Prologue

6/13/2013 Route 103, Hoenn Region, 8:14 AM (19 Months After First Visit to Equestria)

Orion had been jogging with Alex for the good whole of 2 hours. They made it to the edge of the river that separated Route 103 and Route 110. They then headed off to get some breakfast at a family run diner in Odale Town. Alex liked dining in independent restaurants like that, because if there’s anything he’s learned from all of the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives episodes that he’s seen, that mom and pop places like that always served the best food. Alex walked in with Orion and they both grabbed a booth. Alex took a quick glance at the menu and put it down, already certain with what he wanted to order. Orion took his time however.

“Hello Alex and Orion, my two favorite customers,” said a woman in her mid-50’s with a pot of coffee in traditional waitress garb.

“Hiya Maybelline,” greeted Alex and Orion simultaneously.

She poured them both a mug of piping hot coffee. “I’m guessing you want the usual mushroom, swiss, and bacon skillet and a glass of grepa berry juice, right Alex?” asked Maybelline.

“You know best,” he said smiling, giving her the menu.

Orion decided on two poached eggs on toast with a fruit salad on the side and that he’d be fine with coffee. She took his menu and placed their orders.

“So how is Twilight?” asked Alex to Orion.

“What are you talking about?” asked Orion.

“You have the ability to travel to Equestria right? Don’t you visit her or something?”

“No,” replied Orion, “I write letters, and I just found out how to use my magic to send them off to Twilight. It’s kind of similar to how Spike would do it.”

“How does she respond?” asked Alex.

“Wouldn’t she require a large amount of energy to send a letter off to our world?”

“Princess Celestia just forwards her mail; she’s powerful enough to send letters to our house.”

“Okay,” said Alex.

“So I go back to my original question: How is Twilight?”

“Oh, she’s fine.” said Orion. “Also, you'll like this, Rainbow Dash made the Wonderbolts.”

“Really,” said Alex. “Good for her.”

Once Orion, mentioned her name, Alex remembered how much he missed her.

“And,” continued Orion “Gilda was released from Canterlot on the count of good behavior last fall. Rainbow Dash then got her a spot in the Wonderbolts.”

“Fantastic,” said Alex.

Maybelline came around to refill Orion’s mug. Orion and Alex kept quiet around others when talking about their adventures in Equestria, so as to avoid looking crazy.

Once Maybelline was out of earshot, Orion continued. “Fluttershy says that the pidgey she took in turned into a Pidgeot.”

“Already?” said Alex surprised. “Damn, she’s good.”

“Haven’t heard much about Rarity, but Twilight says she’s fine as well. Pinkie Pie’s ‘parents’ Mr. and Mrs. Cake had babies.”

“Aww, good for them,” said Alex.

“Applejack says that something called zap apple harvest was underway, and that they wish they could send us some of the famous jam that they make with it. But as you, know we’re a little too busy to tour to stop by and chit chat. For as powerful as my wand has become, I can’t just zip into both worlds any time; it still drains a large amount of energy. We only get these couple of days off before we get back on the road.”

Maybelline stopped at their table to drop off their food. The rest of the conversation would have to wait until after breakfast.

6/13/2013 Route 102, Hoenn Region, 8:55 AM

Alex and Orion lived in a large mansion with the rest of their Lamss members east of Petalburg in the northern part of Route 102. They had just eaten and were sore from their jog, so they did not want do anything faster than a leisurely walk. Which made them perfect prey for a stalker hiding in a nearby tree. The two friends were about a half a mile from their home when Orion saw something from the corner of his eye. He instinctively tackled Alex down.

“Orion, what the hell?” asked Alex.

Orion pointed at the ground about a foot from Alex’s face. There was a white, metallic feather with a green end that stuck in the ground. The feather then disappeared in a flash of white light. Orion got out his wand and began looking in all directions to see where his enemy would strike next. He then saw a long skinny leg on a tree branch. The rest of the body that it belonged to was covered in shadows. It was enough for Orion, as he casted a well aimed spell at the branch. The creature that was standing on the branch fell under it when it broke. However, the assailant landed nimbly on the ground, standing up in an offensive stance.

Orion could then see that the assailant was a Gardevoir, almost the same size as him. What was different about this particular gardevoir was that she had a strange device on her arm. Her forearm had a silver gauntlet on it. On the gauntlet was an ellipse shaped silver pod with an orange center with five large white and green feathers that stemmed outwards towards the same direction as the gardevoir's elbow as she held her left arm in front of her with her fist aimed to her right, like one would hold a duel disk. Come to think of it, it looked like a duel disk from the way it formed at a 90° angle from the top of the forearm. These suspicions were confirmed when they found that the gauntlet had its own wrist dealer. Orion looked surprised at discovering what this was.

“What is that thing you’re wearing?” asked Orion genuinely interested.

“That’s none of your concern,” said the gardevoir coldly in English.

“You can speak English too?” asked Orion.

“Enough questions!” she barked.

She then pointed at Alex, who looked a bit frightened at her dominating personality. “I know you,” she said. “You’re that guitarist from that one rock band. I looks like I’ve hit the jackpot tonight. Alex Morrison, I challenge you to a duel! If you lose, I take all of your cards and all of your money.”

Orion then stepped forward. “He doesn’t have his deck on him,” he said, “but I do.”

He then turned his wand into his duel disk. Although new to this, the gardevoir remained stoic and firm.

“Impressive,” she said. “Let’s change the wager then. If I win, you give me your neat little wand and your deck.”

“And if I win, you have to assist me.”

“Assist you?” asked the gardevoir amused at his seemingly light wager. “What kind of a bet is that?”

“Something worth more than both of our artifacts combined.”

Seeming like an easy win for her, the gardevoir said, “You’re on!”

“Hold on,” said Orion. “I don’t even know your name.”

“Why are you so interested in me?” asked the gardevoir annoyed.

“It’s a sign of respect to know my enemies’ names.”

“Helena,” she relented quietly. “My name is Helena.”

“Orion,” said Orion.

“Now that we got that out of the way, shall we do this?”

“Yes,” replied Helena. “Let’s.”

“DUEL!” they both cried.

Helena vs. Orion

Helena’s Turn: Helena activates Polymerization, sending Photon Lizard and Photon Sabre Tiger from her hand to the graveyard to fusion summon Twin Photon Lizard (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1000). Next, Helena activates Twin Photon Lizard’s effect, sending it to the graveyard to special summon the fusion material monsters from her graveyard, choosing Photon Lizard (ATK: 900 DEF: 1200) and Photon Saber Tiger (ATK: 2000 DEF: 300). Helena overlays Photon Lizard and Photon Sabre Tiger to xyz summon Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000).

Helena places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Orion’s Turn: Orion summons Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki (ATK: 200 DEF: 2000). When Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki is summoned, Orion can special summon a Six Samurai monster from his hand, choosing Legendary Six Samurai – Shinai (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1500). When Orion controls a Legendary Six Samurai – Shinai, he can special summon Legendary Six Samurai – Mizuho from his hand (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1000). Orion overlays Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki, Legendary Six Samurai – Shinai, and Legendary Six Samurai – Mizuho to xyz summon Number 111: Tricky Imp (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Orion activates Number 111: Tricky Imp’s effect. By removing one xyz material from it, Orion can remove an xyz material from an xyz monster his opponent controls and special summon it to his side of the field, choosing Helena’s Photon Lizard in defense position.

Orion places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

Helena’s Turn: During each of her standby phases, Helena must remove an xyz material from Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction or take 2000 damage. Helena removes an xyz material. Next, she summons Photon Crusher (ATK: 2000 DEF: 0). Since both monsters she controls have 2000 or more ATK, Helena tributes Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction and Photon Crusher to special summon Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon from her hand (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500). Helena attacks Number 111: Tricky Imp, but then activates Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon’s effect. During the battle step, she can banish Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon and the monster it attacks. At the end of the battle phase, both monsters return to the field. Also, if the card removed was an xyz monster, Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon gains 500 attack for every xyz material attached to it (2) (ATK: 3000 -> 4000).

Helena ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Orion’s Turn: Orion activates Pot of Greed drawing 2 cards.

Orion ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

Helena’s Turn: Helena activates Xyz Reborn, special summoning an xyz monster in her graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn to it as Xyz material, choosing Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction. Next, Helena activates Burning Strike, giving Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon the effect of piercing damage. Helena attacks Number 111: Tricky Imp with Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction.

Orion’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3000

Orion activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards if a monster he controls is destroyed. Helena attacks Photon Lizard with Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon.

Orion’s Life Points: 3000 -> 200

Helena places 1 card face down and ends her turn. Orion is 2 cards over the hand limit, so he discards 2 cards.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Orion’s Turn: Orion summons Legendary Six Samurai – Enishi (ATK: 1700 DEF: 700). Next, Orion special summons Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan from his hand as he controls another Six Samurai monster (ATK: 1800 DEF: 500). When Orion controls a Six Samurai monster with a different name on the field, he can activate Legendary Six Samurai – Enishi’s effect. By removing from play 2 Six Samurai monsters in his graveyard, he can choose on monster on the field and return it to the owner’s hand, choosing Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon. Orion overlays Legendary Six Samurai – Enishi with Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan to xyz summon Number 39: Utopia (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000).

Next, Orion overlays Number 39: Utopia to chaos xyz summon Number C39: Utopia Ray (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000). Orion activates the effect of Number C39: Utopia Ray. By removing 1 xyz material from it, Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK raises by 500 while a monster his opponent controls loses 1000. Orion activates this effect 3 times, raising Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK by 1500 and decreasing Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction’s ATK by 3000 (ATK: 2500 -> 4000) (ATK: 3000 -> 0). Orion attacks Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction. Helena attempts to activate Magic Cylinder, but Orion activates Trap Jammer, negating the activation of Magic Cylinder and destroying it. The attack goes through.

Helena’s Life Points: 4000 -> 0

Orion wins.

“Impossible,” groaned Helena after the attack. “Chaos xyz… how did you…”

“If you want to know, I’ll teach you,” said Orion.

He then extended his hand out to the gardevoir, but she slapped it away.

“Get off,” she said coldly. “I can get up myself.” She did so.

“Alright then,” said Orion trying to be polite as possible.

“Okay fine,” said Helena slightly ashamed. “You beat me, and I’m a woman of my word. What do you need me to… assist you with?”

“Our house is about a half mile ahead,” replied Orion. “We can explain more up there.”

Helena’s gauntlet then glowed brightly and disappeared, revealing her bare arm.

“Hm,” commented Orion.

6/13/2013 Route 102, Hoenn Region, 9:25 AM

Upon arriving at the house, even Helena was surprised at the grandeur of the mansion.

“It certainly looks big enough for a rock band,” joked Helena dryly.

No one laughed. They entered inside. Lucas was dusting the large staircase that greeted the 3 that entered.

“Hey guys,” said Lucas. “Who’s your friend?”

“This is Helena. She’ll be staying with us for a while.”

“Oh, okay,” said Lucas extending his hand to Helena for a handshake. “Hi, I’m-”

“Lucas de Silva, I know,” said Helena, accepting the handshake.

“I know all about you and your band. Are the others here?”

“Sammy and Maddie went to get some groceries, and Scott is still sleeping in his room,” answered Lucas.

“Oh, okay,” said Helena. “Now, what is this all about?”

“What’s what all about?” asked Lucas, who didn’t know what happened to them.

Orion answered him. “Well, she tried mugging us about half a mile from here in a duel against me, and as punishment for losing she’s going to be living with us.”

“Wait, so you brought a mugger in our house?” asked Lucas surprised at Orion’s apparent stupidity. “She could rob us all blind tonight! Are you insane?”

“Don’t worry,” said Orion with no emotion. “If she steals as much as a butter knife and tries to run away, I’ll kill her myself.” That statement made Helena uneasy. “Plus… show him,” said Orion to Helena. “Your gauntlet.”

She then held her left arm as if she was dueling with a duel disk. Her right forearm then glowed a bright white and formed into the shape of her gauntlet. However, the silver and orange pod was perched on top of the wrist dealer and the feathers wrapped around the entire pod, the ends of the feathers now pointed out in the opposite direction as it was when in its dueling mode. Lucas was in awe.

Orion then cleared his throat to signal to Helena to turn it into her duel disk. The orange pod then levitated about two inches off of the wrist dealer. An arced silver arm on the right side of Helena’s wrist extended up and caught the pod on the bottom of it. The feathers then unfolded out and away from Helena's body, which almost slapped Lucas across the face, as he was looking a little too closely and intently. The unfolding of her feathers revealed the silver and orange pod. Now the gauntlet resembled the duel disk on Helena’s arm when she dueled Orion.

“Woah,” said Lucas still in awe. “And you think she is the one?”

“I know she’s the one,” said Orion.

“When she dueled me, she even possessed a Number. There’s no mistaking it. She is the wielder of Celestia’s Wing.”

“Who’s Celestia?” asked Helena confused. “And what’s this about me being the one?”

“Let’s go into the lounge,” said Orion.

____________________________________

As they sat down in the comfy looking room, Orion offered Helena a drink. She asked for some water with ice, which Lucas served her with a thin slice of cucumber. She graciously accepted the water. Orion then told Helena their story of their landing in Equestria, the inhabitants that they met and befriended, and the legend surrounding Inverz, the Numbers, Celestia’s Wing, and his Luna’s Horn.

He even provided photographs of their time in Equestria as to prove that he wasn’t making this up. She examined the pictures closely to look for any masking and cropping done to see any signs of doctoring. She was surprised to find the pictures were perfectly genuine.

“Impossible,” said Helena looking at the pictures. “These… ponies are real?”

“As you or I,” said Orion. “And they are soon to be in very big danger, and we need your help into brining peace back to their world when Inverz returns.”

Helena was unsure of herself. The assistance he needed wasn’t being asked to do something like painting a house or something simple like she expected. He was asking her to be the savior of an entire world.

“I never noticed that necklace before,” said Alex. Helena looked at the gold locket around her neck and quickly pulled it away.

“You should have never meddled with me,” she spat.

She then ran away from the house.

“Wait!” called Alex.

“No,” said Orion holding him back. “Let her go. She deserves to try and take this all in.”

6/13/2013 Route 102, Hoenn Region, 9:03 PM

Thunder crashed as Helena sat in a tree observing and awaiting more prey to rob from. She considered pillaging a more modest and safer living than saving a whole world that she never knew even existed. Suddenly, the chain that held her locket snapped and came undone. It fell to the ground, opening up on impact. She jumped down from the tree and picked it up. Before she closed it, she looked at the picture. In it was a kirlia being hugged by a young woman in large circle framed glasses at what looked like a carnival. They both looked very happy. Helena shed a single tear from that memory.

6/13/2013 Route 102, Hoenn Region, 9:07 AM

It started to rain hard in the Lamss manor. Orion was reading a book by John Le Carré in the lounge. After his time in Equestria, he had grown tired of endlessly reading fantasy books and novels. After knowing that a world with real life unicorns, pegasi, and other fantastic creatures existed and was in his reach, the joy and exhileration of the escape wasn't as potent anymore.

Suddenly, he heard a knock on the door. He went to the door and answered it. Helena was standing on the other side drenched in rain. Orion quickly stepped aside and held his arm out to welcome her inside. She walked in dripping water on the floor. Orion ran upstairs and found a towel. He ran back down and wrapped it around her.

“Thank you,” she said drying herself. “Listen, I may have been rude to you back there but, it’s just…”

Orion remembered the locket. “I bet whatever is in that locket means a whole lot to you.”

“Yes,” she said.

“What is it?” asked Orion.

“I’d rather not talk about it,” she said. “I understand,” said Orion.

“You can tell me whenever you feel comfortable. But right now, you look cold from the rain. How about a bath?”

Helena gave a slight but noticeable smile.

____________________________________

Orion drew warm water into the bathtub, and allowed Helena in. He closed the door behind her, giving her her privacy. Helena stepped into the tub and immersed herself into the water, letting the warmth envelop her. She then heard a noise, but assumed it was coming from downstairs. She paid no mind. After soaking comfortably for 15 minutes, she dried herself with another towel. Suddenly she noticed something. The locket she had wasn’t on the sink like she left it. She then ran out of the room and bumped into Orion.

“Orion, have you seen my-”

Before she could speak, Orion tied a beautiful gold chain around Helena’s neck. She then looked at it and saw her locket hung to it.

“My locket,” she whispered. “What did you-”

“Maddie lent me one of hers. I noticed that the chain was broken, so I replaced it. I hope you like it.”

Helena was heartbroken. The gallade that she tried to rob all but 12 hours ago was treating her with the most love and affection since… her.

“Are you tired?” asked Orion.

“Yes.” Said Helena yawning slightly.

“Come on, he said. “I’ll show you the guest bedroom.”

____________________________________

Orion let her in. There was a beautiful bed standing in front of a large window. There was a dresser and closet on the right side of the room.

“You can sleep here,” said Orion.

He then turned to return to the lounge. Before he closed the door he heard her call him.

“Orion,” she said. He turned to acknowledge her. “Thank you,” she said.

He smiled and closed the door. Helena walked to the bed and laid down. The sheets were so soft and the covers were very warm. Her head then hit the downy pillow and she got the best sleep she had gotten in 2 years.

6/14/2013 Route 102, Hoenn Region, 8:01 AM

Helena awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside. She was awake, but she didn’t want to leave the comfort of the bed she was laying on. She opened the door to her bedroom. And found Orion holding a tray with a plate holding an egg on toast with hash browns and a glass of oran berry juice.

“Is this always going to happen when I open up a door?” asked Helena jokingly.

“I just thought I’d serve you breakfast,” said Orion holding the trey out to her.

“That’s okay,” said Helena. “I’d rather have breakfast with your friends and get to meet them if that’s alright with you.”

“Umm… that’s just fine,” said Orion. “I’ll just bring the trey back downstairs.”

Helena followed him.

____________________________________

Sitting at the dining room table were all of the band members just finishing with their breakfasts.

“So this is who you were talking about,” said Scott to Orion enthusiastically.

He then jumped up from his chair and offered a handshake to Helena, who accepted it.

“I’m Scott Freeman,” he said, “but enough about me.”

“Scott, let the woman eat,” said Sammy.

Helena sat down with her breakfast on the table in front of her.

“Yes, I know very well who you all are,” said Helena pointing to each member when she called their names. “Maddie Rivers, the drummer. Sammy Morrison, bassist. Scott, keyboardist, Lucas, singer/flautist/rhythm guitarist, and Alex Morrison, guitarist.”

“Well done,” complimented Alex.

“Yes,” continued Helena. “Melanie and I used to-” she then realized she spoke her name aloud.

She then left the room in a huff.

Orion followed her. “Helena, please. I know that you may have a tragic past, but you can’t run from it forever. In fact, the only way to chaos xyz summon is to confront any such past.”

“I don’t think I can do it,” she said, tears welling in her eyes.

“Please, tell me about it. Nobody else has to know. They say the best way to get over something is just to let it all out.” We need to go somewhere private,” said Helena.

____________________________________

They both went to the guest bedroom and locked the door, with Orion explicitly telling everyone not to come near the room.

“Okay, tell me about her,” said Orion.

Helena took off her locket and showed Orion the picture. “This is Melanie Rose. She was my partner since I was a Ralts. I was the first pokémon she ever caught, and since then we were inseparable. She taught me English through the cartoons we used to watch together, and through the music and lyrics your band played and sung.”

“You mean Lamss?”

“Yes. She had a big crush on Scott, the keyboardist to Lamss, which is why I know as much as I do about Lamss. She would listen to their music all day and night, and being like her, I loved it too.”

“How about the gauntlet, if you can forgive me running off topic?”

“We were at a recreational fossil excavating quarry, and I found the gauntlet hidden in one of the rocks. When I examined it when we got home, it disappeared, and then I felt a sharp pain in my left arm as I saw the gauntlet slowly appearing on my arm, as if it was being grafted on. I’ve always had the gauntlet since then. I never knew its purpose, but I was able to make it appear and reappear through my psychic powers, which is how I assume you work your wand.”

Orion confirmed with a nod.

“Then, she discovered Duel Monsters. When we just started to learn how to play, my gauntlet transformed into the duel disk form you see now.”

Orion was shocked at how similarly her life reflected his.

“We were a magnificent team together, winning many regional titles.”

“What happened to her?” Helena sighed at this point.

“One night, we were coming home from dinner, and we were attacked by a rival dueling doubles pair who claimed we cheated them out of a win in a past tournament. They challenged us to a game of death, where the losers would be killed. They challenged us to 4000 life points per player. They sadistically beat her down to her last life points. When they finally hit 0, they shot her in the chest.

“The sorrow and longing to try and save her is what actually got me to summon the Numbers for the first time. With them, I mercilessly defeated the both of them. When I got her to the hospital however, she had bled too much to be saved. After losing her, I felt like there was no kindness in this world to rely on. So I took her deck and I went to spend the rest of my days up until this point robbing people all over Hoenn for sustenance.

“It wasn’t until I looked at my locket yesterday for the first time in 2 years since the incident happened that I realized how kind you were being to me and how much Melanie would disapprove my actions if she saw what I was doing. So thank you for saving me.” She then hugged Orion, who returned her embrace. “How did you discover YOUR Numbers?” she asked.

Orion told her about the tournament they won in Equestria 1½ years ago and how his fear of Trixie called the Numbers to him. They spent the rest of the evening telling their own stories.

6/14/2013 Rustboro City, Hoenn Region, 7:29 PM

“Wow, I can’t believe I’m backstage at a Lamss show,” said Helena looking at everything. She then had a sorrowful sigh. “Melanie would have loved this.”

“Then cheer twice as hard for the both of you,” said Orion.

“Why?” asked Helena.

Orion then shut off all of the house lights. The crowd went wild. The members of Lamss rushed onstage masked by the darkness. Then after a while the music started. The crowd instantly recognized it as the intro to Bridges in the Sky by Dream Theater, screaming and cheering each time a bout of throat singing was heard. Helena hadn’t listened to Lamss since her tragic day, nor has she heard this song, but her spine was tingling at the intro. As soon as Alex’s guitar came on, the crowd was relentless. Even Helena backstage was cheering and moshing. It was honestly the most fun she’s had in a long time.

6/14/2013 Rustboro City, Hoenn Region, 9:34 PM

Lamss had just a couple more songs until the end of their set. But Orion wanted something special here. Scott began playing the intro to Faithfully by Journey. Helena remembered this song especially as Melanie called it her secret love theme between her and Scott, but Helena knew Orion didn’t know that, so she couldn’t blame him. Orion then offered his hand to Helena for a dance. Helena felt like that for giving her a safe bed to sleep in and a roof over her head, it was the least she could do for him.

As they danced to Lucas’ sweet voice and Scott's piano, they unwittingly danced onstage, but only noticed when the crowd began cheering them on. Orion and Helena didn’t want to spoil the moment, so they just continued as if it was part of the act. At the song's end, Helena couldn’t pent up the feeling anymore. She then kissed Orion on the lips, surprising him, but then returned the kiss, having developed some feelings for her too in the past day. Orion and Helena then ran backstage. They knew they were equally to blame for any embarrassment caused to themselves, so they didn’t say anything. Instead, they shared another kiss.

8/29/2013 Lilycove City, Hoenn Region, 1:37 PM

Lamss was very busy with their tour as they were to play in Lilycove City that night, but Helena had to make a personal stop. This was the town where Melanie was slain, and she had to make some amends. She went to the Lilycove cemetery and bought a nice bouquet of flowers to lay at her grave. She apologized for all of the hurt that was caused to her that night, and how much pain she caused others through her thieving. She then talked about how she’s touring with Lamss and how it pains her most that she doesn’t get to live her dream with her. She then kissed her fingers and then touched them on her headstone, leaving the flowers there. She then walked back to the car Orion escorted her in with a couple of tears dripping down her face.

10/1/2013 Sunyshore City, Sinnoh Region, 12:30 PM

Lamss was to be meeting a friend at a café in the town. As they approached, they saw a young woman wearing all black drinking a cup of coffee. Her hair was as black as her clothes which was very short for a girl except for the flap that went over her right eye. She noticed the group walking towards them and stood up to introduce herself.

“Guys, this is Zelda Crowley, my roommate back in music school.” She wordlessly shook everyone’s hand. “She’ll be helping us with the last month of the tour.”

“So you work more with industrial music, right?” asked Alex.

“Yeah,” said Zelda. “That’s cool,” said Alex, “that will come in handy for our Halloween styled shows.”

“Okay,” said Zelda.

“Don’t worry,” said Scott she’s nervous around new people. Just give her some time to open up.”

10/31/2013 Petalburg City, Hoenn Region, 7:29 PM

It was the final show of their long tour and, just like they did every Halloween, they played the Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory album in its entirety. Zelda was backstage adding more electronic elements to certain parts of the songs. They were slight, but noticeable, and they didn’t hinder the show's power. As they finished Finally Free they then performed a second set of darker themed music, such as Toccata and the entire Karn Evil 9 by Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, and finishing with In the Presence of Enemies by Dream Theater. After the show, they all rode back to the Lamss manor, anticipating their next trip to Equestria for their lengthened hiatus.

11/1/2013 Route 102, Hoenn Region, 1:35 PM

Alex and Orion were almost done packing up their belongings. Suddenly a car rode up to the manor. A woman with long straight black hair walked out of it. She was wearing a blue blouse with golden-khaki pants. Lucas was packing his car when he saw her.

“Charley,” he said, walking over and hugging her.

“Lucas,” she said.

“How’s the water show going?” asked Lucas.

Since Charley came to Ponyville and witnessed Fluttershy’s companionship towards animals, she opted to do the same, so she began working in a dewgong and walrein show at an aquarium in Goldenrod.

“Lovely,” said Charley. “It wasn’t easy saying goodbye to the pokémon, but I’m happy knowing I’m going to meet Fluttershy again.”

“Well, we’re leaving in about a half hour for the airport, so put your bags in my car.”

Charley did as she was told and went in to say hi to everyone else.

Scott was helping Zelda pack her bags, as she decided stay with Lamss after the tour to visit this place Scott was raving about.

“Now remember, Zelda,” said Scott. “When we get there, you might feel a little uncomfortable with the inhabitants there.”

“Come on Scott,” complained Zelda. “You act like we’re going to a whole ‘nother planet or something. I highly doubt wherever we’re going is going to be a horrible shock.”

“If you say so,” said Scott.

Orion and Helena were finished packing, ready to return to the world Orion raved about for 5 months.

“Ready?” asked Orion.

“Come what may, right?” replied Helena.

They both walked to the car to pack their luggage.

11/1/2013 Petalburg City Airport, Hoenn Region, 2:20 PM

Orion and Lucas were finished loading and fueling the plane. They were also the last ones to get on. Orion made his way towards the cockpit.

“Hello, this is your captain Orion speaking. We are currently about to begin the flight from Petalburg, Hoenn to Ponyville, Equestria. We will hopefully arrive there within 15 minutes. Today is blue skies from here on out, let’s do this.”

He then started up the airplane and flew it out towards the western ocean. When he felt like they were far enough from view, he took out his wand, and made it glow brightly. The brightness enveloped the plane, and then when the brightness subsided, the plane was gone.

Part 1: The Savior - Chapter 1: Converging

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Just Outside of Seattle, WA., Nov. 1st, 2012 A.D., 2:57 PM

A man in his mid-30s was driving down a highway in a perfectly furbished and clean black 2011 Dodge Challenger. This man had a slender face with a slightly pointed nose. He had short, dark-blonde hair that was combed over with a part in the left side of his head. He was wearing a white shirt with a black tie, black trousers, black dress shoes, and an expensive looking suit jacket. He seemed to have a blank look on his face for the entirety of the ride.

He then pulled off into an abandoned storage space lot. He drove quietly and silently as he searched for locker number 23. He found it and parked his car with the front bumper to the garage door. He then exited the vehicle and took out a key for the lock to the door. He inserted the key into the lock, but instead of unlocking the door, a red light turned on from the center of the lock. Then, a holographic screen about 24 inches wide and 18 inches long appeared on the door. On it was a dueling field. On the opponent’s side, it had 2 cards face down, an Ancient Gear Golem, 0 cards in its hand, and 3300 life points. On his side of the field, he had 1 card face down, no monsters, 1 cards in his hand, and 400 life points. A text box appeared on the screen that read: WIN THE DUEL ON YOUR NEXT TURN. The man then gave a slight smirk.

Duel Test Program vs. The Man

Program’s Turn: The program attacks the man directly with Ancient Gear Golem (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000), but the man activates his face down card.

____________________________________

When the man tapped the image of his face down card, another box appeared with the word CARD: with a white box meant for typing text. A countdown appeared below the text starting at 10. The man tapped the white text box and typed in the words LIMITER REMOVAL on the keyboard that came up. A green checkbox appeared on the screen.

____________________________________

With Limiter Removal’s effect, all Machine-type monsters on the field have their ATK doubled (ATK: 3000 -> 6000).

____________________________________

The man then tapped on the face down card on the right in his hand below the field on the screen. Another “CARD:” box appeared on the screen. The man typed in THE HIGH PRIESTESS’ STAFF. Another green checkbox appeared.

____________________________________

With The High Priestess’ Staff’s effect, the man can activate the card from his hand when he controls no monsters. The attack is negated and 500 points of damage are inflicted onto the opponent.

Program’s Life Points: 3300 -> 2800

The program ends its turn. During the end phase of the turn that Limiter Removal was activated, all Machine-type monsters are destroyed, destroying Ancient Gear Golem.

Status: Hand-1 Life-2800 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

____________________________________

The man flew threw his turn, activating the cards in his hand and filling out the subsequent text puzzles with ease. GRACEFUL CHARITY. Check. HEAVY STORM. Check. MONSTER REBORN. Check. ALLY OF JUSTICE FIELD MARHSAL. Check.

____________________________________

The Man’s Turn: The man activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. He then activates Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field. Next, he activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Ally of Justice Field Marshal (ATK: 2900 DEF: 2600). The man attacks the program directly.

Program’s Life Points: 2800 -> 0

The man wins.

____________________________________

The red dot on the lock grew bright green. Then, the lock unlocked and the man pulled it off the hook-hole in the wall and the hook hole on the door. He then lifted the door about a couple of inches and put the lock back on the door’s hook hole. He then fully opened the door, got back in his car, and drove the car into the garage until the whole car fit in.

The storage unit’s door then closed on itself, and on the outside, the lock’s iron bar pulled itself over the hook-holes on the door and the adjacent wall, the body twisted around and shut itself, locking the unit from the outside. The man waited in his car as a blue dot shone from the back wall inside the unit, serving as the only light. A beam then scan the man’s face and eyes as he held up a jack-of-spades playing card with a shiny gold backing with its face to the windshield.

A computer’s voice then spoke. “Identification confirmed. Agent Ryan Gosling. Codename: Mr. Jack. Welcome back to the Vegas Bureau.”

The floor of the storage unit then lowered down like an elevator. The dirty, rusty walls of the garage changed to a futuristic looking interior reminiscent of the Aperture Science Laboratory from the Portal series. The tight walls of the elevator then made way for a narrow pathway from the front where an underground parking lot was visible.

Ryan then pulled out of the elevator and parked into the next available parking space. He then exited his car and carried out a small briefcase from the passenger seat. He was then greeted by a middle aged man with wider cheeks but a pointy chin. He had grey hair that reached the back of his neck and he had tired looking eyes. Despite his older appearance, he was still fit and strong, especially for a man his age. He was wearing a black dress shirt with the top button opened up. He was wearing black dress pants, black dress shoes, and a long black jacket that reached just below his knees.

“Mr. Jack,” said the older man to Ryan.

“Mr. Ace,” responded Ryan.

After shaking hands, they both walked out of the parking lot and through the sliding glass doors into the heart of the Vegas Bureau’s headquarters, with many other people dressed like Ryan was.

Manhattan, NY., Nov. 5th, 2011 A.D., 4:01 PM

A young man around 30 was shutting down the laptop on his office desktop. He had medium length jet black hair that wasn’t styled in any way. His face looked very young for someone his age, giving some people the impression that he might be in his lower 20’s. He looked very slender but muscular in the upper body. He was wearing a brown leather jacket, faded denim jeans, and a navy blue Iron Maiden t-shirt. He also had a nice pair of Converse shoes with the British flag decorated on them. He walked down the office to the elevators, he saw a co-worker of his working late. He thought of saying good-night to his co-worker, but knowing that he was a talkative person, he decided to enter the elevators without a word.

“See you later, Eli,” said another co-worker to him.

He ignored her and pushed the button that would take him to the parking deck.

Vegas Bureau., Nov.1st, 2012 A.D., 3:13 PM

“You haven’t gotten yourself a newer car yet?” asked Mr. Ace.

“What’s wrong with mine?” asked Ryan.

“I like my Challenger.”

“Oh, no that’s fine said,” said Mr. Ace, trying to change the subject.

They then headed into a gym where a muscular woman in her mid 30’s was fighting a large punching bag. She had wavy blonde hair and was wearing nothing but a pair of tight black short-shorts and a black sports bra. Knowing of their presence, she gave two more hard punches and a hard kick that knocked the bag off of the hook it was hanging from.

“Hello, Ms. Queen,” said Mr. Ace.

She slung a towel over her shoulders and walked towards the two.

“What do you two need?” she said in a distinctive Russian accent

“We are going hunting in about an hour. Get dressed,” said Mr. Ace.

Ms. Queen huffed in reply and went towards the changing room.

Ponyville, EQ., Fall, 2:33 PM

As Twilight Sparkle finished posting fliers for the EFDC with Pinkie Pie, a bright light filled the town. The light subsided and revealed a plane flying towards the Ponyville airstrip built for Lamss’ plane for when they would leave and return from and to Ponyville. Twilight and Pinkie Pie decided to greet them at their plane.

Canterlot, EQ, Spring, 4:00 PM

Twilight Sparkle entered into the lower chambers of the Canterlot palace where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were waiting for her. Princess Celestia then told Twilight an old story of an evil that threatened to destroy Equestria, but required the assistance of a human from another world to shut the door. Now, the evil has returned and this guardian is needed to shut the gate again.

"What should I do?" asked Twilight.

"It's just like a manifestation spell," she said, "only much, much harder."

Vegas Bureau., Nov.1st, 2012 A.D., 3:49 PM

Ryan, Mr. Ace, and Ms. Queen walked to a large hanger like room with a strange large device in the middle of it. Ms. Queen was now wearing a black woman’s waist length blazer with a white dress shirt underneath with the shirt collar over the blazer collar. She also had a plain black knee length skirt, light pantyhose, and black heels. Her long wavy blonde hair was styled into a bun and she was also wearing red lipstick. Before being admitted to the room, the three showed the guards their badges and were allowed in.

Ponyville, EQ. Fall, 2:41 PM

The members of Lamss plus Orion made their way off the plane joining them were two others. Helena and Orion were the first out. She looked around wondrously.

“Orion,” she said, “Equestria is beautiful.”

The second was Zelda. She was wearing a black Aphex Twin t-shirt, an unzipped, black jacket with a hoodie hood stitched along the collar hanging from the back, tight black jeans, and black converse shoes. She looked around her indifferently. Everyone minus the Helena and Zelda were soaking in the nostalgia. Soon, they saw 2 familiar ponies rushing towards them calling their names. Twilight ran first towards Orion, who jumped into his arms and hugged her. Pinkie Pie ran for Lucas, who knocked him on his back and snuggled her face into his, her tail wiggling maniacally. Lucas got back up hugging her. Helena and Zelda looked shocked. Zelda was told what to expect by the others, but they thought they were crazy to believe in a world of multi-colored talking ponies, while Helena was just amazed at the sight of Twilight for the first time. Twilight and Orion then walked towards the gardevoir, who began looking unnerved at the two.

“Helena,” addressed Orion, “this is my good friend, Twilight Sparkle.”

Helena gave a quaint smile, made a small wave with her fingers and said a soft and nervous, “Hello,” to her. Orion couldn’t blame her nervousness the first time around.

“Just give her some time,” said Orion.

“Who’s the other girl?” asked Twilight.

“That’s Zelda Crowley, one of Scott’s friends from his old school. She can be a bit awkward when meeting new people, but if you open yourself up to her, she’ll do the same to you.”

Twilight observed her slightly, interested in her unusual hair and clothing choices.

Vegas Bureau. Nov.1st, 2012 A.D., 3:50 PM

The three people were then met by a man in the same exact clothes that Ryan was wearing. Unlike Ryan though, this man was about five years younger than him, he had a square jaw, medium length spiky white hair, and a pair of glasses with circular frames.

“Mr. Ace,” said the man, “we have full power and are ready to begin the hunt.”

“Excellent, Mr. King,” said Mr. Ace. “Let us go over our mission again.”

“With pleasure, sir,” said Mr. King leading them to the large computer about 100 ft. from the machine. “You see here,” said Mr. King, “our computers are telling us that the remainder of the Numbers lie in these two worlds. The strange thing is, the two worlds are almost exactly identical to each other. Same topography, culture, inhabitants, everything.”

“Which has more Numbers?” asked Ms. Queen.

“That’s what else I was going to explain. About 1 and a half hours ago, in what we shall call for the sake of argument World X, a human aircraft came into this world, and upon entering, we found that over 200 new Numbers emerged. That means these people must also be hunting Numbers, and we called everyone here to see if we can get them before they can.”

“Sounds good then,” said Ryan downing the last of his black coffee from a paper cup. “I’ll punch in the coordinates.”

Ponyville, EQ., Fall., 4:02 PM

“Wow, Orion that’s some story,” said Twilight upon hearing of how he and Helena met.

It took only thirty minutes or so to walk back to Ponyville, but everyone was too busy catching up with things back at the plane to remember to walk back. Lamss was greeted by a large number of the town’s population. The members of the former Cutie Mark Crusaders found Scott and group hugged with him. Applejack found Maddie and they hugged.

Spike ran up to Sammy, giving her a hug. It took a while for Fluttershy to notice Charley, but she couldn’t be blamed, as Charley grew her hair out from her flapper girl haircut to being long and straight down to her mid-back. Nonetheless, it was certainly a happy reunion. Alex felt a little sad that Rainbow Dash wasn’t there to greet him.

“Don’t worry,” said Twilight, “Rainbow Dash and Gilda are running some errands. They’ll be back later this afternoon.”

“Oh, okay,” said Alex.

Soon, Princess Celestia swooped down and stood before her old friends. Everyone but Zelda bowed, who honestly didn’t care too much. Celestia ignored her and welcomed Lamss back to Ponyville to cheers from the audience.

Manhattan, NY., Nov. 5th, 2011 A.D., 4:05 PM

Eli exited the parking garage in his 2010 Toyota Camery, fidgeting around with the radio at the red light.

Vegas Bureau, Nov.1st, 2012 A.D., 4:05 PM

The three men and woman stood into the machine with their small briefcases in hand. There was enough space inside for each person to stand five ft. away from each other. It looked to be a hexagonal glass cage without a ceiling. The 4 people were standing on a Plexiglas surface. About five ft. below them was a propeller with lights on the blades.

A man then addressed the four. “Remember, once we reach full power, we’ll turn on the propeller. The energy we’ve conserved will create a gateway between our world and the one we’ve pinpointed. Once we’ve fully constructed the gateway, the glass underneath you will shatter, sending you plummeting through the gateway. As long as you stay inside the path, you are safe and will land on the planet safely. If you need anything, give us a call and we’ll send it to you. Good luck to you all.”

“Thank you, 10,” said Mr. Ace.

10’s were the highest class of operatives in the Vegas Bureau behind the Jack, Queen, King, and Ace (respectfully).

The 10 spoke again. “Power has reached 100%. Engaging propeller.”

The propeller span very quickly with the lights coming from the blades making a bright disk. The propeller elevated up until it was about an inch away from the glass floor.

“Constructing gateway.”

The bright white disk then transformed into a doorway for a wide open space with many planets and stars. They spotted the planet they were looking for. It looked so much like Earth, except it seemed to only have one giant landmass, like Pangaea. Ryan then saw a white beam that would connect the two worlds together for safe travel.

Canterlot, EQ., Spring, 4:06 PM

Twilight Sparkle and Princess Celestia then began performing a spell that would bring the guardian from his world to theirs.

Vegas Bureau, Nov.1st, 2012 A.D., 4:06 PM

Ryan noticed that as their pathway was forming, a similar beam of light was coming from one planet to another. This beam seemed to be headed for another version of planet Earth.

Manhattan, NY., Nov. 5th, 2011 A.D., 4:06 PM

All of the sudden, Eli’s car’s horn began blaring on its own. He got out of his car and started kicking it to see if that would work. People were gathering around this scene. All of the sudden, an invisible force threw Eli out into the sky, to the shock of anybody who was around.

Vegas Bureau, Nov.1st, 2012 A.D., 4:06 PM

“Gateway 100% completed,” said the 10.

“No, wait!” shouted Ryan. He then pointed down to the others to show the beam that he saw earlier retracting back to the planet where it came from. Suddenly, the beam then connected with theirs.

“Shit,” said Ryan.

It looked like their beam was pulling the planet from where the other beam came from into theirs, as the other planet moved closer and closer to their beam.

“We’re losing power,” said the 10.

“Increase the power,” said Mr. Ace.

The ten did as he was told.

Canterlot, EQ,. Spring, 4:07 PM

Twilight and Princess Celestia began to look exhausted as they strained with all of their might to keep the spell going. Princess Luna then arrived and began to assist them.

Ponyville, EQ., Fall, 4:07 PM

Princess Celestia’s horn began to glow very brightly. When this happened, Twilight’s began glowing brightly too. They were then pulled by an invisible force into the air. Orion tried to hold Twilight down, but it was no use. All anybody could do was watch their princess and another unicorn be pulled into the sky until they couldn’t see them anymore. Then they saw a beam of light descend from the sky over where Twilight and Princess Celestia were going. The beam landed over by Canterlot.

Vegas Bureau, Nov.1st, 2012 A.D., 4:08 PM

As they saw the other planet get closer and closer, the four operatives saw their beam start to thin, as if it was being stretched. The glass underneath them started to crack.

“Get us out of here,” said Mr. King to the 10.

“I’m sorry,” said the 10.

“All of our override software is getting fried. We can’t save you.”

The planet then moved into the beam of light causing it to glow as bright as a sun. The planet then started moving down towards the Bureau’s target planet. Their beam began to “stretch” more and more, leaving larger cracks in the glass. There were flashing red lights all over the room, no doubt from the fact that something was going to go terribly wrong.

Ponyville, EQ., Fall, 4:07 PM

Everyone then saw the gigantic ball of light the size of a planet descend towards Equestria from space. Everyone ran for cover. It was nothing but chaos.

Vegas Bureau, Nov.1st, 2012 A.D., 4:08 PM

On impulse, Ryan then decided to stomp the glass and fully break it. He figured that it would be a safer idea he and his comrades tried to travel through the wormhole themselves and save everyone else inside than if he stood there, did nothing and caused a massive meltdown killing many more people. He kicked his knee high and brought down his foot on the glass. The pressure added from the wormhole made the break much easier. The very moment he heard the glass shatter, he felt a tremendous force pulling his legs downward as he was joined by his other comrades.

Ponyville, EQ., Fall, 4:08 PM

The large planet then descended very fast towards the earth, engulfing Equestria with a ball of blinding light.

Chapter 2: Stuck

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Once the light subsided, everything looked back to normal. There was no destruction, death, or anything that would normally follow a large object striking the earth. Alex looked around to see all of the ponies talking amongst each other to find out if they knew what just happened.

____________________________________

Twilight Sparkle and Princess Celestia woke up in the bottom room of the Canterlot palace and got up, feeling extremely exhausted. Something else was amiss. There was a man in a grey hoodie, stonewashed jeans, and blue t-shirt laying on the floor.

“Where are we?” asked Twilight.

“Don’t you remember?” asked Princess Celestia. “We summoned the great guardian with our magic.”

“No, we were greeting Lamss in Ponyville and then we were whisked away by some weird force into a big beam of light, and then we woke up here.”

“I do remember that,” said Princess Celestia. “But how could I be in two places…” she then groaned from her exhaustion.

“Twilight, remember that story I told you about the Numbers and how I sent some of them to an alternate Equestria?” Twilight nodded. “I think that that world combined with ours just now and now my memories from both realities have melded into each other.”

“Was that what that big ball was that we just flew into?” asked Twilight.

“Yes, I do believe it is,” confirmed Princess Celestia.

“Then how come I can’t remember what you do?”

“A pony as powerful as I can have the strength and will power to not let memories be wiped from my mind like that. It seemed that when your memories of the other world were melded with yours from this world, your memories of this world overwrote the ones from the other world.”

“I’m so confused.”

“I know it’s not easy to understand Twilight, but something did this and we need to find out why.”

Eli then began to wake up. He stumbled around and saw Princess Celestia and Twilight standing before him.

“Oh, good. He’s alright,” said Twilight.

He then began raging uncontrollably. “Oh God,” he screamed, “I knew it. I knew that this was real. But did I listen to my dad? No, of course not.”

He was hysterical to the point of babbling.

Princess Celestia then addressed the man. “Human, we mean you no harm.”

“Great,” he said, “take me back.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

“I know why you sent me, but I’m not like my dad. I’m not fit to be your guardian.”

Twilight had no idea what was happening between these two. “Can someone please explain this to me?”

Eli then told her about the history of the guardian who saved the world from evil and that he is the heir to the title of guardian.

“I’ve never heard of that story,” said Twilight.

“Don’t you horses have history books here?” asked Eli flustered.

Princess Celestia answered him. “First, we’re not horses, we’re ponies. Next, let me explain this to you, um…”

“Eli. Eli Montgomery,” finished Eli.

“Eli,” said Princess Celestia, “something strange has happened that has caused the Equestria that called you to merge with this one.”

“What?” asked Eli frustratingly confused.

“Guards!” called Princess Celestia.

Two royal guards appeared in front of them. Eli almost fainted from the sight of a real-life pegasus.

“Where were you five minutes ago?” asked Princess Celestia to one of the guards.

“Guarding the chambers like you asked.”

“We weren’t performing any kind of spell, were we?”

“No ma’am, you and Ms. Sparkle weren’t here at all.”

“Thank you, that will be all.”

The guards flew back into position.

“What does that mean?” asked Eli.

“Listen,” said Princess Celestia, “the long and short of it is that the Equestria you knew that your father saved no longer exists. As of right now you are no longer the guardian of Equestria.”

“Cool,” said Eli unsympathetically, “now send me back.”

“Don’t you understand? You were sent here by a powerful device and spell that only existed in your Equestria which is now completely erased. Without it, there is no way of returning you home. You’re stuck here.”

Eli then gave out an insane giggle. “Okay, so you’re telling me that not only did I just waste 29 years of my life preparing for something that doesn’t exist anymore, but now I’m stuck here indefinitely?”

“I’m afraid so,” said Princess Celestia. “I’m so sorry.”

“Not as sorry as you’re GONNA be!” fumed Eli approaching the two ponies.

“Your highness. You must see this,” called a guard.

Princess Celestia and Twilight were relieved to be excused away from this angry and volatile man in front of them. They went up the stairs as quickly as he could.

They went to the main balcony of the main palace building and looked over the adjacent mountains with a telescope. On a plateau about 4 miles away were 4 people lying unconsciously on the ground.

“Hey!” yelled Eli who was coming up the stairs, “I’m not done talking to you!”

“How many more humans are going to show up today?” asked Princess Celestia to herself, completely ignoring Eli.

Eli instantly went from angry to inquisitive on the sound of humans arriving here.

Maybe they know something about what’s going on here, thought Eli. “Humans? Where?” he asked more civilly.

Princess Celestia stepped aside to let him look through the telescope. He saw the humans and got excited upon his sighting.

“Get escorts to bring them in for questioning,” said Princess Celestia.

“Let me come with,” said Eli.

“Why?” asked Princess Celestia.

“Who knows?” responded Eli. “I think they would trust talking to another human as opposed to a hor- pony. Plus, maybe they know how to send me home.”

“Alright,” said Princess Celestia, “but I will be sending Twilight Sparkle with you.”

“What?” complained Eli, not comfortable with being around the talking pony.

Princess Celestia responded, “They should be allowed to know the inhabitants of this world and be comfortable in their company.” She then stared directly into Eli. “Am I right?”

Eli knew that he would be stuck here, and causing animosity with its inhabitants would diminish any chances of getting home.

“Yes, your majesty,” sighed Eli.

“Wonderful,” said Princess Celestia.

A chariot being carried by two pegasi then arrived. Eli and Twilight got in, and Eli scooted himself as far to the side away from Twilight as possible, still uncomfortable being within 10 ft. of a talking purple unicorn pony. He was more anxious to speak with the humans on the plateau. They then began their awkward ride together.

____________________________________

Ryan got up and observed his surroundings. He looked out over the mountainside, and he then found his comrades lying on the ground by him and he remembered what happened to him moments ago. He then went to his iPhone and tried to call the Vegas Bureau. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a response from anyone. Ryan tried again and again, but to no avail. Ms. Queen woke up and also looked around where she was.

“What’s going on?” she asked annoyed.

“I can’t get back to the Bureau,” said Ryan. “I think that when I broke the glass, I-”

“You did what?” asked Ms. Queen angrily getting up. “Why would you do something so stupid? You probably killed all of our men.”

“I didn’t know!” yelled Ryan. “The machine shuts off when right after we enter the portal, so I thought if we went through at that moment, we’d prevent the machine from melting down and killing God knows how many more people. Hell, they may be alright, it’s just that they may have lost power after expending so much energy and we can’t contact them. Quit jumping to conclusions just so you can bite someone’s head off.”

“Both of you quit arguing,” said Mr. Ace standing up brushing the dust off of his jacket.

Mr. King was standing next to him. “We have no idea of what happened back at the Bureau, so we shouldn’t make conclusions that aren’t necessarily true… yet.”

They all then saw the chariot carrying Eli and Twilight. They watched as the two royal guards landed and Eli and Twilight jumped out of the chariot.

Eli decided to address them. “Hi, my name is Eli Montgomery. You are currently in the land of Equestria.”

“We know,” said Mr. Ace.

“What do you mean you know?” asked Twilight.

“You see, we are travelers of worlds,” explained Mr. Ace, “and we generally study the world we travel to beforehand. We know of the ponies that live here, the towns that make up the nation, and yes, the nation they are consigned to.”

“But what are you doing here?” asked Twilight.

Suddenly, Ryan’s phone rang. He picked it up and walked away from the group.

“Mr. Jack?” said a 10 on the other line.

“Oh, thank God it’s you. Is everyone alright?”

“We’re fine,” said the 10 on the other line, “but we don’t have much time to chit-chat. The energy used to send you to Equestria drained a shitload of power from the generators and it almost fried them, so I can’t be talking to you across worlds for very long on the little backup power that we have. Anyways, it seemed that what you saw in the portal booth was, well, you know how we said that there were two Equestrias?”

“Yeah?” responded Ryan.

“It seems that the incident that happened caused the two Equestrias to merge with each other. How it affected the populace, culture, etcetera, we don’t know, but we just wanted to tell you that the generators and the machine are totaled. We have no idea how long it’s going to take to fund the repairs for these machines and how long those repairs will take, and we can’t send you back without those machines working, so you and the others are stuck here indefinitely. Now for some good news: since there were Numbers on the both of the Equestrias that merged, we are seeing that all of the Numbers have traveled with each other and are all in this one. Get all of the Numbers from this world, and we will have finally attained all of them. Don’t let us down, guys.”

“I won’t,” said Mr. Jack.

Silence. They must have lost power.

“Sorry about that,” said Ryan.

He felt much more relieved to know that his colleagues were safe.

“Who was that,” asked Eli.

“He works for the agency that helped send us here,” said Ryan. “He said that upon traveling to this world, something happened that caused this one to merge with an alternate version of this world. If there’s any damage that occurred because of what happened, I deeply apologize.”

“There hasn’t been any damage thankfully,” said Twilight.

“Good,” said Eli in a rush. “You said that you can travel through worlds. Can you send me back to mine? I was whisked away from my home world to save this world, but as it turns out, they don’t really need me, so if you could help me-”

“I’m sorry,” said Ryan, “but I was also told that the machines used to send people to and from worlds and the generators that power them are completely fried. Until they can be fixed, which could take a long time, you’re about as stuck here as us four.”

“Fuck me,” groaned Eli rubbing his neck.

“Calm down,” said Twilight. “Equestria is a lovely place and you’ll really like it if you gave it a chance.”

“I just want to go to bed,” said Eli, exhausted over everything he’s went through.

“Well then, why don’t we see what we can do for you.” Twilight then shined a green beam into the sky. “The Princess will be coming shortly to help us,” said Twilight.

“While we wait, let’s introduce us to each other.” Mr. Ace stepped up first. “I’m Mark Chancellor,” he said shaking Eli’s hand and Twilight’s hoof.

“Diana Constantine,” said Ms. Queen shaking their hand/hoof.

“Chase Simons,” said Mr. King following Ms. Queen.

“Ryan Gosling,” said Ryan after Mr. King.

“I knew you looked familiar,” said Eli.

“Beg pardon?” asked Ryan confused.

“You’re a very famous actor in our world. I loved your performance in Drive.”

“You must be mistaking me for another Ryan Gosling,” said Ryan. “We live in alternate realities, and while your Ryan Gosling may be an actor, I’m a world-traveling duelist.”

“Duelist?” asked Twilight. “As in…”

“Duel Monsters,” said Ryan.

“Oh, so you know of the game too,” said Twilight.

“Yes,” said Mark. “We travel around and look for strong duelists.”

“Well then you’re in luck,” said Twilight. “We have some very strong duelists here. In fact, several of them arrived here from their own home world.”

“Seriously?” asked Eli in exhaustion, “there are more of these travelers? Jesus, let’s just invite Narnia over while we’re at it.”

Princess Celestia then arrived with pair of guards at each side with 2 pairs of pegasi pulling more chariots. Twilight bowed to her in respect. The 4 members of the Vegas Bureau were intuitive enough to know she was royalty, so they bowed on their knee. Eli stood there confused until Twilight kicked him in the back of the calf, causing him to buckle onto his one knee.

“So these are our new guests,” commented Princess Celestia.

“Yes,” said Twilight, introducing them to her, “this is Ryan, Chase, Diane, and Mark. They are duelists that have the ability to travel worlds. They seemed to be the ones that caused this incident, but it was an accident and there was absolutely no harm caused. Plus, they require special technology to travel to different worlds, and the incident drained all of their energy and destroyed their machines, so they’re stuck here as well.”

“Well then,” said Princess Celestia, “we will try our best to accommodate you all. I assume that the 4 of you would like to stay together.” The 4 nodded in confirmation. “And all you have with you are those bags there?”

She pointed to the briefcases on the ground.

“Yes,” answered Mark. “Then there’s a hostel in the town of Ponyville I could take you.”

“That sounds great. But we prefer to be alone. That means we don’t want this guy here with us,” said Mark acknowledging Eli.

“Okay. One, the name is Eli. Second, where am I supposed to stay?”

“You could ask one of my friends if you could crash at their place,” said Twilight.

Eli knew that he needed a place to stay, and being in the same house as a talking pony would be better than sleeping outside on the street. \

“Okay, said Eli begrudgingly.

“Alright then,” said Princess Celestia, “shall we?”

They each entered the chariots. Eli rode again with Twilight, Ryan with Mark, and Diane with Chase. They all began their flight to Ponyville.

Chapter 3: New Allies

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The members of Lamss was checking the entire town square and seeing if everything was alright following the massive ball of light colliding with the earth. Strangely, the town was unharmed; not a hair out of place. Alex was relieved that everyone was alright, but he was still worried about Twilight and Princess Celestia. Suddenly, he saw Rainbow Dash and Gilda flying in the sky towards Ponyville. They landed in the town.

“Is everypony okay? Is anyone hurt?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“No, thank goodness,” said Alex, stepping forward so Rainbow Dash could see him.

“Alex!” she cried, flying towards him.

Alex gave her a hug.

“It’s good to see you two, Rainbow Dash,” said Alex. Rainbow Dash looked at the crowd of ponies, but someone was missing.

“Hey, where’s Twilight?” she asked.

Alex wasn’t sure how to answer to what he saw just a moment ago.

“Look,” cried a pony. “Up in the sky!”

The chariots arrived in Ponyville’s town square as Eli looked down at the colorful array of its inhabitants. Eli was beginning to be unnerved looking at the hundreds of ponies, but suddenly lit up at seeing humans amongst them.

These must be those other travelers, he thought.

Eli and Twilight got out of their chariot walking towards Twilight’s friends. Orion then spotted her and gave her another hug. Eli had never seen or heard of a Gallade before. He was frozen stiff at the sight of Orion.

“Thank God you’re alright,” he said.

Alex looked over and saw Orion and Twilight with Eli, whom he didn’t recognize, but figured he was part of that ball of light that came and went. He walked over to introduce himself.

“Finally, a human,” said Eli exultantly.

“Hello, you must be new here,” said Alex to Eli.

“You got that right,” said Eli more openly, shaking Alex’s hand

“I’m Alex Morrison, and I’d like to welcome you to Ponyville.”

“Eli Montgomery and- wait you’ve been here before?”

“Yes,” said Alex, “it’s a long story.”

Eli then pulled Alex aside. “Hey,” he whispered. “I don’t really belong here and I’d like to get back home.”

“You mean like you were whisked away here by accident?”

“Something along those lines.”

“I guess so.”

Alex then signaled Orion over to him. Eli was still shocked at the sight of this alien creature.

“What’s the matter, Eli,” asked Alex, “you’ve never seen a Gallade before?”

“What the hell is a Gallade?” asked Eli

Alex then looked confused. “Where do you live?” he asked.

“Brooklyn, New York.”

“Where is Brooklyn?”

“Are you serious?”

“Super serious. We must be from completely different worlds.”

“No shit, Sherlock,” said Eli. “Can’t you just send me back?”

“Sorry," said Orion, spooking Eli, “your civilization must be vastly different from ours, and I can only travel between this world and ours. You’re more than welcome to go there, but you’ll be as much of a stranger to our world as you are to this one.”

“Besides,” said Alex, wrapping his arms around Eli, “Ponyville is awesome. You’ll love it here.”

“If you really say so,” groaned Eli.

The four Vegas Bureau agents got out of their chariots and were greeted with warm smiles by the inhabitants. Suddenly, Ryan darted a strange look to Alex.

“You!” he yelled pointing at him. Everyone in that general direction turned around. “You in the glasses,” he said being more specific.

Alex stepped forward. “Who me?” he asked.

“Yes,” answered Ryan.

“You must also be new here,” said Alex approaching him.

“I’m Alex.” The Vegas Bureau then introduced themselves to him.

“I heard you’re a strong duelist?” asked Ryan.

“You mean like Duel Monsters duelist, right?”

“Exactly.”

“As a matter of fact, I am,” said Alex.

“Would you care to duel me?” he asked.

“Here? Now?” asked Alex.

“I don’t know, we just got here, and we’d like to spend some time with our friends if that’s okay.”

“Not a problem at all,” said Ryan.

“In fact, one of the ponies is throwing a ‘Welcome Back’ party for us tonight. Would you like to come?”

“I suppose,” said Ryan. “It would be nice to acquaint ourselves with the townsfolk.”

“Wonderful,” said Alex.

“How about tomorrow then?” asked Ryan.

“Tomorrow what?”

“We duel. Right here around 9:00 in the morning.”

“Okay then,” said Alex. “I will see you then.”

Alex walked back with the rest of his band mates.

“I see you’ve met Ryan and the others,” said Twilight approaching Alex.

“I dunno,” said Alex. “There’s just something about them that kind of rubs me the wrong way.”

“Really? How so?”

“Maybe it’s his wanting to duel me within only fifteen seconds of knowing me, or maybe it’s the suits they’re wearing, I don’t know, but I’ve seen enough cartoons in my day to know that being an overly nice stranger is always a bad sign.”

“I know, right?” quipped in Eli.

“I felt the same thing when I met them on the plateau by their palace.”

“Guys,” said Twilight. “You shouldn’t judge a person like that. You of all people, Alex. Do you not remember Nightmare Night?”

“All too well, Twilight,” said Alex, “but I could actually feel a longing for acceptance from Princess Luna when she was outcast. Here I just feel a bad vibe from those guys. You can do what you want, but I’m keeping a close eye on them.”

Twilight sighed in frustration.

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When they entered the old theater where, like last time, Lamss would be making their temporary residence, the place was strewn with party decorations: streamers, balloons, cake, snacks, games. It was a normal Pinkie Pie celebration. However the banner that read, “Welcome Back, Lamss,” on it also had “and welcome Eli, Mark, Chase, Diana, and Ryan,” crudely written on it with black marker. Pinkie Pie hopped up to Eli who was next to Alex.

“Hi, you must be Eli. I’m Pinkie Pie. Do you like the party? Do ya?”

Eli wasn’t exactly hoping for this kind of reception.

“Do you by chance have anything to drink?”

Pinkie Pie ran over to the snacks table and got some punch for him. Eli was hoping for something along the lines of beer or even a wine cooler, but he didn’t want to be rude, so he smiled and took a sip. And another, until he gulped it down.

“That wasn’t exactly what I wanted, but that was really good,” he said.

“Well here,” said Pinkie Pie pouring a full ladle into his empty cup, “have some more.”

She then ran away to converse with the 4 agents.

“Now if I could get some vodka, I’d be in business,” he said.

“I can help with that,” said Alex.

He then made his way to behind the stage where some pegasus ponies were bringing in all of the luggage from the plane.

“Could you do us a favor?”Alex asked them.

____________________________________

Alex and Eli rode with the pegasi back to the plane to get more luggage. Since he was present, he figured this would be a good time to bring in the instruments, as he didn’t like others touching them.

“Holy shit,” said Eli. “This is yours?”

“Sure is,” said Alex.

They went inside the plane where Alex went behind the bar.

“Wait,” said Eli, “do you have any beer or something.”

“What kind do you like?”

“Miller Light?”

“Once again, we come from different worlds, so we won’t have the same brands of liquor as you do.”

“Okay, surprise me.”

Alex tossed him a brown bottle.

“Oreburgh Ale?” said Eli looking at the bottle like it was a container of pond sludge.

“I like it,” said Alex. “I mean, when it comes right down to it, beer is beer, right?”

Alex twisted off his own bottle and took a swig.

“Mmm,” said Alex trying his best to make him feel comfortable.

Eli twisted the top and took a swig. He was surprised at how good it tasted.

“God damn, that’s some good shit right there.”

“Good said Alex.

“Seriously,” said Eli. “If I knew there was beer that tasted this good in your world, I would have tried living there years ago.

“Cool,” said Alex, “but could you help me with some stuff?”

____________________________________

Alex and Eli just finished loading all of the instruments into the back of the loading compartment the pegasi were carrying to and from Ponyville.

“So you guys are also a rock band?”

“Yep,” said Alex.

“Are you any good?”

“You can find out for yourself, tonight.”

“Tonight?” asked Eli.

____________________________________

Alex came back and found his the other members of Lamss talking with Applejack and Twilight.

“Howdy, Alex,” said Applejack. “Long time, no see.”

“Same,” said Alex. “I was just trying to hang out with Eli to get him more comfortable here. He seems to be interested in our band, and we just unloaded the instruments in, and…”

“Well, then let’s play,” said Maddie.

“Okay,” replied Alex.

It took a while for Maddie to get her drumset set up but with the help of Pinkie Pie, who set it up the last time, it was no hassle at all. The band got dress into their usual show attire, and made their way back onstage. They all got out the rest of their instruments from their cases, the same ones from two years ago. Orion used the electric and amplification spells to give them power and sound. Lucas tapped the microphone for a test.

“Hello, Ponyville,” he called. “For those who don’t know us, we are Lamss, and we are tonight’s entertainment.”

The crowd of ponies cheered as the four agents of the Vegas Bureau clapped respectfully. Zelda decided to be a wallflower for the evening, and particularly enjoyed it. Lamss then started playing music, and all of the ponies started dancing. The only ones who weren’t dancing were the 4 agents, who stood and observed the music, and Zelda, who stood and watched the commotion in the house.

Pinkie Pie jumped at her, laughing, “Come on, slowpoke,” she said. “The party has just started!”

Zelda didn’t like being talked to like a child.

“Yeah, I’m just going to be here for a while,” said Zelda lethargically.

“Aww, don’t be like that!” said Pinkie Pie, pulling Zelda into the crowd with her hooves. “Come on, there’s plenty of party to go round.”

Zelda then successfully pulled her hand away.

“Listen, I’m not much of a dancer,” said Zelda feeling a little embarrassed.

“Who is?” asked Pinkie Pie. “I mean look at Twilight over there.” She then motioned to Twilight dancing like a total spaz, but still enjoying herself. “You just gotta get into it.”

Pinkie Pie then started dancing awkwardly too. Still a little uncomfortable with being forced into the dancefloor, Zelda began dancing the best way she knew how: by recreating Uma Thurman’s dance sequence from Pulp Fiction. She expected a lot of laughing, which was happening, but no one was laughing at her. In fact, Pinkie Pie saw her and was trying to imitate her moves.

For most of Zelda’s life, she had been judged for a lot of the things she’s done. It seemed that in this world, no one judged you for something as trivial as your dancing skills. This made her feel a little more open. Plus, there was just something about Pinkie Pie’s exuberant energy that was rubbing off on her. She was having… fun. It felt good. Eli was watching Sammy rock out on the bass.

Even for a woman, thought Eli, she’s damned good on that bass.

He watched as her hair wound up and down as she swung her head to the beat of the song.

____________________________________

When the party was over, Pinkie Pie and Zelda were talking over by the punch bowl. Whatever it was it was funny, because they were both laughing. The Lamss gang then said goodbye to the last of the ponies in the house when they were approached by Ryan and the other three Vegas agents.

“You play very well,” said Ryan.

“We’ll see tomorrow how your dueling compares.”

“Okay then,” said Alex.

Ryan walked away before he gave a friendly wave to him. They were set to stay in one of the hotels that was built by Apple Bloom during the first EFDC.

“Holy shit, you guys rock!” said Eli approaching them.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard such a great cover of Spirit of the Radio like that before.”

“Oh, so you have Rush in your world?” asked Alex.

“Yeah,” said Eli.

"Well, that's good," responded Alex enthusiastically.

“By the way, if you wouldn’t mind giving me a place to sleep…”

“Of course, there’s room for you, silly,” interrupted Pinkie Pie.

“During the last EFDC, we added more beds to the inside of this place, so don’t worry. There’s plenty of room for all of you! Well, I’ll see you all tomorrow. Buy Zelda!”

She then hopped away.

“Bye…” Zelda then remembered that she didn’t even get her name. She quite possibly just made a friend and she didn’t even get a name.

Nice one, Zelda, she thought.

Chapter 4: True Intentions Revealed

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It was 9:00 in the morning, and Alex was waiting at the town square fountain like he and Ryan had planned. He had his duel disk on his wrist. His fingers were interwoven with each other as he held his hands to his mouth, patiently waiting. His other Lamss members, Helena, Orion, Zelda, and Eli all stood by at the theater. Twilight Sparkle and her friends also accompanied.

“What are we waiting for?” Eli asked Sammy.

“Just watch and see.”

He then spotted Ryan in his suit with a briefcase in his hand. He was followed by his other 3 comrades, wearing their same attire from yesterday.

“Mr. Morrison,” addressed Ryan.

“Ryan,” Alex acknowledged while hopping off the fountain.

“You remembered.”

“Of course I did. When someone challenges me to a duel, I find it difficult to refuse.”

“How about a wager?”

“Wager? Wasn’t this supposed to be a friendly duel?”

Ryan then unhooked his briefcase. In it was a black D-Pad tablet and the accompanying wrist dealer. Ryan slipped the wrist dealer on his left arm, the deck inside the deck slot, shuffling itself.

“I can’t really say that the person who has what belongs to us can be considered a friend,” said Mark.

“What are you talking about?” growled Alex confused.

“No, seriously,” asked Eli. “What is he on about?”

“The Numbers,” Ryan said.

Alex gasped.

“Yes, I know that you are in possession of Numbers, and we require their limitless power. But first I’ll ask politely: please give me all Numbers that are in your possession.”

“No chance in Hell,” said Alex.

“Then the bet is decided.”

Ryan then shot a beam from his wrist dealer at Alex’s duel disk, which vanished instantly upon contact.

“What is this?” asked Alex.

“This will ensure that our hunting goes as planned,” said Mark.

“That beam is connected to your extra deck which is on your duel disk. When you lose, all Numbers you possess will become ours.”

“Why are you doing this?” asked Alex.

“For the same reasons you are,” said Mark. “We hunt and gather Numbers, traveling all throughout different worlds to find them for our own needs, whatever they may be.”

Twilight was beginning to regret trusting them.

“Hunt and gather?” asked Alex. “No, we came across our Numbers on our own world and are here to prevent an ancient prophecy from destroying this land.”

“Enough,” said Mark. “That may be your motive, but it won’t stop us from achieving ours. Ryan, do what you do best.”

“Yes sir,” said Ryan emotionlessly.

He then tossed his tablet from his briefcase into the air. It landed on his wrist dealer, but strangely, no zones unsheathed from the duel disk. Only a small, scanner like light ran through the small slit where the zones would emerge. There was only the small slit for spell and trap cards, which now looked like it would also be used for summoning monsters. Alex unsheathed his duel disk and drew 5 cards from his deck. Ryan also drew five cards.

“DUEL!” they both yelled.

Ryan vs. Alex

Ryan’s Turn: Ryan summons Alien Mars (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000). When Ryan summons an Alien monster, Ryan can special summon Alien Dog from his hand (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000). Next, Ryan activates Double Summon, summoning Worm Barses (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1500). Ryan overlays Alien Mars, Alien Dog, and Worm Barses to xyz summom Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1300).

Ryan places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Holy Christ!” said Eli, surprised at the sight of Ryan’s monster. “Are those real monsters?”

“No, they’re holograms,” said Sammy.

“Are you shitting me?” said Eli. “You seriously solve problems in this world by playing a childish card game? Come on, someone punch somebody already!” he shouted at the two duelists.

“Okay, how about I start with you?” shouted Alex at Eli, getting annoyed at his behavior.

Noticing that there was most likely no real bloodshed involved with this game as opposed to fist-fighting, but he’d still get to see some cool violence, he decided to have change of mind.

“On second thought,” he said, “continue with your game.”

“Thank you,” sighed Alex frustrated.

____________________________________

Alex’s Turn: Alex activates Ancient Rules, special summoning a level 5 or higher normal monster from his hand, choosing Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Next, Alex summons Dragunity Aklys (ATK: 1000 DEF: 800). Alex tunes Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord with Dragunity Aklys to synchro summon Nero, the Dragon Warlord (ATK: 3200 DEF: 2800). Alex attacks Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit. Because Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit is not destroyed. Battle damage is applied normally.

Ryan’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3000

For every 1000 life points Nero, the Dragon Warlord inflicts through battle, Alex draws 1 card.

Alex places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“See?” said Alex to his friends. “He’s not so tough.”

“Not so tough?” said Ryan. “Perhaps I should show you my true strength.”

____________________________________

Ryan’s Turn: Ryan activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, he activates the effect of Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit. By removing one xyz material from it, Ryan can normal summon without tributing this turn. Ryan summons Alien Mother (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1500). Next, Ryan activates the trap Planet Pollutant Virus, tributing one Alien monster and destroying all monsters on Alex’s side of the field that don’t have A-Counters attached to them.

Then, until after the opponent’s third turn after activation, all monsters Alex summons gain 1 A-Counter. Alex activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster he controls is destroyed. Ryan attacks Alex directly with Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit, but Alex activates Negate Attack.

Ryan places 1 card face down and ends his turn. Alex is one card over the hand size limit and must discard one card.

Status: Hand-1 Life-3200 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

Okay, I might have underestimated this guy, thought Alex, but I certainly can’t let him win. I have Adligo on the line here, and I’ll be damned to give the most powerful monster to those bastards. If I expect to win, I have to get my game face on. No mercy.

____________________________________

Alex’s Turn: Alex activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Then, Alex activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Dragunity Arma Mystletainn from his graveyard (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1500) (A-C.: 1). Alex then activates Xyz Plant, becoming a monster with the same level as a monster on his side of the field, choosing Dragunity Arma Mystletainn. Alex overlays Dragunity Arma Mystletainn with Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 132 – Platinum Scales Wyvern (ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000) (A-C.: 1). Alex attacks Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit with Number 132 – Platinum Scales Wyvern.

Ryan’s Life Points: 3000 -> 2800

Ryan activates his Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards if a monster of his was destroyed.

Alex places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Ryan’s Turn: Ryan summons Alien Hunter (ATK: 1600 DEF: 800). Next, he activates “A” Cell Scatter Burst, destroying Alien Hunter and distributing A-Counters onto Alex’s face up monsters equal to the destroyed monster’s level (4) (A-C.: 1 -> 5). Ryan then special summons Alien Overlord by removing 2 A-Counters from anywhere on the field (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1600).

Next, he activates his Monster Reborn, special summoning Alien Mother from his graveyard. Ryan overlays Alien Overlord and Alien Mother to xyz summon Number 149: Alien Tentacles (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2900). Ryan activates Number 149: Alien Tentacles’ effect. By removing one xyz material from it, Ryan can destroy one monster on his opponent’s side of the field and inflict damage equal to the destroyed monster’s ATK plus an extra 300 for every A-Counter on it, Choosing Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern.

Alex’s Life Points: 4000 -> 1100

When Number 149: Alien Tentacles uses this effect, Ryan can’t conduct his battle phase this turn.

Ryan ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-3000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

____________________________________

“Ow, fuck,” groaned Alex after the attack. “That damage felt real.”

“Of course,” said Mark. “Our technology has advanced to the point where we can make a duel feel more real than ever, especially with monster attacks.”

“You assholes,” yelled Eli.

“Don’t mind him,” said Alex extending an arm out to Eli as if to tell him to stand down. “I promise that I won’t lose this. For me, and for all of Equestria.”

____________________________________

Alex’s Turn: Alex activates his face down Immortal Dragon, special summoning Nero, Dragon Warlord from his graveyard (A-C.: 1). Then he activates Dragon Mastery, equipping Dragunity Pilum onto Nero, Dragon Warlord and raising its ATK by 500 (ATK: 3200 -> 3700). When Dragunity Pilum is equipped to a monster, the equipped monster can attack the opponent directly, although the battle damage is halved.

Ryan’s Life Points: 2800 -> 950

Alex draws 1 card due to Nero the Dragon Warlord's effect.

Alex places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-1100 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Ryan’s Turn: Ryan summons Alien Ammonite (ATK: 500 DEF: 200). When Alien Ammonite is summoned, Ryan can special summon an Alien monster from his graveyard, choosing Alien Hunter. Ryan tunes Alien Hunter with Alien Ammonite to synchro summon Cosmic Fortress Gol’gar (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1800). Once per turn, Ryan can send any face up spell or trap cards on the field to the owner’s hand and distribute an A-Counter on monsters on the field, choosing Dragon Mastery (A-C.: 1 -> 2).

Ryan activates the other effect of Cosmic Fortress Gol’gar, removing 2 A-Counters from anywhere on the field to destroy one card his opponent controls, choosing Nero, the Dragon Warlord. Ryan attacks Alex directly with Cosmic Fortress Gol’gar, but Alex activates Xyz Reborn, special summoning an xyz monster from his graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn onto it as xyz material, choosing Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern. Because Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is still applied.

Alex’s Life Points: 1100 -> 900

Ryan attacks Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern with Number 149: Alien Tentacles, but Alex activates Bye Bye Damage, preventing Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern’s destruction, and inflicting double the damage that is inflicted to Alex through the battle.

Alex’s Life Points: 900 -> 700

Ryan’s Life Points: 950 -> 550

Ryan activates Hinotama, inflicting 500 points of damage to Alex.

Alex’s Life Points: 700 -> 200

Ryan places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-550 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

Now I’m really in a fix, thought Alex. He’s got two strong monsters on me, and an attack from either of them will spell doom for Equestria. I just need one good card to turn this all around. Celestia, give me strength!

____________________________________

Alex’s Turn: Alex summons Dragunity Corsesca (ATK: 800 DEF: 700). Next, Alex activates Gift of the Martyr, sending Dragunity Corsesca to the graveyard to have another monster he controls gain ATK equal to the ATK of the sent monster, choosing Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern (ATK: 2400 -> 3200). Alex attacks Number 149: Alien Tentacles. Ryan attempts to activate Mirror Force, but Alex activates Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern’s effect. By removing one xyz material from it when a spell or trap card is activated during the battle phase, the effect of that spell or trap is negated and destroyed. The attack goes through.

Ryan’s Life Points: 550 -> 0

Alex wins.

____________________________________

Ryan lied on his stomach as he watched about 30 or so cards fly out of the graveyard slot on his wrist dealer and into Alex’s hand. However, the last one didn’t fly to Alex, but to Zelda. She looked at the card and saw that it was Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit.

Why are one of these cards coming to me? She thought.

“Zelda,” called a deep female voice.

Zelda frantically looked around to see if it wasn’t someone pulling a prank on her.

“Do not be afraid,” the voice said again.

Zelda looked at the card in her hand and saw it glowing. Nobody else seemed to notice.

“Do not fear me, Zelda,” it said again.

This time Zelda felt a slight vibration from the card as she heard the voice, noticing it was the card talking to her.

“I will protect you, Zelda. Just have faith in me, and your friends.”

The card then stopped glowing. Zelda wasn’t sure what to make of the situation, but knew she couldn’t talk to anyone without sounding or looking insane. She then slipped the card in her extra deck without a second thought, hoping anyone wouldn’t see the look of fright and confusion on her face.

Ryan got up and looked at the frowning Alex. Ryan wordlessly walked away in a frustrated huff, passing by his other three comrades. Alex couldn’t help but feel that Ryan's behavior was a bit enigmatic.

“Don’t think for one second that you’ve seen the last of us,” said Mark. “We will get those Numbers from you.”

“Over our dead bodies,” said Helena walking in front of Alex.

“So be it then,” said Mark.

He then walked away from them with his other two agents by his sides. Alex looked at the cards in his hand. They were all Numbers cards. Alex gave them to Orion.

“They must be going back to think up a new strategy," said Eli. He then put a hand on Alex's shoulder and said, "Frankly, I don't know what you just did, but that was great.”

“There’s no time to congratulate now,” said Alex. He then addressed all of his friends who were nearby. “Everyone to the theater. Now.”

Chapter 5: Eli's Duty

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Everyone gathered inside the theater. It was still a mess from the party the night before. Every human, pony, pokémon, and dragon (in Spike’s case) sat down in a chair.

“It looks like this saving Equestria thing is going to be harder than we thought,” began Alex.

“Saving Equestria? From what?” asked Eli nervously.

Alex explained to him about Inverz and his desire to rule over Equestria by controlling the Numbers. “Now we have these four trying to steal them away from us before we can get that chance.”

“Don’t worry,” said Twilight. “We have a guardian here who was supposed to protect Equestria in case danger would befall it.” She pointed her hoof towards Eli, eliciting looks of awe from everyone there.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” he said getting up and backing up. “I already told you that I’m not your guardian.”

“But you told me you were yourself,” rebutted Twilight.

“Well, I told you wrong. I’m not a savior. I pissed away 29 years of grueling physical training just to be told it was all for naught. Now, I’m just a worthless drafter from New York.”

“You’re not worthless,” said Applejack putting a hoof on Eli’s shoulder.

“One day, I thought I was just an ordinary farmer mare, and then when Twilight arrived, I found out I was one of the six spirits of the Elements of Harmony destined to save Equestria when danger would befall it.”

“Then why don’t you take your Elements of Harmony and save it yourself?” said Eli trying to walk away.

“The Elements of Harmony aren’t strong enough to defeat Inverz on their own, especially if he controls even one Number.” explained Twilight. “Now, we need all the help we can get, especially yours.”

“I don’t know what I can possibly do now,” said Eli sadly.

“Those Number hunters fight with their Numbers,” said Sammy approaching Eli, “but they can only wield them through Duel Monsters.”

“You mean,” said Eli looking at Alex, “that I’m going to have to learn that game that you two were playing just now?”

“Listen,” said Twilight. “You may not like it, but Inverz will return soon, and when he does, every one of us will be in danger of losing everything we hold dear. You weren’t sent to this world for no reason. Whether you like it or not, you are the guardian in the legend that you yourself spoke of, and we are begging you to help us save Equestria.”

Eli looked at the host of ponies looking onto him expectantly. Even in his moment of doubt, he was still looked highly upon by the residents there. Suddenly, Eli felt a spark of responsibility and hope that he never felt before until just now. He then grew a determined smirk on his face.

“Alright,” he said. “I’m in. If that Inverz wants to drag Equestria to Hell, he's going to have to keep me from dragging him there first.”

The ponies plus Spike all rushed him and hugged him down to the ground. They then all hopped aside as Orion pushed a large chest in front of Eli.

“What’s this?” he asked.

“If you’re going to learn to play Duel Monsters,” said Orion, “you’re going to need a deck.”

____________________________________

After looking through them all, Eli picked a Koa’ki Meiru deck as his best fit.

“Are you sure?” asked Scott approaching him. “That deck is pretty tricky to master.”

“Since when is protecting an entire world anything but?” asked Eli.

Scott was quite relieved at the positive energy that Eli was exerting now. Zelda then tossed Eli a dark navy blue D-Pad with the tablet already attached to the wrist dealer.

“You’re just giving this to me?” asked Eli.

“It’s my spare,” said Zelda, “but I never liked the color. It’s yours now, guardian.”

She tickled his chin at the last sentence, which slightly annoyed him.

“Now, you need to learn the game,” said Sammy, “and I’m going to be your teacher.”

“What about Alex?” asked Eli. “Why can’t he teach me?”

“He may be an excellent duelist,” said Sammy, “but he can’t teach worth shit. I’ll be teaching you.”

“Okay,” said Eli surprised at her feistiness.

____________________________________

The two spent the entire day going over the basics as everyone else cleaned up from the party and spent the entire afternoon learning the harder stuff.

“So, when I xyz summon,” said Eli trying to understand. “I stack the cards on top of each other?”

“Yes,” said Sammy, “like this.”

She took one of Eli’s monsters and placed it on another one of Eli’s monsters. When she did this, Eli went to grab the other card, but Sammy already stacked it on, and he ended up putting his hand on hers. Sammy noticed this immediately and pulled away.

“Okay then,” she said brushing off the failed flirt. “Let’s see you do it.”

Eli did so without problem. By nightfall, Eli was fully taught and was going to test duel Sammy the following morning. While, everyone else slept, he looked over his deck and memorized each of his new cards effects.

____________________________________

It was bright and early when everyone was up. Twilight and her friends came to the theater to watch Eli duel.

“Before we start,” said Alex, “I have laid out all of the Numbers that have been collected between Orion, Helena, and I right here on the back table in the house. We thought it would be a great idea to distribute Numbers between all of us so that if we are challenged by those agents again, any one of use will have as much of a chance to defeat them. I counted, and we have 103 Numbers. There are seventeen of us in here now, so that means that we each can have six Numbers. Me, Orion, Helena, and Zelda have already picked ours, and now, you can go and get yours.”

Each pony and human without a Number went to get them. Eli knew that most of his deck was comprised of level 4 monsters, so he resolved to find as many rank 4 Numbers as possible (plus a level 3, because his deck had a couple of those). He then reached to one that caught his eye, and as he was about to pick it up, a hand was placed on his in an attempt to get it first. He looked up and saw that the hand was Sammy’s. He then made a smug look at her.

“Whatever,” said Sammy taking her hand off, “you can have it.”

She then looked for others.

By the time everyone was done picking, there were still six Numbers on the table.

“Hey,” said Pinkie Pie. “There’s still six Numbers.”

She then leapt toward them with great energy. “Finders keepers!” she yelled.

“Hold it,” said Alex. Pinkie Pie stopped in midair and landed right back where she jumped at the confusion of everybody. “Zelda,” said Alex. “Why didn’t you pick any Numbers?”

“I already have one,” said Zelda patting her extra deck case.

“But-”

“I’ll be fine,” said Zelda firmly.

“Really.”

“Personally, I think Eli should get the last 5 Numbers,” said Twilight, “as he is the guardian and should be allowed to more access to them.”

Everyone else concurred in agreement. Eli went to the table and put the other six numbers in his extra deck case.

“Now that we’re all on even terms,” said Sammy. “It’s time to duel,” she said to Eli.

They both made their way onto the stage. Sammy unsheathed her duel disk as Eli unsheathed his.

“Cool,” giggled Eli at the first sight of it.

They then each drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they both yelled.

Eli vs. Sammy

Eli’s Turn: Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Hydro Barrier in defense position (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1900).

Eli places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

____________________________________

“I guess I forgot to tell you that I’m the queen of the OTK where I come from,” said Sammy. “What the hell is a OTK?” asked Eli confused. “You’re about to find out,” said Sammy smiling.

____________________________________

Sammy’s Turn: Sammy activates Painful Choice, choosing 5 cards from her deck and having Eli choose one of them. He chooses Laval Burner. Laval Burner is added to Sammy’s hand, but the other 4 are sent to the graveyard. Sammy then special summons Laval Burner from her hand, as she has 3 other Laval monsters in her graveyard (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1000). Eli activates Automatic Laser, revealing an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand to destroy Laval Burner. Sammy then normal summons Flamvell Guard (ATK: 100 DEF: 2000). Sammy then activates Rekindling, special summoning as many FIRE monsters with 200 DEF from her graveyard, choosing Laval Magma Cannoneer (ATK: 1700 DEF: 200), Tender of the Laval Volcano (ATK: 100 DEF: 200), and Flamvell Firedog (ATK: 1900 DEF: 200).

Sammy tunes Laval Magma Cannoneer with Flamvell Guard to synchro summon Lavalval Dragon (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1100). Sammy tunes Flamvell Firedog with Tender of the Laval Volcano to synchro summon Laval Dual Slasher. When Tender of the Laval Volcano is sent from the field to the graveyard when another Laval monster exists in her graveyard, Sammy can send one Laval monster from her deck to her graveyard. Eli activates the effect of Koa’ki Meiru Hydro Barrier, sending one Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru from his hand to the top of his deck to negate the effects of all face up effect monsters on the field. Sammy attacks Koa’ki Meiru Hydro Barrier with Lavalval Dragon. Next, Sammy attacks Eli directly with Laval Dual Slasher.

Eli’s Life Points: 4000 -> 1600

Sammy ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

____________________________________

“Lucky bastard,” laughed Sammy.

“I have my days,” said Eli proudly. Now, he thought, let’s really get this duel rolling.

____________________________________

Eli’s Turn: Eli activates Core Compression, revealing an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand and discarding a Koa’ki Meiru monster to draw 2 cards. Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Speeder (ATK: 1200 DEF: 2200). Next, Eli activates Core Reinforcement, special summoning a Koa’ki Meiru monster from his graveyard, choosing Koa’ki Meiru Hydro Barrier. Eli overlays Koa’ki Meiru Hydro Barrier and Koa’ki Meiru Speeder to xyz summon Number 17: Leviathan Dragon (ATK: 2000 DEF: 0). Eli activates Number 17: Leviathan Dragon’s effect. By removing one xyz material from it, its ATK raises by 500 (ATK: 2000 -> 2500). Eli attacks Lavalval Dragon with Number 17: Leviathan Dragon.

Sammy’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3500

Eli places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-1600 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Sammy’s Turn: Sammy activates Battle Waltz, summoning a token with the same ATK, DEF, level, attribute, and type as a synchro monster on Sammy’s side of the field, choosing Laval Dual Slayer. Sammy overlays Laval Dual Slayer and the Waltz Token to xyz summon Number 61: Volcasaurus (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1000). Sammy activates Number 61: Volcasaurus’ effect. By removing one xyz material from it, Sammy can destroy one monster on the field and inflict damage equal to the monster’s original ATK, choosing Number 17: Leviathan Dragon. Eli activates Damage Diet, halving the damage.

Eli’s Life Points: 1600 -> 600

Sammy places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-3500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“You know,” said Sammy, “for a newbie, you really know how to struggle well.”

“Like I said,” said Eli proudly, “I have my days. But today is not yours.”

____________________________________

Eli’s Turn: Eli activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Urnight (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Once per turn, by revealing a Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand to special summon a level 4 or lower Koa’ki Meiru monster from his deck, choosing Koa’ki Meiru War Arms (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1200). Eli overlays Koa’ki Meiru War Arms with Koa’ki Meiru Urnight to xyz summon Number 164: Crystalline Chimera (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1200).

Next, Eli activates the effect of Koa’ki Meiru Maximus from his hand, banishing an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru from his hand to special summon it (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500). Eli activates Number 164: Crystalline Chimera’s effect. By removing 1 xyz material from it, he can destroy all spell and trap cards on the field. Next, Eli activates the effect of Koa’ki Meiru Maximus, destroying one card on the field during the main phase, choosing Number 61: Volcasaurus. Eli attacks Sammy directly with Number 164: Crystalline Chimera.

Sammy’s Life Points: 3500 -> 800

Lastly, Eli attacks Sammy directly with Koa’ki Meiru Maximus.

Sammy’s Life Points: 800 -> 0

Eli wins.

____________________________________

“Ho…” said Alex in awe.

“Ly… said Scott in awe.

“Shit,” they both said together.

“Alight!” shouted Eli jumping into the air in celebration. “I can’t believe I won my first duel!”

Everyone else in the house cheered. He then looked a bit embarrassed seeing himself acting this way over a card game, but he got over it rather quickly.

Whatever, thought Eli, if this is a national pastime where these guys are from and it’s going to help me save the world, fuck ‘em if I’m not allowed to celebrate.

Sammy walked over to Eli.

“You dueled real good,” she said. “You’re ready.”

She then extended her hand in a handshake. He pleasantly accepted the handshake.

“I thought I heard it coming from the theater,” said a young voice.

Three young fillies ran into the theater. Everyone except Eli, Zelda, and Helena recognized them as Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo, formerly known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They beamed at seeing all of their human friends, especially Scott, for the first time in two years.

“Scott!” the cried running towards him. “You made it!”

Scott opened his arms wide and hugged the 3 young ponies.

“Oh, I missed you too,” said Scott.

“The registration for the EDFC is tomorrow,” said Scootaloo.

“I heard,” said Scott.

“Who are they?” asked Eli a little louder than he would have liked.

“Eli, these are my friends: Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo,” said Scott pointing to each pony as he named them.

"Hi, Eli," said the three fillies with smiles on their faces.

"Hey," said Eli. He was becoming much more comfortable being around the ponies now that he felt fully accepted by all of them.

“Are y’all planning on joining?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Of course,” said Alex.

He didn’t want them to know about the Numbers, as if they did, their overwhelming sense of heroism would have them finding some way to get Numbers and put themselves at risk when confronted by the Vegas Bureau agents.

“That’s cool,” said Sweetie Belle. “Here’s a brochure.”

Sweetie Belle then took out a small booklet from her saddlebags and handed it to Alex.

“Well, we don’t need a booklet,” said Alex. “We still know the rules from two years ago.”

Twilight stepped in. “Well, actually…”

Chapter 6: High in the Sky

View Online

In the inside of a jewel encrusted cave where the Vegas Bureau was now making its residence, Ryan was sitting in his bed in a t-shirt and jeans looking at the brochure for the tournament that was going to happen in Equestria in a few days. In their timeline, they have mastered subspace technology through their D-Pads. Sometimes, Number hunting would involve going to a world where there weren’t many places to rest comfortably, so they would download beds and other things onto their D-Pad and materialize them into existence once again. This process also saved much space in clothes, personal effects, and transportation if needed. Ryan examined the rules:

Equestrian Friendship Dueling Competition
Beginning one week from today, registration for the Equestrian Friendship Dueling Competition will commence. Rulebooks concerning the game being played will be handed out by various vendors in the towns of Equestria. Registry for a deck, duel disk, a scooter for riding duels, and free housing for your stay in the tournament will cost 10 gold coins. A ball will also be held the evening before the competition starts, so dress sharp.
Rules for the Equestrian Friendship Dueling Competition
1. Competitors must duel in teams of two; no exceptions.
2. The competition is eligible to all ages, genders, breeds, and species.
3. Each team member has 5 Monster and 5 Spell/Trap card zones.
4. There are two sides of the playing field, with a team of two occupying 1 side.
5. Each player uses their own decks.
6. Each team shares 1 graveyard (1 graveyard per team).
7. Each team is given 8000 life points at the start of a duel. If a team’s life points reach 0, then they lose the duel.
8. Teammates can’t control another teammate’s monster. With permission from their teammate, however, they can use another teammate’s monster(s) to assist in a tribute summon, special summon, ritual summon, fusion summon, synchro summon, or xyz summon. Any other non-standard controlling of a teammate’s monster is prohibited.
9. No teammate can declare a direct attack unless there are no monsters on the opposing team’s side of the field.
10. There can only be 1 field spell active on the field at a time.
11. Each teammate can have 3 or less copies of any given card in their deck or extra deck (6 copies of any given card per team).
12. Teammates can talk amongst each other, compare hands, and share information with each other as long as it doesn’t break sub-rule iii of rule 13.
13. Any of the following instances and practices before, during, or after any duel will result in an immediate expulsion from the competition:
i. Stacking the deck
ii. Having four or more copies of the same card in your deck
iii. Looking at the hand/deck of an opponent that wasn’t allowed by a card effect (if a player forces/tricks you into seeing their hand/deck if it wasn’t allowed by a card effect, it will result in their immediate expulsion)
iv. Turning off the auto-shuffle function on the duel disk
v. Drawing extra cards than instructed from a card’s effect/draw phase.
vi. Marking your cards
vii. Shuffling cards in your graveyard
viii. Breaking Rule 8 (not to be confused with viii in this list)
ix. Bullying, harassing, etc.
x. (For Riding Duels Only) Intentionally incapacitating an opponent (by means of tripping, rough physical contact, etc.).
xi. (For Riding Duels Only) Intentionally keeping a far distance from and/or evading your opponent (there is a 200 foot maximum distance of which you are to be separated; 400 foot maximum distance for duels involving 2 flyers).
xii. (For Riding Duels Only) Not following the intended circuit (this doesn’t apply to duels involving 2 flyers).

14. Duels will take place over the course of a 24 hour period, starting at midnight and ending at midnight the next morning. You should duel as much as possible. The finals will consist of 8 teams competing in a bracket. Placement in the finals will be determined the following morning at 10 AM day by the amount of wins over losses that each team makes in that time period. You cannot duel any given team more than once. If 8 or more teams by chance tie for best winning/loss record, placement in the finals will be chosen through lottery.
15. Before a match starts, the teams can choose and agree to play in one of four ways:
A. Standard Doubles: Two on two play that follows the above rules.
B. Relay: Follows the same basic principles of normal one on one dueling. Starts as a one on one battle, with the two starting players starting with 4000 life points. When one teammate’s life points hits 0, the other teammate continues the duel with 4000 life points using whatever cards were on their teammate’s field when they lost in the exact positions they were in when their life points reached 0. Teammates can also switch at any time during their turn, using whatever cards were on their teammate’s field when they switched in the exact positions they were in when they switched. Switching can only happen once per duel. If a teammate voluntarily switches, the next round will begin on the switched team's turn in the phase during which they switched. Teammates cannot share decks, hands, or graveyards during the match/switch. The teammates can still share information with each other as long as it doesn’t break sub-rule iii of rule 13. If the second duelist’s life points reach 0, they lose the match.
C. Standard Doubles (Riding): Follows the basic principles of standard doubles mode, but will be played with the field spell Speed World 2. This cannot be removed, destroyed, replaced, nor can the effects of it be negated. Each teammate must be in continuous motion throughout the duel (by running, flying, or use of a vehicle) and must maintain a speed of at least a canter down a continuous and easy to follow circuit. A pause or reduction in speed for over a minute from any teammate will result in that team forfeiting the match. If any teammate is unable to adhere to the rules of Rule 15 Mode C, either because of physical/natural/health complications, they don’t have the cards necessary, or any other reason, they cannot play in modes C or D.
D. Relay (Riding): Follows the basic principles of relay mode, but using riding duel elements shown in Rule 15 Mode C.
Rules for the Equestrian Friendship Dueling Competition Finals
1. Follow the rules of 1 – 13 in Rules for the Equestrian Friendship Dueling Competition.
2. If a team loses a match, they are ineligible to continue playing in the tournament.
3. Before a match starts, one of the four modes in Rule 14 will be chosen at random. The teams who will conduct in a riding duel must be required to fly (special modifications will be made to ensure that those who can’t fly can).
4. The winning team of the tournament will be eligible to compete against the rulers of Equestria, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in a standard doubles match. If the team defeats Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in that duel, they will be granted one wish. Losing against them will not affect their status of their place in the tournament.

Ryan looked around at the cave walls, which were littered with gems of various colors. “How much do you think these gems are worth?” he asked.

“Why do you ask?” asked Chase.

“It says we need a fee to enter this tournament, and we don’t have any money for this world, but I suppose that we could get something from the gems in here.”

“Don’t you think they’d have the same value in our world?” asked Chase. “I mean, they are gemstones.”

“Well, they can’t be too valuable,” said Ryan. “I saw some purple dragon yesterday chomping them down like potato chips. If these gems serve as food to the creatures here, then what kind of value is there in that?”

Unbeknownst to them, they were being spied on.

“Look at all those gems,” whispered a high pitched, raspy, nasally voice.

“There must be hundreds of them!” said another.

Diana was finishing bathing in a pool of water that was in the cave.

“It’s amazing how pristine the water is here,” she said, “especially in these caves.”

She got dressed in a white turtleneck and black pants with a pair of sturdy slip-ons.

“As happy as I am about your amazing bath-time experiences,” said Chase annoyed, “we need a way to apply to that tournament.”

Diana scoffed him off. She didn’t notice the eyeball spying on them through the cave wall as she walked on top of it to her bed. Suddenly, a grayish brown dog like creature wearing a red vest popped out of the ground screaming with his hand over his eye. Diana was quick on her feet and kicked the dog in the groin causing it to fall over in pain. A shorter dog like creature with a more bulldog-like appearance popped through the hole.

“Rover,” it said. “What happened?”

Ryan grabbed the dog by the scruff and slammed it down on the ground. He then turned it over onto its back, held him by its collar and held his free fist 6 inches above the dogs face, ready to strike if he did anything funny. Another dog then came out of the hole. It was much larger than the other two and had grayish blue fur. It lunged at Diana, who easy stopped his charge by using its momentum to flip the dog over onto its back, which seemed to cause it a great deal of pain. She then ran over to it, sat on its throat on her knees and put a gun thrown to her by Chase against the creature’s temple.

“Please don’t kill me,” whimpered the blue dog.

“Why not? You invade our temporary home, and then you attack us.”

She then dug the gun deeper into his head, causing the dog to whimper in fright.

“Wait,” said Ryan, letting go of the bulldog creature and kneeling next to the red vested one. Chase turned his aim on the bulldog. The only thing keeping the red vested dog from jumping Ryan was his deathly stare. “See these gems?”

“Yeah,” said the blue dog carefully as to not say something that would cause the woman with the gun from killing it.

“Do you know how much their value is?”

“I do,” said the dog with the red vest.

Chase aimed his gun at it, causing it to sigh and raise its arms in surrender. “Yeah? How much?”

“We covet them, yes?”

“That’s not a number,” said Ryan getting agitated.

“What do you want? We can try to supply it to you,” said the red vested dog.

“Coins.”

“Huh?”

“Gold coins. We need at least forty to enter that tournament in Ponyville.”

“That’s it?” said the red vested dog feeling relieved at the simplicity of this bargain.

“You say you covet these gems, so how about this,” said Ryan. “You can have all of the gems here in this cave for all of the gold coins in your possession, but if the amount of coins you have doesn’t add up to forty, we paint these walls with your blood.”

All three dogs got scared of the prospect of dying. “Second, if you make any attempts at resisting us, we paint these walls with your blood.”

“Alrighty. It’s a deal,” said the red vested dog nervously. “We shall get those coins for you in a jiffy.”

Diana dismounted the large blue one. Chase also lowered his weapon at the bulldog.

The three disappeared down the hole.

____________________________________

“We have to duel nonstop for twenty-four hours?” asked Sammy with her human and pony friends down a dirt road to the top of the mountain where she faced Trixie and Gilda for the first time.

“Good luck if you can get me to last eight hours.”

“It’s apparently something to help build your endurance,” said Rainbow Dash. “So can someone tell me why we’re going to the top of this mountain?” asked Eli.

“I’m going to teach you about the awesomeness that is riding duels,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Riding duels?”

“Yeah,” said Pinkie Pie bouncing up next to them. “They’re super fun!”

“What isn’t fun with you?” tiredly asked Eli.

Pinkie Pie just giggled at his question. Once they arrived at the top, Eli stood close enough to the edge as comfortably possible.

“Would you look at that view.”

He saw the open plains that made up a large part of Equestria and the whole of Ponyville in the center of it all. It was certainly an amazing sight to behold. Of a sudden, a large bird around five feet swooped up from the cliff’s edge and landed next to the group. Spike hadn’t actually seen the fully evolved form of pidgey before and cowered behind Sammy.

“What is that thing?” he asked frightened.

“I agree,” asked Eli matching Spike’s fear, “what the hell is that?”

Fluttershy flew up to it and rubbed its plumage with her hoof.

“This is a pidgeot,” she said quaintly. “It’s a creature from Lamss’ homeward.”

The bird then walked up to the frightened Eli and rubbed its head against Eli’s stomach.

“I think it likes you,” giggled Fluttershy.

Eli then tried to comfort it by stroking down its neck with both hands. It seemed to do the trick, as the pidgeot decided to stand by Eli for the rest of the day.

"Well, I'll be damned," sighed Eli at the mejestic sight of the bird.

“Now that that’s out of the way,” said Rainbow Dash, “let’s talk about riding duels.”

____________________________________

There really wasn’t much to explain here, just a quick run-through of Speed World 2 and giving Eli some speed spells to duel with and that was it.

“Cool,” said Eli. “Who am I facing?”

Rainbow Dash then flew out 20 ft away from the mountain. “Me!” she said. “Just try to keep up.”

She then flew away.

“Wait!” he called. “How am I supposed to catch up if I can’t fly?”

Suddenly he felt a grip at his waist, and saw the pidgeot’s talons wrapped around them.

“Woah, what the fu-”

“You’ll probably need this,” said Sammy tossing Eli his duel disk.

He put it on his wrist.

“Good luck!”

On those words the pidgeot flew up into the air while Eli screamed for dear life. The pidgeot then dove down picking up speed. Eli tried to scream more but he was out of breath. The bird then leveled itself and Eli so that Eli’s stomach was facing the ground far below him. He then extended his arms out to his sides.

“Holy shit, I’m flying!” whispered Eli. "I'm flying, Jack!" he screamed in delight.

“Glad to see that you caught up,” said Rainbow Dash. “Ready to go now?”

“You know it,” said Eli smiling.

He unsheathed his duel disk and drew 5 cards, hanging on to them for dear life. Rainbow Dash did the same.

“DUEL!” they both yelled.

Rainbow Dash vs. Eli

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: RD:1 E:0 Rainbow Dash summons Gusto Gulldo in defense position.

Rainbow Dash places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Eli’s Turn: RD:1 E:1 Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Bergzak (ATK: 2000 DEF: 200). Eli attacks Gusto Gulldo. When Gusto Gulldo is sent from the field to the graveyard, Rainbow Dash can special summon a level 2 or lower Gusto monster from her deck, choosing Gusto Egul in defense position (ATK: 200 DEF: 400). With Koa’ki Meiru Bergzak’s effect, when it destroys a monster by battle, it can attack again.

Eli attacks Gusto Egul. When Gusto Egul is destroyed by battle and sent to the graveyard, Rainbow Dash can special summon a level 4 or lower non tuner Gusto monster from her deck, choosing Gusto Thunbolt in defense position (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1200). Eli attacks again with Koa’ki Meiru Bergzak. When Gusto Thunbolt is destroyed by battle and sent to the graveyard, she can special summon a Gusto monster with 1500 or less DEF from her deck, choosing Windaar, Sage of Gusto (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1000).

Eli places 1 card face down. During the end phase, Eli must discard an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru or reveal a Warrior-type monster in his hand or he must destroy Koa’ki Meiru Bergzak. He reveals a Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord.

Eli ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: RD:2 E:2 Rainbow Dash summons another Gusto Egul. Rainbow Dash tunes Windaar, Sage of Gusto with Daigusto Egul to synchro summon Daigusto Eguls (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1800). Next, Rainbow Dash activates the trap Blessings for Gusto, sending 2 Gusto monsters from her graveyard to her deck to special summon another Gusto monster from her graveyard, choosing Windaar, Sage of Gusto. Daigusto Eguls attacks Koa’ki Meiru Bergzak.

Eli’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3400

Rainbow Dash attacks Eli directly with Windaar, Sage of Gusto.

Eli’s Life Points: 3400 -> 1400

Rainbow Dash places 1 card face down. During her end phase, Rainbow Dash can remove from play 1 WIND monster from her graveyard to destroy one face down card, destroying Eli’s face down card.

Rainbow Dash ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Eli’s Turn: RD:3 E:3 Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Urnight (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Once per turn, he can reveal an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand to special summon a Koa’ki Meiru monster from his deck, choosing Koa’ki Meiru Tornado (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1200). Eli then activates Koa’ki Meiru Tornado’s effect, returning an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru to the top of his deck to destroy all special summoned monsters his opponent controls. Eli overlays Koa’ki Meiru Tornado with Koa’ki Meiru Urnight to xyz summon Number 164: Crystalline Chimera (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1200). Eli then activates its effect. By removing one xyz material from it, all spells and trap cards on the field are destroyed. Eli attacks Rainbow Dash, directly.

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 4000 -> 1300

Next, Eli activates the speed spell Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1.

Eli places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-2700 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: RD:4 E:4 Rainbow Dash activates her Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. When Gusto Grif is discarded from her hand, she can special summon a Gusto monster from her deck, choosing Reeze, Whirlwind of Gusto (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1400). Next, Rainbow Dash summons another Gusto Egul. Rainbow Dash tunes Reeze, Whirlwind of Gusto with Gusto Egul to synchro summon Daigusto Grif (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1300). Then, Rainbow Dash activates the speed spell Overboost, gaining 4 speed counters (SpC.: 4 -> 8).

Rainbow Dash activates Daigusto Grif’s effect. By removing 8 speed counters ( 8 -> 0), she can remove from play materials listed on a WIND synchro monster in her extra deck and special summon it (this is counted as a synchro summon), removing from play Reeze, Whirlwind of Gusto and Gusto Egul to special summon Daigusto Sphreeze (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1300). When Daigusto Sphreeze is synchro summoned, Rainbow Dash can add a Gusto monster from her graveyard to her hand, choosing Gusto Grif. Rainbow Dash tunes Daigusto Sphreeze with Daigusto Grif to accel synchro Sonic Rainboom Phoenix (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2500).

Rainbow Dash attacks Number 164: Crystalline Chimera, but Eli activates Mirror Force, destroying Sonic Rainboom Phoenix. During the end phase of the turn Sonic Rainboom Phoenix was destroyed by an opponent’s card, Rainbow Dash can remove one WIND synchro monster in her graveyard from play to special summon Sonic Rainboom Phoenix from her graveyard and inflict damage equal to half of the ATK of the banished monster, choosing Daigusto Eguls.

Eli’s Life Points: 1400 -> 100

Rainbow Dash ends her turn. Because of Overboost’s effect, Rainbow Dash’s speed counters become 1 at the end phase (SpC.: 0 -> 1).

Status: Hand-2 Life-1300 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

Eli’s Turn: RD:2 E:5 Eli activates Synchro Defuse, taking control of Sonic Rainboom Phoenix. Eli attacks Rainbow Dash directly with Number 164: Crystalline Chimera.

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 1300 -> 0

Eli wins.

____________________________________

Rainbow Dash and the pidgeot carrying Eli flew up to the edge of the cliff where their friends were watching.

“You’re getting really good at this,” said Rainbow Dash to Eli. “I can see why you’d be chosen as the guardian of Equestria.”

Eli smirked and said, “For someone who could inflict 3900 points of damage to me without the use of a single Number is pretty damn impressive too.”

Rainbow Dash blushed at Eli’s compliment.

“Well, I’d reckon that this here guardian is ready for the competition,” said Applejack lightly punching his back with her hoof.

The pidgeot was rubbing the side of its head against the shoulder blade that Applejack hit in admiration.

“I think it really likes you,” said Fluttershy in amazement. Sammy then handed Eli a Poké Ball.

“I think it wants you to be its trainer,” said Sammy.

