> Twilight's Duel School of Friendship: Freshman Year > by k00l > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: Try Outs! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today is the big day, Duel School Try Outs! Will you be lucky enough to pass the entrance exam? 6 young creatures felt they are good enough to give it a try, so there they sat in the Duel School Arena waiting for their turn. The arena was filled with ponies, itching to get into the school. Some sat in stands while there were others on the ground, dueling each other. Soon enough, all six students names were called and they gathered near the bottom and waited for instructions. They stood side by side and waited for the instructors to show up. having never met each other before, they stood there awkwardly. The young colt turns to the blue Griffon next to him "Hey there, I'm Sandbar." The young colt said smoothly giving the griffon a side smile. The griffon rolls his eyes and responds "Gallus." "It's pretty cool seeing a Griffon here, most don't come by here that often." Said Sandbar, now with his head turned to look at Gallus despite him barely paying attention to him. "Good luck on the entrance exam, what kind of deck do you use?" "....Blackwings." said Gallus unenthusiastically, as Sandbar seems to smile more. "Blackwings? you must love Synchro summoning then. Me, My dad gave me his deck, I made some improvements on it to make it a little better, Its a Gaia the Fierce Knight deck." Sandbar said proudly, but at this point, Gallus started to laugh. "Gaia the Fierce Knight? That deck is heavily outdated and weak! How do you plan to win with that!?" Gallus continued to laugh as Sandbar now looked unamused. "Just you wait and see." At that moment, Rainbow Dash swooped in and laded in front of them. "All right Rookies, this is the entrance exam to see whether or not you got the guts to be accepted into the school of dueling and friendship. In this exam, you will be dueling each other, the winner's pass, while the losers get the boot!" explained Dash. The six froze hearing this news, half of them would make it. Pick someone and challenge them, you all will be dueling at the same time, you will all be monitored, so don't disappoint!" Dash then stepped to the side so the 6 can decide on who they will face. "I got Gaia boy! He is going down!" Exclaimed Gallus and smirked at Sandbar. "You're on!" Sandbar accepted the challenge. The Orange Dragon approached the Yak till they were face to face. "You look tough, I'm Smolder, and I challenge you." Said Smolder "Yona accept, Yak is best at Dueling!" Exclaimed Yona loudly. The Pink Hippogriff would the loudly exclaim to the shy Changeling, "Guess that leaves you and me! My name is Silverstream, what's yours? I use a water deck, well I also use many decks, but my water deck is my favorite! what deck do you use???" "...I... I'm ocellus... I use...Insects" Said Ocellus rubbing her hears with her hooves All competitors took their spots across from their opponents and activated their duel disks. With a ring of a bell, the duels had begun. [Gallus Vs. Sandbar] [Gallus 4000/Sandbar 4000] "I'll go first!" said Gallus as he drew. "My first move is too summon Blackwing Calima the Haze! {600atk. 1800 def. Lv4} I'll also set one card face down, Your move Gaia boy!" "Finally, I draw! First I activate the Spell Mystical Space Typhoon! This card allows me to destroy one of your spell or trap cards!" As the card shatters, Gallus facial expression doesn't change from being smug. "next, I will summon Gaia, the Polar Knight! {1600 Atk. 1200 def. Lv4} He will now destroy your Calima!" as the monster is destroyed, Gallus remains unimpressed. [Gallus 3400/Sandbar 4000] [Gallus 4 cards/ Sandbar 4 cards] "Thats it? So generic, I draw. I now activate Monster reborn, to bring back Calima, Since I control one Blackwing monster, I can now special summon Blackwing - Gladius the Midnight Sun {800atk. 1500def. Lv4}, I now normal summon Blackwing Hurricane the Tornado {0atk. 0def. Lv1 Tuner} I now tune for 5 using Calima and Huricane, synchro summoning Blackwing Gram the Shinning Star! {2200atk. 1500def. Lv5 Synchro Lv5 Synchro} Now that he is synchro summoned I can activate his effect, allowing me to summon another level 4 or lower tuner, but their effects are negated. I summon Blackwing Oroshi the Squall, {400atk. 600def. Lv1 Tuner} I then finally tune for 8 using gram, Gladius, and oroshi, synchro summoning Blackwing Silverwind the Ascendant! {2800atk. 2000def. Lv8 Synchro}" "Wow! fantastic move Gallus!" said Sandbar clapping his front hooves together." "I'm not done yet!, Silverwind, Destroy his Gaia!" The monster shatters, dropping Sandbar's life points down [Gallus 3400/Sandbar 2800] [Gallus 1 card/ Sandbar 4 cards] Sandbar was knocked back a bit from the explosion, but he quickly got up and repositioned himself. "that was a gnarly turn, but wait till you check this out, Draw! I summon the Marauding Captain {1200atk. 400def. Lv3}." "seriously?... are you trying to throw this game?" said Gallus losing all excitement. "Hold on now, I then activate his effect, allowing me to summon a level 4 or lower monster from my hoof. I summon a second Marauding Captain. That will be the end of my turn." [Gallus 1 card/ Sandbar 3 cards] Gallus facepalms as he then draws another card. "Silverwind, Attack his Marauding Captain!" "Which one?" replied Sandbar with a smug. "The right one!" As Gallus shouted his command, his monster never moved. "Huh? I said attack Silverwing!" "He can't dude, Marauding captain has an effect, if another monster is on the field at the same time he is, you must attack him first, and well since two Marauding captains are on the field, you are locked out from attacking." Sandbar smirked "What!? That's not fair!" cried out Gallus. "Grrrr! not a big problem, you tribute summon eventually, I will just wait it out, but first, I will equip Silverwind with glowing Crossbow, givibg him 500 extra attack points." "Smart, keeping your monster protected, I draw. Hmmmm.... I summon Gaia The Mid-Knight Sun {1600 Atk. 1200 def. Lv4} and end" Says Sandbar "You have got to be kidding me" Gallus was getting more and more annoyed. "I will draw but I can't do anything till those stupid Captains are gone!" "Great, my turn again, draw. Ok, now I got something. I will tribute one Marauding Captain, my Mid-Knight to summon Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight {2300atk. 2100def. Lv7}" "Way too weak, heh, your deck is annoying but your monster are pathetic. I'm so gonna win." Gallus smiles widely. "I'm far from done Gallus, in fact, you're gonna loose on my next turn" replied Sandbar, not backing down "Oh yeah Gaia boy? after I destroy that last Marauding captain, you don't stand a chance" "oh really, then allow me to activate my monster's effect, since he was tribute summoned, I can add a Black Luster Soldier card to my hoof." [Gallus 2 cards/ Sandbar 3] Gallus's eyes widen and his body froze. "B-Black Luster Soldier? you have Black Luster Soldier cards in your deck?" "Of course, Black Luster Soldier goes well with Gaia, and now, I add Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning to my hoof" 'NO! not that one!" Gallus's threw up his claws and placed them on his head, his facial expression turn to panic "Sorry Gallus, you played well, but I'm in it to win it. by banishing Gaia the polar knight, and Gaia the Mid-Knight from my grave, I can Special summon Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning, {3000atk. 2500def. Lv8}, I then activate his effect, instantly destroying your monster and sending it to the graveyard, but I can't attack this turn." Gallus could only look on in horror as his monster is instantly destroyed in front of him, leaving his side of the field bare while sandbar had 3 monsters. Looking at his hand, he had nothing that was strong enough to compete with Sandbar. Gallus would hang his head for a bit before slowly raising it to look sandbar in the eyes. "Congrats Sandbar... I don't have anything to beat you at the moment, and by next turn I will lose, so I... I surrender" [Gallus vs Sandbar: Sandbar Wins] [Smolder vs Yona] "Yona Go First! Draw! Yona Activate Gladiator Beast's Respite, Allowing Yona to shuffle two Gladiator Beasts into the deck and then draw three cards. Yona then activates field spell Colosseum - Cage of the Gladiator Beasts, its effect will happen in a bit. Yona then summon Gladiator Beast Andal {1900atk. 1500def. Lv 4} and equip him with Gladiator Beast's Battle Manica, Making him indestructible. Yona then place down a card and end!" "My turn, draw!" says Smolder. "I'll start off by activating the Spell Cards of the Red Stone, I send one Red Eyes Black Dragon from my claw to the grave, and one from my deck to the graveyard in exchange for drawing 2 cards from my deck. I then activate Return of the Dragon Lords, Allowing me to special summon one of my Red Eye's from the graveyard! {2400atk. 2000def. Lv7} I then tribute it to Summon Red Eyes Alternative Black Dragon! {2400atk. 2000def. Lv7} I will then place two cards and attack your Andal, he might not be destroyed, but you will still lose lifepoints!" [Yona 3 cards/ Smolder 2 cards] [Yona 3500/Smolder 4000.] "Yona Impressed, but Yona is gonna win, Draw! Now Yona activate foolish burial, this card lets Yona send one monster from Yona deck to the graveyard. Yona then activate facedown, Call of the Haunted, letting Yona special summon monster from Yona's graveyard. Yona special summon Gladiator Beast Spartacus! {2200atk. 1600def.} Yona now contact fusion summon Gladiator Beast Gaiodiaz! {2600atk. 1500def.}" Yona the smirks at Smolder " Now that Yona special summoned twice, Yona adds counters to Yona's colosseum field spell, Yona's monsters gain 100 ATK and DEF for each of these counters. since Yona adds two, that's 200 making Gaiodiaz 2800, Which Yona will now attack!" Yona's Gladiator slices the Head off of Smolder's dragon, which then shatters. "Yona far from done, now Yona's monster's effect activates, Smolder now looses more lifepoints equal to destroyed monster's defense!" smolder's eyes widen as a bright flash of lightning strikes her, causing her to yell out and loose 2000 lifepoints, to which she then drops to one knee. [Yona 3500/Smolder 1600] [Yona 3 cards/ Smolder 2 cards] Smolder eventually staggers back to both feet. "I was right, you are tough, but you don't know how to plan ahead, because now that my Red Eyes Alternative dragon is destroyed, he leaves behind a Red Eyes that is special summoned from my grave." Smolder then smirks herself "and it's attack is doubled" Yona's smirk quickly disappears from her face "now that it's my turn, I draw! then activate one of my face down, Red Eye's Spirit, allowing me to summon my second Red eyes from the graveyard!" "No! Yona can't survive two Red Eyes!" Yona exclaimed "You should have thought of that before you just threw your monsters at me, Red Eyes summoned by Red Eyes Alternative, Attack her Gladiator with Inferno Fire Blast!" Red Eye's maw widens as it takes a deep breath before firing red hot fire at Yona's monster, destroying it" [Yona 1500/ Smolder 1600] "Now, Red Eyes number 2, Finish her off with a direct attack!" The second Red Eyes glares at Yona, and then fires a bright red fire at Yona, who screams as her lifepoints drop to Zero [ Yona vs Smolder: Smolder Wins] [Silverstream vs Ocellus] [Silverstream 4000/Ocellus 4000] "Can I go first? pleeeease? Can I? Can I?" Begged Silverstream "yes, YES! You can." Replied Ocellus once again rubbing her ears. "Great! Draw! Now lets see.... hmmmm, OH! I activate Moray of Greed, By shuffling 2 water monsters into my deck, I can then draw 3 cards. Hmmmmm... ok! I activate the effect of Warrior of Atlantis, by discarding him from my claw, I can add the spell A Legendary Ocean to my hand. I now activate the field spell A legendary Ocean, all water monsters gain 200 extra attack and defense, and all the monsters in our hands have their levels reduced by one. Now I summon Reese the Ice Mistress {800 + 200 atk. 800def. Tuner.} And that's my turn Ocellus nods and then draws from her deck. "Since I have no monsters on the field, I can special special summon Primitive Butterfly to the field {1200atk. 900def.}. I set a monster face down, and then my butterfly will attack your monster." As her attack proceeds, Silverstream's monster stays on the field. "Huh?" "Sorry Ocellus, since your monster is a level 5, my monster's effect is it can't be destroyed by level 4 or higher monsters" replied Silverstream." "Oh, ok. Uhm, I will enter main phase 2 to set one card face down. You can go now" [Silverstream 3800/ Ocellus 4000] [Silverstream 4 cards/ Ocellus 3 cards] "Yes!, my turn! Ok I summon Neptabyss, the Atlantean Prince, {800 _200 atk. 0def.} Since I summoned him, I can send an Atlantean monster from my deck to the graveyard, and I can add an Atlantean monster from my deck to my claw. I can now tune for 3, synchro summoning Tatsonoko {1700 + 200 atk. 500def. Tuner.}. I'm Not done yet, I now activate Neptabyss other effect, Since he was sent to the grave when I synchro summoned, I can special summon an Atlantean monster from my grave, I special summon Atlantean Attack Squad from the grave {1400atk. 0def.} and I'll tune for 6, synchro summoning Coral Dragon! {2400 + 200 atk. 500def. Tuner}. Wow, I'm actually doing so good! ok ok, Now I activate Coral Dragon's effect, I can destroy one card on your field, I will destroy your face down, then attack your butterfly!" [Silverstream 3600/ Ocellus 2600] As her face down was destroyed, she looks back to see her monster get destroyed, she covers her face with her hoof as her monster shatters. She panics a little but then takes a deep breath and draws. "Ok... I summon Inzektor Earwig {1000atk. 1000def. Lv 4}. I then activate the spell Insect Imitation, I tribute one insect monster to special summon another one whose level is 1 higher than the tributed one from my deck. I special summon Inzektor Giga-Cricket! {2000atk 1300def. Lv 5} I will then equip him with Insect Armor with Laser Cannon, Increasing his attack by 700, making his final attack 2700. I will then attack your Coral Dragon with my monster!" [Silverstream 3300/Ocellus 2600] [Silverstream 5 cards/ Ocellus 1 card] Despite her monster being destroyed, Silver's smile gets wider and wider. "This is so much fun! you are a great duelist Ocellus!" "Really? wow, Thank you Silver" Ocellus respond, now finally starting to smile back "My turn, I draw! I get to take 2 cards since my Coral Dragon was destroyed, I now Activate the Sea Lord's Amulet, For three turns my water monsters cannot targeted by card effects, now I set a card and a Monster, Your move!" Ocellus drew, but was little frustrated because there was nothing she could do yet. However, She did see that she had Self-Destruct Ant in her hoof, She thought that if she could wear Silverstream down a bit, she could win with it. But her lifepoints were far too low compared to Silver for her to use it now so she held onto it. [Silverstream 4 cards/ Ocellus 2 cards] "Alright, Giga-Cricket still has a lot of attack, Attack her face down!" commanded Ocellus and then ending her turn "Congrats, you destroyed my White Moray," Said Silverstream "I draw, hmmmmm, I set one more monster and end." Ocellus squints her eyes, she knew what Silverstream was doing, she was stacking her graveyard, she knew she had to get the advantage now by Placing Self Destruct Ant face down on the field. "I set a monster face down, then I will attack your face down again and then end!" "Oh! that was my Atlantean Marksman, oh well, I draw, and place a monster face down again, your move" Ocellus was starting to get a little annoyed at this point. "Alright, you want to play that game? I draw, Now I summon Swallowtail Butterspy {1800atk. 1200def. Lv 4} to the field. Butterspy will attack your face down!" The card flips to reveal Legendary Atlantean Tridon which then is destroyed. "Now, Giga-cricket, Attack her directly!" Silverstream gulps as the huge insect charges her, slashing its huge drill hands at her, She is knocked to the ground as her lifepoints plummet. [Silverstream 600/Ocellus 2600] [Silverstream 4 cards/ Ocellus 2 cards] "Owie!" Silver winced a little as she picks herself back up. "Ok, no more Mrs. Nice Grif! I activate my facedown, Type Zero Magic Crusher! I can send any number of spell cards from my claw to the grave to inflict 500 points of damage to you, I will send a second copy of a Legendary ocean to Inflict 500 points of damage!" Ocellus is struck by a bright flash of lightning that causses her to yelp and takes her down to 2100 life points. and now that I have a filled graveyard, I can summon this, Thanks to my field spell, he is treated as a level 4 in my hand, Come out Rage of the Deep Sea! {0atk. 0def. Lv5} He gains attack and defense for each Fish, Sea Serpent, or Aqua-Type monster in my Graveyard, and I count 7, making him 3500 attack and defense, with my field spell, he has a grand total of 3700! and with the next card in my claw, I activate Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying your Lazer cannon and dropping your monster back down to 2000!" Ocellus was now panicking as she now had the weakest monsters "W-wait! but I almost had you! I almost won!" "Sorry Ocellus, but I need to win, Rage of the Deep Sea, attack her Giga-cricket!!" A fearsome wave was launched at Ocellus's monster, it cried out as the wave swept it up, only for it to then shatter as it was destroyed. "I now end my turn, your move Ocellus" [Silverstream 600/Ocellus 400] [Silverstream 2 cards/ Ocellus 2 cards] Ocellus was now shaken, she had her Butterspy face up, and her facedown card which so happened to be her self destruct ant she was planning on using to defeat Silverstream with, but now, she wouldn't dare flip it now that she herself has under 1000 life points. She drew, no luck, no monster with a high enough level to tribute summon. she now had to gamble her chances. "I switch Butterspy into defensive position, and I place a monster face down and end!" Silver could see Ocellus shaking like crazy, she had 3 cards on her side of the field and she needed to get past them to get to her. "I draw!, Perfect! I summon Double Shark! {1200 + 200 atk. 1600def. Lv4}, My shark has an effect to where he can attack twice in one battle phase!" "No! you don't want to do that!" shouted Ocellus now panicking even harder "But I do, how else am I gonna get to you? Rage of the Deep Sea, Attack her Butterspy!" The monster send another wave, destroying Ocellus's Butterspy. "Stop! Seriously, you don't know what's going to happen!" "I'm not gonna fall for your bluffing, Shark, destroy the face down on the left!" The face down was flipped to reveal Shiny Black "C" Squadder, which had no defense so it was destroyed "Silverstream please!!!" Silverstream ignores her this time and looks at her last facedown. "Shark, destroy her last face down" "NOOOO!!!" The shark dashes towards the card and bites it, only for it to flip to reveal Self destruct ant. The ant then start to beep loudly and starts to let out black smoke. "Huh? what is that card doing?" questioned Silverstream. "I tried to warn you! When self destruct ant is flipped summoned..... it inflicts 1000 points of damage to both players." "Oh!...oh.....OH!!!!" The card then explodes, sending both Ocellus and Silverstream backwards as both of their life points hit zero at the same time. [Silverstream vs Ocellus: Winner Draw] As all 3 duels came to a close, there were some cheering from the other participants in the crowd. Both Sandbar and Smolder were celebrating and waving to the stands while Yona and Gallus hung their heads, believing that they would be rejected from the school. Silverstream and Ocellus too shared their feelings, thinking since the game was a draw, technically means no one won. That's when Twilight's voice is heard of the intercom. "And with that, the last entry duel has finished, all duelist please line up in a straight line, shoulder to shoulder please." Gallus wanted to leave immediately not wanting to face the rejection, so he turns towards the exit. "Hey man, where are you going?" asked Sandbar "Home, I lost, you heard one of the professor's say before the duels started, the losers will not be admitted." replied Gallus "Trust me, you want to stay for this, you won't regret it." He coaxes Gallus to stay. Gallus then rolls his eyes and decides to stay, joining his fellow duelist in a line "You all dueled so well today, we are all impressed by your skills. It is now time we reveal to you a slight lie we told all of you." announced Princess Twilight while on a balcony over looking the whole arena. "We told you that only the winners would be accepted, this is the lie, we only told you this so that you will all duel your hearts out, which you all did. I am happy to announce, that you all passed the entrance exam! Welcome, to the Duel School of Friendship!" This announcement was met with thunderous cheers and celebration. "However, you all may still be wondering if we planned on accepting you all in anyway, then why have entrance exams anyway? Main reason was to see your skill levels to see which dorms we would put you all in. There are three dorms, Obelisk Blues are best of the best, Your advisors will be myself and Rainbow Dash. The second dorm are the Ra Yellows, you are the intermediates, very skilled duelists indeed, Your advisors will be Applejack and Rarity. Finally the Slifer Red, there is nothing to be ashamed if you are a red, Being in red just means you need to work on your strategies a little bit, Your advisors will be Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. with that, please stay lined up so that we may pass out your school jackets." It took a bit to pass out the jackets, but after they were, everyone was outside, showing off to each other. Sandbar was sitting by himself, he earned himself a blue jacket from his duel and he couldn't stop fidgeting with it. "So you were made an Obelisk Blue as well huh?" Said Smolder, approaching Sandbar, she too was wearing a blue jacket. "oh cool! You said your name was Smolder right? Nice to meet you, its so cool to meet a dragon." "Heh, thanks Sandbar. I watched you duel when mine was over, Your deck is pretty cool." "Wow, thank you, you too! I love the Red Eyes Black Dragon, and you wielded it like a pro!" Smolder chuckled and sat down next to him. Just then, two more faces they recognized stepped out, Ocellus and Silverstream. They both were smiling as they wore Ra Yellow jackets. Both Sandbar and Smolder wave them over, They spot them and gleefully approach them. "Hey you guys, glad to see you both got Ra Yellow." said Sandbar "I know right! it's so cool! I thought we weren't going to make it but we did! Isn't this Amazing!" exclaimed Silverstream. "Dial it back a little. Your guy's duel was the longest, it was very fun to watch." said Smolder. "Thanks" said Ocellus. "I'm just glad we didn't get Slifer Red for technically losing" "Oh, that's wonderful to hear, just wonderful! Glad YOU didn't get it!" exclaimed Gallus who was behind her, wearing a red jacket. "Whoa, easy there Gallus, you're still in ain't ya?' asked Sandbar. "Yeah, but I got Red, the lowest of the low! this is humiliating!" Gallus cried. "Lighten up a bit, Blackwings are a hard deck to master. Being in red may help you iron out your strategies a bit. Look at Yona, she doesn't see to mind being in red." Said Smolder pointing towards the door. Yona was stepping out examining her red Jacket. "Hey Yona! Glad you made it in!" shouted Sandbar. Yona looks over at the group and eagerly approaches them. "Yona got Red, Red is best!" exclaimed Yona. "See Gallus, Yona doesn't mind being Red. you gotta work with what you're dealt." said Ocellus. Gallus scuffs at them and then starts to walk away. "Hey! Gallus, don't leave, we are just trying to be friendly, This school is about friendship as well as dueling." Said Sandbar "I don't need friends, all I need is to get better at Dueling and that's it." Said Gallus as he left the five there without another word. "I wonder what his deal is." Said Silverstream "Hopefully he'll come around eventually. Whoa, look at the time! campus tours are going to start soon, I need to know where I'm gonna be sleeping tonight. Night you guys." Sandbar said standing up before leaving, they all too said their goodbyes before going their separate ways. This School year is going to something these six will never forget. End of prologue > Chapter 1: New Challenger > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1 New Challenger Two weeks of Classes have already taken place, some groups of friends have already started forming, but most stick to their own dorms, rarely any of them have more the one dorm integrated in them, except for one, the one consisting of the 5 creatures. So not only are they the only cross dorm circle of friends, they are also only one consisting of a variety of creatures. They also all had the same classes together, currently, they were in professor Fluttershy's class about card Monster appreciation class. "Remember class, each card has their own value, they were made with their own purpose. Respecting your cards is step one of being a great duelist." Fluttershy explained. she pulled out her own deck and revealed the top card, it was Kuriboh. "For example, this is my friend Kuriboh, one of the most underrated cards in the game. But I wouldn't trust anyone else to protect me in a duel." She then acts as if she sees something floating in front of her, she smiles warmly and nuzzles the air. Everyone looks at each other, wondering what is going on "Oh pardon me. It's about time class is over, before you leave, just keep in mind, that if you trust and respect your cards, they will never let you down. Class dismissed." The bell rings and everyone gets up and quickly leaves. Sandbar was hanging out near the entrance of the arena with the other four discussing what they learned and saw in class. "Professor Fluttershy is a little weird ain't she?" said Smolder. "I thought her lesson was very cute and informative." said Ocellus with a smile. "Yeah, but what was yellow pony's deal. Pony acted like something was there, but yak saw nothing." said Yona "I don't know what that was about, but I did take her words to heart. I love my deck, and I know they won't let me down." said Sandbar. As they were talking, a duel was going on in the arena, suddenly a loud explosion is heard. Interested in what it was, they all peeked inside to see what was going on. what they saw was Gallus in a duel, dueling an earthpony Obelisk Blue with silver white hair and dark blue coat. "Hey, it's Gallus. it looks like he is in a duel." said Silverstream. "It looks like Gallus just lost a duel." Said Smolder. Gallus's lifepoints drop to zero as Gallus had an angry expression on his face. "That's game you Slifer Slacker! Did you really expect to win? pathetic." said the Obelisk. "I challenge you again! I won't give up!" Gallus Yelled "No, that was three time in a row I whooped you, I have nothing to gain by dueling a loser like you!" "Whose that jerk?" asked Silverstream "That's Brisk Bronco, an Obelisk Blue. He claims to be the best duelist the school has ever seen. He is honestly just some loser with an attitude." says Smolder. "Yona not like him, Yona no like mean ponies. Huh? Sandbar, where you going?" asked Yona as Sandbar walked past them and towards the arena "Hey Brisk! Lay off him man!" Demanded Sandbar. "Sandbar? get out of here, I can handle myself!" said Gallus "Sandbar? You are standing up for this Slifer has-been? Come on man, You're an Obelisk. You and that dragon should ditch that group you're forming and join my group of friends. We're the best of the best and you could be too," Brisk gestured. "No way! I like my friends, and I'm not gonna sit here while you insult one of them like that!" "We're not friends Sandbar!" exclaimed Gallus. "I challenge you Brisk, you and me!" said Sandbar "Ha, your gonna regret this decision Sandbar, fine, I accept." replied Brisk. Sandbar took Gallus's spot on the arena mat and activated his duel disk "DUEL" [Sandbar Vs Brisk Bronco] [Sandbar 4000/Brisk 4000] "Perfection always goes first, I draw!" said Brisk "I Summon the Skilled White Magician {1700atk. 1900def. Lv4} I then activate the spell Pot of duality, I excavate the top three cards from my deck, I select one to add to my hoof while the rest is shuffled back into my deck. I chose to add the spell Emblem of Dragon Destroyer to my hoof! Now, since I activated a Spell card, My skilled white Magician gains one spell counter. I place one card facedown and end." The skilled White Magician had 3 orbs on the front of his cloak, one of them lights up to signify the counter being placed on him "My turn, Draw!" said Sandbar. "I summon the Knight Day Grepher {1700atk. 1600def. Lv 4} and that's my turn, your move Brisk." "Why Sandbar not attack?" asked Yona "Because both monster have the same attack, both of them would have been destroyed, leaving Sandbar wide open for an attack next turn. Not to mention, both monster have effect that each of them want to activate before they're destroyed." "That's it? you only played one card, I expected better from a fellow Obelisk, Draw!" Said Brisk "I now activate the spell Confiscation. I pay 1000 life points to look at your hoof, chose one card and send it to the graveyard." The arena scans Sandbar's hand and then displays it in front of Brisks face. "Heh, I knew you would have a dragon in your hoof, I chose to send your Curse of Dragon to the grave!" [Sandbar 4 cards/ Brisk 4 cards] Sandbar's face looks a little worried and angery at the same time, as he knew exactly What Brisk was trying to do. a second orb was also being lit on the Magician, to signify the second counter. "I will end my by placing one card face down, You're up" "Draw!" says Sandbar. "I know activate Knight Day Grepher's Gemini effect, in place of my normal summon, I change him to an effect monster with this ability, During my endphase, I get to add an equip card to my hoof. Now, Knight Day Grepher, Attack Skilled White Magician!" "Your own monster will be destroyed as well! you won't be able to activate his effect!" shouted Brisk "That's why I'm activating this! Go, face down, Reinforcements! Until the end of this turn, my Knight gains 500 atk. points!" replied Sandbar. "Yay Sandbar! show mean pony who's boss!" cheered Yona. All of Sandbar's friends and a few other students were now watching the duel. Even Gallus decided to stay, he had nothing better to do anyway. [Sandbar 5 cards/ Brisk 3 cards] The knight lets out a battle cry, to signify his power up to 2200 attack. The Knight the charged the Magician and prepared to strike. "Like I'm gonna let you destroy my monster that easily, I activate my trap, Doble Passe! this card changes your attack into a direct attack!" shouted Brisk. The Knight then ran past the Magician and strikes Brisk, who lets out a loud groan as his points drop down. "He sacrificed his own life points for his monster? Why?" asked Silverstream "Doble Passe is a very useful trap card, Yes it causes a direct Attack, but the monster is spared, and both players will take damage. The Trap user taking damage from the direct attack, and the attacker takes damage equal to the original targets attack points." Informed Ocellus. Sandbar then Groans him self as he feels the card's effect draining his own life points. "I end my turn, and now I can chose an equip card to add, I add Divine Sword - Phoenix Blade to my hoof and I end." said Sandbar [Sandbar 2300/Brisk 1800] "My turn, Draw!" said Brisk. " I now finally activate Emblem of Dragon Destroyer, This brings a Buster Blader into my hoof!" as he adds Buster Blader, the Magician has it's third and final orb light up. "Oh no, he actually did it!" said Smolder worridly "Why? why is that bad?" asked Yona "When skilled white Magician has all 3 counters on him, he can be tributed to summon a Buster Blader from from the hand deck or graveyard." said Ocellus. "I now get rid of my magician along with his counter to summon the Buster Blader from my hoof!" said Brisk triumphantly. {2600atk. 2300def. Lv7} "and I'm sure you are already aware of his effect right Sandbar?" Said Brisk now smirking. Sandbar had desperate look on his face, he knew exactly what the effect was. "All dragons on your field and in your graveyard give my Buster Blader 500 extra attack points for each one!" "Not good!" said Sandbar [Sandbar 6 cards/ Brisk 3 cards] Buster Blader raises it's sword to signify that is increasing it's attack to 3100. It then gets in a attacking stance and glares down Sandbar's Knight. "Now Buster Blader! Destroy his puny Knight!" Brisk Commanded as he charged at Sandbar, Slashing it's huge sword, cutting Sandbar's knight in half before it shatters. "Your deck is no joke Sandbar, but nothing can defeat a Buster Blader deck, Even the famed Blue Eyes deck was once defeated by a Buster Blader! what chance did you ever expect to have!? This will teach you to finally start acting like a real Obelisk Blue, and forget those losers! We Obelisks need to stick to our own, that is how we'll become the best duelist ever! I end my turn!" Brisk said confidently. [Sandbar 900/Brisk 1800] Sandbar's field was completely empty, no monsters, not even a spell or trap set on the field was there to protect him. Sandbar actually had a moment where he starts to question himself. He looks down at his deck, it's strange, he has never felt like this before. His deck meant the world to him, being passed down by his father. But now he was questioning weather or not it would be enough to win. Sandbar could feel tears forming in his eyes, he didn't want to believe what he was feeling. That's when he the voices of his friends. "Don't listen to him Sandbar! We know you can still win!" shouted Ocellus "You're not a quitter Sandbar, don't stop and you will win!" screamed Smolder "Sandbar! Is bestest Obelisk! Beat mean pony!" cheered Yona "You got this Sandbar! You can beat him!" Yelled Silverstream. Sandbar looks back at his friends, slowly he could feel a small smile form on his face, as well as his confidence starting to come back. He then looks at Gallus who was remained silent, but he had a hopeful look on his face, he too was rooting for him. Sandbar looks back at his deck, he knew it was strong enough to beat Brisk, he just had to trust it. Just like professor Fluttershy said ' if you trust and respect your cards, they will never let you down.' Sandbar closes his eyes and places his hoof on his deck, this was it, DRAW! "This duel is mine Brisk!" shouted Sandbar confidently, "Since I control no monsters, I can normal summon Level Warrior and change his level to a level 2 {300atk. 600def. Lv3 -> Lv2}. I now activate the spell card Double Summon, allowing me to make a second summon this turn, I now summon Rose, Warrior of Revenge! {1600atk. 600def. Lv4 Tuner} I now Tune for 6!" "Sandbar has a synchro card!?" Said Gallus stunned by that fact. "I synchro Summon Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth!" {2600atk. 800def. Lv6} "Oh man, you had me there Sandbar, I thought you were going to summon a really strong monster!" Brisk teased. "I'm not done yet Brisk. I had the materials to summon Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth for awhile now, but I knew he was too weak. But this card changes everything." Sandbar smirks while holding up the card he drew this turn. "What is it? What card is that?" asked Brisk "It's foolish burial!" shouted Sandbar, turning it around to show him. Brisk only laughed at Sandbar when he revealed it, still believing Sandbar had no way of winning this duel. "So you can send one of your monsters from your deck to the grave, big whoop. What's it gonna do?" Brisk taunted again. "You'll see" assured Sandbar. "I activate foolish burial to send Swift Gaia the fierce knight from my deck to the graveyard." "Humor me, why exactly will this defeat me?" asked Brisk in teasing tone "Swift Gaia is a dark monster" replied Sandbar "OH SHOOT! You're really gonna do that Sandbar!?" shouted Gallus excitedly before turning to face Brisk and smirking. "You are so going down Obelisk bum!" "Why? why is this so catastrophic!?" Shouted Brisk angerly. "It means, with him, and Knight Day Grepher who is a light monster are both in my graveyard, I can special summon my best card! By banishing a light and a dark monster from my grave, I special summon Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning! {3000atk. 2500def. Lv8}" The monster emerges on the field, holds up his shield and raises it's sword and makes a loud battle cry before striking a fighting stance. "I'm still not phased! My Buster Blader still has 100 more attack points." Said Brisk smirking once again. "There is nothing you can do!" "Don't count on that! you must not be aware of Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning's special abilities, he can either make 2 attacks in one battle phase, heh, or..." taunted Sandbar "Or what!?" shouted Brisk "Or once per turn, instead of attacking, he can instantly destroy one monster on the field!" "WHAT!?!?!?" "Yeah Sandbar! Give it to him!" scream Gallus "I activate his effect to instantly destroy your Buster Blader!" Black Luster Soldier raises his sword and charges Buster Blader, raising his sword high to strike. Buster Blader raises his own sword to shield him from the attack. The sword collide hard making a loud metallic klang noise, slowly however, Buster Blader's sword starts to crack. it is soon broken in half, causing Black Luster Soldlier's sword to go all the way through and cutting him in half, destroying him. "This can't be happening! I was in control this entire time! how could I lose now!?!?" yelled Brisk "Because, you are playing for greed, not honor! Now Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth, attack him directly and finish him off!" ordered Sandbar. As Gaia charges, Brisk screams like a school girl at the on coming monster. Gaia's lance strikes brisk, knocking him off the arena and dropping his life points to zero [Sandbar vs Brisk Bronco: Sandbar wins] Ocellus, Silverstream, and Yona run onto the field and tackle hug Sandbar. He is able to keep balanced and hugs them back. Smolder steps up and offer's Sandbar a Hoof/fist bump. "Yak knew Sandbar would put mean pony in his place! Hooray for Sandbar!" Cheered Yona The others begin to cheer for Sandbar while the other students who noticed them duel also clapped their hooves together to congratulate Sandbar. "This, isn't, OVER!" shouted Brisk, slowly standing up after taking a huge fall. "You hear me Sandbar! This is not over! you just made the biggest mistake of your life!" Brisk huffed and angerly stormed out of the arena. "Yeah whatever Brisk, you tell yourself that." Said Sandbar with a chuckle. That's when Gallus then got up on the arena and stood in front of Sandbar face to face. "Hey Sandbar... I just want to say... thanks for standing up to him. Though I would have had him in the fourth duel!" Gallus said reasuringly. "Heh, whatever you say Gallus, anything for a friend." Said Sandbar offering his hoof to Gallus. Gallus smiled and grabbed his hoof and shook it. "Yeah, for a friend." replied Gallus "That was a fantastic duel Sandbar!" Said a voice that was coming from behind the group. They all turn to see that it was Headmare Twilight along side with Professor Rainbow Dash. "Headmare Twilight!? You watched that!?" asked Sandbar, surprised to see them both there. "We did, and Sandbar, I am so touched that you would do this for a friend, you truly are a very gifted duelist, and a friend anyone would be blessed to have." said Twilight. Sandbar smiled but began to blush a bit. "Heh, Thanks Headmare Twilight." Said Sandbar "And, that was a true performance in Loyalty, for that, I'm giving you an A+ for the day Sandbar." said Dash Proudly "Wow! Thanks professor!' exclaimed Sandbar "What about mean pony?" asked Yona "He might be given extra homework explaining what exactly he did wrong in this duel." said Twilight with a giggle. The rest all laugh as well. "Keep up the good work you six, I believe you all or going to be a shining example for the whole school. Have a nice day now." said Twilight as he and Dash turn away to leave. The six wave to them as they left. The six all then turned towards each other. "Well, What now?" asked Smolder. Just then a loud grumble is heard from Sandbar. "Well, I'm starving after all of that, how about we all go to the Cafeteria for some lunch?" Sandbar mention "I'm hungry too!" said Silverstream "Alright, race you guys there!" said Smolder before quickly taking off. "Yak gonna win!" yelled Yona taking off too. They all started to dart out of the arena, except Sandbar who made to the door and then looked back. Gallus was still standing there, unsure if he was invited too. Sandbar smiled at him and gestured him to follow him. Gallus smiles warmly back at before smirking and chasing after him. End of Chapter 1 > Chapter 2: Zombie World > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2 Zombie World Week 4 of classes is over and it's past midnight on the weekend, the six students were sitting together outside the Red dorm around a fire telling ghosts stories to each other. At the moment, Sandbar was in the middle of telling his, about the headless horse. Silverstream and Yona were holding each other, both scared while listening to the story. Gallus tries his best to look calm, but on the inside, he too was freaked out. But then there was Smolder, sitting there with a smug on her face. "and there, close behind, just inches away was.....THE HEADLESS HORSE!" As Sandbar reached the conclusion of his story, Smolder let out a small puff of fire from her mouth to help ignite the fire for dramatic effect. But the fire illuminated the darkness around them, allowing the others to see the shadow of a headless horse, just behind Sandbar, Causing Silverstream, Yona, and even Gallus to let out a loud scream. Just then, both smolder and Sandbar fell over onto the ground laughing, a bright magical aura surrounded the shadow and it suddenly had a head, It then approached the fire to reveal that it was Ocellus who was also chuckling. Both Yona and Gallus had an unamused look on their face. "Yak think that was not funny" Said Yona "Yeah, and I wasn't even scared, I just screamed because those two screamed." Gallus inputted "I don't think so! you so should have seen the look on your face Gallus, you looked the most scared out of anyone." Sandbar said as he kept laughing. Gallus folds his arms and huffs in annoyance. "That, was , GREAT! You had me on edge Sandbar, and Ocellus standing behind like GRRR!! I was so scared!" Said Silverstream excitedly. "I'm glad you liked it Silver." Said Sandbar picking himself back up and sitting back down. "It's getting late, I think I'm gonna head back to the Yellow dorm, Night you guys." Said Ocellus who then Yawned and waved to the group. They all waved backed and said their goodnights to here, but the other 5 decided they wanted to stay a little longer. They kept chatting for a little bit, some still poking some fun at the tree who got scared, when around five minutes have passed, they all hear a loud shriek coming from the forest that surrounds the school. All 5 jumped quickly to their feet hearing the scream. "That sounded like Ocellus!" Exclaimed Smolder. Without another word or hesitation, all 5 took off down the path that Ocellus walked down. It didn't take them long to spot here laying on her stomach crying into her hooves. "Ocellus! What happened!? Are you ok?" Asked Silverstream. Ocellus looks up at them with tears still flowing down her cheeks, she points towards the forest. "Th-Th-The Headless Horse! He's real! I saw him!" Gallus face palms as Smolder rolls her eyes, Sandbar and Silver however are a little more kinder. "It's alright Ocellus, no one is there, maybe that story was too scary." Said sandbar while Silverstream helped her up "I swear I seen it! it ran across the path I was walking on from one side to the other!" Ocellus was still horrified "We can walk you back to the Yellow Dorm. dorm Ocellus. We'll make sure you're ok." Silverstream comforted. Ocellus did seem to relax hearing that the other would escort her. They kept walking down the path, Ocellus kept glancing all around her but the others stayed calm, Out of the corner of Yona's eye, she could see a shadow move in the darkness of the forest. She quickly looks over to where she saw it and stopped. "What was that?" she asked. "Come on Yona, don't try to scare Ocellus even more." Said Sandbar "Yona not joking, Yona saw something, Something black." Yona Reassured that she saw something. By now, everyone was slowly getting on edge. "It's gotta be your imagination getting the better of you, come on" Said Smolder. Yona is able to brush it off enough to keep walking with the group. The night only seemed to get darker and darker the longer they walked, all were now starting to get more scared the longer they walked. That's when from deep in the forest, a twig is heard being snapped in half. Gallus's head shoot in the direction it came from. "You all heard that? I couldn't have been the only one who heard that." said Gallus. "Yona heard it" "Yeah, me too." said Smolder. "Alright, this is starting to freak me out. We need to stay focus and get to the Yellow dorm." Said Sandbar. They all had quickened their pace, stuck to each other like glue as they continued down the path. they were almost out but a voice could be heard calling out to the group, calling them by name. "........Smolder........." "Alright that's it!" shouted Smolder, stepping away from the group and standing on the edge of the path staring deep into the forest. "Smolder! get back over here!" begged Silverstream. "Who are you!? Why are you scaring us!? You want to fight, or do you want to duel!?" Taunted Smolder as she raised up her duel disk. It suddenly got very very quite, and very very cold. You couldn't hear any bugs, and the group started to see their own breath. "That's enough Smolder, we are almost out, I want to get out of here." Said Gallus still trying to act all tough. "Hold on, I think....I think I can actually see something moving in there, in the darkness." Said smolder squinting her eyes to try and get a better view. However, her eyes would slowly get wider and wider as she could eventually see what it was. "Is...Is that..." Before she could finish her sentence, a long black appendage reaches out and grabs her by the waist and pulls her forcefully into the forest, causing her to scream horrifically." The other five screamed out for her and then dashed into the forest after her. In a brief moment they forgot how scared they were just so they could attempt to rescue her. they ran for a bit till they get to a small clearing to catch their breath. Smolder's screaming stopped, and they looked all around them, darkness on each side." "GRRR which direction did we come from!?" Shouted Gallus angerly. "I don't remember! Which way did they go!?" Replied Sandbar. "I Just want to go home!" Cried Ocellus laying down and placing her hooves over her ears. "....Guys....Where is Yona?" Asked Silverstream. They all looked around to discover indeed, Yona was gone. "Did we run to fast for her?" Asked Sandbar. "YONA! YAK! Where are you!?" Gallus shouted but received no response. "SHHHH!!! Quiet Gallus! You are gonna draw that thing closer to us!" Begged Silver on the verge of tears. "Well we can't just abandon our friends! How else do you do suggest we find them!?" Gallus argued "Guys quiet...I think I hear hoofsteps, it might be Yona" Said Sandbar. They all quiet down and look in the direction the hoofsteps are coming from. They get faster and faster till soon it sounds like running. Their eyes have been slowly getting use to the darkness, allowing them to see better, they all squint their eyes to see who was approaching them, till they could finally see, it was a pony, but it had no head. "IT'S THE HEADLESS HORSE!!! RUUUUUUUN!!!!" Scream Silverstream as she ran off in a random direction. the other three screamed as well and took off running, they all went their own separate direction. Gallus was running faster and faster, he kept looking up to see if he could fly out, but the tree were too close together for him to spread his wings so he kept running. He ran till he couldn't run any more. he stopped to catch his breath before then looking around. He was all alone in the pitch black darkness. He was about to shout again but feared drawing that creature to him so he started walking, hopping to bump into any of his friend. He walked for what felt like a half hour, his claws were killing him at this point. Up ahead, he could see some moon light peering through the leaves, it must be a clearing with space for him to fly. He ran towards it and breaks through the branches, on the other was indeed a large enough clearing, but he was shocked to see it was a graveyard, covered in a thick fog. "A cemetery? I didn't know we had a cemetery on campus?" He says as he looks up at the night sky "I better go find someone to help find someone to help us, I can't look for them on my own with that thing chasing me" He spreads his wings and is about to take off when he hears a voice calling to him, saying his name. His ears twitch as he looks down the rows of tombstones, he recognizes the voice "Silverstream!" He then runs towards where he heard Silver's voice come from, That's when he heard another voice to his right calling his name, he stops and looks down the row to his right "Smolder!?" He then runs down that direction till once again he hears his name again to his left. "SANDBAR!?!?" he turns and runs left for a bit till he is face to face, With a mausoleum. He is frozen in fear, thinking that they may be inside it. He gulps hard and builds up the courage to go inside, till he is hit on the head with a stick. he rubs his head and looks up to see all five of his friends, tied together hanging from the tree by their arms. "Bout time you slowpoke, Get us down from here!" Demanded Smolder. "My arms are getting tired." "Are you guys alright?" Asked Gallus as he flew up to them and was trying to untie them. "We're fine, just please get us down." Begged Sandbar. "I'm trying, this are hardcore knots" Said Gallus. "Gallus! Behind you! Look!" shouted Ocellus. Gallus turned to see the heavy stone doors of the mausoleum slowly being pushed open. His heart began to thump as he heard footsteps exciting the darkness, there, standing in the entrance, was a pony's body with no head. "Th-the Headless Horse!" Yelled Gallus "...You, your head is perfect, I want yours." The Headless Horse was some how able to say. "M-m-m-m-my head????" Gallus stuttered. "Yessss." Said the horse, turning it's body to face him. "I like yours the most, give it too me!" "No!" Gallus said standing his ground. "Let my friends go, now!" "Hmmmmm, How about a deal?" coaxed the Horse. "What kind of deal?" Replied Gallus. "Let's have a duel, you and me, if you win, I will let you and your friends go free." Suggested the Horse. "...And if you win?" Asked Gallus. "Then I get your head, and you and your friends will stay here forever." The horse said, lifting his left hoof to point next to him. To the left of the Mausoleum, the fog slowly dissipates to reveal six freshly dug graves. Gallus gulps hard and his heart begins to throb. "I... I accept" said Gallus "Fool, your head is mine!" The Horse taunted, revealing his duel disk on his right hoof, it looked old and was stained black. Gallus also lifts up his claw and activates his duel disk. "DUEL!" [Gallus Vs The Headless Horse] [Gallus 4000/Headless Horse 4000] "You got this Gallus!" cheered Sandbar "I'll make the first move, draw!" The Headless Horse said as he drew from his duel disk. "I activate the spell Graceful Charity, Letting me draw 3 cards, but discard 2. Next I place one monster and one card face down and end." "Ok, My turn, Draw!" Said Gallus. "I summon Blackwing - Jin the Rain Shadow {600atk. 500def. Tuner. Lv1} in attack mode, Since I now have a Blackwing on the field, I can special summon Blackwing - Kris the Crack of Dawn! {1900atk. 300def. Lv4} I now tune for 5, Synchro Summoning Blackwing - Gram the Shining Star! {2200atk. 1500def. Lv5 Synchro}" "Great first move Gallus!" shouted Silverstream. "We're counting on you, we really are!" shouted Smolder. "Gram, attack his face down!" Gallus commanded as Gram flew into the air and then came down hard with his sword, piercing the card. The card revealed to Des lacooda {500atk. 600def. Lv3} "When Des Lacooda is flipped, I draw a card." Said the Horse. "I enter main phase 2 to set two card face down and end" [Gallus 2 cards/ Headless Horse 4 cards] "Draw!" The Horse begins to chuckle seeing the card it drew. "I activate the spell Terraforming, adding one field spell from my deck to my hoof, I add the spell, Zombie World." "Zombie World? What kind of field spell is that?" Gallus asked "You shall see soon enough, I activate Zombie World!" as soon as the card is played, the environment around them begins to rot and look decayed. Gallus looks all around him scared to see all the plant life die before his eyes. "Gallus! Your monster!" Shouted Ocellus "Huh?" Gallus looked back at Gam who had feathers start to fall off of it, it's eyes glow a deep red and it's armor begins to look heavily damaged. "Gram! what is happening to my monster!?" Gallus demanded as the Horse starts chuckling ominously. "Zombie World is a field spell that turn all monsters on the field and in our graveyards into Zombie type monsters, and we are only allowed to special summon Zombies!" Gallus starts to shudder, he looks back at his monster, he was horrid to look at. He looks down at his duel disk, the same thing would happen to his monsters as soon as he summoned them as well. To make things worse, he was now locked out of his extra deck since the Field doesn't effect the extra deck, and he can only special summon Zombies. "I will now continue with my turn." said the Horse. "I now summon Pyramid Turtle. {1200atk. 1400def. Lv4} I will now end." [Gallus 2 cards/ Headless Horse 2 cards] "You summoned it in Attack? You idiot! My monster is far stronger than that! My turn, Draw! I now summon Blackwing - Steam the Cloak! {800atk. 1200def. Lv3 Tuner.}" As soon as Steam was summoned, it too started to decay and turn into a zombie. "Gram, Attack his turtle!" "Gallus No! That's what he wants!" Screamed Sandbar, but it was too late, Gram charges Pyramid Turtle and slashes it with it's sword, destroying it. "You fool, now Pyramid Turtle's effect now activates, allowing me to special summon 1 Zombie monster with 2000 or less defense from my deck. I special summon Patrician of Darkness! {2000atk. 1400def. Lv5}" "Oh...uh... can I change Steam to defense real quick?" Gallus said sheepishly. "No." Said the Horse "do you end?" Gallus sighs heavily. "yeah I end." [Gallus 4000/Headless Horse 3000] "Draw! I place another card face down, I will then activate the spell Book of Life. This card allow me to target one Zombie in my grave, and one in your grave, I then special summon my monster, while yours is banished. I select Pyramid Turtle to return in defense mode, and Blackwing - Jin the Rain Shadow to be banished. I now summon Getsu Fuhma {1700atk. 1200def. Lv4}. Patrician, Destroy Steam the cloak." His monster stands up straight and hisses, revealing his fangs and charges at Gallus's monster before slashing it with it's claws, destroying it. Because of Zombie World, Gallus is unable to activate his effect to special summon a token since it is not considered a zombie. [Gallus 2800/Headless Horse 3000] [Gallus 2 cards/ Headless Horse 1 card] "Ok ok, get it together Gallus, I draw! I place a third card face down, Now Gram, attack his Patrician!" "Gram, you will attack Pyramid Turtle." Headless Horse commanded. Just then Gram shifted from attacking Patrician, To the Pyramid Turtle, slicing it and destroying it. "Hey! How did you do that!? You took control of my monster!" Exclaimed Gallus "my Patrician of Darkness has an effect, as long as he is on the field, I chose the targets for attack." "This is so not good, it's like Gallus is being used as a puppet." said Ocellus. "Gallus friends shouldn't think that, Gallus Friends need to give Gallus support, It's like what head pony said." said Yona "Yona is right, As long as we have faith in and show him our support, he will never give up! WE BELIEVE IN YOU GALLUS!" shouted Silverstream. Gallus looks back at his friends and is able to actually smile, he knew they trusted him to get them down, that's is exactly what he was gonna do. "Since my Pyramid Turtle was destroyed, I summon Plaguespreader Zombie with it's effect. {400atk. 200def. Lv2 Tuner}" "very well, I end my turn." "My turn, Draw. I will now Tune all 3 monsters for 11, Synchro summoning Gashadokuro, the Skeletal Mayakashi {3300atk. 2600def. Lv11 Synchro.