It was finally a normal Monday at Canterlot High. The main seven had just gone to lunch and were sitting together at their usual table.
“So, Twilight,” asked Rarity. “How are things with you and Flash?”
Twilight’s face turned red. “Great. He’s really sweet, fun, and protective.”
“I’m happy for you,” said Fluttershy.
“Me too!” said Pinkie popping out of nowhere.
“Just remember to use protection,” said Rainbow.
All the girls blushed.
Twilight’s face turned redder. “I-I-uh-we-”
“Rainbow, I don’t think they’re ready for that yet,” said Applejack.
At that moment, Flash Sentry walked by the girl’s table and waved. Twilight waved back.
“Well, anyway,” said Sunset. “Did you girls hear? They closing down Camp Everfree.”
“What?!” cried everyone but Twilight.
“They can’t close down Everfree!” stated Pinkie. “We just saved up enough money to go there!"
"I can't believe it!" said Rarity. "We saved up all that money just to see the camp get torn down?!"
“We can’t just let em tear it down,” said AJ. “We gotta do something!”
“I think I may know a way,” said Rainbow.
“How?” asked the rest of the girls.
“My dad is friends with one of the employees at Kaiba Corp. Maybe my dad can talk his friend into a suggesting a charity tournament or something to Seto Kaiba.”
“That’s a great idea!” said Fluttershy.
“I hope it works out,” said Twilight.
“Me too,” said Sunset.
(Tuesday)
At lunch time, Rainbow rushed to the usual table.
“So, did you do it?” asked Pinkie. “Did it work out? Did it? Did it? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh?-”
“Pinkie!” called Rarity. “Calm down.”
“My dad’s friend liked the idea,” said Rainbow. “And Kaiba thought of it as a way to increase his company’s popularity. Right before I went to school this morning, my dad got a call saying it was official. Kaiba Corp is changing their next tournament into a charity benefit for the camp. It’s called the KC Grand Championship. It’s gonna be held at Kaiba Land this Sunday, and they’re inviting the best duelists from every country.”
“Woo-hoo!!” cried Pinkie. She then formed into a ball and started bouncing around the cafeteria.
“Way to go,” said Sunset.
“Wow, I didn’t think it would work out so quickly,” said Twilight.
“I know right?” asked Rainbow. “Oh, almost forgot. Sunset, you’re invited as a special guest.”
“Me?” asked Sunset. “Why?”
“Because you won against Crystal Prep,” reminded Rainbow.
“There’s only one little condition,” said Rainbow.
“Which is?” asked Rarity.
“The people who want to set up the tournament need some more volunteers,” explained Rainbow. “So I’m gonna ask the soccer team if they can help out.”
“Good thinking, Rainbow,” said Rarity.
“Thanks,” replied Rainbow.
The bell then rang.
“See you gals later,” said Applejack.
“Later!” said the others.
(Three days later)
“Alright kids,” said Miss. Cheerilee. “Have a good weekend.” The students rushed out.
Spike then popped out of Twilight’s pack. “Man, cramped in there.”
“Hi, Spike,” said Fluttershy.
“Hiya Fluttershy,” replied Spike.
“So,” asked Rarity. “How did go with the soccer team?”
“It went great,” answered Rainbow. “Principal Celestial said we could do this as community service.”
“Well, darn tootin,” said Applejack. “You’re lucky.”
“Hey!” called Flash as he ran over. “Hey girls, Hi Twi,”
“Hi, Flash,” said Twilight.
“You heard about the new tournament?” asked Flash.
“Yep,” said Twilight. “Rainbow’s going to be working at the theme park.”
“Cool,” said Flash. “You gonna enter?”
“I don’t know yet,” said Twilight.
“Where do we sign up?” asked Pinkie.
“Online,” said Rainbow. “But you better hurry, there are only a few open spots left.”
“Then we better hurry!” exclaimed Pinkie.
“Hold up, Pinkie!” called Rainbow as Pinkie started to run off. “You’ll be going up against the toughest duelists from every continent!”
“Every continent?” asked Twilight.
“Yep,” confirmed Rainbow.
“Sounds like quite the challenge,” said Twilight. “I’m signing up.” And she sped off to her house.
“Twilight, Wait up!” called Spike.
“Me too,” said Pinkie, and she zipped off.
“Good luck!” called Flash.
“Okay…” said Rainbow. “Anyone else wanna join?”
“No thanks,” said Fluttershy. “I don’t think I can duel in front all those… people.”
“No one said you have to,” said Rarity. “I’ll pass as well, but my sister will be entering.”
“Say what?” asked Sunset.
