The story begins again. The universe has been rebooted, and Burst and his friends have a new beginning. And their new adventure starts at their first year of CHS.
After the defeat of Abyss, the god cards rebooted the universe in gratitude to the actions of Burst and his friends. But the only drawback was that they would have no memory of their adventures or each other. Now the story begins again, but will things play out the same way? Only one way to find out! ROCK THE DRAGON!
Burst Stream, Inferno Flare, and Steel Edge are all owned by me. Arctic Ace, Dark Ice, Shadow Thunder, Venus Bloomer, and Night Fang are all owned by MLPFan1 Golden Rise is owned by goldenrise365
Burst stirred as he woke from his bed. His alarm clock was blaring, so that could mean only one thing. It was Monday. And the start of his first day of high school. 'Well I guess I should get up.', he thought to himself as he got out of bed and got ready for the day. Once he was dressed, Burst went down to eat breakfast. "Morning Mom." His mom, Lumina Burst smiled as her son came downstairs.
"Good morning Burst! Are you excited for your first day?", she asked. Burst shrugged.
"I guess. I just hope I don't fall flat on my face.", Burst said with a small smile. Lumina smiled as she kissed Burst on the forehead.
"You'll do fine. I hope you don't mind, but I'll be dropping you off this morning. I know it might sound a little embarassing, but you're still my baby in my eyes." Burst sighed and hugged his mom.
"It's fine.", he said with a small smile. After he was done with breakfast, Burst got in the car with his mom and was soon dropped off at CHS. 'Well...here goes nothing!', Burst thought to himself. His mom smiled as she looked at her son.
"You know, you're so much like your father.", she said as he eyes teared up slightly. Burst then frowned.
"Mom? Why did Dad leave?", he asked. Lumina sighed.
"It was because things just...weren't working out between us. But Burst, that doesn't mean he never loved you.", she said.
"So that's why I've only seen him for a week out of every month?", Burst asked. "Well, at least he hasn't forgotten about us."
'Aether...you'd be so proud of Burst. If only you could see him right now....', Lumina thought with a sad smile as Burst got out of the car and began to start the next four years of his life. After Burst was inside, a new kid was dropped off.
"Thanks for the ride Dad!", Inferno said as he got out of his dad's car. Ash Blaze chuckled.
"No problem Inferno. Hope your first day goes well! Who knows? You might even meet your dream girl here!"
"Maybe! Gotta go!", Inferno said as he dashed inside CHS. However as they left, a girl walked OUT of the statue at the front of CHS!
"AH!", Sunset screamed as she looked at her new body. "Well this world sure isn't Equestria." She then looked at CHS. "Maybe I can get some answers here..."
"Oh man! I didn't expect this place to be so big!", Burst said as he took in just how big CHS was. "Man...where do I head next?"
"GANGWAY!", a rainbow-haired girl said as she was running through the hall! However, Burst didn't hear the warning in time! Rainbow Dash shook her head from the crash. "Oh man! Sorry about that! You okay?" Burst got up and dusted himself off.
"I'm fine. Nothing broken or bruised.", Burst said with a small smile. "You must have gone fast enough to break the sound barrier!"
"Thanks! Name's Rainbow Dash! Soon to be the best athlete in the school! What's your name?"
"Burst Stream. It's my first day."
"Then we're headed to the same place! The principal says all new freshman need to head to the gym to get their schedules! Hope you can keep up!" The two of them ran off to the auditorium and made it just in time to find get their schedules. Burst was confused on where to go, but he soon found out.
"Excuse me? Are you having trouble?", a voice asked. Burst turned around, and his jaw dropped! He was looking at Principal Celestia. But at that moment, she looked like the most beautiful sight in the world.
"Uh...yeah. How are the schedule pick-ups organized?", Burst asked while trying not to blush. Celestia smiled.
"The schedule pick-ups are organized by last name. Hope that helps you."
"Th-thanks!", Burst said as he went off to get his schedule. After he got it, Burst noticed Rainbow being picked on by a group of three guys. And from the looks of things, she was getting pretty annoyed.
"So Rainbow CRASH.", Dumbbell said with a sneer. "Looks like you had another one of your famous run-ins with a guy."
"Yeah. Especially if she made him wind-up in the nurse's office!", Hoops added.
"Actually, I'm just fine.", Burst said as he walked up to them. "Didn't your moms ever teach you to treat girls better?"
"...Says the guy wearing a necklace.", Dumbbell said with a smirk as he tried to snatch Burst's necklace. BIG mistake. Burst dodged and pinned Dumbbell to the ground.
"That's it! Get your deck out tough guy!", Hoops said as he pulled out his duel monsters deck.
"I...don't have a deck.", Burst said. The three bullies then laughed at Burst!
"What a loser!", Dumbbell said as he clutched his sides. "You don't even have a deck! Didn't your dad ever teach you how to play?" Burst's mind at that moment broke as he ran away! The bullies were still laughing until a new guy showed up. And he knocked them out cold.
"Creeps like that are all the same. Dumb and easy to take down.", Steel said with a smile. "Sorry if I intruded. I bet you could have taken them down no problem."
"Thanks. Name's Rainbow Dash."
"Steel Edge.", Steel said with a smile. "Sorry to greet and run, but I've gotta get to my class! See ya!" Meanwhile, Burst was outside bawling his eyes out.
'Why? Why did they even bring that up?', Burst thought to himself. As he was crying, he barely noticed a girl with yellow skin and pink hair scoot closer to him.
"um, excuse me?", she said quietly. "is everything alright?" Burst heard her and dried his tears. The girl then hugged Burst tightly. "Wow. That's nice. Thank you."
"Everyone needs a little kindness.", the girl said with a small smile. "Normally I'm pretty shy, but I can't stand seeing people hurt."
"That's awful nice of you. I'm Burst Stream."
"I'm Fluttershy.", Fluttershy said with a warm smile. Burst smiled as the two of them headed back into CHS and started their classes. Lunch period soon arrived, and Burst had cleaned his plate almost immediately.
"Soooo good!", Burst said with a blissful smile.
"I know right?", A girl wearing a stetson hat said. "My Granny Smith is the lunch lady. You GOTTA try the dessert!"
"I think I'll take you up on that.", Burst said with a smile as he went to get a piece of apple pie. And the minute he took a bite, he was in dessert heaven. "THIS IS AMAZING!"
"Heh heh! Glad you like it sugar cube. Name's Applejack, but you can call me AJ for short."
"Burst Stream.", Burst replied with a smile. 'Maybe this first day won't be so bad...' Meanwhile, Inferno was scoping out a place to sit. However he noticed a girl who tripped! Fortunately, Inferno caught her just in time!
"Oh my...thank you!", Rarity said. "I almost ruined my outfit."
"Well, can't let a beauty like you be ruined.", Inferno said with a wink. Rarity smiled, but then noticed the stain on Inferno's jacket.
"Oh, dear! Your jacket!"
"Huh? Oh. No big deal.", Inferno said with a shrug.
"No, no! This simply won't do! I insist that I take care of such a wonderful garment! It's the least I can do for you. But in return, may I get the name of my knight in shining armor?"
"Inferno. And I'm no knight. I'm one handsome dragon!"
Rarity giggled. "Pleased to meet you darling. I am Rarity."
'Huh. She's as beautiful on the inside just as much as the outside.', Inferno thought with a smile. "Well thanks for your offer. I'll take you up on it." The rest of the day went by quickly, and as Burst was heading for the door, he bumped into Inferno! "Sorry man! Didn't see ya there."
"It's cool.", Burst said as he got a look at Inferno. "Sweet hair by the way! You look like Joseph Joestar. Next you're going to say: Thanks! And you look like Dante from DMC3 with your hairstyle."
"Thanks! And you look like Dante from DMC3 with your hairstyle. Huh?!", Inferno was surprised. "Nice trick man! You an anime fan too?"
"DBZ all the way.", Burst said with a smile. He then noticed Inferno's deck box. "You a duelist?"
"Yeah I am! You play?"
"No. I don't own any cards.", Burst said sadly. "But I do like the game."
"Well then, let me hook you up. I know a pretty good card shop. It's where I got my monster partner. Red Eyes Black Dragon!", Inferno said as he pulled out his card.
"Nice! Maybe I can find a monster partner of my own." Burst text his mom where he would be and that she should pick him up. And with that, he and his friend were off to the card shop.
"Ah, Inferno! I was wondering when you would be stopping by. So who's your new friend."
"This here's Burst. He's looking to make a deck, so I thought I'd show him the best card shop I know!"
"Isn't this the only shop you know?", Burst asked with a smirk.
"And that makes it the best by default!", Inferno replied. Burst shrugged as he looked at all the cards. But when he came to one in particular, he froze.
"No way..." Burst couldn't believe it. He was looking at one of the most legendary cards in the entire game. A card long thought to be put out of production. The Blue Eyes White Dragon. "I thought they stopped making these.", Burst said in wonder. But unknown to him, the card was giving off a glow that only Discord could see.
'Looks like Blue Eyes has chosen his duelist.', Discord thought with a smile. "Well, Industrial Illusions put them back into production. Due to anyone being able to beat Blue Eyes with a good strategy. I take it you're interested in this card?"
"I am. But I can't have it right now. I don't even have a duel disk. Not to mention I forgot to bring my wallet with me." Discord was about to counter that until the shop's door opened again.
"Oh, hello. How can I help you?", he asked.
"Is this a card shop? I was wondering if there were any duelists here.", Sunset asked.
"I'll take you on!", Inferno boasted. "I was hoping for a good duel today."
Inferno: 4000 Sunset: 4000
"Ladies first.", Inferno said as he drew his hand.
"My move. I summon Warrior Dai Grepher in attack mode! Now I'll equip him with Lightning Blade! Next I'll set a card and end my turn."
'She must've just built her deck. Not a bad choice for a level four monster. I guess its a bit of an unfair advantage considering I've based my deck on getting Red-Eyes out fast.' "I draw! I summon Black Stone of Legend! Now I tribute him to special summon Red Eyes Black Dragon! Now I equip him with Black Metal Dragon! I'll attack Dai Grepher! Inferno Fire Blast!"
"Not so fast! I activate my trap! Magic Cylinder! Since you declared an attack, I can negate the attack and inflict your monster's attack points as damage!" Inferno braced himself as his own attack was sent crashing into his life points!
"Not bad! I end my turn." 'Maybe I should've seen that coming. One turn and she's taken out most of my life points in one turn! Just how many skills could this girl be hiding?!'
Inferno: 1000 Sunset: 4000
"Thanks! Now to take things to the next level! I play Fires of Doomsday to bring out two doomsday tokens!" As Sunset activated the card two tokens appeared! 'Looks like my old ace stuck with me.' "Now I tribute my three monsters to summon the Supremacy Sun! Destroy Red Eyes Black Dragon!" Both monsters destroyed themselves due to their attack points being the same. "I end my turn."
"Sweet! You actually helped me out! Since Black Metal Dragon was destroyed, I can add a Red Eyes spell card from my deck to my hand! I'll add Red-Eyes Fusion! Now I'll play it! I'll send another Red Eyes Black Dragon and Summoned Skull from my deck to the graveyard! I fusion summon Archfiend Black Skull Dragon! I'll attack you directly! Archfiend Blaze!" Sunset cringed as she took damage! "Now I activate Black Stone of Legend's effect! I'll return it to my hand and shuffle one of my Red Eyes monsters back into my deck! Now I'll summon and tribute Black Stone to special summon Red Eyes Black Flare Dragon! Now he counts as normal monster on my field! I end my turn." 'Weird. That was an effect monster I destroyed. So why didn't she use its special ability? I got the feeling I'll regret not using Black Skull's effect this turn.'
Inferno: 1000 Sunset: 800
"Good move. But I'm going to be the one to end this! I'll discard a card and special summon the Supremacy Sun since it's my standby phase! Now I equip him with Megamorph to double his attack points! I'll destroy your Red Eyes Black Flare Dragon!" Inferno braced himself as his life points dropped down to zero! "Hope I didn't overdo it. That was my first duel here."
'So that's Supremacy Sun's effect. It can constantly revive from the graveyard!' "Not bad. Quite the comeback!", Inferno said with a smile. "So do you go to CHS too?" Sunset nodded.
"Sure do. Hope to see more of you two also." And with that, Sunset left. 'Looks like I'll have plenty of prospective rivals to duel here.'
"Thanks for showing me this place Inferno, but I'd better get going.", Burst said as he saw his mom pull up. 'All in all, not a bad first day!'
"You look like you've had a good day.", Lumina said as Burst got in her car.
"Yeah. Something tells me this is going to be a good year."
"Oh man. What do I do now?", Gold thought out loudly. "I guess I got what I wished for. This place is someplace new..." Gold had somehow been transported from Equestria to earth. "It's been a week since I got here, and I don't have any place to call home." Fortunately, Gold would not be without a home for long. Pegasus was walking the streets of Canterlot.
'Hmmm. This is the city where I picked up on those two magical disturbances. One is far away. But the other...', Pegasus thought. 'Is very close. And not only that. It's a figure of light. This is new.' Pegasus tracked down the magic to the distraught Gold. Gold in turn noticed Pegasus's presence. "Excuse me my boy?"
"Oh. Hello there. Is there anything I can help you with?", Gold asked with a small smile.
'Even at the worst of times he seems to stay in good spirits. No wonder he has light energy within him.' "I noticed you seem a bit dsitressed. Would you like to talk about it?", Pegasus said as he took a seat next to Gold.
"Well, it's a bit unbelievable.", Gold said.
"Young man. I've seen many things that one would consider unbelievable."
"Well...okay." Gold told Pegasus about his old life in Equestria, and how he had come to earth. "And that's my life."
"I see. Well I can't very well leave you in this state. How would you like to live with me in my mansion? I always wanted a son."
"Wow. This first week has gone by pretty quick.", Burst said to Inferno as they got ready to leave. "It's already Friday."
"I know what you mean dude.", Inferno said with a nod. Soon the group were approached by the girls. "Oh. Hey girls! What's up?"
"We were wondering if you'd like to hang with us!", Rainbow Dash said with a smile. "Come on! It's Friday!"
"Well who can argue with that logic?", Burst said. "Know any places with good sweets?"
"Sugar Cube Corner, here we come!", Rainbow cheered! The group went over to Sugar Cube Corner, but found the whole place was dark as they opened the door.
"Weird...", Burst said as he cautiously entered. Suddenly the light flicked on and a girl with puffy pink hair greeted them.
"SURPRISE!", Pinkie shouted! After Burst and the others got over the initial shock, they smiled. "So did ya like it? Did ya? Did ya?" Burst let out a chuckle.
"Best surprise I've had all week.", Burst said with a smile.
"Awww! Thanks Burst!"
"Wait. How do you know my name?"
"Oh. I found out from the audience!", Pinkie chirped.
"What?"
"Nothing! Now let's PARTY!" Burst and his friends were having the most fun they'd had all week! Inferno had one too many glasses of punch and was nearly on a sugar rush. Pinkie walked up to Burst. "So did you like the party I planned?"
"It's awesome! never quite got your name by the way."
"I'm Pinkie Pie! And I always enjoy throwing parties for my friends!", she chirped. "You know what that means?"
"We're friends?"
"Exactly!" Pinkie hugged Burst tightly.
"Pinkie...this is nice...but you're kinda crushing me!"
"Whoops! Sorry!"
"Thanks for the party, but I'd better get going. My mom might be worried." Burst called his mom and she soon picked him up. "Bye everyone! See you guys around!" Burst's mom was smiling.
"Looks like you've made some pretty good friends Burst.", she said.
"Yeah. I got the feeling things are going to be awesome from here on. Hey mom?"
"Yes?"
"My birthday's coming up soon right?" Burst's mom smiled.
"I guess you want to invite those friends you made?" Burst nodded. "So do you have your presents list ready?"
"Just one thing I want. And it's at the card shop I was at on Tuesday. It was a Blue Eyes White Dragon."
"Well Burst, I'll see what I can do about that."
"All I care is that you tried Mom.", Burst said with a smile. That night, Burst's dreams were centered around the legendary dragon. 'Someday Blue Eyes, we're gonna be partners!' Little known to Burst, Blue Eyes was thinking of him too.
'Something tells me we'll be the best of friends Burst.', Blue Eyes thought.
Burst was excited over the next two weeks. Each day drew closer to his birthday, and nothing could bring him down! "Just have to hold out until this Friday!", Burst thought out loud. At the same time, Burst's mom was at Discord's card shop.
"Hello ma'am! How can I be of help?", Discord asked.
"Yes. I'm here looking for a Blue Eyes White Dragon. You wouldn't happen to have any would you?"
"You must be Burst's mother.", Discord said with a knowing smile. "You're in luck. I've got three of them."
"That's wonderful! How much will they cost?"
"You needn't worry about the price. I saw Burst's eyes when he saw Blue Eyes. I've been playing the game for a long while now, and I can tell when a duelist truly has a bond with a card.", Discord said with a smile. "However, he'll need more cards than that if your son wants to make a deck. So you might want to purchase a few booster packs."
"Thank you.", Burst's mom said as she purchased a few booster packs. Meanwhile, Burst was inviting his friends to his upcoming birthday.
"So are you guys in?", he asked.
"Sure are! No way we're gonna miss it!", Inferno said with a thumbs-up.
"Great! See you all then!"
Roughly two weeks later...
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY BURST!", his friends and loved ones cheered as Burst blew out the candles on the cake Pinkie had made for the party.
"Thanks everyone!", Burst said with a smile.
"Now for the real fun part!", his mom said with a smile. Burst's friends then got the presents they had gotten for him.
"No way...you guys all got me booster packs for Duel Monsters!", Burst said in awe.
"Can't let you play without cards!", Rainbow said with a wink.
"It wouldn't be proper of us darling.", Rarity said with a smile.