}" A huge skeleton monster towers over the field and lets out a long moan. "Oh my Celestia! Look at the size of that thing!" Exclaimed Sandbar "3300 attack!? That's too much!" shouted Ocellus "It doesn't matter, You got this Gallus, I know you can beat it!" Cheered Silverstream. Gallus never moved, he was now smirking, despite the huge monster in from of him. "Gashadokuro, Attack his Gram!" shouted the Headless Horse. The giant skeleton reaches down and picks up the monster, it opens it maw before placing Gram's head in its mouth before chomping down hard, destroying the monster. "I end my turn, your head will soon be mine!" "Come on Gallus, don't give up, I still know you can win!" cried Silverstream. Gallus was barely phased by the attack, he continues to stare down the monster, not loosing hope yet. [Gallus 1700/Headless Horse 3000] [Gallus 2 cards/ Headless Hores 2 Cards] Gallus places his claw on his deck and closes his eyes while letting out a deep breath "If that heart of the cards thing Headmare Twilight was talking about, I need it now." "You got this Gallus!" "We believe in you Gallus!" "We know you can win!" Shouted his friends as he the draws his card. Gallus looks at it and smirks. "I activate the spell Twin Twister! By sending one card to the graveyard, I can destroy two spells and traps on the field, I discard one card and my first target is your Zombie World!" Slowly, the dark and decerped world slowly starts to shift back to normal. "Yay Gallus!" shouted Silver "No!" Said the Headless Horse in a deeper voice. "My second target is my second face down card." Said Gallus. "Why would you destroy your own card?" question the Headless Horse. "Because, the set card is Blackwing - Boobytrap, If it is destroyed while it is set, I draw one card! Now I activate my last Facedown, Blackback, Letting me special summon one Blackwing monster from the grave with 2000 or less attack points, but I cannot normal summon this turn, but I won't need it!" "How confident you are. You think you can win this duel?" asked the Headless Horse "I don't think I will win this duel, I know I will win in this turn!" Reassured Gallus. "I chose to bring back Blackwing - Kris the Crack of Dawn {1900atk. 300def. Lv4}, I now activate Blackwing - Steam The Cloak's effect, special summoning him from graveyard as well {800atk. 1200def. Lv 3 Tuner}. Now, since I only control blackwings, I can special summon Blackwing - Gladius the Midnight Sun from my hand {800atk. 1500def. Lv3} . Now, I use all three monsters to Tune for 10, I synchro summon Blackwing Full Armor Master! {3000atk. 3000def. Lv10} "WOW!!! what a move Gallus!" cheered Silver "Fool!" shouted Headless Horse. "despite how impressive that turn was, your monster is still far too weak to destroy Gashadokuro!" "That's why I saved this card, I activate Monster reborn! I chose to take control of a monster from your grave.!" Said Gallus. "What could you possibly want?" Asked Headless Horse "Simple, you wouldn't think I wouldn't notice, but I did, I chose to summon a monster you used to synchro summon your monster, I summon Getsu Fuhma!" Yelled Gallus "NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" The Headless Horse lets out a loudly ghostly wail as Getsu Fuhma is summoned to Gallus's field. Gallus's smirk turns into a full fled smile. "Yona confused, why headless pony so upset?" asked Yona "As you know Headless Horse, if Getsu Fuhma attacks a monster that is a fiend, or a Zombie, It is instantly destroyed after damage calculation! Getsu Fuhma, Attack Gashadokuro!" Commanded Gallus. The monster raises it's sword before charging the monster, leaping high in the air and slashes it's sword, since Gashadokuro lets out a loud wail, swinging its hand striking Gestu fuhma, destroying him. After Gallus's lifepoints go down, Gashadokuro wails even louder as the slash it took causes it to explode. [Gallus 100/Headless Horse 3000] When the dust cleared, The Headless Horse's field was completely empty, while Gallus still had one more monster to attack. "No, this can't be!" Cried the Headless Horse. "LET HIM HAVE IT GALLUS!" Screamed Sandbar. "Blackwing Full Armor Master, attack him directly and end this Duel!" Commanded Gallus. His monster raises its huge sword and lifts up into the air, with the majestic wing movement, it darts towards the Headless Horse and brings it's sword down hard on him, Causing the Headless Horse to let out a loud screech as his lifepoints drop to zero. [Gallus Vs. Headless Horse: Winner Gallus] All of Gallus friends instantly begins to cheer for him as he is declared the winner. The Headless Horse who was down on his knees, slowly stands up and regains his balance. "Now do as you promise, let my friends go." Commanded Gallus "...Very well." The Headless Horse raises one hoof, instantly, all five are magically freed from their binds. They all swarmed Gallus and hug him tightly, thanking and congratulating him over and over again. "You may now leave, and never return." said the Headless Horse ominously as he turns away from the group and walks back towards the mausoleum, as he enters the darkness, his body simultaneously begins to disappear into thin air. The big heavy stone doors then slam shut. The group who watched him vanish, then all decided to get out of there quickly. There was a path that lead out of the graveyard, and all six of the ran as fast as they could. They ran till they saw the exit, upon darting out of the forest, they were somehow all in front of the Ra Yellow Dorm. "Finally, we are here. I just want to go to sleep and pretend none of this ever happened." Said Ocellus. the whole group nodded and agreed with her. Silverstream then out of nowhere hugged Gallus tightly. "I knew you could do it Gallus! I never doubted you for a minute!" Exclaimed Silver. "Oh...wow. Thanks Silver." Said Gallus, now slightly blushing and eventually hugs her back. "Dang right. Those were some impressive moves Gallus, remind me to make you my teammate during tag duels alright?" said Sandbar. Gallus smiles at him. "Noted" "Um... Yona and Gallus have to walk back to Red Dorm to go to bed." Yona butted in, which only caused her and Gallus to shudder a lot. "Yeah...and the Blue Dorm is still ways away." Said Smolder. "Uhm... Silverstream, Ocellus, would it be ok if we crashed in your rooms tonight so we don't have to walk alone?" Asked Gallus. Ocellus and Silverstream chuckled. "Of course you all can." Replied Ocellus. The group all laughs together as they all enter the dorm for a well deserved nights sleep. End of Chapter 2 > Chapter 3: Gamble > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3: Gamble The group were still shaken up by what they experienced a few nights ago, was it real? Did they all imagine it? Or was it all a dream? But then, how did they all experience the exact same thing? They eventually reach the decision to tell Headmare Twilight about the whole event, despite them risking getting themselves in trouble for being out past curfew. They all six make their way to Headmare Twilight's office, they knock before entering. "Uhm, Headmare Twilight, do you have a moment.?" asked Sandbar slowly opening the door. Twilight was talking with all the other professors "Huh? oh, you 6. No, you are not interrupting anything. Please come in." Twilight said, turning her full attention to them. "We, have something to confess." Said Ocellus. Twilight raises an eyebrow "We were up late last night, like, really late, well past midnight." Said Gallus "You know that's way past curfew." Said Twilight. "We know, but we were having fun around a campfire, and then... we got attacked." Said Silverstream. "Attacked? By who???" said Twilight, genuinely concerned. "....By the Headless Horse." Said Smolder. A snicker is heard from Rainbow Dash, who is then nudged in the side hard by Applejack. "The Headless Horse? you know that's just a myth right?" Said Twilight. "But it not Myth, Yona seen it with her own eyes!" insisted Yona "We're not lying Headmare, it kidnapped us and took us to the graveyard in the middle of the forest." said Ocellus "What are you talking about? There is no cemetery anywhere near the school." Twilight informed. The entire groups eyes widen and they began looking at each other with shocked expressions. "But... but there has to be.. we were there!" said Smolder "Look you six, I don't doubt you may have seen something, your expressions prove that. But there is no Headless Horse and there is no cemetery near the school. It was probably just a hallucination from a lack of sleep. Next time, don't stay up so late. If that is all you have for me, I need to continue with what me and your professors were discussing. Dismissed." Having no other choice, the six decided to leave Twilight's office, despite knowing what they experienced. "This was a waste of time, why did we even bother trying to convince them that that happened to us!? even trying to explain it to her just then sounded like a made up story, and I was actually there!" said Smolder angerly. "We'll just have to find a way to prove it to them that it really happened." said Sandbar "Oh really? How Sandbar do that?" asked Yona "Well, we'll just have to go back to the graveyard and prove it to them." replied Sandbar "I'm not going back there! You crazy!?" exclaimed Silverstream "Yeah, I'm not going back there either, no way, no how." said Ocellus "sigh... then I guess we just got to burry this then. Now one is going to believe us, and no one is willing to go back there." Said Sandbar "I'd hate to admit it... that's probably the best we could do." Said Smolder The six all nod in unison and then start to walk away. They all began to walk back to their dorms, no one was saying anything as they were all pretty upset. They pass the arena, and they can hear a duel going on inside. Sandbar raises his head and looks over at the entrance. "Hey, let's all go watch some duels. I know we are all pretty bummed, but this may help raise our spirits a bit." said Sandbar. The rest look at each other, since they were all just gonna go sulk, they had nothing better to do. the all walk in and sit down, just in time to see one duel wrap up. The winner stand tall and shouts to the crowd, A Ra Yellow Unicorn mare with a green coat and a light blue mane. "Another duelist took the gamble and went home without a penny to their name! Who else wishes to take me on!" "Who is that?" asks Smolder "That's Roulette, She's a Ra yellow, her deck is full gambling cards." Said Ocellus. "Yona not like her cocky attitude, YONA ACCEPT!" shouted Yona Roulette's eyes dart towards Yona and she smirks. "A Slifer Red wants to duel a Ra Yellow? Now that's a gamble. If you're truly up for it, then come on down!" "Yona!? Why do you want to duel her?" asked Silverstream. "Yona can't stand mean cocky creatures" replied Yona "Are you sure you want to challenge her? Gamble cards can be very tricky!" warned Ocellus "Yona more sure than anything. Yona is itching for a duel." replied Yona making her way to the arena. She gets on the platform and activates her duel disk. "DUEL" [Yona vs Roulette] [Yona 4000/ Roulette 4000] "I'm gonna take the the first turn if you don't mind, draw. First, I play Cup of Ace, I flip a coin, Heads I draw two cards, tails you draw two card. Go Coin flip!" Shouts Roulette, a virtual coin is flipped in the middle of the arena. It lands on heads. "Heh, looks like I got Lucky, again! I draw two cards. Now I activate Dangerous Machine Type-6 but I can't activate it's effect yet, I now place three cards face down and I end." "Yona Turn, Draw! Yona summon Gladiator Beast Murmillo! {800atk. 400def. Lv3} And now Yona equip him with Gladiator Beast's Battle Halberd! What Yona card does is let Yona destroy one spell or trap on the field when Yona's monster attacks! Which is what Yona will do, Direct Attack!" As Yona's monster charges Roulette, it lifts up the halberd and brings it down hard on her. Roulette grunts and stumbles back, but quickly starts smirking again. "Nice move Slifer, now it's time to gamble, which one of my three cards will you destroy?" Taunted Roulette "Yona... destroys the middle card!" "Hmmmm, you destroyed Lucky Punch. Good for me, because that card is sometimes to risky, even for Moi!" "What does Lucky Punch do?" asked Gallus "Roulette is smart to be cautious, Lucky punch is a continuous gamble card. Once every turn she could have tossed a coin three times, 3 heads she could draw 3 card, 3 tails and she would had to of destroyed the card and take 6000 points of damage." "6000!? Thats an otk!" exclaimed Sandbar. "Yona end battle phase and activate Murmillo's effect!, Yona shuffle him in the deck and special summon any gladiator beast Yona wants, Yona summon Gladiator Beast Attorix in defense! {800atk. 2000def. Lv4} And, Gladiator Beast's Battle Halberd second effect kicks in, Since Murmillo was sent to the deck while this was equipped to him, Yona can add it back to Yona's hoof! Yona now end! [Yona 4000/Roulette 3200] [Yona 5 cards/ Roulette 3 cards] "My turn, I draw! I now activate Dangerous Machine Type-6, during my standby phase I roll a die, the number I get determines the effect, Go Die Roll!" A large virtual die is rolled in the middle of the arena, it lands on 2 "Heh, look at that, a 2, That means you must discard a card!" smirked Roulette. Yona sneers and discards one card. "Wow, those Gamble cards are annoying." stated Gallus with an unimpressed look. "I now place one monster and another card face down and end, Your move" "Yona turn, Draw! Yona now summons Gladiator Beast Dimacari {1600atk 1200}, Yona now switches Attorix into attack. Yona now give him Gladiator Beast's Battle Halberd, Dimicari, Attack her facedown!" "I play the quick play Spell Roulette Spider!" Shouts Roulette. "What that do?" Asks Yona as a mechanical spider latches itself to her monster. "Take a guess, I roll a Die and the outcome has a specific effect, Go Die Roll!" Shouts Roulette, the die the lands on 6. "Looks like Fortune smiles upon me today, that's a lucky roll! Since I rolled a 6, Roulette spider destroys your monster!" The spider then begins to beep loudly before exploding, taking the monster with it. "This is unfair!" shouts Silverstream. Roulette hears her and looks towards where she is sitting. "No it's not, Chance, there is nothing more fair. Heads and tails on a coin, 50/50, fair. You just have to be lucky!" Responds Roulette. "Unfortunately Silver, She's right. Gambling cards are the hardest to cheat with with this virtual arena, all we can hope for is that Yona eventually gets lucky." Says Ocellus. "Come on Yona, we know you can... get a good roll I guess." Says Gallus trying his best to root for her. [Yona 3 cards/Roulette 0 cards] "Gee, Thanks Gallus!" Said Yona with a very unimpressed look on her face. "Yona still have one monster, Attorix, attack!" The monster lifts her sword before charging the card and slashes it, It flips to show a twisted looking jar with a smiling face. "Now you've done it, you flip summoned Dice Jar!" Says Roulette. "We both roll a dice, whatever number it lands on, deals damage to your opponent x500 the player with the lower result takes the damage, so if I roll a 2, that's 1000 points of damage. However, if it's a 6, then it deals 6000 points of damage!" "Oh no! Yona you need to have faith! If you trust your die, you can win the roll!" shouts sandbar. Yona hears him but disregards what he says, she has no trust in the dice at all. "Go die Roll!" shouts Roulette. Yona's die rolls first, landing on a 3 "Yona got 3!" shouts Yona thinking it was a good roll, that is until Roulette's roll happens, landing on 4. "Too bad I got a 4, meaning you take the damage, 2000 actually!" She yells. Yona lets out a pained gasp as an electric aura surrounds her and zaps away her life points [Yona 2000/Roulette 3200] "Yona still activate Attorix's effect! Since Yona's monster attacked, Yona can replace her and special summon Gladiator Beast Darius! {1700atk. 300def. Lv4} Since Yona's new monster was special summoned by a Gladiator Beast's effect, Yona can special summon one monster from Yona grave with their effects negated, Yona Summons Gladiator Beast Dimacari!{1600atk 1200 Lv4} Yona now contact fusion, summoning Gladiator Beast Essedarii! {2500atk. 1400def. Lv5 Fusion} Yona Now ends! "My turn, Draw!" Says Roulette. "Go, Dangerous Machine Type-6, Die Roll!" The virtual die is rolled again, this time landing on 4, This causes Roulette to look unimpressed. "Oh well, you can't win them all. Ok Slifer, I rolled a 4, that means you draw a card." Says Roulette, Yona smiles and draws her card. "However, I still have all that I need, You ae about to witness my Ace Card, the gamble master himself! First I activate Monster Reborn, to summon Your Murmillo to my side of the field, Next, I flip one of my three face downs to activate Call of the Haunted, to bring back Dice Jar! Now, I activate my second face down, Reasoning! You declare a card level, then I excavate cards from my deck till i reach a monster, If it is the level you selected, all cards go to the grave, if you are wrong, I summon the monster!" Said Roulette confidently with a smirk "Yona... Yona declare level 4!" "Is that a number you're willing to gamble on?" Roulette smirks. "Yona not gonna fall for your bluffing! Yona declare level 4!" Roulette chuckles and then begins to excavate cards from her deck she draws 3 card before reaching a monster, she smiles and then reveals it. "I drew Sand Gambler, who is a Level 3, so I can summon him! {300atk. 1600def. Lv3}" Roulette now had 3 monsters on the field, But Yona is unphased by them. "Yona still have the strongest monster, Yona not afraid of you." Yona said confidently "Maybe not now, But you will because now I activate my last face down, Big Win! I declare a card Level, then we both flip a coin, both heads all monsters will become that level, If they're different, nothing happens, if both tails I lose life points equal to the level declared x500!" "That is a risk! If she picks level 7 or higher, Yona will win!" Exclaims Sandbar "This duel has me so confused. I want to root for Yona but, how can you root for luck!?" asked Gallus "We must give her our unconditional support no matter what! Come on Yona! you can still win this!" shouts Silverstream Yona looks to stands, she see her friends, they all had faces of determination on, which gives Yona some comfort, she then looks back at Roulette and waits for her to declare her level. "I declare level 7!" Said Roulette and tosses her coin, and so does Yona. Both virtual coins flip before landing to reveal, they both are heads. "Lady Luck, you never let me down!" "This is fine Yona! you still got this!" Shouts Ocellus "Oh no it's not, since all three monsters are now Level 7, I now build the Overlay Network!" "OH NO!" exclaims Ocellus "Wh-What's that???" asks Gallus worriedly "She's going to Xyz Summon!" Says Ocellus "Xyz what?" asked Gallus "Its a form of extra deck summoning, Like Fusion or Synchro but this requires you to have a certain amount of monsters of the same level to be stacked on top of each other, And depending how much is stacked, the monster can use one of them for a very powerful effect!" Said Ocellus "With all three of my monster, I Xyz Number 7: Lucky Straight! {700atk. 700def. Lv7 Xyz} I will now detach one Xyz material to activate it's effect, I roll 2 dice, and the highest number out of the 2 will then be multiplied by 700, and that is Number 7's new attack! Oh, and one more other effect, if the total number rolled is a 7, But what are the odds of that right?" Said Roulette tauntingly with a smirk. "Go Die Roll!" [Yona 5 cards/Roulette 0 cards] Yona was silently panicking, she was fearful of Roulette now, she has been in control of this duel, and the worst part, it's all been by chance, luck, this was making her question her skills, how could she lose to someone who was only relying on luck, it was a massive blow to her ego. but that was cut off when she sees the outcome of the die roll, and her eyes widen, She was able to do it again. "Well well well, Look at that, a 4 and a 3, that equals 7. Since 4 is the highest number out of the 2 dice, My monster's attack becomes 2800, and since I have a 7, I now have the choice of three effects, Send all other cards on the field to the Graveyard, Special Summon 1 monster from your hand or from either Graveyard, or Draw 3 cards, then discard 2 cards. I chose to destroy your monster! "No, That'll leave Yona defenseless!" Shouts Ocellus. But it was too late, Yona's monster lets out a painful wail as it is then destroyed. "Now lucky Straight, Finish her off!" shouts Roulette, He monster twirls it's cane and then points it at Yona, which then sends a barrage of gigantic dice hurling towards her. "Yona activate Battle Fader!" Yona special summons a weird monster to the field which causes the attack to stop. "Yona can special summon Battle fader when a monster declares a direct attack on Yona, then the battle phase ends!" "So you saved yourself for one turn, it's no use, You need to be pretty lucky to pull off a grand move to beat me. I end" {Yona 4 cards/Roulette 0 cards} Yona looks at her deck, she was still unsure of herself. She thought of just surrendering to try and save herself some dignity. That's when she could hear her friends from the stands. "Yona! You can't give up! one card can make a difference!" shouted Ocellus "Come on Yona, I believe in you! you are one of the best duelist I know, It takes more than luck to win, it also takes Skill, And you have the skill! Beat her and win! I know you can do it!" shouts Sandbar. Hearing Sandbar's words almost brings Yona to tears, Her friends still had faith in her, so she needed to stay strong for them. She puts her hoof on her deck and draws. "Yona Tribute Battle fader to summon Gladiator Beast Spartacus {2200atk. 1600def. Lv 5} Yona then activate Gladiator Beast's Comeback! This allows Yona to special summon a Gladiator Beast from Yona's hand or grave, Yona choses to summon Summons Gladiator Beast Dimacari from the grave! Yona now contact fusion using Spartacus and Dimacari to Fusion summon Gladiator Beast Gaiodiaz! {2600atk. 1500def Lv7 Fusion} Yona Now equip him with Gladiator Beast's Battle Gladius to give him 300 extra attack, Making 2900, strong enough to beat your Monster!" "Alright Yona! good move!" shouts Smolder "Gaiodoaz, Attack!" commanded Yona "Not so fast! I detach another material to roll again!" shouts Roulette. Yona glares at the dice as they are being rolled. a 5 or 6 would be enough to stop her attack and cause her some serious damage. Lucky enough, both dice land on 1 "Snake eyes!?!? Oh No!" cried Roulette as her monster drops down to 700. Gaiodiaz then takes his sword and shoves it in Lucky Straight's chest, causing it to scream in pain before being destroyed. [Yona 2000/Roulette 1000] "Yeah Yona! you got her now!" cheered Sandbar. Yona smirks and looks at Roulette, she had the upper hand now. "Yona now ends!" said Yona "Ok, Ok, I got this, draw!" says Roulette. "Go, Dangerous Machine Type-6, Roll the die!" The die rolls again, landing on 1 "Oh no! OH NO!" shouts Roulette. "One means I have to discard, But I only have one card! Lady Luck Why!?!?" "Since You can't perform your turn, It's now passed to Yona, Draw!" Shouts Yona. "Gaiodiaz, Attack Directly!". Yona's monster charges Roulette, who was in mid panic. The spear strikes her, dropping her Life points to zero. [Yona Vs. Roulette: Winner Yona] "YES SHE WON!" Shouts Silverstream. Sandbar hops down from the stands and runs up to the arena and hugs Yona tight. Yona smiles and hugs Sandbar back. "I knew you would win. No one can rely on luck forever." Says Sandbar still hugging her. "No no no! I was gonna win! Lady Luck has never failed me, Why now!?" Shouted Roulette as she drops to the ground. "I had all the cards, fortune smiled upon me, and then in an instant I lost everything!" Yona looks over at her and then slowly approaches her. Roulette looks up at her, Yona then reaches her hoof out to her. She was confused at first, but then took her hoof and stood up. "Yona thought that was a good game. Yona can tell you're not like other ponies here who are mean to others." Said Yona "...But... But I made fun of you for being a Slifer." Replied Roulette "Yeah, but Yona thinks you were just riding a win streak and got cocky. But Yona could tell in duel that you are just like Yona, love to win, humiliated to lose. But as long as you get back up, You will never be humiliated. In your own way, that makes you a winner." Yona's words causes Roulette to smile warmly back at her. "Thanks Yona, I think I really needed to hear that. I promise from now on, I won't get such a big head." R Roulette. The two part ways by waving to each other, Roulette then exits the Arena "That was real cool what you said Yona." Says Gallus as the rest step onto the arena as well to congratulate Yona. "Yeah, that is something that I would hear one of the professors say." Said Smolder. "Yona has been in her shoes before, Yona just wanted her to have fun, whether or not she won or lost." Replied Yona. "EEE, watching Yona duel has gotten me all excited, I want to duel now, Who wants to!?" asks Silverstream. "I accept! get your deck ready!" shouts gallus as he then flies over to the other side of the arena. The rest laugh and get back into the stands to watch their friends have a duel. Today has definitely help distract them from what happened the night before, now, all they could think, is who to actually root for in this duel End of Chapter 3 > Chapter 4: The Restricted Section > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4: The Restricted Section It was mid day, Classes were already over for the day. There was a big test coming up, so the six decided to hang out in the Library today so that they may study. Unsurprising however, they all found themselves bored out of their mind, so they were just lounging casually. Gallus and Smolder were so bored that they both had seemingly fallen asleep. "Alright, I can't take this anymore, who wants to go the arena today to have a duel?" asked Sandbar. "We can't Arena has been booked all day, we'd be lucky to get a chance to duel at all." Replied Silverstream. "Well then let's go watch some of the duels then. Seriously if I stay here any longer, my brain is going to implode with boredom." Said Sandbar. "what about the big test? What if we fail?" questioned Ocellus. "Don't worry about it, the test comes in two parts, a written one, and a dueling one." If you fail one and pass the other, you still pass. that's why the Arena is packed today, Everyone practicing" Said Sandbar smoothly. Ocellus has a very unassured expression on her face, Sandbar stands up and then approaches Gallus and Smolder, Shaking them awake to let them know that they are going to go watch some duels. They both excitedly jump up to join them. all creature get ready to leave, picking up all their stuff and exiting the small corner the were in. On their way out the pass a gated entrance with a whole bunch of books behind it. This catches Gallus's eyes and he stops to look at it. "Hey, you guys, check this out" He said, getting all of their attentions. "This is a decent lock, and look at all those book inside" "That's the restricted section, no student is allowed in there." replied Ocellus "What makes it restricted?" Asked Gallus analyzing the lock "The books in there are apart of Headmare Twilight's personal collection. There are some very dangerous books in there." Said Ocellus as Gallus now starts to fidget with the lock. "Gallus!" "There has got to be a way in there." Said Gallus now tugging on the lock. "You're gonna get in trouble!" warned Ocellus "Come on, they're just books. How dangerous can they be?" Gallus smirked. "I just want to look around, that's all. I want to see what kind of books she has in there." "You know what, I do too. They have to be some impressive books if they are locked away from students." said Smolder "Yeah, and if they were so incredibly dangerous, why keep them in the school? They can't be that bad." Sandbar chimed in "Guuuuuys!" Ocellus whined. "Ocellus can stay out here if it bothers her so much, But Yona not missing the fun." said Yona Gallus kept fidgeting with the lock, eventually slipping one of his claws into the keyhole. After a bit more fidgeting, there was a loud click and the lock opens. the gate then swings open wide. Without hesitation, one by one they all step inside. The only one to hesitate was Ocellus who watched all her friend step inside. She lets out a long sigh and then steps in herself. the six check out all different books separately, some are so old that the titles have been worn away. After a few minutes of looking around, Ocellus starts to get impatient. "Ok, we looked around long enough, can we all please get out of here before we're caught?" Ocellus begged "Hmmm, Yeah, I think I'm ready. Some of these books I can't read, and the ones I can are too worn away." said Smolder "Hold on...Are those comics!?" Said Sandbar heading towards the back of the restricted section. Everyone else follows him, and on display are a few comic books laid side by side. "Why would Headmare Twilight keep these in here!?" Said Sandbar getting a closer look. "Strange, Headmare Twilight never struck me as a comic reader." said Silverstream slightly puzzled. "Maybe they are first editions and worth some money." said Gallus "Whoa... she has Power Ponies, Batmare, and The Fabulous 4! Those are so cool...huh? No way! she even has my favorite comic series, Insector Haga!" "What is an Insector Haga?" asked Yona "It is an exciting comic about a pony who was kidnapped and had horrible experiments done on her to where she became a pony/beetle hybrid!" "That sounds scary." Said Silverstream looking at the cover "She is actually the Hero, the Villian is named Dinosaur Ryukazi! He was apart of same experiment, but became a dinosaur/pony Hybrid! after every fight, in a last ditch effort to win, Dinosaur Ryukazi always challenges Insector Haga to a duel. It's so cool!" said Sandbar. He then reaches his hoof towards the comic, but before he could touch, an aura of magic appears out of nowhere and slaps his hoof away. "Ouch!" It was Ocellus, she was the one who used her magic to slap Sandbar's hoof away. she looks that group with a very angry and annoyed expression. "No touching Sandbar! And the rest of you, We have been here long enough! We need to go NOW!" said Ocellus scoldingly. "Come on Ocellus, relax and have some fun." said Gallus "We have had enough fun, I am not getting expelled for trespassing in here, and I refuse to let the same happen to you too. I'm now no longer asking, I am demanding, We, are, LEAVING!" Shouted Ocellus angerly. The rest of the group actually found Ocellus to be quite scary when she is this angry. One by one they start to exit. Ocellus stands at the entrance and makes sure they all step out. She notices that Sandbar was the last one to leave. She shuts the gate after they all leave and the all eventually leave the library. They all decided to finish studying in Ocellus's and Silverstream's room at the Ra Dorm. As they finally get into the dorm room, everyone immediately take out their books and start to continue their studies. after about a half hours, Sandbar can be heard giggling to himself. It was barely noticeable at first, but it eventually starts to get a little annoying. Eventually, everyone starts looking at him. He was in the corer, holding a text book up to his face, giggling quiet a bit. "Sandbar, What's so funny?" Asked Gallus. "Nothing!" says Sandbar pretty loudly, holding the book closer to his face. "Sandbar, show us what you got." Says Smolder. Slowly he moves the book out of the way to show, he was hiding the comic from the restricted section behind his book. "You stole it!?" yelled Ocellus "No, I borrowed it, I was gonna return it when I finished it." said Sandbar "You're going to return it now!" says Ocellus sternly "Come on, I'm more than halfway done. just give me 30 minutes and I'll be done." Sais Sandbar. Ocellus groans loudly and face hoofs. "You only have 30 minutes, got it!?" said Ocellus. Sandbar nods and instantly continues to read. Ocellus times him carefully, inspecting the clock almost by the second until exactly 30 minutes are left. She waits and stares at the clock till the small hand ticks for the last time in a 30 minute time span. "That's it, times up Sandbar." she said "Awww... Horse apples. I was about to finish it, but the last page is blank. it just has some scribbling on it." Says Sandbar "What kind of Scribbling?" asked Silverstream "It doesn't matter, let's go put it back." says Ocellus. "It says...'You may return to the place you started, when Dinosaur Ryukazi is defeated. Take a closer look, if you want to join the adventure in this book.' That's weird" Said Sandbar "Come on, enough messing around. We got to retu-......What's happening?" Said Ocellus pointing at the comic which is now starting to glow. Everyone looks at it, Sandbar tries to cover his eyes, but his head is suddenly yanked towards the book, vanishing in the glowing light. "SANDBAR!" Yells Gallus dashing over to grab him as it looks as if he is being sucked into the book, soon, his whole body disappears and now Gallus is starting to be pulled in. "Everyone grab him!" Yells Smolder as she grabs ahold of Gallus, whose torso is now in the book. One by one, they all grab ahold of each other and are then sucked into the book. Everything was all white at first, but eventually it all fades and everything starts to clear up. They all seem to be outside, and at park. "Huh? How did we get here? This kinda looks like central park in Manehatten." Says Sandbar "Sandbar? Is that you? what are you wearing?" asked Smolder. They all looked at eachother, they were all wearing different clothes. But Ocellus, had the most drastic change, she looked like she was wearing armor that looked like a beetle. "No way! Ocellus, Your Insector Haga!" Yelled Sandbar "What, You can't be serious!" Said Ocellus as she twirls around trying to get a good look at herself. "Hey, I get it! 'Join the adventure in this book!' We are in the comic!" Exclaimed Sandbar "Yeah, That means that's the reason why it was locked away." Said Gallus looking at himself and his new clothes. "How do we get out of here?" Asked Silverstream "Again, think back to what the book said, ''You may return to the place you started, when Dinosaur Ryukazi is defeated.' Maybe if we beat him, we can leave." Said Sandbar. "Beat Dinopony how?" Asked Yona "At the end of every Insector Haga comic, They duel, so I guess we have to duel him." "Sounds easy enough, let's find him so we can....hey... Where's my deck!?" Yelled Smolder "Hey, mine's gone too!" Yells Gallus They all freak out as they all seem to have lost their decks, all except for Ocellus, who not only had her deck, but it was already in a duel disk that looks like a centipede. "This is all so weird!" Ocellus Exclaims "How come Ocellus was the only one who kept her deck?" Asked Gallus "Insector Haga was the only duelist, all her friends are not. Since we are them, our decks didn't crossover with us." Said Sandbar "My deck better be back once we leave!" Smolder warned. "Hey Guys, You hear that?" Said Silverstream. In the distance, some screams are heard. They all run in the direction of the screams. They reach an opening in the park to find a pony that looks to be part dinosaur terrorizing some civilians. "Whoa! Is that him! The Dinosaur guy?" Aske Ocellus. The Dinosaur pony turns to see them, it had the body and head of a pony, but the mouth and tail of a t-rex. He chuckles upon seeing them. "Insector Haga! It's about time you showed up! I was trying to have a quick snack before you showed up!" Said Dinosaur Ryukazi. Sandbar Nudges Ocellus for her to reply. "Ouch! Hey, what was that for?" Said Ocellus "He's talking to you, respond." Said Sandbar "What do I say???" Asked Ocellus "Anything, challenge him to a duel so we can leave!" Said Smolder. Ocellus Rolls her eyes and steps forward. "Stop now....you fiend. I challenge you to a duel so that... you leave these fine upstanding citizens alone!" Said Ocellus. Sandbar facehoofs hearing that. "hehehe! Fine by me Haga, When I'm done humiliating you I gonna devour your bones!" Said Ryuzaki as he turns around completely and activates his duel disk. Ocellus activates her's as well. "DUEL!" [Ocellus vs Dinosaur Ryuzaki] [Ocellus 4000/ Ryuzaki 4000] "I will take the first turn, draw." Said Ryuzaki. "I summon Beatraptor! {1400atk. 2000def. Lv 4} Next I activate the spell Big Evolution Pill! After 3 of your end phases, I get to special summon one level 5 or higher Dinosaur monster from my hand by tributing one monster on the field. I now end!" "My turn, I draw." Said Ocellus "I summon Inzektor Centipede! {1600atk. 1200def. Lv 3} When He is summoned I can equip him with an Inzektor Dragonfly, While Centipede is equipped with Dragonfly, His level is increased by 3, making him a level 6 monster. Now he will attack your Beatraptor!" Centipede charges Beatraptor and swing his giant bladed guantlet at it and cuts it in half. "Heh, it matters not, when my Beatraptor is destroyed by battle I can special summon a second one from my deck!" Said Ryukazi "Whatever, you still lose lifepoints, I end!" Said Ocellus [Ocellus 4000/ Ryukazi 3800] [Ocellus 4 cards/ Ryukazi 4 cards] "My turn, I draw." Said Ryukazi "I can special summon Gilasauraus, When he is special summoned you can special summon a monster from your grave, since you have none that is ignored. Now I can tribute him to summon this, Black Tyranno! {2600atk. 1800def. Lv 7}" The huge Dinosaur lets out a thunderous roar as it steps out onto the field, towering over Ocellus's monster. "Black Tyranno, it's feeding time! Devour her monster!" The dino roars before quickly swooping Ocellus's monster in it's mouth, it lets out cries of distress before the dino chomps down on it, destroying it. "Hahahaha! Your squirming bugs will only be an appetizer for my Dinos, When I beat you, I'll get myself a real snack, like one of your firends!" "Not gonna happen! I draw!" Yells Ocellus, slowly getting into it. "Since I now have no monsters on my field I special summon Primitive Butterfly In defense mode! {1200atk. 900def. Lv 5} But it isn't staying for long, I tribute it to summon Insect Princess! {1900atk. 1200def. Lv 6.} Ocellus's monster appears on the field and elegant takes it's place on the field. "Insect Princess, I've heard Ocellus talk about that card before, apparently it's her favorite." Said Silverstream "Let's hope it has a good effect, because those stats are pathetic for a level 6 monster." Said Gallus. "I place two cards face down and end!" Said Ocellus [Ocellus 3000/Ryuzaki 3800] [Ocellus 2 cards/ Ryuzaki 3 cards] "My move, Draw!" Said Ryuzaki "Heh, I summon the Two-Headed King Rex! {1600atk. 1200def. Lv 4}. After my Tyranno makes a lunch out of your bug, My king rex will take a bite out of you! Black Tyranno, Attack!" The dinosaur roars loudly and looks down at Insect Princess, who stands her ground. "Not so fast Dino Brain, I activate my face down, Negate Attack! stopping your attack and ending your battle phase!" Yelled Ocellus "How annoying! GRRRR, fine. I end by setting one card face down" Said Ryuzaki "I draw." Said Ocellus. "Excellent, I activate the spell Insect Barrier. Now Insect Monsters are unable to attack me." "Have you lost your mind!? I'm a dinosaur, not a bug! how does this benefit you!?" Yelled Ryuzaki "Because now I activate my second face down, DNA Surgery! I declare one monster type and all monsters on the field are changed into that type, I declare Insects!" Said Ocellus. Before all of their eyes, all of Ryuzaki's dinosaurs begin to groan as they start changing, Black Tyranno sprouts dragon fly wings and King Rex looses it's mouth and is turned into a proboscis. "ACK! My Dinos! Why you little!" Yelled Ryuzaki "I'm not done with you yet, Now my Insect Princess attacks your King Rex!" Commanded Ocellus. Insect Princess moves elegantly yet quickly towards the monster, she uses her wings to tak flight and kicks it hard in the head and destroys it. "Now her effect kicks in! For every Insect Monster she destroys, she gains 500 attack permantly! meaning now she has an attack of 2400! I now end" "Oh Yeah! Show him whose boss Haga!" Yelled Sandbar [Ocellus 3000/ Ryuzaki 3500] [Ocellus 2 cards/ Ryuzaki 3 cards] "GRRRR!!!.....Hehehehe! I almost forgot. It looks like you are in control now, but you're not! Now you just ended your 3rd end phase, meaning I can now activate my evolution pills effect! By Tributing my Black Tyranno, I can summon my greatest beasts, Ultimate Tyranno! {3000atk. 2200def. Lv8.}" "Whoa...That's big!" Said Yona. Eventually though, the effects of DNA Surgery kick in, turing the Tyranno into a insect "Your effect won't last long! I will destroy it, I end!" Said Ryuzaki. "My turn, draw." Said Ocellus " I place one card face down, I will then end." "HAHAHA!!! I draw!" Said Ryuzaki. "Excellent, I activate the Spell Mystical Space Typhoon! This destroys one of your spells and traps, I destroy your DNA Surgery!" As the card shatters, Ultimate Tyranno reverts back to it's original form "Oh no! Her barrier won't protect her now!" yelled Silverstream. "Say Goodbye to your princess! Tyranno, Devour her monster with Mega Dino Munch!" Commanded Ryuzaki "Not so fast! I activate my face down, Butterspy Protection!" Yelled Ocellus. As her card flipped, a bunch of butterflys fly out of it and swarm the dino. it backs up while trying to snap at the butterflies, till it backs up to its origional spot and then hunches down. "What did you do to my dinosaur!?" Yelled Ryuzaki "My trap negated your attack, and forced your dino into defense mode!" Said Ocellus "GRRRRRRRR!!! I swear one day I'm gonna devour you Haga, and I will savor every moment of it! gah, I end!" Said Ryuzaki "I draw!" Said Ocellus, she smirks upon seeing what card she had. "It's over Ryuzaki! I summon Pinch Hopper! {1000atk. 1200def. Lv4} "I'm getting real tired of your cutsey monsters, why summon a pathetic thing like that!?" Said Ryuzaki. "Because I activate this, I activate the spell Insect Imitation! This spell allows me to tribute one insect monster on the field, when I do, I can special summon from my deck one monster from my deck whose level is one higher than the one I tribute." Said Ocellus. "I tribute Pinch Hopper to summon Inzektor Giga-Cricket! {2000atk. 1300def. Lv5}. Oh, and im not done yet, since I used Pinch Hopper as a tribute, I can special summon another insect monster from my hoof! I summon the last card in my hoof, Swallowtail Butterspy! {1800atk. 1200def. Lv4}. Now do the math, once I destroy your Tyranno with my insect Princess, My two monster will attack you directly for a tota; of 3800, your finished!" "GRRRRAHHHH!!! NO!" Shouts Ryuzaki. "Insect Princess, Attack his Tyranno!" Commanded Ocellus. As Insect princess elegantly flies in the air, she comes down hard with her claws, and scratches Ultimate Tyranno, who roars as he is destroyed. "Now Giga-Criket and Swallowtial, End this duel now!" The combine attack from the two monsters hit Ryuzaki so hard that it sends him backwards. as he lays down on the ground his lifepoints hit zero. [Ocellus vs Dinosaur Ryuzaki: Winner Ocellus] As Ryuzaki laid unconscious on the ground, Ocellus stood tall over him. Their duel had gathered quite a crowed who was now cheering for Ocellus. from the crowd, two police ponies approach her. They handcuff the unconcious Ryuzaki aand then turn to face her. "You did it once again Insector Haga, the town of Manehatten owes you debt of gratitude." said one of the officers "Heh, I was...Just doing my job! Protecting the good civilians of this town!" Said Ocellus proudly. This causes her freinds to roll their eyes and giggle at her. Just then however, all of them had a glowing aura surrounding them. It grew brighter and brighter till the light was blinding. no one could see anything until it started to die down. when it went away, the students found themselves back in Ocellus's and Silverstream's room. Every one of them let out a sigh of relief and then turn back towards Ocellus. "That was amazing! That insect combo you have Ocellus with the DNA Surgery and your princess was fantastic!" Said Smolder "Heh, Thank you. Insect Princess is my favorite card." Said Ocellus "I can imagine the more insect monster you defeat with that card, that monster will have an attack so high it could be unstoppable!" Said Gallus "Yeah! Man that was exactly like all the other comics! I gotta read Insector Haga more often!" Said Sandbar. Just then, the other five turn to him and give him an unamused look. "....What?" "None of that would have happened if you didn't steal that comic." Said Gallus "Now don't you start, You were the one who picked the lock to the restricted section anyway." Said Smolder crossing her arms. "Yeah, and you went along with it anyway Smolder." Said Silverstream. "Friend Silverstream didn't do anything to stop them either!" Said Yona "QUIET! All of you! All of you are to blame because I was the only one who made any objections to any of this. Now all of you are going to take this back RIGHT NOW!" Demanded Ocellus. All of them look at eachother and then hang their heads. "Alright, we'll go put it back." Said Sandbar. "Be right back Ocellus." Said Gallus. All but Ocellus quickly exit the room so that them could return the comic. Ocellus sits at her desk and breaths a sigh of relief. She opens her text book so that she may continue studying. When the five return however, they find Ocellus has fallen asleep, her face buried in the text all of them giggle and they themselves sprawl all over the room to take a quick nap. End of Chapter 4 > Chapter 5: A Challenger Returns > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5 A Challenger Returns It's the next day after the event of being sucked into a comic book. The written exams were taking place, once they were over, one by one, the six exit the exam room looking mentally exhausted. "Oh thank Celestia that is over! If I see one more multiple choice question, I'm gonna have an aneurysm." Said Sandbar. "Yona... want to go to sleep now." Yona says groggily with a very tired expression. "Yeah, but we still have our physical exam" Said Ocellus. "I'm not worried though, I'm pretty sure I aced the written one." "you still need to be careful" said Sandbar. "These tests are crucial, your overall score will determine if you get promoted, or demoted." "What do you mean Sandbar?" asked Silverstream "Take you for example Silver, You're a Ra Yellow, if you get an average score, nothing will happen, If you get a high score, you may be open to be promoted to Obelisk Blue, score to low, and you may become a Slifer Red." "That sounds important, What if you score low and you are already a red?" asked Silver "Nothing much really, you have to get a really really low score to be kicked out. Even if your an Obelisk, you score below a 10, you will also be kicked out." Upon hearing this, the group all look at each other, some let out a long sigh, while other gulp in anxiety. Except smolder who hasn't stopped smiling since she left the exam room. "What's with you Smolder? Did you think you did well?" asked Gallus "Nope, I didn't take the written Exam" Said smolder with a smug. "WHAT!?!?!?" Yelled the other five "Aren't you afraid you will fail!?" said Ocellus. "No, because I'm going to pass the physical exam." said Smolder confidently. "Yona think Smolder too cocky!" Said Yona sternly "You guys should be more worried about yourselves, The duels will be happening soon" Said Smolder, lets go look at the roster list to see who we are facing." "I guess that would be a smart thing to do." said Sandbar. The group then leaves together to go check the announcement board, that is were it has listed who will face who. The group approaches the board and sees who they are all facing. The names were organized nicely, it was obvious it was Twilight who made it. Everyone finds their name and who they will be facing, But when smolder finds her name, She is shocked to see who she would be facing, Brisk Bronco. "Smolder will be facing mean pony!? Yona was hoping she would never have to see him again!" said Yona "Huh, I'm still not worried, I'm actually glad I finally get to put him in his place!" Said Smolder, digging her fist into the palm of her hand. "Oh, I'd like to see you try!" said a voice behind them. They all turn around to see Brisk standing there, smirking as his group of friends stand around him, laughing at the group. "I said this wouldn't be over did I? I get to humiliate you, and it's during the physical exams." "You don't get to gloat! You lost the last time we seen you" shouted Gallus "Pipe it Slifer Slacker, the grown ups are talking, besides, you lost to me 3 times in a row against me, so sit down!" commanded Brisk as his friends begin to laugh. "You can't talk to him like that!" shouted Silverstream "A Ra Yellow, the middle duelists. You know, you should change your names from 'the intermediates,' to 'the good-enoughs'" replied Brisk, now getting more laughter from his friends. Silver seemed to actually be hurt by that comment. Smolder then step forward with an angry expression "Listen pony boy, if your mom held you more as a baby, you wouldn't be cradling your own ego as you do now, so lay off! Your not facing Sandbar, your facing me so you won't be getting back at him just yet, and unless you want me to leave you with some dignity after I beat you, you will walk away right now!" Said Smolder sternly. All of Brisk's friends had all quieted down at this point, and Brisk was no longer smiling. "Fine, I'll leave, but before I do, this duel actually couldn't be more perfect for me. I will be getting you all back for that day. As I noticed in the exam room, you didn't mark a single question. So I plan to beat you so badly, you will fail and be expelled, causing your friend group to loose one. Smell you later dragon breath." said Brisk turning to walk away as his friends start laughing again. "That's not gonna happen! You're not going anywhere Smolder, You're going to be that upstart." Said Ocellus "Your dang right I am!" Said Smolder with a huff and crossing her arms "Next time mean pony insult Yona friends, Yona gonna crush him!" Yona remarked. "Let's just forget him for now, the duels are about to start, I want to watch some of them before we are called to duel." Said Sandbar. The group agrees and heads inside the arena to watch some duels and have a good time before their duels. The duels go by great, so far all of them have one, the ones who haven't won yet is Gallus and Smolder. Gallus was currently dueling while smolder was still waiting to be called on. As they watch Gallus, he had a heavy lead, and was about to finish his opponent off. "I will now Tune for 5! synchro summoning Blackwing - Gram the Shining Star! Now attack his monster and finish him off!" Gallus commanded, his monster dashing toward his opponent, slicing him in half and dropping his opponent down to zero. Gallus has now passed his exam now too. after a bit of cheering from the crowd, he goes back into the stands to join his friends. "Nice job Gallus, I knew you would win." Said Sandbar giving Gallus a hoof/fist bump. "That was easy, I'll be promoted to Ra yellow in no time." Gallus said cockily. "It is now time for Smolder and Brisk Bronco to take their exam, please step onto the arena please!" said Twilight over the Intercom "Well. time for me to own this punk, wish me luck guys." Said Smolder as she stood up and began to walk out of the stands. Her friends wave and exclaim their support to her. By the time Smolder got onto the Arena, Brisk was already there, with a smug on his face. "You ready to lose? Because when I win, you are on the next train home dragon." Taunted Brisk "Say that again when you're the one humiliated after I beat you." Said Smolder activating her duel disk. "DUEL" [Smolder vs Brisk Bronco] [Smolder 4000/Brisk 4000] "My move, Draw!" shouted Smolder, she looks at her and smiles. "I will place two cards face down, Your up pony boy!" "Marvelous, Draw! looky here, I activate Confiscation. Remember what it does? I look at your hand and then select one card to send to the graveyard." Said Brisk. Smolder's hand is scanned and her cards are projected in front of Brisk. "You did have Red eyes in your hand, thats why you didn't summon it's your only monster, say bye bye! I send him to the graveyard!" As Smolder discards Red eyes, she remains unphased, knowing well he was going to use the same strategy on her. "I Then activate Different dimension capsule! I can place one card from my deck inside, then after 2 turns, I add it to my hand. I end by placing one monster face down, your move dragon." [Smolder 2 card in hand/ Brisk 3 cards in hoof] "I draw!" Smolder smirks. "You shouldn't have sent Red-eyes to the grave Brisk, I activate one of my face downs, Red eyes Spirit! This allows me to special summon Red-eyes from the graveyard! {2400atk. 200def.}" Red-eyes emerges on the field and roars. The other students start to cheer upon seeing the dragon." "Nice job Smolder! You got your ace card out before him! Let him have it!" Shouted Gallus from the stands. "Red-eyes, destroy his face down!" Smolder commanded, Red-eye's maw opens wide before letting red hot fire spew from its mouth, engulfing the card, it flips to show a knight which is then destroyed. "Heh, Thank you Smolder, you've been great help. because what you destroyed was Dust Knight! when he is flipped summon, I send one earth monster from my deck to the grave. Take a big guess who I send."Said Brisk with a smirk, Smolder growls at him in response. "It's Buster Blader, say bye bye for now." He then discards Buster Blader. "Whatever Brisk, I end my turn." [Smolder 3 Cards/ Brisk 3 Cards] "Perfect, Draw! Heh!" Brisk smile malevolently. "I now activate Monster Reborn!" The crowd let's out a large "OO!" as they knew what he was gonna do. Even Smolder is taken back a little by that. "I summon Buster Blader from the graveyard! {2600atk. 2300def.}" Buster Blader emerges and strikes a fighting pose. "Since you have a dragon on your field, Buster Blader's attack goes up by 500!" The monster groans as an ominous aura surrounds it, signifying it's power up to 3100. "Now Buster Blader, attack her Red-eyes!" Brisk Commanded, The monster raises it's sword and launches itself into the air, holding it's sword overhead to slash the dragon. That's when Smolder smirks, she was prepared. "Nice try Brisk, But that's not happening, Activate trap!" Thats when out of nowhere, a chain is launched at Buster Blader, shackling it in mid air and preventing it from attacking. "Huh!? what did you do!?" shouted Brisk "It's my trap dummy, Kunai with Chain. It's first effect allows my to stop your attack, and switch your monster into defense position." said Smolder smirking. Slowly, Buster Blader is lowered to the ground, who then takes a knee. "And it's second effect is I choose one monster on my side of the field and it gains 500 atk. I choose Red-eyes, making him 2900 attack!" "But...but it's still not strong enough!" Brisk bluffed. "If He was in attack, But not in defense!" Said Smolder. "Yeah Smolder! Show now mercy!" Cheered Yona. "And since there is nothing else you can do this turn, I'll go ahead and take mine, draw! Now Red-eyes, Destroy his Buster Blader!" Demanded Smolder, Once again, Red-eyes launches a huge wave of fire, easily destroying Buster Blader. Brisk responds by slowly lowering his head. The stands go wild with cheers, Smolder was on a roll. "Despite how much I dislike Brisk, this has been a great match so far, it's round 3 and no one has taken damage yet." chimed in Ocellus [Smolder 4 cards/ Brisk 2 cards] "I end my turn, Good luck brisk, you're gonna need a miracle to get out of this now." Teased Smolder "...A miracle? hehehHEHEH! I got plenty!" Shouted brisk raising his head and glaring at smolder with a creepy grin. "No one makes a fool out of me! No one! You are going to regret destroying Buster Blader, I'm gonna make you squirm like a pathetic little worm, Draw!" Smolder was actually kinda creeped out by the expression on Brisk face. She also felt like Brisk wasn't bluffing, she took his threat seriously and glares back at him. "Now since two turns have passed, I can add the card I put in Different Dimension Capsule is added to my hand, I add Ancient Rules!" the crowd gasps hard. "Ancient rules? whats that?" asked Silverstream "A very powerful spell card! this turn, Brisk can normal summon any normal level monster without a tribute." said Ocellus. "heheHEHEHAHHA! I now activate Ancient rules! Now tell me Smolder, What do you think I'm gonna summon?" coaxed Brisk "Probably another Buster Blader, you must have more than one." Answered Smolder "Oh no, I summon something far greater. I now summon THE BLUE-EYES WHITE DRAGON! GAH!!!" Brisk shouted, slamming his card on his duel disk. With a bright flash, The famed Blue-Eyes emerges onto the field and lets out a threatening roar. This causes the crowd to go wild, Cheering wildly and some even chanting Brisk's name. While Smolder's friends were left absolutely flabbergasted at seeing that Brisk Secretly had a Blue-eyes White Dragon. "WHAT!? H-How did you get a Blue-Eyes!" Said Smolder, looking up in pure Awe at Blue-eyes "Thats none of your buisness! Now, I activate Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying your Kunai with chain, dropping your monster down to his original attack! Now Blue-Eyes, teach this twerp who the superior dragon is, Destroy Red-eyes!" Blue-Eyes then charges Red-Eyes to which Red-eyes tries to fight back, but it was useless, Blue-eyes roars but then bites red-eyes on the neck, causing it to let out a painfully roar, to which it then shatters. Smolder drops to her knees watching her favorite monster getting absolutely demolished [Smolder 3400/Brisk 4000] [Smolder 4 cards/ Brisk 0 cards] Brisk starts laughing loudly, boasting in front of Smolder and flat out disrespecting her. "I told you you would regret it! At this rate you are going to fail and you are going to be ripped away from your friends! I end!" Shouted Brisk. Smolder slowly stands back up, she gulps hard and tries her best to keep her emotions in check, but she had tears of anger in here eyes. She refused to leave the friends she has made, she draws her card for this turn "I place one monster face down, and that is all I can do." Said smolder "This is not good, that play has zapped away all of Smolder's focus, her heart isn't in it anymore." said Sandbar "Don't give up Smolder! we believe in you!" shouted Ocellus "What a truly pathetic move, Draw! I activate Card of Demise!" shouted Brisk. The crowd once again gasps in awe at Brisk's draw. "I draw three cards from my deck, and during my end phase I must discard my entire hoof. But my end will be empty before that happens. I summon Blade Knight, {1600atk. 1000def.} I will now activate the Continuous Spell Recycle, During my standby phase, I can sacrifice 300 life points , and add one non-monster card from my grave to the bottom of my deck. My last card I set, now Blue-Eyes, destroy her face down!" Shouted Brisk, Blue-Eyes growls loudly and then fired White lighting at Smolder's facedown. It flips to show Keeper of the Shrine before being destroyed. "Now Blade Knight, Attack her directly!" Blade Knight raises it's sword and shield, It charges Smolder and slashes it's sword across Smolder's chest. she lets out a distressed scream before being knocked on her back. "Heh, I heard of Knights slaying dragons before, I just thought the dragon would at least put up a fight first. HAHAHA! I end!" [Smolder 1400/ Brisk 4000] Smolder stayed on her back for awhile, she started to think she may actually lose this game and the thought of being ripped away from her friends makes her feel like crying, but she fights back her emotions again. She slowly sits up and looks at her duel disk. "H-Hey! What's going on with my Duel disk! why does it say I lost 2000 Life points when Blade Knight has 1600 atk!?" Questioned Smolder. "Nothing is wrong with your duel disk, it's the truth. Blade Knight's effect kicked in, while I have 1 or less cards in my hand, his attack becomes 2000!" "Mean pony is is relentless! He keeps out trumping Smolder at every move!" Exclaimed Yona "I've never seen Brisk duel like this before, this dude has gone off the deep end big time." Sandbar Inputted "Smolder you can't lose! You can still turn this duel around! I know you can!" Shouted Ocellus, not wavering her support for her friend. Smolder glares at Brisk and grits her teeth, she then stands up and draws her card. "Ok, I place two cards face down, and set one monster, and...thats it again..." "HAHAHAHA! Where is that cocky attitude you are known for Smolder!? is your spirit crushed yet!? HAHAHA! I now draw! Now I now activate the spell Recycle, paying 300 lifepoints to put a spell at the bottom of my deck I send Monster Reborn to the bottom of my deck. Now, I activate my face down, Convulsion of Nature! This handy spell makes us take our deck and flip them upside down!" "What!?" exclaimed Smolder. "Oh yeah! while this card is face up, We flip our decks upside down and keep playing, Meaning I'm gonna draw monster Reborn in no time, and I mean now! I switch Blade Knight to defense mode and activate the spell Draw Muscle! I target one defense position monster, for that turn it can't be destroyed, and I draw a card! When I get Monster Reborn, I'm going to summon Buster Blader back, and demolish you without losing a single life point, Which means you will recieve a Zero on the exam, and YOU, ARE, OUT OF HERE! I Draw and activat-" "Not so fast Brisk!" Shouts Smolder. "I activate my Trap card, Drop Off! The card you just drew, is instantly sent to he graveyard!" "Why you little!" Brisk exclaims angerly" [Smolder 3 cards/ Brisk 0 cards] The crowd cheers again, now for Smolder for that excellent counter. "Yay Smolder! You still got This! One draw can make all the difference!" Shouted Ocellus. Smolder hears her, She then looks down at her duel disk, She was right, one card can make or break a duel. "Blue-eyes, Teach this twerp a lesson! destroy her facedown!" shouted Brisk. This time, Black Metal dragon was destroyed. "Since Blade Knight is in defense, You luck out, I end!" Smolder places her hand on her deck and lets out a long sigh. She puts her whole faith in her deck and the draws. "I Activate Pot of Greed, letting me draw 2 cards! Heh," Smolder smirks and then looks up at brisk. "Your finished Brisk." "OOOO! Tough talk coming from the loser! You've got nothing!" Retorted Brisk. "Then sit back and watch the show, but I can't say it will be pleasant." "I now flip my last face down card, Call of the Haunted! This card allows me to re-summon to the field one monster from my grave, I chose Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" The emergence of Red-Eyes Cases the crowd to cheer again. "Red-Eyes? What luck will it do for you this turn?" asked Brisk Smugly. "Of Course, I always trust my cards!" Said Smolder. "But he is not staying for long, I tribute Red-eyes to summon Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon! {2400atk. 2000def.