Chapter 13 - Lurking in the Shadows (part 02)
-----4:58 pm-----
The stadium crowd roared with anticipation as they await the upcoming duel. On the sidelines, Twilight and the others began to worry about their missing friends.
“Where in the hay is Star? He gonna miss his duel?” asked Applejack.
“He's probably scared I'm gonna embarrass him with the thrashing I'm getting ready to deliver,” Rainbow Dash said with a puffed up chest.
Applejack merely rolled her eyes.
“Right... But seriously Fluttershy and Spike should've brought him back by now,” she said, ignoring Rainbow's comment.
“You're right, Applejack. Maybe we should go look for them,” suggested Twilight.
“Yeah, let's go,” shouted Pinkie.
As they were prepared to leave, they're stopped by Pegasus.
“I'm sorry, girls. But participants in the tournament are not allowed to leave once they're on the Duel Field,” he explained.
“What?” said Twilight.
“For real?” asked Pinkie.
“I'm afraid so.”
“And if we do leave, what happens then?” asked Applejack.
“The participant will be disqualified from the tournament. And those who have already been eliminated will be banned from any future participation,” explained Pegasus.
“WHAT?!” they replied.
“Sorry, girls. But rules are rules. Let's just hope that Mr. Driver makes it on time.”
Twilight then looked at the clock.
'Star....where are you?'
Meanwhile, Spike had his claws full with the other Moonstone Wolves.
“This will end it! Dragna, attack her Life Points directly with Mega Flare!”
ordered Spike.
Heeding his master's command, the crimson dragon launched a powerful blast. The impact sent Palpa flying toward the ground, and her Life Points reduced to 0. As the other two ran to aid Palpa, the cave entrances became unsealed. Exhausted from the previous duel, Spike fell to a knee.
'That was a close one,' he sighed.
He looked at his three fallen opponents. Spike was no stranger to battling multiple opponents, but these three were in a whole other league. When he was challenged by them, he figured that he would duel them all at once. But to his surprise, they decided to fight in a gauntlet format (with Palpa as the final opponent).
Fusa was easy to overpower, but his monsters easily swarmed the field and dealt damage straight at him. Mambay used defensive monsters, which made him hard to overpower due to his rippled strategies. But then there was Palpa. It was obvious that she used the first two to analyze Spike's dueling style against different opponents and find any weaknesses his deck may have.
She proved this fact when it was her turn to duel. For every move Spike made, Palpa had a way to further his frustration as she countered almost every one of them. It seemed like an endless cycle of him not being able to do anything. He was finally able to draw the right cards after countless times of her stalling. With only 100 Life Points left, if he hadn't pulled his ace card 'Dragna, the King of the Sky' when he did, the duel would have ended next turn because of that annoying 'Tundra' of hers.
“Now...tell me where my bro is!” demanded Spike.
As the other two helped Palpa to her feet, she adjusted her glasses.
“Very well, a deal is a deal,” she sighed. “He's in the main chamber that is just below us. However, I don't think you'll be able to free him.”
“Why's that?” asked Spike.
“He is being held by a cloaked stallion with formidable powers. We tried and failed to bring him down,” Fusa huffed, as he kicked up some dirt.
“He even has our boss under his control,” Mambay spoke, as he gritted his teeth.
“I doubt he can handle a dragon like me,” boasted Spike.
“True...but what if you're wrong?” inquired Palpa.
“I...uh...”
“I believe it would be more beneficial for both parties if we were to team up and overpower him,” she explained.
“You're kidding, right? You guys kidnap my friend, ambush us, force me into a duel, and expect me to trust you?”
“No, I don't. But I would think you would want to save your friend as much as we would want to save our leader.”
Spike couldn't argue with her logic. As much as he didn't trust them, he realized they would have a better shot of saving Star together than he could on his own. Palpa extended her paw to him.
“So, do we have a deal?” she asked.
Spike reluctantly shook her paw.
“But just know I got my eye on all of you,” warned Spike.
“Very well, but we must hurry. Follow us,” said Palpa.