"Thanks everyone!"
"Hold on Burst...there's two other presents I have for you."
"What is it Mom?" Burst's mom went up stairs and brought down two presents. One box was small, and the other was large. "Go ahead. Open the small one first." Burst hastily opened the box, and his jaw dropped!
"AWESOME!" Burst had opened the box to find three Blue Eyes White Dragons! "THIS IS THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!"
"It gets even better!" Burst then turned his attention to the large box. He ripped apart the wrapping paper, and opened the box. Inside was a duel disk! "It was your father's. And since you plan on being a duelist, I thought it would only be fit to give you one." Burst hugged his mom tightly.
"Thanks mom. Thank you everyone.", Burst said with the biggest smile he'd ever had. "Today was perfect!"
"This calls for a picture.", his mom said as she got the camera. "Say cheese!"
"CHEESE!", the group said as his mom snapped the picture.
"You know Burst, now we can form a deck with some of the cards from the booster packs. Let's get to deck building!", Inferno said.
"Sure Inferno. But first...CAKE TIME!" The group shared a laugh as they ate cake and helped Burst make a deck with some of the cards from the booster packs. "I can't wait to test this deck out at school next week!"
The next week, Burst had a crazy idea. He noticed Hoops and his goons trying to pick on Rainbow again. "Hey punks! Guess who can take you on in a duel now!" Hoops let out a chuckle.
"This oughta be good! Bring it!"
Burst: 4000 Hoops: 4000
"I got the first turn! I play the field spell U.A. Stadium! Next I'll summon U.A. Midfielder! Now I can add another U.A. monster from my deck to my hand! Then I'll set a card and end my turn!" 'Heh! This wimp probably has the weakest cards if he just put together a deck!'
"I draw!", Burst said as he drew a card. 'Yes! Just what I need!' "I'll summon Maiden with Eyes of Blue and set a card! I end my turn!"
"Hah! You send out a weak monster like that to fight? I'll send it to the penalty box! Midfielder! Attack his Maiden!"
"Not so fast! I activate Maiden's effect! When she's targeted for an attack, I can negate the attack and special summon a Blue Eyes White Dragon from my hand deck or graveyard!" Hoops' jaw dropped when Blue Eyes was summoned from Burst's deck! 'So much for all that attitude earlier!'
"I..I end my turn!"
"My turn then! I draw! Nice! I play The Melody of Awakening Dragon! I discard a card to add two dragon-type monsters with 3000 or more attack and 2500 or less defense to my hand! Now I play Ancient Rules to special summon Blue Eyes White Dragon from my hand! Now I'll attack your Midfielder!"
"Not so fast! I activate my trap! U.A. Penalty Box! At the start of the damage step, I can banish the monster that battles my U.A. monster!"
"I don't think so! I activate my own trap! Chamion's Vigilance to negate and destroy your trap!"
"No!", Hoops wailed as his Midfielder was destroyed! 'I can't bench his monster!'
"It's not over yet! I can still attack with my other Blue Eyes! White Lightning!" Hoops shielded himself as his life points dropped to zero! "And that's game!" Hoops and his cronies ran as fast as they could! 'That'll teach them a lesson!' Burst then looked to Blue-Eyes. 'We did it Blue-Eyes! Our first duel, and we won!' Rainbow Dash laughed as Hoops and his goons ran away like wimps.
"Thanks for the save Burst! Looks like you got to test your new deck sooner than we thought! Hey, you wanna go to the Freshman Fair? The others are already there!" Burst nodded.
"Let's go!" Burst met with the others as they all had fun with the games. "You know, thanks for making this year good so far."
"No prob. dude!", Inferno said as they shared a fist bump. "Let's make sure we always remember this!" The group then went to the photo area and had a picture taken. "That way we'll never forget times like this." All of them were smiling as they each took a copy of the picture.
"Yeah. Now way I'll ever having good friends like all of you.", Burst said with a smile. Meanwhile, Sunset was watching from the shadows. She had also watched Burst's duel.
Burst was going to his locker and getting some supplies from his locker. As he closed the door, he found an unexpected visitor at his locker. "Hi Burst.", Sunset said with a smile.
"Hey. You're that girl from the card shop.", Burst said. "Nice to see you again. But how did you find out my name?"
"I saw you talking with your friends. I'm Sunset Shimmer. And I've gotta say, I'm impressed by your dueling skills."
"Thanks. You're pretty good too. It was pretty back and forth between you and Inferno back at the card shop. So is there something I can help you with?"
"Well, I'm new here. And I don't have many friends. So..would you be my first?", Sunset asked.
"Sure!", Burst said with a smile.
"Thanks! Do you know any ways that'll get a lot of people to recognize me?", Sunset asked.
"Well, there is one way. You could become the princess of the Fall Formal. If you win that, EVERYONE will know your name. I'd vote for you. Another way is to date someone popular. And I think I know the perfect guy for you. He's one of the best rockers I know. Come on!" Sunset followed Burst. When they arrived where Burst was headed, Sunset saw a boy with light yellow skin and spiky blue hair. "Hey Flash!"
"What's up Burst?", Flash asked. "And who's this lovely lady? Your girl?"
"Nope. This here's Sunset. Maybe you could make her feel more welcome."
"My pleasure. Hey, we still on for the performance at lunch today?"
"You know it! See you later! I gotta head for class. You wouldn't mind escorting Sunset would you?" Flash smiled.
"No problem." Burst left the two of them alone and watched with a smile. Hoping that the two of them had good luck in their relationship.
Later at lunch....
"You ready CHS?!", Burst cried as he, Flash, and the rest of the band took the stage. "Let's go!" The band began to play, and Burst started to sing.
Wanna see who has the best Kamehameha? Wanna see the power of dreams when they are raw? Versus! The strongest foe No one but yourself hold you back
A fire burning in my veins is breaking me out of my chains And raising my power to the MAX! Our path's filled with uncertainty, but look ahead, then we will see How we'll become a part of history
When someone beats me up I always get back up My spirit's always coming back And now it's on the attack!
Jump on all your limits and perchance! Throw away your pain in a kind and loving dance! Gorgeous! I'm born again! in the Dragon Balls lies the fate of all man! Wanna see who has the best kamehameha? Wanna see the power of dreams when they are raw? Versus! The future world Where our epic tale will be unfurled! Greater than the best!
"Thank you CHS!", Burst shouted! The whole cafeteria cheered! Sunset seemed to be cheering for Flash pretty loudly! "Best not keep your number one fan waiting." Flash nodded as he went over to Sunset. 'They seem like a good couple so far.', Burst thought. As the Fall Formal approached, Sunset announced that she was competing to be the princess. And in a landslide, she won and was crowned at the dance. As she was crowned, she had a new view of her position.
'This love and admiration, this respect, this power. And it's all mine...', she thought. 'This is what I always wanted.' "Thank you! Thank you all!" Burst, Inferno and their friends smiled.
"Glad I could help you be happy Sunset.", Burst said. "Come on everyone! Time to get down!" And they danced the night away.
Freshman year had come and gone, and Burst was starting to make a name for himself as a duelist. As was Inferno. The two of them were said to be some of the best students at the school. And with this attention, they did not go unnoticed. "Burst Stream and Inferno Flare. Please report to Principal Celestia's office. Thank you.", Vice Principal Luna said over the intercom. Burst and Inferno headed for Celestia's office.
"You wanted to see us?", Burst asked. Celestia smiled at the two of them as they entered.
"Indeed I did. As you know, the two of you are making quite the names for yourselves. And as expected you've drawn quite the amount of attention from other duelists here. So Luna and I had an idea. Why not have a tournament to decide who's the best duelist at CHS? It will start two days from now. So? Are you interested?" Burst and Inferno smiled.
"Count us in!", they both said. The two of them left Celestia's office both excited and nervous.
"Chances are there's going to be some pretty tough competition. Any ideas?", Inferno asked.
"Two words dude. Card. Support. And ! think we know just where to find it.", Burst said with a smile. The two went about their day and met with their friends at lunch. They also noticed Sunset as she walked over to their table. "Hey Sunset! You hear about the tournament?"
"I did. And you two better be ready for a fight because I'm entering.", she said with a smirk.
"You're sure acting a lot more confident. You feeling alright?", Inferno asked.
"I've never felt better!", Sunset said with a smile. "I guess becoming the Fall Formal Princess did the trick for me. Not to mention you introducing me to Flash. He'll be in the tournament too."
"Then it looks like things are going to be pretty exciting.", Burst said with a smile.
"I'm in the tournament too!", Rainbow Dash added. "I can't wait to show off my deck!"
"Then in two days we might be facing each other. Let's rock the dragon!", Burst cheered. The whole table was silent. "What?"
"I think you just made up the most epic catchphrase.", Inferno said with a smile. The day soon ended, and Burst and Inferno headed for Discord's card shop and informed him of the upcoming tournament.
"Sounds like you boys will have quite the challenge. Luckily..." Discord pulled out a case that held cards inside. "I had these set aside should you choose to advance your decks. Other CHS students showed up here looking for cards too, so it looks like you'll be up against some pretty stiff competition."
"Thanks Discord.", Burst said with a nod as he took the cards. "How much do we owe you?"
"A promise. Promise me that no matter how tough a duel gets, you'll always enjoy it.
"We promise.", Inferno said boldly. "After all, isn't fun what dueling is supposed to be about?"
"Tell that to Seto Kaiba.", Discord said with a chuckle as the three of them shared a laugh. As Burst was about to leave, Discord called for him. "Hold on for a minute Burst." Discord fished around in his pocket. "There's something I'd like to give you." Discord pulled a card out of the display case. "This card is said to work well in Black Luster Soldier decks, but Blue Eyes is also mentioned in its text. I don't know what good it will do but you never know. A little bit of chaos can quickly turn the tide."
"Thanks Discord. I don't know how I'll use it, but it'll stay in my deck all the same.", Burst said with a smile
"You might need that card Burst! Because my deck's got PRETTY good support thanks to these new cards!"
"Then we'll just have to see it all in action at the tournament won't we?", Burst said with a smile as he and Inferno fist-bumped. "Let's make it to the finals!"
"Can't wait to face you!" Meanwhile at CHS, Fluttershy was handing out flyers to volunteer at the animal shelter. However, she was having minimal success. Fluttershy sighed.
"Maybe I should just call it quits...", she said quietly. However, a boy came up to her.
"Excuse me? Are you looking for volunteers?", he asked. The boy had grey skin and purple hair. He also had a tail and wolf-life ears.
"oh..y-yes! Yes I am! Would you like to help out? If that's alright with you that is."
"Of course! I'm Night Fang!", Fang said with a smile. Fluttershy smiled in kind.
"Thank you! By the way, your ears looks so real. Do you do cosplay?", she asked.
"Uh...yeah! I liked my ears and tail so much that I wear them all the time!", Fang said with a nervous smile.
"They do look cute on you. Come on. We'll get started at the shelter today." Fluttershy led Fang to the shelter and they got to work feeding and playing with the pets. Fang was especially good with the dogs. If she hadn't known any better, she'd say he was part wolf. She had no idea how right she was.
'Oh man! That was too close earlier!', Fang thought to himself. 'If she knew my ears and tail weren't fake she'd probably scream!' Fang's panicking was interrupted by a puppy licking his face. "Heh heh! That tickles!" Fluttershy smiled as she watched Fang play with the dogs.
'I guess things won't be so lonely here after all.', she thought with a smile.
"Ace! Come down! Dinner's ready!", Ace's mom called out. Ace put his deck away and headed downstairs.
"Thanks for the notice Mom.", Ace said with a smile. Ace sat down to see his brothers Shadow and Ice.
"Hey Ace? I heard your school is throwing a tournament.", Ice asked. "You dueling in it?"
Ace nodded. "Sure am. Can't wait to see what my deck can do."
"Nice. Wish things were half as lively at Crystal Prep. I don't know how much longer I can stand Principal Cinch. I got no idea why she's so determined to put your school down."
"Makes me glad I don't go there.", Ace said with a sigh of relief. Unknown to them, Ice was being watched. Lurking in the shadows. a figure was watching Ice.
"Looks like I've found a suitable puppet.", the figure said ominously. The number 96 glowed on its arm. Meanwhile, Pegasus was talking to Gold about the upcoming tournament at CHS.
"So Gold? Are you interested?", Pegasus asked. Gold nodded.
"First time I've ever heard of a tournament held at school Could be fun! My deck is ready!" Pegasus let out a chuckle.
"Not yet. It's missing something. A monster partner for you. And I have just the one. I made it for you." Pegasus pulled out a small box and opened it. "The Crimson Dragon." Gold was in awe as he took the card.
"I'll always hang onto this Dad."
"And I'll always be watching you. In fact, I'll be spectating at the tournament.", Pegasus said with a smile. All the duelists went to sleep with dreams of the tournament, and their potential victories.
Two days had passed, and the tournament was raging full scale! When the time came for the semi-finals, only eight duelists remained. Burst, Inferno, Steel, Rainbow Dash, Gold, Ace, Sunset, and Flash were left standing. Soon, the matches for the semi-finals were announced. "The first duel of the semi-finals will be Burst Stream against Steel Edge!", Luna announced. Steel and Burst met at the dueling area.
"So you're the guy who uses Blue Eyes? I heard about how you gave Hoops that needed beat-down.", Steel said with a smile. "I always wanted to see how my ace would do against yours."
"Then let's not keep the crowd waiting! Let's duel!"
Burst: 4000 Steel: 4000
"I got the first move! I summon in defense mode and end my turn.", Burst said. 'Hope I'm using this new card support right! The power of a Black Luster Soldier rivals the strength of Blue-Eyes! I can't underestimate Steel's deck!'
"I draw!", Steel said as he drew a card. "I play the field spell Gateway to Chaos! This lets me add a Black Luster Soldier ritual monster from my deck to my hand! Next I'll summon Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands to add a ritual spell to my hand! Now I'll attack your monster with Manju!" Burst's monster was destroyed with a series of hits from Manju! "Next I'll set a card and end my turn!"
"You know, you actually helped me out back there! Now I can special summon a Blue Eyes monster from my deck since White Stone of Ancients was sent to the graveyard and you ended your turn! I'll bring out Dragon Spirit of White! Now that he's been summoned he can banish one spell or trap card you control! I'll banish Gateway to Chaos! Now that it's my move, I draw! Now I can tribute Dragon Spirit to bring out a Blue Eyes White Dragon from my hand! Now I'll destroy your Manju! White Lightning!" Manju was destroyed in a single blast! "I'll end my turn with a face-down card." 'I might've done some damage, but something tells me I'm about to meet the business-end of BLS's sword!'
Burst: 4000 Steel: 2400
"Not a bad move Burst! But it's not over yet! I play Super Soldier Ritual! I'll tribute Sphere Kuriboh and Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight! Now I ritual summon Black Luster Soldier-Super Soldier!" A fierce looking knight with the exact same attack points as Blue Eyes was summoned to the field. "Now I'll attack your monster! Even if both of our monsters destroy each other, you'll take damage thanks to Super Soldiers effect! If he destroys a monster by battle, you take damage equal to that monster's attack points!" Both monsters were destroyed as their attacks connected! "I'll end my turn with a face-down. That's all for me." 'I might've lost Super Soldier, but at least I took off most of Burst's life points! But now my field's empty. Good thing I set that card earlier! That'll keep me in this duel a bit longer!'
Burst: 1000 Steel: 2400
"Didn't expect an effect like that Steel. Not only did you get rid of my monster, but you also took out most of my life points. But now, it's my turn! I draw! I play Silver's Cry! This revives a normal dragon-type monster in my graveyard! Welcome back Blue Eyes! Attack Steel directly!"
"Not so fast! I activate Storming Mirror Force! This'll return your monster to your hand!", Steel said.
'That's what he thinks!' "I don't think so! I activate my own trap! Champion's Vigilance! Since I control a level seven or higher normal monster, I can negate the activation of a spell or trap card, or the summon of a monster and destroy that card!" Steel braced himself as Blue Eyes struck him full force with his attack! Dropping his life points to zero.
"Good duel Burst.", Steel said as he and Burst shook hands. "That was quite the comeback. I didn't expect that last trap card. Good luck in the finals!"
"Thanks Steel. Now to see who's up next." The next match up was Inferno against Rainbow Dash. "This oughta be good."
"Get ready! This duel's going to get 20% more awesome!", Rainbow Dash boasted.
"Looks like things are gonna heat up.", Inferno said with a smile.
Inferno: 4000 Rainbow Dash: 4000
"I got the first turn!", Inferno said. 'Sweet! Got a good starting hand! Time to put that new card support into action!' "First I summon Black Stone of Legend! Then I'll tribute him to bring out Red Eyes Black Flare Dragon! Then I'll set a card and end my turn."
"Not bad bringing out a strong monster!", Rainbow said with a smile. 'Sweet! I can pull off a combo right now!' "I summon Crystal Beast-Sapphire Pegasus! Since he was summoned, I can set a Crystal Beast from my deck in my spell and trap card zone! Next I'll equip him with Crystal Release! This'll boost him by 800 points! Take down his dragon!" Sapphire Pegasus destroyed Red Eyes Black Flare Dragon by striking him with his horn! However, this is what Inferno was hoping for!
"Sorry, but I won't be the only one taking a hit! I activate my trap! Red Eyes Burn! Since you destroyed my Red Eyes monster by battle, I can select it and inflict damage to both of us equal to its attack!" Both Rainbow Dash and Inferno took damage as beams of red energy struck both of them! 'I might've took a hit to my life points, but at least Dash took a hit too! Just gotta wait to really fire up this duel!'
"Sick burn Inferno! I end my turn."
