My Little 5D's

by DarkTechInc

Rating: teen
Tags: Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Other, Romance, Adventure, Crossover, Sad, Main 6
Length: 88488

Shortly after the Royal Wedding, ancient tablets were uncovered. Duel Monsters have been introduced to modern Equestria. A few years later, at Rainbow's birthday party, an ancient legend is introduced as well. The legend of the Crimson Dragon.

Shortly after Canterlot’s Royal Wedding, and the defeat of Queen Chrysalis and the changelings, a meteor strike in the Everfree Forest had uncovered some ancient ruins with tablets depicting creatures from a parallel world. These beings, known now as Duel Monsters, were quickly adapted into a card game for Equestria’s masses. While most consider it to be just a fun game to be shared with friends, others take the time to research the hidden legends behind these creatures and their world. And others still become those legends.

Alternate Universe fic that crosses over Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s with Friendship is Magic, set after Season 2. For the purposes of story, events featured in the IDW comics and in Season 3 and beyond didn’t occur in this universe.

Dark Signer Arc: Chapter 1: "Duel! A New Legend Begins" - Chapter 18: "Dawn of a Brighter Future"
Advent of Riding Duels Arc: Chapter 19: "Riding Duel, Acceleration!" -

Published 2013-09-10 02:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2014-02-27 23:22:18 UTC

The Clashing Dragon Cards - Rainbow Dash vs. Twilight Sparkle

“Duel!”

Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000. Rainbow Dash: LP 4000.

“It’s my party, so I go first!” said Rainbow. “Draw! I summon Neo Flamvell Sabre!" A flaming haired biped, wielding a burning sword appeared, slashing his sword dramatically. [ATK1500. LV4] "If my opponent has less than 4 cards in their Graveyard, Sabre gains 600 ATK! [ATK2100] I set two cards and end my turn.”

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw!” ‘Hmm, Dash focuses on brute force more than strategy, so maybe I should…’

“Ugh,” groaned Rainbow. “Now I remember why I don’t duel you. You take forever to do anything. Applejack, could you and Pinkie fetch the cake? We might as well eat it now, considering how long this will take.”

“You are seriously over reacting to this,” sighed Twilight. “You know, you’d do good to strategize, too. I activate the Field Spell, Magical Citadel of Endymion!" The apple orchard disappeared, and a large stone tower rose up where the barn once was. Nearby, four magical alters resembling gazebos rose up, forming a square around the tower. Inside the square's perimeter, a small village of stone cottages appeared. "Then I set a Monster in defense. I end my turn with two more set cards.”

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I summon Flamvell Archer!" Another flaming haired biped appeared. This one was armed with a red bow and burning arrows. [ATK1000. LV3] "I tune my level 3 Flamvell Archer to my level 4 Neo Flamvell Sabre! Ancient god of fire, burn my adversaries to a crisp! Synchro Summon! Ancient Flamvell Deity!” In a repeat from last time, Ancient Flamvell Deity rose up from a pillar of light. [ATK2500. LV7]

“My Graveyard is empty,” said Twilight. “So your monster’s effect can’t activate.”

“What?” asked Rainbow. “Oh, uh, right. I knew that. But still, I have a Synchro Monster out, so…”

“You won’t have it for long,” said Twilight. “Trap activate! Bottomless Trap Hole! When my opponent summons a monster with over 1500 ATK, I destroy and banish it!”

“Not so fast!” said Rainbow.

“I thought you wanted me to go faster,” muttered Twilight.

“Counter-Trap, Flamvell Counter! By banishing a FIRE monster with 200 or less defense from my Graveyard, like my Flamvell Archer, I can negate the activation of my opponent’s Spell or Trap, and destroy it! I negate Bottomless Trap Hole!”

“Well then,” said Twilight. “You did have something planned.”

“Battle!” said Rainbow. “Ancient Flamvell Deity, attack Twilight’s set Monster!”

“Quick-Play Spell, Enemy Controller!” countered Twilight. “I switch your Ancient Flamvell Deity to defense, stopping it’s attack! [DEF200] Then, since a Spell Card was activated, Magical Citadel of Endymion gains a Spell Counter!” A ring of enchanted runes written in light appeared around the tower, slowly circling it to mark the place a small, barely noticeable black stone appeared on the tower itself. [Spell Counter: 1]

“Hmph,” snorted Rainbow. “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I activate Swords of Revealing Light! Until my opponent’s third End Phase after I play this, this card will remain on the field. As long as it’s on the field, you can’t attack! Plus, Magical Citadel of Endymion gains another Spell Counter since I activated a Spell card!” Another ring of runes appeared to mark the location of another small, black stone. [Spell Counter: 2]

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I activate Monster Reborn to Special Summon Neo Flamvell Sabre from the Graveyard!” [ATK1500. LV4]

“Since you activated a Spell,” said Twilight, “another Spell Counter is added to Magical Citadel of Endymion!” Yet another ring of runes appeared alongside another black stone. [Spell Counter: 3]

“Yeah, yeah,” said Rainbow. “Whatever. I summon Neo Flamvell Origin!" A small ball of blue flames, cased in a protective coating of red flames ignited on Rainbow's field. [ATK500. LV2] "I tune my level 2 Neo Flamvell Origin to my level 4 Neo Flamvell Sabre!" Origin turned into two green rings, as Sabre became the stars to channel the Synchro Summon. "Burning flames of my heart, pierce through my opponent’s defenses! Synchro Summon! Flamvell Uruquizas!” A large biped, with fists coated in flames rose up out of the pillar of light. [ATK2100. LV6]

“Another Synchro Summon?” gasped Rarity.

“Being a little too aggressive, RD?” asked Applejack.

“Be quiet,” snapped Rainbow. “I switch Ancient Flamvell Deity back into attack position. [ATK2500] Turn end.” [Swords of Revealing Light: 1]

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I activate the Continuous-Spell, Spell Absorption! Whenever a Spell Card is activated, I’ll gain 500 Life Points! Then, since I played another Spell Card, Magical Citadel of Endymion gains another Spell Counter!” [Spell Counter: 4]

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I activate Mystical Space Typhoon! I destroy Swords of Revealing Light!”

“Since you activated a Spell card,” said Twilight, “Magical Citadel of Endymion gains a Spell Counter and I gain 500 Life Points!” [Spell Counter: 5] [Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000 –> 4500]

“Big deal,” shrugged Rainbow. “I can attack again. Battle! Flamvell Uruquizas attacks your set Monster! When Flamvell Uruquizas battles a defense position Monster with DEF less than his ATK, Piercing Damage is inflicted!” Uruquizas' fists burned hotter as he punched straight through Twilight's defense. [DEF800. LV2]

“Gah! [Twilight Sparkle: LP 4500 –> 3200] Apprentice Magician’s effect! When destroyed by battle, he allows me to set a level 2 or lower Spellcaster-Type Monster from my deck! I set another Apprentice Magician!”

“When Flamvell Uruquizas deals Battle Damage, he gains 300 ATK! [ATK2400] Ancient Flamvell Deity attacks your set Monster!” Ancient Flamvell Deity summoned a wall of flames, which he then sent crashing down onto Twilight's field.

“And I get another level 2 or lower Spellcaster-Type Monster!” said Twilight. “I set Old Vindictive Magician!”

“Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I Flip Summon Old Vindictive Magician!" A hunched over, wrinkled biped appeared, wielding a staff with a black stone lodged in it. [ATK450. LV2] "This activates his Flip Effect, allowing me to destroy one Monster my opponent controls! I destroy Ancient Flamvell Deity!” The stone glowed purple, shrouding Ancient Flamvell Deity in purple aura. Old Vindictive Magician gestured with the staff, and Flamvell Deity was destroyed.

“No!” gasped Rainbow. “Well, whatever. You can’t change a Monster’s battle position twice on the same turn, so you just left a low ATK Monster out for me to destroy.”

“I’m not done, Rainbow,” said Twilight. “I activate Monster Reborn to Special Summon Apprentice Magician back to the Field.” [ATK400. LV2]

“And Twilight’s Field Spell gets another Spell Counter, right?” asked Fluttershy. [Spell Counter: 6]

“Not only that,” said Twilight, “but Spell Absorption increases my Life Points by another 500! [Twilight Sparkle: LP 3200 –> 3700] Then, I release my two Monsters to Advance Summon Endymion, the Master Magician!” A large, cloaked and armored biped armed with a staff rose up. His staff ended in a crescent shape, a black stone floating inside it. Adorning his armor and cloak were more of these stones. A large metal ring rested on his back, containing even more of these magical black stones. [ATK2700. LV7]

“Uh oh,” said Rainbow.

“It gets worse,” smiled Twilight. “By discarding a Spell Card from my hoof, Endymion can destroy one card on the Field. I discard Field Barrier to destroy Flamvell Uruquizas!” The stone in the staff glowed. Upon Endymion's command, a bolt of purple energy shot out, striking Uruquizas.

“No!” gasped Rainbow.

“Endymion, attack Rainbow directly!” said Twilight. “Spell Counter Cataclysm!” Every stone on Endymion glowed with a magical aura, charging up his staff as he sent out a blast of magic.

“Gah!” [Rainbow Dash: LP 4000 –> 1300]

“With that, I end my turn,” said Twilight.

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! Heh, gotcha, Twilight.”

“What do you mean?”

“I activate Dark Hole! All monsters on the Field are destroyed!”

“The only monster on the Field is Endymion,” said Rarity.

“Well,” said Applejack, “it’s not there anymore.”

“I gain another 500 Life Points thanks to Spell Absorption,” said Twilight, “and my Magical Citadel of Endymion gets another Spell Counter!” [Spell Counter: 7] [Twilight Sparkle: LP 3700 –> 4200]

“And now that the Field is open,” said Rainbow, “I activate my Continuous-Trap, Call of the Haunted! With this, I Special Summon Ancient Flamvell Deity back to the Field!” [ATK2500. LV7]

“So Twi is gonna take 2500 points of damage, huh?” asked Applejack.

“Nope,” smiled Rainbow. “She’ll take more. Thanks again for your present, Twilight.”

“You mean…” began Twilight.

“I’m about to summon him?” finished Rainbow. “Yeah. I summon the Tuner Monster, Attack Gainer!" A red haired, jumpsuit wearing biped now stood in front of Rainbow. [ATK0. LV1] "I tune my level 1 Attack Gainer to my level 7 Ancient Flamvell Deity!" Attack Gainer became the green Tuning Ring, while Ancient Flamvell Deity became the stars to channel through it. "The ruler’s heartbeats now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power! Synchro Summon! Red Demon’s Dragon!” A spinning torrent of flames surrounded a red and black dragon, with three large horns upon his head. He spread his wings to dispel the flames, roaring to the sky, bearing his claws. [ATK3000. LV8]

“Eep!” gasped Fluttershy, ducking behind Rarity.

“It’s not real, darling,” said Rarity. “It’s just Solid Vision.”

“I know,” mumbled Fluttershy. “It just startled me.”

“Uh, sorry, Shy!” called Rainbow. “Anyway, Twilight. Like I said before. Thanks for the gift. Red Demon’s Dragon, direct attack! Absolute Power Force!” Flames of energy engulfed on of Red Demon's' claws. With a roar, he slammed his claw into Twilight.

“Gah!” winced Twilight, skidding backwards from the impact. [Twilight Sparkle: LP 4200 –> 1200]

“I set a card,” said Rainbow. “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I activate the effect of Endymion, the Master Magician from my Graveyard! I can Special Summon him by removing 6 Spell Counters from Magical Citadel of Endymion!” The ring of runes vanished, as the tower sent out a burst of six purple lights. The lights collided and from the collision, Endymion appeared. [Spell Counter: 1] [ATK2700. LV7]

“What!?” gasped Rainbow.

“Furthermore,” smiled Twilight. “When I Special Summon him like this, I can add a Spell Card from my Graveyard to my hoof. I add Monster Reborn!”

“Continuous-Trap activate!” countered Rainbow. “Fiendish Chain! I target an effect monster on the Field and negate its effects as well as stop it from attacking! I negate the effects of your so-called Master Magician!” Chains launched up from the ground, ensnaring Endymion.

“What!?” gasped Twilight.

“How’s that for strategy, Twilight?” asked Rainbow.

“Not bad,” said Twilight. “But still expected. I activate Monster Reborn!”

“Go ahead and do that,” shrugged Rainbow. “It won’t do much good, anyway. All Monsters in either of our Graveyards are weaker than Red Demon’s Dragon.”

“That may be true,” said Twilight. “But you’re assuming my final goal is in the Graveyard.”

“Hm?”

“I Special Summon Attack Gainer!” [ATK0. LV1]

“My Tuner Monster?” mumbled Rainbow.

“She’s going for a Synchro Summon, huh?” said Rarity.

“Rainbow, I got the cake!” called Pinkie. “No thanks to Apple- wait, what’s going on? What did I miss?”

“Pinkie,” said Rainbow, “did you take my teasing of Twilight literally?”

“Uh… That would be a yes.”

“Well, you made it back in time for me to win!” said Twilight. “First, since I played a Spell Card, I gain another Spell Counter and 500 Life Points. [Spell Counter: 2] [Twilight Sparkle: LP 1200 –> 1700] I tune my level 1 Attack Gainer to my level 7 Endymion, the Master Magician!" Once again, Attack Gainer became a green Tuning ring, while Endymion took on the role of becoming the stars to channel the Synchro Summon. "Clustering wishes will create a shining new star! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!” Spinning from the light came a white and blue dragon. Upon spreading its large wings, a shower of sparkles went flying out. With a roar, the dragon circled the field, before dramatically landing in front of Twilight. [ATK2500. LV8]

“Ooh,” said Rarity, “how beautiful…”

“A bit flashy for mah tastes,” mumbled Applejack. “But Ah suppose it’s right up yer ally, Rare.”

“Thanks to Attack Gainer’s effect,” said Twilight, “since he was used in a Synchro Summon, your Red Demon’s Dragon loses 1000 ATK!”

“Crap!” said Rainbow. [ATK2000]

“Battle!” said Twilight. “Stardust Dragon, attack Red Demon’s Dragon! Shooting Sonic!” Stardust breathed a blast of white energy out at Red Demon's Dragon. The energy engulfed and burned him away, continuing on to strike Rainbow Dash.

“Gah!” winced Rainbow, getting tossed back by the impact. [Rainbow Dash: LP 1300 –> 800]

“And I thought I was dramatic,” said Rarity.

What the hay was that? thought Rainbow. Did that attack actually send me flying?

“Turn end,” said Twilight.

“Twilight,” mumbled Rainbow, “just what are these dragons?”

“What do you mean?” asked Twilight.

Rainbow sighed. “Never mind. My turn, draw! I activate Synchro Super Nova! I banish a FIRE Attribute Synchro Monster from my Graveyard, to destroy a Monster my opponent controls! Then, my opponent takes damage equal to the destroyed Monster’s ATK! I banish Flamvell Uruquizas to destroy Stardust Dragon!”

“Stardust Dragon’s effect!” countered Twilight. “By releasing her, I can negate an effect that would destroy a card on the Field and destroy that card! Victim Sanctuary!” Stardust let out a roar, as she dissolved into a shower of sparkles.

“No!” gasped Rainbow. “Well, whatever. Stardust is gone, at least, so I might have a chance. Turn end!”

“Sorry, Rainbow,” said Twilight, with a soft smile. “Stardust Dragon’s effect! During the End Phase of the turn Stardust was released by her own effect, I Special Summon her from the Graveyard!” In another shower of sparks, Stardust flew up, dramatically spinning again and announcing her return with yet another roar. [ATK2500. LV8]

“Are you kidding me?” muttered Rainbow.

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Battle! Stardust Dragon, direct attack! Shooting Sonic!” Once more, Stardust sent out a blast of white energy. The attack engulfed Rainbow Dash, sending her flying.

“Gah!” [Rainbow Dash: LP 800 –> 0]

“Oh,” mumbled Fluttershy. “Poor Rainbow.”

“I lost again,” muttered Rainbow. “And on my birthday, too.”

“I’m sorry, Rainbow,” said Twilight. “But it was a good game, right?”

“I guess,” said Rainbow, before giving a small smile. “Congrats, Twilight.”

“Well, that was fun!” said Pinkie. “But we should probably eat this cake before it melts. It is an ice cream cake, after all.”

“I’m up for some cake,” said Rarity, as everypony moved over to the picnic table.

“Where did you get these cards, anyway?” asked Applejack.

“I found them stuck in a book, actually,” said Twilight. “I guess somepony used them as a bookmark or something.”

“Why would anypony do that?” asked Fluttershy.

“Was it at least an interesting book?” asked Rainbow.

“If you find the ancient history of Duel Monsters interesting, then yes,” said Twilight.

“Who could find that interesting?” yawned Rainbow. “Aside from you, of course.”

“Cheerilee, apparently,” said Twilight. “She was the one who borrowed the book from me.”

“And she was the one who put the cards in?” asked Rarity.

“Actually,” said Twilight, “she didn’t. She told me she’s never seen them before in her life.”

“Huh,” said Pinkie. “Weird. Oh well, one of life’s mysteries, I suppose. Like the mystery of where the bathwater goes when you pull the plug.”

“The sewers, Pinkie,” said Rarity.

“Really?” asked Pinkie. “Darn. Thanks for ruining the mystery, Rarity.”

Speaking of mystery, thought Twilight, these cards seem to be getting more mysterious by the minute. Just what exactly is up with this cards?

Author's Note

I did invent some cards for the fic, such as Synchro Super Nova. I try to limit the amount of cards I make up, though.

The Story of the Signers

Cheerilee trotted into the classroom as the bell rang, looking out over her class with a smile. “Happy Friday, everypony!”

“Happy Friday, Miss Cheerilee!”

“Now, I don’t really want to start something new today,” said Cheerilee, “but I will tell you what I have planned for our next subject. I’m certain you all know what this is, right?” Cheerilee set down her saddle bags, before dipping her head in to pull out a card.

“A Duel Monsters’ card?” said Scootaloo.

“Ooh!” said Sweetie Belle. “Are we going to be dueling next week?”

“Maybe when we’re done with the subject,” said Cheerilee. “I recently received a book on history and legends from the Golden Oak Library, and I thought we could study the history of Duel Monsters.”

“How can we study the history of something that’s only a few years old?” asked Diamond Tiara.

Cheerilee shook her head. “As I hope to show you, it extends back thousands of years. But we’ll cover that next week. I need to run out to order some supplies. I’ve called in some ponies to watch over the class while I’m out, and keep you entertained for today. I’ll see you Monday, alright?”

Cheerilee waved to the class, before trotting out the door. Applejack and Rarity entered in her place.

“Sweetie Belle, no slouching,” said Rarity.

“Aw, man,” groaned Sweetie Belle, sitting up straight.

"Rarity?" asked Apple Bloom. "Applejack? Cheerilee asked you two to handle the class?"

"Doesn't this school have any other teachers?" Silver Spoon whispered.

"Forget that," Diamond Tiara whispered back. "With these two in charge, we won't be doing anything today. Might as well dismiss us right now."

"It's rude to whisper in class," Scootaloo butted in.

“Oh, Scootaloo,” said Applejack. “Rainbow told me to tell you that she can’t hang out with ya today.”

“She can’t?” asked Scootaloo. “Darn… That’s the third time this month she’s cancelled. When am I supposed to get flight lessons?”

“Sorry, sugarcube,” said Applejack. “She’s really worn out from yesterday, but she did say-”

“Excuse me?” interrupted Diamond Tiara. “We’re supposed to be learning something, not having a casual conversation with blank flanks.”

“If only I could put you in detention for that,” muttered Rarity. “But she is correct. Cheerilee told us to teach them something.”

“We could talk about apples,” suggested Applejack, a big smile on her face.

“Or perhaps fashion?” suggested Rarity. “Does the school still have a sewing club?”

“Uh, sis?” said Apple Bloom, raising a hoof. “We’re gonna learn about Duel Monsters next week, so maybe you could duel for us?”

“Hey, yeah,” agreed Scootaloo. “We still don’t have decks ourselves, so we don’t get to see dueling outside of passing them on the street.”

“Except for that tourney the fair held last weekend,” said Apple Bloom. “Though the tickets cost a bit more than expected.”

“I have a deck,” bragged Diamond Tiara.

“Same here,” smirked Silver Spoon.

“Well, goodie for you,” muttered Sweetie Belle.

“Girls, please,” said Rarity, before turning towards Applejack. “Well, I’m all for a duel if you are, Applejack.”

“If ya think ya can beat me,” smiled Applejack. “Yer on!”

“Duel!”

Rarity: LP 4000. Applejack: LP 4000.

“I’ll take the first move,” said Rarity. “Draw! I’ll activate my Field Spell Card, Ancient City – Rainbow Ruins!" The classroom took on the appearance of a large coliseum, the walls changing to look like sandstone ramparts. Pillars rose from the floor, stretching to a ceiling that now resembled a clear blue sky. A rainbow stretched across, completing the Field Spell's environment. "Additionally, I activate the Continuous-Spell, Crystal Tree!" A small, leafless stone tree sprouted from the ground beside Rarity. "Every time I place a Crystal Beast into my Spell and Trap card Zone, I place a Crystal Counter on this card. I set one Monster, and end my turn.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! …Say, Rarity? You have a Dragon-Type in that deck, right?”

“Yes,” Rarity said slowly. “Why, do you have some card to counter Dragons or something?”

“No,” said Applejack. “Ah don’t think Ah do, it’s just Ah found a Dragon-Type in the orchard last night when Ah was cleaning up the party.”

“Well, I have two Dragons,” said Rarity. “I keep one safe and sound at home. It’s very rare, and I received it from Fancy Pants himself for a dress I made.”

“Fancy Pants wears dresses?”

“No, Applejack,” groaned Rarity. “His wife, Fleur does. But that’s beside the point. The only other Dragon I have I saw in my deck this morning.”

“Huh,” said Applejack. “Then where did-”

“ARE YOU GOING TO DUEL OR TALK!?” snapped Diamond Tiara.

“No outbursts in class,” Applejack snapped back. “Ah summon Lonefire Blossom!" A strange plant uncoiled itself in front of Applejack. If it weren't for the bulb looking like a lit bomb, it would appear to be an ordinary flower. [ATK500. LV3] "Then Ah release it by its effect to Special Summon a Plant-Type Monster from mah deck! Ah Special Summon Gigaplant!" Lonefire Blossom exploded and a large wall of twisting plants rose up in its place, a large red maw opening to reveal rows of sharp teeth. It let out a roar, as appendages resembling the claws of an insect sprouted from it. [ATK2400. LV6] "Battle! Gigaplant, attack Rarity’s Set Monster!” The card flipped over and an old tortoise with green gems sprouting from its back took its place. [DEF2000] It didn't remain for long, as Gigaplant sliced through as easily as a scythe through grass.

“Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise’s effect!” said Rarity. “When destroyed, I can place him into my Spell and Trap Zone instead of sending him to the Graveyard!" A lump of emerald remained drifting in front of Rarity. "And since I placed a Crystal Beast in my Spell and Trap Zone, Crystal Tree gains a Crystal Counter!” A glowing gem sprouted on one of the branches. [Crystal Counter: 1]

“Ah set a card,” said Applejack. “Turn end.”

“Cheerilee!” called Twilight, galloping towards her from across the market place.

“Hello, Twilight!” smiled Cheerilee. She frowned as Twilight got closer. “Are you okay? You look tired.”

“I’ve been up all night studying,” said Twilight. “Something happened at yesterday’s party and it’s left me curious.”

“Curious about what?” asked Cheerilee, as they began trotting down the street together.

“Remember those cards that we found in that book you returned the other day?”

“Those Synchro Monsters?” asked Cheerilee. “Yes, I remember. Did something happen with them?”

“I think so,” said Twilight. “But none of my books had anything about them, and then I remembered I lent you one before I could read it, so…”

“You think the book might have something in it, yes?” asked Cheerilee.

“I do,” said Twilight. “Is there any legends about dragons in it?”

“Just one,” said Cheerilee. “Have any of your other books mentioned a deity called the Crimson Dragon?”

“The Crimson Dragon?” repeated Twilight, racking her brain. “I don’t think they did.”

“Well, I haven’t been able to figure out much of it personally,” said Cheerilee, “but I’ll try to fill you in. There’s a legendary creature called the Crimson Dragon. It’s power is similar to the Elements of Harmony, in that it needs to be channeled through friends.”

“So is the legend based off of the Elements?” asked Twilight.

“Most likely,” said Cheerilee. “Legend says the there are dragons that serve the Crimson Dragon, and that these dragons find those worthy to bear the Mark of the Crimson Dragon. The ponies with these marks are called Signers.”

“Marks, huh,” said Twilight.

“Most likely inspired by Cutie Marks,” said Cheerilee. “They say the ponies who have these Marks of the Crimson Dragon, as well as the Crimson Dragon’s servants, are destined to find one another. The dragons are drawn to the ponies, and the ponies are drawn to each other.”

“But why would it feel the need to?” asked Twilight.

“It’s just a legend, Twilight,” laughed Cheerilee. “I doubt it’s real. Besides, it didn’t really explain it well in the book. There was just some artwork of the Signers standing against purple flames.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Did you say purple flames!?”

Fluttershy found herself surrounded by purple flames. The flames were reflected in the sky, and seemed to form the shape of a spider. Other shapes reflected nearby, and she could only hear the screams of her friends as large black shapes rose up from the geoglyphs.

“H-help me,” she stuttered weakly, too scared to move.

A bright red light began to shine behind her. She turned around to see six dragons soaring up towards the monsters that erupted from the ground. The strange thing was, she recognized two of them.

“Aren’t those…”

Fluttershy woke up to an angry bunny beating her on the head. “Ow! S-sorry, Angel. I didn’t know I was asleep for so long.”

Angel hopped off, and stared at her with a look of almost worry. “Oh, don’t worry. I don’t think I’m sick. I was just having a nightmare, I think.”

“A nightmare?” repeated Cheerilee.

Twilight nodded. “Purple flames were raging all across Equestria.”

“I’m sure it was just because you fell asleep reading the legend,” said Cheerilee.

Twilight shook her head. “That can’t be it, though. I hadn’t had the chance to read this legend yet. Until you told me, I didn’t know it even existed.”

Cheerilee frowned. “That is odd… Well, the book’s back at my house. Feel free to pick it up. I’d join you, but I have more errands to run.”

“Don’t you have a class right now?” asked Twilight.

“I left them under Rarity and Applejack’s care,” said Cheerilee. “I’m sure they can handle them.”

“If you’re sure,” said Twilight. “Thanks, Cheerilee.”

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw! I summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus!" A large, white pegasus, with pale gold feathers on its wings flew around the room, before landing in front of Rarity. A sapphire blue unicorn horn adorned its head. [ATK1800. LV4] By Sapphire Pegasus’s effect, I place a Crystal Beast from my deck into my Spell and Trap Zone. I place Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle!" Sapphire Pegasus' horn glowed, and a lump of ruby materialized behind it, drifting in front of Rarity. "Then, Crystal Tree gains another Crystal Counter!” Yet another glowing crystal sprouted on the otherwise empty tree. [Crystal Counter: 2]

“What do those Crystal Counters even do?” asked Applejack.

“You want to know?” asked Rarity. “Okay, you asked for it! By sending Crystal Tree to the Graveyard, I can place a Crystal Beast from my deck into my Spell and Trap Zone: one Crystal Beast for every Crystal Counter! I send Crystal Tree to the Graveyard to place Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth and Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger into my Spell and Trap Zone!” The stone tree shattered, and the two crystals fell changing color until they became a lump of amber and a lump of topaz respectively.

“Ya could have just told me,” said Applejack.

“But that wouldn’t be as fun,” said Rarity. “I activate the effect of Ancient City – Rainbow Ruins! Since I have 4 Crystal Beasts in my Spell and Trap Zone, I can draw a card! Then I set one card, and end my turn.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! As Gigaplant is a Gemini Monster, I can Normal Summon it again to give it its effect!”

“And since you can’t Normal Summon twice in one turn,” smiled Rarity, “now’s the perfect time to activate my Trap! Crystal Raigeki! By sending a Crystal Beast from my Spell and Trap Zone to the Graveyard, I can destroy a card my opponent controls! I send Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise to the Graveyard to destroy Gigaplant!” The lump of emerald shattered, and the shards went flying towards Gigaplant.

“Counter-Trap!” chained Applejack. “Destruction Jammer! Since Crystal Raigeki is going to be destroying mah Monster, ah can discard a card to negate and destroy it!” The emerald hard glowed, dissipating before they reached Gigaplant.

“Well, darn,” said Rarity.

“Ah activate Gigaplant’s effect!” said Applejack. “Once per turn, Ah can Special Summon a Plant or Insect-Type Monster from mah hoof or Graveyard! Ah Special Summon Tytannial, Princess of Camellias!” A large rose blossomed in front of Applejack, opening to reveal a primate with smooth hairless skin. Her outfit and crown were, like her lower half, made of plants. [ATK2800. LV8]

“This might not go as well as I hoped,” said Rarity.

“Hang in there, sis!” cheered Sweetie Belle.

“Battle!” said Applejack. “Tytannial, attack Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus!” Prehensile vines coated in thorns lashed out and whipped straight through Sapphire Pegasus and into Rarity.

“Gah!” winced Rarity. [Rarity: LP 4000 –> 3000]

“Yer wide open,” smiled Applejack. “Gigaplant, direct attack!”

“I activate the effect of Ancient City – Rainbow Ruins!” countered Rarity. “Since I have at least two Crystal Beasts in the Spell and Trap Zone, once per turn I can halve the Battle Damage I take!” The lumps of crystals glowed, and a small barrier formed around Rarity, cushioning the blow. [Rarity: LP 3000 –> 1800]

“Turn end,” said Applejack.

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw! Oh, Applejack… I’m afraid this duel is mine.”

“What do you mean?” asked Applejack.

“I activate Crystal Beacon!” said Rarity. “Since I have two Crystal Beasts in my Spell and Trap Zone, I can Special Summon a Crystal Beast from my deck. I Special Summon Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle!" An eagle soared down to land in front of Rarity. Blue colored gems adorned each wing and its neck. [ATK1400. LV4] "Then, I summon Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat!" A lean, pink panther with gold adornments on her ankles and chest leapt out in front of Rarity. Centered on her chest plate was a large amethyst gem. [ATK1200. LV3] "Now everything is set for my ace monster.”

“Your ace monster?” repeated Applejack.

Rarity smiled. “Brace yourself, darling.”

Fluttershy was trotting frantically through her garden, trying to make up for lost time in feeding the animals. “Sorry, sorry, I didn’t intend to keep you waiting so long. I just slept in a lot. No, I’m not sick, it was just a nightmare.”

Angel hopped along behind her, helping her carry more food with her, when Fluttershy finally stopped for breath. A few birds flew up, and twittered about her head.

“It involved fire, and darkness,” said Fluttershy, describing her nightmare to them. “And there were some dragons… And I saw two of them before. Red Demon’s Dragon and Stardust Dragon were there. But I’ve never seen the others.”

“Fluttershy…”

“Eep!” Fluttershy gasped, ducking behind her a bush. “W-who’s there?”

Angel looked around the garden, and shrugged at his owner, rubbing his ears in an attempt to clear them.

“You didn’t hear anything?” asked Fluttershy. “But I could have sworn…”

“Fluttershy…” the voice called again.

Fluttershy whimpered a little, before turning towards the source of the noise. Got in the briars of a bush was-

“A card?” Fluttershy mumbled, picking it out of the brush. She looked around the garden. “Did somepony lose a card? Is that why you were calling me?”

Upon receiving no response, Fluttershy decided to inspect the card more carefully. She leapt back as soon as she took a look at the card’s image. “That dragon! She was in my dream, too! I’m sure of it!”

Angel glanced at the card as well, scratching his head, before pointing towards Ponyville.

Fluttershy nodded, putting the card into her Extra Deck for safety. “You’re right, Angel. If anypony knows what this all means, it would be Twilight. Can you care for the others for me?”

Angel saluted, and Fluttershy set off in a trot towards Ponyville. Hidden in the trees beside the road, a cloaked figure watched as she passed, before smirking. The mark of a purple spider adorned her flank, glowing in the shadows. She opened her talons as two of the mark's spider legs vanished. In a puff of smoke, two small, black spiders appeared in her talons.

“See that pony down there? She’s the first target.” The figure tossed the spiders out into the wind, watching them glide into town. “Heh, things should be getting interesting now. So you like animals, Fluttershy? Well, let’s see how you like these spiders, you animal-obsessed dweeb!”

The figure stretched her wings, and flew away into the Everfree Forest, cackling to herself, as Fluttershy entered Ponyville none the wiser.

Author's Note

As requested, I have tried to give more vivid descriptions and details to the duels. How did I do? Would you like me to be less or more descriptive in future chapters? I would greatly appreciate any and all feedback!

Envoys of the Underworld - Dark Synchro Summon?

Fluttershy knocked on the door to the library, looking up at the pegasi as they moved today’s storm clouds into place while she waited. She heard the door open, and quickly broke into her question.

“Oh, Twilight, I’m sorry to bother you, but I-”

“Uh, Fluttershy?” Spike interrupted.

“Oh!” gasped Fluttershy, blushing. “I-I’m sorry, Spike. I didn’t notice it was you.” She looked down, rubbing her hoof in embarrassment.

“It’s fine,” said Spike. “Twilight went to go ask Cheerilee something. If you want to wait for her to get back, I could put on some tea.”

“Oh, that’s alright,” said Fluttershy. “I need to get back to my cottage soon, so I’ll just go see her at the schoolhouse.”

“If you say so,” shrugged Spike. “Better hurry, though. It’s going to start raining soon.”

“I know,” said Fluttershy, glancing at the overcast sky. “Thank you, Spike. I’ll see you later.”

“See ya,” said Spike, as Fluttershy trotted off.

“Fluttershy…”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened upon hearing the voice again, and she began looking nervously at all the ponies she passed. Seeing nothing suspicious, she looked up, but only saw a small spider web on one of the street lamps.

“Oof!”

Distracted, Fluttershy walked headlong into a pony, and fell back against the street. “Ow… Oh, goodness, I’m so sorry!”

“It’s alright, Fluttershy,” said Mayor Mare, helping the pegasus to her hooves. “I didn’t really feel it. Where are you going in such a hurry?”

“To the schoolhouse,” Fluttershy replied. “Spike said Twilight went to ask Miss Cheerilee something, and I needed to talk to her.”

“What a coincidence,” said Mayor Mare. “I had some paperwork for Twilight to file in the library’s archives.”

Fluttershy stood there awkwardly for a moment, sparking the mayor fake a cough. “Oh! Um, shall we go together, then? To the schoolhouse?”

“Why, thank you for the offer,” smiled the mayor.

I didn’t really have much choice, thought Fluttershy. “It’s no problem.”

They began to trot off together, when the mayor stopped, raising a hoof to scratch her neck. “Bug on my back. Can you see it, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy looked, and saw a spider bite into the mayor’s neck, burrowing itself inside. “Oh my goodness! Miss Mayor, a spider-”

Mayor Mare’s hoof dropped, and her muscles slackened for a moment. Passing ponies had begun stopping, gathering around to investigate.

“Miss Mayor? Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked.

The Cutie Mark on the mayor’s right flank vanished, and was replaced with the glowing image of a purple spider. Her eyes seemed empty as she looked up towards Fluttershy, who began to back away in fear.

“M-Miss Mayor…?”

“I am a Dark Signer,” the mayor replied in a near monotone. “Envoy of the underworld.”

“W-what are you talking about?” stuttered Fluttershy, feeling her wings lock up. “Miss Mayor, you’re scaring me…”

Mayor Mare smiled, and a ring of purple flames erupted from the ground, surrounding the two. The crowd that had gathered ran off screaming in terror.

Fluttershy curled up into a ball, and began shivering in fear. “W-what do you want…?”

“I want to duel. A duel of darkness!” She readied her Duel Disk, her deck briefly glowing purple as the auto-shuffler shuffled the cards.

Fluttershy whimpered a bit, before finding her voice. “H-help!”

Twilight was trotting back through the market, her book levitating in front of her. “Cheerilee was right, the information is pretty vague. Though, it says the servants of the Crimson Dragon have prominence in the Spirit World. I’ll see if Celestia has any more books about- ow!”

Somepony bumped into her book, causing it to slam into her face. “Watch it!” Twilight snapped, putting the book into her saddle bags. Her anger was replaced with confusion as she noticed the crowd of ponies stampeding in a panic past her.

“Rose!” she called, upon spotting the earth pony. “What’s going on?”

“Purple fire!” she called back.

“From the ground!” added Daisy, as she darted past.

“Purple flames?” repeated Twilight, her eyes wide.

“H-help!” she heard a voice call out, barely noticeable over the noise of the crowd.

“That voice,” Twilight mumbled. “Fluttershy!”

Twilight teleported out of the mob of ponies, and galloped around the corner, skidding to a halt when she saw the ring of purple flames. “Fluttershy!”

“Twilight!” Fluttershy called back. “Miss Mayor, she’s acting really scary!”

“The mayor?” repeated Twilight. “Mayor Mare! What are you doing? How are you doing this?”

“I am a Dark Signer,” the mayor stated. “I will bring about the end of this world of light!”

“Dark Signer?” repeated Twilight. “Tell me, do you have something to do with the Crimson Dragon?”

Mayor Mare’s eyes narrowed. “The Crimson Dragon…”

“So you do know something,” said Twilight.

“T-Twilight?” asked Fluttershy. “What’s going on? What’s a Dark Signer?”

“I’ll explain what I know later,” said Twilight. “First, I’m getting you to safety!” Twilight focused magic into her horn, and tried to teleport Fluttershy out of the flames, only for her magic’s aura to be overcome with a burst of purple fire.

“Twilight!” Fluttershy gasped, as the unicorn was blasted back into a nearby wall. “Are you okay?”

“I-I’m fine,” groaned Twilight. “What’s going on? My magic shorted out…”

“The powers of the underworld and the Dark Signers surpass the magic of a mere unicorn,” said the mayor. “Now that the flames are lit, the only way to dispel them is for the duel of darkness to reach an end.”

“Duel of darkness?”

“Twilight?” asked Fluttershy. “What do I do? My wings are locked up!”

Twilight stared in thought, watching as the now falling rain did nothing to affect the flames. “I hate to say it, Fluttershy, but I think you have to duel her.”

“B-but,” stuttered Fluttershy.

“I’m sorry, Fluttershy,” said Twilight, “but I can’t do anything from out here. Just hang tight, I’m going to go get some help. Okay?”

Fluttershy nodded. “A-alright. Please hurry, Twilight.”

Twilight nodded, before galloping off towards the schoolhouse. “Cheerilee said Applejack and Rarity were watching the class… Please, let them be there! I don’t have time to waste looking for everypony!”

Fluttershy stared off after Twilight, before returning her attention to Mayor Mare. “I was able to beat Rainbow Dash yesterday… I think I- No, I know I can do this! Twilight’s counting on me to hold my own, and I won’t let my friends down!”

“Then face the power of the underworld,” said Mayor Mare. “Fall to the might of the Dark Signers!”

“Duel!”

Mayor Mare: LP 4000. Fluttershy: LP 4000.

“I take the first move,” said the mayor. “Draw! I summon Blizzard Lizard!" A small gecko-like creature covered in blue and white fur took a fighting stance in front of the mayor. [ATK800. LV3] "I set one card, and end my turn.”

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw! I summon Wattwoodpecker!" A black, red, and yellow bird landed in front of Fluttershy, its beak twitching forward. [ATK1000. LV3] "Battle! Wattwoodpecker, attack Blizzard Lizard!” Wattwoodpecker's beak became coated in electricity, and it repeatedly pecked into both Blizzard Lizard and the mayor.

“Gah!” winced the mayor, the force of the impact pushing her back and tearing up some of the cobblestones. [Mayor Mare: LP 4000 –> 3800] “Blizzard Lizard’s effect! When destroyed, my opponent takes 800 points of damage!”

“Agh!” winced Fluttershy, a burst of icy wind slamming into her. [Fluttershy: LP 4000 –> 3200] She staggered from the damage, shivering slightly. “W-what’s going on? T-that really hurt…”

“This is a duel of darkness,” remarked Mayor Mare. “The damage your Life Points take are really inflicted upon you.”

“W-what!?” gasped Fluttershy.

“When I have all seven Crystal Beasts either on the Field or in the Graveyard,” said Rarity, “I can Special Summon this card from my hoof! I Special Summon-”

Rarity was cut off by Twilight barging in through the door, the Solid Vision disappearing, returning the classroom to its normal appearance. “Girls!” she gasped, leaning against the door frame to catch her breath.

“Twilight?” asked Applejack. “What brings you here?

“Did you run the whole way?” asked Rarity.

“Fluttershy’s... in danger,” gasped Twilight.

“What!?” gasped the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“Fluttershy?” asked Rarity. “Where is she?”

“I’ll show you,” said Twilight, taking another gasp of air. “Follow me!”

“Class dismissed!” said Applejack, as the three mares galloped out the door.

“This whole day has been a waste of time,” muttered Diamond Tiara, packing up her bags.

“Fluttershy’s in trouble?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Come on, Crusaders!” said Scootaloo. “Let’s see if we can help her!”

“Right behind you!” said Sweetie Belle.

Fluttershy stared at her Duel Disk, trembling. “If this duel is dealing real damage, does that mean I’m hurting the mayor?”

“It’s still your Battle Phase,” said the mayor. “What are you going to do?”

If this was like any of those times I saw Rainbow and the others duel, thought Fluttershy, I’d attack directly. But if I might hurt somepony, I…

“Fluttershy!”

“Rarity?” asked Fluttershy. “Applejack?”

“Whoa, Nelly,” said Applejack, skidding to a halt. “What’s with these flames?”

“Fluttershy, what’s going on?” asked Rarity.

“The mayor is acting scary,” said Fluttershy. “She’s calling herself a ‘Dark Signer’, and challenged me to a duel of darkness.”

“Duel of darkness?” repeated Rarity.

“What’s that?” asked Applejack.

“A duel where the damage is real,” said Fluttershy, shaking a little. “That’s why I can’t bring myself to attack her.”

“What?” gasped Twilight. “But Fluttershy, she’s trying to kill you!”

“S-she is?”

“Twilight!” snapped Rarity. “Don’t scare her like that!”

“She’s right, though,” said Applejack. “If the mayor conjured up these here flames, and is dishin’ out real damage, then Ah don’t think we can play it safe.”

Rarity sighed. “I suppose you’re right. Fluttershy, dear, try your hardest to win.”

Fluttershy gulped, before nodding. “R-right. I’ll do my best. Wattwoodpecker’s effect! I can attack twice each turn with him! Direct attack!”

“Agh!” winced Mayor Mare, getting jabbed by the electrified beak again. [Mayor Mare: LP 3800 –> 2800]

“I set a card,” said Fluttershy. “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said the mayor. “Draw! I activate the Continuous-Trap, Call of the Haunted! I can Special Summon one Monster from my Graveyard in attack position! Revive, Blizzard Lizard! [ATK800. LV3] Next, I activate the Spell Card, Ice Mirror! I can Special Summon a level 3 or lower WATER Monster from my deck with the same name as a Monster I have on the Field! I Special Summon a second Blizzard Lizard! Then, I activate a second Ice Mirror!”

“Are you kidding me?” asked Applejack.

“What are the odds she’d have two of the same card in her hoof?” asked Rarity.

“I Special Summon my third Blizzard Lizard,” said the mayor. “Now, I release two of them to Advance Summon Dark Tuner Catastrogue!” A demonic, bipedal creature with one red eye appeared, its upper and lower halves separated by a glowing dark gem. [ATK0. LV8]

“Dark Tuner?” asked Fluttershy. “What’s a Dark Tuner?”

“I'll show you! I'm dark tuning my level 8 Dark Tuner Catastrogue to my level 3 Blizzard Lizard!” Catastrogue burst into eight stars, which punctured into Blizzard Lizard. Three of the stars shattered, while the remaining five became negative colored, bursting out of the remains of Blizzard Lizard to spin around, black lighting coursing between them. “When darkness overlaps with darkness, the doors of the underworld will open to a world without light!" The stars and lightning were engulfed by a pillar of dark energy. "Dark Synchro! Frozen Fitzgerald!” Emerging from the energy was a spirit-like entity, it's only limbs being wings made of ice crystals, jutting out of what vaguely resembled a torso of some sort. [ATK2500. LV-5]

“D-Dark Synchro?” stuttered Fluttershy.

“Level -5?” asked Twilight.

“And what’s with this icy aura I feel?” asked Rarity.

“Mayor Mare!” snapped Applejack. “Explain what the hay this thing is, now!”

“A Dark Synchro Monster,” the mayor responded. “A creature of the underworld, summoned in opposition to the Synchro Monsters of the living.”

“Okay,” said Applejack. “Now explain it in Equestrian, so everypony can actually understand.”

“A Synchro Monster is summoned by adding the levels of a Tuner to non-Tuner Monsters,” said the mayor. “A Dark Synchro Monster is summoned by subtracting the level of a Dark Tuner from a non-Tuner Monster. As the underworld has no light, the Dark Synchro Monsters carry negative levels.”

“That’s insane,” Twilight mumbled.

“Dark Tuner Catastrogue’s effect!” said the mayor. “When used for a Dark Synchro Summon, I destroy one card on the Field! I destroy Wattwoodpecker!”

“What!?” gasped Fluttershy, as Wattwoodpecker shattered in a burst of darkness.

“She’s left defenseless!” gasped Rarity.

“Battle! Frozen Fitzgerald, direct attack! Blizzard Strike!”

“Trap activate!” countered Fluttershy.

“I’m afraid you can’t do that,” said Mayor Mare with a smile. “Frozen Fitzgerald’s effect! When this card attacks, my opponent can’t activate Spell or Traps!”

“No!” gasped Fluttershy, before getting pelted with shards of sharp ice. “Agh!” [Fluttershy: LP 3200 –> 700]

“Fluttershy!”

Fluttershy was blasted back into the ring of flames, which flung her back into the Duel Field. She collapsed onto the ground, moaning in pain.

“Fluttershy, get up!” urged Twilight.

“I can’t…” she mumbled.

“You can, Fluttershy!” said Rarity.

“Come on, Fluttershy!” cheered Applejack.

“Fluttershy…”

“That voice again…” mumbled Fluttershy. “But who said it?”

“Fluttershy…” the voice said. “Your friends believe in you, and so do I. Stand up, and win this.”

Fluttershy nodded to herself, shakily pulling herself up to a standing position. “My turn, draw! I activate the Trap, Wattkeeper, allowing me to Special Summon a Watt from my Graveyard! I Special Summon Wattwoodpecker! [ATK1000. LV3] Then, I summon Wattgiraffe!" A small giraffe, with light-bulbs for ears and electric prongs for horns appeared in front of Fluttershy. [ATK1200. LV4] "I activate the Spell Card, Lightwave Tuning! I target a level 4 LIGHT Monster I control, such as my Wattgiraffe, and make it a Tuner! Battle! Wattgiraffe’s effect lets him attack directly!” Wattgiraffe leapt into the air, its horns shooting bolts of lightning into Mayor Mare.

“Gah!” [Mayor Mare: LP 2800 –> 1600]

“When Wattgiraffe deals Battle Damage from a direct attack, my opponent can’t activate card effects until the End Phase! Now, during my Main Phase 2…” Fluttershy paused in thought for a moment. “I don’t know how, but I think you were the one speaking. Please, help me. I tune my level 4 Wattgiraffe to my level 3 Wattwoodpecker!" Wattgiraffe dissolved into green rings, while Wattwoodpecker dissolved into stars, centering themselves between the rings. "Oh holy light of protection, shine now and become eternal life! Synchro Summon!" A pillar of light shot through the center of the rings. "Be born, Ancient Fairy Dragon!”

A slender, light blue, legless dragon gently stretched large, butterfly-like wings out of the light. Her chest, wrists, and head were protected by golden armor. Her long, light green hair drifted behind her, as she gently flew down in front of Fluttershy, gazing reassuringly back at her with her large, orange eyes. [DEF3000. LV7] Fluttershy’s right flank began glowing, and her Cutie Mark vanished, being replaced with a glowing red dragon claw.

“What the hay!?” gasped Applejack.

“Where did she get that dragon?” asked Rarity.

“What’s happening to her flank?” asked Applejack.

Twilight’s eyes widened, and she quickly pulled out the book to look at the picture of the dragons. “That dragon… It’s another servant of the Crimson Dragon. And that mark… Does this mean…?”

“You’re a Signer!?” gasped the mayor.

“A what?” asked Fluttershy, looking around. “Why’s everypony looking at my flank?” She tried positioning her tail in a different way, when she noticed the new mark. “W-what is that?”

“Relax, Fluttershy,” said the voice.

“Ancient Fairy Dragon?” asked Fluttershy, looking up.

The dragon seemed to be looking at her. “All will be explained, my dear. For now, vanquish the evil that’s controlling this mare.”

“She’s being controlled?” asked Fluttershy. “So, this won’t kill her?”

“Fluttershy, who are you talking to?” asked Rarity.

“The pressure of the duel must be getting to her,” said Applejack.

“Keep it together, Fluttershy!” called Rarity.

“Huh? Uh, r-right,” nodded Fluttershy. “I set two cards. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Mayor Mare. “Draw! I activate the Equip-Spell, Black Pendant! The Equipped Monster gains 500 ATK! [ATK3000] Then, I activate After The Struggle! At the End Step of this turn’s Battle Phase, all Monsters that were involved in battle will be destroyed! Battle! Frozen Fitzgerald, attack Ancient Fairy Dragon! Blizzard Strike!” Shards of ice once again went flying across towards Fluttershy's field. Ancient Fairy calmly folded her wing in the path of the ice, blocking the attack.

“Since Frozen Fitzgerald’s ATK is the same as Ancient Fairy Dragon’s DEF,” said Rarity, “neither Monster is destroyed.”

“But thanks to that After The Struggle Spell she played,” said Applejack, “once the Battle Phase ends, they’ll both be destroyed anyway.”

“I enter Main Phase 2,” smiled Mayor Mare. “Both our Monsters are destroyed!”

“Trap activate!” countered Fluttershy. “Emperor’s Staff! You get to draw a card, and in exchange none of my cards can be destroyed by effects this turn!”

“Hmph,” snorted Mayor Mare. “No matter. Since Frozen Fitzgerald has been destroyed, Black Pendant is too. And when Black Pendant is destroyed, you take 500 points of damage!”

“Agh!” winced Fluttershy. [Fluttershy: LP 700 –> 200]

“Hang in there, Fluttershy!” called Twilight. “You still have Ancient Fairy Dragon!”

“And Mayor Mare is defenseless!” added Applejack.

“Am I?” asked the mayor. “Perhaps the card you’ve let me draw is all the defense I need. I activate the Equip-Spell Darkworld Shackles! The Equipped Monster can’t attack and its ATK and DEF are reduced to 100! I Equip it to Ancient Fairy Dragon!” Large, dark chains sprung out from a large, black ball, ensnaring Ancient Fairy Dragon and dragging her to the ground.

“Ancient Fairy!” gasped Fluttershy. [ATK100/DEF100]

“Furthermore,” said Mayor Mare. “During each of my Standby Phases, the owner of the Equipped Monster will take 500 points of damage!”

“No!” gasped Rarity. “On the mayor’s next turn, Fluttershy will lose!”

“I set a card,” said Mayor Mare. “Turn end.”

“M-my turn,” stuttered Fluttershy. “Draw! I activate the Continuous-Trap, Wattcannon! Once per turn, when I summon a level 4 or lower Thunder-Monster, you take 600 points of damage. I summon Wattsquirrel!" A large, red squirrel hopped in front of Fluttershy, nibbling on a battery. [ATK700. LV3] "Take the effect of Wattcannon!” An electrified, star-shaped blast shot out of the cannon, striking Mayor Mare.

“Agh!” [Mayor Mare: LP 1600 –> 1000]

“Alright, Fluttershy!” cheered Applejack.

“Wattsquirrel can attack twice each Battle Phase,” said Twilight. “Fluttershy’s won!”

“Continuous-Trap!” smiled the mayor. “Nightmare Wheel! I target a Monster my opponent controls. While this card is on the field, that Monster can’t attack or change its battle position! Additionally, during each of my Standby Phases, you’ll take 500 points of damage! I target Wattsquirrel!” A large, demonic torture device rose up, strapping onto Wattsquirrel, and stretching it out.

“What!?” gasped Fluttershy.

“No!” gasped Applejack. “How’s she supposed to recover from this?”

Fluttershy looked down towards the ground, and seemed to be sobbing.

“Fluttershy…” mumbled Rarity. “Please, don’t cry.”

“I-I’m not crying,” said Fluttershy, stifling giggles. “I’ve won.”

“What are you talking about?” asked Mayor Mare. “Stop laughing!”

“Ancient Fairy Dragon’s effect!” said Fluttershy. “At the cost of this turn’s Battle Phase, I can Special Summon a level 4 or lower Monster from my hoof! I Special Summon Fairy Archer!” Ancient Fairy's wings glowed, and a winged, bipedal fairy flew out from the light. [DEF600. LV3]

“Fairy Archer?” repeated the mayor.

“Fairy Archer’s effect!” said Fluttershy. “Once per turn, during my Main Phase, I can inflict 400 points of damage for every LIGHT Monster I control!” Fairy Archer readied her bow, setting up an arrow with a glowing red gem for an arrowhead for launch.

“Fairy Archer, Wattsquirrel, and Ancient Fairy Dragon are all LIGHT Attribute!” cheered Twilight. “That’s 1200 points of damage!”

“No!” gasped the mayor, as Fairy Archer launched the arrow into her. The jewel on the arrowhead slammed into her and exploded on impact. “Agh!” [Mayor Mare: LP 1000 –> 0]

The flames dissipated with the Solid Vision as the mayor was tossed backwards. Twilight and Applejack ran over to her, while Rarity went to comfort Fluttershy. The spider fell out of the mayor’s neck, and burned away into smoke. As it vanished, the spider mark on the mayor’s flank faded away, her normal Cutie Mark returning.

“Fluttershy, are you okay?” asked Rarity.

Fluttershy gave a slight nod, before closing her eyes. “I think I’m okay… I need to rest, though.”

“Of course, darling,” said Rarity, pulling her into a hug. “Rest easy.”

“Why’d you attack Fluttershy!?” snapped Applejack.

“Tell me about the Dark Signers!” ordered Twilight.

“What are you talking about?” groaned the mayor, opening her eyes. “Ow… What happened?” She looked around and noticed the torn up street and wrecked carts and windows. “I ask again… What happened?”

“You don’t remember what you just did?” asked Applejack.