They ran out the room toward the main chamber.
Back at the duel, Mere Ka continued with her turn.
“I summon 'Ancient Gear Soldier' in Attack Mode.”
Ancient Gear Soldier
ATT: EARTH
Level: 4 stars
Type: Machine/Effect
Card Text: If this card attacks, your opponent cannot activate any Spell or Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step.
ATK/DEF: 1300/1300
A pale-brown mechanized soldier emerged onto the field. As it's visible gears turned, it began to clasp its turret hand.
“And thanks to your Field Spell, he gains 500 ATK.”
Ancient Gear Soldier's ATK is increased to 1800.
“He's still too weak to defeat my wolf,” stated Fluttershy.
“I know that all too well, 'Shy. That's why I'm equipping it with the 'Axe of Despair'!” said Mere Ka.
Axe of Despair
ATT: SPELL
Type: Equip Spell Card
Card Text: The equipped monster gains 1000 ATK. When this card is sent from the field to the Graveyard, you can tribute 1 monster on the field to return this card to the top of the Deck.
In its hand appeared a large black axe with a red gem at the center of the blade.
“And thanks to this his ATK increased by 1000,” she said, with a smirk.
Ancient Gear Soldier's ATK is increased to 2800.
“Uh-oh...” Fluttershy groaned.
“Next, I switch 'Golem King - Earth' to Attack Mode.”
The murky golem then switched to an attack position.
“Now, 'Ancient Gear Soldier'. Attack her wolf with Slash of Despair!” ordered Mere Ka.
The mechanized soldier then launched a crimson slash toward the opposing wolf.
“Not so fast, I activate-”
“So, sorry 'Shy. But when my monster attacks you can't activate any Spell or Trap cards,” Mere Ka explained.
“What?”
The crimson slash then destroyed her precious wolf. The small shockwave from the destruction grazes Fluttershy and her Life Points were reduced to 3700.
“Next up is 'Golem King - Earth'. Attack her directly with Wasteland Rush!”
The murky golem struck the ground which caused a series of muddy spires to rocket toward the timid pegasus.
“Not this time, Mere Ka. I activate the trap card 'Enchanted Javelin'!”
Enchanted Javelin
ATT: TRAP
Type: Trap Card
Card: Increase your Life Points by the ATK of 1 opponent's attacking monster.
An ancient javelin appeared in front of Fluttershy.
“Thanks to this card I gain life equal to your monster’s ATK,” she explained.
“Yeah, but you still take the brunt of the attack,” countered Mere Ka.
Fluttershy is then hit with a barrage of spires. The force of the impact sent Fluttershy crashing to the ground. As she gingerly got to her feet, Mere Ka couldn't help but laugh at her display.
“I just don't see what Star sees in you. You're not strong, you scare easily, and you barely pose any kinda threat,” she mocked. “So, why choose you when he can have me?”
As she rose to her hooves, Fluttershy couldn't help but notice that the last part had a bit of venom in it.
'If I didn't know any better, I’d say she's jealous...'
Her thoughts were confirmed, as she saw the bitter scowl on Mere Ka's face.
“What makes you so special?” she hissed.
“Nothing...” Fluttershy simply answered.
“What?”
“Nothing makes me special. I sometimes wonder why he cares for me as much as he does,” Fluttershy began. “Ever since we were foals, he'd always be there for me. To help me out when things got tough.”
Mere Ka was shocked when she saw the determined look on her face.
“And that's why you can't have my Star.”
Mere Ka felt a smirk appear on her face.
“He won't be yours for long,” she teased. “Anyways, that ends my turn.”
Back in the main chamber, the cloaked stallion awaited the return of Ranger's ‘flunkies'.
“How hard is it to catch one measly pegasus?” he asked aloud.
“'Shy's smarter...than you...think…” replied Star.
“Really? So let's just see how smart she is, shall we?”
He used his magic to display Mere Ka and Fluttershy's duel.