Inferno: 1400 Rainbow Dash: 1600
"Thanks Dash! Now it's my move! I play Pre-preparation of Rites! Now I add a ritual monster and a ritual spell from my deck to my hand! Now I play Dark Dragon Ritual and tribute Red Eyes Black Dragon to my hand! Now I ritual summon Paladin of Dark Dragon! Now I'll tribute him to special summon Red Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon from my deck! Now I'll use his special ability! I'll revive Red Eyes Black Dragon! Let's end this Red Eyes! Inferno Fire Blast!" Rainbow Dash braced herself as her life points fell to zero! "Good game Dash. It was a pretty close call with that early trap I pulled. Imagine how long the duel would have been if we were playing by standard rules."
"Yeah. But we're pressed for time with school being in session. Too bad. It would've been awesome if I brought out my best card! Rainbow Dragon! Meh. Another time, another duel!" After the last duel, Vice Principal Luna made an announcement.
"Attention students! There will be a short break before the last duels of the semi-finals!", she announced. The students took some time to chat about the matches as they anticipated which matches would be next and who would be dueling who.
"Man. Those duel were short, but intense!", Burst said as he caught his breath. "And something tells me things are just getting started."
"Well we know that we made it to the finals. The only question left is who's gonna be left?"
"Looks like you two will be finding out Vice Principal Luna's taking the stage again.", Rarity mentioned.
"Then let's see who's up.", Steel said. And they went to watch the next matches.
"Looks like the next duel is...Sunset vs Flash?!", Burst nearly screamed. "Oh boy. THIS is gonna cause a serious rough patch if either one of them beats the other."
"Hope they don't break up after this.", Inferno said nervously. But as the two took the field, Flash put his hand over his deck! "Wait...no way! He isn't-!"
"He is.", Steel said with a frown. "Flash just forfeited the duel."
"WHAT?!", Rainbow Dash shouted. "But why would he do something like that?"
"Maybe he doesn't want to hurt Sunset?", Burst suggested. Luna then made the announcement.
"Sunset wins the match by forfeit! The last round is Arctic Ace versus Goldenrise!" Both Gold and Ace took the field next.
"Hope you weren't hoping for me to forfeit.", Ace said jokingly as he activated his duel disk.
"You kidding? I was hoping for a good duel!", Gold said as he activated his duel disk. "Let's duel!"
Ace: 4000 Gold: 4000
"I got the first move!", Ace said. 'Not a bad start! Time to see what my spellcasters can do!' "I summon Breaker the Magical Warrior! When he's summoned I can put one spell counter on him to have him gain 300 attack points! Then I'll set two cards and end my turn."
"My turn.", Gold said as he drew a card. "I summon a monster in defense mode and end my turn!"
"If that's the case, I'll attack!" Breaker slashed at Gold's monster, but its attack bounced back! "Oh man! That thing's gotta have high defense! I end my turn."
"My move then! I play The Melody of Awakening Dragon! This lets me add two dragons with 3000 or more attack and 2500 or less defense to my hand! Now I'll switch Keeper of the Shrine to attack mode! Now I can treat him as two tributes for a dragon-type monster! Now I'll tribute him to bring out Crimson Dragon!" A dragon that looked similar to Blue Eyes descended! It had dark red scales and crystal wings! 'No wonder Dad said this card was strong! It looks almost exactly like Blue-Eyes! Let's see what you can do Crimson!' "Now I can target and destroy one monster you control!" A bolt of plasma destroyed Breaker! "Now he gains attack points equal to your monster's attack! Attack him directly! Crimson Plasma Arc!"
"Not so fast! I activate my trap! Negate Attack! This'll stop your attack cold!"
"Not bad. I end my turn."
"Alright! I draw!", Ace said as he drew his next card. "Nice! I summon Berry Magician Girl! When she's summoned I can add a Magician Girl monster from my deck to my hand! Next I'll play Magical Dimension! I tribute Berry Magician Girl to bring out Dark Magician Girl! And now Magical Dimension's other effect goes off! I can destroy one monster on the field! So much for your Crimson Dragon!" A bolt of magic struck down Crimson Dragon! "Attack him directly DMG! Dark Burning Attack!" Gold braced himself as a blast of magic struck him directly! "That's it for my move. I end my turn."
Ace: 4000 Gold: 2000
"Good move. My turn! I draw! I play Return of the Dragon Lords to bring back Crimson Dragon! I'll attack Dark Magician Girl! Crimson Plasma Arc!" DMG was destroyed in a blast of plasma! "Then I'll set two cards and end my turn."
Ace: 1100 Gold: 2000
"My turn! I draw!". 'Man! Crimson's effect is devastating! Good thing it can only be activated when he's summoned! But now I can duel him dragon-to-dragon!' Ace looked at the card he drew "Nice! First I play Dark Magic Veil! This revives DMG from my graveyard! Now that she's on the field, I activate the Eye of Timaeus! I'll fuse it with DMG to summon Dark Magician Girl the Dragon Knight! Now I play Twin Twisters! I'll discard a card to destroy two spell/trap cards on the field!" A twister blew away Gold's face-downs! "Nest I'll activate DMG the Dragon Knight's effect! I'll discard a card to destroy one monster on the field!"
"I don't think so! I banish Return of the Dragon Lords from my graveyard to save Crimson Dragon!" DMG Dragon Knight's effect was deflected!"
"I end my turn.", Ace said.
"I draw! First I'll play Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy your other face-down card! Now I'll attack your monster!" A plasma blast wiped out DMG the Dragon Knight and wiped out the last of Ace's life points! "Good duel Ace."
"Thanks Gold. Now it's down to you and the other duelists in the finals.", Ace said with a smile.
"Come on guys! We're gonna miss it!", Shining Spoon said as he and his friends gathered to watch the finals of CHS's tournament.
"Remind me why we're here again?", Bright Star asked.
"Because my big sis Rainbow Dash is in this tournament! That, and there's a new guy who's been climbing up the ranks really fast!"
"Plus we'll get to see some awesome duels!", Scootaloo added.
"You know there's no arguin' with that logic.", Applebloom said.
"Look! The first match of the finals is starting!", Sweetie Belle said. The group gathered to watch the first round of the finals. It was Burst against Inferno.
"I owe it to you that I really got into this game.", Burst said with a smile. "Let's rock the dragon!"
"Time to see if which dragon will come out on top! Let's duel!"
Burst: 4000 Inferno: 4000
'Time to see which dragon comes out on top!' "I got the first move!", Inferno said as he drew a card. "I summon Black Stone of Legend! Now I tribute him to special summon Red Eyes Black Dragon from my deck! Then I'll equip him with Black Metal Dragon and end my turn!"
"My turn then! I draw!", Burst said. 'Red-Eyes has strength that's almost on Blue-Eyes' level! Just means Inferno and I can go all-out in this duel!' "Nice! I'll play Trade-In to discard a level eight monster in my hand and draw two cards! Then I'll play Return of the Dragon Lords to revive Blue Eyes White Dragon from my graveyard! Then I'll play the Melody of Awakening Dragon! I'll discard a card and add two dragons with 3000 or more attack and 2500 or less defense from my deck to my hand! Now I play Ancient Rules to special summon Blue Eyes White Dragon from my hand! Now I'll contact fuse both of my Blue Eyes! I fusion summon Blue Eyes Twin Burst Dragon! Then I'll play Dragon's Fighting Spirit! Since Twin Burst was special summoned by fusion, I gain an attack for each monster you control! Take down Red Eyes Black Dragon!"
"Wait! Both of our monsters are going to take each other out!", Inferno said.
"Actually, Twin Burst can't be destroyed by battle! Twin White Lightning!", Burst cried out! Inferno winced as his monster was destroyed and his life points took a hit! "I'll end my turn." 'I didn't expect to get in that good a hit, so that probably means Inferno's got a sick comeback planned!'
Burst: 4000 Inferno: 1000
"Didn't think I'd get pinned this early! You've gotten pretty good Burst! Now it's my turn! Since Black Metal Dragon was destroyed, I can add a Red Eyes spell or trap from my deck to my hand! Now I'll play the Red Eyes Fusion I added to my hand! I'll send Red Eyes Black Dragon and Summoned Skull from my deck to the graveyard to fusion summon Archfiend Black Skull Dragon! Now I'll attack your monster! I know he can't be taken down by battle, but you'll still take damage! Also, I can target one Red Eyes normal monster in my graveyard and shuffle it into my deck! Then you take it's attack as damage! And this effect activates when Archfiend Black Skull attacks or is attacked! That's all for me." 'Well, at least I can say I went out giving one last hit! Chances are Burst's got a plan to take care of Archfiend Black Skull. Show me what you've got Burst!'
Burst: 1400 Inferno: 1000
"Hmmm. This is gonna be tougher than I thought! Time to see how I can turn this around!" Burst drew his next card. "Just what I needed! I'll reveal the Blue Eyes White Dragon in my hand to special summon Blue Eyes Alternative White Dragon! Then I'll use his effect! I'll destroy your Archfiend Black Skull Dragon! Also, his name counts as Blue Eyes White Dragon when he's on the field! Now I won't have to worry about his effect! White Lightning Strike!" Inferno's dragon was fried! "Now I'll play Dragon's Mirror! I'll banish Blue Eyes Alternative from my field and the two Blue Eyes in my graveyard! I fusion summon Neo Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon!" The whole crows was in awe! "Let's end this Ultimate! Neo Neutron Blast!" A mighty blast of energy was sent crashing into Inferno! Wiping out the last of his life points!
"Well Burst, you really rocked the dragon with this duel!", Inferno said as he and Burst fist-bumped. "Hope you win this!"
"Thanks Inferno.", Burst said with a smile. However as they were heading back, Shining Spoon and his friends came up to them. "Hello. Is there something we can help you with?"
"You two were awesome! Could you teach us how to duel?!", Shining Spoon asked. Burst smiled.
"I can't say no to those faces."
"Neither can we.", Applejack said as she and Rainbow walked over. "Hey there Applebloom!"
"Hi sis!", Applebloom said as she rushed up to hug her sister. Bolt Dash and Scootaloo ran up to Rainbow and gave her a big hug.
"Hey you two! Miss seeing my awesomeness?", Rainbow asked.
"Yeah we did! Did you make it to the finals Rainbow?", Bolt asked eagerly.
'' Afraid not squirt. Inferno there beat me. I think you'll find him to be a pretty good teacher."
"COOL!" Burst and the other shared a laugh as they went back to their seats to watch the last duel of the finals.
As Gold entered the dueling ring, he felt something familiar. Her whole presence seemed familiar. Almost like...'Equestria? It can't be! I thought I was the only one to get displaced from my old home! Just who is this girl anyway? Aside from her name, I don't know much about her.', Gold thought to himself. "Best of luck to you."
"Don't need it.", Sunset said with a cocky smile. "I'm taking you down no problem!"
'She's certainly confident. But I can sense something else to her. Ambition. And lots of it.'
Gold: 4000 Sunset: 4000
"Hope you don't mind, but I'll take the first move!", Sunset said. "I'll start things off by summoning Blue Flame Swordsman! Next I'll set a trap and end my turn." 'I'd better watch out for his dragon. I can't let him get to it!'
"My move! I draw! Gold said as he drew a card. "I summon Alexandrite Dragon! Attack Blue Flame Swordsman!"
"I don't think so! I activate my trap! Negate attack! That should keep your monster from attacking me for now.", Sunset said with a smirk.
"Good move. I'll end my turn.", Gold said with a small smile. 'This girl's got some serious moves! But the duel's just beginning. And I got the feeling she's just getting started.'
"Thanks. Now then, I'll activate my trap! Metalmorph! I'll equip it to Blue Flame Swordsman! He gains 300 attack! Now I'll attack your dragon! And now Metalmorph boosts my swordsman's attack by half the points of your monster during damage calculation!" Alexandrite Dragon was destroyed in one blazing slash! "That's all for me."
Gold: 2900 Sunset: 4000
"My turn! I summon a monster in defense mode and play Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy your metal morph! I'll end my turn."
"I draw! I'll play Different Dimension Capsule! I'll banish one card face-down! Then during my second standby phase I can add that card to my hand by destroying the capsule! Then I'll play Swords of Revealing Light and end my turn.", Sunset said. 'This should buy me more than enough time to get The Supremacy Sun on the field! Looks like I've lucked-out. He hasn't brought out Crimson Dragon yet!'
"My move then!", Gold said as he drew his card. "I'll summon another monster in defense mode and call it a turn."
"I draw! Perfect! I special summon Lava Golem to your field by tributing two monsters you control! Enjoy your gift!", Sunset said with a smirk. "I'll end my turn now." Gold was confused as he began his turn. Then he felt lava drip on him from Lava Golem! "Do you like it? Each of your standby phases, you take 1000 points of damage!" 'Hah! Looks like I won't even need to bring out The Supremacy Sun. I could just let Lava Golem finish him by the effect damage.'
Gold: 1900 Sunset: 4000
"I haven't even landed a scratch on you yet! Time to see if I can change that!", Gold said as he drew his next card. "Huh. I guess not. Well, at least the duel's still pretty fun!" 'Although she's probably enjoying this more than she should! She sure likes to win. I can tell by the smile on her face.'
"Optimism like that is rare. It's kinda cute.", Sunset said with a small smile. Gold lightly blushed. "Don't get any ideas. I'm spoken for at the moment. Now I can destroy D.D. Capsule to add the card I banished to my hand! Now I play Soul Exchange to tribute Lava Golem and Blue Flame Swordsman! I summon the Supremacy Sun! Attack him directly!" Gold braced himself as his life points dropped to zero from the Supremacy Sun's energy attack!
"Nice move! Didn't see that coming.", Gold said with a smile. Sunset smiled.
"I know. No one can duel quite like me. In fact, I think I could take Burst down no problem!", Sunset boasted. "And I've got the perfect strategy to deal with him..."
"This is it Burst. And I'd say you're going to have one heck of a challenge with Sunset. Did you see how she took down that Goldenrise kid? She used his own monsters against him!", Inferno cautioned.
"Right. Can't let my guard down for a moment against her. She's changed a lot since freshman year."
"Go for it Burst!", the others cheered. Burst nodded as he went to meet Sunset at the dueling ring.
"May the best duelist win.", Burst said with a small smile.
"You're looking at her.", Sunset said with a smirk.
Burst: 4000 Sunset: 4000
"My turn!", Burst said as he drew a card. "I'll summon a monster in defense mode and end my turn!" 'Sunset took down her last opponent without a scratch! I can't afford to take her lightly, so I'd better go on the defensive!'
"Playing it safe I see. I think I'll do the same. I'll summon a monster in defense mode and set a card. I'll end my turn.", Sunset said with a calm smile. 'It doesn't matter if you take my bait or not Burst. On my next turn, I'll be able to unleash the perfect strategy to cripple your deck!'
"Okay then! I draw!" Burst took a good look at the card he just drew. 'The spell card Discord gave me! Too bad I don't know how to use it. And I can't summon the Blue Eyes in my hand right now.' "I end my turn." Sunset had a wicked smile on her face as she heard this.
"My turn. I'll switch Kuriboh into attack mode. Now I'll tribute him to activate my trap! Crush Card Virus! Now I can destroy all monsters with 1500 or more attack you control and in your hand!" Burst's face-down was revealed to be White Stone of Ancients. "Your monster on the field is safe. Now let's see your hand." Burst showed Sunset his hand. "So much for your Blue Eyes. Now you can destroy up to three other monsters with 1500 or more attack from your deck." Burst begrudgingly sent His other two Blue Eyes and Dragon Spirit of White. "Next I'll play Prohibition. I declare the card name: Dragon's Mirror! Now it's effect can't be activated! Now I'll play D.D. Capsule and banish a card face-down! I end my turn." Sunset then looked at Burst's troubled expression. 'Just as planned! I've taken down most of his deck! With his mind in a panic, he'll be a sitting duck!
'Oh man! She just crippled most of my deck! And I'm only on my second turn!', Burst thought. "I draw!" However, no cards in his hand were of use. 'Darn! That virus combo locked down most of my deck! Almost all of my best monsters were sent to the graveyard!' "I pass."
"My move then. I summon Breaker the Magical Warrior! Now I'll destroy your monster!" White Stone of Ancients was destroyed in one slash! "I'll end my turn now."
"I draw!", Burst said as he looked at his new card. 'No point in activating White Stone's effect! If I do, I risk losing another monster!' "I'll set this card for now and end my turn."
"Now that my second standby phase has passed, I can add my banished card to my hand! Now I play Fires of Doomsday! I special summon two doomsday tokens! Now I'll tribute all three of my monsters to summon The Supremacy Sun! Next I'll play Anti-Magic Arrows! You can't activate spells or traps for this turn or in response to this card! Then I'll equip him with Celestial Sword Eatos! Attack him directly! Nova Blast!" Burst winced as most of his life points were burned away! "I'll end my turn.", Sunset said with a triumphant smirk. 'One more turn, and I win the tournament! And without losing a single life point!'
Burst: 500 Sunset: 4000
"Come on Burst! Don't give up!", Inferno shouted!
"You really gonna give up now? Don't do something lame like forfeit! ", Rainbow Dash cried out!
"Rock the dragon!", the CMC and the CMCB cheered. Burst had heard their cries of encouragement, and then noticed a glow coming from the top card of his deck. He then remembered Discord's words before the tournament began. "A little bit of chaos can turn the tide." Burst's eyes widened when he saw the card he drew.
'If there was any time to create some chaos, it'd definitely be now!' "It's been a fun duel Sunset, but I'm gonna end this!", Burst said with a winning smile. Sunset laughed.
" HA HA HA HA! Are you crazy? You've got only 500 life points left! What can you possible do?"
