Miss Dash. Orichalcos Gigas, attack her Cobalt Eagle!” “Dang!” said Rainbow. “But now my eagle comes back as a crystal in my spell card zone!” Rainbow: LP 3500 Twilight: LP 4000 Dartz: LP 4500 “Whatever,” said Dartz. “I end my turn.” Turn 7: Rainbow “Alright Dartz, my move,” said Rainbow. “I’ll equip Rainbow Neos with Shooting Star Bow – Seal. At the cost of 1000 ATK points, this card lets Neos attack you directly. I switch Sapphire Pegasus to defense mode, then I’ll place a card face down. That’ll do for now.” (Rainbow Neos: 4500 – 3500) Turn 8: Twilight “Time to pick up where I left off,” said Twilight. “Not so fast, Princess,” said Dartz. “I activate the second effect of Breakthrough Skill. During your turn, I can remove it from play in order to negate your monster’s effect again!” “Shoot,” said Twilight. “Don’t worry Twilight,” Rainbow. “I activate Reverse Trap, this reverses all increases and decreases this turn. So now, Rainbow Neos gains 1000 points and it can attack directly!” (Rainbow Neos: 3500 – 5500) (Orichalcos Gigas: 1900 – 0) (Orichalcos Kyutora: 1000 – 0) “Woah,” said Twilight. “Thanks, Rainbow! Alright, Rainbow Neos, attack his life points directly!” “Awesome!” said Pinkie. “Guess this duel is over,” said Rarity. But Orichalcos Gigas was destroyed instead, and Dartz was safe behind a force field. “Hey, what’s going on?” asked Rainbow. “It’s a force field,” said Twilight. “But how did he create it?” “By using the second layer of the seal, of course,” said Dartz. “Whenever my life points are targeted, I can tribute one of my monsters and destroy the attacking monster. So I’ll sacrifice Orichalcos Gigas and destroy Rainbow Neos!” “I activate De-Fusion!” called Twilight. “Talk about luck of the draw,” said Dartz. “It’s not luck,” said Twilight. “It’s our teamwork and determination that kept us safe.” Turn 9: Dartz “You have a little speech for everything, don’t you Princess?” asked Dartz. “You must get so tired of being right all the time. Well that all ends here. Now I’ll teach you a lesson of my own, and I assure you it has nothing to do with teamwork or friendship. It’s my turn, so I activate the ritual spell card, Orichalcos Mirror. I’ll tribute the Timeater in my hand, and ritual summon Mirror Knight Calling. (Mirror Knight Calling 0 – 500) Which in turn, summons four Mirror Knight Tokens to protect me. (0 → 500 for all) You poor fools, you’ll never get past my knights. Now thanks to Orichalcos Deuteros, I can 3000 extra life points. Rainbow: LP 3500 Twilight: LP 4000 Dartz: LP 7500 Now pay close attention to the reflection in the mirrors my Knights are holding. Each mirror reflects someone or something on your side of the field, which determines their attack points.” “So that means...” said Twilight. “Yes it does,” interrupted Dartz. “My knights receive the same number of attack points as their target. All I have to do is destroy their mirror shields when they attack and they won’t be destroyed. Attack!” The first Mirror Knight Token attacked and destroyed Rainbow's Dragon. The second Mirror Knight Token destroyed Twilight’s Neos. The third Mirror Knight Token destroyed Rainbow’s Pegasus, but she didn’t put in her spell zone. The fourth Mirror Knight Token attacked Twilight directly. Rainbow: LP 3500 Twilight: LP 3500 Dartz: LP 7500 “As long as my Mirror Knight Calling Crystal is on the field, my knight’s mirror shields will always return. So go ahead and summon whatever you like.” Turn 10: Rainbow “Fine, I will!” said Rainbow. “I summon another Sapphire Pegasus in attack mode. Now I play Kishido Spirit. This card prevent monsters with the same ATK power from being destroyed on my side. I place one card face down and end my turn.” “I see,” said Dartz. “Now my knights can’t destroy your monsters. Very clever, Miss Dash.” Turn 11: Twilight “Alright Dartz, my move,” said Twilight “Mirror Force! This should help. I place one card face down, then I’ll summon Amores of