“Yes,” replied Rarity. “Sweetie Belle’s been entering a few of tournaments over the past year and won them all. She’s become quite the strategist. I am so proud of her.”
“Sounds great,” said AJ. “I’ll pass too. I’m not ready to duel at that level yet. But we’ll all come and watch.”
“Great,” said Rainbow. “See you all Sunday.”
“I can’t to sample all the food there,” said Spike as he ran alongside Twilight.
“Spike,” said Twilight. “They don’t allow pets at the theme park.”
“Crap!” said Spike.
Meanwhile, somewhere in a big mansion, a very rich man was bathing in a large whirlpool tub.
“Excuse me, sir,” said one of the man’s servants. “You’ve received a new email.”
“Thank you, darling,” said the man. His other servants then turned off the jets to his tub and held out the man’s rob as he rose. He then walked out to a balcony towards a lounge chair, table, laptop and bouquet. “So, Kaiba Corp is throwing another tournament is he? Wonderful.” The man then picked a rose from the bouquet.
“That rose really goes well with your eyes sir,” said one of the man’s servants.
“Why thank you, darling,” replied the man. “But, like they say, every rose has its thorns. Get the limo ready.”
“Yes sir!” said his servants.
“It’s about time for me to cash in,” said the man.
(Sunday morning)
The girls all road in Pinkie’s hummer to Kaiba land, while Rarity’s mom drove Sweetie Belle and the crusaders.
“I can hardly wait!” said Pinkie.
“Me too!” added AJ.
“I’ve seen all the reviews,” said Rarity. “And they’ve got the best hotels, rides, food, everything!”
“I can’t wait to finally see it,” said Twilight.
Everyone except Pinkie looked at Twilight.
Twilight looked away. “Because of all my studies and research projects, I never had time to go to an actually theme park.”
“Well now, you do,” said Fluttershy.
“And the best part is,” added Sunset. “We all get to enjoy it together,”
“Thanks, everyone,” said Twilight.
“Ladies,” said Pinkie. “I give you, Kaiba Land.”
“Woah!” said Twilight.
“Whatta think, Twi?” asked Rainbow.
“Amazing,” answered Twilight.
The crusaders ran right by the girls.
“Have fun!” called Rarity’s mom. “And keep an eye on your sister!”
“I promise!” replied Rarity.
“Come on, ya’ll,” said Applejack.
“They really do have everything," said Pinkie. “The House of Horror, the Galaxy Theater, water coasters, the Amazon Adventure Trail, the Blue-Eyes Monorail, even the Kaiba Castle. Let’s hit the coasters!”
“I can’t,” said Rainbow. “The Wonder Colts and I have to go work.”
“Oh yeah,” said Fluttershy. “Well, have fun, Rainbow.”
“Thanks,” replied Rainbow. “I’ll see you guys later.”
(One hour later)
“Attention all tourists!” said a woman over the microphone. “The Titans Tussle Tournament is about to begin. If you wish to watch, please head to the Kaiba Dome, now. Again, the tournament is starting now in the Kaiba Dome!”
“Let’s get going!” cried Applejack.
“Wait!” said Fluttershy. “Where’s Pinkie?”
“Probably getting Cotton Candy or something,” said Rarity.
Just then Sunset got a text on her cell phone.
“Is it Pinkie?” asked Fluttershy.
“Yep,” answered Sunset. “She says she’s already at the dome.”
“Then let’s get going!” said Rarity.
When the girls got to the dome, they bumped into Rainbow.
“Hey, Rainbow,” said Sunset.
“Hey guys,” said Rainbow. “You’re just in time. Check this out.” Rainbow opened the doors to a grand ball room filled with people.
“Who are all these people?” asked Twilight.
“Once the word got out about our tournament,” said Rainbow. “Every newspaper and TV network rushed over here to catch it live.”
“TV networks?” asked Rarity. Before Rainbow could answer, Rarity immediately rushed over to one of the cameramen and began talking about her shop and a new line of cloths she was coming up with.
“Hey sis!” called Applebloom.
“Applebloom,” said AJ as she hugged her sister. “You having fun?”
“Yep,” replied Applebloom. “But I’m hungry.”
“Me too,” said Applejack. “Let’s hit the buffet.”
“Hey, Sweetie Belle!” called Applebloom. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo walked over to their friend. “You gotta try these hot wings.”
A guy then bumped into the crusaders. “Hey Shrimps! This is a tournament, not a playground.”
“Oh yeah?!” asked Sweetie.
“Is there a problem here?” asked AJ.
“Yeah, this guy!” said Applebloom.
Rarity then walked over. “Is something wrong here?”