}" The crowd now roars with cheers Seeing this variation of Red-eyes. "Whoa, I've never seen Smolder summon that before." said Gallus. "Oh My GOSH! look how cool it looks!" Remarked Silverstream. "Now his effect kicks in, for each dragon in my graveyard, he gains 300 attack points for each one. And since you threw your Blue-eyes at me, I have 4, thats 1200, Making his attack 3900!" "Yes Smolder! Yes! she can beat Blue-Eyes!" cheered Ocellus "Heh, You think I'm scared Smolder? I'll find a way to bring him back just you wait!" Said Brisk reassuringly "For once I believe you Brisk, which is why 'I'm going to defeat you this turn. I activate the Claw of Hermos! using this, and Red-eyes retro dragon in my graveyard, I can fusion summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword!" For once, the crowd was silent, they have never seen that card before. "When this card I summoned, I can equip it to any monster I chose, And I chose My Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon. Now Brisk, this is where the fun begins." Smolder said with a smirk. "The monster equipped with Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword gains 1000 attack points for all dragons on the field and in the grave, counting your Blue-eyes and My Red-eyes retro used in the fusion summon, Thats 7000, giving Red-eyes Darkness Dragon a grand total of 10,600 attack!" Shouted Smolder The crowd goes nuts hearing the final number of the total attack of Smolder's monster. "Sweet Celestia! That not a game ender, Thats total annihilation!" Said Sandbar "She Did It! She's gonna win!" shouted Ocellus "NO! NONONONON!!! This can't be real! I was in control from the very start! HOW CAN I LOSE NOW!?" screamed Brisk "Red-Eyes, Destroy his Blue-eyes and obliterate his lifepoints!" commanded Smolder. Red-eyes ignites a large fire and complete engulfs Blue-eyes, who roars in agony, and then destroyed. Brisk lets out a long painful scream as his lifepoints drop from 4000, to zero within seconds. [Smolder vs Brisk Bronco: winner Smolder] All five of Smolder's friends hop onto the Arena and charge towards smolder to hug her tight as everyone in the stand erupts with cheers and applauds. "Holy crap Smolder, how'd you pull a play like that!?" questioned Sandbar. "Heh, Luck I guess" Smolder replies hugging her friends back. "Don't ever scare me like that again Smolder! don't ever let me think you will leave us!" exclaimed Ocellus on the verge of tears. "Heh, I promise Cell." Smolder replied with a smile. "YOU!" Brisk yelled, His hair was now a mess, making him look like a maniac. He approaches the six about to start some trouble when suddenly, Headmare Twilight flies from the stands and lands between them, standing directly in front of Brisk, she does not look happy. "Brisk, show me that Blue-eyes card, now." Twilight says sternly. Brisk is taken back by her demand, but he begrudgingly gives it too her. She takes it with magic and analyzes it. "As I suspected, Brisk, This card is a counterfeit!" said Twilight The whole crowd gasps and so does the six upon hearing this. Brisk, who was beyond caring at this point doesn't even try to hide it anymore. "So what! My duel disk still let me play it!" Brisk Replied. The crowd now start to boo at Brisk. "You're a dirty cheater Brisk!" Shouted Silverstream "Shut it Yellow Has-been!" Yelled Brisk. "I wouldn't be calling them that Brisk." Said Twilight. "Since you cheated during your exam, that means you receive a Zero, meaning you are now demoted to a Ra Yellow." "WHAT!?!?!?!? You can't be serious! let me have a do over! Please don't make me a Ra!" Begged Brisk "You have left us no choice, Now go exchange your Blue jacket for a yellow" Said Twilight sternly. Brisk is left shocked hearing this, Smolder points at him and laugh. He then glares at her shooting knives from his eyes. Slowly he turns his back and exits the Arena. After a bit more praises from her friends, they all soon exit the Arena since all duels have now concluded. "What a very stressful day, I'm going to bed and sleeping for 2 days straight." said Gallus. "I can't agree more." said Smolder "Next Time you are taking your written test so that you don't end up in a situation like that again!" scolded Ocellus. "You're right Cell, I promise i will next time." replied Smolder, Looking at Ocellus and smiling warmly. Ocellus returns her smile with one of her own, "I'm not too thrilled, Brisk is a Ra Yellow now, now WE have to put up with him!" exclaimed Silverstream "Just try your best to ignore him, if he gives you trouble, don't hesitate to get us and we'll put him in his place again." said Sandbar. The group then laughs together as the sunset shines through the window as they make their way to their dorms End of Chapter 5 > Chapter 6: Fire and Water > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 6: Fire and Water It was early in the morning, the six were all in class with other students. They were waiting for Headmare Twilight to show up to teach her class. After around 10 minutes every starts to get pretty bored. "Ugh... Where is headmare Twilight? She is never late to class." Said Gallus "I know, usually she is here 20 minutes before every one." Said Sandbar. "You think something bad happened?" Asked Silverstream. "You really think so? It would explain why she is late, she would never be if otherwise." Said Ocellus "I'M HERE! Sorry for the wait everyone!" Said Headmare Twilight bursting into the classroom. She was panting hard as if she had been running. "Alright, sorry I'm late, I was busy with something very exciting. Who here knows the company that makes our beloved Duel Monsters game?" "Oo! It's Industrial Illusions!" Said Ocellus while raising her hoof. "Very Good Ocellus. Industrial Illusions is the one who makes the cards for Duel Monsters, While in partner ship with Neighba Corp, our school has been selected to test their latest dueling technology!" The students get excited and starts talking amongst each other. "Neighba Corp! Thats the company that builds all those arenas and our duel disks! What kind of new technology do they have now?" Asked Sandbar excitedly. "Yona don't know, but it must be good!" Said Yona. Just then, two ponies in suits walk in carrying a big helmet with a new advance duel disk wired to it. They set it on the desk next to Twilight and then take a few steps back, but not too far away from the device. "Class, I present to you, The newest edition to Neighba Corps line of Duel Disks, The Advance Game Duel Set!" Said Twilight. all students say their ooos and ahhs at the sight of the device. "This new duel disk comes with a helmet that displays the field on the visor, it will also recommend you moves in real time, making the wearer a tournament level duelist even if they have never picked up a deck before." "That's incredible!" Shouts Smolder. "Indeed it is Smolder, and now I need someone to help test this new duel disk." Said Twilight. Immediately everyone raises their hooves, begging to be the ones to test it out. Among those was Silverstream, waving her claw widely, she wanted to be the one who tests it super bad and tried her best to get Twilight's attention. It did indeed worked as Twilight spots her and selects her. "Alright Silverstream, Come on down here." Said Twilight. "EEEE! Thanks Headmare!" Said Silverstream as she hurried down towards Twilight. "Can I put it on now please!?" "Heh, oh Silverstream. We already have someone to use this." Said Twilight. "Huh? But you said I can test it." Said Silverstream. "You are, you are going to be the wearer's opponent. Since you already know how to play, we want to see how well a non duelist does while wearing it." Said Twilight. "Oh...I see." Said Silverstream, slightly disappointed. "Please meet your opponent." Said Twilight pointing towards the door. In comes in a pony with a grey coat and blonde hair. "Oooo! Big Room!" Said the pony. "Her Name is Derpy Hooves. She has never picked up a deck before, meaning she is the perfect one to wear this." Said Twilight. "This is that hat you wanted me to try on Twilight? It looks awesome!" Said Derpy. "Yes it is. Go ahead and put it on." Said Twilight as Depry eagerly puts on the helmet. "Duelist Detected." Said a robotic voice coming from the helmet as it switches on. The students eagerly watch in amazement. One of the suited ponies the lay 5 decks in front of Derpy on the desk. She looks at them curiously. "Ooooo! These are for me?" Asked Derpy. "Not yet. Look at Silverstream, the visor will scan her and then help you chose what deck would be best to use against her." Said Twilight. Derpy does as she is told. She looks at Silverstream, a weird beeping noise is heard. When it'd done beeping, She looks back over at the decks. She smiles and then picks up one of the decks. "It's telling me to pick this one." Said Derpy. "Great, put on the duel disk and slide the deck into it. when you're done, you two may begin dueling." Said Twilight. Derpy does she is told and then both her and Silver take their spots away from each other. Silverstream activates her own duel disk. Despite not being the one to use the new duel disk, she was still psyched to duel against it. Besides, Depry was a dueling noob, how hard could this be? "DUEL" [Derpy Hooves vs Silverstream] [Derpy 4000/ Silverstream 4000] "I will go first, I draw!" Said Silverstream. "I first summon Piercing Moray! {1500atk. 500def. Lv 4}. Next I place one card face down. You may go now." "Draw phase. hm, so I draw? ok then." Said Derpy as she draws. "Hmmmm I guess I active the spell Molten Destruction." As the card is activated, the Hologram system turns the classroom into the side of a erupting volcano. "Whoa! This is Awesome! It's telling me that all fire monsters gain 500 attack but lose 400 defense. Ok ok, Now it's telling me to summon this Laval Blaster. {1200 + 500 atk. 800 -400 def. Lv 4} Hmmmm....Now I activate this card, Salamandra. The selected fire monster gains 700 attack. That means...carry the 3...square root that...uhhh 2400 attack! I now should enter my battle phase and attack you. Ok! I will do that!" Derpy's Monster raises it's sword and charges Silver's Monster and slashes it, destroying it in an explosion. The explosion was so strong that it knocks Silverstream back quite a bit. "Wow! That was fun! Ok, it saying I should end now." [Derpy 3 card/ Silverstream 4 cards} [Derpy 4000/ Silverstream 3100] Silverstream was a little shocked by that turn, that was a fairly decent first turn by somepony who has never played before. "Ok, That was pretty good. My turn, draw." Said Silverstream "I activate Moray of Greed, I shuffle two water monsters into my deck then draw three cards. Awesome! I activate my own field spell A Legendary Ocean!" On Silver's side of the field, a large temple appears behind her that has kelp and coral growing all around it as water surrounds it. "Whoa, Fire vs Water! Thats pretty awesome!" Said Sandbar "Now All water monsters on the field gain 200 ATK/DEF, and Reduce the Level of all WATER monsters in both our hooves/claws and on the field by 1. This means I can summon this without tributing, The Legendary Fisherman II! {2200 + 200 atk. 1800 def. Lv 5} Now My Fisherman will attack your monster!" The fisherman aims it's harpoon at the Laval Blaster and fires, it goes right through his head. Before it is destroyed, It throws it's sword at the fisherman and it pierces right through him, knocking him off his shark and destroying him. "Since both monsters had the same attack, they are both destroyed, but my Fisherman had an effect that activates when it is destroyed. I add one level 7 monster from my deck to my hoof, I chose Legendary Fisherman III. I set one card and I end." [Derpy cards 3/ Silverstream 3 cards] "Oh Goody! Draw Phase!" Said Derpy "It says I should now summon Laval Archer {1000 +500 atk. 200 -400 def. Lv4.} Alright....I'm reading...It says since I normal summoned this monster successfully, I can perform a second Normal summon, It saying that now I should summon Laval Warrior {1800 + 500 atk. 500 - 400 def. Lv4.} ok, huh? What's the Overlay Network?" "Ah dude! She's gonna Xyz summon!" Yells Sandbar "Huh, I guess I lay my two monsters on top of eachother, and then I lay this on top of both of them." Says Derpy still reading, "Ok I will now eecks why zee summon Lavalval Chain. {1800 + 500 atk. 1000 - 400 def. Lv4 Xyz} This is so cool! Ok, I remove one eecks why zee material to send one Laval Monster from the deck to the grave. it says I should send Laval Judgment Lord to the grave. OK! I will do that." Lavalval Chain roars, signifying it's effect's activation. "Now Lavalval chain needs to attack you directly." "Not so fast! I activate my trap card, Fiendish Chain!" Yells Silverstream "I Select one of your effect monsters and it is unable to attack or switch battle positions!" "Dang, so I can't attack? oh well, I end phase. I mean I enter the end phase." [Derpy 2 card/ Silverstream 3 cards] "Draw!" Said Silverstream "I activate Sea Lord's Amulet! This card prevents my monster from being destroyed by card effects for 3 of your turns. I set one monster and end." "My turn already? Yay! Okie doke, I draw." Said Derpy. "Hmmmm, Since I have 3 or more Laval Monsters in my graveyard, I can special summon Laval Coatl {1300 + 500 atk. 700 - 400 def. Lv2 Tuner}. Now its says tune my Coatl and my chain together, What does that mean?" "She's gonna synchro summon too!?" Yelled Gallus "Hmmmm, I tribute both my Coatl and my chain to synchro summon Lavalval Dragun. {2500 + 500 atk 1200 - 400 def. Lv6 Synchro} This is all so cool! Ok, finally from my hoof I activate the spell Monster Reborn to special summon one monster from my Graveyard, I should pick Laval Judgment Lord. {2700 + 500 atk. 1800 - 400 def. Lv7}." "This is not good!" Yells Silverstream. "Awesome! First my Laval Lord will attack your facedown. "Said Derpy. Laval Judgement Lord Raises his open hand and point it as the face down card, the card the bursts into flames. It flips to show a small yellow bat like creature before being destroyed. "Now My Dragun will attack you directly!" Said Derpy. Lavalval Dragun Opens it's mouth and unleashes a giant breath of fire, Engulfing Silverstream as she lets out a distressed cry. [Derpy 1 card/ Silverstream 2 cards] [Derpy 4000/ Silverstream 100] "This is so much fun!" Exclaimed Derpy. "I enter main phase 2 to activate Laval Lord's effect, It says I can banish a Laval monster from my grave to inflict 1000 points of damage to you. After that I will win. Yay! My first win ever!" "Dude, Silver lost without inflicting any damage to Derpy, a dueling noob. This is bad." Said Gallus "No, she's not done yet! Look at her!" Exclaimed Ocellus "I activate the Effect of Damage Eater!" Said Silverstream standing tall and not backing down. "Since you destroyed him and sent him to the graveyard, I can banish him to negate all effect damage, and turns it into LifePoint gain!" "Yay Silverstream! Friend Silverstream can still win!" Yells Yona "Dang, I was really hoping to win, but it's your turn now I guess." Said Derpy. "My Move, I draw!" Yelled Silverstream. "Finally, Thanks to my Legendary Ocean, I can summon without tributing The Legendary Fisherman! { 1850 +200 atk. 1600 + 200 def. Lv5} Since I now have a Legendary Fisherman on the field, I can tribute him to special summon The Legendary Fisherman III! {2500atk. 2000def. Lv 7}" "Hmmm, This thing is telling me your monster is unaffected by spell and traps, meaning it doesn't gain the attack boost of your ocean." Said Derpy "Thats Fine, I don't need it, Because I'm activating his effect instead! I banish all monster's on your side of the field!" Yelled Silver. A giant wave from the ocean rises up and sweeps all the monster's on Derpy's side of the field and destroys all of them. "Lucky for you, My fisherman cannot attack this turn, so it's your move now." [Derpy 4000/ Silverstream 1100] [Derpy 1 card/ Silverstream 1 card] "Ack! All my monsters are gone! I hope I get something from this draw." Said Depry as she drew. "No! I have no monsters! Oh well, with only 2500 attack, I will have enough lifepoints for a second turn." "Unfortunately Derpy, There won't be another turn." Said Silverstream "Huh? why not?" Asked Derpy. "Because since it's my turn after I draw I activate my Fisherman's second effect!" Said Silver while drawing. "My Fisherman can now return all banished monsters back into your graveyard to double my Fisherman's effect, making him 5000!" "Ack! No!" Yelled Derpy "Legendary Fisherman III, Attack her directly!" Commanded Silverstream. The Fisherman is vaulted into the air by his shark and aims his harpoon in midair. he fires and strikes Derpy, sending her backwards and dropping her lifepoints to zero. [Derpy Vs. Silverstream: Winner Silverstream] Soon all the field spells dissipates, returning the classroom to normal. All the students cheer for Silverstream for winning such an amazing duel. Twilight walks over to Derpy and helps her take the helmet and duel disk off. "Thanks for your participation Derpy, you really should get a deck of your own." "Thanks Twilight, I don't know about that. This was fun but it's very complicated." Replied Derpy. They both laugh as Depry then leaves. One of the suited ponies approach Twilight and take the Duel Disk back. "Thank you for your cooperation Princess Sparkle. Seto Neighba will remain in touch for further testing." Said the pony "Tell him it's been a pleasure." Replied Twilight. The suited ponies nod before exiting the classroom. Silverstream goes back to her seat where all her friends congratulate her win. "That certainly was an impressive duel Silverstream. For a second there, you had us all worried. I am pleased to give you an A+ for todays Performance." Said Twilight to Silverstream. "EEE! Thank you headmare!" Replied Silverstream. "With that out of the way, we still have a lot of time for class. I will now pass you all a pop quiz about what techniques and strategies you just saw in this duel." Said Twilight. Instantly every student let's out groans and whines. "Great...a quiz. Nice going Silver." Said Gallus in a joking way "Hey, it's not my fault!" Said Silverstream. The six then begin to giggle amongst each other until Twilight hands all of them a quiz. with an unenthusiastic groan, all of them quickly get to work. End of Chapter 6 > Chapter 7: Suspision > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 7: Suspision It was the morning, The group was on their way to the cafeteria for some breakfast. They all decided to meet up so that they all could get breakfast together. On their way there, they pass Headmare Twilight's office. As they were getting ready to pass, A tall, skinny white coated unicorn stallion with black hair exits the office with an angry expression. He looked rather creepy, he turns back towards the door way and shouts back at Twilight. "Princess Celestia will hear about this, mark my words!" He yells. He turns towards the group, he gives them a disgusted look and walks past them. As he does, a card falls from his side pouch. As the group looks in the door way at Twilight, Only Sandbar notices the dropped card. He picks it up and his eyes widen as he sees what it is. He looks back up at the stallion. "Sir... Sir! you dropped this!" He said catching up with him. "Thank you" He says rudely taking it back and continuing to walk away. The other five peek in to see Twilight at her desk, she has appeared to be crying. None of them dare to go in in fear that they may upset Twilight more, so they back away. Sandbar approaches the group and has a super freaked out expression. "Guys, you are not going to believe this!" He cries. "SHHHH! Not so loud" says Ocellus. "What's wrong Sandbar?" asked Gallus. "That weird creepy guy who passed us, he dropped a card, and you're not going to believe what it was." Says Sandbar. "... It was Gashadokuro." "WHAT!?" they all respond. "Gashadokuro!? The same Monster that we saw the night we saw the Headless Horse!?" asked Smolder. "Yeah, the exact same one" confirmed Sandbar. "Guys, it may be a coincidence. You do know there are more then one copy of a card right?" says Ocellus. "Yeah, but the only two times I've seen that card has been on campus, that makes me question whether or not it was a coincidence." Sandbar inputted. "What are you 6 doing outside my office?" Twilight's voice is heard behind the group. They all turn around to face her. Her eyes were dark and sunken in, proof that she was in fact crying. At first they didn't know what to say, a little taken back by her appearance. Eventually though, Smolder finally spoke up for them. "We were... just on our way to breakfast and....a really cool bird land on the windowsill outside... so we stop to look at it?" Said Smolder with an Innocent smile, the rest also smile innocently at Twilight. She looks outside the window, there really was no place for a bird to land before looking back at them. She was too mentally exhausted to push them further so she lets out a long sigh. "Look, I'm going to be very busy today, which is actually a good thing you 6 are here, I need you for something." Says Twilight. "What is it Headmare?" Asks Sandbar. "We have a new wave of students coming in, and I was wondering if you will welcome one of them to your group. She is a few years younger than all of you, I hope that's not a big deal?" Twilight asks. "A new friend!? That would be fantastic!" Exclaimed Silverstream. The rest nodded in agreement. "Really? That's great to hear. Follow me" Says Twilight, now starting to smile. Twilight leads them through the school and takes them to the front entrance, where there standing by herself was a shy looking small little pink Pegasus with blue hair, She was wearing a Ra Yellow Uniform. She looks over at Twilight and the 6 other creatures. "You six, I would like you to meet Cozy Glow, Our newest Ra Yellow." Says Twilight Introducing the Group to the filly. "Golly, Six of you? I was only expecting one." says Cozy Sheepishly. "Are you kidding me!? A filly half my height and younger than me made it Ra Yellow before me!?" shouts Gallus placing both claws on his head and acting dramatic. "Hi Cozy, I'm Sandbar, the drama queen is Gallus, then there is Smolder, Silverstream, Yona, and Ocellus." Said Sandbar introducing him and his friends. "Hi Cozy, Welcome to the school, I can give you a tour of your new dorm." Said Ocellus smiling at Cozy. "Thank you" Cozy replies smiling back at Ocellus. "I'm so glad you are all getting along. Will you six please Show cozy around? I have a bunch of meetings to attend." Asks Twilight. "Don't worry Headmare, We'll do i.t" Says Silverstream . Twilight smiles at them and sighs heavily, feeling a huge weight being lifted off her shoulders. She then turns and walks away. The six then take Cozy Glow on a huge tour of the school, they end off by showing her the school's arena. "And here Cozy is where most duels are held. This is the only place you are allowed to duel at while in doors." Says Sandbar. "Golly gee willikers! This place is big!" says Cozy in awe, looking up at the ceiling. "Cozy pony, Yona forgot to ask, What kind of deck does Cozy pony use?" asks Yona. "Huh? What deck I use? Oh I use Nurse Burn." Replied Cozy. "Wait? You use A nurse Burn Deck? For real? You're not joking?" asked Gallus. "Yeppers! Wanna duel and see?" asked Cozy. "You know what, I gotta see this. Sure, I accept." says Gallus. "Sweet! we're going to go in the stands and watch." says Smolder as the other 5 approach the stands. Cozy and Gallus take their place and activate their duel disks. "DUEL" [Gallus vs Cozy Glow] [Gallus 4000/Cozy Glow 4000] "I will go first, Draw!" says Gallus "Since no cards are on the field, I can special summon Blackwing - Gust the Backblast from my hand in defense! {900atk. 1400def. Lv2}. Now I normal summon Blackwing - Fane the Steel Chain! {500atk. 800def. Lv2}. That's my turn, Good Luck Cozy." Says Gallus in a sportsman like manner. "Golly! Great move Gallus, I guess I draw now." Says Cozy Glow "I activate the spell Magical Mallet, I shuffle any number of cards from my hoof into my deck, then re-draw the same number I shuffled. I chose to send my entire hoof of 5 cards to shuffle and re-draw. Ok, I then place two cards and one monster face down. You can go now Gallus." [Gallus 4 cards/ Cozy 2 cards] "My turn, I draw. Since I control one Blackwing monster, I can special summon Blackwing - Oroshi the Squall from my hand! {400atk. 600def. Lv1 Tuner} I now Tune for 6 to synchro summon my favorite card Blackwing - Gram the Shining Star! {2200atk. 1500def. Lv5 Synchro} Since he is Synchro Summoned, I can special summon one tuner from my Claw, I summon Blackwing - Kochi the Daybreak! {700atk. 1500def. Lv4 Tuner.} Lucky for you, since Kochi was special summoned, I can't use her as synchro material. But she can still attack! Gram, Attack her face down, Then Kochi, Go for a direct attack! Gallus Commanded. As Gram swoops down and stabs the card, Kochi flies past him and uses her claws to scratch Cozy, who lets out a yelp. "I place one card face down and end... weird, I was expecting you to use your traps." says Gallus. "Well, I need them for later... I now draw again." says Cozy Sheepishly and draws. "The monster you destroyed during your attack was Magician of Faith, she has an effect allowing me to bring a spell from my grave and into my hoof, I add Magical Mallet again and activate it, Now I shuffle 2 cards and draw 2. Finally, I now summon Darklord Nurse Reficule! {1400atk. 600def. Lv4} She will attack your Kochi." Nurse Reficule lets out an ear piercing banshee cry, causing Kochi to shatter and be destroyed. "I now activate the spell Upstart Goblin. You are given 1000 lifepoints in exchange I draw a card, after that I end." As cozy draws her card, an electric Aura surrounds Gallus and shocks him, he squawks as he loses 1000 life points. "Hey! I thought she said he was given 1000 life points, but he lost them instead!" exclaims Silverstream "It's because of Cozy Glow's monster, Nurse Reficule, She has the effect that any effect that would make your opponent gain lifepoints inflicts the same amount of damage to them, instead." "Wow... Yona get it now, Nurse Burn." Said Yona. [Gallus 2300/Cozy 3300] [Gallus 2 cards/ Cozy 1 card] "Ok, That is a good card, But you fell for my trap! Reveal Face down! I activate Black Feather Beacon! When I take damage from a card effect, I can special summon one level 4 or lower Blackwing from my hand!" Shouts Gallus "I chain my face down, my continuous trap Dark Cure! whenever you special summon a monster, you gain lifepoints equal to half of the summoned monster attack points!" replied Cozy "Gah! Oh no!" shouts Gallus "I'm not done yet! since that is a chain length of one, I will activate the quick play spell in my hand to make the chain length 2! I activate Chain Strike! This card can only be activated as a chain length of 2 or higher, you lose lifepoints equal to the chain length x400, That means you lose 800 lifepoints!" The Electric aura returns, zapping Gallus and drops his lifepoints even more "OW OW OW!!! you have got to be kidding me!" shouts Gallus "Come on and summon your monster already! you got more lifepoints to lose!" says Cozy "Whoa... It's like Cozy Glow has done a complete 180, It's like a different pony is dueling all of a sudden." Says Sandbar "She must take dueling seriously." says Smolder [Gallus 1500/ Cozy 3300} [Gallus 2 cards/ Cozy 0 cards] "Grr, Fine, I summon Blackwing - Mistral the Silver Shield in defense with Black Feather Beacons effect! {100atk. 1800def. Lv2 Tuner}" Gallus says as the aura returns, This time zapping away only 50 lifepoints. "Luckily for me, I will still have just enough life points remaining for this new Synchro summon! I draw a card for my turn, and then Tune for 7! I synchro Summon Blackwing Armor Master! {2500atk. 1500def. Lv7 Synchro}" The aura returns, Zapping more Lifepoints from Gallus for 1250 lifepoints, now only leaving him with 200. "Gah! Ok! Armor Master, Attack her Monster now!" Blackwing Armor Master uses it's wings to levitate, It then darts towards Cozy's nurse, and kicks her hard in the abdomen, Causing her to be destroyed. "Oh yeah! you're powerless without your nurse! I end!" shouts Gallus Excitedly. [Gallus 200/Cozy 2200] [Gallus 3 cards/ Cozy 0 cards] Cozy looks heavily unamused, she draws her card without looking at it and stares at Gallus. "I activate my Face down, Just Desserts, You lose 500 life points for every monster on your side of the field." "......say what?" questioned Gallus. "B-b-b-b-b-But I have less than 500!" shouts Gallus. "Yeah, That means You lose." replied Cozy. The Aura returns, Zapping Gallus again, who squawks again as this one was more intense since it causes his life points to drop to zero. [Gallus vs Cozy Glow: Winner Cozy Glow] The other 5 then begin to clap for Cozy, They were genuinely impressed by Cozy's skills present in the duel. "Wow, She's good for a filly." says Smolder. "Yeah, She won with only attacking one time, with skills like that, She'll be an obelisk in no time." says Sandbar. "WHAT THE!?!?" Shouts Gallus in bewilderment. "I-i-i-i lost!? HOW! I had the stronger monsters! and you attacked once! HOW DID YOU DO THAT!?" "Golly... I didn't make you upset did I Gallus?" Asked Cozy putting her cute and sweet persona back on. "No! It's just..." Gallus then sighs "I just really want to get out of Slifer, If I keep losing, I may be stuck there forever." "Don't be upset Gallus, it was just a fun game." says Cozy with a Smile. Sandbar looks at Cozy with a suspicious look. "EEEE that looked like so much fun!" Shouts Silver "Your deck is very impressive! can I duel you now!?" "I would, but I haven't unpacked yet. I'd like to get that done first." replies Cozy "Oh, would you like some help?" Ocellus offered "No thank you, but I appreciate your concern." Cozy replied "You need any help getting back to the Ra Yellow dorm?" asked Smolder "No, I remember how to get there, thank you, bye!" Said Cozy quickly before then leaving the Arena. The group looks at one another, giving each other weird looks. "Well... I wonder why she wanted leave so badly." Asked Silverstream. "Yeah, unpacking can't be that important, it only take five minutes." Replied Gallus. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm getting a weird feeling about Cozy." Stated Sandbar. "What Sandbar mean?" asked Yona. "Couldn't you see how she dueled? She was all sweet and innocent when we met her, when she started getting into the duel, she acted completely different, like she went all out and beat Gallus without a second thought. I mean that was one of the quickest duels I've ever seen." "Gee, thanks Sandbar!" Exclaimed Gallus. "I didn't mean it like that, What I'm trying to say was she became ruthless and showed you no mercy." Said Sandbar. "Heh, I think you are just worried because now you have some big competition now." Teased Smolder. "What!? So not true!" said Sandbar. The rest of the group begins to laugh a bit, causing Sandbar to roll his eyes. Though, he did figure he was just being silly and decided to drop it. "You know, we still haven't gotten breakfast yet." Said Silverstream suddenly. "Silverstream right! Yak very hungry now." said Yona. "Well, we can't get breakfast now, It's almost time for lunch." Said Ocellus. "We missed Breakfast!? But pancakes are Yona's favorite!" exclaimed Yona. "Easy there Yona today is grilled cheese day, you like those more don't ya?" Said Silverstream. "....Grilled cheese are bestest." Said Yona quietly. The group laugh a bit, including Yona. "Well I am pretty hungry, we should hurry up before we miss lunch." said Smolder. The group agrees and they leave the arena to go to the cafeteria, which is where they wanted to go in the first place. Meanwhile, In her room. Cozy lays her deck on a table and stares at it. Her stare turns into a glare, then a scowl. In pure anger she swats her deck off the table, cards going absolutely everywhere. "How on earth could I let that Slifer punk get a few good hits on me! if it wasn't for Just Desserts, He would have won! A Slifer BEATING ME!? That is unacceptable! I need to be the best! I need to get to Obelisk blue, and then, I will finally get a chance to harness true power. A power so great, it was locked away in the school's vault. I need to get my hooves on it, and when I do, the school, the world, and the realm of Duel Monsters, WILL BE MINE!!!!" Shouts cozy to herself in her own deranged monologue. End of Chapter 7 > Chapter 8: The Tree of Harmony Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 8: The Tree of Harmony Part 1 It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The six were hanging out together by the pond, talking and gossiping to each other and making each other laugh. "You have no idea how badly I needed this weekend. Professor Fluttershy's class has been so tiring." Says Gallus. "Are you kidding? It's the easiest class there is" says Ocellus. "Yeah right, Monster Card Appreciation? Don't get me wrong, I love my cards, but she acts like they are really alive or something." Says Gallus. "Well, we should respect our cards." Says Sandbar. "I'm not say I don't respect my cards, but come on, they are still just cards. Why must she act like they are some supernatural beings that demand respect or something." Said Gallus. "Heh, your still mad that she gave you an F for your card maintenance exercise because she found some of them covered in Ranch Sauce." Said Smolder with a chuckle. "I was eating some Carrots ok! I didn't know I spilled some ranch on them!" Exclaimed Gallus in his defense. The group then bursts out in laughter at their friend. Just as they were getting comfortable, slowly, the winds started to pick up, and the sky begins to darken with clouds. "Huh? a storm? I thought the storm was scheduled for tomorrow." says Ocellus. "It's supposed to....Weird. I can't see any Pegasi in the sky either." Says Sandbar looking at the sky. "Well, if it's gonna storm, I'm not gonna let my cards get ruined." Says Smolder getting up off the ground. The others agree and start to stand up as well. Just as they do, a strong gust of wind blows hard, and manages to knock a card loose from Gallus's deck and begins to blow away in the wind. "GAH! Oh no! my card! That's my favorite, Gram! I can't loose it!" Shouts Gallus as he begins chasing it. "Gallus! this is why you NEED to pay attention in Professor Fluttershy's class!" Shouts Ocellus as she starts to chase after the card too. The rest goin in to help Gallus catch his card. The card floats up into the sky as the wind carries it more and more, heading for an old well. the card passes over it before being sucked by the downdraft of the well, plunging down in it. "SQWAUK!!! Gram!!!" Shouts Gallus running over to the well and looking down it. All he saw was pitch black darkness "Dude, I'd hate to say it, but that looks gone bro." Says Sandbar. "No way! I'm not leaving it down there!" Exclaimed Gallus. "Oh, so now you want to respect your cards more. Maybe this will teach you a lesson Gallus." says Smolder. "You don't understand! That card means everything to me!" Gallus shouts. "It's the last thing I have to remember to remember them with!" "Wait? Remember? Remember who? what do you mean by that?" asks Silverstream. Gallus looks at her, and then all of them before looking away from them. He didn't mean to say that out loud. "....I don't want to talk about it right now ok, Just... just help me get it please! I don't care if the water ruined it, as long as I still have it." Gallus begged. Sandbar had some sympathy for Gallus. Almost all of his deck came from his dad, and he treasures it. But Gallus, though he didn't admit anything, he felt his sentiment runs deeper than that. "Alright bud, I'll help you" Says Sandbar, putting his front hoof on the well and looking down it. It was dark, very dark. You couldn't even see the bottom, Sandbar squints his eyes to try and see if the card could be floating on top, but he couldn't "Hey Smolder, Could you breathe some fire down the well to give us some light?" asks Sandbar. "Fine, scooch over you two." Said Smolder approaching the well. "but not too much so you burn the card!" Exclaimed Gallus. "All right, I got you!" Said Smolder, a little annoyed. She looks down and huff a bit of fire to light the well up a bit, still nothing to be seen. "Is there even water down there?" asked Gallus. "Lets find out." Says Sandbar knocking a rock down there. "WAIT! What if you hit the card!" Shouts Gallus. "SHHHH! listen" Says Smolder. They listen closely, to their surprise, they could hear the rock hit solid ground. "Hey! there is no water down there. So the card could be alright!" Says Gallus in a gleeful tone. "Now how are we gonna get down there?" Says smolder puzzled. Slowly however she pans to Ocellus who was just watching them. "W-what? why are you staring at me?" asked Ocellus. "Come on Cell, you are the smallest out of anyone, and you can change into something smaller. You could fit down there no problem." Says Smolder. "Are you crazy!? There is no telling what could be down there, snakes, bugs, spiders, What if there are dead animals that have fallen down there!?" exclaims Ocellus. Ocellus thought she had made up her mind, she did not want to go down there. But she looks over at Gallus who was looking at her with a very sad expression. She let's out a long sigh and then agrees. "Fine...I'll go, But you owe me BIG time Gallus!" she demanded. "I'll do anything you want for a whole week!" He said. "Good, now, I'll be right back." Said Ocellus, using her magic to turn herself into a butterfly and then slowly making her way down the well. The group wait paitently for her. But soon a half hour has passed and they hear nothing from her. "Cell!?" Smolder shouts down the well "You ok down there!? You should be up here by now!" There was no response. "Cell this isn't funny! Get up here now!" "Is Ocellus lost down the well!?" Shouts Yona in a panic. "CELL!!! OCELLUS!!!!!" Shouts Smolder even louder. "Ok, Now one us have to go down and get her" Says Sandbar, starting to lose his cool. "I'll go! I'm the one who told her to go down." Says Smolder starting to climb over. "Hey, then how do we get you out then!?" Exclaims Silverstream. "Have Yona lower me down in the bucket, Once I got both her and the card, I will yank on the rope to be let up. Sound Ok?" asked Smolder. "Yeah, that sounds good, we don't have any other options" Says Sandbar. "You know what, you can forget the card, just get Ocellus up here safely." Says Gallus, he tried to sound fine but there was some sadness in his voice. "Oh no, we are working hard to get, by the Dragon Lord we are gonna get it!" Says Smolder. Smolder then climbs into the bucket and gives Yona a thumbs up, signifying to lower her down. Very slowly, Yona begins to lower her down. She keeps going till she thinks she hit the bottom. After about five minutes, She feels the rope begin to tug. "Wow, Smolder was fast! Alright, pulling up!" Shouts Yona and begins to pull the rope to bring the bucket up. But suddenly the rope tugs back harder. "Huh!? Smolder Yona knows! Yona is pulling up, stop tugging!" But it doesn't stop, tugging so hard Yona almost looses balance. "Whoa!" "Yona!" Shouts Sandbar and holds onto Yona. The rope still tugs hard, pulling them towards the well. In a panic, Gallus and Silverstream also latch onto Yona to try and keep her steady. But closer and closer, they are being pulled towards the well. With one final hard tug, The rope pulls so hard, it causes Yona's horns to bash through the stone wall, causing all four of them to fall down the well while they all scream, Then It all goes black. Slowly, one by one, they all start to open their eyes. Sandbar being the first. He sits up and rubs his head, he then looks around. he appears to be in some sort of cave. On the ground, he sees all of his friends, Including Smolder and Ocellus "Hey, Guys, wake up." He said groggily. "mmmm... Oh boy, where are we?" Asked Smolder sitting up. "Yona's head..." Said Yona rubbing the front of her head as she wakes up. "Is Yona and friends down the well?" "I don't know." Said Sandbar. "I think we-" "GRAM! You're ok!" Shouts Gallus finding his card on the ground. He immediately dusts it off and puts it back in his deck. He turns to look at his friends who were all glaring at him. "What?" "We are stuck down a well, all because you couldn't hold onto a card!" Shouts Smolder. "I told you to forget it, but "by the lord of dragons" or something you still wanted to get it." Gallus shouts back. "Guys! don't fight, we need to find a way out of here. It looks like there are multiple paths leading into an underground tunnel" Says Sandbar. "Fine, but you don't just owe Ocellus now Gallus, You owe all of us now!" She says standing up and dusting herself off. Gallus rolls his eyes at her. They all stand up and begin to explore the twisting curves of the cave, they walk for quite awhile before entering a huge chamber, this time with no other paths to follow. "Oh no! It's a dead end!" shouts Silver. "Great! This is just great!" Smolder shouts throwing her hands up in the air "All because of you!" She then points at Gallus. "Me!? what did I do!?" Gallus yells back. "You didn't take care of your card, And you just had to get it back!" Smolder yells back. "You have no idea how much this card means to me! Besides, you were the one who climbed into the bucket! No one forced you to do it. In fact, I said you could just leave it!" Gallus Rebuttable. "Oh no, She had to! Because I was stuck down there after she made me go down there!" Ocellus said joining the argument. "Yeah! And why Smolder tug on the rope so hard!? Smolder pulled all of us down with her after tugging too hard!" Yelled Yona. "What are you talking about about!? Your clumsy maneuvering of the bucket caused me to fall down not 2 minutes after you lowered me!" Smolder yelled back. The whole group then begins to start arguing with each other. All of them begin to turn on each other to the point it feels like they are screaming at each other just scream. As their arguments continue, there was a low rumble in the cave that gets louder and louder. Soon it gets so loud that it deafens the group's argument, slowly they all quiet down and look to the ceiling which by now is shaking do to the rumbling. Eventually, huge rocks from the ceiling break loose and begin to fall. All six panic and quickly dive out the way before they're crushed. as the dust clears, all six of them discover that they have been sealed off in their own chamber, separate from each other. "H-HEY! Guys! are you alright!? Please tell me you're alright!" Gallus yells into the rock wall, hopping his voice could be heard by them. "I'm ok!" yells Sandbar, but just like Gallus, his voice is muffled by the rocks. "Yona fine, but Yona all alone!" yells Yona. "I'm here! It's way to dark in here!" Yells Silverstream. "I'm fine!" Yells Smolder. "How are we gonna get out of here!?" Yells Ocellus in a panic. "Stay calm, maybe we can dig our way out!" Yells Sandbar. "Everywhere around us is solid rock! How do you possibly think we can dig out of this!?" Yells Smolder. "Oh my gosh! Are we gonna die down here!?" Yells Silverstream. "No, We're gonna get out, we have to try something!" Yells Gallus. "Wait, Yona hear something! quiet down!" Yells Yona. The rumbling returns, but this time, each chamber one of the six are stuck in begin to glow, For Sandbar, the glow was yellow. For Smolder, it was blue. For Ocellus, it was Purple, For Silverstream, it was pink, For Yona, it was Orange. And for Gallus, it was white. With each color, a manifestation of each of their professor's appear before them in a magical glow. The yellow glow turned into Fluttery, and the Orange into Applejack and so forth. Each student is left in Awe as they see their professor in front of them. "Professor Fluttershy!? How did you find us!? how do we-" Says Sandbar before he is cut off" "Quiet! Your Friendship has hit a block, and has disturbed the destiny that has been laid before you!" All six manifestations spoke all at once. "You six have a great future ahead of you, but that future now is unstable, to put you six back on your paths of destiny, Each one of you will be given a single task, a Duel!" "What destiny? What future!? What duel!?!?" Questioned Gallus. "All of that will be apparent in due time, for now, we will tell what kind of duel you will have!" The six sat down, in Awe as they listened to the manifestations. They had the feeling that these were not their professor's but something far greater than any of them can imagine. "These will not be the regular duels you will be used too, you will be in Deck Master duels!" Said the manifestations "Deck Masters? what are those?" asked Ocellus. "In these duels, you will select one card in your deck or extra deck, that card will be your Deck Master, They will stand by your side and will have a special ability for you to use anytime. If you wish at anytime to summon your deck master to the field, you may ignoring any summoning mechanics they have. But beware, If your deck master is destroyed, You will instantly lose, regardless of how many life points you still have." "Whoa! What if we use them for a tribute summon?" Asked Smolder "If at anytime you use your Deck Master in tribute summon, or any extra deck summon, that new monster will become your new Deck Master." Replied the manifestations. "You may search your deck to select a card you want to be your Deck Master, When you are done, please follow the path to the next chamber." The manifestations step to the side, the back most wall in each of the six chamber slowly slides down into the earth to reveal a passage in each chamber. The student's eyes widen upon seeing a possible way out. "Good Luck, You will all need it." The manifestations slowly seep away into nothing, Leaving the six alone, separated still by the cave in. "I'm assuming you all just witnessed what I witnessed?" Asked Gallus. "Yep... What should we do? should we really do this?" Asked Silverstream. "At this point, I don't think we have a choice." Said Sandbar Standing up. "Good luck guys, I'm going through." "Good luck!" Said Ocellus, also going through her own passage. Eventually all of them stand up and enter the passage, awaiting whatever the tasks had in store for them. End of Chapter 8 > Chapter 9: Tree of Harmony Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 9: Tree of Harmony Part 2: Gallus, and Sandbar P.O.V Gallus Gallus steps forward in the passage, it was very dark, almost too dark. It was dark enough for Gallus to be unable to see 2 feet in front of him. As he continues, he eventually sees a glimpse of light. He sprints towards the light in hopes to finally get out of the darkness. As he exits, the brightness stings his eyes and he needs a minute to adjust his sight. He rubs his eyes and then opens them again. In the chamber was a huge room, filled with gold and different treasures. Gallus could not believe what we was seeing, he has never seen so much gold at once before. Just a handful of gold is enough to get him out of his struggles back home. he greedily reaches for a big handful before a new treasure captures his eyes. In the distance, sitting on a pedestal, was the famed Idol Of Boreas. The sacred treasure of Griffonstone, and it was here. Gallus's jaw drops, not only could take the Idol and bring it back to Griffonstone and restore the city to it's former glory. Or even better, he could use the Idol and make himself the King of Griffonstone. Gallus Grins mischievously and slowly makes his way to Idol, he was inches away from it, He was just about to take it, when he hears a loud voice is heard behind him. "You even lay so much of a claw on that boy, I'll fillet you alive." Said the voice in a calm yet aggressive tone. Gallus could feel something very sharp poking him in the back. Very slowly, Gallus turns around to see who might be threatening him, his eyes then lock on to who it was and he couldn't believe who it was, it was the owner of the Idol, King Grover weilding a sword to his back. "K-King Grover???" Gallus says in shock. "Yes, and you my boy, are a no good thief, wanting to steal the Idol of Boreas! I'll have you hanged for this!" King Grover responded. "But...But you're dead! you've been dead for countless decades!" Rxclaimed Gallus. "Do I look dead!? Does this sword seem to be levitating to you!?" Said Grover, poking Gallus even harder. "OW! I get it! But, if you're not dead, why are you here with the Idol?" Asked Gallus. "The Idol is rightfully mine! why should i share it's glory to that cesspool of degenerates back at Griffonstone!? So I took it and locked myself away where no one will ever find me!" He explained. "So the story of it being stolen by Arimaspi, was-" Gallus was cut off. "All a lie! And now that you know my secret, you shall never leave here alive!" In a blink of an eye, Gallus opens his wings and darts straight upwards, grabbing the Idol of Boreas and then continues to hover in the air. "SQWAUK!!!! Put that down boy before drop it!" Shouts Grover. "I've met a lot of greedy griffons back home, But you are the worst! give me one reason why I shouldn't break this!" retorted Gallus. "Look look, easy now, maybe we can make a deal." Said Grover. "Let's have a duel, I win, you put that down, If you win, you can leave, and take the idol with you." "You're willing to wager your Idol? Asked Gallus. "Of course my boy, because I know for a fact you won't win!" replied Grover. "Fine, deal!" said Gallus, he floats down on the opposite side of the room and sets the Idol down. "My deck master will be the Goblin of Greed! {1000atk. 1800def. Lv4.}" Said King Grover, as the Goblin manifests next to him "What a weak card to be your Deck Master, I chose Gram the Shinning Star! {2200atk. 1500def. Lv5 Synchro.}" Yells Gallus "Am I supposed to be impressed?" Grover Taunted. "GRR! let's just get this...duel...started?...." Gallus slowly looks down at his duel disk, and then back at Gram, who was standings at his side. "Wait...how is Gram here, when I haven't even turned on my duel disk yet???" "Hehehehe, You'll understand why soon enough." Said Grover putting on his own golden jewel encrusted duel disk. "DUEL!" [Gallus vs King Grover] [Gallus 4000/King Grover 4000] "Allow me to steal the first turn, Draw!" shouts Grover "First I activate my Deck Master's ability, his effect allows me to draw a second card during my draw phase!" "What!? That's way to powerful!" shouts Gallus "Then maybe you should have selected him as your Deck Master boy." Teased Grover as he drew a second card "I now summon Spirit of the Pot of Greed! {100atk. 100def. Lv1} He has the effect to allow me to draw a third card if I activate a pot of greed, Heh, which I do! I activate it and draw three cards! I place three cards face down and end!" [Gallus 5 cards/ Grover 5 cards] "That's insane, he activated and set so many cards, but he still has so many cards in his hand! grrrr...I DRAW!" Shouts Gallus. He looks at his card and then notices Gram the Shinning star is glowing right next to him. "Huh? why is he glowing?" "It means you can activate your Deck Master's ability, boy." Said Grover. "How do i find out what it is???" Asked Gallus. "Try asking him!" replied Grover. Gallus sighs hard and then looks at Gram. There was no way this would work. "Gram, what's your Deck Master ability?" Asked Gallus in a sarcastic tone. "Once per turn, I can allow you to special summon one Level 4 or lower Tuner monster from your hand, deck, or graveyard." Replied Gram. "WHAT!? you can talk!?" Shouts Gallus. "Only during duels like this one." Gram Said. "What do you mean duels like this!?" Gallus asked puzzled. "Hey! can you get on with your turn please!" Shouts Grover. "Fine!" Yells Gallus turning his attention to Grover. "I guess I activate my Deck Master's ability, to special summon Blackwing - Jin the Rain Shadow from my deck! {600atk. 500def. Tuner. Lv1} Now I'll normal Summon Blackwing - Tornado the Reverse Wind {1000atk. 1200def. Lv4}, I will now Tune for 5, Synchro summoning Assault Blackwing - Sohaya the Rain Storm! {1500atk. 2000def. Level 5} I will now equip her with Glowing Crossbow, Giving Sohaya an additional 500 attack points, making her 2000! Now Sohaya attack his Spirit of the pot of greed!" Sohaya raises her new crossbow, and shoots the pot with it, causing it to shatter. Grover gasps hard as he loses a lot of life points. "That's not all, since, I destroyed a monster with my crossbow, I select one card in your hand, and make you discard it, Sohaya, strike the card on the far left" Sohaya fires the crossbow again, this time striking the card in Grover's claw. "Heh... Fine then." Grover said as he discards the card. "I end my turn." Says Gallus, he was a little cautious as to how Grover was actually happy to discard. [Gallus 4000/ Grover 2100] [Gallus 4 cards/ Grover 4 cards] "I draw, and I activate my Deck Master's ability this turn." Said Grover as his goblin chuckles and allows him to draw a second card. "I activate two of my face downs Huaquero of the Golden Land and Conquistador of the Golden Land!" out of the trap Cards, 2 zombie crawl out of them, and then step forward and take their places on the field as monsters. "Hey... what are they doing?" Asked Gallus. "My boy, have you ever heard of Trap Monsters? They are trap cards, that become Monsters." Explained Grover, And that gives me enough monster to tribute summon this, Eldlich the Golden Lord {2500atk. 2800def. Lv10}!" Gallus backs up a bit, looking up at the monster summoned by Grover. It lets out a demonic groan, and it's golden armor was almost blinding. " I will now activate my last facedown, Guardian of the Golden Land!" Just like before, the trap revealed a monster, which then then took a spot on the field. {800atk. 2500def. Lv 5} "Hehe. since Eldich is on the field, I activate my beast's effect, I target one of your monster's and it's attack becomes 0, Since your Sohaya is the only one you control, I target her! Now Eldich, crush his monster!" The Golden Zombie Let's out a loud groan, then, from underneath Gallus's monster, Sohaya, the ground opens up to reveal more zombies. They reach up and grab ahold of her. She lets out a cry of destress as the zombies pull her down into the ground. when they finally do, the ground closes up. "Ok, claws down that is the scariest attack I have ever seen." Said Gallus in shock. "Now my beasts attacks your directly!" Shouts King Grover. The monster howls before sprinting at Gallus, it swipes it's claws across his chest, causing him to let out a painful scream. "Wh-What...was that??? That felt real!" Said Gallus almost collapsing onto the ground. [Gallus 4 cards/Grover 5 cards] [Gallus 700/ Grover 2100] "Hehehehahahahah!!! Because my boy, It is real!" Exclaimed King Grover "Thats...that's impossible, The duel disk use magic to project the cards on the field, they are fake!" Retorted Gallus. "My poor boy, look all around you surely by now you have noticed it." Says King Grover with a smirk. Gallus raises an eyebrow and then begins to look all around him. A purple mist like miasma flooded the chamber, giving it an ominous setting. "What's going on here? what is that purple fog?" Asked Gallus. "My boy, It is the shadows, Welcome to your first Shadow Game!" Revealed Grover. "Shadow Game?" Asked Gallus. "If you had only payed attention in class, a Shadow Game invokes ancient dark magic, and brings forth a dimension called the Shadow Realm. When in the Shadow Realm, the Monster become real, your soul is on the line, and you have more to lose than your lifepoints!" Grover explained. Gallus could not believe what he was hearing, but he saw no other explanation. The realness of the attack and the pain from it, by how real the monster looks, and how Gram spoke to Gallus, it all made sense now. "I will enter my end phase, Your move boy." Said Grover. gallus gulped and then drew his card, again Gram begins to glow. Gallus looks at him and gram looks back. Gallus had a very worried expression, he was panicking. He was scared, this was almost to intense for him, he closes his eyes tight to try and stop himself from crying. "I'm a failure... I deserve to be in Slifer. I'm a terrible duelist...I 'can't do this alone. What would my friend think?...wait, what would they think?" Gallus said, then tries thinking hard about his friends and what they would say if they saw him right now. "Don't give up Gallus! you can still win this!" Says Sandbar. "You are no quitter! Beat this punk Gallus!" Says Smolder. "This is friend Gallus's duel! Yona knows Gallus will win!" says Yona. "Come on Gallus! You know you have the means to defeat him! you just got to play your cards right!" Says Ocellus. "Yay Gallus! you got this! I know you will win!" Says Silverstream. Gallus smiles and a small tear runs down his cheek. he knows that even if his friends can't see him, he knows they have his back no matter what. That's when Gallus feels a hand being placed on his shoulder. He opens his eyes and looks up, it was Gram, he had his hand firmly on his shoulder, giving him a look of hope. Gallus smiles even more, and he turn back towards Grover, feeling more hyped than ever before. "Since Glowing Crossbow was equipped to a synchro monster when it was destroyed, I got to draw it again this turn. I now activate Gram's deck Master's ability, to special summon Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind from my deck! {1300atk. 400def. Lv 3 Tuner} I now normal summon Blackwing - Fane the Steel Chain {500atk. 800def. Lv 2} And finally I move my Deck Master to the Field, Blackwing - Gram the Shining Star! {2200atk. 1500def. Lv 5}. Gram opens his wings, darts upwards, doing a front flip and then landing in between the 2 other monster and strikes a pose. "moving your Deck Master to the field??? But he is weaker than Eldich!" Yells Grover. "Not for long. "Said Gallus smiling. "I now tune for 10, Using all my monster to synchro summon Blackwing Full Armor Master! {3000atk. 3000def. Lv 10} Since I used Gram in the Syncho Summon, Blackwing Full Armor Master Become my new Deck Master! and for the cherry on top, Since Glowing crossbow was added back to my hand, I equip it ti my monster, making his final attack 3500!" "My boy, You may be able to finally defeat Eldich, but you will regret it, in the grave he becomes stronger than you will ever fathom, it's Hopeless!" Said Grover. "It's a good thing my target is not Eldich." Said Gallus. "Huh!?" Said Grover. "And you can stop with the Act, I know you are not King Grover! King Grover Was a hero to the griffons of Griffonstone! He gave his life to protect his kingdom from Arimaspi, and he was no greedy thief who took the Idol for himself!" Yelled Gallus. Grover grew quiet. "I target your Beast, since you foolishly left it up in attack, My monster is strong enough to destroy it, and make you lose all your lifepoints!" Full Armor Master raises the Crossbow and fires at the Beast, it strikes it which causes it to howls loudly before being destroyed as Grover's lifepoints hit zero [Gallus vs. King Grover: Gallus Wins] All Monsters slowly dissipate except for Gallus's monster, who slowly morphs back Into Gram the Shinning star. Gallus Steps forward, as King Grover stares blankly at him. "I have no idea who you are, but you are a disgrace to all griffons. We don't have to be greedy, We can be a proud race once again, and we can do it without that stupid Idol! I see that now. Greed will only destroy who we are, So keep that rusty thing! I don't want it, and we don't need it!" Shouts Gallus. Grover continues to stand there, slowly however, a smile begins to form on his face. "Congratulations Gallus, You have proven to be without a doubt, to be a bearer." Said Grover "What? Bearer of what?" Asked Gallus. Before his eyes, a white aura surrounds Grover and he glows bright. all at once, all the trasuer begins to slowly disappear and Grover morphs in an apparition of Rarity. "Professor Rarity!?" Shouts Gallus "No" Said the apparition. "I am merely the representation of the Element of Generosity. A new generation must be found to bear the elements. I believe it is you and your friends who will be our new holders." "Us?" Gallus said in awe. "Yes Gallus, You. And after your performance just now, you have shown that you are indeed worthy of it. I now deem you, the bearer of the Element of Generosity!" Said the apparition. It then reaches out and touches Gallus on the Shoulder. Slowly Gallus began to glow with the same Aura surrounding the apparition. Slowly the apparition beging to turn into the same aura and merge with the one surrounding Gallus. He could feel himself levitating in the air as he and the Element begin to merge. A bright flash fills the empty chamber, signifying the merge has been complete. "Ahhh! That, felt, weird!" Exclaims Gallus. He turns to see Gram still standing there, but now he seems transparent. "You, You're still here? But how is that? How can I see you?" "You and me have a bond Gallus, I have watched over you since you put me in your deck. How you can see me now is unsure even to me, since we are now out of the Shadow Game." Said Gram. "This is too weird!" Said Gallus, Behind him however, a hidden door opens to reveal a new corridor. Gallus quickly looks at it and head towards it, he could swear he could hear something down the path. "All of this will have to be explained latter, I have to find my friends!" Said Gallus as he takes off down the path. Gram follows close behind, levitating like a Ghost. Sandbar Sandbar trotted down his corridor, it was just as black as everyone else's. To bad he isn't a Unicorn and could illuminate the path with a horn. He sighs at that thought and continues to walk down the path. Eventually, he sees some light shinning at the end, signifying the end. He quickens his pace to a sprint and eventually reaches the end. He rubs his eyes to get use to the bright light, but as he opens his eyes, he sees a shocking yet familiar sight, he was in his own room in his house in Ponyville. "What the heck!? How am I in my room!? My house is no where near here!" He exclaims. He approaches the door and opens it, he steps out and looks around, it definitely looks like his house. He steps out and makes his way to the living room and is caught off guard when he sees his father standing in the middle of the living room with an angry glare on his face, staring at Sandbar. "D-D-D-Dad!?" Sandbar says in complete confusion. "I am very Disappointed in you son, had I only of known." Sandbar Dad said. "What do you mean?" Sandbar questioned, feeling a bit of fear building up in him. "I gave you my deck to use it properly, But I hear you used it to bully one of your classmates!" Sandbar's Dad yelled "Who? I did no such thing!" Sandbar defended till it finally clicked. "Brisk Bronco! He is lying Dad! He was bullying my friend and I stood up for him!" "That is not what I have heard from all of your teachers!" Sandbar's dad exclaimed. "It appears I was mistaken giving you that deck, now give it back." Sandbar's dad said firmly, presenting his hoof in front of him. Sandbar feels as if he had been shot in the gut, his heart swells and he fights back tears trying to form in his eyes. "D-Dad! Please don't make me...I swear I didn't do that! I want to make you proud!" Cried Sandbar. "Oh really? You really want to? Fine, there is only one way I will let you keep the deck." He responded. "How?" begged Sandbar "Prove you are better than me with it. I challenge you to a duel!" Exclaimed Sandbar's dad. "A duel? You want to duel me? But we've only dueled for fun, never as a punishment." Said Sandbar. "There is a first for everything, now select your Deck Master!" Sandbar's dad yelled. Sandbar Gulps and looks through his deck, his choice was obvious. "I chose Gaia, The Fierce Knight." Said Sandbar "I do too." Said Sandbar's dad. both Monster's in synch slowly appear next to both Sandbar and his Dad. Sandbar quickly looks up at Gaia and had a freaked out expression on his face. "I didn't summon you yet! How are you here!?" Yelled Sandbar. "Calm down Son, You'll understand shortly. Just shuffle your deck and duel me." Said Sandbar's dad. "....O-Ok." Said sandbar meekly. He starts shuffling his deck and then places it in his duel disk and activates it. "DUEL" [Sandbar vs Sandbar's Dad] [Sandbar 4000/Sandbar's Dad 4000] "I Guess I'll go first, draw. I Summon Gaia, the Mid-Knight Sun {1600atk. 1200def. Lv 4}. I then place one card face down and end. Your move Dad." Said Sandbar. "I draw. first I summon Gaia, the Mid-Knight Sun {1600atk. 1200def. Lv 4}. Next, I place one card face down." Said Sandbar's dad. "Hey, that was exactly like my turn!" Exclaimed Sandbar "Of course it is, this is MY deck. why wouldn't I use it as well? Besides it's not exactly the same, I plan on attacking you. Gaia, attack him now!" Commanded Sandbar's Dad "They'll both be destroyed!" Shouts Sandbar, but it's too late. Both monsters strike themselves with their lance's, causing a huge explosion. when the dust clears, Only Sandbar's monster is destroyed, but not his Dad's. "Hey what gives!? They had the same attack, so they both should have been destroyed!" "Well son, you should have activated your Deck Master's ability. Once per turn you can protect one "Gaia" Monster from being destroyed." Replied his father "But I didn't know that!" Shouts Sandbar. "Then you should have known that before selecting him as your deck Master." Replied his Father. Frustrated, Sandbar looks up at his Deck Master. Gaia looks down at him and has a sorrowful expression. Sandbar Sighs and slowly calms down. "It's ok buddy, That's my fault. I can get us out of this. Draw!" Shouts Sandbar. "Alright, I summon Gaia, the Polar Knight! {1600atk. 1200def. Lv 4} I activate my face down, Reinforcements! This boosts my monster's attack by 500 for this turn, Making him 2100! Gaia, attack!" As Sandbar's monster strikes the monster, it lets out a loud moan but it doesn't get destroyed. because of Sandbar's dad's Deck Master. However, he still loses Lifepoints. "I drew first blood Dad, how do you think of that!?" "It doesn't matter who draws it first, but who draws it last!" Sandbar's Dad exclaims. [Sandbar 4000/Sandbar's Dad 3500] [Sandbar 4 cards/Sandbar's Dad 4 cards] "My turn, Draw." Said Sandbar's dad. "I just drew Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin, I activate it's effect by sending a level 5 or higher monster from my hoof to the grave to special summon him. I discard Curse of Dragon to special summon him! {1600atk. 1200def. Lv 4} He also has a second effect as counting as 2 tributes for a Warrior type Monster, With that I use him to tribute summon Gaia the Magical Knight! {2300atk. 2100def. Lv 7} Since he was Normal summoned, I activate his effect, allowing me to special summon 1 Level 5 Dragon monster from my grave in defense, and of course I chose my Curse Of Dragon I discarded {2000atk. 1500def. Lv 5}." Sandbar watched his dad make move after move, working the deck like a master. It was astonishing, His dad truly was a great duelist. "Since Gaia the Magical Knight is on the field, he is treated as if his name is 'Gaia the Fierce Knight' I now activate Polymerization! to fusion summon Gaia and Curse of Dragon to fusion summon Gaia the Dragon Champion! {2600atk. 2100def. Lv7 Fusion.