" A little bit of chaos can turn the tide of a duel! But first, I'll activate my trap card! Curse of Anubis! This switches all effect monsters on the field into face-up defense mode and makes their defense zero! Also, their positions can't be changed! Now I activate the ritual spell Chaos Form! Now I'll banish a Blue Eyes White Dragon from my graveyard!" Soon a swirling portal of chaos opened in the sky! "Time for you to meet my new friend! Come on out! Blue Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon!" A powerful dragon landed out of the portal! It's very presence caused the whole crowd to gaze in awe! "Now I'll destroy The Supremacy Sun!" Chaos MAX began to charge up his attack!
"Nice try! But you won't deal me any damage!", Sunset said.
"I don't think so! One of Blue Eyes Chaos MAX's effects is that he inflicts double piercing damage when he destroys a defense mode monster! CHAOS NEUTRON BLAST!" Sunset's eyes widened as The Supremacy Sun was annihilated! Her life points dropped to zero in an instant!
'Impossible....', Sunset thought. 'He beat me in one turn....and I had him in a corner!'
"OTK!", Luna cheered! The whole crowd cheered for Burst! "And now, the champion should get his prize." Burst wondered what Luna meant. There was no trophy for the tournament, but what could she be referring to? He soon saw Principal Celestia walking up to him.
"Congratulations!", Celestia said as she kissed Burst on the cheek! Burst was blushing so hard he could barely process this! And when he could, he smiled instantly. Burst and his friends stopped to have their picture taken to celebrate the win!
"BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!", Burst cheered at the top of his lungs!
For Shadow, it was just a regular day. Until his parents sat him down for a talk. "Mom? Dad? Is something wrong?", Shadow asked. His mom sighed.
"Shadow...we have to send you away for a while. We don't know for how long, but we promise you will come home one day.", she said sadly.
"But..but why?", Shadow asked. "Why do I have to leave?"
"Because Ice has been targeted by an evil monster.", his dad said. "And it seeks to destroy you and Ace."
"No...Ice would never do that!"
"We know, but the number that is after him won't let him have control of his own actions. However..." Shadow's dad pulled out a box with a card inside it. "We can give you the means to protect yourself. Meet your partner and guardian. Number 46: Dragluon." Dragluon materialized.
"Greetings Shadow. You needn't worry about being alone.", Dragluon said with a smile. Shadow gave a small smile in return.
"As of the moment, Ace is the only one capable of saving Ice. But for now , you must hide Shadow. Until Ice is defeated, you're not safe here. You'll be living with your grandparents for a time. I'll be taking you now.", his mom said. Shadow nodded as he and his mom left. Meanwhile, Ice was walking home from school.
'Man. The way people duel here is so lifeless. Wish I had a card that could help me liven things up here.', Ice thought to himself.
"I can help with that.", a voice said. Ice was stunned!
"Who's there?!", he demanded. From the shadows a card with the number 96 on it materialized.
"My name is Dark Mist. I've been watching you Dark Ice, and I've seen your desire to bring passion into this school's dueling. Use me, and not only will you revolutionize dueling here. I will give you the power to shake this pitiful school's foundation!" Ice slowly reached his hand out towards Dark Mist. Ice was shocked when dark power poured into him! Slowly, he felt dark desires clouding his mind. The number 96 glowed on his left arm. "Now then...time for a little family visit.", Ice said with a dark smile as he returned home. When he arrived, he saw only his dad at home. His dad sighed as he turned to face his son. Or rather, the shell his son had become when Dark Mist took hold.
"Hello Ice.", his dad said.
"Hey old man. Where's Shadow?", Ice asked.
"He's safe from you. That's all I'll tell you and Dark Mist." Ice frowned.
"So be it." Ice sent out a blast of shadow energy that knocked his dad back! "You tell Ace I'll be waiting for him at the duel park..." And with that, Ice left. Ace had arrived home only a few moments later, and was shocked to find the door open and his dad on the floor! Ace's dad told him what happened.
"If that's the case...I've gotta save Ice! I promise I'll bring him home!" And Ace left to find Ice.
"Ace...I don't think Ice is going to come home so easily...."
Ace made a mad dash for the duel park and found Ice waiting for him. "ICE!" Dark Ice turned around and had an evil smile on his face.
"Hey bro. I see you got my message.", Ice said calmly.
"Ice...this isn't you! Whatever's gotten a hold of you, we can fight it together! Please...let's go home."
"....I don't want to fight it! This power lets me gain the strength of any duelist by taking their rarest cards! Maybe I'll target the winner of your school's tournament!"
"if that's how it's gonna be....I'm going to stop you!", Ace said as he activated his duel disk.
"I know you're gonna try..."
Ace: 4000 Ice: 4000
"I got the first move! I summon a monster in defense mode and end my turn.", Ice said.
"I draw!", Ace said. "I summon Defender the Magical Knight! And since I summoned him, I can place one spell counter on him! Next I'll attack your monster!" Defender destroyed Ice's monster, but that was Ice was hoping for! "I end my turn." 'Ice. ....I'm gonna bring you home! I promised Dad! I'm not leaving here without you!'
"You just helped me out! Now I can special summon two more giant germs! And since you destroyed my first Giant Germ, you take 500 points of damage!" Ace winced as his life points took a hit! Two more Giant Germs then appeared on Ice's field! "Now I'll overlay my two Giant Germs! Rise! Number 96: Dark Mist!" A sinister looking monster with the number 96 on its arm materialized. "Now I'll attack your monster! And because I'm battling, I can detach an overlay unit to halve your monster's attack! Then Dark Mist gain that attack! Destroy his magical knight!"
"Not so fast! I'll remove the spell counter I put on Defender to keep him on the field! I'll take a hit, but I'll still have a monster on my field!"
"Not bad. But it won't be enough! I'll end my turn for now with a face-down card." 'All I need to do now is wait for the right opening.
Ace: 3400 Ice: 4000
"Too bad your monster doesn't get that huge of a boost from his effect! I draw!", Ace said as he drew his card. "I tribute Defender to summon Dark Magician Girl! Then I'll equip her with a card and end my turn." 'C'mon Ice! Take the bait...'
Ace: 3400 Ice: 4000
"My move! I'll discard a card to activate Lightning Vortex! This destroys all monsters you control! Now I play Shield and Sword to flip the attack and defense of all monsters on the field! Now I'll attack you directly!" Ace braced himself as Dark Mist slashed at him directly! "That'll be all for my turn." 'Dark Mist wasn't kidding when he said I'd gain great power! Normally Ace would have me down to half my life points now. But it seems the tables have turned this time!'
Ace: 2400 Ice: 4000
"My turn! I draw! Now the equip spell I had on DMG activates! I revive DMG from my graveyard! Now I'll play the Eye of Timaeus! I'll fuse it with DMG to fusion summon DMG the Dragon Knight! Now I'll activate her effect! I'll discard one card to destroy Dark Mist! Attack him directly!" Dark Mist was destroyed by a bolt of magic, and Ice braced himself as Timaeus's flames crashed into his life points! "I end my turn!" 'Almost there! Just gotta last another turn! Then Ice is safe!'
Ace: 2400 Ice: 1400
"I activate my trap! Xyz Reborn! I'll revive Dark Mist and I can attack Xyz Reborn to him as xyz material! Now I'll attack and detach his overlay unit to halve your monster's attack!" 'There's no way I'm going down unless I take Ace with me!
"I don't think so! I can activate DMG Dragon Knight's effect during either player's turn!"
"NO!", Ice howled as Dark Mist was destroyed!
"Now it's my turn! I'll attack you directly for game!" Ice shielded himself as his life points dropped to zero! "Ice...?", Ace asked. Ice was completely still, but then he quickly moved and stole Ace's Eye of Timaeus! "What the?!" Ice then started to fade away into the shadows! "Ice wait!" But Ice had already slipped away. 'He's gone! I failed! I promised Dad! I promised him that I'd bring Ice home!' Ace hit the ground in sorrow as tears fell from his eyes. When Ice re-materialized, he was far away and his head was a blur.
"Why...why do I have Ace's card? Why did I even duel him?", Ice thought out loud. However, Dark Mist had other ideas. He magnified Ice's hunger for power, and implanted false memories of Ace mocking him. 'All those losses...ALL THOSE HUMILIATING DEFEATS!'
"We must destroy your rival Ice. We must CRUSH Ace!", Dark Mist commanded. "But first we will need more power. You know what we must do."
"Yes...YES! When we return, Ace will be finished!", Ace said as Dark Mist took greater control of him. And with that, Dark Mist's hold had grown as the two left to increase their dark power. Meanwhile, Ace had returned home with a sad look on his face. He found both of his parents waiting for him.
"I failed. Ice stole The Eye of Timaeus. And now I don't know if I'll ever see him again. I tried to convince him to stop...but he didn't want to." Both of his parents hugged him tightly.
"Ace. You didn't fail. If Ice is still out there, then he can still be saved.", his mom said. Ace nodded and went to bed. Hoping to sleep this night off like a bad dream.
A few weeks had passed by, and the Fall Formal came once again. However as the dance approached, Sunset seemed to have actual competition this year. However, just a few days after the other girl had announced she was running to be the Fall Formal Princess, she dropped out and Sunset ran unopposed. Apparently, some embarrassing photos of her had ruined her image. But the way the pictures looked didn't seem quite right. "This doesn't seem right.", Burst said. He looked up the poses the girl was in and compared them with similar pictures. He then found out the pictures were faked! And the last one to access the photos was..."Sunset? ", the rest of Burst's friends nearly shouted. "You mean ta tell us she leaked that rumor just so she could be the princess again?", Applejack asked. "I KNEW something about her was off!"
"Why would she go through all this trouble? And she seemed so friendly when you first met her.", Rarity said.
"Something tells me that was all an act.", Rainbow Dash said.
"And due to her dating Flash, she seems to be getting quite popular. Not to mention she got QUITE the bit of attention when she was crowned princess last year.", Steel added. "I'd say she's got her mind set on running this place. Some of the other students are even separating into groups!"
"And something tells me she's only going to only get more control as the year goes on. She's even acting meaner. Did you see how she treated you and her other opponents in the tournament?", Inferno mentioned.
"Yeah. And something tells me it's only getting worse...", Burst said. Soon enough the Fall Formal came and Sunset was crowned princess. Again. "Sunset....someone's going to have to stand up to you soon. But it won't be me..."
It was the start of a new year, and Burst headed into CHS. However, he saw a most distressing sight. The girls were fighting! Burst decided to step in if only to diffuse the situation. "Girls! Would you all cut this out?!" The girls stopped long enough to listen to Burst. "Okay. Can any of you explain why you're at each other's throats?"
"Pinkie ruined my silent auction with fireworks!", Fluttershy stated.
"I thought you wanted a party!", Pinkie countered.
"Don't you play innocent Pinkie! I always offer to help with decorations, but you always say you've got plenty of help! Then I find out you're doing everything yourself!", Rarity huffed.
"Rainbow ditched mah bakesale!", Applejack fumed.
"You text me that it was on a different day!", Rainbow countered. Burst couldn't believe it! These girls were once the five closest friends he'd ever seen! Now they were arguing so loud almost the whole school could hear it! From the hallway, Sunset was watching with a wicked smile.
"Just as planned....", she said as she walked off. Burst shook off what he saw earlier, and went about the rest of the day. But come lunch period, he saw that every student in the cafeteria was isolated to an area where other students of their social group were! "Isn't it nice Burst?", Sunset asked. Burst turned to face her. "It's the system I've set up. Much more efficient since I rule this place.", Sunset said with a cocky grin.
"Is there a reason you're telling me this?", Burst asked.
"I want you to be my enforcer Burst. You're the best duelist in the school. And if you join, you would be rewarded greatly. So are you interested?" Burst was right. Sunset had gotten worse! She was almost down-right evil!
"No thanks Sunset. I know where I stand. And it isn't with you!" The whole cafeteria was silent when they heard Burst's defiance! Sunset frowned.
"Fine. Be the hero Burst. If you're not with me, then you're against me." Sunset left. Burst just sighed as he got his lunch and sat with Inferno and Steel.
"I guess you guys aren't having any better a day than me?", Burst asked.
"Yup.", Inferno said flatly. "How did things get so bad? To think...the girls were so close freshman year!"
"Something ain't adding up guys.", Steel added. "Dash is the most loyal person I know. No way she'd ever ditch anyone!"
"Come to think of it...the reasons the girls are hating each other doesn't make any sense! NONE of what they said the other did is in line with their respective character." Burst then came to a realization. "And I have a good idea of who's responsible..." The guys were soon joined by Flash. Once he sat down, his head hit the table! "Flash are you okay?!"
"Sunset and I broke up. It wasn't anything I did. I...I just don't like the person she's become!", Flash said with a pained expression. "Turns out she was just going out with me because I'm popular." The guys were shocked.
"Man...so sorry to hear that dude.", Steel said as he patted Flash on the back.
"Geez! That's cold.", Inferno added. As the others were trying to lift Flash's spirits, Burst was deep in thought.
Inferno was strolling the halls when he noticed Rarity. And he was dazzled at the sight before him! 'Whoa! I thought she was cute before! But now...' Inferno took another glance at Rarity. 'She's drop-dead gorgeous!' Inferno then saw Rarity tailing a guy. From the looks of it he was one of those stuffy rich kids. And it was one Inferno and the rest of the school knew all to well. 'Great. She's into guys like Blueblood. Then again, she is into the gentleman type. At the very least, I can at least see if she's happy with him.' Inferno then noticed that Rarity was carrying Blueblood's books. And as he continued to tail them, he noticed that Blueblood was using her like a doormat! He even made HER open doors for him! But what really tore it for him was seeing him try and make Rarity carry him over a puddle in the hallway!
"That's it! I've had it with you!", Rarity snapped! "You may have the look of a gentleman, but you're the rudest person I've ever met! Have you no sense of how to treat a lady?!" Blueblood scoffed.
"A commoner like you is beneath me. In fact, it's time I put you in your place." Blueblood was about to slap Rarity, but Inferno moved faster than anyone could see! He knocked away Blueblood's hand and executed a powerful uppercut! Knocking him out!
"SHORYUKEN!", Inferno shouted as his punch hit Blueblood! With Blueblood down for the count, Inferno turned to face Rarity. "Sorry if I lost it back there. I just can't stand guys like him!" Rarity's mind had blocked out Inferno's words and focused solely on what he had done for her.
'He stepped in without any hesitation! He saved me. And...he's grown so much since I first met him.' Rarity smiled. 'Maybe the someone I've been looking for has been under my nose the whole time...'
"Rarity? You alright? You've been staring at me for a little while.", Inferno asked.
"Oh. Sorry darling! Thank you for intervening.", Rarity said with a smile.
"Well, I can't stand to see people with ugly hearts be with people with beautiful hearts like yours.", Inferno said with a blush. "Sooo, are you up to anything later?" Rarity smiled as she brushed Inferno's cheek with her hand.
"Would you like to be my handsome dragon Inferno?", she said as she leaned into his ear. "Because I'd love to be your treasure.", she whispered. Inferno smiled.
"It's a date." And with that, they sealed their date with a kiss.
"I'll see you later darling!", Rarity said with a wink. "That is...unless you'd like to walk me to class?"
"My pleasure.", Inferno said as he and Rarity walked together.
Steel was enjoying a free period and decided to see what Rainbow Dash was up to. As per usual, Steel found her on the soccer field making shots. "Trying to break your own record?", Steel asked with a smile. "You're already the school's top athlete."
"Heh. Thanks. You know, most guys don't find me their ideal type.", Rainbow said as she continued to practice her moves. "Guess I'm just too much of a tomboy for them!"
"Their loss.", Steel said with a grin. "I like a girl who can kick my butt."
"Really now? Then I guess you won't mind dueling me to put that to the test!", Rainbow said with a smirk.
"Challenge accepted."
Steel: 4000 Rainbow Dash: 4000
"I got the first move! I summon Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight! Now I can add a Black Luster Soldier monster from my deck to my hand! Then I'll end my turn."
"I draw! First I'll activate Crystal Tree! Then I'll summon Crystal Beast-Sapphire Pegasus! When he's summoned I can set a crystal beast from my hand, deck, or graveyard in my spell and trap zone! Now Crystal Tree's effect activates! I can place one crystal counter on it when a crystal beast is put in my spell and trap card zone! Then I'll set a card and end my turn!"
"In that case, I'll take down your Pegasus! Spiral Spear Strike!"
"I choose not to put Pegasus in my spell and trap zone! Now I can activate Crystal Pair! Since Pegasus was destroyed by battle I can set another Crystal Beast from my deck in my spell and trap zone! Now I can add another crystal counter on Crystal Tree! Now I'll send Crystal Tree to the graveyard to set two more Crystal Beasts in my spell and trap zone! Then I'll play Crystal Beacon to special summon a Crystal Beast from my deck! I special summon Emerald Tortoise in defense mode! Then I'll set a card and end my turn!"
Steel: 4000 Rainbow Dash: 3900
"My move! I draw! I'll summon Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands to add a ritual spell from my deck to my hand! I'll add Super Soldier Ritual! Now I'll tribute Charging Gaia on my field with Sphere Kuriboh from my hand! I ritual summon BLS-Super Soldier! Now I'll attack your Emerald Tortoise!"
"I don't think so! I activate my trap! Rainbow Path! I'll send a Crystal Beast from my spell and trap zone to the graveyard to negate your attack and add Rainbow Dragon to my hand!"
"Not bad. I'll call it a turn for now."
"I draw! Sweet! I summon Ruby Carbuncle! Now I summon Rainbow Dragon!" Rainbow Dragon descended from the heavens and onto the field! "Now I'll take down your Super Soldier! Spectrum Surge!" Steel cringed as his monster was destroyed! "And then I'll end my turn with a face-down."
Steel: 3000 Rainbow Dash: 3900
"My turn! I'll switch Manju into defense mode and end my turn.", Steel said.
