Chapter 01 - A Rising Star
Chapter 01
It's late in the afternoon in Ponyville and the town was all abuzz. Today was the day where duelist from all over Equestria would come to claim one of the sixteen spots in this year's tournament. While many mares and colts were busy preparing for the upcoming duels, one young stallion is still asleep in bed. A faint beam of light grazed the sleeping colt's face. As the unwanted warmth grazed his face, he slowly opened his seafoam eyes. Slowly sitting up, the young stallion began to stretch.
“That was a good rest...” he said, a little drowsy.
Still a little groggy, the sleepy colt made his way out of bed. As his hooves hit the ground, he scratched his stomach. This young stallion name is Star Driver. He's a young duelist with the potential to make it far in the tournament. The young ochre stallion, then heads for the bathroom. While walking down the hall, Star Driver reflect on the importance of today.
Today's the day, huh? he thought to himself, as he ran his fingers through his spiky brown mane.
As he stepped into the shower, he turned on the shower. While the water trickled down his slight muscular frame, the haziness begins to fade, and the severity of the day began to sink in.
“This is it, Star. The first step to becoming “King of Games” starts today,” he whispered to himself.
Turning the water off, the young pegasus steps out of the shower to dry off. After he was completely dry, he headed back to his room to prepare for the day. After getting dressed, which was a black sleeveless V-neck shirt with black long sleeved undershirt and dark grey pants, he then walked over to his bed. As he reached underneath it, he pulled out a large box. With the box in hand, he sat at the foot of the bed. Opening the box, he marveled at the new his new Duel Disc that he purchased the night before. As he took it out of the box, he placed it on his right wrist. Now feeling like an actual duelist, Star Driver picked up the box on floor. Placing it in his lap, the ochre pegasus reached and placed the deck inside into the deck slot of his Duel Disc. Now prepared to tackle the day, he headed to the front door. Heading down the stairs, he heard a knocking at the door.
“Who could that be?”
Trotting the door, he opens it to reveal a tall, muscular purple figure standing on the other side. As the sun reflected off the green spines, a smile appeared on Star Driver's face. It was his best friend, Spike. Wearing an orange crew neck shirt complemented by his purple pants and white sneakers, the drake returned the smile. Exchanging a high five, the ochre pegasus inquired,
“Hey, bro. What brings you here?”
“Coming to get you, Star. Your match starts in like one minute,” answered the purple drake.
Star Driver merely waved off his buddy's comment as one of his trademark jokes.
“Very funny, Spike.”
“It's not a joke,” implored the dragon.
“Sure it isn't, Spike. You know as well as I do match isn't until...” he trailed off as he looked at his watch.
To his horror, the clock read 2:59p.m.
“OH CRAP! I'M LATE!!”
Without a moment to lose, he bolted past his scaly friend and made a beeline for Town Hall. Chuckling to himself, Spike soon follows after Star Driver.
“Same old Star,” he sighed.
At Town Hall, the residents were all abuzz for the match schedule for today. Outside was a multitude of vendors and decorations to celebrate the end of the preliminary rounds for the tournament. Young fillies and colts surveys the stands to partake of such treats as cotton candy, popcorn, and the occasional lily. Inside, the energetic crowd surrounded the duel field, which was blue with a white outline. On the sideline of the field, two mares were waiting for the other competitor to arrive. One of mares was none other the mayor of Ponyville. As the mayor was waiting for the competitor to arrive, her elegant figure began to slouch slightly. Her long sleeved black jacket with white collared blouse and teal decorative tie sway back and forth as she shifts around. As she laced a hand her hip, adorned with a black miniskirt, she began to rapidly tap her hooves. Looking up at the clock on the Northern Wall, it read 3:03 pm.
“Where is that Star Driver?” the amber mare uttered, slightly annoyed.
She then began observe the crowd. Seeing how they were becoming a little restless for the match to begin only fueled her annoyance.
“I may have to call it a forfeit if he doesn't show up soon,” she huffed, twirling her microphone in her hands.
“Don't worry, dude. He'll be here,” grinned a white unicorn.
The mayor turns to the see the other competitor nonchalantly sitting on the floor. It was none other the infamous Vinyl Scratch, aka DJ PON-3. Her spiky mane of is two shades of shocking blue, sways slightly as looks up to speak. Wearing a white sports vest with cobalt trim and light blue jeans with a white belt, the grinning mare turns her head to the mayor. Hiding her magenta eyes behind trademark purple shades, she continues.
“I'm sure he on his way.”
“I sure hope so.”
“He'll be here.”