}" "...Amazing" Sandbar said in awe. "I hate to do this to you son, but I have no choice, Polar Knight, Attack!" Shouts Sandbar's Dad "Go Deck Master ability!" they both shout, at the end of the fight, both monsters are unharmed "Now that you've used your deck Master's ability once, you cannot use it again. Dragon Champion, Finish that monster!" The dragon Screeches as the knight let's out a battle cry, they fly towards the knight and strike it, causing it to be destroyed and Sandbar to lose Lifepoints. [Sandbar 3000/ Sandbar's Dad 3500] [Sandbar 4 cards/ Sandbar's Dad 1 card] "GAH!!! H-hey...I felt that, that hurt!" Yelled Sandbar "Wh-What's going on here Dad!?" Sandbar looks at his father who gives him a stern but blank look. "Why did that feel real!?" At this point of the duel, Gallus has finished his duel and has been making his way down the path that was exposed to him. He is sprinting as he could hear a bunch of noises at the end which sounded like a duel. Gallus could see the end of the path and kicks into full speed and runs through the opening the opening opens up to what looked like a house, and Gallus could see that Sandbar was in the middle of a duel in the living room. "Sandbar!" Gallus shouts. Sandbar looks over at him and his eyes widen. "Gallus!" Sandbar shouts back, as he tries to approach him, the purple mist starts to fill the room again and surrounds Sandbar. "H-hey. what is this?" "Don't panic! I will explain it to you, But first you have to win! I know you can!" Says Gallus trying to encourage Sandbar. Sandbar looks at Gallus confused, he switches his gaze back to his father, who was also surrounded by the purple mist. He hasn't even acknowledges Gallus presence and continues to glare at Sandbar. "I end my turn Son, Your turn." He said blankly. Sandbar gulps, somehow feeling more intimidated. "I draw. Oh no..." Said Sandbar. "What's wrong Sandbar?" Asked Gallus. "I... I drew it." He replied "Drew what?" Gallus questioned. "...IT" Sandbar said looking back at Gallus. Gallus's eyes widen and he smiles. "Great! Summon it! You could win with that!" said Gallus. "But...I can't" Replied Sandbar. "Why not!? you can totally turn this duel around!" Gallus yelled. "But... this is my Dad. I can't bring out a monster like that to face my own dad. I just can't." Said Sandbar. "What!? Your Dad?" Gallus looks over at his opponent and then back to him. "Sandbar listen to me, That is not your dad. It is an illusion to test you, not only is it not your dad, but even if it is, you can't think like that. No one benefits from you holding back. Look at him, he is not holding back on you, you have to give it your all!" Sandbar sighs and then looks at his father, he looks back at the card and decides not to summon it yet, adding the card to his hoof. "I activate the spell Reinforcement of the army, Allowing me to add a level 4 or lower monster from my deck, I bring Marauding Captain {1200atk. 400def. Lv 3.} in my hoof. Now I summon him in attack mode, Then I activate to summon a second warrior monster to the field, I summon a second Marauding Captain. Now let me explain their effects, you can only target a Marauding Captain for an attack while on the field, since there is 2, you are locked from attacking. I place two cards face down and end." "Sandbar! You can't hold back, You need to Summon it!" Yells Gallus. [Sandbar 1 card/ Sandbar's Dad 1 card.] "I Draw. Sorry Son, looks like I will be attacking after all." Says Sandbar's Dad. "You can't Both of my Marauding Captains prevent you from attacking" Replied Sandbar. "As long as there is two on the field. As a kid you thought this move was unbeatable, but now allow me to show you it's flaw. Do you remember my face down?" Says Sandbar's Dad. Sandbar looks down at his father's face down, he had forgotten all about it. "I Activate my face down, Raigeki Break! I discard one card to destroy one of your monsters." "NO!" Yells Sandbar as his father discards one card and one of his Marauding Captains is struck by a bolt of lightning and destroyed. "I use the last card in my hoof, Pot of greed to draw 2 cards. Hm, It's over Son. I activate the spell Black Luster Ritual. I sacrifice all monsters on my field to summon from my hoof, Black Luster Soldier! {3000atk 2500def. Lv 8}" As the two monsters on the field are sacrificed, a large blue flame ignites on the field, slowly, the Black Luster Soldier emerges from the fire and aim's it's sword at Sandbar. Sandbar panics and begins to shake, his eyes wide as dinner plates "Black Luster Soldier, Destroy his Marauding Captain!" The Black Luster Soldier charges the captain and swings his sword, the Marauding Captain blocks it and attempts to swing it's second sword at the soldier. The Black Luster Soldier blocks it with his shield and then finally strikes the Captain who let's out a painful groan and is then destroyed. [Sandbar 1200/ Sandbar's Dad 3500] [Sandbar 1 card/ Sandbar's Dad 0 cards] Sandbar begins to break down, He collapses to the ground and covers his face with his hooves. "I can't do it, I can't do it. I don't want to fight my dad...I don't want to lose my deck...I can't do it!" Cries Sandbar. "Yes you can Sandbar! You can't show weakness like this! You are one of the strongest willed duelists I know!" Shouts Gallus. "Sandbar, Stand up." Sandbar's Dad said Calmly. Sandbar looks up at him, his eyes were tearing up. "You do not fall to your opponent, you do not show any weakness, this is what makes a duelist great. You must show power and strength, even if it is against someone you love, you can't go easy on them. You think you are being Kind, but you are not. When you go easy on someone, no one benefits, no one learns from it. You may think it is being merciless, but you are not. You have a big heart son, but you can't let that get in the way of your progress. Show your Kindness before and after the duel, but you must also try to win. Now, finish this duel." Sandbar listens carefully to what his father has said, he then looks at Gallus who had a hopeful look on his face. He wipes the tears from his eyes and immediately trying to sike himself up. "You can do it Sandbar, I believe in you." Says Gallus. "I draw. I banish both Gaia the polar Knight, and Gaia the Mid Knight sun from my grave, both being a light and a dark monster allows me to special summon this from my Hoof Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning! {3000atk. 2500def. Lv 8.}" Sandbar's own Black Luster Soldier takes the field and strikes the same pose as his Father's Soldier. "Wow... 2 Black Luster Soldiers, the old, and the new" Says Gallus. "I activate My soldier's effect, allowing me to banish your monster from the duel!" Yells Sandbar. His father's Monster groans before violently being destroyed. "Since I activated this effect, I cannot Attack this turn, so I end. But I can still Activate my last spell, Hinotama! Burning you with 500 points of damage!" [Sandbar 1200/ Sandbar's Dad 3000] [Sandbar 0 cards/ Sandbar's Dad 0 cards} "I draw... Hm, I pass this turn." "Why? You said not to go easy!" Said Sandbar "Trust me I'm Not." Says Sandbar's Dad. I drew my favorite card, but I cannot summon him because he is too high of level." Sandbar's eyes widen as he knew exactly what he drew. "I've drawn Gaia, the Fierce Knight. A level 7, and with no monster on my field, I cannot summon him. So I pass." "Gaia..." Says Sandbar. He then looks at his deck and draws his next Card. He chokes up as soon as he sees it, It too was Gaia the fierce Knight, The first Card his Dad gave him. He looks up at his Soldier, and knew what he had to do. Black Luster Soldier... Attack my dad Directly, and end this." Black Luster Soldier raises it's sword and charges Sandbar's Dad who does nothing but smile. Black Luster soldier strikes, and drops his lifepoints to 0. [Sandbar vs. Sandbar's Dad: Winner Sandbar] Slowly all monster dissipate, Except for Gaia who was standing next to Sandbar. Sandbar was still shaking, he didn't know if he did the right thing or not. Gallus Slowly approaches him and places his claw on his shoulder. "Hey man, you ok?" He asks. "I don't know..." Responds Sandbar. He looks up at his father who was approaching him. They were soon face to face, Sandbar let's out a long sigh. "You're not really my dad are you?" Sandbar asks. "No I am not, I am only taking the form of your father so that you could face your biggest challenge. You are a strong duelist, but your heart gets in the way of your potential. You are a very kind soul Sandbar, But Kindness's power shouldn't hold you back. You should use it to benefit yourself and your friends. I watched you during your firsts days here at the school, You want to make all the friends you can, even with Gallus." Gallus's ears twitch hearing him mention him. "You held out the hoof of friendship to someone who at first wanted noting to do with you, but showing yourself to be a true friend to them, has cemented in my mind worthy of me." "What do you mean?" Slowly, a yellow aura surrounds the figure representing Sandbar's father, slowly it morphs to take the appearance of Fluttershy. "I am the Element of Kindness, And you Sandbar, have earned the title to be my bearer." "Whoa..." Said Sandbar. "You have proven to me that you are kind, but not a pushover, and a good friend to all who meet you, I now merge my essence to you." Slowly, Sandbar begins to glow yellow as the apparition of Fluttershy Morphs into the yellow glow and joins the aura. A bright flash signifies the completion of the merge. The setting also slowly dissipates to reveal, they are still in the cave. "Ack...That... was freaky!" Says Sandbar, turning towards Gallus. His Eyes widen as he is now able to See Gram behind Gallus. "H-Hey...Why is your monster out? and why is he See through?" "I don't entirely know, But you have one now too." Said Gallus pointing behind Sandbar. Sandbar turns to see Gaia is still here. He approaches Sandbar and then kneels graciously in front him. "Noble duelist, it is an honor for us to finally meet. I Protected your father for many years, and I believed I woould do the same for you, but I cannot do much for you." Said Gaia. "What...What do you mean?" Asked Sandbar. "I am very old, I cannot protect from the dangers in this modern world of dueling, but there is one who can." Said Gaia, pointing to the top card of Sandbar's deck. Sandbar removes it to look at it, It was Black Luster Soldier, Envoy of the Beginning. "He is a strong and noble warrior, he has saved you in a duel more times than I ever had." "But...but your my favorite card!" Said Sandbar in protest. "I am your father's favorite card, you are not your father. He may be your biggest inspiration, but you don't have to be his reflection. You are to be who you are, I will still be in your deck, and I will stay with you, But he is your protector, not me." Said Gaia. Sandbar could feel himself tearing up, he looks up at Gaia and then hugs him tight. Gaia hugs him back, however, slowly Gaia begins to slowly demanifest into nothing. Sandbar opens his eyes to see Gaia is now gone. Sandbar looks at the Black Luster Soldier card in his hoof, He raises it up high, the card begins to glow. It glows brighter and brighter till eventually, in front of him Manifests the Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning. The Black Luster Soldier opens his eyes, he looks around as if he is surpised that he is even there, till his eyes lock onto Sandbar, who approaches him slowly. "I know I didn't choose you as my Deck Master, but I choose you to be my deck's protector. You Black Luster Soldier, are my favorite card and my ace, I'm sorry I didn't realize that sooner." Said Sandbar. The Black Luster Soldier takes his sword and stabs it into the ground in front of Sandbar. He then kneels down on one leg and bows before Sandbar. "It will be an honor." Said the Black Luster Soldier. "That was very moving, but you two, we have to find the others." Said Gallus. Sandbar looks back at him "Yeah, I almost forgot. Come on, lets go find them." Said Sandbar. "There is an opening behind where your dad was, lets Check down there." Said Gallus as the both of them, along with their duel spirits follow them End of Chapter 9 > Chapter 10: Tree of Harmony part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 10: Tree of Harmony Part 3: Smolder and Yona Smolder Smolder proceeded down her path way. As she got pretty far into it, she could feel some heat coming from down the path, the terrain was getting rougher under her feet and a smell of sulfur filled the air. All of this felt familiar to her, it felt like she was back at the dragon lands. she starts running down the path till she makes it to the opening. in the middle of the cave was a lake of lava with a stone bridge that connects the two sides. "Whoa...who knew this was here?" Asked Smolder as she knelt down to examine the lava. It was very warm, she was almost tempted to take a quick swim until she heard a voice calling out to her. "There you are Smolder! I have been looking everywhere for you!" Said the voice. Smolder looks up and sees on the bridge that her brother, Garble was standing there with his arms crossed. "Gar Gar??? What are you doing here?" Asked Smolder "I'm here to bring you back to the dragon lands! Dragon lord's orders!" Smolder physical reacted by flinching backwards upon hearing that. "What!? Why does Dragon Lord Ember want me back!?" Asked Smolder. "She thinks it's lame that you are here at this stupid pony school. Now come on, I'm not gonna ask you again!" Said Garble. "That so does not sound like the Dragon Lord." Said Smolder crossing her own arms. "Fine, the Dragon Lord didn't send me, I came on my own, I hate you being here!" said Garble. "Why!? Why on Earth do you hate that I'm here!?" Smolder started to get angry. "Because this girly little pony school is turning you soft! You have potential to be the best duelist in the dragon lands, but that won't mean squat if they knew you came here. you'll be a laughing stock! Now come on NOW!" Demanded Garble. "I'm not leaving! I don't care what other's think of me, I'll duel them into submission to prove it!" Replied Smolder. "Fine, if you think this school is helping you, then duel me! You win you stay, I win, you come!" As Garble said that, Smolder started laughing. "Duel you!? You're not a duelist Garble! You don't have a deck!" Said Smolder. "Then what's this?" Said Garble as he held up a pure white duel disk with blue highlights. Smolder stopped laughing when she saw what it was. "Is...Is that the Dragon Lord's personal duel disk?" "Yeah, I stole it in case you were gonna be difficult to come home." Said Garble. Garble put on the duel disk and then activated it. Despite Garble not being a duelist, Dragon Lord Ember's deck was no joke. She also knew Garble wasn't joking either, she sighed heavily and stepped onto the bridge over the lava, she then activates her own duel disk. "I chose the Blue-Eyes White Dragon as my deck master!" Yelled Garble. "And I'll chose Red-Black Dragon as mine!" Responded Smolder. Both monster are summoned next to each of them. They roared and snapped at each other, Blue-eyes and Red-eyes have always been rivals. "I'm not going easy on you smolder, prepare for a world of hurt!" Said Garble "Yeah yeah, whatever, let's just do this." Said Smolder, she could notice a faint purple mist starting to surrounding her and Garble. "DUEL" [Smolder vs Garble] [Smolder 4000/ Garble 4000] "I will go first, I draw!" Yelled Garble "I will start off by activating the spell Dragon Shrine. I send one dragon from my deck to the grave, and if it's a normal monster, I send a second. I send two Blue-eyes to the graveyard. Now I activate my Deck Master's ability, allowing me to add one dragon from my graveyard to my hand, Of course I will add one Blue-Eyes. Next, I summon Vanguard of the Dragon! {1700atk. 1400def. Lv 4}. I will activate his effect to discard one dragon from my hand to give him a permeant boost of 300 attack. I discard Blue-eyes to make my dragon's attack 2000, I then end. "My turn! Draw!" Said Smolder, she was a little intimidated by Garble's first move, how did he learn all this? He wasn't a duelist yet he performed an excellent first turn. "Ok, I place two cards face down along with one monster face down and end." [Smolder 3 cards, Garble 4 cards.] "What a lame move, I knew this school was making you soft, I draw." Said Garble. "I place a card face down, Now my dragon will attack your facedown!" As Garbles monster charges Smolder's card, it lifts it's spear high and brings it down. the card flipped to show an old man that is part dragon. he reaches up and catches the spear and shoves the monster back to it's original spot. "Hey! What's the deal!?" "Keeper of the shrine has 2100 defense, sorry, but even your attack boost won't beat that over." Taunted Smolder "Grr, you just got lucky, I end." Said Garble "Draw!" Said Smolder "I will now use my Keeper's effect, he can be counted as two tributes while summoning a dragon monster, I will use him to summon my second Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" {2400atk. 2000def. Lv 7} As Smolder's monster is summoned, it roars angrily. She then looks at her other Red-Eyes acting as her deck Master. It looks back at her, their eyes meet and the stare for a bit, some how, Smolder learn's it's ability from this, as if Red-Eyes was telepathically telling her what it is. "Whoa... I think I know what I can do, I activate my Deck Master's ability! I select one Red-Eye's monster on the field and give it 600 attack points during the battle phase! Now it's at 3000, Just like Blue-Eyes! Attack his monster!" Smolder's Red-Eyes opens it's maw and fires a black fireball at Garble's monster, completely incinerating it. "Oh yeah! I end my turn Gar Gar. At this rate it looks like I will be staying!" [Smolder 3 cards/ Garble 4 cards] [Smolder 4000/ Garble 2900] Garble growls angerly as he then draws. He looks at his card and his eyes widen. His growls turn to chuckles as he then starts smirking mischievously. "Oh I doubt that Smolder, after this turn you will be begging to go home, because now I activate the spell, Return of the Dragon Lords! This allows me to target one level 7 or higher Dragon in my graveyard and special summon it, who else but Blue-Eyes? Hehehe. {3000atk. 2500def. Lv 8} Now I will activate my Deck Master's ability to bring the second Blue-Eyes into my hand which I now reveal to you." "Why would you reveal it to me?" Asked Smolder. "Because it allows me to special Summon Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon from my hand! {3000atk. 2500def. Lv 8}." "Whoa!? Blue-Eyes Alternative!?" Yelled Smolder in bewilderment. "Oh yeah, and it packs a devastating effect! Once per turn, I can instantly destroy one of your monsters, and I pick Red-Eyes!" Said Garble "NO!!!" Shouts Smolder. Blue-Eyes Alternative growls and opens it's mouth and fires a ball of white Lightning at Red-eyes, which roars painfully as it's destroyed. "NO! Red-Eyes!" "Now I activate my face down, Castle of Dragon Souls." Said Garble as a large stone castle rises behind him. "This card allows me to banish one dragon from my grave, and when I do, One monster on my field gains 700 attack! I will Banish Vanguard of the Dragon, to give my normal Blue-eyes a boost, sending him all the way up to 3700! Who will now attack you directly!" Blue-eyes also opens it's mouth and fires a ball of lighting at her, striking her. She yells out in pain as the impact launches her backwards and knocks her hard on her back. "See, weak. I now end." [Smolder 3 cards/ Garble 3 cards] [Smolder 300/ Garble 2900] Smolder felt like she had just been run over by a carriage. She slowly sits up while groaning, she puts one claw to her head and rubs it while looking at Garble. "What was that!? Why did that hurt!?" Yelled Smolder. "Maybe because you're a big softie now!" Garble taunted. "Thats it!" Yells Smolder as she stands up. She then draws her card. "I activate my face down, Red-Eyes Spirit! This allows me to resummon Red-Eyes from my grave!" Smolder's Red-eyes roars as it returns, it seemed very angry for being destroyed last turn. "I now move the Red-Eyes acting as my Deck Master to the field!" "Rather than lose to a lack of lifepoints, you'd rather lose your Deck Master?" Questioned Garble. "Of course not." Said Smolder. "I just needed him on the field so that I can summon this! I build the Overlay Network! By placing two Red-Eyes on top of each other, I can Xyz summon Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon! {2800atk 2400def. Lv7 Xzy} Now He, is my Deck Master!" "Do what you want! But there is no way you can beat me, you dragon is weak!" Yelled Garble. "I'm far from done this turn, Because I'm activating his Deck Master ability again to give him 600 additional attack points, Giving him a grand total of 3400 attack during the battle phase!" Yelled Smolder. "GRRRR!!!!" Growled Garble angrily. "Red-Eyes, Attack his Blue-Eyes with Inferno Fire Flare!" Commanded Smolder. Red-Eyes glares at it's ancient enemy as it's attack rises, it roars at it and unleashes it's fireball at it, striking it. Blue-Eyes let's out a pained roar as it is destroyed. "You re going to pay for that Smolder!" [Smolder 4 cards/ Garble 3 cards] [Smolder 300/ Garble 2500] Smolder stands confidently as she faces her brother, even though it appeared Garble still had the best Monster, he was in for a world of hurt. Garble begins chuckling softly to himself before bursting out laughing. "I just now noticed you attacked the wrong monster! You attacked my normal Blue-Eyes, not my Alternative Blue-Eyes! You're so stupid Smolder!" Garble teased as Smolder glares at him. "My turn, I now activate Alternative's effect, I can Instantly destroy your Red-Eyes, Say bye bye to your Deck Master!" "Not gonna happen Garble!" Said Smolder "What do you mean?" He Questioned. "My dragon has an effect of his own, he is unable to be destroyed by card effects while he still has Xyz Materials, which he does, and when that happens, you lose 500 lifepoints!" Yelled Smolder. As Garble was about to say something, he was electrified as he lost his lifepoints. He groaned painfully and drops to knees. Finally as this was all going on, Sandbar and Gallus made their way out of their own maze of passages and found themselves in the same chamber as Smolder's duel. "Yikes! Is that lava!?" Yelled Gallus. "It's so hot! Careful where you step!" Said Sandbar. "Hey, wait a sec, Is that Smolder!?" Said Gallus pointing at the bridge. "Yeah! It is! Smolder! Hey Smolder!" Yelled Sandbar as both him and Gallus run around the the Lava lake to get to the side Smolder is on. She turns around to see them. "Sandbar! Gallus! There you guys are! Where are the others!?" Asked Smolder. "We haven't found them yet, but listen to us, You absolutely have to win this duel." Said Gallus. "I know I do, if not my Brother will take me home!" Said Smolder angrily. "That's not your brother, it's just an illusion." Said Sandbar. [Smolder 300/ Garble 2000 Smolder looks at him weird, that didn't make sense, but somehow, it did. How was her brother here and how was he dueling so well? She looks back at Garble and glares at him. "OK you phony, Who are you really!?" Demanded Smolder. "Don't ask stupid questions Smolder! Now come on, it's your turn now!" Said Garble. "Listen to us Smolder, You have to win, trust us." Said Gallus. Smolder looks back down at him and then rolls her eyes. "Alright, my turn, Draw!" Said Smolder "I activate the effect of my Black Flare dragon, by removing one Xyz's martial, I can special summon one of my Red-Eyes! Return Red-Eyes! Now I have enough fire power to finish you off! I will Increase my Black Flare Dragon's attack to destroy your dragon!" Smolders dragon attacks Garble's second Blue-Eyes. "Heh, It doesn't matter, Because now I activate my quick play spell, Silver's Cry! This allows me to special summon a normal dragon from my Graveyard, and I chose Blue-Eyes! It will save me this turn, and by my next turn, I will decimate you, nd we can finally go home!" Said Garble. Smolder smirks back at him. "No Garble, I should be thank you for activating that before my Other Red-Eyes could attack, because now I can Enter Main Phase 2 and activate the spell Inferno Fire Blast!" Said Smolder. "What does that do!?" Asked Garble. "Simple, you take effect damage equal to the total attack of my Red-Eyes!" Shouted Smolder. "NO! GRRRRRR NOOOO!!!" Growled Garble as Smolder Red-Eyes harnesses the power of the spell card and fires a fireball at Garble, and drops his lifepoints to zero. [Smolder vs Garble: Winner Smolder] Without hesitation, Smolder approaches the fake Garble and stands over him, her claws on her hips. Garble looks up at her and she has a very angry expression on her face. "You are going to tell me who you are, or you are not gonna just be beaten in a duel!" Said Smolder smashing her fist into her hand. Garble closes his eyes and soon emits a bright blue aura. It is so bright that smolder has to cover her eyes, when the light dies down she looks back at him, Now standing in front of smolder was the apparition of Rainbow Dash. "Professor Dash!?" Yelled Smolder. "No, I am merely representing your professor, As the other elements did for your fiends. I am the Element of Loyalty" Replied the apparition. "But, Why??? And why pretend to be my brother!?" Demanded Smolder. "To test your Loyalty." Replied the apparition. "My loyalty?" Questioned Smolder. "Yes, your Loyalty to you friends, and I must say, you passed excellently. You are worthy to be my bearer." Said the apparition. "If your the element of Loyalty, and I become your bearer.Does that mean..." Said Smolder as the realization was now starting to hit her. "Yes, you are now represent me and are now a protector of friendship." Said the apparition. Just as the others did for Gallus and Sandbar, slowly the apparition turns into a glowing aura and it surrounds Smolder as her and the element bond. When the glowing stops, Smolder looks down at her claws. "I...I don't feel any different, did you guys feel any dif-WHO THEY HAY ARE THOSE TWO!?" Shouts smolder as she turns around to see Sandbar's and Gallus Duel Spirits. "Calm down Smolder, its just Gram and Black Luster Soldier, for some reason, after the merge of the elements, we are able to see them." Said Gallus. "Whoa...And we can see yours now too." Said Sandbar. Smolder turns around and her eyes widen. Behind her was the Red-Eyes Black Dragon. He wasn't as tall as he normally is during a duel, but he was still taller than everyone else. The Dragon stares at Smolder, grumbling in a low tone. "Go on Smolder, he is your protector now." Said Sandbar. Smolder looks up at the dragon and he slowly approaches him. she raises her claw at him and closes her eyes. Red-Eyes looks at her and then slowly leans down and presses his head against her claw. He cues obediently as Smolder opens her eyes and looks at him, slowly she begins to smile as she pets him. "Whoa... this is amazing!" Said Smolder. Just then, on the farthest wall, another passage opens. "Hey, Another passage. we need to go through it so that we can find the others." Said Sandbar. "Come on Smolder, we will find answers to what is going on after we find the others and get out of here!" Yelled Gallus as all of them sprint down the passage. Yona Yona had been walking for awhile, she could swear that the deeper she went in, the colder it got. She could eventually spot the exit, but a powerful wind was building up, blowing into the passage from the opening. as she got closer she could see feel snow under her hooves. She eventually steps through the opening and she looks around, it appears she has made it out of the cave because she ends up outside. not just outside though but all the way back home in YakYakistan. Yona turns around all confused. "Huh? How Yona get home?" Said Yona as she turns around, to her shock, the cave entrance she just came from was now gone. "Y-Yona feeling a little uneasy." "Yona Yak! There you are!" Said a voice behind her. Yona turns around and sees Prince Rutherford "Noble Prince Rutherford? How did Yona get here?" Asked Yona "Yona don't remember? Yona was told to come back home after failing duel school." Said Rutherford. "YONA FAILED!?" Yelled Yona in shock. "Yes, So Rutherford help Yona Yak, by dueling her. If Yona win, School may accept Yona back." Said Rutherford. "But...But How Yona fail?" Said Yona. "Yona been missing for 3 days, Yona miss midterm test and flunked out since Yona a Red. Princess Twilight said only way Yona can come back is if Yona prove herself." Said Rutherford. "Yona been in cave for three days!?!?!?" Again Yona yelled. "Yes. now come young Yak, we make duelist of you yet." Said Rutherford, pulling out an old looking duel disk. Yona couldn't believe what she just heard, there was no way she we lost that Long, but then again, how did she make it back home in Yakyakistan? Yona's head was spinning, but she turns to face prince Rutherford and activates her duel disk. "Yak pick Sword Hunter as Yak's Deck Master" Said Prince Rutherford "Yona Pick Gladiator Beast Gaiodiaz." "DUEL" [Yona vs Prince Rutherford] [Yona 4000/ Rutherford 4000] "Yak goes first, Yak draw." Says Rutherford. "Yak summon the monster Heroic Challenger - Night Watchman! {1200atk. 300def. Lv4} Yak then activate the spell Heroic Envoy! This spell let yak add one heroic monster from yak deck, to yak hoof, Yak add Heroic Challenger - War Hammer. Yak now end." "Yona turn, Draw." Said Yona. "Yona summon Gladiator Beast Sagittari. {1400atk. 1000def. Lv3}. Yona equip him with Gladiator Beast's Battle Archfiend Shield, This protects Yona's monster from destruction once. Now Yona attacks your Night watchman!" "Yak discard Heroic Challenger - Swordshield, Yak take no damage and monster can't be destroyed." Said Rutherford. Yona looks at Rutherford and tries to get more info from him. "Noble Prince Rutherford, How exactly did you know Yona failed?" Asked Yona. "Yak was sent a letter by Twilight, she said you missing and that you missed the test. Then when we went out to find yona, Yona showed up looking dazed and confused." Said Rutherford. "So Yona was just lost and confused???" Replied Yona. "Yes, it was weird. Yona was in some kind of trance." Replied Rutherford. Yona has a few thoughts to herself, was she bewitched? Was she hypnotised, nothing was making sense to her. "Y-Yona end." [Yona 4 cards/ Rutherford 4 cards] [Yona 4000/Rutherford 4000] "Yak turn, draw." Said Rutherford. "Yak now summon Heroic Challenger - Extra Sword! {1000atk. 1000def. Lv4}. Now that Yak have 2 monsters on the field, Yak can special summon Heroic Challenger - Morning Star! {1500atk. 1300def. Lv4} When Morning Star is Summoned, Yak add one Heroic spell or trap to yak hoof. Yak add the trap Heroic Retribution Sword. Yak finally builds the overlay network, placing all 3 of yak's monster on top to Xyz summon Number 86: Heroic Champion - Rhongomyniad! {1500atk. 1500def. Lv4 Xyz} yak's Monster has multiple effects, only if monster has a certain number of Xyz material. Since Monster has 3, Monster has these effects, it cannot be destroyed by battle, it gains 1500 ATK/DEF, and it is unaffected by other cards' effects. With the attack boost effect, monster now has 3000 attack and defense. Also, one monster used to Xyz summon this monster was Heroic Challenger - Extra Sword, and when Extra sword is used in an Xyz summon, yak's Xyz monster gets 1000 extra attack, making him 4000!" "4-4-4000!?" Yelled Yona. "Rhongomyniad, destroy Sagittari!" Commanded Rutherford. Rhongomyniad Lifted it's hugs spear and thrusted it violently at Yona's monster, it easily went through it. "Now Yak activate Deck Master ability, Yak equip destroyed monster to Yak's monster for an addition 200 points of attack, making him now 4200!" "Not fast! Yona monster had it's shield up! Meaning it's not destroyed, but the shield is!" Said Yona "Very well, yak set one card and now end." [Yona 1400/ Rutherford 4000] [Yona 4 cards, Rutherford 3 card] "Yona now draw!" Said Yona. "Yona now activate the effect of Sagittari! Yona can return him to the deck to special summon any Gladiator Beast monster, Yona summon Gladiator Beast Bestiari! {1700atk. 800def. Lv4} Since Bestiari was special summoned by a Gladiator beast effect, Bestiari destroys your face down!" Rutherford's face down card then shatters. "Yona normal summons Gladiator Beast Retiari! {1200atk. 800def. Lv3}" Yona's deck Master begins to glow, Yona looks at it and is puzzled by it. "What Gaiodiaz doing?" "Yona can activate Monster's deck master ability" Said Rutherford. Yona looks at Gaiodiaz who then looks at her. "Ok...Yona activates Deck Master's ability!" Gaiodiaz smirks and then raises his axe high in the air and let's out a loud battle cry. Retiari on the field also lets out a battle cry, this causes Rutherford's Trap card that was destroyed to be banished from the duel. "Oh! Yona gets it! Gladiator Beasts cards have effect that can only be activated if the monster was special summoned by another Gladiator beast. But Yona's deck master let's Yona activate effect without having to special summon! Retiari's effect banishes one card from your grave!" Yona Smirks as she starts to really get into the game. "Yona now Contact fusion! With Bestiari and Retiari, Yona fusion summons Gladiator Beast Gyzarus! {2400atk. 1500def. Lv6 Fusion}" "Yona Monster too weak! Yak win next turn." Said Rutherford. "Oh no, Rutherford won't because Yona now end." Said Yona. As soon as Yona ends Rhongomyniad begins to groan in pain. "What wrong with Yak's monster?" Asked Rutherford. "When Yona enter end phase while Gyzarus is on the field, Two cards on your field are destroyed, since Rutherford only have one, he is destroyed!" Yelled Yona. Just then Rhongomyniad lets out one final groan before blowing up and being destroyed. [Yona 1400/Rutherford 4000] [Yona 4 cards/Rutherford 3 cards] "No! Yak Needed that! GRAH! Fine, Yak draw and then move Deck Master to field!" Said Rutherford as Sword Hunter takes a spot on the field {2450atk. 1700def Lv7}. "Yak now attack your Monster!" Sword Master charges Gyzarus and swipes his swords at him. Gyzarus tries to block the attack with his arm guards, but one quick stab to the chest was enough to destroy him. "And with his effect, Gyzarus is now summoned in Yak's back row as an equip card, this makes Sword Hunter 2650! Yak now end!" "Yona now draws!" Yelled Yona. Yona moves her Deck Master to the field!" Gaiodiaz roars loudly and quickly takes his spot {2600atk. 1500def. Lv7 Fusion} "Prince Yak, now is yak's only time to tell Yona the truth." "What Yona Mean?" Said Rutherford. "Yona know nothing yak said is true. It makes no sense." Said Yona. "Then how is Yona here, back home in YakYakistan?" Said Rutherford. "This is not YakYakistan, Yona not stupid. Now Yona end duel now so Yak can tell Yona the truth!" Yelled Yona. "How!? Yak Monster stronger than Yona's! Also Yak still have 4000 life points!" Rutherford said. "Easy, Yona equip Gaiodiaz with this, Activate spell Gladiator Beast's Battle Gladius!" Said Yona as Gaiodiaz tosses aside his axe, then a sword magically manifests into his hand. "This spell increase Yona's monster by 300atk. making Gaiodiaz 2900 attack! Yona knows Rutherford still has all lifepoints left, But Sword Hunter is Rutherford's Deck Master, so when he is destroyed, Rutherford loses the duel!" "Wait! Wait Yona!" Rutherford begs. "Gaiodiaz, Attack Sword Hunter with Gladius Slash!" Gaiodiaz raises his sword high and brings down hard on Sword Hunter. Sword Hunter tries using his two swords to block the attack, but the Gladius upon hitting the two swords shatter them. as the blade strikes sword hunter, he is destroyed, causing Rutherford to instantly lose. [Yona vs Prince Rutherford: Winner Yona] Yona wastes no time to running over to Rutherford, She aims her horns at him and rams him hard, knocking him to the ground. He looks up at her in shock as she stands over him. "Tell Yona the truth! Yona did not fail, and Yona not in YakYakistan! Tell Yona the truth!" "Ok ok, I will tell you everything." Said Rutherford, surprisingly speaking normally. "No, this is not YakYakistan, you are still in the caves, and you did not fail." "Then why Lie!? Why does cave look like YakYakistan!?" Questioned Yona. "It was to test you, like we said earlier." Rutherford smiled as he began to glow. Yona backs up unaware what was happening. slowly, Rutherford morphs into the apparition of Applejack. "And I have to say you passed." "What's going on here? Why did Rutherford turn into professor farm pony?" Asked Yona. "I am the Element of Honesty, You young Yak, are worthy to be my bearer." Said the apparition. "Yona, to be holder of the Element of Honesty?" Yona questioned. "Yes, You duel with bravery, despite your mind full of doubt and confusion, your willingness to seek the truth has made it clear, you are my next bearer." Said the apparition. Before another word is said, the apparition glows and begins to morph itself into Yona who glows as well. when the process is done, the illusion of YakYakistand slowly disipates, revealing the cave Yona was still in. Yona looks around, and looks behind her to see Gaiodiaz is still there. "Huh? Why is Yona's monster still here? is Yona's duel disk broken?" She said as she looks at the duel disk. "Master Yona! HAHAHA!!! At last we meet!" Said Gaiodiaz loudly. Yona jumps back upon hearing Gaio talk "Monster can talk!?" She exclaims "Yes! Gaiodiaz has been wanting to say something to Master Yona for ages!" Says Gaiodiaz as he approaches Yona. he places his massive hands on his hips and lets out a huge huff. "It is Honor for Gaiodiaz to talk with Master Yona!" "Y-Yona glad to t-talk to you too." Said Yona still freaking out. "But, how can we talk?" "Gaiodiaz do not know." Said Gaio as he scratches his head "Gaiodiaz always tried to get Yona's attention, why now is mystery. Maybe Yona Pro-Fes-Sors know." "Maybe Gaiodiaz right, but first Yona must find Yona's friends!" Said Yona. Now that all the snow was gone, there was a hidden passages on the left side of the cave. "Maybe Yona go that way!" Said Gaiodiaz pointing to the passage. "Good Idea, let's go!" Yelled Yona as both she and Gaiodiaz quickly make their way down the passage. End of Chapter 10 > Chapter 11: Tree of Harmony Part 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 11: Tree of Harmony Part 4 Ocellus and Silverstream Ocellus Ocellus was walking down her path, she walked much slower as she was very scared. The cave got darker and darker the deeper she went in. It got so dark that she had to use her magic to illuminate her horn so she could see. As she got deeper, hoofsteps can be heard behind her. She quickly spins around, nothing there. "H-hello? Whose there?" Ocellus asked quietly. No answer. She slowly turns back around and continues walking, almost instantly the hoofsteps can be heard again behind her. This causes her to quicken her pace, so do the hoofsteps. She starts to jog, so do the steps. Now panicing, Ocellus starts running. She eventually reaches a dead end. "What? No...nonononono! NO!" She yells and looks behind her, the hoofsteps continued, getting closer to her. She begins to breath heavily, the fear and suspense of who it was was enough to make Ocellus cry out in fear, but she gets to her hooves and stands her ground. "Get back! I-I'll turn into a bugbear, a-and really hurt you!" She yelled out. her threat was met with a soft but malevolent chuckle, coming from the darkness. Ocellus presses herself against the wall, she couldn't take it anymore. "WHO ARE YOU!?!?!?" She yelled at the top of her lungs. Slowly out of the darkness, Green, glowing eyes are seen, and the chuckling continues. eventually a voice is heard, calling out to Ocellus "My poor little grub... you fear what you used to know? Who you used to respect?" Said the voice. The voice causes Ocellus's heart to beat even faster, she recognized the voice and she couldn't believe who it was. "Q.....Q...Q-Queen Chrysalis!?" Ocellus asked. Out of the darkness, Chryrsalis's head rears out of the darkness, smiling malevolently. "So you do remember your old queen, how adorable." Said Chrysalis. "Wh-What are you doing here???" Said Ocellus now shaking in fear. "I should be asking you the same thing, as you stumbled into my hive." Chrysalis said with a chuckle. "Your hive?" Asked Ocellus. Just then, bright blue eyes begin to emerge from the darkness, surrounding Chrysalis on the floor, the walls, and the ceiling. "oh no...." "Now that you're here little grub, You may join my family once again." Said Chrysalis. "Never! I would never be apart of your hive again!" Yelled Ocellus. "Oh yes you will, once I beat you in a duel." Said Chrysalis. "A duel? Why would you want to beat me in a duel?" Asked Ocellus. "Beating you in a Shadow Game will be the easiest to corrupt you and break your spirit." Said Chrysalis. "No, I refuse! I won't duel you!" Argued Ocellus. "Then be prepared to be tortured her for the rest of your life." Said Chrysalis. Tons of hissing is heard as the blue eyes slowly begin approaching her. Ocellus looks at all the eyes approaching, her, she panics more and let's out a loud yell. "OK!! OK!!! I-I will duel!" Said Ocellus. "Hehehe Excellent." Said Chrysalis, fully stepping out of the darkness and activating her duel disk. Ocellus begrudgingly does the same. "DUEL" [Ocellus Vs Queen Chyrsalis] "W-we have to chose our Deck Masters, I chose Insect Princess." Said Ocellus. Insect Princess Emerges and stands defensively next to Ocellus "Ha, such a weak monster, I chose Insect Queen!" Said Chrysalis. A terrifying Insect Queen screeches loudly as it is summoned next to Chrysalis. This when a deep dark purple mist begins to surround them. "Allow me little grub to take the first turn, I draw. Hmmmm, I summon Flying Kamakiri #1! {1400atk. 900def. Lv4}" "Ugh! It's so gross!" Said Ocellus "Hmph! You have grown soft, to think you were once apart of my hive. I set One card and end." Said Chrysalis. "I...I draw." Said Ocellus. "Ok, I summon Shiny Black "C" Squadder. {2000atk. 0 def. Lv 4}. He will now attack you Kamakiri." The squadder strikes a battle pose before battling the monster, With one swift punch, he destroys the monster." "Gah...Hehe. Thank you, with him destroyed I can summon one insect Type Monster with 1500 attack or less from my deck. I chose to summon my Ultimate Insect Level 1! {0atk. 0def. Lv1}" Said Chrysalis. "Ocellus, You may now activate my Deck Master ability." Said Insect Princess. Ocellus quickly looks up at Insect Princess in shock. "Did you just talk to me?" Said Ocellus "Yes I did, for every insect monster you destroy, I can increase the attack of all monsters on your side of field by 100 for each one you destroy." Said Insect Princess. "Ok...I Activate my Deck Master's ability, Since I destroyed an insect monster, his attack goes up by 100, making 2100! I now end!" [Ocellus 4000/Chrysalis 3400] [Ocellus 5 cards/Chrysalis 4 cards] "Hehehe, My turn, Draw." said Chrysalis "Since it's now my standbye phase, I can tribute my Ultimate Insect, to special summon Ultimate Insect LV3 from my deck! {1400atk. 900def. Lv3} Since he was summoned by the effect of Ultimate Insect level 1, Your monster loses 300 attack, making your monster 1800 attack. Now I activate the spell Insect Armor with Laser Cannon! This equip card gives my bug 700 extra attack, making him 2100!, Now my pretty, attack her monster now!" The bug let's out a hiss before firing it's laser cannon. it's strikes the squadder, destroying him. Ocellus let's out a loud painfully yell. "OW!!! That hurt! Why did that hurt!?" Asked Ocellus. "My dear, I told you, this is a Shadow Game!" Said Chrysalis. "Shadow Game!? I-I remember Headmare Twilight briefly mention those! All she said was to avoid them at all cost." Said Ocellus. "Yes my little Grub, that is because Shadow Games make everything real. The monsters, the attacks, hehehe, the damage. All of it is real, if you are not careful, you can potentially lose your soul!" Said Chrysalis as she began to cackle like a witch. multiple voice can also be heard laughing, coming from the eyes all around them. Ocellus gulp hard and looks at Insect Princess. "Since you are real, that explains why you talked." Said Ocellus "Yes, don't let her psych you out, you need to stay in this if you wish to win." Said Insect Princess. Ocellus slowly nods and takes a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Since I destroyed a monster with an Insect monster, my Deck Master's ability kicks in, I get to summon an egg token! {100atk. 100def. Lv1}" Insect queen hisses and lays an egg! "Ew!!! Gross!" Yelled Ocellus. [Ocellus 3600/Queen Chrysalis 3400] [Ocellus 5 cards/Queen Chrysalis 4 cards] "M-My turn, draw." Said Ocellus "Since I control no monsters, I can special summon my Primitive Butterfly in defense mode. {1400atk. 900def. Lv5}. I set one card and I end." "Muhaha! Since it's my standby phase again, I tribute my Ultimate Insect Lv3 for Ultimate Insect Lv5! {2300atk. 900def. Lv5} Now, while he is on the field all your monsters lose 500 attack points, Next I activate the continuous spell Insect barrier. Now, you cannot attack me with insect monsters." "But all I have are Insect monsters!" Cried Ocellus "HAHAHA! Then you cannot attack me!" Said Chrysalis. "Now my Ultimate Insect, Destroy her Butterfly!" The Ultimate Insect latches onto the butterfly and stings it till it's destroyed. "Hehehe, I get to lay one more egg token and then I end my little grub." "I...I draw." Said Ocellus. Her eyes light up, she could see a strategy forming into her hoof. She just needed one more card, if she could draw on her next turn. "I pass this turn" [Ocellus 6 cards/ Chrysalis 4 cards] "Muhahahaha! Oh how amusing! You have given up! I draw!" Said Chrysalis. "Now that its my standby phase again, I can summon my greatest bug! I tribute my Ultimate Insect Lv5 to summon Ultimate Insect Lv7 from my deck! {2600atk 1200def Lv7} Now all your monsters lose 700 attack! Now, I move My deck Master to the field, Insect Queen! {2200atk. 2400def. Lv7} She gains 200 attack for each insect monster on the field, counting herself and my tokens, that is 800! meaning she has 3000 attack!, For her to attack however, I must sacrifice one insect, so when she attacks, it will be 2800. I will do just that so my Insect Queen will attack you directly!" Insect Queen consumes one of the egg tokens and then turns her attention to Ocellus. She hisses and is about to charge. "I activate my face down, Butterspy Protection!" Yelled Ocellus, This switches your insect into defense position, and I take no damage for the rest of the turn! "You annoying little grub! I will end you! I end, and since I did still destory one monster with an insect, I get another token!" Said Chrysalis [Ocellus 6 cards/ Chrysalis 5 cards] "I draw....please give it to me..." Begged Ocellus as she drew. "YES! ok chrysalis, It's time I took control!" "HAHAHA! What could you possibly have? You can't attack me with Insect barrier up!" Said Chrysalis "Just watch, First I summon Pinch Hopper! {1000atk. 1000def. Lv4} next I activate the spell Insect Imitation! I tribute one insect monster and special summon on monster from my deck, one level higher than the tributed one. I tribute Pinch Hopper to summon Inzektor Giga-Cricket! {2000atk. 1300def. Lv 5} Now, since I sent Pinch Hopper to the grave from the field, I can special summon another insect from my deck, Anteatereatingant! {2000atk. 500def. Lv5} Now that I have 2 Level 5 monsters, I build the Overlay Network! I place my two level 5 monsters on top of each other to Xyz summon Inzektor Exa-Stag! {800atk. 800def. Lv5 Xyz}" Said Ocellus. "800 attack!? HAHAHA! That is hilariously bad." Taunted Chrysalis. "Well then check out his effect, I detach one Xyz Material to take control of you Ultimate Insect, and then Equip him to my Exa-Stag, he gains half your insect's attack, making him 2100!" Said Ocellus. "Grrr! Hehe, still too weak, and I still have my barrier." Said Chrysalis. "I still have 5 cards in my hoof, this will finish my strategy. I activate the spell Magical Stone Excavation! I Discard 2 cards to add one spell from my grave to my hoof, I chose Insect Imitation! I will now use it on Exa-Stag to summon from my deck Inzektor Giga-Weevil {0atk. 2400def. Lv6} Now, I'm sorry Insect Princess, I need you to go to the field for a summon." "It's ok Ocellus, You do what you must to win." Said Insect Princess elegantly moving to the field. {1900atk. 1200def. Lv6} [Ocellus 2 cards/ Chrysalis 5 cards] "This is It Chrysalis, I now Overlay My two level 6 monsters to summon Inzektor Exa-Beetle {1000atk. 1000def. Lv6 Xyz} Now he becomes my Deck Master! Now, from either graveyard, I can equip any monster to Exa-Beetle to and he gains half their attack. Once again, since your ultimate Insect Lv7 was sent to the graveyard when I sacrificed Exa-Stag, I will re-equip him to give Exa-Beetle a grand total of 2300!" "Still far too weak! With my last token and Insect Queen herself, She has 2600! Also I must enphasize, MY BARRIER IS STILL UP!" Shouts Chrysalis. "Not for long, I detach one Xyz Material from Exa-Beetle to activate his effect, I can send 2 face up cards to the graveyard, I chose your token and your barrier!" Yells Ocellus "NO!!!!....heh, actually get rid of them, Insect Queen still counting herself still has 2400 attack, 100 more than your monster" Said Chrysalis "Not if I activate this card in my hoof, Inzektor Sword - Zektkaliber. This gives Exa-beetle 800 more attack, making him 3100!" Says Ocellus. "NO!!! NO!!! NOOOOO!!!!!!" Yells Chrysalis. "And Since Insect Queen is your Deck Master, This attack will finish you! Exa-Bettle, Finish her!" Commanded Ocellus. Exa-Beetle grips his new sword and slashes it wildly, slicing Insect Queen in half. She hollers out in pain before being destroyed. [Ocellus vs Queen Chrysalis: Winner Ocellus] Queen Chrysalis Hisses at Ocellus but she quickly stops and here eyes widen. Ocellus is now charging Chrysalis and uses her Changeling magic to turn herself into a manticore. She rams into Chrysalis and knocks her to the ground she then stands over her as she then changes back. "Tell me how to get out of here! I'm done playing games you monster!" Yelled Ocellus "Easy Ocellus easy! I'm not really Chrysalis!" Yells the fake Chrysalis. "Lies! I'm not falling for your lies!" Yelled Ocellus. Before her eyes, Chrysalis begins to glow in a bright purple light. The manifestation taking the form of Chrysalis, then morphs into Twilight. Ocellus, Gasps and steps off of her. "The tests! I forgot, everything was so real!" "Yes, that was the point." Replied the manifestation standing up. "Worry not, you have passed Ocellus. My test was about Magic, the magic you performed came from you strategy. You dueled like a master." "Really?" Asked Ocellus "Yes, I have made my decision Ocellus, you shall be my bearer. The bearer of the Element of Magic." Said the Manifestation "Me!? Become the Bearer of the element of Magic!?" Yelled Ocellus. Before she could Object The Manifestation Glows and begins to morph into Ocellus. Once the glowing has Stopped, all illusions of the cave fade. The cave loses it's eerie darkness and she looks around, she is able to see two openings, one looks dark, the other has a slight light at the end of it. "Are you having trouble deciding where to go?" Said a voice behind Ocellus, She quickly turns around to see Insect Princess. "Insect Princess! How are you still here!? Why are you talking!? What just happened!? AM I THE NEW ELEMENT OF MAGIC!?!?!?" Yelled Ocellus really starting to freak out. "Ocellus, you need to calm down." Said Insect Princess in a calm tone and sitting down on her knees to meet Ocellus eye to eye. Ocellus looks at Insect Princess and tries to control her breathing. eventually she calms down enough and tries to figure things out. "Ok, Why are you still here, and slightly transparent?" Asked Ocellus "That I cannot answer, it is unknown to me, however, I have always been with you before you could see me." Replied Insect Princess. "Am I the new Element of Magic?" Asked Ocellus. "That would be best to ask your professor" Said Insect Princess. "Ok, ok...That means we have to get out of here." Said Ocellus. "We should go down the path with the light," Said Insect Princess. "Yeah, that sounds like a plan." Said Ocellus. Ocellus turns and starts walking down the path as Insect Princess follows close behind her. Silverstream Despite the situation they were all in, Silverstream skips down the path before her, she new that if she kept high spirts, that she would eventually get out. she continues skipping down the path humming a small tune to herself till she reaches an opening, a large opening. There was a pond of water in the middle, with a large opening that revealed the outside world. Mt. Eris could be seen out the opening, there was a waterfall and it looked like just a quick swim away. "No way! Mt Eris!? But how did I get all the way home!?" Yelled Silverstream. Steps near the waterfall and looks out towards Mt. Eris, it was majestic to look at. "Am I suspended!?" Yelled Silverstream out of confusion. Eventually, something horrifying happens, from behind Mt. Eris, one of the Storm King's Zeppelins begins to float from behind it into view. "The Storm King!?!?!?" Yells Silverstream panicking. A hardy laugh is heard behind her. She turns and sees a dark figure across the pond. it steps into the light to reveal the Storm King. "Hehehe! A poor little griff, wondered to far from her home. You're coming with me." Said The Storm King. Silverstream grabs the gem on around her neck while backing up, about to turn into a seapony when, one of the zeppelins rise up covering the opening where the waterfall leaves. "Ah ah ah! No escaping Little Griff! Hehehe" "No! Stay back! You're supposed to be dead!" Yells Silverstream. "Really? I don't feel dead." Said the Storm King looking down at himself. "You however, will be if you don't surrender yourself to me. You are Queen Novo's niece, you will be a great bargaining tool." "No please! I will do anything!" begged Silverstream. "Anything?" Said the Storm King placing his finger on his chin. He looks at the duel disk on her wrist "Hehe, ok, look, I'll cut ya a deal, Duel me. it's been a good while since I asserted my superior dueling skills to my minions. I win, you come with me. You win, I may consider letting you go." Said The Storm King. "Do I...do I have a choice?" Asked Silverstream. "No." Replied the Storm King. Silverstream gulped and looked behind her, the Zeppelin was still there. She sighs heavily and then approached the pond and activated her duel disk. The Storm King Smirks and activates his own duel disk which is really advanced looking. "I will chose Fog King as my Deck Master" "I chose Coral Dragon as my Deck Master" Said Silverstream. As both Monsters are summoned to their side, both Silverstream and The Storm King Lock eyes. The Storm King smirks mischievously and Silverstream scowls "DUEL" [Silverstream vs Storm King] "I want to go first, draw." Said the Storm King. "I activate the continuous spell Summon Cloud, This allows me to special summon a level 4 or lower Cloudian monster from my hand or graveyard if I control no monsters. with this effect, I special summon Cloudian - Ghost Fog {0atk. 0def. Lv1}. Now I activate my Deck Master's ability. When I special summon a Cloudian Monster, I give it one cloud counter on that monster. Now, I normal summon Cloudian - Acid Cloud {500atk. 0def. Lv4} When it's summoned I can immediately place one Cloud Counter on it. I end with that. "My turn, Draw!" Said Silverstream. "I summon Saber Shark! {1600atk. 1200def. Lv4} I will use him to attack your fog ghost, since you summoned him in attack position. Go Saber Shark, attack!" The shark swims towards the fog ghost and strikes it with his bladed snout. the fog ghost poofs away once hit. "Haha! You fool! I take no battle damage from battles fog ghost is in, and I can transfer his fog counter to acid cloud." Said he Storm King. "Everyone knows Counters are terrible, I'm still not scared by you! I place two cards face down and end." Said Silverstream, trying to act brave. [Silverstream 3 cards/ Storm King 3 cards] "My turn again, I draw." Said the Storm King. " I now summon Cloudian - Poison Cloud! {0atk. 1000def. Lv3} Next, I activate my Cloudian Aerosol Spell card! by discard a cloudian from my hand, I can target one face up Cloudian and place a number of fog counters on it, equal to it's level. I discard Cloudian - Smoke Ball and target Acid Cloud, Now he gets 4 fog counters, giving him six. Now, I activate Acid Cloud's effect, by removing 2 counters I can destroy one spell or trap card. This effect is not once per turn so I will remove 4 to destroy both of your face down cards!" "Gah! This Isn't good!" Yelled Silverstream as both of her cards are destroyed. "I now end my turn." Said The Storm King. He was grinning ear to ear. "M-My move, I draw!" Said Silverstream. "I tribute my Saber Shark to summon My Legendary Fisherman! {1850atk. 1600def. Lv5}" as Sabre Shark is tributed, Legendary Fisherman takes it's place. "Fisherman, Attack the Storm King's Acid Cloud!" As the Fisherman threw his spear, It went right through the cloud with out it taking any damage. "Hey! Why didn't your monster get destroyed!?" "Hate to break it to ya, actually I don't hate it. But Acid Cloud cannot be destroyed by battle. Unfortunately, I still take damage." Said The Storm King. "fine then, I end my turn then." Said Silverstream [Silverstream 4000/ Storm King 2650] [Silverstream 3 cards/ Storm King 1 cards] "My turn! Drawing!" Said the Storm King. "Oh boy! Now I activate the spell Fog Control! I tribute my Poison Cloud, and now my Acid Cloud is given 3 more fog counters! Now he is back up to five! Now to activate one of my face downs, Diamond-Dust Cyclone! I destroy one monster with 4 or more fog counters, and I draw 1 card for every 4 counters on it. By destroying Acid Cloud, I draw one card. Now by using summoning cloud, I will bring back Acid Cloud from the grave. Since I summoned from the grave however, Summoning cloud must now be destroyed. Now I activate my Deck master's ability to place a fog counter on it. Finally, by banishing Cloudian Aerosol and Smoke ball from my grave, I can special summon one cloudian monster from my deck. I chose Cloudian - Eye of the Typhoon! {3000atk. 1000def. Lv8} Typhoon will now attack your Fisherman! But as it does, Your fisherman is forced into defense position!" The large storm cloud emits powerful winds. The fisherman is forced into defense before he is destroyed. "Now Acid Cloud will attack you directly!" Acid cloud emits a very pungent cloud towards Silver. The smell litteraly cause her to cover her mouth and nose, feeling as if she was about to throw up. "Gah!!!! That smell!!! It's so real!" Yelled Silverstream. "Of course it's real! Come on little griff, I have a kingdom to take over soon!" Said the Storm King impatiently. [Silverstream 2150/ Storm King 2650] [Silverstream 3 cards/ Storm King 1 cards] Silverstream slowly gets back up. She looks over at Coral Dragon who looks down at her. It gives her a reassuring growl. Silverstream looks slightly confused. Did it just try and communicate to her? "Come on! I'm getting bored!" Yelled the Storm King. "Gah! Fine! I draw." Said Silverstream. She looks back over at Coral dragon who was now glowing. "Huh? Why are you....Does this mean I can use your deck master ability?" Coral Dragon again softly growls. "...O...K... I activate My Deck Master's ability Just then, Coral dragon let's out a roar, Silverstream looks at the cards in her claw and she sees all of them drop a level. Her level 5 monsters, were turned into level 4. "Whoa..... I summon Eagle Shark! {100atk. 1800def. Lv5} "Hey! Cheater! That's a level 5 monster! You need to tribute summon that!" Yelled the Storm King. "Ha! I understand now! It's my Deck master ability, while monster's are in my claw, they are treated as one level lower!" Silverstream yelled back more confidently. All the Storm King could do was grunt in frustration. "Now, I activate the Spell Moray of Greed! I shuffle 2 water monsters into my deck and shuffle, then I draw 3 cards. Now I activate the spell Monster Reborn to bring back my Legendary Fisherman! Now I build the overlay network! by using the 2 Level 5 monsters on my field, I Valiant Shark Lancer! {2500atk. 1600def. Lv5 Xyz.