"My turn! I activate my trap! Crystal Raigeki! I'll send a Crystal Beast from my spell and trap zone to the graveyard and destroy one monster you control!" Steel's monster was destroyed by a crystallized lightning bolt! "Now I'll send all the Crystal Beasts I control to have Rainbow Dragon gain 1000 attack points for each! Then I'll attack you directly for game!" Steel's life points dropped to zero in a flash! "So? Still like girls who can kick your butt?" Steel said nothing as he walked over to Rainbow Dash, and then he kissed her!
"Hope you're free Friday.", Steel said with a smile as he walked off. Rainbow Dash just blushed! 'Maybe this year won't be so bad afterall.'
Burst sighed. Ever since last year, everyone was scared to even look at Sunset. It was like she ruled the school with an iron fist! And speaking of said girl, Burst noticed Sunset bullying Fluttershy! He was about to step in, but another girl intervened first! She had lavender skin, and dark purple hair with a light magenta streak in it. Even more incredible was that this girl was standing her ground!
"Hmph. It's obvious you don't know how things work around here!", Sunset said with a smirk.
"Only because you make it that way.", Burst said as he approached. Sunset scoffed.
"Whatever. I'm outta here!" And with that, she walked off. Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief.
"That was incredible!", she said. "I didn't think there was anyone bold enough to stand up to Sunset Shimmer."
"Sunset Shimmer?", the new girl asked.
"Well, no one but Burst or Inferno.", Fluttershy added.
"That's great! Can you take me to either of them?", the new girl asked.
"Actually, Burst is right behind you." The new girl turned around to face Burst.
"Oh. Thanks for the help! I'm Twilight. Twilight Sparkle."
"Burst Stream. You must be new here. We'd better get you to Principal Celestia's office if you're gonna be going here." As Burst led Twilight to the principal's office, he managed to stir up a bit of a conversation. "Let me say Twilight. You've got guts. I didn't think there was anyone willing to stand up to Sunset except me or my best friend Inferno."
"From the sound of things she seems to run this place.", Twilight said.
"You're not wrong. Here we are. Hope to see you later!" And with that, Burst went off to his classes. Twilight in the meantime got used to CHS and found out about what had happened to her crown. As the day went on, lunch period soon arrived and Burst got a text from Pinkie to meet her in the gym. "You wanted help with something?"
"Yup! Sorry to make you miss lunch, but I need help getting the decorations ready for the Fall Formal!", Pinkie chirped. "Care to lend a hand?"
"Sure thing!" Pinkie was trying to figure out how to best decorate when Twilight showed up again.
"Pinkie Pie?", Twilight asked. Pinkie rushed over and got a good look at Twilight.
"Are you psychic?", Pinkie asked. Twilight was talking with Pinkie, so Burst decided to see what they were up to.
"Well fancy meeting you here again.", Burst said with a smile.
"Oh. Hi again Burst!"
"So what brings you here anyway?"
"Fluttershy said this was where I could find the head of the Fall Formal Planning Committee."
"Fluttershy, huh?", Pinkie said. "Don't let the name fool you. She can be a real meanie!" Burst sighed.
"Great. Now that old wound is opened up."
"Um? Could one of you tell me just what the Fall Formal is?", Twilight asked. Pinkie explained to Twilight about being crowned princess. At hearing the mention of the crown, Twilight signed up immediately! Applejack soon showed up next with an order of fizzy apple cider.
"Hi Burst! Missing out on lunch?", Applejack asked.
"Yeah. But no biggie. Need any extra help unloading?" Applejack nodded, and Burst went to help out Big Mac with the rest of the cases. When Burst came back in, Applejack was just warning Twilight about Sunset. "Wait. You're saying you're planning on running against Sunset?", Burst asked Twilight.
" 'Fraid so Burst. But when it comes to backstabbing the only one worse is Rainbow Dash.", Applejack said.
"Rainbow Dash?", Twilight asked. As Applejack was going off about Rainbow, Burst just shook his head. He KNEW there was no way Rainbow would leave anyone hanging. Suddenly the doors slammed open! It was Sunset and she had her lackeys in tow.
"This. Looks. Terrible!", she screamed. "There should be more streamers by the stage and fewer balloons!" Sunset then approached the order of cider Applejack had brought. "Fizzy apple cider?! UGH! This is my coronation! Not a hoedown!"
"Well now, it ain't necessarily gonna be YOUR coronation this year!", Applejack retorted.
"Is that so?" As the two of them went back and forth, Burst helped Twilight make a quick exit.
"Might be better if you didn't stick around for this part." Twilight nodded. Meanwhile, Sunset had just found out about Twilight.
Burst was filling up on some chips from the vending machine when he noticed Twilight having a run-in with Sunset. The two were apparently done talking when he showed up, and Sunset made a hasty retreat. Twilight then turned to Burst. "Why does she seem to back off when you're around?"
"Sophomore year we had a duel monsters tournament, and the last round was me against Sunset. She had me down to just 500 life points on her second turn, and she had crippled most of my deck with Crush Card Virus. However, I was able to score a comeback victory. And as far as her record goes, I've been the only duelist to beat her."
"Wow. No wonder.", Twilight said in awe.
"So do you play Duel Monsters too?", Burst asked. Twilight's face lit up!
"Are you kidding? It's only one of my favorite games!", she nearly screamed. "Especially since it's a strategy game!"
"Sounds like we'll have to duel sometime. Also, I'll definitely be voting for you. Someone's gotta take a stand against Sunset.", Burst said with a smile. And with that, Burst headed home. Meanwhile, Twilight prepared to stay the night at school. Spike got out and snuggled up to Twilight.
"That Burst guys seems nice.", Spike said with a smile. "Plus, he seemed sad when he saw this world's versions of your friends not getting along. He probably knew them."
"Could be Spike. He must have pretty good monsters if he was able to beat Sunset Shimmer.", Twilight said with a smile. "But we can find all that out tomorrow. Good night Spike."
"Night Twilight."
The next day...
Twilight woke up and made sure to put away her makeshift bed made of books. After she left, she was grabbed and dragged into a room and found the counterpart to Rarity putting clothes on her. "Perfect.", Rarity said. "No one should recognize you."
"What are you talking about?", Twilight asked. Just then Applejack walked in.
"There ya'll are! Ah've been looking all over!"
"Hey Rarity.", Inferno said as he entered the room. "So who's your latest model?"
"Inferno, darling. This is Twilight."
"The girl crazy enough to stand up to Sunset? Nice to meet you. I'm Inferno Flare. Rarity's boyfriend."
"Nice to meet you Inferno. But what is this all about?", Twilight asked.
"She doesn't know?", Pinkie asked as she came in. "Look at this!" It was a video that showed Twilight trying to adjust to the human world! As the others were watching it, Burst and Fluttershy came in.
"We came as soon as we saw the video.", Fluttershy said.
"This is starting to look pretty bad.", Burst added. "Looks like Sunset's throwing everything she's got just to get you to drop out." Twilight's heart sank.
"What am I going to do now? No one's going to vote for me after this!"
"It might not make a big difference, but I'll still vote for you.", Fluttershy said.
"I'm still voting for you too.", Burst said with a thumbs-up.
"You got my vote. Anyone willing to stick it to Sunset is worthy of being Fall Formal Princess!", Inferno said with a smile.
"If you're still thinking of running I can help!", Pinkie said.
"Word of advice? Don't accept her help.", Fluttershy said bitterly. "She doesn't take anything seriously."
"Why do you have to be so mean?", Pinkie snapped. Rarity scoffed.
"Don't play innocent Pinkie Pie. You're no better than she is."
"What's that supposed to mean?!", Pinkie said with a raised voice.
"I'm perfectly happy to offer my assistance as well. To someone who would APPRECIATE what I have to offer!"
"Listen to ya'll carryin' on!", Applejack said. "Get over it and move on!"
"You mean like YOU'VE gotten over Rainbow Dash?", Rarity countered.
"She made a liar outta me! It's completely different!" As the girl continued their arguement, Burst and Inferno couldn't stand it any longer!
"ENOUGH!", the two of them shouted. The girls turned their eyes on them. Burst was the first to find his voice.
"Look at all of you. What happened?! All of you used to be the best of friends! I should know! You're all the first friends Inferno and I ever had!" Burst showed them the photo of all of them together at the Freshman Fair. His anger had subsided and was replaced with sadness. "Don't any of you remember?"
"The Freshman Fair. Ya'll remember?", Applejack asked.
"Yes...", the rest of the girls agreed sorrowfully.
"But something happened.", Inferno added. "Twilight? I think you can figure out what that something was." Twilight nodded.
"Sunset Shimmer."
"Inferno, darling. Your theory is nice, but Sunset Shimmer has nothing to do with this.", Rarity said.
"She's right.", Fluttershy added. "Susnet's not the one who ruined my silent auction for the animal shelter with fireworks and noisemakers."
"What are you talking about? You sent me a text that you didn't want a silent auction, you wanted a big party!", Pinkie retorted as she pulled out her phone and showed Fluttershy the text.
"I-I never sent you a text.", Fluttershy replied.
"You didn't?", Pinkie asked.
"You don't think she's the one who's been sending me those e-mails do you?", Rarity began. "Every time I volunteer to help with decorations at a school function, I get an email from Pinkie Pie saying she has plenty of volunteers. And then I find out she's done everything herself."
"I never sent you any emails.", Pinkie said as she turned to face Twilight, Inferno, and Burst.
"Maybe she's the reason Rainbow Dash never showed for my bake sale.", Applejack suggested.
"Did you ever ask Rainbow Dash why she never showed up?", Twilight asked. Applejack blushed slightly.
"You know. maybe now would be a good time to start.", Burst said with a smile. The group headed for the soccer field and Applejack met up with Rainbow Dash. Steel took his leave and sat with the others.
"I think the healing process had begun.", Steel said with a small smile as he sat down.
"They're talking. That's a good sign.", Rarity commented. Applejack and Rainbow Dash then hugged.
"Hugs! Hugs are always good!", Pinkie added.
"Somebody, an' Ah think we can all guess who, told Rainbow Dash that my bake sale had been moved to a different day. Dash showed up with all the softball team and thought Ah'd cancelled on her." Rainbow then approached Twilight.
"So, you're looking to dethrone Sunset Shimmer and become the Princess of the Fall Formal, huh?" Rainbow then began kicking a soccer ball into the air. "Gotta say, I'd really love to see that. I'll totally help you out. All you gotta do is beat me in a game of one-on-one."
"What?", Twilight said with a worried frown.
"First to five goals wins!" As the contest began, Twilight was no match for Rainbow Dash's speed and athletic ability. As the game went on, Rainbow had four goals to Twilight's zero. However, Twilight soon had the perfect chance! Seeing the ball alone, she went and tried to kick it! But she tried too hard and wound up missing it! Rainbow Dash then closed in on the ball and scored the final goal. Twilight fell to the ground exhausted. "That's game!" Rainbow then held out her hand to help Twilight up. "So what's the plan? How can I help you be Princess and not Sunset Shimmer?"
"But..I lost..", Twilight said with a confused expression.
"Of course you lost. I'm awesome! But I'm not gonna help just anybody try and beat Sunset Shimmer. The Fall Formal Princess should be someone with heart and determination." Twilight had a bright smile on her face as he hope was renewed. "And you proved you got both."
As school let out, Burst and the others went to Sugar Cube Corner. While there, Twilight bumped into Flash. And from the look of things, they'd bumped into each other before. "Looks like you're interested in Flash.", Burst remarked.
"Don't even think about it darling.", Rarity cautioned to Twilight. "It's bad enough Sunset Shimmer knows you're running against her. Imagine what she'd do if she found out you were trying to steal her ex-boyfriend."
"Ex-boyfriend?", Twilight asked. Burst, Inferno and Steel sighed.
"I don't think she'd be that upset. Sunset was just dating him to get popular.", Inferno said flatly. "Come to think of it, the two of you make a cute couple." Twilight blushed.
"Movin' on...", Applejack said. "We gotta change how people see Twilight. Any ideas?"
"I've got it!" Rarity then pulled out a pair of yellow horse ears with a blue headband and a blue and yellow tail. "Freshman year they were very popular. So I was thinking maybe we could wear them as a sign on unity! So what do you think?" Everyone gave their sign of approval.
"Sounds like a good idea! And maybe this'll reunite the school again!", Steel added. And the group made their plan to enact tomorrow.
The next day...
It was a normal day for the students of CHS, and lunch period had just hit. While the students were chatting, Burst and his friends put their plan together. All of them were wearing CHS Wondercolt sweaters. And their plan started by Pinkie creating a rhythm by banging her tray against the lunch counter. As the rest of the girls continued the beat, Inferno turned on the radio that was next to them. Burst, Inferno, and Steel watched as the girls sang. "I think its working.", Burst whispered. Inferno then noticed Sunset talking to Snips and Snails and she had an evil smile while she did so.
"Something tells me she's up to no good.", Inferno whispered as he motioned at Sunset. "Let's see if we can tail her lackeys." Burst and Steel nodded as they followed Snips and Snails. When they caught up to them, all of the decorations for the Fall Formal were trashed!
"Something tells me Twilight's gonna get blamed for this.", Steel said with a frown.
"So this is Sunset's plan! But what's the rest of it?!", Burst asked.
"You'll find out soon enough.", Sunset said with a smirk. Burst and the others turned to face her! Their eyes blazing with fury. "I just told Vice Principal Luna that Twilight destroyed the decorations. And I have pictures to prove." Sunset fished some pictures of Twilight out of her jacket pocket. As the guys paid attention to the poses Twilight was in, they noticed they mirrored when Twilight was going against Rainbow Dash at the field earlier! "Have fun trying to clean this mess 'heroes'!", Sunset said with a cruel smile as she left.
"How are we gonna clear Twilight now?", Inferno asked. Flash showed up next.
"I think I can help with that. I found these in a trash can.", Flash said as he pulled out some photos that were cut-out.
"Then you'd better hurry to Vice Principal Luna's office!", Burst said. Just as Twilight was being questioned, Flash showed the photos to Vice Principal Luna.
"In light of this new evidence, you may of course continue your bid to be crowned the Princess of the Fall Formal.", Luna said.
Twilight smiled as she hugged Flash! The two of them then met up with Burst and the others. "So...I was wondering...", Flash began as the two walked. "If you're not going with anyone else, would you mind going to the Fall Formal with me tomorrow night?" Twilight was about to agree when she heard that last bit.
"Tomorrow night?! No!" Twilight then ran off. The guys went to comfort Flash and after his spirits were elevated they decided to meet up with the girls and see what Twilight was freaking out about. They all arrived at Carousel Boutique and asked Twilight what was wrong.
"Anyone got any guesses as to why she's so upset?", Steel asked. Twilight then stepped out from the curtain she was hiding in.
"The Fall Formal isn't happening tonight. It had to be postponed because Sunset had Snips and Snails destroy all the decorations.", Twilight said with a defeated sigh.
"WHAT?", Pinkie screeched.
"But the Fall Formal has to happen tonight.", Twilight insisted.
"Why?", Applejack asked.
Twilight sighed. "You see..."
Pinkie took a huge breath. "You're from an alternate world and you're a pony princess there and the crown actually has a magical element embedded in it that helps power up other elements and without it they don't work and you need them to help protect your magical world and if you don't get your crown back tonight you'll be stuck in this world and you won't be able to get back for like a really, really long time!" Pinkie finished with a huge smile. All the others were shocked at hearing this. "
Yeah. I'm pretty sure that's not the reason.", Rainbow Dash said.
"No. She's pretty spot on.", Spike said.
"He can talk!", Rarity gasped.
"Oh yeah!", Spike said. "And back where I'm from I'm not a dog. I'm a ferocious fire-breathing dragon!" Fluttershy then pushed Rarity aside just to get at Spike.
"This is so amazing! Tell me, what are you thinking right now?", Fluttershy asked excitedly.
"Sure would love a scratch behind the old ears.", Spike said as he approached Rarity. While Rarity was still trying to comprehend Spike talking, Burst and Inferno went up to the dragon-turned-dog.
"So you're a real dragon? Cool!", Inferno said.
"Our monster partners are dragons too.", Burst said with a smile
"Sweet! Mind showing me?", Spike asked. Burst and Inferno then pulled out their dragons, and Spike went slack-jawed. "Th-those are the Blue Eyes White Dragon and Red Eyes Black Dragon!", Spike said in awe! "No wonder Sunset backed off! Those two are legendary in the game!" Burst let out a chuckle.
"And this isn't even their final form.", he said. "Come on guys! Let's go!"
"Where're all of you going?", Applejack asked.
"We're off to fix up the gym! We'll have to start early if we're gonna have the formal tonight! You girls interested?", Burst asked with a smile. "Then let's do it!" The group arrived and surveyed the damage done and began to panic slightly.
"I know it seems impossible, but maybe if we all work together?", Twilight asked.
"Now that's the kind of can-do spirit Ah'm looking fer in a Fall Formal Princess!", Applejack said as she stuck her hand in. "Let's do it!" The others then put their hands in and broke as they got to work! Sure enough, other students took notice and began to help! Students from different groups were united like never before! Soon, the students heard clapping. It was Principal Celestia!
"Good work students! The Fall Formal is back on!" Everyone cheered and soon quieted as Celestia raised her arms. "Now you'd better get out of here so you can start to get ready. But don't forget to cast your ballots for Fall Formal Princess."
"You've got my vote Twilight!", each of the students said as they took a ballot. As the other students left, Burst and the guys ran a check to make sure everything was running okay.
"You guys go and get ready for tonight. I'll make one last check.", Burst said. His friends shrugged as Burst ran one last check on everything. He was pretty surprised when he saw Principal Celestia walk up to him. "Oh. Is there something I can help you with?" Celestia had a warm smile as she approached him.
"I just wanted to say I'm proud of the person you are.", she said. "You've certainly grown from the boy I kissed for winning that tournament Sophomore year." Burst lightly blushed at the memory.