“'Shy…”
“Oh my, it looks as though she's in the middle of the duel…”
“Y-You're...gonna...pay...for...this…” said a weakened Ranger.
“Oh, I forgot that you're still here,” said the stallion, before clenching his fist slightly to silence Ranger. “Now be silent, Star Driver and I are trying to watch a duel.”
Fluttershy drew her next card.
'I'll need something good to keep me in this,' she thought.
As she looked at her card, she felt a sense of hope.
'This will at least buy me some time.'
She proceeded with her turn.
“I play this monster facedown in Defense Mode and end my turn,” she said, as the card appeared on the field.
“How disappointing, 'Shy. I expected more from you,” Mere spoke, as she drew her card.
When she looked at her card, a smug smile snaked across her face.
“Well...Well. It looks like it's time for me to wrap this up.”
“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.
“I'll let my monster do the talking. I sacrifice both 'Ancient Gear Soldier' and 'Golem King - Earth', to summon my battling brute 'Ancient Gear Golem'!”
Ancient Gear Golem
ATT: EARTH
Type: Machine/Effect
Level: 8 stars
Card Text: This card cannot be Special Summoned. During the battle between this attacking card and a Defense Position monster whose DEF is lower than the ATK of this card, inflict the difference as Battle Damage to your opponent. If this card attacks, your opponent cannot activate any set Spell or Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step.
ATK/DEF: 3000/3000
A colossal mechanized golem appeared on the field. Its hulking fists, turning gears, and single glow red eye filled Fluttershy with a sense of awe.
“W-What a massive behemoth...” gasped Fluttershy.
“And thanks to your Field Spell he gets even stronger,” said Mere Ka.
Ancient Gear Golem's ATK increased to 3500.
“Now, Golem attack her monster with Mechanized Melee!” she ordered.
The colossal juggernaut launched a devastating mach-speed punch at the defending creature. The hidden creature that was revealed was a large orange-brown squirrel.
“Thanks, Mere Ka. When my 'Nimble Momonga' is destroyed I gain 1000 Life Points,” said Fluttershy.
Nimble Momonga
ATT: EARTH
Level: 2 stars
Type: Beast/Effect
Card Text: When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard: Gain 1000 Life Points, then you can Special Summon any number of “Nimble Momongas” from your Deck in face-down Defense Position.
ATK/DEF: 1000/0100
“That may be true, but whenever my monster destroys something DEF lower than his ATK you take damage equal to the difference in their points. And due to 'Gaia Power' effect, you're monster's DEF is reduced to 0 and you'll take 3500 points of damage” countered Mere Ka.
“Oh no…” Fluttershy gasped.
As her creature was destroyed, the resulting shockwave sent her flying into a nearby wall. The impact knocked the wind out of her and sent her sliding to the floor. Her Life Points were reduced to 200, per Nimble Momonga's effect her Life Points were increased to 1200. Star looked on, he felt a sharp pain in his heart.
“‘SHY!” cried out Star, as he saw his friend hurt.
“My, my. Looks like Mere Ka is serious about saving her dear leader,” chuckled the figure.
“'Shy...please be okay…”
He saw Fluttershy slowly rise to her hooves. It was evident that the last attack took a lot out of the yellow mare. Mere Ka was surprised that she could even stand.
'This mare just won't quit. Why won't she just stay down?'
As Fluttershy walked back over to her, Mere Ka couldn't help but feel a little respect for the timid pegasus.
“I have to say, 'Shy. You're a lot tougher than I gave you credit for,” she chuckled.
Fluttershy looked at her with a focused glare.
“I...won't give up. Not as long as I can still fight,” she said, with fire in her eyes. “And due to my monster's effect, I can summon two more 'Nimble Momonga' monsters to the field in facedown in Defense Mode.”
The cloaked stallion couldn't help but chuckle, as he saw her defiant display.
“You must be pretty important to her,” he chuckled.
At this, Star remained silent.
“What? Rendered speechless by her show of valor?” mocked the cloaked stallion.
Back at the duel, Mere Ka concluded her turn.