Eli took the Poké Ball. “So… what am I supposed to-”

Before he could finish his answer, the pidgeot poked the white button in the middle of the pokéball, opening it, and causing the pidgeot to turn into a translucent red aura that went inside the pokéball, greatly surprising Eli. When all of the aura finally fit, the pokéball shut closed. The button was glowing red for a second as it wiggled in Eli’s hand, but the button stopped glowing and the ball rest still in Eli’s hand.

“Congrats,” said Sammy patting his back. “You just caught your first pokémon.”

Down below the mountain, Ryan looked up at the cliff by which Rainbow Dash and Eli dueled. He then walked back into the entrance of the cave where he and his comrades would be temporarily living. The dog creatures were just finishing ridding the cave of all gems and jewels. In a large pile was a mountain of gold coins, surely enough to enter the competition.

“I hope this satisfies you,” said the red vested one.

“Yes, this is perfect,” said Diana coldly. “You have just saved your lives. Now take the jewels and get the hell out of my sight.”

They did so wordlessly.

“There was a duel outside,” said Ryan to Diana. “That cyan pegasus and the Eli guy we met two days ago were having a riding duel in the air. That Eli guy seems to have a pretty strong hold of his Numbers.”

“Then we’ll be sure to keep an eye on him,” said Diana.

Mark entered the cave, having gone on a long walk. He then saw the gold coins.

“What’s going on here?” he asked threateningly.

Diana picked up a handful of the gold coins.

“We just made a little trade,” she said putting the coins in his pocket.

Chapter 7: Underestimation

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Eli was lying on his back in his bed, staring out at the ceiling contemplating all that had happened to him in the past couple of days. He was declared a guardian of Equestria to prevent an ancient evil from destroying this land, learned a new game that would supposedly defeat the enemy, and befriended a large bird. Upon further reflection, he remembered how flustered he felt after hearing that the Equestria he was supposed to save was gone and that he thought that the rigorous training he went through was all for naught, but now that he regained his intended purpose (though not in the way that he thought), he felt much more relieved and accepting of his role.

He looked at his ace Number, Number 164: Crystalline Chimera. I can’t believe that I’m literally holding a fragment of a great and powerful leader in my hand, thought Eli. He knew that tomorrow, the registration for the EFDC would be underway, and if these Vegas people wanted Numbers, they would enter the tournament with the expressed intention to do so. He already defeated 2 strong opponents today, but he knew that there was something about those 4 that would require him to muster more strength than he could ever imagine. It was early morning when Sammy nudged Eli awake.

“What time is it?” asked Eli.

“Six,” whispered Sammy.

“In the morning? Holy Jesus, what for?”

“We should register early before the rush.”

“Is it really that big of a tournament?”

“Very.”

“K’ then .”

____________________________________

Then, all of the humans plus Orion and Helena made their way to the Town Hall pavilion in town square where Rarity and Applejack met them.

“Morning, y’all,” called Applejack.

“‘Sup,” groggily called Eli.

“Poor dear,” said Rarity, “did you not get enough sleep?”

“On the contrary, I haven’t gotten this much sleep in years. I just didn’t want to get up.”

“I hear that,” said Applejack. “Being the guardian must be tiring work.”

“You can say that.”

“You don’t need to worry about the registration fee, darlings,” said Rarity. “I made a killing on a new line of dresses that will be premiering at the ball tomorrow night, and seeing as how you paid for us the first time, I want to return the favor, so you are all paid in full.”

“That’s so thoughtful Rarity,” said Maddie, “thank you.”

“Oh, perish the thought,” said Rarity.

All of the Lamss members sat down at the tables to begin registry, while Orion and Helena made their way to the back to complete needed deck or duel disk orders. Duel Monsters has risen in popularity since Lamss’ first arrival, so most people wouldn’t need too much time to register. What took two days in the first EFDC would now take one.

“Hey Eli, Zelda,” called Applejack. “I want you to meet some pony.”

The two humans plus Rarity and Applejack made their way to the train station.

____________________________________

It was around 6:20 when a steam engine rolled into the station. Once it stopped the door opened to reveal Braeburn with his luggage.

“Hi, cuz’!” he greeted.

“Who are these folk? New human friends?”

“Sure are,” said Applejack. “The male one is Eli, and the female is Zelda.”

“Well, it’s so good to meet y’all,” he said shaking hands/hooves with everyone.

He then held his hoof out to Rarity. Rarity has always had a fear of dirt, and knowing that Braeburn came from a western town where living with dirt was an everyday occurrence, she knew that he had plenty on him. She recoiled in slight disgust.

“Well, nice talking to ya’,” he said tipping his hat.

He then left to register.

“You know, Rarity,” said Applejack scornfully, “you can be so rude sometimes.”

Applejack, Eli, and Zelda left Rarity alone in the train station. Rarity hung her head low in shame.

____________________________________

Lamss had just finished registering all of their friends when the ponies from the first morning trains began circling the table to register. Ponies found great camaraderie with certain ponies from the past, and they registered together both for eligibility and partnerships, making the registration process much easier. Things were a little different in the partnership process. Eli originally wanted to team with Sammy, but found out that she was already teaming with Spike, so he decided to team up with Alex, who was left partnerless after Orion decided to team up with Helena.

Scott and Zelda, being former classmates, decided to join forces. Pinkie Pie was more than happy to team up with Scott’s old partner and her best human friend Lucas. Maddie and Charley decided to team up together again, as their WATER attribute support with each other would make for a deadly combo. Rainbow Dash teamed up with Gilda decided to represent the Wonderbolts along with Soarin and Spitfire. Twilight and Zecora teamed up again as they did the last two years. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo decided to reform the championship winning team from last year’s EFDC, leaving Sweetie Belle to become partners with Fluttershy (after a little begging).

Rarity was left partnerless after finding that Applejack teamed up with Big Macintosh for this year, leaving his former dueling partner, Braeburn, alone. Rarity was nervous to be around Braeburn after she alienated him. She figured that an apology now was better than avoiding him further.

“Hey, uh, Braeburn.”

“Oh, hello Ms. Rarity,” chirped Braeburn.

Rarity was nervous. “I just wanted to…” Her lips wanted to say “say,” but her lips, mouth, and voice made out “ask” prompting a near-immediate response from Braeburn.

“You mean you want to partner up with me? That sounds just swell!”

“No. Wait… I…”

But it was too late, as Braeburn already pushed her to the nearest table and registered their partnership with each other.

Oh sweet Celestia, what have I gotten myself into? she thought.

“I gotta tell ya’,” said Braeburn walking away with Rarity, “I thought that I was going to be left out like the runt of the litter, but then you showed up and offered your hoof to me, and for that I’m very grateful, and-”

“Braeburn.” “Yes, Rarity?”

“Listen, I just wanted to apologize for my behavior at the train station.”

“Aw, don’t sweat it. That’s all water under the bridge now.”

“Well, that was it, I don’t want to…” she then saw the real predicament she was in now.

She had already apologized to him, but refusing a partnership with him would really hurt his feelings even more and would more than likely get an even worse rep with Applejack than before.

“What was that, Ms. Rarity? You don’t want to what now?”

“Um, I don’t want to… go any further without getting some breakfast first.”

“My thoughts exactly. Let’s go to the Apple Leaf Café. My treat.” He then pushed Rarity towards the restaurant.

____________________________________

Up to Alex’s table walked a grayish blue pony with a blonde mane and tail with seven bubbles as her cutie mark. Although, the most notable feature about her eyes, mainly the way one never looked in the same direction as the other. She was accompanied by an orange colored buffalo with amber curly hair and a white and purple headband with two white feathers with black tips sticking out of the back.

“Oh yeah,” said Rainbow Dash. “Alex, this is an old friend of mine, Little Strongheart.”

“Hello,” said Alex shaking her hoof. “Is this your first time in Ponyville?”

“ Yes it is,” replied the buffalo.

“Do you by chance have a deck?”

“That’s why I’m here.”

“Alright, then. You can browse through this catalogue.”

Alex handed her his electronic tablet and allowed her to browse through the deck choices until there was a Spirit monster deck that she liked. Alex gave her the deck in the wrist dealer of a purple D-Pad. Alex registered her in. He then looked at the pony and the buffalo simultaneously.

“Are you two partnering with each other?” asked Alex.

“We sure are,” said the cross-eyed pony in a slow and slurred fashion.

“Okay then,” said Alex. After that, Alex said they were ready to compete and that he hoped they enjoyed their stay in Ponyville.

The two walked into an abandoned alley.

“Okay,” said the crossed eyed pony in a much more normal but harsher tone, “those Number hunters are trying to take the numbers and could make the dark prophecy all but certain. I don’t think we should trust any human with Numbers anymore. We need to take all of the Numbers for the sake of Equestria’s future.”

“I don’t sense anything wrong with that Alex one,” said Little Strongheart to her comrade.

“Listen, we have no time or patience to watch Equestria crumble because of trusting any human or anyone else who sides with them who happens to wield a Number. If they’re going to try and bring down Equestria, we have to bring them down first. You got that Agent Strongheart?”

Little Strongheart sighed. “Affirmative, Agent Derpy.”

____________________________________

Zelda was sitting on the stoop of a building when Pinkie Pie bounced up to her.

“Hey Zelda.”

“Hi Pinkie.”

“You know what we should totally do? We should test the strength of our Numbers, because I want to make sure I’m ready to fight those Number hunters, and frankly I’ve never see your deck before, and I’ve always wanted to see your deck, and thinking about it is getting me really hyper, like, more hyper than usual, so I-”

“Okay, fine. Let’s have a go.”

Pinkie Pie beamed. They then parted from each other to give them space, while any pony in between them stepped aside to watch the duel that was about to happen. Zelda and Pinkie Pie unsheathed their duel disks and drew 5 cards.

“DUEL!” they cried.

Zelda vs. Pinkie Pie

Zelda’s Turn: Zelda places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-5 Life-4000 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-1

Pinkie Pie’s Turn: Pinkie Pie summons Worm Gulse (ATK: 1500 DEF: 300). Pinkie Pie attacks Zelda directly, but Zelda activates the effect of Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind from her hand, special summoning it if she becomes the target of a direct attack (ATK: 0 DEF: 1600). Once per turn, Zelda can switch the ATK and DEF of this card until the end phase (ATK: 0 -> 1600 DEF: 1600 -> 0). Pinkie Pie halts her attack.

Pinkie Pie places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Zelda’s Turn: Zelda summons Blackwing - Kalut the Moon Shadow (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1000). Next, she activates the effect of Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind from her hand, special summoning it if she controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 1300 DEF: 400). Once per turn, Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind can halve the ATK of one monster her opponent controls choosing Worm Gulse (ATK: 1500 -> 750). Zelda overlays Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind, Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind, and Blackwing - Kalut the Moon Shadow to xyz summon Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1300). Zelda attacks Worm Gulse, but Pinkie Pie activates Invincible Hero, negating Worm Gulse’s destruction. Battle damage is applied normally.

Pinkie Pie’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2550

Zelda ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Pinkie Pie’s Turn: Pinkie Pie summons Worm Xex (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1000). When Worm Xex is normal summoned, Pinkie Pie can send a Reptile-type Worm monster from her deck to the graveyard. She then activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Worm Solid (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1600). Pinkie Pie overlays Worm Gulse, Worm Xex, and Worm Solid to xyz summon Number 155: Gator Striker (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2500). Pinkie Pie activates the effect of Number 155: Gator Striker. By removing one xyz material from it, when Number 155: Gator Striker destroys a monster in battle, she can inflict damage equal to the destroyed monster's ATK. Pinkie Pie attacks Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit, but Zelda activates Negate Attack.

Pinkie Pie places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-2550 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Zelda’s Turn: Zelda activates the effect of Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, she can normal summon this turn without tributing. Then, Zelda activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Zelda summons Blackwing - Abrolhos the Megaquake (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1800). Next, Zelda activates Double Summon, summoning Blackwing - Brisote the Tailwind (ATK: 1200 DEF: 1800). Then, Zelda activates the effect of Blackwing - Abrolhos the Megaquake. During the Main Phase 1, Blackwing - Abrolhos the Megaquake’s ATK can be reduced by 1000 to send all spell and trap cards that Pinkie Pie controls to her hand.

Next, Zelda activates the effect of Blackwing - Boreas the Sharp in her graveyard. By banishing it, she can choose one Blackwing monster and have it not be destroyed by battle, have any battle damage occur to the controller of that card, and whatever monster it attacks is destroyed during damage calculation. Zelda attacks Number 155: Gator Striker with Blackwing - Abrolhos the Megaquake. Number 155: Gator Striker is destroyed. Zelda attacks Pinkie Pie directly with Blackwing - Brisote the Tailwind.

Pinkie Pie’s Life Points: 2550 -> 1350

Zelda attacks Pinkie Pie directly with Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit.

Pinkie Pie’s Life Points: 1350 -> 0

Zelda wins.

____________________________________

In her usual Pinkie Pie self, she giggled like a mad pony upon losing, registering some confusion in Zelda.

“Wow, Zelda,” she said through her laughs. “I can’t believe you beat me without taking any damage. You’re really, really, good at this game.” She continued to laugh.

“Jeez, cheer up, Pinkie,” said Zelda. This only prompted a stronger laugh than before. She then took the Number card off of her duel disk and looked at it.

Lunar Wolf Spirit, she thought to herself.

____________________________________

The four Vegas Bureau agents walked up to the registry table, they were wearing much more casual clothes.

“Oh, hello Ryan,” said Alex with a noticeable scowl.

“Listen,” said Ryan calmly. “We just want to register for the tournament, and then we’ll be gone. We don’t want any trouble.”

“Well, you certainly GOT trouble,” said Eli approaching Ryan.

“Well excuse me,” said Chase in an exaggeratedly snooty voice, “but it seems you’re the one causing trouble here.”

“You shouldn’t talk to me like that,” said Eli getting out his D-Pad. “You see, I’ve been getting much better at this game, and I think I can take you on.” He unsheathed his duel disk.

“Eli, wait,” said Alex.

“Stay back, Alex. If these assholes want to come in here and think that they can take what they please, then they should have thought twice about stepping back into this town.”

“Listen,” said Ryan. “I don’t have any Numbers on me anymore.”

“That will make it easier for me,” chuckled Eli.

“Fine, if that’s the way you do things.”

Ryan fastened his D-Pad on his wrist and activated it. They both drew 5 cards from their deck.

“Kick his ass!” called Rainbow Dash.

Eli couldn’t help but laugh at that. In the few days he’s been in Equestria, Rainbow Dash had been picking up on his lingo and this was the first time he heard her use any of it. Eli quickly got serious again as he faced Ryan.

“DUEL!” they both yelled.

Eli vs. Ryan

Eli’s Turn: Eli summons one monster face down.

Eli places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Ryan’s Turn: Ryan activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, he summons Alien Ammonite (ATK: 500 DEF: 200). With its effect, Ryan can special summon a level 4 or lower Alien monster from his deck, choosing Alien Shocktrooper (ATK: 1900 DEF: 800). Ryan tunes Alien Shocktrooper with Alien Ammonite to synchro summon Cosmic Fortress Gol’gar (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1800). Ryan attacks the face down monster, which was a Koa’ki Meiru Boulder (ATK: 1200 DEF: 1000). When Koa’ki Meiru Boulder is destroyed by battle and sent to the graveyard, Eli can add a Koa’ki Meiru monster from his deck to his hand.

Ryan places 1 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Eli’s Turn: Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Urnight (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Once per turn, he can reveal one Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand to special summon a level 4 or lower Koa’ki Meiru monster from his deck, choosing Koa’ki Meiru Sandman (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1200). Eli overlays Koa’ki Meiru Urnight and Koa’ki Meiru Sandman to xyz summon Number 164: Crystalline Chimera (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1200). Eli attempts to activate Number 164: Crystalline Chimera’s effect, but Ryan activates Divine Wrath, discarding one card to negate the activation of an effect monster’s effect and destroy it.

Eli places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-3

Ryan’s Turn: Ryan activates Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field. Ryan then summons Alien Dog (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000). Ryan attacks Eli directly with Alien Dog.

Eli’s Life Points: 4000 -> 1500

Ryan then attacks Eli directly with Cosmic Fortress Gol’gar.

Eli’s Life Points: 2500 -> 0

Ryan wins.

____________________________________

Eli looked over at Ryan with anger and humiliation in his eyes. Rainbow Dash helped Eli up off of the ground as Ryan and his comrades registered themselves for the tournament.

“I guess we’ll settle this in the competition then,” said Alex.

“Yeah, I guess we will,” responded Ryan.

Before they left, Alex spoke to Ryan again. “You’re a good duelist, Ryan. Why do you need Numbers if you can duel capably without them?”

Ryan stopped in his tracks. “I don’t need them to duel.”

“Then why are you hunting them? Why are you hunting us?”

“Because I have to.”

He then walked away. For some strange reason, Rainbow Dash had a strange feeling about Ryan. Unlike the other 3 agents, it felt like Ryan wanted the Numbers for something other than power. She wanted to call him out on it, but she knew it would be easier to confront him alone.

I’ll do it at the ball tomorrow then, she thought. Something is really up with that guy, and I need to find out what.

Chapter 8: Ryan's Complex

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Tonight was the night of the EFDC Ball, and everyone was getting prepared, especially Rarity. Rarity was busy brushing off her new dress in her home inside the Carousel Boutique where she also worked. The doorbell rang signaling that a customer had walked in.

“Coming,” she called. Upon seeing the person who walked in, she discovered that it was Braeburn.

“Oh, hello Braeburn,” she said, tired from the touching up of her dress.

“Good day, Ms. Rarity,” he said. “Are you ready for the big ball tonight?”

“As a matter of fact, I was just touching up my dress.”

“Dress? I don’t think you need to get dressed up.”

“Well, if you read the brochure, it specifically states, ‘A ball will also be held the evening before the competition starts, so dress sharp.’”

Braeburn started blushing in embarrassment. “Must’ve skimmed over that part.”

“No matter,” said Rarity. “I can fix you up something nice and quick that will be sure to turn heads.”

“Aw, you don’t need to do that Ms. I can just rent a tux from one of the shops downtown.”

“Nonsense,” spat Rarity. “I have no qualms of doing this. I still owe you for breakfast yesterday.”

“Shucks, don’t mention it.”

Rarity then disappeared upstairs to work on Braeburn’s new outfit.

____________________________________

Not long after Rarity went upstairs to work on Braeburn’s clothes, Sammy, Maddie, Charley, Zelda, and Helena walked in.

“Oh, hey y’all,” said Braeburn to them on their sudden arrival.

“Braeburn darling, who is it?”

“It’s us!” called Maddie.

“Oh, I almost forgot!” said Rarity rushing down.

“Welcome darlings. Please, have a seat.” They all did as they were told. “Now, when I heard of your arrival in Ponyville, I had to make something for all of you for the ball tonight. Scott found some magazines to help give me clear idea on how you women dress in your world. So without further to do, your dresses.”

Rarity unveiled the curtain to show the women their dresses. Maddie’s dress was a slender icy blue strapless gown sparkling with baby blue sapphires and a pair of silver colored heels. Sammy had a fiery red silk gown adorned in rubies and amber with wide straps and a wide yellow and orange belt with a fiery design. She also had a pair of dark brown sandals. Charley’s dress was a lapis lazuli bejeweled gown with a V-neck design and a pair of light blue slippers. Zelda had a slick jet black one shoulder satin gown with a black belt decked with obsidian and a pair of black heels. Helena had a diamond and jade adorned sleeveless silk gown with slits in the chest to make way for the red horns protruding from her chest. There were also six flaps with short strings that would be tied onto the 6 white gown-like flaps of skin hanging from her waist so the dress could move along with the rest of her.

“Oh, Rarity,” said Maddie wide eyed. “These are absolutely beautiful.”

“I can’t believe this only took you last night,” said Sammy.

“Oh, come on,” said Rarity bashfully, “it’s just something that I threw together.”

“However long it took you,” said Charley, “you’ve really outdone yourself.”

Rarity then folded each dress up and boxed them individually using her magic. All of the girls hugged Rarity in appreciation for their new dresses. They then left with waves and goodbyes.

“Now that that’s taken care of,” said Rarity. “I just have to finish your duds.”

Braeburn was shocked. If she can make 5 beautiful dresses in one night, then he couldn’t wait to find out what he was going to be wearing.

____________________________________

Evening was here and it was about an hour before the ball would begin. Alex dressed up in a black dress shirt with his grey blazer and a pair of nice khaki pants, basically a more formal verson of his rock outfit. Lucas wore black dress pants, a black blazer, and a blue dress shirt with a black tie. Scott wore his usual all white suit with white shoes with his hair combed to the left. Orion wore a black suit with a white shirt. With his red horns in the center of his chest, a tie hanging off of them would look rather silly.

Eli borrowed some clothes from Alex, as he wore virtually the same sized clothes as Alex did, wearing a basic black blazer, white shirt, black pants and red tie. Eli had larger feet, but Lucas had an older pair of black shoes that fit Eli perfectly. Sammy wore her new dress with an amber necklace on gold chain with ruby studded earrings. Her hair was styled into a wavy flow that went down to her mid back. Maddie braided her hair into a ponytail and was wearing silver cuffs on each wrist and a silver necklace. Charley put her hair into a bun and wore a gold broach with a reflective mirror in the center styled into the Gishki Aquamirror. Zelda had her hair lengthened magically by Rarity about an hour prior and was also styled into a bun but left two locks waving down in front of her ears. She also sported a pair of black dreamcatcher style earrings with black feathers. Helena had silver dragon-wing shaped barrettes and a silver and diamond collar necklace.

____________________________________

About 5 minutes after they were completely ready to go, a knock was heard at the door. When Lucas opened it, he found Twilight Sparkle and her other equine friends (and Spike) waiting for them with carriages ready to escort them. Everyone was stunned to see how beautiful they looked. Twilight wore a pink skirt and a mare’s blue jacket styled similarly to the Dark Magician Girl’s and matching boots. Applejack refused to wear anything too frilly, so she stuck with her old Gala dress. Pinkie Pie wore a Latin style pink dress with puffy little balls hanging off then end of the skirt and a pair of pink slippers.

Rainbow Dash had a white gown with green circular thread-lines flowing throughout the dress. She was wearing her old gold sandals from the Gala with them. Her normally messy mane was brushed and straight. Fluttershy wore a dress that looked to be made of hunter green leaves. She also wore a beautiful ruby broach shaped like cherries and various flowers braided in her hair and brown slippers. Rarity wore a light blue gown with a necklace made from various gems that formed a rainbow like spectrum. Spike wore a tuxedo with a red tie and no pants. Braeburn stood next to Rarity in a brown western sport jacket and white dress shirt with a bolo tie with black strings and an apple for the clasp. His normally beaten-up hat was replaced with a brand new brown western style hat with a black band.

“Well,” said Rarity, “our chariot awaits.”

____________________________________

It was about a 50 minute drive to Canterlot in the carriages. When Alex looked upon Canterlot, he remembered it being just as beautiful 2 years ago. They all got out of their carriage and walked into the majestic castle together. They each greeted Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Eli then cupped a hand to Luna’s ear.

“You wouldn’t happen to know if four other humans came here did you?” whispered Eli.

“Yes, actually. The three gentlemen and the woman.”

“You should keep an eye on them. They’re into some shady business regarding the Numbers.”

“So I’ve heard, but don’t worry. I have my personal task force watching them in case they try anything. If they cause a panic or hurt anypony in any way, they will be cast out of the tournament.”

“Excellent. Thank you.”

Eli walked alongside Alex.

“What was that about,” asked Alex.

Eli responded. “The Vegas Bureau is here. Luna says they’re being watched in case something goes wrong.”

“We should monitor them too.”

“Way ahead of you.”

They made their way to the dancefloor where a waltz was in session. Alex partnered with Maddie, Lucas with Charley, Scott with Zelda, Orion with Helena, and Sammy (begrudgingly) with Eli. As they danced they scanned the room looking for any other humans. They switched partners, spreading throughout the room. When another switch was made, Sammy accidentally bumped into someone else who took her as his partner: Ryan. Sammy didn’t want to cause a scene, but saw this as an opportune time to get to know Ryan and his motives.

“So you’re the sister of Alex, I presume?”

“And you’re the asshole trying to wreck the livelihood of this land with your negligent hunting, I presume?”

“You misjudge me. And frankly, you’re being rather hypocritical.”

“What?”

“You are hunting Numbers too, are you not? In the long run, you and I are not so different.”

“You have no idea do you?”

“No idea of what?”

“The history of the Numbers. Their origins and their significance to this land.”

“No one knows that. They are powerful cards with unknown origin that were scattered throughout several worlds including this one.”

“You are so far from the truth that I can’t bring myself to laugh.”

“What do you mean?”

Sammy then explained to him about Princess Terra and Inverz. Ryan was a bit shocked at this revelation, but was still unconvinced.

“You’re lying,” said Ryan a bit annoyed.

“Really? So you’re saying that I planned this story out just so that when I just happen to bump into someone like you, I can tell you a cock-and-bull story explaining the origin of the Numbers just like that?”

“You are a good bassist. Isn’t it your job to be able to improvise?”

“Yeah, 12 notes on about 5 octaves, not epic mythology like that. I’m a rock and roll bassist, not Homer.”

Despite his forcing the thought that Sammy was a tough case to crack, he knew deep inside that she was telling the truth. He tried to escape out the back, but Sammy tugged his arm, causing him to bring himself back into dance position.

“One more thing:” said Sammy, “tell your buddies that we’ll be waiting.”

She then let him go to leave just as the music stopped. She then broke through the crowd to find her friends and tell them what happened. Alex spotted her wading through the crowd of ponies talking to each other while more music was going on

“Sammy, where’d you go?”

Two minutes went by as Sammy told her story out by the table of hors d'oeuvres.

“So that’s his justification for hunting Numbers?” asked Eli.

“No,” said Sammy. “I firmly believe that he really didn’t know. Or maybe someone misled him. I really don’t know which.”

“Where is he now?”

“Last I saw, he went outside for some fresh air.”

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but overhear the conversation, and knew that this was her chance to get to talk to him.

____________________________________

Ryan leaned up against the balcony banister looking down at the large drop from the cliff that the castle was perched on. He then took out his wallet from his pants pocket, and looked at the picture section with him taking his picture next to a young boy about 10 years old. The young boy had short, curly black hair, and he was wearing a blue tank top with white pants and a black vest. He sighed upon looking at the photo. Suddenly, a strong wind unexpectedly picked up and blew the wallet out of Ryan’s hand.

“NO!” he yelled as he tried to grab it back but to no avail.

Suddenly, a rainbow colored blur swooped down over the balcony. After a few seconds, Rainbow Dash ascended again with the wallet in her hooves.

“Thank you so much,” he said reaching for the wallet.

“Oh, no you don’t,” said Rainbow Dash scornfully. “I want to know what you’re doing in Equestria trying to steal the Numbers.”

“Listen,” said Ryan. “I had no idea that the Numbers were from your world. I know it doesn’t answer your question, but I need the Numbers.”

“Oh yeah? What for?”

“Please come down so I can tell you,” said Ryan quietly.

Rainbow saw this as a sign of having a civil conversation, so she did as she was asked. He then reached his hand for his wallet, prompting Rainbow Dash to hand it to him. He flipped back to the page with the picture of him and the boy on it and showed it to Rainbow Dash.

“Do you know what it’s like to lose a loved one?” asked Ryan.

“I dunno,” said Rainbow Dash. “My parents divorced at a young age, does that count?”

“No, I mean losing somebody that you can never ever get back.”

“No then.” He then pointed to the boy in the picture. “This is a picture of my son, Joel. He was an aspiring duelist who wanted to be a Duel Champion. One day, he was hit by a car and put into a coma from which he still has yet to recover. I didn’t have the means to continue funding his life-support in the job I was working, so I sold my soul to the Vegas Bureau to help them find Numbers so I could pay the hospitals to keep my son alive and eventually harness the Numbers’ true powers to bring my son back. In fact, the Alien deck I use isn’t really mine. It’s Joel’s. I just use it to help remind me what I’m fighting for.”

Rainbow Dash was heartbroken at his revelation.

“And then… I got a call about 15 days ago from the hospital,” said Ryan sadly. “They said that they couldn’t keep Joel in the hospital much longer, as he wasn’t making any significant signs of recovery. They said in a month’s time, they’d pull the plug on him. It was only nothing short of a miracle that other than the Numbers that we have gathered through our travels, the remaining ones exist in this world. I’m so close to saving my son now. If I win that tournament, I’m going to wish that he’d be saved, so that the hell that I’ve been living through for 2 years can come to an end.”

Rainbow Dash was shedding a few tears listening to his story.

“Why don’t you just join us?” she asked. “If you win that tournament, you can just wish for your son to get better. You don’t need the Numbers for that.”

“It’s much more complicated than that.”

“What’s so complicated about leaving?”

“Please, understand that I don’t want to harm anybody in my hunting, I just want my son back.”

“I don’t think I understand,” said Rainbow Dash sympathetically, “but I certainly forgive you.”

Ryan let out a small smirk. “Thank you for hearing me out,” he said.

He then patted her on the head softly and stroked her mane. He then put the wallet back into his pocket and went inside.

____________________________________

Ryan found Mark, Chase, and Diana sipping sparkling wine and watching the night’s festivities. Like him, they were dressed in suits.

“Hey,” said Mark calling him. “Where’ve you been?”

Ryan then explained to him what Sammy told him.

“What? You’re going to believe their bullshit?”

“It’s not bullshit, Mark. She was telling the truth.”

“Did it occur to you that she was lying?”

“Mark, as a Vegas agent, I’m required to know when someone is lying through their involuntary body language, and all signs pointed that she wasn’t lying.”

“Then you’re slipping up, kid. We have come too far for you to come and fuck this up because of some sob story that some stupid bimbo told you.” Mark then got very close to Ryan; uncomfortably close. “Do you not care about your son? Do you want to go back to the hospital 15 days from now and watch as your son’s heart monitor flatlines?”

“No sir.”

“Then get your game face on and do your job.”

He then walked away. Ryan then grabbed Chase’s glass of sparkling wine and downed it. “Hey, asshole!” said Chase.

“Just pour yourself another glass,” said Ryan emotionlessly.

____________________________________

Gilda was talking with Charley. Gilda was wearing a tuxedo, being that almost anything remotely girly on her would look downright embarrassing. Rainbow Dash approached them and told them what Ryan said.

“He could be using that as an excuse,” said Charley.

“I don’t know,” said Rainbow Dash uncertainly. “He was looking at the picture before he even noticed me, so he obviously couldn’t make something like that up on the fly like that.”

“Well, if that is true, I still don’t see why he can’t just quit.”

“Isn’t it obvious?” said Gilda. “Just like I felt forced to ally with Trixie two years ago for fear of incarceration, there must be something chaining him to those three bozos that he hangs with.”

“But what is it?” asked Charley.

“I don’t know,” said Rainbow Dash. “All I know is what he told me, but I have no reason anymore to distrust him. He’s not a bad guy, he’s just a tortured soul forced to do horrible things to save someone he loves.”

____________________________________

It was around midnight when the ball ended, and everyone was going home to get a nice long sleep to gain stamina for the competition which would start 24 hours. The Lamss members, along with Eli, Zelda, Orion, and Helena got into the same large carriage together as they made their way back to Ponyville. Rarity and Braeburn were the first to walk out of the castle with Twilight and her other friends right behind her.

“I say, Rarity,” said Braeburn, “I still can’t thank you enough for the new duds you fashioned for me.”

Rarity was too concerned about tomorrow to properly acknowledge her date’s thanks.

Braeburn still continued. “I mean, you were right, people were turning heads. And who knew a simple apple farmer from Appleloosa would be able to talk to the Canterlot elite like that? And-”

Rarity couldn’t take anymore of his incessant talking, causing her to shove her hoof to his mouth.

“Listen, Braeburn, I had fun too, but I’m worried about the tournament tomorrow, and it’s causing me a lot of stress.”

“Stress? What for? Aren’t we doing this just for fun?”

Rarity just picked up that Braeburn had no idea what was happening with the Numbers hunters, and seeing that he was her partner and that she was in control of Numbers while he wasn’t, he wouldn’t stand a chance against a hunter if they caught and challenged them.

“No Braeburn. This just got a lot more serious than a fun little tournament. There are other humans in this world, but they aren’t nice. They’re trying to take the Numbers away from us for their own selfish reasons.”

“Numbers? Wait, you mean like those cards Alex and Orion had when they beat Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?”

“Exactly.”

“Those fiends. But don’t you worry Rarity. I won’t let any of those guys do anything to harm you. As long as we’re together, we’ll beat those thievin’ good-fer-nothin’s-”

“Braeburn, you’re touching my hoof.”

Braeburn looked to see both of his hooves holding Rarity’s. “Oh. Sorry about that.”

“If you’re going to fight these guys,” said Rarity, “we’re going to need to make a stop at my place.”

____________________________________

Rarity had the carriage carrying herself and Braeburn drop them off at Carousel Boutique momentarily. Rarity ran upstairs and grabbed her deck.

“Listen, I don’t know what kind of deck you have, but it would be fair for you to better prepare yourself.”

She gave him three cards from her deck and handed them to Braeburn. “Aw, Rarity, I couldn’t possibly-”

“This isn’t a gift,” said Rarity. “It’s your insurance.”

“Insurance?”

He looked down and saw that he was carrying 3 Numbers cards of his very own.

Needless to say, he was shocked. “Rarity! Are you sure-”

“Positive. If you don’t have any of these cards on you by tomorrow, we’re as good as done. Those hunters will use their Numbers against us harder than you can imagine. Like I said, it would be fair if you have just as much of an opportunity to defend yourself from them as anyone else.”

“Okay,” said Braeburn calmly. “I hear ya.”

Braeburn then re-entered the carriage to carry him off to Sweet Apple Acres where he’d be staying.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then,” said Braeburn through the window.

“Yeah,” sighed Rarity exhausted. “See you tomorrow.”

She watched the carriage move away until it was out of sight. Now that Rarity had to partner with Braeburn, partly by her own fault, but now she felt responsible for his well being now that he was officially an owner of three of her Numbers cards.

“Rarity?” called her sister Sweetie Belle from the top of the stairs. “Is everything okay?”

“I hope so,” said Rarity under her breath, walking upstairs to bed.

Part 2: Marathon - Chapter 9: A Reunion

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It was still late when the last of the ball guests left the Canterlot Palace grounds. Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart made their way into the royal hall where Princess Luna met them.

“So, Wranglers,” she spoke, “have you found any information about those four agents?”

“Yes,” said Derpy in her serious and proper voice. “They referred to each other by alias’ the entire night. From what I could gather, Ryan is known as Mr. Jack, Diana is Ms. Queen, Chase: Mr. King, and Mark: Mr. Ace.”

“The only thing of interest that I could see was the grey haired agent having an argument with the one with the dark-blonde hair, but they weren’t disrupting anything," Little Strongheart reported.

“Excellent,” said Princess Luna. “You know you two are some of my best Wranglers. I couldn’t keep track of the festivities while I was greeting guests at the door. I don’t have eyes in the back of my head, but as you know, that’s what you’re for.”

“By the way,” interrupted Derpy, “with all that’s going on with these Number hunters, I say we try and gather back as many Numbers as possible. I can’t trust any human, not even the Lamss people, with being in possession of any Numbers cards if it means that Inverz will return.”

“Agent Derpy,” said Princess Luna in a louder tone. “The members of Lamss are exceptional duelists. I can certainly trust them with gathering the Numbers as much as any pony.”

“As far as we know, the only agent that we’ve seen fight among them is the one they call Ryan, alias Mr. Jack. If I’m not mistaken, the Queen, King, and Ace trumps the jack in value in any standard playing card deck. That must mean that he’s the inferior of the four duelists, behind Diana, Chase, and Mark respectively, and yet he still whittled Alex’s life points to 200 when he dueled him. If that’s the case, he won’t stand a chance against his superiors. Please respect the fact that I don’t want to take the Numbers from our allies because I think they want to bring the downfall of Equestria which you and I both know isn’t the case. I want to take the Numbers before those agents have a chance to.”

Despite the façade of Derpy being mentally handicapped, she was shown to be a well spoken and intelligent pony (even if her crossed eyes were still stuck with her no matter what), a perfect candidate for being one of Luna’s personal secret agents that spans all throughout Equestria, including Appleloosa, where Little Strongheart is the head of the branch there. Luna took a while to consider this plan of Derpy’s.

“Derpy,” Princess Luna relented, “you have my full permission to carry on your plans. But first, you two must control some Numbers of your own so you can stand a fighting chance against anyone wielding them.”

She then tossed two Numbers each to both Derpy and Little Strongheart.

“Thank you, Princess,” said Derpy respectfully as she bowed to her.

She then gave her two Numbers to Little Strongheart.

“Wait, you’ll need those!” bellowed Princess Luna to Derpy.

“Don’t worry,” assured Derpy. “It’s all part of the plan.”

Luna had a slight smile on her face that said that she was fully capable of trusting Derpy with her mission.

____________________________________

It was late in the afternoon when many of the ponies competing in the tournament were waking up from their naps, as they’d need to be very well rested if they were going to be competing in 24 hour dueling marathon. The members of Lamss were packing snacks and bottles of water for further energy. After that, they got dressed in their dueling attire. Alex had a black long-sleeved shirt, and had an unbuttoned long sleeved white dress shirt over it. He was also wearing a pair of his trademark khaki pants and black shoes. Being that it was a bit chilly outside, he also decided to wear a white Tool beanie with the Lateralus text design.

Sammy wore an unzipped red hoodie with a black t-shirt and blue jeans with a pair of brown UGGs. Maddie wore a light blue cotton turtleneck with a pair of loose black pants and black shoes. Charley wore her usual dark blue blouse with gold stitching and gold shin-length skirt, choosing to go barefoot. She let her new long hair hang out behind her freely. Lucas wore a black blouse with white pants and brown loafers. Scott wore a white turtleneck with his white dress pants and white loafers, while his partner Zelda wore a black KMFDM shirt with the Symbols album art on it.

She also had an unzipped black leather jacket and a pair of faded black jeans with black sneakers. Eli borrowed a pair of Alex’s khaki pants, his own Iron Maiden t-shirt, and an unbuttoned brown flannel shirt that Alex also let Eli borrow. Eli also decided to wear his Union Jack converses. With that everyone was good to go. Now they just had to play the waiting game until 11:45 when they would go to the Ponyville Park and await midnight, letting them duel literally all day.

Eli was feeling a bit nervous. His real trials as the guardian of Equestria were nigh, but being done in such an unconventional way as Duel Monsters made it seem… rather weird. He had already downed two bottles of water and knew that it wasn’t helping. What he wanted was a shot of whisky or vodka, but he knew it would be an extremely stupid idea to duel while even the slightest bit drunk. Plus, if he was going to be dueling for 24 hours straight, alcohol would only tire him quicker. He took a handful of chewy fish shaped candies from his bag and scarfed them.

It was 11:40 PM, and everyone had made their way to the park where the introductory celebration would begin. Along the way, they caught up with Twilight Sparkle and her equine friends along with Spike, who ran up to join Sammy as her partner.

Pinkie Pie hopped up next to Lucas to join him. “I can’t believe the EFDC is starting up again. I can’t wait! I’m so excited! Are you excited? Because I’m excited! Even though I said that twice, I don’t care I’ll say it again: I’m so excited!!”

“Pinkie, how many sweets have you been eating?” asked Eli.

“Not that many. I only had 2 Sprinkly Winkly Cupcakes, 3 Double Fudgy Donuts, a caramel vanilla toffee sundae, and about a dozen snickerdoodles. But I got plenty more where that came from!”

She then took out her bag that contained a nasty mushed up mix of cakes, cookies, pies, and other various sweets.

“Ughh… you carry those all around with you?” asked Eli.

“You bet! I got the pies that will cross your eyes. I got the cakes that will make you quake.”

“And I got the burgers…” said Eli referencing a movie from his world, “…well, I just got burgers.”

“Ooh, yummy! Can I have some? I like mine with pickles and ketchup. It makes them super juicy and delicious…”

Why did I even try? thought Eli over Pinkie’s incessant talking.

____________________________________

It was 11:45 sharp but nothing was going on yet. Pinkie was still talking about malarkey that no one was too interested to talk about anymore. Suddenly, a large bang sounded on the stage around which everyone was gathered. This scared Pinkie Pie into not talking anymore, which Eli was grateful for. Then her hiccups began. Once she started hiccupping, endless talking turned into endless laughter. Eli got fed up but still decided to help Pinkie during the Princess’ introduction. He took out a bottle of water and opened it up for her to drink.

“Drink this and hold your breath,” he told her.

She gulped down the entire bottle and held her breath, puffing her cheeks as she did. After about a minute during the introduction, Pinkie’s face started to turn blue. Eli then told her to go ahead and breathe again. Pinkie did so. There wasn’t a hiccup to be heard.

“Thanks,” giggled Pinkie Pie as she hugged Eli. “You’re such a smarty pants.”

“Don’t mention it,” said Eli emotionlessly.

By the time Pinkie’s antics were done, the introduction was over and there was only a small amount of time before the competition would officially start. As Alex and Eli were discussing things with each other, Braeburn and Rarity approached them.

“Howdy, Alex.”

“Oh hey, Braeburn. What’s up?”

“I remember how two years ago how you and Orion were the first team we played in the 1st EFDC. So I thought it would be nice to make it a tradition for you to be my first opponent again.”

Alex couldn’t help but smile.

“Braeburn, it would be an honor to be your first opponent.”

“Well, that’s just swell.”

“Same place in Sweet Apple Acres?”

“Now you’ve gone and read my mind. In fact let’s head there now. We ain’t supposed to be dueling until midnight, and I want to begin the second the bell tolls.”

“That sounds great. Let’s go.”

____________________________________

By the time they made it to the spot, the clock on Eli’s D-Pad read 11:59:24.

“We got about 30 seconds,” commented Eli.

“Remember,” whispered Rarity, “these two are extremely powerful opponents, so best watch your step.”

“Aw shoot,” said Braeburn, “I fondly remember dueling Alex here, and if my memory serves me well, then you’d be right. I’ll be sure to watch my step.”

“10 seconds now. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1!”

Suddenly, a barrage of fireworks launched off from behind the park, blasting off into the sky.

“Let’s go then!” yelled Alex. Everyone unsheathed their duel disks and drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” cried everyone.

Alex and Eli vs. Rarity and Braeburn

Alex’s Turn: Alex summons Dragunity Partisan (ATK: 1200 DEF: 800). When Dragunity Partisan is summoned, Alex can special summon a Dragunity monster from his hand and equip it with Dragunity Partisan, choosing Dragunity Militum (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200). Once per turn, with Dragunity Militum’s effect, Alex can special summon a Dragunity monster from the spell and trap zone, choosing Dragunity Partisan.

Alex places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Rarity’s Turn: Rarity activates Gem-Knight Fusion, sending Gem-Knight Emerald and Gem-Knight Garnet to fusion summon Gem-Knight Citrine (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1950). Next, she activates De-Fusion, sending Gem-Knight Citrine to the extra deck and special summoning Gem-Knight Garnet (ATK: 1900 DEF: 0) and Gem-Knight Emerald (ATK: 1800 DEF: 800) from the graveyard. Rarity then normal summons Gem-Knight Amber (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1400). Rarity overlays Gem-Knight Garnet, Gem-Knight Emerald, and Gem-Knight Amber to xyz summon Number 143: Gleaming Iron Golem in defense position (ATK: 0 DEF: 3000).

Rarity places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

u Hand-0 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Eli’s Turn: Eli activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, he tributes Dragunity Militum and Dragunity Partisan to summon Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2200). When Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord is normal summoned, Eli can remove from play 2 Koa’ki Meiru monsters in his graveyard to target 2 cards his opponent controls and destroy them, choosing Number 143: Gleaming Iron Golem and Rarity’s face down card. Rarity activates Number 143: Gleaming Iron Golem’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, when it’s targeted by a battle or card effect that would destroy it, it can’t be destroyed until the end phase.

Eli places 1 card face down. During the end phase, Eli must either send one Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru from his hand to the graveyard, reveal one Warrior-type monster in his hand, or destroy Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord. Eli discards an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru.

Eli ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“Y’know, Alex,” said Braeburn. “I’ve gotten a lot better at this game since your bein’ gone.”

“Oh really?” said Alex with playful skepticism. “I’d love to see how much you’ve learned.”

“With pleasure.”

____________________________________

Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn activates his own Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, he activates the spell Ancient Gear Factory, removing from play a number of Ancient Gear monsters in his graveyard whose levels are equal to twice the level of an Ancient Gear monster in his hand, and he can summon that monster without tributes, choosing Ancient Gear Beast (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000). Then, he activates Xyz Plant, making the spell a monster card with the same level as another monster that he controls, choosing Ancient Gear Beast. Braeburn overlays Ancient Gear Beast with Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 25: Focus Force (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2400).

Braeburn attacks Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord. Eli activates Invincible Hero, preventing Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord’s destruction. Since Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord and Number 25: Focus Force’s ATK are equal, no damage is dealt, and since Numbers can only destroy Numbers in battle, Number 25: Focus Force isn’t destroyed in battle.

Braeburn ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

____________________________________

“And don’t think that I’ve gotten any worse since my leaving,” said Alex. “You see, I’ve acquired some new friends over the two years I’ve been away, and I’m going to introduce you to one right now!”

____________________________________

Alex’s Turn: Alex summons Dragunity Pilum (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1000). Alex tunes Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord with Dragunity Pilum to synchro summon Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000). Alex then activates Stop Defense, switching Number 143: Gleaming Iron Golem into attack position. Alex attacks Number 143: Gleaming Iron Golem. Since Numbers can only destroy Numbers in battle, Number 143: Gleaming Iron Golem isn’t destroyed in battle. Damage is still applied normally.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 8000 -> 5000

When Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness inflicts damage through battle, its ATK raises by the amount of damage inflicted (ATK: 3000 -> 6000).

Alex ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Rarity’s Turn: Rarity switches Number 143: Gleaming Iron Golem into defense position.

Rarity summons one monster face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-5000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

Eli’s Turn: Eli activates the effect of Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his graveyard, adding it to his hand from his graveyard at the cost of his draw phase. Eli then activates the effect of Koa’ki Meiru Maximus from his hand, special summoning it by removing from play one Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru from his hand (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500). Eli then normal summons Koa’ki Meiru Prototype (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1800).

Braeburn activates Number 25: Focus Force's effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can negate the effects of one level 5 or higher monster his opponent controls, choosing Koa'ki Meiru Maximus. Eli attacks Number 25: Focus Force with Koa’ki Meiru Maximus. Since Numbers can only destroy Numbers in battle, Number 25: Focus Force isn’t destroyed in battle. Damage is still applied normally.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 5000 -> 4800

Eli then attacks Rarity’s face down monster with Koa’ki Meiru Prototype, which was a Morphing Jar (ATK: 700 DEF: 600). When Morphing Jar is flip summoned, all players discard their hands and draw 5 new cards from their decks. Eli acctivates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, he activates Dark Core, discarding one card to remove from play one monster on the field, choosing Number 25: Fullmetal Photoglide – Focus Force.

Eli places 1 card face down. Since Eli needing to discard an Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru or a Koa'ki Meiru monster from his hand during the end phase to keep Koa'ki Meiru Maximus on the field was only an effect, and its effect was negated by Number 25: Focus Force, Koa'ki Meiru Maximus stays on the field.

Eli ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“I have to hand it to ya,” said Braeburn enthusiastically. “That was a really well played move. Great job.”

Eli was never genuinely praised up front for his playing before, and it was quite flattering.

“Well, thanks,” said Eli slightly embarrassed.

Braeburn then said, “But don’t get too excited, because this move is gonna be even better.”

____________________________________

Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn activates, Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field. Next, he summons Roaring Express Train Rocket Arrow (ATK: 5000 DEF: 0). Next, he activates Brain Control, taking control of a monster on his opponents side of the field by paying 800 life points, choosing Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 4800 -> 4000

Braeburn overlays Roaring Express Train Rocket Arrow with Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness to xyz summon Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000). Braeburn activates Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, Braeburn can inflict 2000 points of damage to Alex and Eli.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 8000 -> 6000

Because of Roaring Express Train Rocket Arrow’s effect upon its summoning, Braeburn can’t conduct his battle phase.

Braeburn places 3 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-3

Alex’s Turn: Alex special summons Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit, as he controls no monsters while his opponent controls one (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1400). Next, he normal summons Dragunity Corsesca (ATK: 800 DEF: 700). Alex then special summons Dragunity Arma Mystletainn from his hand by tributing Dragunity Corsesca (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1500). Alex overlays Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit and Dragunity Arma Mystletainn to xyz summon Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern (ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000).

Alex then activates Gift of the Martyr, sending one monster on the field to the graveyard (Koa’ki Meiru Maximus) and having another monster on the field (Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern) gain the sent monster’s ATK (ATK: 2400 -> 5400). Alex attacks Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max. Braeburn activates Iron Resolve, halving their life points to negate the battle damage.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2000

Alex places 2 cards face down and ends his turn. Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern's ATK returns to normal (ATK: 5400 -> 2400).

Status: Hand-0 Life-6000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

____________________________________

Rarity looked a little flustered as their life points were dragged down to their last quarter while Alex and Eli still had three quarters of their life points handy.

“Psst,” called Braeburn to Rarity.

Rarity looked at Braeburn, who gave her a slight nod and smile. Rarity soon found new life in Braeburn’s reassuring gesture and was ready to make her next move.

____________________________________

Rarity’s Turn: Braeburn activates Trap Stun, negating the activation of all traps on the field this turn. Rarity switches Number 143: Gleaming Iron Golem into attack position. Next, she activates the spell Shield and Sword, switching the ATK and DEF of all monsters on the field (ATK: 2400 -> 2000, DEF: 2000 -> 2400, ATK: 0 -> 3000, DEF: 3000 -> 0). Next, Rarity activates Limiter Removal, doubling the attack of all Machine-type monsters on the field (ATK: 3000 -> 6000). Rarity attacks Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 6000 -> 2000

Rarity summons one monster face down.

Rarity places 1 card face down. The effect of Shield and Sword ends (ATK: 6000 -> 0, DEF: 0 -> 3000). Because of Limiter Removal’s effect, Number 143: Gleaming Iron Golem is destroyed during the end phase.

Rarity ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-2000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“Holy shit,” groaned Eli getting up after the attack knocked the wind out of him. “What an attack.” “You’re telling me,” said Alex. “That was my monster, so I was the one that got the brunt of the attack.” “Sucks to suck,” said Eli shrugging. “Just go and make your move, Mr. Hot-Shit,” said Alex.

____________________________________

Eli’s Turn: Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Beetle (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1500). Eli overlays the Koa’ki Meiru token and Koa’ki Meiru Beetle to xyz summon Number 164: Crystalline Chimera (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1200). Rarity activates Skill Drain, paying 1000 life points to negate the effects of all monsters on the field.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 2000 -> 1000

Eli attacks Rarity's face down monster (Gem-Knight Sapphire).

Eli places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-2000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn activates his face down Xyz Reborn, special summoning Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max from the graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn to it as xyz material. Braeburn attacks Number 164: Crystalline Chimera with Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max. Before that happens, Eli activates Gift of the Mystical Elf, increasing Alex and Eli’s life points by 300 for each monster on the field (2).

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 2000 -> 2600

Since the effect that says Numbers can only destroy Numbers in battle is still an effect, and Skill Drain is still active, Number 164: Crystalline Chimera is destroyed in battle.

Alex and Eli's Life Points: 2600 -> 2300

Braeburn then activates Remove Trap, destroying Skill Drain. Next, Braeburn activates Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max’s effect, detaching 1 xyz material from it to inflict 2000 points of damage to Alex and Eli.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 2300 -> 300

Braeburn ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-1000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

Alex’s Turn: Alex activates his trap Jar of Greed drawing 1 card. Next, he activates his trap Immortal Dragon, special summoning Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit from his graveyard. Then, he special summons Hieratic Dragon of Su from his hand by tributing Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1000). When Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit is tributed, Alex can special summon a Dragon-type normal monster with 0 ATK and DEF from his deck, choosing Heiratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Alex then normal summons Dragunity Aklys (ATK: 1000 DEF: 800). Alex tunes Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord with Dragunity Aklys to synchro summon Nero, the Dragon Warlord (ATK: 3200 DEF: 2800). Alex attacks Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max with Nero, the Dragon Warlord.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 1000 -> 800

Alex then attacks Rarity and Braeburn directly with Hieratic Dragon of Su.

Rarity and Braeburn's Life Points: 800 -> 0

Alex and Eli win.

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Braeburn was laid flat on the ground after the last attack hit him. However, he wasn’t in pain; anything but, actually. He let out a hearty laugh as Alex helped him back on his feet.

“Hoo-wee,” tweeted Braeburn. “It just ain’t a match against Alex until he brings out his big, black dragon.”

“I guess not,” said Alex. “It’s a shame we can’t duel each other again, because I really enjoyed that.”

“Me too.” Alex and Braeburn then made a short, friendly embrace.

“It’s good to have you back,” said Braeburn.

“Great to be back,” responded Alex.

Alex and Eli then shook Braeburn and Rarity’s hooves and made their way to look for more opponents.

“Braeburn,” said Rarity.

“Yes, Rarity?”

“I just wanted to tell you, I completely misjudged you. You are a great duelist, and I never thought of it coming from someone like you, so once again, I apologize.”

“That’s alright. You ain’t half bad either. I mean you did deliver 4000 points of damage just then, which is more than I did. And to be quite honest, I never would have thought to have seen such gusto come from a dainty little thing such as yourself.”

“Yes, well... it seems that we have a lot to learn about each other.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I guess we do.”

They then walked back to Ponyville to look for more opponents to defeat.

Chapter 10: Trust

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Scott and Zelda were both walking through the town observing all of the ponies dueling, but they kept a watchful eye out for the four agents, as they were the ones they really needed to defeat. However, they knew that since they only made two of hundreds of teams that were competing, it would be foolish to try and run all over Ponyville to find them. Plus, the less duels they won, they slimmer their chances of getting into the finals, and knowing what skills Ryan had, the other three would be just as likely to make it there. They would need some wins in if they would even hope to see their names on the tournament bracket.

Thankfully, they came across a couple of familiar faces, it was Scootaloo and Apple Bloom riding their own scooters. While Scootaloo propelled hers by her small stubby wings, Apple Bloom had a motor attached to hers, having it run automatically.

“Hi Scott. Hi Zelda,” greeted Scootaloo.

“Hey guys,” cheerfully greeted Scott. “How are you holding up so far? You’re not too tired yet, are you?”

“Naw,” said Apple Bloom, “we’re just gettin’ started.”

“Would you like to be our first opponents?” asked Scootaloo.

“Sounds alright with me. What do you say Zelda?” asked Scott.

Zelda looked a little confused. Scott was a powerful duelist and it seemed outside of his nature to challenge two children like that.

“Scott,” she protested, but got cut off by Apple Bloom.

“Now wait just a minute,” said Apple Bloom with a hint of anger and hurt in her voice. “We’re the champions of the 2nd annual EFDC, so you shouldn’t brush us off like that.”

“They’re right,” said Scott matter-of-factly. “There’s a fire in those fillies hearts that couldn’t even compare to the spirit that burns in most adults. They’re something else Zelda; a force to be reckoned with.”

Zelda looked at the determination on the two foals’ faces.

“Alright, if you really think so,” Zelda relented with a small smile on her face.

“He don’t think so,” said Apple Bloom.

“He knows so,” finished Scootaloo.

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They made a quick stop at the Lamss Theater (having been renamed by the townsfolk in their memory). Scott and Zelda came around the back with a pair of slick, light motorcycles, Scott’s being white and Zelda’s being black. They each wore their wrist dealers while the D-Pad tablet was on the dashboard.

“Woah,” said Scootaloo and Apple Bloom in unison.

“That’s a mighty fine machine you got there,” said Apple Bloom.

“Thanks,” said Zelda nonchalantly. “We have a guy in Slateport who builds them for us. Nice guy.”

“Is that one of the cities where you guys live?” asked Scootaloo.

“Sharp kid,” said Zelda quietly to Scott but loud enough for Scootaloo to hear her question confirmed.

“Okay, let’s do this then,” said Zelda putting on her helmet.

Zelda and Apple Bloom were the first to go for a riding relay match. Zelda wanted to test the strength of these two fillies who claimed that they won this tournament the previous year. When the green “Go” light flashed, she would take off as fast as she could. It was crucial to gain the first turn in any duel, and she knew that if she was going to win, she’d need every advantage possible.

Apple Bloom and Zelda readied their D-Wheels and activated Speed World 2, enveloping the area in a bright aura. As they aimed their vehicles at the outskirts of town where there would be plenty of open space, the countdown went off. 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

*BEEP!*

Zelda blasted off from the starting line, nearly blowing over Apple Bloom’s scooter.

“Oh Jesus, Zelda,” grunted Scott in disbelief in her lack of humility.

It was obvious that Zelda got the first turn, but she braked her bike and waited for Apple Bloom to eventually catch up.

“Hey, that wasn’t very nice,” said Apple Bloom.

“Tough,” said Zelda bluntly. “We have four people out there right now that would gladly inflict great pain on you and your friend given half a chance. If you’re going to complain about me taking the first turn a little roughly, then turn around and quit the tournament, because it will get harder from here on out.”

Apple Bloom just glared at her and sped off, leaving Zelda to catch up to her. They each drew five cards from their deck.

“DUEL!” they both yelled.

Zelda and Scott vs. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo

Round 1: Zelda vs. Apple Bloom

Zelda’s Turn: Z:1 AB:0 Zelda places 1 card face down. Next, she summons Blackwing – Zephyros the Elite (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1300). Then she activates the effect of Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind, special summoning it from her hand, as she controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 1300 DEF: 400). Zelda tunes Blackwing – Zephyros the Elite with Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind to synchro summon Blackwing Armor Master (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1500). When Blackwing – Zephyros the Elite is in Zelda’s graveyard, Zelda can return one card she controls to the hand and take 400 damage to special summon it from her graveyard.

Zelda’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3600

Zelda places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-3600 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Apple Bloom had a brief flashback.

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“Apple Bloom, Scootaloo,” said Eli with unease inside the Lamss Theater, “I can’t give you any Numbers. Doing so will endanger your lives, and as the guardian, I won’t let that happen.”

“Come on,” complained Scootaloo, “we’re the champions of last year’s EFDC. We wouldn’t ask for Numbers if we weren’t willing to pay the price.”

“Yeah,” butted in Apple Bloom. “Heck, I almost lost my life once tryin’ to protect Equestria from evil. I think I can handle that responsibility again.”

Eli was very close to his breaking point. He knew of these stories, as they were told by the Lamss members.

“You do know that there are people out there who will have no problem hurting you to get these cards from you, right? You must protect these cards with your life. You got that.”

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom nodded in eager agreement.

“Alright,” said Eli. He handed them two Numbers apiece.

“Mr. Eli, sir,” said Apple Bloom saluting him. “You don’t need to worry about us. We’ll take those Number hunters down a few pegs if it’s the last thing we do.”

Eli couldn’t help but be moved by their unwavering bravery. Apple Bloom squinted in concentration, as she knew what she was about to do.

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Apple Bloom’s Turn: Z:1 AB:1 Apple Bloom activates Overboost, increasing her speed counters by 4 (SpC.: 1 -> 5). Next, she summons Karakuri Komachi mdl 224 "Ninishi" (ATK: 0 DEF: 1800). When Karakuri Komachi mdl 224 "Ninishi" is on the field, Apple Bloom can normal summon another Karakuri monster this turn, choosing Karakuri Soldier mdl 236 "Nisamu" (ATK: 1400 DEF: 200). Apple Bloom tunes Karakuri Soldier mdl 236 "Nisamu" with Karakuri Komachi mdl 224 "Ninishi" to synchro summon Karakuri Shogun mdl 00 "Burei" (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1900).

When Karakuri Shogun mdl 00 "Burei" is synchro summoned, Apple Bloom can special summon a Karakuri monster from her deck, choosing Karakuri Ninja mdl 7749 "Nanashick" (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1800). Next, Apple Bloom activates the speed spell Synchro Defuse, taking control of Blackwing Armor Master. Apple Bloom overlays Karakuri Shogun mdl 00 "Burei" and Blackwing Armor Master to xyz summon Number 107: Titanic Comet Trebuchet (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Apple Bloom attacks Blackwing – Zephyros the Elite with Karakuri Ninja mdl 7749 "Nanashick".

Zelda’s Life Points: 3600 -> 3000

Apple Bloom then activates Number 107: Titanic Comet Trebuchet’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, she can gain ATK equal to the detached xyz material until the end phase and have Number 107: Titanic Comet Trebuchet attack. This attack is treated as an effect. Apple Bloom detaches Karakuri Shogun mdl 00 "Burei" and inflicts damage equal to its ATK (ATK: 0 -> 2600).

Zelda’s Life Points: 3000 -> 400

Zelda activates Black Feather Beacon, special summoning a level 4 or lower Blackwing monster when she takes effect damage, choosing Blackwing – Etesian of Two Swords (ATK: 400 DEF: 1600).

Apple Bloom places 2 cards face down and ends her turn. Number 107: Titanic Comet Trebuchet’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 2600 -> 0). Because of Overboost, Apple Bloom’s speed counters become 1 (SpC.: 5 -> 1).

Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Where the hell did you get Numbers?” asked Zelda frightened.

“Eli gave them to us,” said Apple Bloom casually. Zelda then grew a look that said that she wanted to beat Eli to a pulp.

“You don’t need to worry about him,” assured Apple Bloom, “or even us for that matter. It’s obvious that I have this duel under control. You just gotta trust me.”

“We’ll see about that,” said Zelda furiously.

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Zelda’s Turn: Z:2 AB:2 Zelda activates Angel Baton drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. When Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr is added from her deck to her hand by a card effect, Zelda can special summon it (ATK: 1100 DEF: 300). Zelda then special summons another Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind from her hand with its effect. Zelda overlays Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind, Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr, and Blackwing – Etesian of Two Swords to xyz summon Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1300).

Zelda activates Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, she can normal summon without tributing until the end of this turn. Zelda summons Blackwing – Abrolhos the Megaquake (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1800). Once per turn, Zelda can have Blackwing – Abrolhos the Megaquake lose 1000 ATK to send all of the opponent’s spell and trap cards to the hand (ATK: 2600 -> 1600). Zelda attacks Number 107: Titanic Comet Trebuchet with Blackwing – Abrolhos the Megaquake. Because Numbers can only be destroyed by other Numbers in battle, Number 107: Titanic Comet Trebuchet isn’t destroyed, but due to Blackwing – Abrolhos the Megaquake’s effect, it’s sent to the hand at the end of damage calculation, which is still applied.

Apple Bloom’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2400

Next, Zelda attacks Apple Bloom directly with Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit.

Apple Bloom’s Life Points: 2400 -> 200

Zelda places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-400 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Apple Bloom’s Turn: Z:3 AB:3 Apple Bloom places 2 cards face down. Next, she activates the speed spell Speed Storm, inflicting 1000 points of damage onto Zelda.

Zelda’s Life Points: 400 -> 0

Apple Bloom wins the round.

Status: Hand-0 Life-400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Zelda switches with Scott and will pass Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit, Blackwing – Abrolhos the Megaquake, and her face down card on to him.

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“Incredible,” said Zelda in awe as she watched Scott take off. “That little filly… defeated… me.” Zelda was then deep in thought as she considered whether leaving Numbers with these two fillies was such a good idea.

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Round 2: Scott vs. Apple Bloom

Scott’s Turn: S:4 AB:4 Scott activates Blackwing – Abrolhos the Megaquake’s effect, decreasing its ATK by 1000 to return all spell and trap cards on the opponent’s side of the field to the hand (ATK: 1600 -> 600). Next, he activates Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can normal summon this turn without tributing.

Scott summons Majestic Mech – Goryu (ATK: 2900 DEF: 1800). Scott places 1 card face down. Scott attacks Karakuri Ninja mdl 7749 "Nanashick" with Majestic Mech – Goryu. When Karakuri Ninja mdl 7749 "Nanashick" is chosen as an attack target, it’s switched to defense position. When Majestic Mech – Goryu attacks a defense position monster, piercing damage is applied.

Apple Bloom’s Life Points: 200 -> 0

Scott wins the round.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-2

Apple Bloom switches with Scootaloo, who will pass nothing on to her.

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Apple Bloom rode and broke up next to Zelda, who was still thinking about her defeat.

“You alright, Zelda?” asked Apple Bloom curiously. This was enough to break her concentration.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said finally.

“You’re still not mad that we took the Numbers, are you?” asked Apple Bloom with a touch of worry in her voice.

“No, no, no,” sighed Zelda. “I’m pretty sure that even for as little as I’ve known Eli, he wouldn’t just give Numbers to just anybody, but you do know that now that you-”

“Yeah, yeah,” said Apple Bloom, “Eli went over this with me. Plus, if I’m good enough to beat you-”

“Okay, okay. I get the point.” Zelda then looked out to see that Scootaloo just caught up with Scott.

“Can I see?” asked Apple Bloom putting her front hooves on Zelda’s legs.

Zelda knew exactly what this meant, and so she picked her up and had her sit on her shoulders, much like a parent would its child. They both then watched the end of the duel together.

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Final Round: Scootaloo vs. Scott

Scootaloo’s Turn: Sctl:5 Sctt:5 Scootaloo activates her Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. Next, she summons R-Genex Overseer (ATK: 200 DEF: 100). When R-Genex Overseer is summoned, Scootaloo can special summon a level 3 or lower Genex monster from her hand, choosing Genex Ally Solid (ATK: 500 DEF: 1200). Then, Scootaloo activates the speed spell Summon Speeder, special summoning a level 4 or lower monster from her hand, choosing Genex Ally Powercell (ATK: 1700 DEF: 0). Scootaloo tunes Genex Ally Powercell and Genex Ally Solid with Genex Overseer to synchro summon Genex Ally Axel (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2000).

Scootaloo activates Genex Ally Axel’s effect. By discarding 1 card, she can special summon a level 4 or lower Machine-type monster from her graveyard and double its ATK until the end phase, choosing R-Genex Ultimum (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1400) (ATK: 1800 -> 3600). Scootaloo attacks Majestic Mech – Goryu with R-Genex Ultimum, but Scott activates Battle Stun Sonic, negating the attack and special summoning 1 level 4 or lower tuner monster from his hand, choosing Vylon Stella (ATK: 1400 DEF: 200). Scootaloo then attacks Blackwing – Abrolhos the Megaquake with Genex Ally Axel.

Scott’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2000

Because of Blackwing – Abrolhos the Megaquake’s effect, Genex Ally Axel returns to Scootaloo’s hand after damage calculation. Scootaloo places 1 card face down and ends her turn. Because of Genex Ally Axel’s effect, R-Genex Ultimum is removed from play.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-1

Scott’s Turn: Sctl:6 Sctt:6 Scott attacks Genex Ally Axel with Majestic Mech – Goryu.

Scootaloo’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3700

Scootaloo activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards if a monster she controls is destroyed. Scott then attacks with Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit, but Scootaloo activates The High Priestess’ Staff from her hand, negating the attack, ending the battle phase, and inflicting 500 points of damage to the opponent, but Scott activates Barrel Behind the Door, inflicting that effect damage on Scootaloo instead.

Scootaloo’s Life Points: 3700 -> 3200

Scott activates Speed World 2’s effect, removing 4 speed counters (SpC.: 6 -> 2) to inflict 800 damage to Scootaloo for each speed spell in his hand. He has 3.

Scootaloo’s Life Points: 3200 -> 800

Scott ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-1500 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-0

Scootaloo’s Turn: Sctl:7 Sctt:3 Scootaloo summons Genex Controller (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1200). Next, she activates the speed spell Creature Swap, removing 3 speed counters (SpC.: 7 -> 4) to have each player take control of a monster their opponent controls. Scootaloo takes control of Majestic Mech – Goryu while Scott is forced to take Genex Controller. Scootaloo attacks Vylon Stella with Majestic Mech – Goryu.

Scott’s Life Points: 2000 -> 500

Scootaloo then activates Speed World 2’s effect, removing 4 speed counters (SpC.: 4 -> 0) to inflict 800 damage to Scott for each speed spell in her hand. She has 1.

Scott’s Life Points: 500 -> 0

Scootaloo wins the round.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo win the match.

Scott and Scootaloo rode their vehicles to where Zelda and Apple Bloom were watching them.

“So what do you think?” asked Scootaloo as she took off her helmet. “Do you still think we can’t handle the Numbers?”

“I already talked to Scootaloo about that,” replied Zelda. “You two certainly have some undeniable skills. I hope that when you do come across those four agents, that you two will be ready.”

“Don’t worry, ma’am,” said Apple Bloom with respect, “they’ll rue the day they set foot on Equestrian soil.”

“If you say so,” said Zelda trying to be as supportive as possible.

The two foals rode off after congratulatory handshakes and good-byes. “Do you think they’ll be alright?” asked Zelda to Scott.

“You’d be surprised how well the ponies here can look after themselves. Especially those two.”

“I sure hope you’re right,” said Zelda. “Because I can’t be too sure that I am.”

Chapter 11: The Façade

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Lucas and Pinkie had just won their first duel with the two ponies who ran the spa in Ponyville. With Pinkie Pie’s defense and Lucas’ unrelenting power, they were a force to be reckoned with.

“I can’t believe I’m actually getting to duel with my bestest human friend in the whole wide world!” giggled Pinkie Pie following Lucas in her usual hop.

“Yeah, it’s definitely been a while,” Lucas taking in the atmosphere of Ponyville that he had missed for two years.

“Just remember,” said Lucas gazing at Pinkie Pie, “we don’t use our Numbers unless the opponent we face uses them.”

“Mmhm,” hummed Pinkie Pie with a nod.

Upon walking by town hall, a grey pegasus with crossing eyes almost flew into them. Lucas dodged out of the way, while Pinkie Pie stood perfectly still as the pegasus whizzed by her face and smacked into the wall of the large building.

“Oh my gosh,” said a buffalo running up to the group, “I’m so sorry. Derpy can be a little clumsy. You’re not hurt, are you?”

“No, I’m alright,” said Lucas.

“I think Derpy’s fine. The crash didn’t seem to hurt her.”

Derpy got up and wandered aimlessly in her usual self.

“That’s good,” said the buffalo in relief. “Wait, don’t I know you?” asked the buffalo. “You’re the singer to that human band that came here, right?”

“Yes, ma’am,” confirmed Lucas.

“Cool,” she replied. “I heard you and Pinkie are really strong duelists.”

“Yes-siree-bob, Little Strongheart.” replied Pinkie with a wide smile. “We may just be the toughest around.”

“You two know each other?” asked Lucas.

“Oh yes,” answered Pinkie Pie. “We settled a little scuffle in Appleloosa between her buffalo tribe and the pony settlers who live there. Teeheehee. I like that word. Scuffle.”

“Interesting,” said Lucas.

“Yes,” said Little Strongheart, “Pinkie and I go WAY back. Say, while we’re here, why not have a fun little duel?”

“Duel?” chirped Pinkie in excitement. “That sounds great!”

“Derpy!” called Little Strongheart.

“Duel?” said Derpy in a woozy voice. “‘K. Got it.”

They decided to duel inside the town hall pavilion. Unbeknownst to most ponies, the pavilion was available to all ponies to duel in as a public venue, but as long as it didn’t interrupt the flow of business inside, it was completely acceptable.

“So how do you want to do this?” asked Lucas.

“Standard doubles,” said Little Strongheart. “Is that okay, Derpy?” Derpy hung her mouth open, stuck her tongue to the side and waved at Little Strongheart.

“She says yes.”

“Okey dokey lokey,” giggled Pinkie Pie.

“Let’s duel!” All 4 players unsheathed their duel disks and drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Lucas and Pinkie Pie vs. Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart

Lucas’ Turn: Lucas summons one monster face down.

Lucas places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Derpy Hooves’ Turn: Derpy Hooves summons Chainsaw Insect (ATK: 2400 DEF: 0).

Derpy Hooves ends her turn.

Status: Hand-5 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

Pinkie Pie’s Turn: Pinkie Pie summons one monster face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-5 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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Suddenly the quaint and friendly smile given by Little Strongheart was replaced by an evil and foreboding one. Derpy even changed her blissfully confused look and frowned in concentration.

“What the?” whispered Lucas.

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Little Strongheart’s Turn: Little Strongheart summons Yaksha (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1500). When its normal summoned, Little Strongheart can send an opponent’s spell or trap card that (s)he controls and return it to the hand, choosing one of Lucas’ face down cards. Next, she activates Double Summon, summoning Gundari from her hand (ATK: 1000 DEF: 200). Little Strongheart overlays Chainsaw Insect, Gundari, and Yaksha to xyz summon Number 167: Desert Guardian – Sand Devil (ATK: 2300 DEF: 2200).

Little Strongheart activates Number 167: Desert Guardian – Sand Devil’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz monster from it, she can destroy one face down monster on the field and inflict damage equal to the combined ATK and DEF of the destroyed monster, choosing Lucas’ face down monster. She destroys Gladiator Beast Secutor (ATK: 400 DEF: 300).

Lucas and Pinkie Pie’s Life Points: 8000 -> 7300

Because of Number 167: Desert Guardian – Sand Devil’s effect, she can’t conduct her battle phase.

Little Strongheart places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Card-1

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“What’s going on?” yelled Lucas confused. “Why do you have Numbers?”

“They come from an anonymous source,” said Little Strongheart. Lucas almost bared his teeth at the word “anonymous,” as it seemed clear that they were given to them by the Vegas Bureau, but was stopped by Little Strongheart’s further explanation.

“Before you get riled up. They were not given to us by those other humans. We despise them as much as you do, but we cannot trust the Numbers to someone like you. Which is why we’re taking them away.”

“Someone like me? We want to stop them too. We have a common enemy, Little Strongheart. We should be working together, not fighting amongst each other.”

“Hmph,” grunted Derpy Hooves. She then spoke in more fluent and clearer voice. “You humans are so naïve. The truth is, we’ve actually known about the Numbers far before you came to this land, so we are much better equipped with the knowledge to defeating them. If I were you, I would hand over any Numbers in your possession right now.”

“No. This is just as much our fight as it is yours. We understand that you’re fighting for the sanctity of your land, and we are fighting to save Equestria from-”

“You don’t need to lecture us about the Inverz prophecy. The point is that you seem unwilling to comply with our demands. But go ahead; fight back, but you’re fighting a losing battle here.”

“We’ll see just how much of a losing battle this is.”

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Lucas’ Turn: Lucas activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Gladiator Beast Secutor from the graveyard. Next, he summons Gladiator Beast Darius (ATK: 1700 DEF: 300). Then, he activates Book of Taiyou, flipping Pinkie Pie’s monster face up, which was a Worm Cartaros (ATK: 1200 DEF: 500). When Worm Cartaros is flip summoned, Pinkie Pie adds one level 4 or lower Worm monster from her deck to her hand. Lucas overlays Worm Cartaros, Gladiator Beast Darius, and Gladiator Beast Secutor to xyz summon Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2100).

Lucas activates the effect of Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder. By detaching one xyz material from it, he can increase its ATK by the difference between it and a monster that it battles, choosing Number 167: Desert Guardian – Sand Devil (ATK: 2600 -> 2900). Lucas attacks Number 167: Desert Guardian – Sand Devil, but Little Strongheart activates Reinforced Space, increasing Number 167: Desert Guardian – Sand Devil’s ATK by 300 for each xyz material attached to it (2) (ATK: 2300 -> 2900). Lucas continues the attack. Since Number 167: Desert Guardian – Sand Devil and Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder have equal ATK, they are both destroyed.

Lucas places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand- 1 Life-7300 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-2

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During his turn, he noticed that his Number card was faintly glowing blue. He was reminded of it by the faint blue glow coming from his graveyard where his Number now rested.

“What’s going on here?” asked Lucas referring to the glow.

“Oh, you mean about your Number?” called Derpy. He looked up to see a similar blue coloring in the eyes of Little Strongheart. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

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Derpy Hooves’ Turn: Derpy Hooves activates Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying one of Lucas’ face down cards. Then, Derpy Hooves activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, she summons Inzektor Centipede (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200). When Inzektor Centipede is summoned, Derpy Hooves can equip one Inzektor monster from her graveyard onto it, choosing Inzektor Giga-Mantis. When Inzektor Giga-Mantis is equipped to a monster, its ATK becomes 2400 (ATK: 1600 -> 2400). Next, Derpy activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder from Lucas and Pinkie Pie’s graveyard. Derpy attacks Lucas directly with Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder.

Lucas and Pinkie Pie’s Life Points: 7300 -> 4700

Next, Derpy attacks Lucas and Pinkie Pie directly with Inzektor Centipede.

Lucas and Pinkie Pie’s Life Points: 4700 -> 2300

Derpy places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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Lucas was stunned. He never saw Derpy so cunning before. In just one turn, she knocked off more than half of her life points. Truly she was a much fearsome opponent than he let on. Little Strongheart shot a sad glance at Pinkie in an attempt to have her reason with Lucas to stop the duel and just surrender their Numbers peacefully. Pinkie Pie looking nervous shot a glance at Lucas who was still lying on the ground writhing in pain after the last attack.

Then, she remembered telling something to Twilight almost three years ago when Spike told his secret about his crush on Rarity: “Losing a friend’s trust is the fastest way to lose a friend.” She then looked at Little Strongheart again, who gave more of an endearing look this time around.

“Forever!”

She then angrily looked at Little Strongheart.

“Sorry, friendo. We may have been friends in the past, but if you ever. EVER hurt any of my other friends then… then I guess we can’t be friends anymore.”

Pinkie Pie ran over to Lucas and helped him up.

“Pinkie, please. It doesn’t have to be this way.”

“It already is,” interrupted Derpy. “The mare has made her bed, and now she’s going to lie in it.”

“Not if I lay you two to rest first!”

She then turned to Lucas.

“How was that for a comeback?”

Lucas still a tad winded gave a smile and thumbs up in response to Pinkie’s comeback. Pinkie smiled at Lucas, and then scowled again as she faced her two opponents.

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Pinkie Pie’s Turn: Lucas activates Trap Stun, negating the activation of trap cards this turn. Pinkie Pie activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, she activates Worm Call, special summoning a Worm monster face down from her hand when she controls no monsters while her opponent controls one. Next, Pinkie summons Worm Rakuyeh (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1200). Then, she activates her Monster Reborn, special summoning Number 167: Desert Guardian – Sand Devil from Derpy Hooves’ graveyard.

Then, she activates her Book of Taiyou to flip summon her Worm Xex (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1000). Pinkie Pie overlays Worm Xex and Worm Rakuyeh to xyz summon Number 129: Seven Eyed Kappa (ATK: 1500 DEF: 800). Pinkie Pie activates its effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, she can flip all monsters on her opponent’s side of the field face down. If these monsters are destroyed this turn, Pinkie can inflict damage equal to their ATK. Pinkie Pie attacks the face down Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder with Number 167: Desert Guardian – Sand Devil.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 8000 -> 5400

Pinkie Pie attacks the face down Inzektor Centipede with Number 129: Seven Eyed Kappa.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 5400 -> 3000

When Inzektor Giga-Mantis was sent to the graveyard while equipped to a monster, she can special summon an Inzektor monster from her graveyard, choosing Inzektor Giga-Grioll (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1300).

Pinkie Pie places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-2300 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Pinkie. I’m so sorry,” whispered Little Strongheart.

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Little Strongheart’s Turn: Little Strongheart summons Asura Priest (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200). Next, she activates Star Changer, increasing Asura Priest’s level by 1. Little Strongheart overlays Asura Priest with Inzektor Giga-Grioll to xyz summon Number 136: Wicked Totem Curse (ATK: 0 DEF: 2200).

Little Strongheart activates Number 136: Wicked Totem Curse’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, she can swap the ATK of an xyz monster her opponent controls with the ATK of Number 136: Wicked Totem Curse, choosing Number 167: Desert Guardian – Sand Devil (ATK: 2300 -> 0, ATK: 0 -> 2300). Little Strongheart attacks Number 167: Desert Guardian – Sand Devil. Pinkie Pie attempts to activate Mirror Force, but Derpy Hooves activates Trap Jammer, negating the effect of Mirror Force and destroy it. The attack goes through.

Lucas and Pinkie Pie’s Life Points: 2300 -> 0

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart win.

____________________________________

Once the duel was over, all of Numbers that were in play that duel disappeared from Pinkie Pie and Lucas’ zones and graveyard and appeared in Little Strongheart’s hooves. Once this ritual was done, her magically altered blue eyes returned to normal. It was an ability that Princess Luna magically gave her upon completion and passing of her Wrangler entrance tests. Little Strongheart looked at Lucas and Pinkie Pie as the lie on the ground, still unconscious after the hit.

“Forget them,” said Derpy to her comrade. “We have more Numbers to find.”

Derpy then put on her mentally challenged charade as she flew out of the town hall.

“Please forgive me, Pinkie,” whispered Little Strongheart. And with that she ran off.

____________________________________

“…thought that this would be a great place to duel,” said Spike as he entered the town hall pavilion with Sammy, Twilight, and Zecora.

They then noticed Lucas and Pinkie Pie lying on the ground. They rushed over to them calling their names. This apparently woke them up. Sammy rushed to Lucas while Twilight and Zecora ran to Pinkie.

“What has happened to you, pink mare?” asked Zecora. “Are you hurt? Do you need medical care?”

“No, I’m okay,” answered Pinkie Pie. “How’s Lucas?”

“Luke’s fine,” said Sammy as Lucas rubbed his head as if he had a massive hangover.

“Oh good!” happily chimed Pinkie.

Even though they lost a couple of their Numbers, at least her friend wasn’t hurt.

“Did one of those Number hunters do this to you?”

“You could say that said,” Lucas replied for Pinkie. “Who was it?”

“Pinkie, let me see your D-Pad.”

Pinkie Pie extended her arm as Lucas fiddled on the touch screen and looked up their duel history. The screen then showed the last two duelists they faced. Twilight couldn’t hold back her shock.

“So the perpetrator is the pegasus with loopy eyes?” asked Zecora. “That’s unlike her. She wouldn’t even hurt flies.”

“Well, apparently flies don’t carry Numbers,” grumbled Lucas, “which is what they were after.”

He then remembered. He checked his extra deck and found his Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder missing.

“Yeah, my top Number’s gone.”

Pinkie also looked in hers to find her Number 129: Seven Eyed Kappa gone as well. “Aw, they took my favorite one too,” whined Pinkie.

“This doesn’t make any sense,” said Twilight fearfully.

“I don’t know what makes sense anymore,” said Lucas, “but I do know that we need to warn our friends. Spike, take a letter.”

Spike brought his quill and scroll paper and was ready to write. It was basically a note for Princess Celestia telling her to relay notes to every one of their friends in possession of a Number to warn them about Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart and their encounter with them. Spike sent the letter out, and the smoke rolled off into the night out of a window.

“Hopefully they get that before it’s too late,” said Lucas looking out the same window.

Chapter 12: Twins

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Orion and Helena just had a successful two wins, facing Twilight and Zecora and Applejack and Big Macintosh. Helena was excited to be dueling professionally again, per say, but she still felt a little empty. Orion couldn’t help but notice.

“Are you okay?” he asked her.

“Yeah,” she sighed. “I mean, the people- I mean ponies here are wonderfully nice, the place is clean and wholesome, but it just doesn’t feel quite like dueling without Melanie.”

“I know that you miss her, but remember what I taught you about chaos xyz.”

“Yeah, I know. Where there is despair, there’s new hope. I understand it all, but I just don’t want to relive those memories again.”

“Sooner or later, they will surface. But when they do, you must be the one to take those negative feelings by the reigns and use them to your benefit. That’s the secret to chaos xyz.”

“I’ll try.”

“Do, or do not. There is no try.”

Helena couldn’t help but smirk at walking straight into a Star Wars reference like that. “Then I will.”

“That’s the spirit.”

“Hello, hello,” said a voice distinguishable like a 1920’s street vendor. “What do we have here?”

Orion and Helena looked out to see two tall male unicorn ponies in front of them. They each wore white shirts beneath buttoned blue and white striped vests and black bow ties. They also wore identical skimmer straw hats with a blue ribbon wrapping around it. They each also had identical red and white manes and tails that somewhat resembled bacon. The only thing that visually differentiated them were the moustache on one of them and their cutie marks, the pony with the moustache having an apple with a wedge cut out of it, while the clean shaven one had a cutie mark of the missing wedge.

“I can’t say I know you from ‘round here,” said the shaved one.

“Likewise,” responded Orion.

“Oh, where are our manners?” asked the mustached one. His voice was a bit deeper than the other.

“I’m Flim,” responded the clean shaven pony.

“I’m Flam,” followed the mustached other. “And we’re…”

“The world famous Flim-Flam brothers!” they said in unison.

“Such unfortunate names,” chortled Helena.

“And how so, my dear?”

“Flimflam? It doesn’t take a halfwit to know that you guys are probably conmen.”

“Oh, come now,” said Flam ignoring Helena’s accusations. “Our names may not be the most flattering of all, but surely what you see isn’t always what you get.”

“So we can trust you?”

“As sure as the sun will shine tomorrow,” responded Flim.

Helena couldn’t help but still be wary of their motives. But she knew one way to settle that qualm.

“Are you two in the EFDC?”

“Why, yes we are!” responded Flim and Flam simultaneously.

“Perhaps we can have ourselves a little duel.”

“I don’t see why not,” responded Flam, “but we only fight in pairs in standard mode.”

“Sounds alright with us,” said Orion. “Then let’s go at it, shall we?”

The two brothers unsheathed bright red D-Pads like crisp, ripe apples. Orion turned his wand into his duel disk. Helena’s gauntlet appeared on her arm with the feather wrapped pod on the wrist. The pod was then caught by the silver arm on the gauntlet, causing the feathers to unfurl out into its duel disk fashion.

“I think we found them, brother,” whispered Flim to Flam in a happy tone.

The two then concentrated their energy at their opponents.

The two brothers shot red beams at Orion and Helena’s duel disk, disappearing on contact.

“What the…” queried Orion. He then remembered the same thing happened with Alex and his duel with Ryan.

“You… you’re working for the Vegas Bureau aren’t you?”

Flim frowned at being discovered so quickly. But it was obvious that Orion knew of them so there was no need to conceal it. “You two are more intuitive than I thought.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“It’s all in good business, eh?” Flam took several gold coins from his pocket; their fee for treachery.

Orion scowled at the two. He had no idea what deck they played, but it was obvious that they would be using Numbers. Orion shot a glance at Helena, who nodded as a signal of her preparedness.

“Alright,” said Helena. “Let’s show these barbershop bums what business we have in store for them.”

Flim and Flam glanced at each other like Helena was merely bluffing.

“Let’s go then,” said Flim to his opponents.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Orion and Helena vs. Flim and Flam

Orion’s Turn: Orion activates the continuous spell Six Samurai United. Orion summons The Six Samurai – Zanji (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1300). Next, he special summons Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan from his hand, as he controls another Six Samurai monster (ATK: 1800 DEF: 500). Whenever a Six Samurai monster is summoned, a Bushido counter is placed on Six Samurai United (BuC.: 0 -> 2). Orion then sends Six Samurai United to the graveyard to draw a card for each Bushido Counter on it (2).

Orion place 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

Flim’s Turn: Flim activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, he special summons 2 Cloudian – Storm Dragons by removing from play 2 Cloudian monsters in his graveyard (ATK: 1000 DEF: 0). Then, he activates the two Cloudian – Storm Dragons’ effects. Flim places a Fog counter on a monster on the field twice, placing them both on The Six Samurai – Zanji (FoC.: 0 -> 2). Next, he plays the spell Lucky Cloud.

Flim places 1 card face down. With Lucky Cloud’s effect, if Flim summoned 2 or more Cloudian monsters with the same name, he draws 2 cards.

Flim ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Summoning two Level 4 monsters in his first turn, yet he doesn’t xyz summon? thought Helena to herself. Those two must be in the works for summoning a very powerful Number. Looks like I’ll just have to prepare for that, won’t I?

____________________________________

Helena’s Turn: Helena activates the field spell Luminous Spark, increasing the ATK of all LIGHT monsters by 500 while decreasing their DEF by 400 (ATK: 1800 -> 2300, DEF: 1300 -> 900). Next, Helena special summons Photon Thrasher from her hand as she controls no monsters (ATK: 2100 DEF: 0) (ATK: 2100 -> 2600). Then, she normal summons Photon Crusher (ATK: 2000 DEF: 0) (ATK: 2000 -> 2500).

Helena tributes The Six Samurai – Zanji and Photon Thrasher to special summon Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon from her hand (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500) (ATK: 3000 -> 3500, DEF: 2500 -> 2100). Next, Helena overlays Photon Crusher and Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan to xyz summon Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1800) (ATK: 2300 -> 2800, DEF: 1800 -> 1300).

Helena places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“How do you like them apples? Pun fully intended,” stated Helena.

Flam just smiled at his brother, who smiled back. Helena could see that they were going to make a move that would even surprise her. It seemed to her that she had made her most fatal of mistakes: she misjudged her opponents.

____________________________________

Flam’s Turn: Flam activates the continuous spell Summon Cloud, allowing him special summon a level 4 or lower Cloudian monster from his hand, choosing Cloudian – Altus (ATK: 1300 DEF: 0). Next, Flam summons Cloudian – Turbulence (ATK: 800 DEF: 0). When Cloudian Turbulence is normal summoned, Flam places a Fog counter on it for every Cloudian monster on the field (4) (FoC.: 0 -> 4). Next, he activates the effect of Cloudian Turbulence. By removing a Fog counter from it, he can special summon a Cloudian - Smoke Ball from his deck. He activates this effect 3 times. (FoC.: 4 -> 1) (ATK: 200 DEF: 600). Flam overlays Cloudian – Turbulence, Cloudian – Altus, and the 2 Cloudian – Storm Dragons to xyz summon Number 176: Crimson Hurricane (ATK: 4100 DEF: 3500).

Next, Flam overlays the 3 Cloudian - Smoke Balls to xyz summon Number 83: Galaxy Queen in defense position (ATK: 500 DEF: 500). Flam activates the effect of Number 176: Crimson Hurricane. By detaching one xyz material from it, when this monster battles an opponent’s monster, it is removed from play instead of being sent to the graveyard after damage calculation. Flam attacks Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. Helena activates Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s effect. When it battles an opponent’s monster, she can remove both it and Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon from play.

At the end of the battle phase, they return to the field. Because of Number 176: Crimson Hurricane’s effect, Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon remains removed from play while Number 176: Crimson Hurricane returns to the field. Flam then activates the effect of Number 83: Galaxy Queen. By detaching one xyz material from it, all monsters he currently controls cannot be destroyed by battle until his opponent’s next end phase.

Flam places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Two Numbers in one turn…” said Orion still hushed with awe at the sight of the monstrous Number that had easily disposed of Helena’s Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon.

“This is why Mr. Ace entrusted us with this mission,” replied Flim.

“Because when it comes to working in pairs, we’re peerless.” Flam then spoke up.

“Now I have to ask you: How do YOU like them apples?”

“Not as much as you’ll like these!” said Orion drawing a card from his deck.

____________________________________

Orion’s Turn: Orion summons The Six Samurai – Irou (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200). Orion then activates his trap Copy Knight, becoming a Warrior-type monster with the same level as a normal summoned Warrior-type monster (4). Orion overlays The Six Samurai – Irou and Copy Knight to xyz summon Number 39: Utopia (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000) (ATK: 2500 -> 3000, DEF: 2000 -> 1600). Orion then equips Number 39: Utopia with Big Bang Shot increasing its ATK by 400 and giving it the effect of piercing damage (ATK: 3000 -> 3400).

Orion attacks Number 83: Galaxy Queen. Flam attempts to activate Magic Cylinder, but Helena activates Trap Jammer, negating the effect of and destroying Magic Cylinder. The attack goes through. With the effect of Number 83: Galaxy Queen, it isn’t destroyed by battle. Damage is still applied.

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 8000 -> 5100

Orion places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Flim’s Turn: Flim activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Then, he activates his spell card Xyz Chance. Flim draws 1 card. If the card is a monster, he can attach it to an xyz monster on his side of the field. If not, he sends the card to the graveyard. Flim draws a Cloudian - Acid Cloud, and he attaches it to Number 176: Crimson Hurricane. Next, he summons one monster face down.

Flim places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-5100 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Running scared now?” Helena chided. “Good. You should be.”

____________________________________

Helena’s Turn: Helena summons Photon Cerberus (ATK: 1300 DEF: 600) (ATK: 1300 -> 1800, DEF: 600 -> 200). As long as that face up card is on the field, neither player can activate trap cards. Helena then activates Photon Sanctuary, special summoning 2 Photon tokens in defense position (ATK: 2000 DEF: 0). Helena activates Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it when she has no cards in her hand, she can draw 5 cards.

Next, Helena activates Gift of the Martyr, sending a Photon token to the graveyard to have Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina gain ATK equal to the Photon token (ATK: 2800 -> 4800). Helena attacks Number 176: Crimson Hurricane with Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina. Before the attack connects, Flam activates Number 176: Crimson Hurricane's effect, detaching an xyz material from it to remove from play a monster it battles at the end of the damage step.

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 5100 -> 4400

Because Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina battled with Number 176: Crimson Hurricane, it is removed from play. Then, Helena activates her spell Photon Booster, having one LIGHT monster on the field’s ATK become 2000 until the end phase, choosing Photon Cerburus (ATK: 1800 -> 2000). Helena then tributes Photon Cerberus and the Photon token to special summon another Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon from her hand (ATK: 3000 -> 3500, DEF: 2500 -> 2100).

Helena places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Helena smiled with satisfaction as she brought down Number 176: Crimson Hurricane. However, the looks on her opponent’s face wasn’t filled with strife and worry like she had hoped. Instead, Flam was laughing. Helena couldn’t help but be perplexed at his behavior.

“You think you have this duel won, do you?” he wheezed, still exasperated from his laughter. “You think you two have the upper hand? Ha! The only thing you should be thinking about now is something to distract you from the pain that you’re going to feel right now!”

Flam had completely broken from his upbeat demeanor and looked absolutely ruthless. Helena knew that he didn’t make this radical tonal shift for nothing, and prepared for the onslaught he was about to dish out.

____________________________________

Flam’s Turn: Flam tributes Number 83: Galaxy Queen and summons Cloudian – Nimbusman (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000). Then, Flam activates Xyz Plant, which becomes a monster with the same level as a monster he controls, choosing Cloudian – Nimbusman. Flam overlays Cloudian – Nimbusman and Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1500) (ATK: 2400 -> 2900, DEF: 1500 -> 1100). Orion activates his face down Space Cyclone, allowing him to detach 1 xyz material from a monster on the field, choosing Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach. Flim activates his face down Ring of Destruction, destroying Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon and inflicting damage to all players equal to its ATK.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 8000 -> 4500

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 4400 -> 900

Flim activates the effect of Damage Mage from his hand, special summoning it from his hand and gaining life points equal to the damage they took.

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 900 -> 4400

Flam then equips Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach with Megamorph, doubling its original ATK (ATK: 2900 -> 5300). Flam attacks Number 39: Utopia with Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach, but Orion activates Attack Invulnerability, choosing the former effect of preventing Number 39: Utopia from being destroyed by battle. Damage is still applied.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 4500 -> 2600

Because Orion and Helena’s life points are lower than Flim and Flam’s, Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach’s attack is halved because of Megamorph (ATK: 5300 -> 1700). Flam then activates Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, when a monster’s ATK is changed, Flam inflicts damage equal to the difference between the high amount and the low amount (5300 – 1700 = 3600). Helena activates Poison of the Old Man, increasing their Life Points by 1200 before the effect damage connects.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 2600 -> 3800

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 3800 -> 200

Flam ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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Flam was furious that Orion and Helena still had life points left, not to mention still standing strong and resolutely after such a thrashing like that.

“Why?” he grunted. “Why didn’t you use Utopia’s effect to negate that attack?”

Orion looked him dead in the eye. “Isn’t it obvious?” he replied with no emotion in his voice. “You two are con-men; you use tactics to lure your victims by playing with their confidence and lead them right into your traps, like the one that you had set for me had I activated Utopia's effect."

Orion pointed at Flim's face down card during the last part of that sentence. "I do have to hand it to you, it wasn’t that bad of a plan and it could have fooled many a novice duelists, but I don’t play based off of my emotional intuition. I use raw strategies, specifically one that you two obviously didn’t see coming.”

“And what’s that?” Orion smiled slightly before responding.

“Only use your xyz materials when absolutely necessary.”

“And look at how far it’s gotten you,” chimed in Flim. “You have only 200 life points to match with our 4400. I’d really be interested in seeing what kind of comeback you two can muster up now.”

Orion then cracked a wider smile. “With pleasure,” he exclaimed.

____________________________________

Orion’s Turn: Orion activates his Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Orion overlays Number 39: Utopia to chaos xyz summon Number C39: Utopia Ray (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000) (ATK: 2500 -> 3000, DEF: 2000 -> 1600). Next, Orion activates Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field, including Flim’s face down card, which was a Divine Wrath. Luminous Spark is also destroyed (ATK: 3000 -> 2500, DEF: 1600 -> 2000) (ATK: 1700 -> 1200, DEF: 1100 -> 1500).

Orion activates the effect of Number C39: Utopia Ray. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK raises by 500 while a monster his opponent controls loses 1000 until the end phase. Orion activates this effect 3 times, raising Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK by 1500 and decreasing Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach’s ATK by 3000 (ATK: 2500 -> 4000) (ATK: 1200 -> 0). Orion attacks Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach.

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 4400 -> 400

Orion places 1 card face down and ends his turn. Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 4000 -> 2500).

Status: Hand-0 Life-200 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“How can this be?” said Flam, still weary from the attack. “Chaos xyz. Mr. Ace never said anything about this.”

“Don’t despair, brother,” said Flim. “We still have one turn to bring this whole duel around.”

He then drew a card. Flim smiled wide with anticipation.

“Finish it,” said Flam with a nod.

____________________________________

Flim’s Turn: Flim activates Block Attack, switching Number C39: Utopia Ray into defense position. Then he tributes his face down monster and Damage Mage to summon Cloudian – Eye of the Typhoon (ATK: 3000 DEF: 1000). Flim attacks Number C39: Utopia Ray. When Cloudian – Eye of the Typhoon attacks, all monsters on the field change their battle position. Orion activates Iron Resolve, halving his life points to negate the battle damage.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 200 -> 100

Flim ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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Flim was getting tired of their successful struggling. However, he could rest assured that he still had a strong monster on the field to contend with. However, any chances of winning all came crumbling down upon seeing Helena’s confident smile.

____________________________________

Helena’s Turn: Helena activates Monster Reborn, summoning Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon from her graveyard. Then, she normal summons Photon Sabre Tiger (ATK: 2000 DEF: 300). If Helena doesn’t control another Photon Sabre Tiger, it loses 800 ATK (ATK: 2000 -> 1200). Helena attacks Cloudian – Eye of the Typhoon with Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. Helena activates Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s effect. When it battles an opponent’s monster, she can remove both it and Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon from play. Helena attacks Flim and Flam directly with Photon Sabre Tiger.

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 400 -> 0

Orion and Helena win.

____________________________________

Once the duel ended, five cards flew out of Flim and Flam’s extra decks collectively and into the hands of Orion and Helena. Among them were the 3 Numbers that Flam played, and two that were completely unused by Flim at all.

“Such a waste,” said Helena.

She then walked toward and knelt down to the quivering unicorns. She grabbed Flam by the horn, with her right hand, while holding the edge of her duel disk with the sharp, metallic feathers up to his neck with her left arm. Despite his vicious demeanor in the duel, he was terrified of her now.

“Run and find Mark,” she said. “Tell them how bad we kicked your asses, and then, tell them that if they want our Numbers,-”

____________________________________

“-then you should stop hiding like a bunch of pussies and go get them yourselves,” said Flam in a mousy voice, standing up to Mark about a half hour after he and his brothers’ loss.

“Hmm,” said Mark.

He wasn’t even upset at that last insult of Helena’s. He was relieved; not only did he learn of the new chaos xyz that Orion performed, but he knew that now he had some heavy competition in his hunt. A challenger worth fighting. Prey worth killing.

____________________________________

“You got that?” growled Helena to Flam back in the present after Helena gave him her message.

“Every word,” squeaked Flam, trying his best to appease her.

“Good.”

She let go of his horn and slapped his bony cheeks lightly twice. Her duel disk glowed and dimmed again, her gauntlet disappearing from her arm. She got up and joined Orion, who already returned his duel disk to its wand form, as they both left their enemies behind them. Not even after two minutes of walking, a purple wisp of smoke rolled at Orion, forming a scroll that levitated in front of Orion’s face. He unwrapped it. On it read this:

Dear Orion and Helena,
I was just told by your friends, Lucas and Pinkie Pie, that there are two duelists, a cross eyed pegasus named Derpy Hooves, and a buffalo named Little Strongheart, are going around and taking your friends’ Number cards. They have Numbers of their own, but they claim to not have gotten them from the Vegas agents. Nonetheless, their foolish acts could prove to disrupt your mission to stop these agents and could cause the return of Inverz. I’m having my royal guards search for them now and bring them in for interrogation on the matter. If you do happen to find them before then, just be very careful around them. The fate of Equestria lies in your hands.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia

Orion crumpled the paper in his hands and dropped it on the ground.

“It seems there’s almost no one we can trust anymore,” said Orion.

They both ran toward the safety of Ponyville to find their friends and relay the message they had just received, if they hadn’t received it already.

Chapter 13: A Lack of Control

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“I sure hope everypony got the message,” said Twilight. “They should have gotten it by now.”

“I’m sure they got it without trouble,” responded Zecora. “But it seems that our threats have been doubled.”

“Either way, she said that we need to prepare against them if we do come across them. I think that I’m ready. Aren’t you?”

“Our Numbers they may try and take, but first they have our spirits to break. As long as we firmly and defiantly stand, we shall no doubt protect this land.”

Twilight couldn’t help but smile about Zecora’s undying support.

Suddenly, two Pegasi in Wonderbolts uniforms flew up to and landed in front of Twilight and Zecora. Twilight instantly recognized them as Soarin and Spitfire, two of Rainbow Dash’s flying teammates.

“Hey you two,” greeted Spitfire.

“Hi Spitfire,” answered Twilight. “Have you seen Rainbow Dash and Gilda?”

“Actually, I just did,” said Soarin. “She told us about Derpy and Strongheart. I can’t believe that. Me and Derpy were good friends back in flight school.”

“Wait, why would Rainbow talk to you about that?”

“Because Rainbow Dash and Gilda gave us Numbers too.”

“What?”

“Listen,” interrupted Spitfire, “we may not have had as much time with the Numbers as you have, but either way, us Wonderbolts need to stick together, and if that means putting our well being on the line to save our land, then we’ll happily do so.”

Twilight bowed her head. “Okay, fine,” she relented, “but first you have to prove that you can fight capably with them.”

“Are you challenging us to a duel?” asked Soarin playfully.

“I am,” said Twilight seriously. “If you hold the keys to Equestria’s safety or destruction in your hooves, we need to be sure you’re using it properly.”

“That’s fine by me,” said Spitfire.

Twilight and Zecora unsheathed their duel disks as Soarin and Spitfire unsheathed theirs. They each drew five cards from their deck and were ready.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Twilight Sparkle and Zecora vs. Soarin and Spitfire

Twilight’s Turn: Twilight activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, she activates Monster Reborn, special summoning her discarded Dark Magician from the graveyard (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2100). Then, she normal summons Gagaga Magician (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000). Once per turn, Twilight can change the level of Gagaga Magician to anything between 1 and 8, choosing 7. Then, Twilight activates Xyz Plant, having it become a monster with a level equal to the level of one monster she controls, choosing Dark Magician. Twilight overlays Dark Magician, Gagaga Magician, and Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 7: Lucky Straight (ATK: 700 DEF: 700).

Twilight activates Number 7: Lucky Straight’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, she can roll a die twice. The results are 5 and 2. Number 7: Lucky Straight’s ATK becomes 700 x the highest result until the opponent’s next end phase (5) (ATK: 700 x 5 = 3500). Also, since the sum of the results equals 7, Twilight can choose one of its 3 effects. She chooses the second one, which is special summoning a monster from either her hand or her graveyard, and she chooses to special summon her Dark Magician from the graveyard.

Twilight places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Soarin’s Turn: Soarin places 3 cards face down and ends his turn. Lucky Straight’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 3500 -> 700).

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-3

Zecora’s Turn: Zecora activates the effect of Gravekeeper’s Commandant from her hand, discarding it to add one Necrovalley from her Deck to her hand. Zecora then activates the field spell Necrovalley, preventing all players from access to their graveyards. Next, Zecora summons one monster face down.

Zecora places 1 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Spitfire’s Turn: Spitfire summons Otonari Thunder (ATK: 500 DEF: 0). When Otonari Thunder is summoned, Spitfire can special summon 4 Thunder normal monsters from her deck, choosing Mahunder (ATK: 1400 DEF: 800), Sishunder (ATK: 900 DEF: 300), Brohunder (ATK: 900 DEF: 400), and Pahunder (ATK: 1300 DEF: 500). Spitfire overlays Otonari Thunder, Mahunder, Sishunder, Brohunder, and Pahunder to xyz summon Number 91: Thunder Spark Dragon (ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000).

Spitfire attacks Number 7: Lucky Straight. Twilight tries to activate Waboku, but Soarin activates Trap Jammer, negating and destroying Waboku. The attack goes through.

Twilight and Zecora’s Life Points: 8000 -> 6300

Spitfire ends her turn.

Status: Hand-5 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

Twilight’s Turn: Twilight summons one monster face down.

Twilight places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-6300 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Soarin’s Turn: Soarin summons Kaibaman (ATK: 200 DEF: 700). Soarin activates its effect, tributing it to special summon a Blue-Eyes White Dragon from his hand (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500). Soarin attacks Dark Magician, but Zecora activates Shift, redirecting the attack towards her face down card. Soarin activates another Trap Jammer, but Twilight activates Curse of Royal, negating the effect of and destroying Trap Jammer. Blue-Eyes White Dragon attacks Zecora’s face down monster which was a Gravekeeper’s Spy (ATK: 1200 DEF: 2000).

When Gravekeeper’s Spy is flipped face up, Zecora special summons one Gravekeeper’s monster from her deck, choosing Gravekeeper’s Guard in defense mode. (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1900). With Necrovalley’s effect, all Gravekeeper’s monsters gain 500 ATK and DEF (ATK: 1000 -> 1500) (DEF: 1900 -> 2400).

Soarin ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Zecora’s Turn: Zecora activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, she tributes Gravekeeper’s Guard to summon Gravekeeper’s Visionary (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1800) (ATK: 2000 -> 2500) (DEF: 1800 -> 2300). Then, she activates the spell Star Changer, decreasing the level of one monster by 1, choosing Gravekeeper’s Visionary. Zecora overlays Gravekeeper’s Visionary with Dark Magician to xyz summon Number 11: Big Eye (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2000). Zecora activates Number 11: Big Eye’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, Zecora can take control of one monster her opponent controls, choosing Number 91: Thunder Spark Dragon. Zecora then activates Thunder Spark Dragon’s effect. By detaching 5 xyz materials from it, she can destroy all cards her opponent controls. Thunder Spark Dragon attacks Soarin and Spitfire directly.

Soarin and Spitfire’s Life Points: 8000 -> 5600

Zecora places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-6300 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

____________________________________

“Wait,” called Twilight before Spitfire could resume her turn. Twilight then addressed her. “Do you really have anything in your hand that can beat this?”

Spitfire wanted nothing more than to continue with the duel, but on her hand, she knew that she was dead in the water.

“No,” she quietly relented. “Go ahead and keep that Number. We have no use for it,” she said referring to the Number 91: Thunder Spark Dragon that rested on Zecora’s monster card zone.

“Listen,” said Twilight. “We know that you want to help your friends defeat these people, but we can’t let any of these Numbers fall into the wrong hands. Trust me you two, we’ll take very good of this card. Promise.”

“Okay then,” called Soarin, clearly hurt at their inability to hold their own against them. The two flew away, presumably to tell Rainbow Dash and Gilda.

“It seems that they couldn’t handle the fight,” said Zecora, “but do you think they’ll be alright?”

“Without any Numbers?” asked Twilight. “Positive.”

Chapter 14: King and Queen

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“So you just gave her your Number?” asked Rainbow Dash to her comrades.

“Please, don’t be upset,” cried Soarin.

“We want to help you in any way possible,” continued Spitfire, “but if our best efforts only impede your progress, then please accept that we are helping you by entrusting the Numbers to someone we know can handle them properly.”

Rainbow Dash was unsure what to do with them. Of course, they were her professional superiors and didn’t want to cause a rift with them that could get her kicked off the Wonderbolts, and at the same, she knew that she was a superior duelist to any of them, which is mostly why she could sympathize with their giving up their only Number.