The white unicorn then gazed at the clock.
Don't make me a liar, bro, she thought to herself.
As he's running through Ponyville, he weaves through the crowd. Narrowly dodging the spectators, Star Driver was running with a purpose.
I can't believed I overslept. I'm such an-WHOA!
His thoughts were halted by suddenly crashing into a unsuspecting pony. Regaining his composure, Star Driver rose to his feet. He turned to apologize to whoever he just smashed into. His heart nearly stopped when he looked at who he ran into. It was none other than Fluttershy.
“Oh my gosh, 'Shy! Are you alright?” he asked with genuine concern.
Leaning down, he extended a hand to help her up. Rubbing her head slightly, she accepts his gesture.
“I'm okay, Star. Why are you in such a hurry?” she said, as she rose to hooves.
“Well I'm kinda running late.”
“Oh that's right. You have a match scheduled for today. Well, good luck. I'll be cheering you on from the stands,” she smiled.
As he was about to respond, his voice seemed to have gone missing. Star Driver began to slightly blush as he looked upon the yellow pegasus' natural beauty. Though her attire is a simple turtleneck sweater and a long brown skirt, it seemed to capture her elegance. Her long silky pink mane seemed to flow down her slender frame, complemented by her bang as it cascaded slightly over her left eye sets his heart aflutter. Lost in her beauty, the ochre pegasus was shocked back into reality as he felt a gentle shake from the timid pegasus.
“Star, are you okay? You were spacing out,” asked a worried Fluttershy.
“Sorry about that 'Shy. I guess hit my head harder than I thought. I'll be fine though,” he lied.
“Thank goodness. But shouldn't you be at the Town Hall? Your match start three minutes ago?” she said.
“Crap, I forgot. I'll see ya later, 'Shy. I gotta jet,” exclaimed Star Driver, as he took to the skies.
Leaving the timid pegasus in a bewildered state, the young stallion raced to Town Hall. As the confused pegasus stood amidst the crowd, she is greeted with a tap on her shoulder. As she turned to see the grinning drake.
“Hey Fluttershy. Was that Star that just took off?” he inquired.
“Yeah, he's always so energetic isn't he?” she giggled.
“Of course. We better hurry or we'll miss the match,” grinned the purple drake.
The two then raced toward Town Hall.
Seeing that he was fifteen minutes late the amber mare had no other choice.
“I know you were looking forward to this match, Ms. Scratch. But I have to call this match a forfeit.”
“But I'm sure he'll be here. If you wait just a few more minutes...” pleaded Vinyl.
“We can wait and longer!”
Walking to the middle of the field, with microphone in hand she is prepare to deliver the announcement. As she reached the center of the hall, began to speak,
“Greetings, everypony. I apologize it looks like this match will be...”
“WAIT!”
At that moment, a panting pegasus burst through the door. All eyes turned to see that Star Driver had finally arrived. Still out of breathe he trotted onto the field, where he is greeted by the scowl of Mayor Mare.
“You are late, Star Driver!” she bellowed, with her arms crossed.
“I sincerely apologize, Mayor! I overslept,” replied, rubbing the back of his head.
“It's about time you showed up, bro,” chimed Vinyl.
Star turned to see Vinyl walking up to them. Wearing her custom made duel disc on her right wrist, she extended a fist.
“Hey, Vi. Sorry to keep you waiting,” he greeted his friend with a fist bump.
“Glad you made it. If you would've arrived a second later she would've called the match a forfeit.” grinned the spiky maned unicorn.
With both combatants now present, the final match of the preliminary round was ready to begin. The mayor then motion for the two to take there position. As they were walking to the opposite of each other, the spiky mane mare tightened her fingerless violet gloves. As they reach their positions, they turn to face each other. With eager grins plastered on their faces the two was ready to begin the match. As Vinyl lowered her shades, signaling she was ready to begin. The amber mare turned to the crowd.
“Fillies and gentlecolts, thank you for your patience. It's now time to begin the final preliminary match. The winner will earn a spot in this year's tournament,” announced the mayor.
The crowd erupted in a sea of cheers.
“Introducing first, known for her dubstep beats and bass drops, The Iconic Vinyl Scratch!”
The DJ greeted the roaring crowd with an energetic wave.
“And next we energetic enigma, Star Driver!”
Throwing his fist in the air, Star Driver was greeted with a roaring cheer. In the midst of the crowd, Spike and Fluttershy had arrived. Hearing the mayor's announcement, they both breathed a sigh of relief.
“Whew, thank goodness we didn't miss it,” panted the yellow pegasus.