} Now I move my Deck Master to the Field, Go Coral Dragon!" Coral Dragon roars Loudly as it moves to the field. [Silverstream 2 cards/ Storm King 1 cards] From behind Silverstream, Ocellus runs out of an Opening, she looks towards Silverstream seeing she is in the middle of a duel. "You Fool! if your Deck Master is destroyed, you lose! Eye of the Typhoon is the strongest monster!" Yelled The Storm King. "I know, But that won't last long. Valiant Shark Lancer has a devastating effect. By detatching one Xyz material from him, I can destroy one of your monsters!" "OOH OOH OOHWHAT!?!?!?" Yelled the Storm King. "I detach both to destroy your Acid Cloud and your Eye of the Typhoon!" Silverstream Said with a huge smirk on her face. Valiant Shark aims it's huge cannon at Typhoon. as one material is removed, the cannon is fired and destroys Acid Cloud. Then the cannon aims at Eye of the Typhoon and destroys it as the second material is removed. "You're defenseless now Storm King! Lancer, attack him directly!" Ordered Silverstream. The cannon then moves to the Storm King, it fires and strikes him, he is knocked hard onto his back, but he still had 150 life points left. "Now Coral Dragon, Finish him off!" "HAVE MERCY!!!" Begged the Storm King, but it was too late for him. Coral Dragon Approaches and fires a high pressurized Jetstream of water from it's mouth striking the Storm King. [Silverstream Vs The Storm King: Winner Silverstream] "YAY Silverstream!" Yelled Ocellus. Silverstream turns to see Ocellus and she gasps and smiles widely. "Ocellus!!!" Silverstream runs over and hugs her. "How did you find me!? How did you get here!?" Asked Silverstream. "What do you mean? We were only separated for about an hour." Said Ocellus. "The how are we at Mt. Eris? Look see-...Huh?" Silverstream turns mid sentence and the view of Mt. Eris is gone, even the small pond and waterfall was gone. "What's going on! I was at Mt. Eris just a second ago!" "Silverstream, it was just an illusion, remember what those apparition of our professor's said?" Said Ocellus. "Oh...Yeah... It's just. I thought Mt. Eris was in real danger. I was so scared." Said Silverstream turning back to Ocellus. behind Ocellus, Silverstream sees the Storm King Stand up. "ACK! Ocellus, behind me!" Said Silverstream standing in front of her. "Didn't we just establish this was all an illusion?" said Ocellus with an unamused look. "Easy there Young one, I just want to talk to you." Said The Storm King. Slowly he begins to glow bright pink and slowly morphs into Pinkie Pie. "Professor? It's you again." Said Silverstream. "Why were you..." "I am not your professor, I am the apparition that represents the Element of Laughter." Said the Illusion "Element of Laughter?" Asked Silverstream "Yes, this was a test to see, even during the darkest of moments, you were able to see the light and not lose sight of what makes you feel joy. Your home, your family, and friends." Said the Apparition. "You have passed, making you worthy of being the next bearer or my element." "Me? I get to become the next holder of the Element of Laughter?" Asked Silverstream. The apparition smiles and nods as it begins to glow. Slowly it absorbs itself into Silverstream. She looks on in awe till the absorption is finally complete. "....That, felt, weir-OH MY GOSH WHO ARE YOU!?" Yelled Silverstream pointing at Insect Princess who she now can see. "Hello there! I'm with Ocellus." Said Insect Princess with a smile. "Take it easy Silver, Once I finished my test I had a shock too, now it's time for you to meet your Duel monster. Said Ocellus pointing behind Silverstream Silverstream turns behind her to see that Coral Dragon was still there. At first she was in shock, her jaw wide open as Coral Dragon approached her. Slowly it leans it's head down at her. A still shocked Silverstream looks it in the eye. very slowly however Silver lifts up her claw and places it on the snout of Coral Dragon who then closes it's eyes and softly purrs like a cat. "Whoa....This is Awesome! Is this permanent!? Can I see all my monsters!?" Asked Silverstream "I don't really know, this only happened to me ten minutes ago." Replied Ocellus. Suddenly, the sound of hoof steps can be heard, they appear to be running. Both Ocellus and Silverstream turn and look behind them, there was another open that defiantly wasn't there before. It sound like more than one pony or creature was running towards them. They hold their breath, unsure who could coming towards them. Insect Princess stands in front of Ocellus and Coral Dragon begins to growl. Eventually however, Sandbar, Smolder, and Gallus run out of the entrance and quickly stop upon seeing Ocellus and Silverstream. "GALLUS!" Yelled Silverstream as she practically tackle hugs Gallus to the ground. "Thank Celestia we found you guys!" Said Sandbar. "Yeah, It was getting scary down here.... Whoa, You guys have your monsters now too?" Asked Ocellus "Yeah! You can see them? So you were tested too?" Asked Smolder. "Yeah, we were, Silverstream just now got done with hers." Said Ocellus. From another passageway, more hoofsteps are heard as eventually Yona Runs through, they were all finally back together. "Yona found you guys!" Yelled Yona. She quickly hugs Some of them as they hug her back. "Finally, we're all back together." Said Sandbar. Eventually, Both Silverstream and Gallus stand up as Gallus dusts himself off. "Yeah, but we're still stuck down here." Said Gallus "And I see no way out." "There has to be, The Tree of Harmony wouldn't test us if it didn't plan on a way for us to get out." Said Sandbar "I agree, why would the tree keep us down here after making us all the new holders of the elements?" Questioned Smolder. "Hey...Maybe this is a final test." Said Ocellus. "Now that we are the new Element Bearers, maybe we have to use the elements to get out of here." "Yona think that's a good idea." Said Yona "I don't think there is another option, let's try." Said Silverstream. The six stand next to each other in a circle and hold claws/hooves together and close their eyes. They then wait for the elements to work, and they keep waiting, and waiting, and waiting. "....Is it working?" Asked Silverstream. "I don't think so" Said Smolder opening her eyes. The rest open their eyes too. Behind each one of them, their duel spirits are standing right behind them. "Well...maybe you guys have an Idea on how this can work?" Asked Gallus "We are just as puzzled as you are." Said Gram "We don't even know what the elements are, we don't even know how you are able to see us now." Said Black Luster Soldier. "Then we're doomed." Said Smolder with an unimpressed face. "We can't think like that! We need to think positively, Keep our spirits up. Remember the day we first met at tryouts? We thought some of us weren't going to be accepted to the school, but we all did, and that was the day we all decided to become friends." Said Ocellus. "Not all of us. Hehe, someone needed a little more convincing." Teased Sandbar. Gallus sticks his tongue out at him. "Whoa...Ocellus...You're glowing." Said Smolder Everyone tunrs their attention to Ocellus, who was in fact starting to glow. "Whoa...Maybe, maybe thats it! If we want the elements to work, We need to think about our friendship! Everyone, close your eyes and try again, but think about best moments of our friendship!" Said Ocellus. Everyone does as instructed, they close their eyes and start thinking about all the fun they've had together at the school already. Slowly, everyone of them also start to glow. The glow gets brighter and brighter till the light is almost blinding. the ligh completely engulphs the group. A few minutes, the glow begins to die down. Slowly, they all begin to open their eyes, and they were all outside the cavernes, with the well they all fell down being in the middle of their circle. "That worked??? IT WORKED!?!?!?" Yelled Smolder "We're finally out!" Yelled Sandbar. Everyone else begins to cheer, even their duel spirits seemed relieved to finally be out. The only one not celebrating at all is Gallus. Eventually, everyone quites down and sees that Gallus has a depressed look on his face. "Gallus, What's wrong?" Asked Silverstream. "None of that would have happened if i had just held onto my card." Said Gallus "Hey, don't beat yourself up over it, we probably wouldn't have been given the elements if it didn't happen." Said Smolder "I guess, but I still need to take better care of Gram, he means everything to me." Said Gallus as Gram looks down at him with a sad look. "I remeber you saying that it helps you 'Remember' something or someone with. What did you mean by that?" Asked Ocellus. Gallus lets out a hard sigh. "Gram was given to me by Grandpa Gruff, he said it was to be given to my by my Parents... I never met them." Said Gallus "....How Come?" Asked Yona "...They passed away before I was born. Grandpa Gruff took me in when I was still just an egg." Said Gallus. Everyone grew quite, you could hear a pin drop. "Grandpa Gruff isn't even my real Grandpa, that's just a name everyone gave him, he pretty much raised me, when i was old enough, he gave me this card. He said both my parents were famous duelists, the only famous duelists to ever come out of Griffonstone, and that they wanted me to be a great duelist as well. So as soon I built my deck, I came here... hoping to make them proud..." Said Gallus. Both Silverstream and Ocellus begin to tear up upon Hearing Gallus's story. Yona looks at the ground with a sad look on her face. Smolder crosses her arms and looks away, trying to hide her emotions. Sandbar approaches Gallus and places his hoof on his shoulder. "I'm so sorry to hear that Gallus, I didn't know you were going through that." Said Sandbar. "...It's ok Sandbar, sometimes it feels good to talk about them. But...I feel like a failure. Being a Slifer Red isn't going to make me a great duelist. I need to be one, for my parents." Said Gallus "I doubt that Gallus, You've won a lot of hard duels already, if you keep it up, I promise you you will achieve Obelisk in no time. I believe your Parents are already proud of you by how hard you have been working." Said Sandbar. Gallus slowly turn towards Sandbar and smiles. "We have your back Gallus. We have faith that you will be one of the best Duelist ever to come out of Griffonstone." Said Ocellus. "We love you Gallus, You can do anything." Said SIlverstream. "Thanks you guys...you don't know how much that means to me." Said Gallus. Everyone then closes in for a group hug that lasts a long time. After a bit, Smolder opens her eyes wide. "Hey Guys... maybe we should tell Headmare Twilight about what just happened. "You know...That sounds like the smartest thing to do." Said Ocellus. They all eventually break the hug and then quickly head for the school to ask Twilight what just happened to them. End of Chapter 11 > Chapter 12: We are Harmony > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 12: We are Harmony The group are now sprinting down the hallway towards Headmare Twilight's Office. Only she may have the explanation of all the craziness that they've all been experiencing. Their new dueling spirits are also close behind them. They don't even knock as they approach the door, they burst through, shouting for Headmare Twilight's name loudly. Twilight, and the other 5 professor's were standing around Twilight's desk. All 12 of them look up and stare at them, that's right, 12. For some reason, There were 6 others in the office, all of them standing behind the professors. None of them looked like ponies either... they appeared to be duel spirits as well. The student six stand in amazement at what they are staring at. "You 6, what is the meaning of this? Why charge in here screaming like that?" asked Twilight "Who... who are they?" Asked Sandbar being the first one to speak up. "Who's who? It's just us in here having a meeting." Says Twilight. "That you are currently interrupting." Says Dash Sternly. "Those...those duel monsters. Standing behind you." Says Smolder. Most of the professor's eyes widen in shock, all except for Twilight who looks at them with an interesting look. "Please elaborate what you mean please." Says Twilight. "Well... its like us. We can see our favorite cards. It happened awhile ago and we can to you to see if you can explain what's going on, but we weren't expecting to see the same around you guys as well." Informed Gallus. The professors start looking at each other in bewilderment. "What Monsters do you see?" Asked Twilight. "Behind you headmare is Empress of Prophecy." Said Ocellus. "Behind Professor Dash is Harpie Queen." Said Smolder. "Floating next to Professor Fluttershy is Kuriboh." Said Sandbar. "Yona see Amazoness Queen next to professor Farm Pony." Said Yona. "Behind Professor Pinkie is Madolche Puddingcess." Said Silverstream. "And behind Professor Rarity is Gem-Knight Master Diamond." Said Gallus. ".....So you can really see them as well now can you?" Says Twilight. "As Well???" Says Ocellus. Twilight lets out a sigh and steps forward, Her duel spirit stays close to her. "You 6 have a lot to learn, duel monsters is not just a game, at least not to us. As you know, we six are the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, these elements bind us close to the realm of duel monster. This realm is where all duel monsters reside." Says Twilight. "You mean, these monsters are real?" Asked Silverstream, to which Twilight nods at her. "Yes, they are real. Only those with a connection to this realm can see them and they usually have a guardian or duel spirit that they have the closest connection to. Since you can now see them too, that means you have somehow gained a connection, How is that?" "May I make a suggestion?" Says Twilight's monster from behind her. Twilight looks at her and nods. "Of course, Empress of Prophecy." "I feel a very strong connection to this six, the same I feel with your friends. I believe they may be the chosen ones you may be looking for." Says Empress of Prophecy. "If that is true." Says Twilight turning her head to face the student six. "Then you are the next generation of element bearers, and the new protectors of our world, and the realm of Duel Monsters." The students look at each other both in shock and in confusion, however, this explains what exactly they experienced. "You six, I want you to explain to me, how exactly this happened." asked Twilight. "Well, we were just hanging out by the pond together, we felt a storm coming and we all decided to try and head back to campus." Says Sandbar. "But a strong gust of wind blew my favorite card down a well, so we all tried to get it back, but ended up at the bottom of the well." Says Gallus. "Then we were stuck, but there was like a whole cave system down there, so we tried finding a way out." Says Smolder. "Then Yona and friends started arguing since Yona and friends thought we stuck forever, then a huge cave in trapped us!" Said Yona. "Then manifestations of what appeared to be you and our other professors told us that we were going to be tested in what they called a Shadow Game." Says Ocellus. "And when we won, the apparition you said we were worthy and kinda morphed into us claiming us to be the new elements." Said Silverstream. Twilight now understood perfectly, she looks back at her own friends and smile before looking back at the student six. "Well, then that proves it. This was no accident. You were tested by the Tree of Harmony." Said Twilight. "The tree picked us?" Asked Sandbar. "I believe so, and if the tree picked you, then there is no argument." Said Twilight "Yes there is, these are just freshmen, there is no way we can entrust them with this kind of responsibility yet." Argued Applejack "Yeah, I know, so they need to our apprentices." Said Twilight. "Apprentices? Aren't we already learning from you by coming to this school in the first place?" Said Smolder. "Well, yes technically, but what I mean with this is how to properly tune with your element." Says Twilight. "You mean, We can use the elements in a duel?" Asked Smolder. "Yes, but only if the situation requires it, that's why we must help you not only hone in on your element, but also when you must use it." Said Twilight "This is awesome! When do we start?" Asked Sandbar. "Your Sophomore Year." Responded Twilight. "SOPHOMORE!?" The six students all yell at once. "Yes, You are all far too young, take this year to improve your dueling strategies, once you do, we will begin your training next year." Said Twilight. The six students all look bummed out, they look at eachother and begin to sulk. "However, there is one responsibility we will share with you now." Says Twilight. This instantly perks the students right up. "Um, Twilight, are you sure we should show them....that?" asked Fluttershy. "Of course, In case the map calls us all somewhere again, like it did with Starlight's village, we may need these six to take over while we are gone." Said Twilight. "I hate to admit it, but despite their young age, that may be a possibility. We have to show them." Said Rarity "Show us what?" Asked Ocellus. "Follow us." Said Twilight as her and the other professors leave the office and go down the hall with their duel monster spirits close behind them. The students and their monster spirits also follow them closely. They lead them to the back of the school, where a huge door is seen. it has a heavy duty lock on it and 6 slots in the shape of hoofprints, and one circular hole in the middle. "Whoa...What is this?" Asked Sandbar "This is the schools vault. It is made for one thing, keeping a very powerful deck inside." Said Twilight. "There is a dueling deck in there?" Asked Silverstream. "Yes, and it is very dangerous." Said Twilight. "Pssh, how can a deck be dangerous?" Asked Gallus smuggly. The mane six look at each other and then approach the vault. Above each hoof print on the vault is a cutie mark, all of them are the professor's cutie marks. the mane six press their hooves against each hoof print, each one to their assigned print indicated by the cutie mark. A glow is seen from the prints and a loud unlocking sound is hear. Slowly, the door slowly opens. The six students peer inside and see a podium with a class dome on it, inside the doom was a deck. "Now you six, Approach the deck." Said Twilight. The six look at each other in confusion but eventually do what their told and step inside the vault. The closer they walk towards the deck, a dark feeling begins to hover over all of them. Closer they get and a feeling of dread soon also washes over them till the feeling was almost unbearable. They get right up to the podium, the feeling of fear is almost overwhelming. They all could see a very dark aura surrounding the deck. Just as when they were about to lean in closer, all of them could hear a low sounding, but loud ominous roar, coming from the deck. This was scary enough to send every single one of them to dart out of the vault in fear. Once all of them were out of the vault, the mane six closes the vault back up. "What the heck was that!?" Yells Smolder. "Yona not like that deck!" Yells Yona. "This deck is forbidden, because the monster that dwell in it are very evil, and seek the destruction of our world. they are very very powerful. Under no circumstance is anypony, or anyone other than the elements, or the representatives of the EEA are to be near it." "What kind of deck is it?" Asked Gallus "They are called, the Dragon Rulers." Said Twilight. "I cannot go into deeper detail than that with you at the moment. you are all far too young." "But...Then why did you show us this?" Asked Ocellus. "Because you needed to understand the gravity of this situation. You must all promise us that whenever we are not here, you must protect this vault. got it?" Asked Twilight, All the students nod. "Very good. Now you may have noticed how we opened this vault, each of our cutie marks represent which element needs to contact that specific point, for me, that's magic, whoever bears the element of magic must be the one who makes contact with that point." Explained Twilight. "Then in the middle is a single slot, that is for EEA Members. Each EEA member has a magical medallion that they carry around with them. It's not only their badge of authority, it is also a key for they themselves to open the vault, without any of the elements of harmony being present. Only they are allowed to open the vault when we are gone, you six must not open the vault until we deem you ready, Understand again?" Asked Twilight. Again, all six students nod their head "Very good, then that is all we have for you for now." "Really? But what about our new dueling spirits?" Asked Silverstream. "They are now your companions and protectors, we strongly encourage you all to bond together." Said Twilight, she then quickly looks over at the student's duel spirits. "You six keep them safe, we are trusting you now as well." The monsters all nod. "Before we go our separate ways, I want to give you six something." Says Twilight reaching into her saddlebag and pulls out 6 cards, one for each student that she hands to them. "Whoa, Blue Skilled Magician." Said Sandbar "Giant Ballpark." Said Ocellus. "Dude, Black Sonic!" Said Gallus. "Citadel whale?" Said Silverstream. "Double Tag Team!" Yelled Yona "Black Skull Dragon? Awesome!" Says Smolder. "These cards will go well with your decks, use them wisely." Said Twilight. Her and the other professors then leave. The students are now left alone with their duels spirits, they begin to look at one another. "What now? We really can't do anything until next year." Said Smolder. "I guess now we do what we are told, Bond with our duel spirits." Said Sandbar. "Yeah! Yona has a lot to talk with Gaiodiaz about!" Said Yona. They all then split up so that each of them can spend some time with their own duel spirits. End of Chapter 12 > Chapter 13: Neighsayer > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 13: Neighsayer Twilight was in her office, she was doing some paper work, as well as grading some papers when she hears a knock on her office door. "Come in!" She hollers. as the door opens, she is surprised to see Princess Celestia is there. "Princess!" Yells Twilight as she gets up from her chair to greet her former teacher. "Twilight! My most faithful student! It is so good to see you again!" Said Celestia as the two quickly hug. While Twilight was hugging her however, Twilight could see a pale white stallion with black hair standing behind Celestia with a very unimpressed look on his face. Twilight instantly recognizes him and slowly pulls away to so she can groggily welcome him too. "Oh, Welcome back Chancellor Neighsay." "Charmed as ever Princess Twilight." Neighsay said sarcastically. "What are you two doing here?" asked Twilight. "Well, I'm here to give a quick examination of your school, upon Chancellor Neighsay's request." Said Celestia. "What???" Asked Twilight. "I believe there may be a breach in safety here at your 'School.' " Neighsay mocked. "And head of the EEA, the Equestrian Endangerment Aegis, my concerns are taken very seriously." "Be it as it is, there is no safety violations here!" Twilight said sternly. Her and Neighsay lock eyes, scowling at each other. Princess Celestia steps in between them to make sure nothing "unprofessional" happens. "Alright you two, settle down. It's seriously no big deal. If there are no violations, great, if there is, we will fix it immediately so that the school may continue it's operations." Said Celestia stoically. Twilight sighs heavily. "Alright Princess, that sounds fair." Said Twilight. Neighsay only scoughs. "May you show me around your School Twilight so that I may take a look?" Asked Celestia. "Of course Princess, follow me." Said Twilight leading her and Neighsay on a tour. The whole tour only takes about a half hour, So far, there was nothing that Celestia found wrong at the school, the tour ends off at the dueling arena. The three were walking down the hall to entrance of the arena. "This way is our school's arena. This is the only place students are allowed to duel in doors. Some of our students really show their talents here." Said Twilight. "Marvelous!" Said Celestia. The closer they got to the entrance, it sounded like there was a dueling already being played. "Oh, it sounds like some students are dueling now, May I go watch them?" "Of course Princess, you don't have to ask me for permission." Says Twilight "My dear student. this is your school, your authority, it is the respectful thing to do." Said Celestia as the entered the arena. The two students dueling, was Smolder and Gallus. Gallus had the lead with 1000 lifepoints left with Gram the Shinning star on his field, while Smolder only had 500 lifepoints left and only had one face down on her field. Neighsay Smirks seeing non-pony creatures dueling, surely Celestia would interject seeing how violent they would get. "Alright Smolder, Looks like I have you right where I want you! I enter my Battle phase so that Gram and take you out!" Just as Gram takes flight, Smolder smirks. "Not so fast Gallus! I activate my trap Red-Eyes, Spirit! This allows me to special summon one Red-Eyes from my grave! {2400atk, 2000def. Lv7.} Too bad, guess you cant attack this turn!" Yelled Smolder. "Aw man! Fine I end by setting one card face down." Said Gallus. "My turn, I draw!" Says Smolder. Ope, looks like this is the end Gallus, I just drew the card Inferno Fire Blast." "What does that card do?" Asked Gallus. "Since I control a Red-Eyes Black Dragon, you take damage equal to his attack, that's game buddy!" Said Smolder "What!? wait wait wait!" Begged Gallus but it was too late, Red-eyes breathes a huge flame of fire, and burns Gallus for the rest of his Lifepoints. "Woohoo!" Cheers Smolder as the other four were in the stands clapping and cheering for her. Gallus slowly approaches Smolder, Neighsay smiles mischievously, waiting for Gallus to attack her in rage for losing. but to his shock, Gallus offers his claw to her. "What a great duel Smolder, congrats." Said Gallus, Smolder grips Gallus's claw and shakes it. "Thanks buddy, great duel!" Said Smolder. "That was stupendous! Amazingly done!" Cheered Celestia. All six students turn to Celestia, almost all of them were taken back by seeing her. "Princess Celestia!" Yells Sandbar as he quickly got up from the stands and bowed before her. The other student show their respect by bowing their heads to her as well. "Such respectful young students. Twilight, you should be proud." Said Celestia. Twilight smiles with pride, while Neighsay grits his teeth and scowls, in his anger, he snaps a pencil he was holding with his magic. "I must say, now I'm in the mood for a fun duel." "I'd be happy to duel you Princess." said Twilight. "Thank you my dear student, but I had something else in mind." Said Princess looking over at Smolder. "M-Me?" Smolder asked while surprised. "If you really want to. A first hand duel with a student here will complete the safety checklist, plus I'd like to see your skill first hoof." Said Celestia. "Don't worry young one, I won't bite, hard." Celestia giggled. Twilight was a little worried about this, but Neighsay begins to smirk again. Smolder looks over at Twilight who after a bit of thinking, smiles and nods. "Ok Princess, I accept." Said Smolder. "Excellent!" Said Celestia as she trots onstage and stands opposite from Smolder. The other 5 students along with Twilight sit in the stands, while Neighsay stayed standing where he was. Celestia activates her very expensive looking duel disk, it was huge, bigger than Smolder actually. This made her a little nervous, but she would never back out of a duel. She puts her game face on and activates her own duel disk. "DUEL!" [Smolder vs Princess Celestia] "I would like to start first young one." Said Celestia as she drew. "Hmmm I activate the spell Different Dimension Capsule. I banish one card from my deck face down, then on my second standby phase after this card's activation, I send it to the graveyard and add the banished card to my hoof." Celestia banishes one card and looks back at Smolder. "Next I place one card face down and one monster face down. I end." "My turn, Draw!" Said Smolder. "Ha, I summon Spear Dragon! {1900atk 0def. Lv4} This card when it attacks a monster in defense position, it inflicts piercing damage! Go Spear Dragon, attack her facedown!" Spear dragon divebombs and strikes the face down card, it reveals a wolf before being destroyed. Celestia grunts a little as she takes a bit life point damage "Wow, that monster had very little defense points. Since Spear dragon attacked however, he must be switched to defense position." "I'm sorry young one, but he won't have the chance to switch yet, because the monster you attacked was Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter." "Lightsworn?" Asked Smolder. "What are Lightswons Headmare?" Asked Ocellus. "There is only one Lightsworn deck, its only for Celestia, Just like Luna and her Lunalights, they are very strong, and Celestia uses them like a master. They are based around sending cards from the deck straight to the graveyard." "He has a flip effect, first I destroy one card on your field, since spear dragon is the only card on your field, that is destroyed. next I send the top three cards from my deck to the grave." Celestia mills her cards as Spear dragon is destroyed. "Man...I'm defenseless now. Guess I set a card and end." Said Smolder. [Smolder 4000/Celestia 2200] [Smolder 4 cards/Celestia 3 cards] "My turn." Said Celestia as she drew. "I summon Jain, Lightsworn Paladin. {1800atk. 1200def. Lv4} Next I activate the continuous spell Mystical Cards of Light, for now, it's effect does not activate, but it does prevent me from using one back row space, Now, I activate my face down, Beckoning Light, This Trap let's me discard my whole hoof, then I can add one Light monster from my grave to my hoof." "All you have is Ryko, so you must pick it." Said Smolder. "Oh no young one, When Ryko activated his effect, It made me send 3 cards straight from my deck to the grave, one of those cards was a monster, and that is what I add to my hoof." Said Celestia adding the mystery card from her grave to her hoof. "Now Jain will attack you directly." Jain raises his sword and brings it down on Smolder who is knocked back slightly. "I end my turn, During my end phase, Jain lets me send 2 more cards from my deck to the graveyard." "Come on Smolder! You got this!" Yells Silverstream from the stands. [Smolder 2200/Celestia 2200] [Smolder 4 card/Celestia 1 card] "Gah, My turn, Draw!" Said Smolder. "I summon Red-Eyes Baby Dragon! {1200atk. 700def. Lv3}" "Red-Eyes Baby Dragon? What a pathetic name. Why would smolder summon that? It's also much weaker." Said Gallus. "I will then have my baby attack your Jain!" Smolder said with confidence. "What are you doing Smolder!?" Yelled Sandbar. "Huh, this one isn't too bright." Said Neighsay to himself. The Baby Dragon Charges Jain, who blocks the attack with his shield and then slashes the baby dragon, destroying it. Everyone was confused, except Celestia who was smiling. "Excellent Strategy Young one." Said Celestia knowing exactly what she was doing. "HUH!? What Princess pony mean? That was a terrible move!" Said Yona. "Thank you princess, When Red-Eyes Baby dragon is destroyed by battle, his momma comes out to play! I special summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my deck! {2400atk. 2000def. Lv7}" Said Smolder. "No way! I didn't see that coming! great job Smolder!" yelled Silverstream. "Now, since this Red-Eyes was summoned by the effect of my baby dragon, he is equipped to to Red-eyes and gives it a 300 attack point boost, making it 2700!" Red-Eyes baby Dragon returns and sits on top of Red-Eyes's head. "Now Red-Eyes, attack Jain with Inferno Fire Blast!" Red-Eyes roars loudly before Engulfing Jain in a barrage of fire, destroying him. "I end my turn!" [Smolder 1600/ Celestia 1300] [Smolder 4 cards/Celestia 1 card] "Fantastic turn young one, I really needed my Jain on the field. If I don't summon a good monster, you win this duel." Said Celestia drawing again. "Oh! I almost forgot, it is now my second Standby phase since I activated Different Dimention Capsule. I now send it to the grave and add to my hoof the banished card, Which I now activate, a second Mystical Cards of Light. I will now activate it again. Now since I have two of them on the field, it restricts me to only one back row space that I must use wisely, by my next turn, these two cards effects will kick in. Now I activate Monster Reborn, To resummon Jain to the field in defense. I now end, but I must mill 2 cards again because of Jain's effect. Oh good, one card I milled was Wulf, Lightsworn Beast, When that happens he is special summoned to the field, I special summon him in defense mode. {2100atk. 300def. Lv4}. I now end." "My turn, I draw!" Said Smolder. "I place 2 cards face down and the spell Stop defense! This forces one of your monsters back into attack mode, I chose Jain!" Jain is forced back into attack mode. "Red-Eyes, once more, Attack Jain with Inferno Fire Blast!" Once again, Red-Eyes engulfs Jain with flames, and Celestia loses even more lifepoints. "Haha! I end!" Yelled Smolder having an absolute blast. [Smolder 1600/Celestia 400] [Smolder 2 cards/ Celestia 1 card] "oof! My my young one, you certainly are a gifted duelist! Your strategy is brutal and clever, I am impressed!" Said Celestia delighted. "Wow, Thank you so much Princess!" Said Smolder with a smile. "It's my turn however, and I think I shall turn this duel around. Now that it is my draw phase, I activate the effect of both of my Mystical Cards of Light. Since I have more than one on my field, during my draw phase I draw 2 cards." Said Celestia as she drew her two cards. "Perfect. I activate the Field Spell Realm of Light." A large white temple with manifests behind Celestia, it shines brightly. "This card allows me to add shine counters to it, for each card I send to the grave from a Lightsworn effect, each shine counter gives my Lightsworns and extra 100 attack points. I now tribute Wulf to summon my favorite card, the card I added to my hoof with beckoning light, Celestia, Lightsworn Angel! {2300atk. 200def. Lv5}" "Figures, Celestia has a card named Celestia." Said Gallus. Celestia, Lightsworn Angel elegantly lowers herself onto the field and grips her staff closely. "Since I normal summoned her, I can immediately send 4 cards from my deck to the grave, which also means I add 4 shine Counters to my Realm of Light, Giving my Angel 400 extra attack points making her 2700!" "That's equal to my dragon! They'll both be destroyed, and with no other card in your hoof, If I summon a monster, I will win!" Said Smolder "Young one, Don't you remember? Because of my Mystical Cards of Light, I drew two cards, meaning I have one left in my hoof, and it is a doosy. Not to mention, I still have one more effect of my angel to activate." Said Celestia "She can target 2 cards on your side of the field and destroy them." "She is gonna destroy Smolder's Dragon and then direct attack her!" Said Silverstream. "I think that's what Smolder wants her to do, Look at Smolder, She is smiling." Said Ocellus. "Go ahead, Use your effect, but pick your targets wisely." Said Smolder. Celestia smirks, not falling for her mind games. "If you insist, I destroy your two back row cards." Said Celestia. "Huh? Dang! I needed those!" Yelled Smolder. "Now I activate the last card in my hoof, Elf's Light!" Yelled Celestia "This gives my Angel an extra 400 attack but lowers her defense by 200, now she is 3100! Now Celestia, Destroy Red-Eyes with Benevolent Sun Strike!" Celestia Aims her staff at Red-Eyes and a powerful beam fires from it, striking and piercing Red-Eyes and destroying it. "I now end!" Said Celestia "Holy moly! Princess Celestia is in control now." Said Ocellus. "Gah! When Red-Eyes Baby Dragon is sent to the grave while equipped to Red-Eyes, I can Add Red-Eyes Black Dragon back to my claw!" yelled Smolder adding Red-Eyes back to her hand and then drawing. Her eyes light up upon seeing what she drew. "That was a sweet move, but I'm still in control of this duel. I activate the spell Red-Eyes Fusion! This let's me summon one Red-Eyes monster from my extra deck by using martials in my claw, but I cannot normal or special summon for the rest of this turn. I send the Red-Eyes in my claw, along with Summoned Skull to fusion Summon Black Skull Dragon! {3200atk. 2500def. Lv9 Fusion}. "Hey, Headmare, it's the card you gave Smolder!" Said Silverstream. "Yeah, hopefully for her, Celestia doesn't counter it." said Twilight. "Now since he has 100 attack points more, he will decimate your Lightsworn Angle!" Yelled Smolder as Black Skull Fires a pitch black fireball, striking Celestia's monster and destroying her. "I end" Said Smolder [Smolder 1200/Celestia 300] [Smolder 1 card/ Celestia 0 cards] "So intense, I draw! Thanks to my Mystical cards of Light, I draw 2 cards again." Said Celestia as she drew. "Oh my, This duel is over." "What do you mean? You surrender?" Asked Smolder "Oh no, I'm going to win, Because I just drew Judgment Dragon." Said Celestia. "Yep, It's over." Said Twilight. "What does he do?" Asked Smolder. "If he is in my hoof, while I have 4 or more Lightsworn monster with different names in my graveyard, which I do, I can special summon him. {3000atk. 2600def. Lv8}" "He is still far too weak to beat my Black Skull Dragon." Said Smolder. "No, But he has a devastating effect, I can sacrifice 1000 lifepoints to send all other cards except him to the graveyard instantly" "WHAT!? Dude that's insane!" Yells Sandbar. "Ha! But you don't have 1000 lifepoints, so you can't activate that effect!" Yelled Smolder. "Since I was able to draw 2 cards, I drew this card, the spell Emergency Provisions" Said Celestia. "What does that do?" Asked Smolder. "This spell lets me send any number of spell cards on my side of the field to the grave and for each sent, I gain 1000 life points. They have been so useful to me, I'd hate to see them go, but I must sacrifice my two Mystical Cards of light to give me a 2000 lifepoint boost." "No way! NO WAY!" Yells Smolder. "Now with 2300 lifepoints, I now activate Judgment Dragon's wiping out all other cards on the field!" Yelled Celestia, Judgment Dragon Uses his wings to elevate him into the sky, a Divine light shines over him and then darts towards Black Skull Dragon, it roars painfully before being destroyed. one beam shines towards Celestia's Realm Of Light, but nothing happens. "H-hey! Why didn't your field spell go away!?" Asked Smolder. "It has protection, I can sacrifice two shine counter on it, to prevent it's destruction." Said Celestia "Now that I control the only Monster, he will attack you directly for game, Judgement Dragon, end this!" Judgment Dragon's Devine Light the blasts Smolder, Knocking her back and dropping her lifepoints to zero. [Smolder vs Princess Celestia: Winner Princess Celestia] The other students were left in complete Awe as Twilight then begins clapping for Celestia. Smolder was on her knees breathing heavily, and Neighsay smirks, pleased to see the non-pony creature get humiliated like that. "I...lost?" Said Smolder in shock. Celestia then approaches Smolder and holds out her hoof towards the dragon. Smolder looks at it and then Celestia, who was smiling warmly at her. Smolder took her hoof and she helped her up to her feet. "Do not be discouraged by that defeat young one, you have nothing to hang your head about. you are a very skilled duelist. Many do not get over their intimidation when dueling me, it makes some duels...easy and boring. But you, you never backed down, you never let the intimidation get to you, as a result, you have given me the best duel I have had in years. You certainly belong here in this school, and I see a very bright future for you in the world of Duel Monsters." Said Celestia. Smolder smiles at her "Thank you so much Princess Celestia, it has been a great honor!" Said Smolder, bowing her head graciously. Celesta smiles more before stepping off the arena, the other students flood the towards Smolder to congratulate her on her dueling and ask her questions about dueling Celestia. While Twilight makes her way to Celestia who was now talking to Neighsay "Well Chancellor, I can whole heartedly say that I discovered no safety breaches here at Twilights School." Said Celestia. Twilight smiles widely and then looks at Neighsay and smirks. "That's...Great to hear. Princess!" Said Neighsay through gritted teeth forcing himself to smile to not show how angry he was. "This was so much fun Twilight, You keep a close eye on that bunch, they are going to do great things, if you know what I mean." Celestia says to Twilight, winking to Twilight to signify to here that she knows about them and their new 'titles.' Twilight nods to her. "Of Course Princess." Said Twilight. "Chancellor, let us return to Canterlot, I would like a full report from the EEA on what was experienced today." Said Celestia. "But of course Princess." Said Neighsay. As Celestia turns, Neighsay flashes a Scowl at Twilight before turning and leaving with the Princess. Twilight sighs in relief before turning to the group. "Excellent dueling today Smolder, you dueled fearlessly and with a lot of heart, I'm giving you an A+ for the whole day." Said Twilight. "Wow! thanks headmare." Said Smolder "Your Welcome Smolder, and the rest of you, You also get A's in friendship for supporting your friend." Said Twilight. The others cheer and hoof bump eachother. "Now listen you six, expect to hear more from Celestia in the future. She could "Sense" your new roles, you understand?" They all look shocked but they then nod at Twilight. "Very good. Now it's starting to get late. You six grab yourselves a good dinner and rest up for tomorrow." Said twilight as she turned to away to leave as well. "We will thanks!" Yelled Sandbar. "Man, I cannot wait to tell the dragons back home I took on the Princess!" Said Smolder. "That would be a great story to tell, wish I faced her!" Said Gallus. "Smolder Is Bestets! But can Yona and Friends get some dinner? It's grilled cheese day!" Said Yona. The Six laugh and then dart out of the arena towards the cafeteria. They pass by a dark corner, when all of them have passed, Neighsay, who hasn't left yet steps out from the darkness. "If I can't get the princess to remove these heathens from this school, Then I'll do it myself. Mark my words you creatures, I will see you expelled!" Said Neighsay as he activates his medallion to open a portal, he steps through just as it closes. End of Chapter 13 > Chapter 14: Uneasy Alliance > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 14: Uneasy Alliance Cozy Glow was in the arena watching a duel currently taking place, it was a duel between Brisk Bronco, and Professor Rainbow Dash. The duel was meant to be an test for Brisk, and he appeared to be losing. He only had 200 lifepoints left with 2 monsters in defense mode, While Dash had 500 lifepoints and had Harpie's pet Dragon on the field. "Now, I summon Harpie Lady 1! {1300atk. 1400def. Lv 4} While I control a Harpie Lady, Harpie's pet Dragon's attack goes up by 300. Not only that, Harpie Lady 1 has an effect that all face up Wind Monsters gain 300 extra attack, giving my dragon a grand total of 2600 attack! Harpie Lady, and Harpie's Dragon, destroy his monsters!" Both of Dash's monster attack the last 2 monster Brisk controlled and destroys them. "I end my turn. You got to do something now Brisk, or by next turn you will lose." "Yeah, I know, Draw!" Said Brisk. "Perfect, I have 4 cards in my hoof, and all of them will win me this Duel! First I activate Ancient Rules, This lets me special summon a level 5 or higher normal monster from my hoof!" "It better not be that fake Blue-Eyes Brisk." Dash Warned. "It's not! Headmare Twilight confiscated it remember. I special Summon Hyozanryu in attack mode! {2100atk. 2800def. Lv 7}" Said Brisk. "Now explain why didn't you summon that in defense? It has a defense that can withstand my dragon's attack." Said Dash "Because I'm willing to bet my deck that you have another Harpie in your hoof, and if you summon it, it will give your dragon another 300 attack, giving it 2900 attack. that can destroy my dragon and leave me wide open. Besides, I only need it as fodder so I can summon a Buster Blader!" Said Brisk "How will you summon it? It requires 2 tributes to summon." Says Dash "I will only need 1 after I activate Cost down! This turns the Buster Blader in my hand to change from a Level 7 monster to a Level 5 monster! I tribute Hyozanryu to summon my Buster Blader while Using Cost Down to decrease it's Level! {2600atk. 2300def. Lv 7}. Our Monsters may seem equal in attack, But his effect kicks in giving him 500 attack while you control a dragon, giving him a total of 3100 attack! that is enough to destroy your dragon and finish you off! Buster Blader, Finish this!" Brisk commanded. His Buster Blader jumps high in the air, and brings his massive blade down on the dragon's neck, slicing right through it, It let's out a loud roar and is destroyed, dropping Dash's lifepoints down to 0. "Congrats Brisk, you won. You keep this up, You may become an Obelisk once again." Said Dash. "No, I want to advance now! Give me an advancement duel now!" Said Brisk. "You're not ready, you are one of our best duelist Brisk, but you're hot headed and clumsy. Once you straighten out those flaws, we will welcome you back to Obelisk Blue with open hooves." Said Dash, turning and exiting the arena. Brisk stomps his hooves down on the ground hard. Cozy Glow smiles mischievously and then opens her wings to fly down to Brisk. "Golly! That was certainly an impressive duel! You sure are good with that Buster Blader!" Says Cozy Glow. "Beat it kid, I don't Have time for you." Says Brisk Sternly. "Hey Brisk, you shouldn't treat a fellow Ra Yellow like that." Says a voice from behind them. They both turn to see Roulette "You beat it too Roulette, I am not going to be a Ra for Long." Says Brisk. "Yeah, well until you are, you are not gonna disrespect us, got it?" Says Roulette sternly. Brisk shoots her a glare "Golly! You two settle down. I just wanted to be friends." Said Cozy. "Friends with you!? Why on Earth would we be friends!?" Says Brisk. "Because we have something in common, We both don't like that group of six different creatures." Says Cozy. "But I've seen you hang out with them before." Says Brisk. "Yeah, but against my free will. They think I'm their friend but I can't stand them." Says Cozy. "That's not cool Cozy, You shouldn't pretend to be someone's friend." Says Roulette. "You three seem to be perfect for me." Says another voice creeping up on them. All three turn around to see Chancellor Neighsay standing right behind them. He almost towers over them all. "Ch-Chancellor Neighsay!" Says Roulette. "Perfect for what?" Says Brisk. "I need you 3 to help me get rid of those Non-ponies from this school." Says Neighsay. Cozy smiles slight, Brisk perks up and grins widely, but Roulette has an unsure look on her face. "Golly Chancellor, But why would you want them gone?" Says Cozy. "This school should only be meant for ponies. Teaching these creatures to duel may destroy this school and Equestria." Says Neighsay. "Destroy? How would they destroy Equestria?" Asked Roulette. "You've heard the rumors of the School's vault right?" asked Neighsay. "I've heard of it, apparently it houses a deck so powerful, it could make duel monsters real and reign down terror on the world." Said Brisk "Yes, Those rumors are Real." Says Neighsay. "Real!?" Shouts Roulette. "Yes, and we cannot allow anyone other than ponies to attend this school, otherwise they could learn about this, and steal it to bring it back to their homelands to use it against us." Says Neighsay. "With all do respect Chancellor, that doesn't make sense. Duel Monsters is just a game, how can a deck be used against us?" asked Cozy Glow. "What I'm about to share with you can not be told to another soul, duel monsters are not just a game. They are real." Says Neighsay "Duel Monsters come from a magical and ancient world, that world is closely linked with ours. During strong surges of Magic, the line is blurred so heavily that both can pass at will, these surges are best described as Shadow Games. During a Shadow Game the Monsters become real, Your life is at stake, and the world could be a risk of destruction." All three of the students look at each other, Roulette still seemed to be unsure, but Brisk was hooked. "And this deck is so strong, that if these monster come through, it could destroy the world?" Asked Roulette. "Yes, now you understand the risk, and we must get rid of these creatures before they learn this." Said Neighsay. "So you want us to send them running?" Says Brisk. "No, I will set them up to fail, but I want you to spy on them and sabotage their duels, Make them hate eachother, and always beat them in a duel in anyway you can." Says Neighsay. "I'm not sure I want to do this, I have no beef with them, I always thought they were pretty nice." Says Roulette. "Is that something you are willing to risk the world for?" Asked Neighsay sarcastically. "Besides, do this for me, and I'll make sure all three of you see an early graduation." That statement got all three of them interested. "I even have a present for each one of you just for listening to me." Says Neighsay as he uses his magic to levitate 3 cards out of his jacket. "For you Brisk, I have an updated Buster Blader monster, Buster Blader the Destruction Swordsmaster." "Whoa...This is awesome!" Says Brisk as he takes it and analyzes it. "For you Roulette, I actually have 3 cards." He speperates 2 more cards that were stacked bhind the first one and hands them to her. "It's Called '7' And you need all three to activate their effects." "No way... these would be perfect for my deck." Says Rouette. "And for you Cozy, I have a Special card for you, Lava Golem." Says Neighsay handing it to her. "Golly! That is an impressive card!" Says Cozy taking the card. "I hope this helps you all stay in touch with me, because I will be in touch real soon." Says Neighsay before turning his back and leaving the three with their new cards. "Oh man! Let me at those 6 bufoons, With this card, I can annihilate them!" Says Brisk. "We should wait for Neighsay to return for us before we do anything. Don't wanna do anything that could cause suspicions." Says Cozy "I'm still not sure if I'm all for this. Those guys don't seem that bad." Says Roulette. "Well you haven't dealt with them like I have. Trust me, They are no good." Says Brisk. Roulette only sighs and looks at her new cards. "I'm heading to my room, If you guys hear from Neighsay, let me know." Says Brisk leaving the arena. "Will do Brisk! See ya Roulette!" Says Cozy leaving the Arena as well. She doesn't say anything and continues to stare at the cards, Neighsay couldn't be right, could he? End of Chapter 14 > Chapter 15: The First Sabotage > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 15: The First Sabotage It did not take long for Neighsay to reach back out to them, 3 days later, Cozy received a letter addressed to all 3 of them with no return address on it. Cozy calls the other 2 to her room so that they could open the letter and see what it says. "You Three, I have you set to advance into Obelisk blue, as long as you WIN! Cozy, The midterm advancement duels will start today with you, You have a one on one duel with an obelisk blue of your choice, I recommend you pick Sandbar or Smolder so that you can humiliate them. Brisk, Roulette, The one she picks, you are tasked with sneaking into their dorm and sabotaging their deck in a way that doesn't look suspicious. Then tomorrow, Brisk, and Roulette, you will be in a tag duel with the two Slifers, Gallus and Yona. Make an upset and make a disgrace of them. Burn this letter after you understand your tasks." "If this is true, Neighsay wasn't lying. He is willing to help us if we help him." Says Brisk. "But is it moral?" asked Roulette. "Of course it is! The school and the world is at stake!" Says Brisk. "But how true is that?" Says Roulette.. "Oh, is that something your willing to gamble on?" Says Brisk in a smart-alecky tone. Roulette gives him an angry look. "Golly, I have a duel today to advance me in rank, now who do I pick? Smolder or Sandbar?" Said Cozy. "Get Smolder! She caused me to de-rank!" Says Brisk. "You caused yourself to de-rank, you cheated." Says Roulette. Brisk then rolls his eyes. "Hmmmmm, I think I'll choose Sandbar instead." Says Cozy. "Fine, At least sabotaging his deck would be easier, all we gotta do is to get rid of his Black Luster Soldier-Envoy of the Beginning." Says Brisk, while Roulette sighs heavily. "But how can we do that without it looking suspicious?" Asked Roulette. "Hmmmmm... How about you two sneak into their dorm, Brisk must know secret ways to get in being a former Obelisk. Then find his room and his deck, Remove the card and place it under his desk or bed so it appears to have fallen out." "That may work actually. Ready to do this Roulette?" Asked Brisk. "I guess" She replied. The two leave Cozy's room and they make their way to the Obelisk dorm. It was around noon so everyone was at lunch, but they still need to hurry before they were spotted. Brisk leads Roulette to the back of the dorm. "Alright, I remember where Sandbar's room is, it's on the second floor...Right there." He says and points to a window on the second floor." Says Brisk. "How do we get in?" Says Roulette. "Easy, you levitate me to the window and I'll enter" Said Brisk. "Sigh...I can't believe I'm doing this." Said Roulette. Her horn then starts to glow and Brisk is covered in a magical aura. Slowly he begins to be lifted into the air and is hovered in front of the Window. He begins to fidget with the latch and is able to get it open. He is brought to the ledge and steps inside. He looks around trying to find the deck, after a bit of looking, he sees a desk in the corner, he opens it and finds Sandbar's deck inside. "Oh yeah, this is Sandbar's some of these cards look old. Hmmm....where are you...There." Says Brisk looking through the cards. He finds Black Luster Soldier and drops it on the floor and kicks it under the desk where it would be hard to see. He places the deck back and then he could hear hoofsteps coming his way, he quickly puts the deck back and closes the drawer and quickly rushes towards the window and signals Roulette. She sees him and again uses her magic to levitate him back down, Once he touches the ground they both book it back to the Ra dorm. In the Obelisk dorm, Sandbar was walking with Smolder towards their room. "You ready for Midterms tomorrow?" Asked Sandbar. "Yeah, I've actually been studying this time, I'm not having the same kind of scare as I did last time." Said Smolder. "Heh, yeah." Replied Sandbar as the get to their door. He opens it and steps inside along with Smolder. They both go to their own desk and retrieve their decks. "Hey Sandbar, did you leave that window open?" Asked Smolder. "Huh? I don't think I did." Replied Sandbar going over and closing it. "Weird." "Sandbar, You have been challenged to a duel, Report to the Arena as soon as possible." Said Twilight over an Intercom. "Someone has challenged me? But who?" Sandbar wondered. "No idea, mind if I watch?" Asked Smolder. "Of course not, come on." Says Sandbar, leaving the dorm. As they both got to the arena, He saw his other friends their in the stands to watch, as well as Headmare Twilight standing in the middle of the arena. "Hi Headmare, Who challenged me?" Asked Sandbar. "Hiya Sandbar!" Said Cozy standing behind Twilight. "Hi Cozy, Did you challenge me?" Asked Sandbar. "She did, it's weird. I checked my Schedule and it appears I listed Cozy's Rank up midterm duel for today, I don't remember that but, she did. She chose you to be her opponent in the rank up duel." says Twilight. "Awesome! it would be an honor to help a fellow student rank up." Said Sandbar, taking his spot on the arena and activating his duel disk. "DUEL" [Sandbar Vs. Cozy Glow] [Sandbar 4000/ Cozy 4000] "I will Start us off Cozy, Draw." Says Sandbar. "Sweet, I summon Gaia, The Polar Knight! {1600atk. 1200def. Lv 4} I will end right there." "My turn, Draw." Says Cozy. "I summon Muscle medic {2200atk. 100def. Lv 4} It has the effect that all damage delt to you with this card, gives you lifepoints instead of losing it. Unfortunately, I cant reverse that effect just yet, But I will set one card. Now Muscle Medic, Destroy his Gaia." Says Cozy. Her monster lifts up a giant hypodermic needle, and chucks it like a javelin, striking Sandbar's monster. Just Like Cozy said would happen, Sandbar gains Lifepoints instead of loosing them. "My turn is over, good luck on yours." [Sandbar 5 card/ Cozy 4 cards] [Sandbar 4600/Cozy 4000] Hmmmm... I'm not sensing the strong connection with my deck as I normally do. It's like...Something is wrong Sandbar thinks to himself before drawing. "I now Activate the Spell, The Warrior Returning Alive! This allows me to add one warrior type monster from my grave to my hand, I add back my Polar Knight, Which I now resummon. Next, I activate the spell Double Summon, This gives me a second normal summon this turn, I summon Evening Twilight Knight! {500atk. 2000def. Lv 4} Now I can activate my Polar Knight's effect, By tributing a dark monster I control, in this case Evening Twilight Knight, I can add a light monster from my hoof! I send me Evening Twilight Knight to the graveyard to add The Black Luster Soldier-Envoy of the....of the............Hey, Where is it? Where is my Soldier???" "Sandbar, choose your monster already." Says Cozy. "I'm trying! GRRRR!!! WHERE IS HE!?" Yells Sandbar desperately trying to search for him. "Why isn't he adding his monster to his hoof?" Asked Ocellus. Just Then, Insect Princess Manifests right next her. "Ocellus, I can't sense Sandbar's duel spirit anywhere near here." Says Insect Princess. "He's not here? That means, He's not in his deck at the moment either." Says Ocellus. "It's not in his deck!? But Sandbar needs that card!" Says Gallus. "Uh...Headmare. May I please go to my dorm to look for my card?" Asked Sandbar. "I'm Sorry Sandbar, But I can't allow that during a rank up duel. You should make sure all your cards are there before you duel." Says Twilight. Sandbar sighs hard and begins to scan his deck again looking for a different card to use. he finally spots one that would be a good substitute . "I guess I will add Gaia the Magical Knight to my Hoof." Says Sandbar. I knew something was missing. Where could Black Luster Soldier possibly be? Sandbar thought to himself "Now, I guess I end by placing a card face down." "My turn, I draw!" Says Cozy. Now I can Activate my face down Bad Reaction to Simochi! This, just like my Nurse, reverse lifepoint gain to be a loss instead. Now Muscle Medic, Take him out again!" Cozy Commanded. Once Again, her muscle Medic takes out the Polar Knight, but now he loses lifepoints. "I place 2 more cards Face down and end." [Sandbar 3 cards/ Cozy 3 cards] [Sandbar 4000/ Cozy 4000] "I draw!" Says Sandbar. "I activate the Spell Pot of Greed, I can now draw 2 cards. I summon Marauding Captain {1200atk. 400def. Lv 4} now, I activate activate the continuous spell Reinforcement of the Army's Troops! It's effect will kick in later." "I chain activate with my face down, Just Desserts, You lose 500 lifepoints for every monster you control, Finally, my second face down, The quick play spell Chain Strike! You lose 400 additional lifepoints times the chain length. Since this is 3, You lose 1200 from chain burn, ending with a grand total of 1700 lifepoints!" "Holy cow! Thats so much just from card effects!" Exclaims Silverstream. Sandbar groans as the lifepoints are drained from him. "My turn, Draw" Says Cozy. "And you know what, I choose to pass this turn." "What??? I'm wide open for ana attack." Says Sandbar "I know what your card does Sandbar, Reinforcement of the Army's Troops allows you to special summon a warrior during the battle phase, You are gonna summon your second Marauding captain and lock me out of attacking." Says Cozy. "Fine, I draw." Says Sandbar. "Well, luckily you were right, I do have a second Marauding Captain, who I will summon right now! Looks like you may have to pass again." [Sandbar 2300/ Cozy 4000] [Sandbar 3 card/ Cozy 4 cards] "Oh I seriously doubt that." Says Cozy smirking as she draws. "I now tribute both of your Marauding captains, say goodbye!" The two captains are then destroyed and sent to the graveyard. "What!? What are you doing Cozy!?" Exclaims Sandbar "Oh nothing, you should be thanking me actually, I'm giving you a monster, I tribute Summon Lava Golem on your side of the field! {3000atk. 2500def. Lv 8}" Said Cozy. A large molten lava monster is summoned behind Sandbar, who is now in a metal cage. "What they Hay!? What kind of monster is this!?" Shouts Sandbar. "I've never seen that card before! Where on earth did she get such a card!?" Shouts Gallus. "It's your new monster Sandbar. Have fun, I end." Said Cozy. "I...I guess I draw." Says Sandbar. As soon as he enters his standbye phase, Lava drips on him, causing him to let out a loud scream as he is burned for lifepoints. "What they hay!? what was that!?" "It's Lava Golem's effect, every standby you lose life points." Says Cozy Smirking. "No way! That's a hefty cost!" Says Gallus. "gah....alright. I summon Gaia the Mid-Knight Sun {1600atk. 1200def. Lv4} with Lava Golem, I destroy you Medic!" The golem lifts it's large hand and drips a massive hunk of lava on the monster, destroying it. "Now my Gaia will attack you directly!" His knight charges Cozy and strikes her with his lance, knocking her backwards. "Heh, Thanks for the monster Cozy, I end!" [Sandbar 1300/ Cozy 1600] [Sandbar 3 cards/ Cozy 4 cards] Cozy slowly comes to her feet and wobbles. She hides her very angry expression and eventually manages to calm down. she takes a deep breath and puts on a smile. and look back up at Sandbar. "That was a good move, too bad the duel is just about to end. I draw" says Cozy. "I now activate the spell Rain of Mercy, You and I are given 1000 lifepoints each. Because of bad reaction, you will lose lifepoints instead, then during your standby phase, you will lose. "Not gonna happen Cozy I chain my quick effect spell Mystical Space Typhoon, I destroy your Bad Reaction to Simochi before it's effect can reverse the lifepoint gain" Says Sandbar as a healing aura surrounds him. "No! you weren't supposed to do that!" Says Cozy getting very annoyed. Roulette and Brisk were at the opposite side of the arena watching the duel. "She better win, if she can't win we are cutting her off." Says Brisk. "Give her a chance, she can still win." Says Roulette. "I set one monster and one card face down." Says Cozy. [Sandbar 2 cards/ Cozy 3 cards] [Sandbar 2300/ Cozy 2600] "My draw" Says Sandbar. After he draws, more lava is dripped on him, causing him to lose 1000 more lifepoints. "Gah...Ok buddy, You got to go! I tribute both my Gaia the Mid-Knight Sun and Lava Golem to tribute Summon Gaia the Magical Knight! {2300atk. 2100def. Lv 7} I now activate his effect, allowing me to special summon a level 5 dragon form my hand or deck, I summon from my deck Curse of Dragon! {2000atk. 1500def. Lv 5} Now my Gaia will attack your face down!" The Knight charges the card, and strikes it, it flips to show some kind of Magician before being destroyed. "That was my Magician of faith, when she is flipped face up, I can add a spell card from my graveyard to my hoof, I choose to add back Chain Strike!" Says Cozy. "It doesn't matter to me, Curse of Dragon, attack her directly!" Shouts Sandbar. His dragon screeches like an eagle before taking flight and divebombing Cozy, shooting a fireball at her, the explosion knocks her back down again. "Thats my turn, Good luck, or by next turn your finished." [Sandbar 2 cards, Cozy 4 cards] [Sandbar 1300/Cozy 600] Cozy stayed on the ground for a second. She had a very angry expression, she was about to erupt. again she keeps her cool and takes a few deep breaths before standing back up. 