“I remember Fluttershy walked into me,” said the mayor, “then I think we went to go see you, Twilight, but after that…”

“You don’t remember your duel of darkness?” asked Rarity, trotting over with Fluttershy resting on her back. “Or that Dark Synchro Monster?”

“Dark Synchro Monster?” repeated the mayor. "What is that?"

“Twi,” said Applejack, “check the mayor’s cards.”

Twilight levitated the mayor’s deck up, and spread the cards out in front of her. “It’s gone! The Dark Tuner and Dark Synchro are gone!”

“What!?”

Fluttershy gave a small moan from Rarity’s back. Rarity gave a quick glance back to her. “We’ll worry ourselves with that later. We need to get Fluttershy and the mayor to the hospital.”

Twilight nodded, levitating Mayor Mare onto Applejack’s back, and they set off down the street. The Cutie Mark Crusaders peeked out from the barrel they were hiding in.

“What happened?” asked Sweetie Belle. “What was all that?”

“That Dark Synchro thing,” said Apple Bloom, “that weird mark on Fluttershy…”

“And that duel tore up the road!” said Scootaloo. “If Fluttershy didn’t get hurt, then that would have been awesome!”

“Looks like something big is going down, girls,” said Apple Bloom. “And you know what that means?”

“We’re going to investigate!” said Sweetie Belle.

“And earn our Cutie Marks!” cheered Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom smiled. “Exactly! Cutie Mark Crusaders, go!”

Bloom, Black Rose Dragon!

Rainbow Dash poked her head into the hospital room, trotting over to sit beside Fluttershy as Nurse Redheart continued her examination. “How is she?”

“She’s-”

Before Redheart could answer, Pinkie Pie burst into the room as dramatically as possible, grabbing and shaking Redheart. “How is she, doc!?”

“First,” said Redheart, “stop shaking me. Second, I’m a nurse, not a doctor. And third, calm down and let me go. She’s fine. We’ll just keep her overnight so she can rest, but she should be okay, if a little sore, tomorrow.”

“Oh, thank goodness!” smiled Pinkie, pulling Redheart into a tight hug.

“Please let go of me,” said Redheart.

Rainbow gave a sigh of relief, before looking Fluttershy right in the eye. “You scared me, Fluttershy! I nearly had a heart attack when I heard you were hospitalized!”

“Ah guess she’s even for when you got hospitalized a few years back, then” said Applejack.

Dash briefly glared at Applejack, before turning her attention to Fluttershy’s claw mark. “Can you explain what’s on her flank, though?” asked Rainbow, lightly prodding the mark that replaced the three butterflies.

“It appeared during her duel with Mayor Mare,” said Rarity. “I’m guessing duel related maladies are outside Miss Redheart’s scope of medical knowledge.”

“I take that as an insult, you know,” said Redheart, finally pushing Pinkie off of her.

“So you do know what it is?” asked Applejack.

“Well…” said Redheart, “no. It sort of reminds me of Cutie Pox, but that didn’t replace Cutie Marks, did it?”

“So it is a Cutie Mark?” asked Rarity. “It looked like it was glowing when it first appeared.”

Rainbow rubbed a hoof over the mark. “Doesn’t feel any different… Does that hurt?”

“No,” said Fluttershy, blushing slightly.

“It is a bit creepy, though,” said Pinkie. “Dashie, you can’t go around touching ponies without permission.”

“Says the pony that hugged me for a whole minute,” muttered Redheart. “Anyway, I’m afraid I can’t say what happened or what that is. It doesn’t seem to be affecting her condition. I could call a specialist from Canterlot, if you want. She’ll need to stay longer, if I do.”

“No, that’s okay,” said Twilight, looking up from her book at last. “I think I could figure it out.”

Redheart shrugged. “Suit yourself. Now, if you’ll excuse me, the cleaning staff left a spider web by the nurse’s station that I should take care of. Good evening, girls.”

Twilight closed the door after Redheart left, and turned towards the others. Fluttershy spoke up. “You can figure this out?”

“Of course she can!” said Pinkie. “She knows everything!”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far,” said Twilight. “But I do think I know a little about this.” She levitated the book towards the others. “Take a look.”

“Why, that looks like that dragon Fluttershy used,” said Rarity. “And those two look like Stardust and Red Demon’s!”

“Red Demon’s Dragon!?” asked Rainbow, yanking the book towards her to examine it. “So, what’s this mean exactly?”

“See the text below it?” asked Twilight. “It details a legend about the Signers.”

“And what exactly are Signers?” asked Applejack.

“They’re ponies chosen to bear the Mark of the Crimson Dragon, and wield its dragon servants,” said Twilight. “That’s the Crimson Dragon there in the background. And down in the text is an example of what the Marks look like.”

Rarity levitated the book towards her, and looked at the sketch in the book. She glanced back and forth between it, and the mark on Fluttershy. “Why, they’re the same! Her mark, and the front claw on this sketch!”

“So, Fluttershy’s a Signer?” asked Pinkie. “What does that mean?”

“It means that the Crimson Dragon, and I suppose Ancient Fairy Dragon, chose her to serve it, much like the Elements of Harmony chose us to represent them.”

“And who is this Crimson Dragon?” asked Rainbow.

“A god in the Spirit World, apparently,” said Twilight. “The legend seems pretty incomplete.”

“A god?” mumbled Rainbow. “A god chose Fluttershy? That’s awesome! And since you and I have Red Demon’s and Stardust, and they seem to be here in this book, are we Signers too?”

“I don’t know,” said Twilight. “Maybe.”

“Um, Twilight?” said Fluttershy. “Those purple flames, they’re like what Mayor Mare used. And the ones I saw in my nightmare.”

Twilight nodded. “I know. Wait, nightmare? What do you-”

“She called herself a Dark Signer,” interrupted Applejack. “Does the book mention that?”

“No,” said Twilight. She stood up. “I think I need to write to Princess Celestia. She might have access to more information.”

“I’ll come, too!” said Rainbow. “If I’m a Signer, chosen by a god, I think I deserve to be there!”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Suit yourself. Anypony else coming?”

“I would,” said Pinkie, “because this all sounds exciting, even if I don’t understand any of it, but I need to babysit Pound and Pumpkin tonight.”

“Uh, Pinkie?” said Applejack. "It's already night."

“Holy smokes!” gasped Pinkie. “Gotta go! See ya, Flutters!”

“Bye, Pinkie,” said Fluttershy, as Pinkie ran out of the room. “Bye, Rainbow. Bye, Twilight.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow,” said Twilight.

“Hopefully with a Signer Mark to match yours!” smiled Rainbow.

“Uh, Rarity?” said Applejack. “Ah was wondering if you could watch Apple Bloom tonight. Ah wanted to stay the night with Flutters.”

“Certainly,” said Rarity. “But, why do you need me to? Can’t Big Macintosh or Granny Smith look out for her?”

“They’re both visitin’ cousin Apple Fritter this weekend,” said Applejack.

“Well, alright,” said Rarity. “Good night, Applejack. Good night, Fluttershy. Feel better, darling. Rest well.”

The three cloaked figures were sitting around a bare table, the only light a small candle in the middle. The spider mark on the right flank of the first began glowing. She turned back to look, seeing one of the missing legs return.

“It appears your idea of possessing the mayor revealed the first Signer,” said one of the figures.

“I told you Twilight’s friends were the ones, didn’t I?” asked the third.

The first grabbed at her heart, before muttering a response. “I’d prefer it if that yellow pipsqueak had perished instead, but whatever.”

“One of the legs is still missing from your mark,” said the second. “I take it that means you have one more spider loose to possess somepony?”

“Who’s the next target?” asked the third. “That fashionista? Or the annoying pink one?”

“As much as I would love to kill Pinkie,” said the third figure, “my pride is too hurt to let little Fluttershy off that easily.”

“We’ve already proven she’s a Signer,” said the second. “We have no further need to attack her at this time.”

“We’ll be facing the Signers sooner or later, anyway!” snapped the first. “Destiny says so! And I say I want Fluttershy out of the picture now! Imagine the pain that’ll cause the others. I’d love to see Pinkie try smiling. And Rainbow Dash might just die from the shock! Win-win for me!”

“You mean us?” asked the third. “Well, whatever you want to do. They’re your drones, not mine.”

“Fluttershy?” Applejack asked. “Uh, you mentioned you had a nightmare about this?”

“Not exactly about this,” said Fluttershy, “but I saw the dragons and purple flames the book showed.”

“Ah,” said Applejack.

“And some giant dark things,” said Fluttershy, beginning to shake. “Applejack, do you think something bad is about to happen?”

“No, no,” Applejack said quickly, trying to comfort her. “It’s going to be okay, you’ll see. Ah was just askin’ cause Ah found a card when cleanin’ the party yesterday, and was wonderin’ if you knew if it was a Signer Dragon.”

“Oh,” said Fluttershy, “um, I don’t know much, but…” Applejack passed the card over to her, and Fluttershy looked it over, squinting in thought. “It looks familiar, that’s for sure. I suppose it could be-”

“A Signer Dragon,” interrupted Redheart, speaking in a creepy monotone.

“Nurse Redheart?” asked Fluttershy.

“Wait,” said Applejack, narrowing her eyes. “Somethin’s wrong…”

Nurse Redheart turned to the side, showing off the same spider mark that had appeared on the mayor earlier.

“No!” gasped Applejack. “It can’t be!”

Fluttershy began trembling. “She mentioned a spider web at the nurse’s station. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it earlier…”

“Out of the way,” ordered Redheart. “I have unfinished business.”

“Not a chance,” said Applejack, snatching the card back from Fluttershy. “Ah don’t know much about you ‘Dark Signers’ but you seem to know about the Signers, that’s for sure! And if this card is a Signer Dragon, then that means Ah’m a worthy opponent, yes?”

“You’re smarter than you look,” said Redheart, as a ring of purple flames erupted from the floor, surrounding herself and Applejack. “Very well. I have no issue in dealing with you before finishing the Signer off.”

“Applejack!” gasped Fluttershy, flinching back from the flames.

“Don’t worry, sugarcube,” said Applejack. “Ah’ll handle this.”

“Duel!”

Redheart: LP 4000. Applejack: LP 4000.

“I take the first move,” said Redheart. “My turn, draw! I summon Nurse Reficule the Fallen One!” A demonic, winged, biped wrapped in bandages shambled out in front of Redheart. [ATK1400. LV4] “I set three cards, and end my turn.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw!”

“Continuous-Trap,” interrupted Redheart. “Dark Cure! When my opponent summons a Monster, they gain Life Points equal to half of its ATK!”

“Why would she play a card to boost her opponent’s Life Points?” asked Fluttershy.

“Ah don’t know,” said Applejack. “But Ah doubt it’s an act of kindness. Ah summon Lonefire Blossom!” The bomb-flower blossomed, sprouting up from the floor in front of Applejack. [ATK500. LV3] "Thanks to Dark Cure, Ah gain 250 Life Points!”

“Nurse Reficule’s effect!” countered Redheart. “Any effect that would increase my opponent’s Life Points is negated! Instead, my opponent will take damage equal to the amount they would have gained!”

“What?” gasped Applejack, as she became enshrouded in a blood-red aura. “Gah!” [Applejack: LP 4000 –> 3750]

“Applejack!” gasped Fluttershy.

“Ah’m fine,” said Applejack. “Just surprised. Knew it would hurt, but ya never really expect it to.”

“Perhaps you aren’t up for a duel of darkness?” suggested Redheart.

“Right now, Ah’m more qualified than Fluttershy! Uh, no offense…”

“None taken,” said Fluttershy. “I don’t think I could handle two in one day.”

“Can’t handle two in a day? Well you had better hope Applejack can hold me off until midnight, then,” said Redheart, “because like it or not, I will be dueling you soon. Trap activate! Brutal Potion! This card equips itself onto Nurse Reficule! And, since you took effect damage, its effect activates! The Equipped Monster gains 1000 ATK until the End Phase!” [ATK2400]

“2400 ATK?” asked Applejack. “Ah know just the card that can beat that! Ah release Lonefire Blossom to Special Summon Tytannial, Princess of Camellias!” The half-plant creature sprouted up from the remnants of Lonefire Blossom, blooming to reveal the woman inside. [ATK2800. LV8]

“Take the combined effect of Nurse Reficule and Dark Cure!”

“Agh!” gasped Applejack, the aura enshrouding her again. [Applejack: LP 3750 –> 2350]

“Applejack!”

“Relax, Fluttershy,” said Applejack. “Ah’m about to pay her back. Tytannial, attack Nurse Reficule the Fallen One!” A whip of thorns lashed out, striking through Reficule and sending Redheart skidding back, the floor tiles shattering beneath her hooves.

“Gah!” [Redheart: LP 4000 –> 3600]

“Ah set a card,” said Applejack. “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Redheart. “Draw! I summon Dark Tuner Witch Doctor!” A demonic, bipedal skeleton with a shaman mask for a face appeared, cackling to itself. [ATK0. LV4]

“A Dark Tuner!?” gasped Applejack.

“Careful, Applejack!” said Fluttershy.

“Witch Doctor’s effect!” said Redheart. “I banish one Monster from my Graveyard to target one monster my opponent controls! That Monster loses levels equal to the level of the banished Monster, and Witch Doctor gains levels equal to the number of levels your Monster loses!”

“Wait,” said Applejack, “could you run that by me again?”

“I banish Nurse Reficule to lower Tytannial’s level by 4!” said Redheart. Tytannial glowed, its levels being siphoned away by Witch Doctor. [LV4] “Then, since Tytannial lost 4 levels, Witch Doctor gains 4 levels!” [LV8]

“What good will that do you?” asked Applejack. “You still only have one Monster! You can’t Dark Synchro Summon with just one! …Uh, right?”

“That’s correct,” said Redheart. “Which is why I’m using yours. Trap activate! Synchro Material! I target one Monster my opponent controls. At the cost of this turn’s Battle Phase, I can use it as a Synchro Material Monster! I dark tune my level 8 Dark Tuner Witch Doctor to your level 4 Tytannial, Princess of Camellias!”

“No!” gasped Applejack, as Witch Doctor burst into eight stars, piercing into Tytannial and striking away the level stars within. Like when Fluttershy faced Mayor Mare, the remaining black stars exited, spiraling around in front of Redheart, black lighting coursing between them.

“When darkness overlaps with darkness the doors of the underworld will open to a world without light!” A pillar of dark energy rose up between the stars. “Dark Synchro! Plague Leech Pariah!” Emerging from the darkness was an ugly purple leech, with a mass of tentacles growing from behind its gaping mouth. [ATK2200. LV-4]

Pinkie gently closed the door to the twins’ room, and quietly trotted downstairs to clean up the kitchen, when her body began shaking uncontrollably.

“P-P-Piiiiinkie Seeennnnsssse?” she stuttered, before falling down the stairs. “Ouch! What was that? Something big is going down at the hospital?” She paused in thought, before it hit her. “The hospital! Fluttershy’s in danger!”

She darted out the door, galloping through the streets towards the hospital. “Hang on, Flutters! I’m coming!”

“Turn end,” said Redheart.

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw!” ‘A Dark Synchro Monster… Level -4…’

“Applejack?” Fluttershy asked. “Are you okay?”

“Huh?” asked Applejack. “Uh, yeah, Ah’m fine… Just… Actually being in a duel of darkness is different than watching one.”

“Just stay calm,” said Fluttershy. “You don’t have to do this.”

“But Ah do,” said Applejack. “Ah can’t let these ‘Dark Signers’ hurt ya just because you have a Signer Dragon… Signer Dragon? That’s it!”

“What’s it?” asked Fluttershy.

“Ah’ll win this!” declared Applejack. “Ah summon Twilight Rose Knight! Dark Cure’s effect now increases my Life Points by 500!” [ATK1000. LV3]

“Pariah’s effect!” said Redheart. “Any effect that would increase my opponent’s Life Points damages them for the same amount instead!” One of the tentacles flew out, latching onto Applejack, and sucking her life force away.

“Agh!” [Applejack: LP 2350 –> 1850]

“So it has the same effect as Reficule?” asked Fluttershy.

“No,” said Redheart. “It has another effect. When my opponent takes damage from an effect, Pariah’s ATK increases by an equal amount!” [ATK2700]

“Damn,” muttered Applejack. “Twilight Rose Knight’s effect! Ah Special Summon a level 4 or lower Plant-Type Monster from mah hoof! Ah Special Summon Botanical Lion!” A wooden lion, with flower petals for a mane, roared out at Redheart, standing in an aggressive stance in front of Applejack. [ATK1600. LV4]

“And you take another 800 points of damage!” smiled Redheart.

“Quick-Play Spell!” countered Applejack. “Spell of Pain! If Ah’m about to take damage from an effect, mah opponent takes the damage instead!”

“Gah!” gasped Redheart. [Redheart: LP 3600 –> 2800]

“Here we go,” said Applejack. “Ah’m tuning mah level 3 Twilight Rose Knight to mah level 4 Botanical Lion!” Twilight Rose Knight dissolved into the green Tuning Rings, while Botanical Lion burst into stars, channeling through the center of the rings. “Chilling flames engulf the whole world. Pitch dark flower, set into bloom!” A burst of violet light shot through the rings, shining behind Applejack. “Synchro Summon! Bloom, Black Rose Dragon!” A large, black and red dragon stretched out of the light, rose petals drifting through the air around it. Unusual for a dragon, it had no upper appendages aside from the wings which, along with the body, were covered in thick rose petals instead of scales. Tendrils covered in thorns trailed out in lieu of a tail. She roared aggressively at Redheart, knocking more tiles up from the floor. Her eyes, the sclera of which were red instead of white focused in a glare at Pariah, the yellow irises shrinking in the dark as her head took out the ceiling light. [ATK2400. LV7]

The three apples that made up Applejack’s Cutie Mark on her right flank vanished, replaced by the glowing red outline of a dragon’s claw.

“Applejack!” called Fluttershy. “That mark is like the hind claw from the sketch in Twilight’s book! You’re a Signer, too!”

“Ah’m a Signer!?” gasped Applejack. “Yee-haw! That’s what Ah’m talking about. Hear that, ‘Dark Signer’? As a Signer of the Crimson Dragon… thingy… Uh, point Ah’m trying to make is Ah’ll never let you hurt mah friends!”

“Damn,” muttered Redheart. “Another Signer. Expected, but by no means welcome…”

“Black Rose Dragon’s effect!” said Applejack. “When she’s Synchro Summoned, all cards on the field are destroyed!”

“Unfortunately, your Synchro Monster’s Trigger Effect activates before my cards,” said Redheart. “Unfortunately for you, that is. Dark Cure and Pariah’s effects chain to it, and resolve first! Take 1200 points of damage!”

“Gah!” winced Applejack, as Pariah's tentacle latched on once again, sucking more life energy from her body. [Applejack: LP 1850 –> 650] “Wipe out that damn Dark Synchro! Black Rose Gale!” Black Rose Dragon let lose a roar, stretching her wings and sending out hurricane force winds throughout the room. Razor sharp rose petals sliced into all other cards on the field, destroying them before Black Rose herself burst into a gentle breeze of petals.

“You may have defeated my Dark Synchro Monster,” laughed Redheart, “but you’ve left yourself wide open! Next turn, it will be my victory!”

“Ah activate Monster Reborn,” said Applejack. “Ah Special Summon Tytannial back to the field!” The rose blossomed up, opening once more to reveal Tytannial inside. [ATK2800]

“W-what?” stuttered Redheart.

“Direct attack!” said Applejack.

“Agh!” gasped Redheart, getting flung back into the wall by Tytannial’s whip of thorns. The flames dissipated, and the spider on her right flank vanished, her original Cutie Mark returning.

“Ah did it…” said Applejack, sighing in relief.

“Applejack!” gasped Fluttershy. “The walls are crumbling!”

“What!?” gasped Applejack, looking around. “Shoot, Black Rose Dragon’s effect must’ve-”

“Look out!” gasped Fluttershy, tackling Applejack, and pulling her under the bed as the ceiling of the room caved in.

Pinkie had just reached the exterior of the hospital, when she saw Fluttershy’s room collapse. “Fluttershy!” She galloped over to the wreckage, and began sorting through. “Fluttershy, are you in there? Can you hear me?”

“Pinkie?” a faint voice responded. “I’m here. I’m okay…”

“Hold on,” another faint voice said. “Pinkie, stand clear!”

“Applejack?” asked Pinkie as she stepped back.

Applejack bucked the rubble and bed off, clearing a path out of the room. “Hey, Pinkie Pie.”

“What happened?” asked Pinkie, helping to pull them out. “And, whoa! Is that one of those Signer Mark things that Twilight was talking about? Like Fluttershy’s?”

“Yeah,” said Applejack, wincing in pain. “It’s quite a story.”

“We’ll tell you what happened in the morning,” said Fluttershy. “If you don’t mind waiting, of course.”

“I don’t mind,” said Pinkie. “I should probably go get Twilight and the others anyway. I still don’t get this whole Signer thing.”

“Meet us at Sweet Apple Acres,” Applejack called, as Pinkie galloped off towards Ponyville. “Come on, Flutters. Let’s head on home.”

“Agh!” screamed the cloaked figure, grasping her heart again as the other missing leg of her spider mark returned.

“I take it your other drone failed?” asked the second figure.

“At least a second Signer has been awakened,” said the third.

“Shut it!” spat the first, slamming her clenched talons into the table. After a pause, she gave a slight chuckle. before taking deep breaths to calm herself. “No, it’s okay. So what if Redheart failed? It's not over.”

“Going to send out another spider?” asked the third. “Third time’s the charm, as they say.”

“No,” muttered the first. “It’s taking too much of a toll on me. Instead, I have a much more fun idea.” Shee stood up, stretching her wings, and flexing her talons.

“Where are you going?” asked the second.

“Isn’t it obvious?” asked the first, heading towards the door. “I’m going to take on the Signers myself.”

Author's Note

You'll recall that in the Author's Notes of Chapter 2 I said I'd try to limit the number of fic-exclusive cards. I never said I was any good at limiting them. I think it's fine, though. After all, who's to say Equestria has the exact same cards as the anime? Or as us? If you have a problem with it though, let me know, and I'll work to reduce them again.

Awaken the Signers – Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash’s Tag Duel

Twilight trotted down the stairs, having just put Spike to bed. Rainbow was pacing impatiently around the room, pausing on occasion to stare at the book, comparing the dragons in the image to her own Red Demon’s Dragon.

“What’s taking them so long?” Rainbow asked, as Twilight sat down at the table. “We asked them here over an hour ago! Fluttershy’s been hospitalized, gods are involved, and they’re dragging their pretty princess plots!”

“Rainbow, watch what you say!” snapped Twilight. She took a breath to calm herself before continuing. “They do have an entire country to run. They’re probably busy.”

Rainbow snatched up the reply letter they had gotten an hour ago. “‘My faithful student, Luna and I will be with you as soon as possible. From what you’ve described about recent events, it seems that you knowing about the legend of the Signers and Dark Signers is of the utmost importance.’ Yeah, if it was so important, they’d have been here an hour ago!”

“Keep your voice down!” snapped Twilight, before casting a sound-proofing spell at her bedroom. “There. Now that Spike can't hear us, you can scream pointlessly.”

“I’m not screaming,” said Rainbow. “I’m just asking-”

“What was taking us so long?” Celestia finished.

“Princess Celestia!” gasped Rainbow. “Uh, how long have you been here?”

“We just arrived,” said Luna. “So we didn’t hear most of what I’m sure was unsavory comments about us.”

“Uh, sorry,” blushed Rainbow.

“We’re sorry we’re late,” said Celestia. “We needed to get an expert in on this.”

“There’s an expert on these legends already?” asked Twilight. “Who is it?”

“You’ve met her before,” said Celestia.

“Twilight, my friend, it’s been awhile. I’ve longed to once again see your smile.”

“Zecora!” Twilight smiled. “It has been awhile, hasn’t it?”

“You’re the expert?” asked Rainbow. “How’d you learn so much?”

“You flatter me, Rainbow Dash, but you’ve yet to hear my speech,” said Zecora. Please don’t label me an expert, when you haven’t seen me preach.”

“I’m sure you’re being modest, since the princesses went to get you,” said Twilight.

“Before we begin,” said Luna, “perhaps you could clarify for us the details of your letter?”

“It gave us a brief summary,” said Celestia, “but I think we should hear it straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.”

“It started at my party,” said Rainbow, taking out Red Demon’s Dragon. “Twilight gave me a card she found in a book. She found another that she kept for herself. I noticed something strange when I was dueling her. Whenever they attacked each other, it would impact more than normal Solid Vision. Like, actual impacts.”

“The very next day,” Twilight continued, “I found out about the Crimson Dragon and the Signers from this book I had lent Cheerilee. It didn’t have much information, though.”

“Then the mayor went nuts!” said Rainbow. “I wasn’t there, but AJ, Rarity, and Twilight were. She called herself a Dark Signer, attacked Fluttershy, and completely tore up an entire street!”

“And that’s when Fluttershy awakened as a Signer, correct?” asked Celestia.

“That’s about it, yes,” said Twilight. “Could you tell us what exactly a Dark Signer is?”

“And what it means to be a Signer?” added Rainbow. “Because being chosen by a god sounds awesome.”

“The Signers are chosen to act as the world’s protectors,” said Zecora. “To fight against evil’s many specters.”

“So the Crimson Dragon picks Signers to act as heroes,” said Rainbow. “Okay, that’s cool.”

“But that still doesn’t explain the Dark Signers,” said Twilight.

“The Dark Signers are the opposite, chosen by evil,” said Zecora. “They're chosen by the underworld to enact an upheaval.”

“An upheaval?” asked Twilight.

“To simplify things,” said Luna, “the Dark Signers want to spread the influence of the underworld outside of Tartarus, and spread it over the entire planet.”

“What!?” gasped Rainbow. “But that would kill everything, wouldn’t it?”

“If we’re lucky, yes,” said Zecora, “however we fear there may be more duress.”

"More duress?" repeated Twilight. What could be worse than the death of everything?

“Basically,” said Celestia, “the Dark Signers are chosen by gods as well. The gods of the underworld.”

“From what Zecora told us,” said Luna, “the Marks of the Dark Signers don’t make up parts of a whole, but represent an entire god by themselves.”

“So, Mayor Mare was chosen by a god of the underworld?” asked Rainbow.

“No,” said Twilight, “I think she was used by them. Fluttershy’s Signer Mark is still there, and doesn’t seem to be brainwashing her like the mayor’s Dark Signer Mark. Am I right in thinking this?”

“You’re assumptions are right, my clever Twilight,” rhymed Zecora.

“So the real Dark Signers are still out there,” said Twilight.

“Why attack Fluttershy, though?” asked Rainbow. “Are they just jerks that attack anyone?”

“As Fluttershy was revealed to be a Signer,” said Luna, “I’d say that it wasn’t an act of random violence. The Dark Signers targeted her deliberately.”

“And how would they know?” asked Twilight.

“Just like the Signers are drawn together,” said Celestia, “the Dark Signers usually have a connection to them as well.”

“We’re merely speculating on this,” said Luna, “but it seems the Dark Signers choose to ally themselves with the underworld for vengeance or other reasons that they’d want to survive.”

“Survive?” asked Rainbow. “They could survive better without doing this underworld nonsense!”

“Unfortunately, no,” said Luna. “You see, the Dark Signers are approached by the underworld to act on their behalf because they’re about to die.”

Rainbow was stunned silent. Twilight spoke slowly, trying to understand. “Wait, so… The Dark Signers are… dead?”

Zecora nodded. “The souls of the departed, holding reasons to live connected to the Signers are approached and asked to fight. They agree and live on by serving the underworld in their quest to kill the Signers and the world’s light.”

“S-so,” Rainbow stuttered, “somepony connected to Fluttershy died and came back to kill her?”

“Perhaps,” said Luna. “We understand that this comes as a shock.”

“I’m so sorry, Twilight,” said Celestia. “I wish that this wouldn’t fall to you and your friends, but if the dragons are being drawn to you, and if Fluttershy is already revealed to be a Signer…”

“Then it falls to you to face the Dark Signers,” said Luna. “According to legend, the battle of Signer vs. Dark Signer plays out every 5000 years. All other efforts failed in previous battles. Only the Signers and Dark Signers themselves can face one another with a chance of survival.”

“Rainbow Dash,” said Zecora, “you mentioned something when you and Twilight clashed?”

“Huh?” said Rainbow. “Uh, yeah. When Stardust Dragon and Red Demon’s Dragon attacked each other, almost real impacts would occur.”

Celestia nodded. “That makes sense. Even when dormant, a Signer’s strength can be called out by their dragon. In an ordinary duel, this would be meaningless, but if two dormant Signers were dueling…”

“Then you’d get some interesting results, wouldn’t you?” smiled Luna.

“I should take my leave, if you don’t mind,” said Zecora. “I’m sorry that destiny has put you in such a bind.”

“Goodnight, Zecora,” said Twilight, as Zecora left.

“Well, then,” said Celestia, “shall we?”

“I’m ready, sister,” said Luna. “Are you?”

“Who, us?” asked Rainbow.

“If you didn’t surmise from Fluttershy’s duel of darkness,” said Luna, “a Signer awakens to their true potential when pushed to the limit in a duel.”

“It’s incredibly likely you two are Signers,” said Celestia. “Rather than wait for the Dark Signers to attempt to harm you, though, we want to awaken your true powers now.”

“We’ll push you hard,” said Luna. “And though it won’t be a duel of darkness, as we don’t want to harm you, don’t expect things to be easy.”

“The two of you against us?” asked Twilight.

“If you’d rather not,” said Celestia, “then we understand.”

“We’re game!” said Rainbow.

“We are?” asked Twilight. “Rainbow, are you sure you want to? After what we’ve heard about the Dark Signers?”

“If we’re already destined to be Signers, then it doesn’t matter if we want to or not,” said Rainbow. “Besides, Fluttershy’s been my friend for as long as I can remember. If these Dark Signers want to mess with her, then they’ll have to go through me! And I want to be at my full potential for when that happens!”

Twilight smiled. “You’re right, Rainbow. Okay, Princess Celestia. Princess Luna. We’re ready to be awakened as Signers. How are we going to duel?”

“We’ll duel by Tag Duel rules,” said Celestia. “Two against two, each side alternating the turn player. Though the cards in your hooves and decks will be separate, you’ll share everything else. A field, Graveyard, even Life Points.”

“Don’t hold back, because we’ll be going all out!” said Luna. “

“Duel!”

Celestia & Luna: LP 4000. Twilight Sparkle & Rainbow Dash: LP 4000.

“I’ll go first,” said Celestia. “Draw! I activate the Field Spell, Realm of Light!” The bookshelves of the library vanished, a large acropolis rising up towards the overcast sky. Stone buildings and spires arose around the ponies, a large temple sat behind Celestia and Luna, while a small stream ran behind Twilight and Rainbow.

“Whenever a card is sent from my deck to the Graveyard,” Celestia explained, “Realm of Light gets a Shine Counter. For each Shine Counter, Lightsworn Monsters gain 100 ATK. If this card would be destroyed, I can instead remove 2 Shine Counters. Next, I activate Charge of the Light Brigade! I send the top 3 cards of my deck to the Graveyard. Afterwards, I can add a level 4 or lower Lightsworn Monster to my hoof. I send 3 cards to the Graveyard and add Jain, Lightsworn Paladin to my hoof!”

“As cards were just sent to the Graveyard,” said Luna, “our Field Spell gains a Shine Counter.” A stream of sunlight cut through the clouds above, shining down upon the spires in the city.

“Now,” said Celestia, “I summon Jain, Lightsworn Paladin!” An armored biped stood at attention in front of Celestia, armed with a shield and a glowing broad sword. [ATK1800. LV4] “Thanks to the Shine Counter on Realm of Light, Jain gains 100 ATK! [ATK1900] Turn end. During the End Phase, Jain sends the top 2 cards of my deck to the Graveyard.”

“And our Field Spell gains another Shine Counter,” added Luna, “further increasing Jain’s ATK!” Another beam of sunlight pierced through the clouds. [ATK2000]

“Your turn, Twilight,” said Celestia.

“Why’s she get to go first for us?” Rainbow muttered. “I was the first to agree to this duel.”

“It doesn’t matter,” said Twilight. “Draw! I activate the Ritual Spell, Ritual of Grace! I release Monsters from my hoof or field whose total levels are at least 7 to perform a Ritual Summon! I release Endymion, the Master Magician from my hoof to Ritual Summon Divine Grace – Northwemko!” A female biped with long blond hair, dressed in a black and green robe and wielding a green staff stood in front of Twilight, a gentle smile on her face. [ATK2700. LV7]

“Northwemko’s effect!” said Twilight. “When she’s Ritual Summoned, I target a card on the field for every Ritual Material Monster used. As long as those cards are on the field, Northwemko can’t be destroyed by card effects. I target your Field Spell, Realm of Light!”

“Clever, Twilight,” said Celestia.

“Way to use their Field Spell against them!” cheered Rainbow.

“So it’s fine I went first now?” asked Twilight. “Northwemko, attack Jain!” Northwemko raised her staff, and pointed it at Jain before blasting a burst of white fire out.

“Ah!” gasped Celestia. [Celestia & Luna: LP 4000 –> 3300]

“And after such an impressive start, too,” said Luna. “Looks like we’ll have to play things more seriously. My turn, draw! Apologies for this, sister, but I can’t let Twilight Sparkle’s monster maintain her effect destruction immunity. I activate the Field Spell, Necrovalley!”

The sprawling acropolis that was Realm of Light crumbled away, large canyon walls reaching up around the duel field. The floor turned to coarse sand, and the clouds gave way to a red sky, the sun beating down on them from the canyon’s end. By the setting sun, the silhouette of pyramids could be seen.

“Wait,” said Twilight, “you got rid of Realm of Light?”

“I don’t use Lightsworn Monsters,” said Luna. “See if you can figure out what my deck consists of. Necrovalley increases the ATK and DEF of all Gravekeeper’s Monsters by 500. Furthermore, not only can cards in the Graveyard not be banished, any effect that would move a card in the Graveyard elsewhere, other than that very card itself, will have that effect negated!”

“A Gravekeeper’s deck,” said Twilight. “Interesting match up to a Lightsworn deck…”

“I set a Monster in defense!” said Luna. “My turn is finished. Proceed, Rainbow Dash!”

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I summon Flamvell Firedog!” A dog made of magma erupted out of the ground in front or Rainbow. [ATK1900. LV4] “Battle! Flamvell Firedog, attack Princess Luna’s set monster!”

“Wait, Rainbow!” gasped Twilight.

A robed biped, that seemed to fade into shadow by his lower half replaced the set card, kneeling down in front of Luna. [DEF2000]

“2000 DEF!?” gasped Rainbow.

“Not for long,” said Luna. “Gravekeeper’s Spy gains 500 DEF from thanks to Necrovalley!” [DEF2500]

Firedog was blasted back by a pulse of shadow from Gravekeeper’s Spy, crashing into Rainbow. “Agh!” [Twilight Sparkle & Rainbow Dash: LP 4000 –> 3400]

“What were you thinking?” asked Twilight. “You need to take your opponent’s cards into account when strategizing, not just your own!”

“It’s fine,” muttered Rainbow. “We’re still winning.”

“Gravekeeper’s Spy’s Flip Effect!” said Luna. “I can Special Summon a level 4 or lower Gravekeeper’s Monster from my deck! I Special Summon another Gravekeeper’s Spy!” Another biped that seemed to fade into shadows appeared, kneeling next to the first. [DEF2000. LV4] “And, of course, Necrovalley increases his DEF!” [DEF2500]

“Damn,” muttered Rainbow. “It’s still the Battle Phase, though! Divine Grace – Northwemko, destroy Gravekeeper’s Spy!” A burst of white flames was sent blasting into the first Gravekeeper’s Spy, burning him away. “I set two cards. Turn end.”

“My turn, then,” said Celestia. “Draw! From my hoof, I Special Summon Judgment Dragon!” A large, quadruped, white dragon, with feathers covering it’s large wings, head, and neck soared above them. It majestically landed in front of Celestia, raising its red claws as it looked up towards the sky. [ATK3000. LV8]

“What!?” gasped Rainbow.

“Wait,” said Twilight, “you can only summon that card if there are 4 or more Lightsworn Monsters in your Graveyard, right?”

“And we only destroyed Jain!” said Rainbow.

“Sister milled 5 cards total from her deck with Jain and Charge of the Light Brigade,” said Luna. “Among them were 3 Lightsworn monsters.”

“Damn,” muttered Rainbow.

“Sister,” said Luna, “if you want, feel free to destroy my cards. I’d much rather attack directly for 3000 now than keep Necrovalley.”

“If you insist,” said Celestia. “Judgment Dragon’s effect! I pay 1000 Life Points to destroy all other cards on the field!” [Celestia & Luna: LP 3300 –> 2300]

“I chain Effect Veiler’s effect from my hoof!” said Twilight. “I discard it during my opponents Main Phase to negate the effect of one of my opponent’s Monsters until the End Phase! I negate Judgment Dragon’s effect!”

“Clever,” said Celestia. “Waiting to negate it after we paid the cost. We can still attack, though. Judgment Dragon, attack Divine Grace – Northwemko! Judgment Ripper!” Judgment Dragon’s claws glowed, as it slashed through Northwemko and struck both Twilight and Rainbow.

“Gah!” [Twilight Sparkle & Rainbow Dash: LP 3400 –> 3100]

“Turn end,” said Celestia.

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I activate Double Summon! I can Normal Summon twice this turn! I summon Tuned Magician!” A biped dressed in a pointed, ornate yellow hat and green, white, and yellow robes, armed with a short, white staff. [ATK1800. LV4] “Thanks to Double Summon, I can Normal Summon twice this turn! I Normal Summon Tuned Magician again to activate its Gemini Effect! Tuned Magician is now a Tuner Monster!” A green Tuning Ring appeared, rotating around Tuned Magician.

Rainbow had been watching silently, when she suddenly realized what Twilight was doing. “Wait, Twilight, hold on!”

“I tune my level 4 Tuned Magician to my level 4 Flamvell Firedog!” said Twilight, ignoring Rainbow. Tuned Magician burst into three more Tuning Rings, the 4 rings stacking over Flamvell Firedog, who turned into level stars to channel through the Tuning Rings. “Clustering wishes will create a shining new star! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!” In a burst of light, Stardust flew out, her white wings stretching out, dramatically sending a shower of sparkles out over the field. [ATK2500. LV8]

“That’s definitely one of the Signer Dragons,” said Celestia.

“Twilight!” snapped Rainbow. “You messed up the strategy I had planned!”

“You had a strategy?” asked Twilight. “It would help if you mentioned it.”

“I tried to, but you ignored me!” said Rainbow. “I may need to pay attention to my opponent’s cards more, but you need to pay attention to the other duelists!”

“I’m sorry,” said Twilight. “Now then, I activate Mystical Space Typhoon! I destroy the Field Spell, Necrovalley!”

A gust of wind spiraled around the field, and when it died down, the library and bookshelves were back, with no sign of the canyon remaining.

“Without Necrovalley,” said Luna, “Gravekeeper’s Spy loses 500 DEF, making it weaker than Stardust Dragon.” [DEF2000]

“Stardust Dragon, attack Gravekeeper’s Spy!” said Twilight. “Shooting Sonic!” Stardust shot a blast of white energy out at Gravekeeper’s Spy, burning it away. “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Luna. “Draw! I banish Jain, Lightsworn Paladin and Gravekeeper’s Spy from the Graveyard to Special Summon Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning!” A burst of light and dark energy rippled out in front of Luna, as a black and yellow armored biped stepped out. He slashed his sword, gazing coldly at Twilight and Rainbow. [ATK3000. LV8]

“W-what!?” stuttered Twilight.

“Thank you for destroying Necrovalley,” said Luna. “I wouldn’t have been able to summon him without you.”

“Damn it, Twilight,” muttered Rainbow.

“I activate Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning’s effect!” said Luna. “Once per turn, in lieu of his attack, I can banish one monster my opponent controls! I banish Stardust Dragon!”

“Rainbow!” said Twilight. “May I use your Trap?”

“What?" asked Rainbow, before smiling. "Oh, I gotcha. Go ahead, Twi!"

“Trap activate,” said Twilight, “Interdimensional Matter Transporter! I banish Stardust Dragon until the End Phase!” Stardust glowed briefly before vanishing, just before Black Luster Solider's blade could touch it.

“Impressive,” said Luna. “You've dodged my Monster's effect. However, you still leave yourself open to attack. Judgment Dragon, attack Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash directly! Judgment Ripper!” Judgment Dragon once again slashed Twilight and Rainbow with glowing red claws.

“Gah!” [Twilight Sparkle & Rainbow Dash: LP 3100 –> 100]

“I set a card. Turn end,” said Luna.

“Stardust Dragon returns to the Field!” said Twilight. In another shower of sparkles, Stardust Dragon flew out to the field. [DEF2000. LV8]

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw!”

“Quick-Play Spell, activate!” said Luna. “Synchro Control! As we have no Synchro Monsters, I can pay 1000 Life Points to gain control of Stardust Dragon until the End Phase of my next turn!” [Celestia & Luna: LP 2300 –> 1300]

Rainbow paused, looking at the cards in her hoof, and at the cards on the field. “Twilight, I have a plan. Stardust can only negate destruction effects while on the field, correct?”

Twilight nodded. Not noticing the glowing red marks that were appearing on their flanks, Rainbow nodded back, and proceeded with her turn.

“I activate Card Rotator!” said Rainbow. “I discard one card from my hoof to change all of my opponent’s monsters!” Judgment Dragon curled up and lay down in front of Celestia and Luna. [DEF2600] Black Luster Solider lowered his sword, and raised his shield up in front of him. [DEF2500] Stardust Dragon folded her wings in front of her, lowering her head behind them. [DEF2000]

“Then,” Rainbow continued, “I activate Rekindling! I Special Summon all FIRE monsters from my Graveyard that hold 200 or less DEF! I Special Summon the Flamvell Firedog and the card I just discarded, Flamvell Magician!” The magma dog erupted from the ground again. [ATK1900. LV4] A nearly bald biped wielding a staff of fire followed. [ATK1400. LV4]

“I tune my level 4 Flamvell Magician to my level 4 Flamvell Firedog!” Flamvell Magician burst into 4 green Tuning Rings, surrounding the 4 level stars Flamvell Firedog had become, and began channeling them. “The ruler’s heartbeats now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power! Synchro Summon! Red Demon’s Dragon!” In a spiral of flames, Red Demon’s Dragon rose up, with a roar, he spread his wings, dispelling the flames. [ATK3000. LV8]

“Go, Red Demon’s Dragon!” said Rainbow. “Attack Stardust Dragon! Absolute Power Force!” Red Demon’s Dragon punched a burning fist of claws into Stardust. “When Red Demon’s Dragon attacks a defense position Monster, all defense position Monsters on my opponent’s field are destroyed! Demon Meteor!” Red Demon’s Dragon formed a sphere of flames within his claws, hurling them into Black Luster Solider – Envoy of the Beginning.

“Way to go!” said Twilight. “I'm impressed you've paid attention to your opponent's field!”

"Yeah, well," Rainbow smiled, "since you asked for permission to use my Trap, I figured I owed you enough to take your advice. Thanks, Twilight."

"I should thank you, Rainbow."

"Trap activate!" Rainbow continued. "Lineage of Destruction! As I destroyed a defense position Monster, I can target a level 8 Monster I control and allow it to attack again this turn!"

“Uh oh,” said Luna.

“Relax, sister,” said Celestia. “We did what we needed to.”

“I target Red Demon’s Dragon,” said Rainbow. “Go, Red Demon's Dragon! Direct attack! Blazing Crimson Hell Flare!” Red Demon’s Dragon breathed out a blast of crimson flames, striking Celestia and Luna.

“Ah!” [Celestia & Luna: LP 1300 –> 0]

“Princess Celestia!” gasped Twilight. “Princess Luna! Are you both okay?”

“We’re fine,” said Luna.

“It was an ordinary duel, after all,” said Celestia. “Though, you two did exert quite a bit of energy, didn’t you?”

“What do you mean?” asked Rainbow, glancing back at her flanks. On the right side, the rainbow lightning bolt was gone, replaced with the Crimson Dragon’s wings. “I’m a Signer? Awesome! I knew a god couldn’t resist my amazing skills!”

Twilight didn’t have time to roll her eyes, as she saw the starburst on her right flank was gone, the Crimson Dragon’s head having appeared in its place. “Just like Fluttershy, we’re both Signers. This would be rather exciting, if these Dark Signers weren’t dead ponies connected to us.

“It doesn’t matter who they are,” said Rainbow. “If they’re against us, they must have been evil. Show some excitement, Twilight.”

Twilight thought about it, before smiling. “You’re right, Rainbow. This is… awesome!”

The two laughed, while Celestia and Luna cleaned up the books the duel had knocked from the shelves. “They’re too happy for this situation, sister.”

“Let them laugh,” smiled Celestia. “Why shouldn’t they be allowed to be happy, considering they’ve got a miserable fight ahead?”

“I suppose you have a point,” said Luna. “Any happy moments we can get should be treasured and enjoyed for all their worth.”

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie burst into the room, gasping for air. “T-Twilight! Rainbow! Come quick!”

“Pinkie?” asked Twilight.

“What happened?” asked Rainbow.

“Fluttershy and Applejack were attacked at the hospital by those same guys from earlier!” said Pinkie, running in place.

“The Dark Signers attacked them?” asked Celestia.

“What are you standing around for, they’re at Sweet Apple Acres waiting!” said Pinkie, before darting off. Rainbow and Twilight were quick to follow.

“Should we get involved, sister?” asked Luna.

Celestia paused, before nodding. “We need to ensure both their safety and their grasp of the situation. Let’s go.”

Cutie Mark Crusaders, Signer Saviors

“Are you both okay?” asked Rainbow.

Applejack and Fluttershy were in Applejack’s room at Sweet Apple Acres, laying on beds to rest. Rarity was already there with the Cutie Mark Crusaders by the time Pinkie, Twilight, Rainbow, and the two princesses arrived.

“We’re okay,” said Fluttershy.

“You brought the princesses?” asked Applejack. “Pinkie, what did ya tell them? We were fine when you found us!”

“It’s not my fault!” said Pinkie. “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were already there when I got to the library!”

“Oh?” asked Rarity. “What brings you here, your highnesses?”

“We thought you’d just send a book or something in response to Twilight,” said Applejack.

“Apparently things are more serious than that,” said Twilight.

“Serious enough that they both dueled us so we could get Signer marks,” said Rainbow, showing off the crimson wings that had appeared on her flank.

“You’re a Signer?” asked Applejack. “Darn, and here Ah was hopin’ to get to brag about something.” She sat up in the bed, and pulled back the covers to show the hind claw of the Crimson Dragon.

“So four of us have Signer Marks, huh?” said Twilight, glancing back at her own mark.

“What are Signers, anyway?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“Oh, that reminds me,” said Rarity, before angrily turning towards the Crusaders. “What were you three doing out in town so late!?”

“They were out late?” asked Applejack.

Rarity nodded. “I couldn’t find them here at the farm, at the clubhouse, or even at my Boutique. Apparently they were snooping around the wrecked street where Fluttershy dueled Mayor Mare.”

“What!?” gasped Applejack. “What were you three thinkin’!? Didn’t the damage tip you off it was dangerous?”

“We just wanted to help!” said Scootaloo. “We were investigating the Dark Signers that the mayor mentioned for you girls!”

“Wait, you even saw the duel?” asked Rarity. “And you still did something this dangerous?”

“Fluttershy helped us before,” said Apple Bloom. “Why couldn’t we help her in return?”

“I wish you wouldn’t risk your lives to help me all things considered,” mumbled Fluttershy.

“Okay,” said Applejack, “the three of you are safe, and that’s all that matters.”

“However, you’re all still grounded,” said Rarity. “None of you are to leave the farm, until we have a full grasp on this situation.”

“What!?” gasped Sweetie Belle.

“But that’s not fair!” said Apple Bloom.

“No buts,” said Applejack.

“You can’t ground me!” said Scootaloo. “I’m not related to any of you!”

“We’re still responsible for you, right now,” said Rarity. “So we can still punish you. Go with the others to Apple Bloom’s room.”

“Rainbow Dash!” pleaded Scootaloo. “You won’t let them ground us, will you?”

Rainbow looked Scootaloo in the eyes. “As a matter of fact, I will. You’re to stay in Apple Bloom’s room, and I want you to forget all about the Dark Signers.”

Scootaloo seemed too stunned to speak, before the Cutie Mark Crusaders sulked off to Apple Bloom’s room. Celestia closed the door behind them, and she and Luna sat down by the window.

“I’m surprised, Rainbow Dash,” said Rarity. “Didn’t expect you to take responsibility like that.”

“If you knew what Princess Celestia and Princess Luna told us about the Dark Signers, then you would understand.”

“Perhaps we should fill everypony in,” said Celestia.

“And you could tell us about the events at the hospital last night,” said Luna. “The Dark Signers attacked you, correct?”

“Can you hear what they’re saying?” Sweetie Belle whispered.

“Yeah,” said Apple Bloom. “These Dark Signer guys took over the mayor and Nurse Redheart to attack Fluttershy and mah sister.”

“What else?” asked Scootaloo. “What are Signers? What are Dark Signers?”

“Ah don’t know about that first part,” said Apple Bloom. “But I think they said Dark Signers are… dead ponies?”

“Dark Signers are zombies, then?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“That sounds scary, yeah,” said Scootaloo. “But zombies aren’t really that effective, are they? They’ll just sort of rot and fall to pieces if you think about it.”

“They can’t be very effective as duelists, either,” said Apple Bloom. “Especially if we don’t have decks, if ya catch mah drift.”

“We gonna investigate?” asked Scootaloo.

“Of course!” said Apple Bloom. “To the crime scene, Crusaders!”

"We'll investigate these Dark Signer jerks," said Sweetie Belle, "and save my sister and her Signer friends!"

“Cutie Mark Crusaders, Signer Saviors! Yay!”

The Cutie Mark Crusaders successfully snuck out of Sweet Apple Acres, and rode Scootaloo’s scooter to the hospital. Their success was short lived, however, as they found the police had barricaded the hospital for investigation.

“We can’t go in?” asked Scootaloo.

“Sorry, but they won’t let anypony in without permission while they investigate.”

“Only hospital staff, and reporters.”

“Reporters?” asked Apple Bloom. “Why, that’s what we are! Reporters for the Foal Free Press!”

“That’s nice,” the guard said. “Unfortunately, you’re too young. Come back with your teacher, why don’t you?”

“Our teacher?” asked Sweetie Belle, as they trotted away. “Great. How are we going to convince Miss Cheerilee to help us investigate?”

“I have a plan,” said Scootaloo. “Sweetie Belle, you’re going to need to be adorable.”

“Done and done.”

“We best return to Canterlot, sister,” said Luna, stifling a yawn.

“Yes, we should,” said Celestia. “If you have any further questions, feel free to write to us.”

“Thank you, Princess,” said Twilight. “But I think we’ve got it from here.”

Celestia and Luna nodded, before opening and flying out the window, teleporting once they cleared the farm.

“So, the Dark Signers are dead, huh?” said Applejack.

“Who could have a grudge against Fluttershy?” asked Rarity.

“I don’t know if I can bring myself to fight dead ponies,” said Fluttershy.

“I’ll handle them for you, then,” said Rainbow. “We can’t let them destroy the world or us.”

“I’ve been thinking,” said Pinkie.

“You have?” asked Rainbow.

“What if the Dark Signer didn’t have a grudge against Fluttershy,” said Pinkie, “but was trying to attack her as payback to somepony else?”

“Yeah, good point,” said Rainbow. “I doubt Fluttershy has any enemies.”

“But who were they trying to get to, then?” asked Fluttershy.

“I think we have a bigger problem,” said Rarity. “If you think about it, the Dark Signers aren’t likely to just limit their attack to fellow Signers to get to you. They might go after anypony we know.”

“That’s what makes what the Crusaders did last night so much more dangerous,” said Applejack.

“Speaking of the Crusaders,” said Twilight, “they’ve been surprisingly quiet.”

“Yeah,” said Applejack. “Too quiet…”

“Oh no,” said Rarity, darting down the hall. “Sweetie Belle! Apple Bloom! Scootaloo! Open the door!”

The other ponies trotted after Rarity, as she magically picked the lock. “You’re a bit too good at that, Rare.”

“Quiet, Applejack,” Rarity replied, shoving the door open. “They’re gone!”

“What!?” gasped Applejack.

“They probably snuck out,” said Pinkie.

“We’ve got to find them!” said Rainbow.

“Before something terrible happens!” added Applejack.

The cloaked griffon strode down the street, slipping through the crowd, when she noticed she was being followed. As discreetly as she could, she ducked into a side alley. And stood waiting.

“You know, Chief,” she said, “griffons don’t really enjoy having stalkers.” She turned around to face the one following her. “So, what’s our egotistical leader want now?”

“This wasn’t her idea,” he said. “I decided to follow you on my own accord. She’s confident everything will go well, but I fear you may ruin things.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” the griffon muttered, “but I know what I’m doing.”

“A cloaked griffon isn’t very subtle,” he said.

The griffon let out a sharp, short laugh. “And a giant buffalo lumbering around is? You’d have to look real carefully at me to see something’s up, but you they can spot from Canterlot!”

“It’s a good thing Celestia and Luna are preoccupied with last night, then. They’ve awakened Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash as Signers.”

“Super,” said the griffon. “So the number of active Signers currently outnumber us Dark Signers? We’ll just have to fix that…”

Before the buffalo could respond, they heard the sound of a scooter speeding past the end of the alley, closely followed by an earth pony mare.

“Wait up, girls!” Cheerilee called.

“Hurry, Miss Cheerilee!” called Apple Bloom.

“I understand your plan,” the buffalo said, once the four ponies had passed.

“Took you long enough,” said the griffon. "Wait for us at HQ." She began to follow the Crusaders, when she stopped. "Oh, and one more thing. Stop stalking me!"

“I talked to the doctor,” said Scootaloo. “Nurse Redheart stayed late to clean a spider web, or something, and that’s the last he saw her.”

“Spider, huh?” said Apple Bloom. “The janitor said he never saw a spider web when he cleaned the night before, so it must’ve shown up after Fluttershy was brought in.”

“We saw a spider mark, didn’t we?” asked Sweetie Belle. “When the mayor was dueling Fluttershy?”

“Think there’s a connection?” asked Scootaloo.

“Girls,” said Cheerilee, “are you sure we should be investigating this? It’s starting to sound awfully dangerous.”

“We’re sure,” said Scootaloo.

“My sister and her friends want as much info on the Dark Signers as possible!” said Apple Bloom.