“Yeah...” puffed Spike.
“Spike! Fluttershy! Over here!” shouted a voice from the crowd.
They both turned to see Pinkie Pie waving to them. Fluttershy and Spike then made their way over to her. The party pony's attire was yellow tank top with a white undershirt and white pants with red lining. The hyperactive mare bounced up and down with her well-known enthusiasm, as the two finally reached her.
“Hey you two! Are you as excited as I am for this match?” exclaimed the party pony.
“Yeah, this going epic,” chimed Spike.
“Say, Pinkie. Where are Twilight and the others?” asked Fluttershy.
Pinkie merely shrugged at the question.
“They all said that there were busy preparing for the tournament to come out,” sighed Pinkie.
“Really?” inquired Fluttershy.
“Yeah, Twilight told me that she was gonna study various dueling strategies before I left,” explained Spike.
“Oh, well that's too bad. They're gonna really miss a good match,” said the timid pegasus.
“Yep, it's there loss,” said Pinkie Pie, turning her attention back the field.
Walking off the field, the silver maned mare motion to the combatants to begin the match.
“Let's duel!” they both exclaimed.
Drawing their cards, Vinyl was the first to begin.
“I draw!” Vinyl stated.
Adding the card to her hand, she summons a monster.
“Go 'Bass Gear', in Defense mode!”
Bass Gear
ATT: EARTH
LVL: 1 star
Type: Machine
ATK/DEF: 0500/1500
The monster appeared the form of giant blue and white mechanical gear.
“Next, I'll play two cards facedown and end my turn!”
Star Driver then drew his card. As he looked at his card, a smile appeared on his face.
“Okay, Vi. First, summon Marauding Captain in Attack Mode.”
Marauding Captain
ATT: EARTH
Level: 3 stars
Type: Warrior/Effect
Card Text: Your opponent target a face-up Warrior-Type monsters for attacks, except this one. When this card is Normal Summoned, you can Special Summon 1 level 4 or lower monster from your hand.
ATK/DEF: 1200/0400
A humanoid soldier appears on the field. He's dressed in battle scarred armor and a tattered cape.
“And thanks to his effect I can also summon Command Knight! In Attack Mode!”
Command Knight
ATT: FIRE
Level: 4 stars
Type: Warrior/Effect
Card Text: As long as at least 1 other monster exists on you side of the field, your opponent cannot select this card as an attack target. Also, as long as this card remains face-up on the field, increase the ATK of all your Warrior-type monsters by 400.
ATK/DEF: 1200/1900
With that, a second humanoid soldier emerged on the field. This warrior is dressed in decorative dark red armor (polished to perfection) and adorned with a crimson cape.
“And since my girl is on the field, both of my monsters get 400 ATK point boost!”
Just then, Command Knight and Marauding Captain ATK were increased to 1600.
“Not bad, Star,” grinned the white unicorn.
“And I'm not done yet! Marauding Captain take out that Bass Gear! Calvary Strike!”
At his command, the battle scarred warrior draws his sword, and destroys the her mechanical gear.
“Now, Command Knight! Attack directly with Burning Slash!”
The crimson knight then charged the spiky maned DJ. The approaching assault was met with a grin.
“Not so fast, bro! I activate my facedown card...Draining Shield!”
Draining Shield
ATT: TRAP
Type: Trap Card
Card Text: Negate the attack of 1 your opponent's monsters and increased your Life Points by the attacking monster's ATK.
The facedown lifts up, to reveal the hidden Spell card. It was then that a pale green sphere surrounded Vinyl. As the sword slash impacted the sphere Vinyl withstood the assault. With her trademark grin, she let out a smug chuckle.
“Nice try, dude. Be all that did was give me more Life Points.”
A green aura engulfed Vinyl, as her Life Points increased to 5600. Annoyed by her counter move, Star Driver proceeded with his turn.
“I place two cards facedown and end my turn!”
As the roar of the crowd intensified, Vinyl drew a new card. As she looked upon it, another smirk snaked across her snout.
“Perfect! First, I play my facedown Spell card 'The Beat Goes On!'.”
The Beat Goes On!
ATT: SPELL
Type: Spell Card
Card Text: If there are no monsters on your side of the field, Special Summon 3 "Bass tokens" (Machine-type/EARTH/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 1000).
The facedown lifts up, to reveal the hidden Spell card.
“And since I have no monsters on the field, I get to summon 3 Bass tokens to the field.”
With that, 3 miniature blue and white mechanical gears tokens emerged on the field.
