Regenesis, A Duelist Story

by RitsuD95

Chapter 2: Of Drill Sergeants and Synchros

The hike back was significantly more difficult than the journey to their location. Twilight and Wallflower wound up bracing Sunset and carrying her as well as they could.

About half way through, Twilight was running on empty. As she handed off her duties to Applejack, Wallflower was asked if she wanted someone to take over for her.

She adamantly refused.

Of course, few were surprised. More accurately, they'd be shocked if Wallflower would let Sunset out of her sight any time soon. That little fact didn't sneak past Vinyl, as she watched the gardener fight through her sore legs and aching back. It made the DJ store this little detail in the memory bank.

It was fairly predictable. Wallflower was the closest to the recent battle. She was up close and personal as the friend she practically idolized was battered around like a punching bag. As such, the gardener being as protective as a dog raised from infancy by its owner. No one could really blame her.

The group was relatively quiet, milling over everything that happened in their minds. A new threat, one that aimed to take their geodes. An enemy that held a dangerous and unknown power.

For the geode holders, it was nothing new to them. They were on edge, that was certain. But they also held a business-like aura about them. Time to get back to work, managing the balance between everyday life and protecting their homes from magical or supernatural threats.

As for the three newbies to this kind of challenge, it weighed a bit heavier. This led to each of them trying to make sense of the situation. It was almost awe-inspiring, how those girls could roll with such unexpected events. Not surprising, but no less impressive.

Vinyl had helped fight magical threats before, so that let her hold confidence. She'd seen her hero-like friends fight with certainty and find ways to win. And damned if she wasn't going to contribute again this time.

Octavia was in full analytic mode. There were enemies who used their powers both outside and inside duels. Whoever was influencing Cinch's actions wanted them to use duelist battles to inflict damage. Her mind drifted to the strange crystal that was called into existence. What was its purpose? And what was the goal of their new opposing side? There had to be more than what was obvious to them.

Wallflower was hit the hardest, but not out of concern for her own well being. She was closer than anyone else as Sunset found herself battered around by her opponent. And she was entirely powerless to do anything to help. It truly affected her. Sunset was a rookie duelist who won a life or death battle by the skin of her teeth. It wasn't an ideal situation by any stretch of the imagination. However, there was also a silver lining. It seemed that this new enemy had a reliance on using the game of Duel Monsters as a conduit. While they displayed an ability of inflict harm outside of duels, as her still-sore body could testify, they seemed heavily invested in these Shadow Duels. So, number one, if the Rainbooms were trained, they'd have an equal playing field against the opposition. And two, Wallflower herself could participate in this battle, and she had confidence in her dueling ability to do such. Add onto that the fact she could hopefully help Sunset harness her natural dueling prowess, despite feeling nervous and distraught, she also felt a glimmer of hope.

Thus, she'd have to press on all of them especially hard to constantly improve.

But that conviction didn't do much to steady her nerves. She wasn't quite used to caring about other people. That, and her mind continually drifted back to how losing her most important person came dangerously close to fruition.

"Hey there, Wallflower?" Applejack asked, "You doin' alright?"