Prophecy in defense mode and end my turn.” Turn 12: Dartz “How pathetic,” said Dartz as he drew his card. “Since it’s the start of a new turn, I gain another 3000 life points.” Rainbow: LP 3000 Twilight: LP 3500 Dartz: LP 10500 “Hold on!” called Rainbow. “I activate Ring of Destruction! Your knights are only safe as long as your Mirror Knight Calling is on the field. So now, I’ll destroy it! Now when your knights are destroyed, they can’t come back.” Rainbow: LP 3000 Twilight: LP 3500 Dartz: LP 10000 But then, the Mirror Knights' helmets cracked and fell, exposing the Knights' identities. “Recognize anyone?” asked Dartz. “Twi!” called Twilight. “But how?” “I control the souls of your companions, remember?” asked Dartz. The other knights were Sci-Twi, Sunset, Flash, and Principal Celestia. “Let them go!” ordered Rainbow. “Attack my knights and you’ll be attacking your friends,” said Dartz. “If I would have used Mirror Force, I would have destroyed my own friends!” Twilight realized. “It’s impossible to beat me without destroying these knights,” said Dartz. “And you can’t destroy them without destroying your friends!” “No,” said Twilight in a defeated manner. “Mirror Knight Twi, attack your alter ego,” said Dartz. “No, Twi!” yelled the Princess. “Fight it! I know you can hear me!” Sci-Twi struggled against raising her sword. “What’s this?” asked Dartz. “My knight is still loyal to you? How touching, even though you turned your back on her. Oh well, I place a card face down and end my turn.” Turn 13: Rainbow “It’s my turn,” said Rainbow. “I summon another Emerald Tortoise in attack mode. And thanks to my Kishido Spirit, my monsters can’t be destroyed with monsters that have the same ATK points.” Tears then fell down her face. “I’m sorry guys, but if we don’t beat Dartz, we can’t set you all free. Sapphire Pegasus, attack Sunset!” “What?!” cried Rarity. “Is she crazy?!” asked Applejack. “What are you doing?!” asked Twilight. “He’s trying to stall us, Twilight,” said Rainbow. “We have to do this.” Due to the effect of Kishido Spirit, Sapphire Pegasus is not destroyed. Dartz then destroys the Shield Counter on Mirror Knight Sunset to prevent her destruction. “There goes her shield,” said Pinkie. “One more attack, and she’s gone,” said Rarity. “Emerald Tortoise, attack her again!” said Rainbow. “Rainbow, stop!” said Twilight. “Sorry,” said Rainbow with her eyes closed. “Hey look!” called Rarity. Mirror Knight Flash intercepted the attack. “Flash saved her,” said Twilight. “Now he lost his shield,” said AJ. “I place a card face down,” said Rainbow. “Then I’ll use my Tortoise’s effect and switch him to defense mode, end my turn.” Turn 14: Twilight “Then it’s my turn,” said Twilight. “We have to attack eventually,” said Rainbow. “I’m sorry, I can’t,” said Twilight. “I end my turn.” Turn 15: Dartz “My turn,” said Dartz. “First I’ll take a few life points, complements of the Orichalcos. Rainbow: LP 3000 Twilight: LP 3500 Dartz: LP 12500 Then I’ll activate my face down card, Twin Bow Centaur! Now once during my Main Phase, I can select of your monsters and one of mine, then I toss a coin. If I call it right, then your monster will be removed from play and then the controller will take damage equal to the removed monster's ATK. If I calls it wrong, then my monster will be removed. I select Mirror Knight Sunset and Sapphire Pegasus. Now I toss.” Dartz called heads and won. “Looks like you’re the unlucky one, Miss Dash.” “Dang!” said Rainbow. “Don’t worry,” said Dartz. “My spell card requires me to end my turn.” Rainbow: LP 1200 Twilight: LP 3500 Dartz: LP 12500 Turn 16: Rainbow “Fine, back to me,” said Rainbow. “I’ll switch my Tortoise to attack mode, now, attack Flash!” “Rainbow, please don’t!!” yelled Twilight. “We have to do this,” said Rainbow. “I’m sorry, but I have to attack.” But Sci-Twi intercepted the attack, destroying her shield. “Now Twi protected Flash.” said Fluttershy. Dartz chuckled. “How