“But they're not stay for long. Because, I'm gonna sacrifice my 3 tokens to summon 'DJ- Bass Mast3r' in Attack Mode!” said the spiky maned mare.
DJ – Bass Mast3r
ATT: LIGHT
Level: 6 stars
Type: Warrior/Effect
Card Text: This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned, by sacrificing 3 Bass Tokens. On the turn this card is summoned, if there are no monsters on your side of the field, draw 2 cards.
ATK/DEF: 2500/2000
In a instance the 3 tokens vanished from the field, and a humanoid warrior appeared in their place. The monster resembled the energetic DJ in both hair style and shades. Her attire was a magenta tank top with a black camisole, black armbands with purple fingerless gloves with black trim. Her bottoms were black yoga pants with a white music note on each side, with magenta sneakers with black trim. Looking at her opponent square in the face, Vinyl couldn't help but grin.
“Thanks to her special ability, I can draw two cards.”
Drawing her two cards, she goes on the attack.
“Alright Bass Mast3r attack Marauding Captain! Bass Shock!” exclaimed Vinyl.
The dubstep warrior hands illuminate with the light blue aura. She then delivers pulsating shockwave destroying Marauding Captain. Star Driver's Life Points are decreased to 3100.
“Next, I'll lay this card facedown, and end my turn!”
Not wasting anytime, Star Driver drew his next card. He grimaced as he looked at the card he drew.
This won't help me at all, thought the ochre pegasus.
Turning his attention back to Vinyl, he begins his turn.
“First, I activate the Spell card 'Pot of Greed'!”
Pot of Greed
ATT: SPELL
Type: Spell Card
Card Text: Draw 2 cards from Deck.
A giant green and teal grinning jar emerged on the field.
“Thanks to this, I can draw two more cards!” stated Star Driver.
As he looked at the two cards he drew, a smile snaked across his snout.
“Perfect! I summon another 'Command Knight' in Attack Mode.”
Just then, another female warrior appeared on the field.
“And since is have another 'Command Knight' on the field, my ladies get another 400 ATK” declared Star Driver,
Both of Star Driver's warriors ATK increased to 2000.
“I play one card facedown and end my turn,” he grinned.
Across the field, Vinyl was anything but amused.
“Trying to stall for time, huh?” frowned Vinyl.
“That's the plan!” he smiled.
Vinyl merely huffed in response. In the midst of the crowd, three specific ponies were cheering on Star Driver.
“That was a nice move, bro!” shouted Spike.
“Huh? What do you mean, Spike?” asked Fluttershy.
Turn his head to her he explains,
“You how when Command Knight is on the field if there's another monster on the field it can't be the target of attacks,” said Spike.
“Yeah?” she answered.
“Well, since he has two of them on the field, Vinyl can't attack either of them!” chimed in Pinkie Pie.
“Oh I see, that was smart of Star to do,” replied Fluttershy.
“Yeah, let's see what other tricks does he have up his sleeve,” said Spike, brimming with excitement.
Back on the field, Vinyl begins her turn.
“Alright, let's spin the bit!” she exclaimed, as she drew her card.
Seeing the card in her hand caused her frown to quickly turn into a smile.
“Now we're talking! First, I equip Bass Mast3r with the Spell card 'Prototype Bass Cannon'.”
Prototype Bass Cannon
ATT: SPELL
Type: Equipment Spell Card
Card Text: This card can only be equipped to "DJ-Bass Mast3r". Increased the equipped monsters ATK by 200. When this card has 4 or more Bass Counters on it, you may sacrifice this card, then add and equip "Mecha Bass Cannon" to the equipped monster from your Deck.
In front of her monster appeared a faded black rustic subwoofer with a 4 mini speakers in the front with a red button on the top of the speaker.
“And thanks to this beauty , my monsters ATK increases by 200.” said Vinyl with a smirk.
DJ – Bass Mast3r ATK is increased to 2700.
“Next, I activate my facedown card 'Waiting for the Bass Drop'!” smiled Vinyl.
She motioned to one of her facedown cards, revealing the hidden Spell card
Waiting for the Bass Drop
ATT: SPELL
Type: Continuous Spell Card
Card Text: Once per turn, at the beginning of the Standby Phase, you can add 1 "Bass Counter" to "Prototype Bass Cannon".
A puzzled look appeared on Star Driver's face, as she revealed her Spell card.
“Is that a new card, Vi?” asked a befuddled Star Driver.
“Yeah, you like it?” she responded.
“What does it do?” he inquired.
Lifting her shades, she stares right in Star Driver's seafoam eyes
“You'll find out soon enough,” she winked with a mischievous grin.