The gardener shook her head furiously. For now, she had to focus on getting back to Octavia's place.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

~~~~~~~~~~

Arriving back at the cellist's house, the group couldn't help but be grateful for the fact that Octavia's parents were rarely home. It would've been one hell of a hassle to explain away their current state.

Quickly, Octavia led the group to the room that Vinyl had dubbed "Base Camp". It was quickly rebutted that the room them currently found themselves in was their "hangout room". Located right across the hall from the dueling field, it was welcoming and the perfect place to regroup.

Littered with several couches, a television, a table, multiple comfy rolling chairs, and a mini-fridge, Rainbow declared this room was now indeed the "base camp" that Vinyl declared earlier. But now wasn't exactly the time to party, not with their de-facto leader unconscious, their resident gardener sore and hovering like a guard dog, and the rest of the group's mental states ranging from frazzled to strategic.

Wallflower quickly led herself and Applejack over to the most comfortable-looking couch and set Sunset down gently. The country girl spared a quick glance at her, before silently making her way back to the group that had found themselves seated around the table.

The gardener didn't join them, instead seating herself on the floor in front of Sunset. She silently began wrapping her damaged hands in gauze, not reacting much, save for a wince here and there.

While the room was spacious, it was still small enough that she could still participate in discussion while placed in front of her unconscious friend. Octavia glanced around at everyone before locking eyes with Twilight.

"So, let's recap what we know so far." The cellist said, but her tone made it clear that this was not a request.

"Number one, we've got new baddies to beat." Rainbow cut in, smacking her fist into the other palm.

"They seem to place high importance on dueling." Twilight added.

"Not only that, but they have the ability to inflict real injuries, as well as use some variation of magic." Rarity frowned.

"And they got sum kinda know-how about magic, if Cinch's words got any weight." Applejack said.

"They want our geodes..." Fluttershy whispered.

"They're completely cuckoo, they want a fight!" Pinkie Pie shouted.

"They got some dueling skill, and ain't afraid to use it." Vinyl commented with a rare, serious expression.

"Whoever they are..." Wallflower began, drawing the group's attention, "They think they can beat us through Duel Monsters, break our bodies, and use magic to run shit. But that's not gonna happen!"

Wallflower shot to her feet, surprising her friends, "We're gonna get you guys up to speed on dueling! You guys are gonna be ready next time, and take the fight to them! We'll start training tomorrow... provided Sunset feels up to it."

"I'm ready anytime."

The group quickly turned around to see Sunset seated upright, rubbing both hands over her face to try and clear her head. She quickly shook herself, locking eyes back up with her friends who were now looking to her with concerned eyes.

As several of the girls started to speak, Sunset slightly raised a hand to halt them, "Before you even ask. I'm fine, just a bit sore... Mentally and physically. But fine."

"Are you certain?" Octavia asked, raising an eyebrow, "Or are you just saying such due to a mix of pride and a sense of little time before another Shadow Duel?"

The girl in question sighed, "Admittedly, a bit of both. But I feel good enough to function, and a bit restless to start training."

"I get that," Rainbow said with a nod, "but even the best athletes know to heal first. You sure?"

"As I'll ever be." Sunset responded resolutely.

Wallflower raised her chin, "Good. Like I said, we'll start tomorrow."

~~~~~~~~~~

It couldn't have been any later than six in the morning when an airhorn ripped through the air surrounding the sleeping Rainbooms.

Rainbow Dash quickly shot to her feet with hands up. Fluttershy immediately flipped over the couch she was sleeping on, peeking over from her new hiding spot. Rarity jolted awake, before giving an unamused glare.

Applejack, used to being up early for both school and farmwork, slowly got to her feet, rolling her shoulders without much more reaction. Twilight rolled off her recliner, flailing her limbs in alarm. Pinkie Pie hopped to her feet, a cupcake in her hand, arm cocked back to throw it.

As for Sunset, she stirred slightly, before slowly swinging her feet over the edge of the couch she was resting on, and pulled herself into a sitting position.

The highschool heroes looked to the doorway where the sound originated, to find Wallflower, Octavia, and Vinyl standing there.

Octavia wore what appeared to be grey joggers and a matching hoodie, expression in a fight between amused and trying to stay serious. She was failing at the last part.

Vinyl looked like she was still half asleep, sunglasses set on her forehead, and adorned in vibrant blue shorts that matched her hair, and a white tank top. A still-steaming cup of coffee was firmly grasped in her hand.

Wallflower was adorned in a beige tank top and dark-green cargo shorts. A camo bandana was tied around her head, eye black under each eye. She held a serious expression and airhorn high above her head.

"Up and at it, rookies!" The gardener shouted with fierceness.

The Rainbooms, however, had to ask one question.

"Why'd you use an airhorn?! For dramatic effect?! Tone change?!" Pinkie exclaimed in confused irritation.

... Two questions.

"An why the heck are ya dressed like Rambo?" Applejack added.

Wallflower simply gave them a hard stare, "Less questions, more preparation. Get dressed in something athletic, grab your duel disks, load your decks, and get your asses out front!"

"Better hustle," Vinyl added with a smirk, "Your trainer isn't just blowing her load for show."

Octavia gave her a disgusted glance, "Must you word it like that?"