However, loyalty was the most important thing to her (she was the Element of Loyalty after all), and she couldn’t help but feel betrayed at Soarin and Spitfire’s cowardice. Ultimately though, they were right. Numbers belong in the hands of powerful duelists, and she knew that if Soarin and Spitfire couldn’t hold their own against Twilight and Zecora, they surely wouldn’t be able to face Mark, Ryan, Diana, and Chase if the time inevitably came.

“That’s fine,” relented Rainbow Dash. “If the responsibility of a Number is too great for you, then it shouldn’t bother me that you’d want out. But you made the right choice into entrusting the Number to someone capable instead of losing it to one of those Number hunters.”

“Wow,” said Soarin in relief, “thanks Rainbow Dash.”

“Yeah,” sighed Rainbow Dash, “no prob’.”

Rainbow Dash, looking into Soarin and Spitfire’s hurt eyes, could suddenly empathize with them. The Vegas Bureau were certainly a powerful collection of enemies. After remembering how badly Ryan defeated Eli days ago was enough to send shivers down Rainbow Dash’s spine. What Ryan did to Eli would be nothing compared to how badly any one of those agents would crush Soarin and Spitfire. Rainbow Dash knew that in the long run that Soarin and Spitfire made the right decision. They were safe now, and Rainbow Dash wanted nothing more than that.

____________________________________

Cont. from Applejack and Big Macintosh vs. Octavia and DJ Pon-3

Applejack’s Turn: Applejack activates Monster Reborn, special summoning XX-Saber Gottoms from the graveyard (ATK: 3100 DEF: 2600). Applejack equips XX-Saber Gottoms with Axe of Despair, increasing its ATK by 1000 (ATK: 3100 -> 4100). Apple attacks DJ Pon-3’s Lorelei, the Symphonic Arsenal (ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000) with XX-Saber Gottoms. DJ Pon-3 attempts to activate Mirror Force, but Big Macintosh activates Solemn Judgement, halving their life points to negate the activation of Mirror Force and destroy it.

Applejack and Braeburn’s Life Points: 900 -> 450

The attack goes through.

DJ Pon-3 and Octavia’s Life Points: 1500 -> 0

Applejack and Big Macintosh win.

“Yee-haw!” cried Applejack. “That sure was a close one.”

“Eeyup,” agreed Big Macintosh.

“You two are really strong,” said Octavia with her usual blank expression.

“Perhaps that’s where your little sis’ Apple Bloom gets her mad skills,” interrupted DJ Pon-3.

“Aw shucks,” said Applejack blushing. “That’s just Apple family spirit is all.”

“Well either way,” said Octavia, “good luck to both of you.”

“See y’all later,” yelled Applejack as DJ Pon-3 and Octavia went to find another opponent.

____________________________________

The sun was just starting to rise over the hills and would soon shine its light over Ponyville.

“Boy howdy,” said Applejack to Big Macintosh as they walked down the roads by Sweet Apple Acres, “we sure got our work cut out for us. Not only do we have them rotten Vegas agents to look out for, we have that pegasus with the loopy eyes and that buffalo from Appleloosa trailing us too.”

“Eeyup,” said Big Macintosh nonchalantly.

“And to think, of all ponies, it’d be her,” she whispered.

Little did they know, they were being watched. A shadowy figure on the branch of an apple tree crouched down and watched the two ponies make their way towards Ponyville for more opponents to defeat. Then, the figure plucked an apple from the branch and dropped it along the tree trunk. The apple rolled along the trunk and into the middle of the road where it stopped.

“Whoops,” said Applejack upon seeing the apple. She walked over to try and pick it up with her teeth, but a human foot came down fast upon the apple and crushed it, missing Applejack’s snout by a mere inch or two. She quickly jumped back onto her butt and saw two humans standing before her: Chase and Diana.

Chase was wearing a grey long sleeve t-shirt with a large, faded red and blue robotic eagle printed all over the front of the shirt, and an unbuttoned black formal vest over the shirt. He also wore blue jeans with a large belt and black dress shoes; his short white hair spiked and his round framed glasses perfectly aligned on his face. Diana wore a buttoned white blazer with a dark purple blouse underneath with the shirt collar overlapping the blazer collar. She also wore a formal shin-length skirt, black stockings, and black heels. Her long blonde hair was styled into a bun. Around her neck was a various assortment of gold chains.

“It’s you,” sputtered Applejack in a nervous fit.

“Yes,” said Diana with an evil smirk, “it is us.”

Applejack then snapped out of her intuitive nervousness and sprung back on her hooves again.

“You aren’t taking our Numbers away,” growled Applejack.

“Nnope,” said Big Macintosh in an offensive stance.

“I know we aren’t,” said Chase. Applejack and Big Macintosh shot back up, their faces switching from anger to confusion. “Do you seriously think we’d be dumb enough to risk losing half of all of our Numbers in a wager duel at this point in the competition?” he scolded.

“Please. We aren’t going to take your Numbers. Instead, we’re going take something even more valuable.”

“What’s that?” asked Applejack.

“The secret to defeating you two.”

Chase and Diana then shot out blue colored beams from their wrist dealers which wrapped around the necks of Applejack and Big Macintosh.

“What in tarnation?” she grunted, trying pulling away from Diana and Chase but to no avail.

“Here’s to ensure that you can’t get away,” said Diana. “That is, unless you duel us first.”

“Hmph. Fine. I accept your challenge.”

“Like you have a choice, dummy,” said Chase.

“Ready, Big Mac?” asked Applejack.

“Eyecup.”

hase and Diana activated their D-Pads as Applejack and Big Macintosh unsheathed theirs. They each drew five cards from their hand.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Applejack and Big Macintosh vs. Diana and Chase

Applejack’s Turn: Applejack summons XX-Saber Boggart Knight (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1000). When it’s normal summoned, Applejack can special summon an X-Saber from her hand, choosing X-Saber Anu Piranha (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1100).

Applejack places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

Diana’s Turn: Diana activates Painful Choice, adding 5 cards to her hand from her deck. Applejack picks one of them, and the others are sent to the graveyard. Applejack chooses Harpie Lady 2. Diana then summons Harpie Lady 2 in defense position (ATK: 1300 DEF: 1400).

Diana places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Big Macintosh’s Turn: Big Macintosh summons Scrap Beast (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1300). Next, Big Macintosh special summons Scrap Orthos, as he controls a Scrap monster (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1100). When this card is special summoned, Big Macintosh must destroy a Scrap monster, choosing Scrap Beast. Next, he activates Double Summon, summoning Scrap Chimera (ATK: 1700 DEF: 500).

When its normal summoned, Big Macintosh can special summon a Scrap tuner monster from his graveyard, choosing Scrap Beast in defense mode. Big Macintosh overlays Scrap Orthos and Scrap Chimera to xyz summon (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1500). Big Macintosh activates Number 50: Black Corn’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can send a monster with ATK equal to or lower than Number 50: Black Corn to the graveyard and inflict 1000 points of damage to his opponent. Harpie Lady 2 is sent to the graveyard.

Diana and Chase’s Life Points: 8000 -> 7000

Big Macintosh places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“Moderately impressive,” said Chase. “Now watch this shit.”

____________________________________

Chase’s Turn: Diana activates her trap card Hysteric Party, discarding one card to special summon as many Harpie monsters as possible from her graveyard, choosing Harpie Lady 2, Harpie Lady 1 (ATK: 1300 DEF: 1400), and Harpie Girl (ATK: 500 DEF: 500). Next, Diana activates her other face down card Inferno Reckless Summon, special summoning as many Harpie Girls from her deck as possible. Chase then summons Wind-Up Soldier (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1200). When a Wind-Up monster is summoned, Chase can summon Wind-Up Shark from his hand (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). Once per turn, Chase can increase the level of Wind-Up Warrior by 1 and increase its ATK by 400 (ATK: 1800 -> 2200).

Chase then activates the effect of Wind-Up Shark, increasing its level by 1. Chase overlays Wind-Up Shark and Wind-Up Warrior to xyz summon Number 12: Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1700). Next, Chase overlays the three Harpie Girls to xyz summon Number 96: Dark Mist (ATK: 100 DEF: 1000). Finally, Chase overlays Harpie Lady 1 and Harpie Lady 2 to xyz summon Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Chase attacks XX-Saber Boggart Knight with Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis. Chase activates Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, it gains 1000 ATK during the battle phase (ATK: 2000 -> 3000).

Applejack and Big Macintosh’s Life Points: 8000 -> 6900

Chase then attacks X-Saber Anu Piranha with Number 12: Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja.

Applejack and Big Macintosh’s Life Points: 6900 -> 6300

Chase then attacks Number 50: Black Corn with Number 96: Dark Mist. When Number 96: Dark Mist battles a monster, Chase can detach 1 xyz material to halve the ATK of the monster it battles and increase Number 96: Dark Mist’s ATK by that amount (ATK: 2100 -> 1050) (ATK: 100 -> 1150). Applejack activates Attack Invulnerability, preventing Number 50: Black Corn’s destruction. Battle Damage is applied normally.

Applejack and Big Macintosh’s Life Points: 6300 -> 6200

Chase places 2 cards face down and ends his turn. During the end phase that Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect was used, it loses 2000 ATK (ATK: 3000 -> 1000).

Status: Hand-2 Life-7000 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-2

____________________________________

“Oh my,” gasped Big Macintosh.

“3 Numbers in one turn,” gasped Applejack.

“Eeyup,” said Chase with a smirk.

“Hey,” cried Big Macintosh, “that’s my line.”

Applejack then shook her head to snap out of her fear.

“Aw, horse apples,” exclaimed Applejack. “I can’t let myself get scared over a couple of measly Numbers.”

“Oh?” queried Diana. “And you think you can fight your way out of this?”

“Watch me.”

____________________________________

Applejack’s Turn: Applejack activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, she summons X-Saber Galahad (ATK: 1800 DEF: 800). Then, she activates her trap, Gottoms’ Emergency Call, special summoning 2 X-Saber monsters from her graveyard if she controls an X-Saber, choosing XX-Saber Boggart Knight and X-Saber Anu Piranha. Applejack overlays X-Saber Galahad, XX-Saber Boggart Knight, and X-Saber Anu Piranha to xyz summon Number 151: Golden Bramble – Forest Troll (ATK: 3500 DEF: 0). Applejack attacks Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis. Chase activates Negate Attack, but Big Macintosh activates Trap Jammer, negating the trap and destroying it. Chase then activates Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, it gains 1000 ATK during the battle phase (ATK: 1000 -> 2000).

Diana and Chase’s Life Points: 7000 -> 5500

After Number 151: Golden Bramble – Forest Troll attacks, Applejack must detach one xyz material from it or switch it into defense position. Applejack detaches an xyz material.

Applejack places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-6200 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Diana’s Turn: Diana tributes Number 12: Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja and Number 96: Black Mist to summon Harpie’s Pet Dragon (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2500). Next, she activates Monster Reborn, special summoning another Harpie’s Pet Dragon from her graveyard. Chase then activates his trap card, Upgrade, raising the levels of all monsters on their side of the field by 1. Diana overlays both Harpie’s Pet Dragons to xyz Number 40: Gimmick Puppet of Strings (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2000). Diana attacks Number 50: Black Corn, but Applejack activates Waboku, preventing battle damage and destruction. Diana activates Number 40: Gimmick Puppet of Strings’ effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, she can destroy all other monsters on the field during the opponent’s next end phase and inflict damage equal to the controller(s) of each monster equal to the ATK of those monsters.

Diana places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-5500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“Oh boy,” peeped Applejack.

“Don’t you worry, sis,” said Big Macintosh. “I can defeat these two clowns.”

Chase felt rather amused that he was just called a clown.

“Ya sure, big brother?” asked Applejack.

“Eeyup.”

____________________________________

Big Macintosh’s Turn: Big Macintosh activates his Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Then, he tributes Number 151: Golden Bramble – Forest Troll to summon Scrap Golem (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1400). Once per turn, with Scrap Golem’s effect, Big Macintosh can special summon a level 4 or lower Scrap monster to any side of the field, special summoning Scrap Chimera to Diana’s field. Big Macintosh tunes Scrap Golem with Scrap Golem to synchro summon Twin Scrap Dragon (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2200).

Next, Big Macintosh activates his Monster Reborn, special summoning Number 151: Golden Bramble – Forest Troll from the graveyard. Big Macintosh sets one card face down. Next, he activates Scrap Twin Dragon’s effect, destroying his card to target 2 cards his opponent controls and return them to the hand, choosing Number 40: Gimmick Puppet – Heaven’s Strings and Diana’s face down card. Big Macintosh attacks Scrap Chimera with Number 151: Golden Bramble – Forest Troll.

Diana and Chase’s Life Points: 5500 -> 3700

Big Macintosh then attacks Diana and Chase directly with Twin Scrap Dragon.

Diana and Chase’s Life Points: 3700 -> 700

Big Macintosh then attacks Diana and Chase directly with Number 50: Black Corn, but Diana activates The High Priestess’ Staff from her hand, negating the attack, ending the battle phase, and inflicting 500 points of damage to Applejack and Big Macintosh.

Applejack and Big Macintosh’s Life Points: 6200 -> 5700

Big Macintosh ends his turn. During Big Macintosh’s end phase, Number 40: Gimmick Puppet of Strings’ effect activates, destroying all other monsters on the field and inflicting damage to the controller of any of those monsters equal to their ATK (ATK: 3500 + 3000 + 1050 = 7550).

Applejack and Big Macintosh’s Life Points: 5700 -> 0

Diana and Chase win.

“Damn,” said Chase as he observed the beaten and sprawled out bodies of his defeated enemies. “We could have taken their Numbers all along.”

“Calm down, Chase,” scolded Diana. “We got what we came for.”

She then typed up notes on her D-Pad tablet that was mounted on her wrist dealer.

“Applejack:” she said aloud, “Deck: X-Saber. Attribute: EARTH. General Types: Warrior and Beast-Warrior. Play Style: Swarming the field with monsters for quick and easy synchro and xyz summons.”

“Big Macintosh:” said Chase typing into his D-Pad tablet, “Deck: Scrap. Attribute: EARTH. General Types: Various. Play Style: Self-Destructive effects that activate the effects of other monsters in this archetype. Are you good, Diana?”

“Ready.”

They walked down around the outskirts of Ponyville to look for more opponents. Chase then plucked an apple from a nearby tree and took a very large bite almost all the way to its core.

Chapter 15: The Ace in the Hole

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Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart were sitting in the royal office of Princess Celestia at Canterlot Palace after being reprehended by the royal guards. Derpy Hooves angrily looked at Princess Luna who was present, who herself was quite embarrassed at the verbal thrashing she would more than likely endure from her sister. Princess Celestia was still busy raising the sun for the day and the wait only made the tension build even more. Inevitably, Princess Celestia arrived. She looked very cross.

“Can someone please explain to me why your two Wranglers attacked and stole from Lucas and Pinkie Pie?” she fumed at Princess Luna.

Derpy glared at Princess Celestia the whole time as she yelled at her boss.

“Sister, please I was only doing what-”

“Save it,” interrupted Derpy Hooves. “It was I who egged her on about it, and-”

She was then stopped by the stinging pain on her right cheek. Princess Celestia rubbed the scoff she left on her golden shoes and put her hoof back down.

“You do not speak until spoken too,” she hissed at Derpy.

“Okay, now that you’re speaking to me, I was just telling you that I was the one that formulated the plan about taking the Numbers.” Princess Celestia could barely hold in her rage as the arrogant pony continued her story. “These Number hunters are going to find every one of those humans and any other pony with a Number on them, I and my partner included. If anything you should be commending my acts, but instead I’m getting slapped in the face.”

“It’s funny that you mention that,” said Princess Celestia, “because one of my students, Applejack, sent a letter courtesy of Orion explaining some other things about the Number hunters.”

Princess Celestia took and used Derpy Hooves’ confiscated D-Pad tablet as the visual aid, showing all the pictures of the ponies and humans that she named.

“Apparently, the Vegas agents have hired two ponies, twins and apple cider salesponies Flim and Flam, to work as Number hunters for them, having attacked but were beaten by Orion and Helena, who wrote that bit in Applejack’s letter. Then, Applejack and her brother Big Macintosh were attacked and beaten by two of the Vegas agents, Diana Constantine, Ms. Queen, and Chase Simons, Mr. King. Applejack claims that they took no Numbers from them, and merely fought them to find out and I quote, ‘the secret to beating them,’ unquote.”

Derpy was mildly fascinated by this news.

“Applejack and Big Macintosh were able to knock down their life points to 700 in their last duel, but only with the assistance from the Numbers they had. Had you taken their Numbers prior to their duel, they wouldn’t have stood a chance. It seems that your actions to try and take the Numbers would’ve done more harm than good.”

“With all due respect, Princess, if these people can’t even defeat my partner and I in a duel with Numbers, then they certainly won’t stand a chance against those other Hunters. With your permission, I would like to resume my mission-”

“Absolutely not.”

“Can I finish?”

“…Continue.”

“I would like to test anyone who owns a Number. If they can defeat us, then we can pass them off as fit to face the Vegas quartet and we will let them be. If they can’t beat us however, it would only be fair that they surrender any Numbers they have to us: someponies who can properly wield them in Vegas’ presence.”

Princess Celestia found herself stunned by Derpy Hooves’ eloquent speaking and logic of her statement. Perhaps it was her crossed eyes that kept Princess Celestia from taking her seriously, but she made a well reasoned argument. No wonder Princess Luna made her one of the most decorated Wranglers in her arsenal. After thinking long and hard, she finally came to a decision.

“Agent Derpy Hooves, I have carefully examined your argument, and I shall allow you to continue your so called 'mission' of retrieving Numbers if needed, but only the condition that you return Lucas and Pinkie Pie their Numbers.”

“What?!?”

“You will return their Numbers to them. If you would like to duel them again, you’re free to do so, but this time, don’t sandbag them with your façade.”

Derpy knew that there was going to be compromise in this exchange of ideals, and if she was going to be able to continue doing what she thought was right in the long run, she’d have no choice to accept.

“I understand, your highness.”

“Great. But first, Little Strongheart, can I speak to you?”

Little Strongheart got up out of her seat and made their way out to the hallway. Derpy then shot a glance at Princess Luna and then smiled at her. Princess Luna gave a gracious smile, thanking her for taking her beating.

“You’re a good agent, Derpy. I knew I made the right decision in bringing you on.”

“So what else is new?” asked Derpy playfully.

____________________________________

Rainbow Dash and Gilda were walking out along the edge of the Everfree Forest, hoping to find Twilight and Zecora, which is where they usually roamed.

“Oh man, we’re gonna take down Twilight so good, squealed Rainbow Dash, “and Zecora’s gonna say something like, ‘Oh wow, you two are great, you’re…’”

“you’ll make it to the top; just you wait?” finished Gilda.

“Yeah, like that. Nice save there.”

“Meh, I have my moments.”

They both pounded their fists/claws.

“You know, I still haven’t gotten to duel Alex yet,” said Rainbow Dash a little sullenly.

“I sure hope that we can fly again sometime soon.”

“Don’t sweat it, buddy. He’ll come around. I’m sure of it.”

Suddenly, they heard a cracking sound from one of the nearby trees. Falling from the tree was a man in a black polo and khaki pants. Despite his surprising and unexpected folly, he was still able to land nimbly onto the ground. He had dark blonde hair that Rainbow Dash was easily able to identify.

“Ryan!” she shouted at him in a rather friendly tone that somewhat startled Ryan.

“Oh, hey,” he said.

“Are you okay?”

“No, I’m just fine.”

“The trees in the Everfree Forest can be really old and break easily.”

“I see.”

Then a voice called out from behind him. “Ryan!”

Suddenly, a man with grey hair jumped out of another tree. They all knew it was Mark, the leader of the Vegas Bureau. He was wearing a black dress shirt, slick black pants, black shoes, and a long black jacket. He approached the trio.

“You know this… thing?”

“Yeah,” Ryan answered.

“We met at that party last night after I dropped my wallet and she saved it.”

Mark’s sight then shot towards Rainbow Dash. “So you’re the one filling my colleague’s head with that nonsense about the Numbers?”

“Why, you-” Rainbow Dash then tried to tackle Mark, but he instead deflected Rainbow Dash’s attack with incredible ease, sending her back into the ground.

“Your so called ‘surprises’ will not work for me. I am the leader of an intergalactic group of duelists/fighters. I would suggest that you stop attacking me in the future to prevent yourself from further humiliation.”

Rainbow Dash fumed at his words, but knew that he had a point, so she flew back to Gilda’s side.

“Okay then,” said Gilda trying to defend her friend’s honor.

“You think you can toss my friend around like that? Then let’s see how you two lame-o’s can square off against us in a duel.”

“A duel you say?” asked Mark. “You realize that by facing me and my partner you risk the possibility of losing your Numbers?”

“I do.”

“Good, because that’s not how we play. Not right now, that is.”

“What?” asked Rainbow Dash and Gilda at the same time.

“By playing you two, we would also risk the possibility of losing our Numbers. But if you still want to duel us, then here we are.”

“Well here WE are!” called Rainbow Dash. “Let’s roll!”

____________________________________

As preparations were being set for a riding duel, Rainbow Dash decided to lead off the relay. Ryan chose to go first for his team. Rainbow Dash unsheathed her duel disk. Ryan however activated his D-Pad in a very peculiar way. The tablet started to glow a bright white. Ryan threw the disk out about 15 feet in front of him. The small, squarish disk then morphed into the shape of a car.

Once the light subsided, the car was revealed to be a 2011 Dodge Challenger. Rainbow Dash and Gilda were dumbstruck by this sight. Mark did the same thing to his D-Pad tablet, but his car was a Black 2012 Audi R8 GT. After Ryan adjusted his wrist dealer so that the deck slot rested perpendicularly on the top of his wrist, Ryan got into the car and drove it next to Rainbow Dash, forming their starting line. Ryan pushed a button where the radio would be that activated the Speed World 2 field spell. Rainbow Dash crouched into stance, ready to speed off as soon as the green light gave her a go. 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

*BEEP*

Ryan floored the acceleration. Rainbow Dash had effortlessly pushed off and sped as fast as she could. However, Ryan was easily catching up to her, his massive horsepower proving to be more of a match than she could handle. Ryan overtook her by about a foot, allowing him the first turn. Rainbow Dash was stunned that someone could beat her in a game of speed, but how he would compare to her in a game of Duel Monsters was anyone’s guess.

“DUEL!” they both yelled.

Ryan and Mark vs. Rainbow Dash and Gilda

Round 1: Ryan vs. Rainbow Dash

Ryan’s Turn: R:1 RD:0 Ryan summons Alien Skull (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1800)

Ryan places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: R:1 RD:1 Rainbow Dash summons Caam, Serenity of Gusto (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1100). Rainbow Dash attacks Alien Skull.

Ryan’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3900

Ryan activates Alien Brain, taking control of Caam, Serenity of Gusto when a Reptile-type monster of his is destroyed by battle and sent to the graveyard.

Rainbow Dash places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-2

Ryan’s Turn: R:2 RD:2 Ryan tributes Caam, Serenity of Gusto to summon Cosmic Horror Gangi'el (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2000). Ryan attacks Rainbow Dash directly, but Rainbow Dash activates Negate Attack.

Ryan then activates the speed spell Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1.

Ryan places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-3900 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: R:3 RD:3 Rainbow Dash activates her own Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. When Gusto Grif is sent from her hand to the graveyard, she can special summon a Gusto monster from her deck, choosing Gusto Codor (ATK: 1000 DEF: 400). Then, she summons Gusto Gulldo (ATK: 500 DEF: 500). Rainbow Dash tunes Gusto Codor with Gusto Gulldo to synchro summon Daigusto Sphreeze (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1300).

When Gusto Gulldo is sent from the field to the graveyard, Rainbow Dash can special summon 1 level 2 or lower Gusto monster from her deck, choosing Gusto Falco (ATK: 600 DEF: 1400). Next, she activates her trap card Blessings for Gusto, sending Gusto Grif and Gusto Gulldo in her graveyard to her deck, shuffling it and special summoning Caam, Serenity of Gusto from her graveyard. Rainbow Dash tunes Caam, Serenity of Gusto with Gusto Falco to synchro summon Daigusto Grif (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1300). Rainbow Dash tunes Daigusto Sphreeze with Daigusto Grif to accel synchro summon Sonic Rainboom Phoenix (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2500). Rainbow Dash attacks Cosmic Horror Gangi’el.

Ryan’s Life Points: 3900 -> 3200

Rainbow Dash ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“That was a nice play there, kid,” said Ryan.

“Wow, thanks,” said Rainbow Dash surprised by his compliment.

Enjoy it while it lasts, thought Ryan.

____________________________________

Ryan’s Turn: R:4 RD:4 Ryan summons Alien Ammonite (ATK: 500 DEF: 200). When Alien Ammonite is summoned, he can special summon a level 4 or lower Alien monster from his graveyard, choosing Alien Shocktrooper (ATK: 1900 DEF: 800). Ryan tunes Alien Shocktrooper with Alien Ammonite to synchro summon Cosmic Fortress Gol'gar (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1900). Next, Ryan activates Rainbow Life, discarding 1 card to gain life points in place of damage this turn.

Ryan then activates his face down Call of the Haunted, special summoning a monster from his graveyard, choosing Alien Grey (ATK: 300 DEF: 800). Next, he activates “A” Cell Scatter Burst from his hand, destroying Alien Grey and distributing A-Counters amongst Rainbow Dash’s monsters equal to the destroyed monster’s level (A-C.: 0 -> 2). Because “A” Cell Scatter Burst isn’t a speed spell, Ryan would take 2000 damage, but because of Rainbow Life, he gains 2000 life points instead.

Ryan’s Life Points: 3200 -> 5200

Ryan then activates the effect of Cosmic Fortress Gol'gar, removing 2 A-Counters from Sonic Rainboom Phoenix and destroying it. Rainbow Dash activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards if a monster she controls was destroyed. Ryan attacks Rainbow Dash directly.

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 4000 -> 1400

During the end phase, if Sonic Rainboom Phoenix was destroyed by an opponent’s card, she can banish one WIND synchro monster in her graveyard to special summon it and inflict damage to his opponent’s life points equal to half of the banished monster’s ATK, choosing Daigusto Sphreeze. Rainbow Life is still in effect.

Ryan’s Life Points: 5200 -> 6200

Also, since it’s the end phase and Rainbow Dash is 2 cards over the hand size limit, she must discard 2 cards from her hand. Among them is Gusto Grif. Rainbow activates its effect again, summoning Gusto Thunbolt from her deck (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1200).

Ryan ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-6200 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

____________________________________

“That was pretty good too,” complimented Rainbow Dash. “But this duel is as good as won… for me, of course.”

Rainbow Dash could barely make out the confused look on Ryan’s face through his side mirrors.

____________________________________

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: R:5 RD:5 Rainbow Dash summons Gusto Egul (ATK: 200 DEF: 400). Rainbow Dash tunes Gusto Thunbolt with Gusto Egul to synchro summon Daigisto Gulldos (ATK: 2200 DEF: 800). Next, Rainbow dash activates the speed spell Synchro Return, special summoning Daigusto Sphreeze from the banished zone. Rainbow Dash then activates the effect of Daigusto Gulldos, shuffling 2 Gusto monsters from her graveyard to the deck and destroying a monster Ryan controls, choosing Cosmic Fortress Gol'gar. Rainbow Dash places 1 card face down. Rainbow Dash attacks Ryan directly with Daigusto Sphreeze.

Ryan’s Life Points: 6200 -> 4200

Rainbow Dash then attacks Ryan directly with Daigusto Gulldos.

Ryan’s Life Points: 4200 -> 2000

Rainbow Dash then attacks Ryan directly with Sonic Rainboom Phoenix.

Ryan’s Life Points: 2000 -> 0

Rainbow Dash wins the round. During the end phase, Daigusto Sphreeze is banished due to Synchro Return’s effect.

Status: Hand-4 Life-1400 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Ryan will switch with Mark, and will pass nothing on to him.

____________________________________

As Rainbow Dash zoomed by, she pulled down her lower eyelid with her hoof and stuck her tongue out. Mark merely looked on as the cyan blur passed him by. He then casually got in his car and sped up after her. It wasn’t a while before he eventually caught up with her.

“Accel synchro summon,” said Mark observing Sonic Rainboom Phoenix.

“Pretty awesome, huh?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“I remember the first time I did one.”

Rainbow Dash looked a bit unsure of what to make of that statement at first.

“I also remember the looks of fear in my enemies’ eyes every time I completed one.”

Rainbow then understood completely, and she looked very nervous as a result.

____________________________________

Round 2: Mark vs. Rainbow Dash

Mark’s Turn: M:6 RD:6 When Mark’s opponent controls a monster and he doesn’t, he can special summon T.G. Striker from his hand (ATK: 800 DEF: 0). Mark then normal summons T.G. Catapult Dragon (ATK: 900 DEF: 1300). Mark activates T.G. Catapult Dragon’s effect, special summoning a level 3 or lower T.G. tuner from his hand, choosing T.G. Jet Falcon (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1200). When a level 4 or lower monster is special summoned, Mark can special summon T.G. Warwolf from his hand (ATK: 1200 DEF: 0). Mark tunes T.G. Catapult Dragon with T.G. Jet Falcon to synchro summon T.G. Hyper Librarian (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1800). When T.G. Jet Falcon is sent to the graveyard as synchro material, Mark inflicts 500 points of damage to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 1400 -> 900

Mark tunes T.G. Warwolf with T.G. Striker to synchro summon T.G. Wonder Magician (ATK: 1900 DEF: 0). When T.G. Wonder Magician is synchro summoned, Mark can destroy one spell or trap card on the field, choosing Rainbow Dash’s face down card. With T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect, each time a synchro monster is synchro summoned, Mark draws 1 card. Mark tunes T.G. Hyper Librarian with T.G. Wonder Magician to accel synchro T.G. Blade Blaster (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2200). Mark places 1 card face down. Mark attacks Daigusto Gulldos.

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 900 -> 0

Mark wins the round.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Rainbow Dash switches off with Gilda, and will pass Sonic Rainboom Phoenix on to her.

____________________________________

Rainbow Dash zoomed back to the starting line and handed her card off to Gilda. “Don’t worry, Dash. I’ll finish him for you.”

“That’s what you do best,” cheered Rainbow Dash, still looking a bit scuffed from the last attack.

They both pounded hooves before Gilda sped off. Ryan was standing by watching her go.

“So, kid,” called Ryan.

“My name isn’t ‘kid.’ It’s Rainbow Dash.”

“Rainb- Can I just call you Dash?”

“Uhh, sure.”

“Seriously, you did very well back there.”

“Thanks. It feels kinda’ strange being that you’re my enemy and all, but that feels good coming from you. By the way, I loved the combo you pulled with the Rainbow Life back there.”

“Thanks.”

“By the way, why didn’t you use any Numbers?”

“I could ask you the same question.”

“I dunno. I guess I wanted to see how well I could do without them. How about you?”

“Same.”

“Wow. Oh hey, that reminds me.”

Rainbow then pulled a card from her extra deck with her teeth.

“Here, I think this belongs to you.”

She then whipped her head and let go, sending the card flying in his direction. Ryan caught the card and saw it was one of his Numbers that he lost a few days ago: Number 149: Alien Tentacles.

Ryan was actually at a loss for words. “But you… I…”

“Don’t sweat it, dude. That Number suits you better anyway.”

Ryan could only help but stare at the card for a while.

Meanwhile, Gilda had trouble catching up to Mark in his car, but eventually caught up after he slowed down a little. Gilda was the first to speak.

“You play a mean game, Mr.”

“Well, playing nice certainly doesn’t win duels, now does it?”

“That’s right, so I guess it’s time for me to get a little mean.”

Final Round: Gilda vs. Mark

Gilda’s Turn: G:7 M:7 Gilda summons Ally of Justice Searcher (ATK: 1400 DEF: 100). Next, she activates the speed spell Lightning Rod, destroying one card she controls, choosing Ally of Justice Searcher. When a monster is destroyed by a card effect, Gilda can special summon Meklord Emperor Skiel from her hand (ATK: 2200 DEF: 2200). Gilda tries to activate its effect to equip a synchro monster onto it, but Mark activates T.G. Blade Buster’s effect, removing itself from play by banishing 1 T.G. monster in his graveyard. Gilda attacks Mark directly with Sonic Rainboom Phoenix, but Mark activates Damage Diet, halving the damage he takes for this turn.

Mark’s Life Points: 4000 ->2350

Then, Gilda attacks Mark directly with Meklord Emperor Skiel.

Mark’s Life Points: 2350 -> 1250

Next, Gilda activates Speed World 2’s effect. By removing 4 speed counters (SpC.: 7 -> 3), she can inflict 800 points of damage for each speed spell in her hand. She has 2. Damage Diet halves this damage.

Mark’s Life Points: 1250 -> 450

Gilda places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

Mark chuckled a little, unsettling Gilda.

“This duel was over before it even begun,” he said.

____________________________________

Mark’s Turn: G:4 M:8 During Mark’s standby phase, T.G. Blade Buster is special summoned from the removed from play zone by its effect. Next, he activates the speed spell Silver Contrails, increasing its ATK by 1000 (ATK: 3300 -> 4300). Mark then activates the speed spell Final Attack, doubling T.G. Blade Buster’s ATK (ATK: 4300 -> 8600). Mark attacks Sonic Rainboom Phoenix. Gilda attempts to activate Magic Cylinder, but Mark activates T.G. Blade Buster’s effect, discarding one card to negate Magic Cylinder’s effect. The attack goes through.

Gilda’s Life Points: 4000 -> 0

Mark wins the round.

Mark and Ryan win the match.

Gilda came down with a horrible crash. Rainbow Dash flew to the site of the accident, while Ryan looked on, a small hint of concern on his face. Gilda lay in the middle of the road, groaning in pain. Mark rode up next to her. He got up out of his car, which morphed back into his D-Pad tablet as soon as he shut the door. He picked the tablet off the ground and began typing up some information.

“Rainbow Dash,” he said aloud. “Deck: Gusto. Attribute: WIND. General Types: Psychic and Winged-Beast. Play Style: Special summoning monsters from deck by recycling monsters from graveyard to deck or sending them to the graveyard to make for easy synchro summons. Gilda. Deck: Ally of Justice/Meklords. Attribute: DARK for Ally’s, but varies with Meklords. General Types: Machine. Play Style. Ally’s cripple users of LIGHT monsters with their effects, while Meklords equip opponent’s synchro monsters to themselves, maximizing their ATK.”

Ryan then stopped typing and put his tablet away. Ryan walked up and went to pat Gilda lightly on her stomach as both a sign of respect for a duelist, and to show his concern with her well being. Rainbow Dash nodded at Ryan, who in turn nodded back. They both began to walk away.

“What was that that she gave to you?” asked Mark as they walked.

Ryan wordlessly handed him the Number that Rainbow had given him.

“Are you fucking stupid?” he asked him. “You know what she’s doing to you, right?”

Ryan took his verbal slaughter without batting an eyelash. Normally, his instincts would have told him to say, “Go fuck yourself,” but he knew doing so would result in catastrophic consequences.

“She’s trying to butter you up. She’s trying to get you to trust her with her bullshit stories and turn you against us. You aren’t going to turn against us, are you Ryan? Because you know and I both know what will happen the second you turn your back on us. You will lose everything, and you will never get to see your son again!”

Silence.

“Well?”

“No sir. I will not defect.”

“Good. You will not use that Number. I don’t want you to start seeing that as a reminder of her.”

Mark began walking again.

“No,” Ryan replied.

Mark stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face Ryan.

“What did you just say to me?”

“Whether she gave me a Number for the intent to change my allegiance or not doesn’t matter; she still gave me a Number. If we plan on gathering more Numbers and completing our mission, it would be in the best interest of the group to use what Numbers we have, or in my case, the Numbers we feel comfortable with.”

Mark was sorely impressed by Ryan’s reasoning.

“You know, I like that. I guess it’s no wonder why they made you a Mr. Jack.”

“I do my best, sir.”

“Good. Keep ‘em coming.”

Ryan knew that what he was doing short term was wrong, but if he could save Joel, he felt that the ends would eventually justify the means. He saw the pain on his defeated opponent’s faces and looked upon them with apathy, because for all the pain they felt, he knew that it didn’t compare to the pain of losing a son. But now, he had a thorn in his side: Rainbow Dash.

After many months of being in the Vegas Bureau, he never considered the ruin he might have left previous worlds visited after taking the Numbers that its inhabitants had. But now, after meeting and conversing with one of this world’s inhabitants, he now started to feel guilty for any irreversible pain that he caused anyone else in the past. It only made the temptation of treason all the stronger.

For as much as he wanted to ensure the welfare of his son, he couldn’t help but consider what he’d lose in the process: the safety of an entire world, and the trust and respect of the one creature who reached out to him. A creature that he could actually consider… his friend.

Part 3: Seizing the Day - Chapter 16: Eli's Father

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It was morning in Ponyville and it was just as hustling and bustling as any other day. There were duels going all over the town and, needless to say, it couldn’t be any livelier. Alex and Eli were doing well against the next opponents that they were facing.

Cont. from Alex and Eli vs. Matilda and Cranky Doodle Donkey

Final Round: Eli vs. Cranky Doodle Donkey

Eli’s Turn: Eli activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Koa’ki Meiru Crusader from his graveyard (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1300). Eli tributes Koa’ki Meiru Crusader to summon Koa’ki Meiru Valafar (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2100). Then Eli activates the effect of Koa’ki Meiru Maximus from his hand, special summoning it by banishing an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru from his hand (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500).

Eli then activates Koa’ki Meiru Maximus’ second effect, destroying one card his opponent controls, choosing one of Cranky Doodle Donkey’s face down cards. Eli attacks Cranky Doodle Donkey’s Iron Chain Dragon (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1300) with Koa’ki Meiru Valafar, but Cranky Doodle Donkey activates Magic Cylinder, negating the attack and inflicting damage equal to the attacking monster’s ATK. Eli activates Damage Diet from his graveyard, banishing it to halve any effect damage that he takes.

Eli’s Life Points: 1600 -> 100

Eli then attacks Iron Chain Dragon with Koa’ki Meiru Maximus.

Cranky Doodle Donkey’s Life Points: 300 -> 0

Eli wins the round.

Alex and Eli win the match.

Eli picked up the donkey’s wig that fell off of him from the last attack. He then walked up to him and put it back on his head.

“You two kids are really good,” Cranky Doodle Donkey grunted.

“Thanks,” said Eli. “You ain’t too bad yourself.”

“Well, we still have the rest of the day to get some wins, so I won’t hold you two up any longer.”

“Bye, you two,” said Matilda, the female donkey accompanying him.

____________________________________

Alex and Eli made a quick stop at the Sugarcube Corner to get some breakfast. Mr. and Mrs. Cake had their handful with not only running the shop, but tending to their new infants, Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake, making them unable to participate in the tournament. They each got lemon and poppy seed scones and bottles of milk to wash it down.

While inside, they met Sammy and Spike who went in to get some doughnuts. The four of them sat on a bench in the warm sun and had their breakfast. As Eli raised the bottle to his lips, Alex couldn’t help but notice a leather bracelet that Eli was wearing. It was a dark brown leather braid that snugly wrapped around his wrist. On the top of the wrist sat a medium sized opaque oval stone colored like lapis lazuli.

“Hey, I never noticed that bracelet on you before,” said Alex.

Eli put down his bottle and rolled his sleeves up so Alex could get a better look at it. “Woah. It’s pretty,” marveled Alex.

“The hell’s that supposed to mean?” asked Alex, offended that his bracelet was called “pretty.”

“That stone, I mean. It’s color is… it really matches the leather.”

“It was given to me by my father.”

“I see.”

“By the way,” said Sammy, “you never mentioned much about your father. What was he like?”

“My dad? He was great. Like I told you, he was the one that saved Equestria from darkness long ago. He came back when I was an infant, and throughout my childhood, he told me all about his adventures, and how we were supposed to go to Equestria together. However, he was denied the chance to return, and he ended up becoming so manic-depressive about it over the next 30 years that he got himself committed.”

“Shit.”

“Four years later, he died a broken and desperate man. Six after that, and here I am.”

“Wait,” said Alex. “30 plus 4 plus 6. That’s 40 years. You’re telling me that you’re 40 years old?”

“41, actually.”

Spike who was too busy scarfing donuts to join into the conversation spit out chunks of dough out upon hearing Eli’s age.

“What?” “And you’re telling me that a 41 year old was trying to hit on me?” asked Sammy.

Alex turned his head and looked at Eli with dead eyes. “You were hitting on my sister?”

“What? No, when she was teaching me how to duel a couple of days ago, I accidentally put my hand on hers when she was teaching me xyz summoning and overlaying and shit. That’s all. I swear on my mother’s- no, my father’s grave that that’s all that happened.”

Alex took a troubled sigh of relief, still unsure whether to believe that was really the case.

“Listen you,” said Alex sternly, “just stay away from my sister.”

“Okay, okay,” defended Eli. “Sweet crunchy Christ.”

“How are you 41?” asked Spike who just finished swallowing.

“You look about the same age as Alex and Sammy, and they’re about 28 or so.”

“It must be the stone that my dad gave me. I always remembered him at the same young age when he had the bracelet, so it must have been given to him from Equestria. Plus you have to wonder, how old are your Princesses?”

“Uhh, I dunno. They must be at least a thousand years old, being that it was Princess Celestia who banished Nightmare Moon in the moon more than one thousand years ago.”

“Okay, but do they look 1000?”

“No, I guess not.”

“Then we must have similar powers than, don’t we.”

Sammy couldn’t help but me more intrigued by Eli’s stories. Despite her initial thought that she would be completely turned off by his age, she couldn’t fight the fact that this only heightened her intrigue for him.

“But before your dad got all… insane,” Sammy began to ask, “how was your dad?”

“Like I said, he was a great dad. He was really supportive and he’s the main reason that I can adapt to things such as your game and this land really quickly. He’s also the one who trained me into a fighter so I could save Equestria the second time around. I mean, he was a sergeant in ‘Nam.”

“‘Nam?” asked Alex.

“You know, Vietnam.”

Still nothing. Then he got it.

“Oh right, different worlds. Doy. It was this big ass war that my people fought in years ago. We didn’t win, but it certainly made everyone who lived through it lose their collective shit, but I digress. The point is, he was just a very brave man in his prime and I still miss him today. I guess this stone is the best way for me to remember him by.”

“I’m sorry about that,” said Sammy.

“Eh, what can you do?” Eli shrugged. “By the way what time is it?”

They didn’t need an answer, as the clock tower in the town rung, prompting everyone to look at its face. It read 9:00.

“Holy shit!” said Eli. He then shoved his whole scone in his mouth and chugged every last drop of drop of his milk. Alex gingerly watched him as he gently wrapped his scone in a napkin, closed his bottle of milk, and put both items in his bag.

“Jesus Alex, we need to get going,” said Eli as he made his way through the street. “We got more guys to beat, and I really want to stick my foot in those Numbers hunters’ asses, those sons of bitches!”

He continued rambling as his voice became less audible.

“Yeah, he does that when he gets excited sometimes,” said Alex slightly embarrassed. Sammy giggled a little.

Alex turned to face her. “You’re not seriously attracted to him, are you Sammy?”

Sammy then maintained her composure. “No. No, of course not.”

Alex wasn’t too sure by her answer, but he knew Sammy was a strong independent woman, and he shouldn’t get in the way of any feelings that she might feel in a person. It kind of made him feel a little guilty for trying to keep Eli away from Sammy, even if he was kind of messed up in the head.

“Well, good luck to you anyways,” said Alex.

“You too,” said Sammy.

“Bye Alex,” called Spike.

Alex waved and ran after Eli. Sammy and Spike decided to run their separate way as well.

Chapter 17: Sparkling Waters

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Rarity and Braeburn were walking along the road by the local elementary school. For the past 9 hours that Rarity spent with Braeburn, she was really enjoying his company. During their duels, he was very supportive and protective, leading to a number of victories in their favor. This made her think a bit of her last “date” when she tried to court Princess Celestia’s nephew, Prince Blueblood.

Although he was very regal, handsome, and rich, all things she sought in a mate, he turned out to be a rude and self-centered pony with no concern for Rarity whatsoever. However, upon Braeburn’s arrival in Ponyville, she was initially repulsed by his humble background and meager lifestyle, and he wasn’t nearly the hunk that Prince Blueblood was. Unlike Prince Blueblood, Braeburn was highly respectful and dependable; common Apple family traits. She never saw any reason why they couldn’t just be friends, seeing multiple similarities between her and her friend Applejack. But she started to transcend simple feelings of friendship, and felt something a bit more for the stallion.

Upon passing the local schoolhouse, Rarity and Braeburn were just catching the ending of a duel between Fluttershy and Sweetie Belle and Maddie and Charley. It didn’t look to be going so well for the former.

Cont. from Fluttershy and Sweetie Belle vs. Maddie and Charley

Charley’s Turn: Charley activates Card Destruction, having all players send their hands to their graveyards and draw cards equal to the amount of cards discarded. Next, she summons Gishki Beast (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). When Gishki Beast is summoned, Charley can special summon a level 4 or lower Gishki monster in her graveyard in defense position, choosing Gishki Chain (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1000). Next, she activates Surface, special summoning Gishki Diviner in defense position (ATK: 1200 DEF: 800). Then, Charley activates Star Changer, increasing Gishki Diviner’s level by 1 (Lvl.: 3 -> 4). Charley overlays Gishki Beast, Gishki Chain, and Gishki Diviner to xyz summon Number 32: Marine Biting Dragon – Shark Drake (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2100). Charley attacks Fluttershy’s Naturia Barkion (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1800).

Fluttershy and Sweetie Belle’s Life Points: 1400 -> 1100

Charley then activates the effect of Number 32: Marine Biting Dragon - Shark Drake. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, she can special summon the destroyed monster to her opponent’s side of the field, lower its ATK by 1000, and have Number 32: Marine Biting Dragon – Shark Drake battle it again. Charley special summons Naturia Barkion to Fluttershy’s side of the field (ATK: 2500 -> 1500). Charley attacks Naturia Barkion again.

Fluttershy and Sweetie Belle’s Life Points: 1100 -> 0

Maddie and Charley win.

The school children that surrounded the playground where they dueled were ecstatic. Though the schools weren’t cancelled today, any foal that was participating was exempt from class, and the school day for everyone else was devoted to watching any duelist who dueled near or even on the school grounds. This gave the fillies and colts something more to be excited by. Rarity knew the full extent of Charley’s erratic mood changes when she dueled (having had an experience with them firsthand). Fluttershy upon finding out that she was partnering with Sweetie Belle, she surrendered all of her Numbers to her other friends as to not put Sweetie Belle’s life at risk. Charley should have known better to use her Numbers when her opponents didn’t have any.

“Charley!” called Rarity.

Charley and Maddie were too busy shaking hands/hooves with their opponents to notice her the first time.

“I say Charley!”

Charley finally perked her head.

“Oh, hello Rarity,” she said in her normally calm and kind voice.

“Rarity!” called Sweetie Belle as she hopped over to her sister and hugged her.

“Hey there lil’ youngin’,” said Braeburn to the small filly.

“Who’s this?” asked Sweetie Belle confused.

“Oh, this is Braeburn. He’s my dueling partner.”

“Wait, I heard about you,” said Sweetie Belle. “You’re my friend’s cousin.”

“You mean Apple Bloom?”

“Yeah.”

“How wonderful.”

“I can’t even believe Rarity would even partner with you. She never likes dirty stallions.”

Any surrounding school children laughed. Rarity blushed in embarrassment. Braeburn decided to save face for her.

“Now don’t you go talking about your sister like that. If I say, we go together about as well as apples and cinnamon.”

Sweetie Belle then turned to Charley. “Yep. He’s related to Applejack alright.”

Charley then decided to butt in during a small period of silence. “By the way Rarity, what did you need before?”

“Right,” said Rarity while clearing her throat. “What in Celestia’s name were you doing fighting Fluttershy and Sweetie Belle with Numbers? You know they don’t have any!”

“Actually,” whispered Fluttershy, “it was our idea.”

Rarity ignored her. “You could have hurt them.”

“Rarity, calm down,” coaxed Charley. “Fluttershy said she wanted to face our Numbers so they could formulate some kind of strategy if she came across the Number hunters.”

“Yeah,” piped in Sweetie Belle, “what she said.”

“Either way,” spoke Rarity bluntly, “you certainly gave them a good walloping. How about you duel someone who can defend themselves properly?”

“Like you?” asked Maddie.

“Why yes,” said Braeburn who was eavesdropping. “Just like us. How about we all have ourselves a little duel, right here, right now.”

The foals were getting excited to hear that another duel would be taking place.

“Well, we haven’t dueled you two yet,” said Maddie. “And we can certainly use the wins. Why not?”

The children cheered at Maddie’s confirmation. Everyone made their way to a vacant area on the playground where the teams would duel.

“Braeburn,” whispered Rarity.

“Yes?”

“Be very careful around that black haired one. She becomes quite vicious when she duels. When I told you to watch your step for Alex, that goes twice for her.”

“Aright, thanks for the tip.”

Once everyone was in place, Charley offered them the first turn.

“You two go on ahead,” shouted Braeburn. “We’ll catch up.”

“I bet you will,” whispered Charley, her voice becoming slightly harsh.

The four competitors then unsheathed their duel disks and drew five cards from their deck. “DUEL!” they all cried.

Maddie and Charley vs. Rarity and Braeburn

Maddie’s Turn: Maddie summons Dance Princess of the Ice Barrier and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-5 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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“Go, Rarity!” called Sweetie Belle from the audience.

Rarity acknowledged her sister with a nod.

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Rarity’s Turn: Rarity summons Gem-Knight Alexandrite (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1200). Next, she activates its effect. By tributing Gem-Knight Alexandrite, she can special summon a normal Gem-Knight monster from her deck, choosing Gem-Knight Crystal (ATK: 2450 DEF: 1950).

Rarity places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“You’re a new opponent to me,” said Charley to Braeburn in her harsh dueling tone. “Perhaps I should introduce you to my special brand of hospitality.”

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Charley’s Turn: Charley activates Graceful Charity drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, she summons Gishki Beast (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). When Gishki Beast is normal summoned, Charley can special summon a level 4 or lower Gishki monster from her graveyard in defense position, choosing Gishki Marker (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200). When Gishki Marker is summoned, Charley can add one Gishki ritual monster or Gishki ritual spell card from her graveyard to her hand. Charley overlays Gishki Marker, Gishki Beast, and Dance Princess of the Ice Barrier to xyz summon Number 32: Shark Drake (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2100).

Charley places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Well, that’s a tough looking monster if I’ve ever seen one,” said Braeburn observing Charley’s Number.

“Well, take a good look at it,” said Charley, “because it’s the monster that’s going to help lead to your defeat.”

“Well, like my momma always used to say, ‘Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.’”

“Oh come on, who hasn’t heard that one before?”

“Apparently you, because that’s going to come back and bite you.”

____________________________________

Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Gem-Knight Alexandrite from his graveyard. Next, Rarity activates her trap Tiki Curse, which is special summoned as a monster (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1000). Braeburn tributes Tiki Curse and Gem-Knight Alexandrite to summon Ancient Gear Golem (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000). Braeburn attacks Number 32: Shark Drake. With Ancient Gear Golem’s effect, Charley cannot activate spell or trap cards until the end of the damage step. Because of Number 32: Shark Drake’s effect, Numbers can’t be destroyed in battle except for other Numbers. Battle Damage is applied normally.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 8000 -> 7800

Braeburn places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Please,” scoffed Charley. “Maddie, will you do the honers?”

“The pleasure will be all mine,” said Maddie.

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Maddie’s Turn: Maddie activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, she activates her Monster Reborn, special summoning Gem-Knight Alexandrite from Rarity and Braeburn’s graveyard. Next, she activates Magic Triangle of the Ice Barrier, revealing 3 Ice Barrier monsters in her hand to destroy 1 card her opponent controls (Braeburn’s Ancient Gear Golem) and special summon an Ice Barrier monster from her hand, choosing General Gantala of the Ice Barrier (ATK: 2700 DEF: 2000).

Next, she tributes Gem-Knight Alexandrite to summon Royal Knight of the Ice Barrier (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000). When Royal Knight of the Ice Barrier is tribute summoned, she can special summon an Ice Coffin token to her opponents side of the field (ATK: 1000 DEF: 0). Maddie then activates Xyz Plant, which becomes a monster with the same level as a monster that she controls (Lvl. 5). Maddie overlays Xyz Plant and Royal Knight of the Ice Barrier to xyz summon Number 19: Freezerdon (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2500). Maddie attacks the Ice Coffin token with Number 19: Freezerdon.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 8000 -> 7000

Next, Maddie attacks Gem-Knight Crystal with General Gantala of the Ice Barrier, but Braeburn activates Card Defense, discarding one card in his hand to negate the attack, and then draws one card.

Maddie ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-7800 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

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“You okay, Rarity?” asked Braeburn.

While only a paltry amount of damage, it was still enough to knock the fragile Rarity down.

“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you,” she responded.

“I know that you beat me last time, Rarity,” called Charley. “That was merely a fluke. You don’t stand a chance against me now, you and your stupid, flashy monsters.”

Rarity knew it was Charley’s dueling mode talking for her, but something about that last sentence just felt uncalled for.

“Oh it. Is. On!” she growled.

____________________________________

Rarity’s Turn: Rarity summons another Gem-Knight Alexandrite. She activates its effect to tribute it to special summon 1 normal Gem-Knight monster in her deck, choosing another Gem-Knight Crystal. Rarity overlays both Gem-Knight Crystals to xyz summon Number 118: Golden City Sentry – Mighty Dorado (ATK: 3200 DEF: 1000). Rarity attacks Number 32: Shark Drake, but Charley activates Poseidon Wave, negating the attack and inflicting 800 points of damage for each Aqua, Fish, or Sea-Serpent type monster she controls. She has one. Rarity activates Barrel Behind the Door, switching the effect damage onto her opponents.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 7800 -> 7000

Rarity activates Number 118: Golden City Sentry – Mighty Dorado’s effect. Once per turn, by detaching one xyz material from it after it attacks or is attacked, she can battle with a different monster on the field, choosing Number 19: Freezerdon.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 7000 -> 5800

Rarity places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-7000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“Yeah!” called Sweetie Belle. “Look at my sister go!”

The other foals also cheered with her. Charley then started giggling, bringing the cheering to an eerie halt.

Then she began laughing. “You seriously underestimate me, Rarity. It’s the fatal mistake that all duelists make when they play me. And now, you’re going to realize the severity of your error firsthand.”

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Charley’s Turn: Charley summons Vision Gishki (ATK: 700 DEF: 500). Next, she activates Gishki Aquamirror, tributing Vision Gishki to ritual summon Evigishki Zealgigas (ATK: 3200 DEF: 0). Charley activates Evigishki Zealgigas’ effect. By paying 1000 life points, Charley can draw one card.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 5800 -> 4800

If it’s a Gishki monster (she draws Gishki Chain), she can shuffle 1 card on the field into the owner’s deck. She chooses Number 118: Golden City Sentry – Mighty Dorado. Charley attacks Rarity and Braeburn directly with Evigishki Zealgigas.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 7000 -> 3800

Charley then attacks them directly with Number 32: Shark Drake.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 3800 -> 1000

Charley ends her turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4800 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

Of the two, Braeburn was the first to get up. It was one heck of an attack, as evidenced by the way he strained to get up. He looked down at Rarity, who was still winded out. Charley was still laughing over the 6000 points of damage she just dealt.

“Unacceptable,” grunted Braeburn.

Charley responded, “I’m sorry, did you-”

“Unacceptable!” yelled Braeburn. This surprised everyone in the area, including Charley. “You think you can laugh while you hurt my partner? I will not allow that. And now, it’s my turn to beat you while I laugh.”

Rarity woke up just in time to see Braeburn make his move.

____________________________________

Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn activates Brain Control, paying 800 life points to take control of a monster his opponent controls, choosing Number 32: Shark Drake.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 1000 -> 200

Then, activates Xyz Gift, detaching 2 xyz materials from Number 32: Shark Drake to draw 2 cards. He then activates Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying Charley’s face down card. Next, he summons Ancient Gear Knight (ATK: 1800 DEF: 500). Then, he activates the spell card Gift of the Martyr, sending Ancient Gear Beast to the graveyard to increase the ATK of a monster he controls by the ATK of the monster sent to the graveyard, choosing Number 32: Shark Drake (ATK: 2800 -> 4600). Braeburn attacks General Gantala of the Ice Barrier.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 4800 -> 2900

Braeburn then activates Number 32: Shark Drake’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, he can special summon the monster it destroyed onto his opponent’s side of the field, reduce its ATK by 1000, and attack it once more. General Gantala of the Ice Barrier is special summoned onto Maddie and Charley’s side of the field (ATK: 2700 -> 1700). Number 32: Shark Drake attacks it again.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 2900 -> 0

Rarity and Braeburn win.

The students cheered upon the ending of the match. Rarity herself was dumbstruck by Braeburn’s ingenuity. Braeburn walked over to her partner and nudged her up.

“Braeburn, that was incredible,” she said, still a little weak.

“Aw, shoot, it wasn’t that good.”

“I’ll disagree,” said a familiar yet kinder voice.

Charley and Maddie approached them for a friendly handshake. Braeburn growled at her, but Rarity quickly explained Charley’s personality swings.

“Hey, no hard feelings, right?” asked Charley.

Braeburn took a second to consider. Instead of shaking her hand, he stood on his back legs and hugged her.

“No hard feelings,” he confirmed.

He eventually got off and let Rarity give Maddie and Charley handshakes.

“Well, I’ll see all y’all around then!” called Braeburn.

“Yep. See ya’!” called Maddie.

After giving Charley her Number back, Maddie and Charley headed back towards Ponyville, but Rarity herded Braeburn down the road opposite of Ponyville.

“Where y’all takin’ me?” asked Braeburn.

She then eventually stopped when they were out of sight from anyone.

“Braeburn, we may have done some great things together in the past few hours, but that was certainly the best effort of your that I’ve seen from you.”

Rarity was turning bright red, knowing that what she was saying was not how she wanted to get her point across.

“Don’t mention it, it was all I could do at the ti-”

The movement of his lips were ceased by another set on his. Rarity finally couldn’t hold in her emotions, finally giving in and expressing what she had been holding in. Braeburn was shocked, but he couldn’t help but feel a slight amount of affection towards Rarity. He tenderly caressed Rarity’s lips with his own, satisfying her even further. Once they had stopped, they both opened their eyes. Both Rarity and Braeburn recoiled in slight embarrassment after what had happened.

“So, does that mean we’re dating… or something?”

Rarity couldn’t help but laugh at his bashful and unprepared question. “I guess we are,” she replied.

Chapter 18: Underdog

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Down the same road, Sammy and Spike were approaching the schoolyard from Ponyville. As they had done two years ago, they were as of that point undefeated and were seeking their next win. They hoped to find Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, seeking as high of a challenge as possible. As they climbed the final hill to where the school was perched, they saw Rarity and Braeburn walking away together.

They’re getting away, and they’re not who we want to duel just yet, thought Sammy. Let’s leave them be.

They got to the hill where the children were talking to Fluttershy and Sweetie Belle. However, of the three former Cutie Mark Crusaders, Sweetie Belle was the only one there. Well, thought Sammy, at least there’s someone here. They walked up to the fence, Spike giving a loud whistle with his claws, which brought Fluttershy and Sweetie Belle their attention.

“Oh, hi Sammy,” whispered Fluttershy, approaching the two. “Hi Spike.”

“‘Sup Fluttershy,” said Spike climbing the fence to be at eye level with the yellow pegasus. “How are you two doing?”

“Um… we’ve only won five matches,” quietly responded Fluttershy.

“That’s not too bad. Out of how many?”

“Twenty.” “Oh jeez. Sorry.”

“That’s okay. There’s still plenty of time left. How about you two?”

“We’ve won 10 out of 10,” said Spike wrapping Sammy’s neck with his arm.

“Wow, good for you.”

“How would you like to be our sixth?” asked Sweetie Belle hopping up towards the two.

Fluttershy tried in vain to protest, hoping to have Sweetie Belle settle for a team less proficient and that they could actually beat. Her protests were drowned out by the supporting cheers of the foals in the schoolyard.

“I guess so,” sighed Fluttershy. Spike jumped down from the fence while Sammy hopped over it. The others cheered at being able to see another duel today. They agreed upon a standard relay match.

Fluttershy tried to step forward. “I guess I’ll go-”

“I’m up!” cried Sweetie Belle taking her place.

“Oh, Sweetie. Do be careful.”

Fluttershy knew that Sweetie Belle was a decent duelist with much fervor, so she decided to let her go ahead. Spike ran ahead to take his spot as the first duelist for his team. The both of them unsheathed their duel disks and drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they both yelled.

Sweetie Belle and Fluttershy vs. Spike and Sammy

Round 1: Sweetie Belle vs. Spike

Sweetie Belle’s Turn: Sweetie Belle discards 1 card to special summon The Fabled Nozoochee (ATK: 1200 DEF: 800). Because the card Sweetie Belle discarded was The Fabled Ganashia, she can special summon it from her graveyard (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1000). Next, Sweetie Belle normal summons Fabled Raven (ATK: 1300 DEF: 1000).

Sweetie Belle activates Fabled Raven’s effect. By discarding any number of cards, she can increase Fabled Raven’s level by 1 for each. She discards 1 (Lvl.: 2 -> 3). Because the card she discarded was The Fabled Peggulsus, she can set it in face down defense position. Sweetie Belle tunes The Fabled Nozoochee and The Fabled Ganashia with Fabled Raven to synchro summon Fabled Valkyrus (ATK: 2900 DEF: 1700).

Sweetie Belle places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Spike looked at his hand. He knew that he could summon a Number now, but knew he couldn’t because he knew Sweetie Belle didn’t have any; it wouldn’t be fair to use such a power like that if the other team didn’t have any.

“Go on!” cried Sweetie Belle. Spike lowered his hand to be able to see Sweetie Belle clearly. “Summon your Numbers!”

Spike was shocked to hear her say such a thing.

“What? But you don’t have any!” he yelled.

“I know. Just do it!”

“But I-”

“JUST DO IT!”

____________________________________

Spike’s Turn: Spike summons Evoltile Najasho (ATK: 100 DEF: 2000). Next, Spike activates Double Summon, tributing Evoltile Najasho to summon Evolsaur Darwinos (ATK: 2200 DEF: 700). When Evoltile Najasho is tributed, Spike can summon an Evolsaur monster from his deck, choosing another Evolsaur Darwinos. Spike overlays both Evolsaur Darwinos’ to xyz summon Number 61: Volcasaurus (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1000). Spike activates Number 61: Volcasaurus’ effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can destroy one monster on the field and inflict damage equal to the monster’s original ATK, choosing Fabled Valkyrus. Sweetie Belle activates Braveheart, halving her life points to negate Number 61: Volcasaurus’ effect.

Sweetie Belle’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2000

Spike then attacks Sweetie Belle’s face down The Fabled Peggulsus (ATK: 100 DEF: 1600). When The Fabled Peggulsus is flipped face up, Sweetie Belle can reveal a Fabled monster in her hand to send a Fabled monster from her deck to the graveyard.

Spike places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“That’s the ticket,” panted Sweetie Belle, recoving from the loss of her life points.

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Sweetie Belle’s Turn: Sweetie Belle activates Fabled Valkyrus’ effect. By discarding one Fiend type monster, she can draw one card. Because she discarded the Fabled Cerburrel, she can special summon it from her graveyard (ATK: 1000 DEF: 400). Then, she activates Creature Swap, taking control of Number 61: Volcasaurus, while Spike takes control of Fabled Valkyrus. Sweetie Belle then normal summons Fabled Dyf (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1700). Sweetie Belle then activates the effect of Number 61: Volcasaurus. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, she can destroy one monster on the field and inflict damage equal to the monster’s original ATK, choosing Fabled Valkyrus. Spike activates Damage Diet, halving all damage he takes this turn.

Spike’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2550

Spike then activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster he controls is destroyed. Sweetie Belle then attacks Spike directly with Fabled Dyf.

Spike’s Life Points: 2550 -> 1850

Sweetie Belle then attacks Spike directly with The Fabled Cerburrel.

Spike’s Life Points: 1850 -> 1350

Sweetie Belle tunes Fabled Dyf with The Fabled Cerburrel to synchro summon Fabled Ragin (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1800). When Fabled Ragin is synchro summoned when Sweetie Belle has 1 or less cards in her hand, she can draw 2 cards.

Sweetie Belle places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-2000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Aw, no fair!” whined Sweetie Belle. “I could’ve won!”

“Yeah, you could’ve,” said Spike. “But it’s no wonder why Sammy and I are so good at winning: because you didn’t.”

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Spike’s Turn: Spike summons Evoltile Casinerio (ATK: 1600 DEF: 400). Then, he activates Evo-Force, tributing Evoltile Casinerio to special summon Evolsaur Elias from his deck (ATK: 100 DEF: 2400). When Evolsaur Elias is special summoned by the effect of an Evoltile monster, Spike can special summon a level 6 or lower Evolsaur from his hand, choosing Evolsaur Terias (ATK: 2400 DEF: 600). Spike overlays Evolsaur Terias and Evolsaur Elias to xyz summon Evolzar Solda (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1000).

Spike places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-1350 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Sweetie Belle’s Turn: Sweetie Belle activates Dark World Dealings, having both players draw 1 card and then discard it. Sweetie Belle activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Fabled Dianaira (ATK: 2800 DEF: 100). Spike activates Evolzar Solda’s effect. By detaching one xyz material, Spike can negate the special summoning of a monster and destroy it, destroying Fabled Dianaira.

Sweetie Belle ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-2000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

Spike began brimming with excitement, for he was about to summon a monster he had never summoned before.

____________________________________

Spike’s Turn: Spike activates his face down quick-play spell Dxyz, sending Evolzar Solda to the extra deck to special summon its attached xyz materials, summoning Evolsaur Elias. Spike then activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, he activates his Monster Reborn, special summoning Jurrac Dino (ATK: 1700 DEF: 800) from the graveyard.

Next, he normal summons Jurrac Ptera (ATK: 800 DEF: 1500). Spike then activates his trap Level Returner, reducing Jurrac Ptera’s level by 2 (Lvl.: 3 -> 1). Spike tunes Evolsaur Elias and Jurrac Ptera with Jurrac Dino to synchro summon Jurrac Meteor (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2000). When Jurrac Meteor is synchro summoned, all cards on the field are destroyed. After that, Spike can special summon a tuner from his graveyard, choosing Jurrac Dino. Spike attacks Sweetie Belle directly.

Sweetie Belle’s Life Points: 2000 -> 300

Spike places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-1350 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

Spike was celebrating his first ever summoning of Jurrac Meteor as Sweetie Belle, made her next move, nearly ignoring her as she did.

____________________________________

Sweetie Belle’s Turn: Sweetie Belle activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards.

Sweetie Belle places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-0 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-2

Spike’s Turn: Spike summons Jurrac Stauriko (ATK: 500 DEF: 400). Spike tunes Jurrac Stauriko with Jurrac Dino to synchro summon Jurrac Velphito (ATK: ? DEF: ?). When Jurrac Velphito is synchro summoned, its ATK becomes the sum of the ATK of its synchro materials and its DEF becomes the sum of the defense of the synchro materials (ATK: 1700 + 500 = 2200, DEF: 800 + 400 = 1200). Spike attacks Sweetie Belle directly with Jurrac Velphito, but Sweetie Belle activates Draining Shield, negating the attack and gaining life points equal to the monster’s ATK.

Sweetie Belle’s Life Points: 300 -> 2500

Spike ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-1350 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Spike’s previously cheery demeanor soon turned into confusion, and then nervousness, he had come so close to rendering Sweetie Belle’s life points to 0, and now she had more than half the full amount. Sweetie Belle had seriously gotten better with age, and it would be her next turn that proved it.

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Sweetie Belle’s Turn: Sweetie Belle activates Call of the Haunted, special summoning Fabled Valkyrus from the graveyard. Sweetie Belle activates Fabled Valkyrus’ effect. By discarding one Fiend type monster, she can draw one card. Sweetie Belle equips Fabled Valkyrus with Axe of Despair, increasing its ATK by 1000 (ATK: 2900 -> 3900). Sweetie Belle attacks Jurrac Velphito. Spike activates Invincible Hero, negating Jurrac Velphito’s destruction. Battle damage is applied normally.

Spike’s Life Points: 1350 -> 0

Sweetie Belle wins the round.

Status: Hand-0 Life-2500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

Spike will switch with Sammy, and will pass Jurrac Velphito on to her.

____________________________________

Spike sadly ran over to Sammy and passed her his card. Sammy held out her palm towards Spike before he could walk away. This obvious gesture cheered up Spike significantly as he high fived her and ran back to the sit on the fencepost to watch the rest of the duel.

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Round 2: Sammy vs. Sweetie Belle

Sammy’s Turn: Sammy activates Card Destruction, having both players send their hands to the graveyard and draw cards equal to the amount they discarded. Sammy then special summons Laval Coatl from her hand, as she has 3 different Laval monters in her graveyard (ATK: 1300 DEF: 700). She is able to special summon Laval Burner from her hand because she has 3 different Laval monsters in her graveyard (ATK: 2100 DEF: 100). Next, Sammy normal summons Neo Flamvell Garuda (ATK: 1200 DEF: 1800).

Sammy tunes Neo Flamvell Garuda with Laval Coatl to synchro summon Lavalval Dragon (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1100). Sammy overlays Lavalval Dragon, Laval Burner, and Jurrac Velphito to xyz summon Number 180: Magmal Fighter (ATK: 2000 DEF: 200). Sammy activates Magmal Fighter’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material, she can destroy one card on the field and inflict 500 points of damage, choosing Call of the Haunted.

Sweetie Belle’s Life Points: 2500 -> 2000

Because Call of the Haunted is destroyed, Fabled Valkyrus is sent to the graveyard. Sammy places 1 card face down. Sammy attacks Sweetie Belle directly with Number 180: Magmal Fighter.

Sweetie Belle’s Life Points: 2000 -> 0

Sammy wins the round.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Sweetie Belle will switch with Fluttershy, and will pass nothing on to her.

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Sweetie Belle walked to the back by the crowd to watch Fluttershy finish the duel off.

“Are you okay, Sweetie Belle?” asked a light coated filly with a red frizzled mane and tail and purple glasses.

“I just wish Rarity could be there to see that.

Suddenly, a hoof tapped her shoulder. Upon turning around, she saw Rarity and Braeburn behind her. Sweetie Belle hugged her sister.

“I saw the whole thing,” said Rarity. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks sis,” replied Sweetie Belle.

Fluttershy was ready to face Sammy. “Just like two years ago, eh Fluttershy?”

“Yeah… right,” she nervously responded.

“Come on,” Sammy chided. “You think you’re going to beat those Number hunters with that attitude?

Fluttershy suddenly remembered the way Ryan dueled against Alex, or hearing about Derpy, Little Strongheart, and the Flim Flam brothers.

“Those big. Dumb. MEANIES!” she shrieked.

Sammy knew she got the Fluttershy she was fit to duel again.

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Final Round: Fluttershy vs. Sammy

Fluttershy’s Turn: Fluttershy summons Naturia Spiderfang (ATK: 2100 DEF: 400).

Fluttershy places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Sammy’s Turn: Sammy activates Number 180: Magmal Fighter. By detaching one xyz material from it, Sammy can destroy one card on the field and inflict 500 points of damage, choosing Naturia Spiderfang, but Fluttershy activates Divine Wrath, discarding 1 card to negate the effect of Number 180: Magmal Fighter and destroys it. Sammy then summons Laval Lancelord without tribute (ATK: 2200 DEF: 200). Sammy attacks Naturia Spiderfang, but Fluttershy activates Negate Attack.

Sammy places 1 card face down and ends her turn. During the end phase, because Laval Lancelord was summoned without tribute, it is sent to the graveyard.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-2

____________________________________

That’s it, Fluttershy, thought Sammy. Come at me.

____________________________________

Fluttershy’s Turn: Fluttershy summons Naturia Pumpkin (ATK: 1400 DEF: 800). When Naturia Pumpkin is summoned while her opponent controls a monster, she can special summon a Naturia monster from her hand, choosing Naturia Tulip (ATK: 600 DEF: 1500). Fluttershy tunes Naturia Spiderfang with Naturia Tulip to synchro summon Naturia Barkion (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1800). Fluttershy attacks Sammy directly with Naturia Barkion.

Sammy’s Life Points: 4000 -> 1500

Fluttershy then attacks Sammy directly with Naturia Pumpkin.

Sammy’s Life Points: 1500 -> 100

Fluttershy places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

Sammy saw herself in quite a predicament. She had no monsters on her field and just as many cards in her hand. Her life points were also 3900 below her opponents. She needed to draw just one good card in order to turn the tide in her favor.

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Sammy’s Turn: Sammy activates her Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, she activates her face down Rekindling, special summoning as many FIRE monsters with 200 DEF from her graveyard as possible, special summoning Laval Lancelord, Tender of the Laval Volcano (ATK: 100 DEF: 200), Neo Flamvell Sabre (ATK: 1500 DEF: 200), and Laval Lady of the Burning Lake (ATK: 200 DEF: 200). Sammy tunes Laval Lancelord and Tender of the Laval Volcano to synchro summon Laval Stannon (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1800).

When Laval Stannon is synchro summoned, Sammy discards one card. Sammy then tunes Neo Flamvell Sabre with Laval Lady of the Burning Lake to synchro summon Ancient Flamvell Deity (ATK: 2500 DEF: 200). Sammy overlays Ancient Flamvell Deity and Laval Stannon to xyz summon Lavell Hydra (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000). Because the card Sammy discarded earlier was Laval Phlogis, all Laval monsters gain 300 ATK. Lavell Hydra can be treated as a Laval card (ATK: 3000 -> 3300). Sammy then activates Lavell Hydra’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, Sammy can negate the effect of one monster on the field and halve its ATK, choosing Naturia Barkion (ATK: 2500 -> 1250).

Then, Sammy activates the effect of Laval Lady of the Burning Lake from her graveyard. By removing it and another Laval monster in her graveyard from play when she has 3 other Laval monsters in her graveyard, she can destroy one set card on the field, choosing Fluttershy’s face down card. Sammy then activates her trap Xyz Reborn, special summoning Number 180: Magmal Fighter from her graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn as xyz material. Sammy then activates her spell Gift of the Martyr, sending Number 180: Magmal Fighter to the graveyard to have Lavell Hydra gain ATK equal to the ATK of Number 180: Magmal Fighter (ATK: 3300 -> 5300). Sammy attacks Naturia Barkion with Lavell Hydra.

Fluttershy’s Life Points: 4000 -> 0

Sammy wins the round.

Spike and Sammy win the match.

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The foals cheered to see the end of such an exciting match. Fluttershy got up after the powerful attack knocked her down. Sammy even ran to help her up in a friendly gesture as to signify the duel, as heated as it got, was merely fun and nothing more.

“You okay?” asked Sammy.

“Oh yes. Just fine,” Fluttershy quietly responded. “Thank you.”

“You two were both splendid,” said Rarity to both Sweetie Belle and Fluttershy.

“Oh hi Rarity,” said Spike, who was still shy around his crush.

Rarity, knowing of his crush, was unsure of how to address him knowing that she was now officially “dating” Braeburn.

“Good morning, Spike,” she nervously sputtered.

“I can’t recall ever dueling you two yet,” said Sammy. “Wanna have a go?”

“Sounds great,” agreed Braeburn.

Sammy and Spike set out apart from each other and Rarity and Braeburn. Fluttershy and Sweetie Belle, who were content at this point knowing that they more than likely wouldn’t make it to the finals, decided to sit back and enjoy the duel.

Chapter 19: Fight or Flight

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Cont. from Alex and Eli vs. Flim and Flam

Alex’s Turn: Alex activates his trap Xyz Reborn, special summoning Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern and attaching Xyz Reborn as Xyz Material (ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000). Flam attempts to activate Chaos Trap Hole, paying 2000 life points to negate Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern and remove it from play, but Eli activates Iron Core Luster, negating Chaos Trap Hole by revealing an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand and destroying it. Alex then attacks Flim and Flam directly.

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 1700 -> 0

Alex and Eli win.

Since their last encounter with Orion and Helena, the Flim Flam brothers were strictly prohibited from using the spell that would take Numbers from their opponents for fear of losing their own. After losing again, it was a good idea that they didn’t. The two brothers high-tailed and ran from the two.

“And don’t let me see you’re ragtimey asses again, or the stock market won’t be then only thing going belly up!” yelled Eli.

“What the hell does that mean?” asked Alex.

“Long story.”

“I got time.”

____________________________________

Eli had just finished explaining the 1929 stock market crash to Alex. Being from different worlds, 1929 in the pokémon and the years after that were actually very prosperous, so Eli’s explanation seemed to help illustrate a frame of reference. Even so, Alex enjoyed learning about Eli’s world and vice versa.

“Even today, our stock market is totally fucked,” continued Eli. “People being thrown out of their homes and being put out of jobs while the fat cats on Wall Street get richer. Total bullshit, I know.”

“That’s awful,” commented Alex. “Soon, I’m going to be one of those people. I mean, my “trip” here is going to keep me from work, so I’ll probably be fired, so now I have no job. No job means no money for rent. No rent means I get evicted from my apartment. No apartment means I’m about as fucked as a three-dollar whore.”

“You know, for a 41 year old, you certainly don’t talk like one.”

“Meh, I guess I just roll with the changes.”

As they walked down Whitetail Wood, the leaves were just changing color and it would only be a week or two before the famed Running of the Leaves. Suddenly they heard shouting from the distance. They saw Rainbow Dash and Gilda fighting two unfamiliar folk. One was a minotaur with a dark blue coat and a black mane styled into a crew cut. The other was a pegasus with a golden colored coat and a mane and tail with a greyscale rainbow. She had a compass rose for a cutie mark and wore an olive green polo.

“Hey, isn’t that the broad from those books that I see Rainbow Dash reading all the time?” asked Eli.

“Ssshhh!” hissed Alex. “I’m watching.”

Cont. from Rainbow Dash and Gilda vs. Daring Do and Iron Will

Daring Do’s Turn: Daring Do activates Chronomaly Crystal Bones from her hand, special summoning it from her hands when she controls no monsters (ATK: 1300 DEF: 400). When Chronomaly Crystal Bones is summoned this way, Daring Do can special summon an Chronomaly Monster from her graveyard, choosing Chronomaly Mayan Machine (ATK: 1500 DEF: 700). Daring Do overlays Chronomaly Crystal Bone and Chronomaly Mayan Machine to xyz summon Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1000). Daring Do then activates the continuous spell Chronomaly Pyramid Eye Tablet, having all Chronomaly monsters gain 800 ATK (ATK: 2100 -> 2900). Daring Do attacks Rainbow Dash’s Daigusto Eguls (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1800).

Rainbow Dash and Gilda’s Life Points: 1900 -> 1600

Daring Do places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-1500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Gilda’s Turn: Gilda activates the effect of Ally of Justice Cosmic Gateway from her hand, special summoning it when her opponent controls two or more monsters including a LIGHT monster (Daring Do’s Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut, and Iron Will’s Heroic Challenger Spartas (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1000))(ATK: 2400 DEF: 1200). Next, she normal summons Ally of Justice Tractor (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Gilda then activates Level Returner, reducing her Ally of Justice Cyclone Creator’s level by 2 (Lvl.: 3 -> 1) (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1200).

Gilda tunes Ally of Justice Cosmic Gateway and Ally of Justice Tractor with Ally of Justice Cyclone Creator to synchro summon Ally of Justice Decisive Armor (ATK: 3300 DEF: 3300). Gilda activates Ally of Justice Decisive Armor’s effect. By discarding one card, she can destroy all spell and trap cards her opponent controls (ATK: 2900 -> 2100). Gilda attacks Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut. Daring Do activates Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it when it’s targeted for an attack, it can’t be destroyed by battle or card effects and any battle damage is inflicted onto the opponent instead.

Rainbow Dash and Gilda’s Life Points: 1600 -> 400

Gilda places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Iron Will’s Turn: Iron Will summons Gearfried the Iron Knight (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1600). Iron Will overlays Heroic Challenger Spartas and Gearfried the Iron Knight to xyz summon Heroic Champion Excalibur (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000). Iron Will activates Heroic Champion Excalibur’s effect. By detaching 2 xyz materials from it, Heroic Champion Excalibur’s ATK is doubled until his opponent’s next end phase (ATK: 2000 -> 4000). Iron Will attacks Ally of Justice Decisive Armor, but Gilda activates Iron Resolve, halving her life points to negate the battle damage.

Rainbow Dash and Gilda’s Life Points: 400 -> 200

Iron Will ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-1500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: Rainbow Dash activates Blessings for Gusto, sending 2 Gusto cards from her graveyard to her deck and special summoning one from her graveyard, choosing Daigusto Sphreeze (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1300). Rainbow Dash attacks Heroic Champion Excalibur. With Daigusto Sphreeze’s effect, any battle damage that would be inflicted to Rainbow Dash during a battle with a Gusto monster that she controls is inflicted onto her opponent instead.

Daring Do and Iron Will’s Life Points: 1500 -> 0

Rainbow Dash and Gilda win.

Rainbow Dash was giddy upon meeting and defeating her literary idol Daring Do. Daring Do penned all of the acclaimed books that chronicled her true adventures as a professional treasure hunter. Now, having been through far too much peril and near death in her life, she decided to settle down and pursue her other dream job: an author. Having heard of the craze of Duel Monsters over the last couple of years, she decided to join in with a deck constructed to remind her of her fond days as the adventurous character in her books that she used to be.

Before shaking hands, Rainbow Dash pulled out two of her own copies of Daring Do and the Sapphire Stone and Daring Do and the Griffon’s Goblet from a pair of saddle bags that she had with her. Daring Do graciously signed the books with a thin marker that she pulled out of her polo pocket. Alex then started applauding the end of their duel, alerting the four creatures to Alex and Eli’s presence.

“Alex!” she cried, completely forgetting her signed books.

Alex got a warm hug from Rainbow Dash, who then began ushering him and Eli to her idol.

“Daring, this is Alex and Eli, my friends.”

“Yes, I’ve heard much about you,” said Daring Do, having Alex shake her hoof with his hand. “Rainbow kept telling me that you’re quite the duelist.”

“Well, you heard right,” said Alex with a slight hint of pride.

The minotaur then butted in between them to introduce himself. “Iron Will: Assertiveness self-help guru.” He then grabbed Alex’s hand and shook it.

“Excuse me,” said Alex pulling away, offended. “I was busy talking to Daring, now please wait your turn.”

“Oh, that’s a good one,” Iron Will said to himself while he scribbled down something on a notepad.

“So, what’s his problem?” asked Alex.

“Yeah, the line between assertive and flat out rude for him is a rather thin one,” rationalized Daring Do.

Rainbow Dash had finished putting the books that she had dropped back in her bag when she flew to Alex’s side, wrapping her arm around his neck.

“Come on, Alex. I’ve been waiting forever to fly with you again.”

“I guess it’s that time,” said Alex.

“Yep,” said Daring Do. “I guess so.”

____________________________________

Alex had finished catching up on things with Gilda before he and Rainbow Dash made their way to the starting line for their riding relay match. Alex summoned Zephyr, his Salamence from his Poké Ball, mounting him and readying his duel disk. Daring Do and Iron Will, who stayed to watch, were amazed at Zephyr’s appearance, having never seen anything like it before. Alex and Rainbow Dash both activated Speed World 2, enveloping the area in a holographic aura. The countdown began.

10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5.

Rainbow Dash was very excited. Having waited two years for another fly with her friend, she was about to get her wish in just mere seconds. Alex merely awaited the countdown’s end stoically.

4. 3. 2. 1.

*BEEP*

They both took off towards an oddly shaped cloud. Normally, Rainbow Dash would have easily passed them, but Zephyr was trained. They were actually neck and neck with each other. Alex wanted to conserve his steed’s energy for the rest of the duel, so he slowed down and let Rainbow touch the cloud and allowed her the first turn. They both drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they both yelled.

Rainbow Dash and Gilda vs. Alex and Eli

Round 1: Rainbow Dash vs. Alex

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: RD:1 A:0 Rainbow Dash summons one monster face down.

Rainbow Dash places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Alex’s Turn: RD:1 A:1 Alex summons Hieratic Dragon of Nuit (ATK: 1700 DEF: 900). Alex attacks Rainbow Dash’s face down monster, which was a Gusto Squirro (ATK: 0 DEF: 1800). Gusto Squirro’s DEF is higher than Hieratic Dragon of Nuit’s ATK.

Alex’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3900

Alex places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-3900 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Woops,” said Alex. “It’s been I while since I’ve dueled you; I completely forgot about that monster. It seems I have some catching up to do.”

“Well, you have one turn to do it,” said Rainbow Dash. “Because I’m going to see to it that your next turn is your last.”

Can she really summon it that quickly? thought Alex.

____________________________________

Rainbow Dash: RD:2 A:2 Rainbow Dash activates Count Up, discarding a number of cards in her hand and increasing her life points by 2 for each card discarded. She discards 3 cards (3 x 2 = 6, SpC.: 2 -> 8). When Gusto Grif is discarded, Rainbow Dash can special summon one Gusto monster from her deck, choosing Musto, Priest of Gusto (ATK: 1800 DEF: 900). Rainbow Dash tunes Musto, Priest of Gusto with Gusto Squirro to synchro summon Daigusto Grif (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1300). Rainbow Dash activates Daigusto Grif’s effect. By removing 8 speed counters (SpC.: 8 -> 0), she can remove from play materials from her graveyard that are listed on a WIND synchro monster in her extra deck and special summon it (this is counted as a synchro summon), removing Musto, Priest of Gusto and Gusto Squirro in her graveyard from play to special summon Daigusto Sphreeze (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1300).

When Daigusto Sphreeze is synchro summoned, Rainbow Dash can add a Gusto monster from her graveyard to her hand, choosing Gusto Grif. Rainbow Dash tunes Daigusto Sphreeze with Daigusto Grif to accel synchro summon Sonic Rainboom Phoenix (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2500). Next, Rainbow Dash activates Blessings for Gusto, sending 2 Gusto monsters from her graveyard to her deck to special summon another Gusto monster from her graveyard, choosing Daigusto Sphreeze. Rainbow Dash attacks Hieratic Dragon of Nuit with Daigusto Sphreeze. Alex attempts to activate Negate Attack, but Rainbow Dash activates Trap Jammer, negating and destroying Negate Attack. The attack goes through.

Alex’s Life Points: 3900 -> 3600

Rainbow Dash attacks Alex directly with Sonic Rainboom Phoenix.

Alex’s Life Points: 3600 -> 300

Rainbow Dash ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

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“Amazing,” said Alex. “Sonic Rainboom Phoenix on the second turn. I should have expected nothing less than the great Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash blushed a little at Alex’s compliment.

Alex then grew a slight smirk. “But don’t think that I waited two years to fly with you again just to have two turns.”

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Alex’s Turn: RD:1 A:3 Alex activates the speed spell Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. Alex then special summons Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit as he doesn't control a monster while his opponent does (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1400). Alex then normal summons Dragunity Partisan (ATK: 1200 DEF: 800). With Dragunity Partisan’s effect, Alex can special summon one Dragunity monster from his hand and equip it with Dragunity Partisan, choosing Dragunity Dux (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000). When Dragunty Partisan is equipped to a monster, it is treated as a tuner. Alex tunes Hieratic Dragon of Nuit with Dragunity Dux to synchro summon Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000).

Alex places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-300 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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Rainbow Dash seemed a bit surprised. Not only did he summon a monster that she had never seen before, but he didn’t even attack her. Not that he really had much of a choice.

____________________________________

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: RD:2 A:4 Rainbow Dash attacks Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness with Sonic Rainboom Phoenix, but Alex activates Draining Shield, negating the attack and gaining life points equal to the attacking monster.

Alex’s Life Points: 300 -> 3600

Rainbow Dash then attacks Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness with Daigusto Sphreeze. Because of Daigusto Sphreeze’s effect, it can’t be destroyed by battle and any battle damage Rainbow Dash would receive from a battle involving a Gusto monster she controls would be redirected at her opponent.

Alex’s Life Points: 3600 -> 2600

When Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness inflicts damage through battle, it gains ATK equal to the damage inflicted (ATK: 3000 -> 4000).

Rainbow Dash ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

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“Alright, that’s the Alex I know and love,” cheered Rainbow Dash.

“Like I said,” said Alex, “I waited too long for a flight with you just for it to last only a few minutes.”

“Then bring your all, because I’m still here.”

Meanwhile, down below, Eli, Daring Do, and Iron Will were watching Alex’s duel with high tension.

“Rainbow told me a lot about that guy,” said Daring Do. “I guess it’s not until you see him in action that you see how good of a duelist he is.”

“Oh yeah,” said Eli casually while eating an apple. “Just wait, he’s still got a lot more gas to burn.”

____________________________________

Alex’s Turn: RD:3 A:5 Alex attacks Sonic Rainboom Phoenix with Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness.

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3300

Alex places 1 card face down. During the end phase, when Sonic Rainboom Phoenix was destroyed by one of Alex’s cards, Rainbow Dash can remove a WIND synchro monster from play to special summon Sonic Rainboom Phoenix from the graveyard and inflict damage equal to half of the removed synchro monster’s ATK. Alex activates the effect of Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness. By returning its ATK to normal (ATK: 4000 -> 3000), Alex can negate any effect damage done to him and draw 1 card for each 1000 ATK reduced by this effect (1).

Alex ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-2600 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Mmmm,” growled Rainbow Dash. “Tricky.”

“By the way I just realized,” said Alex, “now that you have Daigusto Sphreeze on your field, you have no more synchro monsters in your graveyard. You better be very careful protecting your phoenix now.”

Darn it, thought Rainbow Dash, he’s right. I completely forgot about that. But, it’s a good thing I have a tuner in my hand. This duel is still far from over.

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Rainbow Dash’s Turn: RD:4 A:6 Rainbow Dash summons Gusto Egul (ATK: 200 DEF: 400). Rainbow Dash tunes Daigusto Sphreeze and Gusto Egul to synchro summon Daigusto Eguls (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1800). Rainbow Dash attacks Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness with Sonic Rainboom Phoenix.

Alex’s Life Points: 2600 -> 2300

Alex activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster of his is destroyed. Rainbow Dash attacks Alex directly with Daigusto Eguls, but Alex activates The High Priestess’ Staff from his hand, negating the attack, ending the battle phase, and inflicting 500 points of damage.

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 3300 -> 2800

Rainbow Dash places one card face down. During her end phase, Rainbow Dash can banish one WIND monster in her graveyard to destroy one set card on the field, choosing Alex’s face down card.

Rainbow Dash ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-2800 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Alex’s Turn: RD:5 A:7 Alex activates the speed spell Summon Speeder, special summoning a level 4 or lower monster from his hand, choosing Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb (ATK: 1800 DEF: 400). Next, Alex normal summons Dragunity Aklys (ATK: 1000 DEF: 800). With Dragunity Aklys’ effect, Alex can special summon one Dragunity monster from his hand and equip it with Dragunity Aklys, choosing Dragunity Militum (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200).

Once per turn, Dragunity Militum can special summon a Dragunity monster from the spell and trap card zone, choosing Dragunity Aklys. Alex tunes Dragunity Militum and Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb with Dragunity Aklys to synchro summon Vergil, the Griffin Warlock (ATK: 2800 DEF: 3200). Alex then activates the speed spell Speed Energy, increasing Vergil, the Griffin Warlock’s ATK by 200 for each speed counter he has (200 x 7 = 1400, ATK: 2800 -> 4200). Alex attacks Daigusto Eguls.

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 2800 -> 1200

Alex activates Vergil, the Griffin Warlock’s effect. By paying 1000 life points, Alex can set a spell or trap card on his field from the graveyard.

Alex’s Life Points: 2300 -> 1300

Alex places 1 card face down and ends his turn. Vergil, the Griffin Warlock’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 4200 -> 2800).

Status: Hand-0 Life-1300 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Wow,” commented Iron Will. “That guy really knows how to turn a situation around. Perhaps I could find a way to work it in my seminar.”

He began scribbling into his notepad again. Daring Do just rolled her eyes.

Looks like I’m in a tough spot, thought Rainbow Dash. But if I draw the right card, I’m sure to win!

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Rainbow Dash’s Turn: RD:6 A:8 Rainbow Dash activates her Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. When Gusto Grif is discarded, Rainbow Dash can special summon 1 Gusto monster from from her deck, choosing Windaar, Sage of Gusto (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1000). Rainbow Dash attacks Vergil, the Griffin Warlock with Sonic Rainboom Phoenix.

Alex’s Life Points: 1300 -> 800

Rainbow Dash then attacks Alex directly with Windaar, Sage of Gusto, but Alex activates Immortal Dragon, special summoning Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness from his graveyard. Rainbow Dash halts her attack. Rainbow Dash activates Speed World 2’s effect. By removing 4 speed counters (SpC.: 6 -> 2), she can inflict 800 points of damage for each speed spell in her hand. She has one. Alex activates his trap Barrel Behind the Door, inflicting the effect damage onto Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 1200 -> 400

Rainbow Dash ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-400 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

Rainbow Dash was getting incrementally more excited.

Alex could only draw one more card (perhaps two if he chose to activate Speed World 2’s second effect), that would or would not decide the duel.

“Last draw?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Last draw,” confirmed Alex. “And before I draw, there’s something I want to tell you.”

“Yeah?”

“No matter how this all turns out now, I just want to say that I had a lot of fun flying with you.”

Rainbow Dash teared up a little and gave a slight nod. However, upon recognition of her crying, she shook her head and got back into her serious demeanor.

“Just make your move already.”

Alex giggled just a bit. He then concentrated his energy and drew his final card.

____________________________________

Alex’s Turn: RD:3 A:9 Alex activates the speed spell Shift Down, removing 6 speed counters (SpC.: 9 -> 3) to draw 2 cards. Alex summons Dragunity Tribus (ATK: 500 DEF: 300). Next, Alex activates the speed spell High Speed Crash, destroying Dragunity Tribus to destroy Rainbow Dash’s face down card. Alex attacks Windaar, Sage of Gusto with Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness.

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 400 -> 0

Alex wins the round. It is now the end phase, and effects can still resolve. Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness gains ATK equal to the battle damage it inflicted (ATK: 3000 -> 3800).

Status: Hand-0 Life-800 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

Gilda will switch with Rainbow Dash, who will pass Sonic Rainboom Phoenix on to her.

____________________________________

Rainbow lost, but she was less than upset about it. She gave her card to Gilda and watched her fly off.

“That was great,” said Daring Do to the now grounded Rainbow Dash.

“Thanks,” she replied. “That really means a lot coming from you.”

Eli gave Rainbow Dash a fist pound and watched the rest of the duel transpire.

Round 2: Gilda vs. Alex

Gilda’s Turn: G:4 A:4 Gilda summons Ally of Justice Ally of Justice Quarantine (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200). Next, Gilda activates her speed spell Lightning Rod, destroying Ally of Justice Quarantine. When a monster is destroyed by card effect, Gilda can special summon Meklord Emperor Skiel from her hand. (ATK: 2200 DEF: 2200). Gilda activates Meklord Emperor Skiel’s effect. Once per turn, she can equip one synchro monster her opponent controls onto it and it gains ATK equal to the synchro monster’s ATK, choosing Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness (ATK: 2200 -> 6000). Gilda places 1 card face down. Gilda attacks Alex directly.

Alex’s Life Points: 800 -> 0

Gilda wins the round.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Eli will switch with Alex, who will pass nothing on to him.

____________________________________

Eli realized something.

“Wait, how am I supposed to get up there?”

Suddenly a white stream of energy came from his belt, turning into his Pidgeot.

“Oh yeah,” said Eli to himself.

The Pidgeot wasted no time in picking Eli up by its talons and flying off with him.

“OH MY GOD!” screamed Eli in surprise as he was carried away.

Alex just flew down in time to see it. Both he and Rainbow Dash looked at each other and began laughing hysterically.

Once Eli was over his shock, the pidgeot caught up to Gilda.

“Well, this is it dude,” said Gilda. “I hope you’re ready for a long, epic final round.”

“Nope,” said Eli. “It certainly won’t be that long, but it’s sure as hell going to be epic.”

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Final Round: Eli vs. Gilda

Eli’s Turn: E:5 G:5 Eli activates the effect of Koa’ki Meiru Maximus from his hand, removing 1 Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand from play to special summon it (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500). Next, Eli normal summons Koa’ki Meiru Doom (ATK: 1700 DEF: 800). Eli activates his High Speed Crash, destroying Koa’ki Meiru Doom to destroy Gilda’s face down trap. Next, Eli activates Koa’ki Meiru Maximus’ effect. Once per turn, he can destroy one card on the field choosing Meklord Emperor Skiel. Eli then activates the speed spell Synchro Defuse, taking control of Sonic Rainboom Phoenix. Finally, Eli activates his speed spell Silver Contrails, increasing Koa’ki Meiru Maximus’ ATK by 1000 (ATK: 3000 -> 4000). Eli attacks Gilda directly.

Gilda’s Life Points: 4000 -> 0

Eli wins the round.

Alex and Eli win the match.

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"I don't understand," said Gilda to Eli. "You could have attacked me with both of those monsters."

"Meh," said Eli with a shrug. "I find attacking with someone else's monsters to be below me."

As both Eli and Gilda made their way towards their partners, Daring Do and Iron Will applauded for the wonder display of prowess by both teams.

“Once again,” said Rainbow Dash, “thanks for the duel. I really needed that.”

“Anytime,” responded Alex.

They hugged once again.

“Hey, Alex?” interrupted Eli.

“Yeah?”

“While you were dueling Rainbow, I kind of promised Daring Do and Iron Will that we’d duel them.”

“Okay?”

“So… duel? Now?”

“Right.”

Alex shook Gilda’s hand quickly as Alex and Eli were getting into position to duel their two next opponents.

“Good luck,” called Rainbow Dash from the sidelines.

Alex pointed to Rainbow Dash with his index and middle fingers close together. Alex, Eli, Daring Do, and Iron Will unsheathed their duel disks and drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Chapter 20: Shattered Metal

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Now that Rarity no longer had any pent up feelings for Braeburn, the two of them dueled marvelously against their other opponents. Things couldn’t be going better for the two ponies. They were doing well in the tournament, and furthermore, they were in love. Rarity couldn’t remember the last time she met a pony as tough but respectful as Braeburn, other than his cousin Applejack. Now she had a stallion whom had those qualities who loved and respected her right back. It would be one of the best days of the mare’s life.

As they walked along the edge of Whitetail Wood to look at the beautiful changing leaves, they saw Rainbow Dash and Gilda flying overhead. As they turned their heads to look up and out as their friends soared away, they then were looking face to face with two humans. However, these weren’t any of their Lamss. Instead it was the cold evil stare of two of the Vegas members: Chase and Diana. Rarity almost shrieked upon their sight.

“Oh come on, we’re not that scary,” scolded Chase.

“However,” said Diana coldly, “our power certainly is.”

They then shot blue beams at the two quivering ponies, which wrapped around their necks, trapping them.

“Let us go, you brutes!” yelped Rarity.

She then tried faking a cry. “Ow, let me go! It’s too tight!” she sobbed.

“Oh, suck it up,” spat Chase.

“Hey, don’t you talk to her like that!” yelled Braeburn standing to her defense.

“Oooh, big guy!” said Chase in a sarcastic tone. “And you’re going to be her knight in shining armor?”

“If that’s what it’s going to take to beat the both of you, then I sure as sugar am.”

“Alright then. Diana, will you do the honors?” Diana stepped forward.

“With pleasure,” she said activating her duel disk.

“I’m gonna teach all y’all a lesson,” said Braeburn as he unsheathed his duel disk.

The two of them then drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they yelled.

Braeburn and Rarity vs. Diana and Chase

Round 1: Braeburn vs. Diana

Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn special summons Roaring Express Train Rocket Arrow, as he controls no cards (ATK: 5000 DEF: 0). Next, Braeburn summons Ancient Gear Soldier (ATK: 1300 DEF: 1300). Then, he activates Galaxy Queen’s Light, having all monsters that he controls become the same level as a level 7 or higher monster that he controls (Lvl.: 4 -> 10). Braeburn overlays Roaring Express Train Rocket Arrow with Ancient Gear Soldier to xyz summon Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000). Braeburn activates Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, Braeburn can inflict 2000 points of damage.

Diana’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2000

Braeburn places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Chase was enraged. “You sneaky piece of sh-”

“Calm down, Chase,” said Diana in a scolding tone. “This pony just doesn’t seem to know his place. Perhaps I should be the one to teach him that a human is above a horse.”

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Diana’s Turn: Diana activates Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying Braeburn’s face down card. Next, she summons Amazoness Swords Woman (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1600). Diana equips Amazoness Swords Woman with Amazoness Heirloom, protecting it from destruction by battle once per turn. Diana attacks Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max. With Amazoness Swords Master’s effect, all battle damage from battles involving that card are inflicted onto her opponent.

Braeburn’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2500

Furthermore, with Amazoness Heirloom’s effect, Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max is destroyed.

Diana places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-2000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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I can’t let them win, thought Braeburn, but if this combo works for me, I’m sure to get a leg up in this thing.

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Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards.

Braeburn places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-2500 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-2

Diana’s Turn: Diana summons Harpie Lady 1 (ATK: 1300 DEF: 1400). Diana overlays Harpie Lady 1 and Amazoness Swords Master to xyz summon Number 123: Serpentine Wings (ATK: 1900 DEF: 2000). Diana activates the effect of Number 123: Serpentine Wings. By detaching one xyz material from it, the activation of all spell, trap, and monster effects on the field are negated when this card attacks. Diana attacks Braeburn directly, but Braeburn activates the effect of Snow Plow Engine Hustle Russel from his hand. By destroying all spell and traps cards he controls, he can special summon it from his hand (ATK: 2500 DEF: 3000). Diana halts her attack. Also, when Snow Plow Engine Hustle Russel is summoned this way, Braeburn inflicts 200 points of damage for each spell and trap card destroyed by this effect (2).

Diana’s Life Points: 2000 -> 1600

Diana ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-1600 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“What’s going on?” asked Diana. “Am I being bested by a horse?”

“That’s pony to you,” shouted Braeburn.

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Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn places 1 card face down. Next, he activates Xyz Plant, which becomes a monster card with the same level as the level of a monster he controls. Braeburn overlays Snow Plow Engine Hustle Russel and Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000). Braeburn activates Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, it can attack the opponent directly. Diana attempts to activate Magic Cylinder, but with Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach’s effect, when a spell or trap card is activated during its attack, the activation of the card is destroyed and 1000 points of damage are inflicted.

Diana’s Life Points: 1600 -> 600

The attack goes through.

Diana’s Life Points: 600 -> 0

Braeburn wins the round.

Status: Hand-0 Life-2500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Chase will switch with Diana, who will pass Number 123: Serpentine Wings and her face down card to him.

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“How dare you,” growled Diana, getting up after the attack. “Chase, finish him.”

“I thought you’d never ask,” said Chase.

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Second Round: Chase vs. Braeburn

Chase’s Turn: Chase summons Wind-Up Magician (ATK: 600 DEF: 1800). When a Wind-Up monster is normal summoned, Chase can special summon Wind-Up Shark from his hand (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). Chase overlays Wind-Up Magician and Wind-Up Shark to xyz summon Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Chase attacks Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach with Number 123: Serpentine Wings. Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach’s ATK is higher than Number 123: Serpentine Wings. Number 123: Serpentine Wings is destroyed.

Chase’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3900

Chase activates his trap Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards if a monster of his was destroyed. Next, Chase attacks Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach with Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis. Chase activates Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, it gains 1000 ATK during the battle phase (ATK: 2000 -> 3000).

Braeburn’s Life Points: 2500 -> 1500

Chase places 3 cards face down and ends his turn. During the end phase that Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect was used, it loses 2000 ATK (ATK: 3000 -> 1000).

Status: Hand-6 Life-3900 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-3

Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn activates his trap Xyz Reborn, special summoning Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max from his graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn as xyz material. Braeburn activates Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Braeburn inflicts 2000 points of damage.

Chase’s Life Points: 3900 -> 1900

Braeburn then attacks Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis with Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max, but Chase activates his Magical Cylinder, negating the attack and inflicting damage equal to the attacking monster’s ATK.

Braeburn’s Life Points: 1500 -> 0

Chase wins the round.

Status: Switched

Rarity will switch with Braeburn, who will pass Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max on to her.

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“No, stop,” said Braeburn. “You’ve made your point. End the match!”

“Shut up,” said Chase.

He then made the beam from his D-Pad appear around Rarity’s neck. He gave a heavy tug and yanked Rarity onto the field, forcing her to endure the onslaught that Chase was about to make her endure.

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Final Round: Chase vs. Rarit

Chase’s Turn: Chase activates his face down Confiscation, paying 1000 life points to look at Rarity’s hand and discard one card from her hand, choosing her Gem-Knight Crystal.

Chase’s Life Points: 1900 -> 900

Next, he activates his face down Lightning Vortex, discarding one card to destroy all monsters on Rarity’s side of the field. Then, he summons Wind-Up Soldier (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1200). Chase activates Wind-Up Soldier’s effect, increasing its level by 1 and increasing its ATK by 400 (ATK: 1800 -> 2200). Chase attacks Rarity directly with Wind-Up Soldier.

Rarity’s Life Points: 4000 -> 1800.

Next, Chase attacks Rarity directly with Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis. Chase activates Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, it gains 1000 ATK during the battle phase (ATK: 1000 -> 2000).

Rarity’s Life Points: 1800 -> 0

Chase wins the round.

Diana and Chase win the match.

“NOOOOOOOO!” cried Braeburn as he watched Rarity’s body collapse from the last attack.

He ran over to her and tried doing everything she could to wake her up. But nothing seemed to be working. Braeburn then shouted and charged at Chase. Chase’s lightning reflexes got the better of him and he forcefully kicked the enraged pony in the ribs, stopping him as he crumpled to the floor. Chase then picked him up by his mane and tossed him over by where Rarity lay. Braeburn breathed painfully and slowly, every inhale and exhale seething with his hatred of the two agents.

“Stupid horse,” commented Chase.

“What did you get from the white unicorn after you played Confiscation?” asked Diana.

Chase got his D-Pad tablet and began typing information into it while speaking aloud. “Rarity. Deck: Gem-Knight. Attribute: EARTH. General Types: Rock and other various. Play Style: Fusion summoning monsters through the use of several fusion spells and traps centered around this archetype.”

“And you?” asked Chase to Diana.

Diana typed into her D-Pad as she spoke. “Braeburn. Deck: Ancient Gears/Railway. Attribute: EARTH. General Types: Machine. Play Style: Special summoning high level monsters/utilizing level manipulation to quickly summon the deck’s ace, Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max.”

“Alrighty then,” said Chase.

The two ran off, leaving their victims behind.

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Alex, Eli, Rainbow Dash, Gilda, Iron Will, and Daring Do heard the scream from afar and ran to where Braeburn and Rarity lay.

“Oh no,” said Rainbow Dash upon seeing Rarity unconscious.

Rainbow Dash tried to revive Rarity while Alex and Eli tried to talk to Braeburn.

“Braeburn!” shouted Eli. “Can ya hear me, buddy?”

Braeburn looked up to see his friends standing over him.

“Alex. Eli,” he said weakly.

“What happened?” asked Alex.

“Diana… Chase… them good fer’ nothin’s…”

He was too weak to continue speaking, but Alex and Eli knew exactly who they were talking about.

“Let’s get these two to a hospital, now!” said Daring Do.

Without hesitation, Daring Do and Rainbow Dash carried Rarity while Gilda carried Braeburn. The three of them flew to the hospital while Alex, Eli, and Iron Will ran while keeping up.

Chapter 21: Zelda

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Mark and Ryan were having a late lunch when Ryan interrupted him.

“Sir,” he said. “I think you should see this.”

“Yes?”

“Remember that dark haired girl from days before? The one with the odd haircut.”

“Vaguely.” Ryan handed him his duel pad.

After a while, Mark looked upon her picture with interest. No, he thought. It couldn’t be. While her hair and clothing style didn’t seem the least bit familiar, it took another photo of a similar looking woman with wavy brown hair that Ryan had pulled up who seemed to share Zelda’s eyes, lips and facial contours.

“We finally meet again,” said Mark to himself.