“I've done enough for now. It's your move 'Shy.”
Still weak from the last attack, Fluttershy drew her card.
'I need to hold on...for Star...'
She felt her vision become blurred. She shook her head to try and focus but with no success.
'Come on, Fluttershy. You can do this! You can't let Star down...'
She drew her card. As Star looked on with concern.
''Shy...'
Seeing her trying so hard to stay in the duel for his sake made him feel a little happy.
“It doesn't look like your little friend is going to last much longer, eh Star Driver?” mocked the stallion.
Hearing his words, caused Star to focus on the image of his friend's staggered stance. Once again, Star's pendant began to illuminate brightly. Star felt his consciousness reaching out to his dear friend.
''Shy...can you hear me...'
Back at the duel, Fluttershy tried to maintain her balance to stay in her hooves.
“I'm not getting any younger, 'Shy,” Mere Ka whined. “You gonna make a move soon or what?”
Fluttershy shot her a look of annoyance as she looked at her hand.
'I don't know what I can do. These cards won't help me now. I wish I had some-'
Her thoughts were interrupted by a faint voice.
''Shy...can you hear me...'
'Star? Is that you?' asked Fluttershy.
'Yeah, it's me. I'm contacting you telepathically.' he answered.
'I'm so glad to hear your voice. Where are you?'
'I'm in the main chamber of this hideout. But that's not why I'm contacting you.'
'Huh?'
'I'm watching your duel right now. I know you can beat her 'Shy. You're too good of a duelist to lose to her.'
'But Star...'
'I know it looks bad, but never give up. The duel's not over 'til the last card is played.'
Hearing his words, gave her a newfound resolve.
'You're right, Star. I've come too far to lose now!'
At that moment, Fluttershy began to shine with a golden glow.
“What the heck is that?” asked Mere Ka.
'What is this? I can feel my strength returning...'
'Just a little boost to help you beat her.'
'Thanks, Star.'
' Anytime 'Sh- AAH!'
'Star? What happened? Are you okay?'
She heard only silence.
“STAR?!” she shouted.
She felt that their telepathic connection was severed.
“Star...hang on…” she whispered.
She looked at Mere Ka with a newfound resolve.
“So you finally gonna make a move or what?” mocked Mere Ka.
“Good things come to those who wait, Mere Ka,” replied Fluttershy.
She looked at the card she drew. Her eyes filled up with hope as she saw the card she drew.
“This is just what I needed,” smiled Fluttershy.
She turned to Mere Ka.
“Time for me to take control of this duel,” boasted Fluttershy.
“Is that so?” laughed Mere Ka.
“Yep, and it starts with this monster. I summon ‘Cat’s Ear Tribe’ in Attack Mode!”
Cat’s Ear Tribe
ATT: EARTH
Level: 1 star
Type: Beast-Warrior/Effect
Card Text: The original ATK of your opponent's monster(s) that battles with this card during his/her turn becomes 200 points during the Damage Step.
ATK/DEF: 0200/0100
A trio of small cat creatures entered the battlefield. One of the cats had light orange fur with light brown hair, a dark green vest with green pants, a brown helmet, and white shoes; the second cat had white fur, green pants, a camo helmet, and white shoes; the third cat had blue fur, beige smock, brown pants, and white shoes. As she saw Fluttershy's monsters, Mere Ka couldn't help but laugh.
“Those little fur balls are supposed to take down my behemoth,” she laughed. “And who says the pretty ones aren't funny.”
“Joke all you want Mere Ka, but never judge a creature on its appearance, and thanks to my Field Spell they gain 500 ATK.”
Cat’s Ear Tribe's ATK was increased to 700.
“So is there more, or are you done?”
“Hardly, now I'm then switching my two facedown monsters to Attack Mode.”
With that, two new large squirrels appeared on the field.
“Next I equip 'Cat’s Ear Tribe' with 'United We Stand'.”
United We Stand
ATT: SPELL
Type: Equip Spell Card
Card Text: The equipped monster gains 800 ATK and DEF for each face-up monster you control.