'I'm not gonna lose Sandbar! I draw!" Says Cozy "I now Summon my Nurse Reficule! {1400atk. 600def. Lv 4} I now activate Upstart Goblin! I draw a card, and you gain 1000 lifepoints, thanks to my nurse, you lose them instead!" An electric aura surrounds Sandbar again zapping his lifepoints. Now I activate the Spell, Cauldron of the Old man! When he is activated, i place a counter on him, I can then remove that counter to activate one of 2 effects, I gain 600 lifepoints, or you lose 300!" "But I only have 300 left!" Exclaims Sandbar. "Exactly! I remove this counter to inflict lifepoints to you!" Says Cozy, the old man chuckles evilly as he sirs his cauldron, the rancid aroma spills out and drifts towards Sandbar, the aroma surrounds him, causing him to cover his nose and cough, this causes him to lose the rest of his lifepoints. [Sandbar Vs Cozy Glow: Winner Cozy Glow] Sandbar collapses to the ground, the smell making him feel extremely dizzy. His friends stand up and walk over to help him up. He slowly stands and rubs his head. "Oh man...That was so close." Says Sandbar, he then slowly trots over to Cozy who was breathing heavy from the intense duel. "That was a great duel Cozy. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to the Obelisk Dorm!" Sandbar smiles and offers his hoof to her. She wanted to swat his hoof away so bad, but she couldn't she had to keep up her sweet and innocent persona. "Golly! I really did it! Thanks Sandbar!" She said and shakes his hoof. "That was a great duel Cozy, you are a fantastic duelist. You may now exit to go exchange your jacket and move your belongings to the Obelisk dorm." Says Twilight. "Thanks Headmare Twilight! I Promise I won't let you down!" Says Cozy Excitedly as she then exits the Arena. Both Roulette and Brisk soon follow her. "You didn't go easy on her did you?" Asked Gallus. "Of course not." Said Sandbar. "Then where is your Black Luster Soldier?" Asked Smolder. "I honestly don't know, he must have fallen out of my deck." Sandbar replied. "That not good Sandbar, Remember what happened to Yona and Yona friends when Gallus lost his card?" Said Yona. "I know, I will go look for him." Said Sandbar. "Immediately" Says Twilight, "Since he is your protector, losing him is dangerous." Sandbar nods and quickly runs out to go to his dorm to look for him. Down the hall, Brisk and Roulette meet up with Cozy who was flying back and forth in a pacing manner with a very angry expression. "That little twerp, How dare he! HOW DARE HE! I almost lost and he didn't even have his ace!!!" Yells Cozy. "Hey Calm down! you can't be yelling like that." Says Roulette. "I don't care! You seen what happened! Everything was almost ruined!" Says Cozy. "And whose fault would that be?" Asked Brisk in a smart-alecky tone. "Don't Push It Brisk! I still won, and now you two need to win to get into Obelisk!" Says Cozy. "And we will. Don't worry about it." Says Brisk. "Come on, we got to prepare for that, after that, we wait for Neighsay." All three of them turn to head back to the Ra dorm to wait for the next part of the plan. End of Chapter 15 > Chapter 16: Tag Duel > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 16: Tag Duel It was time for the Semester exams, just like midterms, this will determine whether or not you stay, leave, or advance in Dorm status. The six walk gleefully towards the arena to see who their opponents would be, along the way they joke with each other. "That written test was killer man, I hate tests." Whined Gallus. "It wasn't that bad, as long as you studied." Says Smolder. "Oh really, did you actually take the test this time?" Teased Ocellus. "Heh, I actually did." Replied Smolder. The group laughs and approaches the board of names that shows who is who. They all scan to see their names, most of them pleased with who they may be facing. but they were surprised to see one tiny detail, These exams were tag Duels. "Tag duel exams? Whats that?" asked Silverstream. "Tag duels is a 2 V 2. Two players vs two other players. Each player has their own turn and their own deck, but share a field, graveyard, and Lifepoints which is increased to 8000. The first player starts, then turn 2 is one of your opponent's turn, then turn 3 is your partner's turn. Turn 4 is your second opponent's turn, then turn 5 is yours again." Replied Ocellus. "Sounds fun!" exclaims Sandbar. "Especially since it looks like me and Smolder are on a team." Sandbar and Smolder then fist/hoof bump each other "Hopefully you found your Black Luster Soldier?" "I did, he was under my desk, I guess he really did just fall out of my deck." Said Sandbar. "Hey look, so is Ocellus and I." Says Silverstream. "It appears the teams are comprised of only one dorm." Smolder notices. "What about Yona? Is Yona and Gallus on a team?" Asked Yona. "Hmmmm...Yes you are!...oh...oh no." Says Ocellus. "What?" Asked Gallus. "Your opponents are Brisk Bronco and Roulette." Replied Ocellus. "WHAT!? Mean pony again!?!?" Shouts Yona. "Yeah, but this time you and I can teach him a lesson Yona. we Got this!" Says Gallus. "Maybe friend Gallus is right." Says Yona, quickly getting pumped. "Let's go inside to watch some duels before ours start." Says Sandbar. The groups agrees and then step inside the arena. The exams go smoothly, Both Smolder and Sandbar win their duel, and so do Ocellus and Silverstream. Eventually, it was time For Gallus and Yona to take theirs. Gallus And Yona Hoof/claw bump each other and take their places on the Arena. The crowd cheers as they take place, and cheer again when Brisk and Roulette take their place. "Next Duel, Yona and Gallus of Slifer Red Versus Brisk Bronco and Roulette of Ra Yellow!" Says Twilight over the Intercom. "Guaranteed in this match, the winner WILL advance in dorms, Good Luck!" "Hear that Yona! We are guaranteed to become Ra's if we win!" Exclaims Gallus. "Not gonna happen Slifer Slacker, This is ours!" Said Brisk. "Aw, what's wrong Brisk, hate the new color?" Gallus teased. "I'd pipe down if I were you, you have never beaten me before Slifer hasbeen!" Brisk Yelled. "Enough Brisk, Let's just get this over with." Said Roulette. "Yona Agrees!" Said Yona. Everyone turns on their duel disks and put their decks in them. "DUEL" [Yona and Gallus VS Brisk Bronco and Roulette] [Slifer 8000/ Ra 8000] "I'm feeling lucky, so I will take the first turn, Draw!" Says Roulette. "I will start us off by activating an old favorite Dangerous Machine Type-6. Luckily for you, we can't use it till our standby phases. Next I summon Abare Ushioni! {1200atk. 1200def. Lv 4} I then activate it's effect, I flip a coin and call it, If i get it right you suffer 1000 points of damage, If I call it wrong, we take 1000 points of damage!" "You are willing to take that chance?" Asked Gallus. "Of course I am." Says Roulette. "I'm not! you better call it right!" Says Brisk. "Don't worry Brisk. I call tails!" Says Roullette. A virtual coin is flipped, it lands to show it landed on tails. "Oh yeah! Tails never fails! now you take damage!" An electrical aura surrounds both Gallus and Yona, they groan as they lose Lifepoints. "I set a card and end my turn." "No way, the very first turn they have inflicted damage to them, impressive." Says Ocellus. "Don't worry guys! Minor set back, you still got this!" Shouts Sandbar. [Slifer 7000/ Ra 8000] [Roulette 3 cards] "My turn now! Draw!" Says Gallus. "I summon Blackwing - Kris the Crack of Dawn! {1900atk. 300def. Lv 4}. He will now attack your Monster!" Gallus's monster takes flight and swoops down and dashes past Abre Ushioni and slices it with a jagged dagger. "I set a card and end!" "My turn! Draw!" Says Brisk. "Since it's my standby phase, I activate my partner's Dangerous Machine Type-6! Roll that die!" A virtual die rolls, landing on 5. "What does that mean Roulette?" "A 5 means you can destroy one of your opponent's monsters." Replied Roulette. "Hey! Good luck! I destroy your Blackwing Kris you slacker!" "Bad Luck actually! My Kris the Crack of Dawn has an effect! Once per turn, he can't be destroyed by spell or trap effect!" Replied Gallus. "Grr! Fine! I set a monster and then activate the spell Pot of Duality! I reveal the top 3 cards of my deck, I chose one to add to my hand and then shuffle. The 3 cards I reveal is Spirit Ryu, Monster Reborn, and Obnoxious Celtic Guard. I Add Monster Reborn to my hand and then shuffle, I end!" [Slifer 7000/ Ra 7200] [Gallus 4 cards/ Brisk 5 cards] "Yona turn! Draw!" Said Yona. "Yona Summon Gladiator Beast Andal! {1900atk. 1500def. Lv 4} Now Yona equip him with Gladiator Beast's Battle Manica! This prevent's Yona monster from being destroyed by battle. Now Yona's Monster attack your face down!" Yona's monster which was a bear wearing armor roars and then charges the card and swipes it with it's claws, It flips to show a knight before being destroyed. "Brisk! we are wide open now!" Shouts Roulette. "Heh, not to worry, we are gonna take a bit of damage, but it was worth it." Says Brisk to Roulette, but then looks back at Yona and Gallus. "You destroyed my Dust Knight! When he is flipped face up, I send one Earth monster from my deck to the graveyard. The one I chose is Buster Blader, the Destruction Swordmaster." "Ha! hate to break it to ya Brisk, but I have no dragons in my deck!" Yelled Gallus. "And Yona have none either!" Yells Yona. Brisk's facial expression doesn't change. "Now Yona attack directly with Gallus's monster!" Kris takes flight again and swoops past Roulette and Brisk and attacks them, they both let out a pained groan from the attack. [Slifer 7000/ Ra 5300] [Yona 4 cards] "My turn, I draw!" Says Roulette. "Time to activate my machine, Go Die Roll!" The virtual die rolls and lands on 3. "Thank you Lady Luck, I draw a second card. I now activate Spell 7! It's effect only happens when there is 3 copies of this card on the field, now I rely on the luck of the draw for that. I now Summon Twin-Barrel Dragon! {1700atk. 200def. Lv 4} Since he was normal summoned, I activate his effect, I flip two coins, if they are both heads, I can destroy one monster! Ok... Go Coin Flip!" everyone watches the coins closely as they flip, the first one lands on heads, the second....Tails. "Dang! No problem I still have an attack." "You can't our monsters are too strong!" Replied Gallus. "Not for long, Twin-Barrel Dragon, Attack his blackwing!" Says Roulette "Fine, Kris counter attack!" Commanded Gallus. "I now activate the quick play spell Graceful Dice! The outcome of the die roll will be multiplied by 100 then added to my monster's attack! Go Die Roll!" Shouts Roulette. The die rolls and unimpressively lands on 1. "Lady Luck Why!?!?" "Ha! That's only 100 extra attack, still too weak!" says Gallus. "Grr! I didn't want to do this yet, But I have no Choice, I activate my face down, Skull Dice!" Shouts Roulette, "This is the opposite of Graceful Dice. This time your monsters are the target and they lose attack equal to the outcome times 100! Go Die Roll!" The die is rolled again, this time rolling on 6. "Yes finally!" Roulette's Monster now with 1800 attack and Gallus's with 1300, Roulette's monster power's up it's blaster and fires, shooting through Gallus's Monster, destroying it. [Slifer 6500/ Ra 5300] [Roulette 2 cards] "That's all I can do, I can't protect us from this next attack." Says Roulette as she ends. "Don't worry about it, you played great. They are underestimating us." Says Brisk. "My turn, Draw!" Says Gallus. "Yona, may I use your monster for a synchro Summon?" "Yona monsters are Gallus's monsters." Says Yona. "Great! I summon Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr! {1100atk. 300def. Lv 2 Tuner} I will now Tune for 6, I synchro Summon Blackwing - Nothung the Starlight {2400atk. 1600def. Lv 6}! When he is special summoned, you lose 800 life points Instantly!" The aura then surrounds Roulette and Brisk as the are burned for Lifepoints. The crowd cheers for the Slifers who are handing the Ra 's a grade a whooping. "Oh yeah! They are killing it together! They'll rank up to Ra in no time!" Shouts Smolder excitedly. Cozy Glow on the other side of the Arena watching the duel with an unimpressed look on her face. "Now your monster is back down to 1700 attack, but Nothung has another effect, Lowering your monster by 800, making it 900 attack!" Says Gallus. "Oh no!" Shouts Roulette. "I'm not done, I know you have that Monster reborn still Brisk, and you're gonna summon your Buster Blader. So I will equip my monster with Glowing Crossbow, Giving him 500 additional attack points, Making him 2900!" "We are gonna lose 2000 Lifepoints!" Yells Brisk. "Nothung, destroy their Twin-Barrel Dragon!" Commanded Gallus. His monster raise's it huge sword and takes flight. It dive bombs and stabs the monster with the sword which is then destroyed. [Slifer 6500/ Ra 3300] [Gallus 3 cards] The crowd erupts in cheers as the Slifer's soak up all the attention and waves to the crowd. "Now Since I destroyed a monster with a card equipped with Glowing Crossbow, I discard one random card in your hand, Since there is two of you, I will pick who will discard. hmmmmm, You Brisk! I chose the card in the middle." "That was my Skilled White Magician!" Exclaims Brisk as he discard. "Sweet! I end! how's that for Slacking Brisk!? Looks like we are gonna win!" Shouts Gallus. "Brisk... I have nothing! maybe we should Just surrender." Says Roulette. "No way, I'm about to turn this around, I Draw!" Says Brisk. "I activate Monster reborn to bring back my Buster Blader, the Destruction Swordmaster! {2600atk. 2300def. Lv 7}." "Big shock." Says Yona. "Oh yeah, How about this, Mystical Space Typhoon! I destroy one spell or trap, I destroy glowing crossbow!" "Minor setback! We are still in the lead!" Shouts Gallus. "We shall see, Buster Blader, Annihilate!" Says Brisk. Bust Blader lifts his blade high, and then brings it down hard on their monster. "200 points of damage, Is that supposed to scare-... Hey, whats happening to my Monster!?" Asked Gallus as instead of being destroyed, floats over to Brisk's side of the field and lands in the back row behind Buster Blader. [Slifer 6300/ Ra 3300] [Brisk 3 cards] the crowd starts whispering, confused on what is happening, Brisk was once very popular so they knew his deck, and they never seen this before. "Hehehe. You assumed this Buster Blader was the same as my original one, but that is not the case. This is Buster Blader, the Destruction Swordmaster, He is far different. He has a new effect to where if a monster you control is destroyed, I can equip it to Buster Blader. The second part of that effect will kick in later. I end." "Yona not scared, Draw!" Says Yona. "Yona set a Monster and card and end." "Short and Simple, But what other choice do you have? I draw." Says Roulette. "I've drawn a second 7 card, I will now activate it, I set a card as well. Now Buster Blader, Destroy their face down!" He brings his sword down hard, destroying the face down. "I will now enter the end phase." "My turn, Draw!" Says Gallus. " Since we control no monster's I can special summon Blackwing - Gust the Backblast! {900atk. 1400def. Lv 2} I summon him in defense! Now since I control a Blackwing, I can also special summon Blackwing - Harmattan the Dust {800atk. 800def. Lv 2} Who I will also summon in defense! That's my turn." [Gallus 2 cards/ Yona 3 cards, Roulette 1 cards] Brisk smirks widely as he draws his card for this turn. "You've honestly should have summoned those face down, you will now face annihilation for not doing so! I first activate Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw two cards! Perfect. I Activate Cost Down, to mark down one monster in my hand by 2 levels, Allowing me to summon without a tribute, Kaiser Glaider! {2400atk. 2200def. Lv 6 } Now, I activate my Buster Blader's effect, sending the monster attached to to the graveyard!" The equipped card is then destroyed, at the same time, Both of Gallus's monster begin to groan violently and both are destroyed as well. "WHAT!? how did you do that!?" Shouts Gallus. "Hehehahaha! When I send a card equipped to my Swordmaster, all monsters of the same type, in this case, Winged Beasts are instantly destroyed!" Replied Brisk. The crowd now starts Cheering for the Ra's. "Oh no! That's left them wide open!" Shouts Silverstream now panicking. "Now, both my Monsters, attack them directly for 5000 points of damage!" Shouts Brisk. The combine attack decimates the Slifers and they are knocked to the ground. "Hahaha! I end!" [Silfers 1300/ Ra 3300] [Brisk 3 cards] "Yona... you got to have something!" Exclaims Gallus. "Yona need to special summon Gladiator beasts! otherwise Yona can't do anything!" Yona says worriedly She then stands and draws "Y-Yona set one monster and one card and end." "Now we have the advantage, I draw!" Says Roulette. "I now activate my trap, The Paths of Destiny! we each flip a coin, Heads, we gain 2000 lifepoints, tails we lose 2000. Do you feel lucky?" "No! Yona activate trap as well, Parry!" Says Yona. "By sending one Gladiator beast from Yona hand to deck, Yona negates your trap!" "Nice Job, but I lucked out by drawing my third 7 card. Which I now activate!" Says Roulette. "Looks like I hit the Jackpot! I send all 3 to the graveyard to draw 3 cards, and we gain 700 Lifepoints! Now Buster Blader, Attack that face down!" "Yona activate second trap, Threatening Roar! Now you can't attack!" Says Yona. "Very well, I set two cards face down and end." [Slifer 1300/ Ra 4000] [Yona 1 card/ Roulette 1 card] "Gallus, Yona bought us one more turn, Yona and Gallus need to win now!" Says Yona. Gallus nods and then draws. He smiles and then looks back at Yona. "And we will. I just need your monster again. I flip summon Gladiator Beast Darius {1700atk. 300def. Lv 4} Now I normal summon Blackwing - Auster the South Wind {1300atk. 0def. Lv4 Tuner.} I now Tune for 8, Synchro Summoning Blackwing - Silverwind the Ascendant {2800atk. 2000def. Lv }. Waste no time, Destroy Buster Blader!" "Roulette!" Shouts Brisk. "Gotcha! I Activate the quick play spell Roulette Spider!" Yells Roulette as the spider latches to the monster "Yona remember that card!" Shouts Yona. "A die roll will determine your fate! GO DIE ROLL!" Shouts Roulette as the die is rolled, It lands on 5. "And fortune smiles upon us, Your attack is negated and you lose lifepoints equal to the monster's attack!" "OH NO!!!!" Yona and Gallus scream as the electrical aura surrounds them, shocking them till their lifepoints become 0. [Gallus and Yona Vs Roulette and Brisk Bronco: Winner Roulette and Brisk Bronco] The crowd cheers as the Ra's were somehow able to steal the victory, leaving the two devastated and their friends in shock. Cozy Glow who watched the whole thing grins evilly and then leaves the arena. "No way! That so did not just happen!" Shouts Smolder. "The Winners, and new Obelisk Blue Members, Brisk Bronco and Roulette!" Says Twilight over the intercom. The crowd starts cheering even louder. "Yes! I told you you Slifer Slackers! You can't, and will never beat me!" Says Brisk. Roulette doesn't say a word, feeling bad she had to do that. Gallus sat on the ground staring at the ground, he couldn't believe that just happened while Yona stands up angrily. "Yona gonna make Mean Pony pay one day! You hear Yona!?" Yells Yona. "Yeah yeah yak, whatever. Get used to that red jacket, because you're never gonna get rid of it." Brisk boasted with a smirk. He starts laughing and walks towards the exit. Roulette looks at Yona, Yona glares at her. Roulette sighs and then follows Brisk. Yona then storms out herself, stomping hard. Her friends in the crowd quickly follow after her. In the hallway, Yona was totally losing her cool, she paces back and forth, stomping her hooves hard and knocking over a trash can. "Whoa Yona! calm down, take it easy." Said Sandbar. "Calm down? CALM DOWN!? Mean pony beat Yona! Yona can't let mean pony get last laugh!" Yells Yona. "It was a close duel Yona, and you guys played great. maybe you can challenge him in the future." Ocellus Suggested. "I doubt it, Brisk has nothing to prove by dueling them again, he may refuse any challenges they request." Says Smolder. This only makes Yona angrier. Gallus soon finally walks out in hall with a very upset facial expression. "Gallus, you alright?" Asked Silverstream. "...No... I can't believe he beat me... again." Says Gallus. "Gallus needs to stop pouting and suck it up!" Yelled Yona. "Y-Yona!" Yells ocellus. Gallus looks up at her and gives her an angry look. "Suck it up? SUCK IT UP!? Your the one throwing a temper tantrum over losing! If you'd actually did something during that duel, maybe we could have won!" Yells Gallus. "How dare Gallus! Gallus is the one who made us lose all Lifepoints!" Yona Yells back. "But I was the one doing all the summoning! all you did was set stuff face down!" Yells Gallus. "But Yona prevented the most damage! Yona gave Gallus multiple opportunities to make come back, but Gallus just SLACKED!" Yona yells. "Thats it yak!" Says Gallus as he approaches Yona. Their friends quickly get in the ways and hold both Yona and Gallus back as they try to get to eachother. They didn't have to hold back for long, as Gram and Gaiodiaz both Manifest and hold back as well. "Gallus, Calm down, there will be a next time." Says Gram. "Master Yona need to cool off!" Says Gaiodiaz. Eventually, The two stop struggling and are eventually let go. Gallus takes a deep breath and then looks back at Yona. "You stay away from me Yona, you crazy destructive yak!" Said Gallus before turning away and walks down the hall as his duel spirt, Gram, has no choice but to follow him. Yona growls and does the exact same thing. "Oh no! Are they no longer friends!?" Exclaims Silverstream. "Sigh, no Silver, they just need time to cool off." Said Sandbar. "Yeah, but we can't have them fighting, we still have a job to do." Said Ocellus . "You mean, with the Dragon Rule-" Said Silverstream before getting cut off. "Yes, don't say that to loud." Said Smolder. "Look, they are obviously not gonna speak to each other for the rest of the day, so we need to stand watch and make sure nothing suspicious happens around the forbidden deck. Got it?" They all sighed and agreed with Smolder, she was right after all. They needed to keep watch for anyone suspicious. As they walk down the hall, behind them around the corner, Brisk, Roulette, Cozy, and Neighsay were eavesdropping on them. Both Brisk and Roulette were shocked by what they heard, but Cozy and Neighsay were both not surprised. "No way, you were right chancellor, they do know about it!" Said Brisk. "Unsurprising, I knew those creatures had ulterior motives for being here." "No way... I... I still trusted them... why are they being so secretive about this?" "Isn't it obvious? They are being secretive about it because they want to steal the deck." Said Cozy Glow. Roulette looks at the ground, she felt as if she has been betrayed. Her feelings turns to anger and she then looks up at Neighsay. "Chancellor, I now understand. I promise, anything you ask of me, I will do it. You say Jump, I'll say how high." Says Roulette Sternly. Neighsay smirks at her. "That is great to hear. Now come you 3, We need to get rid of these creatures now, and I have the perfect plan." End of Chapter 16 > Chapter 17: The Dragon Rulers Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was the next morning, all creatures sluggishly get out of bed and head for the cafeteria for breakfast. They all sit down together at the same table, Gallus was far from Yona, both still not talking to each other. Everyone else looks at each other and back to them. "Hey, How did you guys sleep?" Asked Sandbar. He didn't get a response though. "Did you guys have any nice dreams?" Asked Silver, again no reply, Causing her to frown. Just then, Roulette was walking past their table carrying her Breakfast, she had her new Obelisk jacket on. "Hi Roulette. Great duel yesterday, Congrats on your rank up." Says Ocellus with a smile. Roulette only scowls at her in disgust and keeps walking. Ocellus was shocked by this and watches her keep walking, and sits down next to Brisk and Cozy at a different table. All of them now have their new Jackets on. "What...But I thought we were on good terms." Said Ocellus. "I guess not." Said Smolder. Brisk, Cozy, and Roulette don't stay sitting down for long, they soon get up and leave together, while the 4 watch them. "Looks like she is friends with Brisk now. Some of him must have rubbed off on her." Said Sandbar "That's sad, I used to think she was really nice." Said Silverstream. "Sandbar, Yona, Ocellus, Gallus, Smolder, and Silverstream, Please Report to my office as soon as possible!" Says Twilight over the intercom. "That sounded urgent, we need to get there now." Said Ocellus. The six stand up and leave without cleaning up their table first. Outside the cafeteria, Cozy, Brisk, Roulette, and Neighsay watch them as they leave. "Chancellor What are you going here? We thought you were going to take some time to come up with a plan. Where are they going in such a big hurry" Said Brisk. "We don't have time to wait, we need to act now, there has been a huge interruption with the magic in our world." Said Neighsay. "What do you mean?" Asked Roulette. "Try using your magic and you will see what I mean." He replied. Roulette looks at him an then brisk and Cozy. She uses her magic to light up her horn, but it quickly goes out. "What the? What happened?" Asked Roulette. "I Don't know, Magic is being drained from Equestria, and we don't know why." Says Neighsay. "What, really, but how can that be?" Asked Brisk. "My theory is that it has something to do with the Dragon Rulers, It sense those students who want to steal it. The Rulers want to be free so that they can wreck havoc on our world." Said Neighsay. "Keep by me, we must head to vault so we can secure the deck." Said Neighsay turning away as the 3 follow him. The six barge into Twilight's office where it appears that the professor's were going to take a trip. "Why did you call us here so urgently?" Asked Sandbar. "Where are you guys going?" Asked Ocellus. "Calm down you six, we just have a task for you." Said Twilight. "What kind of task?" Asked Gallus. "Well...no need to sugar coat it. There has been a decrease in Magic lately. Some unicorns are losing their ability to use their magic." Says Twilight. Despite trying to cushion the blow, this news shocks the students. "WHAT!?" They all yell. Twilight takes a second to rub her ears from their shouts. "It's nothing to grievous, yet, We believe what may be causing it." She says. "What may be happening?" Smolder Asks. "You remember during class on magical threats of Equesteia? I talked about a magic eater locked away in Tartarus." "I remember, His name was Tirek." Said Ocellus. "Exactly. We are off to check on Tirek to make sure he is still locked away. Since we are away, you are in charge of protecting the vault." Said Twilight. "But, Who will be in Charge?" Asked Silverstream. "Don't worry, I'm the one who will look after you." Said a voice behind the students. They turn and look and see Starlight Glimmer standing there, all of them smile upon seeing her. "Counselor Starlight! It's great to know you'll still be here." Said Sandbar "Thanks Sandbar." Starlight replied. "You seven stay safe. We're off to Tartarus to confront Tirek. I wish we would be able to stay in touch, but that does not seem possible." Said Twilight, She hugs Starlight and gives the students a worried but hopeful look before exiting the office along with the other 5 professors. "What now new Head Pony?" Asked Yona. "Come with me to the main chamber, I need to address the school." Said Starlight. The others agree and follow Starlight out of the office. After about a half hour all the other students were out in the main corridor talking amongst each other. There is a slight panic as the unicorns have now noticed that they are unable to use their magic. Eventually Starlight approaches the podium and clears her throat, causing all the students to look at her. "Attention all students, I understand there is a lot of mysterious happenings going on at the moment, but I can assure you everything is under control and everything should return to normal." Says Starlight. "Where is Headmare Twilight?" Asks a random student. "She is of trying to figure out what is going on and hopefully fix our magic problem, but for now, I am in charge." She Says reassuringly. "I think not!" A loud voice booms sternly. Everyone looks to see that it came from the back, stepping forward is Chancellor Neighsay, Being escorted by Brisk, Roulette, and Cozy. "Chancellor Neighsay? What are you doing here?" Starlight questioned. "You know as well as I do that this lack of magic is caused by the Dragon Rulers and not Lord Tirek." Says Neighsay. The students whisper amongst themselves, never hearing about the dragon rulers before. While Starlight and the Student Six look shocked at how Nieghsay even knows about it." "Neighsay, I have no idea what you are talking about." Say Starlight playing dumb. "Please, I know your ignorant but you are not an imbecile Councilor Starlight. You know about the forbidden deck in the school's vault. It senses a dark soul seeking to steal them, they hunger for destruction and their spirits are already trying to suck the magic from our world." Says Neighsay. Starlight glares at him, now dropping the stupid act. "We have checked the deck multiple times, it is safe and sound. Nothing has happened to it, and it has not been moved." Relied Starlight. "That you know of! I was apart of the council that locked away that deck in the first place, if anyone here has any jurisdiction about that deck, it's me! And I am taking over as Head Stallion until Princess Twilight returns." Says Neighsay. "No you're not! You are in no place to make rules while I'm in charge!" Says Starlight sternly. "Then let's change that." Says Neighsay, he taps his magical medallion, causing it to glow. Slowly, a magical oval forms, surrounding Neighsay and Starlight. She looks all around her, wondering what exactly Neighsay is doing. The oval turns a deep dark purple as a purple mist forms around them. Starlight's eyes widen as she now knows what Neighsay just did, she then looks at him. "Neighsay... You've activated a Shadow Game! You know those are highly Illegal!" Starlight shouts. "They are illegal except when a world ending scenario is at stake, in which case they are to be used to overcome obstacles, in which case you are now an obstacle getting in the way of an official EEA member. I know this law, as I am the one who wrote it. Now will you kindly get out of my way, or duel me!" Says Neighsay. "Fine! But you are not beating me!" Says Starlight as she activates Her Duel Disk. Neighsay Activates his, His looks very expensive and has the royal seal on it. "DUEL" [Starlight Glimmer vs Chancellor Neighsay] [Starlight 4000/ Neighsay 4000] "I will take the first turn Councilor." Says Nighsay as he draws. "I will start us off by activating the effect of Hecatrice, By discarding it from my hoof i can add the continuous spell Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen to my hoof, which I then activate. Since I control no monsters, I can special summon a fairy monster from my hoof. I special summon Valkyrie Dritte in defense .{1000atk. 1600def. Lv4}." "Whoa, Valkyries!" Says Ocellus. "Why is that impressive?" Asked Sandbar "There are certain decks deemed to powerful, so they are not widely available to the public, only very important ponies are allowed to have them, Vakyries are one of those powerful decks. Neighsay must be very very important." Says Ocellus. "I now activate her effect to add one Valkyrie card from my deck to my hoof. I add Valkyrie Vierte, who I now Normal summon {1400atk. 1400def. Lv 3}. Her effect allows me to excavate the number of cards of my deck copared to the number of Valkyrie cards I control, in this case 2. I chose one to add to my hoof, then the other is sent to the grave. I excavate two cards, perfect, I add Mischief of the Time Goddess to my hoof and send Royal magical Library to the grave. I will now end my turn." [Neighsay 5 cards/ Starlight 5 cards] "Finally my turn, Draw!" Says Starlight. "I've just drawn Fortune Fairy Swee, when I draw her, I can reveal her and special summon her to the field, I summon her in defense. {0atk. 0def. Lv. 4} When special summoned this way, I pick on card on the field and banish it till my next standby phase. I chose your Vierte so you will be unable to use her effect next turn." "You certainly will pay for that." Says Neighsay. "Next I activate the spell Gold Sarcophagus, This allows me to place a card from my deck into the banished zone, then during my second standby phase, I add it to my hand. Now I will tribute my Swee to summon Fortune Lady Earth! {?atk. ?def. Lv 6} She gains attack equal to her level x400, since she is level 6, Her attack is 2400! That's not all, during each of my standby phases, her level increases by 1, and when that happens you take 400 points of burn damage!" Says Starlight. "You got this Counselor! You can beat him!" Shouts Silverstream. "Now my Fortune Lady will attack your Valkyrie!" Says Starlight, Her monster spins her staff ad then points it at Neighsay's monster, a magical blast shoots from it, destroying it. "I end!" [Neighsay 5 cards/ Starlight 3] "I draw." Says Neighsay "Now that my field is empty, I can special summon a fairy from my hoof with the effects of Valhalla. I Special Summon Valkyrie Sechste in defense, {0atk. 2000def. Lv 1} I activate her effect to special summon another Valkyrie from my deck, I Special summon Valkyrie Sigrun. {2200atk. 2400def. Lv 9} and the special summoning does not end there Councilor, I now activate Sigrun's effect. I can special summon a level 8 or lower Valkyrie from my hoof, I special summon Valkyrie Brunhilde! {1800atk. 2000def. Lv 7} Brunhilde is unaffected by spells and gains 500 attack for every monster you control, Making her attack 2300." "Holy cow! I can see why this deck is not availble to everyone, this is overpowered!" Yells Sandbar. "Brunhilde will now attack Your fortune Lady!" Shouts Neighsay. "Your monster is weaker, why would you attack!?" Asked Starlight. "Because I discard this, Honest!" Says Neighsay. "OH NO!" Yells Starlight. 'What card do?" Asked Yona. "Honest is a very powerful card, it is discarded during the battle phase, the attacking monster gains attack equal to the monster it is attacking, Making Brunhilde 4700 attack for this turn!" Says Ocellus. Brunhilde charges Fortune Fairy earth and strikes her with her spear, destroying her. "Now Sigrun, Finish her off. Disappointing, You couldn't last more than 2 turns." Says Nieghsay. "This is not over yet! I special Summon Battle Fader to end the battle phase!" Yells Starlight. [Starlight 1700/ Neighsay 4000] [Starlight 3 cards/ Neighsay 4 cards] "My turn, Draw!" Says Starlight "I activate the spell Misfortune. I select one of your monsters and you lose Lifepoints equal to half of it's attack and I skip my battle phase this Turn, I chose your Sigrun, You lose 1100 life points!" An electrical aura surrounds Neighsay, he grunts painfully as he lose his lifepoints. "Now I activate Pot of Greed, I can now draw two cards, and I just drew Fortune Fairy Hikari, by revealing it I can special summon her, {0atk. 0def.Lv 1] since she was special summoned I can special another level 1 spellcaster from my deck, I special Summon Fortune Lady Past {?atk. ?def. Lv 1 Tuner} Now for my normal summon, I tribute Hikari to normal summon Fortune Lady Dark! {?atk. ?def. Lv 5} I will now activate Fortune Lady Past's effect, by banishing the last monster in my hand, I can increase Dark's level by 1 now she is Level 6, with my two monster, I now tune for 7! I synchro summon Fortune Lady Every! {?atk. ?def. Lv 7} She gains equal to her level times 400, giving her 2800 attack points! I'm not out yet, I end!" [Starlight 1700/ Neighsay 2900] [Neighsay 4 cards/ Starlight 0 cards] "I draw." Says Neighsay. "Vierte is now back onto my field, and I'm gonna add a fifth monster, I activate Sigrun's effect, To special summon Valkyrie Zweite {1600atk. 1600def. Lv 5}. you will be out during this turn Councilor, because Zweite's effect activates, When she is summoned, one monster you controlled is destroyed!" "No! I tried so hard bring her out!" "Too bad Councilor, Now that you're wide open, I will assault you with a barrage of my 5 monsters! Go my Valkyries, teach her a lesson!" Says Neighsay. In unison, All valkyries come together as a brigade and charge Starlight, attacking her all at once she let's out a scream as her life points drop to zero. [Starlight vs Neighsay: Winner Neighsay] All six of the students are left in pure shock as Starlight collapses to the ground in defeat, falling unconscious. Neighsay neatly organizes his deck and puts it away. "Princess Twilight would have put up a better fight than that. Brisk, Roulette, Take her back to her office and make sure she stays there." "Yes Chancellor" The both say, Putting Starlight on their backs and carrying her away. "Now you six!" Said Neighsay angerly, shifting his attention to the student six. "Now that she is out of the way I can now deal with you. You are to leave this school, Immediately!" "WHAT!?" They all six yell before Neighsay activates his medallion. A bright light emerges from it and snares the students in a chain. "You six will be placed in the Slifer dorm until your guardians can come and pick you up." "You can't do this! This will only cause things to get worse!" Shouts Sandbar. "We are the ones have to protect the deck!" Says Ocellus. "Don't make me laugh. You all have plans to steal it, I heard you myself!" Says Neighsay, Using his medallion to lift the six and carry them out of the building. He carries them all the way to the Slifer dorm, with Cozy Glow close behind him. He opens a random door and places them in there. "Now stay, it could be awhile before they get here." Says Neighsay before turning his back. "Wait!" Says Sandbar, causing Neighsay to turn back and look at him. "...I have had the same feeling as you Neighsay. When this catastrophe happened they were the first ones I suspected!" "S-sandbar!?" Yells Yona. Neighsay raises an eyebrow. "I was too afraid of turning them in, because I didn't want my loyalty grade to drop, but now you're in charge, a more reasonable pony, I knew you would understand. I want nothing to do with them anymore!" Says Sandbar. "You can't be serious Sandbar!" Says Smolder. "S-s-s-Sandbar!!!!" Cries Silverstream. "Wise decision young colt." Says Neighsay, using his medallion to set him free. Once Sandbar is lose, he steps away without turning back, leaving his friends heartbroken. "Cozy, I want you to guard the Vault, make sure it is safe. Here, I'm even giving you my EEA medallion. with all magic disappearing you need it more than me to guard it." Says Neighsay. "Golly Chancellor, Thanks." Says cozy as Neighsay and Sandbar leave her in front of the door. Cozy looks at the medallion and smirks evilly at it, not only is her biggest threats out of the way, she now was given they key to the vault that houses the forbidden deck. She waists no time flying back to college to collect the thing she wanted most in the entire world. End of Chapter 17 > Chapter 18: The Dragon Rulers Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 18: The Dragon Rulers Part 2 The remaining five now sit in a Slifer dorm all alone, some were devasted by the current events happening to them. Gallus was the only one even attempting to get out by trying to ram the door down. He keeps ramming and ramming and ramming, but the door doesn't budge. "Still locked huh?" Says Smolder sarcastically. "We have to at least have to try and get out! Twilight trusted us with protecting the vault, and now anyone can get inside!" said Gallus. "Even if we were to get out, we still wouldn't be able to protect it, all six of us need to be present, and Sandbar turned his back on us." Says Ocellus on the verge of tears. "Sandbar not turn his back! Sandbar is our friend!" Yona Stated firmly. "Hello, Earth to yak! did you not just see what happened!?" Replied Smolder. "M-maybe he was just trying to get free so he could find a way to free the rest of us and see what is going on?" Says Silverstream unsure of herself. Just then, the window opens and Sandbar himself pokes his head through. "I don't know, That sounds to smart for what a pony would do." Says Sandbar climbing into the room. "SANDBAR!!!" Yona yells while tackling him while the others also join in a huge hug, Happy to see that their friend wouldn't abandon them. "Guys....I..Need...Air!" Sandbar chokes out. Eventually they all let him go and takes a few deep breathes. "I knew all along you were still our friend." Said Smolder. "Heh...Thanks you guys. Look, we need to get out of here and fast, I saw Cozy heading for the vault with Neighsay's medallion." Said Sandbar. "You think she is going to unlock it?" Asked Ocellus. "Either that or she is going to guard it" Said Sandbar. "Then why bother trying to fight Neighsay and his goonies? They have the same intention as us, they just want the deck to be safe." Said Gallus. "Because we are the only ones who can actually keep it safe, and Neighsay has to be right. The deck sense someone with dark intentions of freeing the deck, it has to be the one sucking away all the magic to power itself up so whoever has a desire to use it can unleash destruction." Says Ocellus. "I don't know how well we will be able to protect the vault. with all the magic being zapped away, our duel spirits can't manifest themselves, we need to be around a large surge of magic for that." Says Silverstream "If the deck is the one sucking up all that magic, then there has to be a large amount of magic surrounding it, that is where we'll protect it!" Says Smolder. "Then Yona and friends must make it to the vault now!" Shouts Yona. They all look a each other, putting on their game faces on. They all climb out of the window and start sprinting towards the school. As they approach the front entrance, they see both Roulette and Brisk guarding the entrance. "Brisk, Roulette! get out of the way!" Yells Gallus. "Don't you dare speak that way to us Slifer Slacker!" Says Brisk. "We are not moving an inch! Neighsay gave us orders to stand guard in case you got out." Says Roulette. "Neighsay is wrong! We're not the ones who want to steal the deck! we are trying to protect it!" Yells Smolder. "Roulette please! you're our friend!" Begged Ocellus. "I thought I was, but I heard you! You had a "job" to do involving the deck, I know you want to steal it. You manipulated me into trusting you, No more." Replied Roulette. "It's Neighsay who is manipulating you! We are the protectors of the vault! Blessed by the Tree of Harmony itself!" Silverstream yelled. "HAHAHAHAHA! Why would the tree entrust non-pony creatures with the elements!? That's crazy!" Said Brisk. "The only way you are getting anywhere near the vault is through us!" Says Roulette holding up her duel disk. "A tag duel!? Really? That's the only way?" Said Smolder unimpressed. "Of course, especially after this!" Said Brisk activating his duel disk. Roulette activates hers as well, they both glow an ominous purple glow, and then a glowing circle forms on the ground, surrounding the students. "Shadow Game Magic!" Yells Sandbar. "How did you activate a Shadow Game!?" yells Gallus. "Neighsay used his medallion to allow us to activate a Shadow Game with ease, now you have to duel!" Says Roulette. "Which two of you is gonna face us!?" asked Brisk. The six huddle up to see who would be best to duel. "It should be Me and Sandbar, We are both Obelisks" Said Smolder. "You can't duel them Smolder, You have dragons in your deck, Brisk's Buster Blader will tear you apart." "I've beaten him once! I can do it again!" Says Smolder. "We can't take any chances on this though Smolder." Says Sandbar. "Me and Yona have this." Said Gallus. "You and Yona!?" Silverstream says in bewilderment. "You're not saying that because you want a rematch are you?" Asked Ocellus. "No, I'm being serious, I just have a gut feeling me and Yona can win this time, if she wants to be partners again." Says Gallus looking over at Yona. Yona smiles and nods. "Yona accepts." Says Yona, Gallus smiles at her and the group breaks their hudle. Both Yona and Gallus step up to Brisk and Roulette, and activate their duel disks. This causes Brisk to burst into laughter. "You've got to be kidding!? This again!? Fine, if you want to lose again!" Says Brisk. "We aren't going to lose again Brisk, not this time!" Says Gallus. "We beat you both once, and we'll do it again!" Says Roulette. "Yona ready! Yona and Gallus will win and hopefully open mean ponies eyes!" Says Yona. They all take their place and hold up their duel disks. "DUEL!" [Gallus and Yona vs. Brisk Bronco and Roulette] [Silfer 8000/ Obelisk 8000] "Just like last time, I will start us off, Draw!" Says Roulette. " Looky here, I have the card 7 in my hoof, I now activate it, and you know what happens when I get three on the field. Now, I place one monster and one card face down and end." "My turn, I draw!" Yells Gallus "I summon Blackwing - Steam the Cloak! {800atk. 1200def. Lv 3 Tuner}. Now since I control a blackwing Monster, I can special summon Blackwing - Harmattan the Dust from my claw! {800atk. 800def. Lv 2}. I now Tune for 5, Synchro summoning Blackwing - Gram the Shining Star! {2200atk. 1500def. Lv 5}." Gram emerges on the field and strikes a battle pose. "Yes! Gallus got his ace out first turn!" Yells Sandbar. "Gallus, It's great to see you again, I could not manifest myself for some reason." Says Gram. "I know, we are in some trouble, we need you and everyone else to stop the Dragon Rulers from returning." Replies Gallus. Gram nods and turns his focus back on his opponents. "Did your monster just talk???" asked Brisk. "The monsters are real in a Shadow Game Brisk! That's what Neighsay said, now focus back on the duel!" Yells Roulette "Now since steam the cloak was sent to the grave, I can summon a blackwing token to the field {100atk. 100def. Lv 1} I can then tribute that token to special summon Steam the Cloak back from the grave! Gram, Attack her face down!" Yells Gallus. Gram lets out a battle cry and takes to the sky, he dive bombs the card and stabs it with his sword. the card flips to show a jar with a disturbing smile. "Yona remember that card!" Yells Yona. "Heh, You flipped summon my Dice Jar." Said Roulette. "We each roll a die, whoever rolls the highest inflicts damage to their opponent times 500, but if it's a 6, that's 6000 points of damage! Go Die Roll!" Virtual dice are rolled, for Gallus, he rolls a two. [Roulette 3 cards/ Gallus 4] "Come on!" Gallus Yells. Looking ay Roulette's roll, she rolled a five. "What a fantastic roll, Fortune smiles upon me! now you take 2500 points of damage!" Says Roulette, both Yona and Gallus are shocked as they lose Life points. "I am sorry Gallus." Said Gram. "Don't apologize Gram, I told you to attack, Now Steam, Attack them directly!" A puff of steam clouds Gallus monster, Roulette and brisk look all around them to look for him, when he teleports behind both of them and stabs them in the back with a dagger, causing them to to let out a pained scream. [Slifer 5500/ Obelisk 7200] "Man...That hurt!" Says Brisk "This IS real!" "I've never felt anything like that!" Exclaims Roulette. "This is only a taste of what's to come if you do not let us pass!" Shouts Gallus. "grr... Shut it Slacker, you are not fooling me, I draw!" Says Brisk "I summon the Obnoxious Celtic Guard! {1400atk. 1200def. Lv 4} I will also activate the spell Emblem of the Dragon Destroyer to add Buster Blader, The Destruction Swordmaster to my hoof, next I place 2 cards face down. Now my Celtic Guard will turn your Steam the Cloak into Dead the cloak, attack!" Brisks Celtic guard lifts his sword and brings down on steam the cloak, destroying it. "I end my turn Slackers." "Yona Turn, Draw!" Says Yona " Yona activate the spell Gladiator Beast's Respite! This allow Yona to shuffle 2 Gladiator Beasts cards into Yona deck and then Draw 3 cards. Yona then set one Monster and One card face down. Gram, Attack Celtic Guard!" Gram lifts his sword and swings it hard at the Celtic Guard, but somehow, the Celtic Guard lifts his sword, and blocks the attack. "Huh!? Why isn't Monster destroyed!?" Asks Yona. "My Celtic Guard has an effect, it cannot be destroyed by monsters with 1900 or more attack points!" Yells Brisk. "Wow... that effect is obnoxious." Says Smolder. "Gah...Yona thought she had that." Says Yona sadly. "Don't worry about it Yona, they still lose life points equal to the difference of the attack. We are still in this!" Says Gallus. [Slifer 4900/ Obelisk 6400] [Brisk 3 cards, Yona 4 cards] "My turn, Draw!" Says Roulette. " I drew another 7 card, That makes 2 on the field now. I summon Snipe Hunter! {1500atk. 600def. Lv 4} I now activate his effect, I roll a die, and if the outcome is anything other than 1 or 6, I destroy one card you control, Go Die Roll!" The die rolls, it fidgets for a second before landing on 2. "Hm, got it, Say bye bye to your Gram!" Snipe hunter chuckles as it aims it's blaster at Gram and then fires, Gram lets out a pained scream before being destroyed. "No! Gram!" Yells Gallus. "Now time for your face down! Snipe Hunter attack!" Now Snipe Hunter aims his blaster at the face down and fires, The card flips face up and blocks the attack. "You attacked Yona's Gladiator Beast Attorix! She has 2000 defense points" Says Yona. "Grr! Fine, You lucked out! I end!" Says Roulette. "Since Attorix was involved in a battle, I can send her to my deck to special summon one Gladiator Beast from Yona deck, Yona Special Summons Gladiator Beast Spartacus! {2200atk. 1600def. Lv 5}. Yona now activate his effect, when Spartacus is special summoned, Yona add one Gladiator Beast equip card to Yona hoof, Yona add Gladiator Beast's Battle Gladius!" [Roulette 2 cards/ Yona 5 cards] "My turn, I draw." Says Gallus "I set one card face down. Spartacus will now attack Snipe Hunter!" Spartacus roars loudly before lifting up his huge axe and brings it down hard on top of Snipe Hunter, cutting him in half and destroying him. "I end my turn!" "Draw!" Yells Brisks and smirks "Oh how painful this must be, I drew a very lucky card, Cost Down! I target one card in my hoof and it's level is treated as if it's two levels lower. I target my Buster Blader, making him a level 5 while in my hoof. Meaning I only need one tribute for him, I sacrifice my Celtic Guard to summon Buster Blader, The Destruction Swordmaster! {2600atk. 2300def. Lv 7}. He has his eyes set on your Spartacus, and you know what happens when he destroys a monster right? Hehehehehe! Buster Blader, Annihilate!" "Gallus!" Yells Yona. "Right! I activate my face down, Negate Attack!" Yells Gallus "This stops your attack and ends the battle phase!" "You freaking slacker, what a lame card! GRRR, fine, I end." [Gallus 3 cards/ Brisk 3 cards] "Yona turn, Yona draws!" Says Yona "Yona gonna turn this duel around right now! Yona Summons Gladiator Beast Bestiari, {1500atk. 800def. Lv 4}. Yona now Contact fusion both Spartacus and Bestiari to summon Gladiator Beast Gaiodiaz! {2600atk. 1500def. Lv 7}" The monster emerges and hold his giant axe high, letting out a ferocious battle cry. "Master Yona, I missed you. Me could not show self to you!" Says Gaiodiaz. "Yona glad to see you too Gaio!" Says Yona with a smile. "But Yona not done yet, Friend Gallus missing his monster, so Yona activate her face down, Call of the Haunted, to special Summon Gram The Shinning Star back from the Grave!" As her face down flips, Gram is resummoned to the field and stands next to Gaiodiaz. "Gram!...Thanks Yona!" Gallus said smiling at Yona. "So you got your ace cards on the field, they are still no match for my Ace, Gaiodiaz and Buster Blader are at the same attack, they will both be destroyed!" Yells Brisk. "Yona know, but does mean pony remember what card Yona added to her hoof with the effect of Gladiator Beast Spartacus? It was Gladiator Beast's Battle Gladius, When equipped to a Gladiator beast, It's attack increases by 300, I equip this to Gaiodiaz to give him a total of 2900 attack! He will now attack Buster Blader! [Yona 4 cards] Gaiodiaz tosses his axe aside, slowly, a new sword manifests in his hand, it was the Gladius and he holds it high, he then charges towards buster blade. "Not so fast Yona! activate the quick Play spell Roulette Spider!" Yells Roulette. "That again!?" Yells Gallus as the spider latches onto Gaiodiaz. "Insect! Release me!" Yells Gaiodiaz. "Oh yeah!" Say Roulette. "Go Die Roll!" The die is rolled, it lands and flips over a few times, Gallus and Yona's heat beat quickly, terrified of what the die would land on. It slowly stops on 1. "NOOOOOO!!!! We lose half our lifepoints!!!!" Yells Roulette in complete distress. The Spider lets go of Diaz and then darts towards Roulette and Brisk, It jumps in the air and explodes, causing both Brisk and Roulette to be knocked against the door of the school. "R-Roulette! You Idiot!" Yells Brisk. [Slifer 4900/ Obelisk 3200] "Since Gaiodiaz's attack technically wasn't negated, He still destroys your monster!" Gaiodiaz continues to attack Buster Blader, their swords clash as Buster Blader tries to defend himself, but his huge blade is slow compared to Diaz'z sword, who then thrusts it into his chest. Buster Blader let's out a pained groan." "GRRRRRAHHHH!.....B...B-Brisk!" Buster Blader yells in pain before being destroyed." "Buster Blader!?...." Brisk is left in awe, hearing his monster call his name. "He... he spoke to me." "Gaiodiaz's special effect activates, You lose Lifepoits equal to the destroyed Monster's defense, meaning you lose 2300 lifpoints!" Both Roulette and Brisk are shocked, dropping their lifepoints down to just 600 lifepoints. "Gallus, End it!" Gallus Nods and looks at Gram. "We still have one last monster to attack! Go Gram, Finish them off!" Gallus Yells. "With pleasure!" Says Gram as he spreads his wings and darts towards Brisk and Roulette, the both try to shield themselves but they are still attacked, losing the duel. [Yona and Gallus vs. Roulette and Brisk Bronco: Winner Yona and Gallus] Both Roulette and Brisk collapse to the ground as the shadows dissipate. Brisk with his last strength looks up at Yona and Gallus, He tries to say something but passes out before he could. Roulette lays on the ground and breathes heavily before slowly drifting into unconsciousness. "You guys did it!" Yells Ocellus as Yona and Gallus Hoof/Claw bump. "Heh, yeah we did." Says Gallus. "Gallus, Yona Sorry for what she said Yesterday." Says Yona. "I am too." Gallus responds. "It's great you two made up, but we still have a job to do." Said Smolder. "Oh, yeah, right." Said Gallus. "Wait guys, what about them?" Silverstream said pointing to Brisk and Roulette. "What about them?" Said Smolder. "We can't just leave them here." Said Ocellus. "Why not? Both are mean ponies and tried to stop Yona and Yona friends from saving the world." Said Yona. "We still can't leave them here, they're not bad ponies." Said Sandbar going over to them. "Help me carry them." Despite how many of them feel, they eventually go over to them and they put both of them on Yona's back. "Alright guys, Let's go in there and confront Neighsay. We have to try and convince him we are trying to protect the deck before something bad happens." Says Smolder. They all nod and charge into the school to look for Neighsay. End of Chapter 18 > Chapter 19: The Dragon Rulers Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 19: The Dragon Rulers Part 3 The six charge through the door and make their way past the entrance, they make it to the main corridor, where they see Neighsay standing in the middle of the room. He glares at them as they all grind to a stop "I knew you would free those creatures colt." Says Neighsay "Out of our way! You think you are saving Equestria but your not! You're making it easier for whoever truly wants to steal the deck to take it!" Yells Smolder. "You would say that, this deck has been in safe keeping for a decade. Not once have we had a problem keeping it, until now, now that you creatures showed up. This is no coincidence in my mind, It is YOU who plan to steal it!" Yells Neighsay. "Chancellor please! Just hear us out!" Begged Ocellus. "There is no time for talk! You must be stopped now! Come here puppet!" Yells Neighsay and pointing towards a dark corner. Slowly, a dark shadow can be seen stepping out from the darkness. It was Starlight Glimmer, her eyes had no pupils, and she stumbled towards Neighsay like a Zombie. The six gasp upon seeing her. "Neighsay you snake! What did you do to her!?" Demanded Sandbar. "She is fine, just under my control. Her loss in our battle allowed the shadows to manipulate her mind, making her my puppet. You want her back, you must duel her!" Said Neighsay with a smirk. Starlight lifts her duel disk and activates it, a small cloud of purple miasma surrounded her. "Keep them busy Starlight, I need to get to the vault." Neighsay quickly makes his way out of the room and into the main corridor. "We have to follow Neighsay! We got to stop him!" Says Gallus. "We can't just leave Councilor Glimmer like this!" Said Silverstream. "She's right, we can't" Said Sandbar. "What do we do then?" Asked Ocellus. "One of us must duel her to save her while the rest go after Neighsay." Said Smolder. "I'll do it, I can't stand to see her this way." Says Silverstream. "Can you handle her by yourself?" Asked Ocellus. "I...I think." Responded Silverstream. "Yona stay, Since Yona carry mean ponies, Yona won't be able to keep up as fast." Said Yona. "I'll stay too, Just in case." Says Gallus. "Alright, when this duel is over, you must catch up with us. We can only keep the deck safe if all of us are present." Says Sandbar. They all agree and hug eachother. Sandbar, Ocellus, and Smolder then run past Starlight to run after Neighsay. "O-ok Councilor Starlight. I'm really sorry I have to do this, but I have to duel you." Says Silverstream. Starlight in response Lifts up her hoof and activates her duel disk, now surrounding her and Silverstream in purple clouds of mist. Silverstream feels a wave of emotions hit her, she looks at Starlight feeling overwhelming amounts of sadness for her as she activates her own duel disk. "DUEL" [Silverstream vs. Starlight Glimmer] "I-I will go first, I draw." Says Silverstream. "I have Warrior of Atlantis in my claw, by discarding him, I can add 'A Legendary Ocean' to my claw, Which I now activate. Now, this card is treated as Umi, and All water monsters gain an extra 200 attack and defense, and the level of all water monsters in our claws and field are reduced by one. And with Legendary Ocean's effect, I can summon Depth Shark to the field. {1400 + 200atk. 0 + 200def. Lv 5} I set one card and now end." "...." Starlight stays silent as she draws, only to speak up when she draws a card. Her voice is groggily and monotone, like a zombie. "I've drawn Fortune Fairy En, I reveal her when drawn, then special summon her in defense...I can then destroy one set spell and trap card." The set card on Silverstream's side of the field is destroyed. "Now I place one monster face down and end." [Silverstream 3 cards/ Starlight 4 cards] "My turn. I guess I draw." Says Silverstream. "Since I control a water monster, I can summon Cyber Shark without tributing. {2100 +200 atk. 2000 + 200 def, Lv 5}. I will now overlay my two sharks for an Xyz Summon, I build the Overlay Network to Xyz summon Shark Fortress! {2400atk. 1800def. Lv 5.