Cont. from Lucas and Pinkie Pie vs. Scott and Zelda

Zelda’s Turn: Zelda activates the effect of Blackwing Armor Master (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1500). By removing one Wedge counter from a monster, she can reduce its ATK to 0 choosing Pinkie Pie’s Worm Zero (ATK: 5000 DEF: 0) (ATK: 5000 -> 0). Zelda attacks Worm Zero with Blackwing – Armor Master.

Lucas and Pinkie Pie’s Life Points: 4200 -> 1700

Zelda then attacks Lucas and Pinkie Pie directly with Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1300).

Lucas and Pinkie Pie’s Life Points: 1700 -> 0

Scott and Zelda win.

Pinkie Pie laughed her normal childlike, high-pitched laugh.

“Wow Zelda,” she said in between giggles. “You are such a great duelist. I have no idea how you do it so well!”

“Yeah,” said Zelda a little guiltily. “Me neither.”

“Oh come on, what’s your secret? Come on, come on, tell me!”

“Yes,” broke a voice. “Do tell.”

Scott, Zelda, Lucas, and Pinkie Pie turned around to see Ryan and Mark standing there.

“You,” spat Zelda.

“Come now, no need to be hostile. We just want to have a little duel and be on our way.”

“Cut the shit,” she said. “I know of your kind. The last thing you goons want is to ‘just have a little duel.’”

“Yes, you do know of our kind. All too well, I might add… Izzy.”

Zelda couldn’t help but sound shocked. She quickly tried to mask her surprise. However, Scott and Pinkie could tell by her initial look of worry that what he was saying was truthful.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Zelda lied.

“Perhaps I should try a new title. How about: Ms. Queen No. 1?”

“Zelda,” Scott sputtered. “You…”

“No, I’m not.” Mark scoffed at her feigning innocence.

“Yes, it’s true. Zelda was actually our first Ms. Queen in our Vegas program.”

Pinkie Pie couldn’t help but feel shocked that her friend was in league with them.

“And that Number that she has: that wolf; It seems like it came back to serve its master.”

She began to tear up. Zelda couldn’t bear it anymore. “No Pinkie. I’m not one of them… not anymore.”

Pinkie Pie didn’t care what she had to say. She ran away crying. Lucas chased after her. Zelda ran to catch them too, but she felt something tug on her arm. She looked behind and saw Mark with his arm outstretched. His duel disk had a blue beamy rope connected on the end while the other end was wrapped around Zelda’s wrist. Ryan had also roped Scott as well.

“You fucking bastards!” she yelled. “I gave that life up long ago.”

“But it was still a life that you led,” said Mark.

Scott then remembered their conversation before they left for Equestria.

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“Now, remember Zelda, when we get there, you might feel a little uncomfortable with the inhabitants there.”

“Come on Scott. You act like we’re going to a whole ‘nother planet or something. I highly doubt wherever we’re going is going to be a horrible shock.”

“If you say so.”

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Is that why she took everything in so easily? he thought.

“Zelda,” said Scott with a feeling of betrayal in his voice. “Just who are you?”

Zelda caved in. “My real name is Izzy Heathers. I joined the Vegas Bureau during its infancy when I was 15 after my family was taken from me.” Her sad, soft voice was then altered to a harsh tone directed at Mark. “And then I left these pigs after I became fed up with their treacherous hunting methods.”

“And you were a pig along with the rest of us,” said Mark with a smile.

“Shut up!” yelled Scott. Mark and Ryan listened intently. “All I know is that you two are my enemies. I don’t care right now where Zelda’s loyalties lie, but if she wants to fight you, then she’s an ally of mine.”

“Fine, whatever,” growled Mark. “We’ll teach those who dare try and trespass against us.”

Mark’s duel anchor began glowing black. Zelda tried to shake the anchor off, but to no avail. Zelda’s deck case began glowing, and a purple energy shot out of it. The beam then turned into a physical form of Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit, this surprised everyone except Zelda.

“Let her go now!” it shouted.

“What’s happening?” asked Scott. Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit answered. “When Izzy ran from the Vegas Bureau, the Bureau issued a bounty on her head. Now he’s come to claim it.”

“What do you mean?”

“The black beam. A person who loses while that’s wrapped around their wrist loses their life as well.”

Scott was now shocked beyond measure. “You bastards…”

“Now, that kind of attitude won’t get anyone anywhere. If you want to have any chance of saving your traitorous whore, you’ll have to duel us, and beat us.”

“I’m going to shove those words right down your throat!” yelled Zelda unsheathing her duel disk.

“Nobody treats my friends that way,” said Scott unsheathing his duel disk. Mark and Ryan then activated their duel disks. The four duelists drew five cards from their hands as Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit watched on.

“DUEL!” they all cried.

Ryan and Mark vs. Scott and Zelda

Ryan’s Turn: Ryan summons Alien Hunter (ATK: 1600 DEF: 800).

Ryan places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Scott’s Turn: Scott summons Vylon Soldier (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1000). Scott equips Vylon Soldier with Vylon Segment.

Scott places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Mark’s Turn: Mark summons T.G. Cyber Magician (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). If Mark controls a T.G. monster, Mark can special summon T.G. Gear Zombie from his hand (ATK: 600 DEF: 0). Mark tunes Alien Hunter and T.G. Gear Zombie to synchro summon T.G. Hyper Librarian (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1800). Next, Mark activates the effect of T.G. Cyber Magician, using T.G. monsters in his hand as the non-tuner synchro material monsters. Mark tunes T.G. Rush Rhino in his hand with T.G. Cyber Magician to synchro summon T.G. Wonder Magician (ATK: 1900 DEF: 0). With T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect, when a monster is synchro summoned, he can draw 1 card. When T.G. Wonder Magician is synchro summoned, Mark can destroy one spell or trap on the field, choosing Scott’s face down card.

Mark ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

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“What is this?” asked Zelda. “You never used this deck before.”

“Isn’t it great?” asked Mark. “It’s a little something given to me by Ryan here. And let me guess: you still use your Blackwings, don’t you?”

Zelda scowled.

“You’ll never change Zelda. Once in Vegas, always in Vegas.”

“Fuck you!” she cried. “I’ll show you how much I haven’t changed.”

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Zelda’s Turn: Zelda activates Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field. Next, she activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Zelda activates the effect of Blackwing – Breeze the Zephyr, special summoning it when she adds the card to her hand from her deck by a card effect (ATK: 1100 DEF: 300). Next, she special summons Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind from her hand, as she controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 1300 DEF: 400). Then, she special summons Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun from her hand, as a Blackwing monster is on the field (ATK: 800 DEF: 1500). Zelda then activates the effect of Blackwing – Elphin the Raven, normal summoning if she controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1200). Zelda overlays Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind, Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun, and Blackwing – Breeze the Zephyr to xyz summon Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1300).

Mark activates T.G. Wonder Magician’s effect, allowing himself to synchro summon in Zelda’s main phase. Mark tunes T.G. Hyper Librarian and T.G. Wonder Magician to accel synchro summon T.G. Blade Blaster (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2200). Zelda then activates Blackwing – Boreas the Sharp’s effect from her graveyard, removing it from play to target one Blackwing monster, choosing Blackwing – Elphin the Raven. Zelda attacks T.G. Blade Buster with Blackwing – Elphin the Raven. With Blackwing – Boreas the Sharp’s effect, Blackwing – Elphin the Raven isn’t destroyed in battle, Zelda doesn’t take battle damage from the attack, and the monster it attacks is destroyed at the end of damage calculation. Mark activates T.G. Blade Blaster’s effect. By removing a T.G. monster in his graveyard from play, he can remove T.G. Blade Blaster from play. Zelda attacks Ryan and Mark directly with Blackwing – Elphin the Raven.

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 8000 -> 5800

Zelda then attacks Ryan and Mark directly with Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit.

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 5800 -> 3600

Zelda places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Insolent bitch,” said Mark. “We gave you a home when you lost yours, and you could have gotten it all back, but instead you spat in our faces.”

“What I lost wasn’t worth the lives that I took,” responded Zelda.

“Stupid,” scoffed Mark.

“Ryan?” Ryan nodded in obedience.

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Ryan’s Turn: During the standby phase, T.G. Blade Blaster is special summoned from the banished zone. Ryan activates Change of Heart, taking control of Blackwing – Elphin the Raven. Next, he activates Xyz Plant, which becomes a monster with the same level as a monster he controls. Ryan overlays Blackwing – Elphin the Raven and Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 149: Alien Tentacles in defense position (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2900). Ryan activates Number 149: Alien Tentacles’ effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, he can destroy one monster and inflict damage to equal its DEF, choosing Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit.

Scott and Zelda’s Life Points: 8000 -> 6700

Zelda activates her Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster of hers is destroyed. When Ryan activates this effect, Ryan can’t conduct his battle phase.

Ryan ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-3600 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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Zelda was still seething with hatred.

“Zelda,” called Scott. “You don’t have to go this alone. I’m here for you. I care for you.”

“Scott,” emotionlessly replied Zelda. “You don’t have to do anything for me. I dragged you into this, and I’m sure as hell not going to let them throw you into Hell with me.”

“If it keeps you safe,” said Scott, “It’s a price I’ll gladly pay.”

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Scott’s Turn: Scott summons Vylon Prism (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1500). Scott tunes Vylon Soldier with Vylon Prism to synchro summon Vylon Epsilon (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1200). Scott then activates Double Spell, discarding a spell card in his hand to use an opponent’s spell card from the graveyard as if it was his own, using Xyz Plant, becoming the same level as Vylon Epsilon. Scott overlays Vylon Epsilon and Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ (ATK: 3400 DEF: 2500).

Scott activates the effect of Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ. By detaching one xyz material, Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ’s ATK raises by 100 times the rank of every xyz monster on the field (excluding its own) (6) (100 x 6 = 600, ATK: 3400 -> 4000). Mark activates T.G. Blade Blaster’s effect again, removing a T.G. monster in his graveyard from play and remove T.G. Blade Blaster from play. Scott attacks Number 149: Alien Tentacles. With Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ’s other effect, it can deal piercing damage.

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 3600 -> 2500

Scott places 1 card face down and ends his turn. During the end phase, Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 4000 -> 3400).

Status: Hand-0 Life-6700 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Ever since you left the Bureau,” said Mark, “I moved up. You may remember me as a Jack when we started together, but now I’m an Ace. And you’re about to see why.”

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Mark’s Turn: During the standby phase, T.G. Blade Blaster is special summoned from the banished zone. Mark summons T.G. Catapult Dragon (ATK: 900 DEF: 1300). With T.G. Catapult Dragon’s effect, Mark can special summon 1 T.G. tuner monster from his hand, choosing T.G. Striker (ATK: 800 DEF: 0). Mark tunes T.G. Catapult Dragon with T.G. Striker to synchro summon T.G. Power Gladiator (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1000). Mark then activates his spell De-Synchro, returning 1 synchro monster on his side of the field to the extra deck and special summoning the synchro material monsters from the graveyard if they are in there, special summoning T.G. Wonder Magician and T.G. Hyper Librarian.

Mark overlays T.G. Wonder Magician, T.G. Power Gladiator, and T.G. Hyper Librarian to xyz summon Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky (ATK: 2000 DEF: 3500). Mark then equips Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky with Xyz Unit, increasing its ATK by 200 times its rank (ATK: 5 x 200 = 1000, ATK: 2000 -> 3000). Mark activates Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky’s effect. By detaching 2 xyz materials from it, Mark can destroy one monster on the field and inflict damage equal to the monster’s original ATK, choosing Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ.

Scott and Zelda’s Life Points: 6700 -> 3300

Mark then attacks Scott and Zelda directly.

Scott and Zelda’s Life Points: 3300 -> 300

Mark places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-2500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Zelda lay motionless on the floor, apathetic to her fate. She could have had her family back, but then she couldn’t accept the price she had to pay. She was making new friends, but then they found out who she really was. If there was any satisfaction with going this way, at least she would die with nothing to lose.

“Zelda!” called a voice that was faint in her state of unconsciousness.

She slowly opened her eyes to see and feel a pink fuzzy animal repeatedly call her name while nudging her with her muzzle.

“Pinkie?” weakly asked Zelda.

“Zelda!” Pinkie cried in jubilation.

“You!” called Mark. “Get away from her. Have you forgotten what she has done?”

“No, I haven’t” said Pinkie, defiantly sticking up for her friend. “But I pinkie-promised Lucas that I’d give my friend a chance to let her explain herself, just like Rainbow Dash did with Ryan.”

“She’s filled his head with lies, just like she will to you.”

Pinkie couldn’t hold back her anger.

“Oooh, that smarts!” she screamed.

Before she could charge, a hand rested on her shoulder, stopping her.

“Thank you Pinkie,” said Zelda in a much more energetic voice, “but this is my battle, and I intend on finishing it!”

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Zelda’s Turn: Zelda normal summons another Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind. Then, she activates the effect of Blackwing – Bora the Spear from her hand, special summoning it if she controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 1700 DEF: 800). Zelda tunes Blackwing – Bora the Spear with Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind to synchro summon Blackwing Armor Master (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1500). Next, Zelda activates Double Attack, discarding Blackwing - Aurora the Northern Lights to allow Blackwing Armor Master to attack twice this turn.

Zelda attacks Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky. Mark attempts to activate Negate Attack, but Scott activates Trap Jammer, negating and destroying Negate Attack. The attack goes through. Blackwing Armor Master can’t be destroyed in battle and Zelda takes no battle damage. At the end of the damage step, Zelda can place a Wedge counter on the monster she attacked. By removing a Wedge counter from a monster its ATK is reduced to 0 (ATK: 3000 -> 0). Zelda attacks Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky with Blackwing Armor Master again.

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 2500 -> 0

Scott and Zelda win.

Zelda and Scott were free from Mark and Ryan’s control. As soon as they could run, they took off with Pinkie Pie and Zelda. By the time, Mark got up however, they were far from catchable. Ryan was looking at his D-Pad tablet.

“Scott,” he recited aloud so that Mark could hear. “Deck: Vylon. Attribute: LIGHT. General Types: Fairy/Machine. Play Style: Monsters’ effects revolve around the usage of equip cards. I would do a report for Zelda, but seeing as she’s still in our system with the same stats as we just saw, I found it was unnecessary to do so.”

“Good boy,” said Mark.

Mark then looked out over the horizon.

One day, thought Mark. I will beat you. And I will destroy you.

Once Zelda, Scott, Pinkie Pie, and Lucas were far enough away to consider themselves safe, Pinkie confronted Zelda, who sat up against a tree to catch her breath.

“Okey dokey lokey,” she said suspiciously. “Lucas convinced me to let you have your say. All that I ask is that you promise to be 100%, 20/20, full-on, unabashedy, unquestionably, undoubtedly honest.”

“I promise.”

“Pinkie promise?”

Zelda looked unsure of herself here. Zelda looked over Pinkie, and saw Lucas crossing an X over his heart and placing his fist on his eye, and nodded, signaling her to repeat him. Zelda did the motions verbatim. Pinkie then sat down on the ground in front of Zelda, looking her straight in the eye. Zelda had nothing to fear at this point. She was a wanted woman who just came 300 life points away from death, and lying to Pinkie Pie given what she learned today would not only be unnecessary, but incredibly stupid. Zelda took a long inhale, and began to recount her tragic life.

“I grew up around Boulder, Colorado; a mountain town; not from your world, Scott. While the place is a wondrous town of commerce, culture, and education, my family could enjoy neither. I grew up with my younger brother, baby sister, jobless mother, and my bastard father. My mother was unemployed up until I was around 5, and between my dad’s dead end job at a local sports store, and his drinking and gambling problems, I never saw him. I figured it was better this way. With what little we had, I made the best of it.

“I would treat myself at a local ice cream shop whenever I could scrape up enough money doing various things, including teaching myself to play piano and keyboard, or helping out at the local library. Along with being paid a miniscule but satisfactory pay, I was allowed to take books out of the library free of charge. Among my favorite novels, I personally loved reading books on computers. History books, instruction manuals, anatomies, I’d find all that I could. This is what served as an education for me, but it was better than nothing. I made very little performing on Pearl St., but I still got to experience the culture there. I couldn’t buy as much as the many tourists that came and went, but when I could spend anything, I did so with a smile on my face.

“But one day the smiles ended for good. One particular night, when I was 15 my dad in a drunken stupor bet our entire rent money on a pair of 4’s. Needless to say, he made a terrible bet. In his rage, he took a can of gasoline, locked all doors from the inside, splashed the gas in every corner of the house, took a match, and lit the place up. If I had not been previously alerted and woken by my dad’s loud presence, I might not have lived to tell you what happened. To think I was saved by my dad. Of all fucking people. I knew dad was a very volatile person when he’s drunk, so I previously hid the covers over my head and hoped that he thought I was asleep.

“Obviously, he didn’t care. Once I saw the smoke, I tried to open the door, but burned my hands on the handle. With no other options, I took a baseball that I found under my bed and broke my window with it. I jumped out, ignoring the glass that cut at my feet, and ran to my nearest neighbor to use their phone. But it was too late. Our little piss-assed home couldn’t have burned faster if it had been made out of paper and celluloid. By the time I was a couple hundred feet down the street, the house had burned down to the ground, taking my mom, my dad, and my two siblings. I never cried so hard in my life.”

Everyone, including Scott and Pinkie Pie were heartbroken. Pinkie Pie could tell that there wasn’t an ounce of deceit in her voice. Scott knew Zelda longer than anyone, but he couldn’t even believe that despite such a tragic life, that she was able to keep it in so well.

“When the firemen arrived,” continued Zelda. “A strange man in a white suit told me to come with him. He only told me his first name: Cyrus. All I could remember about him was his blue hair. Anyway, he invited me to enlist in the Vegas Bureau. At first, I was concerned why he wanted someone like me of such a young age, but he said that children my age are easily conditioned into learning new things, such as the dueling, hand-to-hand combat, technology expertise, and weapons practices we’d learn in our initial training. He promised a roof over my head, 3 square meals, a bed, clothing, all basic necessities that were practically luxuries in my youth and adolescence. I accepted. What I didn’t know was that I opened my own door to Hell.

“Upon completion of my training, I was enlisted as the first Queen because of my quick reflexes and intuition, and my previously read knowledge on my computers also made me essential in managing the various technologies that we used: flat-space, D-Pads, you name it. I was given a Blackwing deck based off of a personality test I was given so I could use it to its max potential. Boy, did I ever.

“When I was told before my first official Numbers hunt that the hunting of Numbers could lead me to save my family, I was more than willing to charge in and find them all. I never knew how much pain I must have inflicted to reclaim my life, but I was beyond the point of caring. I figured as long as the ends justified the means, that my life would sort out just fine. It wasn’t until my 7th Numbers hunt that I claimed Number 199 from this world where talking dogs coexisted with humans or something like that. Anyways, after I had claimed the card, I began having violent nightmares, each one involving me experiencing firsthand the horrors I helped inflict on those people. When I thought I had enough, Number 199 talked to me. She told me that she knew what I must do, and that was all.

“One day, we were going to begin a Numbers hunt in your world, Scott, Lucas. Once they turned the portal on, I dispatched several of my fellow 10’s, which are standard agents in the Bureau. Before I could escape through the portal, Mark, who was a Jack at the time, tried to block my way. Before he could apprehend me, Number 199 leaped into my defense, incapacitating Mark and telling me to go without her. With nothing but my deck and the clothes on my back, I leapt into the portal. I didn’t know if they would follow me, or how close they were, but I made sure that they couldn’t. I cut my hair, changed my clothing style, and adopted a new identity: Zelda Crowley. With my technical prowess and the keyboarding skills I taught myself in my youth, I auditioned and was accepted to attend Hearthome City Musical Academy, where I met Scott, my first roommate. And that’s that. Everything else that could be considered eventful has been my arrival in Equestria up until now.”

Everyone had so many questions, but they were still trying to form words with their mouths agape as they were.

“When the Vegas Bureau arrived here,” said Scott, “why didn’t you tell us about them.”

“I’m sorry,” said Zelda on the verge of tears. “I thought that if they saw me, they’d kill me. I tried to remain a wallflower so they wouldn’t hurt me. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

She couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. Pinkie Pie, who had already been crying streams, leapt onto Zelda and hugged her comfortingly. Scott came up and joined them.

“Thank you,” said Zelda sniffling. “You don’t know how long I’ve wanted a moment like this.”

“Aw, don’t sweat it,” said Pinkie Pie. “Sometimes friends need a good cry to get rid of all their nasty-nasties.”

Zelda giggled at her exuberant energy.

“We need to tell the others,” said Scott on a serious note.

“Right,” agreed Lucas. “If these Number hunters are after Zelda’s head, we should do our best to protect her.”

“Please, no,” protested Zelda. “I’ve already lost so much. I can’t bear to lose anymore.”

“Please Zelda,” said Scott, kneeling to meet Zelda’s level, “listen. We have friends here who will lose just as much as you will if you fight this thing alone. We’re their enemies too, and we have to stick out for one another.”

“I’ll say!” shouted Pinkie Pie as she put her hoof on Scott’s hand. “All for one, and one for all!”

Lucas went and put his hand on Pinkie Pie’s hoof, to which she put her other hoof on Lucas’ hand. Fully rallied by the support of her undying friends, she finally stood up and forcefully, but gladly, put her hand on Pinkie Pie’s hoof. They all lifted their hands toward the sky. Zelda watched as Pinkie, Scott, and Lucas, fully pumped ran back to Ponyville to relay the message. Zelda stood and watched her friends run.

Thank you Pinkie Pie, she thought. I owe you one.

Chapter 22: Hurricane Flim-Flam

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Two hours after their duel with Chase and Diana, Rarity woke up from her hospital bed later that afternoon. The first thing she saw was Braeburn on her bedside praying for her wellbeing.

“Brae…” she whispered. Braeburn, relieved hugged her.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“My head is throbbing. I feel like I was just plowed by a train.”

Braeburn was on the verge of tears. “I am so sorry for what happened back there. I should have taken Chase’s face down cards into account. I swear that I’ll never let-”

He was stopped by Rarity’s hoof on his mouth. “You don’t need to apologize to me,” she said. “You were splendid the way you dueled. I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Braeburn hugged her again, but this time felt a twinge of burning pain where Chase had kicked him.

“Oh, Braeburn,” she said examining the bruise. “What happened?”

“That Chase varmint kicked me when I tried attacking him for hurting you. I thought he near killed you.”

“Braeburn, you should be careful around them.”

“Yeah, I learned my lesson now.”

“What shall we do then?”

“Well thankfully, none of my bones are broken, and the doctor’s said we could mosey on out of her once you woke up.”

“How did we even get here?”

“Alex, Eli, and a couple of your friends carried us to the hospital. I woke up when we got there, and I just told them to mind themselves and continue dueling. If we want to try and stop those pesky Vegas guys, we should probably get on out of here.”

“Right,” said Rarity getting down. Her head still throbbed.

“I’ll ask the nurse for some painkillers,” said Braeburn. He ran out of the room until he was forced into a walk because of his hurting side.

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Maddie and Charley were doing exceptionally well against the many competitors, even without their Numbers. Even with Charley’s ruthless behavior during duels, she reserved herself just enough to restrict herself from using Numbers on ponies who didn’t have any (unless of course they asked). Their induction in the finals seemed all but a certainty.

After dueling and defeating a couple of unicorn ponies, Maddie and Charley headed off to Sweet Apple Acres to find Applejack and Big Macintosh. However, upon approaching the field of apple trees that surrounded the farm, they heard a strange noise behind them. It was the sound of a large vehicle approaching. Soon, it came up over a hill. It resembled an old, red car from the 1920’s, but was much larger and made of wood. Also, there was a lot of complex machinery running throughout it and many barrels packed into the back. Another notable feature was that there was a large cowcatcher on the front of it. Two identical unicorn ponies sat on a sofa on the front of the machine, using their magic to move it. Upon climbing the hill, they saw the two humans midway to the bottom, forcing them to stop about a few inches from where Maddie and Charley stood.

“Well,” said Flim in his vaudevillian voice, “what do we have here?”

“I do believe these are another set of adversaries Mr. Ace told use to battle,” answered Flam.

“Wait, I know you two,” called Charley. “You’re those two ponies who ambushed our friends and tried to take their Numbers!”

“Guilty as charged,” Flim chimed with a tip of the hat.

“You’re damn right, you’re guilty,” said Maddie.

Before she could rush them, Flim roped her arm with a blue rope-like spell. Flam did the same to Charley.

“Now, now,” chided Flim. “No need for violence. You see, we have a bone to pick with some, how do you say, competition of ours from the past. But if you’re really this excited to duel someone, we’ll gladly make you our new competition.”

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“Ughh, what in tarnation?” asked Applejack hearing the commotion outside.

She was busy cleaning the dishes from a huge supper when she heard the noise of Flim and Flam’s vehicle. She looked out of the kitchen window to see Flim and Flam rope Maddie and Charley in with their magic.

“Woah nelly!” she gasped recognizing it.

She quickly cleaned her last plate and ran out the front door. Big Macintosh happened to be standing next to the staircase as she was running out of the house with her duel disk on her wrist.

“Come on, Big Mac,” she called. “Our friends are in trouble.”

“Eeyup,” answered Big Macintosh nervously, also getting his duel disk.

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“…we’ll gladly make you our new competition.”

“Maddie! Charley!” called Applejack.

Applejack and Big Macintosh stopped about ten feet away from their friends to keep their distance, for she knew a duel would happen.

“Oh boy,” said Flam. “If it isn’t our old friend Applejack. It seems oh so long ago when we defeated you in that cider making competition.”

“You didn’t win a gosh darn thing,” yelled Applejack.

“No one would stomach your filthy mulch-water and they rightfully drove you out of town, ya charlatans!”

Maddie turned to Charley. “Ha. They got told,” she giggled.

“Silence,” yelled Flam. He then addressed Applejack and Big Macintosh. “Your friends were gracious enough to offer themselves as tribute, and now we’re going to beat them. And then we’re going to beat you.”

“Nnope,” scoffed Big Macintosh.

“You seem to have a lot of confidence in those bipedal creatures,” said Flim. “But you forget: we’re the masters of confidence games. I mean, we are con men after all!”

Flim and Flam then unsheathed their duel disks as they laughed. Maddie and Charley unsheathed theirs. The four duelists drew five cards.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Flim and Flam vs. Maddie and Charley

Flim’s Turn: Flim summons Cloudian – Poison Cloud (ATK: 0 DEF: 1000).

Flim places 3 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-3

Maddie’s Turn: Maddie summons Defender of the Ice Barrier in defense position (ATK: 200 DEF: 1600). Next, with its effect, Maddie special summons Prior of the Ice Barrier from her hand, as she controls an Ice Barrier monster (ATK: 1000 DEF: 400).

Maddie places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“After losing, not by a lot, mind you, to your strange white and green friends, we’ve learned some things,” claimed Flam.

“Ready brother?” Flim responded with a nod.

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Flam’s Turn: Flam summons Cloudian – Cirrostratus (ATK: 900 DEF: 0). When this card is summoned, a fog counter is placed on it for every Cloudian monster on the field (FgC.: 0 -> 2). Flim then activates the continuous trap Natural Disaster. Flam activates Double Summon, summoning Cloudian – Smoke Ball (ATK: 200 DEF: 400). Flam then activates Fog Control, tributing Cloudian – Smoke Ball to place 3 Fog counters on a face up monster, choosing Cloudian – Cirrostratus (FgC.: 2 -> 5).

Flam then activates Cloudian – Cirrostratus’ effect, removing 2 Fog counters from it to destroy 1 monster on the field. He activates this effect twice, destroying both Defender of the Ice Barrier and Prior of the Ice Barrier. With Natural Disaster’s effect, 500 points of damage is inflicted onto the opponent for each monster destroyed and sent to the graveyard by a Cloudian monster’s effect (2).

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 8000 -> 7000

Flam ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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When the damage hit, Maddie and Charley were forced backwards. Thankfully, Applejack and Big Macintosh were there to intercept them before they fell.

“Y’all ‘right, sugar?” asked Applejack who caught Maddie.

“Yeah, we’re good,” said Charley uncharacteristically.

I almost forgot, thought Charley. These guys almost beat Orion and Helena. That means I have to be extra careful.

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Charley’s Turn: Charley summons Gishki Shadow (ATK: 1200 DEF: 1000). Next, Charley activates Gishki Aquamirror, using Gishki Shadow’s effect to be used as the entire tribute to ritual summon Evigishki Levianima (ATK: 2700 DEF: 2000). Charley attacks Cloudian – Cirrostratus with Evigishki Levianima. When Evigishki Levianima declares an attack, Charley draws one card. It is not a Gishki monster, so its effect cannot activate. Flim activates Shift, switching the attack target to Cloudian – Poison Cloud. Flim then activates Hallowed Life Barrier, discarding one card to negate all battle damage. When Cloudian – Poison Cloud is destroyed by battle, the monster that destroyed it is destroyed and 800 points of damage are inflicted.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 7000 -> 6200

Natural Disaster’s effect activates again.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 6200 -> 5700

Charley places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-5700 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-2

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“New rule:” grunted Charley after the attack, “Don’t let up, ever.”

“Why you would do something that stupid is beyond me,” said Flim. “In fact, keep that up. It will make your defeat so much easier.”

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Flim’s Turn: Flim activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, he special summons Cloudian – Storm Dragon from his hand by removing a Cloudian monster in his graveyard from play (ATK: 1000 DEF: 0). Flim then summons Cloudian – Altus (ATK: 1300 DEF: 0). When Cloudian – Altus is normal summoned, a Fog counter is placed on it for every Cloudian monster on the field (FgC.: 0 -> 3). Next, Flim activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Cloudian – Poison Cloud from his graveyard. Flim activates Cloudian – Altus’ effect, removing 3 Fog counters from it to randomly discard one card in her opponent’s hand, choosing Charley. Flim overlays Cloudian – Altus, Cloudian – Cirrostratus, and Cloudian – Storm Dragon to xyz summon Number 10: Illumiknight (ATK: 2400 DEF: 2400). Flim attacks Maddie and Charley directly, but Charley activates Waboku, negating the battle damage. Flim activates Number 10: Illumiknight’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Flim can discard one card from his hand to draw one card.

Flim places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Maddie’s Turn: Maddie activates Soul Exchange, tributing one monster on the opponent’s side of the field (Number 10: Illumiknight) to summon Royal Knight of the Ice Barrier (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000). When summoned, an Ice Coffin token is summoned to Flim’s side of the field (ATK: 1000 DEF: 0). Next, Maddie activates her Monster Reborn, special summoning Cloudian – Nimbusman from Flim’s graveyard (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000). Maddie overlays Cloudian – Nimbusman and Royal Knight of the Ice Barrier to xyz summon Number 19: Freezerdon in defense position (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2500). Because of Soul Exchange, Maddie cannot conduct her battle phase.

Maddie ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-5700 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Don’t think I’m a pushover now,” said Maddie. “It might just be YOUR undoing.”

“The only thing that will be undid, Ms., is your life points as they teeter to 0.”

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Flam’s Turn: Flam summons Cloudian – Turbulence (ATK: 800 DEF: 0). When Cloudian – Turbulence is normal summoned, a Fog counter is placed on it for each Cloudian monster on the field (FgC.: 0 -> 2). Flam activates Cloudian – Turbulence’s effect to remove a Fog counter from it to special summon a Cloudian – Smoke Ball from his deck. He activates this effect twice. Flam overlays both Cloudian – Smoke Balls to xyz summon Number 102: Tinker Mathmatica in defense position (ATK: 200 DEF: 0). Flam overlays Cloudian – Turbulence and Cloudian – Poison Cloud to xyz summon Number 117: Blizzard Horns - Tundragon (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1600). Flam activates Number 117: Blizzard Horns - Tundragon’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can have his one player draw cards until they have 5 in their hand. For every monster card drawn, 500 points of damage is inflicted. For every trap card drawn, 400 points of damage are inflicted. For every spell card drawn, 300 points of damage is inflicted. Charley draws 2 monsters and a spell.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 5700 -> 4400

Flam activates the same effect with Maddie. She draws 2 monsters, 2 spells, and a trap.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 4400 -> 2400

Next, Flam activates Number 102: Tinker Mathmatica’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can increase a monster’s ATK by its DEF, choosing Number 117: Blizzard Horns - Tundragon (ATK: 1900 -> 3500). Flam then activates Stop Defense, switching Number 19: Freezerdon into attack position. Flam attacks Number 19: Freezerdon with Number 117: Blizzard Horns - Tundragon.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 2400 -> 900

Flam places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Remember when I said I wasn’t going to let up anymore?” coldly asked Charley to Flim and Flam, who seemed more amused than nervous about her threats. “Here’s me keeping my promise.”

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Charley’s Turn: Charley summons Gishki Beast (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). When Gishki Beast is normal summoned, Charley can special summon a Gishki monster from her graveyard, choosing Gishki Shadow. Next, Charley activates her Double Summon, summoning Gishki Emilia (ATK: 1600 DEF: 800). When Gishki Emilia is normal summoned, the effects of trap cards on the field are negated until the end phase. Charley overlays Gishki Beast, Gishki Emilia, and Gishki Shadow to xyz summon Number 32: Shark Drake (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2100).

Charley attacks Number 102: Tinker Mathmatica. Charley then activates Number 32: Shark Drake’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, the monster that Number 32: Shark Drake destroyed is special summoned in attack position from the graveyard and has its ATK reduced by 1000 (ATK: 200 -> 0). Furthermore, Number 32: Shark Drake can attack it again.

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 8000 -> 5200

Charley places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-900 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Such a powerful monster,” commented Flim.

Maddie gave Charley a slight nod, giving their conformations that would try to lock the Flim-Flam Brothers down.

“But as long as I have the ATK,” chortled Flim, “we’re invincible.”

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Flim’s Turn: Charley activates her trap Crevice Into the Different Dimension, declaring an attribute (WATER) and banishing 2 monsters each from each team’s graveyard (Charley removes her Evigishki Levianima and Defender of the Ice Barrier, plus Flim and Flam’s Cloudian – Cirrostratus and Cloudian – Poison Cloud). Flim activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, he activates Call of the Haunted, special summoning Cloudian – Eye of the Typhoon (ATK: 3000 DEF: 1000).

Next, he equips it with Big Bang Shot, increasing its ATK by 400 (ATK: 3000 -> 3400). Flim attacks Number 32: Marine Biting Dragon – Shark Drake. With Cloudian – Eye of the Storm’s effect, when it declares an attack, the battle positions of all monsters are switched. Maddie then activates Oh F!sh!, adding one of her banished Aqua, Sea Serpent, or Fish monsters to her deck to negate the activation of a monster’s effect and destroy it.

Flim ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-5200 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-0

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“Come on, Maddie,” cheered Applejack. “We know you can do it!”

“Eeyup,” agreed Big Macintosh with a bit more vigor in his voice. Maddie had all the support that she needed in the world.

“Spare me,” said Flam, bitter.

“Bite me,” yelled Maddie before letting Flam finish his thought.

“As long as I have the support of my good friends to cheer me on, my chances for winning will always be higher.”

____________________________________

Maddie’s Turn: Maddie activates Brain Control, gaining control of Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon by paying 800 life points.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 900 -> 100

Next, she summons Geomancer of the Ice Barrier (ATK: 800 DEF: 1200). Maddie then activates Creature Swap, switching control of her Geomancer of the Ice Barrier with Charley’s Number 32: Shark Drake. Then she activates Gift of the Martyr, sending Geomancer of the Ice Barrier to the graveyard to have Number 32: Shark Drake gain ATK equal to Geomancer of the Ice Barrier’s ATK (ATK: 2800 -> 3600). Maddie attacks Flim and Flam directly with Number 32: Shark Drake. Flam attempts to activate Mirror Force, but Charley activates Joint Future, discarding one card to negate the activation of Mirror Force and return it to the deck. The attack goes through.

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 5200 -> 1600

Maddie then attacks directly with Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon.

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 1600 -> 0

Maddie and Charley win.

____________________________________

Applejack and Big Macintosh ran to Maddie and Charley, hugging them in congratulations. When they finished, Maddie took a look at the new Number that she took with her Brain Control card.

“I think this Number suits me better,” said Maddie as she slipped it into her deck.

“Impossible,” groaned Flim. He then directed his attention at Maddie. “You will give me that Number back. Give it to me!”

“She will do no such thing!” called a nearby voice.

From the trees, two creatures jumped and landed behind Flim and Flam. Everyone knew who they were, especially because of the commotion that they made after their first duel with Lucas and Pinkie Pie. It was none other than Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart.

“She earned that Number fair and square,” said Derpy, her voice normal and cold. “Now it’s our turn to earn our Numbers fair and square.”

“Like you’d be able to,” spat Flam. “We are trained by the Vegas Bureau themselves. We could crush you like the bugs that crawl in your deck.”

“Yes, you could beat us,” said Little Strongheart. “But we won’t let you.”

“Fine, if you’re that set on losing, we’ll gladly oblige to your wishes.”

“Just what I hoped for.”

The four duelists unsheathed their duel disks and drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they yelled.

Chapter 23: Pestilence

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Cont. from Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart vs. Flim and Flam

Derpy Hooves’ Turn: Derpy Hooves summons Inzektor Wig (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000). Derpy Hooves overlays Inzektor Wig, Chainsaw Insect (ATK: 2400 DEF: 0), and Little Strongheart’s Yaksha (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1500) to xyz summon Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2100). Little Strongheart activates Final Attack Orders, forcing all monsters into attack position, including Flam’s Cloudian – Poison Cloud (ATK: 0 DEF: 1000). Derpy Hooves activates Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder’s ATK increases by the difference between its ATK and the ATK of a monster that it battles, choosing Cloudian – Poison Cloud (ATK: 2600 -> 5200). Derpy Hooves attacks Cloudian – Poison Cloud with Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder.

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 3400 -> 0

Flam activates Cloudian – Poison Cloud’s effect. When it’s destroyed by battle, the monster that destroyed it is destroyed and 800 points of damage are inflicted to the opponent. Derpy activates the quick-play spell card Poison of the Old Man from her hand, increasing their life points by 1200 before the damage hits.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 300 -> 1500

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 1500 -> 700

Because Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart still have life points at the end of that effect, the duel will not end in a draw.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart win.

All Numbers used by Flim and Flam during the duel materialized into Little Strongheart’s hooves by the use of her magic that was granted to her by Princess Luna. Flim and Flam ran for their large machine and rode off with it.

“So, what the hell?” asked Maddie. “I thought the princesses took care of you.”

“They did,” said Derpy. “And after explaining our situation, the princess gave us full approval to hunt Numbers.”

“No,” gasped Maddie, shocked.

“Relax,” scolded Derpy Hooves. “We’ll only take the Numbers of those who can’t beat us in a duel with them. So, let’s see if you’ve earned them, shall we?”

With her eyes turning light blue, Little Strongheart used her magic to force Maddie and Charley into a duel. Applejack and Big Macintosh bumped them out of the way just in time for the spell to be casted on them, causing a dark blue halo to form on the ground around Applejack and Big Macintosh.

“Applejack!” yelled Maddie in fear.

“Don’t worry, Maddie,” she reassured her friend.

“You just threw yourselves in the line and busted your rumps for us. It’s only fair that we do the same.”

“Eeyup,” confirmed Big Macintosh.

“Alright then,” said Derpy. “I’m up for a few surprises.”

She and Little Strongheart unsheathed their duel disks and drew five cards. Applejack and Big Macintosh followed suit.

“DUEL!” they cried.

Applejack and Big Macintosh vs. Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart

Applejack’s Turn: Applejack summons XX-Saber Fulhelmknight (ATK: 1300 DEF: 1000).

Applejack places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Derpy Hooves’ Turn: Derpy Hooves summons Inzektor Hopper (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1400). Once per turn, Derpy Hooves can equip an Inzektor monster to it from her hand, choosing Inzektor Hornet. With Inzektor Hornet’s effect, a monster equipped to it has its ATK and DEF raised by the ATK and DEF of Inzektor Hornet and its level is increased by 3 (ATK: 1700 -> 2200, DEF: 1400 -> 1600) (Lvl.: 4 -> 7). Next, Derpy Hooves activates Inzektor Hornet’s effect, sending itself to the graveyard to destroy one card her opponent controls, choosing one of Applejack’s trap cards.

Derpy Hooves places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Big Macintosh’s Turn: Big Macintosh activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, he summons Scrap Beast (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1300). Next, he activates his spell Scrap Lube, special summoning Scrap Shark (ATK: 2100 DEF: 0). Big Macintosh overlays Scrap Beast and Scrap Shark to xyz summon Number 50: Black Corn (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1500).

Big Macintosh activates Number 50: Black Corn’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can send an opponent’s monster with equal or lower ATK than Number 50: Black Corn from the field to the graveyard and inflict 1000 points of damage to his opponent, choosing Inzektor Hopper. Derpy Hooves activates Inzektor Orb, equipping it to Inzektor Hopper and increasing its ATK and DEF by 500 (ATK: 1700 -> 2200 DEF: 1400 -> 1900). Because Inzektor Hopper’s ATK is higher than Number 50: Black Corn’s, its effect can’t activate.

Big Macintosh places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“I’m sorry,” scolded Derpy Hooves, “but that’s pathetic. We are trained to be prepared in these kinds of scenarios, so your inflicting effect damage on the first turn strategies won’t work on us.” “So let me show what we can do when we can attack,” said Little Strongheart.

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Little Strongheart’s Turn: Little Strongheart summons Maharaghi (ATK: 1200 DEF: 1700). Next, she activates Orichalcum Chain, allowing her to xyz summon a monster with one less material than usual. Little Strongheart overlays Maharaghi and Inzektor Hopper to xyz summon Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2100). Little Strongheart activates Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder’s ATK increases by the difference between its ATK and the ATK of a monster that it battles, choosing Number 50: Black Corn (ATK: 2600 -> 3100). Little Strongheart attacks Number 50: Black Corn with Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder. Applejack activates XX-Saber Fulhelmknight’s effect, choosing an attacking monster on the field and negating its attack.

Little Strongheart places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Using a monster’s effect to negate an attack,” said Little Strongheart. “Tricky.”

“Now, I’m about to show all y’all just how tricky I can be,” yelled Applejack.

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Applejack’s Turn: Applejack summons XX-Saber Boggart Knight (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1000). When XX-Saber Boggart Knight is summoned, Applejack can special summon an X-Saber monster from her hand, choosing XX-Saber Emmersblade (ATK: 1300 DEF: 800). Next, Applejack activates Star Changer, lowering XX-Saber Boggart Knight’s level by 1. Applejack overlays XX-Saber Boggart Knight, XX-Saber Emmersblade, and XX-Saber Fulhelmknight to xyz summon Number 138: Harvest Power Plower (ATK: 1700 DEF: 2500).

Big Macintosh activates Trap Stun, negating the effects of trap cards for the remainder of this turn. Applejack activates Number 138: Harvest Power Plower’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, she can select one face up spell or trap card and destroy it, choosing Orichalcum Chain. When Orichalcum Chain is destroyed, Applejack gains control of the xyz monster summoned by Orichalcum Chain’s effect, which is Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder. Applejack attacks Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart directly with Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 8000 -> 5400

Applejack then attacks them directly with Number 138: Harvest Power Plower.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 5400 -> 3700

Applejack ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“I told you to not add that card in your deck, you idiot!” shouted Derpy Hooves at her partner.

Applejack was astonished to see Derpy Hooves’ true nature, as opposed to the clumsy but fun loving pegasus she knew previously.
“I couldn’t summon my Numbers in any other ways,” reasoned Little Strongheart with hurt in her voice.

“If we lose any Numbers from this duel,” grunted Derpy Hooves, “I’ll make sure it’s you who Princess Luna docks.”

“Princess Luna?” asked everyone else in unison.

Derpy was suddenly angry at herself for spilling such information.

“Never mind!” she yelled.

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Derpy Hooves’ Turn: Derpy Hooves summons Inzektor Centipede (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200). Next, she equips Inzektor Centipede with Inzektor Luciol. When an Inzektor monster is equipped to Inzektor Luciol, its level is raised by 1, and Derpy Hooves can look at all of her opponents’ set cards. Applejack has a face down Negate Attack. Derpy activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Inzektor Hopper from the graveyard. Derpy Hooves overlays Inzektor Centipede and Inzektor Hopper to xyz summon Number 145: Hercules Warrior Beetle (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2500). Derpy Hooves activates Number 145: Hercules Warrior Beetle’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it and removing no less than 1 but up to 3 monsters in her graveyard from play (2), she activates Number 145: Hercules Warrior Beetle’s second effect, destroying 1 set card on the field, choosing Applejack’s Negate Attack. Derpy Hooves attacks Number 138: Harvest Power Plower.

Applejack and Big Macintosh’s Life Points: 8000 -> 7400

Derpy Hooves ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-3500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Big Macintosh’s Turn: Big Macintosh summons Scrap Worm (ATK: 500 DEF: 100). Next, Big Macintosh activates Scrapstorm, sending a Scrap monster from his deck to the graveyard, drawing 1 card, and destroying Scrap Worm. When Scrap Worm is destroyed by the effect of a Scrap card, Big Macintosh can add a Scrap monster from his graveyard and adds it to his hand, choosing Scrap Beast. Big Macintosh then equips Number 50: Black Corn with Xyz Unit, having it gain ATK equal to 200 x its rank (200 x 4 = 800, ATK: 2100 -> 2900). Big Macintosh activates Number 50: Black Corn’s effect, detaching 1 xyz material from it to destroy an opponent’s monster with ATK less than Number 50: Black Corn’s and inflict 1000 points of damage to the opponent, choosing Number 145: Hercules Warrior Beetle.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 3700 -> 2700

Derpy Hooves activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster of hers is destroyed.

Big Macintosh places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-7400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Please, thought Little Strongheart, let me win her back with my next move.

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Little Strongheart’s Turn: Little Strongheart activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, she summons Inaba White Rabbit (ATK: 700 DEF: 500). Then, she activates Double Summon, tributing Inaba White Rabbit to summon Dark Dust Spirit (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1800). When Dark Dust Spirit is normal summoned, all other face up monsters are destroyed. Next, she special summons Yamato-no-Kami by removing a Spirit monster in her graveyard from play (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1200). Little Strongheart overlays Dark Dust Spirit and Yamato-no-Kami to xyz summon Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis (ATK: 2600 DEF: 3000).

When this card is xyz summoned, Little Strongheart can equip 1 Number to Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis and gain ATK equal to half of the equip card’s ATK, choosing Number 184: Liger Blade Wielder (ATK: 2600 -> 3900). Little Strongheart activates Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material and sending a monster equipped to it by its effect to the graveyard (ATK: 3900 -> 2600), Little Strongheart halves Applejack and Big Macintosh’s life points.

Applejack and Big Macintosh’s Life Points: 7400 -> 3700

Little Strongheart can’t conduct her battle phase the turn she uses this effect.

Little Strongheart places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-2500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Little Strongheart looked to her partner hoping to see a little happiness in her after her turn, but she was dismayed to still see Derpy Hooves’ face still angry and defiant.

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Applejack’s Turn: Applejack activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Applejack activates the field spell Saber Vault, having X-Saber monsters gain 100 ATK times their level and have their DEF lowered by 100 times their level. Next, she special summons XX-Saber Gardestrike, as she has at least 2 X-Saber monsters in her graveyard (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1400) (ATK: 2100 -> 2600, DEF: 1400 -> 900).

Next, she normal summons X-Saber Pashuul (ATK: 100 DEF: 0) (ATK: 100 -> 300). Applejack tunes XX-Saber Gardestrike with X-Saber Pashuul to synchro summon X-Saber Souza (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1600) (ATK: 2500 -> 3200, DEF: 1600 -> 900). Applejack attacks Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis. Little Strongheart attempts to activate Magic Cylinder, but Big Macintosh activates Trap Jammer negating and destroying Magic Cylinder. The attack goes through. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis is not destroyed. Battle damage is applied normally.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 2700 -> 2100

Applejack ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-3700 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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“Like hay I’m going to let you win this,” scowled Derpy Hooves.

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Derpy Hooves’ Turn: Derpy Hooves activates the effect of Golden Ladybug in her hand, gaining 500 life points.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 2100 -> 2600

Derpy Hooves then summons Golden Ladybug (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Next, she activates Creature Swap, switching control of her Golden Ladybug with Applejack’s X-Saber Souza. Derpy Hooves attacks Golden Ladybug with X-Saber Souza.

Applejack and Big Macintosh’s Life Points: 3700 -> 500

Derpy Hooves places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-2400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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Big Macintosh looked at her sister lying on the ground and groaning in pain. Suddenly, the fire in his heart ignited, ready to protect her little sister.

“I do have to hand it to ya, Big Mac,” said Derpy Hooves. “I would never have expected such a fight from somepony such as yourself.”

“Don’t hold your breath,” said Big Macintosh, “because this fight ain’t over yet.”

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Big Macintosh’s Turn: Big Macintosh activates Cup of Ace. A coin is tossed. It lands up heads. Big Macintosh draws 2 cards. Next, he activates Reload, adding his hand to his deck and drawing cards equal to the amount he sent to his deck. Big Macintosh activates Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field (ATK: 3200 -> 2500, DEF: 900 -> 1600). Next, he equips Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandiswith Mark of the Rose, removing a Plant-type monster in his graveyard from play (Number 50: Black Corn) and taking control of an opponent’s monster, choosing Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis. Lastly, Big Macintosh equips Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis with Megamorph, doubling its ATK (ATK: 2600 -> 5200). Big Macintosh attacks X-Saber Souza with Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 2600 -> 0

Applejack and Big Macintosh win.

Charley hugged Big Macintosh as Maddie helped Applejack up. Applejack then noticed that all of the Numbers used in their duel materialized onto her and Big Macintosh’s duel disks. Derpy looked angry as their collection began falling away from them. She looked at Little Strongheart, who was exhausted from dueling with her powers so much in a short amount of time. Derpy looked ready to cave Little Strongheart’s head in with her hooves, but was stopped by Maddie’s voice.

“You know,” she said, “you should be nicer to your partner.”

Derpy Hooves saw Maddie, Charley, Applejack, and Big Macintosh walk towards them.

“You forget that we have a common enemy,” said Maddie. “You should be fighting with us to defeat them, not against us.”

“It’s my duty to see if you are responsible enough with the Numbers,” said Derpy Hooves. “And before you speak, I know that you and your friend beat Flim and Flam, but they are only the pawns of the Vegas Bureau. I must know that you are prepared to fight them.”

She then acknowledged the tired Little Strongheart, who just managed to stand with her partner.

“Unfortunately, my partner is too busy for any more hunting for right now, so we will be off. Don’t think however that this is the last time you’ll see us. We will fight in the future Maddie Rivers and Charley de Silva. Prepare for our inevitable duel.”

“I look forward to it,” said Charley.

Derpy Hooves gave a slight smirk and walked away with Little Strongheart.

“Hey!” called Maddie.

Derpy Hooves turned around to see two cards flying in her direction. She caught them in her mouth and dropped them to look at them. It was Maddie’s Number 19: Freezerdon and Derpy’s Number 145: Hercules Warrior Beetle.

Derpy Hooves walked back to Maddie to return them, knowing she earned them fair and square.

“No,” said Maddie. “Keep them.”

“But you-”

“I don’t have too much use for Number 19, and that insect one rightfully belongs to you. That way, we’ll have a clean fight on even ground.”

Derpy just gave her another smirk and rode over the hill with her partner.

“You sure about that, sugar cube?” asked Applejack.

“Definitely,” said Maddie. “Whether they think so or not, they are our allies, and they deserve to be as well-equipped as any one of us.”

Applejack leaned her head onto Maddie’s hip, wholeheartedly content with her reasoning. Maddie then stroked her neck and mane, comforting her friend.

____________________________________

As Derpy walked down the road towards Ponyville, Little Strongheart talked to her. “Derpy? You aren’t mad at me, are you?”

Derpy looked at Little Strongheart without an ounce of emotion. “One of the key elements to playing this game is risk, Agent Strongheart. Unfortunately, it seems the odds were in their favor today, and I can’t blame you for that. I do wish for one thing though.”

“What’s that?”

“I wish that I was the risk-taker that you are.”

Little Strongheart couldn’t help but beam.

Chapter 24: Zero

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Ever since Alex’s invigorating duel with Rainbow Dash, he was fired up for the rest of the day. With Eli’s help, they were all but unstoppable. Even against last year’s EFDC champions Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, they were a force to be reckoned with. Soon, they were running out of friends to duel. Knowing that everyone else was too easy to duel with full vigor, Alex and Eli began to burn out. Thankfully, they inadvertently found a set of friends they hadn’t challenged yet. It was around half past 5:00, and the sun began to dip behind the horizon.

Soon, Eli’s stomach began grumbling. “Dude, I’m fuckin’ starving.”

“I know. We’re heading towards Sweet Apple Acres. If I know Applejack, she would welcome us inside for a meal anytime.”

As they walked to the farm where their friends resided, Alex could hear noises coming from his right. As they went to see what was happening, Eli began complaining again.

“What, seriously? I thought we were getting dinner.”

“I know,” responded Alex, “but I just want to see what’s going on.”

“What’s over there anyways?”

“There’s this group of fillies that hang out over here. If that’s them, I want to be sure they’re not being attacked by Number hunters.”

Eli didn’t seem to object, as it was his giving Scootaloo and Apple Bloom Numbers that would put them in harm’s way. Upon getting closer, they stumbled upon the treehouse of the former Cutie Mark Crusaders. They saw Scootaloo’s scooter parked outside the ramp, confirming that both Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were here. Alex and Eli heard delightful chatter coming from the tree house, dispelling any sense of alarm for their safety.

“Well, nothing to see here,” said Eli quickly.

“I guess we can just go-”

Before he could finish, a yellow pegasus with a pink mane opened a window, seeing Alex and Eli in the process. Initially, she shrieked and ducked from sight.

“Fluttershy?” called Alex. “It’s us, Alex and Eli.”

“Oh,” whispered Fluttershy, embarrassed, “hi Alex. Hi Eli.”

“What’s going on up there?”

“The girls and I were just having dinner upstairs.”

“Cool,” interrupted Eli. “What’cha havin’?”

“Shh,” hissed Alex, angry at Eli’s rudeness.

“I just brought some soup from home. You’re more than welcome to have some.”

“Is there enough?” asked Alex. “Oh, there’s plenty. Please come up.”

Eli was more than happy to get some food in his tummy, but Alex was more relieved that Eli didn’t embarrass the both of them.

____________________________________

“Who were you talking to?” asked Apple Bloom to Fluttershy on the way back to a small table that Apple Bloom had made.

Alex and Eli immediately walked through the door, but were reduced to a squat considering their height over the ponies.

“Alex! Eli!” called the three fillies, running to the both of them.

“He-hey!” laughed Alex as he hugged Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, while Eli had Apple Bloom leap into his arms.

“I just finished pouring you two a bowl,” said Fluttershy.

Alex and Eli placed the three fillies down and waddled over to the table, much to the hilarity of the three girls. Alex surmised that the stools couldn’t hold their weight, so they opted to kneel.

“I feel like we’re in Japan,” commented Eli.

Upon being given their soup, Alex and Eli instinctively looked for silverware.

“Right,” said Alex. “Ponies don’t have hooves, so we’ll just have to drink it.”

“Now I feel like I’m at Medieval Times,” said Eli. “Would you like a refill on that Pepsi?”

This reference he meant to keep to himself, but upon hearing him, everyone else but Alex was confused, as The Cable Guy didn’t exist in their world.

“Anyways…” sighed Eli.

Alex and Eli both drank their soup without any further words.

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After soup, Alex and Eli helped clean up. Eli wasn’t realizing that he was washing the same dish for the past five minutes, but he was deep in thought. Upon his arriving in Equestria, he felt the dread of spending his life preparing for something that would never be. However, after meeting the Equestrian inhabitants and the members of Lamss, he felt it was all for the better. He could’ve been stuck working his drafting job in New York day to day for the rest of his life, surrounded by boring people in boring settings forever.

Not anymore. Everyone and everypony was kind, supportive, and were all around wonderful to be around. Eli couldn’t help but be in a constant state of elation in this place. Even though his role as Guardian of Equestria was over, he had a new Equestria to guard. No matter how vague this threat seemed to him, he still felt like he had a purpose being here, adding to his happines-

“-tupid!” yelled Alex as he lightly punched Eli’s shoulder. “You’ve been washing the same dish for the last four minutes or so.” Eli sheepishly dried the dish and put it in the drying rack.

____________________________________

As Alex and Eli walked down the ramp to the ground, it had just occurred to Alex.

“I don’t think we dueled Fluttershy or Sweetie Belle yet,” he mumbled.

“I’m sorry,” asked Fluttershy, seeing them out. “Did you call me?”

“I don’t think we dueled you guys yet,” said Alex.

“You know come to think of it, you’re right.”

“Yeah!” called Sweetie Belle running down the ramp with her duel disk. “Let’s go!”

“Now Sweetie Belle…” reasoned Fluttershy quietly.

“I heard you guys dueled my sister earlier,” said Alex.

“Yes,” confirmed Fluttershy.

“So what’s wrong with us? We don’t bite.”

“…hard,” chimed in Eli.

Fluttershy looked back at Sweetie Belle, who had an adamant look of excitement on her face.

“I guess there’s no helping it,” said Fluttershy.

She then flew up to the clubhouse and put her duel disk on. Meanwhile, Alex and Sweetie Belle decided to be the first to face each other for the standard relay match.

“Good luck!” yelled Scootaloo and Apple Bloom to Sweetie Belle.

Alex and Sweetie Belle unsheathed their duel disks and drew five cards from their deck.

“DUEL!” they both yelled.

Sweetie Belle and Fluttershy vs. Alex and Eli

Round 1: Sweetie Belle vs. Alex

Sweetie Belle’s Turn: Sweetie Belle activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, she special summons Fabled Soulkius from her graveyard by discarding 2 cards from her hand (ATK: 2200 DEF: 2100). When The Fabled Ganashia is discarded to the graveyard, she can special summon it and it gains 200 ATK (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1000) (ATK: 1600 -> 1800). Then, she activates the effect of her Fabled Krus from the graveyard. When it’s discarded, she can choose one Fabled monster in her graveyard and special summon it, choosing The Fabled Chawa (ATK: 200 DEF: 100). Sweetie Belle tunes Fabled Soulkius and The Fabled Ganashia with the Fabled Chawa to synchro summon Fabled Leviathan (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2000).

Sweetie Belle places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Come on!” called Sweetie Belle. “Summon your Number!”

Alex was shocked at what he was hearing. He knew that she didn’t have a Number on her, and summoning his would be unfair to her. If he was going to win this duel, he would win it on the same grounds as his opponent.

“How’s this?” he yelled.

____________________________________

Alex’s Turn: Alex activates Hieratic Seal of Supremacy, special summoning a Hieratic monster from his hand, choosing Hieratic Dragon of Asar (ATK: 2600 DEF: 700). Next, he normal summons Dragunity Pilum (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1000). Alex tunes Hieratic Dragon of Asar with Dragunity Pilum to synchro summon Nero, the Dragon Warlord (ATK: 3200 DEF: 2800). Alex attacks Fabled Leviathan, but Sweetie Belle activates Draining Shield, negating the attack and increasing her life points by Nero, the Dragon Warlord’s ATK.

Sweetie Belle’s Life Points: 4000 -> 7200

Alex places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“What are you doing?” asked Sweetie Belle. "I told you to summon a Number."

“No!” yelled Alex. “I could never respect myself as a duelist fighting on uneven ground as my opponent. I’m fighting this duel with my monsters and my monsters alone!”

“Fine,” growled Sweetie Belle, “then I’ll make you summon it.”

____________________________________

Sweetie Belle’s Turn: Sweetie Belle equips Fabled Leviathan with Elf’s Light, increasing its ATK by 400, and decreasing its DEF by 200 (ATK: 3000 -> 3400, DEF: 2000 -> 1800). Sweetie Belle attacks Nero, the Dragon Warlord. Nero, the Dragon Warlord can’t be destroyed by battle. Battle damage is applied normally.

Alex’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3800

Sweetie Belle places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-7200 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Alex’s Turn: Alex activates Block Attack, switching Fabled Leviathan into defense position. Alex attacks Fabled Leviathan with Nero, the Dragon Warlord. Nero, the Dragon Warlord can inflict piercing damage. Sweetie Belle activates Rainbow Life, discarding one card to gain life points in place of damage that she took this turn.

Sweetie Belle’s Life Points: 7200 -> 8600

Sweetie Belle activates The Fabled Peggulsus’s effect. When discarded to the graveyard, she can special summon it face down on her side of the field. Also, when Fabled Leviathan is destroyed, Sweetie Belle can add up to 3 Fabled monsters from her graveyard to her hand, choosing 2. With Nero, the Dragon Warlord’s effect, for every 1000 points of damage it inflicts through battle at the end of the battle phase, Alex draws 1 card (1). Alex summons one monster face down.

Alex places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-3800 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-3

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“I gave you a chance,” said Sweetie Belle. “Now, you don’t give me a choice.”

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Sweetie Belle: Sweetie Belle tribute summons her face down The Fabled Peggulsus to summon Fabled Dianaira (ATK: 2800 DEF: 100). Next, she discards 2 cards in her hand to special summon Fabled Soulkius from the graveyard again. Sweetie Belle equips Fabled Dianaira with Big Bang Shot, increasing its ATK by 400 (ATK: 2800 -> 3200) and giving it the effect of piercing damage. Sweetie Belle attacks Alex’s face down monster, which is a Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb (ATK: 1800 DEF: 400), but Alex activates Invincible Hero, preventing its destruction. Damage is applied normally.

Alex’s Life Points: 3800 -> 1000

Sweetie Belle ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-8600 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

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“Come on, man!” yelled Eli. “Don’t screw us over!”

Alex laid on the ground contemplating Sweetie Belle’s prowess. She’s already taken 3000 of my life points while she’s doubled hers. Maybe I should summon my Number. Her skills seem to be on that level.

“Alex!” called a familiar voice.

Alex got up and saw Rainbow Dash and Gilda waving from the sidelines.

“Rainbow Dash,” called Alex. “Gilda. What are you doing here?”

“I promised Scootaloo a duel,” said Rainbow. “How are you doing? Not so hot I see.”

“Don’t worry. As long as you’re around, I’m always fired up.”

“Does this mean you’ll summon your Number?” asked Sweetie Belle encouragingly.

“Eh, I’ll think about it.”

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Alex’s Turn: Alex activates his trap Jar of Greed, drawing 1 card. Next, he special summons Hieratic Dragon of Su from his hand by tributing Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1000). When Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb is tributed, Alex can special summon a Hieratic monster from his deck, choosing Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Next, he normal summons Hieratic Dragon of Eset without tributes, which makes its ATK 1000 (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1200) (ATK: 1900 -> 1000). Alex activates Hieratic Dragon of Eset’s effect. He can target one normal Hieratic monster on the field and makes all face up Hieratic monsters the same level as the targeted monster, choosing Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord (Lvl.: 6 -> 8) (Lvl.: 5 -> 8). Alex overlays Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord and Hieratic Dragon of Eset to xyz summon Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2400).

Alex activates Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis’ effect. By detaching 1 xyz material and tributing a number of monsters on his field or in his hand, he can destroy a number of cards up to the number of cards tributed by this effect. Alex tributes Hieratic Dragon of Su to destroy Fabled Dianaira, which is then removed from play because of Big Bang Shot’s effect. When Hieratic Dragon of Su is tributed, Alex can special summon a dragon type normal monster from his deck and its ATK and DEF becoming 0, choosing another Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord. Alex then attacks Fabled Soulkius with Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis.

Sweetie Belle’s Life Points: 8600 -> 8000

Alex then attacks Sweetie Belle directly with Nero, the Dragon Warlord.

Sweetie Belle’s Life Points: 8000 -> 4800

With Nero, the Dragon Warlord’s effect, for every 1000 points of damage it inflicts through battle at the end of the battle phase, Alex draws 1 card (3). Alex activates Double Summon, summoning Dragunity Aklys (ATK: 1000 DEF: 800). Alex tunes Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord with Dragunity Aklys to synchro summon Vergil, the Griffin Warlock (ATK: 2800 DEF: 3200).

Alex ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-1000 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-1

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Rainbow Dash, Gilda, and Eli cheered to see more of Alex’s well-played strategies.

“You see,” said Alex. “I don’t always need Numbers to duel, and you should realize that, Sweetie. A true duelist relies on his own strength first, and only seeks extra help when absolutely necessary.”

“Alex,” whispered Sweetie Belle.

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Sweetie Belle’s Turn: Sweetie Belle activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Fabled Dianaira, but Alex activates Solemn Judgment, paying half of his life points to negate the special summoning of a monster and destroy it.

Alex’s Life Points: 1000 -> 500

Sweetie Belle places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4800 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-1

Alex’s Turn: Alex places 1 card face down. Next, he summons Dragunity Tribus (ATK: 500 DEF: 300). Alex activates Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis’ effect, detaching 1 xyz material and tributing Dragunity Tribus to destroy Sweetie Belle’s face down card. Alex attacks Sweetie Belle directly with Nero, the Dragon Warlord.

Sweetie Belle’s Life Points: 4800 -> 1600

Alex attacks Sweetie Belle directly with Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis.

Sweetie Belle’s Life Points: 1600 -> 0

With Nero, the Dragon Warlord’s effect, for every 1000 points of damage it inflicts through battle at the end of the battle phase, Alex draws 1 card (3).

Alex wins the round.

Status: Hand-3 Life-500 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-1

Fluttershy will switch places with Sweetie Belle, who will pass nothing on to her.

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“Wow,” screamed Scootaloo and Apple Bloom as Sweetie Belle came back. “You were so good!”

“What are you talking about?” asked Sweetie Belle sadly. “I lost.”

“Are you kidding?” asked Apple Bloom. “It takes a lot of guts to bring Alex’s life points to 500 like that.”

“You really mean it?”

“Of course!” chirped Scootaloo.

“Aww, I love you two so much,” said Sweetie Belle, hugging her friends.

Fluttershy was already prepared to face Alex, but she just wanted to see the girls happy before she could go.

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Round 2: Fluttershy vs. Alex

Fluttershy’s Turn: Fluttershy summons one monster face down.

Fluttershy places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Alright Eli,” said Alex to himself. “I’m passing the baton now. But let’s deal some damage while we’re at it.”

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Alex’s Turn: Alex attacks Fluttershy’s face down monster with Nero, the Dragon Warlord. Fluttershy’s face down card is Naturia Beans (ATK: 100 DEF: 1200). Nero, the Dragon Warlord inflicts piercing damage.

Fluttershy’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2000

Once per turn, Naturia Beans can’t be destroyed by battle. When Naturia Beans is chosen as an attack target, Alex takes 500 points of damage.

Alex’s Life Points: 500 -> 0

Fluttershy wins the round.

Status: Switched

Eli will switch with Alex, who will pass Nero, the Dragon Warlord, Vergil, the Griffin Warlock, Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis, and his face down card on to him.

____________________________________

Alex ran and sat next to Rainbow Dash. He pounded her hoof with his fist and she rubbed his scalp with her hoof. It was all up to Eli now, and Alex was going to see what he would make of the situation.

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Final Round: Fluttershy vs. Eli

Fluttershy’s Turn: Fluttershy activates Lightning Vortex, discarding one card to destroy all monsters that Eli controls. Next, she tributes Naturia Beans to summon Naturia Bamboo Shoot (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000). Fluttershy attacks Eli directly. Because of Naturia Bamboo Shoot’s effect, because it was tribute summoned with a Naturia monster, Eli cannot activate spell or trap cards.

Eli’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2000

Fluttershy places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-2000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-3

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Eli knew that Fluttershy was anticipating a Number, but after seeing the way Alex dueled, he couldn’t feel comfortable doing the same.

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Eli’s Turn: Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Urnight (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Eli activates Koa’ki Meiru Urknight’s effect. By revealing an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand, he can special summon a Koa’ki Meiru monster from his deck, choosing Koa’ki Meiru Gravirose (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1300). Eli attacks Naturia Bamboo Shoot with Koa’ki Meiru Urnight. Since they both have the same ATK, Koa’ki Meiru Urnight and Naturia Bamboo Shoot are both destroyed. Fluttershy activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards if a monster she controls is destroyed.

Eli activates his Double Summon, tributing Koa’ki Meiru Gravirose to summon Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2200). When Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord is normal summoned, Eli can remove a Koa’ki Meiru card in his graveyard from play to destroy up to 2 cards his opponent controls, choosing Fluttershy’s face down cards. Eli attacks Fluttershy directly, but Fluttershy activates The High Priestess’ Staff from her hand, negating the attack, ending the battle phase and inflicting 500 points of damage to Eli.

Eli’s Life Points: 2000 -> 1500

Eli ends his turn. During the end phase, Eli must reveal a Warrior-type monster in his hand, send an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru to the graveyard, or destroy Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord. Eli destroys Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord.

Status: Hand-3 Life-1500 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-1

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“Holy shit!” said Alex seeing Eli leave his defenses wide open. “Eli, I swear to God…”

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Fluttershy’s Turn: Fluttershy activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Fluttershy then activates her Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, she activates her spell card Extra-Health, sending up to 2 cards from her extra deck to her graveyard and gaining 1000 life points for each, choosing Naturia Barkion and Naturia Beast.

Fluttershy’s Life Points: 2000 -> 4000

Fluttershy then activates Miracle Synchro Fusion, removing Naturia Barkion and Naturia Beast in her graveyard from play to fusion summon Naturia Exterio (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2400). Fluttershy attacks Eli directly, but Eli activates the effect of Koa’ki Meiru Maximus from his hand, discarding an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru to special summon it from his hand (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500). Fluttershy halts her attack. Fluttershy then activates D.D.R. - Different Dimension Reincarnation, discarding one card to special summon 1 monster from her banished zone, choosing Naturia Barkion (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1800). Fluttershy then activates Dragon’s Gunfire, inflicting 800 points of damage to Eli.

Eli’s Life Points: 1500 -> 700

Fluttershy places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Alex took a disjointed sigh of relief. He knew that Eli was safe for now, but Fluttershy had her two best monsters on the field, and Eli was soon to be going up a river without a paddle.

“Come on, Eli,” quietly prayed Alex. “Come on, come on.”

____________________________________

Eli’s Turn: Eli then activates Koa’ki Meiru Maximus’ effect, destroying one card on the field, choosing Naturia Exterio. Eli then activates his Monster Reborn, special summoning Vergil, the Griffon Warlock from his graveyard. Eli attacks Naturia Barkion with Vergil, the Griffon Warlock.

Fluttershy’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3700

Eli activates his trap Xyz Reborn, special summoning Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis from the graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn to it as xyz material. Eli activates Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis’ effect, detaching 1 xyz material and tributing Koa’ki Meiru Maximus to destroy Fluttershy’s face down card.

Eli ends his turn

Status: Hand-1 Life-700 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

Fluttershy’s Turn: Fluttershy ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-3700 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-0

____________________________________

“I just wanted to let you know,” said Fluttershy, “I had a lot of fun playing with you.”

“Yeah,” responded Eli. “Me too.”

He then considered the strong amount of force he would attack Fluttershy with. “Ready for this?”

Fluttershy stood in a firm stance, ready to brace herself. “Bring it,” she demaded.

____________________________________

Eli’s Turn: Eli attacks Fluttershy directly with Vergil, the Griffin Warlock.

Fluttershy’s Life Points: 3700 -> 900

Eli attacks Fluttershy directly with Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis.

Fluttershy’s Life Points: 900 -> 0

Eli wins the round.

Alex and Eli win the match.

Alex and Eli helped Fluttershy up, who still couldn’t help but be swept off of her hooves by the sheer strength of the last barrage of attacks.

“Well that was pleasant,” said Eli. “I’d like to thank you for dinner, and we’ll…” he looked at Rainbow Dash and Gilda who were talking to Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. “…be staying around to watch them duel.”

“Okay,” said Fluttershy. Alex, Eli, Fluttershy, and Sweetie Belle stood on the sidelines to watch Rainbow Dash and Gilda engage in a riding duel with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

____________________________________

From far away, Mark and Ryan had reunited with Chase and Diana for the first time since the beginning of the tournament. Mark was telling Chase and Diana about what they learned about Zelda earlier that day.

“Woah,” said Chase, excited. “You couldn’t even catch her, huh? Don’t worry. Me and Diana will get that bitch for you.”

He then ran off excitedly to hunt down his new prey. Diana slowly followed him.

Part 4: Darkness Falls - Chapter 25: Drowning My Fears

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Scott was being incredibly protective around Zelda now that he discovered that there was a bounty on her head. He knew that they were safe from Mark and Ryan for now, but he still had Chase and Diana to be concerned about. The fact that it was already nightfall and they haven’t seen a Bureau agent since Mark and Ryan was unsettling in of itself, as that meant they could strike at any time.

Otherwise, Scott and Zelda were doing quite well in the tournament together. From Zelda’s fighting spirit and dueling strategies, he could totally believe that she could be one of them: strong, fast, smart. All elements that he saw in Mark and Ryan. Since Scott and Zelda’s match with them, they were winning like crazy. Scott and Zelda would need those wins to prepare for the next match they were about to become involved in.

“I see them,” said Chase looking through the branches of the trees where he was hiding.

“Stand your ground,” said Diana. “We have to get them while the opportunity is right.”

“Fuck that,” said Chase.

He leapt from the tree towards Zelda. He brought his foot out to kick her, but Zelda with her reflexes was ready for him. She maneuvered around his foot effortlessly and forcefully punched Chase in the stomach. He looked hurt for a second as he tumbled to the ground, but got up again.

“Hoo hoo hoo,” giggled Chase, grabbing his stomach. “I actually forgot that we were dealing with one of our own.”

“I already said I’m not, you assholes,” growled Zelda.

Scott already had his duel disk on his wrist, ready to defend Zelda.

“Idiot,” said Diana, walking out of the forest they were in.

“Hey, at least I got her,” said Chase.

He then stepped aside to show the black light-like rope that wrapped around Zelda’s wrist. Zelda stood firm, knowing that this confrontation would come sooner or later.

“If you take her, you might as well take me too,” said Scott holding his wrist out.

“Very well,” said Diana with a smile.

She then roped Scott with a familiar black rope. Scott gasped at this.

“You take that off of him right now!” cried Zelda. “He’s innocent!”

“Innocent you say?” chided Chase. “You consider harboring a fugitive a sign of innocence? Hmph. Plus, once a black anchor is administered, there’s no changing it. But you know all about that, don’t you Ms. Queen?”

Chase began laughing again.

“Shut up!” yelled Zelda. “I’ll kick the shit out of you anytime, anyplace.”

“Great,” said Diana. “Then how about right now, right here.”

“Sounds good.”

Scott and Zelda both typed on their D-Pad tablets, and within a few seconds, two motorcycles, a white Triumph Speedmaster and a black Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic, rode up next to Scott and Zelda respectively.

“Oh, a riding duel,” said Chase with a smirk. “I haven’t done one of those in ages. I’ve always wanted to see what happens when a duelist dies behind the handlebars of their D-Wheel.”

“Oh, fuck you.” Said Scott, finally fed up with Chase’s harassing.

“You’re too kind.”

Chase then threw his D-Pad tablet on the ground where it lit brightly and morphed into a black Victory Cory Ness motorcycle. Diana threw her D-Pad tablet on the ground and it similarly morphed into a silver Hummer H2. Zelda had explained the flat-space technologies that she helped invent before to Scott, who still looked amazed at the sudden appearance of two large vehicles in front of him. The four duelists lined up at a spot outside of Ponyville. They then activated the Speed World 2 field spell. The countdown for the duel began.

10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

*BEEP*

The four duelists were off. Zelda’s Kawasaki was much faster than everyone else’s vehicle by far. Chase would not allow that. He made his duel anchor appear around Zelda and yanked it hard. Zelda was caught by surprise and started spinning out. Although she was well equipped with handling her bike and was able to maintain control again, she now lost her lead to Chase. Zelda seethed at this. As Chase took the first turn, he drew five cards from his deck.

“Enjoy this duel Zelda, because it will be your last.”

Zelda, Diana, and Scott drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Chase and Diana vs. Zelda and Scott

Chase’s Turn: C:1 Z:0 D:0 S:0 Chase summons one monster face down.

Chase places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Don’t bother pulling any surprises,” called Chase. “Mark and Ryan already reported your decks to us, and we know your strategies like the back of our hands.”

“Oh, do you?” queried Zelda.

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Zelda’s Turn: C:1 Z:1 D:0 S:0 Zelda summons Blackwing – Calima the Haze in defense position (ATK: 600 DEF: 1800). Zelda then special summons Blackwing – Bora the Spear from her hand, as she controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 1700 DEF: 800).

Zelda places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

Diana’s Turn: C:1 Z:1 D:1 S:0 Diana summons Amazoness Fighter (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300).

Diana places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Scott’s Turn: C:1 Z:1 D:1 S:1 Scott summons Vylon Charger (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000). Scott overlays Blackwing – Camila the Haze, Blackwing – Bora the Spear, and Vylon Charger to xyz summon Vylon Disigma (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2100). Scott attacks Chase’s face down monster, which was a Wind-Up Honeybee (ATK: 100 DEF: 300). When Wind-Up Honeybee is destroyed by battle, Chase can special summon a level 4 or lower Wind-Up monster from his deck, choosing Wind-Up Soldier in defense position (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1200).

Scott places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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Scott growled at knowing that Chase was right. He did know their strategies. Had Chase summoned Wind-Up Soldier in attack position, he would have used Vylon Disigma’s effect to equip Wind-Up Soldier to it, leaving him wide open and without a serviceable strategy. But now he was at Chase’s mercy, and knowing Chase, there would be no mercy at all.

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Chase’s Turn: C:2 Z:2 D:2 S:2 Chase activates his trap Zenmailstrom, tributing 1 Wind-Up monster on the field. Next, he can special summon a Wind-Up monster from his hand, choosing Wind-Up Magician (ATK: 600 DEF: 1800). Also, he can special summon a Wind-Up monster from his deck with the same ATK as the monster he tributed, choosing Wind-Up Knight (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1200). Next, Chase special summons Wind-Up Shark from his hand, as a Wind-Up monster was just special summoned (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). Chase then activates Wind-Up Magician’s effect, special summoning a level 4 or lower Wind-Up monster from his deck, as a Wind-Up monster’s effect was activated, choosing Wind-Up Juggler (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1000). Next, Chase normal summons Wind-Up Warrior (ATK: 1200 DEF: 1800). Chase overlays Wind-Up Magician and Wind-Up Shark to xyz summon Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500).

Next, Chase overlays Wind-Up Warrior, Wind-Up Knight, and Wind-Up Juggler to xyz summon Number 194: Black Hole Sun (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000). Chase activates Number 194: Black Hole Sun’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can remove all xyz materials from all other xyz monsters on the field (5). Then, he can target one monster on the field and decrease its ATK by 1000 for each xyz material attached to it (ATK: 2500 -> 0). If a monster’s ATK is brought to 0 by this effect, the monster is destroyed and Chase can destroy up to 2 cards on the field, choosing one of Zelda’s face down cards and one of Scott’s face down cards. Chase attacks Scott and Zelda directly with Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis.

Scott and Zelda’s Life Points: 8000 -> 6000

Chase then attacks Zelda and Scott directly with Number 194: Black Hole Sun.

Scott and Zelda’s Life Points: 6000 -> 3000

Chase ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

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Zelda was undeniably winded from the attack, but she still kept her composure and was ready to continue onwards.

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Zelda’s Turn: C:3 Z:3 D:3 S:3 Zelda activates the speed spell Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. Zelda summons Blackwing – Sirocco the Dawn without tributes, as her opponent controls a monster while she doesn’t (ATK: 2000 DEF: 900). Next, she special summons Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind, as she controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 1300 DEF: 400). Zelda activates her trap Delta Crow – Anti Reverse destroying all face down spell and trap cards her opponent controls when she controls a Blackwing monster.

Zelda then activates Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind’s effect, halving the ATK and DEF of a monster her opponent controls, choosing Number 194: Black Hole Sun (ATK: 3000 -> 1500, DEF: 3000 -> 1500). Zelda tunes Blackwing – Sirocco the Dawn and Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind to synchro summon Black-Winged Dragon (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1600). Zelda attacks Number 194: Black Hole Sun with Black-Winged Dragon. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 194: Black Hole Sun is not destroyed. Battle damage is applied normally.

Chase and Diana’s Life Points: 8000 -> 6700

Zelda places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-3000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Black-Winged Dragon?” asked Chase angrily.

“You didn’t expect that monster in there didn’t you?” chided Zelda. “It’s not labeled as a Blackwing so you didn’t expect it. I guess I do still have that Vegas spirit in me.”

Chase’s face convulsed with anger.

“Take that thing down!” yelled Chase.

Diana nodded.

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Diana’s Turn: C:4 Z:4 D:4 S:4 Diana summons Harpie Lady 3 (ATK: 1300 DEF: 1400). Diana overlays Harpie Lady 3 and Amazoness Fighter to xyz summon Number 123: Serpentine Wings (ATK: 1900 DEF: 2000). Diana activates her speed spell Speed Energy, increasing Number 123: Serpentine Wings’ ATK by 200 for each speed counter that she has (200 x 4 = 800, ATK: 1900 -> 2700).

Diana then activates Speed World 2’s effect. By removing 4 speed counters (SpC.: 4 -> 0), she can inflict 800 points of damage to Zelda and Scott for each spell card in her hand. She has one. With Black-Winged Dragon’s effect, if Zelda would take effect damage, a Feather counter is placed on it instead and it loses 700 ATK (FeC.: 0 -> 1) (ATK: 2800 -> 2100). Diana then activates Number 123: Serpentine Wings’ effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from this card, the activation of all spell, trap, and monster effects on the field are negated when this card attacks. Diana attacks Black-Winged Dragon with Number 123: Serpentine Wings.

Zelda and Scott’s Life Points: 3000 -> 2400

Diana ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-6700 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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“Don’t worry, Zelda,” said Scott. “I’m not letting your Dragon’s destruction be in vain.”

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Scott’s Turn: C:5 Z:5 D:1 S:5 Scott activates his Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. Then, he activates the speed spell Summon Speeder, special summoning Vylon Prism (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1500). Scott then normal summons Vylon Hapt (ATK: 1800 DEF: 800). Scott tunes Vylon Hapt with Vylon Prism to synchro summon Vylon Epsilon (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1200).

Scott then activates his trap Call of the Haunted, special summoning Black-Winged Dragon from his and Zelda’s graveyard. Scott overlays Black-Winged Dragon and Vylon Epsilon to xyz summon Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ (ATK: 3400 DEF: 2500). Scott activates Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ’s effect. By detaching one xyz material, Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ’s ATK increases by 100 times the rank of every xyz monster on the field excluding its own (100 x (4 + 4 + 4) = 1200, ATK: 3400 -> 4600). Scott attacks Number 194: Black Hole Sun with Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ.

Chase and Diana’s Life Points: 6700 -> 3600

Chase activates his Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards if a monster he controls was destroyed.

Scott places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-2400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“No,” whispered Chase. “I will not be defeated by a traitorous bitch like you!” he finally yelled.

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Chase’s Turn: C:6 Z:6 D:2 S:6 Chase summons Wind-Up Dog (ATK: 1200 DEF: 900). Chase special summons another Wind-Up Shark from his hand. Chase activates Wind-Up Dog’s effect, increasing its level by 2 and its ATK by 600 (Lvl.: 3 -> 5) (ATK: 1200 -> 1800). Chase then activates Wind-Up Shark’s effect, increasing its level by 1 (Lvl.: 4 -> 5). Chase overlays Wind-Up Dog and Wind-Up Shark to xyz summon Number 12: Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1700). Chase then activates the speed spell Half Seize, halving the ATK of a monster on the field and gaining life points equal to that amount, choosing Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ (ATK: 3400 -> 1700).

Chase and Diana’s Life Points: 3600 -> 5300

Chase attacks Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ with Number 12: Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja, but Scott activates Gift of the Mystical Elf, increasing his life points by 300 for every monster on the field before the attack hits (300 x 3 = 900).

Zelda and Scott’s Life Points: 2400 -> 3300

Zelda and Scott’s Life Points: 3300 -> 2600

Chase then attacks Zelda and Scott directly with Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis.

Zelda and Scott’s Life Points: 2600 -> 600

Chase activates Speed World 2’s effect. By removing 4 speed counters (SpC.: 6 -> 2), he can inflict 800 points of damage for each speed spell in his hand. He has 2. Zelda then activates Immortal Dragon, special summoning Black-Winged Dragon from her graveyard. With Black-Winged Dragon’s effect, if Zelda would take effect damage, a Feather counter is placed on it instead and it loses 700 ATK (FeC.: 0 -> 1) (ATK: 2800 -> 2100).

Chase ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-5300 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

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“And I will not be defeated by the likes of you,” said Zelda. “I have too much riding on this duel to let you take it away from me.”

“Your life is meaningless!” yelled Chase. “Once this duel is over, you will burn in hell and that will be the end of that!”

“Who said I was fighting this duel for me?”

“What?”

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Zelda’s Turn: C:3 Z:7 D:3 S:7 Zelda activates another Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. Zelda activates the effect of Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor from her graveyard, removing it and a non-tuner Blackwing monster in her graveyard from play to special summon a Blackwing synchro monster from her extra deck, removing it and Blackwing – Elphin the Raven to special summon Blackwing Armor Master (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1500). Zelda then activates the effect of Black-Winged Dragon, removing all Feather counters from it (ATK: 2100 -> 2800) and lowering an opponent’s monster’s ATK by 700 for each Feather counter removed, choosing Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis (ATK: 2000 -> 1300). Zelda’s opponent also takes damage equal to the ATK lost by this effect.

Chase and Diana’s Life Points: 5300 -> 4600

Zelda then activates the speed spell Silver Contrails, increasing a monster’s ATK by 1000, choosing Black-Winged Dragon (ATK: 2800 -> 3800). Zelda attacks Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis with Blackwing Armor Master. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis is not destroyed. Battle damage is applied normally.

Chase and Diana’s Life Points: 4600 -> 3400

When Blackwing Armor Master attacks a monster a Wedge counter is placed on it. Zelda then removes this counter, having Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ ATK become 0 (ATK: 1300 -> 0). Zelda attacks Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis with Black-Winged Dragon.

Chase and Diana’s Life Points: 3400 -> 0

Zelda and Scott win.

Chase crashed his D-Wheel, tumbling to the ground. Diana drove up next to him to see if he was alright. Zelda and Scott used this opportunity to ride away. They were also relieved to know that even after driving away, the duel anchors were not attached to them anymore and they were free. Upon parking their D-Wheels back at the theater, Zelda hugged Scott.

“I’m so sorry I had to get you involved in that,” she said with sadness in her voice.

“I already told you, we’re in this together,” said Scott. “If I have to risk my life to protect you, then so be it. Plus, we’re through having to battle anymore Vegas members. We can at least find comfort in that.”

“Yeah,” said Zelda, unsure of herself.

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“Princess Celestia!” yelled one of the royal guards in the Canterlot palace.

“What is it?” she responded.

“We have gotten reports of a breaking of rule 13 subrules IX and X.”

“So? Disqualify them already.”

“That’s just it, your majesty. Whenever we try to ban them from the tournament, I keep getting this error message.”

Princess Celestia looked at the royal guard’s D-Pad tablet and saw an incomprehensible arrangement of letters and strange symbols.

“Here let me try,” she said taking the tablet.

She saw that Diana and Chase had committed these crimes. Princess Celestia then tapped a button on the screen that spelt DISQUALIFY. She then got a message saying ARE YOU SURE? ONCE A DUELIST IS BANNED, THIS CANNOT BE REVERSED. CONTINUE? She tapped the button that said YES. As before, the same error screen showed up. Whatever the situation was, it seemed the Vegas Bureau was impervious to disqualification.

“Just who are you?” whispered Celestia to herself.

Chapter 26: Snake Eyes

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Cont. from Twilight Sparkle and Zecora vs. Flim and Flam

Twilight’s Turn: Twilight Sparkle activates her trap Xyz Reborn, special summoning Number 7: Lucky Straight and attaching Xyz Reborn as xyz material (ATK: 700 DEF: 700). Twilight activates Number 7: Lucky Straight’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, she can roll a die twice. The results are 1 and 6. Number 7: Lucky Straight’s ATK becomes 700 x the highest result until the opponent’s next end phase (6) (ATK: 700 x 6 = 4200). Also, since the sum of the results equals 7, Twilight can choose one of its 3 effects. She chooses the first one, sending all other cards to the graveyard. Twilight attacks Flim and Flam directly.

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 4100 -> 0

Twilight Sparkle and Zecora win.

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Following Twilight and Zecora’s duel, they headed back to Zecora’s hut for some tea. As the day wore on, the effects of staying up for such an extended period of time was proving to be too much for Twilight and Zecora. This was probably be the hard part of the preliminaries: not only staying up until midnight, but making sure that you could still think clearly and duel well despite your exhaustion. Zecora decided to brew her strongest blend of tea to ensure that they wouldn’t succumb. Once their tea was steeped, the two mares sipped from their cups. Twilight and Zecora suddenly felt new life. Twilight, however, still looked depressed.

“Why so glum, Twilight? Are you not alright?” rhymed Zecora.

“Well, I’m glad we’re doing well in the preliminaries and all,” responded Twilight, “but there’s somepony who I’ve been dying to duel, and I don’t think I’m going to find him now.”

“It’s your friend, Orion, is it not? Like us, he’s busy giving it all that he’s got.”

“How did-?”

“You are not a difficult pony to read, you know. His very presence brightens your heart aglow. But if it’s your friend that you want to find, all you must do is look behind.”

Twilight instinctively looked behind her to see none other than Orion halfway in the entrance to Zecora’s hut with Helena right behind him. Twilight jumped and squealed with joy as she ran towards her friend and gave him a big hug.

“How did you find us?” asked Twilight?

“I had Spike send a letter sometime around 8,” began Zecora, “and told them to come and not be late.”

“I’ll say,” said Twilight, still happy to be by her friend. “Your timing couldn’t have been more perfect.”

“It’s good to see you too, Twilight,” said Helena awkwardly.

“Oh right,” said Twilight, embarrassed.

She gave her a hug too; not nearly as tenderly as she gave Orion, but still tender nonetheless.

“The night is young, the moon’s in bloom,” chanted Zecora, “you have now come to face your doom. You will not defeat us, you fool. Orion and Helena, we challenge you to a duel!”

“Well, that was a tad dramatic,” quipped Helena.

“She likes to do that,” responded Orion.

____________________________________

The four duelists walked outside the hut and spread far apart to face each other.

“Remember,” said Twilight, “no holding back.”

“I wouldn’t give you the satisfaction,” said Orion.

“Good,” said Twilight, smirking.

She and Zecora unsheathed their duel disks while Zecora drew five cards and stepped forward. Orion transformed his wand into his duel disk as he watched Helena take her spot as the first duelist up. Helena’s gauntlet appeared on her arm with the feather wrapped pod on the wrist. A silver arm extended from the gauntlet, catching the pod and causing the feathery zones to unfurl from the duel disk, putting it in its duel disk mode. Twilight had never seen this before and she was undoubtedly surprised. Helena drew five cards from her deck.

“DUEL!” yelled Zecora and Helena.

Helena and Orion vs. Zecora and Twilight Sparkle

Round 1: Helena vs. Zecora

Helena’s Turn: Helena special summons Photon Thrasher, as she controls no monsters (ATK: 2100 DEF: 0). Helena then summons Photon Circle (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000). Helena overlays Photon Thrasher and Photon Circle to xyz summon Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1800).

Helena places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“I hear your dragon is very scary,” said Zecora, “so I should be careful and wary. But I will find, through and through, a method on how to defeat you.”

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Zecora’s Turn: Zecora activates the field spell Necrovalley, having the cards in both players graveyard to be unaffected by card effects. Zecora activates then activates Dark World Dealings. Having each player draw 1 card and then discard one. Zecora summons one monster face down.

Zecora places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Such big talk for someone who summons monsters face down,” scolded Helena. “If you want to have any chances of defeating me, you better get on the offensive.”

“You seem to taunt your opponents a lot,” responded Zecora. “If you really think you’re better, then take your best shot.”

“Gladly.”

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Helena’s Turn: Helena summons Photon Sabre Tiger (ATK: 2000 DEF: 800). When Photon Sabre Tiger is normal summoned, Helena can add another Photon Sabre Tiger from her deck to her hand. If Helena doesn’t control another Photon Sabre Tiger, it loses 800 ATK (ATK: 2000 -> 1200). Helena activates Photon Lead, special summoning a level 4 or lower LIGHT monster from her hand, choosing another Photon Sabre Tiger (ATK: 1200 -> 2000). Helena tributes both Photon Sabre Tigers to special summon Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon (AT: 3000 DEF: 2500).

Helena activates Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material when she has no cards in her hand, she can draw 5 cards. Helena attacks Zecora’s face down monster with Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina, which was a Gravekeeper’s Spy (ATK: 1200 DEF: 2000). With Necrovalley’s effect, all Gravekeeper’s monsters gain 500 ATK and DEF (ATK: 1200 -> 1700, DEF: 2000 -> 2500). Gravekeeper’s Spy’s DEF is higher than Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina’s.

Helena’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3800

When Gravekeeper’s Spy is flip summoned, Zecora can special summon 1 Gravekeeper’s monster with 1500 or less ATK from her deck, choosing Gravekeeper’s Cannonholder in defense position (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1200) (ATK: 1400 -> 1900, DEF: 1200 -> 1700). Helena attacks Gravekeeper’s Cannonholder with Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon.

Helena ends her turn.

Status: Hand-5 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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“And I thought your dragon was full of power,” said Zecora, “but it seems your strategies have gone sour, as you have taken damage while I’ve taken none, but don’t hold your breath, because there’s more where that came from.”

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Zecora’s Turn: Zecora activates the trap Rite of Spirit, special summoning a Gravekeeper’s monster from the graveyard, choosing Gravekeeper’s Visionary (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1800) (ATK: 2000 -> 2500, DEF: 1800 -> 2300). Zecora activates Star Changer, reducing Gravekeeper’s Visionary by 1 (Lvl.: 8 -> 7). Zecora then activates Xyz Plant, having it become a monster with the same level as a monster on her field, choosing Gravekeeper’s Visionary. Zecora overlays Gravekeeper’s Visionary and Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 11: Big Eye (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2000).

Zecora activates Number 11: Big Eye’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Zecora can take control of monster her opponent controls, choosing Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. If Zecora activates this effect, Number 11: Big Eye can’t attack. Zecora switches Gravekeeper’s Spy to attack position. Zecora attacks Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina with Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. Zecora activates Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s effect. When it battle’s a monster, Zecora can remove Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon and the monster it battles from play until the end of the battle phase. Zecora attacks Helena directly with Gravekeeper’s Spy.

Helena’s Life Points: 3800 -> 2100

At the end of the battle phase when Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon activates its effect, both it and the monster it battles returns to the field. If the monster Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon was an xyz monster that had xyz material attached to it, Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon gains 500 ATK for each xyz material attached to that monster (1) (ATK: 3000 -> 3500).

Zecora places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-1

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“You see what you are without your dragon, dear?” said Zecora. “You’re another duelist whose defeat is near. If you wish to survive my fatal blows…”

“Then you should shut up and let me go,” finished Helena, surprising Zecora.

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Helena’s Turn: Helena activates Photon Hurricane, sending a number of the opponent’s spell and trap cards to the hand up to the number of cards Helena has in her hand, including Necrovalley (ATK: 1700 -> 1200 DEF: 2500 -> 2000). Next, she summons Photon Lizard (ATK: 900 DEF: 1200). Then she activates Creature Swap, having her switch control of Photon Lizard with a monster that Zecora controls, choosing Number 11: Big Eye. Helena activates Number 11: Big Eye’s effect, detaching 1 xyz material from it to take control of a monster that Zecora controls, choosing Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. Helena attacks Gravekeeper’s Spy with Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon.

Zecora’s Life Points: 4000 -> 1700

Helena attacks Photon Lizard with Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina.

Zecora’s Life Points: 1700 -> 600

Helena ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-2100 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-2

Zecora’s Turn: Zecora places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-600 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-2

Helena’s Turn: Helena attacks Zecora directly with Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina.

Zecora’s Life Points: 600 -> 0

Helena wins the round.

Status: Hand-4 Life-2100 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-2

Twilight will switch with Zecora, who will pass her 2 face down cards on to her.

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Jeez, thought Helena. I still have more than half of my life points intact. I should let Orion have a turn shortly, especially when it’s with his friend.

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Round 2: Twilight Sparkle vs. Helena

Twilight’s Turn: Twilight activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Then she activates her trap Jar of Greed, drawing 1 card. Twilight activates the spell Giant Trunade, sending all spell and trap cards back to the owners’ hands. Next, she activates the spell Final Destiny, discarding 5 cards to destroy all cards on the field. Twilight summons one monster face down.

Twilight places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Helena’s Turn: Helena voluntarily switches with Orion before the draw phase, and will pass nothing on to him.

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Perfect timing, thought Helena.

She then walked to Orion and signaled him to take her place.

“What?” he asked, surprised. “But you still have-”

“I know,” interrupted Helena. “I may not have known that mare for as long as you have, but it seems to me you have a strong bond and rivalry with her. You deserve to take her on more than I do.”

Orion was touched by Helena’s generosity. “Okay, I’ll do it,” he said.

He ran out to face Twilight and drew five cards from his deck, plus another for his draw.

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Final Round: Orion vs. Twilight Sparkle

Orion’s Turn: Orion summons The Six Samurai – Nisashi (ATK: 1400 DEF: 700). Next, he special summons Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan from his hand, as he controls a Six Samurai monster (ATK: 1800 DEF: 500). Orion overlays The Six Samurai – Nisashi and Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan to xyz summon Number 39: Utopia (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000). Orion attacks Twilight’s face down monster, which was a Morphing Jar (ATK: 700 DEF: 600). When Morphing Jar is flip summoned, each player discards their entire hand and draws 5 cards.

Orion places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“And you’ve gotten better since we last came here, I pray?” asked Orion.

“Oh yes,” said Twilight. “Just you wait and see.”

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Twilight’s Turn: Twilight activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Gagaga Girl from her graveyard (ATK: 1000 DEF: 800). Next, she activates her face down, Call of the Haunted, special summoning Dark Magician from her graveyard (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2100). Then, she normal summons Gagaga Magician (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000). Twilight activates Gagaga Magician’s effect. Once per turn, Twilight can make Gagaga Magician’s level anything between 1 and 8, choosing 7. Twilight then activates Gagaga Girl’s effect. She can target one Gagaga Magician and have Gagaga Girl’s level become the same as it (Lvl.: 3 -> 7). Twilight overlays Gagaga Magician, Gagaga Girl, and Dark Magician to xyz summon Number 7: Lucky Straight (ATK: 700 DEF: 700).

Twilight activates Number 7: Lucky Straight’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from this card, she can roll a die twice and multiply Number 7: Lucky Straight’s ATK by the highest amount. The results are 2 and 3 (ATK: 700 x 3 = 2100). Twilight activates Number 7: Lucky Straight’s effect again. The results are a 3 and a 4 (ATK: 700 x 4 = 2800). Because the two rolls add to 7, Twilight can activate one of its 3 effects. She chooses the second one, special summoning a monster from either players’ graveyards, and she chooses her Dark Magician. Twilight then equips Dark Magician with Bound Wand, increasing its ATK by 100 times its level (100 x 7 = 700, ATK: 2500 -> 3200).

Twilight attacks Number 39: Utopia with Number 7: Lucky Straight, but Orion activates Number 39: Utopia’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can negate an attack. Twilight attacks Number 39: Utopia with Dark Magician. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 39: Utopia isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is still applied.

Orion’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3300

Twilight places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“You really have used my deck well,” said Orion. “I’m glad I chose you as its wielder.”

“Don’t go buttering me up,” chided Twilight. “I’m going to make this duel last as long as it has to.”

“You can certainly try,” whispered Orion.

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Orion’s Turn: Orion activates Gateway of the Six. Next, he summons The Six Samurai – Yariza (ATK: 1000 DEF: 500). When a Six Samurai monster is summoned, Orion can place 2 Bushido counters on it (BuC.: 0 -> 2). With The Six Samurai – Yariza’s effect, it can attack his opponent directly.

Twilight’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3000

Orion places 1 card face down and ends his turn. The Six Samurai – Yariza’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 1500 -> 1000). Also, Number 7: Lucky Straight’s ATK returns to normal.

Status: Hand-2 Life-3300 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

Twilight’s Turn: Twilight activates Number 7: Lucky Straight’s effect, detaching an xyz material from it and rolling a die twice. The results are 6 and 2. (ATK: 700 x 6 = 4200). Twilight attacks Number 39: Utopia with Number 7: Lucky Straight, but Orion activates Mirror Force, destroying all attack position monsters Twilight controls. When Bound Wand is equipped to a monster when sent to the graveyard, Twilight can special summon that monster from her graveyard. Twilight attacks The Six Samurai – Yariza with Dark Magician.

Orion’s Life Points: 3300 -> 1800

Twilight then activates Xyz Reborn, special summoning an xyz monster from her graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn as xyz material, choosing Number 7: Lucky Straight. Twilight activates Number 7: Lucky Straight’s effect, detaching an xyz material from it and rolling a die twice. The results are both 6. (ATK: 700 x 6 = 4200).

Twilight places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-2500 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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“Now for a little déjà vu,” said Orion.

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Orion’s Turn: Orion activates Backs Against the Wall, special summoning as many Six Samurai monsters from his graveyard as possible by reducing his life points to 100, summoning Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan, The Six Samurai – Yariza, and The Six Samurai – Kamon (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000) (BuC.: 2 -> 8).

Orion’s Life Points: 1800 -> 100

Orion activates his spell Six Strike – Triple Impact, destroying all set spell and trap cards that Twilight controls when he controls at least 3 Six Samurai monsters. Orion then removes 6 Bushido counters (8 -> 2) from Gateway of the Six to special summon a Shien effect monster from his graveyard, choosing Great Shogun Shien (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2400). Orion overlays Number 39: Utopia to chaos xyz summon Number C39: Utopia Ray (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000).

Orion activates Number C39: Utopia Ray’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK increases by 500 while a monster his opponent controls loses 1000. Orion activates this effect 2 times, raising Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK by 1000 and decreasing Number 7: Lucky Straight’s ATK by 2000 (ATK: 2500 -> 3500) (ATK: 4200 -> 2200). Orion then removes 2 Bushido counters (BuC.: 2 -> 0) from Gateway of the Six to increase Great Shogun Shien’s ATK by 500 until the end phase (ATK: 2500 -> 3000). Orion attacks Number 7: Lucky Straight with Number C39: Utopia Ray.

Twilight’s Life Points: 3000 ->1700

Orion attacks Dark Magician with Great Shogun Shien.

Twilight’s Life Points: 1700 -> 1200

Orion then attacks Twilight directly with The Six Samurai – Kamon.

Twilight’s Life Points: 1200 -> 0

Orion wins the round.

Helena and Orion win the match.

“Aww, I was hoping for that to go on longer,” said Twilight happily.

“Me too,” said Orion.

“So is this goodbye then?” she asked.

Helena took a big yawn.

“You seem to be sleepy, I see,” said Zecora. “Would you care to join us for a cup of tea?”

“Tea sounds great,” said Helena, still weary from lack of sleep.

“Well come inside, my bipedal guests, for a cup of tea to cease your rest.”

“Do you have any of ‘your blend’ by chance?” asked Twilight to Orion.

Orion took a cylindrical tin from his backpack and shook it, revealing the sound of dried leaves and berries. Twilight clapped her hooves happily as the door behind them shut.

Chapter 27: Promised Match

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Maddie and Charley were sitting under a tree by the Highland Reservoir enjoying a thermos of soup provided by Fluttershy. The soup was thick and warm enough to fill them up and have the energy required to stay up for the last couple of hours of the preliminaries. Plus, they were waiting for someone.

It had already been about 20 minutes after Charley and Maddie finished their soup, but they were still waiting. Finally, a pegasus flew down from the side of the reservoir opposite where Charley and Maddie were. Another figure mysteriously appeared behind her. Charley and Maddie were expecting these two for some time now. It was Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart.

“So, you’ve come,” said Derpy Hooves.

“Of course,” said Charley. “You didn’t expect us to just chicken out now, did you?”

“I may not know you quite enough, but I would like to think that you’d accept a challenge when presented to you.”

“Then you know me quite well.”

“Listen,” said Maddie. “It will be midnight in a little more than an hour, so we should try and get this duel going before then.”

“Fussy,” giggled Little Strongheart. “Fine, enough banter. Let’s duel.”

Maddie, Charley, Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart unsheathed their duel disks and drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart vs. Maddie and Charley

Derpy Hooves’ Turn: Derpy Hooves activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, she special summons Doom Dozer from her hand by removing from play 2 Insect-type monsters from her graveyard (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2600). Then, she normal summons Chainsaw Insect (ATK: 2400 DEF: 0).

Derpy Hooves places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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“Shit,” said Maddie nonchalantly. “That’s some serious strength there… perfect.”

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Maddie’s Turn: Maddie special summons Medium of the Ice Barrier, as her opponent controls 4 more cards than she does (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1600). Maddie then normal summons Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000).

Maddie places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“It seems that what I thought was my field advantage turned out to be your field advantage,” said Derpy Hooves. “I’m impressed.”

“Don’t hold your breath,” said Little Strongheart. “It’s a little early to begin complementing our opponents. Especially since I still haven’t taken my first turn.”

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Little Strongheart’s Turn: Little Strongheart special summons Izanagi from her hand by removing a Spirit monster in her hand from play (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1100). Next, she tributes Izanagi and Chainsaw Insect to summon Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2900). Little Strongheart overlays Doom Dozer and Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi to xyz summon Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder (ATK: 1500 DEF: 2500).

Little Strongheart places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“I happen to know about your tendencies to, how do you say… fly off the handle,” said Derpy Hooves.

“So it’s going to take a lot more than brute force to defeat the likes of us,” finished Little Strongheart.

“Hmph,” snorted Charley with a sneer. “We’ll see.”

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Charley’s Turn: Charley summons Gishki Chain (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1000). When Gishki Chain is normal summoned, she can look at the top 3 cards of her deck. If there is a ritual monster or ritual spell card among them, she can reveal them to her opponent and add them to her hand. She draws an Evigishki Levianima, a Gishki Aquamirror, and Gishki’s Duplicate Soul Mirror and adds them to her hand. Charley activates her Gishki Aquamirror, tributing Gishki Chain and Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier to ritual summon Evigishki Levianima (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1500).

Charley attacks Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder with Evigishki Levianima. When Evigishki Levianima declares an attack, Charley can draw 1 card. If it is a Gishki monster, Charley can randomly look at one card in her opponents hand. She draws a Gishki Vision. Charley looks in Derpy’s hand. She has Ancient Rules in her hand. The attack continues. Since Numbers can only be destroyed by other Numbers, Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is applied normally.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 8000 -> 6800

Charley places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-5 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Really?” asked Derpy Hooves insultingly. “That’s the fruits of your brute force? I’ll be interested to see how little life points you’ll knock out on your next turn.”

“You are going to eat those words,” said Charley. “If not, I’ll shove them right down your throat.”

Derpy could tell that Charley was a mentally hardened woman when it came to dueling, but being mentally hardened and being a proficient duelist were two separate things. Charley’s threats didn’t faze her in the slightest.

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Derpy Hooves’ Turn: Derpy Hooves activates Card Destruction, having each player send their hands to the graveyard and draw cards equal to the amount they discarded. Derpy Hooves then special summons Aztekipede, the Worm Warrior from her hand by removing an Insect-type monster to the graveyard (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1400). Next, she normal summons Inzektor Hopper (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1400). Derpy Hooves overlays Aztekipede, the Worm Warrior and Inzektor Hopper to xyz summon Number 145: Hercules Warrior Beetle (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2500). Derpy Hooves attacks Medium of the Ice Barrier. Charley attempts to activate Negate Attack, but Little Strongheart activates Trap Jammer, negating and destroying Negate Attack. The attack goes through.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 8000 -> 7700

Derpy Hooves ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-6800 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Don’t worry, girl,” said Maddie to her partner. “I’ll take care of these clowns.” “Maddie,” said Charley a little angrily, “don’t insult the good name of clowns.” Maddie giggled. “My apologies.”

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Maddie’s Turn: Maddie activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier from her graveyard. Next, she normal summons Numbing Grub in the Ice Barrier (ATK: 1300 DEF: 1800). Maddie overlays Numbing Grub in the Ice Barrier and Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier to xyz summon Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1600). Maddie activates Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, she can have one player on the field draw cards until there are 5 in their hand. For every monster card drawn, 500 points of damage is inflicted. For every trap card drawn, 400 points of damage are inflicted. For every spell card drawn, 300 points of damage is inflicted. Derpy Hooves draws 3 monsters, and 2 spells

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 6800 -> 4700

Maddie then activates Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon’s effect on Little Strongheart. She draws a monster, a trap, and a spell card.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 4700 -> 3000

Maddie then attacks Number 15: Gimmick Puppet – Giant Killer with Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon. Derpy Hooves activates Attack Invulnerability, preventing the destruction of Number 15: Gimmick Puppet – Giant Killer during the battle phase. Battle damage is still applied.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 3000 -> 2600

Maddie places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-7700 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Boo-yah!” exclaimed Maddie while doing a small celebratory dance. “How is that for brute force?”