By this point, all the girls had risen to their feet and where standing in a disorganized group. They were mostly recovered from their out-of-left-field wake-up call. Their expressions ranged from annoyed to concerned.

"All this for learning a card game?" Twilight asked.

Wallflower turned fully to the genius with a scowl, "It's not just a card game anymore. This is war. You guys got by magical incidents so far, but it's time we get you actually capable."

"Much as Ah hate t' admit it, she's got us there." Applejack sighed.

"Should I be scared? I'm feeling distinctly scared." Fluttershy asked quietly.

"You're always scared, 'Shy." Rainbow whispered, gently grasping the animal lover's shoulder.

"Wally?" Sunset asked, "Are you okay?"

For an instant, the gardener's eyes softened, but they quickly steeled themsevles again.

"I'm fine, Sunset. It's you guys I'm concerned about. Double time! Get out front!"

Without waiting for a response, the trio of trainers turned on their heels and made for the front door.

The girls gave one more exchange of concerned glances before getting dressed and following suit.

~~~~~~~~~~

Once they had arrived outside, they were greeted by the sight of Wallflower, Octavia, and Vinyl setting up various stations and equipment.

There was a chalkboard, several traffic cones, a small assortment of weighted vests, and a folding table with several notepads and an iPad on it.

"Uh... What?" Rainbow Dash asked, raising an eyebrow, "Are we training for Duel Monsters or The Olympics?"

"It's training, either way!" Wallflower scowled, "Plus, these 'Shadow Duel' things turn it into something like a fist fight anyway!"

At that moment, Octavia decided to speak up.

"While I don't necessarily disagree", the Cellist sighed, "I feel it's definitely more important to focus on their dueling skills. They do have magical powers, after all."

Vinyl nodded, "Yeah, forreal." The group let out a relieved sigh, "You can run them into the ground after."

"Oh dear..." Fluttershy squeaked out.

Twilight merely sighed, "I'm in trouble."

"It seems Applejack and Rainbow Dash will have an unfair advantage at some point." Rarity complained with a groan.

"I wouldn't worry too much about that for now." Octavia said with a placating tone, "I could see most of your time taken up by Duel Monsters. At least for today."

Wallflower shook her head, "It's been proven that physical activity helps your learning! We're having them do that first."

The Rainbooms glanced among themselves, before shrugging in unison. How bad could it be?

...

Apparently the answer was very and over the top to cataclysmic proportions.

It started simply enough, Wallflower had instructed Rainbow to lead the group through basic stretching routines. Which, unfortunately, left a few of them short on breath by the end.

As it turned out, that was a vastly deceiving low bar of a precursor for the drills that were to follow.

Wallflower had them run what could only be described as military conditioning. Setting up cones, having them run back and forth between them repeatedly, earning the ire of the less athletically inclined...

The idea was somewhat clear, but the execution left much to be desired.

While Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were still perfectly fine, and Sunset was holding up impressively, the rest were gassed. They fell together into a heap, gasping for breath as their gardening drill instructor pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.

"You know," Wallflower began with a sardonic tone, "I kind of expected pseudo-superheroes to be a bit more... In shape."

"Blame the magic." Applejack sighed, "That's probably where all the energy comes from, Ah reckon."

"No joke." Rainbow nodded, "But honestly, my expectations were a bit higher."

"Yeah, they're waaaaayyyyy out of shape." Pinkie added.

"Ironic that the girl who lives off sweets is doing this well, actually." Wallflower said, allowing herself a small chuckle.

Of course, this discussion right in front of the subjects in question ruffled a few feathers.

"I'm not exactly known for athletic acheivements, believe it or not." Twilight groaned in frustration.

Rarity scowled in irritation, "Darling, I'm right there with you. Ugh, all this sweating is so uncouth."

Surprisingly, Fluttershy was the first to return to her feet, sighing as she brushed herself off. Her expression remained unsure, but she didn't bother stating any of her gripes.

Perhaps it was due to the pressure of avoiding Wallflower's irritation, but her breathing returned to normal rather quickly.

Wallflower raised an eyebrow, "Okay, I'm impressed with you now. And no complaints, bonus points."