“Dark Signers?” repeated Cheerilee. “I had just told Twilight about the Signers yesterday.”

“You know something about this?” asked Scootaloo.

“Tell us about the Signers, please,” said Apple Bloom.

“We can talk as we go back to the schoolhouse,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Well,” said Cheerilee, “since Twilight and her friends say its okay…”

“It’s fine,” said Scootaloo. “Besides, with you here, we’ll be fine, right?”

Cheerilee smiled. “I suppose so. Okay, girls, let’s go!”

“They’re not at the clubhouse,” said Fluttershy, as she met with the others in front of town hall.

“I checked the library,” said Twilight.

“Sugarcube Corner is clear of Crusaders,” said Pinkie. "Only pony there was Cheerilee, buying a tray of cupcakes."

“Where could they be?” asked Applejack.

“They’re at the schoolhouse!” called Rarity, galloping up.

“How did you find that out?” asked Rainbow.

“I used my brain,” said Rarity. “I figured they must be investigating the Dark Signers, so I went to the hospital. They told me that Cheerilee and the Crusaders were there earlier asking questions, before going back to the school.”

"I thought that was a lot of cupcakes for one pony," Pinkie said, as the group galloped off towards the school.

Cheerilee trotted up the path to the schoolhouse, a tray of cupcakes balanced on her back, when she spotted a cloaked figure walking around the outside of the schoolhouse.

“Hey!” she called. “Who are-”

“Cheerilee!” Twilight’s voice interrupted her.

“Twilight?” asked Cheerilee, turning around in time to see Twilight and the others galloping up. “What brings you here?”

“Where is Apple Bloom and the others?” asked Applejack.

“Inside,” Cheerilee answered. “Why do you ask? Is something wrong?”

As if in answer to her question the seven ponies were knocked off their hooves by a large explosion from the schoolhouse. Smoke rose up towards the sky, blending with the gray clouds. Shouts could be heard nearby, as ponies began gathering nearby.

“Scootaloo!” cried Rainbow.

“What just happened?” Applejack asked, eyes wide in shock. “A-Apple Bloom… Did she just…?”

“No,” said Rarity, before running towards the wreck. “Sweetie Belle! Please be okay! Sweetie Belle!”

“I’m afraid you’re wasting your breath calling her name,” said a voice, as the cloaked figure from before walked out from behind the rubble.

“That voice…” mumbled Rainbow. “It can’t be… Gilda?”

Gilda lowered her hood, giving a small smirk. “Long time no see, Rainbow Crash.” The sclera of her eyes were pitch black, giving them a sunken, dead look.

“Gilda?” asked Pinkie. “What are you doing here?”

“Tell me,” said Rarity, “did you do this? Did you… kill Sweetie Belle.”

“No,” said Gilda, “the explosion did that.”

“This isn’t the time for jokes!” snapped Applejack. “What did you do?”

Gilda sighed. “Geez, you guys are wound up way too tight. Yeah, I killed them.”

“Why?” asked Rainbow. “Why would you do this? Gilda, you may be a jerk, but you’re not evil.”

“It’s really taking a long time to occur to you, isn’t it?” said Gilda. “Why don’t you ask the teacher there what the three fillies were researching and see if that give you a hint?”

“Cheerilee,” said Applejack, trembling in anger. “You let Apple Bloom investigate the Dark Signers? Did the fact that they have ‘Dark’ in their title not tip you off that their a threat!?”

“I-I’m sorry,” Cheerilee stuttered. “I didn’t know they were-”

“Dangerous?” Rainbow finished. “They attacked Fluttershy, and nearly destroyed a hospital! That didn’t set off any alarms in your head?”

“I…”

“Cheerilee?” Fluttershy cut in. “I don’t mean to be rude, but… I think you should go. For safety, if anything.”

Cheerilee nodded, before galloping away. Rarity didn’t pay her a second glance, as her gaze was focused on Gilda. “So that means, you’re-”

“A Dark Signer?” Gilda finished. “Bingo!” She turned around to show off the spider mark on her right flank, the purple glow shining through her cloak.

“What!?” gasped Pinkie. “But the princesses said the Dark Signers are ponies that died! And Gilda didn’t die! Did she?”

“I did,” said Gilda. “But even the underworld can’t stand between me and vengeance on you six losers!”

“Gilda…” Rainbow mumbled.

“On the subject of vengeance,” Rarity muttered, her eyes bloodshot, tears streaming down her face “I’m in the mood for that right now. Duel me, Gilda! I’ve seen the damage a duel of darkness can do, and I intend to use that power to send you right back to the afterlife where you belong!”

“Oh my,” laughed Gilda, sitting down and examining her talons, “you sure are angry, aren’t you? Are you sure you can handle me? You don’t even have a Signer mark!”

“I don’t care about that,” spat Rarity, shaking with rage. “For daring to harm, to kill Sweetie Belle, I’ll KILL YOU!”

“Killing something that’s already dead isn’t as easy as it sounds,” said Gilda, “but if you insist, then I accept! Watch closely, everypony! Watch as I show you a true duel of darkness! The power of a true Dark Signer!”

The ground trembled, as bursts of purple flames shot out of the ground. Applejack, Rainbow, and the others leapt back in shock, as the flames weaved around the ground, extending far beyond the reaches of the schoolhouse, and stretching into nearby streets in neighborhoods.

The ponies that had come to investigate the earlier explosion, were now screaming and scrambling to find a way out as the flames trapped them inside. Reflecting on the clouds above revealed the burning geoglyph had taken the shape of the spider mark on Gilda’s flank.

“Watch closely, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie!” laughed Gilda. “Watch helplessly as your friend perishes before the might of the underworld!”

“The only one that will die today is you!” spat Rarity. She took a deep breath, and readied her Duel Disk. "For Sweetie Belle…"

“Duel!”

The Dark Signers Attack! Rarity vs. Gilda

“More coffee, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia sat by the table in the castle’s banquet hall, having just returned from Ponyville. As it was morning, Luna felt her duties were done for now and went to bed. As Celestia and Luna had spent the whole night in Ponyville, Luna’s decision to sleep has left Celestia with an entire day and night’s worth of papers and meetings to deal with.

“Yes, thank you,” Celestia answered, smiling to the maid. “It’s going to be a rough day, I feel.”

“Forgive me for asking,” said the maid, “but why don’t you leave some work for Princess Luna to handle when she wakes?”

“I would,” said Celestia, “it would make for some due payback for her leaving me with all this. However, I can’t deny that I would have done what my sister did in a reversed situation, so I will…” The rest of her sentence died in a yawn.

The maid refilled Celestia’s cup with coffee, and returned to the kitchens as Celestia herself tried focusing on her work. It was under an hour, before she caught herself dozing off. She took a quick glance around to make sure she was alone, before letting out a very unprincesslike groan. “Ugh, this is killing me…”

At that moment, the floor began to tremble beneath her. She looked around in alarm, as Royal Guards rushed into the room. “Your Highness!”

“What’s wrong?” Celestia asked. “Is it an earthquake?”

“No,” the guard responded, “it seems to be some sort of disaster in Ponyville.”

“A disaster in Ponyville?” repeated Celestia, feeling her tiredness being replaced with dread. She rushed out to the nearest balcony, and looked out through the clouds towards Ponyville.

A large geoglyph of purple flames could be seen, its spider shape reflecting in the sky. “Dark Signers…”

“I’m sorry, princess?” one of the guards asked. “What did you say?”

“It doesn’t matter,” said Celestia. “Though it may be futile, ready a squadron of guards! We’re moving out to lend Ponyville aid immediately!”

“Yes, princess!”

“Are you ready to join your sister, Rarity?” Gilda asked with a taunting sneer.

“How dare you…”

“Rarity!” Applejack called. “Stay calm. Ah’m suffering just as much as you, but ya need to be level headed to stand a chance!”

Rarity took a deep breath. “You’re right, Applejack. Still, even if I stay calm, can I really…?”

“You can,” said Applejack. “Hold on, Ah think Ah’ve got a card that can help. Rainbow, can you get it to her?”

“Unlikely,” laughed Gilda. “In case you can’t tell from those flame spurts over in the distance, you can’t just hop in and out of the geoglyph whenever you want.”

“Maybe I can’t,” said Rainbow, taking the card, and flying up. “But perhaps a card can. Rarity, catch!” Rainbow flung the card down over the flames at Rarity.

Rarity caught it with her magic, levitating it in front of her face. “This will do nicely. Thank you, Applejack. Rainbow Dash. I promise, I’ll end Gilda right here for Apple Bloom and Scootaloo in addition to Sweetie Belle!” She slid the card into her deck, which auto-shuffled before she drew her first five cards.

Gilda snickered, drawing her first five as well. “Trust me, you shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep. It will only serve to hurt you’re friends. Isn’t that right, Rainbow Dash?”

“Gilda…” Rainbow mumbled. “I…”

“Save it, Rainbow Crash,” Gilda replied, as she stretched, laying down on her back. “Are you finally ready to start, Rarity? Or am I wasting my time?”

“Well, if you’re in such a hurry to die, I suppose I should stop stalling and end this, shouldn’t I?”

Rarity: LP 4000. Gilda: LP 4000.

“You can take the first turn, since you’re so eager,” sighed Gilda, examining her talons as opposed to actually looking at Rarity.

“Fine,” said Rarity. “Draw! I activate Card Destruction! We each discard all cards, then draw cards equal to the discarded amount! Since each of us are discarding five cards, we draw five!”

“I can count just fine, you know,” said Gilda. “This may surprise you, but unlike Rainbow Crash and Klutzershy, I’m not a high school dropout.”

“Fine,” said Rarity. “I summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus!” The large, white pegasus, with the sapphire blue horn on its head flew out, stretching its pale golden feathered wings dramatically. [ATK1800. LV4] “Sapphire Pegasus’s effect! I place a Crystal Beast from my deck to my Spell and Trap Zone! I place Ruby Carbuncle!” Sapphire Pegasus’ horn glowed, and a chunk of ruby appeared, levitating on its own in front of Rarity.

“This is going to be a long duel, isn’t it?” Gilda groaned, lying down on her back to stare up at the clouds.

“Don’t worry,” said Rarity, “it’ll be quick. Though I only have two Crystal Beasts on the field, when I activated Card Destruction, I sent the other five to the Graveyard. And when I have all seven Crystal Beasts on the field or in the Graveyard, I can Special Summon Rainbow Dragon from my hoof!”

A pillar of red light shot out from the chunk of ruby, indigo light illuminated and shot up from Sapphire Pegasus, and from Rarity’s Graveyard came pillars of orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple light. The seven streams of light coiled around each other, combining to form a ribbon of white light. The light spread out, and died down, revealing a long, white dragon with scales like armor. Gold protrusions that looked like angelic wings came from its lower neck, while its actual wings were large, and off white on the back, and teal underneath, spreading from its back. Along its sides, with gold trim, were crystals of ruby, amber, topaz, emerald, cobalt, sapphire, and amethyst. Smaller, bat-like wings spread out near the lower part of his tail, while protrusions of a similar appearance spread from near its head, one on each side of it’s sharp, teal horn. It coiled around in front of Rarity, letting lose a roar at Gilda. [ATK4000. LV10]

Gilda looked away from the sky, gazing at Rainbow Dragon. “It’s not a Signer Dragon, but it is still rather impressive for a pansy like you.” She leapt up back into a standing position. “This duel might actually be fun.”

“Sorry, Gilda,” spat Rarity, “but you’ll be dead long before you’ll be able to get any enjoyment out of this duel. I’ll end you before you can call out those Dark Synchros of yours!”

“Is that a challenge?” asked Gilda, with a smirk. “My turn, draw! As you control a monster, and I don’t, I can Special Summon to the field Dark Tuner Spider Cocoon!” A black spider, whose body and legs were disconnected at the joints, seemingly magnetized to dark yellow spheres crawled forward. It’s abdomen was a pitch black sphere, glowing with dark energy. [ATK0. LV5]

“A Dark Tuner?” Rarity mumbled, her voice getting caught in her throat.

“Careful, Rarity!” cautioned Twilight.

“You still have your Rainbow Dragon, right?” said Pinkie. “You’ll be fine!”

“Yes,” said Gilda, “she’ll be as okay as those three fillies.”

“Shut up!” snapped Applejack.

“You all have really short tempers today,” said Gilda, with a fake frown. “Oh well. I summon Dark Spider!” A spider with black, scythe-like legs, and a tall, green body scuttled out, its red eyes trained on Rarity. [ATK0. LV1] “Dark Spider’s effect! I can increase the level of another Insect-Type Monster by 2 until the End Phase! I increase Spider Cocoon’s level from 5 to 7!” [LV7]

“It’s coming, isn’t it?” Rainbow mumbled. “Those Dark Synchro things…”

“I’m dark tuning my level 7 Dark Tuner Spider Cocoon to my level 1 Dark Spider!” smiled Gilda. Spider Cocoon’s abdomen burst open into 7 stars, which proceeded to pierce into Dark Spider. One of them shattered, before the remaining 6 burst out, spinning around with black lightning coursing between them. “When darkness overlaps with darkness, the doors of the underworld will open to a world without light!” The lightning and stars were consumed by a pillar of dark energy. “Dark Synchro! Show yourself, Underground Arachnid!” A black and red spider, with black scythe-like legs, and an upper body that, similar to Applejack’s Tytannial, seemed to be the upper half of a primate. However, this one had a more demonic, arachnoid look to it, with smooth, hard skin, and claw-like extremities. Her eyes were red, and her mouth, when open, looked like a gaping hole. Two ribbon-like strands flowed from her red-haired head. [ATK2400. LV-6]

“So that’s a Dark Synchro?” asked Pinkie, shuddering slightly. “I’ll admit it’s scary, but…”

“It still is no match for my Rainbow Dragon!” boasted Rarity.

“Is that so?” asked Gilda. “Underground Arachnid’s effect activates! Once per turn, I can target one monster my opponent controls and that monster will be Equipped to her! I target your precious Rainbow Dragon!”

“W-What!?” Rarity stuttered, as Underground Arachnid opened her mouth and shot out strands of web. In seconds, Rainbow Dragon was completely ensnared. With a tug, Underground Arachnid dragged Rainbow Dragon to the ground, and over to Gilda’s field, leaping on top of her prize.

“No way…” said Applejack.

“Rarity’s ace monster was taken down just like that!?” gasped Pinkie.

“Battle!” laughed Gilda. “Underground Arachnid, take down Rarity’s remaining monster! Attack and destroy Sapphire Pegasus!” Another shot of spider web left Underground Arachnid’s mouth, this time sticking to form a blunt end that smashed through Sapphire Pegasus and hit Rarity right in the chest.

“Ah!” Rarity gasped, the air being knocked from her lungs, before momentum from the hit sent her body tumbling back across the ground. [Rarity: LP 4000 –> 3400]

“Rarity!” Fluttershy gasped. “Are you alright?”

“I…” Rarity groaned, pulling herself back to her hooves. “I’m fine…”

“But for how long?” Gilda smirked.

“Sapphire Pegasus’ effect!” Rarity said, ignoring Gilda’s taunt. “When destroyed, instead of being sent to the Graveyard, I place him in the Spell and Trap Zone instead!” A chunk of sapphire appeared, hovering in front of Rarity.

“Hmph,” snorted Gilda. “Whatever. I set one card end my turn.”

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw! I activate Rare Value! As I have 2 Crystal Beasts in my Spell and Trap Zone, you choose one to send to the Graveyard. In exchange, I can draw two cards!”

“Before I do that,” said Gilda, “I’d like to activate my Continuous-Trap, Coffin Seller! When a Monster is sent to my opponent’s Graveyard, my opponent will take 300 points of damage!”

“Damn,” muttered Applejack. “Hang in there, Rare!”

“Send your Sapphire Pegasus to the Graveyard,” said Gilda. “I’ve had enough with pegasi, personally.”

“And I get to draw 2 cards!” said Rarity, as the chunk of sapphire crumbled away.

“You also get to take 300 points of damage!” said Gilda.

“Agh!” [Rarity: LP 3400 –> 3100] Rarity winced in pain as a sudden burst of dark aura cut into her. She stumbled briefly, before shaking it off. “This hurts a lot more than I expected…”

Gilda laughed. “Of course it does! This is a true duel of darkness! Fitting for a fight with a true Dark Signer, isn’t it?”

“In that case,” said Rarity, “I’ll be hurting you a lot more than I first thought. I activate Crystal Blessing! I place 2 Crystal Beasts from my Graveyard into my Spell and Trap Zone! I place Amber Mammoth and Topaz Tiger!” A lump of amber and a lump of topaz appeared, levitating in front of Rarity.

“And what will that accomplish?” asked Gilda.

“I’ll show you,” smiled Rarity. “I activate Crystal Promise! I target a Crystal Beast in my Spell and Trap Zone and Special Summon it! I Special Summon Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle!” A small, furred, four-eared quadruped with ruby red eyes, a small ruby in its forehead, and a sphere of ruby on its tail burst out of the chunk of ruby in front of Rarity, curling up playfully in front of her. [ATK300. LV3]

“Oh no, a cutesy little rodent,” said Gilda in a bored voice. “How incredible.”

“It is incredible,” said Rarity. “Because when Ruby Carbuncle is Special Summoned, I can Special Summon as many Crystal Beasts from my Spell and Trap Zone as possible!”

“What?” asked Gilda, snapping out of her boredom.

“I Special Summon Amber Mammoth!” said Rarity, as the ruby on Carbuncle’s tail began glowing. A large mammoth charged forward, its yellow eyes glaring at Gilda. On its forehead was a large oval of amber. [ATK1700. LV4] “And Topaz Tiger!” A white saber-toothed tiger with black stripes and a blade-like horn on its head leapt out in front of Rarity, growling at Gilda. On its neck was a chunk of topaz. [ATK1600. LV4]

“A bit more impressive,” said Gilda, “but unfortunately they’re all far too weak to defeat my Dark Synchro Monster, now aren’t they?”

“I’m not done yet!” said Rarity. “I activate the Equip Spell, Crystal Release! I can only Equip it to a Crystal Beast! The Equipped Monster gains 800 ATK! I Equip it to Topaz Tiger!” [ATK2400]

“If Topaz Tiger attacks Underground Arachnid,” said Applejack, “both cards will be destroyed and Rarity will be free to attack directly!”

“It’s better than that, Applejack,” said Twilight. “Topaz Tiger gains 400 ATK when it declares an attack on an opponent’s Monster. Ergo, only Gilda’s Monster will be destroyed.”

“And Gilda will take damage, too!” cheered Pinkie. “Go, Rarity!”

“One more thing, first,” smiled Rarity. “I activate Monster Reborn to Special Summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus back to the Field!” Sapphire Pegasus emerged from the clouds, flying a circle around the duel field, before landing in front of Rarity. [ATK1800. LV4]

“If my math is correct,” said Twilight.

“I'm sure it is,” Pinkie cut in.

“Then,” Twilight continued, a smile forming on her face, “Rarity will, assuming Topaz Tiger destroys Underground Arachnid, deal a total of 4200 points of battle damage this turn!”

“A One Turn Kill,” said Rainbow.

“Finish this, Rare!” cheered Applejack. “Pay her back for what she’s done!”

“I shall,” said Rarity. “Battle! Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger, attack Underground Arachnid! Topaz Bite!” Topaz Tiger bared its fangs, which glowed topaz, as it lunged forward towards Underground Arachnid’s neck. [ATK2800]

“Underground Arachnid’s effect!” countered Gilda.

“W-what?” stuttered Rarity.

“If Underground Arachnid is going to be destroyed,” smiled Gilda, “I can destroy the Equipped Monster instead! I use your very own ace, Rainbow Dragon, as a shield!” Underground Arachnid ducked out of the way of the attack, pulling the web wrapped Rainbow Dragon up in Topaz Tiger’s path. Topaz Tiger tore through it, and slashed Gilda. “Agh!” [Gilda: LP 4000 –> 3600]

“No…” mumbled Rarity. “That was my one chance…”

Gilda burst out laughing. “Oh, you have no idea how hard it was to keep a straight face as you all kept going on about how this was her victory! Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Oh, and before I forget, your Rainbow Dragon was just sent to the Graveyard, wasn’t it? Take 300 points of damage from Coffin Seller’s effect!”

“Agh!” gasped Rarity, as the dark aura cut into her again. [Rarity: LP 3100 –> 2800]

“Keep it together, Rarity!” said Rainbow.

“You can still win this!” said Applejack. “You have to!”

Rarity nodded. “I set a card, and end my turn!”

“My turn, then,” smiled Gilda. “Draw! Underground Arachnid’s effect! Once per turn, I can Equip an opponent’s Monster to it! I Equip your Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger!” Underground Arachnid shot another blast of webbing at Topaz Tiger, ensnaring it, and dragging it over to rest on the ground in front of her.

“Since Topaz Tiger left the Monster Card Zone,” said Rarity, “the Equipped Crystal Release is destroyed.”

“Battle!” laughed Gilda. “Underground Arachnid, attack Ruby Carbuncle! Bet you wish you didn’t summon that runt in attack position now, huh?” Underground Arachnid blasted another blunt shot of webbing towards Ruby Carbuncle.

“Actually,” said Rarity, a small smile on her face, “I did plan for that. Amber Mammoth’s effect! If my opponent targets a Crystal Beast for attack, I can change the attack target to Amber Mammoth!” Amber Mammoth charged forward, intercepting the blast of webbing.

“Damn,” muttered Gilda. “It doesn’t matter! You’ve only lessened the damage!”

“Ah!” Rarity felt the air get knocked from her lungs again as the webbing broke through Amber Mammoth and hit her, sending her tumbling backwards again. [Rarity: LP 2800 –> 2100] “When Amber Mammoth is destroyed, I can place him into the Spell and Trap Zone instead of sending him to the Graveyard…” A chunk of amber appeared, floating in front of Rarity.

“Rarity!” gasped Fluttershy.

“Gilda!” Rainbow called. “Please, stop doing this!”

Gilda glared at Rainbow briefly, before turning her attention back towards Rarity, who pulled herself to her hooves again. “I activate the Field Spell, Spider Web!” From the center of the geoglyph, strands of webbing shot out, forming a large, intricate web over the entire area. “I set a card, and end my turn.”

“My turn,” said Rarity, looking down. “Draw.”

“Seems your motivation is as dead as Sweetie Belle,” said Gilda.

Rarity looked at the only card in her hoof, before gritting her teeth. “Gilda… It’s over for you.”

Gilda laughed as Rarity glared up at her. “Oh yeah? You’ve only got one card in your hoof. What are you possibly going to do to me?”

“My friends are counting on me,” said Rarity. “To avenge Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. And I would be unable to live with myself if I were to fail them, or fail Sweetie Belle. Lucky for me, my friends and my deck answered to my will to win.”

“What do you mean?” asked Gilda, before noticing a red glowing coming from Rarity’s right flank. “Wait, what’s happening?”

The Signer Marks on Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight began glowing, as the Mark of the Crimson Dragon’s tail appeared on Rarity, replacing her right flank's three gems.

“What’s going on?” asked Pinkie.

“Rarity’s a Signer,” said Twilight.

“I’m a Signer?” asked Rarity, glancing back at her new mark.

“When a Signer’s life is in danger,” said Gilda, her eyes wide, “all the Signer marks burn. Since yours are all burning, then the mark on your flank is legit. Which means…”

“You’re doomed,” said Rarity. “Thanks for the card, Applejack! I summon the Tuner Monster, Buten!” A cute, stylized pig with big blue eyes, and small white wings fluttered out in front of Rarity. [ATK200. LV1] “I tune my level 1 Buten to my level 3 Ruby Carbuncle and my level 4 Sapphire Pegasus!” Buten turned into a green Tuning Ring, while Ruby Carbuncle and Sapphire Pegasus became stars that channeled through the center. “Darkened gales, become the wings that soar from resolved hope! Synchro Summon! Soar, Black Feather Dragon!” A large, legless, black dragon, with four blade-like appendages soared out of a pillar of light. Long, ribbon-like tail feathers uncoiled behind itself, as it stretched its large, off white wings. It’s yellow face opened in a roar, as it’s black mane of feathers fluttered in the breeze behind it. [ATK2800. LV8]

“Another Signer Dragon,” said Fluttershy. “I recognize it from my dream…”

“…I’m not wasting my time,” Gilda mumbled to herself, finishing her earlier thought. “Excellent! Let’s fulfill the destined battle of Signer and Dark Signer!”

“Destiny is funny, isn’t it,” said Rarity. “I received my Signer Dragon as payment for a dress, which I thought my whole life was my destiny. Was what I was meant to do. I never thought I was actually meant to save the world from the forces of the underworld. Or that making a dress would lead me to that.” She paused, and took a breath. “And I never thought I’d lose Sweetie Belle…”

“You’re about to lose some Life Points, too,” said Gilda. “As your Synchro Summon sent Monsters to your Graveyard, Coffin Seller will deal another 300 points of damage!”

“Wrong!” said Rarity. “Black Feather Dragon’s effect! If I would take effect damage, I reduce that damage to zero and place a Black Feather Counter on Black Feather Dragon! For each Black Feather Counter on him, he loses 700 ATK!” Some of the white feathers on Black Feather Dragon turned black with a blood red stripe along the bottom, as the dark aura from Coffin Seller was sucked into his mouth. [Black Feather Counter: 1] [ATK2100]

“So you’ve dodged a minimal amount of damage at the cost of your monster’s effectiveness,” laughed Gilda. “Great work, Signer.”

“Trap activate!” said Rarity. “Crystal Raigeki! I send the Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth from my Spell and Trap Zone to the Graveyard to destroy Underground Arachnid!”

“Underground Arachnid’s effect!” countered Gilda, as shards of amber went flying towards it. “I destroy the Equipped Topaz Tiger to negate her destruction.” Underground Arachnid tugged on the webbing, lifting Topaz Tiger up as a shield. “And, since two more Monsters went to the Graveyard…”

“I negate the damage again with Black Feather Dragon!” finished Rarity. The dark aura from Coffin Seller was sucked into his mouth again, and more of his feathers darkened. [Black Feather Counter: 2] [ATK1400]

“Well, that was pointless,” said Gilda. “Are you done, Rarity?”

“Far from it,” Rarity replied. “I activate Black Feather Dragon’s other effect!”

“Other effect?” repeated Gilda.

“I remove all Black Feather Counters,” Rarity explained. “For each one removed, a monster my opponent controls loses 700 ATK! And then, my opponent takes damage equal to the total ATK lost! Black Burst!” Black Feather Dragon’s wings whitened again, as it channeled black electricity between its four appendages. It launched the orb of dark energy at Underground Arachnid and Gilda, zapping them. [Black Feather Counter: 0]

“Agh!” winced Gilda. [ATK1000] [Gilda: LP 3600 –> 2200]

“And since the Black Feather Counters are gone,” smiled Rarity, “Black Feather Dragon regains his ATK!” [ATK2800]

“Go for it, Rarity!” cheered Applejack.

Rarity nodded. “Black Feather Dragon, attack Underground Arachnid! Noble Stream!” A burst of red and black energy was shot out of Black Feather’s mouth, incinerating Underground Arachnid, and sending Gilda flying backwards.

“Agh!” Gilda screamed, bouncing along the ground, and skidding to a halt. [Gilda: LP 2200 –> 400]

“You did it!” cheered Pinkie.

“Her ace monster is finally gone!” cheered Twilight.

“Way to go, Rare!” smiled Applejack.

“Thanks,” Rarity smiled back.

“Spider Web’s effect,” coughed Gilda. “When a monster attacks, it is forced to defense. And until the End Phase of the controller’s next turn, it will be stuck in defense!” [DEF1600]

“Damn,” said Rarity.

“Is Gilda trying to stall for time, now?” asked Fluttershy.

“As if I’d ever need to resort to such a lame tactic!” laughed Gilda. “Trap activate! Dark Matter! I can only activate this card when a Dark Synchro Monster is destroyed! I Special Summon two Dark Matter Tokens in defense!” Two bursts of dark purple energy appeared on Gilda’s field, giving off an eerie green glow. [DEF0. LV1]

“What’s this all about?” asked Pinkie.

“What good would these Dark Matter Token things do ya if you’ve already lost your Dark Synchro Monster?” asked Applejack.

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Unless… Gilda, don’t tell me…”

“The Dark Synchro Monsters aren’t the true aces of the Dark Signers?” Gilda finished. “Afraid you’re right, egghead. What do you think this mark represents, anyway?” Gilda gestured back towards the glowing purple spider on her flank.

Rarity’s eyes widened. “T-then, that means…”

“You wasted all of your resources in defeating a mere drone?” Gilda finished. “That’s right. An awful lot like how much effort it took your loser friends to defeat Mayor Mare and Redheart, isn’t it? My turn, dr-”

Gilda was suddenly cut off as a blast of magic shot down from the sky at her. “What the hay!?”

Twilight looked up, and her face lit up. “Princess Celestia!?

“Celestia?” repeated Gilda, looking up with the others.

Flying high above the geoglyph, surrounded by guards, was Celestia, she glared down at Gilda, before motioning to the guards. At once, they all flew down, dodging the rising flames and landing inside the geoglyph.

“Guards!” Celestia called. “Fan out and lend aid to anypony caught in the flames! I can handle things here!”

The guards saluted, before spreading out. Celestia, looked around, and saw the red glow from Rarity. “Rarity, I see you’ve awakened as a Signer. Are you alright? What’s happening?”

“P-Princess,” Rarity stuttered. “She, the Dark Signer…”

“I killed her sister,” Gilda said. “Applejack’s sis, too. And that little twerp that idolizes Rainbow Crash.”

“So you’re one of the Dark Signers?” Celestia asked, her voice icy and angry.

“Celestia, be careful!” called Twilight.

“Didn’t you say only the Signers can fight the Dark Signers?” asked Rainbow.

Celestia nodded. “That’s true. However, I may still yet be able to assist in lowering casualties. Dark Signer! You will not take the life of another citizen of Equestria! Do you hear me?”

“I hear ya, Princess,” said Gilda, a smile on her face. “And I hate to disappoint you, but you have no authority over me. I answer to the King of the Underworld, not you.”

“Gilda!” Rainbow called. “Please, just stop! It’s for your own good!”

“Is that right?” asked Gilda.

“Gilda, is it?” asked Celestia, as she trotted towards her. “I recommend you listen to Miss Rainbow Dash. Surrender, before its too late.”

“No can do, Princess,” said Gilda, glancing back at the mark on her flank. “The gods won’t be too happy with that.”

“I can help you,” said Celestia. “Help you shake the control of the underworld’s gods. Just end this duel.”

Gilda looked up at Celestia. She paused in thought, before nodding. “Okay. I will end this duel, and you will help me.”

Celestia smiled. “I’m glad we could come to an-”

“Draw!” Gilda smiled, interrupting.

“What are you doing?” asked Celestia.

“Ending the duel, of course,” smiled Gilda. “And you’ll help. You’re soul will be most valuable for the Dark Signers’ plan!”

“What is that supposed to mean?” asked Rainbow.

“What do you think this geoglyph is?” asked Gilda, gesturing around. “It’s a prison the Crimson Dragon imposed upon the gods of the underworld! And to open it, the souls of those losers trapped within its borders will be offered as tribute!”

“Celestia, get out of there!” screamed Twilight.

“You’ll regret interfering in our war, Celestia!” said Gilda. “I release my two Dark Matter Tokens!” The two tokens fused together, and rose up above the geoglyph, forming a stone heart. It began pulsing, and screams could be heard echoing throughout the geoglyph.

“W-what’s happening!?” Fluttershy stuttered, ducking behind Rainbow.

“Are those… souls?” Rarity asked, her eyes widening looking at the orbs of purple light that were now being sucked into the stone.

The more lights sucked in, the less screams could be heard. Celestia’s legs buckled, and she fell forward. With the last of her strength, she turned to look at Twilight through the geoglyph’s flames. “T-Twilight… I’m sorry I couldn’t help more…” Celestia faded away, turning into an orb of light, which was swiftly sucked into stone heart.

“PRINCESS CELESTIA!” Twilight screamed.

“It’s all over!” laughed Gilda. “Behold, the power of the Dark Signers! The power of the underworld! Descend! Earthbound God Uru!” A pillar of light shot down from the heart into the geoglyph. The flames danced wildly, and the ground cracked as a shadow loomed upwards. Uru was a large, black spider with red eyes larger than Celestia’s body and red markings decorating its body and legs. As it stood, it quickly towered over everything. Rarity found herself trembling, as Uru reached full height, standing higher than the entirety of Ponyville. [ATK3000. LV10]

“E-Earthbound God...?” Rarity stuttered.

“No…” Applejack mumbled. “It can’t end like this…”

“Earthbound God Uru’s effect!” said Gilda. “It can bypass your pathetic defenses, and attack you directly!” Uru reared up, readying its assault. The pressure placed on the ground caused more cracks to appear.

“Sweetie Belle…” Rarity mumbled, tears falling from her eyes. “I… failed…”

“Perish, Signer!” said Gilda. “Earthbound God Uru, direct atta-” Gilda was cut off as the ground beneath suddenly began to give way. “Damn! Did offing Celestia damage the ground’s stability?”

“Rarity!” Pinkie gasped, as the unicorn began to fall into the opening crevasse.

Uru sank back into the ground, as the flames died. Gilda spread her wings, and flew up into the air. “We’ll settle this next time, Signers. But know this, Rarity! This was your defeat!” She flew off into the clouds, laughing to herself.

“Gilda!” Rainbow called, beginning to fly after her.

“Rainbow!” Rarity screamed, as the ground she stood on gave way completely.

“Rarity!” gasped Rainbow. “Damn!” Rainbow flew down in a flash, grabbing Rarity, and pulling up out of the crumbling ground, hugging her tightly.

Rarity sobbed into Rainbow’s chest. “Rainbow Dash… I’m sorry… I failed…”

“It’s not your fault,” said Rainbow, as she gently flew down to rejoin the others. “It’s okay…”

Gilda strutted back into the hideout. “What’s happening, gang?”

“You didn’t kill her,” the buffalo said.

“We’re more outnumbered than before,” their leader complained.

“We are?” Gilda asked, looking around. “But… I thought the duel would have bought enough time for them to arrive… Did I underestimate them?”

“You didn’t,” a voice answered.

“Who’s there?” the three Dark Signers said at once.

Four cloaked figures trotted into the room, sitting down by the table. “Your new allies.”

“Four new Dark Signers?” the leader asked. “I stand corrected, Gilda, you did spectacularly!”

“Better than I thought,” said Gilda, blinking in surprise. “I only expected three.”

“You have the Signers to thank for the unexpected extra,” one of the new figures said.

“Now, do ya have a plan?” another asked.

“Or are we just going to blindly attack?” said a third.

“Oh, I have a plan, alright,” the Dark Signer’s leader answered, laughing to herself. “Twilight Sparkle and her Signer friends can wallow in despair for now. Thanks to Celestia’s soul being sacrificed, we can begin the final phase of the Dark Signers’ mission.”

“You mean…” Gilda began.

The leader laughed. “That’s right! It’s time to set into motion the final battle between the Signers and Dark Signers! It’s time to revive the King of the Underworld, and end the Crimson Dragon once and for all!”

The Destined Battle - Signers vs. Dark Signers

Luna was pulled out of sleep by the sound of hooves slamming frantically against her bedroom door. Rubbing her eyes, she rolled off the mattress and landed on her hooves, trotting to the door.

“What is it!?” she snapped at the guard outside, making no attempt to mask her annoyance. “It better be important!”

“Uh, sorry, Princess Luna,” the guard remarked, cautiously opening Luna’s door, and looking up at a rather cranky night princess. “We, uh, received a rather distressing report from Ponyville…”

Luna felt her anger ebbing away at those words. A distressing report from Ponyville? Could it be the Dark Signers? “If sister felt the need to have you wake, then it must be bad. What’s the report detail?”

The guard looked down awkwardly, clearing his throat. “Um, about Princess Celestia… The report… according to the report, during her investigation into an incident in Ponyville… She, and the platoon of guards accompanying her… were all killed.”

Luna blinked in surprise, her legs starting to feel weak. “A-are you positive this report is accurate. Because as far as jokes go, this is the least funny thing I’ve heard in my life.”

The guard nodded. “I’m sorry, Princess Luna, but it’s true. After a small earthquake was detected, purple flames that seemed to take the appearance of a spider broke out. Princess Celestia went out with guards to investigate, and…”

Luna sat back on the floor in shock. “S-so my sister is… dead?”

The guard nodded. “I’m sorry, Princess-”

“You’re lying,” Luna interrupted, standing up, and trotting angrily out of the room.

“-Luna?” the guard finished in surprise, turning to watch her storm off down the hall.

Luna barged into the throne room, and looked around. “Sister! Get out here! You should know that this isn’t the time to pull pranks like this!”

Upon getting no response, Luna flew out the window, circling over the palace gardens, her eyes scanning every potential hiding place. “Celestia! Where are you!?”

“Princess Luna!” the guards called after her.

Luna ignored them, and soared out into the city itself. She scanned the streets, starting to panic. Just before she could call out for Celestia again, she was startled by the chiming of the Canterlot Clock Tower. She turned in surprise to see it was already 6 pm.

“Princess!” a pegasus guard called, gasping for breath from chasing her.

“The sun shouldn’t be where it is,” said Luna in a complete monotone. “It should be setting.”

“Princess Luna,” the guard said, as the other guards caught up.

“Sister wouldn’t leave the sun up,” said Luna, drooping slightly as they flew back to the castle. “She really is gone, isn’t she?”

Luna continued by herself, not noticing the guards stopped, one of them pointing out over Equestria. “Do the rest of you see that?”

“It almost looks like smoke,” one of them said.

“It’s hanging too low to be smoke,” said another. “It’s low hanging like fog.”

Ponies stopped in their tracks, curiously glancing towards the approaching black fog. It was only once the fog enveloped a pony completely and said pony dissolved into dust that the panic began.

All across Equestria, panicking ponies and animals scattered, in a desperate attempt to escape the fog. Their efforts were in vain, as in a few short hours the fog cleared away, having taken most citizens with it. A dreary cloud cover now spread out over the empty Equestria.

Gilda’s eyes widened. “I can’t believe that fog worked.”

“It’s all thanks to Uru absorbing Celestia’s soul,” smiled the leader. “Now we have a collection of souls for the Earthbound Gods so we can face the Signers anywhere!”

The buffalo nodded, before looking at one of the newer Dark Signers. “Miss, how is your research into Equestria’s ley lines coming?”

“With all the magic in Equestria,” the earth pony mare responded, “ley lines are everywhere. However, not all go where we want them to. I tracked down a few that do, however.”

“And destiny shows its irony again,” commented one of the fillies, as they all looked at the map.

“I can easily set up rune circles on these lines,” the leader said. “Where do you all wish to face your Signer?”

“Is it possible to still channel energy to the ley lines if the circle was in Cloudsdale?” one of the fillies asked.

“Still holdin’ on to that dream, huh?” the third filly asked, a small smile crossing her face.

“Of course.”

The leader looked at the filly, before nodding. “I can place it anywhere you want.”

“Then lets make our decisions, and quickly,” said Gilda. “I’m itching to finally kill her.”

“Patience,” said the buffalo. “The Signers will fall soon enough. Let them savor their last moments.”

“Or suffer through them,” the leader laughed.

The Signers had returned to Sweet Apple Acres. Rarity was silent, sitting at Applejack’s kitchen table and staring blankly at the tabletop. Applejack sat across from her, staring just as blankly out the window at the orchard.

Twilight was on the couch, staring up at the ceiling. Spike was beside her, trying to get her to properly explain what happened, but she seemed too stunned to speak.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were up on the roof, looking out over the farm. After a lengthy silence, Fluttershy spoke softly.

“How are you holding up?”

Rainbow paused in thought, before answering. “I’m fine, I guess. It’s starting to really sink in what just happened. What Gilda has done. But… as much as I liked Scoots, she was just a friend and fan. Knowing what Applejack and Rarity are going through… I guess that’s what’s letting me keep it together. How about you?”

“I’ve lost friends before. They weren’t ponies, but they still meant the world to me. What happened to the Cutie Mark Crusaders…” Her eyes started tearing up. “I can handle it… Like you, I…” She broke down, leaning against Rainbow and crying. “I can’t be strong! I can’t do this!”

“Fluttershy,” Rainbow mumbled, extending a wing around her. “I can’t say things will be okay. But, until this is all over, don’t cry, okay? You’re a Signer, and you need to be strong. Don’t embarrass the god that chose you.”

Fluttershy wiped her eyes, whimpering a bit. “For you, I… I’ll try to be strong.”

“You will be strong,” said Rainbow. “It annoys me how much you belittle yourself. You are strong, Fluttershy. Why else would a god choose you? You can take down these Dark Signers. Okay?”

Fluttershy nodded. “Okay. I’m sorry, Rainbow Dash.”

“Don’t apologize,” said Rainbow. “You’ve done nothing wrong. Only Gilda did.”

“Why, though?” asked Fluttershy.

“I hope to find out when we duel,” said Rainbow. “I assume she’s destined to be my opponent, anyway.”

Before the conversation could continue, the two pegasi noticed Pinkie galloping as fast as she could towards the farmhouse. Exchanging a nervous glance, the two flew down from the roof, and followed her inside.

“Girls!” Pinkie gasped. “Big trouble!”

“What sort of trouble?” asked Twilight.

“I went to Sugarcube Corner to get some cupcakes,” said Pinkie, “hoping it would help lift the mood a little, but there wasn’t anypony there!”

“Is that all?” an annoyed Applejack asked. “Who cares? So the Cakes took a break. Ah’m taking a break from farming after what happened.”

“Did the entire town take a break, too?” asked Pinkie. “Because everypony is gone!”

“What do you mean?” asked Rarity.

“The entire town is deserted!” said Pinkie.

“What!?” gasped Rainbow.

“What happened?” asked Fluttershy.

“What do you think happened?” a voice called from outside.

“That voice…” muttered Rainbow. “Gilda!”

“Gilda?” asked Spike. “That griffon from how long ago? Twilight, what’s going on?”

“Spike, stay here,” said Twilight, as everypony else darted outside. “Write to Princess Cel- I mean, Luna. Princess Luna.

“Luna?” asked Spike. “Why her?”

“Just do it!” snapped Twilight. “Tell her to come to Sweet Apple Acres as soon as she can!” Before Spike could speak again, Twilight ran outside after the others.

The six ponies chased the griffon into the orchard. Rainbow Dash beat her wings furiously, gaining on Gilda. Just before she could catch her, however, she crashed into a magical barrier, sliding down to the ground.

“Rainbow!” gasped Fluttershy, flying over to comfort her.

Applejack turned around, using the momentum from running to kick into the shield. It shook, but didn’t break. Gilda flew up to the hill inside the shield, landing beside six cloaked figures.

Twilight arrived, gasping for air, when she noticed the shield. “A barrier? Who set this up?”

“Who do you think?” asked Applejack, pointing up the hill.

“Sup, Signers?” Gilda asked. “How’s the grieving process going?”

“Gilda!” spat Rainbow. “Get out here and fight us!”

“I’m guessing you all are the Dark Signers?” Twilight asked.

“Good guess,” said Gilda.

“Wait,” said Rarity, her voice cracking. “Three of them… Are fillies…”

“No,” said Applejack, her eyes widening. “It can’t be…”

“Sorry, sis,” said Apple Bloom, lowering her hood. “But it can be.” Her sclera had turned from white to black, like Gilda’s.

Applejack was stunned silent, falling back onto her haunches. Rarity spoke, struggling to hold back tears. “T-then that means… S-Sweetie Belle?”

“Rarity,” Sweetie Belle replied, lowering her hood. Her eyes were black, too.

“What’s going on?” asked Pinkie. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders are Dark Signers?”

“That’s right,” said Scootaloo, lowering her hood as well.

“Scootaloo?” Rainbow asked. “W-why? Why are you a Dark Signer?”

“This can’t be happening,” said Twilight, taking a step back from the shield. “None of this can be happening!”

“And why can’t it?” asked Gilda.

“B-because, it…”

“It’s just a legend, right?” said one of the cloaked figures. “Twilight, didn’t you know something like this was coming? Signers and Dark Signers being linked by fate? Your pursuit of the legend didn’t stop from just asking me, did it?”

“C-Cheerilee?” Twilight stuttered.

Cheerilee lowered her hood, and nodded.

“But you didn’t die!” Fluttershy gasped. “I mean, I asked you to leave to be safe, so you should still be alive, right?”

“I should be, yes,” said Cheerilee. “If only you didn’t drive me to my end.”

“You killed yourself?” asked Rainbow.

“But, why?” asked Rarity.

“I could tell you blamed me for the deaths of your sisters,” Cheerilee replied. “I blamed myself, too. The Earthbound Gods helped me realize otherwise, though. It’s the fault of you, Signers!”

“What!?” gasped Pinkie. “How could you possibly think its our fault!?”

“The same way you caused the deaths of my tribe,” the buffalo said, lowering his hood.

“Wait, I know that voice,” said Pinkie. “And that buffalo!”

“Chief Thunderhooves, right?” Applejack asked weakly, finally finding her voice.

“What do you mean we killed your tribe?” Rainbow asked. “Last time we saw you, everything was cool at the end, right?”

“There’s no need to go in depth to our motivations now,” said the last cloaked figure. “Especially considering the time limit.”

“Time limit?” repeated Fluttershy.

“What do you mean?” asked Rainbow.

“And who are you?” asked Pinkie.

“You’ve forgotten?” asked the figure, lowering her hood. “How could you forget the Great and Powerful Trixie!?”

Luna sat alone in the throne room, staring up at the ceiling. “It had to have been the Dark Signers that took you from me, right? I hate that. I hate knowing I can’t do anything to help in stopping your killer. I hate-”

A knock on the door interrupted her. Without getting up or even looking, she magically opened the door to the throne room. “What do you want?”

“Luna?” asked a frazzled looking unicorn.

“Adviser?” Luna asked, looking away from the ceiling at the white unicorn. “Is something the matter? Aside from my sister’s death, I mean?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” Adviser replied, trotting over to join Luna. “But first, how are you holding up after this?”

“I’m screaming inside,” said Luna. “Of course, Celestia suffered before during the Nightmare Moon incident, and I’m certain many things following that during my absence. She did tell me that when she needed it, you comforted her. I trust you’ll comfort me the same way?”

“If we survive long enough, yes,” said Adviser. “Though, given what I need to report, that’s unlikely.”

“What do you mean?” asked Luna.

“A black fog has spread over Equestria,” said Adviser. “And it seems to be erasing ponies or something.”

“Erasing ponies?” repeated Luna. “What do you mean?”

“Well,” said Adviser, “in places the fog hit, the ponies in the area vanished. An estimated 75% of the population is gone ranging from the southwest coast to the entire east coast. Only the northeast still has a full population, but its likely this fog will spread there as well.”

Luna remained silent as her mind processed the information. Before she could speak, a scroll appeared in front of her. She picked it up with her magic and quickly skimmed it.

“Dear Princess Luna, Twilight requests you come to Sweet Apple Acres on the outskirts of Ponyville as soon as you’re able. Pinkie Pie says everypony in town is gone, and Twilight and her friends have been really depressed. Please help. Sincerely, Spike.”

“Ponyville, huh?” said Adviser. “I’m surprised Twilight Sparkle and her friends survived the fog and that burning geoglyph.”

“Adviser,” said Luna, “in my study are all the notes Celestia and I have taken on the Signers and Dark Signers, as well as every textbook we could find mentioning the legend of the Crimson Dragon. I believe this will give us insight into this matter.”

“I see,” said Adviser. “I take it you want me to look it over for you?”

Luna nodded. “And track the source of the fog, as well. I’ll be heading out to Ponyville myself. Follow when you’re able to.”

“As you wish,” said Adviser, as Luna trotted out of the throne room.

“T-Trixie?” stuttered Twilight.

“Soon to be the Great Goddess Trixie,” she laughed. “Not that you Signers will live long enough to see that day, of course.”

“What did you mean by time limit!?” Rainbow snapped.

“Ah, that,” smiled Trixie. “You see, there are six rune circles scattered across Equestria! I placed them there to gather magical energy and send them down the ley lines to Tartarus. By midnight tomorrow, the King of the Underworld will revive, and escape! All life will end on this world, and the Dark Signers will reign supreme over an empire of the dead.”

“What!?” everypony gasped.

“There is a way to stop it,” said Cheerilee.

“You have to beat all of us and destroy the rune circles with your Signer Dragons,” said Thunderhooves.

“But make it quick,” said Sweetie Belle.

“If a single Dark Signer survives,” said Scootaloo, “then the plan will succeed.”

“We’ll be waitin’ for you,” said Apple Bloom.

“Wait!” said Pinkie. “Where will we find you? Where are the rune circles?”

“You should be able to figure that much out yourselves,” said Trixie. “I look forward to this. The battle ordained by the gods themselves! The destined war of Signers and Dark Signers!” Trixie’s horn lit up, enveloping the Dark Signers in her aura.

“Applejack,” said Apple Bloom. “Ah’ll be waiting for ya.” In a flash of light, Apple Bloom was teleported away by Trixie.

“Rarity,” said Sweetie Belle. “You’ve probably realized we’ll be dueling.”

“Sweetie Belle…” Rarity whispered, tears running down her face as Sweetie Belle was teleported away.

“I’ll be waiting for you, Rainbow Dash!” smirked Scootaloo, before being teleported away as well.

“Pinkie Pie,” said Thunderhooves. “Though you have no Signer Mark, I feel destiny has chosen you to be my opponent.” Thunderhooves vanished in a flash of light.

“That leaves you to me, Fluttershy,” smirked Gilda, baring her talons, before being teleported away.

“So, Cheerilee,” said Twilight, “you and I will…”

“Be dueling, yes,” finished Cheerilee. “Don’t keep me waiting.” Cheerilee vanished in another burst of light.

“As unlikely as it is,” said Trixie, “if you get past my six subordinates and take down my six rune circles, then I’ll gladly wipe out the lucky Signers that survived. Assuming any of you do, of course. Farewell, Signers!” In a final flash of light, Trixie teleported away, and her magical shield faded away.

The six ponies had sullenly returned to the farmhouse. Once inside, Applejack flipped over her kitchen table. “Damn it!”

“C-calm down, Applejack,” Fluttershy stuttered.

“Calm down!?” snapped Applejack. “I have to kill my own sister, and you want me to calm down!?”

Fluttershy recoiled behind Rainbow Dash, trembling. Rainbow spread her wings as if to shield her from Applejack’s anger. “Yeah, AJ, chill out!”

“How can you be so cold, Rainbow Dash?” Rarity asked. “Isn’t this painful for you?”

“Of course it is,” said Rainbow. “My old friend from school wants to kill Fluttershy, my number one fan and personal protégé is trying to kill me, and your own sisters want to kill you too! How do you think I feel!?”

Applejack paused, before sighing in defeat. “You’re right, Rainbow. Ah’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” mumbled Rainbow. “Why do you all apologize over nothing?”

“I don’t know if I can do this,” said Rarity. “But if we fail, the world will end.”

“I don’t even know why they challenged Pinkie,” said Rainbow. “She doesn’t have a Dragon-Type at all!”

“I have a dragon!” said Pinkie. “See? And look! It’s like that one from Twilight’s book, right?”

“It sort of looks similar,” said Rarity.

“It’s kind of like the one from my dream,” added Fluttershy. “But…”

“Power Tool Dragon is a Machine-Type,” finished Twilight.

“Oh, right,” said Pinkie, with a frown. “Still. If I can do anything to help, I won’t hesitate. Even if it means fighting a Dark Signer!”

“That’s great,” sighed Twilight. “A shame we don’t know where any of them are!”

“I think you’ll find that you do,” said a voice. “It’s a place of significance to both of you.”

“Zecora?” asked Spike. The dragon and six ponies trotted outside, to find the zebra waiting for them. And with her was-

“Princess Luna!” gasped Twilight.

“Surprised to see me?” Luna asked. “You did call me here. What’s happened since this morning?”

“Mine and Rarity’s sister and their friend… died,” said Applejack.

“And became Dark Signers,” added Rarity.

“What’s more,” said Twilight, “they issued a challenge to us.”

“Either we kill all of them by midnight tomorrow,” said Rainbow, “or everything dies.”

Luna blinked in surprise. “My, that’s… Quite a lot, huh?”

“Yeah,” said Pinkie. “A lot of misery.”

“Only problem,” said Fluttershy, before shaking her head, “or, one of many problems, we don’t know where they are.”

“Wait, hold on,” said Spike, eyes wide. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders died? And are Dark Signers? …What even is a Dark Signer?”

“It’ll take too long to fill you in now,” said Twilight. “I’ll tell you later.”

“As I said, you can find your foes,” said Zecora. “They’ll be in a place the two of you knows.”

“What do you mean?” asked Pinkie.

“Think of a place that would mean something to the Dark Signer,” said Luna. “Someplace they’d expect you to know about. If Miss Zecora’s theory is right, the Dark Signer will be there.”

“Someplace significant?” asked Applejack.

“It’s obvious for me,” said Pinkie. “The only place we’ve met Thunderhooves before was Appleloosa.”

“My guess is Gilda will be waiting for you in Cloudsdale,” said Rainbow.

“Actually,” said Fluttershy, “I’d say she’s in Ponyville. Scootaloo’s likely gone to Cloudsdale.”

“What makes you think that?” asked Pinkie.

“Scootaloo idolized Rainbow,” said Fluttershy. “And she always wanted to fly with her.”

“So going to my old home makes sense,” agreed Rainbow. “But where’s your logic for Gilda?”

“Her friendship with you ended here,” said Fluttershy. “That’s why she’d stay here.”

“That would make sense if she was after Rainbow,” said Rarity. “But she’s after you, remember?”

Fluttershy gulped, before nodding. “I remember. I just think she’d pick here based on that, though.”

“If you’re sure,” said Twilight.

“Apple Bloom, where did you go?” Applejack asked herself. She paused in thought. “Of course, Manehatten!”

“Manehatten?” asked Rarity.

“Yeah,” said Applejack. “Mah Aunt and Uncle Orange live there. They’re related, but a bit different from the rest of the Apple Family. And, well, Dark Signers are different than Signers, right? They’re certainly different than how she used to act. So I figure that’s where she’d be.”

“That’s almost too clever sounding,” said Rainbow.

“Trust me,” said Applejack, “I know AB.”

“And I know Sweetie Belle,” said Rarity. “I love my darling sister. Which is why I know she’s gone to the city of sisterly love: Fillydelphia.”

“And that leaves me and Cheerilee,” said Twilight. “If I had to guess, I’d say Cheerilee has gone to where I was educated. She’ll likely be in Canterlot.”

“Canterlot!?” gasped Luna. “I just missed encountering a Dark Signer, then?”