“I don’t know,” said Little Strongheart. “You tell me.”

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Little Strongheart’s Turn: Little Strongheart activates Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field. Next, she equips Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder with Megamorph, doubling its ATK (ATK: 1500 -> 3000). Little Strongheart activates Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder's effect. By detaching 1 xyz material she can destroy all xyz monsters the opponent controls and inflict damage equal to their ATK, destroying Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 7700 -> 5800

Little Strongheart then special summons Yamato-no-Kami by removing a spirit monster in her graveyard from play (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1200). Next, she equips Yamato-no-Kami with Mirror of Yata. Finally, she normal summons Asura Priest (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200). Little Strongheart attacks Evigishki Levianima with Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 5800 -> 5500

Little Strongheart attacks Maddie and Charley directly with Yamato-no-Kami.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 5500 -> 3300

Little Strongheart attacks Maddie and Charley with Asura Priest.

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 3300 -> 1600

Because Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s life points are higher than Maddie and Charley’s, Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder's ATK is halved due to Megamorph’s effect (ATK: 3000 -> 750).

Little Strongheart places 1 card face down and ends her turn. During the end phase, Asura Priest returns to the owner’s hand the turn it was normal summoned. Because Yamato-no-Kami is equipped with Mirror of Yata, it doesn’t return to the hand at the end phase.

Status: Hand-1 Life-2600 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Charley was a little surprised. For all that she had seen of Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart, it was evident that Derpy Hooves wore the pants in their relationship. Yet now, Little Strongheart was in complete control of this duel. Having knocked out more than three fourths of their life points in one turn, she was certainly a more powerful duelist than she had imagined. But that didn’t matter. She had a combo in her hands thanks to Derpy Hooves’ Card Destruction that could end this duel right now.

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Charley’s Turn: Charley summons Gishki Natalia (ATK: 1800 DEF: 900). Next, she activates the spell card Surfacing, special summoning a level 3 or lower Fish, Sea Serpent, or Aqua monster from her graveyard in face up defense position, choosing Gishki Diviner (ATK: 1200 DEF: 800). Charley then activates Downward Current, making a monster’s level to anything between 1-3, lowering Gishki Natalia’s level to 3 (Lvl.: 4 -> 3). Charley overlays Gishki Natalia and Gishki Diviner to xyz summon Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000).

Charley then equips Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction with Steel Shell, increasing its ATK by 400 and lowering its DEF by 200 (ATK: 3000 -> 3400, DEF: 3000 -> 2800). Charley attacks Number 15: Gimmick Puppet – Giant Killer with Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction, but Little Strongheart activates Bye Bye Damage, preventing Number 15: Gimmick Puppet – Giant Killer’s destruction, and if Little Strongheart has battle damage inflicted onto her, her opponent has double the damage she took inflicted onto them.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 2600 -> 0

Maddie and Charley’s Life Points: 1600 -> 0

The duel ends in a draw.

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Derpy Hooves got up; shocked that she would draw with Maddie and Charley of all duelists. She observed as Charley grabbed Maddie’s hand and helped her up. She then looked at Little Strongheart, who was still lying on the ground contemplating the end of that duel. Either way, Derpy Hooves extended her arm to her teammate, who took it and pulled herself up on it.

“Excellent duel there, comrade,” complimented Derpy Hooves.

“Thanks Agent Derpy,” said Little Strongheart with a smile.

“I have to agree,” said Charley more calmly. “We should try and duel again see which one of us would win; it seems kind of a waste of our prowess to go all that way just to tie.”

“Yeah,” agreed Little Strongheart. “Until next time.”

“Wait,” said Maddie. “Since we tied, who gets whose Numbers?”

“Keep them,” said Derpy Hooves. “And we will keep ours. Until next time.”

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart walked away.

Chapter 28: Cloudy Night

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Lucas and Pinkie Pie were sitting at the Ponyville Park looking dismayed. They hadn’t been winning very much at all and they knew it would lead to them being left out of the finals. Pinkie Pie sighed heavily.

“I know it’s difficult Pinkie Pie, I really want to win more too.”

“Win more?” asked Pinkie Pie, confused. “I’m just disappointed that that last chapter was so short.”

“What chapter? Like one of those Daring Do books?”

“No silly, the last chapter of the… never mind. Anyways, I’m not sad at all that we’re losing. I’m just happy to be here with you!” She said this while hugging Lucas, making him smile a little. “I know we won’t make it to that big fancy tournament, but I’m going to support my friends in any way that I can. Whether it’s dueling on the field, or cheering in the stands, I’m going to be there every step of the way.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right, Pinkie. It’s just that I’ve never lost this many times before in a tournament. It gets disheartening after a while.”

“I can understand that.”

“Well, we have about an hour left. Might as well have fun at this point, right?”

“That’s the spirit! Onward!”

They wandered the park looking for more opponents when they heard a scream come from the northern end. They saw two pegasi being dueled into submission by two ponies they had been warned about before: Flim and Flam.

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Cont. from Flim and Flam vs. Thunderlane and Silverspeed

Cont. from Silverspeed’s Turn: Silverspeed places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-700 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Flim’s Turn: Flim activates Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying Silverspeed’s face down card. Next, he activates the effect of Number 34: Terror-Byte (ATK: 0 DEF: 2900). By detaching one xyz material from it, Flim can take control of a face-up attack-position level 4 or lower monster that his opponent controls, choosing Thunderlane’s Mist Valley Falcon (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1200). Flam activates Final Attack Orders, switching all monsters on the field into attack position. Flim returns his face down spell/trap card to attack Silverspeed’s Mist Valley Baby Roc (ATK: 400 DEF: 600).

Thunderlane and Silverwind’s Life Points: 700 -> 0

Flim and Flam win.

With the power of their Numbers, Flim and Flam easily overpowered their opponents. The last attack had sent Thunderlane and Silverspeed flying into a tree that was behind them. Lucas went over to the two pegasi to see if they were alright.

“Hey, that’s no fair,” screamed Pinkie Pie at the two. “They don’t have any Numbers!”

“Oh, look here brother,” said Flam to Flim. “If it isn’t Applejack’s favorite customer, Pinkamena.”

Lucas called two nearby earth ponies to tend to the two pegs.

“The mare looks to have a broken right wing, and the black stallion has a sprain in his back left ankle.”

Lucas loaded the two pegasi on the backs of the ponies as they carried them off.

“Thanks, Lucas!” called Thunderlane. “I love your band!”

Lucas gave a slight smile and salute before they were out of sight. Suddenly, Lucas felt a tug at his wrist, and saw a glowing ropey strand wrapped around his wrist and held by Flim’s horn. Lucas looked to Pinkie Pie and saw that she was snared too, but she took the situation a little less seriously, jump roping with Flam’s anchor. Flam decided to end her fun by forcefully yanking his anchor and taking Pinkie along with it, but she decided to act like a jet skier instead.

“Stop this,” yelled Flam. “You’re supposed to feel threaten.”

“How can I feel threatened when I’m having so much fun?” she giggled.

Flam had lost his patience and decided to send a large bolt of electricity through the anchor, shocking her.

“Pinkie!” yelled Lucas in concern.

Fortunately for Pinkie Pie, she looked at her mane which now stood up on end from the shock, causing her to laugh harder. She touched Lucas with her hoof, giving him a large static shock. Lucas’ hair also stood up a little as a result, bringing Pinkie Pie into hysterics, causing Lucas to laugh a little too. Perhaps starting the duel now would end this nonsense.

“Duel, brother?” asked Flim to Flam.

“Duel,” he responded.

Flim and Flam vs. Lucas and Pinkie Pie

Flim’s Turn: Flim activates Summon Cloud, allowing him to special summon a level 4 or lower Cloudian monster from his hand or graveyard, choosing Cloudian – Poison Cloud in defense position (ATK: 0 DEF: 1000). Next, he normal summons another Cloudian – Poison Cloud in defense position.

Flim places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Pinkie took a small breath from her laughing and looked at Flim’s two monsters.

“Hey, what’s going on?” she asked still giggling. “Are we dueling or something?”

“Glad you finally decided to get with the program,” said Flam.

“Ooh goodie! I love dueling.”

Don’t worry Pinkie, thought Lucas. I’ll help you out a bit.

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Lucas’ Turn: Lucas summons 1 monster face down. Next, he activates Double Summon, summoning Gladiator Beast Laquari (ATK: 1800 DEF: 400).

Lucas places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Let’s hope these bozos don’t do anything to screw this combo up, thought Lucas.

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Flam’s Turn: Flam summons Cloudian – Acid Cloud (ATK: 500 DEF: 0). When Cloudian – Acid Cloud is normal summoned, Fog counters are placed on it for each Cloudian monster on the field (3) (FoC.: 0 -> 3). Flam activates Cloudian – Acid Cloud’s effect. By removing 2 Fog Counters from itself (FoC.: 3 -> 1), Flam can destroy a spell or trap card, choosing Lucas’ face down card. Next, he activates the spell Star Changer, lowering Cloudian – Acid Cloud’s level by 1 (Lvl.: 4 -> 3). Flam overlays Cloudian – Acid Cloud and the 2 Cloudian – Poison Clouds to xyz summon Number 34: Terror-Byte in defense position (ATK: 0 DEF: 2900).

Flam places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Pinkie Pie’s Turn: Pinkie Pie activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Then, Pinkie Pie activates Worm Call. When her opponent controls a monster while she doesn’t she can special summon a Worm monster from her hand face down. Next, she normal summons Worm Dimikles (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1400). Pinkie Pie then activates Book of Taiyou, flipping a face down monster on the field into face up attack position, choosing Lucas’ face down monster, which was a Gladiator Beast Hoplomus (ATK: 700 DEF: 2100). Pinkie Pie overlays Worm Dimikles, Gladiator Beast Hoplomus, and Gladiator Beast Laquari to xyz summon Number 155: Gator Striker (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2500).

Pinkie Pie equips Number 155: Gator Striker with Big Bang Shot, increasing Number 155: Gator Striker’s ATK by 400 and giving it the effect of piercing damage (ATK: 2600 -> 3000). Pinkie Pie attacks Number 34: Terror-Byte, but Flam activates Magic Cylinder, negating the attack and inflicting damage equal to the monster’s ATK.

Lucas and Pinkie Pie’s Life Points: 8000 -> 5000

Next, Flam activates Meteor Flare, inflicting 2000 points of damage to Lucas and Pinkie by discarding 2 cards when his opponent’s life points are higher than 3000.

Lucas and Pinkie Pie’s Life Points: 5000 -> 3000

Pinkie Pie places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-3000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Pinkie was suddenly done being the happy-go-lucky mare that she usually was. After causing so much damage to herself and her friend, combined with the contempt she was feeling at Flim and Flam for happily hurting them. She hoped they would do something like that again, because now, she would be ready. Suddenly, her hoof fell asleep.

“Do you seriously think we’ll be done in like that?” asked Lucas.

“Oh come now,” said Flim. “You have 5000 life points less than us…”

“And I’ve heard what Orion, Helena, Maddie, and Charley can do in a pinch like that.”

“We won’t make that mistake again.”

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Flim’s Turn: Flim activates the effect of Summon Cloud, special summoning Cloudian – Acid Cloud from the graveyard. Because Summon Cloud’s effect was used to special summon a Cloudian monster from the graveyard, it’s destroyed. Next, Flim normal summons Cloudian – Cirrostratus (ATK: 900 DEF: 0). When Cloudian – Cirrostratus is normal summoned, Fog counters are placed on it for each Cloudian monster on the field (2) (FoC.: 0 -> 2). Flim activates Cloudian – Cirrostratus’ effect. By removing 2 Fog Counters from itself (FoC.: 2 -> 0), Flim can destroy a monster on the field, choosing Number 155: Gator Striker. Because Number 155: Gator Striker was equipped with Big Bang Shot, it’s removed from play.

Flim overlays Cloudian – Cirrostratus with Cloudian – Acid Cloud to xyz summon Number 142: Wildfire Basilisk (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1500). Flim attacks Pinkie Pie’s face down monster, which is a Worm Noble (ATK: 1500 DEF: 2400). Number 142: Wildfire Basilisk’s ATK is equal to Worm Noble’s DEF, so no battle damage is inflicted. When an opponent’s monster’s attack flip summons Worm Noble, damage is inflicted to the opponent equal to half of the attacking monster’s ATK.

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 8000 -> 6800

Flim activates Number 142: Wildfire Basilisk’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it when he takes battle or effect damage, he can inflict damage to his opponent equal to twice the amount he took.

Lucas and Pinkie Pie’s Life Points: 3000 -> 600

Flim ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-6800 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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Pinkie Pie hopped over to Lucas and whispered in his ear. After about 20 seconds, it seemed whatever plan they formulated was about to unfold.

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Lucas’ Turn: Lucas activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Gladiator Beast Hoplomus from his graveyard. Next, he summons Gladiator Beast Bestiari (ATK: 1500 DEF: 800). Lucas sends Gladiator Beast Hoplomus and Gladiator Beast Bestiari to the deck to fusion summon Gladiator Beast Gyzarus (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1500). When Gladiator Beast Gyzarus is special summoned, Lucas can destroy up to 2 cards his opponent controls, choosing Flim’s face down card and Flams’ face down card. Lucas then overlays Gladiator Beast Gyzarus with Worm Noble to xyz summon Number 181: Pachydermal Boulder – Stone Elephant (ATK: 2900 DEF: 2200). Lucas activates Number 181: Pachydermal Boulder – Stone Elephant’s effect. He can destroy one xyz monster on the field and inflict damage equal to the monster’s ATK or DEF, whichever is higher, and he chooses Number 34: Terror-Byte.

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 6800 -> 3900

Flim and Flam’s Life Points: 3900 -> 0

Lucas and Pinkie Pie win.

Lucas and Pinkie Pie ran from the park before their opponents could recover from that last onslaught. They were just outside the theater when Lucas started talking to Pinkie Pie.

“Pinkie,” he began to ask. “How did you know not to activate your Spell of Pain the first time Flim activated his Number’s effect?”

“It’s my Pinkie Sense,” she giddily responded.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a Pinkie Sense that allows you to activate cards at the proper times.”

“Well, my hoof started tingling, and you know what that means.”

“Actually, I do-”

“It means that I need to be patient; wait a little longer to do something before I do it. And my good ol’ Pinkie Sense failed to fail me. Come to think about it, how can something fail to fail? And for that matter, why would something want to be good at failing?”

“I think I got the idea, Pinkie.”

“Okie dokey… lo…”

Her words were cut off by her swooning as she fell to the floor. Lucas couldn’t help but be worried it was something that Flim and Flam did during the duel, but then he heard Pinkie’s quaint snoring, relieving Lucas with the fact that she had just fallen asleep, finally having succumbed to being awake and dueling for over 23 hours.

“I guess there is a limit to Pinkie’s energy,” said Lucas to himself.

He gently picked Pinkie Pie up and just as gently slung her over her shoulder and carried her to Sugarcube Corner. Her parental figures Mr. and Mrs. Cake were still awake, having expected Pinkie Pie to come home at midnight when the competition was over.

“Evening, Cakes,” greeted Lucas.

“Lucas!” said Mr. Cake in surprise.

“What happened to Pinkie Pie?”

“Nothing,” said Lucas. “She’s just tuckered from a long day with virtually no rest, and I’m just putting her to bed.”

“Oh, bless your heart,” said Mrs. Cake. “Please do be quiet. The babies are asleep.”

“Okay,” whispered Lucas on his way up the stairs.

He was able to make a free hand to open Pinkie Pie’s bedroom door. He then used his free hand to pull off Pinkie’s covers. He gingerly laid Pinkie Pie on her bed as she instinctively nuzzled into her pillow. Lucas then put the sheets over Pinkie’s body and tucked her in. Pinkie looked so peaceful as she slept. Lucas wasn’t even upset anymore that they were as good as knocked from the tournament, but he’s glad that she was able to keep Pinkie Pie safe. He stroked her face with the backs of his fingers.

Whatever it was, much like how Pinkie can bring out the best of anybody with her bright and sunny attitude, she seemed to be able to have the same effect when sleeping, for after a couple of minutes of kneeling by Pinkie’s bedside, he sat down with his back leaning on the bed, lowered his head and nodded off to sleep. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were also seeing how their children were doing, and they saw Lucas sleeping at the foot of Pinkie’s bed. Lucas was no stranger to the Cakes and would have no issue letting one of Pinkie’s friends spend the night.

“I’ll get some blankets,” said Mr. Cake, rushing to the closet.

Chapter 29: Wait for Sleep

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Orion and Helena were starting to feel the toll of the competitions regulations. While pokémon are regarded to be stronger and have higher stamina than humans, but while a human (or a pony’s) duel disk was powered by electricity, Orion and Helena powered their duel disks by their psychic powers, which drained a lot more energy than normal. This made them just as, if not, more, vulnerable than a human. Helena was sitting up against a tree as she drained her water bottle of all the liquid it had.

“Helena, please,” said Orion. “We can’t keep refilling our water bottles after every duel. I know that using our energy this much in a short amount of time is taxing, but we have to find a way to make it to the finals, otherwise, our friends might not stand a chance against the Vegas Bureau.”

“Please, just give me your water bottle,” demanded Helena.

Orion gave her his half empty water, which she drained as quickly as hers.

“Listen,” asked Orion. “Do you want to go to bed? I’m sure we have enough wins to make it to the finals.”

Helena wearily looked at Orion. “Let’s make our way back to the theater. If we found someone that we haven’t dueled yet, we do it. Deal?”

“…Deal.”

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The journey from Whitetail Wood to Ponyville was a chore in of itself. The splendor of the leaves, the atmosphere, and moonlight at this time of night could lull anyone into sleep. They were finally relieved after seeing the town just a half mile up ahead. Warm, cozy beds, thought Helena. Soft pillows. Velvety sheets. Suddenly, two shapes caught them in their tracks. While Helena had promised Orion a duel, these were the very last duelists she wanted to duel at this time: Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart.

“I’ve been dying to duel the two of you,” said Derpy Hooves.

“Can it, you… you cross… eyed pegasus,” slurred Helena.

She was barely clinging to her consciousness. Normally, Derpy Hooves would be grossly offended at being called cross-eyed, but given Helena’s condition, she just laughed.

“Oh, this should be easier than I thought.”

“Listen Derpy,” pleaded Orion. “She’s not well and she needs to get to bed.”

“I don’t believe you,” snapped Little Strongheart.

She then used a spell to keep Orion and Helena in place.

“Fine then… you, bastards,” slurred Helena.

She made her gauntlet appear on her arm while the orange and silver pod’s feather zones unfurled to turn into her duel disk. The use of her energy like this felt as if she had half of her life taken away from her. She crumpled to the ground, exhausted.

“Helena!” gasped Orion, rushing to Helena’s side.

“If you two are this desperate to escape, I’ll let you call a forfeit. No Numbers will be taken, and you can go on your merry way.”

“That’s exactly what I’m going to-”

He was stopped by a delicate hand over his chest horns. Helena used his horns to pull herself up and stand up to Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart.

“Helena, you don’t have to do this.”

“Yes, WE do,” said Helena weakly. “I’m fine with declining a challenge, but I’ll never be okay with forfeiting a duel. Either we win or we lose, but we do it the right way. Understand?”

Orion responded with a single nod. He then transformed his wand into his duel disk. He then felt the same feeling that Helena did, and it caused him to swoon, kneeling down to catch himself. He immediately stood back up, trying to save face.

“This is going to be fun,” said Derpy Hooves.

Orion, Helena, Derpy Hooves, and Little Strongheart drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they all cried.

Orion and Helena vs. Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart

Orion’s Turn: Orion summons Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki (ATK: 200 DEF: 2000). With Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki’s effect, Orion can special summon 1 level 4 or lower Six Samurai monster from his hand, choosing Kagemusha of the Six Samurai (ATK: 400 DEF: 1800). Orion tunes Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki and Kagemusha of the Six Samurai to synchro summon Legendary Six Samurai – Shi En (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1400). Next, Orion special summons Grandmaster of the Six Samurai from his hand, as he controls a Six Samurai monster (ATK: 2100 DEF: 800). Orion overlays Legendary Six Samurai – Shi En and Grandmaster of the Six Samurai to xyz summon Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1500).

Orion places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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Orion knew the strengths of these two duelists, and he’d have to be as cautious as possible, that is, if his exhaustion wouldn’t get the better of him or Helena first. Derpy also knew the strengths of her two opponents, and regardless of how tired they said they were, she wouldn’t let up.

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Derpy Hooves’ Turn: Derpy Hooves activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, she special summons Doom Dozer from her hand by banishing 2 Insect-type monsters in her graveyard from play (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2600). Derpy Hooves then activates the spell Ancient Rules, special summoning a level 5 or higher normal monster from her hand, choosing Metal Armored Bug (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1500).

Derpy Hooves overlays Doom Dozer and Metal Armored Bug to xyz summon Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder (ATK: 1500 DEF: 2500). Derpy Hooves activates Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, she can destroy all xyz monsters her opponent controls and inflicting damage equal to the destroyed monsters’ ATK.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 8000 -> 5600

Orion activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards if a monster he controls was destroyed.

Derpy Hooves places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Inflicting that much effect damage on your first turn like that, thought Helena. You really aren’t going to let up.

Her eyes felt like huge sandbags that seemed nearly impossible to keep open. But she knew that this was the challenge the EFDC presented. If she could fight and win against these two under the conditions that she was in, then defeating anyone in the Vegas Bureau would be a cinch.

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Helena’s Turn: Helena activates the field spell Photon World. Next, Helena activates Photon Sanctuary, special summoning 2 level 4 Photon tokens (ATK: 2000 DEF: 0). With Photon World’s effect, whenever a Photon monster is summoned, damage is inflicted to all teams who don’t control a Photon monster equal to 100 times the monster’s level (Lvl.: 4 x 2 = 8 x 100 = 800). Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart do not control any Photon monsters.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 8000 -> 7200

Helena then tributes the 2 Photon tokens to special summon Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500). Photon World’s effect activates again (Lvl.: 8 x 100 = 800).

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 7200 -> 6400

Helena places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-5600 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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Over the course of the day, Little Strongheart proved herself to be more than a sidekick; she seemed to duel as well, if not, better than Derpy Hooves. She was especially excited about facing whom she considered to be her toughest foes yet. She was certain that the cards in her hand would help ensure their victory.

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Little Strongheart’s Turn: Derpy Hooves activates Trap Stun, negating the activation of Trap Cards this turn. Little Strongheart activates Forbidden Chalice, increasing Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s ATK by 400 and negating its effects (ATK: 3000 -> 3400). Next, she activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki from Orion’s graveyard. Then, she activates the spell Cost Down, discarding one card to reduce the levels of all monster cards in her hand by 2.

Little Strongheart tributes Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki to normal summon Yamata Dragon (ATK: 2600 DEF: 3100). Little Strongheart then activates Shield and Sword, switching the ATK and DEF of all monsters of the field. All additions and subtractions in ATK and/or DEF are applied to the new ATK and/or DEF (ATK: 1500 -> 2500, DEF: 2500 -> 1500) (ATK: 3400 -> (2500 + 400 =) 2900 DEF: 2500 DEF: 3000) (ATK: 2600 -> 3100 DEF: 3100 -> 2600). Little Strongheart places 1 card face down. Little Strongheart attacks Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon with Yamata Dragon.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 5600 -> 5400

With Yamata Dragon’s effect, when it inflicts damage to Little Strongheart’s opponent’s life points, Little Strongheart draws until she has 5 cards in her hand. Little Strongheart equips Yamata Dragon with Mirror of Yata, negating the effect that requires it to return to the hand during the end phase of the turn it was normal summoned.

Little Strongheart places 1 card face down and ends her turn. All monsters’ ATK and DEF return to normal (ATK: 2500 -> 1500 DEF: 1500 -> 2500) (ATK: 3100 -> 2600 DEF: 2600 -> 3100).

Status: Hand-3 Life-6400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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I’m glad I didn’t bring out Number 39 just yet, thought Orion. Seeing the situation at hand though, it seems like they leave me no choice.

____________________________________

Orion’s Turn: Orion activates The Warrior Returning Alive, having Orion add a Warrior-type monster from his graveyard to his hand, choosing Grandmaster of the Six Samurai. Orion then summons The Six Samurai – Irou (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1000). Orion uses Grandmaster of the Six Samurai’s effect to special summon itself from his hand when he controls a Six Samurai monster.

Orion then activates his face down Star Changer, reducing Grandmaster of the Six Samurai’s Level by 1 (Lvl.: 5 -> 4). Orion overlays Grandmaster of the Six Samurai with The Six Samurai – Irou to xyz summon Number 39: Utopia (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000). Orion attacks Number 15: Gimmick Puppet – Giant Killer with Number 39: Utopia. Little Strongheart attempts to activate Battle Break, but Helena activates Trap Jammer, negating Battle Break and destroying it. The attack goes through.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 6400 -> 5400

Orion places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-5400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Orion had just summoned two Numbers in this duel alone, and with the depravation of sleep, the further extent of his powers proved to be even more taxing. He began to tremor at his muscles fighting to stay awake.

“Come on,” called Derpy Hooves. “I’m not going to become embarrassed for you when you collapse during exhaustion, so just quit right now.”

Orion found the most comfortable, yet defiant, position he could muster.

“Then I’ll just have to knock you out.”

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Derpy Hooves’ Turn: Derpy Hooves activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, she summons Inzektor Dragonfly (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1800). She then activates Inzektor Dragonfly’s effect, equipping an Inzektor monster from her hand to it, choosing Inzektor Giga-Mantis. When a monster is equipped with Inzektor Giga-Mantis, that monster’s original ATK becomes 2400 (ATK: 1800 -> 2400).

Next, Derpy Hooves equips Inzektor Dragonfly with Inzektor Axe – Zektahawk, increasing its ATK by 1000 (ATK: 2400 -> 3400). Derpy Hooves attacks Number 39: Utopia. When a monster equipped with Inzektor Axe – Zektahawk attacks, the opponent cannot activate spell or trap cards. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle by other Numbers, Number 39: Utopia isn’t destroyed. Battle Damage is still applied.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 5400 -> 4500

Derpy Hooves places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-5400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Helena knew that her exhaustion would soon get the better of her, and she knew summoning Numbers would just end the same way as it did with Orion. But it was too late to turn back now. If they lost this duel, Orion would lose his ace Number, and with how far they had gotten on it, she surely wouldn’t let it fall into Derpy Hooves or Little Strongheart’s hooves now.

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Helena’s Turn: Helena special summons Photon Thrasher, as she controls no monsters (ATK: 2100 DEF: 0). Photon World’s effect actvates (Lvl.: 4 x 100 = 400).

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 5400 -> 5000

Helena then normal summons Photon Circle (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000) (Lvl.: 4 x 100 = 400).

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 5000 -> 4600

Helena overlays Photon Circle and Photon Thrasher to xyz summon Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1800). Helena activates Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it when she has no cards in her hand, she can draw 5 cards from her deck. Helena activates Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field (ATK: 3400 -> 1000).

Derpy Hooves activates Inzektor Dragonfly’s effect. When an equip card is destroyed while equipped to Inzektor Dragonfly, Derpy can special summon an Inzektor monster from her deck, choosing Inzektor Giga-Weevil in defense position (ATK: 0 DEF: 2600). Helena activates Stop Defense, switching Inzektor Giga-Weevil into attack position. Helena attacks Inzektor Giga-Weevil with Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 4600 -> 2300

Helena places 3 cards face down. Helena activates Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina’s effect again, detaching 1 xyz material from it when she has no cards in her hand and drawing 5 cards from her deck.

Helena ends her turn.

Status: Hand-5 Life-4500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-3

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Helena was content with the damage she had inflicted and blissfully sat on the ground, the lack of strain on her muscles feeling extremely comfortable.

“No!” yelled Little Strongheart. “I will not let you literally sit this duel out.” Helena was practically comatose, her body seeming seconds from fainting. “You will finish this duel standing in front of me, or I will finish you with me standing over you.”

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Little Strongheart’s Turn: Little Strongheart tributes Derpy Hooves’ Inzektor Dragonfly to summon Fenghuang (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1800). When Fenghuang is normal summoned, all of the opponent’s set spell/trap cards are destroyed. Next, she special summons Izanagi from her hand by banishing a spirit monster in her hand (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1000). Then, she special summons Yamato-no-Kami from her hand by banishing a spirit monster in her graveyard (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1200). Little Strongheart overlays Yamato-no-Kami, Fenghuang, and Izanagi to xyz summon Number 121: Apocalypso – Seven Headed Hydra (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2100).

Little Strongheart attacks Number 39: Utopia with Number 121: Apocalypso – Seven Headed Hydra. Orion activates Number 39: Utopia’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material, he can negate the attack. Derpy Hooves activates Number 121: Apocalypso – Seven Headed Hydra’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material when her opponent activates a monster effect when her opponent’s life points are higher than 4000, she can inflict 4000 points of damage to her opponent.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 4500 -> 500

Little Strongheart attacks Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina with Yamata Dragon. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle by other Numbers, Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina isn’t destroyed. Battle Damage is still applied.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 500 -> 200

When Yamata Dragon inflicts battle damage, Little Strongheart draws cards until there are 5 in her hand.

Little Strongheart places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-2200 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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The intense energy from the attacks gave Orion full life. And now that his life points were below 1000, he could now end this duel. He staggered forward to begin his turn.

“Orion,” asked Little Strongheart with genuine concern in her voice, “are you okay?”

“Never better.”

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Orion’s Turn: Orion activates Reload, adding his hand to his deck, shuffling it, and drawing cards equal to the amount of cards he sent to his deck. Orion overlays Number 39: Utopia to chaos xyz summon Number C39: Utopia Ray (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000). Orion activates Number C39: Utopia Ray’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK increases by 500 while a monster his opponent controls loses 1000. Orion activates this effect 2 times, raising Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK by 1000 and decreasing Yamata Dragon’s ATK by 2000 (ATK: 2500 -> 3500) (ATK: 2600 -> 600). Orion attacks Yamata Dragon with Number 39: Utopia Ray, but Little Strongheart activates Damage Diet, halving the damage she takes this turn.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 2300 -> 850

Orion places 2 cards face down and ends his turn. Number C39: Utopia Ray and Yamata Dragon’s ATK return to normal (ATK: 3500 -> 2500) (ATK: 600 -> 2600).

Status: Hand-2 Life-1000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Chaos xyz?” asked Derpy Hooves. “Luna never told us about that before. But no matter. Your final bastion has failed to defeat us, and now we will gladly defeat you.”

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Derpy Hooves’ Turn: Derpy Hooves activates her Monster Reborn, special summoning Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon from Helena’s graveyard. Derpy Hooves attacks Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina with Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, but Orion activates Iron Resolve, halving his life points to negate Derpy Hooves’ attack.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 200 -> 100

Derpy Hooves ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-850 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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Helena lay motionless on the ground.

“It’s your friend’s turn,” said Little Strongheart to Orion. “If she doesn’t begin her turn in the next minute, I’m ending this duel by default.”

“Come on, Helena,” grunted Orion, who knelt by Helena and tried to wake her.

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Helena then found herself floating in a cold, black space.

“What is this?” she asked aloud. “Am I dreaming?”

Soon, she saw a blurry window about twenty feet above her. She recognized Orion kneeling over her as he tried to wake her up. She felt too far away to go and come to him, so she continued to stay there and pity herself. Suddenly, in the zero-gravity, her locket floated in front of her face. She instantly remembered the night that Melanie was taken from her and how powerless she was to help her, just like she felt powerless to help Orion. She shed a single tear of despair, which floated in the space and dripped onto her locket. Soon, the locket began glowing, brighter and brighter until the light enveloped her.

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Orion was holding Helena’s hand to her forehead, praying for a miracle.

“4… 3… 2…” counted Little Strongheart.

Suddenly, Helena shot awake, full of life, which heavily frightened everyone.

“Orion,” said Helena. “Let’s win this.”

Orion was relieved and happy to see his partner’s determination once again.

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Helena’s Turn: Orion activates Trap Reborn, halving his life points to target a normal trap card in his opponent’s graveyard, banish it, and having Trap Reborn’s effect become the effect of the banished trap, choosing Trap Stun, negating the activation of trap cards for the remainder of this turn.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 100 -> 50

Helena overlays Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina to chaos xyz summon Number C115: Carina Nova (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1800). Helena activates Number C115: Carina Nova’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from this card, she can banish the top card of her deck. If it’s a monster, Number C115: Carina Nova’s ATK increases by the ATK of the banished monster. Helena draws Photon Crusher (ATK: 2000 DEF: 0) (ATK: 2300 -> 4300). Helena attacks Number 121: Apocalypso – Seven Headed Hydra with Number C115: Carina Nova.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 850 -> 0

Orion and Helena win.

Once the duel ended, the Numbers that Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart used went to Orion and Helena. Helena’s gauntlet and duel disk disappeared as Orion’s duel disk turned back into his wand.

“Chaos…” whimpered Helena, who was smiling brightly with tears in her eyes.

“Helena?” asked Orion, concerned.

“I performed… chaos… xyz.”

With that, she finally fainted and was rendered unconscious. Now that the duel was over, Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart resolved to help Orion get Helena back to the theater.

____________________________________

Orion carried her the whole way as Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart helped open the door for him. Once they got to the bedrooms, Orion laid Helena on her bed, covered her with blankets, and checked her pulse. Normal. She finally surrendered unto sleep. Orion was very thankful that she was alright given what they went through.

He then crawled into the bed with her and fell asleep before his head even hit the pillow. Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart were also relieved that they were safe and sound. As competitive as the fight got, they could both still recognize Orion and Helena as their allies. Derpy then placed the Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon card that she used earlier on the bedside table. With their work done, the pegasus and buffalo left Orion and Helena to finally sleep in peace.

Chapter 30: A Pair of Broken Hearts

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Sammy and Spike’s perfect win record continued to go unabated. They, like their other friends had easily defeated Flim and Flam and they showed their worth to Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart. It seemed that the only people who could possibly stand in their way was the Vegas Bureau. Sammy was one that the band could easily call a “regular party animal.” She was used to staying up late and waking up early, making the conditions of the competition very moot to her. Spike was this way too. Being Twilight’s assistant, he would normally stay up until late hours with Twilight and her studies and would wake up early to do the same thing all over again. These two were made for this kind of competition.

After fun duel with Twilight Sparkle and Zecora, Sammy and Spike ventured out of the Everfree Forest to make their way back to Ponyville, content with their perfect scores. However, there were two duelists stalking them that wanted a final duel with them. As the two hopped from the trees in front of them, Sammy could still make them out despite it being pitch dark. It was Ryan and Mark.

“What do you want,” asked Sammy disdainfully.

“It is around 11:45,” said Mark showing clock on his D-Pad tablet. “The competition will be over in fifteen minutes, and we have just enough time to make one more duel! What do you say?”

“Are you kidding?” butted Spike. “I heard about what you guys did to Rarity and her partner. If you think I’m going to let you get away with this after that, you’ve got another thing coming.”

“Oh dear,” said Mark. “You don’t know do you?”

“Know what?”

“A little birdie told me that you have a bit of a crush on that white mare.” Spike gulped in embarrassment. “Well you can stop that, because she has already found her mate.”

He then showed a video of Rarity and Braeburn kissing away from the Ponyville school that morning. Spike was shocked and heartbroken.

“No, this can’t be,” said Spike with tears welling.

“Please, a dragon and a unicorn? How would that ever work out, you little fool?”

Spike was seething with fury now. He launched a short but powerful green fire breath at Mark, who dodged it and roped Spike with his duel anchor. Mark whipped the anchor and pulled Spike to the ground.

“Spike!” yelled Sammy, running to him.

Ryan then used his anchor to snare Sammy.

“Now I guess we have no choice but to duel you,” she said scornfully.

Sammy and Spike activated something on their tablets, because seconds later two lights were racing from Ponyville to their current location. After a few seconds, Sammy’s red D-Wheel and Spike’s purple duel-board parked themselves next to their respective owners. Sammy’s D-Wheel was modeled after a Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two. Spike’s duel-board was skateboard like in appearance but had much more technical features for faster speeds.

“I see,” said Mark.

He transformed his D-Pad tablet into his Audi R8 GT, and Ryan turned his into his Dodge Challenger. Sammy had never seen this before, and she was shocked to say the least. Spike was still too angry about Rarity’s relationship with Braeburn to care.

“Okay then,” said Mark. “Who’s up first?”

“I’ll go,” said Spike raising his hand.

“Ryan,” said Mark signaling Ryan to start the duel with Spike.

“Yes sir,” he responded, getting into his car.

Spike and Ryan were the first duelists for the riding relay match. Spike and Ryan activated Speed World 2, causing the area around them to be enveloped in a holographic aura. The countdown began.

10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4.

Ryan looked at Spike, who still had a face of pure hatred as he waited to go.

3. 2. 1.

*BEEP*

Ryan easily took off ahead of Spike, taking the lead by a mile. Spike was able to catch up, and Ryan and Spike drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they both yelled.

Ryan and Mark vs. Spike and Sammy

Round 1: Ryan vs. Spike

Ryan’s Turn: R:1 S:0 Ryan summons one monster face down.

Ryan places 4 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-4

Spike’s Turn: R:1 S:1 Spike summons Jurrac Guaiba (ATK: 1700 DEF: 400). Spike attacks Ryan’s face down card, which was an Alien Grey (ATK: 300 DEF: 800). When Alien Grey is flip summoned, an A-Counter is placed on an opponent’s monster, choosing Jurrac Guaiba (A-C.: 0 -> 1). First, Ryan activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards if a monster he controls was destroyed. Then, Ryan activates Alien Brain, allowing Ryan to take control of a monster which attacked and destroyed a Reptile-type monster he controlled, choosing Jurrac Guaiba. When Jurrac Guaiba destroys a monster by battle, Spike can special summon a Jurrac monster with 1700 or less ATK from his deck, choosing Jurrac Dino (ATK: 1700 DEF: 800).

Spike places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Listen,” said Ryan to Spike through a camera recording that appeared on the screen of Spike’s D-Pad, “I know that you must have loved that mare, but you can’t keep her away from someone she truly loves all because of a schoolboy crush of yours.”

“Shut up!” yelled Spike. “You have no idea what I’m going through.”

Ryan knew exactly what he was going through.

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Ryan remembered high school, and he had a large crush on the sweetheart of the school. Having mustered the courage to ask her to prom during their senior year, she accepted after her previous date had unforeseen engagements. The night of, they really got to know each other… all too well. About 1 month later, she called Ryan and told her she was pregnant.

Despite only going as friends to the prom, Ryan saw this as the opportune moment to finally be with the woman he thought he loved. After even after Joel stood by her to help with the baby, whom he named Joel, she left him, knowing that he wasn’t right for her. Years later, she invited him to attend her wedding. After seeing how happy she was with this other man, he finally let her go…. until the accident happened. While Ryan loved Joel as a son, Ryan also saw Joel as his only reminder of his time with her, and now that he stood a chance to lose him, he would lose her in the process.

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Ryan was now fuming with rage at bringing his terrible memories back to him like that.

“You selfish piece of shit!” grunted Ryan at Spike.

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Ryan’s Turn: R:2 S:2 Ryan activates the speed spell Overboost, giving him 4 speed counters (SpC.: 2 -> 6). Next, he activates the effect of Alien Skull from his hand, tributing Spike’s Jurrac Dino to special summon it to Spike’s side of the field (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1800). When special summoned this way, it gains and A-Counter (A-C.: 0 -> 1), and Ryan cannot normal summon this turn. Ryan activates Summon Speeder, special summoning a level 4 or lower monster from his hand, choosing Alien Infiltrator (ATK: 800 DEF: 500). Ryan then special summons Alien Overlord from his hand by removing 2 A-Counters from anywhere on the field, (Jurrac Guaiba and Alien Skull) (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1600).

Ryan then activates his trap Crop Circles, sending a number of monsters that he controls to the graveyard to special summon an Alien monster from his deck with a level equal to the combined levels of the sent monsters, sending Jurrac Guaiba and Alien Infiltrator to special summon Alien Mother (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1500). Ryan activates Alien Overlord’s effect to place an A-Counter on every monster Spike controls (A-C.: 0 -> 1). Ryan overlays Alien Mother and Alien Overlord to xyz summon Number 149: Alien Tentacles (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2900). Ryan activates Number 149: Alien Tentacles’ effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can destroy one monster and inflict damage to equal its DEF plus an extra 300 for ever A-Counter on it, choosing Alien Skull.

Spike’s Life Points: 4000 -> 1900

Ryan cannot conduct his battle phase when he activates this effect. Ryan activates Speed World 2’s effect. By removing 4 speed counters (SpC.: 6 -> 2), he can inflict 800 points of damage to Spike for every speed spell in his hand. He has 1.

Spike’s Life Points: 1900 -> 1100

Ryan ends his turn. Due to Overboost’s effect, Ryan’s speed counters go back to 1 (SpC.: 2 -> 1).

Status: Hand-2 Life-1900 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Ohoho,” giggled Spike with an angry calm in his laugh. “You will certainly pay for that.”

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Spike’s Turn: R:2 S:3 Spike summons Evoltile Casinerio (ATK: 1600 DEF: 400). Spike then activates his trap Give and Take, special summoning a monster from his graveyard to his opponent’s side of the field in defense position, choosing Jurrac Guaiba. Also, Spike increases the level of one of his monsters by the level of the special summoned monster, choosing Evoltile Casinerio (Lvl.: 3 -> 7). Spike attacks Jurrac Guaiba with Evoltile Casinerio. When Evoltile Casinerio destroys a monster by battle, Spike can special summon 2 level 6 or lower FIRE Dinosaur-type monsters with the same name from his deck, choosing Evolsaur Darwinos (ATK: 2200 DEF: 700).

When Evolsaur Darwinos is special summoned by an Evoltile monster, he can increase 1 face up monster’s level by up to two, choosing the other Evolsaur Darwinos (Lvl.: 5 -> 7). Spike does the exact same thing with the other Evolsaur Darwinos (Lvl.: 5 -> 7). Spike overlays Evoltile Casinerio and the 2 Evolsaur Darwinos’ to xyz summon Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex (ATK: 3500 DEF: 3000). Spike activates Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material, Spike can have Number 103's effect become the effect of an opponent's monster until the end phase, choosing Number 149: Alien Tentacles. Spike detaches an xyz material from Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex to destroy Number 149: Alien Tentacles and inflicting damage equal to the monster DEF.

Ryan’s Life Points: 4000 -> 1100

Spike then activates the speed spell Speed Storm inflicting 1000 points of damage towards Ryan.

Ryan’s Life Points: 1100 -> 100

Spike places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-1100 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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Spike’s face was contorted with an evil grin at seeing the pain he caused his enemy. He didn’t even notice that he started growing larger in size, much like when he was afflicted with terrible greed one time. As he drove by Sammy and Mark on the sidelines, he saw something that really broke his heart: Rarity and Braeburn standing next to Sammy. Rarity’s hoof was over her mouth in horror as Braeburn had his neck slung over the back or Rarity’s, comforting her. Spike was filled with all different emotions, and he started to well up.

“She really cares for you,” said Ryan through the camera. “She doesn’t want to see her friend turn into a monster because of her.”

“But...” Spike said, choking up, “I love her.”

“If you really love her, then you need to let her go.”

Spike was indeed convinced that Rarity loved him as a friend, but he wasn’t the kind of friend she needed to love. Braeburn was fit to fill a role that he knew deep down that he never could. As hard as it was, he finally accepted their relationship, and he reverted back to his normal size. He was no longer upset or angry. All that existed in his mind now was to help Sammy win this duel.

“By the way,” said Spike. “It’s your move.”

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Ryan’s Turn: R:3 S:4 Ryan summons Alien Shocktrooper in defense position (ATK: 1900 DEF: 800). Next, he activates Xyz Reborn, special summoning Number 149: Alien Tentacles from his graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn to Number 149: Alien Tentacles as xyz material. Ryan activates Number 149: Alien Tentacles’ effect, detaching 1 xyz material to destroy an opponent’s monster and inflict damage equal to the monster’s DEF, choosing Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex. Spike activates Damage Polarizer, negating the effect and having both players draw a card.

Ryan places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-100 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

Spike’s Turn: R:4 S:5 Spike summons one monster face down. Next, Spike attacks Number 149: Alien Tentacles with Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex.

Ryan’s Life Points: 100 -> 0

Spike wins the round.

Status: Hand-2 Life-1100 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Mark will switch with Ryan, who will pass Alien Shocktrooper and his two face down cards on to him.

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Ryan went to switch with Mark as Spike came around again. Sammy, Braeburn, and Rarity cheered. Rarity even blew Spike a kiss. Spike simply nodded at her with a smile on her face and continued down the circuit. Mark was ready as he buckled in, punched the accelerator, and chased after Spike. Upon catching up, he began his turn.

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Round 2: Mark vs. Spike

Mark’s Turn: M:4 S:5 Mark activates Trap Stun, negating the activation of trap cards until the end phase. Mark then summons T.G. Cyber Magician (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). When Mark controls a T.G. monster, he can special summon T.G. Gear Zombie from his hand (ATK: 600 DEF: 0). Mark tunes Alien Shocktrooper and T.G. Gear Zombie to synchro summon T.G. Hyper Librarian (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1800).

Mark then activates the effect of T.G. Cyber Magician, using cards in his hand as the non-tuner synchro material. Mark tunes T.G. Catapult Dragon and T.G. Metal Skeleton from his hand with T.G. Cyber Magician to synchro summon T.G. Power Gladiator (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1000). With T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect, every time a synchro monster is summoned, Mark draws 1 card. Mark places 2 cards face down. Next, he attacks Spike’s face down card with T.G. Power Gladiator, which is a Jurrac Monoloph (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1200. With T.G. Power Gladiator’s effect, it can inflict piercing damage.

Spike’s Life Points: 1100 -> 0

Mark wins the round.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-3

Sammy will switch with Spike, who will pass Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex and his face down card on to her.

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Spike dismounted his duel board and handed his cards to Sammy. She put her helmet on and sped off.

“Spike!” called Rarity, who ran over and hugged him. “You were magnificent!”

“Awesome job, Spike!” said Braeburn without a hint of taunting in his voice, patting Spike on the back.

Spike simply slipped out of her hug.

“Spike?” she asked.

“I know,” said Spike. “I heard about you and Braeburn.”

Braeburn tried to explain, knowing he’d be the one that Spike would hate.

“Listen Spike, me and her-”

“No, it’s okay. I understand completely. I could tell by the way you were comforting Rarity when I turned into a monster that you really care for her. It’s just…” He was through holding back his tears at this point. “Rarity, I’m so sorry. I went to a place that I thought I would never go back. I’m sorry for disapproving your relationship, I’m sorry for almost turning into a monster again. If you could just find it in your heart to forgive me…”

Rarity happily hugged Spike again to comfort him, tears flowing from her face as well. “Oh, of course I forgive you Spikey-Wikey!”

Spike also returned the hug, nestling himself into Rarity’s soft arms. He then pulled Braeburn into the hug as well.

“Welcome to the herd,” he said.

Braeburn was amused at the pun Spike made about his farmer’s upbringing.

“Hehehe,” he giggled. “He’s funny.”

He then fully joined the group hug, their relationship fully mended. Sammy caught up with Mark at last.

“This is for the pain you put my friends through,” said Sammy.

____________________________________

Final Round: Sammy vs. Mark

Sammy’s Turn: M:5 S:6 Sammy activates Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex’s effect, detaching 1 xyz material from it to have Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex's effect become the effect of an opponent's monster until the end phase, choosing T.G. Hyper Librarian. Sammy then summons Neo Flamvell Shaman (ATK: 1700 DEF: 200).Next, she activates her Summon Speeder speed spell, special summoning Flamvell Magician (ATK: 1400 DEF: 200). Sammy tunes Neo Flamvell Shaman with Flamvell Magician to synchro summon Ancient Flamvell Deity (ATK: 2500 DEF: 200).

With Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex and T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect, Sammy and Mark draw 1 card. Sammy then activates the speed spell Dead Synchron, synchro summoning a synchro monster by removing the appropriate materials from play, banishing Neo Flamvell Shaman and Flamvell Magician to synchro summon Laval Stannon (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1800). Sammy and Mark draw 1 card. Sammy must discard 1 card due to Laval Stannon’s effect. Sammy overlays Ancient Flamvell Deity and Laval Stannon to xyz summon Lavell Hydra (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000). Sammy activates Lavell Hydra’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from this card, she can negate a monster’s effect and halve its ATK, choosing T.G. Power Gladiator (ATK: 2300 -> 1150). Sammy attacks T.G. Power Gladiator with Lavell Hydra.

Mark’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2150

When T.G. Power Gladiator is destroyed, Mark can draw one card. Sammy then attacks Mark T.G. Hyper Librarian with Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex, but Mark activates Safe Zone, preventing T.G. Hyper Librarian’s destruction by battle. Damage is still applied.

Mark’s Life Points: 2150 -> 1050

Sammy activates Speed World 2’s effect. By removing 4 speed counters (SpC.: 6 -> 2), Sammy can inflict 800 points of damage for each speed spell in her hand. She has 1.

Mark’s Life Points: 1050 -> 250

Sammy places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

Mark’s Turn: M:6 S:3 Mark special summons another T.G. Gear Zombie from his hand with its effect. Then, when a level 4 or lower monster is special summoned, Mark can special summon T.G. Warwolf from his hand (ATK: 1200 DEF: 0). Mark then normal summons T.G. Drill Fish (ATK: 100 DEF: 800). Mark tunes T.G. Warwolf and T.G. Drill Fish with T.G. Gear Zombie to synchro summon T.G. Wonder Magician. Mark draws 1 card due to T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect. When T.G. Wonder Magician is special summoned, Mark can destroy 1 spell or trap card on the field, choosing one of Sammy’s face down cards.

Mark then activates his trap Call of the Haunted, special summoning T.G. Power Gladiator from his graveyard. Mark overlays T.G. Power Gladiator, T.G. Wonder Magician, and T.G. Hyper Librarian to xyz summon Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky (ATK: 2000 DEF: 3500). Mark activates Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky’s effect. By detaching 2 xyz materials from this card, Mark can destroy 1 monster on the field and inflict damage equal to the monster’s ATK, choosing Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex.

Sammy’s Life Points: 4000 -> 500

Mark then activates his Dead Synchron speed spell, banishing T.G. Power Gladiator and T.G. Wonder Magician to accel synchro summon T.G. Blade Blaster (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2200). Mark attacks Lavell Hydra with T.G. Blade Buster. Sammy attempts to activate Draining Shield, but Mark activates Solemn Judgment, halving his life points to negate the activation of Draining Shield and destroy it.

Mark’s Life Points: 250 -> 125

The attack goes through.

Sammy’s Life Points: 500 -> 200

Mark attacks Sammy directly with Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky, but Sammy activates The High Priestess’ Staff from her hand, negating the attack, ending the battle phase, and inflicting 500 points of damage.

Mark’s Life Points: 125 -> 0

Sammy wins the round.

Spike and Sammy win the match.

When Mark and Sammy got back to the starting line, Sammy coolly took off her helmet as she was met with praise and cheers from Spike, Rarity and Braeburn. Mark got out of his car as Ryan and Mark morphed their cars into their D-Pad tablets. Rarity and Braeburn turned to Mark and Ryan in a defensive pose, prepared to face them. Mark then displayed the time on his D-Pad: 11:55. There was no more time for another duel.

“We’ll see you in the finals,” said Mark.

They then disappeared behind the thick brush of the Everfree Forest.

“Yeah,” whispered Braeburn. “I guess we will.”

Chapter 31: The Guardian's Prize

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Cont. from Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart vs. Alex and Eli

Eli’s Turn: Eli activates Number 164: Crystalline Chimera’s effect (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1200). By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can destroy all spell and trap cards on the field. Eli then banishes an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru from his hand to special summon Koa’ki Meiru Maximus (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500). Eli attacks Derpy Hooves’ Number 145: Hercules Warrior Beetle with Number 164: Crystalline Chimera.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 2700 -> 2500

Eli attacks Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart directly with Koa’ki Meiru Maximus.

Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart’s Life Points: 2500 -> 0

Alex and Eli win.

Derpy Hooves knew of Alex’s summoning of Adligo two years ago, so she knew that there was no need to test if he was suitable for using Numbers; she just wanted to duel him for fun. She found it surprising how from the beginning of the day, she was hard, cold, and merciless, and now, 24 hours later, she made a lot of new friends and allies. She and Little Strongheart made their way back to the castle to finally get some sleep. Alex and Eli laid on the grass next to each other and looked at each other.

“We did it man,” said Eli.

“Yep,” replied Alex. “We sure did.”

They then clasped hands together, celebrating each other over all that they had done together.

____________________________________

Midnight, after what felt like an eternity, finally rung. All of the nearby ponies tiredly went to their homes for bed. It was a bittersweet sight. On one part, it was nice to see that these ponies could finally go to bed and get some well-deserved sleep. On the other hand, Alex and Eli knew that most, if not, all of these ponies had no chance of seeing their names on the tournament bracket despite having stayed up for so long. Alex and Eli knew that they should also make for the theater as well. When Eli and Alex got inside, Alex pulled out a couple of cold beers from their fridge and tossed one to Eli. They twisted the tops off the bottles, clinked them, and took a swig. Charley and Maddie were the next to enter.

“Beer?” asked Maddie. “At this time of night?”

“Hell yeah,” said Alex.

“Asshole, give me one.”

“Do you have any of my wine?” asked Charley.

Alex tossed Maddie a beer while he took a bottle of pinot noir from their cabinet and poured a glass for Charley. Alex called cheers and clinked his bottle with Maddie’s bottle and Charley’s glass. Scott and Zelda came next.

“Hey man!” called Alex.

“Beer?” Scott held an open hand, into which Alex tossed another bottle.

“Got anything stiff?” asked Zelda impatiently.

“We got some whiskey.”

“Perfect. I’ll make it myself.”

Alex handed her the bottle and reached into the fridge for some lemon-lime soda. He was too late however, as Zelda had finished chugging about a quarter of the bottle.

“Jesus,” commented Alex. “Those Vegas bastards must have really done you guys in.”

“Not quite,” said Scott. “But they don’t seem to take kindly to ex-Vegas agents with bounties on their head.”

Behind Scott, Zelda flipped Scott off.

“Yeah,” said Eli. “We’re in a world of shit, but we’re alive.”

“I heard that,” said Scott as he went over, clinked his bottle with Eli’s and took another swig.

____________________________________

Orion and Helena came in through the door.

“Another one?” asked Alex to Eli.

“That will be your third beer.”

“I’m sorry officer,” said Eli, starting to become inebriated, “do I need to show you my card? And the last I checked, Zelda just drank about half the whiskey in Ireland.”

Eli dodged an empty beer bottle thrown by Zelda as it hit the wall behind him, shattering into thousands of pieces. Zelda also gave Eli the one finger salute.

“Okay,” said Alex. “Last one.”

“Thank you!”

Orion had poured him and Helena a glass of Charley’s wine with her permission. Sammy was the last to walk through the doors.

“Sam Dog. Arf arf!” called Eli.

Sammy could already tell he was drunk and scoffed at him.

“Orion,” called Sammy. “Beer me!”

Orion tossed Sammy a beer from the fridge. Sammy then looked for a place to sit, but the only place she could sit without being too far from her friends was next to Eli. Sammy began to approach Eli.

“Hey, there,” greeted Eli. “Where were you while the party was… missing the party?”

“First off, I was taking Spike to Twilight’s house, and second, how much have you drunk?”

“Just three of those pilsners from Creeky Cheeks-”

“You mean Ecruteak?”

“Geshundheit. Anyways… yeah, that’s about it.”

Seriously? Three beers and you’re already plastered?”

Eli shrugged.

“Damn, you lightweight.”

“Hey well, I bet you didn’t win nearly as many duels as me.”

“Try me.”

“We won all 25 duels we played.”

“32 out of 32.”

“Dude, fuckin’ A!”

Sammy laughed a little at that response. “So,” she began. “How is working with my brother?”

“He’s great. I didn’t know that someone as talented as he is on the guitar could be such a good duelist.”

“Well, we did only get into duel monsters after we thought our careers as musicians wouldn’t pan out, and he taught me what I know.”

“You should be lucky to have a brother like him, and he should be lucky to have such a great sister like you.”

Sammy’s interest was now perked. “Me? Oh please, I’m not that great.”

“What? Are you kidding? You’re a kick-ass bassist and an even kick-assier duelist. Hell, I don’t think I would have been nearly as good last night without your help that one time.”

“Eli…”

“And, you’re pretty, you’re tough, you’re super smart. In the 40 some years of my life, I wish I could have found a woman as attractive, smart, AND talented as you.”

Sammy couldn’t take it. He may be 40 years old, but he looks 28, and he’s the first man who actually seems interested in me. When will I have another chance?

She then grabbed his face and began kissing it. Eli was too drunk to be surprised, but sober enough to know what he was doing. He began returning her kisses as they exchanged tongues. Alex looked on with bewilderment, but he seemed passive about it. In the 24 hours he spent with him, the silly, but protective Eli seemed like the perfect match for the serious and stoic Sammy.

Perhaps you have found someone after all, he thought.

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The next morning, around 9 AM, the roosters sounded really loud. But knowing that the animals were as sentient as the ponies, it was very likely that this was for the announcement of the finals. Sammy was up first, but she noticed something amiss: her mouth tasted different, like she had kissed someone.

“Oh God, please,” whined Sammy.

She pulled the covers over to find an empty space. She sighed with relief.

“Hey,” said a voice. Eli was standing at the doorway when Sammy rushed over to him. “What the hell happened last night?”

“Well, if my hangover left me any clues, I’d say that we talked and then you kissed me.”

“I… kissed you?”

“Like a beast too.”

*FWAP*

Eli’s cheek stung as Sammy closed the door on him. “Jesus,” said Eli in mild surprise. “And I’m the lightweight?”

____________________________________

Everyone was dressed in casual clothes when they made their way to the Ponyville Town Hall Pavilion. Sammy wanted to stay as far away from Eli as possible right now.

“Sammy,” asked Alex. “What’s wrong.” Sammy pulled Alex aside away from everybody. “Is this about you and Eli last night.”

“What the f- how did you know? Eli, that big-”

“I saw you two last night.”

“You did?” Sammy was really embarrassed now. “Well, who kissed who first?”

“I’m not sure what that has to do with anything, but from the way I saw it, you were jumping all over him.”

“I must have drunk too much.”

“You were a quarter of the way on your first beer.”

“Well, he is the proclaimed Guardian-”

“That’s not it either. There’s something else.”

“Alright, fine! I really like him. He’s witty, he’s strong, he’s smart, and he actually seems to care about me and my wellbeing. Plus… he’s incredibly hot.”

“I hope that’s not the main reason.”

Suddenly Alex and Sammy heard rustling behind them. They turned to see Eli with his shirt lifted up and stroking his pecs with his hand in a circular motion while singing the main beat and chorus from LMFAO's Sexy and I Know It. Sammy laughed.

“No,” she said to Alex, “that’s the reason.”

Alex watched as Sammy walked to Eli as they walked back to the crowd together.

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The large group of ponies stood at the town hall awaiting the announcement from Princess Celestia. 10 AM came and Princess Celestia stood on a pedestal with the results.

“Fillies and gentlecolts. You have all fought valiantly over the course of 24 hours, but only eight teams have emerged victoriously. And here are the teams.”

The crowd was tensing up to hear the results.

“The first team, no surprise here, is Sammy and Spike.”

The crowd cheered as Sammy and Spike made their way to the stage to represent themselves.

“Next up, once again big surprise, is Alex and Eli.”

More applause from the audience as Alex and Eli went on the stage. Eli even tried to hold Sammy’s hand, but was batted away.

“Please,” said Sammy, “not here.”

Eli kept his hands at his side.

“Next up, is Chase and Diana.”

As names were read, the teams made their way onstage while the audience continued cheering.

“Mark and Ryan. Rarity and Braeburn. Orion and Helena. Scott and Zelda. And lastly, Rainbow Dash and Gilda.”

Everything was now said and done.

“Thank you all for participating. The finals will be held tomorrow in the Canterlot coliseum at 9 AM. Escorts will be provided for the teams competing. Once again, thank you all everypony, we will see you then.”

The crowd cheered again as Princess Celestia flew away before they dispersed.

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Back at the theater, Sammy and Spike were having a practice duel with Orion and Helena, and Eli was examining his deck and looking at any old cards he should take out and new cards that he should add. Then, there was a knock on the door. Alex got up and answered it. It was Twilight and Zecora. Zecora had a heavy looking bundle on her back. Upon opening the door, Zecora let herself in.

“What’s going on?” asked Alex.

“Where’s Eli?”

“He’s here.”

Zecora approached Eli and dropped the bundle in front of him.

“Woah,” said Eli. “What’s this?”

“You are the guardian, are you not?” chanted Zecora. “Then please take my lot.”

Eli unwrapped the bundle and saw two large golden gauntlets. What surprised Eli was that there were four fingers and a thumb on each gauntlet.

“Wait, this is a human gauntlet. How come you ponies have human artifacts?”

Twilight spoke on Zecora’s behalf. “These gauntlets are the seventh Element of Harmony: the Element of Bravery."

"Wait, aren't there only six Elements of Harmony?"

"I know, I was surprised too. I'm not too familiar with the legends of the Equestria that Eli was supposed to save, but Zecora told me that a seventh Element was created for the guardian for his inevitable return when darkness would attempt to rule the land. The day you arrived and the Equestrias melded, Zecora found these gauntlets in her home. She told me that she remembered that she was to give these gauntlets to the guardian when that time came.”

It must be like how Princess Celestia’s memories of both worlds remain with her, thought Twilight.

“An era of darkness is drawing nigh,” said Zecora. “You must be the one to save us, Eli. These gauntlets I give here are for you, and I shall tell you what they do. These gauntlets can maintain any form, from a spear to a sword, but be warned. When you choose your weapon, be clever, for once a choice is made, the gauntlet’s form stays forever.”

“So let me get this straight,” said Eli. “The gauntlets can become anything I want it to be, but they stay in the form that I choose.”

“More or less,” confirmed Twilight.

Eli tried thinking of a useful weapon. I could use a pair of handguns that never have to be reloaded like Dante in Devil May Cry. No, too cliché. I could make it into Cloud’s buster sword, that would be cool. Not so cool if I can’t carry it.

Eli continued to think when he saw Helena’s gauntlet duel disk. He was always very fond of how it looked, and speculated what he’d look like with one.

“I got it,” said Eli.

“What? Already?” said Twilight. "Did I not make the whole element’s form is permanent thing clear?”

“Crystal. Now please.”

Eli slipped the massive gauntlets onto his hands. He thought about how his weapon would look. After he was done thinking it through, he began to make the Element of Bravery transform into his personal weapon of choice. Sammy and Spike stopped their duel with Orion and Helena to see this.

The gauntlets were now glowing orbs of white. Eli then swung his arms out, and the light disappeared. On Eli’s left arm was another gauntlet, gold in color. It was much more slender and fitting than the gauntlets Zecora gave to Eli. There was also an empty wrist dealer on the left side of the wrist. In Eli’s right hand he held a medium sized sword with a gold handle and a silver blade.

“A gauntlet and sword?” asked Alex. “How original.”

Eli just smirked as he threw the sword into the air. The sword twisted and turned like a Rubik’s cube until it morphed into a long, silver rhombus with gold borders and 5 sapphire-blue zones on them with slots on the right side of each of the zones. There was also a slot on the right end of the rhombus. The blade then caught itself on Eli’s gauntlet. Eli now had his own gauntlet duel disk.

“Really?” asked Twilight incredulously. “A duel disk? Was your D-Pad not enough?”

Suddenly a light emitted from the wrist dealer. Eli reached inside it and pulled out two cards. One of them was an effect monster that he had never seen before, and the other one was Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony.

“It seems the element liked your pick,” said Zecora. “Those new cards it gave you are, how do they say, quite sick?”

Alex looked at his deck box and found that Adligo wasn’t there anymore.

“Why did Adligo go with Eli?” “He is now one of the Elements of Harmony,” said Twilight. “It seems Adligo found a new master to serve.”

But what about this new card? thought Eli.

Chapter 32: The Awakening

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It was late at night and everyone was asleep, hoping that they could be well rested for the tournament tomorrow. Two people however weren’t. Two shadows crept up to the theater. It was Chase and Diana, wearing all black turtlenecks, pants, and shoes.

“It’s a good thing the locks in this world are so primitive,” said Chase. “It would make breaking in here a lot harder otherwise.”

After picking the lock, Chase and Diana snuck in.

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Rainbow Dash’s home just happened to be hovering over Ponyville when she was alerted by the sound of clinking metal. From her angle, she couldn’t tell that it was Chase and Diana, but she knew that the only humans that she could trust, minus Ryan, lived in that theater. Any other human outside of it was a Vegas agent. By the time Diana and Chase were inside, they heard a banging on the building. Rainbow Dash pounded the wood with her hooves, hoping that the noise would alert them of Chase and Diana’s presence. She then ran away, both to avoid being seen by the two, and to get her friends, her speed being a powerful ally now. Everyone ran out into the house of the theater in their pajamas when they saw Chase and Diana.

“Zelda,” said Chase.

He then launched a black duel anchor at her wrist. Zelda awaited the beam, but Eli pushed her out of the way and took the beam for her as it wrapped around his wrist.

“Don’t interfere!” yelled Diana.

She also launched a black duel anchor at Zelda, who because of Eli’s shove, laid helpless on the floor. Suddenly, the back of an ankle went in front of Zelda’s face. Alex caught the anchor with his leg. Both Alex and Eli were trapped.

“Alex! Eli!” cried Sammy.

“It’s okay Sammy,” reassured Alex. “Just get me and Eli our duel disks.”

Sammy did as she was told.

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Rainbow Dash stopped by Twilight’s, Fluttershy’s, Applejack’s, Rarity’s, and Pinkie Pie’s homes to tell them that their friends were in danger. After gathering everyone as fast as she could they all met from their homes just a few hundred feet from the theater, running all the way.

“I’m telling you Twilight, those Vegas agents broke into the theater. I tried alerting them, and then I went to get you guys.”

“Alright,” said Twilight. “Hopefully nothing too bad has happened to them now.”

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“Guys, catch!” Sammy threw Alex’s duel disk and Eli’s gauntlet and sword.

“And what, pray tell, do you think you’re going to do with that?” asked Diana to Eli.

Eli then slipped the gauntlet with his deck inside the wrist dealer on his arm. Then he morphed his sword into the duel disk blade which secured itself on his arm.

“Impossible!” said Chase. “Where the hell did a brat like you get power like that?”

“From a dear friend,” said Eli.

Twilight, Spike, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Braeburn, Fluttershy, and Applejack rushed inside the theater.

“We came as fast as we could,” panted Twilight.

“Oh, look at who we have here,” said Chase. “It looks like the audience has come to enjoy the show.”

Chase and Diana hopped onstage, forcing the others to flee backstage. They ended up back in the house to watch the duel between these two teams commence. Alex, Chase, and Diana activated their duel disks. Then all four duelists drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Chase and Diana vs. Alex and Eli

Chase’s Turn: Chase summons Wind-Up Magician (ATK: 600 DEF: 1800). Next, he special summons Wind-Up Shark from his hand, as he just summoned a Wind-Up monster (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). Chase then activates the effect of Wind-Up Magician, special summoning a level 4 or lower Wind-Up monster from his deck when he activates the effect of a Wind-Up monster, choosing Wind-Up Snail (ATK: 100 DEF: 2000).

Chase then activates Inferno Reckless Summon, special summoning all copies of a special summoned monster with 1500 or less ATK that he controls from his deck, special summoning 2 more Wind-Up Snails. Chase overlays the 3 Wind-Up Snails to xyz summon Number 96: Dark Mist (ATK: 100 DEF: 1000). Next, Chase overlays Wind-Up Shark and Wind-Up Magician to xyz summon Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500).

Chase places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Now,” said Chase, “Come at me like you aren’t afraid to die.”

Alex knew that it was just best to ignore him if he wanted to remain calm and collected and win this duel.

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Alex’s Turn: Alex special summons Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit from his hand, as his opponent controls a monster while he doesn’t (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1400). Next, Alex tributes Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit to special summon Hieratic Dragon of Su (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1000). When Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit is tributed, Alex can special summon a normal Dragon-type monster from his deck, choosing Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Then, Alex tributes Hieratic Dragon of Su to special summon Hieratic Dragon of Nebthet (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1600).

When Hieratic Dragon of Su is tributed, Alex can special summon a normal Dragon-type monster from his deck, choosing another Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord. Alex overlays both Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlords to xyz summon Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2400). Alex activates Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis’ effect. By detaching 1 xyz material, Alex can tribute any number of monsters he controls to destroy that many cards the opponent controls, tributing Hieratic Dragon of Nebthet to destroy Number 96: Dark Mist.

When Hieratic Dragon of Nebthet is tributed, Alex can special summon a normal Dragon-type monster from his deck, choosing another Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord. Alex then normal summons Dragunity Phalanx (ATK: 600 DEF: 1100). Alex tunes Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord with Dragunity Phalanx to synchro summon Nero, the Dragon Warlord (ATK: 3200 DEF: 2800).

Alex places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Quite the summoner,” said Diana. “I’ll just have to try and match that.”

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Diana’s Turn: Diana activates the field spell Amazoness Village, having all Amazoness monsters gain 200 ATK. Next, she summons Amazoness Swords Woman (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1600) (ATK: 1500 -> 1700).

Diana places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Eli’s Turn: Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Drago (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1600). Eli attacks Amazoness Swords Woman, but Diana activates Amazoness Archers, switching all monsters her opponent controls into attack position, having them all lose 500 ATK (ATK: 3200 -> 2700, ATK: 3000 -> 2500, ATK: 1900 -> 1400), and forcing all of them to attack (minus Alex’s monsters, as it’s not his turn). The attack continues.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 8000 -> 7700

Then, Diana activates Queen’s Pawn, special summoning an Amazoness monster from her deck when an Amazoness monster she controls destroys a monster by battle, choosing Amazoness Fighter (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300) (ATK: 1500 -> 1700).

Eli places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-7700 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-1

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“You idiot,” scolded Chase. “And I thought you were supposed to be this land’s guardian. With your skills, I’d think you were still a lowly drafter from New York.”

Eli was beyond pissed. Not only did he cause unnecessary damage to him and his friends, but he would not let Chase taint his legacy as the guardian and all that he stood to protect.

“Oh, did I touch a nerve?”

“Dream on, sweetheart.”

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Chase’s Turn: Chase activates Xyz Reborn, special summoning Number 96: Dark Mist from his graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn as xyz material. Next, he activates Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field, including Amazoness Village (ATK: 1700 -> 1500) (ATK: 1700 -> 1500). Chase attacks Nero, the Dragon Warlord with Number 96: Black Mist. Chase activates Number 96: Dark Mist’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it when a battle involves this card, Chase can halve the ATK of the monster it’s battling and increase its ATK by the amount halved (ATK: 2700 -> 1350, ATK: 100 -> 1450). Nero, the Dragon Warlord can’t be destroyed by battle. Battle damage is applied normally.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 7700 -> 7600

Chase then attacks Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis with Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis. Chase activates Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, it gains 1000 ATK during the battle phase (ATK: 2000 -> 3000).

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 7600 -> 7100

Chase places 2 cards face down and ends his turn. During the end phase that Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect was used, it loses 2000 ATK (ATK: 3000 -> 1000).

Status: Hand-0 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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“Knock ‘em dead, Alex!” called Rainbow Dash. She was followed by more cheers from Alex and Eli’s friends.

I’ve got family and friends to lose here, thought Alex. No way in hell am I going to give in now.

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Alex’s Turn: Alex activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Then, he special summons Hieratic Dragon of Sutekh from his hand by banishing 3 normal dragon type monsters from his graveyard (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2000). Alex activates Hieratic Dragon of Sutekh’s effect. By removing a dragon type monster in his graveyard from play, Alex can destroy 1 card on the field, choosing one of Chase’s face down cards. Alex then normal summons Dragunity Partisan (ATK: 1200 DEF: 800). Alex tunes Hieratic Dragon of Sutekh with Dragunity Partisan to synchro summon Vergil, the Griffin Warlock (ATK: 2800 DEF: 3200). Next, Alex activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Hieratic Dragon of Su from his graveyard. Alex then activates the effect of Vergil, the Griffin Warlock. By paying 1000, life points Alex can set a spell or trap card from the graveyard.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 7100 -> 6100

Alex activates his face down Monster Reborn, special summoning Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit from his graveyard. Alex overlays Hieratic Dragon of Su with Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit to xyz summon Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern (ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000). Alex attacks Number 96: Black Mist with Vergil, the Griffin Warlock. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle by other Numbers, Number 96: Dark Mist isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is still applied.

Chase and Diana’s Life Points: 8000 -> 6650

Alex then attacks Number 96: Dark Mist with Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern

Chase and Diana’s Life Points: 6650 -> 5700

Alex ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-6100 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-0

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“Now to cut down some of your monsters,” said Diana.

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Diana’s Turn: Diana summons Amazoness Chain Master (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). Diana overlays Amazoness Chain Master and Amazoness Fighter to xyz summon Number 123: Serpentine Wings (ATK: 1900 DEF: 2000). Diana activates Forbidden Chalice, increasing Nero, the Dragon Warlord’s ATK by 400 but negating its effect (ATK: 1350 -> 1750). Next, Diana equips Number 123: Serpentine Wings with Axe of Despair, increasing its ATK by 1000 (ATK: 1900 -> 2900). Diana attacks Nero, the Dragon Warlord with Number 123: Serpentine Wings.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 6100 -> 4950

Diana ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-5700 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

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Jeez, thought Eli. I’m the only one with cards in my hand, and that probably won’t even last that long. I need to find some way to get me and my partner some cards. Hopefully this combo will pan out.

____________________________________

Eli’s Turn: Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Urnight (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Eli activates Koa’ki Meiru Urnight’s effect. By revealing an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand, Eli can special summon a level 4 or lower Koa’ki Meiru monster from his deck, choosing Koa’ki Meiru Gravirose (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1300). Next, he activates Reload, adding his hand to his deck, shuffling it, and drawing cards equal to the amount he added to his deck. Eli overlays Koa’ki Meiru Gravirose and Koa’ki Meiru Urnight to xyz summon Number 164: Crystalline Chimera (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1200).

Eli activates Number 164: Crystalline Chimera’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Eli can destroy all spell and trap cards on the field, including Axe of Despair (ATK: 2900 -> 1900). Diana activates the effect of Axe of Despair, tributing Amazoness Swords Woman to add it to the top of her deck. Eli attacks Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis. Chase activates Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect, detaching one xyz material from it to have it gain 1000 ATK during the battle phase (ATK: 1000 -> 2000).

Chase and Diana’s Life Points: 5700 -> 5000

Eli then activates Double Summon, summoning one monster face down.

Eli places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4950 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Chase was upset that his ace monster was just destroyed and that he had no cards in his hand or on his field.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” mocked Eli. “Did I… bust a nerve?”

Chase, of all things, hated being talked down to like that. It brought back those painful memories.

____________________________________

In high school, Chase was always picked on by bullies and never taken seriously by any of his peers. One day the social isolation grew too much to bear. He stole his father’s gun, and went to behind an ally to paint the walls with his brains. Then, a mysterious man with blue hair stepped out of the shadows and took the gun from his hands. He then showed Chase the way; that he could become better than what he was, and that with his help, Chase would never be put down again.

____________________________________

And Chase was going to make sure that didn’t happen now.

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Chase’s Turn: Chase activates his Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Chase then activates his Monster Reborn, special summoning Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis from the graveyard. Next, he equips Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis with Big Bang Shot, increasing its ATK by 400 and giving it the effect of piercing damage. Chase attacks Eli’s face down monster, which is a Morphing Jar (ATK: 700 DEF: 600).

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 4950 -> 3150

When Morphing Jar is flip summoned, every player discards their hand and draws 5 cards from their deck. Chase summons one monster face down.

Chase places 3 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-5000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-3

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“Eli,” said Alex. “Why did you do that? Now Chase and Diana have plenty of cards against us.”

“Yeah?” responded Eli. “So do we.”

Alex was surprised by his quick rebuttal

“You think I was going to allow you to go into your next turn without any sort of reinforcements? We have a duel to win, and we have friends and family to protect.”

Alex smiled. “Thanks partner.”

____________________________________

Alex’s Turn: Alex activates Dragon Mastery, allowing Alex to equip a Dragon-type Dragunity monster onto a monster he controls and raise its ATK by 500, equipping Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern with Dragunity Brandistock (ATK: 2400 -> 2900). Then, Alex summons Dragunity Militum (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200). When Dragunity Brandistock is equipped to a monster, it can attack twice during the battle phase. Alex attacks Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis with Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern. Chase attempts to activate Negate Attack, but Alex activates Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it when a spell or trap card is activated during the battle phase, Alex can negate its activation and destroy it. The attack goes through.

Chase and Diana’s Life Points: 5000 -> 4400

Alex then attacks Number 123: Serpentine Wings with Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern, but Chase activates Shift, switching the attack target to his face down monster. Alex attempts to activate Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern’s effect again, but Chase activates Divine Wrath, discarding 1 card to negate the activation of a monster’s effect and destroy it. Alex then attacks Chase’s face down monster with Vergil, the Griffin Warlock.

Alex places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-3150 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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“You may think that giving your opponent more cards was a most generous act,” said Diana. “Now I’m going to show you that giving me cards in the process was your gravest mistake.”

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Diana’s Turn: Diana activates Lightning Vortex, discarding 1 card to destroy all monsters her opponent controls. Diana then equips Number 123: Serpentine Wings with Axe of Despair again (ATK: 1900 -> 2900). Diana summons Amazoness Paladin (ATK: 1700 DEF: 300). Diana activates the effect of Number 123: Serpentine Wings. By detaching one xyz material from it, the activation of all spell, trap, and monster effects on the field are negated when this card attacks. Diana attacks Alex and Eli directly with Number 123: Serpentine Wings.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 3150 -> 250

Diana attacks Alex and Eli directly with Amazoness Paladin, but Eli activates Hallowed Life Barrier, discarding 1 card to bring all battle damage to 0.

Diana places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4400 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

____________________________________

Eli had just filled the requirements. He remembered back to that afternoon when Eli was given the 7th Element of Harmony, and that he got two cards: Adligo and a new card that he never saw before. Now was the turn to summon it.

“It is done,” said Eli emotionlessly.

Everyone in the house gasped, fearing that Eli had given up. Chase and Diana smiled at thinking their victory was certain.

“Alex,” said Eli. “Will that face down card of yours negate the activation of a trap card?”

“Yes. Why?” asked Alex.

“Then it’s really done,” said Eli with a smirk.

Chase and Diana looked confused.

____________________________________

Eli’s Turn: Eli activates his Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field. Diana attempts to activate Dark Bribe, but Alex activates Solemn Judgment, halving his life points to negate the activation of a trap card and destroy it.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 250 -> 125

Heavy Storm’s effect resolves, once again destroying Axe of Despair (ATK: 2900 -> 1900). Eli then special summons Elemental Guardian Celutera from his hand, as he has at least 1 WIND (Koa’ki Meiru Drago), 1 FIRE (Koa’ki Meiru Gravirose), 1 EARTH (Koa’ki Meiru Urnight), and 1 WATER (discarded Koa’ki Meiru Sea Panther) monster in his graveyard (ATK: 3500 DEF: 3500).

With Elemental Guardian Celutera’s effect, if Eli were to xyz summon a monster, Elemental Guardian Celutera can be used for the entire xyz summon. Eli overlays Elemental Guardian Celutera to xyz summon Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony (ATK: 4500 DEF: 4500). Eli activates Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Eli can inflict damage equal to the detached xyz material’s ATK.

Chase and Diana’s Life Points: 4400 -> 900

Eli then attacks Number 123: Serpentine Wings with Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony.

Chase and Diana’s Life Points: 900 -> 0

Alex and Eli win.

The blast from the attack sent Chase and Eli flying backwards. Twilight knew that since the duel was over, their duel anchors should no longer be connected to Alex and Eli. She used a teleportation spell to send Chase and Diana outside the theater. She then rushed outside to cover the house in a protective aura before Chase and Diana could re-enter and try to take on anyone else. Twilight just began the spell when Chase, who was about twenty feet from the theater’s entrance, pulled a gun out and shot at Twilight. Fortunately, the barrier was already formed around Twilight at this point, so the bullet just bounced off of the barrier. Chase just watched as the barrier fully enveloped the theater, protecting her and her friends.

“I know,” said Chase to Diana. “Let’s burn their houses down. That will send them out.”

“Are you crazy?” asked Diana. “We’re already out after hours as it is. If Mark finds out that we were out last night burning buildings, he’ll make no qualms in severly punishing us. We keep our duel a secret, you understand me?” Chase grimaced.

“Understood,” he said quietly.

“I think this hunting has gone to your head,” said Diana.

They both silently ran back to their cavern.

____________________________________

“I’ve enveloped the theater in a protective aura,” said Twilight. “Nothing can get through it.”

“That means nothing will get out,” said Applejack. “Oh no! Apple Bloom! What if they go after my family next?”

“And my precious Sweetie Belle!” shouted Rarity.

Twilight then thought of an idea. She told Spike to write an urgent letter to Princess Luna, the active Princess during the nighttime, asking her to look out over Ponyville (specifically Twilight and her friends’ homes) to make sure nothing bad happened to them, also telling her about Chase and Diana’s break in. Spike sent the letter with his magic fire breath.

“It’s a good thing magic fire can penetrate a barrier spell,” said Twilight.

“So, we’re safe?” asked Applejack.

“Yes, we’re safe.”

There was a huge sigh of relief as everyone lied down. Rainbow Dash went and hugged Alex. “Why did you have to go and worry me like that?” she asked while choking up.

Alex laughed a little. “What? I couldn’t help it. I did the best I could. And hey, I’m alive aren’t I?”

“Yeah, I guess. You were awesome.”

“Thanks,” said Alex, “but if there’s anyone you should thank, it’s Eli. He’s the one that won the duel.”

Rainbow Dash stopped hugging Alex so she could hug Eli.

“Thanks for saving us, guardian.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Rainbow Dash went to talk to her other friends when Eli turned his duel disk back into his sword and slipped his gauntlet off. Sammy approached Eli and kissed him.

“You stupid asshole,” she sobbed. “Don’t worry me like that again.”

“No promises.”

Alex looked at Sammy and Eli. He was happy that Sammy found solace with someone other than him, but he was dismayed that their love couldn’t have come at a worse time.

____________________________________

The ponies decided to sleep with their human friends for extra comfort and protection. Twilight with Orion and Helena, Applejack with Maddie, Pinkie Pie with Lucas, Rarity and Braeburn with Scott and Zelda, Fluttershy with Charley, Spike with Sammy and Eli, and Rainbow Dash with Alex. Eli couldn’t sleep however.

Those Number hunters are really determined, thought Eli. All we’ve fought through and fought for has led to tomorrow morning. Either this war, for lack of a better term, ends tomorrow in our favor, or with evil ruling this land for eternity.

Eli prayed for the former.

Part 5 Epitaph - Chapter 33: Dawn of Fire

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The sun rose early for 6 o’clock in the morning, but the train would leave for Canterlot at 7, so it was imperative that everyone be ready long before then. Alex decided to dress up in his old dueling attire, that is, black pants, a grey long sleeve shirt, and an open white formal vest. The day was supposed to be warm, so Alex nixed his beanie and decided to spike his hair. Sammy opted for her normal rock attire; a red tank top with a white tank top with wider straps underneath it with a short purple scarf with multicolored sequins. Eli dressed in khaki pants, his blue Iron Maiden t-shirt, and a brown flannel. Scott and Zelda dressed the same way they did for the competition. Other than that, everyone else wore simple pants and shirts, while the ponies went the way they normally do, not needing to get too dressed up seeing as how they weren’t competing, but still wanting to look acceptable by Canterlot standards.

“You ready, Rarity?” asked Eli from behind the closed bathroom door. “The train leaves in ten minutes.”

“Just a second, darling.”

“You said that 5 minutes-”

“I mean it this time.”

And, like she said, in a second she was done, her mane and tail cleaned and curled to perfection.

“Ready now?”

“As ever.”

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By 7:56, everyone made it to the Ponyville Station to catch the 7 o’clock to Canterlot.

“Don’t worry,” said Pinkie Pie to Alex and Eli. She loved being on trains, and she was just excited that in four minutes, she would. “I know those meanies tried to pull a fast one on you last night, but you showed them. Oh my gosh, we’re going to go to Canterlot! I’m so excited! Are you excited? ‘Cause I’m excited. Why aren’t you excited?”

“Would you like some coffee and cream with that sugar?” asked Eli sarcastically.

“That’s nice of you to offer, but you should have asked me that twenty minutes ago.”

Eli failed to be surprised at this point. Once the 7 o’clock bell chimed, the train finally pulled up to the station. Once everyone was on board, the train made its destination for Equestria’s illustrious capital.

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And how illustrious it was. Eli had not been in Canterlot since he first arrived in Equestria, but he had only seen a little of the palace where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna reside. As they walked to the Canterlot Coliseum, Eli took in its architecture. Being a drafter, he found himself amazed that ponies, even as dexterous as they were, could build something so grand as Canterlot. Alex and Orion had been in the city before, but it still didn’t stop them from being marveled. For every other human (and gardevoir for that matter), Canterlot was new to them. Like Eli, they were all hypnotized by the culture and architecture that surrounded the city. For the ponies, the trip was mutual, having been to Canterlot many times before. They were even playing I Spy to pass the time.

“I spy with my little eye…” began Twilight, “… a cake.” Twilight fixed her gaze on a large white cake leaving a bakery.

“I spy with my little eye…” said Fluttershy, “… a poodle.” A socialite mare was walking down the road with a purple poodle on a leash.

“You know,” said Eli, falling back, “I don’t think you understand the fine art of ‘I Spy.’”

“Oh really?” snooted Rainbow Dash. “And how do you play it?”

“Well, it’s simple. You find an object, describe that object in a simple form, like a color or a shape, and have someone look for my object and say what it is. This makes the game more interactive. For example, I spy, with my little eye, something red.”

“Ooh, ooh, ooh!” shouted Pinkie. “Is it that little colt’s duel disk?”

She pointed at a young cyan mare with a bright red duel disk who was dueling one of his friends out in the open.

“Yes!” confirmed Eli. “See, Pinkie Pie’s a quick learner.”

Pinkie Pie beamed.

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After about twenty minutes of walking and I-Spying, it was about a quarter after 8, forty-five minutes until the tournament would start. They finally arrived at the Canterlot Coliseum, which looked much larger than the Cloudsdale arena that they dueled in two years ago. Upon walking in they were greeted by Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart, who quickly ushered the competitors through the corridors while every other human and pony went to the stands to wait for the tournament to begin. “We have special rooms for you so you won’t have to deal with any of the Vegas agents.”

“Wait, they’re still in this tournament?” asked Alex.

“Yeah, even after they attacked us?” interrupted Eli.

“I know, I’d get rid of them too if I had a choice, but our systems won’t allow them to be disqualified for some reason, and the princesses don’t want to have any royal guards killed again.”

“Isn’t that their job though?” asked Eli. “To protect us?”

“Yes, but knowing their prowess of evading capture and lethal tactics, the princesses feel that they’d no more be protecting ponies than acting like pawns on a chess board. Plus, if you win this tournament, you can just wish for all the Numbers, and then they’ll be done with.”

“I see,” agreed Alex begrudgingly.

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Eli and Alex were then put into their room. Inside was a couch with a mirror hung on the wall, placed much like a TV would be placed back in Alex or Eli’s worlds. There was also a table of fresh fruits, and a bottle of champagne on ice with two glass flutes. Alex and Eli popped the cork, filled each glass halfway, and toasted to their hopeful victory.

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Rainbow Dash entered her room, which looked much like Alex and Eli’s.

“Hey bud!” called Gilda from inside.

“Gilda,” answered Rainbow Dash. “What are you doing here?”

“I heard about last night, so I just thought I’d meet you here when you came, and now, like, here you are.”

Gilda had already poured their champagne for them, and they both toasted the opportunity to save Equestria.

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Diana and Chase were busy reviewing their competitors. Between them, Mark, Ryan , Flim, and Flam, they had everyone’s information on record. They began to decide studying it to make sure they’d know what to be up against when the time came.

“Who’s our first?” asked Diana. Chase scrolled through the list on his D-Pad tablet and found Orion and Helena.

“Orion,” he began. “Deck: Six Samurai. Attribute: Various. General Types: Warrior. Play Style: Swarms the field with monsters, which can then be used for synchro and xyz summoning. Helena. Deck: Photon. Attribute: LIGHT. General Types: Various. Play Style: Special summon high ATK monsters to quickly summon the deck’s ace, Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, a crippling card for anyone who uses xyz monsters.”

“Looks like we have a bit of a challenge, don’t we?”

“What challenge?”

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Alex reviewed the bracket. He and Eli would be up first against Sammy and Spike. Then, Orion and Helena would face Chase and Diana, followed by Rarity and Braeburn against Mark and Ryan, and then Zelda and Scott vs. Rainbow Dash and Gilda. Alex could only hope that all the experience they’ve (and he) had now would aid them in fighting their greatest enemy.

8:55. Five minutes until showtime.

“Alex, Eli,” called a tan pegasus mare with a curly orange mane and tail. She also had a pink polo shirt, glasses, and a headset with a microphone. “You two are on shortly.”

“Ready for this?” asked Alex.

“This may sound cheesy, and cliché, but it’s true: I was born ready.”

Alex slipped on his duel disk while Eli slipped on his gauntlet. Princess Celestia had given Eli a scabbard for his sword for easier transportation. Alex and Eli exited their room and walked up a small flight of stairs. At the top stood a wooden gate, which led to the arena. They could hear the crowd cheering already. Alex held a fist out, which Eli pounded.

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Suddenly the bell tolled 9, and a blue pegasus with a grey mane and tail, a black polo, and a headset began to announce. “Fillies and gentlecolts,” he shouted. “Please rise and cheer as we welcome our beloved Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!”

The two alicorns descended from the sky with royal guards at their sides and landed on a special balcony for them to sit. They landed and waved to the crowd, eliciting cheers from them.

“Now, will you please stay quiet and remove your hats for the playing of the Equestrian national anthem!”

A fanfare of horns broke through the arena for about a minute and a half before the anthem ended.

“Now, without further to do, we shall now commence the 3rd annual Equestrian Friendship Dueling Tournament. Our first competitor is someone you may recognize. He is the winner of the first EFDC, and his partner is the titled Guardian of Equestria. Please welcome, Alex and Eli!”

Alex and Eli’s door was opened and they immediately walked out, being greeted by the thunderous crowd. Alex spotted his friends and gave them a wave.

“Next, the fiery duo returns in full form. They are Sammy and Spike!”

Sammy walked out with Spike. They met in the middle about a couple of feet away from each other. Then a four-spaced circle appeared in the sky. The spaces were marked SD (Standard Doubles), SR (Standard Relay), RD (Riding Doubles), and RR (Riding Relay).

“Let’s see how these two will face each other!”

A light appeared on the SD space. The light span around rapidly until it slowed down and stopped on the space that read SD. Standard Doubles.

“Looks like these two will compete in a standard doubles match. Good luck to both teams.”

Alex and Eli stood about thirty feet from Sammy and Spike. Once they felt comfortable, they began. Alex, Sammy, and Spike unsheathed their duel disks while Eli changed his sword into his duel disk blade. Everyone then drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they yelled.

Alex and Eli vs. Sammy and Spike

Alex’s Turn: Alex summons Dragunity Pilum (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1000). When Dragunity Pilum is summoned, Alex can special summon a Winged Beast-type Dragunity monster from his hand and equip Dragunity Pilum onto it, choosing Dragunity Militum (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200). With Dragunity Militum’s effect, Alex can special summon a Dragon-type Dragunity monster from the spell/trap card zone, choosing Dragunity Pilum.

Alex places 2 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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Rainbow Dash and Gilda watched the duel from their magic mirrors in their room.

"Come on, buddy," Rainbow Dash whispered.

“Right off the bat,” cheered the announcer, “Alex summons a strong set of monsters. How will Sammy combat this?”

“Just watch,” said Sammy.

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Sammy’s Turn: Sammy activates Painful Choice, choosing 5 cards from her deck. Alex chooses one of these cards (Laval Warrior) and the rest are sent to the graveyard. Sammy special summons Laval Burner, as she has 3 different Laval monsters in her graveyard (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1000). Sammy then summons Laval Forest Sprite (ATK: 300 DEF: 200). Sammy tunes Laval Burner with Laval Forest Sprite to synchro summon Ancient Flamvell Deity (ATK: 2500 DEF: 200). Sammy then activates Battle Waltz, special summoning a Waltz token with the same type, attribute, level, ATK and DEF as a synchro monster that she controls.

Sammy places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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“What’s this?” asked the announcer. “Sammy could have summoned her ace monster, but she decides to hold back!”

“What in tarnation is she doing?” asked Applejack. “Why’d she leave her monsters out in the open like that? Is she crazy?”

“No,” said Rarity, who decided to watch from the stands with her friends. “She’s just formulating.”

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Eli’s Turn: Eli activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, Eli special summons Koa’ki Meiru Maximus from his hand by banishing an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru from his hand (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500). Eli equips Koa’ki Meiru Maximus with Iron Core Armor. Next, Eli activates Koa’ki Meiru Maximus’ effect, destroying one card his opponent controls, choosing her Waltz token.

Eli places 1 card face down and ends his turn. During Eli’s end phase, Eli must discard an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru, discard a Koa’ki Meiru monster, or destroy Koa’ki Meiru Maximus. With Iron Core Armor’s effect, it can be destroyed in place of a monster equipped to it.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Look at this!” cried the announcer. “Despite not being able to attack this turn, Eli still manages to destroy one of Sammy’s monsters. How will they get out of this?”

“Like this!” called Spike.

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Spike’s Turn: Sammy activates Trap Stun, preventing the activation of trap cards this turn. Spike summons Evolsaur Cerato (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1400). Spike then activates Double Summon, summoning Jurrac Brachis (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000). Spike tunes Evolsaur Cerato with Jurrac Brachis to synchro summon Jurrac Giganoto (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1800). Spike then activates Xyz Plant, special summoning a token with the same level as a monster he controls choosing Jurrac Giganoto. Spike overlays Jurrac Giganoto, Ancient Flamvell Deity, and Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex (ATK: 3500 DEF: 3000).

Spike activates Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material, Spike can have Number 103's effect become the effect of an opponent's monster until the end phase, choosing Koa’ki Meiru Maximus. Once per turn, with Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex’s new effect, Spike can destroy one card his opponent controls, choosing Koa’ki Meiru Maximus. Spike attacks Dragunity Pilum.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 8000 -> 5900

Spike places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

“And just like that,” said the announcer, “the baby dragon Spike bares his fangs, dealing a troubling 2100 points of damage towards Alex and Eli. Now, let’s see how Alex can turn the situation around.”

“Come on, Alex,” whispered Rainbow Dash from her room.

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Alex’s Turn: Alex summons Dragunity Partisan (ATK: 1200 DEF: 800). When Dragunity Partisan is summoned, Alex can special summon a Winged Beast-type Dragunity monster from his hand and equip Dragunity Partisan onto it, choosing Dragunity Dux (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000). Alex special summons Dragunity Partisan from the spell and trap card zone using Dragunity Militum’s effect again. Alex tunes Dragunity Militum and Dragunity Dux with Dragunity Partisan to synchro summon Nero, the Dragon Warlord (ATK: 3200 DEF: 2800).

Alex ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-5900 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Ohoho!” cheered the announcer. “Looks like Alex will defend with a strong offense. Will Sammy break through Alex’s shield, or will she fail to even land a blow? Let’s find out.”

“I’m not just going to break their shield,” said Sammy. “I’m going to annihilate it.”

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Sammy’s Turn: Sammy activates her face down Rekindling, special summoning as many FIRE monsters with 200 DEF from her graveyard as possible, summoning Ancient Flamvell Deity, Laval Forest Sprite, Flamvell Firedog (ATK: 1900 DEF: 200), and Laval Magma Cannoneer (ATK: 1700 DEF: 200). Sammy activates Searing Fire Wall, banishing a Laval monster in her graveyard to special summon a Laval token (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Sammy tunes Laval Magma Cannoneer and the Laval token with Laval Forest Sprite to synchro summon Laval Stannon (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1800). Sammy must discard one card from her hand when Laval Stannon is summoned. Sammy overlays Laval Stannon and Ancient Flamvell Deity to xyz summon Lavell Hydra (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000).

Lavell Hydra can be treated as both a Flamvell and a Laval monster. When Laval Forest Sprite is sent to the graveyard, all Laval monsters gain 200 ATK for each Laval monster in the graveyard until the end phase (5 x 200 = 1000, ATK: 3000 -> 4000). Sammy activates Lavell Hydra’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it (Laval Stannon) (ATK: 4000 -> 4200), she can halve the ATK of a monster on the field and negate its effect, choosing Nero, the Dragon Warlord (ATK: 3200 -> 1600). Sammy attacks Nero, the Dragon Warlord with Flamvell Firedog. Eli activates Damage Diet, halving all damage they take this turn.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 5900 -> 5750

When Flamvell Firedog destroys a monster and sends it to the graveyard, Sammy can special summon a FIRE monster with 200 DEF from her deck, choosing Neo Flamvell Origin (ATK: 500 DEF: 200). Sammy attacks Alex and Eli directly with Lavell Hydra.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 5750 -> 3650

Sammy tunes Flamvell Firedog with Neo Flamvell Origin to synchro summon Flamvell Uruquizas (ATK: 2100 DEF: 400).

Sammy ends her turn. Lavell Hydra’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 4200 -> 3000).

Status: Hand-0 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

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“Unbelievable!” yelled the announcer. “Sammy and Spike have officially taken away half of Alex and Eli’s life points, while having not a taken a scratch themselves. It looks like this duel is just as good as decided. Or is it? It looks like it will all depend on their next draw.”

“What’s going on?” asked Twilight. “Alex and Eli don’t seem to be putting up much of a fight. Are they okay?”

“Don’t underestimate those two,” said Lucas. “They may seem like a slow pair right now, but once the momentum starts, there is no stopping them. Just watch.”

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Eli’s Turn: Eli activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, he activates Double Spell, discarding a spell card from his hand to use a spell card from his opponent’s graveyard as his own, choosing Painful Choice. Eli chooses 5 cards and Sammy picks one of them (Morphing Jar) and the others are sent to the graveyard. Eli then special summons Elemental Guardian Celutera from his hand, as he has at least 1 WIND, EARTH, FIRE, and WATER monster in his graveyard (ATK: 3500 DEF: 3500). With Elemental Guardian Celutera’s effect, if Eli were to xyz summon a monster, Elemental Guardian Celutera can be used for the entire xyz summon. Eli overlays Elemental Guardian Celutera to xyz summon Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony (ATK: 4500 DEF: 4500).

Eli then activates the effect of Elemental Guardian Celutera. By detaching it as xyz material, Eli can attach 1 WIND, 1 FIRE, 1 WATER, and 1 EARTH monster from his graveyard onto an xyz monster as xyz materials, choosing Koa’ki Meiru Maximus (WIND), Koa’ki Meiru Valafar (FIRE), Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord (EARTH), and Koa’ki Meiru Ice (WATER). Eli activates Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material (Koa’ki Meiru Valafar), Eli can inflict damage equal to the ATK of the xyz material detached (3000).

Sammy and Spike’s Life Points: 8000 -> 5000

Eli then attacks Flamvell Uruquizas with Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony, but Spike activates Battle Simulation, choosing two monsters in battle and halving their attack during the battle (ATK: 4500 -> 2250, ATK: 2100 -> 1050). With Battle Simulation’s effect, none of the monsters are destroyed by battle.

Sammy and Spike’s Life Points: 5000 -> 3800

Every monster’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 2250 -> 4500, ATK: 1050 -> 2100). Eli summons 1 monster face down.

Eli places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-3650 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“I don’t believe- I said, I don’t believe this!” yelled the announcer. “The newcomer, Eli, has just summoned Number 200, the legendary card that Alex wielded two years ago. It seems that it has come to assist them once more. Now how are Sammy and Spike going to act?”

Spike was worried. Not so much that he was standing in front of one of the most powerful and legendary card in existence, but that he wouldn’t be able to defeat Alex and Eli in spite of it. Spike knew he could do something that could win the duel for them, but he needed a card to help ensure victory, and he needed to draw it right now.

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Spike’s Turn: Spike activates Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying Alex’s face down card. Next, he activates Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex’s effect, detaching an xyz material to have Number 103's effect become the effect of an opponent's monster until the end phase, choosing Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony. Spike detaches 1 xyz material to inflict damage equal to the detached xyz material’s ATK (Jurrac Giganoto, ATK: 2100), but Eli activates Barrel Behind the Door. When he would take effect damage from an opponent’s card, he can inflict the damage onto his opponent instead.

Sammy and Spike’s Life Points: 3800 -> 1700

Spike then equips Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex with Big Bang Shot, increasing Number 103: Pterosaurus Rex’s ATK by 400 and giving it the effect of piercing damage (ATK: 3500 -> 3900). Spike attacks Eli’s face down monster, which is a Morphing Jar (ATK: 700 DEF: 600).

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 3650 -> 350

When Morphing Jar is flip summoned, both players discard their entire hands and draw cards until they have 5 in their hands.

Spike places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-1700 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Looks like Eli was able to temporarily save himself and his partner from defeat,” said the announcer. “But they cling to less than 500 life points. This could very well be Alex’s final turn, and this match is dependent on his next draw!”

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Alex’s Turn: Alex then special summons Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit, as he controls no monsters (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1400). Alex then tributes Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit to special summon Hieratic Dragon of Su from his hand (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1000). Alex activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit from his graveyard. Alex overlays Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit and Hieratic Dragon of Su to xyz summon Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern (ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000). Alex then equips Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern with Megamorph, doubling his monster’s ATK (ATK: 2400 -> 4800). Alex attacks Lavell Hydra with Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern.

Sammy and Spike’s Life Points: 1700 -> 0

Alex and Eli win.

“What an upset!” called the announcer, almost being drowned out by the audience’s cheering. “It turns out that Alex’s Number was able to win the day for his team. You just can never tell what will happen in the course of a duel!”

Spike sat on the ground feeling dejected. Sammy picked the dragon up and hugged him.

“You were awesome,” assured Sammy genuinely.

Spike was still a little upset, but not so much that he smiled a little and hugged her back. Alex and Eli walked up to Sammy and Eli to shake their opponents’ hands.

“You have learned well,” said Sammy shaking Eli’s hand.

“Who are you, my teacher?” Sammy stared blankly at him. “Yeah, yeah, I know.”

Alex and Eli finished shaking hands with Sammy and Spike, and they went back to their rooms. Sammy and Spike went up to the stands to watch with her other friends. Alex and Eli walked back down the stairs and saw Orion and Helena waiting at the bottom.

“Good luck,” said Alex, pounding fists with Orion.

Helena looked Orion, who returned her gaze with his, and they both walked up the stage together to face their next opponent.

Chapter 34: Sic Semper Tyrannis

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Orion and Helena stood at the wooden gate to await Chase and Diana, their upcoming opponents. It was going to be back to back duels, so the pace and pressure of trying to save Equestria from Vegas would be very high.

“Now, we have our next quarterfinal match,” said the announcer. Orion held Helena’s hand. “We have the other half of the team that won the EFDC two years ago, plus his feisty young mademoiselle, Orion and Helena!”

Orion and Helena walked into the arena with hands held. They then lifted their held hands into the air, eliciting more cheers from the crowd.

“And their competitors, the self-titled Mr. King and Ms. Queen, Chase and Diana!”

The crowd was very well aware of the things they’ve done during the preliminaries, and they met them with boos. Diana simply waved to the crowd, while Chase wiggled his middle fingers at various audience members.

“Oh, how rude!” cried Rarity.

“Ignore them,” said Braeburn. “Come on, we have to get ready. We’re next after them.”

“Oh right. Bye darlings!”

Her friends waved her goodbye as Rarity and Braeburn went to their room to prepare.

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Orion and Helena and Chase and Diana met in the middle of the coliseum. The four-spaced circle appeared in the sky, and the light spun around the circle. The light finally landed on the space marked SR. Standard Relay.

“These two teams will duel in standard relay mode. Teams, pick your first duelist to start the match. Good luck to both teams!”

Helena decided to go first, knowing that she was going against Diana first. She was also fully aware that she wasn’t quite the duelist that Orion was, and it’s always a good strategy to have your strongest duelist go last. Orion and Helena begrudgingly shook hands with Chase and Diana. As soon as Chase and Diana grabbed hold of their opponents hands, they activated their duel anchors as they wrapped around Orion and Helena’s wrists, the handshake concealing for the most part. Orion and Helena looked at Chase and Orion in shock.

“Now we hunt,” said Chase with a wink.

The beams disappeared before both teams walked away to give themselves space. Helena’s gauntlet appeared on her arm as the orange and silver pod’s feather zones unfurled away, putting it in its duel mode. Diana activated her duel disk, and they both drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they both yelled.

Helena and Orion vs. Diana and Chase

Round 1: Helena vs. Diana

Helena’s Turn: Helena activates Polymerization, sending Photon Kaiser and Photon Leo from her hand to the graveyard to fusion summon Twin Photon Lizard (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1000).

Helena places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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After her match last night with Alex and Eli, she knew that she dueled better with a strictly Amazoness deck. If she was going to stand a chance against a duelist like Helena, she’d have to be in her best shape possible.

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Diana’s Turn: Diana summons Amazoness Fighter (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). Diana equips Amazoness Fighter with Amazoness Heirloom.

Diana places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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Diana remembered a conversation between her and Chase before the match.

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“What? You’re just giving me this?” asked Diana.

“If we want to win this tournament and get all of the Numbers, I’m going to be using my own deck, not Ryan’s”

“Ryan’s?”

“Remember. Ryan is using his son’s deck. He used a Wind-Up/T.G. deck before he switched to the Alien deck. He gave the Wind-Ups to me, and he gave the T.G.s to Mark. The Wind-Ups have served me well up until last night. Now, I’m using my deck.”

“What does this have to do with this card?”

“Remember, Helena’s deck is geared towards summoning Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon as quickly as possible. With this trap card, you can defeat it.”

Diana understood, and she took the card from his hand.

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As soon as she remembered the card touching her fingertips, she snapped back into reality.

Come at me, thought Diana. Let’s see if you’re smart enough to prove Chase wrong.

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Helena’s Turn: Helena activates Photon Lizard’s effect. By tributing it, Helena can special summon the fusion material monsters from her graveyard: Photon Kaiser (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2800), and Photon Leo (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1100). Helena tributes Photon Kaiser and Photon Leo to special summon Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500). Helena attacks Amazoness Fighter, but Diana activates her trap Stonehenge Shield, negating an opponent’s attack with a monster with 3000 or more original ATK, reducing its ATK to 0, and negating its effect (ATK: 3000 -> 0).

Helena ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“What’s a card like that doing in your deck?” asked Helena.

“Chase,” said Diana simply. “And don’t expect any more surprises from him until he actually gets here. Until then, I will fight you and defeat you.”

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Diana’s Turn: Diana summons Amazoness Sage (ATK: 1400 DEF: 700). Diana attacks Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon with Amazoness Sage, but Helena activates Attack Invulnerability, preventing Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s destruction by battle. Damage is still applied.

Helena’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2600

Diana then attacks Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon with Amazoness Fighter.

Helena’s Life Points: 2600 -> 1100

When a monster equipped with Amazoness Heirloom attacks a monster, the monster is destroyed after damage calculation, destroying Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon.

Diana places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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“What was the point of that?” asked Diana angrily. “Your monster was destroyed anyway and you took as much damage as you normally would have hadn’t you activated that card. Why did you activate your trap?”

“Hmph,” scoffed Helena. “Isn’t it obvious? I remembered your Queen’s Pawn trap from last night and how you can special summon an Amazoness monster from your deck when an Amazoness monster destroys a monster by battle. Then you could have three monsters in your arsenal and that would make summoning your Number monster so much easier in the long run.” Diana was getting incrementally angrier as Helena unveiled her entire plan. “Yes, my monster was destroyed, and yes, I took damage. But I still foiled your plan, and that’s the only thing that matters to me.”