Honestly, she didn't expect Fluttershy to get this deep in the first place, let alone recover at such a high rate.

"She'll surprise you pretty often." Sunset finally stated, before turning back to the gardener.

"What's up?" Wallflower asked, some of her concern resurfacing for a moment, "You holding out alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. But..."

"But what?"

"We aren't really sharpening anyone's dueling skills at this point." Sunset sighed, before sweeping her hand towards her still downed friends, "Just running them into the ground."

"Seconded." Vinyl sighed, mildly amused and partly bored.

"Indeed." Octavia nodded, "I think you've 'warmed them up' enough, dear."

The gardener opened her mouth to argue, but closed it as she realized she was outnumbered. Admittedly, she might be overworking them, but also felt that this was necessary. With that in mind, she could agree it was time to start actually instructing them on the game that so much hinged on.

"Fine." She granted with a nod, "Everyone take a seat around the chalkboard, we're starting the actual lessons."

With varied energy levels, the group made their way over, seating themselves in the grass around it.

Wallflower sighed, before throwing on thick-rimmed glasses and removing her bandana. She then threw a tan suitcoat on and picked up a yardstick.

Vinyl chuckled and leaned over to Octavia, speaking in a whisper, "How over the top is she gonna be for this?"

"I don't know," the Cellist responded quietly, "but it's equal parts annoying and amusing."

Back with the supposed students, they seemed to be ready to learn. As far as one could expect, anyway.

Pinkie casually popped a piece of gum into her mouth while Twilight picked up a notebook and pen.

The rest took part in hushed conversation as Wallflower wrote on the board.

She turned to reveal she had written 'Instructor Blush' in surprisingly neat cursive.

"I'll be your teacher for this lesson." She began, speaking in a confident tone that was fairly new on her, "I expect full focus while I instruct you all on game mechanics. No talking, and Pinkie, spit out that gum and focus!"

Rainbow threw her hand up, and Wallflower pointed her yard stick at the athlete, "Yes, Rainbow?"

"Doesn't this seem a little much? And a bit too much like school?"

"Valid question, thank you for asking. Next!"

"Is all this really necessary, darling?" Rarity asked with a frown.

"Another solid question, good job." Wallflower nodded, "Now, I'll begin the lesson."

Vinyl and Octavia spared each other a concerned glance. Wallflower was gung-ho on doing everything precisely her way, it seemed.

"Oh, boy." Vinyl groaned.

"I don't see this being productive." Octavia said, in agreement with the DJ's sentiment.

Wallflower cleared her throat, "Now then, we'll start with basics. There are three basic kinds of cards. Can someone tell me what they are?"

Sunset raised her hand almost immediately, much to the gardener's satisfaction. She spared a quick smile, before hardening up again, "Can someone other than Sunset answer the question?"

Rainbow hesitated for just a moment, before raising her own hand.

"Yes, Rainbow Dash?"

"Monster, spell, and trap."

"Correct, now can someone tell me the types of mon-"

Wallflower was cut off as Rainbow's hand went up again. The athlete spoke before she could even be called on.

"So there's normal monsters, effect monsters, and pendulum monsters."

"Right again, not ba-"

"There's also trap monsters, ritual monsters, and extra deck monsters."

Wallflower blinked for a moment, before smirking, "Of course you know the basics, you're the one that really wanted to learn the game."

"I did my research!" Rainbow declared with a proud smile.

Applejack chuckled, "If only ya could do this well in school."

Rainbow shot her a dirty look as the group tried to contain their giggles. Wallflower cracked a smile, before refocusing.

"Okay, so I can skip basic stuff with you. Sunset!" She quickly pointed to Octavia and Vinyl, "You and Rainbow go with the music kids. Go get some practical training in."

Vinyl sighed, "Becoming a teacher, oh how I've fallen on hard times."

"Oh, shush." Octavia giggled, lightly bumping hips with the DJ.

Without another word, Sunset and Rainbow made their way over, and the group of four began walking towards the backside of the house.

As they did, they were still able to make out some of what Wallflower was saying.

"Now, we'll cover the types of spells and traps, then I'll start getting into more advanced concepts... Like missing timing."

Vinyl let out a full laugh as they proceeded out of earshot.

"Those girls are gonna have a bad time."