} By getting rid of one of my Xyz materials, My monster can attack twice, I will attack both your face up and your face down cards." The Giant Fortress aims two guns at cards, blasting both cards and destroying them. "You flipped up my magical merchant, I excavate my deck till I draw a spell or trap card, all non spell and trap cards excavated are sent to the grave. She draws 2 cards before drawing a spell. "The spell I add to my hoof is Berserker Soul. The other 2 are sent to the grave" "Berserker Soul, I've heard of that card before in class." Said Gallus. "Yona has too, Yona heard it's very powerful." Said Yona. "Well, I end my turn now." Said Silverstream. "Drawing." Said Starlight. "I drew Fortune Fairy Fortune Fairy Hikari. When drawn, I can reveal her and special summon her. Then One monster you control is instantly destroyed." "No! No please!" Silverstream begs as her fortresses self destructs, igniting in a ball of fire as the fortune fairy appears on the field. "When your monster is destroyed, I can special summon one level 1 spellcaster monster from my deck, I choose Fortune Lady Light. {?atk. ?def. Lv 1}." Says Starlight. "Her attack is equal to her level times 200, meaning she is at 200 attack at the moment. Next I summon Breaker, The Magical Warrior {1600atk. 1000def. Lv 4} When summoned he has a spell counter placed on him, for every spell counter he gains 300 attack, making him 1900. But I'm not done, I now activate the spell Burden of The Mighty. This makes all monsters on my field lose attack equal to their level times 100. Meaning Breaker now has 1500 attack, and Lady Light has 100. Breaker now attacks you directly." Breaker lifts his sword and shield and charges Silverstream, bringing his sword down on her causing her to scream in pain. She collapses to the ground and looks up at Breaker who stands over her. "Why...why isn't he going away?" Asked Silverstream. "Because I am now activating my most devastating card, Berserker Soul! Since I inflicted 1500 points of direct damage, I can Activate Berserker soul. I discard my whole hoof, Now I draw cards, for every monster card I draw, I send to the grave and you are dealt 500 points of damage, this only stops till I draw a non monster card." Said Starlight "No Way! This could end her right here!" Yells Gallus. "Draw, I've Drawn Old Vindictive Magician, that's 500 points of damage!" Said Starlight. Breaker lifts his word up and slashes her again, causing her to scream again. The screams cause both Roulette and Brisk to stir awake, they blink a few times, almost forgetting where they were, but all memories slowly return to them. They look at each other before looking at the duel between Starlight and Silverstream, with Silverstream still on the ground being attacked. "Silverstream!!!" Yells Gallus. "Draw! White Magician Pikeru! That's another 500!" Yells Starlight. Breaker once again slashes her with his sword, again, Silverstream let's out a pained scream. "Draw! Blast Magician! Another 500!" Breaker again slashes her, Silver now in the fetal position continues to scream. "Stop this now!!!" Yells Yona. "Draw!...hmmm, Pitch-Black Power Stone. The effects of Berserker Soul now end." Said Starlight as Breaker now returns to his original position. Silverstream remains on the ground, now sobbing into her claws. [Silverstream 3 cards/ Starlight 1 card] [Silverstream 1000/Starlight 4000] "SIlverstream!" Yells Gallus as he rushes towards Silverstream, however, he runs into an invisible forcefield, being held up by the purple mist. "No! Let me through!" "G-G-G-Gallus..." Silver says through her tears. "Silverstream you have to get up! you can't lose!" Says Gallus. "I...I can't!" Whined Silverstream. "Yes you can! I know you are stronger than this! I've seen how you duel, you never let anything get you down! You love dueling and the fun that comes from it! You can't let this duel take that way from you! I believe in you!" Says Gallus. Slowly Silver moves her claws away from her face to look up at Gallus, tears streaming down her face. She listens closely to what Gallus says to her, slowly she nods and begins to stand up, she stumbles a bit, but eventually makes it to her feet. "Alright Silver! You can do this! You can beat her!" Cheers Gallus. "Silverstream is bestest! Silver can still beat Councilor pony!" Yells Yona. In secret, Roulette and Brisk keep watching. "M-My turn...I D-d-draw..." Says Silverstream. Her eyes widen upon the card she drew. " I activate Moray of Greed, By shuffling 2 water monsters into my deck, I draw 3 cards. I place one card face down and summon Deep Sea Diva. {200atk 400def. Tuner} When she is summoned, I can special summon another card from my deck that is level 3 or lower, I summon Neptabyss, the Atlantean Prince. {800atk. 0def. Lv 1} I end by placing one card face down." "Draw." Says Starlight. "during my standby phase, Fortune fairy light gains a level, so her attack goes up by 200, but Burden of the mighty cuts that in half, only making her 200. Now with Breaker I will end this! Breaker, attack her diva and finish her off." As Breaker was about to attack, Silverstream speak up. "No! You will not attack with him again! I activate my trap Mirror Force! All face up attack position monsters on your side of the field are destroyed!" As her card flips, both Breaker and Lady Light are destroyed, But Fortune Fairy Hikari isn't since it is in defense. "I end." Starlight says blankly. [Silverstream 3 cards, Starlight 2 card] "I now draw." Says Silverstream. "I now tune for 3, my diva with Neptabyss I synchro Summon Tatsunoko! {1700atk. 500def. Lv 3 Tuner} Tatsunoko has the effect that allows me to synchro summon a monster by using the second material with a monster in my hand, I have the level 4 monster Double Fin Shark in my claw, but thanks to a Legendary Ocean, it can be treated as a Level 3 monster, Which I do to tune for 6. I now Synchro Summon Coral Dragon! {2400atk. 500def. Lv 6}" "Alright Silverstream! great move!" Yells Gallus. Silverstream looks back at Gallus and smiles before looking back up at Coral dragon, who looks back at Silverstream. The dragons cues obediently at Silverstream. "It's good to see you too buddy." Says Silverstream reaching out to Coral Dragon and petting him on the nose. "Now, I still have a normal summon, from my claw, With the effect of a Legendary Ocean, I can summon without tributing, the level 5 monster Rage of the Deep Sea! {0atk. 0def. Lv 5.} His effect has him gain 500 attack for every fish, sea serpent, and aqua type monster in my grave, do the math because I count 8, meaning that is a grand total of 4000!" "That's enough to wipe councilor pony out!" Yells Yona. "Coral dragon, Attack her fortune fairy!" The dragon leans it's head back before unleashing a giant jet stream of water from it's mouth, hitting the fortune fairy and destroying it. "Now Rage of the Deep Sea, Attack her directly and end this duel!" Rage of the Deep Sea raises it's trident and points it at Starlight who only stands there, A giant tsunami wave of water rises up behind him and then floods towards Starlight, the water hits her and sweeps her off her hooves. she lets out a scream as her life points drop to zero instantly. [Silverstream vs. Starlight Glimmer: Winner Silverstream] The purple mist dissipates, Instantly Gallus charges over and hugs Silverstream tight, who was on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion. "I knew you could win! I knew it!" Says Gallus. "Thank you for for believing in me Gallus." Says Silverstream hugging back. "Yona not want to interrupt, but is councilor pony ok?" Asked Yona. "Oh right, let me check." Said Gallus letting go of Silverstream to check on starlight. He nudges her but she doesn't move. he leans down to put his ear next to her mouth to listen to her breathing. "She's fine, just unconscious." "Good, now Yona and friends can catch up to other friends." Says Yona. "We can't leave Councilor Starlight here." Says Silverstream. "Yona can't carry another pony, too heavy!" Said Yona. "It's ok, we'll hop off." Says Roulette suddenly as she and Brisk both get off. Yona, Gallus, and Silverstream all look over at them, Gallus stepping in front of Silverstream protectively and holds up his duel disk. "You two stay back or we'll take you on again!" Gallus yelled. "Yona too!" Yona chimed in. "Whoa, take it easy you two, we aren't going to do anything." Said Brisk calmly. "Yeah, like I'm going to believe you Brisk! You've done nothing but try and hurt us! Physically, mentally, socially. And you Roulette, you betrayed us! We thought you were our friend!" Yelled Gallus. Brisk stares at him with a disappointed look as Roulette hangs her head. After a bit She raises her head again and looks Gallus in the eyes. "Gallus...I'm sorry. I thought... We were told you guys were trying to steal the Dragon Rulers. The way Neighsay explained it made sense and I truly believed him. I thought we were the ones doing good, but..." Roulette mutters. "But after seeing that last duel, that was just...cruel. I'm not a cruel pony no matter how you think of me. No one deserves to be, attacked like that. Besides, that last duel, I felt something. Something like I have never felt before. My buster Blader spoke to me, I heard him, he called out my name in agony. Neighsay said during Shadow duels, the monster become real, and trust me, we felt it. But the way you connected with your monsters, it felt natural. It felt like you have a genuine connection to your monsters and...I felt wrong standing against it for some reason." Brisk monologued. Gallus Slowly lowers his duel disk as they spoke. He was not sure if he genuinely trusted them, but Yona had a very sympathetic look on her face. "After our duel, it just, feels like Neighsay has to be wrong. I don't know why, he has to be wrong." Says Roulette. "We want to help you, please, we think we can help stop him." "I really don't know. I can't trust you, Definitely not you Brisk, and You Roulette, you still betrayed us. What makes you think I will just forgive you and trust the both of you after what you have done to us?" Said Gallus. Again, Roulette hangs her head and Brisk shifts his head to the side, with and angry yet sad expression on his face. "....Yona Trust you." Said Yona. Brisk, Roulette, Gallus, and Silverstream all glance at Yona in surprise. "Seriously Yona!? After everything they've done to us and you, You're willing to forgive them just like that!? WHY!?" Said Gallus Puzzled. "Because Yona know they are telling the truth! Yona represents Honesty now remember? Yona don't truly know how, but Yona can feel their feelings, they are not telling lies, they are telling the truth. Mean ponies.....Yona mean, Brisk and Roulette are being genuine to Yona and Gallus. They are truly sorry and want to help!" Yona said Sternly. Gallus looks back over at them, Both Roulette and Brisk are looking at Gallus with remorseful expressions. Eventually, Gallus sighs and concedes. "Fine, they can come and help us, but I am watching you two closely. If even one of you thinks of trying anything to stop us, I'll settle it right then and there, got me?" Said Gallus sternly. they both softly smile and nod. "Great! Help Yona get Councilor pony on Yona back!" Said Yona. Gallus and Brisk go over to starlight and pick her, setting her on Yona's back. "We need to get to the others quickly, I hope we aren't too late." Said Silver as they all go down the corridor that Neighsay and the others went down. Hopefully they will get to them in time. End of Chapter 19 > Chapter 20: The Dragon Rulers Part 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 20: The Dragon Rulers Part 4 Sandbar, Ocellus, and Smolder are chasing after Neighsay, the corridor he went down was massive and had a lot of twists and turns. They stay close together afraid of who will stand in their way next, Hopefully they didn't have to duel anymore brainwashed friends of theirs. As they were about to turn down the path that lead to the vault, Cozy Glow stood in the middle of the hall, using her wings to float with her front hooves frossed. "Cozy, Get out of our way now!" Said Smolder. "Golly, I would do that, But that would cause you to get to the vault." Said Cozy. "You truly don't believe Neighsay do you!? You are our friend Cozy!" Said Ocellus. "I... I can't take that chance Ocellus. Neighsay is scary...and he is in charge of grades now...I don't want to be kicked out." Said Cozy. "Cozy, You have to trust us, we don't want to steal the deck, we want to protect it." Sandbar begged. "I'm Sorry Sandbar, but I can't. Please don't take it personally." Said Cozy now activating her duel disk. just like the others, when she activates her duel disk, a purple mist forms around her. Once again, the students were forced to huddle to decide who should duel. "Let me do it, I know how she duels, I can take her." Said Sandbar. "We can't risk that Sandbar, You've lost to her once already." Said Smolder. "That's because I lost my Black Luster Soldier, But this time I made sure he is in my deck." Sandbar responded. "But is she gets Lava Golem on your side of the field again, It's all over." Said Smolder. "Then let me do it. I have cards that do burn damage as well, I know the kind of mindset she duels with." Said Ocellus. "Honestly, that is the best we got." Said Smolder. "Sigh, Alright, you got this Ocellus." Said Sandbar. "Thanks you guys. both of you need to get to the vault immediately." Said Ocellus. They both nod and break the huddle. Sandbar and Smolder run past Cozy Glow so they can get to the vault.. "So you just let them run past you?" Asked Ocellus. "There is no way they can beat Neighsay, his deck is flawless." Said Cozy. "They'll lose to him without him breaking a sweat, like what's gonna happen to you during our duel." "We shall see." Said Ocellus activating her duel disk. Once Activated, she too is now surrounded by shadows. "DUEL" [Ocellus vs Cozy Glow] [Ocellus 4000/ Cozy 4000] "I will be the one who starts us off. I draw." Says Cozy "I activate the Spell Reload! By sending my entire hoof to the deck and shuffling, I draw a brand new hoof with the same number of cards I put in, that will be five new cards. Next I place one cards face down and Summon the monster Kuribon! {300atk. 200def. Lv 1}. I end my turn." "I now draw!" Says Ocellus "Since I control no monsters, I can special summon Primitive Butterfly to the field. {1200atk. 900def. Lv 5} I will also set a monster face down. Primitive Butterfly, attack her Kuribon now." Her Butterfly takes flight and flies over Kuribon, The butterfly drops some glowing dust over the top of the Kuribon causing it to start sneezing like crazy, eventually it sneezes so hard that it blows up. "Thank you Ocellus, Now I get to activate Kuribon's effect, I receive no damage this turn and you gain Life points equal to your attacking monster's attack, which I will now reverse." Said Cozy "But your nurse isn't on the field, so that shouldn't happen." Responded Ocellus. as a warm aura soon surounds her "I don't need my nurse to do that, I also have this card, Reveal facedown! I activate my trap, Bad Reaction to Simochi! This has the same effects as My Darklord Nurse, When an effect gives you life points, you lose them instead." Said Cozy. The warm bright aura turns dark and then begins to burn her for lifepoints, causing yells to yell out in pain. "Ow!...ow ow...that really really hurts!...gah...I set one card and end." Said Ocellus [Ocellus 3 cards/ Cozy 3 cards] [Ocellus 2800/ Cozy 4000] "My turn, I will now draw." Said Cozy. "I now summon the monster Fire Princess {1300atk. 1500def. Lv 4} Next I activate the spell Dian Keto the Cure Master, This card has the humble effect of giving me 1000 lifepoints." The bright warm aura surrounds Cozy as she is given lifepoints, but the dark aura returns to Ocellus and burns her for more lifpoints. "OW!!! Hey, what's the deal!?" Yells Ocellus. "My Fire Princess has an effect, everytime I gain Lifepoints, you lose 500," Said Cozy smugly. "I'll have Fire Princess attack your butterfly and I'll end my turn." Fire princess lifts her sword, one quick slash sends dash of fire at the butterfly, slicing it and destroying it. "gaaa...I draw." Says Ocellus, Her eyes widen with joy with what she has drawn. "Yes! thank you. First I flip my monster, 4-Starred Ladybug of Doom! it has a flip effect that destroys all level 4 monster's on your field." "I expected you would have a card like that, which is why I set this, my second face down, Royal Command! This negates all flip effects on the field." Said Cozy. "Heh, you know, I'm glad you did that. Because I tribute my lady bug to summon Insect Princess!" {1900atk. 1200def. Lv 5} With the elegance of a ballerina, insect Princess emerges on the field. "Celly! Oh how wonderous it is to see you!" Said Insect Princess, floating over to hug Ocellus. Ocellus smiles and hugs her back. "It's good to see you too." Says Ocellus. Cozy Glow watches in confusion. "How in the world can your monster do that?" Asked Cozy. "You wouldn't understand Cozy." Said Ocellus. "But you will understand that you're about to lose some lifepoints, because I activate a trap of my own, DNA Surgery! I declare one monster type and all monster become that type of monster. I declare Insects!" The card DNA surgery begins to glow, slowly, Fire Princess on the field slowly morphs, her moth turns into proboscis and she also grows wings. "Ugh! Why would you do that!?" asked Cozy a little grossed out. "Because, every time insect Princess destroys an insect monster, She gains 500 attack points permanently. Go Now Insect Princess, attack Fire princess!" Insect Princess giggles and then stars to fly, She darts towards Fire Princess and kicks her hard in the stomach, destroying her, after the battle, Her attack increases to 2400. [Ocellus 1200/ Cozy 4300] [Ocellus 3 cards/ Cozy 2 card] "Gah! You will pay for that Ocellus! I draw!" Said Cozy Glow. "I activate the Spell Hand Destruction! We both send two cards to the grave and then we draw two cards. I send both Mad Reloader and Dark Cure to the grave to draw two cards!" "I will send Inzektor Lady Bug and Laser Cannon Armor to the grave to draw two card!" Said Ocellus "Heh, I banish the Mad Reloader that I just discarded from my grave to special summon Luna the Dark Spirit in defense! {1600atk. 1200def. Lv4}. I will now activate her effect, Once per turn, her loose 500 lifepoints!" Said Cozy Glow as Ocellus is shocked for more lifepoints. "GAH!!!....Your... Monster is still turned into an insect thanks to My DNA Surgery!" Yelled Ocellus. "Heh, that's fine, because I'm going to win right now." Said Cozy. "I activate the spell Upstart Goblin! I draw a card, and you are given 1000 life points, but uh oh! Bad Reaction to simochi is on the field, so you lose them instead. I win Ocellus." "Oh I don't think so." Said Ocellus with a smirk. "I activate my quick play spell, Mystical Space Typhoon!" "MYSTICAL SPACE TYPHOON!?" yelled Cozy. "Oh yes, this spell destroys one spell or trap on the field, I chain it to your Upstart Goblin to destroy your simochi, meaning I get the lifepoint boost!" Said Ocellus. The trap is destroyed and as the spell resolves, Ocellus gets a boost in life points. "Grrr! I end!" Yelled Cozy angerly as she drew her card. [Ocellus 1700/Cozy 5300] [Ocellus 2 cards/Cozy 1 cards] "My turn, Draw!" Said Ocellus. "I use My dark Spirit's effect, You loose 500 more life points!" Yelled Cozy. "GAHHH!!!" Ocellus yelled out in pain. "That's it! I summon Pinch Hopper. {1000atk. 1200def. Lv4} Then I activate the spell Insect Imitation! I tribute Pinch Hopper to Special summon a monster one level higher than him from my deck, and I chose Inzektor Giga-Cricket! {2000atk. 1300def. Lv5}. Now, since Pinch Hopper was destroyed, I can special summon another Insect!" Said Ocellus smugly. "Because I special summon Transcicada! {800atk. 1000def. Lv3 Tuner}. When he is summoned he allows me to summon a Moult Token! {0atk. 0def. Lv3}. When this happens I cannot special summon any monster from my extra deck unless it is an Insect type monster, which fortunately for me, is all I have! I tune for 6, Using my Transcicada and my token to synchro summon Desert Locusts! {1500atk. 2400def. Lv6 Synchro} I have to discard a card for summoning them, but now I'm ready to take you on! First Insect Princess will destroy your dark spirit!" Insect Princes glides over and strikes the dark spirit, destroying her. "Since she destroyed an Insect monster, she gains 500 attack points permanently! Making her 2900! Now that you're wide open, My locusts will attack you!" As the locusts swarm Cozy she screams and tries to swat them away. "Now Giga-Cricket, Your turn!" Now Giga-Cricket charges Cozy, and Strikes her with his Drills, sending her backwards hard. "I set the last card in my hoof face down and I now end!" [Ocellus 1200/ Cozy 800] [Ocellus 0 cards/Cozy 1 card] "Cozy Slowly stands up and looks at Ocellus with pure anger. "HOW DARE YOU! I WILL END YOU OCELLUS!!!" Yelled Cozy. Ocellus is a little taken back by her demeanor. "Jeez...Look at you. you look nothing like you normally do." Said Ocellus "I don't care what you think of me! I will beat you! DRAW!!!" Yelled Cozy. She then smirks manically when she sees what she just drew. "Hehehehe! I tribute your Locusts, and your cricket Ocellus." Ocellus gasps as she knew what Cozy was summoning. "I then summon to your side of the field, LAVA GOLEM!" Both of Ocellus's monsters are summoned and Lava Golem takes their place, Ocellus is placed in a small cage just below Lava Golem. "Celly!" Yells Insect Princess, but she was unable to do anything. "I'm Fine!" Yells Ocellus "No she isn't, Lava Golem will end her by my next turn, I set my last card and I end!" Yells Cozy. "I...I draw!" Said Ocellus. "Insect Princess, Attack Cozy for game!" "I activate my Trap, Negate Attack!" Said Cozy Triumphantly. "Now on my standby phase you will lose 1000 lifepoints, and if I draw any burn card, your done for!" "I don't think so Cozy, because I activate my own trap, Solemn Judgment!" "NOOOO!!!!" Yells Cozy. "By Paying half my Lifepoints, Your card's activation is negated, meaning Insect Princess will finish her attack.!" as the card Shatters, Insect Princess kicks Cozy hard to the ground, and finishes off her life points. [Ocellus Vs. Cozy Glow: Winner Ocellus] The shadows and the monster's dissipate, and cozy remains on the ground, knocked unconscious. Ocellus then collapses to the ground and breathes heavily. Shadows games put your body through a lot of stress. She tries to focus on keeping her breathing steady and trying to prevent herself form closing her eyes, fearing she may also fall unconscious. Just then she hears hoof steps coming down the hall behind her, the voices she hears puts a small smile on her face. "Is that Ocellus!? Is she ok!?" Yells Silverstream rushing over to her and kneeling next to her. "Silverstream, I'm ok. Just, so very tired." Said Ocellus. "Did you Duel Cozy Glow?" Asked Gallus. "Yes, I won, but barely. She is very tough." Said Ocellus. She then sees Both Brisk and Roulette are awake and standing next to them. "What are they doing here???" Asked Ocellus. "It's ok, they are not going to stop us this time." Said Gallus. "Here, Put Cozy on my back and Ocellus on Brisk, Both look like their in no condition to run." Said Roulette "Oh yeah, put the heavier one on MY back." Said Brisk Sarcastically "Hey! I'm not that heavy!" Said Ocellus glaring at Brisk. "It's just a joke." Said Brisk. "Come on, Yona and friends don't have a lot of time!." Said Yona. Gallus then helps place Ocellus on Brisk's back and Silver Place's Cozy on Roulette's back. They all then continue down where the vault as, this is a make it or break it moment. End of Chapter 20 > Chapter 21: The Dragon Rulers Part 5 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 21: The Dragon Rulers Part 5 After Leaving Ocellus to deal with Cozy, Both Sandbar and Ocellus round the corner to where the vault was. There standing in front of it, making sure it was still locked up tight was Neighsay, who then turns to face them. "The Colt and the Dragon, that is all of you who are left? I should have expected they would send the two Obelisks after me." Said Neighsay. "Step aside Chancellor! I'm tired of you getting in the way!" Yelled Smolder. "In the way? You mean in the way of your plan to steal the deck? So you admit it!?" Said Neighsay smugly. "No! In the way of our job! We are the protectors of this vault while Twilight is gone!" Said Sandbar. "Impossible, that would mean you are bearers to the Elements of Harmony, and that is more ludicrous than Princess. Twilight even allowing non-pony creatures into this school in the first place." Said Neighsay. "You are begging to tussle ain't ya!" Threatened Smolder. "I'm growing tired of this." Said Neighsay as he activates his medallion again. Just as before, the purple mist of the shadow games surround them. "If I have to remove you by force, I will do it! For the good of all ponykind I will NOT let anyone touch this deck! I swore all those years ago that no one will ever wield it again!" Sandbar looks at Smolder and she at him. "What do we do now?" Said Sandbar. "looks like the only way past him is to go through him. One of us have to duel him." Said Smolder. "You think you can do it Sandbar? Your Black Luster Soldier is a very powerful card." "I don't think so, He can special summon his Valkyries with ease, We're gonna need a beatstick to beat over his monsters, and your cards have the highest attack out of everyone." Said Sandbar. Smolder looks back at Neighsay and then back to Sandbar. She nods and then steps up. "I got you you giant creep!" said Smolder activating her duel disk. "The dragon, how fitting. My Valkyries will tear you apart! Said Neighsay activating his own duel disk. "DUEL" [Smolder vs Neighsay] [Smolder 4000/Neighsay 4000] "I respectful duelist should always go first. Draw." Said Neighsay. "I will start off by summoning The Agent of Creation - Venus. {1600atk. 0def. Lv4} She has an effect to where I can sacrifice 500 lifepoints to special summon Mystical Shine ball from my hoof or deck. I will activate this effect to special summon two from my deck. {500atk. 500def. Lv2}. Now I shall activate the spell Card Advance, this card allows me to look at the top 5 cards of my deck and then rearrange them in any order I want." Neighsay uses his medallion's magic to levitate the cards. He rearranges them and puts them back in the order he wants. "That's not all little dragon, Card Advance has a second effect, it gives me one extra tribute summon on top of my normal summon, I tribute my two Shine Balls to tribute summon Valkyrie Brunhilde! {1800atk. 2000def. Lv7}. I will now end my turn. only a pony could have pulled off a first move as perfect as that one." Neighsays snobbishly. [Smolder 4000/Neighsay 3000] [Smolder 5 cards/Neighsay 3] "Whatever dude, I draw." Says Smolder. "You got this Smolder, you can win this!" Yells Sandbar. "I activate the spell card, Cards of the Red Stone This allows me to send one level seven Red-Eyes monster from my claw to the grave to draw two cards." Explained Smolder. "I send the Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon to the grave and then draw two cards. Then, once that effect resolves, I can send one more level seven Red-Eyes monster from my deck to the grave, I send one normal Red-Eyes Black Dragon to the grave. Now watch this Neighsay, I activate the spell Monster Reborn to bring to Red-Eyes Black Dragon I sent to the grave onto the field! {2400atk. 2000def. Lv7}" Red-Eyes roars loudly once he is summoned to the field, he then looks over at smolder and stares at her, grumbling in a low tone. "Hi pal, it's good to see you too, once we get your brother one the field too it will be a great reunion." Said Smolder. "Are you seriously talking to your monster?" Asked Neighsay. "Yes I am!" Smolder said loudly. Neighsay just shakes his head in disapproval. "Alright, I know you just got here Red-Eyes, but I need you to summon this card, don't worry buddy, I will bring you back real soon, I tribute my Red-Eyes on the field to to activate the special effect of the Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon in my claw! With this tribute, I can special summon him! {2400atk. 2000def. Lv7}. He will now attack your Valkyrie with his Alternative Inferno Fire Blast!" Red-Eyes launches it's fireball at Brunhilde, she tries to block the attack but is ultimately destroyed. [Smolder 4000/Neighsay 2900] [Smolder 4 cards/Neighsay 3 cards] "Huh? How did you only lose 100 lifepoints?" Asked Smolder. "Brunhilde's effect imbicil. Did you not see my duel with your councilor? Brunhilde's effect makes her gain 500 attack for each monster on your side of the field, that boosted her up to 2300 attack." Said Neighsay. Smolder rolls her eyes "Whatever dude, you are the one with the lower lifepoints, so that means I'm beating you! I place 2 card face down and end." Said Smolder. "The amount of Lifepoints doesn't determine who is winning, it's whoever has the better game plan!" Said Neighsay as he drew. "And I clearly do, thanks to Card Advance I was able to put Hecatrice on top of my deck to allow me to draw it this turn. I discard this card to add Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen from me deck to my hoof, which I now activate! When this card is on my field and I control no monsters, I can special summon one fairy monster from my hoof to the field. I special summon Valkyrie Dritte! {1000atk 1600def. Lv4}. When she is special summoned, I can add one Valkyrie monster from my deck to my hoof, I chose Valkyrie Sigrun. Her effect allows me to destroy one face up spell or trap card, then I can special summon her. I must say farewell to my Valhalla, but it was useful to me while it was here." As his Valhalla card is destroyed, Sigrun is then special summoned to the field. {2200atk. 2400def. Lv9} "I now activate her field effects! When she is special summoned, I can special summon another Valkyrie from my hoof or my grave, from my grave I summon back Valkyrie Brunhilde!" "Wow Chancellor, that was a fantastic move!" Said Smolder. "You admit that I and ponies are the superior duelist?" Neighsay says very snobbishly. "Of course not, I great duelist never brags that he himself is a great duelist, but they can admire others. Your deck is no joke and you use it very well, This so far has been one of the best duels I have ever been in. Dueling is a big passion of mine, I love to play it as well as watch it. Thats why I wanted to come here in the first place. To learn from the best duelist in Equestria and bring this to the dragon lands and bring the spark and love for the game to the dragons." Said Smolder. Though he would never ever admit it, this statement reached out to Neighsay. He looks down at he own deck, Oh how he remembers his first duel. "I Remember when we first made Duel Monster..." Said Neighsay. "You were involved with making Duel Monsters?" Asked Smolder. "I was, when I was Young. Back then I used to think that This was all just a fun game. But after what happened with the Dragon Rulers, I stepped down from Industrial Illusions, and now In the EEA, 'Equestrian Endangerment Aegis' I now prevent anyone from being harmed by Duel Monsters ever again." "Again? What do you mean again???" Questioned Sandbar. "That is none of your concern dragon!" Said Neighsay Sharpishly. "I now activate the spell Forbidden Chalice! This card give one monster on my field 400 attack points for this turn, I choose my Sigrun, making her 2600 attack! She will now attack your Red-Eyes!" Sigrun throws her spear at Red-eyes and destroys him. "Now the rest of my valkries will tear you apart, My valkryies, Get her!" One by one, each Valkyrie attacks Smolder, who let's out a pained scream after each attack. "SMOLDER!!!" Yells Sandbar. [Smolder 1000/ Neighsay 2900] [Smolder 2 cards, Neighsay 1 card] Smolder kneels down on one knee and breathes heavily, that was almost too intense, even for a dragon. "I must do what I need to do to protect my home. I must show no mercy to Equestria's enemies. I end." Said Neighsay Slowly, Smolder gets back on her feet and looks Neighsay right in the face. "I'm not an enemy Neighsay. If I have to show you with force, then I WILL!!! I DRAW!" Yells Smolder "Thanks to you, Since you destroyed my Red-eyes Alternative Dragon by battle, I can special summon one Red-eyes Black Dragon from my grave, but his attack is doubled! Meaning his attack is 4800!" "HA, not going to happen Dragon! I activate my quick play spell, Mischief of the Time Goddess!" Said Neighsay. Both Smolder and Sandbar look worried, they remember Neighsay adding that card to his hoof with his battle with starlight, but he never used it, until now. "There is nothing you can do to prevent this card's activation, It skips your turn, and makes it my next battle phase, meaning card missed it's timing, and it's my battle phase again, and you have no monsters on your field. One attack from any of my Valkyries will end you, IT IS OVER!!!" "No! This can't be the end! Stop him Smolder!" Yells Sandbar. "Heh, Don't Worry, I will!" Said Smolder with a smirk. "Did you forget my two face down cards Chancellor?" Neighsay looks down at them and grunts, he did forget about them. "The First one is Red-Eyes Spirt, This lets me summon one Red-Eyes from the grave! So I will have a Red-Eyes after all!" "Hmpf! it matters not, next turn you can destroy one of my Valkyries, but you can't destroy them all. I end" Said Neighsay "Oh but I will!" Said Smolder as she drew a card for her turn. "I'm not done Neighsay, since you foolishly skipped the turns, I drew two cards for my turn. I now have three cards in my claw that will bring me victory. I activate the spell Red-Eyes Transmigration! This is a ritual spell card, I offer both the Red-Eyes Retro Dragon and the Red-Eyes Wyvern in my claw as sacrifices to ritual summon Lord of the Red! {2400atk. 2100def. Lv8 Ritual.}" The Lord of red is summoned and lets out a loud Battle Cry as it stands next to Red-Eyes. Now Neighsay, I activate my second face down, Return of the Red-Eyes! Since I control a Red-eyes monster, I can special summon another Red-eyes Black Dragon from my grave!" The Second Red-Eyes is summoned to the field. Two Red-eyes Black Dragons on the field with the Lord of Red standing in between them. The two Dragons roar at Neighsay and the Valkyries. "Impressive dragon...This is very Impressive. Heh, Unfortunately, Brunhilde's effect kicks in, since you have 3 monsters, she gets 1500 extra attack. This means she is now at 3300 attack!" Says Neighsay. "No Neighsay, unfortuneatly for you, The Lord of The Red's effect kicks in. Since I activated a Card effect, My return of the Red-Eyes, I select one card on your side of the field and destroy it! Your Brunhilde is my target!" Yells Smolder. "WHAT!?!? This is preposterous!!!" Yells Nieghsay. The Lord Of The Red raises his hand to Brunhilde, and a bright red laser fires from his hand and destroys Brunhilde who lets out a scream as she is destroyed. "Now my Two dragons will destroy your last two Valkyries with Inferno Fire Blast!" Yells Smolder. Both dragons fire red fire from their mouths, engulfing the field and destroying the Valkyries. By the end, Neighsay's field was empty. "No...this can't be! I haven't lost a duel in 10 years! Why Now!? WHY NOW THAT EVERYTHING IS AT STAKE!?!?!" Yells Neighsay in complete despair. "Finish him Smolder!" Yells Sandbar. "Because me and my friends will always prevail! Our friendship can never be beaten, Lord Of The Red! Finish him off with a direct attack!" Commanded Smolder. The Lord Of The Red takes flight and darts towards Neighsay and slashes him with his claws, he lets out a pained yell and collapses to the ground. [Smolder Vs Chancellor Neighsay: Winner Smolder] As the mist disappears, Sandbar runs up nd quickly snags Neighsays Medallion. He activates and a magical chain appears and snares Neighsay, "No!!! Release me! This cannot be the end!" Yells Neighsay "Dude, Just Chill for once." Said Sandbar as he goes over and High fives Smolder. "That was amazing Smolder! That was one of the best duels I have ever watched." "Thanks Smolder, I wished everyone else seen that." Said Smolder. "Well, turn around and look." Said Sandbar. Smolder turns and Sees that all her friends are there and they all start cheering. "No way! You all saw that!? How long have you been standing there!?" Asked Smolder smiling. "About 5 minutes." Said Gallus. "Smolder is bestest!" Yells Yona. "That...Was actually pretty awesome." Said Brisk. "Whoa! What are you doing here Brisk!? And you too Roulette!?" Said Smolder. "It's ok Smolder! Their on our side now!" Said Silverstream quickly. "What!? Traitors! After I got you into Obelisk Blue!" Yelled Neighsay angrily. "You're a smart pony Chancellor, But you have to wrong about them." Said Roulette. "He is, let us show him" Said Ocellus. Yona sets down Starlight as the six approach the vault. by this time, Cozy Glow has started to wake up, she groggily looks towards the six. The vault door has one slot for the medallion to enter to open it, or there is six hoofprints in the front, each with one of each of the professor's cutie marks over them. They line up, each of them places their hoof or claw over the hoof print to the designated element they represent. the hoofprints on the wall glow brightly, as the vault then slowly unlocks and opens. Neighsay, Roulette, Cozy, and Brisk look on in awe. "No way...They were not lying...." Said Brisk. "If they can open the vault.... Then that means..." Said Roulette. "...They are the bearers of the elements...." Said Neighsay. The six smile and highfive each other. however, to everyone's surprise, when the vault door opens, The podium that the deck sits one, protected by a glass dome, is gone. "WHAAAAAAT!?!?!?!?!?!?!" Every one yells in unison. "The Deck is gone! It's been stolen!" Yells Sandbar. "Quick! Start looking for it!" Yells Ocellus. All of them, excepts for Neighsay, Cozy, and a still unconscious Starlight begin looking franticly for the deck all over the inside of the vault, but unfortunately, they find nothing. they all gather around the podium in defeat. End of Chapter 21 > Chapter 22: The Dragon Ruler's Part 6 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 22: The Dragon Ruler's Part 6 The six were all in complete shock, the deck was gone. The podium of which the deck sits upon is empty. Immediately, everyone begins to panic. "We Failed! we were supposed to keep the deck safe and we failed!" Cried Silverstream. "whoever stole it couldn't have gotten far! It's only been us 10 who were inside the building." Said Sandbar. "Well you can count us six out, we would never steal it." Said Smolder. "Right. hmmmm...Could it have been Neighsay?" Asked Gallus. Ocellus then approaches Neighsay, still tied up. "Hmmmm...No, He tried everything in his power to make sure it was kept safe, it makes no sense for him to pull off a stunt like this just to steal it." Said Ocellus. "At least one of you have common sense." Neighsay Mocked. "What about Roulette and Brisk?" Asked Silverstream. "WHAT!? No Way!" Shouts Brisk. "Yeah, we've been guarding the entrance of the school until you beat us, then we stayed with you." Said Roulette. "Hmmm...Yeah, that's a tight alibi." Said Smolder. "The only pony who was all alone...... was Cozy Pony." Said Yona. At that moment, everyone shifted their looks towards cozy, who begins to back up to the wall. All eyes peer on her and she looks at all of them. "Neighsay, where was Cozy when you were in the main entrance to confront us?" Asked Sandbar. "I told her to stand guard at the vault till I got back." Said Neighsay. "So that gives Cozy a moment to be alone with the vault." Said Smolder. "Cozy...Did...Did you take the deck?" Asked Silverstream, hoping that it wasn't true. Cozy lowers her head as if to admit guilt, but soon she raises her head, now smirking. "You mean this one?" Said cozy, reaching behind her and pulling out the deck. Since the six were connected to the elements, they immediately sense the dark aura surrounding the deck. "C-Cozy! How could you!?" Exclaimed Ocellus. "How could I? HOW COULD I!? How about you ask Neighsay what happened when this deck was created! Then I will tell you why someone like me would do this!" Cozy said angrily. Everyone turns to Neighsay who looks confused. "What ever do you mean Child!?" Demanded Neighsay. "Oh you know, It wasn't that long ago! Don't you recognize me? Or does any part of me look familiar?" Taunted Cozy. "I...I believe so...are... are you....No...No that can't be." Said Neighsay, slowly realizing who Cozy was. The Student Six and the other two begin looking at each other in confusion, soon they refocus their attention back on Neighsay. "What do you mean Chancellor, What are you two talking about?" Asked Sandbar. Neighsay let's out a hard sigh and looks at the group. "It's has almost been 10 years ago, when the Dragon Ruler's deck was first created. Do you know how duel monster cards are created?" Asked Neighsay, everyone shook their heads no. "Each card is created in the image of an existing monster in the other world, they can use these card during shadow games, or during moments where there is a sudden out burst of magic, they can manifest themselves, Think of the cards as doorways. So we had the Princess Celestia, the only one who could have visions of these monsters at the time to help up make the card's images, after that, it is given to the card makers to finish up and test the cards. I helped in the overseeing of most cards being made, I witnessed the Princess Celestia come into contact with the dragon rulers, immediately the designs were made, but she quickly cut off communication, she had the look of fear on her face and begged for these cards to never be made. For awhile we listened to her, but it only took around a month for me and the rest of the card overseer's to disregard the Princess's fear. Monsters can only manifest during Shadow Games, meaning we thought no threat could ever come from them. Within a week, the deck was finished, all we needed to do was test the deck. That is when...when..." Neighsay looks away in shame. the others were engrossed in the store and they lean in closer towards Neighsay. "....And then what?" Asked Ocellus. "....That is when the biggest tragedy in duel monster's history happened." Said Neighsay. we had two testers, one with a random test deck, and one with the Dragon Rulers so we could see our handy work with the deck. As soon as only one of the rulers were summoned, Something felt off. The tester with the deck said they felt something off, they could feel immense pressure coming from his duel disk. The Dragon Ruler that was summoned, roared angrily and then one by one, all 4 of them emerged. They were not holograms though... they looked real, very very real. All of them let out the most horrific roars I have ever heard...and they began to tear our facility to shreds... We almost saw our complete destruction, if it wasn't for Princess Celestia, who felt their presence showed up, and managed to bring the beasts back into their cards." All the students listened closely, but confusion was still present among them. "Chancellor, If I may ask, What does this have to do with Cozy Glow" Asked Ocellus. "The two testers were two of our most loyal employees, they themselves even volunteered to test the deck themselves... during the destruction that the Dragon Rulers were unleashing, we lost 5 of our employees that day, 2 of the 5 were both the testers.... both of which...were Cozy Glow's Parents." "WHAAAAAAT!?!?!?!?" They all yell at the same time as Cozy Continued to stand there. "After the whole accident, I personally took her to the orphanage myself, Guilt should have made me adopt her myself, but at the time I felt it would be best if she never even know who I was, i figured it would have been better that way." Neighsay Admitted. "It didn't, You thought I would grow up and just not make an attempt to learn what happened? I found out the truth a long time ago Neighsay, and I knew it was you who was responsible. The damage destroyed all evidence of who made the deck, meaning no one was blamed for it's creation, but it was you. You made the deck, even after it's creation was forbidden. If this deck wasn't created. I would still have my family. Now, hehehhehe, I will use it to destroy EVERYTHING YOU CARE ABOUT! GAH!" Said Cozy, quickly and forcefully shoving the deck inside her duel disk. The group lunges towards Cozy, yelling and screaming no at her, but it was too late. As soon as the deck is inserted into the the duel disk, a massive wave of pure magic output is unleashed, it was so strong it send all of them backwards. The walls and ground around Cozy crack and break from the immense power. "Ahhh...This power...It feels....it feels...Amazing!" Cozy Says smiling like a maniac "I feel more powerful than the princesses!" Cozy began to levitate, despite not even opening her wings. "Power like this, I can bring Equestria, and the whole world to it's knees! Dueling isn't for fun, its for Power!" Cozy started to laugh as the magic aura around her shatters the roof, allowing her to float out, The whole roof began to crumble, causing huge chunks of rocks to fall, about to land on the students. The students close their eyes and brace themselves for the impact, but a loud slash was heard. They open their eyes to see Sandbar's Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning has manifested, but he now looks solid instead of transparent. He slashed one of the rocks in half with his sword. The rock slashes into two and lands on the ground away from the students, then Gaiodiaz and Gram both appear themselves, Diaz using his axe to crush another rock falling towards them and Gram slices another incoming rock. Insect Princess soon manifests as well, picking up ocellus and quickly moving her out the way of more falling rocks. And finally, just behind Smolder and Silverstream, Red-eyes and Coral Dragon Manifests themselves and shields them with their giant wings from the rocks. Neighsay, Brisk, and Roulette were by themselves as the rocks fell, fearing that no monster would save them, Brisk and Roulette hug eachother and brace. But no rock ever hit them, again a loud slice is heard and they both look up, It was Buster Blader, using his huge sword to protect all 3 of them. When the dust finally cleared, The two dragons move their wings so that they all could asses the damage, the vault was completely destroyed. They look around a bit before turning their attention to their monsters. "Gram! Is that you? I thought the lack of magic prevented you from manifesting?" Asked Gallus. "And how are you able to physical touch the world now?" Asked Sandbar. "There is a sudden influx of magic, It was so strong that we can finally make contact again." Said Gram. "It's far worse than that I'm afraid." Said Black Luster Soldier. "What Soldier guy mean?" Said Gaiodiaz. "That magic outburst was released by the dragon rulers. That is where all the magic went, they were absorbing all of the magic, just so when they were activated, the outburst would be so strong that the could manifest physically." Said Soldier. "That...That's not good! Twilight and our professor's thought it could have been Tirek responsible for the lack of magic, They won't be able to come back to fix this!" Exclaimed Silverstream. The group slowly begins to panic at this realization. Slowly however, their monster kneel down to their level to comfort them. "We don't need them, you all are just as powerful as they are, you are now element bearers now too." Said Insect Princess "But we are not as skilled or as experienced as they are!? How can we possibly take on the strongest deck ever created!?" Yelled Ocellus. "Master Yona is strong! Strong as Gladiator! Gaio knows master Yona can beat Big Bad Dragons!" Said Gaiodiaz. "Yona not as strong as Dragons! Yona Scared!" Yona replied. "You Can take on Cozy Glow, We are unstoppable together." Said Gram. "I lost to Cozy even with her original deck. How can I defeat her when she has an even better deck!?" Said Gallus. "I can't do it, I just can't do it, She will destroy me." Said Sandbar to Black Luster Soldier. Gently, Black Luster soldier places his hand on Sandbar's shoulder. Slowly Sandbar looks up at him. "You can do it, Your father gave you this deck, a deck of a champion. You have done your best to update this deck to make sure it wouldn't become outdated, one card you added to it, was me. You know I've never let you down in a duel, I won't now. If anyone can defeat these dragons it's you. If you trust me as much as you really do, then you need to believe that I know you will be able to do this." Said Black Luster Soldier. Sandbar listens to his words carefully, he slightly smiles upon hearing his words and then gently nods his head. he takes one large breathe before deciding. "Alright, I will face Cozy Glow." Said Sandbar. Black Luster Soldier smiles at him. "Sandbar! You can't, Not on your own!" Exclaimed Smolder. "You're right, he can't do it alone." Said Black Luster Soldier. "What do mean Soldier? All 6 of them cannot her on at once, it would be chaotic." Said Gram. "No, That's not what I am Suggesting, What I am though, is we need to combine ourselves into his deck." Said Soldier. "Gaiodiaz only belong in Master Yona's deck!" Said Diaz sternly. "This may be our only option. By ourselves we cannot overcome the power of the dragon rulers, but together, combining our powers into one deck, We may have a chance." Said Soldier. The monsters look at each other, unsure if this was a good idea. Finally, they all look at the students waiting for their answer. Gallus was the first one to respond. "If we need to combine our powers into one deck, Then I trust you with Gram Sandbar." Gallus said with a smile. Sandbar smiled back. Gallus then reached into his deck and pulled out two cards. Your going to need a good tuner to go with him, so here is my Gram and Steam the Cloak." As Gallus was about to hand over the cards, Gram approached then, He kneeled before Sandbar stoically as a bright aura surrounded him, he was soon engulphed by the light as his essence slowly is absorbed back into the card. Sandbar takes a deep breath and takes both cards. "Thank you Gallus, I will take good care of him." Said Sandbar. "Yona also give Sandbar cards." Said Yona approaching Sandbar. "Yona give Gaidiaz, Spartacus, and Attorix. Sandbar need these two to summon Gaiodiaz." Just Like Gram, Gaiodiaz is slowly absorbed back into his card as he is given to Sandbar. "Sandbar, Here Is my Insect Princess, You can power her up with my DNA surgery trap card." Said Ocellus giving Sandbar her cards as Insect Princess is absorbed. "You better treat Red-Eyes with respect Sandbar. Here, take the Red-Eyes Spirt trap card with you, it could have Red-Eyes protect you if you need him badly." Said Smolder handing over her cards. "You can have coral dragon as well Sandbar. OH! you are gonna need a tuner, Here, take my deep sea diva as well, and my Atlantean Prince to use for diva's effect." Silverstream says finally giving her cards as well. Sandbar looks at all the cards he was given, all of these were his friends favorite and most powerful cards. He feels his throat getting tight as he looks up and smiles at his friends. "Thanks guys, I honestly don't know what to say other than...I won't let you down." "Don't get too mushy on us Sandbar, You need to be pumped if you want to win" Said Smolder. Sandbar smirks and nods "Got it." He said before turning to look at Black Luster Soldier. He smiles at Sandbar before being absorbed back into the deck as well. Sandbar puts the cards into his deck and then looks back at his friends. "Alright, we need to get out of this vault and look for cozy." They all nod and are about to leave when Sandbar looks over at Neighsay, Roulette, and Brisk and his Buster Blader who was still there. "Brisk, Roulette. Untie Neighsay and follow us, we may need you." "Untie Neighsay!? Are you sure!?" Said Ocellus. "Yes, I have a feeling that he won't stand against this time." Replied Sandbar. Neighsay lets out a deep breath as he is untied. "Thank you young colt, now let us get out of here." Said Neighsay. They all rush out of the vault and make it to the main corridor. They are halted in place by something huge in the middle of the corridor. It appeared to be a monster, it was tearing up the wall. It turns to see the group, it looked exactly like a monster, it turns to face them, growls loudly. "EEEK!! what is that!?" Yells Yona. "Is...Is that a Duel Monster!?" Asked Smolder. The monster then roared at them and it looked as if it was going to attack. "That is, It appears to be a monster called Tri-Horned Dragon. It's a vanilla monster with 2850 attack ponts and 2350 defense points." Said Ocellus. "We don't need a lesson Ocellus, We don't know why it's here or how we can defend ourselves." Said Smolder "Hey...My Buster Blader is still here, he can protect us." Said Brisk. "Didn't you hear Ocellus Brisk? It has 2850 attack, Your Buster Blader only has 2600!" Exclaimed Silverstream. "But it's also a Dragon, Buster Blader's Attack goes up to 3100 when up against a dragon." Said Brisk with a smirk. His Buster Blader steps forward to protect the group. The Tri-Horned Dragon roars at Buster Blader and then charges at him. "Buster Blader, Annihilate!" Buster Blader lifts his sword, and brings it down hard on the dragon's head, Destroying it. "Oh Yeah! Nice Job Brisk!" Yells Sandbar. Brisk smiles at him as the group goes back to running. They approach the front door, they were almost there. They burst through the door and was horrified by what they saw. There were Duel Monsters everywhere, Dragons in the sky, Knights sword fighting, Zombies chasing screaming students, it was total chaos. "More Duel Monsters! How can this be!?" Yells Roulette. "It has to be that massive outburst of Magic, The Dragon Rulers absorbed as much magic as they could so that they could release a strong enough outburst that the monster from duel monsters realm could crossover no problem, it's an outright invasion. We must defeat the dragon rulers now so we can send them all back from where they came from!" Says Neighsay "Sandbar, You find Cozy, the rest of us need to protect the students!" "Alright Chancellor, I won't let you down!" Said Sandbar. "Good Luck!" Said Yona, hugging Sandbar. Sandbar Hugs her back as eventually all six began hugging each other in one big ball. "Colt, If you are going to defeat Cozy, You are also going to need these very powerful cards as well." Said Neighsay handing Sandbar a few more cards from his pocket. Sandbar looks over some of them til he gets to the last one. "Hey, I don't recognize this one." Said Sandbar. "That card is very very powerful, only a few have ever been made. Use it wisely." Said Neighsay. Sandbar looks at it again and then back at Neighsay, he then nods at him. Sandbar lets of his friends so he could look for Cozy Glow. "Alright young ones, Let's clean this mess up." Said Neighsay as he and the others charge outside to get rid of the other monsters. End of Chapter 22 > Chapter 23: The Dragon Rulers Part 7 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 23: The Dragon Rulers Part 7 Sandbar ran all over the court yard looking for anything to help him locate Cozy, but he couldn't find any kind of clue. As he continues to run, he wasn't looking where he was going and ran into something. He ran into it so hard that he was knocked backwards. He rubs his head and looks up at what he may have ran into and his eyes widen. In front of him was a Knight in silver armor with glowing light blue eyes and a long sword. He recognized the Monster and tried to scoot away from him, but the knight stepped closer. "G-G-G-Galaxy Knight!" Stuttered Sandbar. Galaxy Knight had an attack of 2800 and a defense of 2600. The knight lifts his sword high over his head. Sandbar screams loudly and scrambles to his hooves and runs quickly, Galaxy knight brings down his sword and just barely misses Sandbar. Sandbar runs as fast as he can, without hesitation, he goes to the first tree he seen and started to climb it. It didn't take long for him to reach the highest point. he pants hard trying to catch his breath. He looks down to see if he chased him, luckily he didn't. He breathe a large sigh of relief. Now that he was up high, he could notice something he couldn't before. He narrows his eyes to see Cozy was on top of the school. He puts his game face on and quickly makes his way back down the tree. Well, he got half way down and then fell the rest of the way. He rubs a painful spot on his back and then quickly runs back towards the school and back inside. Yona Had an Army of Gladiator beats Fending off some Zombies from a getting to a group of students. Gallus and his Blackwings along with Smolder and some of her other Red-Eyes monsters were soaring in the air to battle some of the dragons. Ocellus's insects were escorting some students to safety and Silverstream's Monsters were fighting ocean dwelling monsters in the nearby river. Brisk and Roulette were double teaming trying to clear a path of monsters so that the students can escape. And Neighsay was taking off the larger and more powerful monsters all by himself with his Valkyries. Sandbar charges inside and darts up the stairs, he goes up multiple flights of stairs till he eventually reaches the rooftop. Cozy was standing on the ledge, watching the destruction down below. She was Smiling evilly, pleased with what was happening. Sandbar takes one more deep breath and gets super serious. "Alright Cozy, it's time to end this!" Yelled Sandbar. "It's already over, I've won. Getting the deck is all I needed, With power like this, all will bow before me." Said Cozy, not even turning to face Sandbar. "No they won't, I'll stop you myself!" Replied Sandbar, Cozy in turn starts laughing manically. "You!? By yourself!? You couldn't even beat me with my old pathetic deck, what chances do you have now!?" Said Cozy finally turning to face him. "I'm not alone! I have my friends best cards with me! With them, I'm not alone! My friends are right here with me!" Yells Sandbar. Cozy looked at him unimpressed. "For Celestia's sake that is cheesy. Heh, you know what, fine. Since you want to be the brave one here, you will be the first to suffer the wrath of the Dragon Rulers. You will become the example I need to show all what will happen to who ever opposes me!" Says Cozy. They both activate their Duel Disks, this was it, no turning back now. "DUEL!" [Sandbar Vs Cozy Glow] Sandbar 4000/ Cozy 4000] "I will go first, so that all may see their power first hoof! I draw!" Said Cozy. "I start off by activating the affect of Burner, Dragon Ruler of Sparks, By discarding him, and Molten Zombie from my hoof, I can special summon Blaster, Dragon Ruler of Infernos from my deck. Come out my mighty dragon!!!" {2800atk. 1800def. Lv 7.} A bright light shoot up from the ground, a pool of lava forms in a spot on the roof. Soon, Blaster soon emerges from the lava and roars a mighty roar. It was so loud that all the students and all the monsters on the ground stop fighting and turn to see the massive dragon. His sheer size alone commanded authority, and his roar was louder than anything Sandbar has ever heard before. Sandbar takes a few steps back as Blaster turns his attention towards him. Blaster then let's out another loud roar at Sandbar to intimidate him, easy to say, it worked. Sandbar was shaking at the sight of Blaster. "Oh...sweet Celestia..." Said Sandbar. "HAHAHA! Now you and everyone else now sees what tur power is!" Said Cozy. "I will now end!" [Sandbar 5 cards/ Cozy 4 cards] "It's my turn, I draw." Said Sandbar. "I will first summon Skilled Blue Magician! {1800atk. 1800def.