Diana then put herself into a calmer demeanor. “That was very smart of you,” she coaxed. “You would have made an excellent addition to the Vegas Bureau.”

“Yes, I suppose I could have, but I’m glad I didn’t, because then I would’ve turned into a total bitch like you.”

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Helena’s Turn: Helena special summons Photon Thrasher from her hand, as she controls no monsters (ATK: 2100 DEF: 0). Helena then normal summons Photon Circle (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000). Helena places 1 card face down. Helena overlays Photon Thrasher with Photon Circle to xyz summon Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1800).

Helena activates Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it when she has no cards in her hand, she can draw 5 cards. Helena activates her face down Photon Hurricane, sending a number of spell and trap cards on the opponent’s side of the field to the owner’s hand. Helena activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon from her graveyard. Helena attacks Amazoness Fighter with Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina. With Amazoness Fighter’s effect, Diana takes no battle damage from battles involving it. Helena attacks Amazoness Sage with Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon.

Diana’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2400

Helena places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-1100 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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Diana then let out a quiet, unsettling laugh. “I know about chaos xyz…” she said.

Helena was shocked.

“How could you…” she then remembered Flim and Flam the night they dueled them.

It was obvious. Stonehenge Shield to counter Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, her being at 1100 life points instead of the 1000 required to chaos xyz, the fact she even knew what chaos xyz was; they knew about Helena and Orion’s strategies before this duel even began. Diana continued to talk.

“And if you think me and my colleague are going to let you use such a cheap little trick to win your way out of this duel, you are sadly mistaken.”

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Diana’s Turn: Diana activates Reload, adding her hand to her deck, shuffling it, and drawing cards equal to the amount that she added to her hand. Diana summons Amazoness Archer (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1000). Diana activates her Monster Reborn, special summoning Amazoness Fighter from her graveyard. Diana overlays Amazoness Fighter and Amazoness Archer to xyz summon Number 123: Serpentine Wings (ATK: 1900 DEF: 2000).

Diana equips Number 123: Serpentine Wings with Axe of Despair, increasing its ATK by 1000 (ATK: 1900 -> 2900). Diana activates the effect of Number 123: Serpentine Wings. By detaching one xyz material from it, the activation of all spell, trap, and monster effects on the field are negated when this card attacks. Diana attacks Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina.

Helena’s Life Points: 1100 -> 500

Diana places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-2400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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For all of Diana’s best laid plans and fearful threats, she would all be undone by something so simple.

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Helena’s Turn: Helena activates Xyz Reborn, special summoning Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina from her graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn as xyz material. Helena overlays Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina to chaos xyz summon Number C115: Carina Nova (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1800).

Helena activates Number C115: Carina Nova’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from this card, she can banish the top card of her deck. If it’s a monster, Number C115: Carina Nova’s ATK increases by the ATK of the banished monster. Helena draws Photon Current. Helena activates the effect once more. This time, she draws a Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon (ATK: 2300 -> 5300). Helena places 1 card face down. Helena attacks Number 123: Serpentine Wings.

Diana’s Life Points: 2400 -> 0

Helena wins the round. Number C115: Carina Nova’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 5300 -> 2300).

Status: Hand-3 Life-500 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

Chase will switch with Diana, who will pass on her face down card to him.

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“They really are a tough team to beat,” said Diana, passing her card to Chase. “Be careful.”

“Don’t worry,” said Chase. With the power of my real deck, we’re certain not to lose.”

Chase got out into play, activated his duel disk, and drew five cards from his deck.

Round 2: Chase vs. Helena

Chase’s Turn: Chase special summons Chronomaly Crystal Bones, as he controls no monsters while his opponent controls one (ATK: 1300 DEF: 400). When Chronomaly Crystal Bones is special summoned this way, Chase can special summon an Chronomaly monster from his hand, choosing Chronomaly Mud Golem (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1000). Chase then activates Palenque Sarcophagus, drawing 2 cards when he controls an Chronomaly monster. Chase then special summons Chronomaly Aztec Mask Golem, as he activated a normal spell card this turn (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000). Chase then normal summons Chronomaly Mayan Machine (ATK: 1500 DEF: 700).

Chase overlays Chronomaly Mayan Machine and OOPArts Crystal Bone to xyz summon Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1000). Then, Chase overlays Chronomaly Aztec Mask Golem and Chronomaly Mud Golem to xyz summon Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Chase places 1 card face down. Next, Chase attacks Number C115: Carina Nova with Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis. Chase activates Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, it gains 1000 ATK during the battle phase (ATK: 2000 -> 3000). Helena attempts to activate Mirror Force, but Chase activates Trap Jammer, negating the effect of and destroying Mirror Force. The attack goes through.

Helena’s Life Points: 500 -> 0

Chase wins the round.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Orion will switch with Helena, who will pass Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon and her face down card onto him.

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“An Chronomaly deck,” commented Orion.

“Yes,” confirmed Chase. “This is my real deck; my real power.”

Orion then smirked. “And this was your big surprise? I’ve played this deck once before.”

“And I’m sure of it.” The smile disappeared from Orion’s face. “One of the competitors, a Daring Do, uses this deck. She wasn’t worthy of such a wonderful deck, so I put her in her place.” Orion’s eyes widened in shock. “She’s alright… for the most part.”

Chase pointed to the stands to his right. Orion looked out and saw Daring Do in one of the celebrity balconies with a bandage on her wing. Daring Do was staring daggers at Chase. Orion looked at Chase the same way.

“And you think that you’re worthy of any deck when you use it to injure innocents? Perhaps I should put you in your place!”

Orion turned his wand into his duel disk and drew five cards from his deck.

“Finally,” whispered Chase. “This should be fun.”

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Final Round: Orion vs. Chase

Orion’s Turn: Orion summons Legendary Six Samurai – Enishi (ATK: 1700 DEF: 700). Orion then special summons Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan as he controls a Six Samurai monster (ATK: 1800 DEF: 500). Orion overlays Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan and Legendary Six Samurai – Enishi to xyz summon Number 39: Utopia (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000). Orion attacks Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis with Number 39: Utopia, but Chase activates Thunder Pot, negating the attack and ending the battle phase.

Orion ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“You may have fought with this deck in the past,” said Chase, “but you haven’t fought with it to the extent that I will.”

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Chase’s Turn: Chase activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, he activates Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying Orion’s face down card. Chase special summons Chronomaly Moai, as he controls a Chronomaly monster (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1600). Next, Chase tributes Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis to summon Chronomaly Sol Monolith (ATK: 600 DEF: 600). When OOPArts Sol Monolith is normal summoned, he can target 1 Chronomaly monster he controls, and its level becomes 6, choosing Chronomaly Moai (Lvl.: 5 -> 6). Chase overlays Chronomaly Moai and Chronomaly Sol Monolith to xyz summon Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2900).

When Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis is xyz summoned, Chase can equip a Numbers monster onto Number 6: Chronomaly Atlanthal and gains ATK equal to half of the equip card’s ATK, choosing Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis (ATK: 2600 -> 3600). Chase activates Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it and sending an equip card equipped to it by its own effect to the graveyard (ATK: 3600 -> 2600), Chase can halve Orion’s life points.

Orion’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2000

Chase can’t conduct his battle phase the turn he uses that effect.

Chase places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Wait a minute,” said Maddie in the stands. “I thought Big Macintosh had that card.”

“He did,” said Applejack solemnly. Applejack’s face told Maddie all that she needed to. “That bastard used a Brain Control and licked the lot of us.”

It looked like this duel would be harder for Orion than he thought.

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Orion’s Turn: Orion activates Forbidden Chalice, increasing Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut’s ATK by 400, but negating its effect (ATK: 2100 -> 2500). Orion attacks Chronomaly Crystal Alien with Number 39: Utopia. Both Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut and Number 39: Utopia’s ATKs are equal, but since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut is destroyed. Chase activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster of his is destroyed.

Orion then attacks Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis with Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, but Orion activates Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s effect. When it battles with another monster, he can remove it and the monster it battles from play. At the end of the battle phase, both monsters return to the field, and Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon gains 500 ATK for every xyz material attached to the monster it battled (1) (ATK: 3000 -> 3500).

Orion places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-2000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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“You don’t got shit on me,” said Chase. “You can strengthen and sharpen your monsters all you want, but you won’t touch me, I promise you. I can’t guarantee the same safety for you. Plus, I heard you have my old Chronomaly Number that you took from Flim and Flam. I can't wait to pry it from your cold dead hands."

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Chase’s Turn: Chase activates Hammer Shot, destroying the monster on the field with the highest ATK, which is Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. Chase special summons another Chronomaly Aztec Mask Golem, as he activated a normal spell card. Next, he normal summons Chronomaly Cabrera’s Trebuchet (ATK: 0 DEF: 1800). Next, Chase activates Double Spell, discarding 1 spell card from his hand to activate a spell card from his opponent’s graveyard as if it were his own, choosing Forbidden Chalice, raising Number 39: Utopia’s ATK by 400 and negating its effect (ATK: 2500 -> 2900).

Chase activates Chronomaly Cabrera’s Trebuchet’s effect. By tributing 1 monster, choosing Chronomaly Aztec Mask Golem, Chase can switch Chronomaly Cabrera’s Trebuchet into defense position, and reduce a chosen monster’s ATK to 0 until the end phase, choosing Number 39: Utopia (ATK: 2900 -> 0). Chase attacks Number 39: Utopia with Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis, but Orion activates both Invincible Hero and Gift of the Mystical Elf. Invincible Hero prevents a monster from being destroyed by battle, though battle damage is still applied, and Gift of the Mystical Elf raises Orion’s life points by 300 for each monster on the field before the attack hits (3).

Orion’s Life Points: 2000 -> 2900

Orion’s Life Points: 2900 -> 300

Chase places 1 card face down and ends his turn. Number 39: Utopia’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 0 -> 2500).

Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Orion had never seen Chase this angry. If Chase’s face could get any redder, veins would begin to appear on his face. It didn’t phase Orion though, as Chase’s last, desperate strategy could be read all over his face.

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Orion’s Turn: Orion activates his Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying Chase’s face down card. Orion overlays Number 39: Utopia to chaos xyz summon Number C39: Utopia Ray (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000). Orion activates the effect of Number C39: Utopia Ray. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK raises by 500 while a monster his opponent controls loses 1000 until the end phase. Orion activates this effect 3 times, raising Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK by 1500 and decreasing Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis’s ATK by 3000 (ATK: 2500 -> 4000) (ATK: 2600 -> 0). Orion attacks Number 6: OOPArts Atlanthal.

Chase’s Life Points: 4000 -> 0

Orion wins the round.

Helena and Orion win the match.

Many Numbers cards flew from Chase and Diana’s extra decks into Orion and Helena’s hands as the crowd cheered wildly, including some of the competitors inside the coliseum.

“What a match!” yelled the announcer. “Orion and Helena, despite being blindsided by Diana and Chase’s strategy, have rebounded and defeated the two in a brilliant display of luck and skill!”

Chase had expended all of his energy into his anger, and the last attack knocked him out cold. Diana picked up his unconscious body, and carried him to the waiting room.

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“Son of a bitch!” yelled Mark, throwing the champagne bottle at the wall, shattering it. “FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!”

Diana walked into the room and laid Chase on the couch.

“Are you fucking with me?” shouted Mark, throwing Chase on the floor.

“He needs to rest,” protested Diana. Mark slapped her hard across the face.

“Shut. The fuck. Up, you bitch. Do you understand what this means? Ryan and I are the only team left to save our Numbers. If we lose, at any time now, we’re fucked! And it’s going to be your ass,” he finally said walking out of the room to await their turn to duel.

Ryan looked emotionlessly at the entire confrontation. Even if he and Mark lost at any point in the tournament, he had hope that with his allegiance with Rainbow Dash would remedy his problem. After doing a little research of Equestria, including the elements of harmony, he learned that Rainbow Dash herself was the element of loyalty. If Rainbow Dash’s loyalty could also extend to Ryan, then he and his son might yet be saved from the brink of death.

Chapter 35: Trump

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Ryan followed Mark to the staircase where he would enter the arena and face his next opponents, Rarity and Braeburn. Mark was already well ahead of him, but the sound of a voice caught Ryan’s attention. The voice belonged to Rainbow Dash.

“Hey,” she said quietly, knowing full well that her relationship with Ryan was restricted. “I heard the argument a couple of doors down. Listen, I know you must be under a lot of pressure right now, but if you lose, I’ll try and convince my friends or whoever wins to help you save your son.”

Ryan smiled. He would say his faith in humanity was restored, but it was the loyalty of a single pony that gave him the strength he needed to win.

“Thank you,” he said. “I’ll still do whatever it takes to win, so I apologize in advance for anything that may transpire.”

Rainbow just gave a slight nod.

“Ryan!” called Mark. “Let’s go!”

Ryan jogged to catch up.

“Good luck!” called Rainbow Dash.

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Mark and Ryan stood shoulder to shoulder with each other at the wooden gate. The announcer called them out.

“And now, the other two members of the infamous Vegas Bureau, the Jack, and its leader Ace, Ryan and Mark!”

Ryan and Mark were met with a similar chorus of boos.

“And next, we have one of Equestria’s most acclaimed fashion designers with her partner from the faraway town of Appleloosa, Rarity and Braeburn!”

Now the crowd began cheering again. Rarity and Braeburn met Mark and Ryan in the middle. The four-spaced circle appeared in the sky above the coliseum. A light spun around the circle until the light landed on the space marked SD. Standard Doubles.

“Uh oh,” said the announcer. “Looks like we have another standard doubles match ahead of us. Who will emerge victorious? Good luck to both teams!”

Both players shook hands as Ryan and Mark ensnared the ponies’ wrists with their duel anchors. Braeburn and Rarity accepted this as an inevitability to fighting a foe like this.

“Remember,” said Mark, “focus.”

Ryan had gotten his old deck back (part of it, anyways), so he felt like this duel would be a little easier than normal. Rarity and Braeburn unsheathed their duel disks while Mark and Ryan activated theirs. They all drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they all cried.

Rarity and Braeburn vs. Ryan and Mark

Rarity’s Turn: Rarity activates Gem-Knight Fusion, sending Gem-Knight Sapphire, Gem-Knight Crystal, and Gem-Knight Garnet in her hand to the graveyard to fusion summon Gem-Knight Master Dia (ATK: 2900 DEF: 2500). Gem-Knight Master Dia gains 100 ATK for each Gem-Knight in her graveyard (3) (ATK: 2900 -> 3200).

Rarity places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Ryan’s Turn: Ryan summons Wind-Up Hunter (ATK: 1600 DEF: 500). When a Wind-Up monster is summoned, Ryan can special summon Wind-Up Shark from his hand (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300).

Ryan places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Ryan is using Chase’s Wind-Ups, thought Braeburn. It looks like Chase wasn’t kidding when he said that Chronomaly deck was really his. Does that mean that these Wind-Ups are Ryan’s? He dueled so well with that other deck; I’m scared to see how he fights with this one. No, now’s not the time to get scared. If I just keep up with my strategy, I’ll be just fine.

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Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn special summons Roaring Express Train Rocket Arrow (ATK: 5000 DEF: 0). Rarity activates her face down Star Changer, increasing her Gem-Knight Master Dia’s level by 1 (Lvl.: 9 -> 10). Braeburn overlays Roaring Express Train Rocket Arrow and Gem-Knight Master Dia to xyz summon Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000). Braeburn activates Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Braeburn inflicts 2000 points of damage towards his opponent.

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 8000 -> 6000

Braeburn summons one monster face down.

Braeburn places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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“You’ve experienced the Wind-Ups firsthand,” said Mark to Braeburn and Rarity, “and you’ve seen me duel with my T.G.’s. Now, you shall experience the explosive power when these archetypes are combined together!”

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Mark’s Turn: Mark special summons T.G. Striker, as he controls no monsters while his opponent controls one (ATK: 800 DEF: 0). Next, he special summons T.G. Gear Zombie, as he controls a T.G. monster (ATK: 600 DEF: 0). Mark tunes Wind-Up Shark with T.G. Gear Zombie to synchro summon T.G. Hyper Librarian (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1800). Mark tunes Wind-Up Hunter with T.G. Striker to synchro summon another T.G. Hyper Librarian.

With T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect, Mark can draw 1 card when a monster is synchro summoned. Mark then normal summons T.G. Catapult Dragon (ATK: 900 DEF: 1300). Once per turn, Mark can special summon a level 3 or lower T.G. monster from his hand, choosing T.G. Jet Falcon (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1200). Mark tunes T.G. Catapult Dragon with T.G. Jet Falcon to synchro summon T.G. Wonder Magician (ATK: 1900 DEF: 0). Both of Mark’s T.G. Hyper Librarians’ effects activate, having Mark draw 2 cards. When T.G. Jet Falcon is used as synchro material, 500 points of damage are inflicted to the opponent.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 8000 -> 7500

When T.G. Wonder Magician is special summoned, Mark can destroy 1 spell or trap card on the field, choosing one of Braeburn’s face down cards. Mark overlays T.G. Wonder Magician and his 2 T.G. Hyper Librarians to xyz summon Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky (ATK: 2000 DEF: 3500). Mark activates Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky’s effect. By detaching 2 xyz materials from it, Mark can destroy 1 monster on the field and inflict damage equal to the monster’s original ATK, choosing Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 7500 -> 4500

Mark attacks Braeburn’s face down monster, which is a Morphing Jar (ATK: 700 DEF: 600). When Morphing Jar is flip summoned, all players discard their hands and draw 5 cards.

Mark places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-6000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Are you alright?” asked Braeburn.

“Quite alright,” said Rarity, brushing her arms with her hooves. “I can’t say the same for my opponent next turn.”

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Rarity’s Turn: Rarity summons Gem-Knight Alexandrite (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1200). Rarity activates Gem-Knight Alexandrite’s effect, tributing it to special summon a Gem-Knight normal monster from her deck, choosing Gem-Knight Crystal (ATK: 2450 DEF: 1950). Rarity then activates her face down Soul Resurrection, special summoning another Gem-Knight Crystal from her graveyard. Rarity overlays both Gem-Knight Crystals to xyz summon Number 118: Golden City Sentry – Mighty Dorado (ATK: 3200 DEF: 1000). Rarity attacks Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky.

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 6000 -> 4800

Rarity places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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Ryan was now dueling with a deck familiar to him, and frankly, how much more familiar can you be with a deck when it’s your own? Ryan had a few new cards on him, as this deck couldn’t summon his normal ace, Number 149: Alien Tentacles as fast as he could with his Alien deck. So now, it looked like he’d have to improvise.

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Ryan’s Turn: Ryan activates Zenmailfunction, special summoning Wind-Up Shark from his graveyard. Ryan special summons another Wind-Up Shark from his hand with its effect. Ryan then normal summons Wind-Up Juggler (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1000). Ryan activates Level Cross, discarding 1 card to double the level of a monster he controls, choosing Wind-Up Shark (Lvl.: 4 -> 8). Ryan then activates Galaxy Queen’s Light, having all monsters he controls become the same level as a monster he controls, choosing his level 8 Wind-Up Shark. Ryan overlays Wind-Up Juggler and both of his Wind-Up Sharks to xyz summon Number 150: Light Xyzator (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1400).

Ryan activates Number 150: Light Xyzator’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material, Ryan can special summon an xyz monster from his extra deck with a rank equal to or lower than Number 50: Light Xyzator, choosing Number 149: Alien Tentacles (ATK: 2600 DEF: 2900). When an xyz monster is summoned this way, Ryan can detach an xyz material from Number 150: Light Xyzator and attach it to the special summoned monster, choosing Number 149: Alien Tentacles. Ryan then activates Number 149: Alien Tentacles’ effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Ryan can destroy an opponent’s monster and inflict damage equal to the monster’s DEF, choosing Number 118: Golden City Sentry – Mighty Dorado.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 4500 -> 3500

Ryan can’t conduct his battle phase then turn he activates that effect.

Ryan ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4800 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“I’m glad to see that you’re dueling with your own deck,” commented Braeburn to Ryan. “Very honorable. But you and your posse lost all honor when you decided to come into my land and steal our most precious artifacts from us, and for that, I will not forgive you.”

Ryan winced. If only he could just leave it all…

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Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn activates Special Schedule, special summoning a Machine-type monster with 3000 or more ATK from his graveyard, choosing Roaring Express Train Rocket Arrow. He then activates Xyz Plant, special summoning itself as a monster with the same level as a monster he controls, choosing Roaring Express Train Rocket Arrow. Braeburn, overlays Roaring Express Train Rocket Arrow and Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000). Braeburn then activates Call of the Haunted, special summoning a monster from his graveyard, choosing Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max. Braeburn activates Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Braeburn can attack the opponent directly.

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 4800 -> 2800

Braeburn then attacks Number 150: Light Xyzator with Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 150: Light Xyzator isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is still applied.

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 2800 -> 2300

Braeburn places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-3500 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“I’ll show you how foolish it was of you to fill my hand,” remarked Mark.

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Mark’s Turn: Mark summons T.G. Cyber Magician (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Next, Mark activates Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying the face down card that Braeburn just set. Next, he activates the trap Give and Take, special summoning a monster from his graveyard to his opponent’s side of the field in defense position, choosing T.G. Gear Zombie. Also, a monster Mark controls has its level increased by the level of the special summoned monster (Lvl. 1 -> 2). Mark then activates the effect of T.G. Cyber Magician, allowing him to synchro summon using T.G. monsters in his hand as the non-tuner synchro materials. Mark tunes T.G. Cyber Magician with the T.G. Warwolf in his hand to synchro summon T.G. Power Gladiator (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1000). Mark attacks T.G. Gear Zombie with T.G. Power Gladiator. T.G. Power Gladiator can inflict piercing damage.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 3500 -> 1200

Mark then activates TG-SX1, special summoning a T.G. synchro monster from his graveyard when he destroys a monster, choosing T.G. Wonder Magician. Mark tunes T.G. Power Gladiator and T.G. Wonder Magician to accel synchro summon T.G. Blade Blaster (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2200).

Mark places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-2300 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Rarity still laid on the ground after Mark’s attack.

“Rarity!” called Braeburn. “No, please,” gasped Rarity. “You’ve done a wonderful job of trying to protect me over these past few days. I might be a lady, but I certainly am no pushover. If I need to knock some heads to help pull us through together, then so be it. You understand, darling?”

Braeburn instantly nodded.

“Good. It. Is. On!”

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Rarity’s Turn: Rarity activates her face down Xyz Reborn, special summoning Number 118: Golden City Sentry – Mighty Dorado from her graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn to it as xyz material. Rarity then activates another Gem-Knight Fusion, sending Gem-Knight Obsidian and Gem-Knight Iolite in her hand to the graveyard to fusion summon Gem-Knight Zirconia (ATK: 2900 DEF: 2500). Rarity attacks Number 150: Light Xyzator with Number 118: Golden City Sentry – Mighty Dorado, but Mark activates Attack Invulnerability, preventing Number 150: Light Xyzator’s destruction. Battle damage is still applied.

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 2300 -> 1600

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 1600 -> 1000

Rarity attacks Number 150: Light Xyzator with Gem-Knight Zirconia. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 150: Light Xyzator isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is still applied.

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 1000 -> 600

Rarity places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-1200 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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Last draw, thought Ryan. If I don’t draw something good here, Braeburn will just demolish us with his Number, and then I can forget any chance of saving my son. Lord, if you’re out there, please heed my prayer!

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Ryan’s Turn: Ryan activates Armored Xyz, equipping an xyz monster in his graveyard to a monster he controls, equipping Number 149: Alien Tentacles to Number 150: Light Xyzator. The ATK, DEF, and effect of the equipped monster become the same as the equip card (ATK: 2500 -> 2600, DEF: 1400 -> 2900). Ryan activates Number 150: Light Xyzator’s new effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can destroy one monster on the field and inflict damage equal to the monster’s DEF, choosing Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach. Rarity attempts to activate Barrel Behind the Door, but Ryan activates Solemn Judgement, negating the effect of and destroying Barrel Behind the Door by paying half of his life points.

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 600 -> 300

The effect resolves.

Rarity and Braeburn’s Life Points: 1200 -> 0

Ryan and Mark win.

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Ryan breathed a slight smile of relief. Rarity rushed over to Braeburn, who laid on the ground panting.

“You did good,” said Braeburn.

“No,” corrected Rarity. “We did good.”

They hugged each other as their Numbers flew out of their extra decks and into Ryan and Marks hands. The crowd booed too loud for the announcer to talk over them.

“I’m sorry about hurting your friend,” said Ryan to Rarity.

He meant to talk to her as well as Mark, to explain why he was apologizing.

“I heard about what Chase did to you two days ago. I find it a great offense to injure a lady like that in cold blood, especially in front of her boyfriend. Please understand it wasn’t my intention to hurt your friend, it’s just that I didn’t want to hurt you.”

Ryan then wordlessly walked back to the coliseum hallways to await their next duel. Mark knew that Ryan had certain standards when it came to hunting, and he accepted his apology internally. As Ryan walked back down the stairs, he saw Chase approaching him, apparently awake.

“I just heard what you said about me, asshole,” he angrily said.

He then threw a punch at Ryan’s face, who quickly caught it with his left hand, and used his free hand to punch Chase in the chest, knocking the wind out of him. Rainbow Dash hid behind a wall and chuckled, having seen the confrontation. She then rushed away to find Gilda, as she was up next.

“You should actually win before you chastise my new King,” said Mark.

“King?” asked Chase, still winded.

“That’s right, you’ve been demoted to Jack, and Ryan will replace you as King. That is all.”

Chase tried to find the right words, but he was too flustered to speak. All he could do was punch the stone walls so hard he left a crack in them. Chase examined his subsequent bloodied hands and used the walls to wipe them off, heading back to their room.

Chapter 36: Winged Fury

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Ryan sat on the sofa, relieved that this wasn’t going to be the end of his journey. Chase walked afterward.

“If my hand didn’t hurt like a bitch right now, I’d punch you again.”

“You will do no such thing,” said Mark, entering the room. “In fact, please leave. I have to talk to Ryan.”

Chase left without a word.

“What’s going on?” asked Ryan.

“When we entered this world, I saw some reluctance in you that I thought would cripple this bureau, but I knew that with perseverance and hard work, you’d prove yourself a worthy agent. You did well, Mr. King.”

“Wait, but I’m-”

“I demoted Chase after his loss and his most recent outburst. I knew it was a bad idea to let such an angry and volatile person be second in command like that. But you have what it takes: strong, smart, and level headed. Congratultions, Ryan.”

Mark then handed him a deck of cards. Upon looking through them, Ryan saw that they were his T.G. monsters. “Sir?”

“You’ve earned them. After what I saw in you last match, you deserve to wield your own deck in its complete form.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll use my own deck.”

Mark then left the room. Ryan then looked over the deck again and slipped his “new” cards into his deck box.

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Rainbow Dash stood by Gilda who was waiting for her at the wood gate.

“What’s up?” asked Gilda. “Where’ve you been?”

“I saw Ryan get into a fight with that Chase guy.”

“Who won?”

“Ryan, of course.”

Gilda smiled. “Good. I like him.”

“So, what’s the plan?”

“You mean for the next match? The way I see it, we just go all out if we do doubles of any kind. If we do relay, Scott usually goes first, so I’ll take him on first. My Ally of Justice deck will clobber him.”

“Sounds good.”

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“Alright,” called the announcer, “let’s not waste any more time. First, we shall have the two newest additions to the Wonderbolts, Gilda and Rainbow Dash!”

The crowd cheered as Rainbow Dash and Gilda made their way out, posing for any paparazzi in the crowd.

“Last, and certainly not least, we have our final quarter finalists, Scott and Zelda!”

More cheers erupted. As the two teams met in the middle, the four spaced circle appeared again. The light then spun around and around until it landed on the space marked RR. Riding Relay.

“Oh boy,” said the announcer. “It looks like we have our first riding duel. Let’s explain to the duelists how this will work.”

As he explained, two drawbridge-like doors opened on the Scott and Zelda’s right side. The doors looked to open out over the edge of the city, and seeing that the city was perched on the edge of a cliff, it looked like a long drop.

“Each teammate will be required to fly in some way or another, either by their own means or with assistance from the princesses. They will dive off of the drawbridge at the beginning, and whichever duelist pulls out of their dive towards the trees below first will seize the first turn. Teams, pick your first duelist, and as usual, good luck to everypony!”

Scott was already putting his duel disk on, signaling that he was ready to go.

“All part of the plan,” said Gilda who made her way towards the drawbridge.

Scott then took out a Poké Ball of his and threw it, causing a white energy to come out of it. The white light turned into a metallic looking bird with red wings that looked like knives.

“What is that?” asked Gilda.

“This is my Skarmory. Her name is Cirrus.”

“Awesome. Can’t wait to fly with her.

“Neither can she.”

Scott and Cirrus walked up to the edge of the drawbridge. Scott couldn’t even bring himself to put a toe farther than the edge of the door. Must be a hell of a way to go to drop from that height, he thought. Without further hesitation, Scott and Gilda activated Speed World 2, causing the area to be illuminated in a holographic aura.

“Just like old times, huh, Gilda?” asked Scott.

“No,” said Gilda. “Today, I duel a friend, not an enemy.”

Scott nodded as he listened to the countdown.

10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

*BEEP*

Gilda swooped down towards the ground. Cirrus quickly grabbed Scott in her talons and sped towards the trees below. Despite losing some of her aerodynamics, Cirrus was able to outfly Gilda even whilst clinging onto Scott. Cirrus pulled up in time to have Scott just a few feet over the trees. Scott would be going first. As Cirrus ascended to a taller altitude, Scott and Gilda drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they both yelled.

Scott and Zelda vs. Gilda and Rainbow Dash

Round 1: Scott vs. Gilda

Scott’s Turn: S:1 G:0 Scott summons Vylon Tesseract (ATK: 800 DEF: 600).

Scott places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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You may have one-upped me last time we dueled, thought Gilda, but this time I’m prepared. I hope you are too.

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Gilda’s Turn: S:1 G:1 Gilda activates Overboost, gaining 4 speed counters (SpC.: 1 -> 5). Next, she activates the speed spell Scapegoat, removing 5 speed counters (SpC.: 5 -> 0) to special summon 4 Sheep tokens in defense position (ATK: 0 DEF: 0).

Gilda places 2 cards face down and ends her turn. During the end phase of the turn that she activated Overboost, her speed counters become 1 (SpC.: 0 -> 1).

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-4 Face Down Cards-2

Scott’s Turn: S:2 G:2 Scott summons Vylon Prism (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1500). Scott tunes Vylon Tesseract with Vylon Prism to synchro summon Vylon Epsilon (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1200). Scott activates his own Overboost, gaining 4 speed counters (SpC.: 2 -> 6). Next, he activates the speed spell Dead Synchron, synchro summoning a monster by removing the appropriate materials in his graveyard from play, banishing Vylon Prism and Vylon Tesseract to synchro summon another Vylon Epsilon. Scott overlays the 2 Vylon Epsilons to xyz summon Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ (ATK: 3400 DEF: 2500). Scott attacks one of Gilda’s Sheep Tokens, but Gilda activates Battle Stun Sonic, negating the attack and special summoning a tuner from her hand, choosing Ally of Justice Cycle Reader (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000).

Scott places 1 card face down and ends his turn. During the end phase of the turn that he activated Overboost, his speed counters become 1 (SpC.: 6 -> 1).

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Gilda’s Turn: S:2 G:3 Gilda activates the speed spell Lightning Rod, destroying 1 card she controls, choosing Ally of Justice Cycle Reader. Gilda then activates the effect of Meklord Emperor Granel in her hand, special summoning it when a monster she controls is destroyed by a card effect (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Gilda overlays Meklord Emperor Granel and the 4 Sheep tokens to xyz summon Number 135: Meklord King Galael (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000).

Gilda activates Number 135: Meklord King Galael’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Gilda can equip one xyz monster her opponent controls to it and have it gain ATK equal to the ATK of the equip card, choosing Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ (ATK: 2000 -> 5400). Any xyz materials attached to the xyz monster become attached to Number 135: Meklord King Galael. Gilda attacks Scott directly with Number 135: Meklord King Galael, but Scott activates Damage Diet, halving the damage he takes this turn.

Scott’s Life Points: 4000 -> 1300

Gilda ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“What is this?” asked Scott.

“This is my Number,” said Gilda. “I had a feeling you weren’t going to duel without one yourself, so I put one in my deck for good measure.”

“Dammit,” said Scott under his breath. If I can’t find a way to get more out of this duel, I’m afraid that Zelda will have to face two fearsome opponents.

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Scott’s Turn: S:3 G:4 Scott activates Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. Scott activates High Speed Crash, destroying his face down card to destroy Number 135: Meklord King Galael, but Gilda activates Number 135: Meklord King Galael’s other effect. By detaching 2 xyz materials from it and sending a monster equipped to it to the graveyard, Gilda can negate the destruction of Number 135: Meklord King Galael until the end phase of the turn (ATK: 5400 -> 2000).

Scott places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-1300 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-1

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I tried, said Scott. Zelda, it looks like it’s all up to you now.

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Gilda’s Turn: S:4 G:5 Gilda summons Ally of Justice Quarantine (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200). While it’s face up on the field, neither player can special summon LIGHT monsters. Gilda attacks Scott directly with Ally of Justice Quarantine.

Scott’s Life Points: 1300 -> 0

Gilda wins the round.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

Zelda will switch with Scott, who will pass his face down card on to her.

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Cirrus landed with Scott on the drawbridge. After calling his Skarmory back to her Poké Ball , Scott passed his card on to Zelda. Zelda put the card in her spell and trap slot, and then she made full sprint towards the end of the drawbridge, shocking the crowd. Zelda leapt off the edge, free falling. She then threw her own Poké Ball in the air, and out of it came a black bird with a red back and white, fluffy head. It caught Zelda in its talons and soared off to catch up to Gilda.

“What’s that?” asked Rainbow Dash to Scott.

“That’s her braviary. Quite a sight, isn’t he?”

“I’ll say.”

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Round 2: Zelda vs. Gilda

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Zelda’s Turn: Z:5 G:6 Zelda activates her Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. When Blackwing – Breeze the Zephyr is added to her hand from her deck by a card effect, she can special summon it (ATK: 1100 DEF: 300). Next, Zelda activates her speed spell Summon Speeder, special summoning Blackwing – Pinaka the Waxing Moon from her hand (ATK: 1200 DEF: 1000). Then, she special summons Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind, as she controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 1300 DEF: 400). Zelda activates Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind’s effect, halving an opponent’s ATK and DEF, choosing Number 135: Meklord King Galael (ATK: 2000 -> 1000, DEF: 2000 -> 1000). Zelda then activates Delta Crow – Anti Reverse from her hand, as she controls exactly 3 Blackwing monsters, destroying all face down cards her opponent controls. Zelda overlays Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind, Blackwing – Breeze the Zephyr, and Blackwing – Pinaka the Waxing Moon to xyz summon Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1300).

Zelda activates Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Zelda can normal summon without tributes this turn. Zelda summons Blackwing – Bristote the Tailwind (ATK: 1200 DEF: 1800). Zelda then activates Graceful Revival, special summoning a level 2 or lower monster from her graveyard, choosing Blackwing – Mistral the Silver Shield (ATK: 100 DEF: 1800). Zelda tunes Blackwing – Bristote the Tailwind with Blackwing – Mistral the Silver Shield to synchro summon Blackwing Armor Master (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1500). When Blackwing – Bristote the Tailwind is sent to the graveyard as synchro material monster, Zelda gains 600 life points.

Zelda’s Life Points: 4000 -> 4600

Zelda attacks Number 135: Meklord King Galael with Blackwing Armor Master. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 135: Meklord King Galael isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is still applied.

Gilda’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2500

When Blackwing Armor Master attacks a monster, a Wedge counter is placed on it. Zelda removes this counter to reduce Number 135: Meklord King Galael’s ATK to 0 (ATK: 1000 -> 0). Zelda then attacks Number 135: Meklord King Galael with Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit.

Gilda’s Life Points: 2500 -> 300

Zelda ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4600 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

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Wow, thought Gilda, I knew she was strong, but this is something else. I wouldn’t doubt for a second that she was in the Vegas Bureau. Looking at her hand, field, and life point count, she knew she was due. Looks like I’m all out of juice. If I can just help my partner out a little more…

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Gilda’s Turn: Z:6 G:7 Gilda activates the speed spell Synchro Defuse, taking control of Blackwing Armor Master. Gilda attacks Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit with Blackwing Armor Master. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is still applied.

Zelda’s Life Points: 4600 -> 4300

When Blackwing Armor Master attacks a monster, a Wedge counter is placed on it. Gilda removes this counter to reduce Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit’s ATK to 0 (ATK: 2200 -> 0). Gilda attacks Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit with Ally of Justice Quarantine.

Zelda’s Life Points: 4300 -> 2600

Gilda ends her turn. Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 0 -> 2200), and Zelda regains control of Blackwing Armor Master.

Status: Hand-0 Life-300 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

Zelda’s Turn: Z:7 G:8 Zelda activates Speed World 2’s effect. By removing 7 speed counters (SpC.: 7 -> 0), Zelda can draw 1 card. Zelda summons Blackwing – Jin the Rain Shadow (ATK: 600 DEF: 500). Zelda tunes Blackwing Armor Master with Blackwing – Jin the Rain Shadow to synchro summon Black-Winged Dragon (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1600). Zelda places 1 card face down. Then, Zelda attacks Ally of Justice Quarantine with Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit.

Gilda’s Life Points: 300 -> 0

Zelda wins the round.

Status: Hand-0 Life-2600 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Rainbow Dash will switch with Gilda, who will pass nothing on to her.

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“Well, would you look at this?” remarked the announcer. “Gilda is not going to make Zelda’s final stand against her next opponent, Rainbow Dash, an easy one. Despite doing the near impossible and knocking out half of her opponents’ life points in a short amount of time, Zelda has only a little more than half of hers and another 4000 to go. How will she brave this storm? Let’s find out.”

Rainbow Dash flew at full speed, not just to catch up to Zelda, but that her next move required it.

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Final Round: Rainbow Dash vs. Zelda

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: Z:1 RD:9 Rainbow Dash activates her Summon Speeder, special summoning Gusto Falco (ATK: 600 DEF: 1400). She then summons Gusto Thunbolt (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1200). Rainbow Dash tunes Gusto Thunbolt with Gusto Falco to synchro summon Daigusto Grif (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1300). When Gusto Falco is sent to the graveyard, Rainbow Dash can special summon a Gusto monster from her deck in face down defense position. Rainbow Dash then activates her High Speed Crash, destroying her face down monster to destroy Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit.

Rainbow Dash activates Daigusto Grif’s effect. By removing 8 speed counters (SpC.: 9 -> 1), she can remove from play materials from her graveyard that are listed on a WIND synchro monster in her extra deck and special summon it (this is counted as a synchro summon), removing Gusto Thunbolt and Gusto Falco in her graveyard from play to special summon Daigusto Sphreeze (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1300). When Daigusto Sphreeze is synchro summoned, Rainbow Dash can add a Gusto monster from her graveyard to her hand, choosing Windaar, Sage of Gusto. Rainbow Dash tunes Daigusto Sphreeze with Daigusto Grif to accel synchro summon Sonic Rainboom Phoenix (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2500). Rainbow Dash attacks Black-Winged Dragon.

Zelda’s Life Points: 2600 -> 2100

Zelda activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards if a monster of hers was destroyed.

Rainbow Dash ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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“Sonic Rainboom Phoenix,” remarked Zelda. “I guess it is more fearsome in person than in the stands.” Now that she’s destroyed my Number, I want this to be a fair clean duel. No Numbers between us. Just us.

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Zelda’s Turn: Z:2 RD:2 Zelda summons Blackwing – Kochi the Daybreak (ATK: 700 DEF: 1500). When Zelda controls a Blackwing monster, she can special summon Blackwing – Bora the Spear (ATK: 1700 DEF: 800). Zelda then banishes Blackwing – Bora the Spear and Blackwing – Kochi the Daybreak to special summon Blackwing – Aurora the Northern Lights (ATK: ? DEF: 0). Zelda then activates her speed spell Attack Buster, switching Sonic Rainboom Phoenix into defense position. Zelda activates Blackwing – Aurora the Northern Lights’ effect. By removing a Blackwing synchro monster in her extra deck from play, Blackwing – Aurora the Northern Lights’ ATK and effects become the same as that monster’s, choosing Blackwing Armed Wing (ATK: ? -> 2300). Zelda attacks Sonic Rainboom Phoenix with Blackwing – Aurora the Northern Lights. With Blackwing Armed Wing’s effect, it gains 500 ATK when battling a defense position monster (ATK: 2300 -> 2800).

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3700

Zelda places 2 cards face down and ends her turn. Blackwing – Aurora the Northern Lights’ ATK goes back to normal (ATK: 2300 -> ?). During the end phase of the turn when Sonic Rainboom Phoenix is destroyed, she can remove 1 WIND synchro monster in her graveyard (Daigusto Grif) from play to special summon Sonic Rainboom Phoenix from the graveyard. Also, damage is inflicted equal to half of the removed monster’s ATK.

Zelda’s Life Points: 2100 -> 1050

Status: Hand-0 Life-1100 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“I don’t see why you would do something so pointless,” said Rainbow Dash. “I took a teensy amount of damage while you took a lot.”

“Don’t think I’ve forgotten,” said Zelda. “I know that your monster’s power rests in having synchro monsters in your graveyard, but what happens when you don’t have any left? That’s the weakness of your monster, and I intend to take full advantage of it.”

“Says the egghead with a monster with no ATK.”

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Rainbow Dash’s Turn: Z:3 RD:3 Rainbow Dash attacks Blackwing – Aurora the Northern Lights with Sonic Rainboom Phoenix, but Zelda activates Waboku, negating any battle damage or destruction caused by the battle. Rainbow Dash activates the speed spell Speed Storm, inflicting 1000 points of damage to Zelda

Zelda’s Life Points: 1050 -> 50

Rainbow Dash summons 1 monster face down.

Rainbow Dash places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-3700 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

”Now to use my dragon’s real power,” said Zelda.

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Zelda’s Turn: Z:4 RD:4 Zelda activates her face down Immortal Dragon, special summoning Black-Winged Dragon from her graveyard. Zelda then activates the effect of Blackwing – Aurora the Northern Lights’ again, removing another copy of Blackwing Armor Master in her extra deck from play to have Blackwing – Aurora the Northern Lights’ ATK and effects become the same as the banished monster (ATK: ? -> 2500).

Blackwing – Aurora the Northern Lights attacks Sonic Rainboom Phoenix, but Rainbow Dash activates Magic Cylinder, negating the attack and inflicting damage equal to the attacking monster’s ATK, but Zelda activates the effect of Black-Winged Dragon, placing a Black Feather counter on it instead of taking effect damage (FeC.: 0 -> 1). Black-Winged Dragon loses 700 ATK for each Black Feather counter on it (ATK: 2800 -> 2100). Zelda removes a Black Feather counter from it to decrease a monster’s ATK by 700 for each counter removed from it and inflict damage to the monster’s controller equal to the amount of ATK lost by this effect, choosing Sonic Rainboom Phoenix (ATK: 3300 -> 2600) (ATK: 2100 -> 2800).

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 3700 -> 3000

Zelda attacks Sonic Rainboom Phoenix with Black-Winged Dragon.

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 3000 -> 2800

Zelda places 1 card face down and ends her turn. Blackwing – Aurora the Northern Lights’ ATK goes back to normal (ATK: 2500 -> ?). During the end phase of the turn when Sonic Rainboom Phoenix is destroyed, she can remove 1 WIND synchro monster in her graveyard (Daigusto Sphreeze) from play to special summon Sonic Rainboom Phoenix from the graveyard. Also, damage is inflicted equal to half of the removed monster’s ATK. A Black Feather counter is placed on Black-Winged Dragon instead (FeC.: 0 -> 1) (ATK: 2800 -> 2100).

Status: Hand-0 Life-50 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

I just pray that she doesn’t draw a speed spell now, thought Zelda.

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: Z:5 RD:5 Rainbow Dash flip summons Kamui, Hope of Gusto (ATK: 200 DEF: 1000). When Kamui, Hope of Gusto is flip summoned, Rainbow Dash can special summon a Gusto tuner from her deck, choosing Gusto Egul (ATK: 200 DEF: 400). Rainbow Dash then tributes Kamui, Hope of Gusto to summon Windaar, Sage of Gusto (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1000).

Rainbow Dash tunes Windaar, Sage of Gusto with Gusto Egul to synchro summon Daigusto Eguls (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1800). Rainbow Dash attacks Black-Winged Dragon with Sonic Rainboom Phoenix, but Zelda activates Spirit Barrier, preventing Battle Damage as long as she controls a monster. Rainbow Dash attacks Blackwing – Aurora the Northern Lights.

Rainbow Dash ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-2800 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

____________________________________

“I have to say,” said Rainbow Dash. “Even with double digit life points, you still manage to get another turn, even without a Number. You have my respect as a duelist and a friend.”

“Likewise.” I need a good draw here, thought Zelda.

____________________________________

Zelda’s Turn: Z:6 RD:6 Zelda activates the speed spell Shift Down, removing 6 speed counters (SpC.: 6 -> 0), to draw 2 cards. Zelda summons 1 monster face down.

Zelda places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-50 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: Z:1 RD:7 Rainbow Dash attacks the face down monster with Sonic Rainboom Phoenix, but Zelda activates Trap Reborn, activating a trap card from her opponent’s graveyard by halving her life points, choosing Magic Cylinder.

Zelda’s Life Points: 50 -> 25

With Magic Cylinder’s effect, Sonic Rainboom Phoenix’s attack is negated and damage is inflicted equal to its attack.

Rainbow Dash’s Life Points: 2800 -> 0

Zelda wins the round.

Scott and Zelda win the match.

“What a shocker!” said the announcer. “After what looked like an endless struggle, Zelda still managed to come out on top and defeat Rainbow Dash for the eligibility to enter the semi-finals, which will begin with Alex and Eli vs. Orion and Helena.”

Rainbow Dash flew into the coliseum hot and flustered. After all that, it was a simple spell card that would be her undoing. Zelda landed in the coliseum with her braviary and called it back into her pokéball. Gilda was consoling Rainbow Dash when Zelda walked up and rubbed Rainbow Dash’s side under her wing. This didn’t seem to help Rainbow Dash too much, so instead, Zelda knelt next the pegasus and hugged her from behind. Somehow, Rainbow Dash instantly felt better.

“Sometimes, all we need is a little hug to flush away all of our sorrow.”

“Mm-hm,” agreed Rainbow Dash, still choked up a little.

“Come on,” said Zelda. “Alex is up next, and I know you’ll want to cheer him on.”

“Mm-hm!” hummed Rainbow Dash.

Together, Zelda, Rainbow Dash, and Gilda walked to the stands to cheer on their friends.

Chapter 37: Old Times

View Online

With just three more duels until the fated battle with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, pressure and excitement was at an all-time high.

“Fillies and gentlecolts,” began the announcer. “Eight teams entered, but only four remain. This is the Equestrian Friendship Dueling Tournament Semi-Finals!”

The crowd cheered as Alex and Eli awaited to face their rivals, and their friends, Orion and Helena. Alex couldn't hide his nervousness.

“You alright?” asked Eli.

Alex responded. “Yeah, it’s just I haven’t dueled Orion in a state like he’s in. He’s an incredibly powerful opponent.”

“I bet.”

“Be on you’re A-Game, because once Orion is, there’s no stopping him.”

“Got it.”

“And now, to start off the semi-finals, lets welcome back Alex and Eli!”

Alex and Eli jogged out to the crowd, eager to begin the next match.

“Next, let’s bring back the other contestents, Orion and Helena.”

Orion and Helena were a bit more humble, briskly walking to where Alex and Eli stood. Orion then suddenly had a flashback.

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A young ralts walked through the tall grass until he came across a young boy wearing glasses.

“Wow, look at this Pokémon!” said the young boy. “Treecko, I choose you!”

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Orion slipped back into reality. Suddenly he was in front of Alex and Eli who gave him strange looks.

“Orion?” asked Alex.

Orion gave his answer. “I can’t remember the last time I felt this invigorated to fight someone since the day we first met.”

Alex remembered that day fondly.

“Yeah, me too.”

The four-spaced spinner appeared in the sky, the light in one of the spaces spinning about it rapidly. The light finally landed on the space marked SD. Standard Doubles.

“Looks like we have another standard doubles match ahead of us, folks! Good luck to both teams!”

All four competitors stepped back to allow each other some room. Alex activated the duel disk on his arm while Eli turned his sword into his duel disk blade, which attached to his gauntlet. Orion turned his wand into his duel disk, while Helena’s gauntlet appeared and turned into its duel disk. As Alex drew five cards from his deck along with everyone else, he remembered throwing his treecko’s pokéball to commence in his very first pokémon battle with his future best friend. Surely, this would be a very nostalgic match.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Alex and Eli vs. Orion and Helena

Alex’s Turn: Alex activates Hieratic Seal of Supremacy, special summoning a Hieratic monster from his hand, choosing Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb (ATK: 1800 DEF: 400). Alex then tributes Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb to summon Hieratic Dragon of Eset (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1200). When Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb is tributed, Alex can special summon a Hieratic normal monster from his deck, choosing Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord (ATK: 0 DEF: 0).

Alex then activates the effect of Hieratic Dragon of Eset. Once per turn, Alex can have all Hieratic monsters on the field become the same level as a Dragon-type normal monster he controls, choosing Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord (Lvl.: 5 -> 8). Alex overlays Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord and Hieratic Dragon of Eset to xyz summon Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2400).

Alex places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Orion’s Turn: Orion summons Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki (ATK: 200 DEF: 2000). When Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki is normal summoned, Orion can special summon a level 4 or lower Six Samurai monster from his hand, choosing The Six Samurai – Zanji (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1300). When Orion controls a Six Samurai monster, he can special summon Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan from his hand (ATK: 1800 DEF: 500). Orion overlays Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan and The Six Samurai – Zanji to xyz summon Number 39: Utopia (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000).

Orion places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Eli’s Turn: Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Urnight (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Once per turn, Eli can reveal an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand to special summon a level 4 or lower Koa’ki Meiru monster from his deck, choosing Koa’ki Meiru Ice (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1200). Eli activates Koa’ki Meiru Ice’s effect, discarding 1 card to destroy a special summoned monster on the field, choosing Number 39: Utopia, but Orion activates Utopian Aura, detaching an xyz material from Number 39: Utopia to prevent its destruction by a card effect. Eli overlays Koa’ki Meiru Ice and Koa’ki Meiru Urnight to xyz summon Number 164: Crystalline Chimera (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1200).

Eli places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Helena’s Turn: Helena special summons Photon Thrasher, as she controls no monsters (ATK: 2100 DEF: 0). Helena then tributes Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki and Photon Thrasher to summon Photon Wyvern (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000). When Photon Wyvern is normal summoned, all set cards the opponent controls are destroyed. Helena then activates Photon Lead, special summoning a level 4 or lower LIGHT monster from her hand, choosing Photon Crusher (ATK: 2000 DEF: 0). Helena tributes Photon Wyvern and Photon Crusher to special summon Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500).

Helena attacks Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis. Helena then activates Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s effect. When it battles a monster, Helena can remove it and Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon from play. At the end of the battle phase, both monsters are special summoned back to the field. If the monster Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon battled was an xyz monster, Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon gains 500 ATK for each xyz material that was attached to the card when it was removed from play (2) (ATK: 3000 -> 4000).

Helena ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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“It looks like we all had our ace monsters out on the first turn,” said Helena. “Not yet I haven’t,” said Alex.

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Alex’s Turn: Alex activates Pot of Greed drawing 2 cards. Alex activates Ancient Rules, special summoning a level 5 or higher normal monster from his hand, choosing another Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord. Alex then summons Dragunity Javelin (ATK: 1200 DEF: 800). Alex tunes Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord with Dragunity Javelin to synchro summon Nero, the Dragon Warlord (ATK: 3200 DEF: 2800). Alex equips Nero, the Dragon Warlord with Dragon Treasure, increasing Nero, the Dragon Warlord’s ATK by 300 (ATK: 3200 -> 3500). Alex attacks Number 39: Utopia. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 39: Utopia isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is still applied.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 8000 -> 7000

Alex attacks Number 39: Utopia with Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 7000 -> 6500

For every 1000 points of damage Nero, the Dragon Warlord inflicts through battle at the end of the battle phase, Alex draws one card (1).

Alex places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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If I want to have any chance of beating Alex, thought Orion, I better block out any chance for them to try and beat me. With the right draw, I can easily do that.

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Orion’s Turn: Orion activates Six Samurai United. Orion summons another Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki. When a Six Samurai monster is summoned, Orion can place 1 Bushido counter on it (BuC.: 0 -> 1). When Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki is normal summoned, Orion can special summon a Six Samurai monster from his hand, choosing Kagemusha of the Six Samurai (ATK: 400 DEF: 1800) (BuC.: 1 -> 2). Orion sends Six Samurai United to the graveyard to draw a card from his deck for every Bushido counter on it (2).

Orion then special summons Great Shogun Shien from his hand, as he controls 2 Six Samurai monsters (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2400). Orion tunes Legendary Six Samurai – Kageki with Kagemusha of the Six Samurai to synchro summon Legendary Six Samurai – Shi En (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1400). Orion then activates the spell Overlay Regenerate, attaching itself as an xyz material to Number 39: Utopia.

Orion ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-6500 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-0

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“Eli,” called Alex.

“Yes, cap-i-tan?” said Eli in a stereotypical Spanish accent.

“Be careful about those monsters.”

“Which ones?”

“…Good point.”

“Don’t you worry.” Eli then pointed at Orion. “Momma’s gonna make all your nightmares come true.”

“Great album,” said Alex, understanding the reference.

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Eli’s Turn: Eli special summons Koa’ki Meiru Maximus from his hand by removing an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand from play (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500). Eli activates Koa’ki Meiru Maximus’ effect. Once per turn, Eli can destroy one card on the field, choosing Number 39: Utopia. Eli attacks Legendary Six Samurai – Shi En with Koa’ki Meiru Maximus.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 6500 -> 6000

Eli then attacks Great Shogun Shien with Number 164: Crystalline Chimera.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 6000 -> 5800

Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Prototype in defense position (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1800).

During the end phase, Eli must discard an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand, discard a Koa’ki Meiru monster in his hand, or destroy Koa’ki Meiru Maximus. Eli destroys Koa’ki Meiru Maximus. When a Koa’ki Meiru monster is destroyed during the end phase, Eli can special summon a Koa’ki Meiru token in defense position (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1800).

Eli ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-8000 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-0

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Alex was very surprised over how well the duel was turning out for them. Orion seemed to have even his best strategies blocked by Eli. But something still didn’t sit right with Alex. Orion would have done some damage by now.

“Something tells me that we’ve calm of the storm has officially ended,” said Alex.

“Ditto,” replied Eli.

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Helena’s Turn: Helena activates the continuous spell Temple of the Kings, allowing her to activate trap cards from her hand. Helena then activates Photon Sanctuary, special summoning 2 level 4 Photon tokens (ATK: 2000 DEF: 0). Helena overlays the two Photon tokens to xyz summon Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1800). Helena activates Number 115: Nebula Carina’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it when she has 0 cards in her hand, she can draw 5 cards.

Helena activates Xyz Soul from her hand, having all monsters she controls gain ATK equal to the rank of an xyz monster in either player’s graveyard, choosing Number 39: Utopia (ATK: 4000 -> 4800) (ATK: 2300 -> 3100). Also, the targeted xyz monster is sent to the extra deck. Next, Helena activates Burning Strike from her hand, giving Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina the effect of piercing damage. Then, Helena activates Double Attack, discarding Moisture Creature to allow Galaxy-Eyes Photon to attack twice this turn. Helena attacks Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis with Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 8000 -> 6200

Alex activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards if a monster he controls was destroyed. Helena then attacks Number 164: Crystalline Chimera with Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. Helena then activates Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s effect, remove the monster it battles and Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon from play. Helena then attacks Koa’ki Meiru Prototype with Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina.

Alex and Orion’s Life Points: 6200 -> 4900

At the end of the battle phase, both Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon and the monster it battled are special summoned back to the field. If the monster Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon battled was an xyz monster, Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon gains 500 ATK for each xyz material that was attached to the card when it was removed from play (2) (ATK: 4800 -> 5800). Helena places 1 card face down. Helena activates Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina’s effect again, detaching 1 xyz material to draw 5 cards when she has 0 cards in her hand. Helena summons 1 monster face down.

Helena places 1 card face down and ends her turn. All of her monsters’ ATK return to normal (ATK: 5800 -> 5000) (ATK: 3100 -> 2300).

Status: Hand-3 Life-5800 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-2

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And just like that, 3100 life points were taken from Alex and Eli.

“Orion,” called Helena through telepathy.

“Helena?”

“I’ve got a plan. For now, we hope that Alex attacks my face down monster, and then we play it by ear from there.”

“Gotcha.”

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Alex’s Turn: Alex summons Dragunity Aklys (ATK: 1000 DEF: 800). When Dragunity Aklys is normal summoned, Alex can special summon a Winged Beast-type Dragunity monster from his hand and equip Dragunity Aklys to it, choosing Dragunity Militum (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200). With Dragunity Militum’s effect, Alex can special summon a Dragunity monster from the spell/trap card zone, choosing Dragunity Aklys. Alex tunes Eli’s Koa’ki Meiru token and Dragunity Militum with Dragunity Aklys to synchro summon Vergil, the Griffin Warlock (ATK: 2800 DEF: 3200).

Alex attacks Helena’s face down monster with Nero, the Dragon Warlord, but Helena activates Attack Invulnerability, choosing its second effect to take no battle damage during the battle phase. The face down monster was a Morphing Jar (ATK: 700 DEF: 600). When Morphing Jar is flip summoned, each player discards their hand and draws 5 cards from their decks. Alex activates the effect of Vergil, the Griffin Warlock. By paying 1000 life points, Alex can set a spell or trap card from his graveyard in his spell and trap zone.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 4900 -> 3900

Alex ends his turn.

Status: Hand-5 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Alright,” said Eli. “Now we’re packing!”

“Hang on,” said Alex.

“Now they’re packing too. What they’re going to do now though, I have no idea.”

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Orion’s Turn: Orion places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-5800 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-2

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What’s this? asked Alex to himself. What does Orion plan to do with that? Either Orion has given up, or something big is about to happen. Knowing Orion, it’s likely to be the latter.

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Eli’s Turn: Eli activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Eli activates Urgent Synthesis, sending an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru from his graveyard to his deck to special summon a Koa’ki Meiru monster from his graveyard, choosing Koa’ki Meiru Ice. Helena activates Safe Zone, preventing Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon from being destroyed by battle or card effects. Eli tributes Koa’ki Meiru Ice to summon Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2200).

Eli activates Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord’s effect. When it’s normal summoned, Eli can remove a Koa’ki Meiru monster from play to destroy up to two cards his opponent controls, but Orion activates Divine Wrath, discarding 1 card to negate the activation of a monster’s effect and destroys it, choosing Koa’ki Meiru Rooklord. Eli attacks Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina with Number 164: Crystalline Chimera.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 5800 -> 5400

Eli places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-3900 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Ha!” laughed Eli. “Now I took down your Number.”

“A paltry loss,” said Helena. “Now the real damage begins.”

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Helena’s Turn: Helena places 1 card face down. Helena then activates her trap card Swift Loan from her hand, having her opponents gain 2000 life points until the end phase.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 3900 -> 5900

Next, she summons another Photon Crusher. Helena then equips Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon with Megamorph, doubling its original ATK (ATK: 5000 -> 8000). Next, she activates Gift of the Martyr, sending Photon Crusher to the graveyard to increase Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s ATK by Photon Thrasher’s ATK (ATK: 8000 -> 10000). Helena attacks Nero, the Dragon Warlord with Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. Alex activates Magic Cylinder, negating the attack and inflicting damage equal to the attacking monster’s ATK, but Helena activates Damage Diet, halving the damage that she receives this turn.

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 5400 -> 400

Helena places 1 card face down and ends her turn. Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 10000 -> 8000).

Status: Hand-0 Life-400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Alex felt sick. For one, Alex knew of certain but seemingly unnoticeable twitches that he would make when he summoned specific kind of cards. Orion and Helena must have read enough on him to know that he was going to try and use Magic Cylinder this whole time. Second, this intricately laced strategy resulted in them being under 1000 life points. Alex knew full well what this meant, and he wouldn’t let Orion do it by his next turn.

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Alex’s Turn: Alex activates Dragon’s Gunfire, inflicting 800 points of damage when he controls a Dragon-type monster, but Helena activates Barrel Behind the Door, inflicting the damage onto Alex and Eli instead.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 3900 -> 3100

Alex places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-3100 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Shit,” cursed Alex. “Brace yourself, Eli.”

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Orion’s Turn: Orion activates Trap Stun, negating the activation of trap cards until the end phase. Next, Orion summons Legendary Six Samurai – Enishi (ATK: 1700 DEF: 700). Orion then activates Monster Reborn, special summoning The Six Samurai – Zanji from his graveyard. Orion overlays Legendary Six Samurai – Enishi and The Six Samurai – Zanji to xyz summon Number 39: Utopia again. Orion overlays Number 39: Utopia to chaos xyz summon Number C39: Utopia Ray (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000).

Orion activates the effect of Number C39: Utopia Ray. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK raises by 500 while a monster his opponent controls loses 1000 until the end phase. Orion activates this effect 3 times, raising Number C39: Utopia Ray’s ATK by 1500 and decreasing Nero, the Dragon Warlord’s ATK by 3000 (ATK: 2500 -> 4000) (ATK: 3500 -> 500). Orion attacks Nero, the Dragon Warlord with Number C39: Utopia Ray, but Eli activates his face down Emergency Provision, sending his face down card to the graveyard to increase his life points by 1000 before the attack hits.

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 3100 -> 4100

Alex and Eli’s Life Points: 4100 -> 600

Orion places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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I have all the cards needed to summon Celutera, thought Eli. Now all I need is to draw it.

He drew his final card.

This will do.

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Eli’s Turn: Eli activates his Monster Reborn, special summoning Moisture Creature from Helena’s graveyard (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2900). Eli then activates Star Changer, increasing the level of Moisture Creature by 1 (Lvl.: 9 -> 10). Eli overlays Moisture Creature, Nero, the Dragon Warlord, and Vergil, the Griffin Warlock to xyz summon Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony (ATK: 4500 DEF: 4500). Orion activates Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Eli can inflict damage equal to the detached xyz material monster’s ATK (Nero, the Dragon Warlord).

Orion and Helena’s Life Points: 400 -> 0

Alex and Eli win.

Orion felt strangely elated as the last bit of damage did him and Helena in. He dropped to the floor as if he was landing on a snowy ground, ready to create a snow angel. Orion’s duel with Alex had ended, and Orion wanted to savor every moment.

“It looks like we have our first finalists,” called the announcer. “Give it up for Alex and Eli!”

The crowd cheered. Alex went over to Orion and helped him up while Eli did the same for Helena.

“I think all things considered,” said Orion, “that even though we lost that duel, it was one of the best ones of my life. Thank you two.”

“Don’t sweat it,” said Eli. “Maybe you and I get a little one-on-one going in the future, what do you say?”

Eli threw a few light, playful punches at Orion’s arm on the last sentence.

“Yeah. Definitely.”

Orion and Helena then made their way to the stands to watch the rest of the tournament with their friends. Alex and Eli decided to stay in the inside of the coliseum, as they would be next after the next duel. Eli was in very good spirits. Eli had trained for forty years for this day; to save the mystical land of Equestria, and he was only one duel away from completing that goal. Alex and Eli saw a few seats by the walls. He saw Scott and Zelda behind one gate and Mark and Ryan behind another. This would certainly be a battle of epic proportions.

Chapter 38: Domination

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Almost as soon as Alex and Eli sat down to watch the next duel, the gates holding Scott and Zelda and Ryan and Mark back flew open.

“Alright everypony,” said the announcer, “we will now commence the last semi-final match. Please welcome the competiting teams, Scott and Zelda, and Ryan and Mark!”

The cheers were mixed, several ponies cheering Scott and Zelda, while the others booed Mark and Ryan, the sole exceptions being Rainbow Dash and her friends, who knew where Ryan’s loyalties really lied. As they met in the middle, the light spinner appeared to choose their mode of dueling. The light landed on the space marked RD. Riding doubles.

“We have our first riding doubles match of the day. This will function much like the earlier riding relay match, but you will be flying together. As usual, good luck to both teams!”

Ryan and Mark placed their D-Pad tablets on their chests, the long sides running parallel with their sides. Their tablets began glowing as usual, but instead of a car like they normally used, the light spread over their torso and over onto their backs. The light then extended out from their shoulders, forming a pair of folded wings. When the light subsided, both Mark and Ryan had large black contraptions on their upper bodies that resembled jet packs, but instead of a rocket in the back, there were a pair of wings folded in like an angels, making them easier to move in moderately packed spaces. Zelda had already taken her braviary out and Scott had taken Cirrus out. Zelda, having been in the Bureau and having known their tricks, wasn’t impressed, but Scott certainly was.

“…Alright,” said the announcer, still recovering from shock, “let’s get this match underway.”

The drawbridges leading to the edge of the city opened up, letting all of the duelists go to their respective sides. The Speed World 2 field spell was activated.

10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

*BEEP*

Ryan and Mark lept off while Cirrus grabbed hold of Scott and Zelda’s braviary held her and swooped down after them. Scott’s immense speed with Cirrus seemed to get him the chance for the first turn, but then, Mark and Ryan’s metal wings unfolded and spread out. Then, the backs of Ryan’s wings glowed a bright white. Suddenly, a burst of energy shot out of the wings, easily boosting Ryan ahead of Scott and guaranteeing him the first turn. Scott could look at the wings a little closely now, and he saw five squares on them, each with a red triangle on them: two on both wings, and one in the center where the pack was.

Mark and Ryan then roped Scott and Zelda with their duel anchors, but what surprised Zelda was that the anchors weren’t black.

“Aren’t you supposed to try and kill me?” asked Zelda.

“In due time,” said Mark. “First, I want to see the prolonged look of misery on your face when I take your precious wolf Number from you. Then, once we obtain the mysterious power from the Numbers cards after we win this tournament, death will seem like a paradise compared with to hell I’m going to put you through.”

Mark and Ryan’s graveyard zones where the D-Pad’s normally rest on during a normal duel then glowed a bright white, but they remained that way through-out the duel. Scott and Zelda then unsheathed their duel disks as all 4 duelists drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Ryan and Mark vs. Scott and Zelda

Ryan’s Turn: R:1 S:0 M:0 Z:0 Ryan summons one monster face down.

Ryan places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Scott saw as Ryan inserted each of his cards into his graveyard slot and they appeared on the squares on his wing as if by magic. The ingenuity of the Vegas Bureau continued to impress him.

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Scott’s Turn: R:1 S:1 M:0 Z:0 Scott activates the speed spell Overboost, increasing his speed counters by 4 (SpC.: 1 -> 5). Scott summons Vylon Hapt (ATK: 1800 DEF: 800). Scott then activates the speed spell Summon Speeder, special summoning Vylon Stella (ATK: 1400 DEF: 200).

Scott places 2 cards face down and ends his turn. Scott’s speed counters return to 1 because of Overboost’s effect (SpC.: 5 -> 1).

Status: Hand-0 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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“You should remember this deck, Zelda,” called Mark. “After all, it’s the deck I trained you with.”

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Mark’s Turn: R:1 S:1 M:1 Z:0 Mark summons Rescue Rabbit (ATK: 300 DEF: 100). Mark then banishes Rescue Rabbit to special summon 2 level 4 or lower normal monsters with the same name from his deck, choosing 2 Wilmees (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1200). Mark overlays the 2 Wilmees to xyz summon Number 112: Stone Shield Gorilla in defense position (ATK: 1600 DEF: 2400).

Mark places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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Zelda was, to say the least, quite surprised. It looked as if Ryan and Marks strategy was something that transcended the dueling field. It was an element of surprise for sure, using different decks to slip the opponents up. Thankfully, she had defeated the Wind-Ups when controlled by Chase, she had dueled the T.G.’s under Mark’s control, and now, Mark was using a deck that she was familiar to him using when she was a comrade of his in the Vegas Bureau. This duel would not be over just yet.

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Zelda’s Turn: R:1 S:1 M:1 Z:1 Scott activates his trap Uphill Shift, having everyone’s speed counters raise by 1 until the end phase (SpC.: 1 -> 2). Zelda activates Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. When Blackwing – Breeze the Zephyr is added to her hand from her deck by a card effect, she can special summon it (ATK: 1100 DEF: 300). Then, she special summons Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind, as she controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 1300 DEF: 400). Zelda activates Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind’s effect, halving an opponent’s ATK and DEF, choosing Number 112: Stone Shield Gorilla (ATK: 1600 -> 800, DEF: 2400 -> 1200). Zelda overlays Blackwing – Breeze the Zephyr, Vylon Stella, and Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind to xyz summon Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1300).

Zelda then normal summons Blackwing – Kochi the Daybreak (ATK: 700 DEF: 1500). Zelda tunes Vylon Hapt with Blackwing – Kochi the Daybreak to synchro summon Black-Winged Dragon (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1600). Zelda attacks Number 112: Stone Shield Gorilla with Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit. Zelda then attacks Ryan’s face down monster with Black-Winged Dragon, which is a T.G. Jet Falcon (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1200), but Ryan activates Invincible Hero, preventing his monster’s destruction.

Zelda places 1 card face down and ends her turn. Everyone’s speed counters return to normal (SpC.: 2 -> 1).

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Despite being familiar with the two decks that her opponents were using, she had never faced them both in tandem. They were hell-bent on winning this thing and they’d use every single drop of their power to ensure that.

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Ryan’s Turn: R:2 S:2 M:2 Z:2 Ryan summons T.G. Catapult Dragon (ATK: 900 DEF: 1300). With T.G. Catapult Dragon’s effect, Ryan can special summon a T.G. tuner from his hand, choosing T.G. Cyber Magician (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Ryan tunes T.G. Catapult Dragon with T.G. Jet Falcon to synchro summon T.G. Hyper Librarian (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1800). When T.G. Jet Falcon is used as synchro material, 500 points of damage are inflicted to the opponent, but with Black-Winged Dragon’s effect, a Black Feather counter is placed on it instead (FeC.: 0 -> 1). Black-Winged Dragon loses 700 ATK for each Black Feather counter on it (ATK: 2800 -> 2100).

Ryan then activates the effect of T.G. Cyber Magician, using T.G. monsters in his hand as the non-tuner synchro materials. Ryan tunes T.G. Rush Rhino in his hand with T.G. Cyber Magician to synchro summon T.G. Wonder Magician (ATK: 1900 DEF: 0). With T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect, whenever a monster is synchro summoned, Ryan draws 1 card. When T.G. Wonder Magician is synchro summoned, Ryan can destroy 1 spell and trap card on the field, choosing Zelda’s face down card. Ryan tunes T.G. Hyper Librarian with T.G. Wonder Magician to accel synchro summon T.G. Blade Blaster (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2200). Ryan attacks Black-Winged Dragon with T.G. Blade Blaster. Scott tries to activate Magic Cylinder, but Ryan activates T.G. Blade Blaster’s effect, discarding 1 card to negate the activation of a spell or trap card that targets it. The attack goes through.

Scott and Zelda’s Life Points: 8000 -> 6800

Ryan activates his face down TG-SX1, special summoning a T.G. synchro monster from his graveyard when a T.G. monster destroys an opponent’s monster by battle, choosing T.G. Hyper Librarian.

Ryan places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Ryan dueled a little differently with the T.G. deck than Mark had. While Mark was faster and more cunning with the deck, Ryan was more patient and conservative, yet the speed was still a little much for Scott and Zelda to keep up. Thankfully, their hands were depleting, and it wouldn’t be long before Scott and Zelda had a hole to punch through.

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Scott’s Turn: R:3 S:3 M:3 Z:3 Scott activates his trap Sixth Sense, choosing 2 numbers between 1 and 6 (5 and 6). A die is rolled, and if the result of the roll is any of the numbers that Scott chose, he draws that many cards. The roll ends up in a six. Scott draws six cards. Scott summons Vylon Prism (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1500). Scott then activates the speed spell Double Summon, summoning Vylon Soldier (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1000). Scott tunes Vylon Soldier with Vylon Prism to synchro summon Vylon Epsilon (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1200).

Ryan draws 1 card with T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect. Next, Scott activates the speed spell Count Up, discarding any number of cards in his hand to raise his speed counters by 2 for each card he discarded (1) (SpC.: 3 -> 5). Scott then activates the speed spell Dead Synchron, removing from play the materials listed on a synchro monster in his extra deck and synchro summoning it, banishing Vylon Soldier and Vylon Prism to synchro summon another Vylon Epsilon. Ryan draws another card with T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect. Scott overlays both Vylon Epsilons to xyz summon Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ (ATK: 3400 DEF: 2500). Scott attacks T.G. Hyper Librarian, but Mark activates Negate Attack.

Scott places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-6800 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“I’m sure you’ll remember this one,” said Mark.

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Mark’s Turn: R:4 S:4 M:4 Z:4 Mark activates his Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. Mark then activates Pyramid of Light. Next, Mark pays 500 life points to special summon Andro Sphinx with its effect (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500).

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 8000 -> 7500

Mark then pays another 500 life points to special summon Sphinx Teleia from his hand (ATK: 2500 DEF: 3000).

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 7500 -> 7000

Mark then activates the speed spell Lightning Rod, destroying Pyramid of Light. When Pyramid of Light are destroyed, so are Andro Sphinx and Sphinx Teleia. When Andro Sphinx and Sphinx Teleia are destroyed at the same time, Mark can special summon Theinen the Great Sphinx from his deck (ATK: 3500 DEF: 3000). Mark activates Theinen the Great Sphinx’s effect. By paying 500 life points when it was summoned, its ATK increases by 3000 (ATK: 3500 -> 6500).

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 7000 -> 6500

Ryan activates Trap Stun, preventing the activation of all trap cards on the field until the end of this turn. Mark attacks Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit with Theinen the Great Sphinx.

Scott and Zelda’s Life Points: 6800 -> 2500

Mark places 1 card face down and ends his turn. Theinen the Great Sphinx's ATK returns to normal (ATK: 6500 -> 3500).

Status: Hand-0 Life-6500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Of all the hits being taken, Zelda was always on the receiving end. He knew that to dwindle their life points down the fastest, Rand and Mark would need to attack Zelda, but it felt so… personal.

“Why do you hate Zelda so much?” asked Scott.

“That’s none of your concern!”

“You’re attacking my friend, so it’s fully my concern.”

Mark just turned his head and kept straight ahead.

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Zelda’s Turn: R:5 S:5 M:5 Z:5 Zelda switches Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit into defense position. Next, Zelda summons Blackwing – Jetstream the Blue Sky (ATK: 100 DEF: 800). Zelda then special summons another Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind from her hand, as she controls a Blackwing monster. Then, she special summons Blackwing – Bora the Spear, as he controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 1700 DEF: 800). Ryan activates T.G. Blade Blaster’s effect, removing a T.G. monster in his graveyard from play to remove T.G. Blade Blaster from play. Zelda tunes Blackwing – Bora the Spear and Blackwing – Jetstream the Blue Sky with Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind to synchro summon Blackwing – Silverwind the Ascendant (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2200).

Ryan draws a card with T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect. Zelda activates Blackwing – Silverwind the Ascendant’s effect. When it’s synchro summoned, Zelda can destroy up to two monsters that the opponent controls with DEF lower than Blackwing – Silverwind the Ascendant’s ATK, choosing T.G. Hyper Librarian. Zelda cannot activate her battle phase the turn she activates that effect.

Zelda ends her turn. During the end phase that T.G. Blade Blaster was removed from play by its own effect, it’s special summoned back to the field.

Status: Hand-0 Life-2500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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Alex and Eli were stunned. Minus the few life points that Mark payed to activate his monster’s effects, Scott and Zelda, the latter especially, couldn’t land a single hit on their opponents. There was no mistaking it. This was the unbridled power of Ryan and Mark’s camaraderie. The duel seemed all but over.

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Ryan’s Turn: R:5 S:5 M:5 Z:5 Ryan activates High Speed Crash, destroying T.G. Blade Blaster to destroy one of Scott’s face down cards. Next, Mark activates his Dead Synchron, removing from play T.G. Catapult Dragon and T.G. Jet Falcon to synchro summon T.G. Power Gladiator (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1000). Ryan then normal summons Wind-Up Dog (ATK: 1200 DEF: 900). When a Wind-Up monster is special summoned, Ryan can special summon Wind-Up Shark from his hand (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300).

Once per turn, Ryan can raise Wind-Up Dog’s level by 2 and Wind-Up Shark’s level by 1 until the end phase with their effects (Lvl.: 3 -> 5) (Lvl.: 4 -> 5). Ryan overlays Wind-Up Shark, Wind-Up Dog, and T.G. Power Gladiator to xyz summon Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky (ATK: 2000 DEF: 3500). Ryan activates Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky’s effect. By detaching 2 xyz materials from it, Ryan can destroy one monster on the field and inflict damage equal to the monster’s original ATK, choosing Blackwing – Silverwind the Ascendant.

Scott and Zelda’s Life Points: 2500 -> 0

Ryan and Mark win.

Alex and Eli couldn’t believe it. Scott and Zelda have been devastated by Ryan and Mark. The only thing that stood between them and the princesses now were themselves. Zelda’s braviary swooped into the stadium and laid the battered and exhausted Zelda onto the ground. Scott, who hadn’t been hit at all by any of Ryan or Mark’s attacks, quickly scooped Zelda up and carried them to the doctor inside the stadium. Pinkie Pie went there too, with Lucas following. Alex and Eli could only watch as the few Numbers that Scott and Zelda had flew into the hands of Mark and Ryan, their final obsticle.

Chapter 39: The Final Bastion

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“And then there were two,” said Mark. “You are the only obstacle standing between us and the Numbers that have been fought for 9 years since the Bureau’s founding.”

“Fuck you. We’re ready,” said Eli to Mark, pounding his chest with his fist.

“Eli, surely we can be civil here.”

“You lost your chance at being civil the day you motherfuckers stepped foot in this world. And don’t call me Shirley.”

Alex couldn’t help but snicker.

“Smart mouth on him,” said Mark.

“Let’s end this,” said Alex, holding out his wrist.

“Yes, let’s,” said Eli doing the same.

“Eager, aren’t we?” Mark and Ryan connected their duel anchors to Alex and Eli’s wrists. Alex and Eli didn’t dare flinch, not to betray any emotions of fear or anxiety.

The spinner was already spinning, and it finally landed on the space marked RR. Riding Relay.

“The final match will be a riding relay,” said the announcer. His voice sounded much grimmer as the level of tension was rising beyond boiling point. “Good luck to both teams.”

Ryan and Mark already had their wing packs on, but Alex and Eli still needed to fly. Alex summoned and mounted Zephyr, his salamence, and Eli brought out his Pidgeot. Alex, as always, went first, but once again, Mark surprised Alex and Eli by choosing to be the first duelist up. Alex could tell from the last duel that Mark’s main strategy was to summon Theinen the Great Sphinx as soon as possible, but knowing Ryan and Mark, he’d change that up in a hurry. Alex’s only strategy at this point was just expect anything.

Alex and Mark made their way up to the edges of the drawbridge. Alex took a deep breath and felt the wind flow through his fingertips, as if he was asking a prayer for some miracle to assist him. As Speed World 2 activated, the beat of the countdown felt like a sledgehammer trying to burst through his chest.

10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

*BEEP*

Zephyr lept off with Alex. Mark saw the immense speed that Zephyr was doing, but decided to let Alex take the first turn. Alex didn’t care. All that mattered was beating Mark and Ryan right now and saving Equestria. Mark and Alex unsheathed (activated in Mark’s case) their duel disks and drew five cards from their deck.

“DUEL!” they both cried.

Alex and Eli vs. Mark and Ryan

Round 1: Alex vs. Mark

Alex’s Turn: A:1 M:0 Alex places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-2

Mark’s Turn: A:1 M:1 Alex activates Hieratic Seal from the Ashes, sending a Hieratic monster from his deck to the graveyard. Mark summons Soul Tiger in defense position.

Mark places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-4 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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What kind of strategy is this? thought Alex. Is he trying to defend himself so he can set up his Pyramid of Light? Perhaps he isn’t as clever as I thought.

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Alex’s Turn: A:2 M:2 Alex activates the speed spell High Speed Crash, destroying Hieratic Seal from the Ashes to destroy Soul Tiger. When a Beast-type monster Mark controls is sent to the graveyard, he can pay 1000 life points to special summon Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1800).

Mark’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3000

When Hieratic Seal from the Ashes is sent to the graveyard, Alex can special summon a Hieratic Monster from his graveyard, choosing Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Alex then normal summons Dragunity Aklys (ATK: 1000 DEF: 800). Alex tunes Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord and Dragunity Aklys to synchro summon Nero, the Dragon Warlord (ATK: 3200 DEF: 2800). Alex attacks Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest, but Mark activates Waboku, preventing battle damage and the destruction of Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest.

Alex ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Alex knew at this point that Mark’s goal wasn’t to get out his Pyramid of Light… not yet at least. For now, it looked like he was going to put up some high ATK monsters to protect himself.

No, wait…

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Mark’s Turn: A:3 M:3 Mark summons Unifolia, Holy Beast of the Forest (ATK: 700 DEF: 500). When Mark has only Beast-type monsters in his graveyard, Mark can tribute Unifolia, Holy Beast of the Forest to special summon a Beast-type monster from his hand, choosing Yellow Baboon, Archer of the Forest (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1800). Mark overlays Yellow Baboon, Archer of the Forest and Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest to xyz summon Number 118: Golden City Sentry – Mighty Dorado (ATK: 3200 DEF: 1000). Mark then activates the speed spell Half Seize, halving Nero, the Dragon Warlord’s ATK and Mark then gains life points equal to the ATK lost (ATK: 3200 -> 1600).

Mark’s Life Points: 3000 -> 4600

Mark attacks Nero, the Dragon Warlord with Number 118: Golden City Sentry – Mighty Dorado. Nero, the Dragon Warlord can’t be destroyed in battle. Battle Damage is still applied.

Alex’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2400

Mark places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4600 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Alex couldn’t believe he would be fighting against his own friend’s monsters, which have now become Mark’s trophies of his and Ryan’s victories over their opponents today.

“You think you can trip me up that easily?” asked Alex.

“I was hoping,” said Mark. “It would make our job easier.”

“Yeah, it would.”

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Alex’s Turn: A:4 M:4 Alex activates the speed spell Angel Baton, drawing 2 cards and discarding 1. Alex then activates the speed spell Star Changer, decreasing Nero, the Dragon Warlord’s level by 1 (Lvl.: 10 -> 9). Alex then summons Dragunity Brandistock (ATK: 600 DEF: 400). Alex tunes Nero, the Dragon Warlord with Dragunity Brandistock to synchro summon Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000).

Alex then activates his trap Immortal Dragon, special summoning Nero, the Dragon Warlord from his graveyard. Alex activates the speed spell Speed Energy, increasing Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness’ ATK by 200 for each speed counter Alex has (4 x 200 = 800, ATK: 3000 -> 3800). Alex attacks Number 118: Golden City Sentry – Mighty Dorado. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 118: Golden City Sentry – Mighty Dorado isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is still applied.

Mark’s Life Points: 4600 -> 4000

With Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness’ effect, it gains ATK for all damage it inflicts through battle (ATK: 3000 -> 3600).

Alex places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-2400 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“Silly boy,” said Mark, “If you think you have a fraction of a chance by just whittling away at my life points, I’m just going to have to take you down right now.”

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Mark’s Turn: A:5 M:5 Mark activates his face down Pyramid of Light. Next, Mark pays 500 life points to special summon Sphinx Teleia with its effect (ATK: 2500 DEF: 3000).

Mark’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3500

Mark then activates Synchro Defuse, taking control of 1 synchro monster that Alex controls, choosing Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness. Mark overlays Sphinx Teleia and Toccata, the Fierce Dragoness to xyz summon Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000). Mark activates Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Mark can attack the opponent directly with it.

Alex’s Life Points: 2400 -> 400

Mark ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-3500 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

____________________________________

Alex not only had to deal with one of his friends’ Numbers, but two of them. Knowing Braeburn’s Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach, Alex had one last turn to try and alter the situation, because another direct attack with no chance at protecting himself would end him. All he needed were the right two cards with his upcoming combo.

____________________________________

Alex’s Turn: A:6 M:6 Alex activates Jar of Greed, drawing 1 card. Alex summons Dragunity Tribus in defense position (ATK: 500 DEF: 300). Alex then activates Creature Swap, switching control of Dragunity Tribus with Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach by removing 3 speed counters (SpC.: 6 -> 3). Alex attacks Dragunity Trubus with Nero, the Dragon Warlord. Nero, the Dragon Warlord can inflict piercing damage.

Mark’s Life Points: 3500 -> 600

For every 1000 life points Nero, the Dragon Warlord inflicts through battle at the end of the battle phase, Alex draws 1 card (2).

Alex places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-400 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

Mark’s Turn: A:4 M:7 Mark attacks Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach with Number 118: Golden City Sentry – Mighty Dorado, but Alex activates Battle Break, destroying Number 118: Golden City Sentry – Mighty Dorado and ending the battle phase.

Mark summons 1 monster face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-600 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

____________________________________

“You have no idea what’s in store, do you?” said Mark, giggling.

“I’ve got a pretty good idea,” said Alex. “Me and Eli are going to win this, kick you and your friends out of Equestria, and save this world.”

“Good luck.”

____________________________________

Alex’s Turn: A:5 M:8 Alex attacks the face down monster with Nero, the Dragon Warlord, which was a Pandemonium Watchbear (ATK: 1300 DEF: 1800). Nero, the Dragon Warlord inflicts piercing damage.

Mark’s Life Points: 600 -> 0

For every 1000 life points Nero, the Dragon Warlord inflicts through battle at the end of the battle phase, Alex draws 1 card (1).

Alex wins the round.

Status: Hand-2 Life-400 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Ryan will switch with Mark, who will pass Pyramid of Light on to him.

Ryan made his way to the drawbridge, looking over the horizon. It was around noon now, and the sun was high in the sky. Ryan thought about all he had sacrificed and all he had went through to get to this very moment, and that with just two more victories, his journey in this godforsaken agency would be over at last. Ryan lept off the edge and continued the duel.

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Round 2: Ryan vs. Alex

Ryan’s Turn: R:8 A:5 Ryan special summons T.G. Striker, as he controls no monsters while his opponent controls one (ATK: 800 DEF: 0). When a level 4 or lower monster has been special summoned, Ryan can special summon T.G. Warwolf from his hand (ATK: 1200 DEF: 0). Ryan then special summons T.G. Gear Zombie, as he controls a T.G. monster (ATK: 600 DEF: 0). Next, Ryan normal summons Wind-Up Warrior (ATK: 1200 DEF: 1800). Ryan tunes Wind-Up Warrior with T.G. Gear Zombie to synchro summon T.G. Hyper Librarian (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1800). Ryan then tunes T.G. Warwolf with T.G. Striker to synchro summon T.G. Wonder Magician (ATK: 1900 DEF: 0).

When T.G. Wonder Magician is synchro summoned, Ryan can destroy 1 spell or trap card on the field, choosing Alex’s face down card. With T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect, Ryan draws a card every time a monster is synchro summoned. Ryan tunes T.G. Hyper Librarian with T.G. Wonder Magician to accel synchro summon T.G. Blade Blaster (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2200). Ryan then activates his High Speed Crash, destroying Pyramid of Light to destroy Nero, the Dragon Warlord. Ryan places 1 card face down. Ryan attacks Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach with T.G. Blade Blaster. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is still applied.

Alex’s Life Points: 400 -> 0

Ryan wins the round.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Eli will switch with Alex, who will pass Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach on to him.

____________________________________

Alex called back Zephyr and patted Eli on the back for good luck. Eli activated his gauntlet duel disk and ran to the edge of the drawbridge, leaping off of it with his idgeot grabbing his waist and flying away.

“This is it,” called Eli to Ryan.

“This is where it all ends.”

“Yes,” agreed Ryan. “I suppose it is, and I apologize in advance for the pain I am about to cause you.”

Eli ignored him, dismissing his threats as empty bluffs.

____________________________________

Final Round: Eli vs. Ryan

Eli’s Turn: E:6 R:9 Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Gravirose (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1300). Eli activates Summon Speeder, special summoning Koa’ki Meiru Sea Panther (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1200). Eli overlays Koa’ki Meiru Sea Panther and Koa’ki Meiru Gravirose to xyz summon Number 164: Crystalline Chimera (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1200). Eli activates Number 164: Crystalline Chimera’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, all spell and trap cards on the field are destroyed. Eli then detaches an xyz material from Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach to have it attack Ryan directly.

Ryan’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2000

Eli places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

Ryan remembered a confrontation with Mark before they were to duel Zelda and Scott.

____________________________________

Ryan was assembling his extra deck when Mark called him to get ready. Mark noticed a couple of monsters that he had never seen before when he had the deck.

“What are these?” he asked in an incriminating tone.

“I know I never gave you these monsters or even told you about them. But trust me when I say that with these cards, they will not know what hit them. With these two cards, our victory is certain.”

Mark had been impressed with Ryan the past hour, and if he was still on a roll, he might as well just have done what he was told.

“Alright, Ryan. We’re on in 5.”

“Thanks.”

Ryan gathered the cards and slipped them into his deck.

____________________________________

It was time now.

____________________________________

Ryan’s Turn: E:7 R:10 Ryan summons T.G. Cyber Magician (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). With T.G. Cyber Magician’s effect, Ryan can use T.G. monsters in his hand as the non-tuner synchro material. Ryan tunes T.G. Drill Fish in his hand with T.G. Cyber Magician to synchro summon T.G. Recipro Dragonfly (ATK: 300 DEF: 300). Ryan activates T.G. Recipro Dragonfly’s effect. Once per turn, Ryan can send a T.G. synchro monster he controls to the graveyard to special summon any synchro material monsters involved with the summoning of the sent T.G. monster from the graveyard, special summoning T.G. Hyper Librarian and T.G. Wonder Magician.

____________________________________

Ryan’s wing-pack (what Alex and Eli decided to call it) folded back into what looked like its standby mode, but instead of losing speed and descending, a bright light came from the wings tips, and it accelerated and climbed towards the sky. Ryan flew into the clouds and soared through a large cluster of them. Then he began to accelerate again with his monsters engaged in the synchro summon. Ryan’s speed was absolutely immense as a sparky aura formed around Ryan’s head.

“Go! Delta accel!” he yelled.

Suddenly, there was a massive lighting strike, which would go on to be reported as the largest lightning bolt in over 300 years. Much of the crowd was frightened by the deafening bang it produced, especially Fluttershy, who hid behind Charley. Even Eli with his fast pidgeot had trouble dodging the lighting and the multiple streams of plasma that flew out afterwards.

“What the hell?” he exclaimed.

Ryan flew out of the lightning bolt with a large android like monster, his real ace monster for sure.

____________________________________

Ryan tunes T.G. Hyper Librarian and T.G. Recipro Dragonfly with T.G. Wonder Magician to delta accel synchro summon T.G. Halberd Cannon (ATK: 4000 DEF: 4000). Ryan activates Speed World 2’s effect. By removing 10 speed counters (SpC.: 10 -> 0), he can destroy 1 card on the field, choosing Number 164: Crystalline Chimera. Ryan attacks Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach with T.G. Halberd Cannon. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is still applied.

Eli’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2000

Ryan ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-2000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

____________________________________

“What is this?” asked Eli.

“This is my real ace monster,” responded Ryan. “I know how powerful you two are, and I couldn’t let you know the full extent of our power until it was too late for you.”

“It’s never too late,” said Eli.

____________________________________

Eli’s Turn: E:8 R:1 Eli removes an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand from play to special summon Koa’ki Meiru Maximus, but Ryan activates T.G. Halberd Cannon’s effect, negating the summoning of a monster and destroying it. Eli activates Card of Last Will, drawing five cards if a monster he controls was destroyed.

Eli places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-2000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Ryan’s Turn: E:9 R:2 Ryan attacks Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach with T.G. Halberd Cannon, but Eli activates Xyz Soul, having Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach gain ATK equal to the rank of an xyz monster in his graveyard times 200, choosing Number 164: Crystalline Chimera (4 x 200 = 800, ATK: 2000 -> 2800).

Eli’s Life Points: 2000 -> 800

Also, the xyz monster targeted by Xyz Soul’s effect is returned to the extra deck.

Ryan places 1 card face down and ends his turn. Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 2800 -> 2000).

Status: Hand-0 Life-2000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

Eli would now take advantage of Ryan’s monsters supposed strength.

____________________________________

Eli’s Turn: E:10 R:3 Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Urnight (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Ryan activates T.G. Halberd Cannon’s effect, negating the summoning of Koa’ki Meiru Urnight and destroying it. Eli special summons Elemental Guardian Celutera, as he has 1 FIRE, WATER, WIND, and EARTH monster in his graveyard (ATK: 3500 DEF: 3500). Eli uses Elemental Guardian Celutera’s effect to use itself as the sole xyz material in an xyz summon. Eli overlays Elemental Guardian Celutera to xyz summon Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony (ATK: 4500 DEF: 4500).

Eli activates the other effect of Elemental Guardian, Celutera, detaching itself as xyz material to attach 1 WIND (Koa’ki Meiru Maximus), 1 FIRE (Koa’ki Meiru Gravirose), 1 EARTH (Koa’ki Meiru Urnight), and 1 WATER (Koa’ki Meiru Sea Panther) monster as xyz materials. Eli activates Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony’s effect, detaching 1 xyz material from it (Koa’ki Meiru Maximus), Eli can inflict damage equal to the detached xyz material’s ATK, but Ryan activates Energy-Absorbing Monolith, gaining life points equal to damage that he would have taken from a monster’s effect.

Ryan’s Life Points: 2000 -> 5000

Eli then activates the speed spell Rapid Shotwing, having a monster he controls gain 100 ATK for each monster he controls, choosing Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach (100 x 10 = 1000, ATK: 2000 -> 3000). Next, Eli activates Speed World 2’s effect, removing 10 speed counters (SpC.: 10 -> 0) to destroy one card on the field, choosing T.G. Halberd Cannon. When T.G. Halberd cannon is sent from the field to the graveyard, Ryan can special summon a T.G. monster from his graveyard, choosing T.G. Blade Blaster. Eli attacks T.G. Blade Blaster with Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony.

Ryan’s Life Points: 5000 -> 3800

Eli attacks Ryan directly with Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach.

Ryan’s Life Points: 3800 -> 800

Eli ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-800 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

Eli was very confident now. His opponent didn’t have a single card in his hand, and had no monsters or spell and trap cards on his field. Eli thought the duel was in the bag. Then he looked at Ryan’s speed counters, and then at Ryan himself, who looked very relieved at the card he just drew. Eli could feel the hope draining away from his body.

____________________________________

Ryan’s Turn: E:1 R:4 Ryan activates Speed World 2’s effect. By removing 4 speed counters (SpC.: 4 -> 0), Ryan can inflict 800 points of damage for each speed spell in his hand. He has 1.

Eli’s Life Points: 800 -> 0

Ryan wins the round.

Mark and Ryan win the match.

There wasn’t a noise to be heard anywhere but the gentle rush of the wind. But the silence didn’t last long. Sammy stood up and saw Eli and his Pidgeot, both unconscious, falling to the earth above the coliseum from the last hit brought by Ryan’s final move.

“NOOOOO!” she cried.

This break of silence brought on pandemonium and fear among the crowd. Alex, still on the sidelines, still couldn’t believe it. They had lost.

Unbeknownst to everyone, Eli was fully conscious, but his loss had brought about a crippling feeling of apathy and sadness the likes of which he hadn’t felt since his father died. He couldn’t rid himself of that awful feeling, and now just hoped that hitting the hard ground would end his suffering, for Eli Montgomery, the supposedly titled Guardian of Equestria, had failed.

Chapter 40: Darkness Dethrones

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The crowd began shrieking as Eli fell into the coliseum, but thankfully, Zephyr and Zelda’s Braviary caught Eli’s Pidgeot and Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy caught Eli. Alex was relieved that both were alright, but it was the least of his problems now. Alex looked at his deck box, and saw that his Number had been taken. It was all to possible that Eli’s Numbers belonged to Mark and Ryan too. Ryan landed on the drawbridge to meet Mark, Diana, and Chase applauding him. Ryan deactivated his wing-pack and turned it back into his D-Pad tablet.

“Ryan, you magnificent son of a bitch!” said Chase, hugging Ryan.

Diana also went up and shook Ryan’s hand. “Just brilliant, Ryan.”

Mark then escorted Ryan back to the arena, where they stood in front of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s balcony.

“Princesses!” called Mark. “We have some unfinished business.”

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna swooped down. “You will not take our Numbers,” said Luna angrily.

Both Princesses then formed a duel field with an aura that came out of their horns, Luna’s being dark purple with light purple zones, and a silver one with gold zones for Princess Celestia.

“Bring it on,” she said.

Alex had Eli rushed to the doctor where Scott, Lucas, Pinkie Pie and Zelda were.

“Are you alright?” asked Scott.

Pinkie Pie immediately ran to Alex and hugged him to try and console him. It didn’t work. For as warm and fuzzy as Pinkie Pie’s hugs were, not even that could comfort him from the losses this world would have. Eli awoke holding his head almost immediately as Sammy walked into the room.

“Thank goodness you’re alright,” she said, hugging him.

“No,” said Eli. “I’m not alright. In fact none of us are.”

The words frightened anyone present in the room, but Eli was right. No one would be alright as of now.

In the arena. Mark and Ryan activated their duel disks and all four competitors drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Ryan and Mark vs. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna

Ryan’s Turn: Ryan summons Wind-Up Magician (ATK: 600 DEF: 1800). When a Wind-Up monster is summoned, Ryan can special summon Wind-Up Shark from his hand (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). When the effect of a Wind-Up monster is activated, Ryan can special summon a Wind-Up monster from his deck with Wind-Up Magician’s effect, choosing Wind-Up Dog (ATK: 1200 DEF: 900). Once per turn, Ryan can increase the level of Wind-Up Dog by 2 and raise Wind-Up Shark’s level by 1 (Lvl.: 3 -> 5) (Lvl.: 4 -> 5). Ryan activates Star Changer, raising Wind-Up Magician’s level by 1 (Lvl.: 4 -> 5). Ryan overlays Wind-Up Dog, Wind-Up Shark, and Wind-Up Magician to xyz summon Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky in defense position (ATK: 2000 DEF: 3500).

Ryan places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Princess Celestia’s Turn: Princess Celestia summons Sacred Pollux (ATK: 1700 DEF: 600). When this card is normal summoned, Princess Celestia can normal summon again. Princess Celestia tributes Sacred Pollux to summon Sacred Rescha (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1200). When Sacred Rescha is normal summoned, Princess Celestia can special summon a Sacred monster from her hand in defense position, choosing Sacred Antares (ATK: 2400 DEF: 900). Princess Celestia overlays Sacred Rescha and Sacred Antares to xyz summon Number 124: Feral Chill – Freezing Ursa (ATK: 3300 DEF: 3000). Ryan activates his face down Forbidden Chalice, having Number 124: Feral Chill – Freezing Ursa gain 400 ATK and negating its effect until the end phase.

Princess Celestia places 1 card face down and ends her turn. Number 124: Feral Chill – Freezing Ursa’s ATK returns to normal.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Mark’s Turn: Mark activates Temple of the Kings, allowing him to activate trap cards from his hand. Mark activates Pyramid of Light. Mark pays 500 life points twice to special summon Andro Sphinx (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500) and Sphinx Teleia (ATK: 2500 DEF: 3000) from his hand.

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 8000 -> 7000

Mark overlays Andro Sphinx and Sphinx Teleia to xyz summon Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000).

Mark places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-7000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Princess Luna’s Turn: Princess Luna activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Princess Luna activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Infernity Archer (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1000). Princess Luna normal summons Infernity Beetle (ATK: 1200 DEF: 0). Princess Luna tunes Infernity Archer with Infernity Beetle to synchro summon Hundred Eyes Dragon (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500).

Princess Luna activates Battle Waltz, special summoning a Waltz token, which has the same type, attribute, level, ATK and DEF as a synchro monster that she controls. Princess Luna overlays Hundred Eyes Dragon and her Waltz token to xyz summon Number 15: Gimmick Puppet – Giant Killer (ATK: 1500 DEF: 2500). Princess Luna attempts to activate Number 15: Gimmick Puppet – Giant Killer’s effect, but Mark activates the trap card Shadow-Imprisoning Mirror, negating the effect of a DARK monster.

Luna places 2 cards down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Ryan’s Turn: Mark activates Trap Stun, preventing the activation of trap cards until the end of the turn. Ryan activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Ryan switches Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky into attack position. Next, Ryan summons Wind-Up Soldier (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1200). Ryan activates Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky’s effect. By detaching 2 xyz materials from it, Ryan can destroy one monster on the field and inflict damage equal to the monster’s original ATK, choosing Number 124: Feral Chill – Freezing Ursa.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s Life Points: 8000 -> 4400

Ryan activates the effect of Wind-Up Soldier, increasing its ATK by 400 (ATK: 1800 -> 2200). Ryan then attacks Number 15: Gimmick Puppet – Giant Killer with Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s Life Points: 4400 -> 3900

Ryan attacks Princess Celestia and Princess Luna directly with Wind-Up Soldier.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s Life Points: 3900 -> 1700

Ryan places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-7000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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Everyone, in the stands, in the arenas hospital wing, anywhere, were shocked at the speed of the duel and how swift and mercilessly Ryan deducted the princess’ life points. It was almost too much to bear. It would all be over in a couple of turns; everyone knew it.

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Princess Celestia’s Turn: Princess Celestia activates her Monster Reborn, special summoning Number 124: Feral Chill – Freezing Ursa. Princess Celestia attacks Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach with Number 124: Feral Chill – Freezing Ursa, but Ryan activates Negate Attack. Princess Luna attempts to activate Trap Jammer, but Ryan activates Curse of Royal, negating the effect of a card that destroys a spell or trap card and destroys it. The attack is negated.

Princess Celestia ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-1700 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Mark’s Turn: Mark activates Dian Keto the Cure Master, increasing his life points by 1000.

Ryan and Mark’s Life Points: 7000 -> 8000.

Mark activates Number 140: Armored Bullet Train Force Mach’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Mark can attack the opponent directly with it.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s Life Points: 1700 -> 0

Ryan and Mark win.

Despite knowing the princess’ loss was inevitable, the last hit still came as a heavy blow to anyone that wasn’t a Vegas agent. The Vegas agents formed together where Ryan and Mark stood. Twilight and her friends wept at the sight of their defeated princesses.

“Fine,” spat Princess Celestia to the Vegas agents. “What is your wish?”

Mark stepped up to declare it. “My wish is for every Number card in this realm to be in the hands of me and my three agents.”

Princess Celestia let out a reluctant sigh before she cast the spell to grant Mark his wish. Soon, anyone who still had a Number on them was surprised to watch as the cards flew out of their extra decks and form towards the center of the foursome like a cyclone. In about ten seconds, all of the cards that were in the cyclone landed in the hands of the Vegas agents in equivalent looking stacks. Each one counted to make sure they each had fifty, which would come out to 200, the whole amount of all Numbers in existence.

“I have fifty,” said Chase.

“Me too,” said Diana.

“So do I,” said Mark.

The last to confirm was Ryan, who gave his answer in a tired sigh. “Yeah, I have fifty too.”

Ryan was relieved. Now, he could see his son again, and they could live with each other in peace at last.

“Then we did it,” said Mark. “Our mission is almost complete.”

Ryan was suddenly confused. “Wait. Almost?”

Suddenly, the other three Vegas members did something that unsettled Ryan. Chase grabbed Ryan’s left arm with his right hand, and Diana grabbed his right arm with her left hand. Mark then grabbed Chase and Diana’s free hands. The sky began to turn dark. Ryan was shocked to see a shadow like darkness be cast over Mark. The shadow passed through Diana and Chase on both sides of Mark. Ryan, in his nervousness, broke free, albeit some attempted restraining by Chase and Diana.

“You fool!” shouted Mark. “Quick, grab each other’s hands.”

Chase and Diana locked their hands just as the darkness reached their fingers. Once all three members had been cast with this darkness, they began turning darker. Suddenly, Mark, Chase, and Diana started screaming in agony. The screams were loud enough to attract the attention of anyone in the hospital wing and they rushed out to see what was happening. Alex didn’t know exactly what happened, but all he saw was the three Vegas agents crying out as they were covered in a tar like substance as Ryan lied on the ground in fear and shock as to what he was seeing.

Then, the black fluid flowed off of their bodies and slithered to a space around ten feet away from the group. The pain they must have felt caused them to swoon, but they regained consciousness soon enough to see the black fluid take the form of a man. He had long, spikey black and red hair, blood red eyes, and a slender but pointy face. He was wearing pitch black shirt, pants and boots, and he was wearing what looked like an open, long black lieutenant’s jacket with silvery borders. His skin was a tan color, much like the people who seemingly performed the ritual to summon him. Everyone in the crowd looked on with wide eyed horror, for they knew who this was. The legends had spoken about him, much like Princess Celestia did 2 years ago for Alex and Orion. As prophesized, Inverz had risen once again.

Inverz looked upon the crowd that stared at him fearfully. “Ahh,” he said in a smooth, snake-like voice. “My loyal subjects.” He then looked Mark, Chase, and Diana, who looked strangely stoic. “You must be the three who helped bring me back,” he said.

“We are, Lord Inverz,” said Mark, bowing.

His two other comrades did the same. Ryan still had trouble grasping his surroundings.

“I’ve never seen your kind before, but I like the form that you, and now me for that matter, possess. I humbly thank you for waking me. It’s been far too long. Have you come to join me?”

“We have.” The three walked over and walked by his side.

“Mark?” asked Ryan getting up, confused.

Ryan’s questioning finally brought himself to Inverz’s attention.

“And who are you?”

“Forgive him,” said Mark. “He got a little spooked and broke free of the ritual. You might notice you don’t have as many Numbers as you would have wished.”

So their plan was to give these Numbers to this entity? thought Ryan.

“I see,” said Inverz. “150 Numbers.”

He then outstretched his hand to Ryan. “Would you be so kind?”

Ryan knew exactly what he wanted. “I want an explanation first.”

Inverz began to look angry, but was stopped by Mark. “Please. We never told him; he deserves to know.”

Inverz waved his hand, allowing Mark’s request.

“You see Ryan, we told you that the reason for finding the Numbers was to gain the power to fix things we thought unfixable, like bringing back your comatose son. Unfortunately, that was never the case. You see, our previous Mr. Ace and the founder of the Vegas Bureau had a few… grievances with this land, at least a copy of one.”

“You mean,” interrupted Ryan, “the Equestria that we accidentally intercepted?”

“Correct. We knew of the different legends of both versions of Equestria: Inverz in this one, the portal to darkness in the Everfree Forest in the other one. Anyways, the original plan was to get as many Numbers as we could in this world and get the rest in the other Equestria. But when the two Equestrias melded, we saw it as a blessing to be able to do our huntings in just one.”

“And where, pray tell, do I fit in this?” asked Inverz.

“We figured that when we finished hunting all of the Numbers in this world and revived you, you could help us complete our mission to take down Equestria with us in return for our Numbers and undying support.”

“And why would I help you?”

“You could have been ruler of two worlds, but it’s done now. The only one that’s left is this one. Once you gain all of the Numbers, you will be the supreme ruler of this world forever.”

“Come to think of it,” pondered Inverz, “I like the idea of multiversal conquest. You may prove to be valuable assets yet.”

“So…” said Ryan, choking up, “my son?”

“Your son would have and will never see you again. If I’m correct, he will be put off life support in a few days.”

Zelda was listening to this too, realizing that she wouldn’t have been able to save her family anyways.

“Now that that’s settled,” said Inverz, outstretching his hand yet again to Ryan. “The Numbers, if you will.”

Ryan looked at the stack of Numbers in his hand. He then looked out to the crowd. Friends huddled together in fear, foals crying into their mother’s bosoms, the princesses looking defeated and heartbroken, and then Rainbow Dash. He knew he couldn’t strand her in a world like this at this moment.

Ryan then looked Inverz straight in the eye. “No.”

There was murmuring amongst the crowd. Inverz was a bit surprised, but not the least bit amused.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you.”

“Yes you did,” said Ryan, who didn’t betray a single emotion.

Inverz quietly looked at Ryan and then shouted at him, his face demonically contorting. “YOU GIVE ME YOUR NUMBERS AT ONCE! OR I WILL-”

Mark stopped him with a click of a gun. Scott shielded Zelda, in case Mark were to aim the gun at Zelda.