~~~~~~~~~~

Once they had retreated to the back yard that bordered the forest they had traversed the night before, Octavia turned to her two students.

"We'll start by discussing just what you can do with your decks. Sunset, you did a great job piloting your deck, but it can do so much more."

Sunset merely nodded, idly tapping her fingers on the deck box attached to her hip.

Octavia then turned to the rainbow-haired athlete, "You on the other hand... What did you decide to play? May I see your deck?"

Rainbow Dash smirked, handing her deck over to the cellist.

Octavia raised an eyebrow as she shifted through it, "Really? I had taken you for a U.A. player, honestly."

"What can I say? I live to be unpredictable!"

With that, the athlete raised her right arm and flexed it, smile adorning her face.

Octavia shook her head with a smile of her own, "While it wasn't what I expected, it still makes sense for you."

Rainbow slumped her shoulders, "Aww, man."

Sunset casually patted her soccer star friend on the shoulder. The two exchanged a content smile, before they turned back to the cellist.

"That being said," Octavia continued, "this deck really is ideal for you. Quick extra deck plays, making use of your opponents monsters for advantage."

Vinyl raised an eyebrow, "What, did she main deck Super Poly or something?"

"Not quite." The cellist shook her head, "Why don't you and Rainbow get a game in? Sunset and I will be working on more advanced combos with her deck."

"Sure thing, Tavi." Vinyl nodded, activating her duel disk, "Game on, multi-colors. Show me what you got!"

"I'd be glad to!" Rainbow shouted back, her own duel disk already prepared.

"DUEL!"

Vinyl: 4000
Rainbow: 4000

"I'll start things off!" Vinyl smirked, "First, I'm gonna summon Orcust Brass Bombard!"

On command, the small monster made of the brass instruments in it's name appeared. It gently let out a hum from the trumpet-like instrument on its head. (LV1 500/1900)

"That better not be all you got, or I've got a win for my first duel in the bag!" Rainbow shouted cockily.

"Good thing I'm not done!" The DJ responded smugly, "Now, I'll link him away! Goodbye brass section, hello Linkuriboh!"

The Brass Bombard was quickly shielded by light. As it faded, a small circular creature popped out, face more like a rounded computer monitor. (Link-1 ATK300)

"A link summon already?"

"I'm not done yet!" Vinyl declared, "Next, because there's a monster in an extra monster zone, I can special summon Gizmek Kaku The Supreme Shining Sky Stag!"

Instantly, a burst of red lightning struck down into the ground. It sent a red and yellow current around the impact zone, before fading away.

Rainbow was about to ask where this monster supposedly was, but the ground cracked and burst up before she could.

A massive, mechanical deer-like creature rose up. It was coated in a glow of light. Its coal-colored body was covered in a golden armor over the joints and head of the creature. (LV9 2750/2750)

"Woah..." Rainbow whispered, awe-struck by the mighty creature that rose before her.

"You should be impressed!" Vinyl shouted with a jubilent grin, "This bad boy is one of the legendary Gizmek monsters! It's a privilege just to see one!"

Rainbow quickly shook her head. She glanced up at the creature again, "Then it'll be awesome when I take it down!"

"Bring it on! I'll set a card and end my turn!"

"Draw!" Rainbow pulled the top card from her deck, glancing at it. She couldn't help but smirk, "I'm about to take that metal fleabag from you!"

Vinyl raised an eyebrow. She doubted it, but had been silently hoping the appearance of Kaku wouldn't spell the total control of the duel in her favor.

She wanted to see what Rainbow Dash could do against it.

"First, since you have monsters and I don't, I can special summon Speedroid Terrortop from my hand!"

A small cyclone of wind rose up from the ground, clearing away to reveal the bladed spinning top. It moved similar to a centipede, several smaller tops moving like a serpantine tail. (LV3 1200/600)

"Speedroids, huh?" Vinyl asked, "Show me what you've got!"

"Don't mind if I do!" Rainbow shouted, "When Terror Top is summoned, I can add one Speedroid card from deck to my hand! And I choose Speedroid Taketomborg!"

"Hmm. Interesting! What else you got?!"