“And thanks to this card, my little guys get an additional 2400 ATK,” explained Fluttershy.
Cat’s Ear Tribe's ATK was increased to 3100.
'So, that's what she had up her sleeve, thought Mere Ka. 'And now she can take out my golem.'
“What's the matter Mere Ka? Cat got your tongue?” teased Fluttershy.
Mere Ka remained silent.
“Well, next I equip them with ‘Ring of Magnetism’ and ‘United Roar’.
Ring of Magnetism
ATT: SPELL
Type: Equip Spell Card
Card Text: You can only equip this card to a monster on your side of the field. Decrease the ATK and DEF of a monster equipped with this card by 500 points. In addition, all the monsters on your opponent's side of the field can only attack the monster equipped with this card, if they attack.
United Roar
ATT: TRAP
Type: Equip Spell Card
Card Text: You can only equip this card to level 4 or lower monsters. On the turn the equipped monster is the target of an attack, increased the ATK of the equipped monster equal to half of the combined ATK for the face-up monsters on your side of the field.
“Due to ‘Ring of Magnetism’ effect my monster's ATK is reduced by 500.”
Cat’s Ear Tribe’s ATK was reduced to 2600.
'Why would she intentionally lower her monsters ATK? What's she planning?'
“And I end my turn.”
'What's her game? I mean why did she switch her other two to Attack Mode,' Mere Ka thought.
As she looked at the determined look on the once timid pegasus, she merely shrugged it off.
'Maybe that blow against the wall finally knock something loose,' she chuckled.
She drew her card. As she looked at her card she proceeded with her turn.
“I know you want me to attack those fuzz balls with my golem, but it ain't gonna happen,” stated Mere Ka. “I'll be attacking one of your Momonga's instead.”
Fluttershy flashed a confident smirk.
“Go ahead and try it, Mere,” taunted Fluttershy.
Mere Ka's ears twitched slightly, as she heard Fluttershy seemingly taunting her.
“Let's see you keep that attitude when I end this duel,” mocked Mere Ka. “Now 'Ancient Gear Golem' attack her 'Nimble Momonga' with Mechanized Melee!”
Once again, the colossal juggernaut launched a devastating mach-speed punch at the defending creature.
“It's over, 'Shy.”
At that moment the mach punch changed course and headed for the trio of cats.
“What the...? Why is my attack going to them?” asked Mere Ka.
“It's due to the effect of 'Ring of Magnetism'. You can only attack my 'Cat's Ear Tribe',” explained Fluttershy.
'That little...she planned this?'
The punch impacted the trio.
“Too bad the card also lowers his ATK, huh? It's too weak to destroy my golem,” grinned Mere Ka.
She was confused and heard Fluttershy chuckle.
“Something funny, 'Shy?”
“You triggered my monster's effect,” she answered.
“What effect?”
“You see, the original ATK of any monster that attacks 'Cat's Ear Tribe' gets reduced to 200 during the damage step,” informed Fluttershy
“What?!” Mere Ka bellowed.
Ancient Gear Golem ATK was then reduced to 700. The astral punch then shrunk to a tenth its size.
“Not so fast 'Shy, I activate my facedown card 'Golem Armor'!”
Golem Armor
ATT: TRAP
Type: Trap Card
Card Text: This card can only be activated if a face-up monster on your side of the field is the target of an opponent's card effect. The selected monsters cannot be destroyed by a card effect or as a result of battle until the end of turn.
“Thanks to this card, my baddie survived this turn,” boasted Mere Ka.
“True, Mere. Your monster will survive, but you won't.”
“Huh?”
“You see due to the effect of my 'United Roar' Spell when attacked my monster, it's ATK points increased equal to half of all my monster's combined ATK points. Which gives them an additional 2800 ATK points.”
Cat's Ear Tribe ATK was then increased to 5400.
“No way...”
“Believe it Mere. Now, Cat's Ear Tribe destroy her golem with Neko Counter-Strike!” ordered Fluttershy.