cute, I guess friendship really is magic.” “I’ll switch my Tortoise to defense mode and end my turn,” said Rainbow. Turn 17: Twilight “My move,” said Twilight. “I won’t let you use my friends. I play Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy your Centaur. That’s all.” Turn 18: Dartz “You poor fool,” said Dartz. “You just destroyed a card I didn’t need. I summon Orichalcos Malevolence, (1500 → 2000) and thanks to the seal, I gain a few life points. Rainbow: LP 1200 Twilight: LP 3500 Dartz: LP 15500 Orichalcos Malevolence, activate your effect and switch that Tortoise to attack mode!” “What?!” asked Rainbow. “Now, attack!” ordered Dartz. “Don’t think so,” said Rainbow. “I activate Negate Attack! This card ends your battle Phase!” “Very well, I end my turn,” said Dartz. Turn 19: Rainbow “My move,” said Rainbow. “First, I’ll switch my Tortoise to defense mode. Then I’ll place two cards face down.” Turn 20: Twilight “Back to me,” said Twilight. “If we want to win, we have to attack,” said Rainbow. “But I wish we didn’t have to.” “No, I can’t turn my back on Twi again,” thought Twilight. “You have to attack, it's the only way,” said Mirror Knight Sci-Twi. Everyone stared in astonishment as Sci-Twi continued. “We’ll be fine,” said Sci-Twi. “If you don’t attack, you’ll lose, and too many people are depending on you.” “But if we attack, your souls will be gone forever,” said the Princess. “Trust me,” said Sci-Twi. “I can’t risk it,” said Twilight as she drew her card. “The Eye of Timaeus! Wait, I have nothing to fuse him with. Dang it! I place a card faced down and end my turn.” Just then, Adagio road into the hall on her motorcycle, and confronted Dartz. “You don’t look happy to see me, where’s the love? Don’t answer that. I’ve had it with your lies! The Princess opened me up to the truth.” “Really?” asked Dartz. “Yeah, really,” said Adagio. “Thanks to her, I was able to escape the seal, unlike them. Not let them go before you end up on that wall!” “Why don’t you make me,” said Dartz. “Alright,” said Adagio. “But remember, you asked for it.” Adagio tried to sing, but her power was once again gone. “What? What’s going on?” “Did you honestly think I’d give you your power back?” asked Dartz. “That power was only temporary, just so you could carry out your assignments.” “But you promised us we could rule with you,” said Adagio. “Please, you’re just like everyone else in the world,” said Dartz. “All you have to do is look around you, Adagio! Each one of these poor fools gave into their dark sides, and was taken by the seal! They’re evil! Just like all humans! And you’re no different! That’s why I hired you and your friends. Your lust for revenge made you three the perfect candidates.” “Not anymore,” said Adagio. “I’m done being angry, the Princess and her friends reminded me what loyalty and trust are all about. I won’t let you poison anyone else with the Orichalcos.” Dartz started laughing. “I missed the joke,” said Adagio. “You are the joke,” said Dartz. “The Orichalcos didn’t poison your mind, it shows what you truly are. A corrupt being full of anger, just like everyone in this room.” “What does that make you?!” yelled Rarity. “A freak,” whispered Pinkie. “You could say I’m a pioneer, chosen by the Orichalcos to carve out a new world. And my task is nearly done. Soon I'll have enough power to awaken the Great Leviathan and rebuild civilization!” said Dartz. “Back then, I started gathering the souls of mankind, but time was running out and I needed help.” “So you found us,” said Adagio. “Yes,” said Dartz. “You three were already angry about being trapped in the human world, then you got mad at the Princess for taking your voices. I then saw how you three mastered duel monsters and started dueling in the minor league tournaments so you would stay off the streets, you were perfect.” “But you lied to us,” said Adagio. “Indeed,” said Dartz. “I just wish you could have seen the