} He has an effect that for ever spell card activated, I can place one spell counter on him until I hit 3. Here is my first spell, I activate the card Reinforcement of the Army! This card allows me to add one level 4 or lower monster from my deck to my hoof! I add Envoy of Chaos to my hoof!" As soon as the effect resolves, one orb glows up on Skilled Blue magician. "Next I activate Pot of greed to draw 2 cards! And finally, I activate the spell Exchange! We look at each other's hooves, and we each take one card." Sandbar walks to the center of the field. Cozy rolls her eyes and does the same. she shows her hoof to Sandbar. I will take Redox, Dragon Ruler of Boulders!" "hehe, fine, I will take your Raigeki Break trap card." Said Cozy. Both Sandbar and Cozy went back the their original spot. "Now that I have 3 spell counters on My skilled Blue Magician, I can tribute him to special summon a Gaia the Fierce Knight Monster from my deck, I summon Gaia the Magical Knight! {2300atk. 2100atk. Lv7}. Now I activate his effect, When he is normal or special summoned, I can summon one Dragon from hoof or deck in defense mode, and you can guess what I pick! I summon Redox, Dragon Ruler of Boulders! {1600atk. 3000def." The earth begins to shake and the ground splits open on the field. Slowly, Redox crawls out of the ground and growls menacingly. Once he fully climbs out, he too unleashes a mighty roar. Sandbar has to cover his hears from how loud it was. "You are a fool Sandbar, a complete Fool! You think Taking Redox from me scares me!? Just you wait, you'll soon regret that move." Said Cozy. "Whatever Cozy, Good Luck getting through that beast huh!? Look at Me! I actually took control of a Dragon Ruler!" Said Sandbar Proudly. "I end my turn!" [Sandbar 4 cards/ Cozy 4 cards] "Not for long weakling, I draw!" Said Cozy "Since You ended your turn and since Blaster was special summoned, He returns to my hoof." Blaster roars in defiance as he is forced to return to the hoof. "HA! Now you're wide open Cozy!" Said Sandbar. "Don't be so sure about that Sandbar, Because I summon Spirit Ryu! {1000atk. 1000def. Lv4}" Said Cozy "How is that supposed to scare me?" Asked Sandbar. "That wasn't but this will, I now activate the spell Creature Swap! I get Redox back and you can have my Spirit Ryu!" Said Cozy. "Not good!" Yelled Sandbar. Redox stomps over to Cozy Glow's side of the field as Spirit Ryu flies over to Sandbar. "Now that I have Redox back, I will use him to attack Spirit Ryu!" Said Cozy. Redox roars loudly and stomps his foot hard. What feel like an earthquake shakes the whole field. A crack in the earth happens which causes Ryu to fall down, being swallowed by the ground. "I am in control of this duel Sandbar, Not you! I place down two cards and end my turn. Now Redox is brought back to my hoof!" [Sandbar 3400/Cozy 4000] [Sandbar 4 cards/ Cozy 2 Cards] "Ok ok, it's my turn, draw!" Yelled Sandbar. Sandbar's eyes widen upon seeing the card he drew. Sweet, I have just what I need! This is For Gallus! I summon Blackwing - Steam the Cloak! {800atk. 1200def. Lv3 Tuner}" "Aww, How Sweet, your friends gave you some of their cards so you wouldn't be alone. Pathetic!" Sneered Cozy. "I'm not done Cozy!" Yelled Sandbar. "Since I control a Blackwing Monster, I can now special summon Blackwing - Harmattan the Dust! {800atk. 800def. Lv2} Now I'll tune for 5, Synchro Summoning Blackwing - Gram the Shining Star! {2200atk. 1500def. Lv 5 Synchro}" Gram Lands on the field Stoically and strikes a battle pose. "Ok Gram, let's do this. First I will attack with my Gaia the Magical Knight!" "Ah ah ahhh! Not So fast Sandbar, I activate my Trap Card, Raigeki Break! This card destroys a monster as long as I discard a card, I discard Blaster, to destroy your Gaia!" Said Cozy. Before Sandbar could React, Gaia is destroyed in a huge fireball. "No! My Gaia!" Said Sandbar. He looked over at at Gram and then at Cozy's remaining face down card, it had to another trap card, he could not risk losing Gram just yet. "Fine, I end my turn by placing two cards face down." [Sandbar 1 cards/ Cozy 1 cards] "My turn, I draw!" Said Cozy Now I activate the spell Pot of Greed to draw 2 more cards. Hehe...Excellent. I banish Ranryu from my hoof along with Redox from my hoof so that the third Dragon ruler may reveal themself. I now Special Summon Tempest, Dragon Ruler of Storms! {2400atk. 2200def. Lv7}" A large thunder cloud forms above the battlefield. The cloud begins to swirl causing a menacing vortex. Lighting strokes all around Sandbar and Cozy. From the eye of the vortex, Tempest descends onto the battlefield. Once he lands, he let's out a roar that sounds like cackling thunder. "Celestia help me...." Sandbar said to himself. "This is what true power is Sandbar! You are foolish if you believe you still have a chance in this! Now that I have Blaster in the Graveyard, It's time for him and Tempest to reunite!" Said Cozy. "How do you plan on bringing him back!? You have Monster Reborn!?" Yelled Sandbar. "Of course not, This is just the true powers of the Dragon Rulers! I banish Burner and Molten Zombie from my graveyard, and Blaster can make a second appearance from the grave!" "NO WAY!!!" Yelled Sandbar. Once Again, Blaster rises from a bright light of molten rock and fire. Him and Tempest stand next to each other. They both stare down Sandbar with murder in their eyes. Sandbar could feel his heart pumping and the sweat dripping from his forehead. "HAHAHA! Feel the might of my dragons Sandbar! Tempest, Attack his puny Blackwing!" Yelled Cozy. "NOT SO FAST! I activate one of my face downs, Reinforcements! This gives Gram a 500attack point boost, making him 2700! gram, Counter attack with Whirlwind Slash!" Yelled Sandbar. "NO! HOW DARE YOU!!!" Yelled Cozy. Tempest flaps his wings violently, it causes a Tornado which engulphs Gram who tries to shield himself. Once the trap is flipped, a glow is seen emerging from the tornado. Gram flies out at the speed of sound, holding his sword tight. He speeds towards Tempest and swings his sword hard and slashes him. tempest lets out an ear piercing roar that sounds like a scream and then burst in a powerful explosion. Gram returns to his spot an the field as the smoke clears. [Sandbar 3400/Cozy 3700] [sandbar 1 card/ Cozy 0 cards] "Sweet Celestia I did it! I destroyed a Dragon Ruler! I really did it!" Sandbar Cheered excitedly. "How dare you!!! You dare strike an all powerful Dragon Ruler! They will make you pay!" Yelled Cozy gritting her teeth. "I still have Blaster, and with 2800 attack he has more attack to destroy your pathetic monster! Blaster, Destroy!!!" Blaster leans his head back and then breathes molten rock all over Gram who calls out in agony before being destroyed. "No! Gram....I'm sorry Gallus" Said Sandbar. "Now that I have destroyed a Synchro Monster, I activate my face down quick play spell Greed Grado, I now draw two cards. Your move you worm!" Said Cozy. "My Turn, Draw" Said Sandbar. "Awesome I activate the spell Ancient Rules!, This allows me to Special summon one level 5 or higher normal monster from my hoof, I chose the Red-Eyes Black Dragon! {2400atk. 2000def. Lv7}" "Smolder's card? Boring!" Yelled Cozy. "It doesn't matter what you think, Blaster will be gone when I end my turn, Which I now do." Said Sandbar. Once He ends his turn, Blaster returns to Cozy's hoof. [Sandbar 0 cards/ Cozy 3 cards] "My turn you brat! I draw!" said Cozy. "Hmmm... I place one card face down, and now I banish Blaster, and one sinister serpent from my hoof to summon the fourth and final Dragon ruler, I summon Tidal, Dragon Ruler of Waterfalls! {2600atk. 2000def. Lv7} A gigantic pool of water forms on the ground, the water begins swirl in a spiral forming a maelstrom, eventually a low growl is heard as the last dragon ruler rises from the vortex and stares down Sandbar. It lets out a loud roar that Sandbar can feel in his chest. "I will show you no mercy! I Banish Spirit Ryu from my graveyard along with Ranryu so that Tempest, Dragon Ruler of Storms can be resummoned from the grave!" As Tempest re-emerges, he turns his head to sandbar and growls viciously. "Hehehe, Looks like someone wants revenge! Why make him wait, Tidal, Take care of his Red-Eyes!" Tidal leans his head back before firing a Jetstream of water at Red-eyes, destroying him. "Red-Eyes! No! I'm so sorry Smolder" Said Sandbar. "You should be more worried about yourself! Tempest, Attack him directly!" Yelled Cozy. Tempest flaps his giant wings and causes a huge gust of wind, so strong it sends Sandbar back a few feet and landing hard on his back. [Sandbar 800/ Cozy 3700] [Sandbar 0/Cozy 0 cards] "HAHAHAHA!!! Whimper before me Sandbar! you cannot defeat me!" Yelled Cozy. "Gah....my...turn." Said Sandbar as he slowly gets to his hooves. he finally draws. "I activate Card of Demise! I draw 3 cards as long as I discard my hoof in in the end phase! Man, What a hoof I drawn! I use Polymerization! I send Gladiator Beast Spartacus and Gladiator Beast Attorix so I can Fusion Summon Gladiator Beast Gaiodiaz! {2600atk. 1500def. Lv7 Fusion}" "Yona's Monster!? Pathetic." Scoffed Cozy. "Yona's Monster shows no fear, just like me, and my friends! Because I will destroy your tempest once again!" Yelled Sandbar. "Gaiodiaz! attack Tempest with Halberd Crush!" Gaiodiaz lets out a battle cry before leaping into the air, and brings his axe down hard on Tempest's head, destroying him again. "That was pointless Sandbar, Card of Demise prevents any damage done to me during the turn it's activated." Teased Cozy "But your Tempest is once again destroyed. Now I end my turn, and now Tidal returns to your hoof!" [Sandbar 0 cards/ Cozy 1 card] "I draw!" Said Cozy. "Hehehe, I activate Card of Sanctity, We both draw cards till we have 6 cards in our hooves." "WHOA! That's not the effect of Card of Sanctity! It's effect is that you banish all card on your field and hoof and then draw 2 cards!" Protested Sandbar. "It does now, but in the earliest days of Duel Monsters, this card had a much better effect, but it was deemed to broken around the same time this deck was created, so it was given an errata. This is one of the rare pre-errata versions. Now quit babbling like a baby, you're getting six cards." Said Cozy as both she and him drew their cards. "I place one card face down, Now I banish one more sinister serpent, and Stream, Dragon Ruler of Droplets from my hoof to special summon Tidal back to the field! Now that he is back, Destroy his Gaiodiaz!" "Not so fast Cozy! I activate my last face down, Negate Attack!" Countered Sandbar. "GRRR!!! You weaseled out of that one! but you won't for long!" Said Cozy. "I end!" "I draw!" Yelled Sandbar. His eyes light up, he sees the special card Neighsay gave him, he can't use it yet, but it will come in handy later. "I place two cards face down. Now I activate Monster Reborn! to bring back Attorix! Then I will tribute her to summon Insect Princess!" "Ocellus's card, weak." Said Cozy. "keep saying that once she attacks you directly! Because now I equip Gaiodiaz with this, Divine Sword - Phoenix Blade! making him 2900!" Said Sandbar. "GAH!!!" Yelled Cozy. "Gaio, take down Tidal! Then Insect Princess, attack Cozy directly with Kick of Elegance!" Commanded Sandbar. Gaiodiaz flies up with his new sword and stabs and stabs Tidal in the chest. He roars and is destroyed in a huge fireball, from the smoke, Insect Princess dashes out and kicks cozy hard and launches her back. [Sandbar 800/ Cozy 1600] [Sandbar 2 cards/ Cozy 2 cards "I'm not afraid of you Cozy! You will not win! I promised my friends that I would defeat you! I end my turn." Said Sandbar. Cozy Slowly stands up, her hair which was in curls is now a mess and unkempt. She looks at Sandbar, shooting daggers from her eyes. "You!...You DISRESPECTFUL LITTLE BUG!!!!! I WILL MAKE YOUR DRAGON FOOD!!!" Yelled Cozy. She drew her next card and smirks. "Heh, I set one monster face down, Now I activate Book of Taiyou. This card let's me flip one face down card into face up attack position. I chose my own card." "Why wouldn't you just play it normally? Why jump through all those hoops?" Asked Sandbar. "Because, this card has a flip effect." Said Cozy. "And this one is going to give me the advantage, for the card that is flipped, is Morphing Jar! {700atk. 600def. Lv2 Flip}. This card makes us both discard our hooves, and we draw 5 more." "Thanks for a new hoof Cozy." Taunted Sandbar. "Hush, this turn is mine" Said Cozy. "First I set two cards face down, now by banishing Tempest from my grave, and Hieratic Dragon of Nuit from my hoof, Tidal emerges from the grave! Now that my glorious Dragon ruler is back, I feel more comfortable playing this, Smashing Ground! This destroys one of your monsters with the highest defense, That means your Gaiodiaz!" A large fist appears from the sky and then comes crashing down on Gaio, destroying him. "GAIODIAZ!!!.....Yona...." Said Sandbar. "HAHAHA!!!! Now Tidal, Attack his Insect Princess!" Commanded Cozy. Another jet burst stream sprays from Tidal's mouth and strikes Insect Princess and destroys her. [Sandbar 100/ Cozy 1600] [Sandbar 5 cards, Cozy 0 card} The energy is zapped from Sandbar as almost all of his lifepoints are struck from him. He feels as if he is about to pass out, but slowly, he starts to stand up straight, no matter what, he can't give up. "....I'm Sorry Ocellus.... I let your monster be destroyed..." Said Sandbar as he was about to draw, "I need a card I can play... I need to win this now..." Draw. "I play Double Summon! This card allows me to summon twice this turn! first I play Deep Sea Diva! {200atk. 400def. Lv2 Tuner}. Now I summon Beginning Knight! {500atk. 2000def. Lv4} Now I tune for 6, Synchro Summoning Coral Dragon in Defense mode! {2400atk. 500def Lv6 Synchro.}" "Silverstream. So you summoned all of your friends favorite cards this duel. Am I supposed to be impressed?" Asked Cozy. Maybe not, but my turn is far from over. Because Coral allows me to destroy on card on your side of the field, I chose Tidal!" Said Sandbar, Coral dragon let's out a roar, Which causes Tidal to be destroyed. "Now, I Activate the spell Called By the Grave! This banishes Tidal from your grave, now ALL of your dragon rulers have been banished from the game, you have no way of bringing them back!" Sandbar Smirked as his said this, but his smirk slowly dissipates as Cozy's also begins to smirk, even more crazily than before. "...Ok then, Now my turn is not finished, Now, by banishing Envoy of Chaos and Skilled Blue Magician from my Graveyard, I can summon My Ace! Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning! {3000atk. 2500def. Lv8}" Cozy only chuckled as he was summoned. "Now Black Luster Soldier, Attack Cozy directly, and finish this!" Yelled Sandbar "I activate my face down! My own Negate attack!" Yelled Cozy. "My Attack my be negated this turn, but I have two very powerful monsters while you don't, I will win this!" Said Sandbar. "I end!" [Sandbar 2 cards/ Cozy 0 cards] "I draw!" Yelled Cozy. "I play Pot of Desires! I banish 10 cards from my deck face down, now I draw two cards....hehehehHAHAHAHAH!!! Perfect! I activate the spell Shield Crush! I destroy one monster in defense position, which happens to be your Coral Dragon!" Sandbar can only look on in horror as the last of his friends cards are destroyed. "No!....Silverstream...." Sandbar hangs his head but he slowly raises it back up and looks at Cozy, he puts his game face back on. He still had the advantage. "Cool move, but I still have my Black Luster Soldier! while you have nothing! "Oh do I really have nothing!? HAHAHA! False! I still have my face down, Return from the Different Dimension! I pay half my lifepoints, making me 800, and now this card allows me to special summon as many of my banished face down cards as possible!" "WHAT!?!?!?!?" Yelled Sandbar. "I return Molten Zombie, Ranryu, and ALL FOUR DRAGON RULERS TO THE FEILD!!!!" Yelled Cozy manically. The first to monsters are summoned, then at once, all four Dragon Rules appear on the field. In unison, they all roar loudly. Their presence of all four of them causes a massive power surge. A ball of energy forms around the entire playing field, capturing both Sandbar and Cozy within it. The wind was strong, and Sandbar can feel his heart pumping faster and faster. The power emanating from the four Dragon rulers was almost unbearable, almost too painful. Sandbar kneels down as his head begins hurting. "HAHAHAHAHA!!!! They're all here! Every one of them! This is True Power! All will bow to me! Queen Cozy: The most Powerful Duelist to have ever lived!" Yelled Cozy. "It... Is... useless! My Black Luster... Soldier is still the strongest monster!" Sandbar struggled to say. "Wrong! I play my last spell, Dragon's Treasure! This increases One of my dragon's attack by 300, I pick Blaster, making him 3100! 100 attack more than your soldier, and enough to wipe you out! It's OVER SANDBAR!!! Blaster! Attack him and end this duel!!!!!" Commanded Cozy. Blaster powers up for his attack, building the fire in his gut. Before he could, Sandbar Stands up straight. "NO!!! I activate my face down! LAST TURN!!!!" Yelled Sandbar. "Last Turn!? What in Celestia's name is that!?" Demanded Cozy. "This card was given to me by Neighsay, it's a very rare and powerful card! I can only activate it if I have 1000 or less lifepoints .This card allows me to banish all cards on the field except one card I choose. I choose Black Luster Soldier, Now all other cards are Banished!!!" Yelled Sandbar. "WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?" Yelled Cozy as all dragons let out pained groans, then slowly one by one, all of them explode in a massive fireball. "NO!!! NOOOOOO!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" "Now Cozy, Pick one monster from your deck, and then you can special summon it, chose wisely!" Said Sandbar standing heroically. Cozy Flashes him a death stare before looking down at her deck. Despite the Dragon Tulers no longer being there, their energy is still felt as the ball of energy remains. "I Chose Rabid Dragon! It's the strongest monster I have left!" Said Cozy. "2950 attack huh? Shame, at least for you." Said Sandbar. "Why!?" asked Cozy. "Because this card is called Last Turn for a reason. This is the last turn of the duel. The monsters we have chosen will now battle, whoever loses, loses the duel!" Said Sandbar triumphantly. "THAT CAN'T BE!!!! I WILL LOSE!!! THIS CAN"T BE HAPPENING!!!!" Yelled Cozy. "It's over cozy! Black Luster Soldier! END THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!" Yelled Sandbar. Black Luster Soldier charges Rabid Dragon. The Dragon Breathes fire but Soldier uses his shield to protect himself, he leaps into the air, and with his sword, decapitates the dragon. Ending the duel. [Sandbar vs. Cozy Glow: Winner Sandbar] As soon as the duel ends, the energy builds up even more. "NOOOOOO!!!!!! I CAN'T LOSE!!! I WAS SO CLOSE!!!!" Yelled Cozy. "Cozy! We have to get out of here! The energy is getting too intense!" Yelled Sandbar. "I CAN'T LOSE I HAD THE BEST DECK EVER CREATED!!!! I WAS DESTINED TO RULE EVERYTHING!!!!" Cozy Continued to yell "COZY!!!!" Yelled Sandbar again. The ball of energy was getting to unstable. Sandbar had no choice but to turn and try to make a run for it. But it was a too late. Before Sandbar could escape the ball, it lets out a bright flash and explodes. End of chapter 23 > Chapter 24: Aftermath > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 24: Aftermath The huge explosion on top of the school causes a huge shock wave all around the school. When it strikes the rampant duel monsters, it causes them to be destroyed, eventually, the shockwave sends every single student to the ground "Holy cow! Did you feel that!?" Yelled Gallus. "Does that mean Sandbar won!?" Asked Silverstream. "Is Sandbar even ok!?" Yelled Smolder. Now everyone starts to panic. "Yona and friends need to get to Sandbar! Sandbar could be hurt!" Yelled Yona. "We need to get inside now!" Yelled Ocellus as they all turn towards the school. "Young ones, Allow me." Said Neighsay, tapping his medallion and opening a portal. "This will take you directly to the top of the school, you 5 check on Sandbar. Brisk, Roulette, and I will asses the damage down here and calm the other students. "Thank you Chancellor! Thank you!" Said Ocellus as her and the others run into the portal. The exit was on the roof, so as the five exit they look around, there was no sign of Cozy Glow. However, in the middle of the roof, they see all of their duel spirits, standing, some kneeling, in a circle looking down. "Gram! GRAM! Where is sandbar!?" Yells Gallus as all of them run towards them. none of them acknowledge them as the 5 get closer. as they approach they make a horrifying discovery. Sandbar was laying on the ground, covered in ash and bruises, his eyes were closed and he wasn't moving. "No! No Sandbar!" Yells Yona as they all finally get to him. All of them kneel down as smolder gently lifts up his upper body and rests his back on her hand. "Sandbar... can you hear me?" Asked Smolder, no response. "Sandbar wake up, please!" Cried Ocellus as, again no response. As they other spirits were solid like before, Silverstream looks at Black Luster Soldier who appeared to look transparent. "Hey, Black Luster Soldier, you're fading." Said Silverstream. Black Luster Soldier looks at his hand and his eyes widen. "Oh no..." "What's wrong???" Asked Gallus. "My connection to Sandbar is fading, he....I think he is dying." Said Soldier. Almost immediately, Everyone goes from being worried, to full blown panic. "NO! He's not dying! That's not true!" Yells Smolder. "Sandbar wake up right now! This isn't funny!" Yelled Gallus. Ocellus puts he ear to Sandbar's chest, she could hear his heart beat, and it was getting slower and slower. "Guys, Soldier isn't lying! His heartbeat is getting slower!" Yelled Ocellus now starting to tear up. Gallus grabs Sandbar by the shoulder and pulls him to his face. "No it isn't! Sandbar! Wake up right now or I will slap you!" Said Gallus, he too begins to tear up heavily. "You're not dying! You can't! You are the one that didn't give up on me when I tried to shove you out! You never stopped trying to be my friend when i told you to get lost! You can't leave us!...You can't..." Tears roll down Gallus's cheeks. After still no response from Sandbar, reality begins to hit all of them. Gallus lays sandbar back down in Smolders arms. Everyone surrounds Sandbar, Smolder's tear fall onto Sandbar's cheek, Ocellus and Yona were crying, and Silverstream buries her face into Gallus's shoulder and sobs heavily. Smolder hug Sandbar for what feels like the last time. One by one, the others do the same, hugging Sandbar close. The Duel Spirits hang their head out of respect except for Soldier. Before he was to disappear, He kneels in a knight positing, placing his hand on the sword and bows his head. before he could disappear completely , something strange begins to happen. Smolder begins to glow a a bright blue, no one noticed as they were all mourning their friend. Then Gallus glows white, then Silverstream pink, then Ocellus purple, and finally Yona Orange. By now, they all begin to notice, sitting up and looking at eachother. "What...what is happening???" Asked Yona. "It...it looks like the elements..." Said Ocellus. They then look down and see Sandbar begin to glow Yellow, it clicks, all of the were glowing the color in coordinate to their element. "It has to be...It has to be the elements! I think we are doing something!" Said Smolder. "Don't stop Hugging Sandbar!" Yelled Gallus. They all continue to hug Sandbar, even harder than before. the harder and longer they hug, the brighter they glow. eventually a huge rainbow shoots down from the sky and strikes the 6. They continue to hug until for the entirety of the event. eventually the rainbow disappears and the six stop glowing. They all slowly pull away and look down at sandbar. At first nothing happens, but eventually, he begins to twitch. Slowly, Sandbar opens his eyes. The others hold their breath as Sandbar looks at them till finally he spoke. ".....Am I in Heaven?" Asked Sandbar. "SANDBAR!!!!!!!!" They all yell at once. Once again they all bear hug him, squeezing him tight. "GAH!!!!!!! GUUUUUUUHHH!!!! Air....I need AIR!!!" Yelled Sandbar. The Duel spirits smile and sigh in relief. they all look at each other before Soldier stands up, returning to a solid form. "I thought he was a goner for a second." Said insect Princess. Red-Eyes growls in agreement. "These six have an unbreakable bond. There is no way they can be split apart now." Said Soldier. "HAHAHA! We should Celebrate this victory!" Boasted Gaiodiaz Slapping gram on the shoulder. "Yes, a great victory was achieved here today. Said Gram. Coral Dragon lets out a loud roar as a victory cry. Eventually the students give Sandbar some breathing room. "We thought you were gone Sandbar, you were dying." Said Silverstream. "So your response was to choke me to death!?" Said Sandbar breathing heavily. "It wasn't that bad, you should be happy we care about you so much." Said Smolder. "We thought we weren't going to see you again." Said Ocellus. "Don't worry guys, I'm not going anywhere yet." Said Sandbar with a smile. "So, does this mean Sandbar won?" Asked Yona. "Yeah, I won. It was a very close duel, but I was able to win with that card Neighsay gave me." Said Sandbar. "Speaking of the duel, where is Cozy?" Asked Gallus. They all looked around, but Cozy was no where in sight. "Did she get away?" Asked Smolder. "No way, that explosion was big, she couldn't have gotten away from it in time." Said Ocellus. "Is Cozy Pony dead?' Asked Yona. "I have no idea." Said Sandbar. Before anyone could say anything else, Black Luster Soldier approaches the students. "Sandbar, you dueled nobly. I am proud to be you Guardian." Said Soldier as he bowed his head. One by one, all the other duel spirits bow their head for sandbar, showing their respect. "Wow...Thank you Soldier. But I couldn't have done it with out you. All of you. You all played a part in that victory." Said Sandbar. Soldier raises his head and smiles at Sandbar. Slowly. All the duel spirits begin to de-manifest into balls of pure light. All the lights then move towards Sandbar's duel disk before entering his deck. "Heh, I guess that means these go back to all of you." Said Sandbar Pulling out all of his friends cards and giving them back to them. Sandbar tries to stand, but he winces in pain. Ocellus and Gallus both help Sandbar to his hooves. "Thanks you guys, We should head back down to the courtyard." Said Sandbar. "Yeah, Neighsay will want an update." Said Ocellus. The six the help Sandbar down the stairs of the school and slowly make it to the courtyard, as they did, Sandbar gives them a recap of the duel. They eventually open the main door and step out into the courtyard. "Gram destroyed one of the Dragon Rulers!? Really!?" Gallus yelled excitedly. "Hehehe, yeah he did." Said Sandbar. "That is awesome!" said Gallus. "Sorry I had to use Red-Eyes as a shield Smolder" Said Sandbar. "If he protected you, then he did his job" Said Smolder with a smile. They all look to the court yard to not only see Neighsay, But all their professors as well. As soon as Twilight saw them, her eyes widen and she rushes over to them. "Oh Thank Celestia you guys are alright! Are you six alright!?" "Yeah, we're fine." Said Sandbar. "Oh Darling! You're hurt, You're hurt badly!" Said Rarity as the other Professors make their way over. "I did what I had to, I had to stop the Dragon Rulers." Said Sandbar. "You defeated them alone!?" Asked Dash. "no, I had my friends best cards with me, with them, I wasn't alone." Said Sandbar. The professors look at each other before turning their attentions back the the students. "...sigh Sandbar. you six, you all did a noble thing, I couldn't be prouder of you. But I'm sorry you had to experience this you freshman year. We should stayed, but... we never suspected Cozy, by the time we realized this, we were stuck in Tartarus." Said Twilight. "Don't beat yourself over it professor, we were able to handle it just fine." Said Sandbar non-clamantly. The others give him a weird look. "Were you not just there!? You almost died Sandbar!" Yelled Smolder. "yeah, but I didn't." Said Sandbar with a wink. "That reminds me, How were you able to get back here so fast?" Asked Ocellus. "There was a sudden explosion that sent a shock wave of magic. when it passed over us, my magic returned and I teleported all of us here." Said Twilight. "It had to of been when you defeated Cozy." Said Gallus. "Speaking of Cozy, Where is she!?" Said Dash angrily. "We don't know, after the duel she just... vanished." Said Silverstream. "Hmmmmm... A large magical explosion, that left no trace of Cozy. My biggest guess is that she was sent to the Shadow Realm following the defeat. Maybe the Dragon Rulers took her as punishment for her failure." Said Twilight. "Does that mean Cozy Pony is gone forever?" Asked Yona. "I Honestly don't know. Where is the deck?" Asked Twilight. "It's still on the roof, we didn't want to touch it." Said Sandbar. "Very well, We'll retrieve it later." Said Twilight. The Students notice that behind Twilight, Neighsay was talking to the Princesses, they both look very angry. "Hey, the Princesses are here. How come?" asked Silverstream. "tch, They're punishing Neighsay." Said Twilight with an unamused look. "WHAT!?" yelled the students. "Yeah, Starlight is over there explaining what happened to them. That jerk deserves every bit of punishment he gets. He wanted five of you gone just because you aren't ponies, and he indirectly caused all this by blocking you six off from protecting the vault. All of this is on his shoulders!" Said Twilight Sternly. "NO! They can't!" yelled Silverstream. "Huh??? Why not!?" Twilight asked in confusion. but the six push past her to get to Neighsay. "And Finally, with all charges stacked against you Neighsay, for aiding in the release of the Dragon Rulers." Said Luna. "And for using Shadow Realm Magic to brainwash me!" Said Starlight. "You could face punishment of up to 10 years of Banishment on the Moon." Said Celestia. "I understand your Highnesses. I humbly accept my punishment." Said Neighsay as he hung his head. "WAAAAAAAIT!" Yelled Silverstream as the students approach them. The Princesses, Starlight, and Neighsay turn their heads to look at them. "You Can't do that to him!" Said Smolder. "What??? You children can't be seriously defending him, after how he treated you." Said Starlight. "He may have treated us badly, yes. But he did what he did because he felt like he was defending Equestria, not aiding in it's possible destruction!" Said Ocellus. "But You six are element bearers. You are the protectors." Said Celestia. "if he merely gave you the chance he would have known that." "Honestly Princess, would you honestly truly believe that a dragon, a yak, a griffon, a changeling, and a hippogriff could posses the most powerful pony magic ever and still be a freshman in duel school?" Asked Smolder with her arms crossed. Both Princess look at each other, it was honestly a good point. "Not to mention, as soon as he realized he was wrong he was wrong, he did everything in his power to help us!" Said Gallus. "Not-So Nasty Pony Helped Yona and Friends to fight off evil monster and protect duel students. Not-So Nasty-Pony is a hero!" Exclaimed Yona. "And if it wasn't for Neighsay, I wouldn't have even won the duel. Neighsay gave me cards to help me in my duel, especially this one." Said Sandbar, pulling a card out and handing it to the princesses. Celestia took it with her magic and her and Luna looked at it. "Last Turn, this card is not available to the public because of how strong it is." Said Princess Luna. "Yes, And Neighsay gave it to me. This card , if Neighsay had not given it to me, I wouldn't had won....I faced all four Dragon Rulers head on at the same time. If that card was not on the field when that happened...." Sandbar chokes at the thought of what could have happened. "All we're are trying to say, is if you do this to Neighsay, You are doing a disserves to everything and everyone who tried their best to protect Equestria today! If you Banish him, I will join him!" "WHAT!?!? Yelled Twilight and the other mane five. "Me too!" Said Ocellus. "Me Three!" Said Silverstream. "And Yona!" Said Yona. "Me as well!" Said Smolder. "And me!" Said Gallus. The Princess look at each other again. they were surprised by the six student's compassion. Slowly they turn back to them and smile. "If everything you said is true, If Neighsay truly did help in they way you six argue, then very well. No Charges will be brought upon Neighsay." Said Celestia. The six Cheer and hoof/claw bump each other. Neighsay look at the six in disbelief, he couldn't believe they all did that for them. He slowly approaches them and they all turn to face him. "Children...I am touched, I really am. You brought the light back to an old mean pony's heart. I can never repay you for that.... I'm... I'm truly sorry for what I tried to do to you" Said Neighsay about to choke up. Twilight couldn't help but smile at the scene. "However. Just because we are letting you off easy Neighsay, a Punishment is still in order." Said Luna. "of Course Princess, Anything, I will do it." Said Neighsay. "You are too enroll yourself in Twilight's School and intensely study on the subject of Friendship, as a Sliver Red." Said Celestia. "A Slifer Red?..." Asked Neighsay. "Yes, or would you rather be banished?" Asked Celestia. ".....Nope, this sounds fine. hehehe." Said Neighsay. "Good." Celestia smiles. "If Neighsay gets that Punishment, then so do we!" Said a voice behind the students. They all turn to see both Brisk and Roulette approaching the Princesses. Both Brisk and Roulette approach the Princesses and then bow before them. "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. We would ask if you can extend this punishment to us as well." Asked Roulette. "Why? Why would you want that?" Asked Luna. Slowly Roulette and Brisk stand up straight with a guilty look on their faces. "Because we helped in preventing the six element bearers from protecting the deck. What Neighsay was about to be guilty of, we are guilty of it too." Said Brisk. "We can't just stand back and not say anything... we didn't want any of this to happen....we're so sorry." Said Roulette. After thinking for a moment, Celestia speaks up. "if this is what you wish, then very well." Said Celestia. Both Brisk and Roulette bow their heads. At that moment, Celestia and Luna turn to face the student six. "Now, You six." Said Luna. "We, and the world owe you an eternal gratitude." Said Celestia. " You protected us from the Return on the Dragon Rulers, and you must be awarded as such." "Awards!? What kind of Award!?" Asked Gallus with a huge grin. Celestia chuckles. "You are to begiven the highest honor in Equestria, the Pink Heart of Courage, and finally, Be officially recognized to all, as the next generation of bearers of the elements of Harmony." All at once, all six students begin to cheer, they highfive and hug each other. Twilight, and the rest of the mane six look on and smile, they were all proud of them. Eventually, Smolder speaks up among them. "What do we do now?" Asked Smolder. "Well, there is a lot of cleaning up to do, once the court yard of the school is cleaned, we can give you an award ceremony." Said Celestia. "What about Classes?" Asked Ocellus. "They will have to be post-poned for at least a week. After that, some classes my have to attended outside in the courtyard." Said Twilight. "Awesome! We get a whole week off!" Cheered Gallus. "Actually Gallus, we ALL are going to be spending the week cleaning. "AWWW...Man!" Whined Gallus. Everyone present then begins to laugh, even Gallus started to laugh. Deep down, he really didn't care that much. As long as him and his friends were still together. The Princess then turn and Walk twoards the mane Six to now discuss some things with them, as neighsay then approaches the student six. "You six, You have no idea how eternally grateful I am." Said Neighsay. "It's Fine Chancellor. You had the good of the world in mind." Said Silverstream. "It's not just that, I'm sorry how I treated you, How I felt about you, it was truly uncalled for of me. I'm sorry to try to get you explled, and for trying to scare you away." Said Neighsay. "Scare us away?" Questioned Yona. "Yeah, when I cloaked myself into tricking you into thinking I was the Headless Horse. I was really expecting you to leave after that." Said Neighsay. "Wait....THAT WAS YOU!?" Yelled Gallus "You...Didn't figure it out yet???" Asked Neighsay "No!" They all yelled at once. "Oh...Hehehe. Well...I uh...Oh Look! It appears the Princess are calling me over. Bye Children! I'm so glad we were able to burry the hatchet." Said neighsay before quickly walking away towards the princesses. "Nasty Pony was Scary Pony!?" Yelled Yona "What a creep! That was so Scary!" Ocellus Also yelled. "Looking back though, that was kinda funny." Said Sandbar. "Well I'm so glad you had fun at least." Said Gallus Crossing his arms. "Look on the bright side guys. Hopefully now, this year's Hardships are over." Said Ocellus with some relief. "better yet, we still have eachother." Said Silverstream. They gathered around for another group hug. End of Chapter 24 > Chapter 25: Rank up > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 25: Rank Up It's been several weeks since Cozy's Banishment. Many students act like nothing has ever happened, even though some of the classes take place outside since part of the school has been destroyed. But today, Everyone was in the arena. Sandbar, Yona, Ocellus, Silverstream, and Smolder were in the crowd cheering for their friend Gallus who was standing in the arena, his opponent, Professor Rarity. Gallus was smirking as he faced Rarity who stood there just as smugly. "Alright Gallus darling, this is your rank up Duel, you win this, you will rank up to Ra Yellow, are you ready?" Asked Rarity. "I'm as ready as I will ever be!" Replied Gallus. He activates his duel disk and Rarity activates her's as well. "DUEL" [Gallus Vs. Rarity] "I will take the first turn Darling." Said Rarity as she drew. "I will set one card face down, and one monster face down, Your move Gallus." "I draw!" Said Gallus. "I summon Blackwing - Zephyros the Elite! {1600atk. 1000def. Lv4} I then place one cards face down. Now Zephros will attack!" As Zephyros attacks the face down card it flips to reveal a turtle with a emerald for a shell. "Sorry Darling, You attacked my Gem-Turtle, With 2000 defense it stays where it is, and it's flip effect kicks in. When he is flipped summoned he allows me to add Gem-knight Fusion to my hoof." "Nice move Professor, I end my turn." Said Gallus. [Gallus 3600/ Rarity 4000] [Gallus 4 cards/ Rarity 5 cards] "My turn darling, Draw." Said Rarity, she looks at the card she drew and frowns. "Oh my, I wasn't supposed to draw you, oh well, I always have a back up, I activate the Spell, Magical Mallet, I send as many cards from my hoof to my deck, I shuffle and then draw as many cards as I put in. I send only one card to the deck, My Gem-Knight Garnet. Now I shuffle and draw one card. I now activate Gem-Knight Fusion in my hoof. I use material in my hoof, I send Gem-Knight Lazuli, and Crystal Rose from my hoof to the grave to fusion summon Gem-Knight Seraphinite! {2300atk. 1400def. Lv5 Fusion}" The crowd cheers upon the fusion summon made by Rarity, but Gallus's friends do not weaver their support for Gallus. "Head up Gallus! You're still in this, Don't give up!" Yelled Sandbar. "Now Darling, Seraphinite has a wonderful effect, During my Mainphase, it gives me one additional normal summon, meaning I can normal summon twice a turn. So I will summon both Gem-Knight Iolite {1300atk. 2000def. Lv4 Gemini}, and Gem-Knight Amber {1600atk. 1400def. Lv4 Gemini}. Now Darling, I'm afraid you will have to wait till next year to rank up, Because you will not be able to withstand the coming barrage of Gem-Knights. Seraphinite, Attack his Zephyros!" Seraphinite takes a fighting stance and then Charges Zephyros, With his Rapier, he stabs Gallus's Monster and destroys him. The impact causes Gallus to step back a little. "Now my other two knights will finish you off, Attack him Directly!" "not So fast Professor, I activate one of my face down cards, Black Wing Revenge! When one of my Winged-Beasts cards is destroyed by battle, I can special summon two Blackwing - Black Crest Tokens to the field in defense mode! {0atk. 800def. Lv2 Token.}" "Very Well Darling, Then I will attack both your tokens and then end my turn." Said Rarity as her last two Knights attack his tokens. [Gallus 2900/ Rarity 4000] [Gallus 4 cards/ Rarity 1 card] "My Turn, I draw!" Yells Gallus "Now I activate the effect of my Blackwing - Zephyros the Elite, When he is my graveyard, I can resummon him to the field, but I take 400 points of damage." As Zephyros is resummoned, the electric Aura surrounds Gallus and zaps away his lifepoints. "Gah... now...I normal summon Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr! {1100atk. 300def. Lv 3} Now, Since I control a blackwing monster, I can Special summon Blackwing - Oroshi the Squall! {400atk. 600def. Lv Tuner}. Now, I tune for 8, I tribute all three of my monsters to Synchro summon, Blackwing - Silverwind the Ascendant! {2800atk. 2000def. Lv8 Synchro}" This time the crowd cheers for Gallus as he pulled off an excellent summon. "Since I synchro Summoned Silverwind, I can Instantly destroy two monster on your side of the field who have less defense than Silverwind. That appears to be your Amber and your Seraphinite!" Silverwind flaps his wings causing a massive gust of winds. The Gem-Knights try to hold off the wind but both are ultimately destroyed leaving only Gem-Knight Iolite. Again the crowd Cheers as it appears Gallus has just turned the duel arround. "Lucky for you I cannot attack the turn I activated this effect, so I will now end." [Gallus 2500/ Rarity 4000] [Gallus 3 cards/ Rarity 1 card] "M-My turn Darling." Said Rarity as she drew. she did have a worried expression on her face. "I activate the effect of Gem-Knight Fusion. While it is in my graveyard, I can banish one Gem-Knight to add it back to my hoof, I banish Gem-Knight Lazuli to add Gem-Knight Fusion back to my hoof. I now also use my Normal summon this turn to activate Iolite's Gemini Effect." "Gemini effect?" Asked Gallus. "You obviously need to pay more attention in my class darling" Said Rarity. Gemini Monsters are effect monster that are treated as normal monster while on the field or in the grave. But, during the main phase if you haven't summoned yet, you can use your normal summon, to have them 'Re-summon' themselves to become an effect monster. I do this to summon Iolite to become an effect Monster. His effect allows me to banish one Gem card from my graveyard to add one Gem-Knight from my grave to my hoof. I banish Seraphinite to add Amber back to my hoof. Now I reactivate Gem-Knight fusion. with Iolite on the field, and the amber in my hoof, and finally with Gem-Knight Lapis in my hoof, I fusion summon Gem-Knight Master Diamond! {2900atk. 2500def. Lv9 Fusion}" The crowd once again cheers for Rarity as she just now summons her ace card. "I'm sorry Darling, you tried so hard to get you bird on the field, but Master Diamond is going to crush it! his effect allows him to gain 100 extra attack points for each Gem-Knight in my grave, since I banished a few, my total is only 3, meaning he has 3200 attack! Master Diamond, Attack Silverwind with your Gleaming Luster Slash!" Master diamond raises his huge sword, it glistened in the light, and he brings it down hard on silverwind. Silverwind tried to block it, but his thin sword snapped and is struck hard and destroyed."I once again end my turn darling." [Gallus 2100/Rarity 4000} {Gallus 3 cards/ Rarity1 card} 'You still got this Gallus! We believe in you!" Yelled Silverstream from the stands. "You can still win Gallus! Turn this duel around!" Yelled Smolder. Gallus still had a smirk on his face, he still wasn't phased by any of the moves made by Professor. Rarity. "My turn, Draw!" Said Gallus. "I activate Monster Reborn to summon Blackwing - Oroshi the Squall back from the grave, next I summon Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame! {1800atk. 1200def. Lv4} Now, I will bring out my own ace card, I tune for 5, Synchro Summoning Blackwing - Gram the Shining Star! {2200atk. 1500def. Lv5 Synchro.}" "Darling, That monster is far too weak to beat Master Diamond. What is it you are trying to do?" Asked Rarity. "I will show you. I activate Oroshi's effect, I saw no use in using it the last time, but I will now, When he is used in a synchro summon, I can change the battle position of one of your monster's, Since Master Diamond is the only monster on your side of the field, I will switch him to defense mode." Explained Gallus. "Now I activate the spell Black-Winged Strafe, I send one Blackwing monster from my claw to the grave and I can send one of your defense position monsters to the graveyard. I send Blackwing - Steam the Cloak from my claw and I send your Master Diamond to the grave!" "No! He is my best card!" Yelled rarity As Master Diamond Slowly dissipates from the field. "Gram, Attack professor Rarity Directly with the Whirlwind Slash Attack!" Commanded Gallus. Gram takes off into the sky and then Divebombs rarity with his sword. [Gallus 2100/Rarity 1800] [Gallus 0 cards/ Rarity 1 card] The crowd once again lets out roars of applauds, Gallus was now in control, just one more good attack and he has this. "Gallus made the bestest move!" Yelled Yona. "Gah....My my darling, such a phenomenal play, I draw." Said Rarity. She bows her head and smiles softly. "I summon Gem-Knight Garnet in attack mode. {1900atk. 0def. Lv4}. Now I activate my face down, Gem-Enhancement. I tribute Garnet to summon one Gem-Knight from my grave, Of course the one I pick is Master Diamond!" Master Diamond Re-emerges on the field and face Gram. "Whoa...Ok, Gram, I'm not gonna be able to protect you, I am sorry" Said Gallus. "Diamond! Once again use your Gleaming Luster Slash on Gram the Shining star!" Commanded Rarity. Gram bows his head nobly as he is struck and destroyed. "This is a most intense duel Darling, I end my turn." "I draw!" Said Gallus. "I activate the card of Demise! This let's me draw 3 card from my deck but I must get rid of my hand in the end phase. Now, I activate Steam the Cloak's effect to summon him from my grave. {800atk. 1200def. Lv3 Tuner} Now I summon Blackwing - Mistral the Silver Shield. {100atk 1800def. Lv 2}. Once again, I tune 5, Synchro Summoning Assault Blackwing - Sohaya the Rain Storm {1500atk. 2000def. Lv5 Synchro}. Since she was Summoned using Blackwings as the materials, she is considered a Tuner monster. I set my last 2 cards and end." [Gallus 1100/ Rarity 1800} [Gallus 0 cards/ Rarity 1 card] "Great move Gallus, But it was in vain." Said Rarity as she drew. "Master Diamond, Finish this." As Master Diamond was about to destroy Sohaya, One Of Gallus's Card flip face up. "I activate the Trap negate attack! your attack is called off and your battle phase ends!" Yelled Gallus. "Heh, very good Gallus. you bought yourself one more turn. I enter main phase 2, I activate Extra-Foolish burial. I pay half my Lifepoints to send one of my extra deck monster's to the grave. I send Gem-Knight Prismaura and then end." Said Rarity. The suspense was thick. students were on the edge of their seats wondering how Gallus was going to pull off this victory. Gallus Closes his eyes and places his claw on his deck, he then draws. His eyes open and he glares at Rarity. "I activate the spell Pot of greed, This let's me draw two card. Now I activate my face down card, Magical Stone Excavation! I send two card from my claw to the grave and then I can add one spell from my grave into my claw, I add monster Reborn! I will now use it to re-summon Gram the Shining Star!" As gram re-emerges on the field, he was met with applause. "Next, Since Sohaya is considered a Tuner, I will now tune for 10! I Synchro Summon Blackwing Full Armor Master! {3000atk. 3000def. Lv10 Synchro}." "Very Impressive Gallus, but he is still weak compared to Master Diamond. He has 3200 attack remember?" Asked Rarity smugly. "I do, which is why I end." Said Gallus. This causes the students in the stands to become confused. Why Would he summon a weaker monster in attack position, and then just end like that. [Gallus 1100/ Rarity 900] [Gallus 0 cards/Rarity 1 card] "Very Well Gallus." Said Rarity as she drew. "Now I will activate the second effect of my Master Diamond, I chose one level 7 or lower fusion Gem-Knight monster in my grave and then Master Diamond's effect is replaced by the selected monster. I chose the one I sent earlier, Prismaura. Now that Diamond has her effect, I will use it right now, I send one Gem-Knight from my hoof to the grave to destroy one card on your field. I send gem-knight Crystal to the grave, now I destroy your Full Armor Master. After that, a direct attack will finish you off." "Heh, it will be me who wins professor because you have fallen into my trap. Full armor Master is unaffected by card effects." Said Gallus. "And when a monster would activate their effect while Full Armor Master is on the field, I place one wedge counter on that monster, so now Master Diamond has one wedge counter on him." "Gah! Ok, I end my turn." Said Rarity getting a little frustrated. "I draw." Said Gallus. "Great Duel Professor, I can't wait to become a Ra Yellow." Said Gallus. "You think you won already?" Said Rarity. "Of course, because Now I activate Full Armor Master's second effect. I take control of All monster with a wedge counter on them." "NO!" Yells Rarity. Master Diamond slowly and reluctantly is shifted to Gallus's side of the field. 'Now that you are wide open, Full Armor Master, Attack Professor Rarity and end this duel!" Full Armor Master swooshes towards Rarity and slashes her with his sword, dropping her lifepoints to zero. [Gallus vs. Rarity: Winner Gallus] The crowd goes crazy with cheers as Gallus was able to pull of the victory, despite having his back against the wall so many times. All of Gallus's friends rush the arena stage and tackle hug him. "YOU DID IT!!! YOU DID IT YOU DID IT YOU DID IT!!!" Cheers Silverstream. "Bro that was Awesome!" Yelled Sandbar. "I can't believe you are a Ra now!" Said Ocellus. "GUYS!..I need...to breathe!" Yelled Gallus. They all get off of Gallus, he stand up and takes a few deep breaths as Smolder pats hi on the shoulder. "Congratulations Gallus, Next step is Obelisk." Said Smolder. "Thanks you guys, Your support means a lot to me." Said Gallus. "Fantastic dueling Gallus!" Said Professor Rarity approaching the group. "As Advisor to the Ra Dorm, I want to prsonally welcome you into our ranks." "Thank you Professor, it's an honor." Said Gallus with a smile. "When you arrive on campus next Year, make sure you get a Yellow Jacket." Said Rarity as she then walks past them towards the other professors who were watching. All of them were also cheering for Gallus. "To Think I am one step closer to becoming the a top tier Duelist. I sure hope I making my parents proud." Said Gallus "Of course you are man. If they were here, I guarantee you they couldn't be prouder." Said Sandbar. Gallus Smiles at him "Thanks Sandbar, that means a lot." Said Gallus. "So, I guess I can't call you a Slifer Slacker anymore huh?" Said a voice behind them. The all turn to see both Brisk and Roulette approaching them, smiling while wearing their new red coats. "Heh, I Guess not, Maybe I get to call you that now huh?" Teased Gallus. "Heh, don't push it buddy." Said Brisk. "Congratulations Gallus, That was your best duel yet." Said Roulette. "Thanks Roulette. Hopefully one day you guys will get back to your normal ranks." Said Gallus. "Oh We will, I plan on working twice as hard to get my Obelisk rank back." Said Brisk. "And you Gallus, When School starts back up next year, You're my first opponent." "You actually want to duel me Brisk?" Asked Gallus. "Of course. You've obviously have gotten better, and I want to duel you myself. You accept?" Said Brisk with a smirk. Gallus Smirks back at him. "Yeah, I accept" Said Gallus. He and Brisk the Hoof/claw bump each other. "I'll be looking forward to it. See you guys around." Said Brisk. "Bye Guys!" Said Roulette as she and brisk turn to leave. The six wave and say their goodbyes to them. Bye now, most students have left the arena and back to their dorms. "We should get going as well. School's almost over and we have finals. after that we need to star packing." Said Ocellus "Yeah, Dragon lands are far from Here." Said Smolder. "I lucked out, I live here in Ponyville" Said Sandbar. "Braggart." Said Yona. They all chuckle to themselves and then leave the arena stepping into the hall. They all wave to each other as they go down separate halls that lead to the other dorms. End of Chapter 25 > Chapter 26: The End > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 26: The End The sun was setting, the school's silhouette shadows over the court yard. Many students who've attended for the year meet in the school's courtyard so they can meet with their friends for last time till school starts back up in the fall. Sitting alone, waiting for his friends, was Sandbar. He was leaning against the rock, admiring the sunset when he hears a familiar voice behind him. "Hey Sandbar." Said Smolder approaching Sandbar. Sandbar turns to her and smiles. "Hey Smolder. Are you going to head back to the Dragonlands soon?" "Yeah, I'm getting ready to leave now, I just wanted to say bye to you guys one last time before I leave." Said Smolder with a blush. "Aww, don't be embarrassed Smolder, I'm gonna miss you a lot too." Said Sandbar. "I-I am not embarrassed!" Said Smolder sternly. Sandbar chuckles a little. "Yeah, I know Smolder." Said Sandbar. "Hey you guys!" Yelled Ocellus as she and Silverstream dart towards them. "We were worried you might have already left!" "Heh, Nope, we were just waiting here to see if you guys would show up before you leave." said Sandbar. "oooooh! I'm gonna miss you guys so much! I can't fathom being away from you guys for 3 months!" Said Silverstream. "Yeah, it feels like it gonna be awhile." Said Smolder. Just Then, Gallus shows up as well. "You know, what we can do is give eachother our addresses and we can write to each other while we are away." Said Gallus "GALLUS! That sounds like a great idea!" Said Silverstream. "The Mailing system in Dragonlands is pretty bad. But I can always Get it myself rather than it being delivered to me." Said Smolder. "Great, that sounds like a plan then." Said Sandbar. "Yona's Friends!!!" Yelled Yona as she stomped her way to the group. "Who-oah. Hey there Yona." Said Sandbar. "Hey Yona, We're giving out our addresses to each other so that we can write each other letters and stay in touch while we are back home during the summer, Wanna Join in?" Asked Silverstream. "Of Course! Yona would love to write friends letters!" Said Yona. The six would then exchange their addresses to each other. Despites it was obvious that it was time to leave, none of them could bare being the first one to turn away, so some of them started to stall. ".....So....Gallus, You think Anyone will be proud of you for making it to Ra Yellow in Griffonstone?" Asked Ocellus. "No idea. Griffions show their emotions differently than ponies. I may get a shrug or less." Said Gallus. "Well I wish you luck." Said Ocellus with an awkaward smile. "Yeah, thanks Ocellus." Said Gallus awkwardly smiling back...... "So Silverstream....Are the letters gonna be delivered to Seaquetria? do you know how to waterproof paper?" Asked Sandbar. "Uhm, well, no not really... The griffs who prefer to be Seaponies have to come up to get their mail" Replied Silverstream. That's when everything got quiet as they were running out of things to say. The weight of them leaving each other really started to hit them. "Yona not ready to say goodbye to friends!" Yona blurted out. "I'm not either!" Silverstream also yelled. "Siggghhhh.... I'm not read either." Said Smolder "I don't want to leave either. You guys are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I can't just walk away from that for 3 whole months." Said Gallus. "What are we going to do? the train that takes us back home leaves in 10 minutes." Said Ocellus. "I don't know. Maybe every weekend we call meet up somewhere?" Said Sandbar. "That's not reasonable, some of us live very far away from each other." Said Ocellus. Slowly all of them started to become depressed, Coming to the realization that they must say goodbye to each other. "Well...hopefully 3 months isn't too long." Said Sandbar. "It'll feel like forever." Said Gallus. "Things will be boring back home, not a lot of dragons like to play duel monsters" Said Smolder. "You know what, I'm not going back!" Said Silverstream. "What???" The others all said in unison. "But Silver, Your family?" Asked Gallus. "You guys are family too! Well I mean not by blood, but I don't care!" Said Silverstream. "Silverstream is right! If Silverstream not go, Yona not go either!" Said Yona. "....I guess I can say I missed the train and stay here." Said Ocellus. "Well I'm not gonna leave you you guys stay here, I'm staying too!" Said Smolder. "Ditto!" Said Gallus. "Awesome! You all can stay at my place!" Said Sandbar. They all smile and high five each other thinking they will stay. But Upon hearing the train whistle, it made them snap back to reality. "....No...We can't do that. we have to go home." Said Ocellus. "Gah! I don't wanna leave!" Said Smolder. Silverstream was now looking at the ground and Yona looked as if she was about to cry. behind them however, they could hear hoof steps. They look behind them to See Twilight approaching them wearing her saddlebag. "What are you six still doing here? The train leaves in 5 minutes." Said Twilight. "We... We don't want to leave." Said Gallus. "you don't?" Asked Twilight. "No, it's not fair. We don't want to leave each other." Said Smolder. "But Your families will be worried sick if you don't go back home." Said Twilight. "We know, we know we have go home, but... we feel like we are being torn apart from each other." Said Ocellus. the others nod in agreement to each other. "That is unfortunate." Said Twilight. "Maybe this will cheer you up." Said Twilight lifting her saddlebag off her back and setting it down on the ground. "What's in there?" Asked Sandbar. "Its your rewards, for saving the school and I guess the world from the dragon rulers." Said Twilight. The six perk up a little and then begin looking at each other. "Didn't Princess Celestia already award us?" Asked Silverstream. "Yes, but this is from me, to show my never ending gratitude." said Twilight. Using her magic, Twilight opens the saddlebag and one by one, she pulls our what look to be crystal or glass balls. she pulls out six of them and hand them to each student who takes them. "A...Crystal ball?" Asked Smolder really confused. "Yeah, try them out." Said Twilight. "excuse me?" Said Gallus looking at Twilight with one eyebrow up. "I said, try them out, give them a little rub while thinking of each other" Said Twilight. The six are very confused but do as they are told anyway. After rubbing the balls while thinking about each other. The cloudy balls begin to clear up, and inside the ball, they could see each other through the balls. "Whoa what!? What is going on!?" Asked Sandbar. "These are two way crystal balls. They've been enchanted with magic, So when you rub the balls while thinking of each other it makes a connections and you will all be able to see and talk to each other, despite be miles and miles away from each other. All their eyes widen upon realizing what this means. Now when ever they really start to miss one another, they can just call them on their crystal balls and they will be able to see and conversate with each other. "No way! Thank you headmare!" yelled Smolder. "THANK YOOOOU!!!" Yelled Silverstream. "You all are welcome. A friendship like yours should not be separated. Please promise me you will all stay in touch." Said Twilight. They all nod in unison. "Good." Just then, the train whistle is heard again. "Those of you who need to get on the train, you need to get on there now." "Shoot! I almost forgot!" Said Ocellus. Twilight chuckles. "start saying your goodbyes, and we'll see you all next year." Said Twilight as she began to walk away. The six wave goodbye to Twilight before looking back at each other. "Well, I do feel better about leaving now." Said Smolder. "Yeah, now when we miss each other, we can just give each other a call." Said Silverstream. "Let's make a plan to have a group call every Saturday 6 o'clock Ponyville time." Said Sandbar. "That sounds great to me!" Said Gallus. The creatures then gather their remaining things and begin to separate. They all stop to turn and look at each other one last time. They all smile and wave goodbye to each other one last time. Withing the sun light. All of their duel Spirits manifest next to each other. They too cordially signal to each other. though they will be separate, each one still has their duel spirit to protect them. They all turn away, and sperate finally for the time being. Up at the school however, from twilight's office, The Mane six minus Twilight have been watching them from the big window. They were all smiling till Twilight Entered Her office. They all turn to face Twilight. "That was a generous gift you gave them darling." Said Rarity. "They deserve it. They need a way to stay connected until school starts back up next year." Said Twilight. "Besides, it's a way we can stay in touch with them as well." With her Magic, she pulled out a 7th crystal ball. "This way, if we need them, we can contact them ourselves. It won't be long before we will need them." "Why is that Twilight?" Asked Fluttershy. "Because, Sunburst in the crystal empire found something," Said Twilight. "Something that may help us bring back the missing pillars of Equestria." The End To be Continued in Sophomore Year