“You missed them setting up their rune circle, too,” added Pinkie.

“Well, we figured out where they might be,” said Rarity. “But we still have the issue of time being against us.”

“With a time limit, on you all sticking together the Dark Signers’ hopes may ride,” said Zecora. “To defeat all of them on time, you’ll have to divide.”

“We’ll need to split up?” asked Fluttershy, shaking.

“It’s okay,” said Rainbow. “I’m sure we’ll all win.”

Twilight nodded. “Even separated, we are all still friends.”

“And these marks connect us even more,” said Rarity.

Pinkie frowned slightly, looking at the Signer Marks with envy.

“We still have an issue,” said Applejack. “Fluttershy’s got it easy with Gilda still in Ponyville-”

“I wouldn’t say Gilda’s easy,” muttered Rarity.

“-but we all have a whole country to cross! How can we manage that?”

“If Twilight is willing,” said Luna, “I can give her a ride to Canterlot.”

“Wouldn’t you be in danger, though?” asked Twilight.

“I don’t care,” said Luna. “My sister gave her life trying to help, it’s only fitting that I’d be willing to do the same. Besides, if I stay clear, I should be safe, yes?”

“Just stay out of the geoglyph,” cautioned Twilight.

Luna nodded. “I shall.”

“Um,” said Spike, “I’m still not sure what’s going on, but I know the train goes to Appleloosa, Fillydelphia, and Manehatten.” He breathed out a small spurt of fire. “Maybe I could conduct the train?”

“Ah’d prefer a licensed conductor,” said Applejack. "No offense."

“And we don’t want to put you in danger,” added Pinkie.

“Please?” asked Spike. “I want to help you save the world!”

“I’ll gladly accept your help, Spike!” smiled Rarity. “In times like this, we can’t be picky, girls.”

“Ah suppose ya have a point,” said Applejack.

“I can fly to Cloudsdale just fine,” said Rainbow. “I’ll be there in a flash.”

“Well,” said Zecora, “it’s time for the final fight. I wish you luck in ending this plight.”

“Thank you, Zecora,” smiled Twilight, as Luna lifted her onto her back.

“Good luck, girls,” said Fluttershy, forcing an encouraging smile.

Rainbow Dash gave everypony a quick hug, before flying off into the sky. Luna followed suit, lifting off and flying Twilight to Canterlot. Fluttershy and the others went to the train station. The pegasus waved them off, as the train set off at a shaky speed down the track.

Zecora stood nearby, watching the Signers depart, before quietly trotting back into the Everfree Forest.

Desert Duel - Power Tool Dragon vs. Earthbound God Cusillu

The train sped along the tracks towards Appleloosa. Applejack and Rarity sat in silence, staring out the window at the dark, deserted landscape while Pinkie tutored Spike on how to work the engine.

“Alright, Spike!” said Pinkie. “Watch closely, as I show you how to brake. I’m the first stop, so I won’t be able to lend a helping hoof for this, okay?”

“Couldn’t I just wait for you to be done?” asked Spike, as Pinkie demonstrated a surprising amount of knowledge about a steam train’s controls.

“Not enough time, I’m afraid,” said Pinkie. “Remember to keep feeding the fire coal, too. Not to much, though. If it’s too hot, we’ll lose all the water.”

“Got it,” said Spike, as the train slowed to a halt at Appleloosa Station. “Thanks, Pinkie.”

“Any time, Spike!” Pinkie smiled, shaking some of the soot off her coat before trotting back to Applejack and Rarity to get her deck and Duel Disk.

“Well, I’m off!” Pinkie said, securing her Duel Disk and opening the door to the platform.

“Pinkie,” said Rarity, “are you sure you want to do this?”

“What do you mean?” Pinkie asked.

“You’ve seen what a duel of darkness can do,” said Rarity. “And, well, you aren’t exactly a Signer.”

“We’ll take your place for this duel, if you want,” said Applejack.

Pinkie paused, before shaking her head. “Nuh-uh. You’re not doing that.”

“What?”

“Yeah, I’m not a Signer and I don’t have a fancy dragon or anything,” said Pinkie, “but I’m not going to let you girls hurt yourselves for me. I was challenged to this, after all.”

“Pinkie,” said Rarity.

“No arguing,” said Pinkie. “I know I’m not much help here. I can’t break the rune circle and, after what happened to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle and everypony else, laughing isn’t on top of my mind either. I’m not even that good at dueling, but… I’ve got to help, okay?”

Applejack and Rarity glanced at each other, and nodded. “We understand, Pinkie.”

“Here,” said Rarity, pulling a card out of her deck, and levitating it into Pinkie’s. “Something to help you help us. Is that okay?”

Pinkie smiled. “Thank you, Rarity. Good luck, you two!”

“Good luck, Pinkie.”

Pinkie Pie bounced out of the train, and out into the Appleloosa. As soon as the train left the station, she stopped bouncing, and looked around the empty town. “Good luck, Pinkie,” she mumbled to herself, before trotting off towards the apple orchard.

Just before she could begin stepping into the trees, a voice rang out. “So you showed up, Miss Pinkie Pie.”

“Thunderhooves!” Pinkie gasped, as the ground beneath her began shaking.

Purple flames erupted from the ground, weaving themselves into a large pattern covering the majority of the small desert town. Reflecting on the dark skies above was the burning geoglyph of a monkey.

Stepping out of the trees was Thunderhooves himself, the same image shining through his cloak on his flank. “Welcome, Miss Pie. Welcome to the geoglyph of the Earthbound Gods.”

“Chief Thunderhooves,” Pinkie mumbled.

“It’s not Chief anymore,” Thunderhooves said.

“That’s right,” said Pinkie. “You mentioned something about your tribe being killed?”

“By your friends, to be precise,” said Thunderhooves.

“Where did you get a nutty idea like that!?” asked Pinkie. “My friends wouldn’t kill!”

“You are all out to kill the Dark Signers, are you not?” asked Thunderhooves.

“That’s not the same as killing the innocent!” snapped Pinkie. “Where did you get the idea my friends killed your herd?”

“I’ll show you the truth soon enough,” said Thunderhooves. “Now, unless you want to keep wasting the little time you have left, I suggest you draw your cards and face me!”

“Fine,” said Pinkie, drawing her cards “since you’re so stubborn…”

“Duel!”

Pinkie Pie: LP 4000. Thunderhooves: LP 4000.

“I’ll go first, since you want me to fight you so bad,” said Pinkie. “Draw!” Where’d I get this? Unless, is this Rarity’s card? "Alright! I set one card! Then, I summon Vylon Charger!” A pillar with what looked like a head and headdress attached at the top, and a bottom that tapered off to a point appeared, floating in front of Pinkie. Two arms sprung out from its sides. Five gold rings surrounded it, spinning around it. [ATK1000. LV4] “Then, I equip it with the Equip Spell Synchro Boost! The Equipped Monster gains 500 ATK and 1 level! [ATK1500. LV5] Oh, and by Vylon Charger’s effect, all LIGHT monsters gain 300 ATK for each card equipped to it!” A spotlight shown out from the bottom of Vylon Charger. [ATK1800] “That should do it. Turn end!”

“Hmph,” snorted Thunderhooves. “I should have known you’d do such a basic, simpleminded strategy.”

“What’s that supposed to mean!?” snapped Pinkie.

“I mean that I will be unable to show you the truth before you perish,” said Thunderhooves. “My turn, draw! I activate the Field Spell, Closed Forest!” Large amounts of dead trees sprang up around the field and throughout the geoglyph. “I summon Ape Magician!” A short, black furred ape in a green cloak appeared, wielding a black staff in its hand. [ATK800. LV3] “Ape Magician's effect! Once per turn, when in Attack Position, I can discard a Monster from my hoof to take control of a Monster my opponent controls!”

“What!?” gasped Pinkie.

“I discard a second Ape Magician to take control of Vylon Charger!” Ape Magician pointed its staff, and enveloped Vylon Charger in magical aura. It swung the staff over towards Thunderhooves’ side of the field, taking Pinkie’s Monster over with it.

“No!” Pinkie gasped.

“Furthermore,” said Thunderhooves, “Closed Forest’s effect. For every Monster in my Graveyard, Beast Monsters I control gain 100 ATK. [ATK900] Now, Vylon Charger. Attack Miss Pie directly!” The spotlight lifted up towards Pinkie and fired a blast of electricity out at her.

“Dang it,” muttered Pinkie. “I hate to use your card this early, Rarity, but I can’t lose too many Life Points before the Earthbound God is even summoned. Trap activate! Rainbow Life! By discarding one card, any damage I take this turn will increase my Life Points by an equal amount instead! I discard Central Shield!” Lights matching the colors of the rainbow enveloped Pinkie, causing the lightning to dissipate before it could hit her. [Pinkie Pie: LP 4000 –> 5800]

“Well, I stand corrected,” said Thunderhooves. “You may actual put up a fight. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Pinkie. “Draw! I summon Vylon Ohm!” A machine-like being, with a metal diamond shaped appendage for its lower half descended, its metallic gold wings fluttering behind it. It raised its two arms, which had the appearance of two large energy cannons. [ATK1500. LV4] “When Vylon Ohm is summoned, I banish an Equip Spell from my Graveyard. I banish Central Shield! During my next Standby Phase, Central Shield will be added to my hoof.”

“If you survive until your next Standby Phase,” said Thunderhooves. “You may have been able to dodge damage last turn, but you can’t defend forever!”

“Then I’ll just go on the offensive!” said Pinkie. “I activate the Equip Spell, Fighting Spirit, equipping it to Vylon Ohm! For every Monster you control, Ohm gains 300 ATK! [ATK2100] Go, Vylon Ohm! Attack Ape Magician!” Ohm aimed its twin cannons, and sent out two blasts of energy. Upon impact, Ape Magician was blown apart in an explosion, and Thunderhooves skidded back, debris flying into him.

“Agh!” [Thunderhooves: LP 4000 –> 2800]

“There goes that annoying card,” smiled Pinkie. “With one less Monster, Ohm loses 300 ATK. [ATK1800] Now, here’s the thing. If you summon another Monster, Ohm will get more ATK. Oh, and Fighting Spirit will destroy itself to protect Ohm from destruction, so you can’t go for mutual destruction either. How’s that for a simple strategy? I’m not a Signer, but that doesn’t mean you should take me lightly!”

“You are correct, of course,” said Thunderhooves. “Very well, I’ll cease all mercy starting now! My turn, draw! I summon Dark Tuner Dark Ape!” What appeared to be almost like a balloon animal appeared, each body part separate from the rest, weaving into the shape of a monkey. A glowing dark sphere held the different pieces in place. [ATK0. LV2]

“D-Dark Tuner?” stuttered Pinkie.

“Then, I activate the Spell Dark Wave!” said Thunderhooves. “I multiply the level of Vylon Charger by -1! As your Equip Spell made it level 5, it is now the negative of that!” [LV-5]

“Uh oh,” said Pinkie, apprehensively stepping back.

“I’m dark tuning my level 2 Dark Ape to my level -5 Vylon Charger!” said Thunderhooves. Dark Ape burst into two stars, which pierced to Vylon Charger. The two stars darkened, and Charger exploded into 7 black stars, which spun around in front of Thunderhooves, black lightning coursing between them. “The one born from darkness, become the supreme ruler who shall lead all of creation into the negative world!” A pillar of dark energy shot up, engulfing the stars. “Dark Synchro! Appear now, Zeman the Ape King!”

A red ape with black shoulder pads holding on a dark green cape emerged from the dark energy. Like Ape Magician, he wielded a black staff in his hand. The hair on the top of his head stuck up like a flame. His eyes were yellow, and seemed to have a sinister glow to them. [ATK2500. LV-7]

“Dark Synchro Monster,” mumbled Pinkie, a nervous smile on her face. “Oops. I forgot you’d probably have one…”

“This world shall fall, Pinkie Pie,” said Thunderhooves. “You and your Signer friends will perish, and the underworld will spread. No matter how twisted, how decayed they become, how I become, I will run with my tribe again.”

“Thunderhooves…” mumbled Pinkie.

“First, as Dark Tuner Dark Ape was used for a Dark Synchro Summon, I can draw a card!” said Thunderhooves, “Then, as I have 3 Monsters in my Graveyard, Zeman gains 300 ATK from Closed Forest’s effect! [ATK2800] Your Vylon Ohm only has 1800 ATK! Battle! Zeman the Ape King, attack Vylon Ohm! Cursed Flare!” Zeman pointed his staff, and let out a blast of purple flames, engulfing Ohm and Pinkie.

“Agh!” [Pinkie Pie: LP 5800 –> 4800] “Fighting Spirit’s effect activates! I destroy it to prevent Ohm from being destroyed!” [ATK1500]

“Hmph,” snorted Thunderhooves. “I set a card, and end my turn.”

“My turn,” said Pinkie. “Draw! During the Standby Phase, Vylon Ohm’s effect returns Central Shield to my hoof! Then, I summon Vylon Stella!” A metallic star made of pyramids appeared in front of Pinkie. Two arms came out from the lower front points, while three gold rings rotated around the three points protruding from its back and underside. Yet another protruding pyramid served as its face. [ATK1400. LV3]

“A Tuner, huh?” said Thunderhooves.

“I tune my level 3 Vylon Stella to my level 4 Vylon Ohm!” said Pinkie. Stella burst into three green Tuning Rings, which stacked over Vylon Ohm. Ohm dissolved into four level stars for channeling. “Combine courage and power to protect the world’s peace! Synchro Summon!” A burst of light shot through the rings in front of Pinkie. “Come on out, Power Tool Dragon!”

A mechanical dragon, its neck, arms, stomach, and tail covered in what looked like segmented plate armor. Its right claw was the shovel of an excavator, and while its left claw had a long screwdriver mounted on it. Its chest, head, shoulders, feet, and wings were covered in a solid, golden armor. Its eyes flashed red, as it landed in front of Pinkie. [ATK2300. LV7]

Pinkie’s eyes widened, as she felt her heartbeat seemingly reverberate through her. It didn’t hurt, and actual seemed to soothe her. What the? What was that?

“So that’s your ace, Miss Pie?” Thunderhooves asked, his eyes narrowed in a glare. “Bringing a toy to a duel of darkness… That angers me more than your stupid song. You think you can turn any serious conflict into some amusing form of entertainment, don’t you?”

“Is that why you challenged me to this duel?” Pinkie asked. “Because you think I don’t take troubles seriously?”

“Exactly,” said Thunderhooves. “Before I kill you, I will crush your spirit with the despair I felt at losing my tribe.”

“I do take things seriously,” Pinkie mumbled. “I activate Vylon Stella’s effect! Since it went to the Graveyard from a Monster Card Zone, I pay 500 Life Points to Equip it to Power Tool Dragon!” [Pinkie Pie: LP 4800 –> 4300] Stella reappeared, splitting apart, with its points attaching themselves to Power Tool. “Power Tool Dragon’s effect! Once per turn, I can add one random Equip Spell from my deck to my hoof!” Pinkie’s deck automatically shuffled itself, and a card slid out for her to draw. “Yes! I activate the Equip Spell I just got, Double Tool C&D! This card equips to Power Tool Dragon!” The screwdriver on Power Tool vanished, replaced with a long drill. The shovel was replaced as well, a circular saw appearing in its place. “During my turn, Power Tool gains 1000 ATK!” [ATK3300]

“You call this taking things seriously?” muttered Thunderhooves.

“Battle!” said Pinkie. “Power Tool Dragon, attack Zeman the Ape King! Crafty Break!”

“Zeman the Ape King's effect!” countered Thunderhooves. “I discard a Monster from my hoof to negate your attack!”

“What!?” gasped Pinkie.

“Furthermore,” said Thunderhooves, “the Monster I discarded is Ape Merchant. When Ape Merchant is discarded, I can draw 2 cards! Also, as there’s now another Monster in the Graveyard, Closed Forest increases the ATK of Zeman by another 100!” [ATK2900]

“No!” gasped Pinkie. “I end my turn. During my opponent’s turn, Double Tool C&D loses its ATK boosting effect.” [ATK2300]

“My turn,” said Thunderhooves. “Draw! Battle! Zeman the Ape King, attack Power Tool Dragon! Cursed Flare!” Zeman blasted another burst of purple flames, engulfing Pinkie and Power Tool.

“Agh!” [Pinkie Pie: LP 4300 –> 3700] “Power Tool Dragon’s effect! I can destroy an Equip Card to avoid its destruction! I destroy Double Tool C&D!” The drill and saw vanished, replaced with the original screwdriver and shovel. “Also, Vylon Stella’s effect! When the Equipped Monster battles, the opponent’s Monster that it fought is destroyed after the Damage Step!” The pyramids fired off of Power Tool, piercing through Zeman. As Zeman was destroyed, the pyramids reattached themselves to Power Tool.

Thunderhooves smiled “I’m activating my Trap, Dark Matter!”

“Dark Matter!?” gasped Pinkie. “That’s that card Gilda used…”

“As my Dark Synchro Monster was destroyed,” said Thunderhooves, “I Special Summon 2 Dark Matter Tokens!” [DEF0. LV1]

Pinkie found herself shaking. “You’re going to play it, aren’t you?”

Thunderhooves nodded. “I activate the Quick-Play Spell, Battle Summon Spell! If I didn’t Normal Summon during Main Phase 1, I can Normal Summon during my Battle Phase!”

“What!?” Pinkie gasped. “So you’ll get to attack with it right away!?”

“I release my two Dark Matter Tokens!” said Thunderhooves. The two Tokens flew into the air, vanishing in a flash of light, replaced with a beating stone heart.

Pinkie felt her heartbeat reverberate through her again, as she stared up at the stone. Black fog was being sucked inside it, as it pulsed.

“Witness the truth, Miss Pie,” said Thunderhooves. “You asked where I learned the Signers killed my tribe, and this is it.”

Pinkie’s sight went white as she stared at the heart, as Thunderhooves’ Earthbound God sent her a vision.

The buffalo herd was stampeding through Equestria’s badlands. Suddenly, the ground ripped open beneath them, and every one of them was swallowed up. A pulse of energy rippled over the ground, resealing it after them.

As Pinkie’s sight returned, a pillar of light shot down from the stone heart, hitting the ground and causing the flames to dance wildly. “That was…”

“Accept the offering of Appleloosa’s souls!” said Thunderhooves. “Descend! Earthbound God Cusillu!” Rising from the ground, was a large, black monkey, yellow tribal markings across its body, and making up the form of its face. Its tail curled behind it, as it tilted its head to seemingly glare down at Pinkie. At its full height, it dwarfed the entirety of the nearby landscape. [ATK2800. LV10]

“That vision I saw,” Pinkie mumbled. “That was the proof?”

“Yes,” nodded Thunderhooves. “Proof provided to me by the Earthbound God.”

“What kind of proof is that!?” snapped Pinkie. “You’re going to take what that things claims at face value? I’m all for being friendly, and whatnot, but I don’t think he’s trustworthy!”

“I’d expect you to side with your friends,” said Thunderhooves. “Cusillu showed me the vision of that fateful day, so I could see how it happened. He told me the truth. How the resonance of the Elements of Harmony and the Crimson Dragon took my tribe away from me.”

“Are all Dark Signers insane?” asked Pinkie. “You want proof, look around you! What do you see? A town and orchard torn apart and burning! And looky behind you! All the evidence points to that monkey being the culprit!”

Thunderhooves looked around, before shaking his head. “It’s too late, Pinkie. I see that the Earthbound Gods can damage this world, but I knew they could. I see no proof that you aren’t the killers of my tribe, and until I do… Cusillu gains 500 ATK by the effect of Closed Forest! [ATK3300] Battle! Earthbound God Cusillu, bypass Pinkie Pie’s Monsters and attack her directly!”

Cusillu clenched his hand into a fist, and slammed it down on top of Pinkie. Pinkie dodged the fist itself, but the debris of dirt kicked up upon hitting the ground swept her away like a wave, crashing her down a few yards away.

“Ah…” she gasped weakly. [Pinkie Pie: LP 3700 –> 400]

“I set a card,” said Thunderhooves. “Turn end.”

Pinkie pulled herself out from the rubble, slipping on a small smear of blood upon attempting to stand. Once she had her balance, she weakly drew a card. “M-my turn…”

“Continuous-Trap, activate!” said Thunderhooves. “Brilliant Shrine Art!”

“What?” asked Pinkie. “What’s that?”

“Ordinarily,” said Thunderhooves, “you’d be unable to target my Earthbound God for an attack, leaving me defenseless. Thanks to this card, now you are only able to target my Earthbound God for battle!”

“No!” gasped Pinkie, the shock bringing her energy back. “I… I don’t have enough Life Points to try… Power Tool Dragon, please! Give me the Equip Spell I need! I activate Power Tool Dragon’s effect! I add a random Equip Spell from my deck to my hoof!” Pinkie’s deck automatically shuffled itself, and gave her a card to draw. She looked at it, and smiled. “Not quite what I was hoping for, but it’ll do! I switch Power Tool Dragon to Defense Position!” [DEF2500]

“Have you forgotten I can merely strike you directly?” asked Thunderhooves.

“Have you forgotten the Equip that’s been in my hoof since the start of the duel?” asked Pinkie. “I Equip Power Tool Dragon with Central Shield!” Floating discs appeared around Power Tool Dragon. “I can only take battle damage from battles involving Power Tool! Then, I Equip Power Tool Dragon with Shield Reflector! Whenever you attack the Equipped Monster, you take damage equal to half of your own Monster’s ATK!” A shield with a mirror mounted on it attached to Power Tool Dragon.

“Hmph,” snorted Thunderhooves. “Moving back to the defensive?”

“It’s all I can do,” said Pinkie. “And I refuse to give up on my friends! Turn end!”

“Hmph,” snorted Thunderhooves. “Foolish. My turn, draw! I summon Ape Fighter!” A tall, red furred ape with a metal helmet on his head, and denim pants on his legs lumbered out, pounding his chest angrily. [ATK1900. LV4] “Thanks to Closed Forest, he gains 500 ATK!” [ATK2400]

“Not good enough,” said Pinkie.

“But it is,” said Thunderhooves. “Battle! Earthbound God Cusillu, attack Power Tool Dragon!” Cusillu slammed his fist down on Power Tool Dragon.

“I activate the effect of Shield Reflector and Power Tool Dragon! I negate Power Tool’s destruction by destroying Central Shield! And Shield Reflector deals damage equal to half of Cusillu’s ATK! That's 1650 points of damage!”

“Gah!” winced Thunderhooves, as he was struck by a blast of energy from the mirror. [Thunderhooves: LP 2800 –> 1150]

“And now Cusillu will be destroyed by Vylon Stella’s effect!” said Pinkie. “Do it, Vylon Stella! Destroy the Earthbound God!”

“Do you think it’s that easy!?” snapped Thunderhooves. “Earthbound God Cusillu’s effect! I can release another monster I control to negate its destruction and halve my opponent’s Life Points!”

“What!?” gasped Pinkie.

“I release Ape Fighter!” Ape Fighter vanished and the pyramids that had went flying towards Cusillu reversed course and reattached to Power Tool Dragon. A sudden burst of energy shot up from underneath Pinkie.

“Agh!” [Pinkie Pie: LP 400 –> 200]

“Furthermore,” said Thunderhooves, “as another Monster is in the Graveyard, Closed Forest increases Cusillu’s ATK by another 100!” [ATK3400]

Pinkie lied trembling on the ground, groaning in pain. Power Tool Dragon seemed to be looking at her in concern.

“How’s it feel, Miss Pie?” asked Thunderhooves. “This is the pain I felt when I-”

“Enough,” Pinkie interrupted, shakily pulling herself up. “I am sorry you lost your tribe, but I’m tired of you taking it out on me and my friends. The Elements of Harmony are a force for good. The Crimson Dragon is a god of… dragony goodness! They aren’t… We aren’t destructive, we aren’t evil… I don’t know what lies the underworld is putting in your head, but I swear Chief, I will save you from them! In honor of your tribe, I’ll save you and this world!”

Pinkie’s right flank began glowing, and the three balloons vanished. In their place, glowing red, was the outline of the Crimson Dragon’s heart.

As the train trundled onwards, Rarity’s and Applejack’s Signer Marks began burning. Their eyes widened, and they quickly pulled their gaze from the window to look at each other.

“Your Mark is glowing,” said Applejack.

“As is yours,” said Rarity. “I can’t believe it. I thought all of the Crimson Dragon’s Marks Twilight’s book showed were already accounted for!”

“It’s Pinkie,” said Applejack, a small smile forming. “Since when did she need to be tied by logic?”

Rarity gave a small smile in return, gazing out the window at the monkey geoglyph in the distance. “You’re a Signer after all, Pinkie... You can do this!”

Thunderhooves’ eyes widened, and he took a step back in surprise. “Impossible… How can you be a Signer!?”

“Guess you aren’t savvy enough to have seen it coming!” smiled Pinkie. Though, admittedly, I didn’t see this coming either… “My turn, draw! I summon the Tuner Monster, Vylon Sphere!” A small orb, with two tiny hands sticking out of it, and blue lights for eyes rolled out in front of Pinkie. [ATK400. LV1] Pinkie’s Extra Deck began glowing. “I tune my level 1 Vylon Sphere to my level 7 Power Tool Dragon!” Vylon Sphere turned into a green Tuning Ring, and Power Tool Dragon flew into the center of it, before both were engulfed in crimson light.

“What’s happening?” asked Thunderhooves. “What is this light?”

“The courage and power to protect the future of the planet is a revolution! Synchro Summon! Evolve, Life Stream Dragon!” The armor on Power Tool shattered, revealing the scaly flesh of a dragon in the same shape and color below. His claws were red, and where the screwdriver was on Power Tool was now a long, grey spike. [ATK2900. LV8]

“Is this your Signer Dragon?” asked Thunderhooves. “Appearing out of nowhere like that, just like that earthquake…”

“You’re wrong!” said Pinkie. “I’ll show you that the Crimson Dragon and its servants aren't destructive! That they hold the power of life! I activate the effects of Vylon Sphere and Life Stream Dragon! First, Life Stream Dragon, as we both have less than 2000 Life Points, restores us to 2000!”

Life Stream stretched his wings, and light began shining out of them, falling onto Pinkie and Thunderhooves. In a flash of warm light, some of the injuries on the two duelists faded away. [Pinkie Pie: LP 200 –> 2000. Thunderhooves: LP 1150 –> 2000]

“The light… healed me?” Thunderhooves mumbled. “So then… The earthquake… wasn’t a resonance of the Elements and the Crimson Dragon?”

“Then,” said Pinkie, “by paying 500 Life Points, as Vylon Sphere was sent from the Monster Card Zone to the Graveyard, I can Equip it to Life Stream Dragon!” [Pinkie Pie: LP 2000 –> 1500]

“So it carries a similar effect to your previous Tuner, huh?” said Thunderhooves.

“I send Vylon Sphere to the Graveyard,” said Pinkie, “to use his effect to Equip and Equip Spell from the Graveyard to Life Stream Dragon! I Equip Fighting Spirit! Since you have one Monster, Life Stream gains 300 ATK!” [ATK3200]

“It’s still not enough to win,” said Thunderhooves.

“Not yet,” said Pinkie. “I activate the Spell Synchro Friendship! I discard one card to Equip a Synchro Monster in my Graveyard to a Synchro Monster on my field! The Equipped Monster gains ATK equal the ATK of the Monster I Equipped to it! I Equip Power Tool Dragon to Life Stream Dragon to increase his ATK by 2300!” [ATK5500]

“5500 ATK!?” gasped Thunderhooves.

“Finish this, Life Stream!” said Pinkie. “Attack Earthbound God Cusillu! Life’s Beauty Howl!” Life Stream Dragon shot out a blast of crimson energy, which pierced through Cusillu’s chest. The Earthbound God seemed too stunned to react before it exploded in a crimson burst. Thunderhooves was tossed away from the force of the explosion, crashing down in front of Pinkie. [Thunderhooves: LP 2000 –> 0]

Life Stream Dragon and Closed Forest faded away, as the flames of the geoglyph died out. Pinkie fell back onto her rump, blinking in surprise, as her new Signer Mark stopped glowing, remaining in place on her flank.

“I… I won...?” Pinkie asked herself in disbelief.

“Congratulations, Miss Pie,” groaned Thunderhooves.

“Chief Thunderhooves!” gasped Pinkie, crouching down to look him in the eye. “Are you alright?”

“I’m sorry,” he said. “You were right after all… My tribe… wasn’t killed by the Crimson Dragon…”

“Well, duh,” said Pinkie, a small smile on her face. “I accept your apology, though.”

“I wish I never chose this path,” said Thunderhooves. “I compromised on our stampeding ground with the Appleloosans, and that worked out well. Little Strongheart in particular seemed to like it here. So, maybe…”

“You thought you could compromise with the underworld?” asked Pinkie. “Equestria for your tribe?”

Thunderhooves opened his eyes, the sclera having returned to the usual white. “Pinkie Pie… You surprise me again with your knowledge.”

“I surprise myself, too,” giggled Pinkie. “Come on, let’s get you someplace to rest.”

“This is my resting place, Pinkie,” said Thunderhooves.

“Don’t say that,” said Pinkie. “You aren’t a Dark Signer anymore, right?”

“That’s right.”

“So we aren’t enemies anymore! We can be friends again, and save everypony else from the Earthbound Gods!”

“Pinkie Pie,” said Thunderhooves. “I’m sorry, but, with the Earthbound God gone, so is the force keeping me alive…”

“W-what!?” Pinkie gasped, her eyes tearing up. “Then, did I just…?”

“No,” said Thunderhooves. “I brought about my own end here. Keep fighting for me and the tribe, Miss Pie. For your friends…” Before another word could be spoken, Thunderhooves dissolved away into dust.

Pinkie blinked in surprise again, before huddling up against herself, her mane deflating as tears streamed down her face. She sobbed for as long as she could, before it hurt to force more tears out. She wiped her eyes and forced herself to stand. “For you and your tribe, Thunderhooves. For my friends, I will take the underworld down.”

She trotted to the purple rune circle in the remains of the apple orchard. Standing in the center, she held up Life Stream Dragon. The circle glowed crimson before shattering and vanishing entirely. Placing Life Stream back in her Extra Deck, Pinkie looked off towards the horizon, and began trotting down towards the train tracks, intent on following her friends.

Glowing orbs of light fell from the sky around Appleloosa. Upon touching the ground, they flashed, and the Appleloosans stood in their place.

“What in tarnation?” said Braeburn.

“Well, this’ll take some cleaning up,” said Silverstar. “But, it seems…”

“We’re all okay,” a voice finished.

“Little Strongheart?” asked Braeburn, turning to see the young buffalo and the rest of her tribe. “What brings you here? Where’s Chief Thunderhooves?”

“I don’t know,” said Little Strongheart. “But, for some reason, I feel like crying.”

“Relief that we’re alive?” suggested Braeburn.

“Maybe,” said Strongheart, leaning against him, and looking up towards the sky. “Or perhaps… it’s something less cheerful…”

Burning Skies - Red Demon's Dragon vs. Earthbound God Aslla piscu

Rainbow felt her Signer Mark stop burning. She quickly glanced back over the horizon, and gave a small smile. “Way to go, Pinkie!” Turning back, she felt her smile drop, as Cloudsdale came into few. “I guess it’s my turn, now.”

Rainbow circled around, scanning the empty streets of the city of clouds. Finally, she spotted a faint glow coming from the weather factory. She landed in front, and spun around to kick down the doors.

“Dramatic entrance,” commented Scootaloo, as Rainbow trotted into the lobby. She leapt over the desk she was sitting behind, and readied her Duel Disk.

“Scootaloo,” Rainbow mumbled, before narrowing her eyes. “What the hay are you doing!? Why are you a Dark Signer!?”

“Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo muttered. “You always promised to teach me to fly or duel or even just hang out with me. Those promises were the highlight of my day, but you always cancelled at the last minute.”

“I…” Rainbow mumbled. “I’m sorry I did that. I never meant to get your hopes up for nothing… Wait. Is that why you’re doing this?”

“When I died in that explosion,” said Scootaloo, “I, along with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were approached by some underworld guys.”

“The Earthbound Gods?” Rainbow asked.

“I guess,” shrugged Scootaloo. “They asked us if we had a reason to keep going, and if we were willing to fight the Signers for them. If we said yes to both, we had a deal. We’d come back and fight you girls.”

“And you agreed to that?” asked Rainbow.

Scootaloo nodded. “I don’t know what Apple Bloom or Sweetie Belle wanted, but I wanted to be with you. And if fighting you to the death is the only way I get to spend time with you, then so be it.”

“That’s both petty and insane!” snapped Rainbow. “I made a mistake, okay? I shouldn’t have kept blowing you off. And I’m sorry. But joining the Dark Signers, trying to kill me, trying to kill everyone? That’s more wrong than anything I’ve ever done!”

“Maybe,” said Scootaloo, looking up at the ceiling in thought.

“Maybe?” repeated Rainbow. “You actually have to think about this!?”

“Tell you what,” said Scootaloo. “Prove I was wrong to join the Dark Signers. Duel me, and show me how wrong it was. If you win, I guess I was mistaken. But if I win? Then I was right. The Dark Signers were destined to win and I finally get to be better than you. Either way, we’ll be together for the next few minutes.”

“Surpass me?” asked Rainbow, letting out a snort. “Not a chance. Only one pony is qualified to surpass me right now, and, unlike her, you’ve never been taught by me, so it isn’t you.”

“If only you did teach me,” said Scootaloo.

“I will,” said Rainbow. “I’ll make up for neglecting you and teach you that the Dark Signers are wrong. Let’s do this, Scootaloo!”

Scootaloo’s Dark Signer Mark began glowing. The clouds around the weather factory seemed to catch fire, purple flames weaving through the clouds of the city to form the shape of a large hummingbird. Rainbow’s Signer Mark began burning in response, as did the Marks of all the Signers.

“Duel!”

Scootaloo: LP 4000. Rainbow Dash: LP 4000.

“I’ll take the first move,” said Scootaloo. “Draw! I activate the Field Spell Future Visions!” The walls of the weather factory became see-through, a strange, dark purple star field visible on the other side. Occasionally, rifts opened up in the field showing visions of different locations.

Rainbow flared her wings in surprise, as she looked down through the now clear floor at the expanse of purple tinted space below. “Future Visions, huh?”

“Never sure what the future will bring,” said Scootaloo. “Like I’m never sure if you’ll actually stick to the plans you promised me. So I might as well read the future and be sure, right?”

“So did you read the future for this duel?” asked Rainbow. “How’s it end?”

Scootaloo didn’t respond, instead continuing with her turn. “I summon Fortune Lady Light!” A pale yellow female biped, hairless except for the top of her head spiraled out. She held a staff with a scythe blade on one end, and a decorative stone sun on the other. Her clothes consisted of a yellow dress, cut up and tied together in a way that revealed his midriff, her black boots and a black, revealing jumpsuit. [ATK?: LV1]

“Unknown ATK points?” Rainbow questioned.

“Fortune Lady Light’s ATK is equal to her level times 200,” explained Scootaloo. “Currently, she is level 1.” [ATK200]

“What do you mean, currently?” asked Rainbow.

“I mean in the present,” said Scootaloo.

“That doesn’t explain anything,” Rainbow muttered.

“First, Future Visions’ effect activates! When a player Normal Summons a Monster, that Monster is banished until its controller’s next Standby Phase!” Fortune Lady Light suddenly blinked out of existence.

“Why wouldn’t you wait until after summoning to play the Field Spell, then?” Rainbow asked. “You left yourself wide open!”

“Did I?” smiled Scootaloo. “Fortune Lady Light’s effect! When this card is removed from the field by a card effect, I Special Summon a Fortune Lady from my deck! I Special Summon Fortune Lady Earth!” A female biped nearly identical to Fortune Lady Light appeared. The only differences were her skin being pale brown, as was her hair. She also wore glasses and appeared to be older and more mature. Her dress was also brown, instead of yellow, and the decorative sun on the staff was absent, a glowing brown orb in its place. [ATK?: LV6]

“Another undetermined ATK value?” Rainbow questioned. “Are all your Monsters like this?”

“Fortune Lady Earth’s ATK is equal to her current level times 400,” said Scootaloo. [ATK2400]

“2400 ATK already!?” gasped Rainbow.

“Did you think a duel against a Dark Signer would be easy?” asked Scootaloo. “Rainbow Dash, you asked me if I saw how this duel ends? It ends in your defeat. On my third turn, I will summon my Earthbound God. On my fourth? You die.”

“Damn,” spat Rainbow. “Then I’ll have to beat you down before that happens! My turn, draw! I summon Flamvell Firedog!” A dog made of magma erupted from the floor. [ATK1900. LV4]

“Future Visions’ effect!” smiled Scootaloo. “Flamvell Firedog is banished until your next Standby Phase!”

“What!?” Rainbow gasped, as Flamvell Firedog blinked out of existence. “Gah, I forgot that works on both players…”

“I guess I can’t rely on you to follow destiny, either,” said Scootaloo. “As always, you have your own schedule to keep. And clearly you plan on dying before I even get to play my Earthbound God."

“Stop rubbing my mistakes in my face,” muttered Rainbow.

“Fine,” said Scootaloo., “I’ll just rub pain in your face instead. My turn, draw! Fortune Lady Light returns to the field!” Light blinked back into existence. [ATK200. LV1] “Another thing that happens during my Standby Phase, Fortune Ladies gain a level! Fortune Lady Light is now level 2! [ATK400. LV2] Earth is now level 7!” [ATK2800. LV7]

“So that’s what you meant,” muttered Rainbow. “Your Fortune Ladies get stronger the longer they’re on the field.”

“Yeah, they learn and grow,” said Scootaloo. “It helps that I actually spend time with them on the field.”

“Scootaloo,” said Rainbow, “please. I don’t know how I can apologize more than I already am. I’m sorry!”

“Fortune Lady Earth’s effect!” said Scootaloo. “When her level increases, you take 400 points of damage!” Fortune Lady Earth spun her staff around, before slamming it onto the floor. Spikes shot up from beneath Rainbow, stabbing into her.

“Agh!” Rainbow gasped. [Rainbow Dash: LP 4000 –> 3600]

“Didn’t anypony tell you a duel of darkness hurts?” Scootaloo asked, as Rainbow clutched at her stomach.

Rainbow said nothing, as she pulled her hoof away, examining the blood that got on it. That actually cut into me… Not the worse wound, but…

“Battle,” said Scootaloo. “Fortune Lady Light, direct attack!” Light spun her staff around, building up momentum, before she slashed the scythe blade across Rainbow’s cheek.

“Ah!” Rainbow gasped in surprise. [Rainbow Dash: LP 3600 –> 3200]

“Fortune Lady Earth attacks!” continued Scootaloo. Fortune Lady Earth repeated her earlier movements, and stabbed Rainbow with even more spikes.

“Ah…” Rainbow gasped, before collapsing to the ground, hunched together in pain. [Rainbow Dash: LP 3200 –> 400] She let out a slight cough, only for some blood to trickle out of her mouth. Damn… Internal bleeding…

“Don’t worry, Rainbow Dash,” said Scootaloo. “I promise it’ll end soon. And unlike you, I stick to my promises.”

“I won’t let you down this time,” said Rainbow, shakily standing up. “I won’t lose!”

“Hmph,” snorted Scootaloo. “I release Fortune Lady Light to summon Fortune Lady Dark!” Another female biped similar to Light and Earth appeared. This one had pale purple skin, and a purple dress to match her hair. Though she was smiling, it was more sinister than friendly. One end of her staff had a blade, while the other end was adorned with a strange, dark purple gem. [ATK?: LV5]

“Damn,” muttered Rainbow. “Another one…”

“Fortune Lady Dark’s ATK is equal to her level times 400!” said Scootaloo. [ATK2000]

“But you can’t use her until next turn,” said Rainbow, “thanks to your own Future Visions.” Fortune Lady Dark blinked out of existence.

“I know,” said Scootaloo. “I set a card, and end my turn.”

“My turn,” said Rainbow, wiping the blood off her hoof on her coat. “Draw! During my Standby Phase, Flamvell Firedog returns!” Flamvell Firedog blinked back into existence. [ATK1900]

“Whatever you were planning with that thing, it doesn’t matter anymore,” said Scootaloo. “Fortune Lady Earth is too strong.”

“That’s why I changed plans,” said Rainbow. “Something came up, so I needed to cancel.”

“Are we talking about the duel?” asked Scootaloo.

“Were we ever?” asked Rainbow. “I’m not good with emotional conversations, okay? But, I’ll do my best. Scootaloo, this isn’t you. You’re a cool kid. A lot like me. And I know that, like me, you aren’t a crazy, world killing nutcase.”

“What could have come up all of those times, though?” Scootaloo asked, her eyes tearing up. “How busy are you that you abandon me?”

“Scootaloo,” mumbled Rainbow. “I know how you feel. I had ponies I looked up to as a filly, and they never had time for me, either. And, yeah, it hurt, but they were busy. And ya know what? When we finally did hang out, it was awesome.”

“What exactly are you saying?” asked Scootaloo.

“I’m saying that when I’m free, when I can hang out with you,” said Rainbow, “I’m going to make sure you have the time of your life. Sis.”

“Sis?” repeated Scootaloo, her eyes returning to their normal color. “Are you saying…?”

“I know we aren’t related,” said Rainbow, awkwardly looking down “but if you want, I could be your sister. I could even buy you a new deck. One that’s more fitting for an angel like you.”

Scootaloo paused, before bursting out laughing. “Ba-ha-ha-ha! That was the cheesiest thing I ever heard!”

Rainbow blinked in surprise, before laughing too. “Heh... Ha-ha-ha! I guess so, huh? I don’t know what sisters call each other. Was trying to come up with something cute.”

“Try something cool, instead,” smiled Scootaloo.

“Sure thing, Scoots,” smiled Rainbow.

“Scoots is fine,” nodded Scootaloo. Suddenly, a dark aura washed over her, and she began screaming.

“Scootaloo!?” Rainbow gasped. “What’s wrong!? What’s happening!?”

“R-Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo gasped. “I… I…” Her muscles slacked for a bit. When she looked up, her eyes were glowing dark purple, and she had an evil smirk on her face.

“Scootaloo…?” Rainbow mumbled.

“I am a Dark Signer,” Scootaloo said, her voice echoing.

“Scootaloo!” Rainbow gasped. “What happened!?”

“A Dark Signer’s sole purpose is to kill the Signers,” Scootaloo said.

“You aren’t Scootaloo, are you?”

Scootaloo nodded. “You are correct, Signer. Just like you were earlier. Her desires, her wishes to keep living and get back at you were so petty and foalish. I was thrilled at such a convenient vessel. Oh, how easy it is to manipulate her to the wishes of the underworld! Ah-ha-ha-ha!”

“So you’re the Earthbound God, I’m guessing?” Rainbow asked.

“You’re smarter than you look, Signer,” laughed Scootaloo.

Rainbow gritted her teeth. “No one, be it pony or god, messes with my friends, you got that!?”

“Try and stop me.”

“I will!” spat Rainbow. “As you have less than 3 cards in your Graveyard, and I have a Flamvell on the field, I Special Summon Neo Flamvell Origin!” A small ball of blue flames, cased in a protective coating of red flames ignited on Rainbow's field. [ATK500. LV2]

“A Tuner Monster?” muttered Scootaloo.

“Then,” continued Rainbow, “since a Monster was Special Summoned, I can activate the Quick-Play Spell, Dark Flare! I can Special Summon a FIRE Monster from my hoof! I Special Summon Fox Fire!” A small, red fox with a flame on the tip of its tail curled up in front of Rainbow. [DEF200. LV2]

“Going to summon your Signer Dragon?”

Rainbow nodded. “I tune my level 2 Neo Flamvell Origin to my level 2 Fox Fire and my level 4 Flamvell Firedog!” Neo Flamvell Origin burst into two green Tuning Rings, and channeled the level stars of Fox Fire and Firedog through them. “The ruler’s heartbeats now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power! Synchro Summon! Red Demon’s Dragon!” Light shot down through the middle of the rings. In a spiral of flames, Red Demon’s Dragon rose up, with a roar, he spread his wings, dispelling the flames. Taking his place in front of Rainbow, Red Demon’s Dragon glared down at Scootaloo. [ATK3000. LV8]

“Hmph,” Scootaloo snorted.

“Battle!” said Rainbow. “Red Demon’s Dragon, attack Fortune Lady Earth! Absolute Power Force!” Red Demon’s Dragon’s claws began burning. It slammed them through Earth and into Scootaloo.

“Agh!” [Scootaloo: LP 4000 –> 3800]

“How do you like that?” asked Rainbow.

“Trap activate!” said Scootaloo. “Inherited Fortune! Since you destroyed a Fortune Lady, I can Special Summon 2 Fortune Ladies on my next Standby Phase!”

“What!?” gasped Rainbow. “Damn! I activate Red Dragon Vase! Since I control Red Demon’s Dragon, I draw two cards! I then set two cards, and end my turn!”

“My turn,” said Scootaloo. “Draw! First, Fortune Lady Dark returns!” Fortune Lady Dark blinked back into existence. [ATK2000] “Then, I Special Summon two Fortune Ladies thanks to Inherited Fortune! Come, Fortune Lady Wind!” A female biped with an outfit like the other Fortune Ladies appeared. Her hair and dress were green, her skin a paler shade, and her staff’s jewel was an emerald stylized to look like a gust of wind. Her expression was completely serious. [ATK?: LV3] "Fortune Lady Water!" Another female biped, a pale shade of blue for her skin color, and a darker blue for her hair and dress appeared. Her staff’s jewel was stylized to look like a snowflake. Her expression was much calmer than Wind’s. [ATK?: LV4]

“Damn it,” muttered Rainbow.

“All of my Fortune Ladies gain a level during the Standby Phase,” said Scootaloo. “Furthermore, Wind and Water’s ATK values are equal to their levels times 300!” [Fortune Lady Dark – ATK2400. LV6] [Fortune Lady Wind – ATK1200. LV4] [Fortune Lady Water – ATK1500. LV5]

“Damn it,” said Rainbow.

“Oh, one more thing,” added Scootaloo, “if Fortune Lady Water is Special Summoned while I have another Fortune Lady on the field, I draw two cards!”

“Damn it!” shouted Rainbow.

“I release Fortune Lady Wind and Fortune Lady Water!” said Scootaloo. “After 5000 years time, the doors of the underworld open once more! Descend, Earthbound God Aslla piscu!” A stone heart appeared and smashed up through the ceiling. It began beating, as the black fog enveloping Cloudsdale was sucked into it. After the last of the fog was absorbed, it exploded in a burst of light.

Rainbow covered her eyes from the glare. When the light died down enough to look, her irises shrank. A large, black hummingbird, its beak alone longer than an entire house, flew above her. Orange lines ran along its body, the designs giving it the appearance of a face. It opened its beak and let out a screeching, echoing cry, the force of it knocking the rest of the ceiling down. [ATK2500. LV10]

“The Earthbound God…” Rainbow mumbled. “But, even that thing isn’t immune to your Field Spell! Until your next Standby Phase, Earthbound God Aslla piscu is banished!”

“I am aware,” smiled Scootaloo. “Aslla piscu’s effect! When this card is removed from the field, all face up Monsters my opponent controls are destroyed! And for each Monster destroyed by this effect, my opponent takes 800 points of damage!”

“What!?” gasped Rainbow. “Damn it. Trap activate! Synchro Barrier! I release Red Demon’s Dragon! Then, until the End Phase of the next turn, I can’t take damage!” Red Demon’s Dragon dissolved, and a glowing shield appeared in front of Rainbow.

“Hmph,” snorted Scootaloo, as Aslla piscu blinked out of existence. “In that case, I end my turn. It doesn’t matter to me, though. Remember what Scootaloo said of the future? On my next turn, Aslla piscu will return and I will end your life.”

“T-that’s right,” Rainbow mumbled. “I… I was going to win before that, but with Red Demon’s Dragon in my Graveyard…” Rainbow fell to the floor, and slammed her hoof down. “Damn it! I… I can’t fail… I can’t let everypony down…”

Rarity almost gasped in surprise, as the Signer Marks began burning brightly. “Rainbow Dash… I can feel her emotions.”

“Yeah,” said Applejack, looking back at her own Mark. “Ah guess that’s from the Crimson Dragon’s power.”

“Applejack, she needs our support!” said Rarity. “I’ve never known Rainbow Dash to be this helpless, to be this desperate for help!”

“Ah’m with ya, there, Rare,” said Applejack, as she turned to look out the window again. “Rainbow. Ah know ya can’t hear us, but if we can feel your pain, then surely you feel our support.”

“We’re behind you, Rainbow Dash,” said Rarity. “Go for it!”

The Signer Marks vanished off of Applejack and Rarity, as well as from the other Signers.

Rainbow was lying on the floor trembling, eyes shut tight, when she felt warmth flow through her body. “Huh?” She opened her eyes, and looked back at her flanks. Her Signer Mark vanished, and in its place, the full Mark of the Crimson Dragon appeared.

“W-what is this!?” gasped Scootaloo.

“Girls…” Rainbow smiled. She stood back off, and gave a determined smirk towards Scootaloo. “I’d never trust a vision given to me by the underworld. You say you’ll win next turn? I say that on my next turn, I’LL WIN!”

“You’re bluffing,” said Scootaloo.

“Let’s find out!” said Rainbow, as the top card of her deck glowed. “My turn, draw! …Looks like I have an ace in the hole. Thanks, Crimson Dragon! I summon Savior Dragon!” A sleek, glowing, pinkish dragon with gems on its wing joints and eyes spun out, appearing in front of Rainbow. [ATK0. LV1]

“Useless!” spat Scootaloo. “You’ll have to wait until next turn to use it, and even then, that’s IF you have a next turn!” Savior Dragon blinked out of existence.

“That’s fine,” smiled Rainbow. “I activate Rekindling! I Special Summon as many FIRE Monsters with 200 or less DEF from my Graveyard! Return, Fox Fire!” The small fox reappeared, in a pouncing stance. [ATK300. LV2] “Flamvell Firedog!” The magma dog erupted from the floor. [ATK1900. LV4] “Neo Flamvell Origin!” The multicolored flame reignited. [ATK500. LV2]

“What good will this do you?” asked Scootaloo. “They’ll be banished during the End Phase!”

“Not if they leave the Field, first!” said Rainbow. “Battle! Fox Fire, attack Fortune Lady Dark!” Fox Fire leapt forward, only to be destroyed immediately by a blast of dark energy.

“You lose!” said Scootaloo.

“Did you forget I can’t be damaged until the End Phase?” asked Rainbow.

“Curse you…” spat Scootaloo. “No matter, thanks to Fortune Lady Dark’s effect, I Special Summon a Fortune Lady since I destroyed a Monster by battle! Arise, Fortune Lady Fire!” A pale red female biped appeared. Her hair and dress were red, and her staff was adorned with a red stone shaped like flames. [ATK?: LV2]

“So the sixth Fortune Lady shows up, huh,” mumbled Rainbow.

“Fortune Lady Fire’s ATK is equal to her current level times 200!” said Scootaloo. [ATK400. LV2] “And since she was Special Summoned by a Fortune Lady’s effect, I can destroy a Monster my opponent controls, and damage them for an amount equal to the destroyed Monster’s ATK! You may be immune to damage this turn, but I doubt Flamvell Firedog is immune to destruction!”

Fortune Lady Fire sent a wave of flames crashing over Flamvell Firedog. The energy shield was still in front of Rainbow, and the rest of the flames bounced harmlessly off it.

“Neo Flamvell Origin,” said Rainbow, “destroy Fortune Lady Fire!” Origin’s flames spread off its body, and incinerated Fortune Lady Fire as well as burn Scootaloo.

“Ah!” Scootaloo gasped. [Scootaloo: LP 3800 –> 3700]

“I set a card,” said Rainbow. “Turn end. During the End Phase, Neo Flamvell Origin is banished by Rekindling’s effect. I’m not defenseless, though! Fox Fire, since it was destroyed by battle while face up, is Special Summoned to the Field!” Fox Fire reappeared, curled up in front of Rainbow. [DEF200. LV2]

“Hmph,” snorted Scootaloo. “You hardly accomplished anything! My turn, draw! During the Standby Phase, Fortune Lady Dark increases her level! [ATK2800. LV7] But more importantly, Earthbound God Aslla piscu returns!” Aslla piscu blinked back into existence, and gave another echoing cry. [ATK2500]

“Bring it,” said Rainbow.

“Perish, Signer!” said Scootaloo. “Earthbound God Aslla piscu, bypass her Monster and attack directly!”

“Trap activate!” countered Rainbow. “Attack Guidance Barrier! I redirect your attack to Fox Fire, and increase his DEF by 600!” [DEF800]

Aslla piscu stabbed its beak down, piercing through Fox Fire and the entire floor. Rainbow’s eyes widened in surprise, as she leapt back and began flapping her wings to hover over the hole in the clouds.

“Clever,” muttered Scootaloo.

“After the battle,” said Rainbow, “Attack Guidance Barrier ends the Battle Phase!”

“Then I end my turn,” said Scootaloo. “Is that your big accomplishment for your friend? Holding off death for my fifth turn instead of the fourth?”

“No,” said Rainbow, taking a deep breath. “It’s destroying you and saving her from the underworld! First, Fox Fire returns to my field! [DEF200. LV2] My turn. Draw! During my Standby Phase, Savior Dragon returns to the field!” Savior Dragon blinked back into existence. [ATK0. LV1]

“A level 1 Tuner, and a level 2 non-Tuner?” laughed Scootaloo. “How is that supposed to defeat an Earthbound God?”

“Trap activate!” said Rainbow. “Descending Lost Star! By lowering its defense to 0 and its level by 1, I can Special Summon a Synchro Monster from my Graveyard in defense position! Come back, Red Demon’s Dragon!” Red Demon’s flew up, and took a defensive position in front of Rainbow. [DEF0. LV7]

“Bringing the Signer Dragon back like this?” asked Scootaloo. “Why…?”

“This is the power of the Crimson Dragon!” said Rainbow. “I tune my level 1 Savior Dragon to my level 2 Fox Fire and my level 7 Red Demon’s Dragon!” Savior Dragon dissolved into light, expanding and consuming Fox Fire and Red Demon’s Dragon. “A lone single polished light, become the true high-ruler and illuminate the earth! Shine bright! Synchro Summon! Savior Demon Dragon!” The light enveloped Rainbow Dash, before dissolving into the form of a long, serpentine version of Red Demon’s Dragon. A mane of red fur was now on its head, and its arms were replaced with large, shiny, white and red wings. It’s form shimmered, and almost seemed to be made of light itself. [ATK4000. LV10]

“W-what is this thing!?” stuttered Scootaloo, taking a step backwards.