look on your face when you realized your voice was fake. It was priceless, the only thing you three are actually good for is filling up three spaces on my wall, nothing more.” “And now my only two friends are gone,” said Adagio. She then gritted her teeth and started growling. “YOU TOOK THEM FROM ME! YOU MONSTER!” “That’s funny coming from you,” said Dartz. “Siren.” “WHAT?!!!” roared Adagio. Her eyes then turned red and the seal reappeared on her forehead. Dartz laughed as the Seal formed around her. “It’s the Seal,” said Applejack. “But where did it come from?” asked Rarity. “No, Adagio!” called Twilight. “Control yourself!” “She can’t,” said Dartz. “The Orichalcos lives within her and can never be extinguished. There's no turning back now. Her soul belongs to me.” Adagio screamed as the Seal shrank around her as it sucked out her soul, the Seal then disappeared and she fell to the ground. “They got her!” said Pinkie. The girls rushed over to Adagio. “Can you hear us?” asked Fluttershy. Adagio’s form then appeared on the wall. “Another soul, another step closer to awakening the great beast,” said Dartz. “Alright,” said Twilight. “This ends, now!” Turn 21: Dartz “How right you are,” said Dartz. “I play Ancient Leaf. Since I have over 9000 life points, I can pay 2000 and draw two cards. Rainbow: LP 1200 Twilight: LP 3500 Dartz: LP 15300 Your fate is sealed, for the Seal of Orichalcos is about to get even stronger.” “What?” asked Twilight. “This can’t be good,” said Rainbow. “Now, it’s time to experience the third level of darkness!” said Dartz. “I activate, Orichalcos Tritos! It’s time to reinforce the Seal with its most powerful layer. Behold, Orichalcos Tritos!” A third layer formed around the Seal. “Ladies, welcome to level three.” “How can this thing possible get any stronger?” asked Twilight. “We’re dealing with a force greater than the darkest shadows, and older than time itself,” said Dartz. “Does that that answer your question, Princess? Plus, it has all the effects of the first two layers. So I get a few life points.” Rainbow: LP 1200 Twilight: LP 3500 Dartz: LP 18300 “His points are out of control,” said Rarity. “Orichalcos Malevolence!” said Dartz. “Use your ability and switch Rainbow's Tortoise to attack mode. So I‘m afraid this is goodbye, with an ATK strength of only 600, your Tortoise is way too weak to defend you. Now my beast, bring Rainbow’s soul to me!” “Wrong!” said Rainbow. “I activate Magic Cylinder! But Dartz activates the final effect of Orichalcos Tritos to negate and destroy her trap. “Is it beginning to sink in yet?” asked Dartz. “When used properly, the Seal of Orichalcos is unmatched by any other card in the game. And thanks to the third layer, your spell and traps are unless against my monsters! Now as I was saying, attack!” “Rainbow!” cried the girls. “Hold on!” said Twilight. “I play my Ambush Shield! This allows to tribute my Amores of Prophecy, then I can add its DEF power to Emerald Tortoise’s ATK points!” (Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise: 600 → 2600). “Emerald Tortoise, counterattack!” ordered Rainbow. “All the damage is absorbed!” said Dartz. “Thanks to my Kyutora!” “We have to get rid of that thing,” thought Twilight. “Is your partner worth that much to you, Princess?” asked Dartz. “Because, you just left yourself wide open. Attack the Princess, my four knights!” Rainbow: LP 1200 Twilight: LP 1500 Dartz: LP 18300 “Are you okay?” asked Rainbow. “I’ll be fine,” replied Twilight. “I’ll place two cards face down and end my turn, for now,” said Dartz. Turn 22: Rainbow “I won’t let you push anyone else around,” said Rainbow. “First, I’ll switch my Tortoise to defense mode, then I’ll play this! The Fang of Critias! Now if I know you as well as I think I do Twilight, your face down card is Mirror Force right?” “Yes,” said Twilight. “Good,” said Rainbow. “I reveal Twilight’s Mirror Force! Then I’ll it fuse together with my Critias