"Me taking over right now! When I control a wind monster, I can special summon him right to the field!"

Dropping down next to Terrortop, the action figure appeared onto the field. It's jointed arms and horns atop its head contantly moved in a disjointed way. (LV3 600/1200)

"Not a bad start."

"You ain't see nothin yet!" Rainbow boasted, "Next, I activate Mind Control!"

"Aww, hell."

"Got that right! And you already know what I'm choosing! I pick Gizmek Kaku!"

At that, a portal opened in front of the Gizmek. A hand holding a pocket watch by the string emerged, slowly swinging it.

A strange blue glow began to come from its eyes, and it slowly marched over to Rainbow's field, performing a dramatic turn to face it's former master.

"Traitor." Vinyl droned in a neutral tone.

"He didn't have a choice, no way he could resist it! Now I tune my level three Taketomborg and your level nine Gizmek!"

"What?!" Vinyl scowled, "There's no level twelve Speedroid synchro!"

"But there are wind monsters!" Rainbow shot back with a smirk.

"What?! What're you summoning?!"

"You'll see in a sec!"

Taketomborg began to eminate a white glow. It turned translucent, three small lights spinning in its outline.

With a roar, Gizmek Kaku jumped into the air. The three lights began to spin around it at a shocking speed, barely visible to the naked eye.

Rainbow grinned widely as she began to chant, "The master of the hive arrives in awesome fashion! Tear down the castle walls protecting the villain! Synchro Summon! Take flight, Battlewasp - Ballista The Armageddon!"

Gizmek Kaku was engulfed in a flash of light. From it, emerged a massive insect. It took the form of a wasp, adorned in jewels and two front claws holding a tremendous bow and arrow. It flapped it's wings at high speed, giving a hostile impression. (LV12 3000/800)

"No way!" Vinyl shouted, "You play him in there?! That card's legendary! Where the hell'd you get him?!"

Rainbow couldn't help but smile, "There's something about finally getting a chance to summon this guy that's got me fired up! He was a gift from my dad."

Rainbow's smile faded slightly, but not losing her happiness, "My dad's super supportive, but he's away a lot for work. Before the game took off like it did now, it was just something cool to do. So even when he's not around, I can still feel him cheering me on! I knew I had to find a way to keep this guy in my deck!"

Rainbow paused, her smile growing back to full intensity, "Speedroids were the perfect deck, I got to play something my speed, but still got to play the card that matters most to me!"

Vinyl blinked, before approvingly nodding her head, "So that's what's up. That's not just a card to you... Alright, Dash. You got me good."

"I'm not done yet!" Rainbow announced, "I've still got my normal summon!"

"Thats right..." Vinyl blinked, slowly letting a smile creep onto her face, "Show me what you've got! You're piloting your deck awesomely!"

"Got that right!" Rainbow shouted, "Now, I normal summon Pilica, Descendant of Gusto!"

The small monster with the appearance of a young girl popped into existence in a demure way. Pilica was adorned in traditional Gusto tribal wear, green hair in a ponytail with the end dyed red. She casually waved her staff back and forth like a metronome would move. (LV3 1000/1500)

Rainbow glanced at her new monster, before looking to Vinyl, "I've got you. Pilica's on-summon ability could special summon a WIND tuner from my grave, but I'm not gonna activate it!"

"Why wouldn't you? You could Synchro Summon again!"

"Because of your Linkuriboh." Rainbow said with a smirk, "If I tried to attack, you could turn one of my monsters to zero attack this turn."

Vinyl couldn't help but be impressed. While Rainbow Dash was the serious about learning the game and clearly did some research, the fact she knew about Linkuriboh's effect showed just how serious it had been.

"I'm fully impressed at this point. But how do you plan to beat me this turn, then?"

"Like this!" Rainbow grinned, "I activate the spell Shock Surprise! This let's me banish up to two Speedroid monsters in my graveyard and destroy that many cards on the field!"

Vinyl gasped, "But that means-"

"It's game over! I banish Terrortop and Taketomborg to clear your field!"

Instantly, both Linkuriboh and the face-down card, revealed to be Mirror Force, were destroyed in small explosions.