“Scootaloo,” said Rainbow, as she drifted inside the light of Savior Demon. “This is how I’m going to save you. Savior Demon Dragon’s effect! Once per turn, I can negate the effects of an opponent’s Monster and increase his ATK by an amount equal to the ATK of my opponent’s Monster! Power Gain!”

Savior Demon let out a blast or red light, enveloping Earthbound God Aslla piscu in a red crystal. [ATK6500]

“6500 ATK!?” gasped Scootaloo.

“Savior Demon Dragon!” screamed Rainbow. “Attack Earthbound God Aslla piscu! Ultimate Power Force!”

Savior Demon enveloped itself in golden flames, before blasting through Aslla piscu. As the crystal shattered, Aslla piscu let out one final screech in pain, before exploding.

“AGH!” screamed Scootaloo, as the blast knocked her through the floor and clouds, and sent her falling to the ground below. [Scootaloo: LP 3700 –> 0]

Savior Demon Dragon flew up into the sky, before looping down allowing Rainbow to catch Scootaloo. Just before hitting the ground, Savior Demon Dragon pulled back, and gently flew them both back to the ruins of the weather factory, as the flames of the hummingbird geoglyph dissipated.

The full Mark of the Crimson Dragon vanished off of Rainbow’s flank, her original Signer Mark taking its place. Rainbow pulled Scootaloo in close, wiping her mane from her face. “Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo’s eyes slowly opened, the sclera back to their normal color. Her voice was weak when she spoke, but it no longer echoed. “Rainbow Dash… I’m sorry…”

“It’s not your fault,” smiled Rainbow. “I always tell Fluttershy not to apologize for no reason. And I’m the only one who should apologize. I did neglect you, and that was wrong. Now, can we go and be pseudo-sisters?”

“You don’t blame me for what I did as a Dark Signer?” Scootaloo asked.

“Of course not,” smiled Rainbow. “Why would I? You got tricked. I’ve fallen for tricks before, too.”

Scootaloo smiled. “Thank you, Rainbow… You’re the best…”

“I wish I could agree,” Rainbow began, before shaking her head. “So I guess I will.”

“Heh,” Scootaloo laughed, before frowning. “I hope you can forgive me for having to cancel on our plans, though…”

“What do you mean?” asked Rainbow. “You aren’t still mad about that, are you?”

“No,” said Scootaloo, “but now that the Earthbound God is gone… There’s nothing keeping me alive anymore…”

Rainbow felt her muscles tense up. “W-wait, so…”

Scootaloo looked up at Rainbow, and gave one last smile. “For me, Rainbow Dash… Beat those Earthbound Gods, will you? I know you’re strong enough…”

Before Rainbow could respond, Scootaloo dissolved into dust. Savior Demon Dragon deposited the lone pegasus back at the weather factory before vanishing, the rune circle glowing off in the distance.

Without a word, Rainbow stood up, and trotted into the circle, and held up Red Demon’s Dragon. The circle glowed bright crimson, before shattering completely.

Placing Red Demon’s Dragon back into her Extra Deck, Rainbow inspected her injuries. Upon seeing that Savior Demon Dragon's light has partially healed them, she stretched her wings and began slowly flying back through the hole, and gently soaring towards Ponyville, not noticing as the citizens of Cloudsdale reappeared in flashes of light.

As Rainbow flew, her vision clouded. Shaking her head, she let tears fall, as she finally said something, her voice echoing across the empty landscape below.

“SCOOTALOO!”

Sour Apple - Black Rose Dragon vs. Earthbound God Chacu Challhua

Rarity and Applejack’s Signer Marks reappeared on their flanks, glowing briefly to signal their return. The hummingbird geoglyph in Cloudsdale faded away. Rarity let out a sigh of relief.

“Rainbow,” said Applejack, with a slight smile. “Ya did it.”

The train suddenly screeched to a halt, and Applejack fell into Rarity, as inertia sent them tumbling down the aisle and into the wall. “Ow…”

“Spike!” Applejack snapped. “Warn us next time!”

The door to the engine car opened, Spike giving an embarrassed smile. “Sorry. The station snuck up on me…”

“It’s quite alright, Spike,” said Rarity, as she and Applejack untangled themselves from each other. “Give us a minute, will you? I’ll knock when we’re ready to go on.”

“Uh, okay,” said Spike, closing the door.

Applejack opened the door to the station, and gazed out at the empty streets of Manehatten. “So Ah’m up, huh?”

“Applejack,” Rarity mumbled softly. “I know how difficult this must be for you.”

Applejack nodded, adjusting her hat to hide her eyes. “It’s something Ah’ve gotta do, though. Whether Ah want to or not, Ah can’t let her.”

“Applejack?” Rarity asked. “Are you crying?”

“Ah’m fine,” said Applejack, trotting out onto the platform. “See ya later, Rare. Good luck to ya.”

“…Good luck to you, Applejack,” Rarity replied.

Applejack kept trotting, pausing only to watch the train pull away from Manehatten Station. Once she lost view of the train, she turned to look down the street and saw Apple Bloom standing there.

“Apple Bloom!” Applejack gasped, galloping up to her.

“Glad ya made it,” said Apple Bloom, turning to trot down the street.

“Where do you think you’re goin’?” asked Applejack, trotting after her.

“To the rune circle,” said Apple Bloom. “Might as well duel near the thing yer lookin’ for.”

Applejack nodded, and they trotted in silence. Apple Bloom stopped by a park overlooking the ocean. “Aren’t ya gonna say something?” she asked, staring out over the water.

Applejack blinked in surprise. “Uh, y-yeah… Why are you a Dark Signer?”

“…Ah remember when you told me how you got your Cutie Mark,” Apple Bloom said. “Ya came here for a change of pace, Rainbow’s Sonic Rainboom led ya back home.”

“Yeah,” said Applejack. “What’s your point?”

Apple Bloom looked up at the dark clouds over the city. “It’s too dark and cloudy for a rainbow. There’s nothin’ for me to follow.”

“What do ya mean?” asked Applejack.

“Ah’ve been tryin’ to do anything Ah could to earn my Cutie Mark,” said Apple Bloom. “To help mah friends earn theirs. But it never turns out well, does it? Cutie Pox, Love Poison… Both were mah fault.”

“It’s not your fault,” said Applejack.

“Yes it is,” muttered Apple Bloom. “Even my efforts to help you and Fluttershy by finding the Dark Signers turned out badly. Ah killed mah friends, killed myself, and ended up hurting you.”

“Apple Bloom…” Applejack mumbled, pulling her into a hug. “It’ll be fine, sugar cube. Ah’ll help you.”

Apple Bloom narrowed her eyes, and pushed Applejack away. “Sorry, sis, but you’re not exactly the ‘rainbow’ Ah’m lookin’ for.”

“What do you mean?” asked Applejack.

“To become a Dark Signer, Ah needed a reason to live,” said Apple Bloom. “And mah reason was to help mah friends to finally earn our Cutie Marks and find our destinies. And the Earthbound God is exactly the guide Ah need.”

“What?” asked Applejack, taking a step back in surprise. “Apple Bloom, don’t you see what the Earthbound Gods are doin’?”

“If destruction is mah destiny,” said Apple Bloom, “then so be it. Ah will help mah friends. And if Ah follow the underworld’s instruction, Ah won’t screw it up.”

“There’s no such thing as destiny,” said Applejack. “Ponies do whatever they choose to do. Makin’ mistakes is a part of life.”

“And it’s what ended mine,” said Apple Bloom. “And your mistake will end yours.”

“What do you mean, mah mistake?” asked Applejack.

“You still have feelings for me,” said Apple Bloom. “That’s your mistake. If Ah win, the Earthbound God will kill you. If you win, the Earthbound God leaves me and Ah die again. There’s no alternative once the duel of darkness begins.”

Applejack’s eyes widened. “A-Apple Bloom…”

Apple Bloom’s Mark glowed, and purple flames erupted from the ground, slicing through the park, street, and even branching out to burn over the water. The flames reflected in the sky, as they formed the geoglyph of a killer whale. Applejack’s Signer Mark began burning, as did the Marks of all Signers.

Rarity glanced back at her Signer Mark as it began burning. “Applejack… I know how difficult this must be for you, but you need to be strong. If you, of all ponies, can’t bring yourself to defeat your sister…”

She turned to look out the window towards the direction of Fillydelphia. “…then what chance do I have against Sweetie Belle?”

Apple Bloom: LP 4000. Applejack: LP 4000.

“Ah’ll go first,” said Apple Bloom. “Draw! Ah summon Karakuri Soldier mdl 236 “Nisamu”!” A wooden biped machine appeared, wielding a sharpened piece of bamboo. [ATK1400. LV4]

“Karakuri?” Applejack questioned.

“Then,” said Apple Bloom, “Ah activate the Field Spell Karakuri Showdown Castle!” Lighting struck down, as gear began turning, raising a large, traditional temple up. Several cannons slid out of the walls about half way up.

“Ah didn’t know you were into Neighponese things,” said Applejack.

“Ah also activate the Continuous-Spell, Field Barrier!” said Apple Bloom. “As long as this card is on the field, we can’t activate another Field Spell and current Field Spells can’t be destroyed!”

“Is your Field Spell that important?” asked Applejack.

“Didn’t you know?” asked Apple Bloom. “Ah can only play mah Earthbound God when a Field Spell is active.”

“So you’re already settin’ up for that?” Applejack asked.

“Turn end,” said Apple Bloom.

“Apple Bloom,” mumbled Applejack. “At least try to talk to me.”

“The Signers and Dark Signers are destined to fight to the death,” said Apple Bloom. “Ah don’t think talking with each other is listed anywhere in the legend.”

“Gah, you’re so stubborn!” said Applejack. “There’s no such thing as destiny! Even if Ah was always meant to be a Signer or whatever, doesn’t mean everythin’ is meant to be! Ponies choose what to do on their own!”

“Then Ah choose to follow the underworld,” said Apple Bloom.

Applejack felt her eyes water a bit, before shaking her head. “Then Ah guess Ah do have to fight ya, because Ah choose to stop the underworld! Mah turn, draw! Ah summon Bird of Roses!” A bird made of plants appeared, flapping its rose tipped wings. A third rose topped its head. [ATK1800. LV4] “Battle! Bird of Roses, attack Nisamu!”

“Nisamu’s effect activates!” said Apple Bloom. “When this attack position card is targeted for attack, it is changed to defense position!” [DEF200] Bird of Roses flapped its wings and sent a blast of wind that tore apart Nisamu. “Nisamu’s effect activates! When destroyed by battle, Ah Special Summon a Karakuri from mah deck! Ah Special Summon another Nisamu!” Another wooden machine, armed with a spear of bamboo appeared. [ATK1400. LV4]

“Dang it,” muttered Applejack. “Ah end mah turn!”

“Mah turn,” said Apple Bloom. “Draw! Ah summon Karakuri Ninja mdl 919 “Kuick”!” A tall, bipedal machine made of wood appeared, wielding a different knife in each hand. In its left was an ordinary dagger, while the right hand held a kunai. Around its waist, three shide were hanging from a rope belt. From the back of its head, black hair styled like a ponytail stuck out. [ATK1700. LV4]

“Why would you summon a Monster with less ATK than mah card?” asked Applejack.

“Battle!” said Apple Bloom. “Kuick attacks Bird of Roses! At this time, Ah activate the effect of Karakuri Showdown Castle! When mah Karakuri targets mah opponent’s Monster for battle, Ah can change that Monster’s battle position! Ah change Bird of Roses to defense!”

“What?” gasped Applejack. The cannons on the temple blasted the ground near Bird of Roses, who instinctively raised its wings for protection. [DEF1500]

“Mah Monster is now capable of destroying yours,” said Apple Bloom. “Do it, Kuick!” Kuick slashed its dagger, slicing Bird of Roses in half.

“Bird of Roses’ effect!” said Applejack. “When destroyed, Ah’m able to Special Summon 2 Plant-Type Tuner Monsters! Ah Special Summon Spore!” A fluffy, white fuzz covered seed with big blue eyes appeared. [DEF800. LV1] “And Cherry Blossoms!” A cluster of cherry petals appeared, drifting in front of Applejack. [DEF500. LV1]

“Kuick’s effect,” said Apple Bloom. “When it destroys a Monster by battle, Ah Special Summon a level 4 or lower Karakuri from mah Graveyard in defense position. Ah Special Summon Nisamu back to the field!” [DEF200]

“Are you kidding me?” asked Applejack.

“Mah attack position Nisamu attacks Spore! Thanks to Karakuri Showdown Castle, Spore is changed to attack position.” [ATK400] Nisamu raised its bamboo spear, and stabbed it right through Spore and into Applejack.

“Agh!” gasped Applejack, a trickle of blood dripping out of the new wound on her chest. [Applejack: LP 4000 –> 3000]

“Ah end mah turn.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! Ah summon Lonefire Blossom!” The bomb-flower sprouted up in front of Applejack. [ATK500. LV3] “Ah then release it to Special Summon Gigaplant!” Lonefire Blossom exploded and the twisted wall of plant matter and insect claws that was Gigaplant rose up, opening its mouth to reveal rows of razor sharp teeth. [ATK2400. LV6]

“Ah recognize that combo,” Apple Bloom mumbled.

“Did ya say something?” Applejack asked.

“No,” said Apple Bloom, avoiding Applejack’s eyes. “Just attack already.”

Applejack sighed. “Fine. Battle! Gigaplant, attack Kuick!”

“Kuick changes from attack to defense position when targeted for battle!” said Apple Bloom. [DEF1500] Gigaplant slashed Kuick to pieces.

She keeps avoidin’ damage, Applejack thought. “Ah set a card and end mah turn.”

“Mah turn, then,” said Apple Bloom. “Draw! …It’s over.”

“What do you mean?” Applejack asked.

“Ah release mah two Monsters,” said Apple Bloom. “along with the souls of this city!” Both of Apple Bloom's Nisamu vanished, and a stone heart rose into the air, and drifted out to pulse over the ocean. The black fog hanging over Manehatten was sucked in with each beat.

Applejack’s irises shrank, and she took a step back. “No… Apple Bloom, please don’t!”

“Sorry,” said Apple Bloom, “but its destined to be. Descend, Earthbound God Chacu Challhua!” A beam of light shot down from the heart into the water. The waves began crashing over the rails on the side of the street, as the ground shook beneath the two ponies’ hooves. Splashing above the surface was a large, black killer whale. Its underside was solid purple, while purple markings ran along its back and where its eyes should be. It opened its mouth to reveal a pitch black abyss inside it. [ATK2900. LV10]

Applejack gulped, as she stared up at Chacu Challhua. “So this is your Earthbound God…?” She looked down at Apple Bloom, and her eyes widened. “Apple Bloom? Are you cryin’?”

A tear ran down Apple Bloom’s cheek, as she kept her gaze fixed on the ground in front of her. “Battle! Earthbound God Chacu Challhua, attack Applejack directly!” Chacu Challhua dove into the water, its fin sticking above the surface as it swam beneath the ground. Its fin carved through the street, and slammed into Applejack, tossing her back.

“Agh!” Applejack screamed, as her body bounced and rolled a few yards down the street. [Applejack: LP 3000 –> 100]

“Ah set two cards,” said Apple Bloom. “Turn end.”

Applejack shakily got to her hooves, limping slightly as she staggered back, stopping near the crevice Chacu Challhua tore in the street. “Mah turn… Draw… Ah Normal Summon Gigaplant again to give it its Gemini Effect. Once per, Ah can Special Summon a Plant or Insect from mah hoof or Graveyard.”

“The Earthbound God can’t be targeted for attacks,” said Apple Bloom, “leaving me open to attack. It wouldn’t take much to beat me…”

Applejack paused, and took a deep breath. “Ah Special Summon Botanical Lion from mah hoof!” The wooden lion with a mane of flowers appeared. [ATK1600. LV4] “For every Plant Ah control, Botanical Lion gains 300 ATK! Ah have three Plants! [ATK2500] …Ah’m sorry, Apple Bloom. Gigaplant, direct attack!”

“Continuous-Trap activate!” countered Apple Bloom. “Brilliant Shrine Art! All attacks are now redirected to mah Earthbound God!”

“No!” gasped Applejack. “Trap activate! Urgent Tuning! This card lets me Synchro Summon during the Battle Phase! Ah tune mah level 1 Cherry Blossoms to mah level 6 Gigaplant!” Cherry Blossoms burst into a green Tuning Ring, as Gigaplant burst into six level stars, which were then channeled through the ring. “Chilling flames engulf the whole world. Pitch dark flower, set into bloom!” A burst of violet light shot through the ring, shining behind Applejack. “Synchro Summon! Bloom, Black Rose Dragon!” The rose adorned black and red dragon spread her wings, letting out a roar at Chacu Challhua. [ATK2400. LV7] “When Black Rose Dragon is Synchro Summoned, Ah destroy all cards on the field! Black Rose Gale!”

“Trap activate!” countered Apple Bloom. “Fake Trap! This card is destroyed in place of mah other Trap card! And Field Barrier is destroyed instead of mah Field Spell!”

“But you still lose your Earthbound God!” said Applejack.

Black Rose Dragon flapped her wings, calling up gale force winds filled with razor sharp rose petals. The petals tore through Chacu Challhua and Botanical Lion, shredding them to bits. Once she destroyed all the cards she could, Black Rose Dragon burst apart in a shower of soft petals, drifting away on a gentle breeze.

“Chacu Challhua is already destroyed…” Apple Bloom mumbled. “Ah sacrificed innocent ponies… for nothin'…”

“Cherry Blossoms’ effect activates!” said Applejack. “As Ah used it for a Synchro Material Monster, and the Synchro Monster Ah Summoned was destroyed, Ah can Special Summon a Monster from mah hoof with the same type as the destroyed Synchro Monster! Ah Special Summon Blue Rose Dragon!”

A small dragon with a similar body type to Black Rose Dragon appeared. Its tail was covered in thorns, and its wings and body were covered in thick, blue rose petals. Green leaves grew off its head and tail, and its wide, orange eyes stared around in curiosity. [ATK1600. LV4]

“It’s still the Battle Phase,” said Applejack. “Blue Rose Dragon, direct attack!” Blue Rose shot out a small burst of blue flames, which engulfed Apple Bloom.

“Agh!” [Apple Bloom: LP 4000 –> 2400]

“Apple Bloom!” Applejack gasped, as Apple Bloom fell to the ground sobbing.

“Ah’m fine…” Apple Bloom mumbled. “Stop carin’ for me…”

“Stop carin’?” Applejack asked, leaping over the crevice in the street. She winced in pain upon landing, but shook it off and limped over to Apple Bloom. “Ah thought you said that was mah mistake? Wouldn’t a Dark Signer want me to make mistakes?”

“Not if…” Apple Bloom sniffled.

“You didn’t want to be a Dark Signer?” Applejack asked, as she reached her sister.

“Ah tried, Applejack,” Apple Bloom mumbled, pulling Applejack into a hug. “Ah thought… if Ah followed destiny Ah’d still be fine, but Ah still screwed up… Ah can’t stand lookin’ at you knowin Ah’m supposed to kill you… Ah can’t do this…”

Applejack smiled. “Then choose not to. Ah keep sayin’ destiny is nonsense.”

“Ah…” Apple Bloom mumbled, wiping the tears from her eyes. “Ah choose… to stop. Ah’m sorry, sis…”

Applejack smiled, tightening the hug. “Ah forgive you, sugar cube…”

“The rune circle yer lookin’ for is in the fountain over there,” said Apple Bloom, as the two stood up.

“Got it,” nodded Applejack, limping over towards it.

Apple Bloom started to follow, before a dark aura washed over her, causing her to collapse to the ground. “AHH!”

“Apple Bloom!?” Applejack gasped, turning around. “What’s wrong!?”

“Ah… Ah…” Apple Bloom stuttered, her muscles slackening momentarily. She stood back up, and looked up at Applejack, her eyes glowing purple. When she spoke, her voice echoed. “I am a Dark Signer. It is destined that we fight to the death.”

“Apple Bloom?” Applejack asked again. “W-What are you sayin’? What’s goin’ on?”

Apple Bloom let out a short laugh. “You don’t get it, do you, Signer? The pony you knew as Apple Bloom is dead. I am a Dark Signer. Her body is nothing but a puppet for the underworld, forced to do what I please.”

“You…” Applejack mumbled. “You took control of mah sister?”

“My turn,” said Apple Bloom. “Draw! I set two cards, and end my turn! Proceed, Signer! Kill your sister if you can!”

Applejack trembled, narrowing her eyes in anger. “And after she wanted to quit, too…”

“Does the Crimson Dragon let you quit?” asked Apple Bloom. “Why should I release control over her after I went through the trouble of reviving her, then?”

Applejack gritted her teeth. “Mah turn, draw! Ah summon Rose Witch!” A bipedal female with thorny vines for arms, and a red rose on her head appeared. [ATK1600. LV4] “Battle! Blue Rose Dragon, direct attack!”

“Trap activate!” countered Apple Bloom. “Premature Revival! I Special Summon an Earthbound God from the Graveyard. However, whenever it battles, my opponent will take no damage! Return, Earthbound God Chacu Challhua!” The killer whale rose out of the ocean behind Apple Bloom. [DEF2400. LV10]

“No!” Applejack gasped. “It can’t be back already!”

“Chacu Challhua’s effect!” said Apple Bloom. “As long as it is in defense position, my opponent cannot conduct their Battle Phase!”

“Are you kiddin’ me!?” Applejack gasped. “Ah set a card, and end mah turn.”

“My turn,” said Apple Bloom. “Draw! Chacu Challhua’s effect! Instead of attacking, I can deal damage to you equal to half of Chacu Challhua’s DEF! Signer, it’s over! Take 1200 points of damage!”

Chacu Challhua dove into the water, and began to swim towards Applejack, its fin carving into the street again.

“Trap activate!” countered Applejack. “Hallowed Life Barrier! Ah discard a card from mah hoof to reduce damage Ah take this turn to zero!” A shield formed around Applejack, deflecting Chacu Challhua away.

“So you prolonged your death?” Apple Bloom asked. “Fine. I end my turn.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw!" Ah’ve gotta get rid of that damn Earthbound God this turn. "Ah activate the Quick-Play Spell Trap Booster! Ah discard a card from mah hoof to activate a Trap from mah hoof! Ah activate Two-Pronged Attack! By destroying mah two Monsters, Ah can destroy a Monster you control!”

“Oh?” smirked Apple Bloom.

“Ah destroy Blue Rose Dragon and Rose Witch!” said Applejack. “And you lose your Earthbound God again!”

“Continuous-Trap, activate!” countered Apple Bloom. “Safe Zone! I target a Monster I control. As long as this card is on the field, the targeted Monster can’t attack my opponent directly, but in exchange it can’t be destroyed! I target my only Monster, Earthbound God Chacu Challhua!”

“No!” gasped Applejack, as her two Monsters were destroyed while Chacu Challhua remained unharmed.

“Your hoof is empty, as is your field,” smiled Apple Bloom. “I’m afraid you’ve lost, Signer.”

“…Sorry to disappoint you, but Ah’m not done. Blue Rose Dragon, when destroyed, lets me Special Summon Black Rose Dragon back to the field!”

“What!?” gasped Apple Bloom, as Black Rose Dragon flew up from behind Applejack, roaring at the Earthbound God. [ATK2400]

“Ah activate Black Rose Dragon’s effect!” said Applejack. “Ah banish a Plant-Type Monster from mah Graveyard to force Chacu Challhua into attack position and lower its ATK to zero. Ah banish Gigaplant! Rose Restriction!”

Black Rose Dragon roared, and her thorny tendrils grew out, ensnaring Chacu Challhua, and dragging it out of the ocean, slamming it in front of Apple Bloom. [ATK0]

“Impossible…” muttered Apple Bloom. “Don’t you know what’ll happen once you win? Your sister will perish!”

Applejack felt her eyes tear up. “Ah guess that’s the mistake Ah’ll need to live with. Battle! Black Rose Dragon, attack Earthbound God Chacu Challhua! Black Rose Flare!” Black Rose Dragon shot a stream of dark purple flames out of its mouth, which pierced through Chacu Challhua , striking Apple Bloom.

“Agh!” Apple Bloom screamed, as she was knocked back into the railing at the edge of the ocean. [Apple Bloom: LP 2400 –> 0]

Applejack’s Signer Mark stopped glowing, as the flames of the geoglyph died down and dissipated. Applejack limped over to Apple Bloom, who opened her eyes on her approach.

“Looks like you’re back to normal,” Applejack said, giving a soft smile.

Apple Bloom smiled back. “Way to go, Applejack… Ah... Ah know Ah’m supposed to clean up mah own messes, but… This one time, could you…?”

Applejack pulled Apple Bloom into a hug. “Don’t worry. Ah’ll fix things.”

Apple Bloom sniffled a little. “Thanks, Applejack. You’re the best…”

Apple Bloom dissolved into dust, leaving Applejack hunched up by the ocean on a torn up street. Applejack forced herself to stand, shaking slightly from the pain, as she limped over to the fountain, and stepped into the rune circle.

She held up Black Rose Dragon’s card, causing the circle to change from purple to bright crimson before it shattered. Upon shattering, orbs of light began falling from the sky, turning back into the ponies of Manehatten upon reaching the ground.

Applejack paid them no mind as the ponies returned, instead choosing to sit in the fountain. She removed her hat, and held it to her chest, as tears ran down her cheeks.

Sister Rivalry - Black Feather Dragon vs. Earthbound God Ccarayhua

Rarity’s Signer Mark stopped glowing. She closed her eyes and placed a hoof over her heart, as she let out a sigh of relief. “Applejack… You did it.”

Her eyes shot open as she felt the train slow to a halt. She looked out the window and saw Fillydelphia Station was right outside. “Sweetie Belle…”

“We’re here,” said Spike, opening the door from the engine car.

“Thank you for the ride, Spike,” Rarity said, a forced smile on her face. “You’re quite talented with machines, it seems.”

“Oh, I’d do anything for you, Rarity,” Spike blushed.

“Yes, well,” said Rarity, “I need you to head back to Manehatten and Appleloosa to pick up Applejack and Pinkie Pie, and bring them back to Ponyville.”

“You do?” asked Spike.

“Yes,” said Rarity. “We’ll all be meeting up there before going on to Tartarus, and they need a lift.”

“What about you?” asked Spike. “You’ll be left here without a way back, wouldn’t you?”

“…I’ll be fine, Spike,” said Rarity, opening the door and trotting out onto platform. “Goodbye.”

“G-Goodbye, Rarity,” Spike replied, blinking in surprise, before shutting the door, and returning to the engine car.

Rarity turned to watch the train pull out of the station, before silently trotting out to the empty streets of Fillydelphia. Off in the distance, she spotted a set of steps leading up to the Fillydelphia Museum of Art. Standing at the top of the stairs was Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle trotted down the steps, and the two stared at each other in silence. Sweetie Belle’s Dark Signer Mark glowed, and purple flames erupted from the ground, weaving around the two of them.

Rarity’s Signer Mark began burning in response, as did all the Signer Marks, as the flames finished surrounding them. Reflecting on the clouds above was a large geoglyph in the shape of a lizard.

Luna landed at the edge of Canterlot, letting Twilight off so she could catch her breath.

“Are you alright, Princess?” Twilight asked.

“I’m alright,” said Luna. She glanced at Twilight’s Signer Mark. “How about you? Are you worried for your friend?”

Twilight looked out over Equestria, her eyes fixed on the lizard geoglyph reflecting in the distant sky. “More so than before. I was nervous for all of them, especially when Rainbow needed to call all of our Marks together, but…”

“Is something different now?” Luna asked.

“Rarity loves Sweetie Belle more than anything,” said Twilight. “I saw her anger over her death when she dueled Gilda yesterday. But even with that determination, she still lost. She would have died if the duel wasn’t cancelled.” Twilight felt her eyes tearing up. “I-I feel awful for doubting her, and I’m trying to remain confident, but…”

“You fear that she won’t be motivated to fight her sister?” Luna finished.

Twilight nodded, wiping her eyes. “I’m sorry, you must think that’s stupid of me.”

“I don’t think that’s stupid,” said Luna, looking up in thought. “I’ve seen what you described before. A pony, fueled by anger at the loss of a loved one faced her enemy. She nearly lost from the mistakes her anger caused.” Luna shivered slightly. “And then… When she learned her true enemy was that very pony she was fighting for…” Luna stopped, as she felt her eyes beginning to water.

“Princess?” Twilight asked. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” said Luna, looking away from Twilight, and out towards the lizard geoglyph. Keep it together, Luna! This isn’t time to be crying over the past!

“Should we get moving?” asked Twilight. “Or do you need more time to rest?”

“I’ve rested enough,” said Luna. “Rarity said she and Sweetie Belle would be in Fillydelphia, correct?”

“Yes,” said Twilight, slowly. “Why?”

“Twilight Sparkle,” said Luna, “I’m of no use to you anymore. I’m going to lend aid to Rarity.”

“What!?” Twilight gasped. “But, you can’t go!”

“Why not?” asked Luna.

“The geoglyph is burning already!” said Twilight. “Celestia died when the Earthbound God was summoned because she was there in the geoglyph trying to help!”

“And what will happen if I stay here, Twilight?” Luna asked. “What happens when the geoglyph lights up and the Dark Signer summons the Earthbound God here? Would the same thing not happen? Wouldn’t I still die?”

“I…” Twilight began. “I just… I don’t want to lose you, too.”

“Twilight Sparkle,” said Luna. “This is something I need to do. Sister won’t be able to rest peacefully if I refrain from lending aid just because I may die a few minutes earlier.”

“I’m sorry,” said Twilight. “I’m being selfish, aren’t I?”

“Trust me, Twilight,” said Luna. “I’ve acted far worse before. There’s no need to apologize. Besides, if I stay out of the geoglyph, I won’t be killed by the Earthbound God, correct?”

“I guess you wouldn’t,” said Twilight. “Thank you, Princess Luna. For flying me here.”

“I was happy to assist, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna replied. “Good luck.” She spread her wings, and took off. Being unburdened, Luna was able to fly at a much faster speed, soaring as fast as she could to Fillydelphia.

“Good luck, Princess,” Twilight responded, returning her gaze towards Fillydelphia.

“I’m impressed you managed to find me,” said Sweetie Belle. “I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned Fillydelphia to you.”

“You didn’t,” said Rarity.

“How did you figure it out?”

“I figured,” said Rarity, “you’d come to the city of sisterly love. Considering how much you used to love me.”

“Used to?” Sweetie Belle asked. “What makes you think I no longer love you?”

Rarity blinked in surprise, before looking around the geoglyph. “I thought it was obvious. You became a Dark Signer and you’re attempting to destroy the world. And me, for that matter.”

Sweetie Belle giggled. “Yes, I guess you’d get the wrong impression from that. But I still love you, Rarity.”

“Then why do this?” asked Rarity. “Did I not spend enough time with you? Are you upset you never earned your Cutie Mark?”

“No,” said Sweetie Belle, “nothing silly like that. It’s so we’ll be able to keep spending time together.”

“…I’m sorry?” said Rarity. “What do you mean?”

“I died, Rarity,” said Sweetie Belle. “I died and I never got to say goodbye. I knew that would hurt you. And then the Earthbound God gave me a chance to come back. So we could be together whenever we wanted!”

“I don’t think you realize exactly what’s happening, Sweetie Belle,” mumbled Rarity. “By midnight tonight, unless all Dark Signers are defeated, the world will be destroyed. We won’t exactly be able to be together when I’m dead.”

“Oh, no, I know about that,” said Sweetie Belle.

“You do?” Rarity asked. “How, then, can you think-”

“I’m dead, aren’t I?” said Sweetie Belle. “I died, but we’re still together.”

“Yes, but you’re a…” Rarity’s eyes widened. “Oh. Y-you want to… kill me, and…”

“Then you’ll be able to come back as a Dark Signer!” finished Sweetie Belle with a big smile. “And we can hang out forever!”

“Y-you can’t be serious!” Rarity gasped. “You’ll be killing hundred, no, thousands, millions, how big is the planet’s population? Because the planet is what you’ll be killing! Everything will die!”

“Oh, don’t be such a spoilsport,” said Sweetie Belle. She widened her eyes, and stared at Rarity in an attempt at her usual cute manner. “Please, consider it?”

Rarity stared at Sweetie Belle’s eyes. Like all Dark Signers, her sclera were completely black. “I… I can’t, Sweetie Belle… You aren’t the same… You used to be cute, kind, and the best sister ever, but now…”

Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes. “Figures you’d be stubborn about this. Fine, a duel of darkness it is. To the death!”

“S-Sweetie Belle,” Rarity mumbled, her eyes tearing up.

“Duel!”

Rarity: LP 4000. Sweetie Belle: LP 4000.

“I’ll go first,” said Rarity, listlessly. “Draw. I activate the Field Spell Ancient City – Rainbow Ruins.” The art museum, as well as the rest of the city was obstructed from view by the ruined coliseum of Rarity’ Field Spell. The sky, however, remained unchanged, the dark clouds and reflected flames of the geoglyph obstructing any rainbow that might have appeared.

“You know,” said Sweetie Belle, “a Field Spell helps me. I need one active to play my Earthbound God.”

“Is that right,” mumbled Rarity. “I summon Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger.” A white saber-toothed tiger with black stripes and a blade-like horn on its head leapt out in front of Rarity. On its neck was a chunk of topaz. [ATK1600. LV4] “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Sweetie Belle. “Draw! I summon Reptilianne Gorgon!” A strange creature that seemed to be the top half of a biped attacked to the bottom half of a snake slithered forward. Her skin was sickly green, and she had wild purple hair. Her yellow eyes seemed to have a soft glow to them. [ATK1400. LV3] “Then, I activate the Equip Spell Molting Escape!”

“What does that do?” Rarity asked.

“I’ll show you,” said Sweetie Belle. “Battle! Reptilianne Gorgon attacks Topaz Tiger!”

“What are you doing!?” Rarity gasped. Topaz Tiger slashed his claws across Reptilianne Gorgon’s chest, slicing through to hit Sweetie Belle.

“Gah!” Sweetie Belle gasped. [Sweetie Belle: LP 4000 –> 3800] “Molting Escape’s effect! Once per turn, the Equipped Monster isn’t destroyed by battle! Every time this effect is used, the Equipped Monster gains 300 ATK!” [ATK1700]

“Why couldn’t you just tell me?” asked Rarity. “Why would you hurt yourself?”

“Reptilianne Gorgon’s effect!” said Sweetie Belle. “When this card declares an attack, after the battle ends, the Monster it battled with has its ATK reduced to 0 and it can’t change its battle position!” Gorgon’s eyes glowed brightly, and Topaz Tiger became encased in stone. [ATK0]

“W-what?” Rarity stuttered.

“I set a card,” said Sweetie Belle. “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw. I… I summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus.” The large, white pegasus, with the sapphire blue horn on its head flew out, stretching its pale golden feathered wings as it landed in front of Rarity. [ATK1800. LV4]

“Continuous-Trap, activate!” said Sweetie Belle. “Summon Tax! Whenever a player Normal or Special Summons a Monster, that player takes damage equal to half the summoned Monster’s ATK! You summoned a Monster with 1800 ATK, so you take 900 points of damage!”

“Agh!” gasped Rarity. [Rarity: LP 4000 –> 3100] “When Sapphire Pegasus is summoned, I place a Crystal Beast from my deck into my Spell and Trap Zone. I place Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle.” Sapphire Pegasus’ horn glowed, and a chunk of ruby appeared in front of Rarity. “Turn end.”

“Not attacking me?” Sweetie Belle questioned. “Is this part of a strategy or do you just not want to damage me?”

Rarity said nothing, choosing to stare at the ground in front of her instead.

“My turn,” said Sweetie Belle. “Draw! I summon Reptilianne Scylla!” Another odd creature appeared on Sweetie Belle’s field. This one appeared to be the upper half of a bipedal creature pasted onto a scaled, white, eyeless dog. A large mouth was on the dog-like creature’s front, while four smaller mouths lined its sides; two mouths on each side. The mouth of the female sticking out of the top was canine in shape. Her red hair stuck up wildly, and her eyes were wide and glowing. [ATK1800. LV4]

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity gasped. “Your Summon Tax card will hurt you, won’t it?”

“Agh!” Sweetie Belle gasped. [Sweetie Belle: LP 3800 –> 2900] “It’s worth it to win… Battle! Reptilianne Gorgon, attack Sapphire Pegasus!” Sapphire Pegasus’ horn lit up, and blasted a shot through Gorgon and into Sweetie Belle. “Ah!” [Sweetie Belle: LP 2900 –> 2800]

“The same combo as last time…” Rarity mumbled.

“That’s right,” said Sweetie Belle. “Reptilianne Gorgon reduces your Monster’s ATK to 0 and locks it in attack position.” Gorgon’s eyes glowed, and Sapphire Pegasus became encased in stone. [ATK0] “And Molting Escape increases her ATK by 300 as it negated her destruction again!” [ATK2000]

“I’m basically wide open,” Rarity mumbled, her eyes wide. “Both my monsters have 0 ATK.”

“Reptilianne Scylla,” said Sweetie Belle, “attack Sapphire Pegasus!” Scylla leapt forward, the mouth on its front grinding through the stone, before biting down on Rarity herself.

“Agh!” Rarity screamed, as she was tossed like a rag doll to the ground. [Rarity: LP 3100 –> 1300] “Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus is placed in the Spell and Trap Zone instead of the Graveyard…” A chunk of sapphire appeared in front of Rarity.

“I set a card,” said Sweetie Belle. “Turn end.”

Rarity trembled as she forced herself to stand, blood trickling down from her back, and dripping from her chest. “My turn… Draw. I… Set a Monster, and a card. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Sweetie Belle. “Draw! Ordinarily, Summon Tax's effect causes it to destroy itself during my second Standby Phase after activating it. But, I activate the Continuous-Trap, Imperial Custom! As long as this card is on the field, my other Continuous-Traps can’t be destroyed! This prevents Summon Tax from destroying itself this turn!”

“So I’ll still be damaged should I try to summon something, huh,” Rarity mumbled.

“Not that you’ll last that long,” said Sweetie Belle. “Prepare to join me in the underworld, Rarity! Battle! Reptilianne Scylla, attack Topaz Tiger!”

“Quick-Play Spell, Crystal Flash.” Rarity countered. “I place a Crystal Beast from my hoof to my Spell and Trap Zone, to target a Crystal Beast I control. This turn, that Monster can’t be destroyed by battle and I take no battle damage. I place Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle to prevent battle damage from battles with Topaz Tiger.” A chunk of cobalt appeared in front of Rarity, and glowed brightly, causing Scylla to stop her attack.

“Fine,” said Sweetie Belle. “Reptilianne Gorgon, attack Rarity’s set Monster!” The emerald encrusted shell of Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise appeared, and deflected Gorgon’s attack. [DEF2000. LV3] “Though nothing happens from the battle itself, Gorgon lowers Emerald Tortoise’s ATK to 0 and locks it in defense.” Gorgon’s eyes flashed, and Emerald Tortoise became encased in stone. [ATK0] “I set a card. Turn end.”

“My turn,” mumbled Rarity. “Draw. I activate the Equip Spell, Crystal Release, and Equip it to Topaz Tiger. This card increases his ATK by 800.” Topaz Tiger burst out of the stone encasing him. [ATK800] “Battle. Topaz Tiger, attack Reptilianne Scylla. When Topaz Tiger attacks, he gains 400 ATK.” [ATK1200]

“Not enough,” said Sweetie Belle. Scylla’s mouth ripped into Topaz Tiger, tearing him to shreds, before biting into Rarity again.

“Gah!” Rarity gasped, as the teeth pierced into her. “Rainbow Ruins’ effect! Since I have at least 2 Crystal Beasts in my Spell and Trap Zone, once per turn I can halve the battle damage! Agh!” Rarity was tossed to the ground again, more wounds having been sliced into her. [Rarity: LP 1300 –> 1000] “Topaz Tiger is placed in my Spell and Trap Zone instead of the Graveyard…” A chunk of topaz appeared in front of Rarity. “Crystal Release’s effect. Since it was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can place a Crystal Beast from my deck into my Spell and Trap Zone. I place Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth.” A chunk of amber appeared in front of Rarity.

“What are you doing, Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Why would you hurt your own Life Points?”

“Why would you hurt yours?” Rarity asked.

“I…” said Sweetie Belle. “It’s part of my deck’s strategy.”

“Is that the only reason?” Rarity asked. “I could use the strategy excuse too, but I don’t want to lie to you. I… Sweetie Belle, despite what you’re doing, I can’t bring myself to hurt you. I don’t want to kill you. And I think that, deep down under that dark exterior you’ve put on, you can’t bring yourself to kill me.”

“B-but,” Sweetie Belle stuttered. “If I don’t, we can’t be together anymore. Do you want me to die again?”

“Of course I don’t,” said Rarity. “But I don’t want you to kill your friends. Isn’t that why you died? Trying to stop the Dark Signers for us?”

“I…” Sweetie Belle mumbled.

“You’ve been focused only on us, Sweetie Belle,” said Rarity. “Not once did I hear you acknowledge that if the Dark Signers win, Applejack, Fluttershy, and everypony else will die. I know you don’t want to kill either of them.”

“I don’t want to kill anypony,” said Sweetie Belle, her sclera returning to their normal white. “But what can I do? I don’t want you to be left alone.”

“I can’t answer that,” Rarity mumbled. “I don’t know what I can do to save you. I can’t let my friends down, though.” She turned to the side to show Sweetie Belle her Signer Mark. “I’ve felt their feelings through this Mark, Sweetie Belle. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were torn apart having to defeat Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. But they did it for the sake of the world. Do you want them to have suffered for nothing?”

“But, my other friends are gone, too,” Sweetie Belle mumbled. “How can I let them down?”

“You said you don’t want to serve the Dark Signers,” said Rarity. “Do you think Apple Bloom or Scootaloo would?”

“…No,” said Sweetie Belle. “They wouldn’t want to destroy the world. And I don’t, either.” Sweetie Belle gave a small smile, her eyes tearing up. “I’m sorry, Rarity…”

“Sweetie Belle,” Rarity mumbled, her eyes tearing up as well.

Sweetie Belle was suddenly overcome by a dark aura. She let out a scream as her eyes turning black again, giving off a purple glow. “R-Rarity!”

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity gasped.

Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes. “You were close, Signer, but I won’t have you sway the desires of my host.”

“W-what?” Rarity stuttered.

“I am a Dark Signer,” said Sweetie Belle. “And if this filly won’t kill you on her own, I will gladly step in for her.”

“N-no…” Rarity stuttered.

“Rarity!” a booming voice echoed.

Both Rarity and Sweetie Belle turned, and saw Luna fly over to them. Just outside the geoglyph, she stopped, flapping her wings to stay airborne as she overlooked the duel field.

“Princess Luna?” Rarity questioned. “W-what are you doing here? I thought you were bringing Twilight to Canterlot?”

“Twilight Sparkle is already there,” said Luna, looking up and tearing off a piece of the cloud cover to sit and catch her breath on. “I flew here as quickly as I could to lend you aid.”

“But how?” asked Rarity. “How can you help me?”

Luna looked over towards Sweetie Belle. “Young filly… Are you still this unicorn’s sister? Are you still a pony.”

Sweetie Belle glared up at Luna. “I am a Dark Signer. Nothing more.”

“Rarity,” said Luna. “Why haven’t you finished her off yet?”

“What kind of question is that!?” Rarity gasped. “I… I can’t kill Sweetie Belle!”

“Rarity,” sighed Luna. “That this task fell to you pains me. But you yourself know if you don’t, the world will perish. All those innocent lives. All of your friends. You, yourself. Can you stand by and let one pony survive knowing you can prevent those deaths by taking action?”

“I can’t,” said Rarity. “I… I can’t do either. I talked her down earlier! I… I can talk her down again! I can-”

“Rarity,” Luna interrupted. “She’s too far gone for you to help her with just words now. I know this is difficult, believe me, but you must end her here and now.”

“No!” snapped Rarity. “Ancient City – Rainbow Ruins’ effect! As I have 5 Crystal Beasts in my Spell and Trap Zone, I can Special Summon one of them! I Special Summon Ruby Carbuncle!” A small, furred, four-eared quadruped with ruby red eyes, a small ruby in its forehead, and a sphere of ruby on its tail burst out of the chunk of ruby in front of Rarity, curling up fearfully in front of her. [DEF300. LV3]

“Summon Tax’s effect!” said Sweetie Belle. “You Special Summoned a Monster with 300 ATK, so you take 150 points of damage!”

“Ah!” gasped Rarity. [Rarity: LP 1000 –> 850]

“You aren’t seriously going to kill yourself!?” Luna gasped.

“N-no,” Rarity stuttered. “I won’t… I set a card, and end my turn. Luna, I’ll show you that she’s still in there. Sweetie Belle, please!”

“My turn,” said Sweetie Belle. “Draw! I drew it."

“N-no,” said Rarity. “Sweetie Belle, please, don't! Please, end this!”

“I will,” said Sweetie Belle. “I release my two Monsters, and the souls of Fillydelphia!” A stone heart appeared above the geoglyph, pulsing and absorbing the black fog that hung over the city. “Descend, Earthbound God Ccarayhua!” It blasted down a shot of light, causing the ground to tremble and the flames to dance wildly. A large, black lizard rose up from the ground, standing up straight on its back feet. Green markings ran over its body, and its large, green eyes rolled around until they fixed on Rarity. It opened its mouth to reveal a row of green teeth as it let out a roar. [ATK2800. LV10]

Luna felt her pulse quicken. “This is it, isn’t it… One of the servants of the King of the Underworld. One of the creatures that took my sister from me…”

“The Earthbound God…” Rarity mumbled, her eyes widening in shock.

“Thanks to Summon Tax, I take 1400 points of damage,” said Sweetie Belle. “Agh!” [Sweetie Belle: LP 2800 –> 1400]

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity gasped.

"I activate the Continuous-Trap, Brilliant Shrine Art! All attacks will be redirected to an Earthbound God! Do you plan to use your Field Spell’s effect to negate it?”

"No," Rarity mumbled. "S-Sweetie Belle, please. I don't want to fight you!"

“Then perish, Signer!” said Sweetie Belle. “Ccarayhua, direct attack!”

Tears began falling down Rarity’s face. “T-Trap activate! Iron Resolve! I halve my Life Points to make all battle damage I take zero!” A shield appeared around Rarity, blocking Ccarayhua’s fist from crushing her. [Rarity: LP 850 –> 425]

“Rarity,” said Luna, trying her hardest not to look at Ccarayhua. “I’m sure you remember the mistakes I’ve made in the past. How I fell to the lies of the nightmares and became Nightmare Moon.”

“I remember,” Rarity mumbled. “Of course I remember… When we saved you with the Elements of Harmony.”

“Before that day, though,” said Luna, “before I returned, I was imprisoned in the moon, was I not?”

“Y-yes,” Rarity stuttered. “You were…”

“Who do you think put me there?” Luna asked. “For the good of the world, despite the pain it caused, who sealed me away?”

“Princess Celestia,” said Rarity. “Your sister.”

Luna nodded. “She still cries, sometimes. I’ve seen her dreams since I’ve returned. And they cause her to cry over what she did. But, you know what? I comfort her for her decision. I was out of control as Nightmare Moon, and what she did was right. Rarity. I tell you this, because right now you need to be the stronger sister. You need to do to your sister what Celestia did to me. Defeat her, Rarity.”

“P-Princess Luna,” Rarity stuttered.

“I’m here for you, Rarity,” Luna said. “Your friends are all waiting. I won’t let you suffer as much as Celestia did. But I need you to win, first.”

Rarity wiped the tears from her eyes. “I… I’ll do it… It… It’s my turn. Draw! I summon Reese the Ice Mistress!” A red robed female biped, with a white and blue jumpsuit appeared. [ATK800. LV2]

“Take 400 damage from Summon Tax’s effect!” said Sweetie Belle.

“Agh!” Rarity gasped. [Rarity: LP 425 –> 25] “I… I tune my level 2 Reese the Ice Mistress to my level 3 Emerald Tortoise and my level 3 Ruby Carbuncle!” Reese burst into two green Tuning Rings, and channeled the level stars of Emerald Tortoise and Ruby Carbuncle through them. “Darkened gales, become the wings that soar from resolved hope! Synchro Summon! Soar, Black Feather Dragon!” A beam of light shot down, and the legless dragon soared out, its large wings stretching dramatically, as its feathered tail and mane fluttered in the breeze behind it. [ATK2800. LV8]

“Summon Tax’s effect!” said Sweetie Belle. “You take 1400 points of damage!”

“Black Feather Dragon’s effect!” countered Rarity. “I negate the damage by placing a Black Feather Counter on him!” Black Feather Dragon roared as some of his white feathers turned black and red. [Black Feather Counter: 1] “For every Black Feather Counter on him, Black Feather Dragon loses 700 ATK!” [Black Feather Counter: 1] [ATK2100]

Rarity hesitated, glancing up at Luna for a second. Luna closed her eyes, and nodded. Rarity took a deep breath, and turned back towards Sweetie Belle.

“I’m sorry, Sweetie Belle,” said Rarity. “Black Feather Dragon’s effect! I remove all Black Feather Counters to lower the ATK of an opponent’s Monster by 700 for each Counter removed! My opponent then takes damage equal to the ATK lost! Black Burst!” Black Feather Dragon’s feathers turned white again, and he sent out an orb of black energy, which struck through Ccarayhua and hit Sweetie Belle. [Black Feather Counter: 0] [ATK2800]

“Gah!” Sweetie Belle gasped. [ATK2100] [Sweetie Belle: LP 1400 –> 700]

“Finish this, Black Feather Dragon!” Rarity cried. “Attack Earthbound God Ccarayhua! Noble Stream!”

Black Feather Dragon flew up and shot out a blast of red and black energy down, incinerating Ccarayhua and knocking Sweetie Belle backwards onto the steps of the Fillydelphia Museum of Art.

“Agh!” [Sweetie Belle: LP 700 –> 0]

As soon as her Signer Mark stopped burning, and the flames of the geoglyph died down, Rarity galloped over to Sweetie Belle, pulling her up into a hug.

Luna gently flew down from the cloud, landing a few feet behind Rarity, as the two sisters spoke.

“Sweetie Belle, are you alright?” Rarity asked. “Are you back to normal?”

Sweetie Belle opened her eyes, the whites of her sclera reflecting Rarity’s face. “Rarity… I’m sorry… To leave you…”

“Sweetie Belle,” Rarity sobbed. “Sweetie Belle, it’s not your fault! I… I forgive you…”

Sweetie Belle closed her eyes, nuzzling against Rarity before dissolving into dust. Rarity blinked in surprise, before collapsing on the steps and sobbing. Luna trotted up, and sat down beside her, gently massaging her back with her wing.

“There, there,” said Luna. “Let it all out.”

Rarity picked herself up, and hugged Luna tightly, sobbing against the princess’ chest. Luna returned the hug, and looked up at the sky, her own eyes tearing up.

Sister… Did I say the right things to her? Am I doing what you would have done? Can you forgive me for putting you through the same?

After a few minutes, Rarity stopped crying. She wiped her eyes and nose, as she and Luna separated. “I’m sorry for crying like that.”

“No need to apologize,” Luna said softly. “After what you’ve been through in that duel… I am more than willing to be somepony to cry on.”

Rarity gave a small smile, before looking up at the wrecked museum with a frown. Leaning on Luna for support, the two ponies trotted up the steps, and up to the rune circle.

Rarity help up Black Feather Dragon, and the circle glowed crimson before shattering. “It’s done…”

Luna gave her a small, encouraging smile, before they trotted back outside. Their eyes widened in surprise as orbs of light fell from the sky, turning into the citizens of Fillydelphia upon reaching the ground.

“W-what’s going on?” Rarity stuttered. “I thought everypony had died.”

“It seems,” said Luna, “that upon defeating the Earthbound God, those who were sacrificed for it have been freed. They’ve been brought back to life.”

Rarity’s eyes widened. “Then, that means…”

“My sister…” Luna mumbled, as the two looked out at the sky in the direction of Ponyville.

“Fluttershy still hasn’t dueled,” Rarity mumbled. “Fluttershy, darling, please… Please be okay. For Luna, Sweetie Belle, and I… Defeat Gilda.”

Scars of the Past - Ancient Fairy Dragon vs. Earthbound God Uru

Fluttershy’s Signer Mark stopped burning as the lizard geoglyph faded from the sky. She looked down, letting out a sigh of relief.

“Rarity, thank goodness,” she mumbled, before looking out of Ponyville Station and into the empty streets of the town itself. She stood up and trotted to the door, and looked up at the dark clouds above.

Her mind wandering, Fluttershy leapt up in surprise upon hearing the clock on the station wall chime. Upon seeing the time, Fluttershy took a deep breath, and forced herself to trot out into Ponyville.

I’m running out of time, Fluttershy thought to herself, as she looked around Ponyville for any sign of Gilda. Stupid Fluttershy! Why are you so weak? You should have been the first one to duel, instead you let your friends get hurt for you again! Again and again, you always do this!

Fluttershy stopped in her tracks, her eyes tearing up as she curled up on the ground outside Sugarcube Corner. “I’m sorry… I’m too weak…”

“Music to my ears!” a voice laughed from above.

Fluttershy’s eyes widened, as she looked up. “G-Gilda!”

“Took you long enough to find me, Klutzershy,” said Gilda, leaping off the roof of the building, straight towards the shy pegasus.

Fluttershy yelped, quickly flapping her wings to get out of the way as Gilda landed on the ground. Fluttershy fell to the ground herself, and quickly pulled herself up, fearfully taking steps back as Gilda slowly advanced towards her.

“I specifically chose Ponyville so we could duel first, you wimp,” said Gilda. “Didn’t expect you to be dumb enough to get lost in your own town.”

“I…” Fluttershy began.

“Are you going to say you’re too weak to beat me?” Gilda laughed. “Because that’s what I like to hear. I look forward to crushing you, Flutter-”

“Fluttershy!” a voice called out, interrupting Gilda.

“Rainbow?” Fluttershy asked, looking up towards the sky.

“Dash…” Gilda muttered, looking up as well.

Rainbow quickly swooped down, landing beside Fluttershy and wincing a little. “Hey, Fluttershy. How are you holding up?”

“Rainbow!” Fluttershy gasped. “Are you alright?”

“Huh?” Rainbow asked, looking over herself and seeing all her cuts and bruises. “Oh, right, yeah, I’m okay. Trust me, they aren’t nearly as bad as they look. A lot of them healed already, in fact.”

“So you’ve defeated the orange runt, huh?” Gilda asked, with a smirk. “Good. I’m glad you came, Rainbow Dash. You get to have front row seats to Fluttershy’s beating!”