"And you haven't changed a bit Principal Celestia. You're still just as pretty as when I first saw you." Burst then snapped his mind straight as soon as the words left his mouth. "I-I mean-!" Celestia giggled.
"It's alright Burst. I know some students see me as beautiful.", Celestia said with a smile. "And if I could be honest, you've grown quite handsome yourself." Burst gave her a small smile in return.
"Anything you like in particular?", he asked.
"That snowy white hair of yours, and your eyes. They're so kind and caring to the people you love.", Celestia said as she stepped closer. "And also fiery when you duel. But the most attractive thing would be your heart."
"My heart?", Burst asked with a slight blush.
"You're kind and loyal to your friends, and you see the best in people." Celestia put her hand on Burst's heart. "Never change Burst." Celestia then hugged Burst and kissed him on the forehead. Celestia and Burst both blushed after their moment had ended.
"I...I better meet up with my friends.", Burst said as he calmly exited. Celestia had a small smile as he left.
Both the guys and girls had gotten ready respectively, and made their way to the Fall Formal that night. Inferno and Steel scoped out Rarity and Rainbow Dash respectively. "Ready for a fun time darling?", Rarity asked as she offered Inferno her hand.
"If it's with you, always.", Inferno said with a smile as he offered her some punch.
"Hope you can bust a move Steel!", Rainbow said.
"As long as I've got the room.", Steel replied with a grin. Burst smiled as he turned his attention to the other girls. In specific, he noticed Twilight was nervous about something.
"Something up Twi?", He asked.
"I don't see Sunset Shimmer anywhere.", Twilight said.
"Hmm. Good reason for concern. I thought for sure she would try something now..." Burst then noticed Flash taking the stage. "Be right back. I've got something to do."
"Yer in for a treat.", Applejack said with a smile. "Burst's quite known for putting on a good performance." Twilight was about to ask, but soon found out as the band began to play and Burst began to sing.
"She says she's no good with words but I'm worse! Barely stuttered out a joke of a romanticalstuck to my tongue! Weighed down with words too overdramatic. Tonight it's: 'It can't get much worse' versus 'No one should ever feel like' I'm two quarters and a heart down, and I don't wanna forget how your voice sounds! These words are all I have so I'll write them! So you need them just to get by! Dance dance! We're falling apart to half time! Dance, dance! And these are the lives, you'd love to lead! Dance! This is the way they'd love! if they knew how misery loved me. (insturmental break) You always fold just, before you're found out. Drink up it's last call last resort! But only my first mistake and I! I'm two quarters and a heart down! And I don't wanna forget how your voice sounds! These words are all I have so I'll write them! So you need them just to get by! Why don't you show me a little bit of spine? You've been saving for his mattress, love. Dance, dance! We're falling apart to half time! Dance, dance! And these are the lives, you'd love to lead! Dance! This is the way they'd love! If they knew how misery loved me. (instrumental break) Why don't you show me a little bit of spine? You've been saving for his mattress. I only want sympathy in the form of you crawling into bed with me. (Instumental break) Dance, dance! We're falling apart to half time! Dance, dance! And these are the lives, you'd love to lead! Dance! This is the way they'd love! Dance! This is the way they'd love! Dance! This is the way they'd love! If they knew how misery loved me! Dance, dance! Dance, dance! Dance, dance! Dance, dance!" The whole crowd cheered as Burst and the band finished up their performance! Burst rejoined his friends and chatted with them. Principal Celestia then took the stage to announce the winner of the crown.
"The princess for this year's Fall Formal is...Twilight Sparkle!" Everyone cheered! Twilight had a big grin on her face as she took the stage and was crowned. However, she noticed Spike being carried off by Snips and Snails! Burst and the others noticed too and rushed after them! Outside, Sunset was waiting with a hammer.
"That's close enough.", Sunset said. Twilight's attention then shifted to Spike.
"Don't hurt him!", Twilight demanded.
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. I'm not a monster Twilight. Let him go." Spike was released and he ran into Twilight's arms. "You don't belong here. Give me the crown and you can go back to Equestria, tonight." Sunset then clenched the hand she held out, "Or keep it and never go home!" She raised the hammer and readied herself to smash the portal! "So what's your answer?" Twilight closed her eyes, and then opened them.
"No."
"What!?" Sunset glared at them! "Equestria, all of your friends, lost to you forever! Don't you see what I'm trying to do?!"
"Yes. But I've also seen what you've been able to do here without magic.", Twilight began. "Equestria will find a way to survive my Element of Harmony, this place might not, if I allow it to fall into your hands! Go ahead and smash the portal, you're not getting the crown!"
"Fine. You win.", Sunset growled as she dropped the hammer behind her.
"You...are...so...awesome!", Rainbow Dash said.
"It's no wonder you're a real live princess.", Rarity added.
"Nice job Twilight!", Burst said. As Twilight's friends congratulated her, Sunset bit her lip while holding her arms. Then she finally snapped!
"Oh, yes, she's so very special!", Sunset screamed! Sunset charged at Twilight and pinned her to the ground, knocking the crown off of her head! Twilight tried to grab it, but Sunset pulled her away! Sunset crawled towards the crown, but Inferno got it! Snips and Snails then made a dash at him!
"Rainbow! Catch!", Inferno said as he tossed Rainbow Dash the crown! Rainbow caught it and began running with it!
"Fluttershy!", Rainbow called as she tossed it to Fluttershy! Fluttershy flinched as the crown bounced off her and caught it in midair! Sunset, Snips, Snails, Rainbow, Spike, and Inferno rushed to get her and the crown! Applejack readied her lasso tossed it around Fluttershy! Pulling her out of the way just in time! However, the crown was knocked out of Fluttershy's hands and Snips caught it. Snips panicked while everyone was closing in on him, and failed to notice that Pinkie had sneaked up behind him and took the crown from his hands! Pinkie then gave the crown to Applejack who then tossed it to Rarity, then to Twilight! Burst tried to hold back Snips and Snails, but they got too close and Twilight threw the crown behind her in the hopes one of her friends would catch it! Unfortunately, Sunset Shimmer caught it.
"I'll take that!", Sunset giggled evilly. "At last! More power than I could ever imagine!" Sunset then placed the crown on her head with a triumphant smile. Suddenly, the crown began to glow green and black and rings of dark magic surrounded Sunset! Sunset gripped the sides of the crown with a panicked expression! Then a pillar of dark magic engulfed her and levitated her into the air! Her new form had red skin, claws, a tail. As the light died down, Sunset stood in a new demonic form. "AH HA HA HA HA HA!" She then snapped her fingers and Snips and Snails then turned into demons as well. "I'VE HAD TO JUMP THROUGH SO MANY HOOPS TONIGHT JUST TO GET MY HANDS ON THIS CROWN, AND IT REALLY SHOULD'VE BEEN MINE ALL ALONG! I AM YOUR PRINCESS NOW, AND YOU WILL BE LOYAL TO ME!!!!" Sunset fired a blast of magic that crushed the double doors! She then focused her magic and her eyes then became hypnotic spirals as she gazed at the students. Soon most of the students save for Burst, Twilight and their friends were mindless zombies. "ROUND THEM UP AND BRING THEM TO ME! OH, AND SPOILER ALERT: I WAS BLUFFING WHEN I SAID I WAS GOING TO DESTROY THE PORTAL. I DON'T WANT TO RULE THIS PATHETIC LITTLE HIGH SCHOOL. I WANT EQUESTRIA!"
"You won't get it Sunset!", Burst said as he stood against her. "I didn't stop you before, but now I'm taking a stand!"
"WELL THEN 'HERO'. FACE YOUR DOOM BURST!"
Burst: 4000 Demon Sunset: 4000
"My move! I'll reveal Blue Eyes White Dragon in my hand to special summon Blue Eyes Alternative White Dragon! I end my turn." 'So Sunset finally shows her true colors. But I can't help but feel sorry for her. There's gotta be some way to get her back to normal! She's out of control! I just hope I can hold her long enough for people to get to safety!'
"I DRAW.", Demon Sunset said. "I SUMMON DOUBLE COSTON! THEN I'LL PLAY CARD ADVANCE! DURING THIS TURN I CAN PULL OFF AN EXTRA NORMAL SUMMON THIS TURN! I TRIBUTE DOUBLE COSTON TO SUMMON THE SUPREMACY SUN! NOW I PLAY RAIGEKI TO DESTROY YOUR MONSTERS! ATTACK HIM DIRECTLY!" Burst was winded as The Supremacy Sun executed a powerful blow to his chest! "HA HA HA! NOW I'LL SET A CARD AND END MY TURN." 'Hmmmm. Why does this feel so familiar? Oh, yes. That tournament Sophomore year.'
Burst: 1000 Demon Sunset: 4000
"Come on! Get up Burst!", Twilight urged.
"Don't give in!", Inferno shouted. Burst slowly got to his feet.
"You know what Sunset? No matter how much power you have you'll always be empty on the inside!", Burst said.
"SAYS THE FOOL FACING ME ALONE.", Demon Sunset said with a smirk.
"Wrong. I'm never alone! Even if they're not right by me, I've always got the people I love!" Burst then drew his next card. "Let me show you just how strong they make me! I play the Melody of Awakening Dragon to add two dragon-type monsters to my hand with 3000 or more attack and 2500 or less defense from my deck to my hand! Next I'll play Return of the Dragon Lords to revive Blue Eyes Alternative White Dragon! Now I'll use his effect to destroy !he Supremacy Sun!" Demon Sunset frowned as he monster was destroyed! "Next I'll play Trade-In to discard a level eight monster to draw two new cards! This is it! I'll play Advanced Ritual Art! I'll send Blue Eyes White Dragon from my deck to the graveyard to ritual summon Blue Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon! Attack her directly!"
"FOOL! I ACTIVATE MY TRAP CARD! MAGIC CYLINDER! THIS TARGETS YOUR MONSTER AND MAKES IT SO YOU TAKE ITS ATTACK POINTS AS DAMAGE!"
"I don't think so! Chaos MAX can't be targeted or destroyed by card effects! End this Blue Eyes! CHAOS NEUTRON BLAST!", Burst cried as Chaos MAX wiped out all of Demon Sunset's life points!
'Blast! Once again I underestimated him once again!' "YOU MAY HAVE WON THE DUEL, BUT I'LL DESTROY YOU NOW!", Demon Sunset howled. "YOU CAN'T HOPE TO WITHSTAND THE POWER OF MY MAGIC!" However, Twilight and the other girls stepped up.
"We've got it from here Burst! Let's show her what real magic is!", Twilight said as she and her friends suddenly sprouted ears and tails! Some of them even had wings!
"Whoa. Why does this look like something from an anime?", Burst asked himself.
"This is the magic of friendship!", Twilight shouted as a rainbow of light hit Sunset! When the light died down, Sunset was back to normal and slowly crawling out of a crater. "Tonight you've shown everyone who you really are." Sunset looked up at Twilight with tears dripping off her face.
"I..I'm sorry.", Sunset wept. "I'm so sorry! I didn't know there was another way!"
"The Magic of Friendship doesn't just exist in Equestria, it's everywhere." Twilight then turned to see Pinkie giving a group hug with the girls, Burst, Inferno, and Steel. "You can seek it out, or you can forever be alone. The choice is yours." Sunset climbed halfway out of the crater.
"But...but all I've ever done since being here is drive everyone apart. I don't know the first thing about friendship."
"I bet they can teach you.", Twilight said with a smile as she grabbed Sunset's hand and pulled her out of the crater. Sunset was put to work fixing some of the damage she had done, and everyone headed home. It was certainly a night none of them would ever forget.
The next day...
Burst and Inferno had just gotten out of their classes and headed for the cafeteria. The whole school was brought together like never before, but they noticed one girl sitting by herself. It was Sunset. They also noticed some of the other students still giving her stares after what had happened last night. 'I can't stand to see her like this. She already got put to work fixing the damage she did. Isn't that enough? She knows she's done wrong. Now more than ever, she needs friends. Good friends who'll be there for her.' Burst sighed as he moved towards her and sat down. 'Might as well be one of the first to try.' Sunset looked up from her tray and saw Burst sitting across from her. "You here to give me your two cents too?", she asked.
"I'm just here because you seemed lonely.", Burst replied.
"Burst I tried to destroy you! I tried to take over the world! How can you forgive me so easily?"
"Because when you first came here, you were all alone. You didn't know anybody. And I was the first person you met. You asked if we could be friends back then. And what friend would I be if I left you alone when you need me most?"
"You...still think we could be friends?", Sunset asked.
"I know so. And I think they know it too.", Burst said with a smile as he motioned to the other girls. Sunset was silent for a moment before she smiled.
At a diner, people started arguing. Save for three girls who were singing. As they sang, a green mist seemed to be sucked into the necklaces the girls were wearing around their necks. The three then noticed the rainbow of light outside, and went to check it out. "Magic. Equestrian magic.", Adagio said with a wicked smile. 'This could be just what we need...'
The next week...
Sunset had a small smile on her face. It was a start, but people had stopped staring at her like she was a monster. But most important of all, she had made real friends with Burst and the others. Soon she was told to greet a group of new students. "Hi there!", Sunset greeted the group of three girls. "You three the new students?"
"Yes. We just came in from...out of town.", Adagio answered. "My sisters and I just know there's something special about this place."
"Okay. Nice necklaces by the way.", Sunset said as she tried to reach out for Adagio's necklace, but she covered it instantly!
"Sorry. They're a family heirloom."
"Oh. Okay. Well, let me know if you need any help." As soon as Sunset left, Adagio turned to Aria and Sonata.
"Okay you two. Let's split up and scope up this place.", she commanded.
"Okay! Why?", Sonata asked. Aria and Adagio face-palmed.
"BECAUSE we don't want to arouse suspicion.", Adagio said flatly. "Now go!" Aria and Sonata went their separate ways.
Ace was moping as he walked the hallways of CHS. The thought that was plaguing him at the moment was his brothers. Dark Ice and Shadow Thunder. It had been years since he last saw Ice. When Ice was possessed by Number 96: Dark Mist, Ace had defeated him. But Ice stole the Eye of Timaeus and faded away into the shadows. As for Shadow, he was taken away to keep him safe from Dark Ice. From what his parents told him, Shadow was sent to live with their grandparents and he was given a monster partner. Number 46: Dragluon. Ace knew both of them were still alive, but he wondered when he would ever see them again. Ace sighed. DMG's spirit then materialized.
"Cheer up Ace!", she said. "You know your brothers are still alive, and they're out there! That's good."
"Thanks DMG. But I don't know where they are. Further more, I don't even know if I'll actually be able to save Ice from Dark Mist." Ace returned his attention to the floor, but to his error he hit someone! "Whoa! Sorry!", Ace said as he caught Sonata. "You okay?" Sonata blinked before she answered.
"I'm okay!", she said with a smile. "Nice to meet you!" Ace smiled. He'd literally bumped into this girl, and yet she smiled despite it. She always seemed to be in a good mood.
"Glad you're alright. I'm Arctic Ace. But call me Ace please.", he said. "Nice to meet you too."
"I'm Sonata! Sonata Dusk!", Sonata beamed.
"So are you new here? I've never seen a girl like you before.", Ace said.
"Yup! Me and my sisters just enrolled! Although...Aria's got a short fuse. Also Adagio can get pretty easily frustrated.", Sonata said with a frown. "Pretty much the only time I see them happy is when we're performing."
"Boy do I know a thing or two about siblings...", Ace said as his mind drifted to his brothers. "I've got two monsters. Right now one of them....well let's just say we're going through a bit of a falling out." Sonata then hugged Ace super tight!
"Aww! Things'll get better!", she said. Ace smiled.
"Sonata. This is nice. But my vision's going dark....!", Ace wheezed.
"Sorry!", Sonata said with a light blush. Ace chuckled as he regained breathing capacity.
"It's fine. Lunch'll be coming up soon. Wanna grab something to eat?", Ace asked. Sonata nodded.
"Hope they got tacos!", she chirped. Ace and Sonata made their way to the cafeteria. Meanwhile, Adagio was out scouting the school. Then she saw a student tending to a plant in his locker.
'Hope he's not planning on keeping it there.', Adagio thought with a smirk. Her eyes then widened when a green glow came from the student's hand! Soon, the plant looked even more healthy than it had! 'I guess there's more than one kind of magic here. Though this isn't the type I'm interested in. As for the user, he's kinda cute.' Veenus Bloomer was about to leave when he caught sight of Adagio and he decided to walk over to her. Adagio noticed and put on a flirty smile. "See something you like?"
"I do. But you're missing something.", Veenus said. Adagio giggled.
"And what would that be?", she asked. Veenus reached into his pocket and stuck a flower in her hair.
"Something to compare your beauty to.", Veenus said with a smile. Adagio smiled in return.
"How sweet of you. I'm Adagio by the way."
"Veenus Bloomer. It was a pleasure seeing you too.", Veenus said as he kissed her hand. Adagio lightly blushed.
"Well, I'd best be off. My sisters are going here with me, so I'd better gather them." And with that, Adagio walked off. She found Aria no problem, but was having difficulty tracking down Sonata. "Ugh! Where could she be?"
"Did you try the cafeteria?", Aria asked. "She does think with her stomach a lot." The two of them went to the cafeteria and found Sonata sitting with Ace. "Looks like she got herself a boyfriend." Adagio went over to Sonata and Ace.
"Well, well. Looks like our little Sonata has a number one fan.", Adagio said with a smile.
"Hi Dagi!", Sonata beamed. "This is Ace! I bumped into him earlier."
"Quite literally I might add.", Ace said with a small smile. "You must be one of her sisters."
"Indeed I am. Come on, Sonata. We've got a show to put on." Adagio led Aria and Sonata, and they began to sing. Unknown to Ace, their singing was starting to make some of the other students go crazy over them! However, Ace wasn't affected. He heard their singing no problem. It was Sonata that captivated him.