"Well, damn." Vinyl blinked, "I'm about to be OTK'd by a rookie."

"Yeah you are! How's that for fast!?" The athlete shouted, "Pilica, Ballista! End it!"

Ballista nodded, aiming and firing the bow at their opponent immediately. Pilica waved her wand at the same time, causing the bolt to glow a light green as it flew.

To Vinyl's credit, she didn't even flinch.

But as the bow bolt passed through her, she did let out a small sigh.

Rainbow: 4000
Vinyl: 0000

As the holograms faded, Rainbow couldn't help but jump excitedly, "Oh my gosh! I did it! I won my first duel! In one turn!"

Vinyl made her way over to the celebrating athlete, reaching her hand out.

"I gotta say, I didn't take you seriously enough. You knew what you were doing." She paused, before grinning, "But you owe me a rematch sometime, and I'll come at you with everything I've got"

Rainbow returned the grin, grasping the DJ's hand, "You're on! I'll make sure to go even harder and win again!"

The two were cut off my a small round of applause. They turned to see that not only Sunset and Octavia, but the rest of their friends showing their appreciation for Rainbow's victory.

"I must say, I didn't even expect you to win, let alone that quickly." Octavia admitted with a smile.

"Good work, Dash. Welcome to the one-and-none club." Sunset said, a mild grin on her face.

Wallflower nodded, "That was one hell of a turn. I figured she was going to take it easy on you, but I sure didn't see that coming. You should be proud anyway. Vinyl's an amazing duelist."

Pinkie locked herself into a side hug on Rainbow, "You were so awesome!"

"Got that right! Good 'un, Dash! You're definitely better at dueling than school!" Applejack added, playfully punching her friend's shoulder.

"I'm happy you won, and with your dad's card even." Fluttershy said quietly.

As the group continued to celebrate, Sunset, Wallflower, and Vinyl stepped away.

"So," Wallflower asked, "How good is she? Like really?"

Vinyl shrugged, "She's no slouch, that's for sure. Even if I had gone into my more advanced combos, she still would've had enough to turn momentum her way."

"Think she's ready for real duels?" Sunset asked.

Vinyl chuckled quietly, "Oh, she's ready. I'm gonna be eager for that rematch though. I've never been OTK'd before."

Octavia giggled as she made her way over, "There's a first time for everything, love."

"I guess." Vinyl sighed, "How'd the classroom cosplay go?"

Wallflower grimaced, "Don't call it that. And... I think Pinkie's ready for sure. Twilight's grasping the rules and ruling well. Rarity's probably fine. Fluttershy didn't say much, but never looked confused."

"Guess you didn't really go over 'missing timing', then?" Octavia asked amusedly.

"Nope."

"Good." Vinyl cut in, "I wanna be there to see that lesson."

They laughed together, before Sunset suddenly stopped.

"Sunset?" Wallflower asked, "What's wrong?"

"Did everyone finish their group projects?" Sunset asked with a concerned frown.

"... Crap."

Author's Note:

I loved writing this chapter tbh.

Having Vinyl run a deck incredibly similar to the one I run myself has been extremely fun.

And be sure to remember why Rainbow Dash uses her "ace" monster that's mildly out of place.

Comments

[Mr-Astounding]

not the first time I've seen Rainbow with that particular deck, but it never stops fitting her perfectly; wish we could've seen more of Viny's deck, but not a real deal breaker for me; over all, all I can really say is: arthurseverythingblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/sealofapproval.png

[RitsuD95]

10305144
First, I love that image. Top comment I've evee gotten.

Second, don't you worry none. She's gonna get time to shine. No way I could disrespect my favorite character AND favorite deck like that!

[Mr-Astounding]

10305151
fair enough 🙂

[Cobalt Ravenscroft]

And here was me thinking I was alone in using speedroids and battlewasps together
Glad to see this is back and some different decks are being used, love a good mash up build

[RitsuD95]

10309839
Gotta love em!

It makes sense in the story context and speaking of mashup decks, you should see some of mine lmao

[nightshroud96]

Managed to fully read this so far.

Hope my previous comment wasn't um.. iffy..

[nightshroud96]

If I may ask..
Was my comment ok.?