Rainbow narrowed her eyes. “Gilda, I won’t let you do this. Duel me! You have no issue with Fluttershy, so leave her alone!”

“Rainbow Dash…” Fluttershy mumbled.

“But I do have issues with her,” said Gilda. “And I want to resolve them.”

“I’m not going to risk my friend’s life over some stupid little problem!” said Rainbow.

“Rainbow Dash,” said Fluttershy.

“Stupid little problem?” Gilda asked. “Is that all my life means to you? Besides, Rainbow Crash, I actually graduated school, while you’re a drop out. I don’t think you have any right to call me stupid!”

“I don’t care!” snapped Rainbow, readying her Duel Disk. “Just duel me!”

“Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy shouted. Both Rainbow and Gilda blinked in surprise, before looking over at Fluttershy.

“Yeah, Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked. “Did you have a question?”

Fluttershy shrank back from their gazes. “I… I appreciate what you’re doing, but I can’t let you duel for me…”

“What?” Rainbow asked. “Why not?”

“Well, Gilda challenged me, right?” Fluttershy asked. “I know she’s a Dark Signer and has been acting evil, but she still was your friend, so… shouldn’t we honor her request?”

“Honor her request?” Rainbow repeated.

“Did I phrase that weirdly?” Fluttershy asked.

“No,” said Rainbow, “I just find it weird that you’d want to do that. She’s trying to kill you, Fluttershy!”

“I can’t let you get hurt again for me,” said Fluttershy.

Rainbow looked down. “Is that still on your mind? It’s in the past…”

“I haven’t thought of it until Gilda showed up,” said Fluttershy. “She keeps mentioning our drop out of school, and it reminds me of that. I can’t help it.”

“…Yeah,” said Rainbow. “I figured it would be too much to hope for that you’d forget. I didn’t, after all.”

“What are you two babbling about?” Gilda asked.

“I’m going to duel you, Gilda,” said Fluttershy.

“Oh?” Gilda smiled.

“Fluttershy, wait!” said Rainbow.

“No, Rainbow,” said Fluttershy. “I waited too long. You and the others kept getting hurt. I even sat back out of fear while Applejack and Rarity faced their own sisters! I… I can’t stand by anymore.”

“Are you sure?” Rainbow asked. “I won’t think any less of you.”

“I’m sure,” said Fluttershy, giving Rainbow a small smile. “You always believed in me, even when I don’t. That’s why, with you here, I… I know I can do this.”

“Fluttershy…” Rainbow mumbled. After a pause, she gave a smile. “You’ve got this, Fluttershy! Go for it!”

Fluttershy smiled back, and readied her Duel Disk as Rainbow stepped to the side. “I’m ready, Gilda.”

“Finally,” said Gilda. “Watch closely, Rainbow Dash. Watch as I tear your friend to pieces!” Gilda’s Dark Signer Mark glowed, and the purple flames erupted from the ground, weaving around them to form the spider geoglyph. Fluttershy’s and Rainbow Dash’s Signer Marks began burning, as did the Marks of all the Signers.

“Duel!”

Gilda: LP 4000. Fluttershy: LP 4000.

“I’ll go first,” said Gilda. “Draw! I activate the Field Spell, Spider Web!” Strands of sticky silk shot out, weaving themselves over the entire geoglyph to form a large spider web. An extra strand of silk shot out, and ensnared Rainbow.

“Ah!” Rainbow gasped in surprise. “I-I’m stuck!”

“Don’t want you trying to play hero,” said Gilda. “I set one card and end my turn.”

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw. I summon Wattsquirrel!” A red squirrel with a yellow belly scampered out. The underside of his tail was yellow, while the tip was blue. Small sparks of electricity coursed around him. [ATK700. LV3]

“How you managed to even beat Mayor Mare with cards like that,” said Gilda, “I’ll never know.”

“Fluttershy’s stronger than you give her credit for,” said Rainbow.

“Battle!” said Fluttershy. “Wattsquirrel, direct attack!” Wattsquirrel scampered across the field towards Gilda, its teeth gleaming with electricity, as it bit down hard on the griffon’s neck.

“Agh!” Gilda gasped, shaking Wattsquirrel off her. [Gilda: LP 4000 –> 3300]

“Wattsquirrel can attack twice each battle phase!” said Fluttershy.

“Not if its in defense position it can’t!” said Gilda. “Spider Web’s effect! When a Monster declares an attack, it is changed to defense after damage calculation! And its battle position can’t be changed until the End Phase of its controller’s next turn!”

“No!” Fluttershy gasped, as Wattsquirrel got ensnared in the web’s sticky strands. [DEF100]

“Furthermore,” smirked Gilda, “I activate my Trap! Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing! When I’m attacked directly, after damage calculation, I can Special Summon a level 1 Monster from my talons. I Special Summon Dark Spider!” A spider with black, scythe-like legs, and a tall, green body scuttled out, its red eyes gleaming. [ATK0. LV1] “And then, since the Special Summon was successful, I get to Special Summon another Monster with the same name from my deck!” A second Dark Spider crawled out next to the first. [ATK0. LV1]

“Uh oh,” said Rainbow. “You’re going for it already, aren’t you?”

Fluttershy’s irises shrank, and she began trembling. “The Earthbound God is coming already?”

Gilda smiled. “Surprised you caught on. Smart for a drop out.”

“Why do you keep making fun of us for that?” Rainbow asked. “You were the one who wanted to drop out more than anyone!”

“You could have dropped out after we did,” said Fluttershy. “Why didn’t you?”

Gilda’s eyes widened. “W-why?” she stuttered. “Well, um…” She mumbled something under her breath.

“What was that?” Rainbow asked.

“I said I liked history class, okay?” Gilda spat. “Besides, that’s not the point! You left with her, Rainbow Dash! Some friend you are! Dropping out and leaving town without a word! You could have let me in on your plans!”

“It wasn’t something we planned,” Fluttershy mumbled. “You see, Rainbow-”

“Shut it!” Gilda interrupted.

“I set a card,” mumbled Fluttershy. “Turn end.”

“Gilda,” Rainbow mumbled. “Is that why you’re upset? You could have mentioned something when you last visited. I could have explained why we left like that. You see-”

“Shut up!” Gilda snapped. “My turn, draw! I release my two Dark Spiders!” The two Dark Spiders vanished and a stone heart appeared, floating high above them, sucking in more black fog with every pulse. “Descend, Earthbound God Uru!” A beam of light shot down from the heart, and the ground trembled. The large black spider, with red eyes and markings rose up behind Gilda, smashing Sugarcube Corner in the process. It tilted its head to stare down at Fluttershy, who shrank back under its gaze. [ATK3000. LV10]

"T-that's the monster that almost killed Rarity..." Fluttershy stuttered.

“Stay strong, Fluttershy!” Rainbow called. “You can do this!”

“R-right,” Fluttershy stuttered. “I can do this.”

“Battle!” said Gilda. “Uru ignores your pathetic Monsters and can attack directly! Take this! Hell Thread!” Uru spat out a shot of hard webbing, which slammed into Fluttershy.

“Ah!” Fluttershy gasped, the air knocked from her lungs, as she tumbled backwards. [Fluttershy: LP 4000 –> 1000]

Rainbow winced in sympathy upon hearing a crack come from Fluttershy’s chest. “Fluttershy! Are you okay?”

“Mm…” Fluttershy moaned, pulling herself back to a standing position, and trotting back to the duel field. “Mhm…”

“That was so satisfying for me,” smiled Gilda. “Shame I’ll have to wait a bit for the next one. Uru is switched to defense by the effect of Spider Web.” Webbing ensnared Uru, and it let out a sound of protest. [DEF3000] “I set a card. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw!” She winced slightly, sitting back and gingerly rubbing her chest.

“Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked. “Something’s broken, isn’t it?”

“A rib, I think,” said Fluttershy, standing again. “I’ll be okay, though. I summon Wattgiraffe!” A small giraffe, with light-bulbs for ears and electric prongs for horns appeared in front of Fluttershy. [ATK1200. LV4] “Continuous-Trap, Wattcannon activates! Once per turn, when I summon a level 4 or lower Thunder-Type Monster, I deal 600 points of damage!” The cannon shot out a blast of electricity, zapping Gilda.

“Agh!” she screeched. [Gilda: LP 3300 –> 2700]

“Battle!” said Fluttershy. “Wattgiraffe, direct attack! When Wattgiraffe deals damage from a direct attack, you can’t use card effects until the End Phase!”

“Alright, Fluttershy!” cheered Rainbow. “You found a way around Gilda’s Field Spell!”

“Did she now?” smiled Gilda. “Continuous-Trap, activate! Roar of the Earthbound God! Once per turn, when a Monster with less ATK than my Earthbound God attacks, it is destroyed and my opponent takes damage equal to half of its ATK!”

“What!?” Rainbow and Fluttershy gasped.

“Since Wattgiraffe has 1200 ATK, you take 600 points of damage!” Uru sent out a small blast of webbing that struck through Wattgiraffe and hit Fluttershy. Rainbow winced again as she heard another crack come from Fluttershy’s chest.

“Ah…” Fluttershy groaned, as she fell back. [Fluttershy: LP 1000 –> 400]

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow gasped, struggling to break free of the webbing. “Damn it, Gilda, what is wrong with you?”

“It hurts, doesn’t it?” said Gilda. “The feeling of losing a friend you care about?”

“Gilda,” Rainbow mumbled.

“I can explain,” Fluttershy mumbled, as she stood back up.

“Explain what?” Gilda asked.

“Why we dropped out and left,” said Fluttershy.

“Why you left?” Gilda repeated.

“It was my fault, as you probably guessed,” said Fluttershy.

“It’s not your fault,” said Rainbow.

“But it is,” said Fluttershy. “If I wasn’t so weak and shy, those bullies never would have…”

“Don’t start this again,” said Rainbow. “I said it back then, and I’ll say it now. It isn’t your fault.”

Fluttershy nodded. “Still, since I was so weak, I couldn’t fight them off. I couldn’t get away, as they pinned me down and… beat me.”

“I came across them too late,” said Rainbow. “It was the day of our last detention together, Gilda. Remember that day?”

“Yes,” said Gilda. “I remember. The last time I saw you until I visited Ponyville a few years back.”

Rainbow nodded. “Fluttershy was there waiting for us to get out, but was pushed away by some a- uh, some jerks.”

“You could swear if you wanted to,” Fluttershy mumbled.

“Yeah, well, anyway,” said Rainbow, “I saw what they were doing and pounded the living snot out of them. I would have gone even further if they didn’t hurt me as much as they did. And if Fluttershy didn’t tell me not to kill them.”

“I was surprised they never went to the police,” said Fluttershy. “I guess they were worried Rainbow would rat them out in return if they did.”

“Didn’t stop us from getting in trouble at school, though,” said Rainbow.

“I think I get it,” said Gilda, closing her eyes in thought. “With how badly it sounds like you beat them, you would have been expelled.”

Rainbow nodded. “Yeah. So I dropped out instead. If I’m leaving, its on my terms. Not theirs.”

“I quit, too,” said Fluttershy. “I couldn’t bear the thought of being alone in that place without a single friend. Without Rainbow.

Gilda’s eye twitched slightly. “So that’s why you left, huh?”

“Yeah,” nodded Rainbow. “It was a bit more graphic than that, but that’s the gist of it.”

Gilda opened her eyes in a glare. “And what was the point of that story, exactly? So I found out why you left. Big deal. I didn’t care that much when I visited a few years back, did I?”

“N-No,” Rainbow stuttered.

“That’s not why you’re trying to kill me?” Fluttershy asked.

“No,” said Gilda. “I have another reason for hating you. And my big motivation for killing you is that pony right there!”

“Me?” Rainbow asked.

“I said I was glad you came, didn’t I?” Gilda asked. “I want you to suffer at the loss of your friend!”

“Damn it, Gilda,” Rainbow muttered.

Fluttershy looked down. “I end my turn.” The webbing ensnaring Wattsquirrel fell off.

“My turn,” said Gilda. “Draw! I end my turn!” The webbing ensnaring Uru fell off. “Next turn, it’s all over!”

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw! I summon Wattlemur!” A black and yellow lemur with large, yellow eyes appeared. His tail seemed to be an electrical cable. [ATK800. LV2] “Take the effect of Wattcannon!”

“Gah!” Gilda gasped, another blast of electricity hitting her. [Gilda: LP 2700 –> 2100] “Is that all you’re capable of? Even the prissy unicorn did more!”

“I activate the Continuous-Spell, Messenger of Peace!” said Fluttershy. “Monsters with more than 1500 ATK can’t attack!”

“What!?” gasped Gilda.

“Phew,” Rainbow sighed. “She bought herself another turn.”

“I set a card,” said Fluttershy. “Turn end.”

“My turn,” muttered Gilda. “Draw! …Sorry, Klutzershy, but you didn’t buy yourself any time at all.”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.

“I activate the Spell, Earthbound Whirlwind!” said Gilda. “Since I control an Earthbound God, all Spells and Traps you control are destroyed!”

“No!” Rainbow gasped.

“Trap activate!” Fluttershy countered. “Waboku! This turn, I take no battle damage and my Monsters can’t be destroyed by battle!”

“Damn it!” Gilda spat.

“Thank Celestia,” Rainbow sighed.

“I end my turn,” Gilda muttered.

“Gilda,” said Fluttershy. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry?” Gilda repeated. “I already told you, the drop out isn’t why I’m pissed off at you two.”

“But I know why you are,” said Fluttershy. “And that’s why I’m sorry.”

“You know?” Gilda and Rainbow said.

Fluttershy nodded. “It’s because your friendship with Rainbow ended when you visited, but you saw her friendship with me was still going, right?”

“What?” Gilda asked.

“That’s it, isn’t it?” Rainbow asked, her eyes wide in realization. “I didn’t realize it in school, but you didn’t really care to hang out with Fluttershy, only me. So, seeing me and Fluttershy were still close, and after that argument at Pinkie’s party… You’re jealous.”

“Jealous?” Gilda laughed. “Me? How… How…” She looked down. “How the hay did you figure it out?”

“I’m more surprised I didn’t realize sooner,” said Fluttershy. “Pinkie did say you tried to hog Rainbow to yourself during your visit.”

“Of course I did!” Gilda spat. “I didn’t know any of these losers! I missed Rainbow, and wanted to be with her! You said it yourself, Fluttershy! You couldn’t imagine being without your only friend!”

“Gilda,” said Rainbow. “I know Pinkie wasn’t exactly right in butting into our time, and I know I was wrong pushing you away like that, but you messed up, too!”

“How?” asked Gilda. “How is any of this my fault!?”

“Gilda,” said Fluttershy. “I tried to be nice and be your friend back at school. Pinkie tried to be your friend when you visited. But what did you do? You pushed us away.”

“So what if I did?” asked Gilda.

“Would you have been alone after losing me if you had other friends?” Rainbow asked. “Would Fluttershy have dropped out for fear of being alone if you were her friend?”

“If Gilda was a friend like you, Rainbow,” Fluttershy said, “I think things would have gone a lot differently back then.”

“If I was your friend?” Gilda repeated. “Agh, shut up! We aren’t friends, and never will be! You’re too weak! I’m a Dark Signer, too! Why would you want to be friends with that?”

“I keep saying this,” said Rainbow. “Fluttershy isn’t weak. She’s holding her own against you, isn’t she? And I think she’s about to win, too.”

“What are you babbling about?” Gilda asked.

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw! I summon the Tuner Monster Wattfox!” A yellow fox, with legs of electric coils and paws of red sphere’s appeared. Circuitry ran along its black tipped ears and tail, and its smooth face was a chrome line in the shape of a resistor symbol. [ATK800. LV2]

“Tuner Monster?” Gilda repeated.

“I tune my level 2 Wattfox to my level 2 Wattlemur and my level 3 Wattsquirrel!” said Fluttershy. Wattfox burst into two green Tuning Rings, and began channeling the five level stars of Wattlemur and Wattsquirrel through them. “Oh holy light of protection, shine now and become eternal life! Synchro Summon! Be born, Ancient Fairy Dragon!” A burst of light shot down, and Ancient Fairy Dragon appeared from it, stretching her large, butterfly-like wings, as her long, green hair trailed down her slender neck. Her serpentine tail curled around Fluttershy protectively, the braided green hair at the end gently brushing against her. [ATK2100. LV7]

“The Signer Dragon!?” Gilda gasped, stepping back in surprise.

Rainbow’s eyes lit up. “Wow, Fluttershy. I can’t think of a more fitting card for you. She's beautiful.”

Fluttershy gave a small smile. “Ancient Fairy Dragon’s effect! Once per turn, I can destroy a Field Spell to regain 1000 Life Points! Plain Back!” Ancient Fairy Dragon’s wings glowed, as she straightened out towards the sky and let out a roar.

A gust of wind emanated from her, and the strands of sticky silk that made up Spider Web dissolved away in the wind. Rainbow happily flexed her wings upon her release from the silk. “Alright!”

“No!” Gilda gasped. “Without a Field Spell, the Earthbound God is…” Uru bent awkwardly, before crumbling away into dust blown away by Ancient Fairy’s winds. “…destroyed…”

Sparkles of light drifted down from Ancient Fairy’s wings, and Fluttershy closed her eyes with a slight smile as they touched her. “Thank you, Ancient Fairy…” [Fluttershy: LP 400 –> 1400]

“I-I’m wide open…” Gilda stuttered. I was wrong? She, Fluttershy, is stronger than me? How… many ponies… friendships… did I miss out on…?

“Ancient Fairy Dragon, direct attack!” said Fluttershy. “Eternal Sunshine!” Ancient Fairy spread her wings again, and a bright light shone from them, illuminating the entirety of Ponyville.

“Awesome,” Rainbow smiled, as she shielded her eyes from the light with her wing.

“Ahh!” Gilda screamed as the light completely engulfed her. [Gilda: LP 2100 –> 0]

The light faded away, revealing Gilda had been knocked onto her back and the flames of the geoglyph had died out. Fluttershy’s and Rainbow’s Signer Marks stopped burning. Fluttershy looked up at Ancient Fairy and gave a small smile. Ancient Fairy looked back and nodded before fading away.

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow cheered, pulling her into a hug. “You did it!”

“Ouch!” Fluttershy gasped.

Rainbow let go. “Sorry. Forgot about your broken ribs. You okay?”

“I’m fine,” Fluttershy said, nuzzling against Rainbow. “Thanks for being here for me.”

“Anytime,” Rainbow mumbled, blushing slightly.

“Fluttershy… Rainbow Dash…”

“Gilda?” Rainbow asked, the two trotting over to her.

Gilda opened her eyes, her sclera back to their normal white. “Sorry. I know its probably stupid hoping for forgiveness now, after all I’ve done to you…”

“It’s okay,” said Fluttershy. “I forgive you.”

“You do?” Rainbow asked in surprise. Fluttershy nudged her in the side. “Ah! I mean, uh, yeah. I forgive you, too, Gilda.”

“Heh,” Gilda forced a smile. “I used to think your eagerness to forgive was weak. But now… I guess it shows how tough you are. Fluttershy. Take care of Rainbow for me, will ya?”

“I will,” Fluttershy nodded.

“Good,” said Gilda. “Rainbow Dash. I’m counting on you. Defeat the Dark Signers.”

“I will,” said Rainbow.

Gilda nodded, closing her eyes before collapsing into dust. Fluttershy closed her eyes, and let out a sigh, before trotting into the ruins of Sugarcube Corner, where the rune circle was placed.

She held up Ancient Fairy Dragon’s card, causing the circle to change color from purple to bright crimson before it shattered. Placing Ancient Fairy back into her Extra Deck, she trotted back over to sit beside Rainbow.

“What’s going on?” Rainbow asked, looking up at the sky.

Fluttershy looked around as well, as orbs of light drifted down from above. Upon reaching the ground, the lights vanished, replaced with the ponies of Ponyville.

“W-what?” Fluttershy stuttered. “Everypony that Gilda sacrificed is… coming back?”

Rainbow’s eyes were wide. “I didn’t stick around in Cloudsdale long enough to see for sure, but… It looks like because the Earthbound God was defeated, the ponies that were sacrificed for it came back, too.”

“Then,” said Fluttershy, “wouldn’t that mean Princess Celestia would come back, too?”

“It seems it would mean that,” said a voice from behind them.

“Princess Celestia!” Fluttershy and Rainbow gasped.

“I’m proud of you both,” Celestia smiled, laying down to be on eye level with them. “You both seem to have fought so hard.”

“Tell me about it,” said Rainbow. “It’s great you’re back, Princess.”

“Twilight will be so happy to find out!” said Fluttershy.

“So Twilight survived?” Celestia asked.

“So far,” said Rainbow. “We still haven’t won yet.”

“Two Dark Signers remain,” said Fluttershy. “And we have until midnight to defeat them both.”

“Twilight still hasn’t dueled yet,” said Rainbow, turning to look at the distant Canterlot Castle. “What’s taking her so long?”

As if on cue, Fluttershy’s and Rainbow’s Signer Marks began burning again as parts of the castle began collapsing in the distance, purple flames shooting up into the air around it. Reflecting on the sky above Canterlot was the burning geoglyph of a giant.

Final Countdown - Stardust Dragon vs. Earthbound God Ccapac Apu

Twilight’s Signer Mark stopped burning, prompting her to look out the window in the direction of Ponyville. Seeing the spider geoglyph was gone, she let out a sigh of relief. “Fluttershy, you did it.”

Turning away from the window, she continued to trot up the stairs of Canterlot Tower, heading through the door at the top and entering the room she and Celestia studied in many years ago.

The room looked mostly the same as Twilight remembered, but with a few key differences. In the center of the room was a purple rune circle. And rather than having Celestia standing in wait with a smile, Cheerilee stood across the room, staring out the window.

“I failed them, Twilight,” Cheerilee said, as Twilight closed the door behind her.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“Do you know why I became a Dark Signer, Twilight?” Cheerilee asked, turning to face her. “Because of you.”

“Me?” Twilight asked, tilting her head in confusion.

“Yes,” said Cheerilee. “You and your friends blamed me for the Crusaders’ deaths. And, truth be told, I did, too. I had no idea what Dark Signers were, and let them conduct their research on your behalf. It was only a result of my suicide later that I learned the truth from the Earthbound Gods.”

“The truth?” Twilight repeated. “And what did they claim? How could you trust anything they say?”

“I’ll tell you,” said Cheerilee. “The Crusaders died because of you, Twilight. You and your friends started looking into the legend of the Crimson Dragon, you sparked their curiosity, and you sparked mine as well. If you, Twilight, had never given me that book, I’d have no idea what the Crusaders were talking about. I wouldn’t have given in to their request, and I wouldn’t have their blood on my hooves.”

“Cheerilee,” Twilight mumbled.

Cheerilee nodded. “I feel nothing but guilt for failing to protect them from this. I became a Dark Signer to get the chance to possibly save them from death again by defeating you and the other Signers.”

“So that’s it, huh?” said Twilight. “You know it’s not my fault. You’re just projecting your own perceived failure onto us. You’re in denial!”

“Am I?” Cheerilee repeated. “What have your friends just finished doing? What happened to Scootaloo in Cloudsdale, I wonder? Apple Bloom in Manehatten? Sweetie Belle in Fillydelphia? Tell me, Twilight. What happened?”

“They lost,” said Twilight.

“And you know what happens to a pony that loses a duel of darkness?” asked Cheerilee. “They die. Regardless of who is truly the cause of the Crusaders’ initial deaths, your friends killed them this time. And the only reason your friends became Signers was because of their friendship with you.”

“That’s crazy!” Twilight snapped. “The Crimson Dragon chose us long before any of us met, didn’t it? How could I manipulate something like that?”

“Do you truly wish to argue with me, Twilight?” Cheerilee asked. “Only a few hours remain until the King of the Underworld is freed.”

Twilight sighed, and readied her Duel Disk. “I’m sorry about what we said to you, Cheerilee. I’m sorry we drove you to do what you did. But, you know what? I’m not pitying you now. You did fail the Crusaders, Cheerilee. By choosing to become a Dark Signer, by continuing to fight to end the world instead of listening to reason, that’s how you failed them!”

“Hmph,” Cheerilee snorted, her Dark Signer Mark lighting up. Purple flames erupted in the ground around the tower, carving through the buildings nearby, including Canterlot Castle itself, to form the geoglyph of a bipedal giant, the flames reflecting on the sky. “What do you know?

Twilight’s Signer Mark began burning in response, as did the Marks of the other Signers. “They were just fillies, Cheerilee. I doubt their motivation was to end the world. Do you think they wanted to kill their friends and family?”

“You can find out for me, Twilight,” said Cheerilee. “I don’t think I can face them again after what I’ve done. All I can do is ensure that their friends and families can join them in the afterlife.”

“After all the pain my friends have gone through for this world,” said Twilight, “I can’t let you destroy it just to avoid facing your own guilt. As much as it may pain me to do, I will defeat you, Cheerilee!”

“Duel!”

Celestia, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash stared out at the geoglyph of Canterlot. Celestia forced herself to look away, turning to face the two pegasi. “You said there’s still a Dark Signer left aside from the one in Canterlot?”

“Yeah,” said Rainbow. “Trixie’s waiting for us in Tartarus. Said she would wipe out any of us that survived.”

“How disgusting,” said Celestia, before looking out towards the horizon. “Tartarus is accessed by a cave on the coastline over there. A small village has been built around it in an effort to both investigate and protect its gates. I doubt anypony remains there now, with a Dark Signer lying in wait.” She glanced back at Fluttershy and Rainbow. “Where are the other Signers?”

“Pinkie went to Appleloosa, Applejack is in Manehatten, and Rarity is in Fillydelphia,” Fluttershy replied.

Celestia nodded. “Good. I’ll go and get them. We’ll all meet up back here before going off to Tartarus together. Hopefully Twilight will be finished in time.”

“Princess Luna should still be with her,” said Fluttershy. “I’m sure she’ll get back in time, in that case.”

“Luna,” Celestia mumbled, closing her eyes. She opened them again, as she spread her wings. “Wait here, you two. Rest up for the final battle.”

Rainbow and Fluttershy nodded, as Celestia flew off, following the train tracks towards Appleloosa.

Rainbow looked out at the horizon, and stood up, spreading her wings as well. “Well, I’m off.”

“Rainbow?” Fluttershy asked. “Where are you going? Celestia told us to wait?”

“We don’t have time to wait!” said Rainbow. “If we don’t beat Trixie by midnight, the world will end!”

“I know,” said Fluttershy, “but we’d stand a better chance together, wouldn’t we?”

“We would,” said Rainbow. “But I don’t think we have enough time to wait for us all to be together.”

Fluttershy frowned. “Then at least let me come with you.”

“And let you get hurt?” Rainbow asked. “Not a chance. Besides, somepony needs to explain where I went when the others get back.”

Fluttershy frowned. “B-but…”

Rainbow looked back at her, before gently pulling her into a hug. “I’ll be okay, Fluttershy.”

“Promise?” Fluttershy asked.

“I promise,” said Rainbow. “If I don’t, we won’t be able to talk.”

“Talk?” Fluttershy repeated.

Rainbow blushed slightly, looking up at the sky. “I think I’ve gotten used to this emotional talking thing after these last few days. And after your duel with Gilda, I thought we might need to have one.”

Fluttershy looked down at the ground, awkwardly digging at it with a hoof. “…Promise me we will, please.”

Rainbow gave a small smile. “I promise, Fluttershy. I’ll come back okay and when this Dark Signer thing is over, we can talk as much as we want about whatever you need to talk about.”

Fluttershy smiled back. “Thank you, Rainbow. For everything. Good luck.”

Rainbow nodded, and spread her wings. She took off into the air, giving Fluttershy a quick salute, before darting off as fast as she could towards Tartarus.

Fluttershy watched her go until she couldn’t see her anymore, before turning her attention towards Canterlot. “And good luck to you, too, Twilight.”

Cheerilee: LP 4000. Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000.

“I’ll take the first move,” said Cheerilee. “Draw! I pay 2000 Life Points to activate the Spell Final Countdown!” [Cheerilee: LP 4000 –> 2000]

“What!?” Twilight gasped. “Why would you lower your Life Points by such a large amount already?”

“Don’t you know what Final Countdown does?” Cheerilee asked. “At the end of every turn, the turn count moves forward by one. Once twenty turns pass after I play Final Countdown, I automatically win the duel.”

“I know that,” said Twilight. “But Final Countdown is hard to pull off. A few weeks ago, my friends and I went to watch a Duel Tournament. And do you know what? Not a single duel lasted over ten turns, let alone twenty. Final Countdown is difficult to pull off, especially when its cost is 2000 Life Points.”

“Perhaps it is,” said Cheerilee. “Doesn’t mean its not impossible to stall for that long. I activate the Spell Swords of Revealing Light! You can’t attack for as long as it remains on the field!”

“And Swords of Revealing Light remains active until my third End Phase,” Twilight mumbled. “In other words, Final Countdown will be active for six turns by that point.”

“I end my turn,” said Cheerilee. Behind Cheerilee, a ball of flame appeared, floating in the air. [Final Countdown: 1]

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I summon Tuned Magician!” A biped dressed in a pointed, ornate yellow hat and green, white, and yellow robes, armed with a short, white staff appeared. [ATK1800. LV4] “Turn end!” [Swords of Revealing Light: 1] A second ball of flame appeared beside the first one. [Final Countdown: 2]

“My turn,” said Cheerilee. “Draw! I summon Servant of Catabolism!” A sickly, yellow snail-like creature, with a translucent blue snail shell jutting out of the back of its head instead of encasing its body slithered out. [ATK700. LV3]

“Gross,” Twilight mumbled.

“Servant of Catabolism can attack directly,” said Cheerilee. “Strike her!” The creature oozed forward, and struck Twilight with its oddly shaped mouth.

“Ah!” Twilight gasped. [Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000 –> 3300]

“I set a card,” said Cheerilee. “Turn end.” A third flame appeared next to the first two, curving slightly in an effort to surround the two duelists. [Final Countdown: 3]

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I summon Frequency Magician!” A robed biped, with strange devices strapped to his arms appeared. The devices were vibrating, creating a small hum. [ATK800. LV2]

“Trap activate!” countered Cheerilee. “Tuner Symphony! When a Tuner Monster is summoned to the opponent’s field, I Special Summon a Tuner Monster! I Special Summon Dark Tuner Ebony Pendulum!” A black metal rod, with a black orb at the lower end appeared, floating in front of Cheerilee and swinging on its own. [ATK0. LV10]

“A Dark Tuner already?” Twilight muttered. “I tune my level 2 Frequency Magician to my level 4 Tuned Magician!” Frequency Magician burst into two green Tuning Rings, and began channeling the four level stars of Tuned Magician. “Surging from my heart, and unparalleled tempest of pure magic!” A burst of purple light shot down behind Twilight. “Synchro Summon! Tempest Magician!” A white skinned biped covered in dark blue robes appeared, wielding a scythe with a see-through blade. [ATK2200. LV6]

“Attempting burn damage, are you?” Cheerilee smiled. “Dark Tuner Ebony Pendulum’s effect! When my opponent Synchro Summons, I can perform a Dark Synchro Summon with this card!”

“What!?” Twilight gasped.

“I’m dark tuning my level 10 Ebony Pendulum to my level 3 Servant of Catabolism!” said Cheerilee. Ten level stars burst out of Ebony Pendulum and pierced into Servant of Catabolism. Three of the stars shattered, as the rest turned black before bursting out of Servant of Catabolism to spin around in front of Cheerilee, black lightning coursing between them. “Ticking away time, may the gloom you represent echo throughout this dark world!” A burst of dark energy erupted from the center of the stars, engulfing them. “Dark Synchro! Counting down to the end, Mortality – The Clock of Black Ebony!” The light faded away to reveal a pure black grandfather clock with a skull and bones for a pendulum. The clock was set to 5. [DEF2400. LV-7]

“A Dark Synchro Monster,” Twilight mumbled. “It doesn’t seem particularly impressive…”

“But it is much more impressive than you think,” smiled Cheerilee. “Have you read The Masque of the Red Death, Twilight?”

Twilight nodded. “I have. Are you saying that this clock is like the one in that story? Representing our mortality?”

“Yes,” smiled Cheerilee. “Just as the clock in the story is chiming towards the arrival of death, this card chimes forward towards the arrival of the Earthbound God.”

“The Earthbound God?” Twilight repeated, her eyes wide.

“As long as this card is on the field,” said Cheerilee, “neither player can take effect damage.”

“Damn,” Twilight muttered. “Tempest Magician’s effect is useless now.”

“Furthermore,” said Cheerilee, “during each End Phase, the clock will move ahead one hour, and Mortality will gain one level. Once it reaches what should be level zero, it will be destroyed and the Earthbound God will be Special Summoned.”

“So I only have seven turns!?” Twilight gasped.

Cheerilee smiled. “Well, Twilight Sparkle? What are you going to do?”

Twilight gritted her teeth. “Turn end.” [Swords of Revealing Light: 2] A fourth flame appeared beside the previous three. [Final Countdown: 4] Mortality let out a loud, echoing chime as the hour hand moved forward. [LV-6]

“My turn, then,” smiled Cheerilee. “Draw! I two cards. Turn end.” Another ball of flame appeared. [Final Countdown: 5] Mortality let out another loud chime, the hour hand moving forward. [LV-5]

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I summon Arcane Apprentice!” A robed biped appeared, a small ball of flames held in its hand. All identifying features, save for two glowing red eyes shining out from under its hood were obscured. [ATK1000. LV2]

“Going for your Signer Dragon?” smiled Cheerilee.

“I tune my level 2 Arcane Apprentice to my level 6 Tempest Magician!” said Twilight. Arcane Apprentice burst into two green Tuning rings, channeling the six level stars of Tempest Magician through them. “Clustering wishes will create a shining new star! Become the path its light shines upon!” A burst of light shot through the rings. “Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!” Stardust let out a roar, spreading its large white wings as it soared out of the light. It spiraled around in the air, sparkles flying everywhere before landing in front of Twilight. [ATK2500. LV8]

“So that’s what it looks like,” Cheerilee mumbled. “A bit flashy, but still rather intimidating.”

“Arcane Magician’s effect!” said Twilight. “When used for a Synchro Summon, I can add Assault Mode Activate to my hoof! Then I set a card, and end my turn!”

“Going for an Assault Mode?” Cheerilee smiled. “Trap activate! Dust Tornado! I destroy your set card!”

“No!” Twilight gasped.

“So sorry, Twilight Sparkle,” smiled Cheerilee. [Swords of Revealing Light: 3] “At least my Swords of Revealing Light is destroyed.” Another ball of flames appeared. [Final Countdown: 6] Mortality let out another chime. [LV-4] “My turn, draw! I activate Level Addition! I discard a Monster from my hoof to raise the level of a Monster I control by the discarded Monster’s level. I discard the level 2 The Calculator to increase Mortality – The Clock of Black Ebony’s level by 2!” Mortality chimed twice, as the hour hand moved forward by two. [LV-2]

Unless I get rid of that thing on before the end of my next turn, Twilight thought, the Earthbound God will be summoned.

“I activate the Field Spell Black Velvet Clockwork!” said Cheerilee. The room turned pitch black, velvet curtains hanging from the walls and over the doors and windows. The floor became a large, black gear. If not for the flames of Final Countdown, the room would be pitch black “Now my Earthbound God can be summoned without being destroyed. Turn end.” Another ball of flame appeared. [Final Countdown: 7] Mortality chimed again, the hour hand moving up to eleven. [LV-1]

Twilight illuminated her horn up to help her see. “You really like that Red Death story, don’t you?”

“Do you want to discuss literature or save Equestria?” Cheerilee asked.

Twilight looked down. “What’s happened to you, Cheerilee? This isn’t the same pony I knew.”

Cheerilee looked away. “I can’t fail again, Twilight. You should know how I feel.”

“I know failing is hard,” said Twilight, “but its not the end of the world. Well, usually it isn’t. But right now…”

“Enough, Sparkle,” spat Cheerilee. “Just take your turn.”

Twilight sighed. “My turn. Draw! Battle! Stardust Dragon, attack Mortality – The Clock of Black Ebony! Shooting Sonic!” Stardust shot out a blast of white energy.

“Trap activate!” countered Cheerilee. “Labyrinth of Kline! My monster can’t be destroyed by battle, and Stardust’s ATK and DEF is switched until the End Phase of the next turn!” [ATK2000. DEF2500]

“No!” Twilight gasped.

“What’s more,” said Cheerilee. “Black Velvet Clockwork’s effect! When a Monster attacks, the turn count is moved forward by one plus an additional turn for every 1000 ATK that the attacking Monster has! Since Stardust attacked with 2500 ATK, the turn count for Final Countdown moved up by three!” Three more balls of flame appeared, surrounding half the duel field. [Final Countdown: 10]

“I set a Monster,” said Twilight. “Turn end.” Another ball of flames appeared. [Final Countdown: 11] Mortality chimed forward one more hour, before exploding.

“Mortality’s effect,” said Cheerilee. “I Special Summon an Earthbound God from my deck as it was destroyed by its own effect. I sacrifice the souls of Canterlot!” A stone heart appeared, and shot out the window, pulsing and sucking in the black fog over Equestria’s capital. It shot down a blast of dark energy into the ground outside the tower, causing the whole building to shake. “Descend, Earthbound God Ccapac Apu!” shouted Cheerilee. The roof was torn off of the room, a large black bipedal with blue markings over its body looming above. [ATK3000. LV10]

Twilight shrank back in shock, her eyes wide. “E-Earthbound God Ccapac Apu…”

“I won’t let the Crusaders down!” said Cheerilee, a crazed look in her black eyes. “Ccapac Apu, direct attack!” Ccapac Apu lifted its hand high, and brought it down right on top of Twilight.

“Ah!” Twilight gasped, the air knocked from her lungs as she was crushed into the floor and her ribs snapping. [Twilight Sparkle: LP 3300 –> 300]

The floor began to crack beneath her, as she applied pressure on it in an attempt to stand again. “I can’t… let everypony down… My friends… The Crusaders… Or you, Cheerilee…”

“Twilight…” Cheerilee mumbled, before shaking her head. “Stop it! Just die!”

Just as Twilight managed to stand, the floor gave out beneath her, Ccapac Apu’s attack having damaged the tower’s structural make up. Twilight’s eyes slammed shut as she fell. Before she could even let out a scream, a claw reached down and grabbed her.

She opened her eyes in surprise, as the claw lifted her and placed her on its owner’s back. “S-Stardust Dragon… You saved me?” Stardust glanced back at her, before turning towards Cheerilee and letting out a roar. “Thank you, Stardust…”

“So close,” Cheerilee mumbled. “But of course your Monster would save you.”

“Cheerilee,” said Twilight. “My Signer Mark told me the pain everypony went through in their duels, both physical and emotional. I know how hard it was for Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity to defeat the Crusaders. It wasn’t so we could be malicious, Cheerilee. We didn’t kill them to cause you pain. We defeated them to save the world from the Dark Signers, and save them from the Earthbound Gods' lies. I don’t know what its doing to your head, Cheerilee, but I know I won’t give in until I save you, too! We’re friends, Cheerilee!”

“I… I can’t stop,” Cheerilee mumbled, her eyes tearing up. “Black Velvet Clockwork’s effect! Since Ccapac Apu had 3000 ATK when it attacked, Final Countdown has its turn count moved up by 4!” Four more balls of flame appeared, surrounding most of the duel field. [Final Countdown: 15] “I set a card, and end my turn!” Another ball of fire appeared. [Final Countdown: 16]

“If I can’t win next turn,” Twilight began.

“Then I will thanks to my Final Countdown Black Velvet Clockwork combo,” Cheerilee finished. “You will fail your friends just as I have!”

Twilight’s Signer Mark burned brightly, before all the Marks gathered on her and formed the full Mark of the Crimson Dragon. The top card of her deck glowed, and Twilight smiled. “I don’t think so, Cheerilee! With my friends supporting me, I can’t fail! My turn, draw!”

“Continuous-Trap!” Cheerilee said. “Brilliant Shrine Art! You can’t attack me directly, Twilight, as this card redirects all attacks to the Earthbound God! And, even if you can overpower it in battle, that will just trigger my Field Spell’s effect, and Final Countdown will grant me instant victory!”

“Are you sure you’ve won?” Twilight smiled. “I summon Savior Dragon!” A sleek, glowing, pinkish dragon with gems on its wing joints and eyes spun out, appearing in front of Twilight. [ATK0. LV1]

“What is this card?” Cheerilee asked.

“I Flip Summon my Crystal Seer!” said Twilight. A red robed biped appeared. He had a long blue cape and a blue cloth covering his mouth. A red fabric hat covered his hair. [ATK100. LV1] “When he’s Flip Summoned, I look at the top two cards of my deck. I add one to my hand and place the other on the bottom. I add Forbidden Dress to my hoof! Now, I tune my level 1 Savior Dragon to my level 1 Crystal Seer and my level 8 Stardust Dragon!”

Savior Dragon dissolved into a bright pink light that enveloped Crystal Seer, Stardust Dragon and Twilight herself. “Gathering starlight will enlighten a new miracle! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Arrive in light, Savior Star Dragon!” The light dissolved away to reveal a streamlined, serpentine version of Stardust Dragon. Her wings grew to a much larger side, and seemed to be made of blades, while her legs lost their ability to hold her on the ground, and became clawless points to act as stabilizers in high speed flight. Savior Star’s whole body shimmered as if it was made of light itself. Twilight Sparkle drifted safely inside. [ATK3800. LV10]

“W-what is this…?” Cheerilee mumbled. “Is this the power of the Crimson Dragon?”

“Savior Star Dragon’s effect!” said Twilight. “I negate the effect of Earthbound God Ccapac Apu and Savior Star gains those effects! Power Drain!” Savior Star stretched her wings, and energy was sucked out of Ccapac Apu. The Earthbound God slouched over as Savior Star began shining even brighter.

“Even if you do attack,” Cheerilee said hysterically, “Black Velvet Clockwork will increase Final Countdown’s turn count and make this my victory!”

“I activate the Quick-Play Spell Forbidden Dress!” said Twilight. “Savior Star Dragon loses 600 ATK but can’t be targeted or destroyed by other card effects this turn!” A flowing white dress with golden adornments appeared on Savior Star. [ATK3200]

“No!” Cheerilee gasped. "If it can't be targeted, then Black Velvet Clockwork can't increase the turn count by its ATK!"

“Battle!” said Twilight. “Savior Star Dragon, attack Earthbound God Ccapac Apu! Shooting Blaster Sonic!” Savior Star brought its legs and wings in close as she rocketed forward, piercing through Ccapac Apu, before dramatically curving up through the sky.

“Agh!” Cheerilee gasped, the explosion from Ccapac Apu’s destruction causing the whole tower to collapse beneath her. [Cheerilee: LP 2000 –> 1200]

“Cheerilee!” Twilight gasped, Savior Star turning around to try and catch her.

“With Ccapac Apu’s effect,” Cheerilee mumbled, “Savior Star Dragon deals damage equal to the destroyed Monster’s ATK when it destroys a Monster by battle…” [Cheerilee: LP 1200 –> 0]

Savior Star Dragon pierced through the rune circle on her way down, causing the circle to quickly glow crimson before shattering. Cheerilee’s eyes returned to their normal white coloring as Twilight pulled her in close.

“Twilight, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo,” Cheerilee mumbled. “I’m sorry. I hope with my loss, I’ve made up for failing you. I hope…” Cheerilee’s eyes closed and she dissolved into dust as Savior Star Dragon placed Twilight gently onto the ground before fading away.

“C-Cheerilee…” Twilight mumbled, closing her eyes as they teared up. The full Mark of the Crimson Dragon vanished, the Signer Marks returning to their respective Signer. Her own Mark reappeared, glowing slightly before dying down to its usual coloration. Twilight looked at it as it returned, before looking up into the sky, where small orbs of light drifted down into Canterlot, turning back into the city’s citizens as they reached the ground.

Twilight barely noticed them as she turned her attention to the horizon, looking in the direction of Tartarus. “I’ve been there before, so I know where I'm teleporting. Trixie, I’m coming for you. Let’s settle this.” Twilight’s horn lit up, and she teleported away.

The Gates of Tartarus – Descend, Earthbound God Wiraqocha Rasca!

Rainbow slowed down to catch her breath, when she felt her Signer Mark return. She glanced back at it with a small smile. “Knew you’d win, Twilight.” She looked on ahead, and saw a small village near the edge of the ocean. Taking a deep breath, she took off as fast as she could towards the village.

Just as she got up to speed, however, light flashed in front of her revealing Twilight had teleported directly into her path. “Look out!”

Twilight turned to see who shouted just in time for Rainbow to collide into her, and send them both tumbling across the ground through the village. “Ow… Rainbow! Watch where you’re flying, would you?”

“Why don’t you watch where you’re teleporting?” said Rainbow.

“Right,” said Twilight, rolling her eyes, “because I could clearly see this small town from all the way back in Canterlot!”

The two glared at each other for a moment, before giving a small smile. “Good to see you’re okay, Twilight.”

“Same to you, Rainbow,” Twilight replied. “You look exhausted, though.”

“Fighting in a duel of darkness right before speeding across the country is surprisingly painful and tiring,” said Rainbow. “What about you, though? You look even worse.”

“Long distance teleporting really takes it out of you,” said Twilight, rubbing her head. “And coming right off of my duel with Cheerilee… Well, I don’t think I’ll be able to cast spells again until I get some sleep.”

“Same with me and flying,” said Rainbow.

“Oh, are the Signers tired?” a voice rang out. “Well then, that won’t do. Here, let me sing you a lullaby so you can fall asleep…” Trixie appeared in a puff of smoke before them. “Fall asleep forever.”

“Trixie!” Twilight gasped.

“The one and only,” she smiled. “About one hour left. I was starting to think you wouldn’t show.” She gestured for them to follow, as she trotted to the edge of the village, were a large cave entrance was. Gates lined either side, but a large rune circle seemed to be holding them open.

“So this is the last rune circle, right?” Rainbow asked.

“Good guess,” smiled Trixie, before she broke into a frown. “Only two of you showed up, though? How disappointing. I was hoping I could show a larger audience the true power of Trixie.”

“We’ll just have to do, won’t we?” said Rainbow.

“Trixie,” said Twilight, “I know this isn’t you. You tried to stop the Ursa Minor, didn’t you? Why turn your back everypony like this?”

“Can it, Twilight,” muttered Trixie. “This isn’t a place for conversation, after all. Let the final duel of darkness begin! Tremble before the might of the Great Goddess, Trixie!”

Fluttershy sat alone on a piece of rubble, staring up at the sky, when she saw a shape approaching. “Princess Celestia!”

Celestia smiled, landing in front of her and letting Pinkie, Applejack, and Spike off her back. “Hello, Fluttershy.”

“Fluttershy!” Applejack smiled. “Good to see ya in one piece!”

“You too, Applejack,” Fluttershy smiled. “Pinkie Pie.”

“Look, Fluttershy!” said Pinkie, turning to show off her Signer Mark. “Cool, huh? I fit in with you all again!”

“You always did,” said Fluttershy, before she looked around in confusion. “Where’s Rarity?”

“It appears another alicorn already picked her up,” said Celestia, glancing towards Canterlot. “Hopefully she also picked up Twilight.”

Everypony looked to see Luna flying towards them from the direction of Canterlot, landing next to the group, and letting Rarity off her back. “Hello, girls.”

“Rarity!” Fluttershy smiled.

“Fluttershy, darling,” Rarity smiled, pulling her into a hug. “I owe you so much for defeating Gilda.”

“You don’t owe me anything,” Fluttershy mumbled.

“Sister,” Luna mumbled, looking at Celestia. “You’re back.”

“I’m sorry I left you alone like that,” Celestia said. “Can you forgive me, Luna?”

Luna’s eyes teared up, as she grabbed Celestia and pulled her into a hug. “Of course I forgive you! I was worried I’d never see you again, but you came back! How could I be upset about that?”

Celestia gave a small smile, returning Luna’s hug. “I still owe you an apology for the pain I must have caused you.”

“After the pain I caused you in the past?” Luna asked. “I’d say we’re more than even.”

“How sweet,” Applejack smiled.

“Hey, where’s Twilight at?” Pinkie asked.

“She wasn’t in Canterlot when I got there,” said Luna.

“Speaking of ponies that aren’t where they should be,” said Celestia, “where’s Rainbow Dash?”

Fluttershy looked down. “She flew on ahead to Tartarus.”

“What!?” Applejack gasped. “Ah thought we were supposed to handle Trixie together!”

“If we do a group teleport,” said Celestia, “we might still be able to catch them in time.”

Suddenly, all of the Signer Marks began burning. Everypony quickly looked towards the horizon, where the geoglyph of a condor was reflecting on the sky.

“Too late,” said Rarity.

“Twilight and Rainbow Dash are dueling already,” said Fluttershy. “Oh, please let them be okay…”

“Let’s not just sit here hoping for their well being,” said Rarity.

“Yeah!” said Pinkie. “Come on, Princess! Let’s get over there to cheer them on!”

“Very well,” said Celestia. “Are you ready, Luna?”

Before Luna could answer, a pony called out to her. “Luna!”

“Adviser?” Luna asked, glancing over as the frazzled unicorn galloped over. “That’s right, I almost forgot I had you doing something.”

“Was it something important?” Celestia asked.

“Nothing I can’t handle, sister,” said Luna. “You bring the Signers on ahead, and I’ll join you shortly. Just stay out of the geoglyph this time!”

Celestia nodded. “I will. Spike, do you mind staying here and helping the ponies of Ponyville? This trip could be dangerous.”

“Not at all, Princess,” said Spike, saluting her before running off into the town.

Celestia’s horn lit up, and she teleported herself and the four present Signers away to Tartarus. Luna turned towards Adviser who had spent the conversation catching his breath. “What do you have to report?”

“I discovered the source of the black fog,” he said.

“We already figured that out,” said Luna. “The last Dark Signer was producing it from Tartarus.”

“Tartarus?” Adviser asked. “That’s not right. According to my findings, the black fog, though it has died down, was coming from, and still is being produced in the Everfree Forest.”

“The Everfree Forest?” Luna repeated, looking out to the trees. “But the last Dark Signer is miles away from there. So, how…?”

"We'll be dueling under triangle duel Battle Royale rules," said Trixie. "Each of you will have 4000 Life Points, while I'll take a handicap and start with 8000."

"Taking a handicap in Life Points?" Rainbow asked. "So much for being a 'Great Goddess'."

"Oh, please," said Trixie. "Though this is a triangle duel, and all of us will be considered opponents, you two are obviously going to gang up on me. Tell me, does 8000 to 4000 sound fair?"

"I suppose not," said Twilight. "So, how does a triangle duel work?"

"Like I said," said Trixie, "all three of us are considered opponents of each other. No player can attack on their first turn. Other than that, it proceeds as normal. Any complaints?"

"None from me," said Rainbow. "Let's do this!"

"Duel!"

Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000. Rainbow Dash: LP 4000. Trixie Lulamoon: LP 8000.

“I’ll go first,” said Twilight. “Draw! I summon Summoner Monk!” A blue skinned, old bipedal appeared, draped entirely in purple and white robes. A red jewel adorned his hood, matching his glowing red eyes. [ATK800. LV4] “When Summoner Monk is Normal Summoned, he is changed to defense position!” Summoner Monk crossed his legs into a meditation pose. [DEF1600] “Summoner Monk’s effect! Once per turn, I can discard a Spell from my hoof to Special Summon a Spellcaster-Type Monster from my deck! Since Earthbound Gods rely on Field Spells, I see no reason to use mine. I discard Magical Citadel of Endymion to Special Summoned Tuned Magician!” The green robed biped appeared, twirling his short, white staff. [ATK1800. LV4]

“Pulling out all the stops, are you?” Rainbow asked.

“Of course,” said Twilight. “I set a card. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I summon Flamvell Firedog!” The magma dog erupted from the ground, growling. [ATK1900. LV4] “Then, since I have a Flamvell Monster on the field and you have less than three cards in your Graveyard, I can Special Summon Neo Flamvell Origin!” The blue flamed face, surrounded by a red flame body sparked to life on Rainbow’s field. [ATK500. LV2] “I tune my level 2 Neo Flamvell Origin to my level 4 Flamvell Firedog!” Neo Flamvell Origin burst into two green Tuning Rings, and began channeling the level stars of Flamvell Firedog. “Burning flames of my heart, pierce through my opponent’s defenses!” A burst of light shot through the Tuning Rings. “Synchro Summon! Flamvell Uruquizas!” A large biped, with fists coated in flames rose up out of the pillar of light. [ATK2100. LV6] “I set one card. Turn end.”

“Hah!” Trixie laughed. “Is that all you’ve got?”

“I thought it was rather impressive,” said Twilight.

“Then you might just die from the sheer awe my turn will instill in you!” Trixie laughed.

Rainbow gritted her teeth, when a flash of light appeared behind them. Trixie’s eyes widened, as Twilight and Rainbow turned around.

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow smiled. “Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, it’s great to see you!”

“Likewise, Rainbow Dash,” smiled Rarity, before glancing at Trixie. “If only it was under better circumstances.”

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight smiled. “You’re alive!”

“C-Celestia!?” Trixie gasped. “How? I thought I used your soul to fuel my fog!”

“Perhaps you used the wrong one?” Celestia suggested.

“Then who’s soul did she use?” Pinkie asked.

“We’ll worry about that later,” said Applejack. “Twilight, Rainbow, win as quickly as you can!”

“That’s right,” Fluttershy mumbled. “It’s almost midnight, isn’t it?”

Trixie laughed. “Perfect! An audience worthy of displaying my true power to! Watch carefully! Though in life I was a failure, in death as a Dark Signer I surpass even Celestia and Luna! Watch as I make even the sun and moon dance to my performance! My turn, draw!”

“In life I was a failure?” Twilight repeated. “Trixie, is this all about-”

“Yes,” Trixie interrupted. “Not only did you upstage me with that Ursa incident, but I also had my caravan completely destroyed and my reputation dragged through the mud!”

“Trixie,” said Twilight, “that’s not my fault. If you stuck around long enough-”

“Shut up!” snapped Trixie. She took a deep breath to regain her composure. “My turn. Watch the power of the Great Goddess, Trixie! Since you control a Monster and I don’t, I Special Summon Oracle of the Sun!” A dark skinned bipedal dressed in tribal clothes appeared. His chest had a sun pattern on it, and his staff was adorned with white feathers. [ATK1000. LV5] “Then, I summon the Tuner Monster, Fire Ant Ascator!” A large, red ant crawled forward. [ATK700. LV3]

“A Tuner Monster?” Rainbow questioned.

“Not a Dark Tuner?” Twilight asked.