“You. What are you doing?” asked Inverz.

“Forgive me,” said Mark. “But treachery is one of my biggest pet peeves.” Mark then aimed the gun at Ryan, who stood still. “I’ll ask you one more time. Give Inverz your Numbers immediately.”

Ryan without a hint of fear said his last three words. “Go fuck yourself.”

“I’ll be sure to write that as your epitaph.”

Mark pulled the trigger, and the bullet went straight through Ryan’s heart. Alex and all of his friends ran to Ryan’s help, including Princess Luna herself. Princess Celestia was too shocked to even stand. Mark walked over to the group when six brightly colored ponies with gold necklaces (and a gold tiara for Twilight) stood in front of Mark, guarding him with the Elements of Harmony. Mark fired a few shots at the ponies, but the bullets reflected off of a protection spell.

“Allow me,” said Inverz to a frustrated Mark.

With Inverz having found new strength in his newly acquired Numbers, he placed his left hand around the sphere. With a pulse of his fingers, he shattered the barrier. Before the ponies could react, Inverz’s hand turned into six black, tarry tentacles, each one grabbing a pony by the neck. Twilight tried to use the Elements’ power, but saw on her other friends necklaces, that they were being depleted of their color, effectively rendering them useless. The ponies called the names of their friends for help, while they could do nothing but watch Inverz have his way with them.

“He’s distracted,” yelled Princess Luna. “Hold on to each other now!”

Seeing no better alternative, Alex and his friends did as they were told. Inverz saw them.

“NO!” His right hand turned into a bigger, black hand and tried to stop Luna from escaping with them. He then grabbed something.

He saw that instead of the princess, humans, and Pokémon with Ryan and his Numbers, he was holding onto Derpy Hooves and Little Strongheart, who were protecting their master and her new friends. Inverz lifted them up to see that his intended targets disappeared through Luna’s assistance, with the Numbers in tow. Inverz’s face turned horrifyingly monstrous with anger.

“My final services to my master,” said Derpy Hooves.

He then raised the two up with his hand and slammed them into the ground. The force caused the unfortunate pegasus and buffalo to explode on impact, leaving only a pulpy mess of flesh, blood and bone in its wake. The crowd was absolutely terrified as the blood splattered onto their coats. Inverz, with the elements of harmony and their bearers still in hand, walked slowly to a cowering Princess Celestia. Alex, his human and Pokémon friends, along with Ryan and Luna appeared in the town square.

“Somepony get this man a doctor, now!” called Princess Luna to a terrified group of onlookers.

Ryan, still clinging to life, lifted his arm and placed something in Alex’s hand: his 50 Numbers and his own deck.

“Give… them… hell,” he barely managed to get out.

Alex took Ryan’s now open hand and clenched it, hoping to instill some hope that he would survive. Ryan just laid back and looked at the blue sky.

If I’m going now, thought Ryan. I guess I’ll see my son soon.

Content with knowing he’ll at least get to spend eternity with his son, Ryan let out a long heavy sigh and closed his eyes, the world growing silent and dark.

Part 6: In the Presence of Enemies - Chapter 41: Amends

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Ryan felt a slight pain in his chest, almost like a pinprick. Then he remembered.

That’s right. I was shot. Am I dead? If so, why am I feeling pain?

Ryan removed the covers to find his shirtless torso bandaged all over his left pectoral. There was a small amount of crusted blood on the bandages where his wound was.

Why is there such little blood?

“Oh good, you’re up,” said a doctor pony.

“Where am I? Am I dead?”

“Far from it. Ain’t magic medicine just grand?”

“What?”

“Princess Luna had a couple of ponies bring you in here. You were losing a lot of blood, but thankfully, we took out that metal thing in your chest, stitched you up, and put a little ipecequine in your intravenous fluid and-”

“Ipecequine? You mean ipecac?”

“No, I mean ipecequine. It’s a special fluid that quickens the healing process. In fact, you should be good right about now.”

Ryan took off the bandages and saw that his would had sealed already. It seemed impossible. Ryan stumbled out of the room.

“Sir, you need to rest.”

Ryan stepped outside to find dozens of ponies lining the corridors. Also, Alex found him.

“Are you alright?” asked Alex.

“I don’t know. Come here.”

Alex came in closer. Ryan then punched him in the face.

“Why did you save me?” Ryan asked angrily.

“Because you were dying.”

“Then why didn’t you leave me dead?”

“Because you’re weren’t. Listen, we have a lot of problems right now. Just look outside, and put these on.”

Alex tossed him some clean clothes to wear. After he put them on, Ryan was escorted outside to see a vast array of ponies sitting outside the houses.

“What’s going on?” asked Ryan.

“This is the population of Canterlot. They were banished out by Inverz following his takeover.”

“Takeover? What happened to Rainbow Dash?” Now Ryan sounded really concerned.

"When she and her friends tried protecting us, I don’t know, Inverz did something to them and now he’s taken them hostage."

Ryan couldn’t bear the guilt he felt now. “What then,” he asked, trying to change the topic.

“From what I understand, according to a witness, after we took you to Ponyville via teleportation by Princess Luna, Inverz gathered all of the ponies in Canterlot, including Princess Celestia, to the town square of Canterlot. They then said that they would be banished from Canterlot, and that someone would have until tomorrow at noon to return the Numbers that ‘you stole’ from him, or else he’ll raze Ponyville in a mass genocide. Then, he transported every pony here.”

“Oh God,” said Ryan feeling uneasy.

Alex spoke again. “Now, you need to explain some things to us.”

____________________________________

Alex walked Ryan to the theater. Inside, all of Alex’s human and Pokémon friends were there, along with Braeburn, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna.

“Quite a trooper,” said Lucas.

Everyone else gave him similar praises for his bravery.

“So,” said Alex. “I want you to tell us the whole story. Why you joined the Vegas Bureau, the whole shebang.”

“You… want me to talk to you again about this? I told you it was to save my son.”

“What else?”

“You mean like, how I got in?”

“That sounds good.”

Everyone listened intently.

“When Joel was taken from me, I fell into a sharp depression. I had trouble paying my bills, and my workload felt increasingly heavier. I was a cop living in L.A. Despite being seen as one of the best officers in the city, it still wasn’t enough to keep my son alive. I worked overtime trying to make ends meet, until one day, we heard of this guy with a large bounty on his head. Whoever caught him would make a massive windfall. Needing the money, I went in my squad car and tried to hunt him. One day, I found him driving a Camaro, and upon seeing me, he tried to flee. I went and chased after him. Once we got onto the freeway, he was more elusive than ever. Being as determined a driver as I could handle, I made sure not to lose another inch of him. When I finally caught him after a truck decided to change lanes without a turn signal, he hopped out of his car and made a perfect shot in my heart, right where I was shot, actually.

“In the hospital, I learned that another cop had gotten him, and he’d be getting the bonus and not me. Also, the doctor had told me that I’d lose too much blood to be saved. I couldn’t believe it. I was so close to saving my son, and it was a tiny piece of metal that stopped me. Then, they showed up.”

“Vegas.”

“When my room was left mysteriously empty, Mark walked up and told me about the Bureau, and that if I agreed to work with him, he’d save me and I could save my son. Wanting that more than anything, I agreed. Mark then used some strange thing with his hands, and the next thing I knew, my chest was better, and Mark held the bullet in front of me. I then moved to the Vegas headquarters in Seattle where I began my long trip to Hell.”

“So that’s why you wouldn’t leave,” said Alex.

“Because he’d just leave you for dead if you tried to leave.”

“Exactly. As you know, Mark takes a vendetta against traitors; it’s also why Mark hates Zelda so much.”

“It’s probably why he wasn’t told the truth either,” said Eli. “If Ryan says he was a really good police officer, he probably had a high sense of morals. If he knew that his work in the Vegas Bureau was only aimed at the destruction of a world and being given ultimate power and not towards the saving of his son, he would have never accepted, right.”

“Yeah,” said Ryan. “That’s exactly right. Listen. I know it’s not nearly enough of compensation, but I am truly sorry for all of the pain I caused here. If you would never forgive me, I’d understand.”

Princess Luna placed a hand on Ryan’s shoulder. Alex did the same. Soon, everyone in the room had their hands/hooves on Ryan’s soldiers. Ryan was overcome with emotions.

“Thank you,” he finally said.

“So, what now?” said Eli. “Whether we return the Numbers to Inverz or not, this world will be fucked either way if we just sit here and wait.”

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Alex opened it up, and a light purple pegasus pony with a spikey white and light blue mane walked in.

“What have you seen?” asked Eli.

The pegasus began to relay information. “It seems that Inverz is using the whole of Canterlot to house his army.”

“Army?” asked Ryan.

“Yes. There are other bipedal creatures in black armor with massive trolls. This army looks very strong. Also, we saw a strange building rise right out of the ground in the desert about 10 miles from Dodge Junction. And then a bunch of men in black suits appeared by it-”

“Wait, black suits?” interrupted Ryan. “Jesus, they’re bringing in the whole Vegas Bureau.”

“That’s not the kicker though. I saw a large vehicle pull up to the building and it’s where they’re keeping in Twilight Sparkle and her friends.”

“Were they alive?”

“I don’t know, I just saw-”

Ryan got up and walked out.

“Wait what are you doing?” asked the Princess Luna.

“I’m going to save my friends.”

“You can’t. It’s too dangerous; you’ll die again!”

“I’m already dead. Alex do you have my D-Pad?”

Alex tossed it over to him. Ryan tried to turn it on, but it wouldn’t.

“Damn it. They must have shut me out of the system.”

Luna then did a quick spell to the D-Pad and just like that, it was on.

“I can’t say that what you’re doing is ethical,” she said, “but if you want to save your friends, I won’t stop you.”

“I’m going too,” said Zelda. “If you think you’re going to get anything accomplished by yourself, then let me help you. As a friend. As an ex-Vegas agent,” she said with a wink.

Ryan nodded. As Zelda went to get her motorcycle, Ryan was able to turn his D-Pad into his car and he got in. Zelda rode up with him.

“So, you have a plan?” she asked.

“More or less.”

Ryan and Zelda then took off for Dodge with the sun setting.

____________________________________

Princess Celestia inside the theater continued to weep.

“What’s wrong,” asked Eli.

“I’m not fit,” she mumbled. “I’m not fit to be a ruler of a nation.”

“What are you talking about?”

“For years, I’ve hidden behind my title as Princess. Ever since I banished my sister to the moon, I’ve never acted out of bravery, only for myself. On the Summer Sun Celebration when Nightmare Moon, returned. I had the full ability to save my land and stop my sister again, but I left the job to Twilight and her friends with me only giving vague instructions on how to stop her.”

No one had heard this side of Princess Celestia before.

“There’s trivial things, like how I gave Twilight two tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala despite knowing she had five other friends, but there’s more.”

She talked about how she failed to try and save Rarity as she almost fell to her death during the Best Young Flyer Competition, how she left Twilight and her friends to fight Discord by themselves with little to no assistance, she eventually told all.

“Woah,” said Eli disappointedly. “I can’t believe you.”

“I’m sorry! I truly am. If there’s a way I can redeem myself, please, that’s all I want.”

“You want to help?” asked Eli. “Well here’s what we have. Inverz says he’s going to attack Ponyville tomorrow at noon if we don’t give him the Numbers. How long of a walk is it to Ponyville would you say?” “About five hours.”

“We’re going to attack them before 7 AM tomorrow then.”

“What? But that’s crazy.”

“We don’t have a choice. We need to take Inverz by surprise, it’s the only way that I know of to possibly defeat him.”

“But that would mean we’d need to assemble and organize army by 2 AM to make it to Canterlot.”

“The trains,” interrupted Orion. “There’s a hidden station underneath the royal palace, quite possibly an emergency exit for the princesses.” The princess nodded in confirmation. “If we could get a train to that exit and then spring them from the inside.”

“We’d need a really strong train if we were to withstand an attack when the enemy notices us.”

Braeburn pulled out his train monster cards. “What will that do?”

Orion spoke again. “I have a strong magic on me,” said Orion, “that can bring these monsters to life. I can summon these trains, and this should be a perfect armored vehicle for our siege.”

“Perhaps I can also offer a suggestion,” said the light purple pegasus.

As she, the princesses, Eli, and Orion constructed their battle strategy, Lucas looked around the room and discovered that Charley wasn’t there.

____________________________________

Charley was feeling very fragile at the prospect of a war happening thrown in with losing her friends, so she slipped out the back door and went to Fluttershy’s cottage. She sat under a tree and listened to the brook, hoping it would calm her. Suddenly, Fluttershy’s pet rabbit, Angel, hopped up to her. He angrily thumped and pointed to a picture of Fluttershy, seemingly asking where she was. Charley began sobbing right there. Angel then looked at her confused.

“I’m sorry, Angel,” said Charley. “Fluttershy’s gone.”

The rabbit could tell by her crying that she wasn’t joking with what she was saying, and he began crying too. In fact, many of the small animals that Fluttershy tended to overheard her and joined in with her crying, their friend also being taken from them.

“Charley?” asked a voice.

Charley looked up and saw it was Lucas. Angel hopped towards Lucas and signaled him to leave, but Charley told the rabbit that Lucas was fine, and with that it hopped away to continue mourning.

“What’s happening?” she asked.

“Ryan and Zelda went to a building that appeared. Someone said it’s where they’re keeping them captive.”

“So, they are alive?”

“We don’t know. That’s what Ryan and Zelda are going to check.”

The animals listened intently, hoping to hear more news.

“Right now, Eli and Orion are going to organize an army for a counter-attack.”

“You mean, we’re-”

“At war, yes.”

Charley was nervous again, the animals matching their expressions.

“I don’t know if I can bear to lose any more of my friends.”

“Perhaps you just need something more to fight for,” said Lucas.

“What?”

Lucas dropped to one knee, pulled a box from his back pocket, and opened it. Inside was a gold ring with a diamond in it. “Luke,” said Charley, getting flustered.

“What is this?”

“Charley, you are the most amazing woman I ever met. When I lost my home at a young age, you opened yours up to me. In the many years that I spent with you, I have been searching for the best way possible to repay you. Today, I can think of no better payment and privilege than to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Charley was getting incrementally more excited as she realized that Lucas wasn’t fooling with her.

“I wanted to give you this tonight at the after tournament ball if we won, but seeing the current circumstances, I only have this time to offer this to you. If these are the last days that we spend with each other, I want them to be together. Now, all I can ask now is this: Charlotte de Silva, will you marry me?”

The animals behind her eagerly egged Charley on. She didn’t need them, however.

“Of course I will,” she said. She and Lucas embraced. The animals cheered in their own voices.

“Let’s go back now,” said Charley. “If we’re going to spend the rest of our life together, we have to fight to ensure that.”

____________________________________

Lucas and Charley came back to Ponyville, to see every pony, human, and Pokémon huddled closely at the town hall for a speech being given by Eli. He had the eyes and ears of everybody.

“My fellow men and ponies. Today, the dark lord Inverz rose and intends to wreak havoc on this land. The princesses and I have come up with a battle plan.”

The ponies recoiled at the thought of “battle.”

“I know you are not looking forward to risking your lives like this, nor was anyone expecting it. But let me put this perspective. You can either risk your lives by fighting evil and tyranny and help carve a brighter future for your children, and your children’s children, or you can guarantee your deaths by waiting for the inevitable.”

Eli had now begun to rally the ponies’ fighting spirit.

“I have already garnered the support of ten brave souls to fight for everyone’s freedom. But you and I both know that that isn’t enough. We need to rally an army that will leave that son of a bitch quaking in his boots. The future will begin with all of you, for without you, it will perish.”

The crowd began getting more pumped and excited.

“Inverz thinks this is no more a war than it is a battle between ponies and maggots. For once, I will agree with him. We will show him that we are the ponies, and that he’s the maggot.”

Cheering ensued.

“Inverz thinks he can send a message with his hate that he can take whatever he wants. The Numbers, our lives, this land. We’ll return that message. That these are our Numbers. These are our lives. And this. This is our land!”

Eli walked off of the podium with a massive crowd of cheering ponies in its wake. Sammy met him as he walked down the stairs.

“Did you steal that from Avatar?”

“I’ve always wanted to give that speech,” said Eli.

____________________________________

With Eli, Orion, and the princesses as their commanders, they began to assemble their army. Orion and Luna would man the train, Princess Celestia would command the winged division, and Eli would march with earth ponies and unicorns to storm the castle from the front. Orion was handed three copies of Snow Plow Engine Hustle Russel. Orion placed these on the train tracks of the Ponyville Train Station. He then cast a spell at all three cards. The magic he used made the monsters on the cards literally come to life, forming a sturdy looking train fit for a war. Orion swooned at the use of so much magic, but was caught by Princess Luna. They began putting multiple passenger cars from the Equestrian Line trains on the ends of the trains that Orion had just summoned.

Princess Celestia ordered the pegasi to bring as many cloud making machines as possible to form a temporary smokescreen. She then organized the Wonderbolts to form as the front line in the winged division. They did so with salutes.

When the Numbers emerged with Alex and Orion two years ago, Princess Luna had ordered each home to be equipped with shields, swords, and spears in case of Inverz’ return and war was necessary. Eli was able to get every willing pony to suit up and be ready. Once that was done, then they’d begin to organize squadrons. After that, they would wait, and then they would fight.

Chapter 42: The Siege of Vegas

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It was dark when Eli and Zelda saw sight of the building outside of Dodge. They were surprised when they didn’t see much in the way of resistance on their way there. They then rode slowly up to the building until someone would stop them. They didn’t have to wait long.

“Stop!” called a loud, amplified voice through the darkness. “Who goes there?”

Ryan got out of his car, turned his car into his D-Pad tablet, put it down his shirt for safekeeping, and held up his hands. He then motioned for Zelda to do the same. Not much longer than they made their surrender, a large black van rode up to their vehicles. Two men, each in black suits got out.

“Well, well,” said one of them. “If it isn’t the two traitors themselves.”

“We have come to return the Numbers in return for concessions.”

“What? How about you give us the Numbers and I’ll make you and your friend's death here as painless as possible.”

Ryan then took off his deck box, held it up, and put a lighter under the box.

“How about this. Let us in, or your Numbers will turn to ash.”

When neither of the two agents responded, Ryan flicked the wheel and began to hold the flame over the box.

“Okay fine,” one of them said. “Get in the van. Let’s go. Besides, I’m sure Mark would love to see the great Ryan Gosling risen from the grave.”

Ryan and Zelda were handcuffed and escorted to the back of the van and were about to enter the Equestrian Vegas Headquarters. So far, so good.

____________________________________

The van pulled into a garage. Ryan and Zelda were led out of the car and into the headquarters. The inside looked exactly like the headquarters in Seattle where Ryan (and Zelda) used to work. They were led to an interrogation room in the prison section in the west wing. If this is where the prisoners are kept, thought Ryan, then surely those ponies shouldn’t be far away. What shocked Ryan and Zelda was how empty the place looked.

“Not nearly as empty as I remember,” said Ryan.

“Yeah, well, apparently your friends down in Ponyville are organizing some kind of army down there, so most of our men are giving Inverz reinforcements.”

Shit, thought Ryan. They know about that?

This might complicate his “concessions” speech. Time for Plan B.

Once Ryan and Zelda were in the room, one agent held Zelda, while the one holding Ryan let go momentarily to close the door. Ryan and Zelda used this distraction to their advantage. Seemingly at the same time, Ryan and Zelda attacked. Ryan did a high jumping kick to the bottom of one of the agent’s jaws. The agent fell down in pain, and Ryan stomped his head twice for good measure. Zelda kneed the other in the testicles, causing him to double over in pain. Zelda turned around, and wrung his neck with her hands literally behind her back. Zelda then sat down to rummage for the keys that were on the dead agent’s jacket. Zelda undid hers first, and then she undid Ryan’s. After Ryan put his D-Pad back together, Zelda and Ryan both grabbed a gun from their victims’ holsters.

“I’ll go left,” said Zelda, grabbing the agent’s keys.

And they both did just that.

As Ryan made his way looking for his friends down the inner end of the west wing hallway on the second floor, he saw something that he hoped not to see. It was his old comrade, Chase, standing in front of him. Ryan and Chase both pulled their guns, fired at the same time, causing their guns to be shot out of their hands. Chase then landed a black duel anchor on Ryan, trapping him.

“Don’t even think of escaping, dickhead. Mark and the others will be back on their way soon.”

____________________________________

Zelda looked cautiously in each window of the third and top level of the building. After a short search, she looked through a window to see four familiar ponies standing, scared. But where are the other two? Zelda’s answer came in the form of seeing Twilight Sparkle and Applejack, frozen in what looked like carbonite from Star Wars. They were lowered down into another floor, for what purpose, Zelda didn’t know.

Then she saw two agents try to get Fluttershy and Rarity. Rarity tried defending herself with magic, but one of the agents poked her with a cattle prod, knocking her out cold. The agent placed her into a box shaped glass mechanism. Fluttershy looked absolutely frightened, a look that broke Zelda’s heart. The agent grabbed her by the tail and mane to throw her into the mechanism, Fluttershy kicking and screaming all the while. She could see Fluttershy banging her glass prison, screaming and crying. Then, the agents turned on a machine causing flashing lights from inside the containers. When the lights eventually stopped flashing, Fluttershy and Rarity were frozen just like Twilight and Applejack. Zelda had no more time to speculate a plan. She needed to save the last two now.

____________________________________

Ten other Vegas agents came to Chase’s aid with guns in hand.

“No,” said Chase. “Leave him to me. Get the girl; she shouldn’t be far.”

The agents did as they were told and went after Zelda. Seeing no other option for a quicker escape or assistance to Zelda, Ryan activated his duel disk. Chase did the same with his. They each drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they yelled.

Chase vs. Ryan

Chase’s Turn: Chase summons Chronomaly Golden Jet (ATK: 1300 DEF: 1400). Chase activates Palenque Sarcophagus, drawing 2 cards when he controls a Chronomaly monster. Next, Chase special summons Chronomaly Aztec Mask Golem, as he activated a normal spell card this turn (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000). Chase activates the effect of Chronomaly Golden Jet, increasing the level of all Chronomaly monsters by 1 (Lvl.: 4 -> 5) (Lvl.: 4 -> 5). Chase overlays Chronomaly Aztec Mask Golem and Chronomaly Golden Jet to xyz summon Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1500).

Chase places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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As Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were about to be thrown into their next container, the agents heard the door unlock and open. One agent went outside with gun in hand while Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were held at gunpoint by the other. As the agent looked behind the door, he was surprised to hear a click of a trigger behind him. Zelda’s bullet painted the door with the agent’s blood.

The other agent ran out to see what happened, but without Rainbow Dash in custody anymore, she bucked the agent off of the walkway with her quick speed onto the floor two stories below, his head cracking like an eggshell. Zelda saw Rainbow Dash as she looked at her, and Pinkie Pie ran out to see who their hero was. Upon seeing Zelda’s face, she cried and ran to her open arms, Rainbow joining in the hug.

“I’m sorry,” said Zelda. “I wish I had come sooner.”

“What was that stuff that they took our friends in?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“I’ll explain later. Let’s go now. They have to be after us now.”

Zelda then headed for the end of the wing with her rescued friends.

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Ryan’s Turn: Ryan summons T.G. Cyber Magician (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Ryan activates T.G. Cyber Magician’s effect, allowing Ryan to use T.G. monsters in his hand as the non-tuner synchro material for a synchro summon. Ryan tunes T.G. Rush Rhino in his hand with T.G. Cyber Magician to synchro summon T.G. Hyper Librarian (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1800). Ryan activates Monster Reborn, special summoning T.G. Cyber Magician from his graveyard. Ryan activates T.G. Cyber Magician’s effect again, tuning another T.G. Rush Rhino in his hand with T.G. Cyber Magician to synchro summon T.G. Wonder Magician (ATK: 1900 DEF: 0).

When a monster is synchro summoned, with T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect, Ryan can draw 1 card. When T.G. Wonder Magician is synchro summoned, Ryan can destroy 1 spell or trap on the field, choosing 1 of Chase’s face down cards. Ryan tunes T.G. Hyper Librarian with T.G. Wonder Magician to accel synchro summon T.G. Blade Blaster (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2200). Ryan attacks Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mech. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 33: OOPArts Super Weapon – Machu Mech isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is still applied.

Chase’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3100

Ryan places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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Zelda, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie ran into the weapons room from the south third floor entrance. There were south and north doors on every floor, plus three large walkthrough entrances/exits to the west wing in the center of each floor which Zelda compared to the entrances of stores in shopping malls.

“Woah, woah, woah,” said Rainbow Dash, looking at all of the weapons. “Are you seriously going to try and kill those people?”

Zelda grabbed an M16 off of a rack with one hand and grabbed a full clip with the other.

“If it comes to that, yes.” Zelda put the clip into the rifle and went to guard them. “Wait here,” she said going to the second level.

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Chase’s Turn: Chase activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Chase activates Chronomaly Pyramid Eye Tablet, having all Chronomaly monsters gain 800 ATK (ATK: 2400 -> 3200). Chase then actives Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach’s effect. When a monster’s ATK changes, Chase can detach 1 xyz material from it and inflict damage equal to the difference between the higher ATK and the lower ATK (800).

Ryan’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3200

Chase summons Chronomaly Cabrera’s Trebuchet in defense position.

Chase places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-3100 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

The 10 agents arrived outside the entrance to the weapons room.

“Zelda! We know you’re in there. It’s over. Come out immediately.”

Zelda hid behind a wall. In her left hand she held two grenades while squeezing both handles. Two fingers of her right hand were holding the pins.

“Fuck you, asshole,” she said, trying to mimic Arnold.

She pulled them, waited about three seconds and quickly threw them in the direction of her assailants. With her three second delay, the agents had no time to react. Both grendades exploded about ten feet from the group before they even hit the ground. The blast killed half of them instantly, while the others were seriously injured. Zelda then picked up the armed M16 rifle and began shooting the agents who were still alive. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie had never seen her, or anyone for that matter, unleash so much carnage. Pinkie could tell from Zelda’s past that she was a hardened killer, but it was much different seeing it up close.

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Chase and Ryan heard the blast. “What the hell,” asked Chase.

Ryan smirked. “It looks like I have the upper hand.”

Chase then pulled out a phone from his pocket, making an announcement through the intercom. “This is your temporary Mr. Ace speaking. Would all 10s in the building make your way to the weapons room immediately. Come armed.”

Ryan watched as about twenty more agents came from the east wing to fight Zelda. They were about as armed as the previous ten, but they knew what they were dealing with now.

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Ryan’s Turn: Ryan summons T.G. Drill Fish (ATK: 100 DEF: 800). When Ryan controls a T.G. monster, Ryan can special summon T.G. Gear Zombie from his hand (ATK: 600 DEF: 0). Ryan tunes T.G. Drill Fish with T.G Gear Zombie to synchro summon T.G. Recipro Dragonfly (ATK: 300 DEF: 300). Ryan activates T.G. Recipro Dragonfly’s effect. Once per turn, Ryan can send a T.G. synchro monster he controls to the graveyard to special summon any synchro material monsters involved with the summoning of the sent T.G. monster from the graveyard, special summoning T.G. Hyper Librarian and T.G. Wonder Magician. Ryan tunes T.G. Hyper Librarian and T.G. Recipro Dragonfly with T.G. Wonder Magician to delta accel synchro summon T.G. Halberd Cannon (ATK: 4000 DEF: 4000).

Ryan attacks Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach with T.G. Halberd Cannon, but Chase activates Stonehenge Shield, negating T.G. Halberd Cannon’s attack, reducing its ATK to 0 (ATK: 4000 -> 0), and negating its effect. Chase then actives Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mech’s effect, detaching 1 xyz material from it when a monster’s ATK changes and inflicts damage equal to the difference between the higher ATK and the lower ATK (4000). Ryan activates Damage Diet, halving the damage he takes this turn.

Ryan’s Life Points: 3200 -> 1200

Ryan ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-1200 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Zelda had already begun shutting and locking the doors to the weapons room to prevent any access. She then closed the garage door on the first floor. She then noticed a large crate that said T.N.T. on it. Then she remembered the conversation between the two agents they killed earlier.

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“Yeah, well, apparently your friends down in Ponyville are organizing some kind of army down there, so most of our men are giving Inverz reinforcements.”

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Are these the reinforcements he was referring to? thought Zelda.

She assumed that it would be used to destroy the train tracks that ran along the mountainous edges by Canterlot. She would have to warn her friends about that later. Now, she had another plan.

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Chase’s Turn: Chase tributes Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mech to summon Chronomaly Sol Monolith (ATK: 600 DEF: 600) When Chronomaly Sol Monolith is normal summoned, Mark can make the level of an Chronomaly monster he controls 6, choosing Chronomaly Cabrera’s Trebuchet (Lvl.: 4 -> 6). Chase overlays Chronomaly Cabrera’s Trebuchet and Chronomaly Sol Monolith to xyz summon Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis (ATK: 2600 DEF: 3000) (ATK: 2600 -> 3400).

When Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis is xyz summoned, Chase can equip a Number monster to it and have Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis gain ATK equal to half of the Number’s ATK, choosing Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mech (ATK: 3400 -> 4600). Chase activates Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it and sending an equip card equipped to it by its own effect to the graveyard (ATK: 4600 -> 3400), Chase can halve Ryan’s life points.

Ryan’s Life Points: 1200 -> 600

Chase ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-3100 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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The agents knew that Zelda couldn’t stay in there for long, so they resorted to waiting outside the door and just wait for more agents to come from their trip to Canterlot for extra hands on deck. Zelda had asked Pinkie Pie and Zelda to take many of the sticks of the dynamite from the crate and place them at the foot of the large, center interior doors on each of the three floors leading to the west wing. Zelda then took a container of gasoline rations and poured them to each box, forming a chain of gasoline to each pile of dynamite. Zelda then found a box of matches.

“Now guys,” she said. “When I count to three, we run as fast as we possibly can. Don’t wait for me, just go. Got it?”

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie both did the motions of a Pinkie promise. Zelda, convinced, slowly and quietly unlocked the door to the third floor right side entrance.

“Alright,” said Zelda. “One.” Zelda took a match out of the box. “Two.” She lit it. “Three!”

She threw the match in the air, opened the door and ran like hell. The match hit the gasoline starting a chain of fire to each stack of dynamite. The agents were startled by Zelda’s “break and run” tactic but they raised their guns, aimed-

The fire hit all three stacks almost simultaneously. Each of the twenty agents were killed instantly in the blast as shards of metal and fire engulfed them. Zelda was thrown off her feet and crashed into the wall. She angled herself just in time to cushion the blow with her hip. She was in tremendous pain, but she knew that she had to get her friends to safety before she would even think about resting. She then ran as fast as she could to try and catch up with her friends.

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The blast of the dynamite was felt clearly by Chase and Ryan. Chase just assumed that she must have accidentally blew up the crate of dynamite along with herself in an effort to escape.

“Oops,” said Chase unsympathetically.

Ryan was holding back his tears until two familiar voices called him.

“Ryan!” called Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie together.

“No,” said Chase. He then resolved to find his gun.

“Where’s Zelda?” asked Ryan to confirm the welfare of his comrade.

Chase picked his gun up and aimed it at the two ponies. Unfortunately, upon aiming his gun at them, he saw Zelda aiming her gun at him.

“She’s just fine,” she said.

He tried to reposition his aim, but Zelda shot him in his heart before he could pull the trigger.

“Finish your duel,” said Zelda. “We haven’t got all night.”

Chase, with life still in him, resolved to try and defend himself until his dying breath, which looked to be soon.

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Ryan’s Turn: Ryan activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Ryan activates De-Synchro, returning T.G. Halberd Cannon to his extra deck to special summon the synchro materials from his graveyard, special summoning T.G. Hyper Librarian, T.G. Wonder Magician, and T.G. Recipro Dragonfly. Ryan summons T.G. Jet Falcon (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1200). Ryan tunes T.G. Recipro Dragonfly with T.G. Jet Falcon to synchro summon T.G. Power Gladiator (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1000). Ryan draws 1 card due to T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect. When T.G. Jet Falcon is used for synchro summon, Ryan inflicts 500 points of damage to his opponent.

Chase’s Life Points: 3100 -> 2600

Ryan activates Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field, including Chronomaly Pyramid Eye Tablet (ATK: 3400 -> 2600). Ryan overlays T.G. Hyper Librarian, T.G. Wonder Magician, and T.G. Power Gladiator to xyz summon Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky. Ryan activates Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky’s effect. By detaching 2 xyz materials from it, Ryan can destroy 1 monster on the field and inflict damage equal to the monster’s original ATK, choosing Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis.

Chase’s Life Points: 2600 -> 0

Ryan wins.

With the final damage, Chase slumped to the floor, dead. Rainbow Dash flew to Ryan and hugged him.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she said crying. “That was awesome.”

“I’m glad to see you too, Rainbow Dash, but we don’t have much time. Let’s get out of here.”

“What about our friends?”

“Yes, about that,” said Zelda. “That stuff they sealed your friends in is what we call a cryofoam. The bureau uses it to imprison creatures that would easily escape if held in a regular cell. In other words, they’re alive, but there’s nothing we can do about that right now. But now, we NEED to leave, or we’re going to die.”

Rainbow Dash, despite feeling guilty about leaving her friends, knew that if they were to live long enough to save her friends in the near future, she would need to follow Zelda’s orders and leave. The two humans and ponies left the Vegas Headquarters to return to Ponyville.

Chapter 43: Separated

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Author's Notes:

This chapter's featured card: Number C199: New Moon Wolf

Xyz Monster Rank: 3 ATK: 2200 DEF: 1300 Attribute: DARK Type: Winged Beast

4 Level 3 Monsters

This card can only be destroyed by battle with another "Number" monster. If your Life Points are 1000 or less, you can Xyz Summon this card by using a "Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit" you control as the Xyz Material (Xyz Materials attached to that monster also become Xyz Materials on this card). Once per turn, you can detach 2 Xyz Materials from this card to target one monster in your Extra Deck; send that monster to the Graveyard, and raise this card’s ATK by the sent monster’s Level or Rank x 200. If the card sent to the Graveyard by this effect was a DARK monster, target one monster on the field; reduce that target’s ATK to 0.

Ryan was surprised at how far away Zelda’s motorcycle was from the building itself. When they finally got there, Ryan knew they could not waste another second. Canterlot, where more Vegas agents, including Mark and Diana, would be arriving, was due east of their location. Ponyville lied southeast, so with enough speed, they could outrun the Vegas agents on their trail. Ryan turned his D-Pad tablet into his car, opened up the passenger side door and motioned Rainbow Dash to get in, which she did without question. Pinkie Pie was a little more hesitant.

“No!” she demanded. “I want to go with you.”

“I can’t let you do that,” said Zelda holding Pinkie by her shoulders as she would a small child. “It’s dark, I don’t have a helmet for you, and there are people who are trying to kill us. Please, you’ll be safer with Ryan.”

Pinkie still wouldn’t let Zelda leave without her. “Pinkie. Please, go with Ryan. I’ll be fine. I promise.” She then acted the motions for the Pinkie promise.

According to Pinkie Pie, “Nopony breaks a Pinkie promise.” Pinkie gave a long, possibly last look at Zelda, before running into Ryan’s car. Ryan got in immediately, started the engine, and punched the gas. He was sure to leave the lights off lest he’d be spotted, and switched to a special night-vision windshield display that came with Vegas vehicles. Ryan sped off while Zelda ran to her bike, put the helmet on, and drove her bike in the same direction as Ryan. The Vegas agents arrived at their partially demolished headquarters but a minute later. One car, however, did not stop.

Zelda also rode her bike with the lights off. She had a night vision feature built into her helmet, which displayed itself in her visor. She never knew when a headlight would blow and she needed to drive to the nearest auto shop at night. With his speeds, Ryan had to be about a mile ahead of her. For now, they were safe. Zelda wouldn’t be.

About a mile or two into her ride. Zelda noticed a vehicle coming up behind her. It was a Hummer H2. Zelda wouldn’t be able to make out the color in her night vision, but she knew that the hummer was silver. Diana. Diana drove closer and closer to Zelda until she was in range. Then, a black duel anchor shot out of the bumper and wrapped itself around Zelda’s wrist.

“I’ve got you now,” said Diana through an intercom. “There’s no escape.”

“There’s always an escape,” said Zelda.

She stood up on the motorcycle, grabbed her wrist dealer off her belt and placed it on her wrist. After shuffling it, Zelda activated the D-Wheel mode on her motorcycle, activating Speed World 2. Zelda and Diana drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they both yelled.

Zelda vs. Diana

Zelda’s Turn: Z:1 D:0 Zelda places 3 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-3

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Mark was the last of the agents to arrive to the aftermath of Ryan and Zelda’s coming. Mark got out of his car to see the damage firsthand.

“Mr. Ace, sir,” said an agent. “The weapons room has been completely demolished. Every weapon in there has been destroyed. Any weapons that might be okay are buried under the rubble, and there isn’t enough time to get them out with the war that will happen this morning.”

“Thank you, 10,” said Mark, practically ignoring him.

Mark went into the building and walked through the west wing to find a bunch of agents gathered around something on the second floor. Mark went up to see what it was. After pushing through the crowd, he found Chase’s lifeless body slumped in a pool of his own blood. Still not convinced, Mark put his fingers to Chase’s neck. No pulse. He had just recently died.

Maybe, thought Mark. Just maybe…

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Diana’s Turn: Z:1 D:1 Diana summons Amazoness Paladin (ATK: 1700 DEF: 300). Diana attacks Zelda directly with Amazoness Paladin, but Zelda special summons Blackwing – Ghibli the Searing Wind from her hand with its effect (ATK: 0 DEF: 1600). One per turn, Zelda can switch the ATK and DEF of Blackwing – Ghibli the Searing Wind (ATK: 0 -> 1600, DEF: 1600 -> 0). The attack continues.

Zelda’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3900

Zelda activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster she controls is destroyed. Zelda then special summons Blackwing – Breeze the Zephyr, as it was added to her hand by a card effect (ATK: 1100 DEF: 300).

Diana places 3 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-3

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“Interesting,” said Diana. “I can’t remember the last time Card of Last Will has been used so… strategically. You really are a good duelist, Zelda. While I may hate you with all of my heart, I respect you enough to feel pride that I reached such a high honor as being Ms. Queen.”

“Shut up,” said Zelda. “There’s no pride to feel in raping another person’s land for your own gain. I’m going to show you how lowly your status really is.”

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Zelda’s Turn: Z:2 D:2 Zelda activates Call of the Haunted, special summoning Blackwing – Ghibli the Searing Wind from her graveyard. Next, Zelda special summons Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind, as she controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 1300 DEF: 400). Next, Zelda special summons Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun, as she controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 800 DEF: 1500). Once per turn, with Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind’s effect, Zelda can halve the ATK of one monster her opponent controls, choosing Amazoness Paladin (ATK: 1700 -> 850). Zelda overlays Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun, Blackwing – Ghibli the Searing Wind, and Blackwing – Breeze the Zephyr to xyz summon Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1300).

Zelda then normal summons Blackwing – Calima the Haze (ATK: 600 DEF: 1800). Zelda tunes Blackwing – Calima the Haze with Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind to synchro summon Blackwing Armor Master (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1500). Zelda attacks Amazoness Paladin with Blackwing Armor Master, but Diana activates Waboku, preventing her monster’s destruction and reducing all battle damage to 0.

Zelda places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-3900 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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“So even after we took your Numbers,” said Diana, “Ryan just happened to have your ace Number in his quarter. How lucky.”

“Luck had nothing to do with.”

“What?”

Suddenly, Lunar Wolf Spirit began talking to Diana. “When you wished for the Numbers this afternoon,” it said, “I was able to communicate to the other Numbers, who aren't nearly as sentient as I am. I could tell that Ryan would defect, so I gathered as many of my master’s friends’ Numbers as I could and let them come to Ryan, knowing he would betray you and give back their Numbers.”

“So you and your friends better be packing tomorrow morning,” said Zelda, “because Alex and his friends are going to tear you all a new asshole.”

“Don’t waste your breath,” said Diana.

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Diana’s Turn: Z:3 D:3 Diana activates Trap Stun, preventing the activation of all trap cards on the field. Next, Diana activates the speed spell Synchro Defuse, taking control of Blackwing Armor Master until the end phase. Diana summons Amazoness Chain Master (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). Diana overlays Amazoness Chain Master and Amazoness Paladin to xyz summon Number 123: Serpentine Wings (ATK: 1900 DEF: 2000). Diana attacks Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit with Blackwing Armor Master. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle by other Numbers, Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit isn’t destroyed. Damage is still applied.

Zelda’s Life Points: 3900 -> 3600

When Blackwing Armor Master attacks a monster, a Wedge counter is placed on it. Diana removes this Wedge counter to reduce the ATK of that monster to 0 (ATK: 2200 -> 0). Diana attacks Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit with Number 123: Serpentine Scales.

Zelda’s Life Points: 3600 -> 1700

Diana activates the speed spell High Speed Crash, destroying a card she controls, choosing Blackwing Armor Master, to destroy 1 card on the field, choosing one of Zelda’s face down cards. Diana activates her own Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster she controls is destroyed.

Diana places 2 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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The force of the attack was enough to knock Zelda’s helmet off her head. It also left a small trickle of blood running down the left side of her face. Zelda quickly turned her headlights on, having to see in front of her somehow.

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“Where’s Zelda?” asked Pinkie Pie from the back of Ryan’s car. “I’m sure she’s just behind us,” assured Ryan.

He knew that Zelda wasn’t behind them, but he could only hope they were alright. Upon going over another hill, they could see the sparsely lit town of Ponyville. Sanctuary at last.

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Zelda’s Turn: Z:4 D:4 Zelda activates her trap Xyz Reborn, special summoning an xyz monster from her graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn as xyz material, choosing Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit. Zelda tries to activate Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit’s effect, but Diana activates Divine Wrath, discarding 1 card to negate the activation of a monster’s effect and destroy it.

Zelda places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-1700 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-1

Diana’s Turn: Z:5 D:5 Diana activates Number 123: Serpentine Scales’ effect. By detaching 1 xyz material when it attacks, all monster, spell, and trap effects on the field are negated. Diana attacks Zelda directly, but Zelda activates the effect of Blackwing – Calima the Haze from her graveyard, special summoning a synchro monster from her graveyard when she controls no monsters, choosing Blackwing Armor Master. Blackwing Armor Master’s ATK is higher than Number 123: Serpentine Scales’. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle by other Numbers, Number 123: Serpentine Scales isn’t destroyed. Damage is still applied.

Diana’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3400

With Blackwing – Calima the Haze’s effect, Blackwing Armor Master is removed from play at the end of the damage step. Diana activates Speed World 2’s effect. By removing 4 speed counters (SpC.: 5 -> 1), Diana can inflict 800 points of damage for each speed spell in her hand. She has 2.

Zelda’s Life Points: 1700 -> 100

Diana ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-3400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Pinkie Pie, thought Zelda with tears in her eyes. My time with you have been some of my best days. I’m sorry that I couldn’t keep my promise.

Zelda shed tears as they were wiped by the blowing wind in her face.

“No,” said a voice.

Then, Zelda’s graveyard slot began emitting a bright light.

“What is this?” asked Diana.

Zelda knew it was Lunar Wolf Spirit.

“We still have one more turn. Let’s make it count.”

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Zelda’s Turn: Z:6 D:2 Zelda places 1 card face down. Next, she activates her High Speed Crash, destroying her face down card to destroy Diana’s face down card. Zelda summons Blackwing – Fane the Steel Chain (ATK: 500 DEF: 800). Zelda then activates her face down Dimension Trap, removing a monster she controls to select a trap card in her graveyard and have Dimension Trap’s effect be the same as the selected trap, choosing Xyz Reborn, special summoning Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit and attaching Dimension Trap as xyz material. Zelda overlays Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit to chaos xyz summon Number C199: New Moon Wolf (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1300).

Zelda activates Number C199: New Moon Wolf’s effect. Once per turn, by detaching 2 xyz materials from it, Zelda can target a monster in her extra deck, send it to the graveyard, and increase Number C199: New Moon Wolf’s ATK by level/rank of the sent monster times 200. If the monster sent by this effect was DARK, Zelda can target 1 other monster on the field and make its ATK 0. Zelda sends Blackwing Armed Wing to the graveyard (6 x 200 = 1200, ATK: 2200 -> 3400). Since Blackwing Armed Wing was a DARK attribute monster, Number 123: Serpentine Wings' ATK is reduced to 0 (ATK: 1900 -> 0). Zelda attacks Number 123: Serpentine Wings with Number C199: New Moon Wolf.

Diana’s Life Points: 3400 -> 0

Zelda wins.

The last attack sent Diana swerving and drifting through the desert. Zelda wasted no time and accelerated as fast as she could to finally elude her. Off in the distance she saw a train that was going to cross the tracks from the right. Judging by the distance between her and the train and her and Diana, she could beat the train before it crossed with the road and Diana would be left further behind, leaving her escape all but certain.

Zelda accelerated faster when she realized the train was a bit faster than expected. The train engineer noticed Zelda and Diana coming down the road, and blew the trains whistle to get them to stop. Diana could tell from the length of the train that she couldn’t make it across, going over the tracks where the train had already passed at her current speeds would destroy her car and/or flip it, and if she slowed down on the tracks, she might as well have let her go then and there. Diana screeched to a halt to see if she would make it.

Zelda was about 100 feet from the crossing, and the train was about that far away too plus a couple of feet. It would be those couple of feet that would mean life or death for her. Zelda was now just feet from either her death or escape. She crossed the tracks. The train was barreling towards her. Zelda was certain she would make it. She felt as free as a bird.

Then, something catastrophic happened. Zelda felt the train’s cowcatcher brush up under the back wheel of her motorcycle. Zelda felt the bike lift from the back and to the left, the same direction as the train that hit her. When the back wheel touched down with the ground, her front was already 90° in the wrong direction. The motorcycle flipped instantly, flinging Zelda off of it. Zelda instinctively put her hands over her unprotected head, but when she hit the ground, her body was nothing but a ragdoll. She tumbled violently for about fifty feet and lay still on the ground. The bike continued to flip and spin until it was flinging fragments of metal and glass. The bike finally stopped with an explosion. Zelda weakly put her hand up to the mushroom cloud, knowing that the cloud of smoke would send the grim message to her friends that she didn’t want them to see. Zelda was in too much pain to leave her hand up. She rested it back onto the ground and closed her eyes.

When the train had finally passed, Diana went over the crossing and observed the wreckage. When she finally found Zelda’s body, Diana knelt over her and put her fingers to her neck. Diana then got up, picked up her phone and called Mark.

“Mark?”…

“It’s Diana.”…

“I have Zelda here.”…

“Dumb bitch tried to outrun a train, the train clipped her and she crashed.”…

“I just checked her pulse. She’s gone.”

… … …

“I’ll bring her over immediately.”

Diana hung up, slung Zelda’s corpse over her shoulder put her in her car, and drove to Canterlot, where Mark told them they would be relocating in preparation for the ever nearing battle.

Chapter 44: Prelude/Resurrection

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It was around midnight in Ponyville. Alex noticed headlights from the distance. Eli grabbed his sword while several ponies grabbed spears in case this was a Vegas agent. The car stopped by the outskirts to the anxious soldiers. Ryan got out and held his hands out. Upon seeing their ally, the ponies lowered their weapons. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie exited the vehicle. And ran to the town square hoping to find their friends. They were shocked at how much Ponyville looked like a military base now. Alex saw Rainbow Dash running through the town.

“Rainbow,” Alex said, too happy to whisper, but too elated to yell. Rainbow Dash heard him though, and she ran to him as they hugged each other. “Thank God, you’re alright. Where are the others?”

Rainbow Dash looked a little grim again. “Pinkie Pie was the only one we were able to rescue.”

Alex couldn’t hold in his fear. “No,” he whispered.

“They’re not dead if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Where are they then?”

“Those Vegas guys still have them. I’m not sure what they were going to do to them, or us for that matter, but if we don’t rescue them soon, something bad is going to happen to them.”

“Don’t worry. We’re going to take back our friends and the Numbers by force.”

“Is that what this is all about?” asked Rainbow Dash referring to the state of the town.

“Yes, and we need your help.”

“No problem. I’ll never leave Equestria hanging.”

“Good. Go and find the Wonderbolts. They’re planning the aerial strike. Plus, I’m sure they’d be happy to see you.”

Rainbow Dash gave a salute and flew off.

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Pinkie Pie ran towards the theater hoping to find Lucas. She entered the theater to find Lucas sitting on the stage with Charley in her lap.

“Pinkie?” asked Lucas.

“Lukey!” she cried joyfully.

She ran onto the stage and hugged Lucas tightly.

“It’s so glad to see you!” he said. “Are the others here too?”

“Just Rainbow Dash,” said Pinkie Pie winding down. “The others were put into this weird machiney thingy and then *mechanical whirring sounds* they were turned to stone!”

“What?” asked Charley.

Pinkie Pie explained about the cryofoam and that Zelda said they could still save them.

“Speaking of which,” said Lucas, “where is Zelda?”

“She should be here any minute. I’m going to go wait for her.”

She left promptly, leaving Lucas and Charley alone with each other once more.

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Eli had been formulating a battle plan when a train arrived in Ponyville. Out of it came a herd of buffalo with Indian face paint. The leader was the largest among them, and wore a tribal headdress. The buffalo approached Eli.

“May I speak to the leader of this army,” he said in a low, gruff voice.

“You’re looking at him,” said Eli.

“We have come to join your army,” he said.

Soon, a mass of ponies dressed in western garb walked out of the train.

“Who are you?” asked Eli.

“I am Chief Thunderhooves. We are residents of the town of Appaloosa.”

“Oh, you mean Braeburn’s hometown.”

“Precisely. Princess Celestia has reported to me about the death of my brave daughter, Little Strongheart.”

“Oh,” said Eli, feeling sad. “I’m so sorry.”

“The only one who should be feeling sorry is that entity that took her away from me.” He got angrier. “He can hurl whatever weapon he can at me, but it will serve him no good, for there’s no greater pain than burying your own child.”

“I hear that,” said Eli.

“That is why my tribe and the ponies of Appleloosa will aid in your army. We will serve you until this war is over or until we draw our last breath.”

The buffalo and ponies alike bowed to their general. “Thank you all so much. Please, find a shield and sword and come back to me so I can put you in formation.”

“Done and done,” said a mustached pony with a blue vest and a sheriff’s badge. The ponies began pulling shields and spears from the luggage car, having learned in the past the uselessness of pie based weapons.

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“Nnope,” said Big Macintosh trying to push Maddie aside but to no avail.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were by the house on Sweet Apple Acres crying, two of them having lost sisters while one of the two would soon lose a brother.

“Move!” he demanded.

“I can’t let you do that, Big Mac,” said Maddie. “Apple Bloom just lost a sister today, don’t make her lose a brother now.”

“If I don’t fight for her, she’ll lose everything!”

“Please,” begged Maddie. “What if you fail?”

“Then we all go down together,” said Big Macintosh. “But I won’t let that happen if it’s the last thing I do. Now let me go.”

Big Macintosh was ready to charge into Maddie.

“Wait,” said Maddie.

“What now?”

“Before you go, say goodbye to your family. If this is possibly the last time you’ll see them, then you should leave on better terms than this.”

Big Macintosh understood and walked over to Granny Smith and Apple Bloom.

“Now you listen,” he said to Apple Bloom. “You listen to Granny Smith and be good, ya hear?”

Apple Bloom nodded. Big Macintosh hugged her and Granny Smith. Big Macintosh then walked to Ponyville to join the army, while Maddie walked alongside him.

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Pinkie Pie was getting nervous to the point of tears. There’s no way Zelda could have been gone this long. She asked a pegasus to make a watch over the path where Zelda would have rode. Scott waited alongside Pinkie Pie, hoping to hear the news along with her. Finally, the pegasus returned, but not with a happy face.

“Well, did you find anything?” asked Pinkie Pie.

“I found something,” he said, “but you won’t like it.”

“What it?”

“There was a black motorcycle by the train tracks. It must have been hit by the train, because the bike’s pieces are everywhere. I couldn’t tell clearly from the dark, but it looks like the bike also exploded. I didn’t see a body, but due to the crash I doubt that she made it out. I’m sorry.”

He then flew away.

“But… but…” stuttered Pinkie Pie, her mane becoming straighter by the hair. “She Pinkie promised.”

Scott also couldn’t help but tear up. Once Pinkie Pie’s mane became completely straight, she cried so hard that it made Scott cry too. If there was one thing that even the most hardened creature couldn’t stand, it was the crying of the normally sweet and funny Pinkie Pie.

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It was about 1:20 in the morning. Eli wanted to head out early in case of any complications along the way. Eli slipped his sword in his sheath and put his deck in a fastened case on his belt. He was dressed in long sleeved chain metal armor with black pants and his trademark Iron Maiden t-shirt. He thought it would bring out a sense of dread for his enemies, like how Kamikaze pilots painted sharks on the noses of their planes. Eli was then approached by a white unicorn with a blue mane dressed in full body armor.

“Are you Eli Montgomery, the Guardian of Equestria?”

“Yes? Who am I speaking to?”

“My name is Shining Armor,” he said extending his hoof, which Eli shook.

“I am the elder brother of Twilight Sparkle, and the captain of the Royal Guard.”

“Oh, nice.”

“I know she has been captured, and she is scared, I’m certain, but also I have a beautiful wife and home to defend as well,” he said. “That is why I was asking you if my stallions and I could join you in the front line when we head to battle?”

“You are a brave pony,” complimented Eli. “If you have all of that to fight for and have the spirit to fight for it all, of course you can join in the front.”

“Thank you,” he replied. “I will not let you down, sir.”

I’m sure you won’t, thought Eli.

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At 1:30, Eli made the order to march. As the ponies and buffalo readied their formation, Sammy rushed to Eli. They shared one last kiss together.

“Please,” said Sammy. “You get to that station and meet us there. Your face is the first one I want to see.”

“Of course,” said Eli.

Eli then made his way to the front of his newly formed army.

“Onward!” he shouted.

Eli’s army had begun the dangerous march to Canterlot. Sammy watched with watery eyes as her love went off to die in battle. Sammy felt a tug at her pants and saw Spike reaching out to hug Sammy and comfort her. Sammy picked him up and carried him as he held on to her neck.

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Zelda awoke in a black void. She had no idea where she was or what she did to get there. She then vaguely remembered the crash and feeling so much pain, and then feeling no more.

Am I dead? asked Zelda to herself.

“You’re not dead,” said an echoed voice.

She turned around to see a light brown alicorn with a flowing green mane and tail like Princess Celestia’s and Princess Luna’s.

“No,” sputtered Zelda. “Are you-”

“Princess Terra, yes.”

“Wait, aren’t you dead too?”

“My physical body has. Well, at least most of it.”

A glowing white orb came from Zelda’s pocket and turned into Lunar Wolf Spirit.

“When a pony’s body dies,” said Princess Terra, “her consciousness lives on in paradise or purgatory, depending on the nature of the pony in question.”

“So wait,” said Zelda. “Where am I then?”

“You are in a void called The Gate. When a pony's body hasn’t fully died yet, they are stuck here until the body can die of natural causes.”

“So in other words, I’m dead?” Terra giggled.

“No, not yet. You still have so much to live for.”

“Where is my body now?”

Terra made her horn glow and produced a screen where Zelda lied on a metal table in what looked like a morgue, fully clothed. The architecture suggested that it was Canterlot.

“You have done very well in your fight against evil,” said Lunar Wolf Spirit, “but we can’t see fit to you dying like this.”

“So, am I going back?”

“Indeed,” responded Terra. “Before I let you go, I want to thank you for all that you have done with trying to save my land. Now go and finish the job.”

Princess Terra’s horn glowed brightly, engulfing Zelda in bright light.

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Zelda woke up on the table with a start. After fully remembering the crash, she initially awaited the shock of pain that should have followed after. She found, however, that she was fully healed from head to toe. She also noticed her deck was completely intact. Zelda couldn’t believe it.

“Thank you, Terra,” she whispered.

She heard a noise from the entrance of the room. It she laid back down and pretended to be dead.

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It was 5:00 in the morning, two hours until the attack would commence. All of the members of Lamss wanted to go out with a bang, so they all dressed in their rock attire, including Sammy, as her wardrobe was the most revealing of her limbs. Sammy knew how to work a bat when she used to play softball in her past, so as long as she had a sword, that was protection enough. Alex was much more diligent with items he could easily swing around his hand like a baton, so he decided to wield an axe. Maddie had a pair of sais, as that weapon bore the most resemblance to her drumsticks, which she handled with ease already.

Lucas wielded a hammer heavy enough to deal crushing damage, but light enough for more dexterous usage. Scott had a prized katana that he always kept as a good luck charm in their plane. Charley decided to be a doctor of sorts; if an injured pegasus needed medical attention, Charley would allow the pegasus into the train and she would help nurse it as best as she could. Orion’s wand would be serviceable enough, while Helena transformed her gauntlet into a bow and arrow, the orange/silver pods feathers turning into arrows. Extra weapons were also kept in some of the cars of the train for precaution. Eli’s army must have had to have been more than halfway by now, if not, even further. Once Princess Celestia would be done organizing the winged fleet, she would raise the sun and the battle of Canterlot would begin.

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Mark walked into the morgue and walked over to the assumedly dead Zelda.

“You really are a piece of work,” said Mark.

Zelda could feel his contempt for her through his words, but she dare not move a muscle.

“After all that waiting, we finally had you, and you get offed by a train.”

Zelda peeked ever so slightly. She noticed that Mark was wearing his D-Pad.

What could that be used for? Zelda could tell that the battle was coming soon.

“After you betrayed me,” he continued, “I felt like the biggest piece of shit.”

Well, you are, so continue.

“After I had trained you, practically raised you as one of my own, you spat in my face. After all of that.” A small pause ensued. “It’s funny. I always dreamed that I would be the one to finally kill you.”

Zelda shot up surprising Mark. “Dream on, sweetheart.”

Mark tried to pull out his gun, but Zelda stabbed him with a concealed scalpel and then tore into his flesh down the arm. Zelda then punched him hard two times in the face, the second blow knocking him out cold. Zelda picked up Mark’s gun and stashed it in her jacket pocket. Next she took Mark’s D-Pad and put it on her own arm. She proceeded to take Mark’s deck and scatter it around the room. hoping it would further distract him when he soon woke. She then quietly walked out to find an exit.

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By about 5:45, Celestia was just finishing up her fleet. Alex and his friends then decided to help out. Alex brought out Zephyr, Sammy brought out Tyson, her charizard, Maddie summoned Paice, her flygon, Scott summoned Cirrus, and Lucas brought out his tropius, Peter. With these few additions, the fleet was finished. The preparations were now complete. Alex and his friends made some goodbyes with their Pokémon before they headed out to the train.

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Zelda snuck up two floors to find two agents walking down the hallways with guns in their holsters. Zelda knew that to attack these men, she would need to shoot them. She didn’t have a silencer, so once she shot her gun, she’d have to face the rest of the soon to be alerted Vegas Bureau.

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Lucas, Alex, Maddie, Sammy, Scott, Charley, Orion, Helena, Ryan, Braeburn, Pinkie Pie, Spike, and Princess Luna boarded the train, each person getting their own passenger car (minus Spike and Pinkie Pie, who shared with Sammy and Lucas respectively). Alex observed the aerial fleet that Princess Celestia had gathered. They all looked ready and pumped to leave. He saw him and his friends’ pokémon, who nodded out of respect, and then focused on Rainbow Dash. She was in her Wonderbolts outfit along with her other Wonderbolts flyers.

Alex stood on top of his passenger car and held his hand in the air. He then waved his arm towards Canterlot, allowing Princess Celestia to order her squadron to fly to their destination. Orion engineered the train, and began to move it. Everyone looked out the window to see ponies of various colors cheering them and waving goodbye. Alex then climbed down off of the train car and went back in.

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Eli and his men were less than a mile from Canterlot now. Eli found it strange that they hadn’t come across a single enemy soldier, but he must have figured that Inverz was doing what he could to guard the castle to prevent the train from making it in. Princess Celestia told Eli that Inverz never really had military experience, so Eli knew his amateurish mistakes on the battlefield might cost him dearly. Eli looked to Ponyville again and saw the faint billows of smoke and stream come from the train as it made its way towards Canterlot. The sun now began to rise.

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The train was speeding now. Alex looked out at the countryside. It might be the last time he would ever do so. Alex saw a tunnel, which he knew would ascend them into the mountains, where their battle would begin. The train then entered the tunnel.

Darkness.

Chapter 45: The Battle of Canterlot

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Inverz looked out at the mountains where the train would come from the balcony of what used to be Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s palace. He didn’t want to put his army too far away from the castle as then the train would arrive with no opposition. He didn’t want to spend most of his attention on the train or Eli’s army would just plow themselves into the castle. Inverz decided to play “a great defense makes a great offence” strategy.

All he knew that he needed one of the armies, whether it be Eli’s or Princess Celestia’s, to fall and leave a window to allow him to attack Ponyville and force a retreat on the armies. Inverz’ army was enough to rival the princesses’ power long ago. Had it not been for the elements of harmony, he would have probably won back then, but all of the elements were in his possession. How would a few measly humans be able to turn the tide? Diana came up to Inverz, who sat on a throne to have a perfect seat to watch the chaos unfold beneath him. She poured an amber liquid into a snifter glass from a silver decanter.

“This should be good fun,” said Inverz confidently. He took a sip of his drink.

“I say, what is this wonderful drink?”

“That’s brandy, my lord.”

“Excellent. Keep it coming. I love a good drink while watching a slaughter.”

Diana left the decanter on the table next to Inverz in case he needed more. Soon, a billow of fog came rolling out over the mountains, engulfing the mountains in a thick, white blanket. Inverz stood up. He looked over at a large number of winged humanoid bat creatures standing along the castle balconies waiting for his order to attack.

Eli and his army came up from a narrow canyon-like path, the passing of which would allow the near sighting of the city. The ground forces stood eagerly, awaiting their attack. Eli immediately stopped, bringing the march of his army to a halt.

“Wait,” said Shining Armor. “Shouldn’t we advance?”

“No,” said Eli. “This is the perfect spot. I saw this in a movie once.”

“What’s a movie?”

“I’ll explain later.”

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Inverz laughed as he watched Eli stopped at the narrow path. Now my army will just ram through them like a hammer through wood.

Inverz remained patient. He would attack when he got a clear visual of the train. He didn’t have to wait long. Only two minutes after waiting he saw the train rolling out of the fog with a large number of pegasi flying straight towards the castle or flying alongside the train. Alex and his friends were each standing on top of a train car, armed and prepared to fight.

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Zelda had dispatched the two Vegas that came at her with quick stabs in the throat, having almost forgotten about the scalpel. Plus, she would need more than one handgun and clip to take on a group of these interdimensional agents. She took a gun from one of the dead agents, took the clip from the gun of the other agent and put it in her pocket. She knew that beyond the doors where the two agents came from, there would more than likely be more agents. She was armed as she possibly could be. Now she must strike.

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Eli ordered a phalanx formation of shields and spears on the front line.

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” said Shining Armor.

“Positive,” said Eli.

“Eeyup,” said Big Macintosh, vouching for Eli.

“Just follow my orders,” said Eli, “and most of us will get out of this thing alive.”

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The train neared closer. In about fifteen minutes, it would reach the tunnel to the secret underground station in Canterlot. Everyone tightened the grips on their weapons.

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Zelda stood at the entrance to the room where she would face off dozens of Vegas agents. She then put herself in position to kick the door down.

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Inverz took a breath.

“Attack,” he said.

Despite its faintness, his legion seemed to hear him clearly, as the bat creatures began to fly towards the train and Celestia’s fleet, and the ground army charged at Eli’s army.

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“Boy,” said a Vegas agent to another in the room that Zelda was about to storm, “I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they try to come in here and we jump them. They won’t know what hit them!”

Frankly, neither would he.

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“Ready,” called Eli, the army being only feet in front of them. When they were twenty feet in front of them, Eli ordered, “Push!”

The army collided with the shields of Eli’s army.

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A bat creature swooped in to dispatch Alex and his friends. But Alex was prepared. With one swing of his axe, he beheaded the bat creature. He knew there was more to come now. Ryan began shooting at more with a pistol.

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Zelda kicked the door in. Several agents began to aim their weapons at Zelda, but she noticed that they were doing it slowly, as if there was a lag of some sort.

“I hope this will help you,” said the voice of Lunar Wolf Spirit.

Zelda now felt more than confident that she would be alright now.

“Fly, Zelda, fly!”

As quick as lightning, Zelda aimed her two guns at the agents who were closest to locking their aim, and fired.

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Eli knew this plan of his would work. In the graphic novel 300 (or the movie in Eli’s case) the Spartan armies held their ground at a narrow goat’s path, forcing the massive Persian armies, who the Spartans were facing, to converge as they got closer to the path, dwindling the number of soldiers the Spartans had to face head on. Equipped with superior military prowess and skill, the Spartans easily dispatched the Persian armies. Eli recognized the brilliance of the strategy, and decided to employ it here. The front line of ponies began spearing the enemy warriors, while their shields protected them from all of their attacks. Eli and his army pushed their way through the army, advancing every step aof the way. As their tightly packed phalanx began to dwindle in size, Eli and the ponies began to have a field day on the other army.

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Alex watched as the bats collided with several pegasi, casualties amounting on both ends. The pegasi couldn’t hold back all of the bats as they spilled onto the roofs of the cars. Alex took on several of them with his axe, being careful to dodge their sharp claws and wings which could enter a victim like a spear, as Alex saw with an unfortunate pegasus. Wings, limbs, and heads were flying around Alex as he ignored the occasional slash a bat would land on him. Most of the bats tried to take Sammy on, as she was the least protected. Fatal mistake. Sammy slaughtered her slew of bats with very few swings of her sword. Such a natural, thought Alex. Spike also covered her back, torching bats with his dragon breath. Maddie seemed to have the most difficult time, as her weapon was strictly short range. However, she was agile enough to avoid being hit, yet strong enough to destroy any bat unfortunate enough to be close to her.

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Zelda’s newly acquired superhuman speed proved quite effective as she was able to shoot many agents before they could make their shots, and then grab their newly discarded guns for more firepower. Zelda mowed through the agents, leaving blood and splattered brains in its wake.

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Eli unsheathed his sword and attacked the enemy soldiers one by one. At times, he even felt like he was in one of Zack Snyder’s action sequences, speeding up while going for the kill, and then the world slowed down when his sword made impact with his prey. The armies were not mortal men, but the synthetic creations of a skilled sorcerer with little to no military prowess. The match couldn’t have been easier if Inverz just surrendered then and there. Unfortunately, some ponies were unfortunate enough to feel the sharp pain of a soldier’s sword and the blood entering their mouths. Eli felt that the progress was well, but if he was to meet the train before it arrived at the station, he’d need to create a path.

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Despite their plan to stay on separate cars, Lucas and Scott fought side by side, protecting each other’s blind spots. Pinkie Pie was safe in one of the cars, but that didn’t stop bats from trying to get in. One tried to claw his way into the window, but Pinkie Pie had a very large party popper in her hooves. She pulled the string with her mouth. Unlike the usual confetti or streamers, this one shot out bits of metal pellets, blinding the bat and causing him to fall into the canyon depths.

Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts whizzed and weaved around her enemies, deploying bursts of light that they normally used in their shows that now made excellent weapons, blinding or even burning their enemies. Even the once timid Princess Celestia had great joy in fighting for her country, even so much as giggling when she impaled a bat with her horn. The pokémon with their special attacks proved to be the most valuable, as they used various attacks to stun or even kill bats within seconds. Princess Luna also hopped out of her car to help with the assault.

With Orion for the most part waited for bats to come close to him, and then incinerated them with a wave of his wand. Helena was peerless with a bow and arrow. Every time she launched an arrow, it always hit her target where she wanted to. The arrow would then disappear and then reappear in a case behind Helena’s back, ready to fire again.

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The Vegas agents at this point knew it was futile to use firearms, as they would just be killed by Zelda and have their guns taken for the next wave that faced her. They dropped their guns and got out swords and axes that lined the walls. Zelda was able to take down the first ten or so soldiers that wielded bladed weapons, but once her ammo was out, it was time to get her own weapon.

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Eli made a loud whistle. A stampede of buffalo came charging through the center, all wearing protective armor and helmets. The buffalo stampeded through the army, leaving a wide path for Eli and his army to run through.

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Inverz watched with anger as he watched his army be wiped out with little casualties on the other side. Inverz closed his eyes and then opened them. They were now a void of black. He then swung his arms out creating a large grey force that enveloped the entire battlefield.

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The energy caused the buffalo stampede to trip, leaving them easy prey to the enemy soldiers. Chief Thunderhooves closed his eyes before a blade slashed through him, content that he would die a warrior’s death. The living enemy soldiers then formed a circle around those in the path that the buffalo had left, including Eli, Shining Armor, and Big Macintosh, trapping them, while forming a phalanx on the outside, preventing Eli’s allies from entering in, and a phalanx on the inside, ensuring that they wouldn’t escape.

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The blast also covered the area where the aerial battle was occurring. The energy knocked some of Princess Celestia’s fleet and the people on the train back a little. Then, the bats mutated. Half of them looked leaner, and began moving faster than before. The other half grew another fifty pounds in muscle. The scene after that was horrendous. One of the swifter bats grabbed onto Soarin and held him in place while the stronger one beat them to death with a few swings of his fists. Soarin fell lifelessly to the ground. Spitfire saw his deck-box fall with him. She wouldn’t be able to carry Soarin, but she wanted some memento of him. She grabbed the deck box and temporarily removed her goggles to let her tears out.

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The warriors on the train even had trouble keeping up with taking down these new bats. Alex had to resort to teaming with Sammy to make sure she wouldn’t get hit. Orion had to now protect most of everyone on the train and not just his own car. Pinkie Pie desperately blasted as many party poppers as possible, but there were too many bats. One of the strong bats ripped apart the side to the train, fully exposing Pinkie Pie. She ran to the next car back, where Braeburn was.

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When the dark aura enveloped the inside of the castle, Zelda was hacking and slashing agents with a small claymore. However, the aura, having hit her, caused her to lose her newfound speed. She was still able to dispatch some of the agents, but she knew it wouldn’t be long before she lost stamina and the agents would overwhelm her.

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The phalanx was closing in on Eli and his men. Some of the braver ponies began to moved closer to the center to protect Eli as long as they could. The first one the enemies struck with their spears was Big Macintosh, who took the spear to the right side of his neck. He fell down with a slump. Shining Armor did his best to deflect the attacks as the enemy got closer as they killed more of Eli’s soldiers, but it was only a matter of time.

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A swift bat swooped down between the last train engine and the first passenger car and dismantled the coupling before being chopped by Alex. Alex looked nervous as the train began to slowly accelerate faster than the cars, which would eventually strand them. Gilda noticed this, but she didn’t want anything to happen to her fellow Wonderbolts.

“Go over there!” she said to Rainbow Dash, pointing to a group of outnumbered pegs.
S
he then flew to the back of the last passenger car. Scott and Lucas happened to be on the last car when they saw this.

“Gilda,” said Lucas. “What are you doing?”

“I’m saving you, what does it look like?”

She then flew faster and pushed as hard as she could to move the cars closer to the train engine where someone could recouple it. Needless to say, it wasn’t enough. Soon, other pegasi began to push the train with her. Alex could see that the cars were getting closer to the train.

What’s going on? he thought.

The bats saw what they were trying to do, and they formed a mass group to try and stop them. They tore off pegasi trying to help, killing some, injuring others, while most were thrown off. At this rate Gilda wouldn’t have much left, but she still tried everything she had.

Rainbow Dash, along with her other Wonderbolts, were finished helping the outnumbered pegasi. Rainbow Dash saw Gilda pushing the train by herself as she was being torn at by the bats. Rainbow Dash tried to help her by tossing and bucking as many bats off as possible. Gilda then spoke to her for the last time.

“Rainbow Dash,” she said. “These last two years have been the best of my life. I thought I could never repay you for all the kindness you and your friends showed me. Now, I’m paying my debts.”

“Gilda, no!”

Pinkie Pie looked out of the window to see the commotion.

“When this is over,” said Gilda. “Tell Lamss thank you for me; for saving me. And thank you and your friends for showing me the light. Goodbye Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash was now desperately trying to pull apart the bats to try and reach her.

“NOW FLY, MY FRIENDS!” Gilda yelled. “FLY!”

Gilda used as much strength as she could, causing a yellow bolt of energy to erupt from her and causing anything near her to recoil away from her, including Rainbow Dash. This burst in energy also allowed the train to gain the speed needed to couple the train. Alex jumped down from the top of the car to the back of the rear train engine and waited for the couples to be close enough. Once the couples were in place, Alex fastened them, reconnecting the train. Gilda, having expended so much energy and lost too much blood crashed onto the tracks.

“Gilda! Gilda!” screamed Rainbow Dash still trying to reconfigure herself.

Rainbow Dash… thought Gilda, remembering all of their fond memories.

A strong bat then flew fast into the portion of canyon where Gilda laid, blasting it to smithereens, along with Gilda.

“GILDA!!!” cried Rainbow Dash.

Pinkie Pie couldn’t hold her tears. Everyone else had no time to mourn, as more bats closed in on them.

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Zelda was already feeling the exhaustion as more agents began to close in. Zelda could feel that her end was nearing.

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Sammy was continuing to fight bats on her car when a swift bat slammed into the car. The force knocked her off of her feet and caused her to almost roll off of the side of the car and into the ravine, forcing her to hold on for dear life.

“Sammy!” yelled Alex and Spike from different spots.

The both rushed to her spot. Unfortunately, Alex and Spike had the choice of either keeping Sammy away from the enemy's attack and risk her eventually letting go, or try and pick her up and risk being killed themselves along with Sammy. Spike, though had an idea.

“Sammy, do you trust me?” asked Spike.

“Why?”

“Do you trust me?” Sammy’s grip began to falter.

“Okay,” she screamed, “I trust you!”

Spike took a deep inhale and breathed a magical plume of flames. As the flames engulfed Sammy, a purple aura was left in its place as it headed for Canterlot.

“Well done, Spike,” said Alex.

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Zelda was facing off against three agents. One of the agents knocked her sword out of her hand while another was pointing the tip of his at her throat. Suddenly, a purple aura entered the room, which morphed back into Sammy. Sammy picked up a discarded sword and slashed at one of the agents with it. Zelda used this confusion as her opportunity to strike, kicking the sword out of the agents hand, catching it, and slitting the other two agents’ throats with it. Sammy finally noticed a very alive Zelda in front of her.

“Zelda, you’re alive!” she said.

“When am I not?” she said.

Zelda then grabbed a couple of discarded guns, took out the clips of several others, and placed them in her jacket pocket. There were more Vegas agents in the next room waiting to be slain. Sammy and Zelda advanced.

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Eli’s defenses inside the phalanx were dwindling, leaving only him, Shining Armor, and a couple of other ponies. All seemed lost. Suddenly, a roar was heard from the forests behind. What caused the roar and came out of the forest was enough to make Eli’s jaw drop.

“Of all the movies reality decided to rip off now,” he muttered.

Alex then saw a sight from the train come over the mountains. There were a countless number of dragons flying towards Canterlot. Alex wasn’t sure how to react at first, but saw no sense for alarm when the dragons began tearing through bats of all speeds and sizes.

“It looks like even the wildlife is going to protect their homes,” he said.

Eli saw as an ursa minor charged at the enemy phalanx, obliterating its defenses with a simple swing of its claw. Eli, Shining Armor, and the other ponies escaped. The enemy army began to retreat at the sight of the large bear. The bear just chased them and swatted them around. Eli and the rest of his army charged towards the Canterlot gates. The giant trolls formed a wall to prevent further advancement, but the ursa dispatched of these just as easily. It then forced the drawbridge open, finally granting them access to the city.

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The train was just about a mile from its destination. Orion began to slow the train down lest they crash when they got there. All of the pegasi who were left, including, Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, the other Wonderbolts, and both princesses began to board the train from the hole that the bat left and left the dragons to finish off the bats.

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Inverz could see that he lost the battle. He threw his snifter on the ground with a shatter. He then noticed Diana holding a barely conscious Mark as blood continued to come out of his slashed arm. Inverz made the blood flow stop with a tourniquet spell.

“Go,” he said, leaving. “You must go to the chambers now.”

Mark and Diana ran downstairs.

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Sammy and Zelda forced more Vegas agents outside, shooting and/or slashing them all. When they felt like they had killed all that they could, they thought the best course of action would be to go to the underground station, which was closer to them than Eli was. Once they got there, they ran down the stairs to find about a dozen soldiers ready to ambush Alex and his friends when they got to the station. Easy pickings.

There weren’t many soldiers left inside the city walls, but they were easy to defeat. Eli sprinted to the underground station with Shining Armor behind him. Eli and the young stallion went downstairs to find Sammy and Zelda there with the slain bodies of the soldiers.

“Zelda! Sammy!” he cried. “How did you get here?”

“A long story involving Spike,” she said.

They both then kissed. At that moment the train came into the station, stopping to let everyone out. Alex was first. He was wearing his duel disk on his arm (so would everyone else). Alex tossed Sammy her duel disk, and then out came Spike, Maddie, Charley, Orion, Helena, Braeburn, and Lucas. Scott came out and hugged Zelda upon seeing her, thanking God she was okay. Pinkie Pie came out next. Words couldn’t explain the sheer amount of joy Pinkie Pie felt when she saw her friend alive and well. Pinkie Pie jumped straight into her arms, hugging her and nuzzling her face with her own.

“See?” said Zelda. “I promised I’d be okay.”

Everyone then made it to the Canterlot Royal Palace. Alex, Eli, Sammy, Maddie, Scott, Lucas, Ryan, Orion, Helena, Zelda, Braeburn, Spike, Rainbow Dash, and Spitfire stood outside the entrance, ready to go in. Orion opened the doors with a flick of his wand and they all entered inside. Alex gave a look to the army that helped them to the end and saluted them before the doors finally closed. They went to a large chamber with painted glass murals of all of the important events in Equestrian history: Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s defeat of Discord and Inverz, Twilight Sparkle and her friends defeating Nightmare Moon, etc.

“Show yourself, Inverz!” called Eli.

“Wait,” said Orion.

He then went to a door at the end of the room. There was a small hole in the middle of a six-pronged star. Orion stuck his wand inside, the outlines of the star and door glowed, allowing the door to open. When it was fully open, Orion and everyone was unnerved to see a seemingly endless corridor shrouded in darkness. Suddenly, a strange force began to try and suck everyone inside. The force became too strong, and one by one, each person and pony was sucked inside. When the last person, Eli, was sucked through, the doors violently closed shut.

Chapter 46: Chaos Incarnate

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Author's Notes:

This chapter's featured card: Discord, Spirit of Chaos

Xyz Monster Rank: 11 ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000 Attribute: DARK Type: Fiend

3 Level 11 Monsters

You can also Xyz Summon this card by using 1 Field Spell Card, 1 Continuous Spell Card, and 1 Continuous Trap Card on your side of the field as the Xyz Materials. This card gains the effects of all Xyz Materials attached to this card. Once per turn, you can detach 1 Xyz Material to attach 1 Field Spell Card, 1 Continuous Spell Card, or 1 Continuous Trap Card from your hand to this card as Xyz Material. When this card is removed from the field, Special Summon this card from wherever this card was sent to during the End Phase. When this card is Special Summoned this way, attach all Xyz Materials that were attached to this card prior to its removal from the graveyard during the End Phase.

A set of doors similar to the ones that sucked Alex and his friends in opened in a smaller room that was ornamented similarly to the royal chambers. Out of it slid Eli, Sammy, and Orion. Once they were all through, the doors slammed shut behind them. Sammy got up and saw only two of her friends.

“Alex? Scott? Maddie?”

“Forget it,” said Eli. “I think they separated us. Besides there’s the door.”

Eli, Sammy, and Orion ran towards the door, but there was a violent shaking underneath them. They had stopped to see what had happened, but then, three green circles enveloped around Eli, Sammy, and Orion. Eli tried passing over, but found himself blocked by a forcefield.

“What is this?” he asked. “Let us go!”

“Oh, you want me to let you go?” cooed a threatening voice.

Suddenly, a bright orb of light started to spark at the end of the room. It grew larger until it burst, revealing a strange creature. It had a horse-like head with an antler on the right side of his head, a blue misshapen horn on the left side, a long white beard, white bushy eyebrows, and an elongated right fang. He also had what looked like the body and left arm of an eagle, the left arm of a lion, the right leg of a dragon, the left leg of an antelope, the right wing of a bat, the left wing of a pegasus, and a dragon-like tail. He emerged laughing again after being freed once more from his stone prison. The spirit of chaos, Discord, had awakened again. Sammy, Eli, and Orion looked less than amused, staring daggers at Discord.

“Huh? What’s wrong?” asked Discord. “Does my appearance not amuse you?”

“Shut up,” said Orion. “We know full well who you are! You’re Discord, the spirit of chaos. Let us pass!”

“You know me well for an outsider.”

“How did you even get here? Last I heard, Twilight and your friends turned you into stone.”

“And oh, how the tables have turned.”

Discord snapped his fingers. In front of the exit door appeared a stone tablet, and inside of it was Applejack, frozen and colorless. Eli, Sammy, and Orion were shocked.

“I’ll let you pass. But first, you have to play a little game with me. If you three can defeat me in a duel, you will not only open the door, but you can free her along with this.”

He held out what looked like the Element of Honesty necklace, but its orange apple center was now replaced with an obsidian-like stone, having been corrupted by Inverz’ powers. Discord put the necklace around his neck causing it to glow slightly.

“But, if you lose, your ‘journey’ will end right here. The challenge is set. Now just try and defeat me.”

Eli activated his gauntlet duel disk, Sammy unsheathed hers, and Orion turned his wand into his duel disk. The three duelists drew five cards from their decks. Discord snapped his fingers. Five large stone tablets resembling cards appeared seemingly out of nowhere from his right side of the room. They were ready to go.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Eli, Sammy, and Orion vs. Discord

Eli’s Turn: Eli special summons Koa’ki Meiru Maximus by removing an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand from play (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500).

Eli places 1 card face down and ends his turn. Once per turn, Eli must discard an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru, discard a Koa’ki Meiru monster, or destroy Koa’ki Meiru Maximus. Eli discards Koa’ki Meiru Valafar.

Status: Hand-2 Life-12000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Oooh,” mocked Discord in a fake, scared voice. “Big, scary dragon.”

“That’s what she said,” retorted Eli.

If this thing was going to mock him at every turn, Eli might as well mock him back.

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Discord’s Turn: Discord activates the field spell Clear World. Discord then activates Temple of the Kings, allowing him to activate trap cards from his hand. Next, he activates the continuous trap card Royal Decree, negating the activation of all other trap cards on the field. Discord overlays Clear World, Temple of the Kings, and Royal Decree to xyz summon Discord, Spirit of Chaos (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000). Discord gains the effects of all xyz materials attached to it. Discord equips Discord, Spirit of Chaos with Malevolent Nuzzler, raising Discord, Spirit of Chaos’ ATK by 700 (ATK: 3000 -> 3700). Discord attacks Koa’ki Meiru Maximus with Discord, Spirit of Chaos.

Eli, Sammy, and Orion’s Life Points: 12000 -> 11300

Discord ends his turn. During each of his end phases due to his effect given to him by Clear World, he must pay 500 life points or destroy Discord, Spirit of Chaos. Discord pays 500 life points.

Discord’s Life Points: 12000 -> 11500

Status: Hand-2 Life-11500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

“Wait a minute,” said Eli. “Did you just use a bunch of spell and trap cards in one turn?”

“Yeah?” queried Discord. “So?”

“That’s against the rules, isn’t it?”

“No. My deck is fully comprised of spell and trap cards. I guess I could say that I am the only monster in my deck.”

Leave it to the spirit of chaos to mix things up a bit, thought Eli.

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Sammy’s Turn: Sammy activates Painful Choice, choosing 5 cards in her deck, and her opponent chooses 1 of them to be added to her hand (he chooses Flamvell Magician). The other cards are sent to the graveyard. Sammy activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Sammy activates Rekindling, special summoning as many FIRE attribute monsters with 200 DEF from her graveyard as possible, choosing Flamvell Grunika (ATK: 1700 DEF: 200), Neo Flamvell Shaman, (ATK: 1700 DEF: 200), Flamvell Magician (ATK: 1400 DEF: 200), Neo Flamvell Hedgehog (ATK: 800 DEF: 200), and Laval Lancelord (ATK: 2200 DEF: 200).

Sammy tunes Flamvell Grunika with Neo Flamvell Hedgehog to synchro summon Laval Stannon (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1800). When Laval Stannon is synchro summoned, Sammy must discard 1 card. Sammy tunes Neo Flamvell Shaman with Flamvell Magician to synchro summon Ancient Flamvell Diety (ATK: 2500 DEF: 200). Sammy overlays Laval Stannon and Ancient Flamvell Diety to xyz summon Lavell Hydra (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000). Sammy activates Lavell Hydra’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material it, Sammy can halve the ATK of one monster on the field and negate its ATK, choosing Discord, Spirit of Chaos (ATK: 3700 -> 1850). Sammy attacks Discord, Spirit of Chaos with Lavell Hydra.

Discord’s Life Points: 11500 -> 10350

Sammy then attacks Discord directly with Laval Lancelord, but Discord activates The High Priestess’ Staff from his hand, negating the attack, ending the battle phase, and inflicting 500 points of damage towards his opponent.

Eli, Sammy, and Orion’s Life Points: 11300 -> 10800

Sammy places 2 cards face down and ends her turn. During the end phase that Discord, Spirit of Chaos was removed from the field, Discord can special summon it from the graveyard with all of the xyz materials it had attached to it previous to its removal attached to it. During the end phase that Rekindling was activated, all monsters special summoned by its effect are removed from play. With Discord, Spirit of Chaos’ Clear World effect, if Sammy controls a FIRE attribute monster during her end phase, she takes 1000 points of damage.

Eli, Sammy, and Orion’s Life Points: 10800 -> 9800

Status: Hand-2 Life-9800 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“What the hell is going on?” asked Sammy, confused by Discord’s effect.

“Do you like it?” asked Discord. “My lord, Inverz, made it just for me. It’s the perfect and most powerful weapon to deal with a couple of snot nosed brats like you.”

“I’m 41, you stupid Hills Have Eyes looking motherfucker,” said Eli angrily.

“Quite the mouth,” said Discord. “Perhaps a little soap should do the trick.”

Discord shot a soapy blast of bubbles at Eli’s face. The soap stung like hell. He’d pay for that one dearly.

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Discord’s Turn: Discord activates Discord, Spirit of Chaos’ effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can attach 1 field spell, continuous spell, or continuous trap from his hand to it as xyz material, detaching Royal Decree to attach Spirit Barrier to it. With Spirit Barrier’s effect, Discord takes no battle damage if he controls a monster.

Discord activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards.

Discord places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-10350 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Orion’s Turn: Orion summons The Six Samurai – Irou (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200). When Orion controls a Six Samurai monster, he can special summon Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan from his hand (ATK: 1800 DEF: 500). Orion overlays The Six Samurai – Irou and Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan to xyz summon Number 39: Utopia (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000). Because of Discord, Spirit of Chaos’ Clear World effect, Orion must reveal his hand at all times when he controls a LIGHT monster.

Orion activates Riryoku, halving Discord, Spirit of Chaos’ ATK to increase Number 39: Utopia’s by that amount (ATK: 3000 -> 1500) (ATK: 2500 -> 4000). Orion then activates Space Cyclone, detaching an xyz material from Discord, Spirit of Chaos, choosing Spirit Barrier. Orion attacks Discord, Spirit of Chaos, but Discord activates Damage Diet, halving the damage he takes.

Discord’s Life Points: 10350 -> 9100

Discord activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster of his was destroyed.

Orion places 1 card face down and ends his turn. During the end phase that Discord, Spirit of Chaos was removed from the field, Discord can special summon it from the graveyard with all of the xyz materials it had attached to it previous to its removal attached to it.

Status: Hand-1 Life-9800 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Maybe a little mind-games would do me some good, thought Discord.

Discord’s Turn: Discord activates Discord, Spirit of Chaos’ effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can attach 1 field spell, continuous spell, or continuous trap from his hand to it as xyz material, detaching Temple of the Kings and attaching Domino Effect. Discord activates Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field. Discord activates Forbidden Chalice, increasing Number 39: Utopia’s ATK by 400 and negating its effect (ATK: 2500 -> 2900). Next, he equips Discord, Spirit of Chaos with Xyz Unit, increasing its ATK by 200 times its rank (11 x 200 = 2200, ATK: 3000 -> 5200). Discord attacks Lavell Hydra.

Eli, Sammy, and Orion’s Life Points: 9800 -> 7600

With Discord’s Domino Effect effect, when a monster Discord’s opponent controls is destroyed by battle, Discord can send one monster he controls to the graveyard to destroy 1 monster his opponent controls, choosing Number 39: Utopia.

Discord places 1 card face down and ends his turn. During the end phase that Discord, Spirit of Chaos was removed from the field, Discord can special summon it from the graveyard with all of the xyz materials it had attached to it previous to its removal attached to it.

Status: Hand-0 Life-9100 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Look at that,” cooed Discord, trying to entrance Sammy with his trickery. “Your big strong boyfriend wouldn’t protect you from-”

“Couldn’t,” corrected Sammy.

“What now?”

“Eli couldn’t protect me. I know he tries his best for me and his friends. He’s not the person to intentionally put people in harm’s way.”

Discord encountered a similar problem with Fluttershy once, so he opted to resolve the situation the same way: by force. Unfortunately, Orion set up a barrier preventing Discord’s magic from reaching through to any of them.

“Your cheap tricks won’t do you any good,” said Eli. “Neither will our strength.

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Eli’s Turn: Eli activates his Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Eli activates Forced Release, choosing 1 xyz monster on the field and detaching all of its xyz materials, choosing Discord, Spirit of Chaos. Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Urnight (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Eli activates Koa’ki Meiru Urnight’s effect. By revealing an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru in his hand, he can special summon a level 4 or lower Koa’ki Meiru monster from his deck, choosing Koa’ki Meiru Ice (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1200).

Eli activates Koa’ki Meiru Ice’s effect, discarding 1 card to destroy a special summoned monster on the field, choosing Discord, Spirit of Chaos. Eli overlays Koa’ki Meiru Ice and Koa’ki Meiru Urnight to xyz summon Number 164: Crystalline Chimera (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1200). Eli activates Number 164: Crystalline Chimera’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Eli can destroy all spell and trap cards on the field. Eli attacks Discord directly with Number 164: Crystalline Chimera.

Discord’s Life Points: 9100 -> 6400

Eli places 1 card face down and ends his turn. During the end phase that Discord, Spirit of Chaos was removed from the field, Discord can special summon it from the graveyard.

Status: Hand-0 Life-7600 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Discord’s normally cocky demeanor was slowly being replaced by an angry one. He had even lost the right words to mock Eli with.

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Discord’s Turn: Discord attacks Number 164: Crystalline Chimera with Discord, Spirit of Chaos. Since Numbers can only be destroyed by battle with other Numbers, Number 164: Crystalline Chimera isn’t destroyed. Battle damage is applied normally.

Eli, Sammy, and Orion’s Life Points: 7600 -> 7300

Discord places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-6400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Sammy’s Turn: Sammy activates her Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Sammy activates Double Spell, discarding a spell card to use a spell card in her opponent’s graveyard as if it were her own, choosing Temple of the Kings, allowing her to activate trap cards from her hand. Sammy activates Xyz Reborn from her hand, special summoning an xyz monster from her graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn as xyz material, choosing Lavell Hydra. Sammy activates Lavell Hydra’s effect, detaching an xyz material to halve the ATK of one monster on the field and negate its effect, choosing Discord, Spirit of Chaos (ATK: 3000 -> 1500).

Sammy then activates Xyz Soul from her hand, sending an xyz monster in either player’s graveyard to the extra deck to increase the ATK of all monsters she controls by the rank of the xyz monster times 200, choosing Number 39: Utopia (4 x 200 = 800, ATK: 3000 -> 3800). Sammy attacks Discord, Spirit of Chaos with Lavell Hydra.

Discord’s Life Points: 6400 -> 4100

Sammy ends her turn. During the end phase that Discord, Spirit of Chaos was removed from the field, Discord can special summon it from the graveyard.

Status: Hand-0 Life-7300 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

“Let’s see how protective of her you are now!” shouted Discord.

Discord’s Turn: Discord activates his trap Sixth Sense. A die is rolled and Discord must declare 2 numbers between 1 and 6 (he chooses 5 and 6). If the result is any of the declared numbers Discord draws cards equal to the result. The die lands in a 6. Discord draws 6 cards. Discord equips Discord, Spirit of Chaos with another Xyz Unit (ATK: 3000 -> 5200). Discord attacks Lavell Hydra with Discord, Spirit of Chaos, but Eli activates Shift, switching the attack target to Number 164: Crystalline Chimera. Numbers can only be destroyed by battle with other Numbers, but battle damage is still applied.

Eli, Sammy, and Orion’s Life Points: 7300 -> 4800

Discord activates Discord, Spirit of Chaos’ effect, detaching 1 xyz material (Xyz Unit can be used as a substitute) (ATK: 5200 -> 3000) to attach 1 field spell, continuous spell, or continuous trap card from his hand as xyz material, attaching Final Attack Orders. With Final Attack Orders’ effect, all monsters must be in attack position.

Discord places 2 cards face down ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-4100 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“Told you so,” Sammy said simply. Discord was about to lose it.

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Orion’s Turn: Orion activates his Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Orion activates the continuous spell Six Samurai United. Orion activates The Warrior Returning Alive, adding a Warrior-type monster from his graveyard to his hand, choosing Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan. Orion summons The Six Samurai – Nisashi (ATK: 1400 DEF: 700). With Six Samurai United, Orion places a Bushido counter on Six Samurai United when a Six Samurai monster is summoned (BuC.: 0 -> 1). Orion special summons Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan from his hand (BuC.: 1 -> 2).

Orion can send Six Samurai United to the graveyard and draw cards equal to the number of Bushido counters on it (2). Orion overlays The Six Samurai – Nisashi and Legendary Six Samurai – Kizan to xyz summon Number 39: Utopia. Orion attacks Discord, Spirit of Chaos with Number 39: Utopia. Orion then activates Number 39: Utopia’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can negate the attack of one monster on the field, choosing Number 39: Utopia. Discord activates Chivalry, negating the effect of a monster during the battle phase and destroying it.

Orion places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4800 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-1

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“That’s it!” yelled Discord, his rage causing lighting and thunder to inhabit the room. “My patience has run dry, and so will you and your friends’ bodies when I’m through with you.”

For once, Eli was intimidated by Discord.

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Discord’s Turn: Discord equips Discord, Spirit of Chaos with another Xyz Unit (ATK: 3000 -> 5200). Discord activates Meteor of Destruction, inflicting 1000 points of damage to Eli, Sammy, and Orion.

Eli, Sammy, and Orion’s Life Points: 4800 -> 3800

Discord equips Discord, Spirit of Chaos with Axe of Despair, increasing its ATK by 1000 (ATK: 5200 -> 6200). Discord attacks Number 164: Crystalline Chimera with Discord, Spirit of Chaos. Numbers can only be destroyed by battle with other Numbers, but battle damage is still applied.

Eli, Sammy, and Orion’s Life Points: 3800 -> 300

Discord activates Discord, Spirit of Chaos’ effect, detaching 1 xyz material (Xyz Unit) (ATK: 6200 -> 4000) to attach 1 field spell, continuous spell, or continuous trap card from his hand as xyz material, attaching Royal Oppression, allowing all players to be able to pay 800 life points to negate the special summoning of a monster and destroy it.

Discord ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-4100 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“Then it’s over,” said Sammy, feeling the inevitability sinking in.

Discord felt satisfied on seeing her disheartened face.

“What’s this?” asked Eli. “I stick up for you the whole time and then you call it quits when it’s my turn?”

“So, you think you can still win this?”

“No,” said Orion. “I think so too.”

Sammy couldn’t help but feel the fire reignite upon seeing Eli’s face.

“Then yes,” she said with a smile.

“I believe in you too.” “You fools!” yelled Discord. “You have no monsters that can stand up to me, and you can’t summon anything stronger than me. For you who are going to die, what hope do you possibly have?”

“The only one dying is you!” said Eli.

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Eli’s Turn: Eli activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Eli special summons Elemental Guardian Celutera from his hand, as he has 1 FIRE, WATER, WIND, and EARTH monster in his graveyard (ATK: 3500 DEF: 3500). Discord pays 800 life points with Discord, Spirit of Chaos’ Royal Oppression effect to negate Elemental Guardian Celutera’s summoning.

Discord’s Life Points: 4100 -> 3300

But, Orion activates Divine Wrath, discarding 1 card to negate Discord, Spirit of Chaos’ effect and destroy it. Eli activates Number 164: Crystalline Chimera’s effect, detaching 1 xyz material to destroy all spell and trap cards on the field. Eli overlays Elemental Guardian Celutera to xyz summon Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony (ATK: 4500 DEF: 4500). Eli attacks Discord directly with Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony.

Discord’s Life Points: 3300 -> 0

Eli, Sammy, and Orion win.

The attack enveloped Discord as he screamed his last breaths. The blackened element of honesty turned a bright orange, its normal color. Discord soon began to turn to stone, with the greying rock converting him starting from his neck where the necklace was. Once he was fully turned to stone, the necklace unfastened itself and fell to the ground with a clang.

“No,” grunted Orion. “Never again!”

He threw his left arm up causing his duel disk to fly up to the ceiling as it unfastened from his arm. The duel disk turned into his wand and Orion caught it on its way down. He then revved his arm back and launched a spell like a baseball pitcher would throw a ball. The spell speeded down the room and straight into Discord’s statue form, shattering it into thousands of pieces. Discord was and would forever be gone. Eli stood over the head of their enemy that broke off of him.

“Discord was a really crazy person,” he said. “It was only a matter of time before he…” He mimed putting on a pair of sunglasses. “…lost his head.”

Silence.

“What? No Roger Daltry scream?”

“No,” said Sammy, unamused. “Here’s something even better.”

Sammy had fully fallen in love with Eli now, the grabbed him by his shirt collar and kissed him with intense passion. Eli returned the kiss with kisses of his own. They were then distracted by an orange beam coming from the restored Element of Honesty and connecting with Applejack. The outline and shape of Applejack lit brightly. After it was done glowing, Applejack fell out of her stone prison, Orion catching her.

“Huh?” she said. “Where am I?” Where are my friends?”

Applejack was then hugged by Sammy, Eli, and Orion.

“Did all y’all… save me?”

“Yes,” said Sammy. “I assume our friends are too.”

Then a door opened leading them to the outside. Sammy, Eli, Orion, and Applejack with her element put around her neck walked outside to see where it leaded next.

Chapter 47: The Vengeful Queen

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Lucas, Maddie, Zelda and Pinkie Pie, slid through the strange portal they were sucked into until they were sliding out of a doorway and into a room that looked exactly like the one where Sammy, Eli, and Orion dueled Discord. Once all three people and pony had stopped, Pinkie Pie just giggled.

“Let’s go again!” she chanted. “Let’s go again!”

“I don’t think we’re going to have enough time,” said Zelda.

“In fact, I’m sure of it,” said a voice at the end of the hall.

Maddie, Lucas, Zelda and Pinkie Pie looked up to notice Diana standing at the end of the room with a large, blank slab of the stone that Applejack was frozen in. Diana also wore a gold necklace with a black balloon shaped gem at its center: the corrupted version of the Element of Laughter.

“Hey!” shouted Pinkie Pie. “That’s mine!”

“Not anymore it’s not,” said Diana.

She then reached out towards Pinkie Pie despite being about a hundred feet from her and made a grabbing movement with her hands. As Diana pulled her hand Pinkie Pie went flying across the room, prompting her friends to give chase. Diana then used her newfound powers to “toss” Pinkie into the stone slab, causing her to be frozen into it like Applejack. Once the humans were close enough, three circles of blue enveloped around them, trapping them just like Sammy, Eli, and Orion.

“Now that that’s settled, I can’t let you pass, especially with your Numbers. Those rings will take all Numbers you control and give them to me. The only way to make it through these doors and save your friend is to defeat me in a duel. I can’t let you defeat me.”

“Well, we’re going to,” said Zelda activating the duel disk she stole from Mark.

Maddie and Lucas unsheathed their duel disks.

“To think,” said Diana. “That I will have the honor of seeing Lamss’ final performance.”

She activated her duel disk. Everyone drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they yelled.

Maddie, Lucas, and Zelda vs. Diana

Maddie’s Turn: Maddie activates Magic Circle of the Ice Barrier, revealing 3 Ice Barrier monsters in her hand and special summoning 1 of them, choosing General Grunard of the Ice Barrier (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1000). Maddie normal summons Samurai of the Ice Barrier (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1500). With General Grunard of the Ice Barrier’s effect, Maddie can normal summon again this turn, summoning Strategist of the Ice Barrier (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1600). Once per turn, Maddie can discard 1 Ice Barrier monster to draw 1 card. Maddie overlays Samurai of the Ice Barrier and Strategist of the Ice Barrier to xyz summon Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1600).

Maddie activates Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, she can target 1 player (herself), and make that person draw cards until they have five in their hand. For every monster card drawn, 500 points of damage is inflicted. For every trap card drawn, 400 points of damage are inflicted. For every spell card drawn, 300 points of damage is inflicted. Maddie draws a trap and two monsters.

Maddie, Lucas, and Zelda’s Life Points: 12000 -> 10600

Maddie places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-10600 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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“If you think you can defeat me by dwindling your own life points,” said Diana. “Then just give up now. But then again, that would take all of the satisfaction of destroying you all.”

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Diana’s Turn: Diana activates Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field. Then, Diana activates the field spell Amazoness Village. Next, she summons Amazoness Swords Woman (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1600). With Amazoness Village’s effect, all Amazoness monsters gain 200 (ATK: 1500 -> 1700). Diana equips Amazoness Swords Woman with Amazoness Heirloom. Diana attacks General Gantala of the Ice Barrier with Amazoness Swords Woman. With Amazoness Heirloom’s effect, Amazoness Swords Woman isn’t destroyed by battle once per turn. With Amazoness Swords Woman’s effect, all battle damage that she would receive in battles involving it are inflicted to her opponent instead.

Maddie, Lucas, and Zelda’s Life Points: 10600 -> 9500

When a monster equipped with Amazoness Heirloom attacks, the monster it battled is destroyed.

Diana places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-12000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

“I won’t let Pinkie down,” said Lucas.

Lucas’ Turn: Lucas activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Lucas summons Gladiator Beast Dimacari (ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200). Lucas special summons Test Tiger, as he controls a Gladiator Beast monster (ATK: 600 DEF: 300). Lucas activates the effect of Test Tiger, tributing it to send one Gladiator Beast monster he controls to the deck and special summon another Gladiator Beast monster from his deck, choosing Gladiator Beast Murmillo (ATK: 800 DEF: 400).

With Test Tiger’s effect, this special summoning is treated as if it was summoned by the effect of a Gladiator Beast monster. When Gladiator Beast Murmillo is special summoned by the effect of a Gladiator Beast monster, Lucas can destroy one monster on the field, choosing Amazoness Swords Woman. Diana activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster of hers is destroyed. Diana activates Amazoness Village’s effect. If an Amazoness monster is destroyed, Diana can special summon an Amazoness monster from her deck with a level equal to or lower than the destroyed monster, choosing Amazoness Paladin (ATK: 1700 DEF: 300) (ATK: 1700 -> 1900).

Lucas places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-9500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“How about a little surprise?” asked Diana.

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Diana’s Turn: Diana summons Amazoness Sage (ATK: 1400 DEF: 700). Diana overlays Amazoness Sage with Amazoness Paladin to xyz summon Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Diana attacks Gladiator Beast Murmillo with Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis. Diana activates Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, it gains 1000 ATK during the battle phase (ATK: 2000 -> 3000). Lucas activates Attack Invulnerability, preventing his monsters destruction. Battle damage is still applied.

Maddie, Lucas, and Zelda’s Life Points: 9500 -> 7300

Lucas activates Gladiator Beast Murmillo’s effect. When it’s attacked, Lucas can return Gladiator Beast Murmillo to the deck and special summon a Gladiator Beast monster from his deck, choosing Gladiator Beast Bestiari (ATK: 1500 DEF: 800). When Gladiator Beast Bestiari is special summoned by the effect of a Gladiator Beast monster, Lucas can destroy 1 spell or trap card on the field, choosing Diana’s face down card.

Diana places 2 cards face down and ends her turn. During the end phase that Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect was used, it loses 2000 ATK (ATK: 3000 -> 1000).

Status: Hand-3 Life-12000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“That’s Chase’s Number,” said Zelda. “Why do you have it?”

“Chase has the power of his Chronomaly Numbers now,” she said. “His ace monster is now all mine.”

“Nothing I haven’t seen before.”

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Zelda’s Turn: Zelda activates Pot of Greed drawing 2 cards. Next, Zelda summons Blackwing – Kochi the Daybreak (ATK: 700 DEF: 1500). Zelda then special summons Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind, as she controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 1300 DEF: 400). Next, Zelda special summons Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun, as she controls a Blackwing monster (ATK: 800 DEF: 1500). Zelda then activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Test Tiger from Lucas’ graveyard. Zelda then activates Delta Crow – Anti Reverse from her hand, as she controls exactly 3 Blackwing monsters. All face down spell and trap cards Diana controls are destroyed.

Zelda activates Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind’s effect. Once per turn, she can halve the ATK of one monster her opponent controls, choosing Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis (ATK: 1000 -> 500). Zelda tunes Gladiator Beast Bestiari with Blackwing – Kochi the Daybreak to synchro summon Black-Winged Dragon (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1600). Zelda overlays Test Tiger, Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun, and Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind to xyz summon Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1300). Zelda attacks Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis with Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit. Diana activates Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect, detaching an xyz material from it to have it gain 1000 ATK during the battle phase (ATK: 500 -> 1500).

Diana’s Life Points: 1200 -> 11300

Zelda attacks Diana directly with Black-Winged Dragon.

Diana’s Life Points: 11300 -> 8500

Zelda places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-7300 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Every hit from you is another reminder of my failures,” said Diana, seething.

“Cry me a river, bitch,” said Zelda.

“The only rivers that will be made are the ones made from the blood I spill from you.”

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Diana’s Turn: Diana summons Amazoness Archer (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1000). Then, she activates Double Summon, summoning Amazoness Trainee (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). Diana overlays Amazoness Archer and Amazoness Trainee to xyz summon Number 123: Serpentine Wings (ATK: 1900 DEF: 2000). Diana equips Number 123: Serpentine Wings with Axe of Despair, increasing its ATK by 1000 (ATK: 1900 -> 2900). Diana activates Number 123: Serpentine Wings’ effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, the activation of all spell, trap, and monster effects on the field are negated when this card attacks. Diana attacks Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon with Number 123: Serpentine Wings.

Maddie, Lucas, and Zelda’s Life Points: 7300 -> 6300

Diana ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-8500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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Maddie knew that Zelda was their ace in the hole, and she needed all of the support she could get. Plus, she thought of a way to use her dragon’s effect to its full potential.

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Maddie’s Turn: Maddie activates Reload, sending all cards in her hand to the deck, shuffling it, and drawing cards equal to the amount she sent to her deck. Maddie activates her Monster Reborn, special summoning Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon from her graveyard. Then, she activates Overlay Regenerate, attaching itself as an xyz material to Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon.

Maddie activates Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon’s effect, targeting 1 player (Zelda) and having them draw cards until they have 5 in their hand. For every monster card drawn, 500 points of damage is inflicted. For every trap card drawn, 400 points of damage are inflicted. For every spell card drawn, 300 points of damage is inflicted. Zelda draws 3 monster cards and a spell card. Whenever Zelda would take damage from a card effect, a Black Counter is placed on it. Zelda takes damage/places a Black Feather counter on it for each card she drew (FeC.: 0 -> 4). Black-Winged Dragon loses 700 ATK for each Black Feather counter placed on it (4 x 700 = 2800, ATK: 2800 -> 0).

Maddie then activates Space Cyclone, detaching an xyz material from Number 123: Serpentine Wings.

Maddie ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-6300 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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Zelda was at first confused as to why Maddie would drain her monster’s ATK to 0 like that, but she realized that she had taken away the crux of Diana’s ace Number’s power. As long as she could keep her dragon and their life points intact, they could win this duel yet. Zelda nodded at Maddie, who nodded right back.

“As if I’ll let you use that monster’s effect,” said Diana.