The trio then joined their left paws to form a large energy ball. Once there was enough energy is gathered, they launched it at the mechanized golem. The impact destroyed it instantly and caused a shockwave that sent Mere Ka flying into a nearby wall.
As she fell face first to the ground, her Life Points were reduced to 0. With the duel now over, Fluttershy fell to a knee.
“It's finally over,” she spoke.
Mere Ka, however, turned over onto her back and stared at the ceiling in a state of shock.
'No way...I...lost...' she thought in disbelief.
She heard the hoofsteps of the timid pegasus.
'I failed him. Ranger, I'm sorry,' Mere Ka sighed, as tears formed in her eyes.
She looked up and saw Fluttershy hovering over her. Mere Ka saw her scowl turn into a frown as she looked upon her defeated foe.
“Are you crying?”
Mere Ka turned away to wipe her eyes.
“Leave me alone,” she huffed.
What happened next took Mere Ka by surprise. She looked to see Fluttershy extend a hand to help her up.
“Need some help?” asked Fluttershy.
'What?'
Mere Ka saw no bitterness or anger in her eyes, but compassion.
“Why are you helping me? I tricked you and forced you to duel against me,” stated Mere Ka.
“I know.”
“I mocked and teased you at every turn. Why show me any kindness?”
“Because that's who I am,” she explained. “I may have let my emotions get the better of me earlier, and for that I'm sorry. But you must've had a reason for doing what you did.”
Mere Ka was rendered speechless.
'She can't be serious?' questioned Mere Ka.
She accepted Fluttershy's gesture and rose to her paws. She looked at Fluttershy with an arched eyebrow.
“What makes you think I didn't do this on my own?” inquired Mere Ka.
“It was when I saw your eyes. I'll admit when I first walked over, I felt anger towards you for what you've done. But when I saw the tears in your eyes, I knew you must've been forced to do this.”
“How do you know I wasn't faking it?”
“I don't, but I believe they were real,” smiled Fluttershy.
To that, Mere Ka shook her head.
'I think I understand why he loves her so much,' Mere Ka chuckled.
“Now, where is Star Driver?” Fluttershy asked, with firmness in her voice.
She then remembered Ranger.
“Oh no!” Mere Ka gasped. “We gotta hurry!”
“Why? What's wrong?” questioned Fluttershy.
“There's no time to explain. We gotta hurry,” she stated.
“Lead the way.”
The two headed out of the room.
Back in the chamber, the cloaked stallion was livid. As he dispelled his magical view of the duel, he stomped the ground in anger.
“She had that duel won! How could she lose to her?!” he bellowed.
He heard a chuckle. The stallion turned to see that Star Driver had a grin on his face.
“I...told you...not to...underestimate her,” chuckled Star.
“SILENCE!” he barked. “This will further complicate things for me.”
The stallion turned his attention to Ranger. He used his magic the force Ranger to his feet. Once on his feet, the stallion forced him to walk toward Star.
“But since your team has failed me, you shall continue with your spell.”
Once in front of Star, he once again placed his claw on Star's forehead.
“Begin!” the cloaked stallion.
Ranger spoke the words to activate the spell. Just outside the chamber, Palpa and the others had just arrived. Upon hearing Star's wail in pain, Palpa knew the figure forced Ranger to perform the spell again. They all peered into the room to analyze the situation.
“I knew that vagabond wouldn't keep his word,” seethed Palpa.
“Well, what are we going to do? Last time we couldn't do anything to stop him,” whined Fusa.
“True, but last time we didn't have a dragon with us,” she smirked.
“What difference can I make?” asked Spike.
“He knows that your friend is here, but not you,” she explained. “And given your strength you should be able to defeat him easily.”
“Okay, so what's the plan?” asked Mambay.
“First, you and Fusa get his attention with a frontal attack,” she began. “While he is dealing with me and the dragon boy will rescue Ranger and Star Driver.”
“The name is Spike!”
Palpa rolled her eyes.
“Whatever, but that's the plan. Any objections?” she asked.