“As if a Great Goddess must only be restrained to the land of the dead,” laughed Trixie. “I have domain over the living now, too! A domain I will end for the King of the Underworld! I tune my level 3 Fire Ant Ascator to my level 5 Oracle of the Sun!” Fire Ant Ascator burst into three green Tuning Rings, and Oracle of the Sun was channeled through them. “When the sun rises, it will illuminate all darkness! May you flood in, light!” A burst of light shot through the Tuning Rings. “Synchro Summon! Show yourself, Sun Dragon Inti!” A large, yellow stone in the shape of a sun with a face appeared. Four red dragon heads extended from the sun, their green eyes scanning over everything around them. [ATK3000. LV8]

“Sun Dragon Inti, huh?” Rainbow mumbled.

“I consider that an affront to Princess Celestia!” said Twilight.

“It’s fine, Twilight,” Celestia sighed.

“Celestia is obsolete in the new world of the dead,” said Trixie. “The sun and moon shall fall under my command as I make them dance for the King of the Underworld’s amusement! Speaking of the moon… I banish Fire Ant Ascator from my Graveyard to Special Summon Weeping Idol from my hoof!” A small, stone sculpture of a bipedal creature in tribal clothes appeared. [ATK0. LV2] “Then, I pay 1000 Life Points to Special Summon from my hoof Dark Tuner Black Goddess Witaka!” [Trixie Lulamoon: LP 8000 –> 7000] A flowing black cloak with a weird mask for a face, and detached, puppet like arms appeared. A dark sphere in its head dress was glowing with dark energy. [ATK0. LV3]

“There’s her Dark Tuner,” Rainbow muttered.

“I activate Witaka’s effect!” said Trixie. “I target a Synchro Monster I control and her level becomes equal to that Synchro Monster’s level! Since Sun Dragon Inti is level 8, so is Witaka!” [LV8]

“Brace yourself, Rainbow!” warned Twilight.

“I’m dark tuning my level 8 Black Goddess Witaka to my level 2 Weeping Idol!” said Trixie. Black Goddess Witaka burst into eight stars, which pierced into Weeping Idol. Two of the stars shattered, while the remaining six turned black. They burst out of Weeping Idol, spinning around with black lightning coursing between them. “When the moon is full in the darkness, the whispering of the Devil will be heard! Entice them over to death!” Dark energy spread out from the center of the spinning stars. “Dark Synchro! Show yourself, Moon Dragon Quilla!” A blue stone in the shape of a moon with a face appeared. Four dark blue dragon heads extended out of the stone, their yellow eyes scanning over the entire area around them. [ATK2500. LV-6]

“A Synchro and Dark Synchro Summon on your first turn!?” Twilight gasped.

“This is going to be trickier than I thought,” Rainbow mumbled.

“As part of the rules of this triangle duel,” Trixie said, “I can’t attack on my first turn. I activate my Continuous-Spell, Temple of the Sun! With that, I end my turn. By its effect, Moon Dragon Quilla is destroyed during my End Phase.”

“Then why even summon it?” Applejack asked.

“She must have a reason,” said Rarity. “Don’t let your guards down, you two!”

“I won’t,” said Twilight. “My turn, draw! I Normal Summon Tuned Magician again to give him his Gemini Effect! He’s now a Tuner Monster!” Tuned Magician spun his staff, summoning a green Tuning Ring around him. “I tune my level 4 Tuned Magician to my level 4 Summoner Monk!” Tuned Magician burst into an additional three green Tuning Rings, and the four rings began channeling Summoner Monk’s level stars. “Clustering wishes will create a shining new star! Become the path its light shines upon!” A burst of light shot through the Tuning Rings. “Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!” Stardust Dragon flew out of the light, dramatically spiraling into the sky, before spreading his wings, letting a shower of sparkles drift down to the duel field. [ATK2500. LV8]

“The Signer Dragon already appears, does it?” Trixie asked. “Pity its not powerful enough to defeat my Sun Dragon Inti, huh?”

“Are you sure?” Twilight smiled. “Trap activate! Assault Mode Activate!”

“Assault Mode?” Trixie repeated, her eyes wide.

“I release Stardust Dragon to Special Summon Stardust Dragon/Assault Mode!” said Twilight. Stardust Dragon let out a roar, as she stretched out. Pieces of blue armor flew out of nowhere, latching on to Stardust’s chest, wings, and claws. Stardust let out another roar, flexing her joints and landing in front of Twilight. [ATK3000. LV10]

“Stardust Dragon/Assault Mode?” Trixie asked, her eyes fearful. Suddenly she just burst out laughing. “Mutual destruction is the best you can hope for, and that will leave you wide open!”

“Will it?” Twilight asked. “Let’s find out! Stardust Dragon/Assault Mode, attack Sun Dragon Inti! Assault Sonic Burst!” Stardust roared, before blasting out multiple blasts of energy. Sun Dragon Inti retaliated by blasting out a burst of yellow energy from the stone sun, engulfing Stardust as the bursts tore it apart.

“They’ve both been destroyed!” said Applejack.

“I’m sure Twily knows what she’s doing!” said Pinkie.

“I do,” smiled Twilight. “When Stardust Dragon/Assault Mode is destroyed, I Special Summon the original Stardust Dragon from my Graveyard!” The light faded away, and the unarmored Stardust was revealed, unharmed. [ATK2500. LV8]

“I know what I’m doing, too, Sparkle!” laughed Trixie. “When Sun Dragon Inti is destroyed, Moon Dragon Quilla revives from the Graveyard!” Moon Dragon Quilla rose up from the ground. [ATK2500. LV-6]

“What!?” Twilight gasped.

“So Stardust Dragon/Assault Mode was wasted?” Rainbow asked.

“What’s more,” smiled Trixie, “Temple of the Sun’s effect! All Monsters I control that have been Special Summoned from the Graveyard gain 300 ATK!” [ATK2800]

Twilight gritted her teeth. “I set a card. Turn end.”

“My turn, then,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I activate Rekindling! I Special Summon as many FIRE Monsters from my Graveyard that have 200 or less DEF as I can! I Special Summon Flamvell Firedog!” The magma dog erupted from the ground again. [ATK1900. LV4] “And Neo Flamvell Origin!” The two colored flame burst to life on Rainbow’s field. [ATK500. LV2] “I tune my level 2 Neo Flamvell Origin to my level 6 Flamvell Uruquizas!” Neo Flamvell Origin burst into two green Tuning Rings, which channeled Flamvell Uruquizas. “The ruler’s heartbeats now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power! Synchro Summon! Red Demon’s Dragon!” In a burst of light and fire, Red Demon’s Dragon appeared. With a roar, he dispelled the flames, baring his claws and glaring at Trixie. [ATK3000. LV8]

“Alright, Rainbow!” Pinkie cheered.

“Hah,” Trixie snorted, completely unconcerned.

“Battle!” said Rainbow. “Red Demon’s Dragon, attack Moon Dragon Quilla! Absolute Power Force!” Red Demon’s Dragon’s claws began burning. With a roar, he smashed them through Moon Dragon Quilla and into Trixie.

“Gah!” Trixie gasped. [Trixie Lulamoon: LP 7000 –> 6800] “How dare you hurt me, Trixie…”

“Oh get over yourself,” muttered Rainbow.

“And why should I?” Trixie asked. “Before Equestria was founded, it took whole teams of unicorns to control the sun and moon, but I can do it on my own! When Moon Dragon Quilla is destroyed, I Special Summon Sun Dragon Inti back to the field!” Sun Dragon Inti rose up from the ground, its four heads growling. [ATK3000. LV8]

“You know, I think its cheating if its your Monster’s effect and not your own magic that’s controlling the ‘sun and moon’,” Twilight muttered.

“Shut up!” Trixie snapped. “Thanks to Temple of the Sun, Sun Dragon Inti gains 300 ATK!” [ATK3300]

“Damn,” Rainbow muttered. “During the End Phase, Flamvell Firedog is banished by Rekindling’s effect.” Flamvell Firedog growled, before fading away.

“My turn,” smiled Trixie. “Draw! Sun Dragon Inti, attack Red Demon’s Dragon!” The four dragon heads of Inti grabbed Red Demon’s Dragon with their jaws, clamping down hard to hold him in place. The yellow sun then fired a blast of energy, incinerating Red Demon’s Dragon and blasting Rainbow backwards.

“Gah!” Rainbow gasped. [Rainbow Dash: LP 4000 –> 3700]

“Rainbow!” Fluttershy gasped.

“I’m fine,” Rainbow mumbled, standing back up. “Is that all you’ve got, Trixie?”

“For now, anyway,” Trixie replied. “I set a card. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I activate my Trap, Synchro Striker Unit! This card equips to a Synchro Monster I control, and increases its ATK by 1000! I equip it to Stardust Dragon!” [ATK3500]

“Oh?” smirked Trixie. “You haven’t learned yet, have you?”

“Battle!” said Twilight. “Stardust Dragon, attack Sun Dragon Inti! Shooting Sonic!” Stardust shot out a blast of white energy, breaking through Sun Dragon Inti and knocking Trixie back.

“Ah!” Trixie gasped. [Trixie Lulamoon: LP 6800 –> 6600] “Sun Dragon Inti’s effect! When this card is destroyed by battle, the Monster that destroyed it is also destroyed and my opponent takes damage equal to its ATK! Your Stardust Dragon is history!”

“No!” Twilight gasped. “Stardust Dragon’s effect! I release it to negate an effect that would destroy a card on the field! Victim Sanctuary!” Stardust roared, and dissolved away into a shower of sparkles before Inti could incinerate it.

“Oh, you are just the worst,” Trixie muttered. “Doesn’t matter, though. Sun Dragon Inti sets, and Moon Dragon Quilla rises!” Moon Dragon Quilla rose up in front of Trixie. [ATK2500. LV-6]

“This is really getting on my nerves,” Rainbow muttered.

“Thanks to Temple of the Sun,” smiled Trixie, “Quilla gains 300 ATK!” [ATK2800]

“I set a Monster,” said Twilight. “Turn end. During the End Phase, Stardust Dragon revives itself from my Graveyard!” In a burst of sparkles, Stardust Dragon flew up from behind Twilight, spinning around dramatically. [ATK2500. LV8]

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I activate Monster Reborn to Special Summon Red Demon’s Dragon from my Graveyard!” Red Demon’s Dragon rose up behind Rainbow in a burst of flames, letting out a roar at Trixie. [ATK3000. LV8] “Then I set two cards and end my turn.”

“Not attacking me?” Trixie asked. “Did you learn your lesson, Rainbow Dash? That’s not fun.”

“Just take your turn, Trixie,” said Rainbow. “I don’t have time to waste chatting.”

“Fair enough,” Trixie sighed. “I don’t want to talk to you losers, anyway. Draw!”

“Trap activate!” said Rainbow. “Battle Mania! You’re forced to conduct your Battle Phase this turn, and attack with all the Monsters you can!”

“Rainbow!” Twilight gasped.

Trixie laughed. “Good, you didn’t learn!”

“What do you mean?” Rainbow asked.

“If it was just one on one,” said Trixie, “then this would have been clever. Make me attack Red Demon’s Dragon with the weaker Quilla and I’ll take damage. I’m guessing you have a Trap lying in wait to disrupt my sun and moon combo as soon as Quilla is destroyed, too.”

“Y-yeah,” Rainbow stuttered.

“But you aren’t my only opponent, are you?” Trixie asked. “You just forced me to attack Twilight.”

“…I messed up,” Rainbow mumbled. “Sorry, Twilight…”

“It’s alright, Rainbow,” Twilight smiled. "She likely would have attacked me, anyway. It's not your fault."

“Yes, it’s perfectly fine,” smiled Trixie. “Because I found a way to hurt Twilight without having to conduct my Battle Phase at all!”

“What do you mean?” Rainbow asked.

“I activate the Field Spell, Mausoleum of the Emperor!” said Trixie. A large altar rose up behind Trixie. In the center of it was a large flame, flanked on either side by an obelisk.

“A Field Spell…” Twilight mumbled.

“Thanks to Mausoleum of the Emperor,” said Trixie, “a player can Normal Summon a high level Monster by paying Life Points, 1000 for each Monster you’d ordinarily need to release.”

“You’re going to summon it, aren’t you?” Rainbow asked.

“The Earthbound God,” Celestia mumbled, taking a step back.

“Be careful, Rainbow!” Fluttershy called. “You too, Twilight!”

“I pay 2000 Life Points!” laughed Trixie. [Trixie Lulamoon: LP 6600 –> 4600] “And I sacrifice the lingering souls of Equestria!” A stone heart rose up behind Trixie, beating as it sucked in the black fog hanging over the area. “Descend, Earthbound God Wiraqocha Rasca!” A pulse of light shot down behind Trixie. The ground trembled, as a large black condor rose up. Pink markings ran over its body and wings, glowing softly in the dark. It flapped its wings, knocking everypony except Trixie back, as it flew high above them. [ATK1. LV10]

“…Is that it?” Pinkie asked, as everypony pulled themselves back up. “Only 1 ATK?”

“That doesn’t mean anythin’,” said Applejack. “Apple Bloom’s Earthbound God was able to deal damage without attackin’.”

“And Trixie did say she would hurt Twilight without her Battle Phase,” said Rarity. “Careful, girls!”

“How unfair,” Trixie muttered. “You aren’t underestimating it enough.”

“We don’t look down on others just because we can’t see their full potential,” said Twilight.

“Don’t lecture me!” spat Trixie. “Wiraqocha Rasca’s effect! I skip my Battle Phase to reduce my opponent’s Life Points to 1!”

“What!?” everypony gasped.

“Suffer, Twilight Sparkle!” laughed Trixie. “Bury her, Wiraqocha Rasca! Polar Star Obey!” Wiraqocha Rasca opened its mouth, letting out a stream of energy.

“AGH!” Twilight screamed, the energy blasting her backwards. She skidded along the ground, colliding with a rock. [Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000 –> 1]

“Twilight!” Rainbow gasped. “Get up, please!”

Twilight groaned, struggling to stand, before collapsing to the ground.

“Twilight!” Celestia called.

“Come on, Twilight,” Pinkie mumbled. “Please…”

“Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha!” Trixie laughed. “How do you like that, Sparkle!? How’s it feel to have your whole life destroyed!?”

“Trixie…” Rainbow muttered. “You’re taking things way too far…”

“And Gilda and the others didn’t?” Trixie laughed. “I end my turn. During my End Phase, Moon Dragon Quilla destroys itself, and Sun Dragon Inti rises from the Graveyard!” Moon Dragon Quilla sank into the ground, and Sun Dragon Inti began rising. [ATK3000. LV8]

“No!” snapped Rainbow. “I’m not letting you have your way any more! Trap activate! Bottomless Trap Hole! I destroy and banish Sun Dragon Inti!” Inti’s four heads roared, before Inti dissolved away completely.

“Damn,” muttered Trixie. “Well, it doesn’t matter to me anymore. I’ve summoned my Earthbound God, after all. Your turn, Twilight. If you can stand that is.”

Twilight moaned in pain, but wasn’t able to replay. Stardust seemed to be staring at her as she lay twitching on the ground.

“Twilight, please!” Rainbow urged. “If we don’t finish this soon, the King of the Underworld will revive!”

“Not even half an hour remains,” said Rarity.

“Two duels of darkness, one after the other,” said Fluttershy.

“Not to mention how exhausting it must be to teleport across the country,” added Pinkie. “No wonder Twilight’s out cold like this.”

Rainbow gritted her teeth. “Since she can’t move, can I go ahead with my turn, Trixie?”

“Hm? Whatever, go ahead. The sooner I can go again, the sooner I can hurt the ponies that ruined my life.”

“I’d say you ruined it yourself,” said Rainbow, “but right now I’m having a hard time even thinking about trying to talk you out of this Dark Signer induced insanity. My turn, draw! Since I can’t target the Earthbound God, I’ll attack you instead!”

“Continuous-Trap!” countered Trixie. “Spirit Barrier! As long as I control a Monster, I can’t take Battle Damage!”

“Damn it,” Rainbow muttered. “I set two cards. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Trixie. “Draw!”

“Trap activate!” said Rainbow. “Threatening Roar! This turn, you can’t declare an attack!”

“Damn,” Trixie muttered. “Well then, if you’d rather I target you than Twilight, then I’ll graciously grant your request. Wiraqocha Rasca’s effect! I skip my Battle Phase to reduce your Life Points to 1! Polar Star Obey!” Wiraqocha Rasca shot out another blast of energy, which quickly engulfed Rainbow, and sent her tumbling back into Twilight.

“AGH!” [Rainbow Dash: LP 3700 –> 1]

“Rainbow!” Fluttershy cried.

“Come on, RD!” Applejack called.

“Rainbow, Twilight, you can do it!” cheered Pinkie.

“We’re counting on you two,” said Rarity.

“Hah!” laughed Trixie. “They’re too weak to stand up to me! I set a card and end my turn. Not that I need to. Since I let Rainbow Dash skip a turn when Twilight Sparkle couldn’t move, I could easily just skip their turns again, can’t I?”

“Not if we can move…” Twilight groaned, pulling herself to her hooves. “My turn… Draw…”

“Impossible…” Trixie mumbled. “How can you…”

“We can’t let our friends down, can we?” Rainbow asked, pulling herself up as well. “They’re counting on us to win this…”

“W-what…” Trixie stuttered. “So what if they are!? You can’t honestly expect me to believe that they can give you strength just like that!”

“But they can,” said Twilight. “They were the only reason I could protect Ponyville from the Ursa Minor. When you tried, Trixie, what were you fighting for? For the town, or for your ego?”

“I…” Trixie stuttered. “I’m not the weakling I was back then! Who cares what I was fighting for?”

“Trixie,” said Rainbow, “I know what it’s like trying to be cool and impressive, but it doesn’t mean you are. When all you have is yourself, is that really a big accomplishment?”

“Are you seriously trying to give me a friendship speech now of all times?” Trixie asked. “I’m about to win, and the King of the Underworld is about to revive!”

“And you’ll be the only one left alive in the world,” said Rarity. “Is that what you want?”

“Why’d you start performing, Trixie?” Pinkie asked. “To humiliate ponies?”

“No!” Trixie snapped. “I thought I could entertain them, but…”

“Your ego got in the way?” Applejack asked. “Ah’ll admit ours did, too. We could have handled things better back when we first met.”

“Yeah, well, you didn’t, did you?” Trixie asked.

“You weren’t acting very nicely, either,” Fluttershy mumbled. “The difference is, we’re trying to make things up to you. Can’t you accept that?”

“Of course I can’t!” Trixie snapped. “How can I be your friend? I’m about to kill you! I’m a Dark Signer! We can’t just end the duel with a friendship speech, it’s a fight to the death! A fight I need to win!”

“You don’t!” said Twilight.

“I know the Earthbound God won’t let you surrender,” said Rainbow.

“So we’ll just need to help you by beating that thing down!” said Applejack.

All of the Signer Marks burned brightly, before vanishing. They all gathered on Twilight, forming the full Mark of the Crimson Dragon. The top card of Twilight's deck began glowing.

“What!?” Trixie gasped.

“I Flip Summon Crystal Seer!” said Twilight. The red robed, masked biped appeared. [ATK100. LV1] “Thanks to his Flip Effect, I look at the top two cards of my deck and add one to my hoof! I add and summon Savior Dragon!” The sleek, pink dragon appeared, spinning around dramatically. [ATK0. LV1] “I tune my level 1 Savior Dragon to my level 1 Crystal Seer and my level 8 Stardust Dragon!” Savior Dragon expanded into a large glow of light, that enveloped Crystal Seer and Stardust Dragon. “Gathering starlight will enlighten a new miracle! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon!” A burst of blue light shot out, enveloping Twilight and healing some of her bruises. “Arrive in light, Savior Star Dragon!” The streamlined, serpentine Stardust appeared, soaring around the whole geoglyph, before dramatically posing where Twilight once stood. [ATK3800. LV10]

“Trap activate!” chained Rainbow. “Tuner Capture! When a Synchro Monster is Synchro Summoned by my opponent, I Special Summon the Tuner used for that Synchro Summon! Since Twilight’s considered an opponent in a triangle duel, I Special Summon Savior Dragon to my field!” The sleek, pink dragon appeared in front of Rainbow. [ATK0. LV1]

“No!” Trixie said. “Stop trying to save me! Trap activate! Synchro Rivalry! When my opponent summons a Synchro Monster, I prevent my Monsters from being destroyed this turn!”

“Savior Star Dragon’s effect!” countered Twilight. “I release her to negate my opponent’s card effect and destroy all cards they control! Your field is empty, Trixie! Stardust Force!” Savior Star gently placed Twilight on the ground, before rocketing towards Trixie, dividing into four to destroy all four of Trixie’s cards.

Wiraqocha Rasca screeched in pain as Savior Star pierced through it before it exploded. Savior Star continued onwards, destroying Trixie’s Traps, and smashing Mausoleum of the Emperor to pieces. With her job done, Savior Star Dragon merged back together, and dissolved into sparkles.

“N-no…” Trixie mumbled. “I… I’m alone…”

“You don’t have to be, Trixie!” said Twilight. “I set a card, and end my turn!” The Mark of the Crimson Dragon vanished from Twilight’s flanks, appearing on Rainbow Dash instead.

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I summon Flamvell Poun!” An ape with a head, hands, and tail of flames appeared. [ATK200. LV1] “I tune my level 1 Savior Dragon to my level 1 Flamvell Poun and my level 8 Red Demon’s Dragon!” Savior Dragon once again expanded into a large field of pink light, engulfing Flamvell Poun and Red Demon’s Dragon. “A lone single polished light, become the true high-ruler and illuminate the earth! Shine your light! Synchro Summon!” A burst of red light shot out, engulfing Rainbow Dash, healing some of her injuries. “The great soul, Savior Demon Dragon!” The serpentine Red Demon’s Dragon appeared, its shiny red and white wings stretched wide as it glided around drift above where Rainbow Dash was standing. It’s mane of red fur gently danced in the breeze. [ATK4000. LV10]

“Trap activate!” said Twilight. “Synchro Library! I banish all Synchro Monsters from my Graveyard! This turn, Monsters that declare attacks gain 300 ATK for each Synchro Monster banished! I banish Stardust Dragon and Savior Star Dragon!”

“Meaning this turn,” said Rainbow, “Savior Demon Dragon will gain 600 ATK when it battles!”

“Is this what friends can do for one another…?” Trixie mumbled.

“Go for it, Rainbow!” Fluttershy cheered.

“Savior Demon Dragon, attack Trixie directly!” said Rainbow. “Ultimate Power Force!” [ATK4600] Savior Demon Dragon enveloped itself in flames, before blasting itself at Trixie.

“Agh!” Trixie gasped, being knocked back by the impact. [Trixie Lulamoon: LP 4600 –> 0]

Savior Demon Dragon gently placed Rainbow Dash back on the ground, before dissolving into a shower of red sparks. The Mark of the Crimson Dragon vanished, and the individual Signer Marks returned to their respective owners, no longer glowing as the purple flames of the condor geoglyph died out.

“Trixie!” Twilight gasped, as everypony galloped over to her.

“Are you seriously concerned over me…?” Trixie asked, her slowly cracking open revealing her sclera had returned to their normal white color.

“Friends look out for one another,” said Twilight.

“Assuming you want to be our friend, of course,” said Rarity.

“You’re willing to forgive me this easily?” Trixie asked.

“Ah’ll admit it’s kind of hard to forgive you after what you’ve done,” said Applejack.

“But friends are forgiving of each other,” said Fluttershy.

“You’re all so stupid,” Trixie mumbled, giving a small smile. “But thank you… It means a lot to me…” She closed her eyes and crumbled away into dust.

Twilight let out a sigh, before trotting into the middle of the final rune circle, holding Stardust Dragon’s card up. The circle glowed crimson, before shattering, letting the gates slowly slide shut again.

“We did it!” Pinkie cheered, pulling everypony into a group hug.

“Ouch!” everypony winced.

“Oops,” said Pinkie, letting them go. “Sorry. Forgot we were all kind of beat up…”

“It’s fine, Pinkie,” said Rainbow.

“I’m proud of all of you,” smiled Celestia. “I know how painful this whole ordeal must’ve been.”

“Thank you, Princess,” said Twilight.

“I’m looking forward to a nice, long nap, personally,” said Rarity. “Perhaps it’ll help me forget what I’ve had to do…”

“Ah know what ya mean,” said Applejack.

“Rainbow,” Fluttershy mumbled.

Rainbow nodded. “Yeah, we’ll talk. A nice nap to rest up and we’ll talk, okay?”

Fluttershy smiled. “Okay.”

A burst of light from behind them signaled the arrival of Princess Luna and Adviser by teleport. “Sister! Signers!”

“Luna?” Celestia asked. “What’s wrong?”

“You missed the duel!” said Pinkie.

“The duel against the last Dark Signer?” Luna asked.

“Yep,” said Pinkie. “It was awesome, you should have seen it! Rainbow and Twilight totally owned that Earthbound God!”

“Wait, so they’re the Dark Signers, now?” Adviser asked, his head tilted in confusion.

“Huh?” Pinkie asked.

“Your slang confused him, I think,” said Twilight. “No, we’re not Dark Signers.”

“We’re the good old, normal Signers,” said Rainbow. “And we just won this war against the underworld.”

“Oh, I see,” said Adviser. “Well, I’m happy for what you’ve done, and would hate to ruin your happiness, but…”

“You didn’t win,” Luna finished.

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.

“All the Dark Signers were defeated, weren’t they?” said Rarity.

“The seven that challenged you did, yes,” said Luna. “But according to Adviser’s findings, the Dark Signer produced fog that slayed our citizens for sacrifice to the Earthbound Gods is still being produced.”

“What!?” Twilight gasped. “How!?”

“It seems,” said Luna, “that we were wrong in our assumption that Trixie was producing it from here at Tartarus.”

“She did say she meant to use my soul to fuel it,” said Celestia. “But since I was revived upon Gilda’s defeat, that doesn’t seem to be the case.”

Everypony’s eyes were wide, and Twilight began trembling. “S-so… there’s still one more Dark Signer…?”

Off in the distance, a pillar of purple light shot up into the sky, seeming to be acting as a beacon to them.

Luna began trembling. “It’s midnight. The last Dark Signer is calling the King of the Underworld.”

“But who is it?” Rainbow asked. “Who’s the last Dark Signer!?”

In the ruins of the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters, the eighth rune circle glowed a bright purple before shooting up a pillar of purple light to the sky. Standing before the circle, the sclera of her eyes having turned black, and her right flank adorned with the glowing outline of a purple tree stood Zecora.

“Come to me, my Signer friends,” Zecora said. “Come face me before your world ends.”

The Final Battle - The Crimson Dragon vs. The King of the Underworld

The Signers jumped in shock as the gates of Tartarus burst open behind them, black sludge beginning to ooze out.

“Girls, get going!” said Luna, as she conjured up a shield in front of the sludge. “You need to defeat the last Dark Signer, now!”

“B-but-” Twilight began.

“There’s no time for arguing!” said Celestia, struggling to help Luna keep the shield up. “We’ll hold off the King of the Underworld as long as we can, but only you six can win this!”

Twilight’s eyes began tearing up. “I thought I lost you, Princess, but you came back. You expect me to risk losing you again?”

“Do you us to let the world die!?” Luna snapped. “Get moving, Twilight Sparkle!”

Twilight’s eyes widened from the outburst. Unable to speak, she merely nodded, before galloping away with the rest of her friends.

“Adviser, go help them get to the light!” said Luna.

Adviser nodded, before galloping as fast as he could away from Tartarus.

“We’re counting on you, Twilight,” Celestia muttered, as the shield began to crack.

“Because we can’t do much more than stall, at this point,” said Luna.

Stopping for breath, the Signers looked back, realizing they barely put any distance between them and Tartarus.

“The world will be destroyed long before we get anywhere near that light,” said Rarity.

“Can’t you do a group teleport like Celestia?” Adviser asked.

“Who are you?” Applejack mumbled.

“Does it matter?” he asked. “Just teleport already! If my calculations are correct, the last Dark Signer was producing the fog and is likely at the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters within the Everfree Forest.”

“I can’t,” said Twilight. “Two duels of darkness and teleporting across the country has left me burned out. I can’t levitate a card let alone teleport all of us.”

“And I’ve never teleported at all,” said Rarity.

“Can’t you do it?” Applejack asked. “You’re a unicorn, after all.”

“Yes,” said Adviser, “I can teleport. Short distances. In Canterlot Castle. I’m not that good at magic, okay?”

“Our hero,” said Rainbow.

“What about the Crimson Dragon?” Pinkie asked.

“The Crimson Dragon?” Twilight repeated. “How can the Crimson Dragon help us?”

“Well, its power is spread between us, right?” Pinkie asked.

“It’s worth a try,” said Rarity.

Fluttershy clapped her hooves together in a prayer. “Please, Crimson Dragon! We need your help to defeat the Dark Signers!”

Applejack gave a small snicker. “Uh, sugarcube? Ah don’t think it’s that-” Applejack was cut off when all six Signer Marks began burning. The clouds above them began glowing red, and a large, red dragon with flickers of yellow running through it descended from them, letting out a sorrowful sounding cry. Its head, wings, claws, and tail resembled the marks. The dragon itself seemed to be made of flames.

“T-that’s…” Rarity stuttered.

“You were saying, AJ?” Rainbow asked, a smirk on her face.

“Ah stand corrected,” Applejack mumbled.

“Crimson Dragon, please!” said Fluttershy. “We need your help to get to that light over there!”

The Crimson Dragon let out another roar, before opening its mouth wide, and diving down at the Signers. They didn’t even have time to gasp before they were swallowed whole and the Crimson Dragon vanished in a flash of light.

Adviser was left standing alone, blinking in surprise. “What just happened…?”

“W-what was that about?” Applejack stuttered.

“Wait, we’re here!” said Rainbow, as they took in their surroundings.

The Signers found themselves standing outside the ruins of the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. As soon as they realized where they were, the ground began trembling. Parts of the castle fell off as purple flames erupted from the ground, weaving around and through the castle and trees of the Everfree Forest. The light pillar disappeared as the geoglyph of a thorny tree reflected on the sky above.

“Welcome, my friends, I’m glad you’re here,” Zecora said, stepping out of the castle to greet them. “Now, to make you disappear.”

“No!” Twilight gasped.

“It can’t be…” Applejack mumbled.

“Zecora!?” Rarity gasped.

“You’re the last Dark Signer?” Pinkie asked, staring deep into the black sclera of Zecora’s eyes.

“Your powers of deduction astonish me,” said Zecora. “Now, are you ready to duel in this geoglyph of the tree?”

“Zecora, why!?” Twilight snapped. “Weren’t you the one that told Celestia and Luna about the Dark Signers? Why warn us if you planned on killing us?”

“Why are you even trying to kill us?” Fluttershy asked.

“Aren’t we friends, Zecora?” Pinkie asked.

“You don’t understand yet, but you soon will,” said Zecora. “Now I suggest we get on with this; there’s no time to kill!” She held up her hoof, and the air above her distorted.

Behind her, a vision appeared showing the gates of Tartarus. The Signers watched in shock as Celestia and Luna’s shield shattered, and the two alicorns were knocked back. The sludge leaking out of the gates rose up, shifting into a large, twisted shape. Two large wings extended from its back, and it crawled forward on four spindly legs. Its face was undefined from all the sludge, its only visible feature being two glowing, red eyes.

“That’s…” Twilight mumbled.

“T-The King of the Underworld…” Fluttershy stuttered.

“Once the King reaches the flames of this tree,” said Zecora, “then this world will cease to be.”

“And what if we beat you before it gets here?” Rainbow asked.

“Then the King and I, we’ll both die,” Zecora rhymed. “However, I’ve come too far to lose to you! I’ll destroy you Signers! This world is through!”

“What do you mean, you’ve come too far?” Applejack asked.

“Despite Trixie’s claims, the fog wasn’t her design,” said Zecora. “I gave my life so Equestria’s souls would revive the divine.”

“It was you that did that?” Pinkie asked.

“It would explain how Princess Celestia was able to be revived,” said Rarity. “If the fog really came from Trixie sacrificing her soul, Celestia would have been lost forever.”

“You’ve been planning this from the beginning, weren’t you?” Twilight asked.

“You’ve figured it out, Twilight,” said Zecora, a small smile on her face. “Yes, I’m afraid you’re right.”

Rainbow gritted her teeth. “I hate being used like that… And I hate traitors even more. Zecora! You’re going down!”

“This time, we’ll fight together!” said Pinkie.

“One against six puts me in quite a fix,” Zecora rhymed. “We’ll play under Battle Royale rules. Are you ready to die, you pathetic fools?”

“The only one who will die is you, Zecora!” spat Rainbow.

“I’m sorry,” said Fluttershy, “but we’ve been through too much to back down now.”

“We will save this world, Zecora,” said Rarity.

“Even if it’s you standing in our way,” said Applejack.

Twilight took a deep breath. “Let’s do this!”

“Duel!”

Pinkie Pie: LP 4000. Rainbow Dash: LP 4000. Applejack: LP 4000. Rarity: LP 4000. Fluttershy: LP 4000. Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000. Zecora: LP 24000.

“I’ll go first!” said Pinkie. “Draw! I summon Vylon Soldier!” A legless, gold and white being of metal descended from the sky, purple jewels adorning its body. While the body and lower spike were white, its head, arms, and shoulders were gold. [ATK1700. LV4] “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I summon Flamvell Firedog!” The magma dog erupted from the ground, growling at Zecora. [ATK1900. LV4] “Turn end.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! Ah summon Lonefire Blossom!” The bomb flower blossomed in front of Applejack. “Ah release it to activate its effect, and Special Summon a Plant from mah deck! Ah Special Summon Gigaplant!” The bomb flower exploded, and in its place the massive wall of plant matter and insect claws reared up, its red maw opening to reveal rows of razor sharp teeth. [ATK2400. LV6] “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw! I summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus!” The large, white pegasus, with pale gold feathers on its wings and sapphire horn on its head flew around the geoglyph, before landing in front of Rarity. [ATK1800. LV4] “When Sapphire Pegasus I can place a Crystal Beast from my deck into my Spell and Trap Zone. I place Ruby Carbuncle!” Sapphire Pegasus’ horn glowed, and a chunk of ruby appeared in front of Rarity. “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw! I summon Wattwoodpecker!” A black, red, and yellow bird landed in front of Fluttershy, its beak twitching forward. [ATK1000. LV3] “I set one card. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I summon Crusader of Endymion!” A thin bipedal covered in yellow robes appeared. Large pieces of dark blue armor magically floated around him for protection. [ATK1900. LV4] “Turn end!”

“Well, my turn has come at last,” said Zecora. “I promise that I’ll end this fast. I draw and set a Monster and card. You may proceed, Pinkie Pie. Heads up, defeating me will be hard.”

“Wanna bet?” asked Pinkie.

Zecora gave a small smirk, and nodded.

“If you’re sure…” smiled Pinkie. “My turn, draw! I summon Vylon Cube!” A mechanical cube, with arms and a single leg appeared. A small head stuck out of the top. [ATK800. LV3] “I tune my level 3 Vylon Cube to my level 4 Vylon Soldier!” Vylon Cube burst into three green Tuning Rings, and began channeling the four level stars of Vylon Soldier. “Combine courage and power to protect the world’s peace! Synchro Summon!” A burst of light shot through the rings in front of Pinkie. “Come on out, Power Tool Dragon!” The mechanical, construction tool adorned dragon appeared, its metal segmented neck reflecting the flames of the geoglyph. Its eyes glowed red, as it flexed its shovel, before landing in front of Pinkie. [ATK2300. LV7] “Once per turn, Power Tool Dragon adds a random Equip Spell from my deck to my hoof!” Pinkie’s deck automatically shuffled itself and produced a card for her to draw. “I Equip Power Tool Dragon with Fairy Meteor Crush! Power Tool now has Piercing Damage! Battle! Power Tool Dragon, attack Zecora’s Set Monster! Crafty Break!”

“It appears you’ve lost our little bet,” said Zecora. “Continuous-Trap, activate! Depth Amulet! I discard a card to negate your attack! I bet you wish you could take your boast back.” Power Tool Dragon stabbed at Zecora with its screwdriver, only to be deflected away by a magical barrier.

“No!” Pinkie gasped.

“Fear not, for on my opponent’s third turn after being deployed,” said Zecora, “the Continuous-Trap, Depth Amulet, will be destroyed.”

“So,” said Rarity, “since she activated it on Pinkie’s turn, we’ll only need to deal with Depth Amulet halting our attacks until the end of Applejack’s turn?”

“In the meantime,” smiled Rainbow, “we might as well take advantage of this and make Zecora lose all of her hoof’s resources! My turn, draw! I summon Dread Dragon!” A brown dragon with red wings appeared. Its head was topped with a mane of purple dreadlocks. [ATK1100. LV2] “I tune my level 2 Dread Dragon to my level 4 Flamvell Firedog!” Dread Dragon burst into two green Tuning Rings, and began channeling the four level stars of Flamvell Firedog. “Burning flames of my heart, pierce through my opponent’s defenses!” A burst of light shot through the Tuning Rings. “Synchro Summon! Flamvell Uruquizas!” A large biped, with fists coated in flames rose up out of the pillar of light. [ATK2100. LV6] “Uruquizas can deal Piercing Damage when it attacks a defense position Monster! Battle! Flamvell Uruquizas, attack Zecora’s Set Monster!”

“I discard a card to stop Uruquizas!” said Zecora. “Two more shields, my Monster has…”

“Think you can take those shields out, Applejack?” Rainbow asked.

“Certainly,” smiled Applejack. “Mah turn, draw! Ah Normal Summon Gigaplant again to give it its Gemini Effect! Once per turn, Ah can Special Summon a Plant or Insect from mah hoof! Ah Special Summon Tytannial, Princess of Camellias!” The half-plant woman bloomed in front of Applejack. [ATK2800. LV8] “Battle! Mah two Monsters attack!”

“I discard two cards to stop both attacks!” said Zecora. “As far as strategies go, yours certainly lacks.”

“Does it now?” Applejack asked with a smirk. “Turn end. Depth Amulet is destroyed, and your hoof is empty!”

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw! I summon Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger!” A white saber-toothed tiger with black stripes and a blade-like horn on its head leapt out in front of Rarity. On its neck was a chunk of topaz. [ATK1600. LV4] “Battle! Topaz Tiger, when it attacks a Monster, gains 400 ATK! Attack Zecora’s Set Monster!” Topaz Tiger bared his fangs, and lunged forward. [ATK2000]

On Zecora’s field, a black metal shield appeared. In the center of the shield was a skull surrounded by flames. [DEF1700] “Infernity Guardian’s effect activates. And unfortunately for you, that means its flames will never dissipate. While my hoof has a card total of zero, Infernity Guardian can’t be destroyed. So much for being a hero!”

“What!?” Rarity gasped.

“So, by making you discard your whole hoof,” Rainbow began.

“We set up an even stronger shield for you?” Twilight finished.

Zecora laughed. “This is the power of Infernity! You Signers are about to become ancient history!”

“I’ll admit they seem to have strong effects if Infernity Guardian is anything to go by,” said Twilight. “But a strategy based on having an empty hoof seems very risky and- Pinkie, what are you doing?”

Twilight turned to look over at Pinkie Pie, who was looking up at the sky in thought, mumbling under her breath. “Huh? Oh, I was trying to see if Infernity really rhymes with history.”

“They both end with the same sound, don’t they?” Applejack asked.

“Yeah, but does that really count?” Pinkie asked.

“We don’t have time to argue about rhyming!” said Rainbow.

“Um,” said Fluttershy, “should I just go ahead with my turn?”

“That would probably be for the best,” said Twilight.

“Okay,” said Fluttershy. “My turn, draw! I summon Wattkiwi!” A small, kiwi bird made out of a light bulb appeared on Fluttershy’s field. [ATK600. LV3] “Continuous-Trap, Wattcannon! Once per turn, when I summon a level 4 or lower Thunder-Type Monster, I inflict 600 points of damage to you, Zecora!”

“Gah!” Zecora winced, getting blasted by a burst of electricity. [Zecora: LP 24000 –> 23400]

“I tune my level 3 Wattkiwi to my level 3 Wattwoodpecker!” said Fluttershy. Wattkiwi burst into three green Tuning Rings, and began channeling the three level stars of Wattwoodpecker. “Electrical energy, gather and awaken these myths! Synchro Summon!” A burst of light shot down through the rings. “Surge, Wattchimera!” A large beast, resembling a manticore, with a snake replacing the scorpion tail, leapt out of the light, electricity coursing over it. [ATK1400. LV6] “I then activate the Continuous-Spell, Wattcine! When a Thunder-Type Monster I control deal battle damage, I gain Life Points equal to the damage dealt! Wattchimera can attack directly! Go, Wattchimera, attack Zecora!” Wattchimera lunged over Infernity Guardian, and slashed its electrified claws across Zecora.

“Gah!” Zecora winced. [Zecora: LP 23400 –> 22000]

“Alright, Fluttershy!” Rainbow cheered.

“Since you took 1400 points of damage, Wattcine increases my Life Points by 1400!” said Fluttershy, a small smile on her face. Small bursts of electricity ran over Fluttershy. [Fluttershy: LP 4000 –> 5400] “Turn end.”

“Didn’t see that coming, did you, Zecora?” Pinkie asked.

“Hmph,” Zecora snorted.

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I summon Tuned Magician!” A biped dressed in a pointed, ornate yellow hat and green, white, and yellow robes, armed with a short, white staff. [ATK1800. LV4] “Since your Infernity Guardian can’t be destroyed, I end my turn with that.”

“Then I begin my turn,” said Zecora. “I draw and reveal what should cause you concern. If I have this card in hoof, but no other card to be gleaned, I reveal and Special Summon Infernity Archfiend!” A dark blue biped in stylized green and blue robes appeared, his red eyes staring intensely. His hair was red and stuck up like flames. [ATK1800. LV4]

“If it’s the only card in your hoof, why Special Summon it?” Rarity asked.

“When Infernity Archfiend is Special Summoned, you see,” said Zecora, “to my hoof from my deck I can add another Infernity! Brace yourself for a barrage. I add and summon Infernity Mirage!” A deathly, skeletal biped in tribal robes appeared. Its head was adorned in dark red feathers. [ATK0. LV1]

“Brace for a barrage?” Rainbow asked. “What do you mean by that?”

“When my hoof is empty, Infernity Mirage can be released,” said Zecora. “Then, two Infernity Monsters will stop being deceased! From my Graveyard, I Special Summon, with Mirage’s effect; Infernity Caller and Necromancer! You’re about to be wrecked!” Infernity Caller was a deathly green bipedal in grey robes. His head was covered with a hood, shadowing all but his glowing red eyes. [ATK0. LV4] Infernity Necromancer was also a deathly green bipedal, though its lower half seemed to be missing. Its body was covered in purple robes, and its green hair stuck up wildly. Its eye sockets seemed to be empty. [DEF2000. LV3]

“Are you kiddin’ me!?” Applejack gasped. “She started out with only the card she drew, and she managed to get three more Monsters out of it!?”

“Infernity cards sure are scary,” Fluttershy mumbled.

“And I doubt she’s done yet,” said Rarity.

“With my hoof at zero, I can release Infernity Caller,” said Zecora, “to summon a Monster that I’m sure will make you all holler. Thought the Monster must have 1000 ATK or less, I’m certain this card will cause you all much distress.”

“Just get it over with,” said Pinkie, looking nervously at the vision behind Zecora. The King of the Underworld, though stuck crawling over the land, was making great speed in spite of Celestia and Luna’s efforts.

“Let your screams echo across the land,” laughed Zecora. “I Special Summon Dark Tuner Nightmare Hand!” A bipedal with a black body, and purple decorations acting almost as clothing appeared. Its face was made of glowing green tribal markings that seemed to give it the appearance of grinning creepily. [ATK0. LV10]

“A Dark Tuner!?” Twilight gasped.

“Infernity Necromancer can call upon dead lives,” said Zecora. “From my Graveyard, Infernity Dwarf revives!” A small, bearded bipedal dressed in mountain region clothes appeared, wielding a burning axe. In the lighting of the geoglyph, his skin seemed to be pale green. [ATK800. LV2]

“It’s coming!” Rainbow gasped.

“The Dark Synchro,” Rainbow mumbled.

“I’m dark tuning the level 10 Nightmare Hand to my Infernity Dwarf; level 2!” said Zecora. “My Dark Synchro is coming to get you.” Nightmare Hand dissolved away into black fog, which completely enveloped Infernity Dwarf. The ten level stars of Nightmare Hand pierced into and shattered the two level stars of Infernity Dwarf. The remaining eight turned black, before bursting out and spinning around in the dark sphere, black lightning coursing between them. “Upon the darkness curtain’s rise, they will open; the underworld’s eyes. Swoop down darkness, and bring their demise! Dark Synchro! Hundred Eyes Dragon, come kill my former allies!” The orb of darkness melted away, revealing a black dragon with leathery wings. Glowing purple eyes opened up all over its body; face, legs, chest, arms, and tail. [ATK3000. LV-8]

“Those eyes are really making me uncomfortable,” mumbled Rarity.

“I switch Infernity Guardian from defense to attack,” said Zecora. [ATK1200] “Regrettably, in terms of strength to kill, I still lack. Though, since you did damage me, Fluttershy, I think its only right that I at least make you cry. Hundred Eyes Dragon, make her scream! Attack Wattchimera! Infinity Sight Stream!” All the eyes glowed brighter, before Hundred Eyes Dragon shot out a blast of dark energy, incinerating Wattchimera and blasting into Fluttershy.

“Agh!” Fluttershy gasped, getting tossed back. [Fluttershy: LP 5400 –> 3800]

“Infernity Archfiend, your turn to crush her!” said Zecora. “Direct attack! Hell Pressure!” An enchanted circle of runes appeared in front of Infernity Archfiend and another appeared above Fluttershy. A large, red hand reached down from the sky, and slammed Fluttershy into the ground.

“Ah!” Fluttershy gasped, the air knocked from her lungs as more of her ribs snapped. [Fluttershy: LP 3800 –> 2000]

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow gasped.

“Zecora, stop!” Pinkie begged.

“Infernity Guardian will attack as well,” said Zecora. “Fluttershy, dear, welcome to hell.” A burst of flame shot out of Infernity Guardian, engulfing and burning Fluttershy.

“Agh!” Fluttershy gasped. [Fluttershy: LP 2000 –> 800]

“If she didn’t have Wattcine,” said Rarity, “just now, she would have…”

“Zecora!” Twilight snapped. “Tell me now! Why did you choose to become a Dark Signer? Why are you trying to kill us?”

“You want to here my motivation?” Zecora asked. “Then listen to my relation. It all started when a pony visited my hut. She told me of a certain destiny, that the world was in a rut. I speak of course of this current war, my dears. It repeats itself every 5000 years.”

“We know that part already,” said Rainbow. “What’s this have to do with you?”

“As long as the Crimson Dragon of Underworld King remains alive,” said Zecora, “then every 5000 years the Signers and Dark Signers revive. If one were to die, the cycle would end. That’s why I had to do this, Twilight, my friend. On the side of the Crimson Dragon was the six of you. That’s why this was this was all I could do. If I brought the Crimson Dragon and King of the Underworld to a direct fight, I could finally end this endless plight.”

“So that’s why you became a Dark Signer?” Twilight asked. “To end the 5000 year cycle?”

“Though the Earthbound Gods would still be asleep,” said Zecora, “without the King, the souls of this world wouldn’t freely be theirs to reap.”

“So you want to lose, then?” Fluttershy asked weakly, shakily pulling herself up.

“No,” said Zecora, “I’ve come too far to give in quietly. We’ll still fight to the death, to put it mildly.”

“Damn it, Zecora,” Rainbow muttered. “I really don’t want to kill another friend, but you leave me no choice.”

“One more question, Zecora,” said Twilight. “You said you got the idea for all this from a pony. Who was she?”

“I never learned her name, just that she was some sort of pastor,” said Zecora. “She preached for a group known as Yliaster.”

“Yliaster?” Twilight repeated.

“Who cares who or what she preached for?” Pinkie asked. “Right now, we’ve got bigger issues! I’ll avenge Fluttershy right now, Zecora!”

“I’m still alive, Pinkie,” Fluttershy mumbled.

“Right,” said Pinkie. “Anyway, my turn, draw! I activate Power Tool Dragon’s effect! I add a random Equip Spell from my deck to my hoof!” Pinkie’s deck shuffled and stuck out a card for her to draw. “Battle! Power Tool Dragon, attack Infernity Archfiend! Crafty Break!” Power Tool Dragon stabbed its screwdriver through Infernity Archfiend and into Zecora.

“Gah!” Zecora winced. [Zecora: LP 22000 –> 21500]

“I activate the Equip Spell, Lock On Shield!” said Pinkie. “I equip it to Power Tool Dragon! Power Tool is changed to defense, but you can’t target another Monster for attack!” [DEF2500]

“In Battle Royale, all duelists are your opponents,” said Rainbow. “Pinkie, I get what you’re trying to do, but you just prevented all of us from attacking!”

“…Oops,” said Pinkie. “I… I’m sorry…”

“It’s fine,” sighed Rainbow. “My turn, draw! I summon the Tuner Monster Flamvell Baby!” A small cluster of flames ignited on Rainbow's field, taking the form of a small imp. [ATK800. LV1] “I tune my level 1 Flamvell Baby to my level 6 Flamvell Uruquizas!” Flamvell Baby dissolved into a green Tuning Ring, while Flamvell Uriquizas became stars. The stars lined up in the ring's center, as Rainbow chanted. “Ancient god of fire, burn my adversaries to a crisp! Synchro Summon! Ancient Flamvell Deity!" A pillar of light shot through the center of the ring, and a large being made of stone and flames rose up out of it. [ATK2500. LV7] “I set a card. Turn end.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! Ah summon Botanical Lion!” The wooden lion with the flower mane leapt forward. [ATK1600. LV4] “For each Plant Ah control, Botanical Lion gains 300 ATK!” [ATK 2500]

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw! I summon Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat!” A lean, pink panther with gold adornments on her ankles and chest leapt out in front of Rarity. Centered on her chest plate was a large amethyst gem. [ATK1200. LV3] “Pinkie’s Equip Spell only redirects attacks made against Monsters, so I can use Amethyst Cat’s effect to attack you directly, Zecora! Though the battle damage will be halved, every bit counts!” Amethyst Cat leapt over Zecora’s Monsters, slashing her claws across Zecora’s face.

“Gah!” Zecora winced. [Zecora: LP 21500 –> 20900]

“That’s it for me,” said Rarity.

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw. I set a Monster. Turn end.”

“Fluttershy,” Twilight mumbled. All that damage she took seems to have hurt her confidence. “My turn, draw! I Normal Summon Tuned Magician again to activate its effect! He’s now treated as a Tuner Monster!” A green Tuning Ring appeared around Tuned Magician.

“Going to Synchro Summon Stardust?” Zecora asked. “Go ahead, if you must.”

“I tune my level 4 Tuned Magician to my level 4 Crusader of Endymion!” said Twilight. Tuned Magician burst into three more Tuning Rings, joining the one already present to channel the level stars of Endymion. “Clustering wishes will create a shining new star! Become the path its light shines upon!” A burst of light shot through the Tuning Rings. “Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!” Stardust Dragon flew out of the light, dramatically spinning around. With a roar, she flexed her wings, stopping it from spinning and sending a shower of sparkles out. [ATK2500. LV8] “Turn end.”

“My turn, draw!” said Zecora. “Pinkie, your plan has another flaw.”

“What do you mean?” Pinkie asked.

“Hundred Eyes Dragon gains the effects of DARK Monsters in my Graveyard,” said Zecora. “Think, Pinkie, this isn’t that hard.”

“Your Graveyard is full of Infernity Monsters,” Pinkie mumbled. “So it gains all of their effects!?”

“I set a card so my hoof is at zero,” said Zecora. “This is what you get for trying to be a hero! I banish Infernity Dwarf to give Hundred Eyes Dragon a Piercing Effect! It’s over Pinkie, my plan is perfect! With Infernity Necromancer, I Special Summon Archfiend back to the field!” Archfiend rose up from the ground. [ATK1800] “Now, to make all your defenses yield. First Archfiend lets me add an Infernity. I then set the card to give back the effects to my Monster trinity! Hundred Eyes Dragon, make that machine steam! Attack Power Tool Dragon! Infinity Sight Stream!” Hundred Eyes Dragon’s eyes glowed, and it sent out another blast of dark energy, chipping parts away from Power Tool Dragon and blasting Pinkie.

“Gah!” Pinkie winced. [Pinkie Pie: LP 4000 –> 3500] “Power Tool Dragon’s effect! I destroy the Equip Spell Lock On Shield to negate its destruction!”

“All my Monsters can deal this same effect this turn,” said Zecora. “Infernity Archfiend, see if you can’t leave Fluttershy bloody and torn!”

“Fluttershy!” Pinkie gasped.

“It’s over for her!” said Zecora. “Hell Pressure!” Infernity Archfiend called up another large fist to strike down Fluttershy’s Set Monster. A small, multicolored dragonfly with electricity coursing over it appeared. [DEF100. LV2] The fist crushed it and quickly moved to crush Fluttershy.

"Ah!" Fluttershy flinched.

“Trap activate!” Rainbow countered. “Damage Intercept! If a player would take damage, I take that damage instead!” The fist above Fluttershy vanished, and appeared over Rainbow, crushing her instead. “Ah!” Rainbow collapsed, the air knocked from her lungs. [Rainbow Dash: LP 4000 –> 2300]

“Rainbow!” Fluttershy gasped.

“I’m fine,” said Rainbow. “For every 1000 points of damage I took by this effect, I can draw one card!”

“Wattdragonfly’s effect activates, too!” said Fluttershy. “I Special Summon a Watt Monster from my deck! I Special Summon Wattgiraffe!” A small giraffe, with light-bulbs for ears and electric prongs for horns appeared in front of Fluttershy. [ATK1200. LV4] “Wattcannon’s effect activates!”

“Ah!” Zecora winced, a blast of electricity striking her. [Zecora: LP 20900 –> 20300]

“Well, what now, Zecora?” Rarity asked. “Infernity Guardian only has 1200 ATK, after all. Not strong enough to beat any of our Monsters.”

“I switch my Guardian back to defense position,” said Zecora. [DEF1700] “It seems you’ve further stalled my ambition.”

“That’s what we’re good at!” said Pinkie.

“But how much longer can you stall me?” asked Zecora. “The King of the Underworld is almost at this tree.”

The Signers all looked up at the distortion behind Zecora. The King of the Underworld didn’t even seem to notice Celestia and Luna’s assaults, as it continued to drag itself across Equestria, smashing everything in its path.