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Diana’s Turn: Diana attacks Black-Winged Dragon with Number 123: Serpentine Wings, but Zelda activates Invincible Hero, negating her monster’s destruction. Battle damage is still applied.

Maddie, Lucas, and Zelda’s Life Points: 6300 -> 3400

Diana places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-8500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Massive damage, thought Zelda, but we’re still alive. Lucas, don’t let me down.

Lucas’ Turn: Lucas activates Gladiator Beast’s Respite, sending 2 Gladiator Beast cards from his hand to the deck and draws 3 cards. Lucas tributes Number 117: Blizzard Horns – Tundragon to summon Gladiator Beast Alexander (ATK: 2400 DEF: 600). Next, Lucas activates Xyz Plant, becoming a token with the same level as a monster he controls. Lucas overlays Gladiator Beast Alexander with Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 181: Pachydermal Boulder – Stone Elephant (ATK: 2900 DEF: 2200). Lucas activates Number 181: Pachydermal Boulder – Stone Elephant’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, he can destroy an xyz monster and inflict damage equal to the monster’s ATK or DEF, whichever is higher, choosing Number 123: Serpentine Wings.

Diana’s Life Points: 8500 -> 5600

Lucas cannot conduct his battle phase the turn he activates that effect.

Lucas places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-3400 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“One more turn and you’re done,” said Diana.

“You’re right,” said Zelda. “One more turn for you, and then you’re done.”

“As if.”

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Diana’s Turn: Diana summons Amazoness Fighter (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). Diana then activates Xyz Reborn, special summoning Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis from the graveyard and attaching Xyz Reborn as xyz material. Diana attacks Black-Feather Dragon with Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis. Diana activates Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect, detaching an xyz material from it to have it gain 1000 ATK during the battle phase (ATK: 2000 -> 3000). Lucas activates Dimension Trap, removing from play a monster he controls (Number 181: Pachydermal Boulder – Stone Elephant ) to have Dimension Trap’s effect become the same effect as a trap card in his graveyard, choosing Attack Invulnerability, preventing Black-Feather Dragon’s destruction by battle this turn. Battle damage is still applied.

Maddie, Lucas, and Zelda’s Life Points: 3400 -> 400

Diana attacks Black-Winged Dragon with Amazoness Fighter, but Lucas activates Waboku, negating Black-Winged Dragon’s destruction and reducing all battle damage to 0.

Diana ends her turn. During the end phase that Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis’ effect was used, it loses 2000 ATK (ATK: 3000 -> 1000).

Status: Hand-0 Life-5600 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-0

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“Why would you wait for that?” yelled Diana at Lucas. “You could have saved your friend right there, now her life points are below 1000-”

Zelda smiled as Diana’s face realized what she had done for her.

“Oh no.”

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Zelda’s Turn: Zelda activates Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, she can normal summon without tributes. Zelda summons Blackwing – Kogarashi the Wanderer (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1600). Zelda activates her Double Summon, summoning Blackwing – Jetstream the Blue Sky (ATK: 100 DEF: 800). Zelda tunes Blackwing – Jetstream the Blue Sky with Blackwing – Kogarashi the Wanderer to synchro summon Blackwing Armor Master (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1500).

When Blackwing – Kogarashi the Wanderer is used as synchro material, Zelda’s opponent cannot activate cards or effects. Zelda then removes all Black Feather counters from Black-Winged Dragon (FeC.: 4 -> 0) (ATK: 0 -> 2800). Zelda then lowers an opponent’s monster’s ATK by 700 for each Black-Feather counter on it and inflicts damage equal to the ATK lost by this effect, choosing Amazoness Fighter (ATK: 1500 -> 0).

Diana’s Life Points: 5600 -> 4100

Zelda then overlays Number 199: Lunar Wolf Spirit to chaos xyz summon Number C199: New Moon Wolf (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1300). Zelda activates Number C199: New Moon Wolf’s effect. Once per turn, by detaching 2 xyz materials from it, Zelda can target a monster in her extra deck, send it to the graveyard, and increase Number C199: New Moon Wolf’s ATK by level/rank of the sent monster times 200. Zelda sends Blackwing – Silverwind the Ascendant to the graveyard (8 x 200 = 1600, ATK: 2200 -> 3800). If the monster sent by this effect was DARK, Zelda can target 1 other monster on the field and make its ATK 0, choosing Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis (ATK: 1000 -> 0).

Zelda attacks Amazoness Fighter with Blackwing Armor Master. With Amazoness Fighter’s effect, Diana takes no battle damage with that card. However, because of Blackwing – Kogarashi the Wanderer’s effect, Diana can’t activate Amazoness Village’s effect. Zelda attacks Number 166: Preying Steel – Katana Mantis with Number C199: New Moon Wolf.

Diana’s Life Points: 4100 -> 300

Zelda attacks Diana directly with Black-Winged Dragon.

Diana’s Life Points: 300 -> 0

Maddie, Lucas, and Zelda win.

The attack sent Diana flying into the wall, where the now restored element of laughter unhooked from her neck. Diana crumpled to the floor unconscious. The light from the Element of Laughter freed Pinkie from her prison, and ran to Zelda and Lucas for comforting hugs.

“Are you alright,” asked Zelda.

“Am I alright?” asked Pinkie Pie. “I should be asking you that. You look like you danced too hard and hit your head on the wall.”

Zelda couldn’t help but laugh at her non-sequitur, mostly because she knew that she was safe. The door behind Diana opened, allowing Zelda, Lucas, Maddie, and Pinkie Pie (who wore her element) to pass through.

Chapter 48: Doppelgänger

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Alex, Spike, and Charley slid into their dueling room from the hallway portal. Alex even had to catch Spike, his small size being more susceptible to the slick marble floors. They then heard a laughing from the end of the room. Suddenly, a force pulled them onto their feet and slid them further across the hall into the middle. Then, three rings of fire formed around the three duelists and then dissapeared. Alex tried to reach out, but he was caught by surprised when a green flare appeared where his fingers were, burning them slightly. A shadowy figure then appeared before them. Alex could see the humanoid appearance, so he immediately assumed it was a Vegas agent. Upon stepping out of the darkness, he saw it was the last person he expected it to be: himself. The copy of Alex wore the exact same clothes as Alex did with exact body features. “Who are you?” asked Alex.

“What are you talking about?” feigned the copy. “It’s your friend, Alex.”

It then changed from Alex to Charley.

“Or maybe I’m Charley.”

It changed from Charley to Spike.

“Or it could be your old pal, Spike.”

The copy of Spike laughed until it transformed into its true form: A coal black alicorn with green eyes, and a ragged dark blue mane. The horn on its forehead was jagged, her wings were thin like insect wings which looked torn, and it had holes that went through her front and back hooves. She was wearing a corrupted version of the Element of Kindness around her neck.

“You’re a doppelgänger,” said Alex.

“Not exactly,” she said in dual voice like a demon. “I am the queen of changelings, Queen Chrysalis.”

“I’ve never heard of you,” said Alex.

“Outsiders like you generally don't. The dragon should know about me though.”

Spike explained how she had tried to form a coup by marrying Twilight’s brother as a doppelgänger of his true love, Princess Cadence, and how she was stopped.

“When we heard of Inverz’ revival, my minions and I-”

“Minions?”

“They are changelings just like me. You know all of those bats and soldiers you and your friend fought in that battle? They were my minions taking the form of Inverz’ army. When you and your pesky, who was it, Ryan took a quarter of the Numbers, Inverz couldn’t regain his full power. That’s where I came in. He summoned the first couple creatures of his army, and we copied their forms forming the massive army that, from what I hear killed a lot of your friends, including that griffon.”

“You mean Gilda? Wait. Gilda’s dead?”

“Who do you think it was that was able to reconnect the train? We took care of her.”

Alex felt the tears roll from his face. Queen Chrysalis began moaning.

“Oh yes,” she exclaimed. “Your love for your friends is what gives me strength.”

“Fuck you!” yelled Charley. “If you want blood, I’ll gladly give you some of your own.”

“That’s more like it,” she said.

An extra pair of wings sprouted from Queen Chrysalis’ back, her right wing having two zones on it, the other having three.

“By the way, I think you should know what you’re playing for,” said Queen Chrysalis.

A stone block appeared in the room. Stuck inside of the stone was a frightened looking Fluttershy, looking as if she was banging on the inside to try and get out.

“Fluttershy,” said Charley weakly. “FLUTTER SHY!”
“
It’s such a wonderful sight isn’t it,” said Queen Chrysalis, giggling.

“Let her go immediately!”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that. The only way to free her and pass this place is to defeat me. But why would you want to ruin such art like this,” she said, referring to the trapped pegasus.

She then proceeded to laugh as loud as she could.

“You fucking cunt!” Charley violently whipped her arm out to the side to unsheathe her D-Pad.

Spike also did the same with his. Alex unsheathed his duel disk as all duelists drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Alex, Charley, and Spike vs. Queen Chrysalis

Alex’s Turn: Alex summons Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb (ATK: 1800 DEF: 400). Next, he activates Hieratic Seal of Supremacy, special summoning a Hieratic monster from his hand, choosing Hieratic Dragon of Nuit (ATK: 1700 DEF: 900).

Alex places 2 cards face down.

Status: Hand-1 Life-12000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

Queen Chrysalis’ Turn: Queen Chrysalis summons Steelswarm Genome (ATK: 1000 DEF: 0). Queen Chrysalis then activates Double Summon, tributing Steelswarm Genome to summon Steelswarm Caucastag (ATK: 2800 DEF: 0). When Steelswarm Caucastag is normal summoned by tributing 2 Steelswarm monsters (Steelswarm Genome can be counted as two tributes), Queen Chrysalis can destroy all monsters on the field (except for Steelswarm Caucastag). Alex activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster he controls is destroyed. Queen Chrysalis attacks Alex, Charley, and Spike directly with Steelswarm Caucastag.

Alex, Charley, and Spike’s Life Points: 12000 -> 9200

Queen Chrysalis places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-12000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Queen Chrysalis laughed at the simplicity of her turn.

“You won’t laugh at my friends at alive,” said Charley, seething.

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Charley’s Turn: Charley activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Charley summons Gishki Beast (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1300). When Gishki Beast is normal summoned, Charley can special summon a level 4 or lower Gishki monster from her graveyard, choosing Gishki Avance (ATK: 1500 DEF: 800). Once per turn, with Gishki Avance’s effect, Charley can place a Gishki monster in her deck to the top of her deck. Charley then activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Hieratic Dragon of Nuit. Charley overlays Hieratic Dragon of Nuit, Gishki Avance, and Gishki Beast to xyz summon Number 32: Shark Drake (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2100).

Charley attacks Steelswarm Caucastag with Number 32: Shark Drake. Both monsters have equal ATK, but since only Numbers can destroy other Numbers by battle, Number 32: Shark Drake isn’t destroyed. Charley activates Number 32: Shark Drake’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, she can special summon the monster it destroyed onto her opponent’s side of the field, reduce its ATK by 1000, and attack it once more. Steelswarm Caucastag is special summoned onto Queen Chrysalis’ side of the field (ATK: 2800 -> 1800). Number 32: Shark Drake attacks Steelswarm Caucastag again.

Queen Chrysalis’ Life Points: 12000 -> 11000

Charley places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-9200 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“I’m glad to see that your strength matches your fury,” said Queen Chrysalis. “But your strength is nowhere near as strong as mine.”

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Queen Chrysalis’ Turn: Queen Chrysalis activates Graceful Revival, special summoning Steelswarm Genome from the graveyard. Queen Chrysalis tributes Steelswarm Genome to summon Steelswarm Longhorn (ATK: 3000 DEF: 0). When Steelswarm Longhorn is tribute summoned with Steelswarm monsters, Queen Chrysalis can pay 1000 life points to destroy a monster on the field, choosing Number 32: Marine Biting Dragon – Shark Drake.

Queen Chrysalis’ Life Points: 11000 -> 10000

Charley activates Utopian Aura, detaching 1 xyz material from an xyz monster she controls to negate the destruction of xyz monsters she controls by card effects. Queen Chrysalis equips Steelswarm Longhorn with Axe of Despair, increasing its ATK by 1000 (ATK: 3000 -> 4000). Queen Chrysalis attacks Number 32: Marine Biting Dragon – Shark Drake with Steelswarm Longhorn. Numbers can only be destroyed in battle by other Numbers, but battle damage is applied normally.

Alex, Charley, and Spike’s Life Points: 9200 -> 8000

Queen Chrysalis places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-10000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Spike’s Turn: Spike summons Jurrac Protops (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200). Spike activates Star Changer, increasing Jurrac Protops’ level by 1 (Lvl.: 4 -> 5). Spike then activates Xyz Plant, which becomes a token with the same level as a monster he controls. Spike overlays Jurrac Protops and Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 61: Volcasaurus (ATK: 2500 DEF: 1000). Spike activates Number 61: Volcasaurus’ effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Spike can destroy 1 monster that the opponent controls and inflict damage equal to the original ATK of the destroyed monster, choosing Steelswarm Longhorn.

Queen Chrysalis’ Life Points: 10000 -> 7000

Queen Chrysalis activates her Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster of hers is destroyed. If Spike activates Number 61: Volcasaurus’ effect, he can’t attack the opponent directly.

Spike places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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“How dare you,” grunted Queen Chrysalis. “I’ll show you how I treat children when they misbehave.”

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Queen Chrysalis’ Turn: Queen Chrysalis activates her Monster Reborn, special summoning Steelswarm Caucastag from her graveyard. Then, she activates her Xyz Plant, which becomes a token with the same level as a monster she controls. Queen Chrysalis overlays Steelswarm Caucastag and Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 15: Gimmick Puppet – Giant Killer in defense position (ATK: 1500 DEF: 2500). Queen Chrysalis activates Number 15: Gimmick Puppet – Giant Killer’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Queen Chrysalis can destroy all xyz monsters her opponent controls and inflict damage equal to the total ATK of the monsters destroyed. Spike activates Damage Diet, halving the damage of this effect.

Alex, Charley, and Spike’s Life Points: 8000 -> 5350

Queen Chrysalis places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-7000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Alex’s Turn: Alex activates his Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Next, he activates his trap Immortal Dragon, special summoning Dragunity Arma Leyvaten from his graveyard (ATK: 2600 DEF: 1200). When Dragunity Arma Leyvaten is special summoned, Alex can choose a Dragon-type monster in his graveyard and equip it to Dragunity Arma Leyvaten, choosing Dragunity Phalanx. When Dragunity Phalanx is equipped to a monster by a card effect, Alex can special summon it (ATK: 500 DEF: 1100). Alex tunes Dragunity Arma Leyvaten with Dragunity Phalanx to synchro summon Nero, the Dragon Warlord (ATK: 3200 DEF: 2800).

Alex equips Nero, the Dragon Warlord with Dragon Treasure, increasing its ATK and DEF by 300 (ATK: 3200 -> 3500, DEF: 2800 -> 3100). Alex attacks Number 15: Gimmick Puppet – Giant Killer with Nero, the Dragon Warlord. Since Numbers can only be destroyed in battle with other Numbers, Number 15: Gimmick Puppet – Giant Killer isn’t destroyed. Because Nero, the Dragon Warlord can inflict piercing damage, battle damage is applied.

Queen Chrysalis’ Life Points: 7000 -> 6000

For every 1000 points of damage Nero, the Dragon Warlord inflicts through battle by the end of the battle phase, Alex draws 1 card (1).

Alex places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-6 Life-5350 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Queen Chrysalis’ Turn: Queen Chrysalis activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, she activates her trap Meteor Flare, discarding 2 cards to inflict 2000 points of damage to Alex, Charley, and Spike.

Alex, Charley, and Spike’s Life Points: 5350 -> 3350

Queen Chrysalis then activates Call of the Haunted, special summoning Steelswarm Genome from the graveyard. Then she activates Inferno Reckless Summon, special summoning all copies of Steelswarm Genome from her deck. Queen Chrysalis tributes all 3 Steelswarm Genomes to summon Steelswarm Hercules (ATK: 3200 DEF: 0). Queen Chrysalis activates Steelswarm Hercules’ effect. By halving her life points, she can destroy all other cards on the field.

Queen Chrysalis’ Life Points: 6000 -> 3000

Queen Chrysalis attacks Alex, Charley, and Spike directly with Steelswarm Hercules.

Alex, Charley, and Spike’s Life Points: 3350 -> 150

Queen Chrysalis ends her turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-3000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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“Do you see the futility of trying to defeat me yet?” asked Queen Chrysalis. “You will not see the light of day, or your pegasus friend ever again!”

She laughed. Charley was brimming with rage. If there was any window to defeat her opponent, she would take every opportunity to ensure that happened, especially with her friend on the line.

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Charley’s Turn: Charley activates Reload, sending her hand to her deck, shuffling it, and drawing cards equal to the amount she sent to her deck. Charley activates Magical Stone Excavation, discarding 2 cards to add a spell card from her graveyard to her hand, choosing Monster Reborn. Charley activates Monster Reborn to special summon Number 32: Marine Biting Dragon – Shark Drake. Charley then overlays Number 32: Marine Biting Dragon – Shark Drake to chaos xyz summon Number C32: Shark Drake Veiss (ATK: 2800 DEF: 2100).

Charley then equips Number C32: Shark Drake Veiss with Steel Shell, increasing its ATK by 400 while decreasing its DEF by 300 (ATK: 2800 -> 3200 DEF: 2100 -> 1800). Charley actvates Number C32: Shark Drake Veiss's effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it and removing a monster in her graveyard from play, she can reduce a monster's ATK to 0, choosing Steelswarm Hercules (ATK: 3200 -> 0). Charley attacks Steelswarm Hercules with Number C32: Shark Drake Veiss.

Queen Chrysalis’ Life Points: 3000 -> 0

Alex, Charley, and Spike win.

“No!” shouted Queen Chrysalis upon defeat.

The Element of Kindness was now restored, the black center now replaced with its normal pink gem. Suddenly, burn marks began to appear around Queen Chrysalis’ neck where she wore the element.

“What?” Fire then began spreading over her body, the element’s power incinerating her. “NO!” she screamed before she was nothing but ashes.

The element used its power to unlock Fluttershy from her stone prison. Fluttershy almost leapt out of the stone upon being freed. She took a little time to observe her unfamiliar surroundings, but upon seeing Charley, she ran to her open arms, crying.

“It’s okay, Fluttershy,” cooed Charley, cradling her. “You’re safe now.”

“Thank you,” responded Fluttershy in between sobs.

Suddenly the door opened to the outside.

“What’s that,” asked Fluttershy.

“I think we’re about to find out."

Charley picked up Fluttershy and her element as she walked outside with Alex and Spike.

Chapter 49: A Farewell to Kings

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Braeburn, Scott, and Helena flew through the portal into their room. Helena instinctively got up and looked around for any more traps and/or assailants. She didn’t have to look long, as she saw a man sitting on a throne at the end of the room. She couldn’t see him clearly, as a shadow obscured his features. She could see a stone behind him though, and in it was Rarity.

“Rarity!” she cried.

“Rarity?” asked Braeburn.

They all got up and ran towards the stone. Before they got too close, the man raised his hand, causing it to glow with a faint purple. Suddenly, Helena, Braeburn, and Scott were petrified.

“Let us go!” yelled Helena.

“Shut up, bitch,” he said.

Now closer, plus his voice being a dead giveaway, everyone could see the man in front of them was Chase. He waved his arm, placing his frozen enemies twenty feet or so back. He then unfroze them. Chase got up off of the throne, which sunk into the floor. Upon revealing himself fuller in the light, he looked much different. He wasn’t wearing any kind of shirt, leaving his upper body entirely exposed. His skin was a pale white, like he was an animated corpse. He probably was, considering the hole in his chest where Zelda shot him. The eyes behind his glasses were milky and lifeless. He also wore the corrupted Element of Generosity around his neck.

“Wow,” said Helena. “Who knew Chase loved to wear jewelry?”

This elicited snickers from Braeburn and Scott.

“I said SHUT UP, YOU BITCH!” yelled Chase.

He forced his palm out, knocking Helena off of her feet with an invisible force.

“Hey!” yelled Scott, approaching Chase.

“Don’t,” said Chase, making a hand that looked like he was choking the air.

He was however using these powers to choke Scott.

“Are you done?” Chase asked.

Scott didn’t have enough breath to say, “Yes,” so he nodded. Chase let him go.

“As you can see,” said Chase, “I am not as dead as you were led to believe. But thanks to the corrupted powers of the Element of Generosity, I am alive and well. You are not allowed to pass through this room, unless you duel me. The loser loses their Numbers… and their lives. The way I see it, you want to stop Inverz and save your friend, and I want what rightfully belongs to us. I don’t see how you can refuse.”

“There never was going to be a refusal,” said Helena, activating her gauntlet duel disk.

“You’re going to pay for hurting my sweet Rarity,” said Braeburn, unsheathing his D-Pad.

Scott also unsheathed his D-Pad. Chas activated his D-Pad and they all drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Braeburn, Helena, and Scott vs. Chase

Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn summons Ancient Gear Statue (ATK: 500 DEF: 800). Braeburn tributes Ancient Gear Statue to special summon Ancient Gear Golem, ignoring the summoning conditions (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000).

Braeburn places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-12000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

____________________________________

With the power given to me by the elements, thought Chase, I am invincible. These fools will cower before the true, unrelenting power of my Chronomaly deck.

____________________________________

Chase’s Turn: Chase activates Graceful Charity drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Chase special summons Chronomaly Crystal Bones, as his opponent controls a monster while he doesn’t (ATK: 1300 DEF: 400). When Chronomaly Crystal Bone is summoned that way, Chase can special summon an Chronomaly monster from his graveyard, choosing Chronomaly Crystal Skull (ATK: 900 DEF: 600). Chase overlays OOPArts Crystal Bones and Chronomaly Crystal Skull to xyz summon Chronomaly Crystal Chononaut (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1000). Chase then special summons Chronomaly Aztec Mask Golem, as he activated a normal spell card this turn (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000). Chase then special summons Chronomaly Moai in defense position, as he controls an Chronomaly monster (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1600). Chase then special summons another Chronomaly Moai under the same conditions. Chase overlays both Chronomaly Moais to xyz summon Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1500).

Chase then tributes Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach to normal summon Chronomaly Sol Monolith (ATK: 600 DEF: 600). When Chronomaly Sol Monolith is summoned, Chase can make the level of any monster he controls to be 6, choosing Chronomaly Aztec Mask Golem (Lvl.: 4 -> 6). Chase overlays Chronomaly Aztec Mask Golem with Chronomaly Sol Monolith to xyz summon Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis (ATK: 2600 DEF: 3000). When Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis is xyz summoned, Chase can equip a Number monster to it and have Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis gain ATK equal to half of the Number’s ATK, choosing Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach (ATK: 2600 -> 3800). Chase activates Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it and sending an equip card equipped to it by its own effect to the graveyard (ATK: 3800 -> 2600), Chase can halve Braeburn, Helena, and Scott’s life points.

Braeburn, Helena, and Scott’s Life Points: 12000 -> 6000

When Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis’s effect is activated, Chase cannot conduct his battle phase this turn.

Chase places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-12000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Do you see why standing up to me is futile?” asked Chase. “With the awesome powers of my Chronomaly deck, you don’t stand a fraction of a chance.”

“You’re wrong,” said Helena. “As long as we have the support of our friends, the only inevitability is your defeat.”

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Helena’s Turn: Helena special summons Photon Thrasher, as she controls no monsters (ATK: 2100 DEF: 0). She then normal summons Photon Lizard (ATK: 900 DEF: 1200). Helena activates Photon Booster, making Photon Lizard’s ATK 2000 (ATK: 900 -> 2000). Helena tributes Photon Thrasher and Photon Lizard to special summon Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500). Helena then activates Photon Sanctuary, special summoning 2 level 4 Photon tokens (ATK: 2000 DEF: 0). Helena overlays both Photon tokens to xyz summon Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1800). Helena places 1 card face down.

Helena then activates Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material when she has no cards in her hand, she can draw 5 cards. Helena attacks Chronomaly Crystal Alien with Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. Chase activates Chronomaly Crystal Alien’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it when it’s targeted for an attack, it can’t be destroyed by battle or card effects, and any battle damage is inflicted on the opponent instead. Helena activates Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s effect. When it battles an opponent’s monster, Helena removes both it and the monster it’s battling from play. At the end of the battle phase, both monsters are special summoned to their owner’s sides of the field. If the monster that Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon battled was an xyz monster, Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s ATK raises by 500 for each xyz material attached to the monster when it left the field (1) (ATK: 3000 -> 3500).

Helena ends her turn.

Status: Hand-5 Life-6000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Boring,” said Chase.

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Chase’s Turn: Chase activates Palenque Sarcophagus, drawing 2 cards when he controls a Chronomaly monster. Chase activates the field spell Chronomaly City Babylon. Chase activates Chronomaly City Babylon’s effect. By removing an Chronomaly monster in his graveyard from play, he can special summon a monster with the same level from his graveyard, removing from play an Chronomaly Moai to special summon another Chronomaly Moai. Chase special summons another OOPArts Moai from his hand. Chase activates his trap Xyz Soul, choosing an xyz monster in either player’s graveyard and having all monsters he controls gain ATK equal to the rank of the monster times 200, choosing Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach (5 x 200 = 1000) (ATK: 2100 -> 3100) (ATK: 2600 -> 3600) (ATK: 1800 -> 2800) (ATK: 1800 -> 2800).

Then then xyz monster returns to the extra deck. Chase attacks Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina with Chronomaly Moai, but Braeburn activates Waboku, preventing their monsters’ destruction by battle and reducing all battle damage this turn to 0. Chase overlays both Chronomaly Moais to xyz summon Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach. During the end phase, all monsters’ ATK returns to normal (ATK: 3100 -> 2100) (ATK: 3600 -> 2600). Chase activates Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach’s effect. When a monster’s ATK changes, Chase can detach 1 xyz material from it to inflict damage equal to the difference between the higher ATK and the lower ATK (3600 – 2600 = 1000).

Braeburn, Helena, and Scott’s Life Points: 6000 -> 5000

Chase ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-12000 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-1

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“Oh, now look whose turn it is,” said Chase. “I saw the way Gilda and Mark whooped your ass. I’m just going to sit back and enjoy the show here.”

“You’re not going to want to miss it,” said Scott confidently. “It’s going to be explosive.”

____________________________________

Scott’s Turn: Scott overlays Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon and Ancient Gear Golem to xyz summon Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ (ATK: 3400 DEF: 2500). Scott activates the effect of Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ. By detaching one xyz material, Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ’s ATK raises by 100 times the rank of every xyz monster on the field (excluding its own) (14) (100 x 14 = 1400, ATK: 3400 -> 4800). Chase activates Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach’s effect (4800 – 3400 = 1400).

Braeburn, Helena, and Scott’s Life Points: 5000 -> 3600

Scott equips Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ with Megamorph, doubling its original ATK (ATK: 4800 -> 8200). Scott attacks Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut.

Chase’s Life Points: 12000 -> 5900

Scott places 1 card face down and ends his turn. Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 8200 -> 6800).

Status: Hand-4 Life-3800 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

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“You…” wheezed Chase, “…fucking dick.”

“Thanks,” said Scott happily.

“Don’t forget, you little shit. You have less than a third of your life points remaining. Forget any thoughts of winning this, because you won’t. I will personally see to that.”

____________________________________

Chase’s Turn: Chase attacks Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina with Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis, but Braeburn activates Attack Invulnerability, preventing Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina’s destruction by battle. Damage is still applied.

Braeburn, Helena, and Scott’s Life Points: 3600 -> 3300

Chase attacks Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina with Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach.

Braeburn, Helena, and Scott’s Life Points: 3300 -> 3200

Chase places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-5900 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn special summons Roaring Express Train Rocket Arrow, as he controls no cards. (ATK: 5000 DEF: 0). Braeburn then activates Xyz Plant, special summoning itself as a token with the same level as a monster he controls. Braeburn overlays Roaring Express Train Rocket Arrow and Xyz Plant to xyz summon Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000). Braeburn cannot conduct his battle phase because he special summoned Roaring Express Train Rocket Arrow. Braeburn activates Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Braeburn inflicts 2000 points of damage.

Chase’s Life Points: 5900 -> 3900

Braeburn places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-3200 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Chase was starting to become angry again.

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Chase’s Turn: Chase summons Chronomaly Mud Golem (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1000). Chase attacks Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina with Chronomaly Mud Golem. Chronomaly Mud Golem’s ATK is lower than Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina, so it is destroyed.

Chase’s Life Points: 3900 -> 3300

Chase activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster of his is destroyed. Since Chase’s life points are lower than Braeburn, Helena, and Chase’s, Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ’s ATK is halved instead of doubled due to Megamorph’s effect (ATK: 6800 -> 1700). Chase attacks Number 171: Grand Harmonious Pipe Organ with Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach. Scott tries to activate Invincible Hero, but Chase activates Trap Jammer, negating and destroying Invincible Hero.

Braeburn, Helena, and Scott’s Life Points: 3200 -> 2500

Chase attacks Number 115: Nebula Angel Carina with Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis.

Braeburn, Helena, and Scott’s Life Points: 2500 -> 2100

Chase places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-3300 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

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“HA!” shouted Chase. “Bring it on, bitch!”

“With pleasure,” Helena responded.

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Helena’s Turn: Helena activates her face down Immortal Dragon, special summoning Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon from her graveyard. Helena attacks Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis with Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, but Chase activates Stonehenge Shield, negating Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s attack, negating its effect, and reducing its ATK to 0 (ATK: 3000 -> 0). Helena summons Photon Circle in defense position (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000).

Helena places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-2100 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2

Chase’s Turn: Chase activates Chronomaly City Babylon’s effect, removing Chronomaly Mud Golem from play to special summon Chronomaly Aztec Mask Golem. Chase summons Chronomaly Cabrera’s Trebuchet (ATK: 0 DEF: 1800). Chase activates Chronomaly Cabrera’s Trebuchet’s effect. By tributing 1 monster he controls, he can switch Chronomaly Cabrera’s Trebuchet into defense position and lower the ATK of one monster on the field to 0, choosing Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max (ATK: 3000 -> 0). Chase attacks Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max with Number 33: Machu Mach, but Helena activates Negate Attack.

Chase ends his turn. Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 0 -> 3000).

Status: Hand-3 Life-3300 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“Stop it!” yelled Chase. “You’re only delaying the inevitable.”

“No,” said Braeburn. “We’re just setting up the inevitable.”

“Shut up. I’ll take down your train, just you wait.”

“Great,” interrupted Scott. “And I’ll just tear down your wall.”

____________________________________

Scott’s Turn: Scott activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Scott summons Vylon Charger (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000). Scott activates Photon Lead, special summoning a level 4 or lower LIGHT monster from his hand, choosing Vylon Vanguard (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1000). Scott overlays Vylon Vanguard, Vylon, Charger, and Helena’s Photon Circle to xyz summon Vylon Disigma (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2100).

Scott activates Vylon Disigma’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Scott can equip one monster that his opponent controls onto it, choosing Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach. Scott then equips Vylon Disigma with Mist Body, preventing its destruction in battle. Scott attacks Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis with Vylon Disigma, but Chase activates Thunder Pot, negating the attack and ending the battle phase. Scott activates Double Cyclone, destroying a spell or trap card that he controls to destroy a spell or trap chase controls. Scott destroys Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mach to destroy Chronomaly City Babylon.

Scott places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-2100 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

Chase’s Turn: Chase activates Dian Keto the Cure Master, gaining 1000 life points.

Chase’s Life Points: 3300 -> 4300

Chase then summons Chronomaly Mayan Machine (ATK: 1500 DEF: 700). Chase switches Chronomaly Cabrera’s Trebuchet into attack position. Chase activates Chronomaly Cabrera’s Trebuchet’s effect, tributing OOPArts Mayan Machine to switch Chronomaly Cabrera’s Trebuchet into defense position and lower a monster’s ATK to 0, choosing Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max (ATK: 3000 -> 0). Chase attacks Super Dreadnought Cannon Express Gustaph Max with Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis. Scott activates Damage Diet, halving the damage they take from the attack.

Braeburn, Helena, and Scott’s Life Points: 2100 -> 800

Chase places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-4300 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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“Now what?” asked Chase proudly.

“Let’s see,” responded Braeburn.

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Braeburn’s Turn: Braeburn activates his Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Braeburn activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Chronomaly Mayan Machine from Chase’s graveyard. With Chronomaly Mayan Machine’s effect, it can count as 2 tributes for the summoning of a Machine-type monster. Braeburn tributes Chronomaly Mayan Machine to summon another Ancient Gear Golem. Chase activates Rainbow Life, discarding 1 card to gain life points he would lose this turn. Braeburn attacks Chronomaly Cabrera’s Trebuchet with Ancient Gear Golem. With Ancient Gear Golem’s effect, it can deal piercing damage. Rainbow Life makes Chase gain life points in place of damage.

Chase’s Life Points: 4300 -> 5500

Braeburn ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-800 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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“Sorry about that,” said Braeburn to his teammates. “I didn’t mean to give him life points.”

“That’s fine, said Scott. "As long as he doesn’t get to use that monster’s effect again, I’m great.”

“As if I need that petty monster to defeat you!” yelled Chase.

____________________________________

Chase’s Turn: Chase attacks Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon with Number 6: OOPArts Atlanthal, but Helena activates Iron Resolve, halving her life points to negate the attack.

Braeburn, Helena, and Scott’s Life Points: 800 -> 300

Chase places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-5500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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Helena fainted due to the damage she lost. She found herself in the same void she found herself when she was able to chaos xyz summon.

“What’s going on now?” she asked out loud.

Suddenly, her gold locket pulled itself off of Helena’s neck. It floated about five feet in front of her and glowed brightly, causing Helena to recoil from the brightness. When she looked back, she saw a figure floating in front of her. She was wearing an elegant black and red dress. Helena knew who this was though by her familiar glasses. Melanie.

“Melanie?” asked Helena, dumbfounded.

“Hey Helena.”

“What is this? How are you talking to me?”

“I’m a spirit now. I’ve actually always been with you, like a guardian angel, through your period of despair up until this moment. You slipped out of consciousness, and this is the best way I can talk to you. I can see you’re in a bit of a pickle.”

“Yeah.” Helena looked sadly away.

Melanie’s spirit brought Helena’s chin up with her fingers. “Hey, don’t be like that. I want to let you know that from what I’ve seen you do in this world, and how you’ve treated my old deck, I couldn’t be more proud of you.”

Helena couldn’t fight her tears.

“Thanks. But I can’t hold off Chase much longer. We’re going to lose. And then we’re going to die.”

“Don’t be such a drama queen. Here, let me help you.”

Melanie hugged Helena. “What are you doing?”

“I won’t let you lose this duel like this. Just take a deep breath and kick that guy’s ass.”

Helena inhaled. She then saw Melanie’s spirit fuse into her body. Then, extreme brightness.

____________________________________

Helena woke up to find herself back in the room where they were dueling. She looked around her to see everyone, including Chase, look at her with shock. She then looked at her hands, and saw that they were black. She then looked at a nearby mirror and saw that her body was emitting a red aura, and that where her body was normally white, it was red, and where it was green, it was black. She then remembered: Melanie wore black and red. She understood now that Melanie’s spirit had fused with her own. Touching her locket as a silent thank you, she then casted her gaze at the frightened Chase.

“This is where we win,” she said. “This will be the last time you call me a bitch.”

____________________________________

Helena’s Turn: Helena activates Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying Chase’s face down card. Next, Helena activates Overlay Regenerate, attaching itself as xyz material to Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis. Next, Helena tributes Ancient Gear Golem and Vylon Disigma to summon Photon Kaiser (ATK: 2000 DEF: 2800). When Photon Kaiser is normal summoned, Helena can special summon another Photon Kaiser from her deck. Helena overlays Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon and her 2 Photon Kaisers to xyz summon Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon (ATK: 4500 DEF: 3000).

If this card is xyz summoned using Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon as xyz material, the effects of all other cards on the field are negated. Helena activates Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, all xyz materials are detached from xyz monsters that her opponent controls, and then it gains 500 ATK for each of them (2) (ATK: 4500 -> 5500). Furthermore, Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon can attack as many times as the number of xyz materials detached by this effect (2). Helena attacks Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis with Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon.

Chase’s Life Points: 5500 -> 2600

Helena attacks Chase directly with Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon.

Chase’s Life Points: 2600 -> 0

Braeburn, Helena, and Scott win.

The last attack was so powerful, that Chase was vaporized by the attack, where he would finally stay dead. The only thing that remained in the area where he stood was his duel disk, the restored Element of Generosity, and the stone Rarity was frozen in. The element then freed Rarity. Braeburn was elated to see his lover alive and well. They hugged each other affectionately. Helena and Scott looked on happily. Soon a red smoke rolled off of Helena, restoring her to her original colors. Everyone in the room looked to see as the smoke formed into Melanie’s spirit. Her spirit immediately flew towards Scott and hugged him like a giddy fangirl. Scott was offset by this spirit groping him.

“Who is this?” he asked, scared.

“This is Melanie,” said Helena. “She was my original trainer. The photon deck I use was hers before she died. And needless to say, she had a big crush on you.”

“You don’t say.”

Melanie went to introduce herself to Rarity and Braeburn. “You must be Rarity and Braeburn. You two seem to make a charming couple.”

“I must say,” said Rarity. “I love your dress. I have to remember that design.”

“Thanks,” she responded. “They’re what we’re given in the afterlife.”

“If I had known that there were such magnificent dresses in the world of the dead, I would have tried dying years ago.” She caught herself. “No offense.”

“None taken. But seriously, you have so much to live for, both of you.”

As she floated towards Scott again, Rarity and Braeburn nuzzled.

“I still can’t believe I’m in front of my idol!” said Melanie. “Anyways, it’s been great meeting you. Thank you so much for taking Helena in.”

Scott caressed her hand and gave it a small kiss. “You did a wonderful job raising her.”

Melanie, even as a spirit, almost fainted. She caught herself to have a last word with Helena.

“Well, I guess this is goodbye,” said Helena.

“No, it’s never goodbye.”

She and Helena hugged, as Braeburn, Rarity, and Scott watched tearfully. Melanie’s spirit condensed into a small red light and assimilated herself with Helena’s locket. Helena gently clasped the locket in her hands, a single tear running down her cheek. Suddenly, the doors to the exit opened, prompting everyone to leave and face their next challenge.

Chapter 50: Loyalties

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Rainbow Dash and Spitfire were thrown into the room from the portal. Rainbow Dash saw Mark standing at the back of the room. She charged at Mark but found that he was just a projection on screen when she crashed face first into the wall.

“That must have hurt,” said Mark. “What have you done with our friends?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“You mean them?” asked Mark.

Pointing to an empty spot on the wall. A screen came up and showed the action as Rainbow Dash and Spitfire watched. Alex, Sammy, Maddie, Scott, Lucas, Orion, Helena, Charley, Eli, Spike, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Zelda, Braeburn, and Ryan were walking into a room similar to the one they were in from five different doors. Everyone looked very happy to see each other.

“Is everyone alright?” asked Eli.

“Not you,” said Ryan.

Rainbow Dash was confused. Suddenly, Ryan quickly grabbed Eli’s sword, and killed Orion, Helena, Lucas, and Sammy in one swing. Rainbow Dash was petrified upon the first sight of her friend’s blood. He then killed the rest effortlessly, except for Eli. After a small struggle, Ryan decapitated Eli. Rainbow Dash watched in horror as the guardian’s head fell onto the floor.

“NO!” she cried.

“Do you see this now?” asked Mark, as Rainbow Dash was being consoled by Spitfire.

“Ryan was a grifter; one of the best in the bureau. Once we finally had all of the cards in our hand, we were able to dispose of them. Despite our, embarrassing loss on the battlefield, we couldn’t be more thrilled that every force that could stop our plan were all assembled here. Now he has fulfilled his job. Well, not yet.”

Ryan on the screen was seen falling through a hole magically formed under his feet. A hole opened up in the ceiling of the room where Rainbow Dash and Spitfire were. Ryan’s clothes and face were covered in blood. He initially looked happy to see Rainbow Dash, but Spitfire held him down while Rainbow Dash wailed on him.

“You no good traitor!” she yelled.

Ryan was able to break free of their grip.

“Traitor?” he asked. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb with me! I see the blood is all over your hands.”

“Blood?” Ryan was scared and shocked upon the sight of blood.

"Let’s see how you like it to be killed by someone you thought you trusted.” Rainbow Dash and Spitfire walked slowly towards Ryan. Before they could strike, three circles enveloped around each of them.

“I see,” said Rainbow. “Looks like this is how it has to be.”

Rainbow Dash and Spitfire unsheathed their duel disks. Ryan knew that someone had trapped them. He reluctantly activated his duel disk. They drew five cards from their decks.

“DUEL!” they all yelled.

Rainbow Dash and Spitfire vs. Ryan

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: Rainbow Dash summons Gusto Thunbolt (ATK: 1500 DEF: 1200). Next, she activates Double Summon, summoning Gusto Falco (ATK: 600 DEF: 1400). Rainbow Dash tunes Gusto Thunbolt with Gusto Falco to synchro summon Daigusto Sphreeze (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1300). When Gusto Falco is sent to the graveyard, Rainbow Dash can special summon a Gusto monster from her deck in face down defense position.

Rainbow Dash places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

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Ryan couldn’t stand to face his friend like this. He was in a perpetual kneel with his head hung low on the ground.

____________________________________

Spitfire’s Turn: Spitfire summons Kaibaman (ATK: 200 DEF: 700). Spitfire tributes Kaibaman to special summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon from her hand (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500).

Spitfire places 1 card face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-3 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“Now come at me, Ryan!” called Rainbow Dash. “I’m not scared of you.”

Ryan wouldn’t fight with her. Not like this.

____________________________________

Ryan’s Turn: Ryan ends his turn.

Status: Hand-6 Life-8000 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-0

____________________________________

“What are you doing?” yelled Rainbow Dash. “Fight back, you coward!”

Ryan’s tears wouldn’t stop flowing from his face.

“Fine,” she said. “Then I’ll finish you off myself!”

____________________________________

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: Rainbow Dash flip summons Musto, Priest of Gusto (ATK: 1800 DEF: 900). Rainbow Dash then summons Gusto Squirro (ATK: 0 DEF: 1800). Rainbow Dash tunes Musto, Priest of Gusto with Gusto Squirro to synchro summon Daigusto Grif (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1300). Rainbow Dash tunes Daigusto Sphreeze with Daigusto Grif to accel synchro summon Sonic Rainboom Phoenix (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2500). Rainbow Dash attacks Ryan directly.

Ryan’s Life Points: 8000 -> 4700

Rainbow Dash ends her turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“Here,” said Spitfire. “Maybe this will bring him out of it.”

____________________________________

Spitfire’s Turn: Spitfire activates Ancient Rules, special summoning a level 5 or higher normal monster from her hand, choosing another Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Spitfire overlays both Blue-Eyes White Dragons to xyz summon Thunder End Dragon (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2000). Spitfire activates Thunder End Dragon’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, it destroys all other monsters on the field. Spitfire attacks Ryan directly.

Ryan’s Life Points: 4700 -> 1700

Spitfire ends her turn. During the end phase when Sonic Rainboom Phoenix was destroyed, Rainbow Dash can banish 1 WIND synchro monster in her graveyard to special summon Sonic Rainboom Phoenix and inflict damage equal to the half of the banished synchro monster’s ATK, choosing Daigusto Sphreeze.

Ryan’s Life Points: 1700 -> 700

Status: Hand-2 Life-8000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

Ryan’s journey to save his son had been an awful one. Hurting many creatures without care. Then when he finally thought he had achieved his wish, he found his son taken from him again. If this was what it took to save his son, he no longer wanted it.

____________________________________

Ryan’s Turn: Ryan ends his turn. Ryan’s hand is 1 card over the limit, so he discards 1 card.

Status: Hand-6 Life-700 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-0

____________________________________

Rainbow Dash couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Even with a handful of life points, he was fully welcoming death.

“Stop it already Ryan!” she yelled. “Just take your turn again, I’ll give you that much!”

“No,” he quietly said.

“You heard her,” yelled Spitfire.

“No.”

“Give her the respect she deserves and fight her.”

“No!”

“Just do it!”

“NO! I won’t! She’s my best friend! I won’t hurt Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash was starting to well up with tears. “You killed my friends. I will never accept you as a friend!”

“Killed your friends? I didn’t do that.”

“Don’t lie to me! I see the blood.”

“I don’t even know where that came from. When we were sucked into the portal, I fell inside here and was attacked by you.”

“Stop lying!”

“I’m not! I’m through with hurting even my friends to get what I want.”

He threw his D-Pad on the ground. Ryan’s words started ringing true to Rainbow Dash.

“I meant it when I said that you are my best friend. Even in my time of suffering, you were there to support me. But if this is where our friendship ends, then so be it. Thank you for saving me.”

Ryan threw his arms out in the shape of a cross, waiting for the end.

Rainbow Dash was tempted to draw from her deck, but the sincerity of Ryan’s words couldn’t have been faked. She set her arm down.

“I believe in you,” she whispered, a tear rolling off her cheek onto the floor.

All of the sudden, a bright light descended from the room. The light revealed the circles that Ryan, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire were trapped in. The light then turned into beams that seemed to erase the seals holding them. Ryan and Spitfire were confused, but Rainbow Dash seemed to know what was happening. As the light subsided, everyone could see that the source of the light was the Element of Loyalty, having been restored by Ryan and Rainbow Dash’s bond.

The two began to step closer, realizing that they weren’t held captive anymore. Ryan then fell to his knees again and broke down. Rainbow Dash flew to Ryan and hugged him warmly, stroking his back for comfort. Spitfire could see that Ryan was telling the truth now too, and she went over and hugged him too. Ryan wrapped both of his arms around his friends and openly cried.

“What are you doing?” yelled a voice.

Ryan, Rainbow Dash, and Spitfire, alerted by the voice turned around and faced the wall. The wall, however was gone, and replaced with the other half of the room. Standing at the end, was Mark with Twilight Sparkle trapped in her stone prison with the corrupted element of magic floating at his side.

“Don’t you know what he did with your friends?”

Rainbow Dash stepped up. “He didn’t do that.”

“You’re going to believe his lies?”

“You mean like the ones you told Ryan about being able to save his son?”

Mark knew that Rainbow Dash couldn’t be tricked anymore. “Fine! Then I’ll take all of you down.” Similar circles formed around all four duelists. “You want to pass me, beat me first.”

“Gladly,” said Ryan.

Ryan and Mark activated their duel disks while Rainbow Dash and Spitfire unsheathed theirs. They all drew five cards from their deck.

“DUEL!” they yelled.

Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, and Ryan vs. Mark

Rainbow Dash’s Turn: Rainbow Dash activates Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. When Gusto Grif is sent from the hand to the graveyard, Rainbow Dash can special summon 1 Gusto monster from her deck, choosing Gusto Gulldo (ATK: 500 DEF: 500). Rainbow Dash normal summons Gusto Codor (ATK: 1000 DEF: 400). Rainbow Dash tunes Gusto Codor with Gusto Gulldo to synchro summon Daigusto Sphreeze (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1300). When Daigusto Sphreeze is synchro summoned, Rainbow Dash can add a Gusto monster from her graveyard to her hand. When Gusto Gulldo is sent from the field to the graveyard, Rainbow Dash can special summon a level 2 or lower Gusto monster from her deck, choosing Gusto Falco (ATK: 600 DEF: 1400).

Rainbow Dash activates Double Summon, summoning Musto, Priest of Gusto (ATK: 1800 DEF: 900). Rainbow Dash tunes Musto, Priest of Gusto with Gusto Falco to synchro summon Daigusto Grif (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1300). When Gusto Falco is sent from the field to the graveyard, she can special summon a Gusto monster from her deck in face down defense position. Rainbow Dash tunes Daigusto Sphreeze with Daigusto Grif to accel synchro summon Sonic Rainboom Phoenix (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2500).

Rainbow Dash places 3 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-12000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-3

Mark’s Turn: Mark activates Temple of the Kings, allowing him to activate trap cards the same turn they were set. Mark activates Pyramid of Light. Next, he special summons Andro Sphinx by paying 500 life points (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500).

Mark’s Life Points: 12000 -> 11500

Mark places 1 card face down. Next, he equips Andro Sphinx with Big Bang Shot, increasing Andro Sphinx’s ATK by 400 (ATK: 3000 -> 3400). Then he activates Wind Nature’s Release, having Andro Sphinx gain ATK equal to its DEF (ATK: 3400 -> 5900). Ryan attacks Sonic Rainboom Phoenix with Andro Sphinx, but Rainbow Dash activates Attack Invulnerability, having her take no battle damage this turn.

During the end phase, Andro Sphinx is destroyed due to Wild Nature’s Release’s effect, but is also removed from play due to Big Bang Shot’s effect. Mark then activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards when a monster of his is destroyed. During the end phase when Sonic Rainboom Phoenix was destroyed, Rainbow Dash can banish 1 WIND synchro monster in her graveyard to special summon Sonic Rainboom Phoenix and inflict damage equal to the half of the banished synchro monster’s ATK, choosing Daigusto Sphreeze.

Mark’s Life Points: 11500 -> 10500

Mark ends his turn.

Status: Hand-5 Life-10500 Monsters-0 Face Down Cards-0

Spitfire’s Turn: Spitfire activates her Graceful Charity, drawing 3 cards and discarding 2. Spitfire activates Swing of Memories, allowing her to special summon a normal monster from the graveyard, choosing Blue-Eyes White Dragon (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500) Spitfire then activates Ancient Rules, special summoning a level 5 or higher normal monster from her hand, choosing another Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Spitfire overlays her 2 Blue-Eyes White Dragons to xyz summon Thunder End Dragon (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2000). Spitfire attacks Mark directly with Thunder End Dragon. Mark attempts to activate The High Priestess’ Staff from his hand, but Rainbow Dash activates Trap Jammer, negating and destroying The High Priestess’ Staff. The attack goes through.

Mark’s Life Points: 10500 -> 7500

Spitfire places 2 cards face down and ends her turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-12000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Mark’s Turn: Mark special summons Sphinx Teleia from his hand by paying 500 life points (ATK: 2500 DEF: 3000).

Mark’s Life Points: 7500 -> 7000

Mark then activates D.D.R. - Different Dimension Reincarnation, discarding 1 card to special summon Andro Sphinx from the banished zone. Mark then attempts to activate Heavy Storm, but Spitfire activates Magic Jammer, discarding 1 card to negate Heavy Storm’s destruction and destroy it. Mark activates Riryoku, halving the ATK of one monster and have another monster gain ATK equal to the amount halved, halving Thunder End Dragon’s ATK to increase the ATK of Sphinx Teleia (ATK: 3000 -> 1500) (ATK: 2500 -> 4000). Mark attacks Thunder End Dragon with Sphinx Teleia, but Spitfire activates Negate Attack.

Mark places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-7000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1

Ryan’s Turn: When he controls no monsters while his opponent controls one, Ryan can special summon T.G. Striker from his hand (ATK: 900 DEF: 0). When a level 4 or lower monster is special summoned, Ryan can special summon T.G. Warwolf from his hand (ATK: 1200 DEF: 0). Ryan tunes T.G. Warwolf with T.G. Striker to synchro summon T.G. Hyper Librarian (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1800). Next, Ryan normal summons T.G. Cyber Magician (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Ryan activates T.G. Cyber Magician’s effect, being able to use T.G. monsters in his hand as the non-tuner synchro material for a synchro summon. Ryan tunes T.G. Drill Fish in his hand to synchro summon T.G. Recipro Dragonfly (ATK: 300 DEF: 300).

With T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect, Ryan draw 1 card whenever a synchro summon happens. Ryan then activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Daigusto Grif from Rainbow Dash’s graveyard. Rainbow Dash activates Star Changer, lowering T.G. Hyper Librarian’s level by 1 (Lvl.: 5 -> 4). Ryan tunes T.G. Hyper Librarian and T.G. Recipro Dragonfly with Daigusto Grif to delta accel synchro summon T.G. Halberd Cannon (ATK: 4000 DEF: 4000). Ryan activates his Heavy Storm, destroying all spell and trap cards on the field. When Pyramid of Light is destroyed, Andro Sphinx and Sphinx Teleia are also destroyed. When Andro Sphinx and Sphinx Teleia are destroyed at the same time, Mark can special summon Theinen the Great Sphinx from his deck, but Mark activates T.G. Halberd Cannon’s effect, negating the summoning of a monster and destroying it. Ryan then activates Limiter Removal, doubling the attack of all Machine-type monsters on the field (ATK: 4000 -> 8000). Ryan attacks Mark directly with T.G. Halberd Cannon.

Mark’s Life Points: 7000 -> 0

Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, and Ryan win.

Mark laid on the ground unconscious as the Element of Magic was restored. With it, Twilight was freed from her stone prison.

“Where am I?” she asked.

Rainbow Dash and Spitfire tackled Twilight with hugs. Ryan looked happy at their playing.

“What happened?” Rainbow Dash spoke. “Ryan-”

“We,” corrected Ryan. “We saved you.”

“Thank you,” said Twilight. “With a friend as great as Rainbow Dash, it was the very least I could do for her.”

Rainbow Dash blushed. Twilight put the Element of Magic on her head.

“Where is everyone else?” asked Twilight.

Immediately after asking, the door opened.

“I guess we’ll find out,” said Rainbow Dash.

The four of them walked outside together.

Chapter 51: Apocalypse Soon

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Author's Notes:

This chapter's featured card: Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse

Xyz Monster Rank: 4 ATK: ? DEF: ? Attribute: DARK Type: Dragon

2 Rank 4 DARK Monsters

Xyz Materials attached to the Xyz Monsters used for the Xyz Summon for this card also become Xyz Materials on this card. When this card is Xyz Summoned, send all cards in your hand to the graveyard and reduce your Life Points to 0. As long as this monster remains on your field, you cannot lose the Duel. This card’s original ATK and DEF become the combined ATK of the Xyz Monsters used for the Xyz Summon for this card. If you discarded 6 or more cards from this card’s effect, this card’s original ATK and DEF become ∞. If a “Number” monster was used for the Xyz Summon for this card, this card is treated as a “Number” monster. You can skip your Draw Phase to attach the top card of your Deck to this card as Xyz Material instead. Once during your Standby Phase, detach 1 Xyz Material from this card or destroy this card. If this card would be removed from the field, you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card or destroy one “Black Pool – Tainted Pond” you control instead (ignoring its effect).

When everyone outside of the palace heard the screams coming from the duelists inside, they tried for minutes to open the doors, only to find them locked. Luna then tried to enter through the royal courtyard, but found the gate shut and locked. She tried to fly over, but found she couldn’t due to a magical barrier set up around it, making any kind of entrance impossible. Shining Armor then tried to penetrate the forcefield with a powerful spell. It looked like a challenge from the way he was groaning.

“Shining Armor,” said Princess Celestia. “Don’t overexert yourself.”

“I put up a protection spell all over Canterlot for my wedding,” he responded. “This is child’s play compared to that.”

It evidently wasn’t, but Princess Celestia and Princess Luna tried to penetrate the spell with him. After a minute of casting their magic, they were able to break the spell and enter. Most of the surviving army members stayed outside. When they entered the courtyard, they saw five stone doors, closed.

“Our magic was barely enough to destroy that barrier,” said Princess Celestia. “If these doors are closed and sealed too, I’m afraid all we can do is wait.”

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After a mere ten minutes of waiting, all five doors began to open. From the door to their far left came Sammy, Eli, Orion, and Applejack. From the door to its right came Zelda, Lucas, Maddie, and Pinkie Pie. From the middle door came Alex, Charley, Spike, and Fluttershy. From the door to the middle’s right came Scott, Helena, Braeburn, and Rarity. Lastly, from the door on the far right came Ryan, Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, and Twilight Sparkle. Everyone exiting a door saw their friends coming out of the other doors and rushed to each other. They shook hands, hugged, and some even kissed.

“Twily!” called Shining Armor upon finding his sister. Twilight ran to Shining Armor, nuzzling each other. “Are you okay?” he asked.

“I’m fine,” she said. “Thanks to Ryan.”

Shining Armor walked up to Ryan. He tapped him on the shoulder with his hoof. Upon turning around, Ryan was greeted with a hug.

“Thank you so much for saving my sister,” he said.

“It’s the least I could do for the trouble I’ve helped cause,” he admitted, patting Shining Armor on the back.

Twilight went to join her other equine friends and they talked to each other about their restored elements. Alex was happy for the reunion, but knew there was one left to defeat. The happy clatter of friends and family was broken by a loud clapping. Everyone turned to the center to find Inverz standing in the center of the courtyard making claps at a slow tempo.

“Bravo,” he said. “Bravo. I didn’t think many of you would make it this far, and yet, here you all are, alive and well.”

“Inverz,” growled Eli, stepping to the front.

“Looks like we found our first challenger,” he said. Inverz casted a spell from his hand similar to the Vegas agents’ duel anchors as it snared Eli. “Do I have anyone else?”

Alex stepped up, yelling, “I!”

Inverz roped him in too.

“One more,” said Ryan.

Zelda tried to intervene, but Scott held her back, allowing Ryan to take the anchor.

“Let me go!” she yelled.

“No,” said Ryan calmly. “I helped bring this bastard into this world. I think it’s fitting that I help take him out.”

Zelda, while still angry, nodded in bitter acceptance.

“Now that we have our brave volunteers,” said Inverz, sounding them off like victims already, “let us begin our deadly game of Winner Takes All.”

The sky quickly turned dark. Inverz’ left arm began to melt into a thick black fluid. Once the fluid hardened, he had a gold gauntlet on his arm, complete with a wrist dealer. Inverz raised his left arm towards the sky. A black lightning bolt struck his arm, with a gold and red duel disk blade appearing on it. The main body of the blade was very jagged, and there looked to be a scythe-like blade protruding from its center, and a deck was now in the wrist dealer.

Inverz then raised his arms up with a yell. The ground began shaking underneath everybody. The ground under Inverz, Alex, Ryan, and Eli began to rise, surprising the latter three greatly. Princess Celestia ordered everyone back. Underneath the four duelists was a stone disk, and it began to levitate above the ground. Inverz used his powers to wipe off the dirt and grass clumps still on it. He wanted the place of their decisive battle to be clean as possible. The stone disk rose higher into the air until it was high above Canterlot, allowing a full view over all of Equestria. A dome then appeared and covered all of Canterlot.

“What is this?” asked Alex.

“I can sense that every Number is in this city. When you lose, all Numbers inside the dome will belong to me.”

Four enormous screens then appeared over each quarter of the disk, Inverz’ face appearing over all of them.

“Citizens of Equestria,” he boomed. Ponies from all of the towns could see and hear him clearly. “This is the final battle of the supposed Numeric War, with me being the inevitable victor. Prepare to grovel at the feet of your new ruler!”

Eli, Alex, and Ryan had their duel disks activated and unsheathed already from their previous duels. All that was left to do now was for everyone to draw for their opening hand. Everyone drew five cards from their decks. The battle would now begin.

“DUEL!” they all cried.

Eli, Alex, and Ryan vs. Inverz

Eli’s Turn: Eli summons Koa’ki Meiru Urnight (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500). Eli activates Koa’ki Meiru Urnight’s effect. By revealing an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru from his hand, he can special summon a Koa’ki Meiru monster from his deck, choosing Koa’ki Meiru Gravirose (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1300). Eli overlays Koa’ki Meiru Gravirose and Koa’ki Meiru Urnight to xyz summon Number 164: Crystalline Chimera (ATK: 2700 DEF: 1200).

Eli places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-12000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

____________________________________

“My deck is infused with the raw powers of darkness,” said Inverz calmly, “plus, a little extra…”

____________________________________

Inverz’ Turn: Inverz activates the field spell Black Pool – Tainted Pond. With its effect, it is impervious to negation or destruction. Also, Inverz can activate 1 of its 3 effects per turn. Inverz activates Black Pool – Tainted Pond’s first effect, allowing Inverz to special summon as many Verz monsters from his hand as he wants. Inverz special summons Evilswarm Heliotrope (ATK: 1950 DEF: 650), Evilswarm Azzathoth (ATK: 750 DEF: 1950), Evilswarm Salamandra (ATK: 1850 DEF: 950), Evilswarm Ketos (ATK: 1750 DEF: 1050), and Evilswarm Olanta (ATK: 1650 DEF: 1250). Verz activates Evilswarm Ketos’s effect. By tributing it, Inverz can destroy 1 spell or trap card on the field, choosing one of Eli’s face down cards. Next, he activates Evilswarm Olanta’s effect. By tributing it, Inverz can destroy a monster on the field, choosing Number 164: Crystalline Chimera. Inverz attacks Eli, Alex, and Ryan directly with Evilswarm Azzathoth, Evilswarm Heliotrope, and Evilswarm Salamandra.

Eli, Alex, and Ryan’s Life Points: 12000 -> 7450

Inverz overlays Evilswarm Azzathoth, Evilswarm Heliotrope, and Evilswarm Salamandra to xyz summon Number 16: Shock Ruler (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1600). Inverz activates Number 16: Shock Ruler’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, neither player can activate a card type of Inverz’ choice until the end of his next turn (trap).

Inverz ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-12000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

____________________________________

“Did you see that?” asked Sammy. “Those looked like corrupted versions of our cards!”

“Could this guy really be that powerful?” asked Applejack.

____________________________________

Alex’s Turn: Alex special summons Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit, as his opponent controls a monster while he doesn’t (ATK: 2100 DEF: 1400). Next, Alex special summons Hieratic Dragon of Su by tributing Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1000). When Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit is tributed, Alex can special summon a normal Dragon-type monster from his deck, choosing Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). Alex then activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit from his graveyard. Alex normal summons Dragunity Partisan (ATK: 1200 DEF: 800).

When Dragunity Partisan is summoned, Alex can special summon a Winged Beast-type Dragunity monster from his hand and equipping it with Dragunity Partisan, choosing Dragunity Militum (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200). With Dragunity Militum’s effect, Alex can special summon a Dragunity monster from the spell and trap card zone, choosing Dragunity Partisan. Alex tunes Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord with Dragunity Partisan to synchro summon Nero, the Dragon Warlord (ATK: 3200 DEF: 2800). Alex overlays Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit and Hieratic Dragon of Su to xyz summon Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern (ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000). Alex attacks Number 16: Shock Ruler with Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern.

Inverz’ Life Points: 12000 -> 11900

Alex then attacks Inverz directly with Dragunity Militum.

Inverz’ Life Points: 11900 -> 10200

Alex then attacks Inverz directly with Nero, the Dragon Warlord.

Inverz’ Life Points: 10200 -> 7000

For every 1000 points of damage Nero, the Dragon Warlord inflicts through battle by the end of the battle phase, Alex draws 1 card (3).

Alex places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-2 Life-7450 Monsters-3 Face Down Cards-2

____________________________________

“Alright, Alex!” called Rainbow Dash, flying up to Alex’s level.

“You stay out of this!” yelled Inverz, casting a spell at Rainbow Dash.

Thankfully, she was able to dodge it and join her friends back on the ground. Inverz still didn’t seem fazed by the attack.

“Now,” he said, “where were we?”

____________________________________

Inverz’ Turn: Inverz activates the second effect of Black Pool – Tainted Pond, allowing him to draw 6 cards. Inverz special summons Verz Mandragora, as his opponent controls more monsters than he does (ATK: 1550 DEF: 1450). Inverz then summons Evilswarm Castor (ATK: 1750 DEF: 550). When Evilswarm Castor is normal summoned, Inverz can normal summon another Verz monster, summoning Evilswarm Hraesvelg (ATK: 1150 DEF: 1850). Inverz activates Token of Shadows, allowing him to activate any one of Black Pool – Tainted Pond’s effects again. He activates the third effect, declaring a number between 1 and 12, allowing him to have the levels of all monsters he controls become the level of the declared number, choosing 2.

Inverz overlays Verz Mandragora, Verz Castor, and Evilswarm Hraesvelg to xyz summon Number 96: Black Mist (ATK: 100 DEF: 1000). Inverz attacks Number 132: Platinum Scales Wyvern with Number 96: Black Mist. Inverz activates Number 96: Black Mist’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it during battle between it and another monster, Inverz can halve the ATK of the monster Number 96: Black Mist and increase its ATK by the amount halved (ATK: 2400 -> 1200) (ATK: 100 -> 1300).

Eli, Alex, and Ryan’s Life Points: 7450 -> 7350

Inverz places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-7000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

Ryan’s Turn: Ryan summons T.G. Cyber Magician (ATK: 0 DEF: 0). When Ryan controls a T.G. monster, he can special summon T.G. Gear Zombie from his hand (ATK: 600 DEF: 0). Ryan tunes Dragunity Militum with T.G. Gear Zombie to synchro summon T.G. Hyper Librarian (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1800). Ryan then activates the effect of T.G. Cyber Magician, allowing him to use T.G. monsters in his hand as the non-tuner synchro material for a synchro summon. Ryan tunes T.G. Warwolf and T.G. Drill Fish in his hand to synchro summon T.G. Wonder Magician (ATK: 1900 DEF: 0).

When T.G. Wonder Magician is synchro summoned, Ryan can destroy 1 spell or trap on the field, choosing 1 of Inverz’ face down cards. With T.G. Hyper Librarian’s effect, when a monster is synchro summoned, Ryan draws 1 card. Ryan then activates Xyz Plant, which becomes a monster with the same level as a monster he controls. Ryan overlays T.G. Hyper Librarian, T.G. Wonder Magician, and Xyz Plant to xyz summon Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky (ATK: 2000 DEF: 3500). Ryan activates Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky’s effect. By detaching 2 xyz materials from it, Ryan can destroy one monster the opponent controls and inflict damage equal to its original ATK, choosing Number 96: Black Mist.

Inverz’ Life Points: 7000 -> 6900

Ryan then attacks Inverz directly with Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky.

Inverz’ Life Points: 6900 -> 4900

Ryan places 2 cards face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-7450 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

____________________________________

“For someone who’s taking a fuck ton of damage,” said Eli, “you sure seem pretty confident.”

“But of course,” giggled Inverz. “Because the power I have in my deck will wipe you three out. Why not introduce it now, shall we?”

____________________________________

Inverz’ Turn: Inverz activates Black Pool – Tainted Pond’s second effect again and draws six cards. Inverz activates another Token of Shadows, using Black Pool – Tainted Pond’s second effect again to draw six cards. Inverz activates another Token of Shadows, using Black Pool – Tainted Pond’s first effect to be able to special summon as many Verz monsters from his hand as he wants. Inverz special summons Evilswarm Zahhak (ATK: 1850 DEF: 850), Evilswarm Thunderbird (ATK: 1650 DEF: 1050), and another Evilswarm Salamandra. Inverz overlays Verz Zahhak, Verz Thunderbird, and Verz Salamandra to xyz summon Evilswarm Ouroboros (ATK: 2750 DEF: 1950). Inverz then special summons another Evilswarm Heliotrope, Evilswarm Obliviwisp (ATK: 450 DEF: 2050), and another Evilswarm Azzathoth. Inverz overlays Evilswarm Heliotrope, Evilswarm Obliviwisp, and Evilswarm Azzathoth to xyz summon Number 194: Black Hole Sun (ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000).

____________________________________

Both xyz monsters were then absorbed into Inverz, causing great shock in the duelists and whoever was watching. Inverz’ body began glowing a dark purple, and he bowed his body limply. Alex then saw the area around Inverz’ shoulder plates began to squirm violently. Two black wings burst from his back, spewing black liquid everywhere. Inverz’ body was mutating. Every single vein in his face was visible and his muscles began to enlarge to the point of bursting out of his skin. Inverz’s body then exploded, revealing a black, fleshy, bipedal dragon, enlarging to the point where he was almost half as big as Canterlot’s tallest building, forcing him to fly off the stone disk and fly over his opponents. His deck was found in a pouch of skin on the left side of his left wrist, like a D-Pad, he had a flap of skin on the top of his left wrist, no doubt his graveyard, and a slit on the right side of his left wrist, where he probably set and played cards. There was no doubting it, this was Inverz in his true form.

____________________________________

Inverz overlays Verz Ouroboros and Number 194: Black Hole Sun to blackness xyz summon Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse (ATK: ? DEF: ?). All xyz materials that were attached to the xyz monsters used in the xyz summon of Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse become xyz materials to it instead. Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse is xyz summoned, Inverz must discard his entire hand to the graveyard and his life points become 0.

Inverz’ Life Points: 4900 -> 0

As long as Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse remains on the field, Inverz cannot lose the duel. Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse’s original ATK and DEF becomes equal to the ATK of the xyz monsters used for the xyz summon (ATK: 2750 + 3000 = 5750, DEF: 2750 + 3000 = 5750). If Inverz discarded 6 or more cards with Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse’s effect, its original ATK and DEF become ∞ (ATK: 5750 -> ∞, DEF: 5750 -> ∞).

Furthermore, if a Number was used in the xyz summoning of Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse, Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse is treated as a Number. Inverz activates his trap Final Attack Orders, forcing all monsters into attack position. Inverz attacks Number 160: Cannon Android – Rocket Rocky with Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse, but Eli activates Attack Invulnerability, choosing its second effect to have no battle damage inflicted to them. Ryan activates Card of Last Will, drawing 5 cards if a monster he controls was destroyed.

Inverz ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-0 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

____________________________________

Ponies from all over Equestria ran and screamed in panic at the sight of this dragon.

“I don’t care what you throw at me,” said Eli to himself. “As long as I have hope, I’ll never give in!”

____________________________________

Eli’s Turn: Eli activates Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Next, he special summons Koa’ki Meiru Maximus by removing an Iron Core of Koa’ki Meiru from his hand (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500). Eli activates Koa’ki Meiru Maximus’ effect. Once per turn, Eli can destroy 1 card on the field, choosing Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse, but Inverz activates Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse’s effect. By detaching 1 xyz material from it, Inverz can prevent Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse’s destruction.

Status: Hand-0 Life-7450 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“Pathetic,” said Inverz in a deep, booming voice in his new dragon form. “My monster is invincible. You will never beat it.”

____________________________________

Inverz’ Turn: During each of Inverz’ draw phases, he can skip his draw phase and attach the top card on his deck to Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse as xyz material. He does not. During each of Inverz’ standby phases, he must detach 1 xyz material from Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse or destroy it. Inverz detaches an xyz material. Also, with Black Pool – Tainted Pond’s effect, Inverz cannot activate its effects when Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse is on the field. Inverz activates his Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Inverz attacks Koa’ki Meiru Maximus with Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse, but Ryan activates Iron Resolve, halving his life points to negate the attack.

Eli, Alex, and Ryan’s Life Points: 7450 -> 3725

Inverz places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-0 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

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If I can get our monsters into defense position, thought Alex. Then we can ride out this duel until he eventually runs out of cards in his deck. It’s a long shot, but it’s worth it.

____________________________________

Alex’s Turn: Alex activates Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying Final Attack Orders. Alex then activates Earthquake, switching all monsters into defense position.

Alex ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-7450 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2

____________________________________

“I’ll teach you to interfere with my plans,” said Inverz.

____________________________________

Inverz’ Turn: Inverz does his draw phase. Then, he detaches 1 xyz material from Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse. Inverz switches Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse into attack position. Inverz activates his trap Burning Strike, giving Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse the effect of piercing damage. Inverz attacks Nero, the Dragon Warlord with Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse, but Alex activates Negate Attack.

Inverz places 1 card face down and ends his turn.

Status: Hand-1 Life-0 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-1

____________________________________

“Invincible you say?” said Ryan, smug. “I’ll be the judge of that.”

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Ryan’s Turn: Ryan activates his Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. Ryan special summons T.G. Striker, as his opponent controls a monster while he doesn’t (ATK: 900 DEF: 0). When a level 4 or lower monster has been special summoned, Ryan can special summon T.G. Warwolf from his hand (ATK: 1200 DEF: 0). Ryan tunes T.G. Warwolf with T.G. Striker to synchro summon T.G. Power Gladiator (ATK: 2300 DEF: 1000). Ryan then activates Monster Reborn, special summoning T.G. Wonder Magician from the graveyard. Ryan tunes T.G. Power Gladiator with T.G. Wonder Magician to accel synchro summon T.G. Blade Blaster (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2200).

Ryan then special summons another T.G. Gear Zombie with its effect. Next, he normal summons another T.G. Drill Fish (ATK: 100 DEF: 800). Ryan tunes T.G. Drill Fish with T.G. Gear Zombie to synchro summon T.G. Recipro Dragonfly. Ryan activates T.G. Recipro Dragonfly’s effect. By sending a T.G. synchro monster to the graveyard, Ryan can special summon the synchro materials used in the synchro summoning of that monster, special summoning T.G. Wonder Magician and T.G. Power Gladiator. Ryan tunes T.G. Power Gladiator and T.G. Recipro Dragonfly to delta accel synchro summon T.G. Halberd Cannon (ATK: 4000 DEF: 4000).

Ryan activates the spell card Riryoku, halving a monster’s ATK and having another monster gain ATK equal to the amount halved. Ryan halves Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse’s ATK to increase T.G. Halberd Cannon’s ATK (ATK: ∞ -> ∞) (ATK: 4000 -> ∞). Lastly, Ryan activates the spell Forced Release, detaching all xyz materials from Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse. Ryan attacks Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse, but Inverz activates Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse’s effect, destroying Black Pool – Tainted Pond, ignoring its effect, to negate Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse’s destruction. Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse and T.G. Halberd Cannon have equal ATK, but because of Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse’s effect, only T.G. Halberd Cannon is destroyed. When T.G. Halberd Cannon is sent from the field to the graveyard, Ryan can special summon a T.G. monster from his graveyard, choosing T.G. Blade Blaster (ATK: 3300 DEF: 2200).

Ryan ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-3725 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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“NO!” yelled Inverz. “What have you done?”

“Enough,” said Ryan. Inverz roared at Ryan with deafening volume.

“Then you shall taste the full pain of your defeat!”

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Inverz’ Turn: Inverz skips his draw phase to attach the top card of his deck to Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse as xyz material. Inverz detaches 1 xyz material from Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse to prevent its destruction. Inverz attacks T.G. Blade Blaster with Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse, but Eli activates Dimension Trap, tributing his Koa’ki Meiru Maximus to make Dimension Trap’s effect the same as one in his graveyard, choosing Iron Resolve. Inverz tries to activate Trap Jammer, but Alex activates Curse of Royal, negating and destroying Trap Jammer. Dimension Trap’s activation continues.

Eli, Alex, and Ryan’s Life Points: 3725 -> 1862.5

Inverz activates Misfortune, inflicting damage equal to half of the ATK of a face up monster his opponent controls, choosing T.G. Blade Blaster.

Eli, Alex, and Ryan’s Life Points: 1862.5 -> 212.5

Inverz ends his turn.

Status: Hand-0 Life-0 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0

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Eli crumpled to the ground after the halving of their life points.

“Eli!” called Alex.

Sammy had her hands clasped in prayer.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“More than alright,” Eli wheezed, “and so will you be.”

“Eli what are you talking about?”

“Hurry and make your turn!” yelled Inverz.

Eli stood up, still.

“What are you waiting for?”

Eli just smiled.

Down below, the Elements of Harmony, which were in their owners’ possessions, began to dissolve into dust and fly into the sky.

“What’s going on?” asked Twilight.

“Wait!” shouted Pinkie Pie to the fragments of her element. “Don’t go!”

Everyone watched desperately as the elements of harmony, the greatest source of magic in the world, faded away. Inverz laughed.

“Just look at how much the elements trust you!” he said. “You have no hope left! Surrender now and your deaths shall be free from suffering.”

Eli looked up as the last of the dust particles flew into the dark clouds. Eli raised his left arm into the air. Suddenly, a bright spot appeared over the disk in the clouds. The princess’ were in total shock.

“Princess Celestia!” called Twilight, “what’s going on?”

“Could it be?” asked Princess Celestia to herself.

As the spot reached maximum brightness, a white beam shot out of the clouds, engulfing Eli in a brilliant white light.

“What’s happening?” asked Inverz.

“Oh. My. God,” Sammy barely got out.

Everyone else was at a loss for words.

When the light faded, Eli was now wearing a knight’s armor that looked as if it were made from gold, minus a helmet. He also wore a brilliant crimson cape. The armor matched Eli’s gauntlet perfectly. That wasn’t it though. Eli’s duel disk also changed. Where the center of the duel disk blade was a royal blue, it was now magenta. Magic. Each of the monster card zones was also a different color from left to right:

Orange. Honesty.

Pink. Kindness.

Cyan. Laughter.

Purple. Generosity.

Red. Loyalty.

Eli had full control of the elements, and Eli could see that Inverz was right to start fearing for his life. Eli also noticed that the top card on his deck was glowing white.

“Let’s end this,” said Eli, his fingers upon the card. “It’s my turn.”

He drew the card.

Chapter 52: The Profit From Our Victory

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Cont. from Eli, Alex, and Ryan vs. Inverz

Eli’s Turn: Eli activates the spell Elements of Harmony, adding Elemental Guardian Celutera from his deck to his hand and negating the activation of effects of all cards currently on the field until the end phase. This effect cannot be negated. Eli special summons Elemental Guardian Celutera, as he has a WIND (Koa’ki Meiru Maximus), WATER (discarded Koa’ki Meiru Sea Panther), EARTH (Koa’ki Meiru Urnight), and FIRE (Koa’ki Meiru Gravirose) monster in his graveyard (ATK: 3500 DEF: 3500). Ryan overlays Elemental Guardian Celutera, Nero, the Dragon Warlord, and T.G. Blade Blaster to xyz summon Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony (ATK: 4500 DEF: 4500).

Eli activates Elemental Guardian Celutera’s other effect, detaching itself as xyz material from an xyz monster to attach 1 WIND, WATER, EARTH, and FIRE monster from his graveyard onto that xyz monster as xyz materials. Eli overlays Number 200: Adligo – Dragon of Harmony to chaos xyz summon Number C200: Adligo Hope Dragon (ATK: 4500 DEF: 4500). Eli activates Number C200: Adligo Hope Dragon’s effect. If Eli detaches 6 or more xyz materials from Number C200: Adligo Hope Dragon, Number C200: Adligo Hope Dragon’s ATK becomes ∞ (ATK: 4500 -> ∞). Number C200: Adligo Hope Dragon cannot be destroyed by battle. Eli attacks Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse with Number C200: Adligo Hope Dragon. Inverz Dragon of the Apocalypse is removed from the field, so Inverz loses the duel.

Eli, Alex, and Ryan win.

Inverz’ draconic form exploded from the massive attack, bringing the bright, blue sky back. The force was enough to knock some ponies and people on their feet. But it was good. Eli had saved Equestria. The blast, however, destroyed the disk Eli, Alex, and Ryan were standing on, causing them to plummet to the ground. Eli used his newfound powers to cause the falling humans and pieces of rock to levitate in the air. Eli then set them all down gently, leaving no one injured.

A plethora of cards then made its way into Eli’s hand. Eli could sense that all the Numbers were now gathered in his hand. The cards converged into the a single, sparkling gold card. Alex and Ryan got up and ran to their friends, giving them hugs all around. Eli then walked to the crowd, prompting everyone, including the humans out of sheer respect, to bow. Eli motioned for Sammy to continue standing. She then ran towards him and hugged him, crying into his chest.

“I told you not to worry me like that,” she sobbed.

“And I told you no promises,” responded Eli.

“I have to say though; you look damn fine in armor.”

“Not that I need it to get a wonderful woman like you.”

Eli and Sammy kissed to the applause and cheers of the people he saved. As they kissed, Eli’s armor faded from his body, turning back into the six dusty wisps which formed back into the elements on their respective owners.

Rainbow Dash then broke them up and held Eli’s hand in the air. “Let’s all give three cheers for Eli!”

The ponies formed around Eli, tossing him into the air with each cheer.

“Hip-hip hooray!” Eli felt as if the world had slowed down, letting him savor this wonderful moment.

“Hip-hip hooray!” He had finally achieved what he had been destined and had worked for his entire life: to be the Guardian of Equestria.

“Hip-hip hooray!” A single tear rolled down Eli’s face and flew off his nose as he fell from the ponies’ toss.

They all set him down on the ground and continued to congratulate him. Eli then turned around as he heard the sound of rubble falling. He thought that a piece of rock might have hit someone, but was surprised to see Inverz, now mortal and wounded, weakly getting up off the ground, blood streaming from his mouth.

“Motherfucker!” yelled Eli. “Why won’t you die?”

Inverz laughed. “I will not die until I have all the Numbers in my hand. So what will it be, Eli?”

Eli gave the golden card to Princess Celestia for safe keeping. “Fuck you, and the horse you rode in as.”

Inverz just laughed nostalgically at his memories as a unicorn.

“Then fuck you all,” he said.

He pulled a detonator out of his pocket. Zelda looked at the detonator, remembering the dynamite that the Bureau had at their headquarters. Everyone winced, expecting something bad. Inverz pushed on the plunger.

Nothing.

Everyone looked around, expecting something to have happened. Inverz was amused, and then angry. “What happened? Where’s the explosion?”

“Where’s the kaboom?” asked Eli, mocking Inverz with a mock Marvin the Martain voice. “There was supposed to be an earth-shattering kaboom!”

Zelda knew what happened.

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Once Zelda and Sammy killed off the soldiers Inverz set to spring Alex and his friends when they got to the station, Zelda noticed a passageway. She looked inside, expecting more soldiers. However what she saw was much more troubling.

“Holy shit!” she yelled.

“What is it?” asked Sammy.

She looked inside too. “Holy shit!” she said.

Inside the passageway was a large cavern directly underneath the entire city. There were hundreds of crates of dynamite wired all inside the cave. Zelda then immediately went to defuse them.

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“It’s too bad that we found the passageway,” said Zelda, “or you would have really blown us all to smithereens. Too bad for you that we foiled you… again.”

“Well too bad for you,” said Inverz, “because there’s always a plan B.”

As if on cue, a bullet shot out and whizzed by Zelda’s ear. She turned around to see Mark from the far right door struggling to aim his gun, still weakened by the wound she caused him earlier.

“You asshole,” muttered Ryan.

“Follow my lead,” shouted Shining Armor, his horn glowing.

The two then charged at Mark. Mark tried to shoot at them, but Shining Armor deflected each bullet as they came. When Mark’s gun began to click, Ryan used the opportunity to dropkick him into the room.

Ryan then talked to Shining Armor. “You, find everyone inside the city and evacuate them. I don’t want to take any second chances.”

“Got it.” Ryan then stayed to finish the fight with his old boss.

Zelda ran to the underground station to make sure no one was there. When she entered the passageway, she found Diana trying to reconnect the dynamite and destroy the city. Zelda kicked her away and cut the wires with the scalpel to prevent her from doing anything more. Diana got up and pulled her arm up, trying to shoot another duel anchor at her, but found that her D-Pad was damaged from the last duel. Zelda slashed at her arm with the scalpel and then stabbed her in the throat. When Diana finally lied motionless, Zelda decided to evacuate with the others, feeling that they were safe… for now, that is.

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Inverz had used Mark’s shot and the confusion that followed as his chance to try to escape, but Eli went to catch up with him. He turned his duel disk back into his sword, making sure he didn’t get far behind. As Eli ran through the palace chambers to find him, he made his way to the royal ballroom, where he saw him enter. He ran to the center and searched around him to find his assailant. Eli heard the sounds of metal dragging on stone, and turned to see Inverz wielding a sword. He swung, and Eli deflected.

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Princess Celestia and the others made it far away from the city limits. Charley and Maddie even found Big Macintosh bleeding on the ground. His breathing was slowed, but Charley was convinced he would make it. Had he not been laying on the yoke he always wore that stopped circulation of blood from causing him to bleed out, he surely would have been dead. Thankfully, he was all too fortunate.

“Big Mac!” yelled Applejack upon seeing her brother.

“Sis?” he weakly said.

“It’s me Applejack. Just hang in there. Charley and Maddie are gonna fix you up real good.”

He laid his head down to let Charley do her magic.

“Where’s Ryan and Eli?” asked Alex.

“Ryan’s fighting Mark and Eli went to chase Inverz.”

Alex felt a pang of nervousness.

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Ryan and Mark made a decent number of blows towards each other. Ryan was in his top condition, as he didn’t have a massive gash on his arm.

“How does it feel that you’re going to die a traitor?” asked Mark.

“Funny,” he responded, “I was going to ask you the same thing.”

They continued to fight.

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Eli and Inverz’ swordplay had spilled out over to the balcony of the ballroom. Despite Eli’s experience in combat, Inverz was more or less his equal with a blade. Eli still managed to hold his own, but hoped to get out before anyone else could try and detonate the dynamite. Inverz then brought a sword down on Eli with enough force to make him fall on his back. Like a ninja, Inverz crouched over his enemy, savoring the kill.

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Mark made a low sweep that brought enough force to make Ryan hear a pop in his left ankle, followed by searing pain. Mark stood over the wounded Ryan, knelt closer to him, and began to choke him.

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Diana woke up in pain. She knew that with the cutting tool in her throat she didn’t have much longer. She then pulled a flare out of her jacket, and lit it. She was hoping to reactivate the dynamite and be able to escape somehow, but knew that it had to come to this. She threw the flare at one of the boxes of dynamite.

Boom.

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The explosions flew all throughout the cavern, filling every space with fire and energy, breaking every pillar supporting the city above them. Diana’s actions would cause the city to see at most three minutes before it was gone forever.

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Inverz was about to slit Eli’s throat with his sword, but he was distracted by the rumbling and shifting beneath him that caused him to falter. Eli leaned forward, grabbed Inverz by the front of his coat, and placed his foot on his chest. Eli then leaned backwards for a backwards summersault, pulling in Inverz with him. At the right angle, Eli pushed his foot out, launching Inverz into the air and over the banister with a thousand-foot drop awaiting him. Eli caught himself on the banister, but he looked behind him to see Inverz shouting as he plummeted to his death. Eli let out a few whooping laughs in victory. Suddenly, the balcony shifted again, causing the banister he was leaning on to give way and making Eli fall. Eli speared the ledge with his sword and held on for dear life.

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Ryan was being choked by Mark, but he made a huge mistake: his arms were unprotected. Eli squeezed at his arms hoping that he would be touching Mark’s wound. Mark’s painful cries were enough of an indicator. Mark loosened his grip, allowing Ryan to use his good foot to push Mark off, knocking him on his back. The explosions hit. A piece of the ceiling fell over Mark’s head. Before Mark could get up, the rock hit him with a sickening crunch. Ryan had no time to feel anything, because he knew that if he didn’t escape soon, he’d arrive at the same fate. Ignoring the agony, he ran on both legs as the room behind him began to crumble.

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Eli was practically holding on to his sword by his fingernails. Eli was content though as he closed his eyes. He died for a noble cause, and no one could take that away from him. He slipped for a final time, but he felt an arm around his wrist. He looked to see Ryan pulling him in, but he saw in his strained face that he would eventually give out. Eli tried to grab his sword to pull himself back up, but the sword slid out of the ledge. Also, Ryan’s pain became unbearable, causing him to slip into the gap in the balcony, and the both began to fall off the castle. They then landed on something soft. Eli and Ryan looked down to see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna carrying them on their backs.

“We got you,” said Princess Celestia. “Let’s go.”

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watched as the mighty city of Canterlot fell beneath them. Back outside the city, everyone was overjoyed to see Eli and Ryan alive and well, but Eli and Ryan decided looked at the destruction of Canterlot. First, the city sunk into the caves that Canterlot was formed over, and then the buildings leaned outside of the canyon, causing them to fall a thousand feet onto the ground below. Princess Celestia looked over the destruction, turning her head and letting tears fall from her face.

A young photographer pony took the picture of it out of impulse. The image would remain as one of Equestria’s most prolific photographs of all time. There was much comforting to be done, but now, they needed to address the citizens of the neighboring towns and cities that everyone, including the princesses, were alright. After Spike sent multiple letters out, everyone began their long trek to their new temporary home in Ponyville.

Chapter 53: A Hero's Reward

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The citizens were in heavy despair watching their capital city (and to some, their home) fall. They assumed the worst: the princesses were killed, all of their friends and family dead. It wasn’t until the Mayor received the letter from Spike and read it to the citizens.

“Dear Everypony in Ponyville,” she read. “This is your ruler, Princess Celestia. I hate to inform you that, as you very well know, Canterlot has been destroyed. However, the war has been won in our favor. Inverz has been defeated with the remaining Vegas agents killed in the explosion. While there were casualties in the battle, many of us have made it out alive and well.

“We are currently marching home to Ponyville, where my sister, Princess Luna, and I shall be making our new home until we can find a new city to call the Equestrian capital or we can build a new one. We will discuss what we do from there when we arrive. We with all of our surviving army, hope to arrive in Ponyville in 6 hours. Please have nurses ready. There are a few wounded. Your ruler, Princess Celestia.”

Everyone was elated to know that that Princesses were alright. Now they just had to wait.

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It was late afternoon when they finally arrived. Most of the town’s population, including the refugees from Canterlot, came to greet their Princess at the town’s borders with thunderous cheers. Family members came to greet their loved ones, such as Apple Bloom and Granny Smith for Applejack and Big Macintosh, the latter of whom was carried by a royal chariot. The four of them walked to the hospital together for further treatment. Sweetie Belle hugged Rarity and Braeburn after finding them. Shining Armor found his wife, Princess Cadence, a pink alicorn, in the crowd frantically searching for him. Upon seeing him, she leapt into his arms and kissed him. Shining Armor motioned Eli and Ryan over to them.

“Who are these?” she asked upon seeing them.

“These are a couple of the bravest men I’ll ever know, Eli and Ryan.”

Cadence hugged the two in one large grope. “Thank you for saving my husband,” she said.

“Like I told him,” said Ryan, it was the least I could do.”

She gave them both a peck on the cheek. She then noticed Ryan's broken ankle.

“Goodness,” she gasped. “We should take you to the doctor.”

Ryan hobbled to the hospital with Shining Armor serving as his crutch.

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Princess Celestia had many of the citizens from her city stay at the hotels until they could open more rooms, but she also set to have any pony open their doors to a homeless refugee if need be. Eli was amazed at the handling of this situation. He was in New York on 9/11, and he remembered the mass panic and bloodshed that followed, even years after the actual event.

And that was just three buildings, four planes, and over 3,000 lives. An entire city was lost here with just as many casualties, and every pony was just happy that mostly everyone was alright. He knew that his prolonged absence from his home world would certainly get him fired from his job, but he didn’t care. If he could spend the rest of his life in a peaceful world such as this, he wouldn’t be happier. Alex found Eli and motioned him to follow, which he did.

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Alex and Eli made it to the theater, where he found all of his friends waiting inside. Scott and Lucas popped two bottles of champagne and shook them, causing the sweet, bubbling liquid to spray all over them. They aimed the bottles at their other friends, drenching them too. Everyone could finally celebrate that the Numeric War was over, dancing and playing into the night.

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Ryan woke up in the hospital the next morning. He was softly surprised to find Princess Cadence, Shining Armor, Eli, Zelda, and Princess Celestia at his bedside.

“Are you feeling better?” asked Princess Celestia.

Ryan moved his ankle. He remembered how the ipecequine he was treated with the day before worked wonders on his gunshot wound. With the added time of sleeping to this new treatment, Ryan’s ankle was as good as new.

“Much,” he responded. “Ryan, you and your friends have triumphed in the face of death, throwing all caution to the wind to save us and our land. We are eternally grateful.”

She got close enough to lay her head down on Ryan’s chest, and nuzzled into it. Ryan stroked her neck and constantly flowing mane. To Ryan, it felt like velvet. He then remembered how he would play with his son’s hair, bringing back his memory. He then looked sad.

Princess Celestia noted this. “It’s about your son, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. I’ve lost track of the days, but he’s due for his plug to be pulled soon, if not, sooner.”

“I think I can help you with that.” Eli then pulled the golden Number card.

“What? You don’t mean-”

“The power of the Numbers is too great and too dangerous to be wielded anymore. While the Vegas agents lied about saving your son, they didn’t lie about the power these cards possess when gathered altogether. They can do so many things my magic or even the Elements of Harmony cannot, from healing the most ravaging of sicknesses to, in your case, waking a boy as comatose as your son. Don’t see this as a favor I’m giving to you, instead, see it as a gift you’re giving to me. Release the Numbers’ power. Save my ponies by saving your son.”

“How would I even get there?” asked Ryan. “He’s in a hospital bed in a completely different world.”

“Hi,” Zelda said, raising her hand.

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Ryan drove to the now abandoned Vegas Bureau Equestrian Headquarters in his car outside of Canterlot’s ruins. Zelda and Ryan walked in to find the place completely empty, having killed the remaining members in the battle. They walked down the eastern wing to the end room, where Ryan and Zelda used to travel between worlds. There they found the machine they would need to go to Ryan’s world. Zelda turned on the backup generator and activated the machine. Ryan saw the machine warming up.

“Do you by chance know the coordinates?” asked Zelda.

“Here, let me help,” he responded, walking to the machine.

He typed in the code to transfer them to the Vegas Bureau Seattle Headquarters and pushed the red button. Zelda and Ryan then stepped into the glass cage to await travel. They saw the portal forming underneath them on the glass surface.

“Ready?” asked Zelda.

“Always,” Ryan said.

The glass broke, sending them through the portal.

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Ryan saw they were in the same place they were in before, but it was different. The lights were turned off unlike the natural lighting they were getting in Equestria. They must have all abandoned the place when they went to Equestria. Ryan and Zelda then went to the parking garage to find Ryan’s old car parked where he left it about a week ago. When they were both in, he started the ignition and moved the car to the elevator. Once they got to the inside of the storage room, Zelda got out.

“Hold on,” said Zelda.

“What for?”

Zelda then shot the eye scanner camera and deactivates the storage room security systems.

“You’re not a Vegas agent anymore,” said Zelda. “If we closed the door, it wouldn’t have let us back in.”

“Good thinking.” They then drove to the hospital where they were keeping his son.

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Although Joel’s accident occurred in Los Angeles where they used to live, Mark had Joel transferred to a hospital in Seattle so Ryan could see his son and be close to work. Once Ryan and Zelda got to the parking garage of the hospital after a quick trip to Ryan’s apartment for a change of clothes for Joel, they discussed their plan. Minutes went by.

“Ready?”

“Always.”

Ryan went to the waiting room to get a visit with Joel, while Zelda snuck into the room to wear scrubs. Ryan was allowed to see him, and he was on his way. Zelda pretended to be a new girl on staff and requested the key to Joel’s room. A doctor opened it for her and let her in. Ryan met her inside just a couple of minutes later. Ryan looked at the sad state his son was in. His muscles were useless now, having atrophied. He looked starved. Ryan didn’t care, because soon, their long nightmare would be over.

“Come on,” said Ryan. “Let’s go home.”

Zelda wheeled Joel secretly on a gurney with a sheet over his body to prevent attention. Ryan left the hospital through the front entrance and went to his car. Zelda, having bypassed the other doctors quickly pushed Joel to their car before they would eventually find out. Zelda placed him in the back seat, and they both got out of the hospital and sped back to the Seattle Headquarters. Eventually, Eli and Zelda appeared back at the Equestria Headquarters with Joel in tow. It was a race now. Without his life support, it was only a matter of time before Joel would finally pass for good. They sped back to Ponyville.

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Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Cadence, Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle with her friends, and Alex and his friends all waited at the town hall pavilion. Ryan and Zelda brought in Joel and laid him in the center of the room.

“Alright,” said Princess Celestia. “All you must do now is think about what you want to use the power for, put the card on Joel’s chest, and that should be it.”

Eli handed the card to Ryan.

Lunar Wolf Spirit was standing by Zelda. “Well, this looks like goodbye partner,” it said.

“Thank you for saving me,” said Zelda.

They both made a final hug before Lunar Wolf Spirit disappeared forever. Ryan held the card to his head, seemingly transferring what he wanted to do into the card. He then gently placed the card on Joel’s chest. Everyone watched as the gold card glowed brightly on Joel’s chest. Suddenly, Joel’s atrophied limbs and starved physique began to restore itself to that of a healthy thirteen year-old boy.

Also, multiple cards slid off of Joel’s chest. Orion cleared them off by organizing them into stacks with his wand. He realized that the Numbers were only transferring their magic into Joel, not themselves entirely. He continued to organize the stacks as the cards continued to fall from Joel’s chest. Everyone was amazed at the magic of the Numbers. When the last Number fell, from Joel, the light subsided, fully revealing the healthy and rejuvenated Joel. Joel’s eyes flickered awake, to the awe of everyone, including Ryan, whose tears were just starting to flow. Joel looked around at the colorful array of ponies. He then found his dad.

“Dad?” he asked. “Where am I? Am I dead?”

Ryan hadn’t heard his son’s voice in months, and now, he was getting the prize he really deserved.

“No son,” replied Ryan. “You’re anything but.”

Ryan then hugged his son as he sobbed. Everyone looked at the two with a sense of happiness and ease. Joel felt too tired to really have the fact sink in that he was in a different world. Eli then went to Joel and put his hand on his shoulder.

“Your father is the bravest man I know. You should be lucky to have him as a dad.”

“I know,” said Joel.

He succumbed to his lack of energy. The princesses were nervous that something was wrong, but Ryan held his hand up, signaling them to stay.

“He’s very tired,” Ryan said. “I think a nice long nap will do him some good.”

Ryan then carried him to the theater where Alex would make an open bed for him.

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The next few days went into getting Joel used to the ponies, explaining the Vegas Bureau to Joel, the lengths Ryan went through to save him, and what to do from there.

“Where are we supposed to live now?” asked Joel, concerned.

“I think he’ll like it in our world,” said Alex. “We have Duel Monsters there. Plus, I’m sure it will be a much safer place to raise a son.”

“You think so?” said Ryan.

“Have you ever heard of the phrase ‘kid in a candy store?’ Imagine our world as the candy store.”

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The next two days after that involved helping Lamss pack their plane for their return home. Eli would also be joining with them. As he speculated, he’d be fired from his job with how long he’d been gone. Plus, Alex offered him a lucrative job as stage planner for their shows. Also, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had given the Number cards to Alex and his friends, being asked to do what they wished with them.

After using their power to revive Joel, their effect protecting them from being destroyed in battle by a non-Number was gone, plus some subtle changes to some of the cards’ effects. After splitting Numbers up between everyone of his friends (everyone was allowed 1 Number, most of them taking their old aces), Alex placed the rest in a case. He began to say goodbye to his friends before they went into the plane. Fluttershy was hugging Charley while Pinkie Pie and Lucas were hugging goodbye next to them.

“I’m going to miss you,” sobbed Fluttershy. “Please don’t be gone long.”

“Of course not,” responded Charley. “Where else are we going to hold our wedding?”

She then showed Fluttershy the ring on her finger. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were stunned. “Is…?”

“Yep.”

“You mean, Lucas-?”

“Yep.”

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie simultaneously squealed with joy, hugging their friends.

“We’ll be back in a few months to make preparations, okay?” asked Charley.

“Oh most certainly,” said Fluttershy, excited. “Congratulations!”

She then pecked Charley on the cheek and flew off into the crowd to watch their friends fly off.

“I can’t wait for that wedding!” said Pinkie Pie. “I’m going to make a cake, plan the party, sing some songs, play some games-”

“Pinkie, thanks for the help.”

“No problemo, friendo,” said Pinkie Pie.

She then hopped back into the crowd. After hugs and “thank yous” from the other ponies, Lamss was ready to fly off. Orion steered the plane to one end of the runway. He picked up speed and flew into the sky. Once they were high enough in the sky, Orion opened the portal to their home world, and with that, they were gone.

Chapter 54: Learning to Live

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Life for Eli was different for him following his moving to Lamss' pokémon world. However, it couldn’t have been better. Eli stayed at the Lamss Manor for a minimal rent and an even greater salary. His previous experience as a drafter came in very handy when preparing stages for shows and he was good at what he did. He made more in three months than what his previous salary could make in a year. Eli had also come to greatly enjoy Duel Monsters, and being in a world where people enjoyed the game as much as he did was also a plus.

However, this new life came with some complications. Upon arriving, he had to forget his previous knowledge of cities and landmarks from his world and learn the cities and landmarks of the pokémon world, especially since he traveled with Lamss for each show, he should know where he was going. Plus, he didn’t want to look like an idiot if a person asked him about something that he would know had he lived in this world for as long as he had been alive. Also, he learned about the various species of Pokémon that inhabited the world. Studying took him about a month, but by early December, Eli was about as well versed about his new world as any one of the members of Lamss.

Thankfully, movies and music, two big influences in his home world, were very similar to his own, minus the fact that Pokémon existed in them and they were set in the newer cities, but Eli was able to catch up once he learned everything.

Eli had also gotten himself some new Pokémon. Along with his pidgeot, he also caught a wild Gabite and Riolu, the latter of which was especially fond of him. His Riolu was an exceptionally bright pokémon, even by pokémon standards, and he was adept at the English language. Eli found it initially weird how he “spoke” to him, using telepathic messages to relay thoughts, but Eli got used to it very quickly. In mid-December, the riolu evolved into a lucario, and Eli bestowed him with the name Vallon, the surname of one of his favorite movie characters of one of his favorite movies, Amsterdam Vallon from Gangs of New York.

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Ryan was content with living in this new world. He was accustomed to traveling to different worlds with different inhabitants, so the Pokémon weren’t a huge change for him. As long as he had his son, he was happy. Being an imaginative boy, Joel was enamored by the Pokémon that inhabited his world. He also had to learn the new cities of this world, but he, like his father, was very adaptive and bright, and he was able to learn them all within a couple of weeks. Ryan and his son had never lived happier.

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In early December, Lamss were able to have the Number cards authenticated for legal playing use by one of the leading Duel Monster card companies in the world, Strato Inc., under the condition that there couldn’t be duplicates of these cards. On December 17th, the members of Lamss held an auction at the Goldenrod City Hotel and Casino banquet hall, selling each individual Number card that was left to the highest bidder. The proceeds would go to charity, specifically to ones that focused on helping children and parents who have lost parents and children, respectively, to ensure that less people would need the assistance of another Vegas Bureau again.

All in all, the auction was a smashing success, netting almost 2.3 million dollars. As many auctioneers left, one younger auctioneer whom Alex could claim had a bottomless bank account, was able to purchase about twenty-five of the Numbers cards, easily being the biggest contributor to the massive amount of money made by the event. He wore a simple brown wool jacket, fine khaki pants, and a grey men’s pageboy cap. He placed the 25 Numbers in a padded briefcase and made his way to the cashier’s table. He wrote a check for the full amount of the purchases he made: $417,000. Maddie took the check and endorsed it while Charley wrote him a receipt.

“Congratulations on your winnings,” she said as she handed it to him. “God bless you.”

“Thank you,” he said calmly with a tip of his hat. “Happy Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas to you too.”

The man went through the exit doors of the banquet hall without a word. After a quick celebratory drink at a local pub, Lamss and their friends gathered back at the airport to fly. They wouldn’t be going home however. Instead, they would give Ponyville a surprise visit to celebrate a holiday known as Hearth’s Warming Eve with their friends.

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The following Spring, on March 22nd, the anniversary of Lucas’ adoption into the de Silva family, Charley de Silva and Lucas de Silva were to be married under a cloudless sky in the still-under-construction city of New Canterlot. Many ponies from all over Equestria had pooled together to rebuild the city, this time at a safer location, a little further inland, surrounded by mountains, forest, and a gorgeous lake. The royal palace, a chapel similar to the one where Shining Armor and Cadence were wed, and several other buildings were finished in their construction, but there was still so much more to be done. Princess Celestia had allowed Lucas and Charley to hold their wedding at the chapel to have them be the ones to christen it with the first wedding held in New Canterlot.

Preparations were made as always. Scott would serve as the best man and organist (he would use his keyboard), where he would play all of the music by Lucas’ side. Pinkie Pie, Maddie, Sammy, and Rarity would serve as the bridesmaids, while Alex, Eli, and Shining Armor served as groomsmen. Fluttershy was chosen by Charley to be her maid of honor. Pinkie Pie made the wedding cake herself. Seeing Lucas as a very special friend, she opted to make her own Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness, to which Lucas was very grateful. Zelda and DJ Pon-3 would collaborate to make music at the reception, using some of Scott’s own vinyl records to mix. Rarity fashioned Charley a wonderful wedding dress, which even Rarity claimed to be her opus (which she later joked would change in a matter of days). Charley and Lucas were set to have a lovely wedding.

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At 3 o’clock, the ceremony began. As Lucas stood to await his bride he looked at the ornamentation of the ballroom. He giggled wondering how his adoptive father could match a wedding as extravagant as this. He and Charley would be married “officially” in their world a few weeks later, but he and Charley knew that his friends in Canterlot wouldn’t want to miss out on their marriage, and he didn’t want any complications between the humans from his world and the other-worldly equines to ruin such a day. It was about time for the bride to appear.

The doors opened as Scott opened with Wagner’s Bridal Chorus in C Major. Charley’s dress was being held up by Fluttershy’s collection of birds as she slowly walked towards the man she was meant to marry. Scott then segued into the main theme of Dream Theater’s Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, a choice both Lucas and Charley asked him to do.

“What’s going on?” asked Pinkie Pie.

“What happened to, ‘Here Comes the Bride?’”

“It’s okay,” said Maddie. “We’re progressive artists. We never do anything by the book.”

Charley began to step up to the alter as Lucas held out his hand to help her up the rest of the way, the theme being played by Scott reaching its climax. Princess Celestia continued with the rest as Scott continued to play with the piano part of The Spirit Carries On.

After the vows, Scott began playing the piano intro to About to Crash, and Princess Celestia had Spike, the ring bearer, present the rings. After putting the rings on their fingers, Princess Celestia ended the ceremony with, “I now pronounce you man and wife,” being careful not to say “mare and colt” as normally done in her world.

The timing was perfect, as Scott began playing the guitar, bass, and drum tracks for About to Crash on his keyboard just as Lucas and Charley’s lips met. The emotional levels were extraordinary, especially for Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, who were crying all the while. Scott continued to play them off as they left the chapel with their friends cheering them off. Charley and Lucas opened the door just in time to see a sonic rainboom form in the sky, no doubt by Rainbow Dash. They all made their way to the New Canterlot palace courtyards for the reception.

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Refreshments and meals were organized by Applejack and Pinkie Pie, the latter of which also decorated the reception. After a nice meal, Scott clinked his spoon on his champagne flute and made a speech for the groom.

“As most of you may or may not know, Lucas has been my best friend for many years. His exuberance both on and off stage has failed to not leave a smile on mine or anyone else’s face. Ironically, our meeting was supposed to be one of scorn and competition, being from rivaling schools playing the rival characters in the same musical together.”

Despite the intentions of the directors who organized the event, the day continues to be one of the best days of my life, because I knew that I had found a special kind of friend that I knew I could not only not forget, but without whom, my life would never be the same. So I would like to raise a toast to the groom, and all of the wonderful things he’s done in his life, a toast to Leonard Bernstein for having us meet, and a toast to Lamss for keeping us together.”

There was clapping and applause all around. Twilight was even moved to tears by the speech.

Fluttershy then stood to give her speech to Charley.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m usually not the best at talking to large groups of people, but I don’t want to ruin Charley’s special day.” There was slight laughter. “I really don’t, because Charley is too special of a friend to me to do that to her. The day she and her friends first arrived in Equestria, I expected the worst: monstrous, vicious beings. What I later learned was that they were anything but monstrous, vicious beings. One of them, especially, is one of the kindest and most caring individuals I have ever met.”

Charley was welling with tears.

“She not only has the heart of gold that Lucas fell in love with, but she has the heart of a warrior, fearlessly risking her life for her friends and giving them everything she has. Charley, your presence has brightened my life and all of those around you, and I hope that you brighten the lives of others in the future as well. Thank you.”

Cheers ensued. No one could believe that the timid Fluttershy could present a speech so powerful. Charley hugged Fluttershy before she sat back down.

After others gave their speeches, it was time for the groom and bride to have the first dance. However, they would be changing things up again. Instead of a dance, they would be singing All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera with each other. There wasn’t a dry eye in the audience as they serenaded the area with their song. Once they ended, the dance floor was open to everyone, and Zelda and DJ Pon-3 played music together.

Alex walked out to the balcony of the courtyard as it looked over the moonlit lake. Eli, Vallon, and Sammy found him.

“Alex, what are you doing?” asked Eli. “Come join the party!”

“I’m just thinking,” said Alex. “Whenever I look at the moon, I feel like all of my troubles just wash away. With Inverz defeated, the Numbers in safe hands, I just can’t believe that I feel like I have no troubles to wash away.”

Alex then turned to face Eli.

“We did it,” said Alex.

“Yeah,” said Eli. “We did it.”

They pounded fists together. Scott then ran up the stairs.

“Hey Alex! They’re playing your request! Come on!”

Alex shared a quick glance at Eli, and they all ran back to the courtyard to dance and celebrate this lovely night.