“None here,” answered Mambay.
“Why am I always the one doing the hard jobs?” groaned Fusa.
“Shut up and just do it,” spoke Palpa, with an irritated glare.
“Fine, let's go Mambay.”
“Right...”
They headed inside the room. Palpa then turned her attention to Spike.
“Spike was it?” she asked.
“That's right.”
“Follow me.”
She led Spike through a secret passage. While his attention was focused on Ranger and Star, Fusa used his speed to try and surprise the cloaked stallion. Unknown to him, the cloaked stallion was well aware that he had made his way into the room.
'Pathetic...' scoffed the cloaked stallion.
As his hand began to glow, Fusa leaped into the air to attack.
“Take this, Sonic Crusher!” he shouted.
Before his attack could connect, the stallion trapped him in a magical aura.
“Did you really think that that would actually work did you?” he mocked.
“No, but it wasn't supposed to,” grinned Fusa.
“What?”
“Now, Mambay!” Fusa shouted over the stallion's shoulder.
As the cloaked figure turned around, he was greeted with a massive fist. The impact of the attack sent the stallion crashing into the opposing wall. With the stallion momentarily phased, Palpa and Spike charged in.
Without missing a beat, Palpa ripped Ranger's claw from Star's head. Two caught their respective friends. She rested Ranger on her lap.
“Ranger...Ranger...speak to me!” pleaded Palpa.
He slowly tilted his head upward to her.
“Well done...Palpa...” he weakly uttered.
With thankful tears, she embraced him tightly.
“Thank goodness you're okay!”
Spike helped up Star.
“Bro, are you okay?” asked Spike.
“Yeah...never better,” weakly chuckled.
“Come on, let's get out of here before he has a chance to recover,” ordered Palpa.
“Right,” they responded.
Before they can make it out of the room, the four of them are all captured by a magical aura.
“That was fairly impressive but ultimately futile,” darkly spoke the stallion.
They all tried to break free but then were flung to the wall and magically shackled to it.
“Now if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to.”
As the stallion started to walk away, he looked to see Fluttershy and Mere Ka standing in the doorway.
“I didn't expect you to arrive so soon.”
“Let my friends go!” demanded Mere Ka.
“And what will you do if I don't?” mocked the stallion.
Mere Ka charged the stallion blindly.
“A reckless fighter can be easily beaten,” he warned.
“We'll see about that,” yelled Mere Ka, as she lunged at the stallion.
He disappeared from her sight.
“Huh?”
As she landed on the ground, Mere Ka surveyed the room.
“Where'd he get to?”
“Mere Ka look out!” shouted Fluttershy, as she pointed behind Mere Ka.
As she turned around, Mere Ka was greeted by a kick to the stomach. The impact sent her crashing to the ground. As she tried to make it to her claws, the stallion pressed his hoof against her stomach.
“You Wolves are more trouble than you're worth,” he stated, as he formed a dark red energy sphere. “I think it's time to put you out of my misery.”
“Mere Ka!” shouted Palpa. “Please don't hurt my sister.”
The stallion mocked as if he were comprehending not doing it.
“Hmm...no...” he spoke with a dark smile.
As he launched ball, it was immediately absorbed by a pink barrier in the shape of a butterfly. Confused, the stallion turned to see that Fluttershy was protecting her.
“I see... So, this is the power the Element of Kindness possesses?” he said, a little impressed.
“Leave her alone!” Fluttershy spoke.
“Why defend the one that captured your beloved friend?”
“We may have started as enemies, but I won't let you hurt her.”
“Very well, I'll start with you first.”
He launched another sphere at her. As before she formed another barrier around herself. When the ball impacted, the force of the impact caused her to stumble.
“'Shy...” Star uttered.
Star's pendant once again shone brightly, As the stallion was about the launch another ball, he then felt a rush of energy. He turned to see that Star was glaring at him.
'What the...'
He was stunned to see Star was on his hooves, surrounded by a light orange glow. As Star looked upon him, he saw a weird illuminated eye symbol on Star's forehead.