'That smile, her upbeat attitude. She's also pretty sweet too.', Ace thought with a smile. 'She's also pretty cute too...'
'Sounds like you're under her spell', DMG replied with a smile. Ace blushed!
'C-come on! It's not like I wanna date her!...yet.', Ace mentally replied.
'Well you'll never know if you don't try asking her!', DMG said as she left Ace's mind. After the Dazzlings were done performing, Sonata went over to Ace. Adagio and Aria noticed that Ace had been the only one not going crazy.
"Uhh, Ace? What did you think of our singing?", Sonata asked nervously.
"You sounded beautiful.", Ace said with a smile. "But to be honest, I was looking at you at the same time."
"Oh, thanks!", Sonata beamed.
"Soooo, are you doing anything later?", Ace asked. "I'm free after school." Sonata rushed to her sisters, and then ran back to Ace.
"I'm free too! It's a date!" Ace smiled.
"Sweet. Can't wait." 'Some time with her could be just what I need to get my mind off of Ice.' Meanwhile, Adagio and Aria were walking off when Adagio bumped into Veenus again.
"Oh. Hello again.", Adagio said.
"You put on quite the show back there.", Veenus said with a smile.
"I didn't know you were watching."
"I have a tendency to look at pretty things. And might I say, you and your family sang beautifully."
"Glad to know we have a number one fan.", Adagio said with a smile. "And quite a handsome on too."
"Now who's being the flirt?", Veenus said with a smile.
"Ugh. You're the worst Adagio. Can't we get moving?", Aria grumbled. Adagio pouted.
"See you later Veenus!", she said with a flirty smile. The school day soon let out and Ace met with Sonata. The two of them headed off for Sugar Cube Corner and shared a soda there.
"This is SOOOOOO good!", Sonata beamed as she enjoyed the soda. Ace let out a small laugh.
"Yeah. This place makes the best sweets in Canterlot. You seem different from your sisters. From what I can tell Aria's a grouch while Adagio's a control freak. I could tell by the way she tried to get all the attention when you three sang." Sonata sighed.
"Yeah. Aria's always in a bad mood. She hates almost EVERYTHING! And Dagi can be a bit mean to me. I'm not the brightest of my sisters, and they usually find my attitude annoying." Sonata frowned slightly. Ace put a hand on her shoulder.
"I don't know about your sisters, but I think your attitude is nice. You're always so upbeat, and...well..."
"Yeah?"
"You've got a really cute smile. To tell the truth Sonata, I like almost everything about you. And I was wondering...would you go out with me?" Sonata's mouth fell open before she wrapped her arms around Ace.
"That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said.", Sonata said quietly. "You know Ace, this place feels a bit better with you. So far, its just been me and my family. Now I've got someone new to hangout with!" Ace smiled as he wrapped his arms around Sonata.
Aria was in a bad mood. But then again, what else was new. 'This world is the worst!', she fumed in her mind. 'I'm stuck here with a family I can't stand and going to a stupid high school!' Aria sighed. She then heard something yapping in her direction and saw that it was a puppy. She also noticed a boy with purple hair and grey skin chasing it. But most notable was that the boy had wolf ears and a tail. As the boy caught the puppy, he almost came face-to-face with Aria.
"Oh. Sorry if I'm in your way. This little guy ran out of the shelter.", Fang said with a small smile. 'Hmm. She looks a bit grumpy. Maybe there's something I can do to lift her mood.'
"Whatever.", Aria said with a shrug. "So are you two cousins?", she said as she pointed to Fang's ears. "Or are you just a dedicated cosplayer?"
"Oh....cosplay!", Fang said nervously. Fang then got up close to Aria. "You know, you kinda look like you're in a bad mood."
"It's my family. They can be the worst.", Aria said flatly.
"I bet I can make you smile!", Fang said. 'Here goes nothing!'
"Try me.", Aria said with a smirk. Fang sat crouched and positioned his tail, and gave Aria his best puppy-dog eyes. Aria's heart melted. 'DARN he looks cute that way.' Fang grinned as he saw her crack a smile.
"Told ya." Aria let out a chuckle as she took the puppy.
"You know, those ears look pretty real." Fang panicked as Aria felt his ears. "Feel pretty real too." She then got an idea. "I wonder if...you're ticklish!" Aria then tickled Fang's stomach and he burst out laughing as his tail wagged! " 'Cosplay' huh?", she said with a triumphant smile. Fang sighed as he gave her a defeated smile.
"Okay. You got me. My ears and tail are real. In fact I've had them since I was born. You know, I was thinking the first person to find this out about me would freak out."
"You kidding? You're probably the one thing that's made me actually smile here.", Aria said as she helped Fang up. 'That, and my family and I came from a world full of colorful, talking ponies. We've definitely seen weirder.' She then scratched him behind his ears. "To be honest, it's been a long time since I've been really happy." Fang hugged Aria.
"Maybe you can start again here.", Fang said with a smile. Aria smiled as she kissed him.
"Hope to see you around at school then." And with that, she handed the puppy back to Fang and walked off. Fang smiled and walked off with his tail wagging.
"So Burst? You got any plans on entering the school's music showcase?", Sunset asked. "From the time I saw you perform, you were pretty good and gave the crowd a fun time."
"I am. Just need to find some good band members. The song I plan on performing isn't the same without people playing the instruments.", Burst said with a smile. "By the way, how're Rainbow and the others doing? And for that matter, how are you holding up?"
"Rainbow and the others are ready to perform. As for me, things are getting better. Honestly, I'm just glad you and them are friends with me.", Sunset said with a smile. "Oh! And if you're interested in forming a band, why don't you ask Inferno? From what I heard from Rarity he's great at the guitar."
"Thanks! I'll be sure to ask!" And with that, Burst searched for his best friend. As Sunset was walking she saw a guy who seemed to be waiting for her. It was Goldenrise.
"Oh Gold. Nice to see you.", Sunset said. Gold walked towards her.
"So how did you find a way back home?", Gold asked.
"What are you talking about?", Sunset asked.
"You know what I'm talking about. A way back home. To Twilight's world. OUR world." Sunset's mouth dropped.
"You...you're from Equestria too?", Sunset asked. "But how have you been around here so long?"
"I arrived about the same time that you showed up.", Gold replied. "And I got adopted. I just woke up one day and here I was. Back in Equestria I was a phoenix pony. Sadly, my parents passed away and no one would take me in. One night I wished to go someplace new. And as luck would have it, I wound up here. For about a week I drifted about the city. Until my adopted father found me. Pegasus actually found where I came from pretty believable."
"Wait. Pegasus? Maximillion Pegasus? The creator of Duel Monsters. Is your adopted father?", Sunset asked. Gold smiled.
"The one and only. So he took me in and raised me as his son. He even showed up at the tournament sophomore year in disguise. I knew you were from Equestria too when I first saw you. I can sense other beings from our old home. I even saw when you turned into a demon."
"Oh. You saw that too huh?", Sunset asked with a slight frown.
"Yeah. I saw. But I also saw someone who needed friends. Like the ones you have now. In fact, I came to give you something." Gold reached into his pocket and gave Sunset two cards. "A little something to give you a new start and guard you on your way. Since The Supremacy Sun was destroyed, I had my dad get these cards for you. They're much better suited for you and your new beginning." Sunset took the cards. "Meet BLS and Guardian Eatos."
"Thanks Gold.", Sunset said with a smile.
"No problem. By the way, have you seen Burst?"
"He's looking for Inferno Flare. Why?"
"I overheard him talking about forming a band. I thought I'd take up one of the positions.", Gold said.
"Chances are they'll be in the gym preparing with the other students. Wanna keep me company on the way?"
"It'd be my pleasure." The two of them walked over to the gym and saw all the students preparing for their performances. Sure enough, they found Burst and Inferno chatting.
"You bet I'm in!", Inferno said. "Now all we're missing are two spots. Then we've got a band!"
"Maybe I can help out there.", Gold said. "So which spots are taken?"
"Hey, you're Goldenrise.", Inferno said.
"That's me. But call me Gold for short please.", Gold replied.
"Well Burst's our singer, and I'm on guitar. So that only leaves bass and drummer. You got experience with either?"
"I'm pretty good on the bass.", Gold said with a smile. "By the way Burst, nice job with your dueling victories. You and Blue Eyes work really well together. Same for you and Red Eyes, Inferno."
"Thanks Gold. We can't really explain it, but we feel connected to our monsters. Like they're more than just cards.", Burst said. "Like they're alive."
'More than either of you think.', Gold thought. "Same for me and Crimson Dragon." Suddenly, all of the guys dragons seemed to glow.
"Whoa. Did you two see that?", Inferno asked.
"Yeah. I saw. What about you Gold?", Burst said.
"Oh, I've been able to see more than that.", Gold said. "Tell me, can you hear a voice?" Burst and Inferno were confused as to what Gold meant until they heard two voices go off.
"Hello Burst.", a voice said. Burst looked to see Blue Eyes' spirit materialized in front of him. "Nice to meet you in person and off the dueling field."
"Yo Inferno!", Red Eyes said as he materialized. "Good to see you!" Burst and Inferno couldn't believe it!
"Wait...our cards are alive?!", Inferno asked. Gold nodded.
"They are. In fact, the monsters all come from another world. That's where they live.", Gold informed them. "Ready for a reunion Crimson?" Crimson Dragon's spirit then materialized.
"Hey bro! Nice to see you again!", Crimson greeted.
"Heh. Look who finally made it to the party!", Blue Eyes said as he fist-bumped Crimson.
"This is incredible.", Burst said. "But how come we can hear and see them?"
"Because we chose you as our partners.", Blue Eyes answered. "And more than that, you two have proven to be good friends. You treat every card in your decks like a treasure. We couldn't ask for better duelists. Better friends."
"Blue Eyes. We have a LOT of hanging out to do.", Burst said.
"Sadly that won't be possible. Our world and the monsters' are separated. Blue Eyes can only materialize in spirit." Burst, Inferno, Blue Eyes and Red Eyes gave an instant bummer face at hearing this.
"Regardless, this is still awesome!", Burst said as the dragons faded back into their cards. "Anyway, welcome to the band Inferno!"
"So what're we calling ourselves?", Gold asked.
"How about... Heart of the Cards?", Inferno suggested.
"...Perfect!", Burst said. Just then, the Dazzlings showed up and started singing. Soon, all the other students, save for Burst and his friends, were arguing with each other! "What's going on?" The group then noticed the glow of magic coming from the Dazzlings' necklaces, but even stranger they noticed three students unaffected by their singing. And for that matter, why weren't they going crazy? "We'd better see if Sunset's got any clues to this..." The group then met up and began to leave, but Ice, Fang and Veenus noticed them leaving. And they then decided to tail them. Meanwhile, Sunset was explaining just what they were up against. "So you're saying those three girls came from Equestria, and they used to be sirens who feed off of aggression and the adoration of those under their spell?", Burst asked. Sunset nodded.
"We'll need Princess Twilight's help with this one." Sunset then pulled out an old journal. "Princess Celestia gave me this journal to keep in touch with her. With any luck, she'll get my message."
"Wait, what's this about Sonata and her sisters being sirens?", Ace asked. The whole group turned and saw Ace, Fang, and Veenus standing in the doorway. Sunset sighed as she explained the story to them.
"And since we're on the subject, why aren't you affected from their singing?", Sunset asked.
"Well I went on a date with Sonata, and I got her to open up to me a bit.", Ace said. "I literally bumped into her. And from then, I've kind of fallen for her. But when she was singing, I couldn't feel any sort of crazy adoration for her. I felt...love."
"Same for me but with Adagio.", Veenus added.
"In my case the girl would be Aria.", Fang said. "Each of us got to know one of them or spent time with them that let them open up to us. Maybe that's why we weren't affected."
"Interesting...", Sunset said. She then turned her attention to Burst, Inferno, and Gold. "So why weren't you guys affected?"
"We were protected by the bonds with our monster partners.", Gold said. "And you six were probably protected by the magic inside you. Although your monster partners may be enhancing that protection." The girls were confused at what Gold was talking about when the spirits of their monster partners materialized.
"It's true Dash. We've been shielding you from their magic too.", Rainbow Dragon said.
"This....is....so....AWESOME!", Rainbow Dash squealed. While the girls were chatting with their newly discovered monster friends, Ace approached Burst, Inferno, and Gold.
"I hear you're looking for band members. Do you still have an empty drummer position?", Ace asked.
"Yeah. But don't you have a thing for one of the sirens?", Burst asked.
"I do! But-!", Ace sighed. "But I can't let her and her sisters take our world over. And at the same time I don't want to hurt her." Inferno then put his hand on Ace's shoulder.
"Ace. If she loves you like you love her, she'll stay with you even after this whole thing blows over.", Inferno said. Ace gave them a small smile.
"Thanks Inferno. But something tells me were going to have to fight our way through The Battle of the Bands.", Ace mentioned.
"Actually, I was thinking we could convince Principal Celestia to include us as a special end performance. We'd better let Sunset and the others deal with the Dazzlings.", Burst said. The recently formed band headed to the Principal's office and put up their suggestion.
"That sounds like a wonderful way to end this event. You have my approval.", Celestia said with a smile. "Oh, and Burst?"
"Yeah?"
"Rock the dragon!", Celestia said with a wink. Burst smiled as he left.
"Well guys, I gotta get going.", Burst said.
"What's the matter?", Gold asked.
"I promised I'd teach Shining Spoon and his friends I'd teach them how to duel. They're waiting on me!" And with that, Burst left to find Shining Spoon, Bolt Dash, and Bright Star.
Shining Spoon and his friends were waiting for Burst outside. "Sorry if I was held back guys! But I'm here now!", Burst said. "So what did all of you want to learn first?"
"Can you teach us how to fusion summon?", Bright Star asked.
"Oh! Teach me how to xyz!", Shining Spoon added.
"How about synchro summoning?", Bolt Dash asked. Burst chuckled. :
"No problem. I know how to use all those summoning methods. But first I gotta ask: do any of you have decks?" The three nodded. "Okay. But first, we've gotta find you monster partners. And I know just where we could find them." Burst then took the three of them to Discord's card shop.
"How'll we know which monster is our partner?", Shining asked.
"You'll feel it. And so will the monster.", Burst said. Shining and his friends then looked at different monsters, and picked out their monsters. Each of them had picked a dragon that was related to the type of summoning they wanted to learn. Shining Spoon had Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, Bolt Dash had chosen Clear Wing Synchro Dragon, and Bright Star picked out Starving Venom Fusion Dragon. "Good job guys! You've picked out your partners well. Now then, let's start with the basics. Do all of you know the different card types?" The CMCB nodded. "Good. Now do any of you know how you lose life points?"
"One way is destroying monsters by battle. The difference in attack points is deducted from our life points.", Bright Star said. "Or when a monster's defense is greater than the attack of the attacking monster. But when their attack is equal, both monsters are destroyed. If the attack and defense are equal, neither monster is destroyed. Oh! And then there's card effects!"
"Good job Bright Star. Now I'll teach you the different summoning methods. First up is fusion.", Burst said. "The most common way is to use the card Polymerization. But in my case, I use Dragon's Mirror to banish dragons on my field and, or in my graveyard to fusion summon a dragon-type fusion monster. However, you should always read the fusion materials before you try to fusion summon. You need the right materials if you plan on bringing out your fusion monster."
"Wow. So as long as I base my deck around my monster, I should be able to fusion summon no problem!", Bright Star said. Burst smiled.
"Very true. Next I'll be covering synchro summoning."
"YES!", Bolt Dash cheered.
"First you'll need a specific type of monster called a tuner." Burst pulled out White Stone of Ancients and Blue Eyes. "To synchro summon, you need a tuner monster AND another monster. But the hard part is making sure the combined levels of your monsters equal the level of the monster you want to synchro summon."
"Man. That sounds even harder than fusion!", Bolt remarked. "But it shouldn't be too bad if I set my deck up for synchro summoning!"
"The last method is Xyz summoning.", Burst said. "This one's easy. Just take two monsters with the same level and overlay them. It's pretty quick, but you should pay attention to the levels needed to overlay the monster you want to summon."
"Sweet! All I need is a lot of level four monsters!", Shining Spoon said.
"Don't get ahead of yourself Shining. Like any good deck, you need to couple your monsters with spells and traps that work well with your deck. Try to keep your deck to a forty card minimum.Also, some Xyz monster are specific to the type or attribute of their xyz materials." The CMCB nodded. "So do you got the basics down?"
"Uh-huh!", the CMCB said.
"Great! Once you have your decks ready, we'll test them out. A three-on-one duel against me.", Burst said with a smile. The CMCB left with eager anticipation of when they would face Burst and seeing their decks in action. Burst in the meantime headed back to the school. He'd gotten a text that Twilight had shown up. "So what'd I miss?", Burst said as he entered the room where Sunset and the others were making a plan.
"Well we found out the only way to counter the Dazzlings' spell is with a vocal spell. Now the only problem is finding the right lyrics.", Twilight said.
"No sweat! We'll beat 'em no problem! My solo's gonna rocket us past the first round for sure!", Rainbow boasted. "Plus we can still pony-up!"
"Speaking of that, how does that even work?", Steel asked.
"I'll have to run some tests on that. The magic has to be coming from somewhere.", Sunset answered.
Many failed tests later...
"Okay! I've been able to find out one thing from all the tests!", Sunset said. ".....I have no idea where the magic comes from!"
"Let's see...each of you transformed when you were playing your instruments.", Burst noted. "Maybe it's gotta do with playing what's in your heart?" This earned Burst stares from everyone. "What? It's all I got from this."
"True. But unleashing the magic to beat The Dazzlings' is what we really need to find out.", Twilight added. "All of us are together, but it feels like something's missing."