“Woah,” said the guy. He then walked over to Sunset. “Hello, beautiful. Name’s Garble.”
“Uh, hi. I’m Sunset Shimmer.”
“Wait, the Sunset Shimmer?” asked Garble. “The special guest?”
“Yep,” said Sunset in an embarrassed tone.
“Wow,” said Garble. “You’re even more beautiful than I thought. Look, I know we’re supposed to be rivals in the tournament, but that doesn’t mean we can’t hang out afterwards.”
“No thanks,” said Sunset.
“Don’t worry,” said Garble. “I don’t bite.” He then winked at her. “When I gotta go, see you later, gorgeous.”
“What was that all about?” asked Twilight.
“Don’t know and don’t care,” said Sunset.
A young boy then walked over to the girls. “Excuse me, are you Sunset Shimmer?”
“Yes,” replied Sunset. “And you are?”
“Leon,” said the boy. “Wow, so you’re the one who won Slifer. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Pleasure to meet you too,” said Sunset. “Are you in the tournament too?”
“Yep,” said Leon.
Twilight and Sweetie walked over.
“Hey Sunset, who’s this?” asked Twilight.
“I’m Leon,” said the boy. “And you two must be Twilight Sparkle and Sweetie Belle. I’ve heard about you two, too.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” said Twilight.
“Sure is,” said Sweetie.
“Well, I wish you all the best of luck,” said Leon.
“Same to you,” said Sweetie.
The lights dimmed down as Roland the announcer took the stage. “May I have your attention, please?! This day will go down in history! For today begins the most prestigious Duel Monsters tournament ever! Welcome to the Kaiba Corp Grand Championship!”
“Come on girls,” said Sunset. “Let’s do this.”
All the participants lined up on stage next to the announcer. Photographers started snapping pictures like crazy. “We’ve circled the globe to bring you this all-star congregation of duelists! First up, the new boy wonder of dueling, the prodigy who has yet to be defeated, the one, the only, Leon! Next! She’s a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, Madame Pinkie!”
“What??!!!” cried Rarity, AJ and Fluttershy.
Roland continued. “Straight from the wild west of Appaloosa, please welcome, Braeburn!!”
Applejack’s jaw dropped. “No way!” Braeburn waved to his cousin.
“Next!” said Roland. “The strongest motivator around, Iron Will! The detective who is always able to unravel her opponent’s strategies, the calm, collected and beautiful, Shadow Spade!”
“I love her outfit,” said Rarity.
“And of course,” said Roland. “The master of the apes, Ahuizotl! He extracts points from his opponent with surgical procession, Doctor Horse! And his two assistants, Nurse Red-heart and Cold-heart! Next, it’s the master of illusions, The Great and Powerful Trixie!”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” said Applejack.
“And now,” said Roland. “The most powerful magician to ever exist, Starswirl the Bearded! He’s a ripper, he’s a rapper, he’s Golden Grape! All the way from Yakyakistan, Mr. Rutherford! Now, the new master of dragon style Kung Fu, Garble! And of course, the youngest champion from Canterlot High, Sweetie Belle!”
Applebloom and Scootaloo cheered extra loud.
“Next,” said Roland. “The top scholar and player from Crystal Prep, Twilight Sparkle!”
“Not anymore,” said Twilight in an annoyed tone.
“And now,” said Roland. “From parts unknown, the masked duelist, Amdnarg Htims!” A short old person stood on stage with a cloth wrapped around her face.
“Amdnarg?” asked AJ.
“Don’t we know her?” asked Rarity.
“I think so,” said Fluttershy.
“And our final challenger,” said Roland. “The very rich and stylish, Vladimir!” A blonde haired, blue eyed man in a white tuxedo stood on stage with a rose in his pocket. “Finally, our defending champion, also from CHS, Sunset Shimmer! Whoever wins this sixteen duelist elimination competition will go on to face Miss Shimmer for the international duel-monster’s championship crown!”
“Wow,” said Twilight. “This is the toughest bunch of duelists I’ve ever seen.”
“I know,” agreed Sunset.
Snips and Snails watched jealously from the crowd.
“We should be up there,” said Snips.
“It ain’t fair!” agreed Snails.
“To ensure fair play!” said Roland. “Match pairings will be randomly chosen by our computer just before every duel!”
“So we won’t have a chance to prepare for our opponents ahead of time,” said Sunset.
“Once again,” said Roland. “On behalf of the Kaiba Corporation! I’d like to wish you all the best of luck! You represent the top ranked duelists from across the globe! But only one of you can be crowned the world champion!”
“And that will be mine very soon,” said Vladimir.