“Leave her alone!” bellowed Star.
“You think you can-”
Before he could finish, Star expelled a shockwave that sent the stallion crashing into the wall. The impact caused the spell that bound the others to the wall to end, which freed them. Palpa and the others then rushed over to Mere Ka.
“Are you okay?” asked Palpa.
“Yeah,” she answered, as she rose to her paws. “Now, let's show this loser what happens when you double-cross the Moonstone Wolves.”
“Yeah!” the others responded.
They turned their attention to the weakened stallion. As he rose to his hooves, the stallion found himself surrounded.
“This is growing tiresome,” he sighed.
They lunged at him. While the stallion was distracted, Spike and Fluttershy made their way over to Star. As the light faded, Star collapsed into their arms.
“Star, are you okay?” asked a worried Fluttershy.
“Never better,” he weakly smiled.
“I think it's time we bail, guys,” said Spike, as he reached into his pants pocket.
While dodging the Wolves' assault, the stallion noticed Spike pulling out a Teleportation Crystal.
'No, I can't let them escape...'
He used what little magic he had left to pin the Wolves to the ground. With them temporarily disposed of, he made his way toward Star.
“We're out of here,” spoke Spike, as he clutched the crystal. “Crystal Stadium...Duel Field,” shouted Spike.
Before the stallion could reach them, the three teleported away.
“NO!!” screamed the stallion.
He turned his attention to the battle wary Wolves.
“All of you are going to pay dearly for this,” he seethed.
-----5:00 pm-----
With the time now officially here and no sign of Star or the others, Pegasus couldn't help but grin.
'Looks like this match will be a forfeit for our dear Star Driver.'
On the sidelines, Rainbow Dash let out a disappointed sigh.
“I can't believe that Star isn't here. Now, I'm gonna win this by default instead of by my awesome skills,” she huffed.
“I know whatcha mean. Star has been forward to this fer as long as I can remember. And now it was all for nothin',” sighed Applejack.
Twilight walked over to Pegasus to plead for her friend.
“Please, sir. Can you wait just a few more minutes? I'm sure he's-”
“I'm sorry, Ms. Sparkle. But rules are rules. If he can't be here on time, then he must pay the consequences,” explained Pegasus.
“But can't you-”
“I'm afraid not Ms. Sparkle...”
He walked onto the Duel Field.
“Mares and gentlecolts, welcome to the final match of the first round of the preliminaries.”
The crowd roared in response.
“Now will Rainbow Dash and Star Driver please make their way to the stage.”
Rainbow Dash then flies onto the stage. Her presence is greeted with a loud cheering from a certain orange pegasus.
“Whoo! Go Rainbow Dash!” shouted Scootaloo.
The crowd soon realized that Star Driver was nowhere to be found.
“Sadly, due to his absence, I'm afraid Star Driver has been disquali-”
At that moment, a silver light shined on the sidelines. When the light faded, Spike and Fluttershy appeared holding up a weakened Star Driver.
“Star!” the group exclaimed.
They ran over to him.
“Star, what happened to you?” asked a concerned Twilight.
Star removed himself from Fluttershy and Spike's grip.
“I'll tell you later, Twilight. But first...”
He made his way to the Duel Field.
“I gotta a duel to win!”
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Yay, update!
*reads chapter*
Success. Shy wins and it turns out alright.
First comment!
By the way, this is theultimatebrony. I started this profile and lost my password for the other one and Bugle won't tell it to me.
Something tells me that things are far from over for Star.
4329489 There's never a rest for the protagonist.
4329295 Glad your still following the story.
Saw Shy's end game from a mile away. Good ol' Cat's Ear Tribe.
4330066 Exactly. Best way to take out a big threat
Man, been a long time. Glad this is back!
4330893
Sorry about that. I had a tough time with this one, but on the plus side it came out pretty good.
So Star can't even stand up without help after being tortured but some how is able to both walk and duel once he's in the stadium. Looks like the main character is turning into a gary-stu.