"Well I don't know about you Twilight, but something tells me you'll find out what that something is.", Inferno said with a smile. Twilight smiled. "Plus I'm sure you'll win the Battle of the Bands no problem!"
"Speaking of that darling, how did it go with convincing Principal Celestia to let your band be a special ending performance?", Rarity asked.
"She agreed no problem. We've been practicing for the song we're gonna perform.", Inferno said with a grin.
"That's awesome! But all this begs the question: Why aren't you entering the competition?", Sunset asked.
"Eh. I'm sure we'll be thrown in as a last-minute challenger. Vice Principal Luna would get to use the 'Here comes a new challenger!' sound effect.", Burst said with a smile. They all shared a laugh as they headed home for the day. All of them anticipating the coming challenge.
Burst and his friends were practicing the next morning at school when Vice Principal Luna approached them. "Hello Burst. I'd like to ask you and your band something. It's about your previous arrangement for the finals."
"Next you're going to say: 'I thought it would be fun if we threw your band in as a last minute challenger!' ", Burst asked.
"I thought it would be fun if we threw your band in as a last minute challenger! Huh?", Luna gasped. "How did you know that?"
"You really want to use that Street Fighter sound effect don't you?", Burst asked with a small smile. " 'Here comes a new challenger!' Right?"
"....Yes. Please agree to this?", Luna asked.
"Sure. Could be fun! Just means we get saved for the best part!" As Luna left, Burst turned to the others. "Well guys it looks like we get to perform earlier than we thought."
"Good thing we practiced a lot. Nice song choice by the way Burst.", Gold said. "I think the crowd's going to freak when they hear it."
"Yeah they will! Alright guys! Bring it in!" The guys put their hands in. "ROCK THE DRAGON!" The next day, the Battle of the Bands was in full swing! Every group was putting everything they had into their performances! But no surprise, The Dazzlings were climbing their way up the ranks no problem! When it was time for The Rainbooms' first peformance, Rainbow Dash stole the show! And yet by some miracle, they still advanced! And it came as no shock that this caused some in-fighting in the band. This was just what The Dazzlings were hoping for! Taking advantage of the situation they were able to lock up the girls! Fortunately, Spike was able to get help from the one student who never took off her headphones. Vinyl Scratch. Burst and the guys heard what happened, and decided to check up on the girls.
"Man. Things are really getting crazy now.", Ace stated as he then looked at his watch. "And it's almost time for us to go on. Let's go!" The guys went back stage to get their instruments ready as Luna played the sound effect to announce their presence!
"HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER!" Trixie and her group wer confused at the last minute opponent as they went off the stage. The whole crowd was silent as Inferno started playing the guitar and Burst started to sing.
ONE PUUUUUUUNNCH!
Gold then started playing the bass while Ace started on the drums! As soon as the beat was set up, Burst continued the song. "3! 2! 1! Kill-shot! I'm here for fun! I'm number one! What're you saying? Frustration! No one can stop me! One punch! That's it! I always win! Listen to me! Victory again! POWER! Get more POWER! Last minute limit counting 3..2..1! HERO! Don't wanna hear you calling out my name! I'm not here for fortune of fame. HERO! Instead, I'll fight knowing nobody knows my name! My foes, are closing in and covering the sky! But I won't turn my back tonight! HERO! I'll stay! Until I taste the dirt of defeat someday! Unleash my fist! HEROOOOOOOO!" Burst took a break as his friends carried the next instrumental portion, and jumped right back in as the next verse was ready! "3! 2! 1! Fight back! Push on! Prepare! Fight fair and square! What's going on? All of my foes are gone! Let justice last! No questions asked! So give me the heart to cut through the dark and win! POWER! Get more POWER! Adrenaline is flowing through my brain! Power! Get more POWER! With discipline in every hour that I've trained! HERO! The tallest mountain started as a stone! I once was weak but now I've grown! HERO! I know, the weakness within is my greatest foe! Push on! The mortal man I used to be has died! There's gods inside my fist tonight! HERO! I'll stay! Until I taste the dirt of defeat someday! Unleash my fist! HEROOOOOO!" Inferno then took it away with a guitar solo! Burst then followed up with the next verse! "Unbreakable! Unyielding! Draw the future in my mind! No matter what the cost! At any day, or any time! Hero day and night! Soaring proud and high! HERO! Don't wanna hear you calling out my name! I'm not here for fortune or fame! HERO! Instead, I'll fight knowing nobody knows my name! Push on! The mortal man I used to be has died! There's gods inside my fist tonight! HERO! I'll stay! Until I taste the dirt of defeat someday! Unleash my fist! HEROOOOO! HEROOOOO! Ahhh...ahhh....ahhhh....ahhhh! I'm gonna be the strongest HEROOOO!" The whole crowd screamed as Burst and the guys finished! "THANK YOU ALL!", Burst said as he and his band mates took a bow. They left the stage and saw The Dazzlings take the stage. Soon they saw thenm transform from the adoration of the crowd! But thing changed when Twilight and the others showed up! With the help of Vinyl's car being a giant stereo system, they countered The Dazzlings with a song of their own! But soon The Dazzlings began to overpower The Rainbooms! It was then that Twilight knew what was missing!
"Sunset Shimmer! We need you!", Twilight pleaded! Sunset hesitated for a moment, and then joined Twilight and the other girls! Uniting with them unlocked the magic inside her! Together, the girls were able to defeat The Dazzlings and destroy their necklaces! With their necklaces destroyed, the former sirens also lost their voices and ran away! Ace, Veenus, and Fang noticed them and rushed after them!
"Sonata, wait!", Ace called as they caught up to them. Sonata turned to face him.
"Leave me alone Ace.", Sonata said sadly. "Everyone hates us, so why should we stay? There's no point."
"Yes there is! Sonata...please.", Ace pleaded. "I don't want to see you go. When you came into my life, I didn't feel so alone anymore. Please. I...I love you!" Sonata perked up and walked over to Ace.
"Can you really prove that?", Sonata asked with teary eyes. Ace leaned in and kissed her!
"Is that proof enough?", Ace asked as he pulled out of the kiss and wrapped his arms around her. Sonata smiled. "Maybe you've lost your singing voice, but I still hear your song in my heart." Meanwhile, Fang was talking to Aria.
"Fang. Just leave me alone. Why are you even bothering to stay with me?", Aria asked.
"Because I want to make you smile.", Fang said. "You said you didn't want to ruin what we had early, and I don't like seeing you unhappy. You're much prettier when you're smiling. Plus, rub my belly. You'll feel better." Fang then lay on his back. "Come on! You know you want to!" Aria was silent before she ran over and started rubbing Fang's belly! "AHAHAHHAH! Feel HAHAHAAH! Any better Aria?" Aria smiled as Fang got up and scratched his ears.
"Good boy.", she said as she hugged Fang. Veenus then approached Adagio.
"I guess you're going to try and convince me to stay right?', Adagio asked flatly.
"Nope. Leave if you want.", Veenus said. Adagio flipped out at hearing that!
"WHAT?! But this is supposed to be a dramatic moment when my love interest tries to convince me to stay!", Adagio freaked.
"You watch WAY too much television Adagio.", Aria said with a smirk.
"Still I don't mind being your love interest. I'd rather be your boyfriend though.", Veenus said with a smile. Adagio sighed.
"Fine. But if anyone asks you begged my to stay!", Adagio said with a pout.
"Well isn't this all so sweet...", a voice said. Ace turned to face the source of the voice, and found Ice! "Hey bro. Long time no see..."
"Ice?!", Ace cried out. "I knew you'd be back. But I guess you're not here to come home." Ice let out a laugh.
"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA! Sorry. But Ice isn't here anymore.", Dark Mist said as the number 96 glowing brightly on his arm. "Now to finish our business Ace! All I needed to do was plant false memories in your dear brother's mind! And in doing so I strengthened my hold on his soul! And in turn, have increased my power! Now...let us end this!"
Ace: 8000 Dark Mist: 8000
"I'll take the first move!", Dark Mist said. "I discard a fiend-type monster to special summon Malicevorous Fork and end my turn with a face-down card!"
"Alright then! I draw!", Ace said. "I summon Breaker the Magical Warrior and place one spell counter on him! This boosts his attack by 300! Attack Malicevorous Fork!" Malicevorous Fork was destroyed with one slash! "Now I'll set a card and end my turn!" 'Ice. I WILL save you! This time, both of us are going home!'
Ace: 8000 Dark Mist: 6500
"Impressive. But you've actually helped me a great deal! I activate my trap! Limit Reverse! This lets me revive a monster with 1000 or less attack in my graveyard! I revive Malicevorous Spoon! Then I'll summon Malicevorous Knife and activate his effect! Since he was summoned, I can target and special summon a Malicevorous monster in my graveyard! Welcome back Malicevorous Fork! Now I'll overlay my three monsters to xyz summon myself! Number 96: Dark Mist!" Dark Mist's true form materialized on the field in a swirl of shadow. "But I'm far from finished! I play Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force! I'll target myself and bring out my strongest form! Rise Number C96: Dark Storm!" Dark Mist's copy on the field began to twist and change until it looked even more sinister! "Now that Dark Storm has Dark Mist as an overlay unit, he gains another effect! I can detach an overlay unit and attack your monster! Now I gain all his attack points and Breaker is left at zero! Destroy Breaker with Dark Fury!" Ace cringed as his monster was destroyed! "I'll end my turn."
Ace: 5100 Dark Mist: 6500
"I draw! Perfect! I summon Berry Magician Girl and end my turn!", Ace said.
"Hmph. Fool. I'll attack Berry Magician Girl with Dark Storm!", Dark Mist said with a wicked smile!
"I don't think so! When you target Berry Magician Girl I can switch her position and special summon another Magician Girl monster from my deck! I special summon Dark Magician Girl! Good thing Berry Magician Girl switched into defense mode!"
"That won't keep you safe for long. I end my turn.", Dark Mist said.
"My turn! I'll attack your monster! Dark Burning Attack!" DMG fired a powerful blast of magic that struck Dark Storm, but Dark Storm was still on the field! Not only that, but Ace felt himself take the force of the attack too! "What...what was that?"
"Another one of Dark Storm's effects.", Dark Mist answered. "With my increased hold on your brother, I can make any pain you inflict to me damage to you as well! Just like how I planted false memories of you humiliating him!"
Ace: 4100 Dark Mist: 5500
"I end my turn with another face-down.", Ace said. 'Looks like Dark Mist is actually trying now. And that power increase of his sure isn't making this any easier!'
"I draw! Now I'll detach another one of Dark Storm's overlay units to reduce Dark Magician Girl's attack to zero and gain her attack! Destroy DMG!"
"Not so fast! I play Mirror Force! This'll destroy Dark Storm!" Dark Storm was destroyed in a flash of light as his own attack was sent flying back at him!
"I end my turn with a face-down.", Dark Mist said with a frown. 'The fool only delays the inevitable. Soon my copy shall make a return to the field!'
"I draw!", Ace said. "I'll activate my other trap! Trap Stun! All other trap cards on the field can't be activated for the rest of this turn! Now I'll attack you directly! Do it DMG!" Dark Mist howled as his life points took a big hit! "I end my turn."
Ace: 4100 Dark Mist: 3100
"Nnnggggh!", Dark Mist groaned as he clutched his head. "No! Not you! Not now! NOOOO!" Ace was shocked as Dark Mist was somewhat forced out of Ice's body, but was still tied to Ice's limbs! He hung over Ice like a dark spectre. Ace was also surprised to see movement coming from Ice's body. As Ice's head slowly moved, Ace once again saw the eyes of his brother.
"Ace...? What happened", Ice asked. He then gazed in anger at Dark Mist. "YOU! You used me as a puppet! You separated my family!"
"Silence fool! I may no longer hold dominion over your mind and soul, but your body is still mine to command! Now draw and activate the trap card!", Dark Mist commanded. Against his will, Ice activated the trap! "Xyz Reborn allows me to revive and xyz monster in my graveyard and attach Xyz Reborn as an overlay unit! Now I'll play Xyz Energy! I can detach an overlay unit from Dark Storm to destroy one monster on the field! I'll destroy Dark Magician Girl! Next I'll equip Dark Storm with Xyz Unit! He gains 200 attack for each rank he has! This boosts him by 600 points! Now I'll attack you directly!"
"AAAGGGH!", Ace wailed as he took damage!
"ACE!", Ice screamed as he tried to fight Dark mist's binds! 'Dang it! If I hadn't accepted Mist's offer, none of this would've happened! Ace is hurt and it's all my fault!'
"I've let him suffer enough for one turn.", Dark Mist said cruelly. "I end my turn."
Ace: 2500 Dark Mist: 3100
Burst and his friends had gone off to see where Ace, Fang, and Veenus had went off to and found the Dazzlings with them. They also saw Ace on the ground! Burst saw Sonata's concern and walked over to her. 'Ace doesn't look so good!'
"Excuse me, but what's your name?", Burst asked.
"S-Sonata. You're one of the guys from that band who gave that last-minute performance. Ace was with you wasn't he?"
Burst nodded. "What happened?"
"Ace and those other guys convinced me and my family to stay, then this guy who's his brother showed up and started dueling him! Now we found out he was being possessed by that monster hanging above him!"
"Looks like he could use a healthy shot of encouragement. Does Ace love you Sonata?"
"Y-yeah."
"Then show him you love him back."
inside Ace's mind...
'So this is it huh?', Ace thought. 'I finally free Ice, and now I'm about to lose it all.'
'What kind of talk is that? That's not the Ace I know!', a voice said.
'Who...who said that?' Timaeus then materialized before Ace. 'Timaeus?! I thought Ice stole you!'
'He stole my card, but our bond is far from broken!', Timaeus said. 'And this duel isn't over yet! Right now your friends are calling to you! Trying to get you to stand again!' Ace then heard the voices of his friends.
The outside world...
"Come on Ace! Get back up!", Inferno urged.
"You really gonna just lie down like that?!", Steel shouted.
"Don't give in yet Ace!", Gold called out! But two voices stuck out in particular.
"Come on Ace! Are you really gonna let that creep beat you like this in front of your girl?!", Burst cried out! Ace's attention then shifted to the next voice.
"You were there for me Ace! So I'm here for you!", Sonata shouted! Ace then sprang to his feet and looked right at Dark Mist! For a brief moment, Ace's eyes looked exactly Timaeus's! A dim green glow was seen coming from Ice's deck box, and a card shot into Ace's hand! Ace's eyes then returned to normal.
"I draw! I play Dark Magic Veil! I pay 1000 life points to revive Dark Magician Girl from my graveyard! Now I play The Eye Timaeus! I'll fuse it with DMG to bring out Dark Magician Girl-the Dragon Knight!"
"NO!", hissed Dark Mist.
"Oh yeah!", Ice said. 'C'mon Ace! Finish this duel!'
"Next I'll activate her effect! I can discard a card to destroy one face-up card on the field! Dark Storm has passed!" Dark Storm was struck down with a bolt of magic! "Now I'll attack you directly! Dragon Knight Blaze!" Dark Mist howled in pain as his life points took a major hit! "Then I'll end my turn."
Ace: 1500 Dark Mist: 500
"This isn't over!", Dark Mist roared! "I summon a monster in defense mode and end my turn!"
"Sorry, but I activate Shield Crush! This destroys a defense mode monster! Now I'll finish you off with a direct attack!"
"AAUUUGGGHHH!", Dark Mist screamed as his life points dropped to zero and the flames incinerated him! Ice fell to one knee exhausted.
"That was NOT fun.", he panted. Ace walked over and helped him up.
"Come on. Let's get you home. Mom and Dad kept your room just the way you left it. Cards on the desk and all.", Ace said. 'I was able to keep my promise after all...'
Dark Ice let out a chuckle. "Sounds perfect."
"Shouldn't we find out who won the Battle of the Bands?", Inferno reminded. They all made a mad dash back to CHS to find out who won. Principal Celestia and Luna had just taken the stage to announce the winner.
"The winner of Canterlot High School's Battle of the Bands is...Heart of the Cards!", Luna announced the whole crowed cheered as Burst, Inferno, Gold, and Ace accepted the award.
"Thanks all of you. We wouldn't have made it without your help!", Gold said.
"Rock the dragon CHS!", Burst shouted! And the group went to Sugar Cube Corner to celebrate their victory, and Ice reuniting with his brother.
Burst and his friends celebrated and chatted about all the craziness that had gone on. "Man. Barely into the year and we've had all sorts of crazy adventures to deal with.", Burst said as he drank his soda.
"But I think we can all agree on one thing. It sure was fun!", Inferno said with a smile. "Especially since I met the girl of my dreams."
"Enough sweet talk darling. Let's hit the dance floor.", Rarity said with a smile as she led Inferno. Steel then turned to Rainbow Dash.
"....Wanna show those two up?", Steel asked with a mischievous smile.
"Do I!", Rainbow said as she dragged Steel to the dance floor. Gold and Sunset watched the two couples go at it and then looked at each other.
"You know, I never expected to date anyone after flash.", Sunset said as she held on to Gold. "Let alone met someone else from Equestria that got sent here."
"What can I say? I rose to the occasion.", Gold said with a smile.
"It's no 'Rock the dragon!', but it works best for you.", Sunset said as she kissed Gold.
"And that's my cue to leave them alone...", Burst said as he got up to give the two their space. Blue Eyes then materialized next to him. "Hey Blue Eyes. I take it you and the other monsters are celebrating too?"
"Yup. Been watching BLS-Super Soldier try to dance in all that armor all night!", Blue Eyes said with a grin.
"You should've seen Twilight try to dance at the Fall Formal. She's not really the princess of busting a move." The two of them shared a laugh. "As crazy as these years have been, they were pretty fun too!"
"Yup! And something tells me things are only going to get cooler from here on in!"