to form, Mirror Force Dragon! Now, attack Mirror Knight Celestia!” “Why did Rainbow attack the one with a shield?” asked Pinkie. “Now it will reflect back at her,” said Applejack. “Hopefully, she knows what she’s doing,” said Rarity. “Now I activate the effect of Mirror Force Dragon,” said Rainbow. “When a monster is targeted for an attack or an effect, I can negate your monster’s effect and destroy all cards on your side of the field!” “Rainbow, please, don’t do this,” said Twilight. “Wait,” said Fluttershy. “If they’re destroyed, what will happen to their souls?” “Let’s find out,” said Dartz. “But before my cards are destroyed, I’ll activate two traps.” “I’m sorry,” said Rainbow with tears in her eyes. “But it had to be done.” “Twi!” called the Princess. “Are you alright?!” “We’re fine,” said Sci-Twi. “But how?” asked Twilight. “Dartz trapped us in these tokens,” said Sunset. “Now we’re free.” “Thank you, Rainbow,” said Celestia. “Very impressive, Miss Dash.” said Dartz. “At least our friends are safe,” said Twilight. “Plus, thanks to my dragon, you’re out of monsters,” said Rainbow. “I beg to differ,” said Dartz. “My Kyutora has another ability, when it’s destroyed, it evolves!” “What the?” asked Twilight. Kyutora disappeared in a bright blast of energy, and in its place a gigantic new monster arose. “What is that thing?” asked Rainbow. “When my Kyutora is destroyed, I can special summon a new monster from my deck,” said Dartz. “Meet Orichalcos Shunoros (? /0) – (500/0.) It receives 1000 ATK points for each monster on my opponent’s fields. Plus, the seal strengthens it by 500.” (Orichalcos Shunoros: ? – 2500) “What a shame,” said Rainbow. “Only 2500 attack points.” “Not for long,” said Dartz. “One of the trap cards I activated was Ojama Trio! This card special summons three Ojama tokens to your side, Princess Sparkle.” “Yuck,” said Twilight. “Now my Shunoros gains 3000 more points!” said Dartz. (Orichalcos Shunoros: 2500 – 5500) “5500 ATK points?!” asked Twilight. “Oh no!” said Rainbow. “Plus, when I summon Shunoros from my deck, I can summon two others monsters as well,” said Dartz. “Orichalcos Dexia! (0 → 500) And Orichalcos Aristeros!” (0 → 500) “Oh great,” said Twilight. “Wait to you see their abilities,” said Dartz. “Orichalcos Dexia ATK strength is always 300 points higher than the monster it's attacking, making it the perfect sword. And the second one is just as strong, it will intercept every one of your attacks, and retaliate with a blast that’s 300 points greater than the one you fired, making Orichalcos Aristeros the perfect shield. You’ll never get past my triple threat.” “Not only is his monster more powerful than Rainbow’s dragon,” thought Twilight. “But with Dexia and Aristeros in the front row and his Shunoros in the back row, we’ll can’t even get through!” "The other trap I activated was Martyr Curse,” said Dartz. “Since one of my monsters was destroyed this turn, I can now force one of your monsters to do battle with one of mine, and as a nasty little side effect, it cancels out any effect your monster may have. I choose your Mirror Force Dragon! Without its reflecting powers, your dragon is useless. Which means you’re about to out one soul. Orichalcos Shunoros! Remove Rainbow’s spirit!” Rainbow screamed as her points reached zero. Rainbow: LP 0 Twilight: LP 1500 Dartz: LP 18300 “Rainbow! Are you alright?” asked Twilight. “Rainbow!” “I’m not done,” said Rainbow weakly. “I activate Option Hunter, this card adds the ATK points of my destroyed dragon to your life points, Twilight. Rainbow: LP 0 Twilight: LP 4300 Dartz: LP 18300 Rainbow then fell to her knees as her cards disappeared. (Orichalcos Shunoros: 5500 – 3500) Twilight ran over to her. “Rainbow, wait!” she cried. “Hang on.” “Rainbow!” cried the girls. “Rainbow, say something!” Twilight begged. “Don’t screw up,” said Rainbow. “It’s all up to you now. So kick his ass for me.” “I will, I promise.” said Twilight.