“She’s right,” said Twilight. “We’ve no time to lose! We have to win this fast!”

“Right!” said Pinkie. “My turn, draw! I switch Power Tool Dragon back to attack position! [ATK2300] Then, by his effect, I can add an Equip Spell from my deck to my hoof!”

“Counter-Trap, Infernity Barrier, can activate when I have an attack position Infernity!” interrupted Zecora. “With this, as my hoof is empty, your effect activation is barred. Furthermore, your Monster is destroyed. I bet you wish that effect of yours never deployed.” Power Tool Dragon crumbled apart in front of Pinkie’s eyes.

“W-what…?” Pinkie mumbled. “…I set a card. Turn end.”

“Pinkie,” Twilight mumbled. “It’s okay. We’ll still be able to turn this around.”

“Yeah,” said Rainbow. “Battle! Ancient Flamvell Deity, attack Infernity Archfiend!”

“And you fall for my Trap, of course,” said Zecora. “Trap activate, Infernity Force! As my hoof has no cards, I destroy your attacking creature. Then, I Special Summon an Infernity from my Graveyard. Isn’t that a useful feature?”

“What!?” gasped Rainbow, as Ancient Flamvell Deity exploded.

“I Special Summon Infernity Beast!” said Zecora. A black dog with two large, green sacks on the sides of its face appeared. [DEF1200. LV3] “It seems your confidence has ceased.”

“I set one card,” said Rainbow. “Turn end.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! You’re outta Traps, Zecora. Ah’d say our confidence has just come back. Battle! Tytannial attacks Infernity Archfiend!” Large thorns shot out of the ground, slicing through Infernity Archfiend and stabbing into Zecora.

“Gah!” Zecora winced. [Zecora: LP 20300 –> 19300]

“Then, Gigaplant will attack Infernity Necromancer!” said Applejack. Gigaplant grabbed Necromancer in its mouth, and shredded it to bits with its teeth. “Finally, Botanical Lion attacks your Infernity Beast!” Botanical Lion leapt forward, and ripped Infernity Beast in two. “Ah set a card. Turn end!”

“Excellent work, Applejack!” said Rarity. “Now we only need to get rid of that Dark Synchro Monster and Infernity Guardian. My turn, draw! I summon the Tuner Monster, Buten!” A cute, stylized pig with big blue eyes, and small white wings fluttered out in front of Rarity. [ATK200. LV1] “Before I Synchro Summon, Amethyst Cat attacks you directly!” Amethyst Cat lunged past Zecora’s Monsters, slashing her across the face again.

“Ah!” Zecora winced. [Zecora: LP 19300 –> 18700]

“Now I tune my level 1 Buten to my level 3 Amethyst Cat and my level 4 Sapphire Pegasus!” Buten burst into a green Tuning Ring, and began channeling the seven level stars of Sapphire Pegasus and Amethyst Cat. “Darkened gales, become the wings that soar from resolved hope! Synchro Summon! Soar, Black Feather Dragon!” A beam of light shot down, and the legless dragon soared out, its large wings stretching dramatically, as its feathered tail and mane fluttered in the breeze behind it. [ATK2800. LV8] “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw! I summon Wattberyx!” An electrified goldfish with large, orange eyes appeared, seemingly swimming through the air. [ATK300. LV3] “Take the effect of Wattcannon!”

“Gah!” Zecora gasped, a blast of electricity striking her. [Zecora: LP 18700 –> 18100]

“Wattgiraffe can attack directly, so that’s what I’ll have him do!” said Fluttershy. Wattgiraffe sent out a blast of electricity from its horns.

“Gah!” Zecora gasped again. [Zecora: LP 18100 –> 16900]

“Wattcine increases my Life Points by 1200!” said Fluttershy. [Fluttershy: LP 800 –> 2000] “Then, I tune my level 3 Wattberyx to my level 4 Wattgiraffe.” Wattberyx burst into three green Tuning Rings, and began channeling the four level stars of Wattgiraffe. “Oh holy light of protection, shine now and become eternal life! Synchro Summon! Be born, Ancient Fairy Dragon!” A burst of light shot down, and Ancient Fairy Dragon appeared from it, stretching her large, butterfly-like wings, as her long, green hair trailed down her slender neck. Her serpentine tail curled around Fluttershy protectively, and her large, orange eyes gazing at her warmly. [ATK2100. LV7]

“Alright, Fluttershy!” Rainbow cheered.

“Way to bounce back, darling,” smiled Rarity.

Fluttershy smiled back. “Thanks. I end my turn.”

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw!”

“Quick-Play Spell!” said Applejack. “Rush Recklessly! Ah increase Stardust Dragon’s ATK by 700 until the End Phase!” [ATK3200]

“Applejack!” Twilight smiled.

“Go for it, sugarcube,” Applejack smiled back.

“Stardust Dragon,” said Twilight, “attack Hundred Eyes Dragon! Shooting Sonic!” Stardust shot out a blast of white energy, which stabbed through the large eye on Hundred Eyes Dragon’s chest, and caused it to explode. The blast knocked Zecora back.

“Gah!” Zecora winced. [Zecora: LP 16900 –> 16700]

“We did it!” Pinkie cheered.

“Not yet,” said Rarity. “Remember, there’s still her Earthbound God left to deal with.”

“Speaking of which,” said Zecora, “by destroying the Dark Synchro Monster, I can make that very switch. When Hundred Eyes Dragon is destroyed, an Earthbound God is added to my hoof to help fill the void!”

“What!?” Twilight gasped.

“It’s fine,” said Applejack. “There’s still no Field Spell on the field.”

“Don’t jinx it!” Pinkie gasped.

“I set a card and end my turn,” said Twilight. [ATK2500]

“My turn begins,” said Zecora. “And the underworld rewards my sins. I activate the Field Spell, Realm of the Earthbound Gods!” The area inside the geoglyph seemed to decay around them. “With this I have the favor of this duel’s odds. By paying 1000 Life Points, and forfeiting my Battle Phase, my Earthbound God can be summoned, and its my opponent who pays! I release Applejack’s Tytannial and Gigaplant! Equestria’s souls, from your bodies to me, decant!” [Zecora: LP 16700 –> 15700]

“No!” the Signers gasped.

“I told you not to jinx it!” said Pinkie.

“Watch in awe,” said Zecora. “Descend, Earthbound God Sacha!” A stone heart appeared above Zecora, pulsing. Off in the distance, ponies could be heard screaming, their bodies vanishing and their souls turning into orbs of light which were quickly sucked into the stone heart.

“And we just saved them, too,” Rainbow muttered. “Damn you, Zecora!”

“Hmph,” Zecora snorted, a smile on her face. The stone heart shot a pulse of light down. The flames of the geoglyph danced wildly, as the ground cracked, and parts of the ruined castle crumbled away. A large, black, thorn covered tree shot up from the ground behind Zecora. White tribal markings ran all over it. One of its roots wrapped around Zecora, and lifted her high into the air above the Signers.

The projected image of the King of the Underworld’s approach vanished, as the tree grew tall enough for Zecora to see it clearly. “The King approaches, my Signer friends! Soon… this world soon ends! Ah-ha-ha-ha!” [ATK?: LV10]

“Undetermined ATK?” Pinkie questioned.

“Sacha can’t attack on the turn it is played,” said Zecora, “but still, your lives will all be flayed! Your Life Points will all be cut in half. Sacha’s ATK will then increase on your behalf!”

“I think it’s cheating to rhyme half with behalf,” said Pinkie, before a large, thorny root shot out of the ground and ensnared her. “Ah!”

“Gah!” the other Signers gasped, as similar roots shot out beneath them, quickly ensnaring all of them. [Pinkie Pie: LP 3500 –> 1750. Rainbow Dash: LP 2300 –> 1150. Applejack: LP 4000 –> 2000. Rarity: LP 4000 –> 2000. Fluttershy: LP 2000 –> 1000. Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000 –> 2000]

“It’s sucking the life right out of us,” Twilight gasped, blood trickling down the thorn and being sucked into the root.

“Thank you for the blood,” smiled Zecora. “Soon your bodies will be buried in the mud!” [ATK9900]

“Damn it,” Rainbow muttered.

“Unless we manage to pull something off this round,” said Twilight, “at least one of us is going to die.”

“Not just one,” said Zecora. “Soon, the King of the Underworld will join in on the fun.”

A sudden blast of energy shot out over head. The Signers were too stunned to speak as Celestia and Luna, singed from the blast, spiraled down and crashed within the confines of the geoglyph.

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight gasped.

“Princess Luna!” Rarity gasped.

“At least I won’t be left alone, huh sister?” Luna mumbled, slowly turning into and orb of light.

Celestia gave her a small smile, before looking up at Twilight. “The King of the Underworld is minutes away. We’re counting on you girls…” The two princesses collapsed into orbs of light, which were quickly absorbed by Earthbound God Sacha.

“No…” Twilight muttered, narrowing her eyes. “Not again! Pinkie! I’m counting on you!”

“Right!” said Pinkie. “My turn, draw! I activate my Trap, Call of the Haunted to Special Summon Power Tool Dragon from my Graveyard!” Power Tool Dragon rose up in front of Pinkie, its eyes flashing. [ATK2300. LV7] “Then, I summon Vylon Hemicube!” A mechanical creature made of reflective metal, similar in shape to a cube but with only three faces appeared, it arms sticking out from behind it. [ATK500. LV1] “I tune my level 1 Vylon Hemicube to my level 7 Power Tool Dragon!” Vylon Hemicube burst into a green Tuning Ring, which began revolving around Power Tool Dragon. “The courage and power to protect the future of the planet is a revolution! Synchro Summon! Evolve, Life Stream Dragon!” The armor on Power Tool shattered, revealing the scaly flesh of a dragon in the same shape and color below. His claws were red, and where the screwdriver was on Power Tool was now a long, grey spike. [ATK2900. LV8]

“So that’s Pinkie’s Signer Dragon,” said Rarity.

“Life Stream Dragon and Vylon Hemicube’s effects!” said Pinkie. “First, Life Stream Dragon increases the Life Points of all players beneath 2000 to 2000!” Life Stream Dragon stretched his wings, sparkles of light drifting down to the Signers. [Pinkie Pie: LP 1750 –> 2000. Rainbow Dash: LP 1150 –> 2000. Fluttershy: LP 1000 –> 2000] “Then, Hemicube lets me pay 500 Life Points to equip it to Life Stream Dragon!” The three faces of Hemicube appeared, latching on to Life Stream Dragon. [Pinkie Pie: LP 2000 –> 1500] “Once per turn, Hemicube lets me pay 500 Life Points to change Life Stream Dragon’s effect to the effect of a Monster with a lower level than it! I pay 500 Life Points to change Life Stream Dragon’s effect to the effect of…”

“Choose Ancient Fairy Dragon!” said Fluttershy. “She can destroy Field Spells, and without one, the Earthbound God will be destroyed!”

“Great idea!” Pinkie smiled. “Thanks, Fluttershy! I change Life Stream Dragon’s effect to match Ancient Fairy Dragon’s effect!” [Pinkie Pie: LP 1500 –> 1000]

Zecora’s eyes were wide in shock. “No, this can’t be! Please, stop this, Pinkie!”

“I will stop this!” said Pinkie. “Assuming ‘this’ refers to your evil ways! I activate the copied effect of Ancient Fairy Dragon! Once per turn, I can destroy a Field Spell to increase my Life Points by 1000! Plain Back!” The reflective surfaces on Life Stream Dragon glowed, showing a reflection of Ancient Fairy Dragon. Ancient Fairy’s wings glowed, and area inside the geoglyph seemed to get some color back. [Pinkie Pie: LP 1000 –> 2000]

The white lines on the tree seemed to fade, and the roots ensnaring the Signers crumbled away. Zecora’s eyes were wide in panic, as Earthbound God Sacha began to crumble around her.

“Trap activate!” said Twilight. “Stardust Strike! When a card my opponent controls is destroyed while I control Stardust Dragon, I can banish a card my opponent controls! I banish Infernity Guardian!”

“Infernity Guardian isn’t immune to banishment,” said Zecora. “It seems that all of my resources are spent...”

“Battle!” said Pinkie. “Life Stream Dragon, attack Zecora directly! Life’s Beauty Howl!” Life Stream Dragon shot out a blast of crimson energy, which enveloped and burned Zecora.

“Agh!” Zecora gasped. [Zecora: LP 15700 –> 12800]

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! Trap activate! Descending Lost Star! I Special Summon a Synchro Monster from my Graveyard in defense. It loses one level and has its defense reduced to zero. I Special Summon Flamvell Uruquizas!” Uruquizas appeared in front of Rainbow, kneeling in front of her. [DEF0. LV5] “Then I summon Flamvell Archer!” A flaming haired biped, armed with a red bow and burning arrows appeared. [ATK1000. LV3] “I tune my level 3 Flamvell Archer to my level 5 Flamvell Uruquizas!” Flamvell Archer burst into three green Tuning Rings, which channeled the level stars of Uruquizas. “The ruler’s heartbeats now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power! Synchro Summon! Red Demon’s Dragon!” A spinning torrent of flames surrounded a red and black dragon, with three large horns upon his head. He spread his wings to dispel the flames, roaring to the sky, bearing his claws. [ATK3000. LV8]

“Alright, Dashie!” Pinkie cheered.

“Battle!” said Rainbow. “Red Demon’s Dragon, attack Zecora directly! Absolute Power Force!” Red Demon’s Dragon roared, its claws bursting into flame which in punched into Zecora.

“Agh!” Zecora gasped again. [Zecora: LP 12800 –> 9800]

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! Ah summon Twilight Rose Knight!” A small, blue haired bipedal decked out in black armor and white cape appeared, slashing a small sword. [ATK1000. LV3] “Ah tune my level 3 Twilight Rose Knight to mah level 4 Botanical Lion!” Twilight Rose Knight dissolved into the green Tuning Rings, while Botanical Lion burst into stars, channeling through the center of the rings. “Chilling flames engulf the whole world. Pitch dark flower, set into bloom!” A burst of violet light shot through the rings, shining behind Applejack. “Synchro Summon! Bloom, Black Rose Dragon!” The large, black dragon, its rose petal wings stretched appeared from the light, roaring at Zecora. [ATK2400. LV7] “Black Rose Dragon, direct attack! Black Rose Flare!” Black Rose Dragon’s eyes narrowed into a glare as it shot out a blast of dark purple flames, burning Zecora.

“Agh!” Zecora gasped yet again. [Zecora: LP 9800 –> 7400]

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw! Battle! Black Feather Dragon, attack Zecora directly! Noble Stream!” Black Feather breathed out a blast of red and black energy, further burning Zecora.

“Agh!” Zecora gasped once more. [Zecora: LP 7400 –> 4600]

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw! Go, Ancient Fairy Dragon! Attack Zecora directly! Eternal Sunshine!” Ancient Fairy Dragon spread her wings, sending out a flare of bright light.

“Ah!” Zecora winced, flinching from the light as it engulfed her. [Zecora: LP 4600 –> 2500]

“My turn,” said Twilight, the Signer Marks all burning intensely.

“Hurry, Twilight!” Pinkie urged, the King of the Underworld beginning to loom over them.

“Stardust Dragon!” Twilight screamed. “Finish this! Attack Zecora directly! Shooting Sonic!”

Stardust Dragon sent out a blast of white energy, shooting through Zecora and the remains of Earthbound God Sacha. Upon breaking through the dead tree, the white energy turned crimson, dissolving into the Crimson Dragon. With a sorrowful roar, the Crimson Dragon dove into the King of the Underworld.

The King of the Underworld let out a final moan, before a burst of light shot up from inside it. The light quickly spread across the geoglyph, engulfing the seven duelists and causing the flames to dissipate.

“I’m proud of you, my friends,” Zecora said. “With this, this endless cycle finally ends…” [Zecora: LP 2500 –> 0]

Author's Note

I'm not too happy with this chapter, to be honest. But it is really difficult trying to work rhymes to Yu-Gi-Oh! terminology into dialog, so I'm just happy I'm done with this duel. Hopefully the chapter is still enjoyable to you.

Dawn of a Brighter Future

Twilight opened her eyes, finding herself drifting in a dark void. She looked around, trying to make out her surroundings when she noticed Zecora was drifting across from her.

“Twilight, my friend, I’m proud of you,” said Zecora. “I knew you and your friends would pull through.”

“Zecora?” Twilight asked. “What happened? Where are we?”

“What happened was you and your friends won,” said Zecora. “The King of the Underworld’s ambitions are done.”

“We did it?” Twilight asked. “You mean, the Dark Signers will never come back?”

“I can’t say for sure, I’m afraid,” said Zecora. “Though it will be difficult to wake the Earthbound Gods without the King’s aid.”

“That’s good news, at least,” said Twilight. “You still didn’t explain where we are, though?”

“A waypoint for those that reached the end of the line,” said Zecora. “You can move forward if it’s the end of your time.”

“The end of your time?” Twilight repeated. “So, is this place the afterlife?”

“Not quite the afterlife yet, my friend,” said Zecora, with a smile. “You have yet to reach your end.”

“But you have, right?” said Twilight.

Zecora nodded, as a bright light began glowing behind her. “For my passing, the time has come. Could you take these souls back? Their lives aren’t yet done.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked, turning around. Drifting behind her were three sleeping figures. “Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle?”

“That’s not all,” said Zecora. “There are four more souls in your haul.”

Twilight turned again to see four more sleeping figures had appeared, drifting between her and Zecora. “Gilda, Trixie, Cheerilee, and Chief Thunderhooves, too! Zecora, are you saying-”

“They didn’t choose to get involved in this war,” said Zecora. “They still have so much to live for. I chose to end my life to end this strife. Though in the process I committed many a sin. Allow me to save my unfortunate Dark Signer kin.”

“Zecora, wait!” said Twilight. “I’ll gladly bring them back with me, but why can’t I take you, too? You gave your life to stop the King of the Underworld, right?”

“I was determined to win that fight, too,” said Zecora. “So much so that I tried to kill you. I committed these acts of my own volition. Saving my life should be no pony’s mission.”

“Zecora!” Twilight gasped.

Zecora turned around, and began trotting towards the bright light. “Twilight, my friend, knowing you was a pleasure. Go back to your friends, and make sure each day you treasure.”

“Zecora!” Twilight screamed, as the zebra vanished into the light. Her vision quickly faded, as the light’s intensity increased. Closing her eyes against the glare, Twilight felt herself pass out.

“Twilight!” a voice shouted, rousing her from her sleep. She opened her eyes, and found herself staring up into a pair of light blue eyes. “Oh good, you’re awake!”

“Pinkie?” Twilight asked. “What happened?”

“It looks like we won,” said Rarity, looking up at the sky.

Twilight looked up as well, and saw the dark clouds from the night before had vanished, revealing a clear, blue sky. “It’s morning, huh?”

“Yeah,” said Applejack, looking down. “In more ways than one.”

“Applejack?” a voice asked.

“The world is saved,” said Rarity. “But, even so, my sister…”

“Rarity!” a voice called.

“Even Scoots and Gilda,” said Rainbow, looking down.

“It’ll be okay, Rainbow Dash,” said Fluttershy, gently wrapping her hooves.

“Rainbow Dash!” a voice called.

“It’s funny,” said Pinkie. “I can almost hear their voices.”

“You are all idiots,” said a voice.

“Wait,” said Rainbow, “I really can hear them.”

She turned to look, and saw Gilda and the Cutie Mark Crusaders standing a few yards away. Gilda was the first to speak. “Took you long enough to notice.”

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity cried, galloping over.

“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle smiled, leaping up and tackling her sister in a hug.

“Oof!” Rarity winced. “Careful, Sweetie, I’m still sore from all the fighting.”

“Sorry,” Sweetie Belle mumbled.

“Applejack!” Apple Bloom cheered, galloping over to her sister, and gently nuzzling her.

“Apple Bloom,” Applejack smiled, her eyes tearing up.

“Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo cheered, trotting up to her. “You did it! You beat the Dark Signers!”

“Heh,” smiled Rainbow. “Yeah, I suppose I did.”

Fluttershy gave a slight, barely audible cough.

Rainbow blushed. “Okay, it wasn’t all me, but, I did technically win three of the duels…”

“As boastful as ever, I see,” smirked Gilda. “Though, I suppose you earned the right this time…”

“Gilda, you killed my sister,” muttered Rarity. “What gives you the right to come back with them?”

Gilda looked down. “I’m sorry I did that. I could claim I wasn’t in the right mind at the time, but it doesn’t change that I chose to become a Dark Signer when I died. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but-”

“Forgive her, Rarity,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Are you sure?” Rarity asked.

“I made mistakes as a Dark Signer, too,” said Sweetie Belle.

“We all did,” said Apple Bloom.

“Besides,” said Scootaloo, “Rainbow and Fluttershy seem to have forgiven her, so why can’t you?”

Rarity bit her lower lip in thought before sighing. “I guess if my sister can forgive you, I can too…”

Applejack snickered. “Kinda funny how the big tough griffon needed fillies to vouch for her.”

“Almost as funny as said fillies being able to beat the snot out of you adults, huh?” Gilda replied.

“…Touché,” Applejack muttered.

“How did you all come back, anyway?” Rarity asked. “I’m incredibly glad you did, but still, I thought you were gone.”

“Good question,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” a voice rang out.

“Trixie!?” Rainbow gasped, as the unicorn teleported in front of them, appearing in a puff of smoke.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie has returned!” she laughed, bowing to all of them.

“You brought us back?” Apple Bloom asked.

“…no,” Trixie mumbled, lowering her head and frowning. “I’m just as lost as all of you, actually…”

“Zecora brought you all back,” said Twilight. "She sacrificed herself after the duel to revive them."

“Zecora?” a voice asked. “She was a Dark Signer, too?”

“Miss Cheerilee!” Scootaloo smiled, as the magenta mare trotted out from around a piece of rubble.

“How long have you been standing back there?” Fluttershy asked.

“I wasn’t sure if I would be forgiven for my actions,” she mumbled. “I was there the whole time.”

“Of course we’d forgive you,” said Twilight.

“We forgave Gilda and Trixie, didn’t we?” Rainbow asked.

“Hey!” said Gilda and Trixie.

“So it’s Miss Zecora I owe my life to,” said a deep voice.

“Chief!” smiled Pinkie.

“Hello, Pinkie Pie,” said Thunderhooves. “I must apologize again for what I put you through in Appleloosa.”

“It’s no big deal,” said Pinkie. “Everything turned out okay, didn’t it? Everypony is back!”

“Except Zecora,” Twilight mumbled.

“And my tribe,” Thunderhooves added.

“Don’t be so sure about that, Chief Thunderhooves.”

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight smiled.

“You sound surprised,” said Luna, as she and Celestia flew up. “You defeated the Earthbound God, didn’t you? Of course we’d come back.”

“Princess,” said Thunderhooves, bowing. “Forgive me, but I don’t understand what you mean.”

“It’s as my sister says,” said Celestia, “upon the defeat of the Earthbound Gods, the souls they absorbed are restored to life. It’s entirely possible your tribe is waiting for you in Appleloosa.”

“My tribe might live?” Thunderhooves asked, his eyes tearing up. He stood. “Forgive me, but I must depart at once.”

“Hurry back!” said Pinkie. “You don’t want to miss it!”

“Miss what?”

“The Dark Signers Defeated, Crimson Dragon Victory Party!” declared Pinkie.

“A party?” Gilda asked, blinking in surprise.

“I certainly wouldn’t object to a party in my honor,” said Trixie.

“It’s not in your honor,” said Twilight.

“I was instrumental in the defeat of the Dark Signers,” said Trixie. “If I hadn’t lost, you couldn’t throw a party, could you?”

“I…” said Rainbow. “That’s… I… I don’t know how to begin arguing with that…”

“Come on, Rarity!” said Sweetie Belle, tugging on her sister’s leg. “Let’s go to the party!”

“It’s not even set up yet!” Rarity said, following her younger sister regardless.

“What do you say, sister?” Luna asked.

“We have a lot of work to do,” said Celestia. “I suppose we could indulge ourselves in one little party before that, though.”

Within an hour of the announcement, Pinkie Pie had the party going full swing in the ruins of Ponyville. Despite Celestia’s belief that the party would be small, it was anything but.

“How did she possibly get the Wonderbolts to get here on such short notice?” Celestia asked.

The Wonderbolts were flying high above the crowd, performing aerial stunts for the gathering party goers below.

“I’m more curious as to how she convinced so many ponies to even attend,” said Luna. “Equestria is a wreck, after all.”

“Tell me about it,” mumbled Adviser, plopping down next to the two Princesses. “I just spent the entire night running through the wreckage of this country trying to get here.”

“Oh, Adviser!” Luna gasped.

“I almost forgot you were still out there,” said Celestia.

“Thanks for your concern,” said Adviser.

“Could you keep it down?” Trixie snapped. “I’m trying to teach the next generation!” She turned her attention back to her audience. “Now, was this your card?”

Pound and Pumpkin Cake glanced at each other, before turning back towards Trixie and shrugging.

“You have no clue what I’m saying, do you?” Trixie asked, sagging in defeat. “Oh, how far I’ve fallen…”

“Speaking of falling,” said Luna, “our budget has fallen far too low to handle repairs on this level.”

“Then we’ll need something to generate revenue,” said Celestia.

“I could put on a magic act!” suggested Trixie, her eyes lighting up.

“I don’t think that will cover the farm, let alone the country,” said Apple Bloom, as the Crusaders trotted up.

“Have you seen Rainbow Dash anywhere?” Scootaloo asked.

“Now that you mention it,” said Celestia, “I haven’t seen any of the Signers since the party began.”

“That’s weird,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Ah’m sure we’ll run into ‘em sooner or later,” said Apple Bloom. “Let’s just try to have some fun in the mean time, okay?”

“Right!” nodded Scootaloo.

“I wish we could have fun,” said Luna.

“Magic act…” Trixie suggested in a sing song voice.

“Why don’t you go entertain the new arrivals over there?” Adviser asked, pointing towards Thunderhooves as he and the buffalo herd stampeded into Ponyville.

“Brilliant idea!” Trixie laughed, happily galloping over towards them.

“Now then,” said Adviser. “Budget talk! How can we generate enough revenue to afford the repairs? I suggest taxes.”

“I have a better idea,” said Spitfire, as she swooped down from the sky with the other Wonderbolts.

“Nopony ever agrees to taxes,” Adviser mumbled.

“We’d love to hear it,” said Celestia. “Could you relay the information to Adviser, here?”

“We’ll be right back,” said Luna, as the two princesses stood up and trotted off.

“Why am I stuck with the work?” Adviser muttered. “Particularly with the Wonderbolts?”

“Okay, listen up!” said Spitfire. She quickly turned towards her fellow Wonderbolts, and began whispering instructions. “This is our chance to get this idea off the ground! Like we practiced!”

They saluted, and Soarin stepped forward. “As I’m sure you know, the Wonderbolts Derby and our other races and performances is incredibly popular.”

“Is it?” Adviser asked. “I’d never guess…”

“And I’m sure you’ve also noticed how popular Duel Monsters has gotten,” said Spitfire. “So we were thinking, if they’re so popular on their own, what if we combined them?”

Adviser turned towards the side and flexed his back. “See the lack of wings? Not everypony is a pegasus like your team.”

“Not every race is in the sky, either,” said Fleetfoot. “You know how some of the big cities like Manehatten or Las Pegasus are full of motorized carriages? Well, what if we made them faster, more streamlined, and combined them with a Duel Disk for a dueling/racing combo? Riding Duels!”

“Here’s some sketches of our designs,” said Spitfire. “If we could market this to Equestria’s masses, I’m certain we could make more than enough bits to repair the country.”

“Riding Duels?” Adviser repeated. “Do you really think there’s a market for that?”

“There will be,” said Spitfire. “And I know just the thing to spark everypony’s interests. A tournament to see who’s the best not in Equestria, but the whole world.”

“…Damn it, I like where this is going,” Adviser sighed. “Tell me more.”

Celestia and Luna trotted through the streets, having left the crowds of the party, and found themselves on the empty back roads of Ponyville.

“Where could the Signers be?” Luna asked.

“I have a hunch,” said Celestia, looking towards the library.

The two princesses opened the door, and Luna began calling out. “Twilight Sparkle? Are you- Oh.”

She cut herself off upon seeing the six Signers snuggled up on the floor of the library, snoozing softly, sunlight streaming in from the window on them.

“I don’t blame them,” said Celestia. “It’s been rough, these past few days, and I doubt they had any sleep.”

Luna closed the curtains on the window. “Then I suggest we let them sleep. They’ve more than earned it.”

Celestia nodded, magically lifting a blanket from Twilight’s room upstairs, and draping it over the six ponies. With a small smile, Celestia trotted out of the library and headed back to the party.

Luna looked over the sleeping Signers, and gave a small smile. “Sweet dreams,” she whispered, before closing the door and trotting after her sister.

Riding Duel, Acceleration!

Twilight was trotting through Ponyville Market, double checking her shopping list. It’s been a year since the Dark Signers were defeated and, thanks to a new invention that came out, Equestria had enough bits and managed to complete repair it. Said invention, however, wasn’t very impressive in Twilight’s eyes.

“Carrots: check. Celery: check. Chickpeas- Ah!” Twilight gasped as a sudden noise came out of the shop next to her. She leapt aside as a large door opened and what looked like a grey, streamlined, motorized bicycle sped out.

“Enjoy your new D-Wheel, Miss Hooves!” the shopkeeper called after the pony.

“Damn D-Wheels…” Twilight muttered.

“Oh, Twilight Sparkle!” the shopkeeper said. “Didn’t see you there.”

“You never do,” Twilight complained. “This is the third time this month one of your customers nearly ran me down!”

“I’m really sorry about that. Hey, since you’re here, do you think you might want to buy a D-Wheel of your own?”

“I have no intention of wasting money on some stupid fad,” said Twilight. “There’s no thrill to Riding Duels. No challenge. Its just racing a motorized bike.”

“You’ve never seen a Riding Duel, have you?” the shopkeeper asked.

“No,” said Twilight. “I don’t live near those new highways, thankfully. All those revving engines would prevent me from ever studying or strategizing new combos with my good old, Ground Duel deck.”

“Why don’t you go down to the highway one of these days and see a Riding Duel for yourself? It might change your mind.”

“Why don’t you?” Twilight asked. “Wouldn’t a D-Wheel shop make more sense being at the highways they built specifically for D-Wheels!?”

The shopkeeper sighed. “I swear, Twilight. One day, you will eat your words and I will see you in Ponyville Motors.”

“Don’t hold your breath,” said Twilight. “No offense.”

Before the shopkeeper could get another word in, Twilight trotted off, levitating her shopping list in front of her again. “Chickpeas: check. Corn: check…”

The shopkeeper shrugged, and trotted back into Ponyville Motors. Twilight continued on towards home, slammed the door behind her in annoyance.

“That was quite an entrance, Twilight,” said Spike, not looking up from the shelves he was dusting. “Something happen?”

“What do you think happened?” Twilight asked. “Another one of those D-Wheels nearly ran me down!”

“I do hope you weren’t rude to the shopkeeper again,” said Rarity, trotting in from the kitchen with Applejack.

“Oh,” Twilight blushed. “I didn’t know you two were here… Sorry for being so loud.”

“It’s fine, sugarcube,” said Applejack. “Ah understand how annoying D-Wheels can be. But its still no excuse for bein so rude to the guy.”

“I don’t want to be rude,” said Twilight, “I just want him to understand I don’t want to buy one.”

“But what if you change your mind?” Rarity asked.

“I think it would be cool if you got a D-Wheel, Twilight,” said Spike. “I mean, just look at this!” Spike snatched up a flier and passed it to the three ponies.

Rarity levitated it in front of them, reading it aloud. “D-Wheelers everywhere, come celebrate the advent of Riding Duels in Equestria’s first World Riding Duel Grand Prix. The WRGP will gather the best of the best Riding Duel teams in the world to our fair country in order to compete to see who’s the world’s fastest, most powerful duelists. Riding Duel, Acceleration!”

“Teams?” Applejack repeated. “It might be fun to enter a team duel tourney.”

“Yes it would,” said Rarity. “Just think of the team uniforms I could design for all of us!”

“Ah was thinkin more about the whole teamwork thing,” said Applejack. “What do you say, Twilight?”

“It sounds nice on paper,” said Twilight. “But so does any good advertisement. The fact still remains that its about Riding Duels.”

“Speaking of Riding Duels,” said Applejack, “you’d think Rainbow Dash would be all over them by now.”

“I’ve hardly seen her or Fluttershy this past year, come to think of it,” said Rarity.

“After all that happened last year,” said Spike, “they probably just wanted time to themselves to relax.”

“The two of them alone together,” said Rarity. “Sounds almost romantic.”

“Ah don’t think they’re dating, Rare,” said Applejack.

“Wouldn’t it be great if they were?” Rarity asked.

Twilight’s ears twitched as she heard the faint sounds of an engine. “I can’t say if they’re dating, Rarity, but I’m fairly certain I know what they’ve been doing this past year.”

“Oh?” said Rarity, training her ears towards the source of the noise.

“Is that a D-Wheel Ah here?” Applejack asked.

The sound of two D-Wheels screeching to a halt outside the library were heard, followed quickly by a sound of a hoof pounding on the door. “Twilight, come quick! Dashie and Fluttershy have a surprise for you!”

“Pinkie?” Twilight asked, opening the door.

“Oh, Rarity! Applejack! You’re here, too! Great!” Pinkie reached around and pulled the three of them outside. “Look it!”

“What do you think of our new rides?” Rainbow asked, a cocky grin on her face. She was wearing what resembled a flight helmet and goggles.

“We built them ourselves,” Fluttershy added, shyly ducking behind her mane. “Be gentle with your critiques…” As if to protect herself from criticism, Fluttershy lifted up on her yellow helmet. The helmet seemed to have fake cat ears sticking out of the top.

Spike ran out to join the six ponies and blinked in surprise. Rainbow Dash was straddling a black D-Wheel with a red outline of her Cutie Mark embroidered on the back. Spike climbed up on Twilight’s back to see better, and saw that, when viewed from above, the D-Wheel looked like a more streamlined, three-dimensional version of Rainbow’s Signer Mark, with black blades resembling the Crimson Dragon’s wings jutting out in the back to help it cut through the air at higher speeds. There were two hoof rests on the side that helped enclose and protect Dash as she rode around in case of a crash. The seat red, as was the Duel Disk and monitor. The monitor had a color scheme set up like the rest of Dash’s D-Wheel and her Red Demon’s Dragon card. It seemed to be displaying different readouts and statistics of the D-Wheel such as its current speed, G-Forces, and engine efficiency. A small, upside down, red trapezoid was coming down from the top of the display reading out as the D-Wheel being in ‘Driving Mode’. Closer inspection revealed that the Duel Disk was a modified version of Rainbow’s old Duel Disk, recolored and made to be attachable and detachable from Rainbow’s D-Wheel.

Fluttershy’s D-Wheel was modeled after her Watt Monsters, being a strangely appealing mismatch of red, blue, and yellow. It also, while still streamlined better than the D-Wheel Twilight saw earlier, seemed much more reserved than Rainbow’s, with larger sides protecting the rider, and a backrest that rises high above Fluttershy. There were also two large, yellow storage boxes attacked to the back, a blue outline of Fluttershy’s Cutie Mark adorning them.

“Wow, they actually look really… good!” said Rarity.

“How much did those things cost ya?” Applejack asked.

“Not much,” said Rainbow. “We only bought scrap parts from Ponyville Motors. We built these things ourselves.”

“That’s why we were out of contact for most of the year,” said Fluttershy. “We wanted to surprise you. Sorry.”

“No need to apologize,” said Twilight. “Though I’m interested in how you convinced Fluttershy to work on such a dumb fad.”

“Fad?” Rainbow repeated. “Did you not see the highway systems? The D-Wheel stores? The freaking government agency setup around these? I would have thought Celestia would have mentioned the Security Task Force to you.”

“She did,” said Twilight. “I’ll admit the fad is popular and widespread, but I can’t see it catching on.”

“Yeah, the thing that saved the country will never catch on,” Rainbow replied. “Have you even tried a Riding Duel? Have you ever watched one?”

“Well, no,” said Twilight.

“Hypocrite!” Rainbow accused. “You told me not to judge things before trying them, didn’t you?”

“Alright, calm down, everypony,” said Pinkie.

“Wow, you built those all by yourselves?” Spike asked.

“Never knew you two were so good with your hooves,” said Applejack.

“Or with design,” said Rarity. “Particularly you, Rainbow. No offense.”

“None taken,” Rainbow shrugged.

“So are you two entering the WRGP?” Spike asked.

“We hope to,” said Fluttershy. “Would any of you like to join us?”

“Count me in!” said Applejack.

“And don’t forget me!” said Pinkie.

“I would love to join you, girls,” Rarity smiled. “I’m sure if we all work together, we can assemble some D-Wheels for it in time, yes?”

“Totally,” said Rainbow. “Fluttershy and I are practically pros at this.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” said Fluttershy, “but we are pretty good. These things do ride well.”

“Come on, Twilight,” urged Spike. “Say you’ll join them!”

“I…” said Twilight. “I don’t know…”

“Tell you what, Twilight,” said Rainbow. “Let me and Fluttershy show you a Riding Duel. Then you can be as judgmental or apologetic as you want. I’m betting it’s the second one, though.”

Twilight glanced around, to see all of her friends staring eagerly at her. She let out a sigh. “Looks like I don’t have a choice, do I?”

“What do you mean the highways are closed!?” Rainbow gasped.

“I’m sorry, Miss,” the Security officer said. “I’m just doing my job, and the Vice Director said to keep everypony off the highways near Ponyville.”

“How unfortunate,” Fluttershy mumbled.

This is great! Twilight though, a smile forming on her face. Now I don’t have to watch a Riding Duel after all!

“Hey, Ah have an idea!” said Applejack. “Rainbow, are those D-Wheels of yours any good on the dirt?”

“Yeah,” said Rainbow, “I guess. Why?”

“Well Ah have a track down at the farm,” said Applejack.

“The one where you practice for rodeos or hold the Sisterhooves Social, yes?” Rarity asked.

“That’s the one!” Applejack smiled. “Ah could clear it off for you, and you and Fluttershy could have a Riding Duel on that!”

“Oh, thank you, Applejack!” Fluttershy smiled.

Darn, Twilight thought, her smile dropping.

“Wonder why Security wanted to keep us off the highways, though?” Pinkie asked.

“Good question,” said Rarity.

Three white coated ponies draped in hooded white cloaks stood on the edge of the Ponyville Highway overlooking the Whitetail Woods. A large, stone tablet was in front of them, standing up straight in the middle of a crater.

“It appears the first has finally arrived,” the largest of them said. He had no tail or visible mane under his cloak, and his mouth was obscured by a long beard. His yellow eyes had a weary look to them as they stared intently at the tablet.

“Pity it’s Decima’s,” the smallest of them said. He was a young colt with a long red mane and tail partially visible even under the cloak. His green eyes gazed at the tablet in disappointment.

“Hah, it’s mine with a good reason, Nona,” the middle sized one, Decima, said. Strands of his grey mane were visible from under his hood, as was his horn. His red eyes were trained on the tablet, and a smirk crossed his face. A scar ran down his cheek from underneath his left eye. “Morta, looks like you an the brat will never be needed. Even god recognizes that fact.”

“Hmph,” the older one, Morta, snorted.

“Or maybe god just wanted to send the weakest one out first and get it over with,” the young colt, Nona, laughed.

Before Decima could retort, the sound of D-Wheels screeching to a halt came from behind them. The three turned around to see a line of Security officers had arrived. Heading them up was a frazzled looking unicorn.

“Didn’t I ask you to keep all unauthorized ponies off the highway?” Adviser asked.

“Sorry, Adviser, sir!” said one of the officers.

“I haven’t been an Adviser for a year,” Adviser mumbled. “Why does everypony keep calling me that?”

“Looks like the welcome party arrived,” said Nona.

“Perfect timing,” said Decima. “Take this tablet back for us, and don’t let anypony else see it.”

“Who do you think you are, giving orders like that!?” Adviser snapped, trotting up to confront the three hooded ponies.

Decima’s horn glowed in a red aura, and in a flash a sword was pulled out of nowhere, and pressed against Adviser’s throat. “And who do you think you are, questioning my orders?”

Adviser’s eyes were wide. “I… I’m known as Adviser. V-Vice Director of the Highway Security Task Force, and acting head of Security.”

“Acting head?” Nona repeated.

“Yes,” said Adviser. “Originally Spitfire was Director, but she quit to devote time to preparing her team for the WRGP.”

“So you’re in need of a new Director, huh?” Morta asked.

“Perfect,” said Decima, sheathing his sword. “You’ve got three of them.”

“I… what?” Adviser asked. “Who are you three?”

“Nona, Decima, and Morta,” Morta answered. “Your new Directors.”

“May I ask what kind of names those are?” Adviser said. “They’re pretty strange for Equestria.”

“Says the pony who’s name is literally an old job title!” laughed Nona.

“We’re… immigrants,” said Decima. “From Neightaly.”

“I don’t recall ever seeing the Neightalian Ambassador where robes like that,” said Adviser.

“I don’t recall him being a part of Yliaster,” said Decima.

“Yliaster?” Adviser repeated.

“Think of us as the world’s protectors,” said Morta.

“You didn’t really protect my neck,” Adviser muttered.

“Your head is still on it, isn’t it?” said Decima. “Now stop wasting time, and move this tablet to headquarters!”

“Y-yes, sir!” Adviser stuttered. “Officers, do as our new Directors requested, and move the stone tablet! Tell nopony about this!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Well, that was incredibly easy!” Nona laughed.

Decima smirked again, turning to look at the tablet once more.

“Everythin’s ready!” Applejack called as she finished painting a starting line across the track. She leapt over the fence, and sat down in the makeshift stands with the others.

“Thanks, AJ!” Rainbow smiled, before speeding out onto the track, with Fluttershy following close behind. The two of their D-Wheels to a stop by the starting line.

“A Riding Duel is pretty different from a normal Ground Duel,” said Fluttershy, “so we’ll give you a brief breakdown of the rules.”

“First off,” said Rainbow, sliding her deck into the auto-shuffler, “you may have heard that ordinary Spell cards can’t be used.”

“Yeah,” said Twilight, “so you can focus more on brute force, right?”

“Oh, no, quite the opposite,” said Fluttershy.

“Fact time!” smiled Rainbow. “When the Wonderbolts were developing the rules for Riding Duels, they created a special Field Spell that will always remain active for the duration of the duel, called Speed World. Speed World introduced Speed Counters which allow you to use Speed Spells.”

“And what if you don’t have the money to spend on both a D-Wheel AND new card packs for Speed Spells?” Twilight asked.

“You’re acting like the Wonderbolts didn’t think of that,” said Rainbow. “Geez, Twilight, they weren’t always rich and famous.”

“So what did they do, then, if not get rid of Speed Spells altogether?”

“Well, getting rid of Speed Spells would defeat the whole point, wouldn’t it?” said Rainbow. “When they release Riding Duels to the public they replaced Speed World with Speed World 2. Speed World 2 also helps you build up Speed Counters for Speed Spells, but also has its own effect to use if you have enough Speed Counters.”

“An actual duel will help you understand better,” said Fluttershy. “Ready, Rainbow?”

“Ready,” Rainbow smiled. “Field Spell, Speed World 2, set on!” The two pegasi clicked a button, and their D-Wheel’s monitors displayed a duel field.

“Duel Mode, on.”

Both D-Wheels sent out pulses of light, and the area around them seemed to have more defined colors.

“D-Wheels have an option for auto-pilot where it’ll drive a course on its own,” said Fluttershy. “But since the WRGP won’t allow that, Rainbow and I have been practicing without it.”

“We’ll choose who goes first by whoever gets the first corner,” said Rainbow.

“This is going to be so exciting!” said Pinkie.

“Good luck, Fluttershy!” Rarity called.

“Riding Duel, Acceleration!” The two pegasi sped off the starting line, speeding off down the track.

Rainbow quickly took the lead, and sped around the first corner. “The first turn is mine!”

Rainbow Dash: LP 4000. Fluttershy: LP 4000.

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I summon Flamvell Firedog!” The magma dog erupted from the ground, and began running along side Rainbow. “Then, since I have a Flamvell, I Special Summon Neo Flamvell Origin!” The multicolored flame burst to life next to Rainbow, flickering in the wind. “I tune my level 2 Neo Flamvell Origin to my level 4 Flamvell Firedog!” Neo Flamvell Origin burst into two green Tuning Rings, which lined up next to Rainbow and began channeling the four level stars of Flamvell Firedog. “Burning flames of my heart, pierce through my opponent’s defenses!” A burst of light shot through the Tuning Rings. “Synchro Summon! Flamvell Uruquizas!” A large biped, with fists coated in flames rose out of the of light, and began drifting along next to Rainbow. [ATK2100. LV6] “I set three cards. Turn end.” The three cards flashed next to Rainbow, before seemingly turning invisible.

“That’s actually kind of cool,” Twilight admitted. “Makes a Trap feel more like a, well, trap.”

“Are my ears deceiving me?” Rarity asked. “Did you just admit to liking Riding Duels already?”

“No,” said Twilight. “They easily could have incorporated the invisible set card thing to Ground Duels.”

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw!” [Rainbow Dash: SPC 1. Fluttershy: SPC 1]

“Continuous-Trap!” said Rainbow. “Full Throttle! During each Standby Phase, I gain a Speed Counter in addition to the one I’d receive from Speed World 2!” Rainbow’s D-Wheel shot forward at a slightly faster speed. [Rainbow Dash: SPC 2]

“I summon Wattgiraffe!” said Fluttershy. The light bulb eared giraffe with electric prongs on its head appeared, running alongside Fluttershy. [ATK1200. LV4] “Wattgiraffe can attack directly by his effect! Go, Wattgiraffe! Attack Rainbow Dash directly!” Wattgiraffe shot a blast of electricity off his horns, striking Dash’s D-Wheel and zapping the pegasus driver.

“Gah!” Rainbow winced. [Rainbow Dash: LP 4000 –> 2800]

“I set three cards,” said Fluttershy. “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! Thanks to the combined effects of Speed World 2 and Full Throttle, I gain two Speed Counters instead of one like you!” [Rainbow Dash: SPC 4. Fluttershy: SPC 2] “I activate Speed Spell - Overboost! I increase my Speed Counters by 6, but at the End Phase my Speed Counters will become one!” Rainbow Dash shot forward in another burst of speed. [Rainbow Dash: SPC 10]

“I’m still not seeing anything different from a regular duel other than you showing off how fast you can go,” said Twilight.

“Than watch carefully, Sparkle!” said Rainbow. “I activate Speed Spell – Rekindling! If I have at least five Speed Counters, I can Special Summon as many FIRE Monsters as I can from my Graveyard with 200 DEF or less! I Special Summon Neo Flamvell Origin and Flamvell Firedog back to the Field!” The magma dog once again ran next to Rainbow. [ATK1900. LV4] The multicolored flame reappeared next to her as well. [ATK500. LV2]

“So there are Speed Spell version of regular Spell cards, too?” Pinkie asked.

“They’re harder to use, though,” said Rarity. “Needing a certain amount of Speed Counters to use them in addition to whatever their normal conditions are.”

“Now then,” smiled Rainbow. “I activate Speed World 2’s effect! I remove 10 Speed Counters to destroy a card on the field! I destroy Wattgiraffe!” [Rainbow Dash: SPC 0] Rainbow’s D-Wheel lost speed, and the blades meant to cut though the air sliced through Wattgiraffe instead.

“What!?” Pinkie gasped. “So Flutters is wide open!?”

“Battle!” said Rainbow. “Flamvell Firedog, attack Fluttershy directly!”

“Trap activate!” Fluttershy countered. “Wattkeeper! I Special Summon a level 4 or lower Watt from my Graveyard! I Special Summon Wattgiraffe!” The electrical giraffe rose up to run next to Fluttershy again. [ATK1200. LV4]

“Fine by me,” shrugged Rainbow. “Replay happens. Flamvell Firedog, attack Wattgiraffe!”

“I activate the effect of Honest from my hoof!” said Fluttershy. “By discarding him when a LIGHT Monster I control battles, that Monster gains ATK equal to the ATK of the Monster its battling until the End Phase! Wattgiraffe gains 1900 ATK!” [ATK3100]

“What!?” Rainbow gasped, as Wattgiraffe shot electricity through Flamvell Firedog and into her. “Gah!” [Rainbow Dash: LP 2800 –> 1600]

“Can’t forget that there’s still Monster and Traps, RD!” Applejack called.

Rainbow muttered something under her breath in response. “Main Phase 2, I tune my level 2 Neo Flamvell Origin to my level 6 Flamvell Uruquizas!” Neo Flamvell Origin burst into two green Tuning Rings again, lining up next to Rainbow and channeling the level stars of Flamvell Uruquizas. “The ruler’s heartbeats now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power!” A pulse of light shot through the rings. “Synchro Summon! Red Demon’s Dragon!” In a whirlwind of flames, the black and red dragon appeared. With a roar, he spread his wings, dispelling the flames before flying above Rainbow as she sped along the track. [ATK3000. LV8]

“Counter-Trap, activate!” said Fluttershy. “Wattcancel! I discard a Watt from my hoof to negate the Special Summon of Red Demon’s Dragon!”

“Counter-Trap!” Rainbow countered. “Flamvell Counter! I banish Neo Flamvell Origin to negate your Trap and destroy Wattcancel!”

“Darn,” Fluttershy mumbled. “Good one, Rainbow.”

“That was a good one,” Twilight mumbled.

“Did you say something, Twi?” Applejack asked.

“Huh?” said Twilight. “N-no.”

Applejack narrowed her eyes, before returning her attention to the duel.

“During my End Phase,” said Rainbow, “Speed Spell – Overboost’s effect makes my Speed Counters become one, and Wattkeeper sends Wattgiraffe back to your Graveyard!” Wattgiraffe seemed to sink back into the ground. [Rainbow Dash: SPC 1]

“She managed to use what was meant to be a drawback to her advantage,” said Rarity. “I must say, I’m impressed.”

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw! [Rainbow Dash: SPC 3. Fluttershy: SPC 3] I summon Wattpheasant!” A light blue bird, with red feathers around its face, black tail feathers, and highlights of yellow scattered around its body appeared, flying along next to Fluttershy. [ATK1000. LV4] “Battle! Wattpheasant, thanks to its effect, can attack directly!” Wattpheasant flapped its wings, and sent a gust of electricity into Rainbow.

“Gah!” Rainbow gasped. [Rainbow Dash: LP 1600 –> 600]

“When Wattpheasant deals damage from a direct attack, I can banish a Monster from the field until the End Phase,” said Fluttershy. “I banish Red Demon’s Dragon!” Red Demon’s Dragon roared as the electrical gust temporarily paralyzed and blew it away.

“What good will that do her?” Applejack asked.

“Quick-Play Spell!” said Fluttershy. “Speed Spell – Burial from a Different Dimension! I remove three Speed Counters to target up to three Monsters that are banished and return them to their owner’s Graveyard! I return Neo Flamvell Origin and Red Demon’s Dragon to Rainbow’s Graveyard!” [Fluttershy: SPC 0]

“And since Red Demon’s Dragon isn’t banished anymore,” said Rarity, “it won’t come back during the End Phase!”

“Good one, Shy,” Rainbow smiled.

Fluttershy smiled back. “I end my turn. Your move, Dashie.”

“Alright,” said Rainbow. “My turn, draw!” [Rainbow Dash: SPC 5. Fluttershy: SPC 1]

“Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sure seem to have gotten closer over the past year,” said Spike.

“Don’t you start this, too,” said Twilight. “Rarity’s matchmaking dream is bad enough.”

“I summon Flamvell Grunika!” A bipedal dragon appeared, flying next to Rainbow. It had a frill of flames on the back of its neck, as well as a tail of fire. [ATK1700. LV4] “Then, I activate Speed Spell – Speed Energy! For every Speed Counter I have, one of my Monsters gains 200 ATK until the End Phase! Since I have 5 Speed Counters, Grunika gains 1000 ATK!” [ATK2700]

“Looks like Rainbow’s about to make a comeback!” said Pinkie.

“Battle!” said Rainbow. “Flamvell Grunika, attack Wattpheasant!” Grunika formed a ball of flames in its claws, tossing it at Wattpheasant. It shot through, and engulfed Fluttershy’s D-Wheel in flames.

“Gah!” Fluttershy gasped. [Fluttershy: LP 4000 –> 2300]

“When Grunika destroys a Monster by battle, I inflict damage equal to the destroyed Monster’s level times 200! Since Wattpheasant was level 4, you take 800 points of damage!”

“Ah!” Fluttershy gasped. [Fluttershy: LP 2300 –> 1500]

“Trap activate!” smiled Rainbow. “Spiritual Fire Art – Kurenai! I release a FIRE Monster I control to deal damage equal to its original ATK! I release Flamvell Grunika! You take 1700 points of damage!”

“Counter-Trap, activate!” countered Fluttershy. “Seven Tools of the Bandit! I negate your Trap by paying 1000 Life Points!” [Fluttershy: LP 1500 –> 500]

“Uh oh,” said Rainbow. “I end my turn.”

“Rainbow Dash has left herself wide open,” said Rarity.

“If Fluttershy draws a Monster with at least 600 ATK,” said Applejack, “she wins.”

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw!” [Rainbow Dash: SPC 7. Fluttershy SPC 2]

“What did you draw?” Rainbow asked.

“A Monster,” said Fluttershy. “I set a Monster, and end my turn.” Like the set Spells and Traps from before, the Set Monster’s card faded from view shortly after being played.

“Whew,” Rainbow sighed. “My turn, draw!” [Rainbow Dash: SPC 9. Fluttershy: SPC3]

“That was a really close call,” said Pinkie. “Dashie has a chance to turn this around now.”

“She’s only got one card to do it, though,” said Applejack.

“That’s where you’re wrong, AJ!” Rainbow smiled. “Speed World 2’s effect! I remove seven Speed Counters to draw a card!” [Rainbow Dash: SPC 2]

“How many different effects does Speed World 2 have?” Pinkie asked.

“I activate Speed Spell – Vision Wind!” said Rainbow. “Since I have two Speed Counters, I can Special Summon a level 2 or lower Monster from my Graveyard. I Special Summon Neo Flamvell Origin!” The multicolored flame burst to life next to Rainbow once more. “Then, I release Neo Flamvell Origin to Advance Summon Flamvell Fiend!” A blue, demonic looking ghoul appeared, drifting next to Rainbow. Strands of blue flames flew off the body and into the wind. [ATK2100. LV5] “Flamvell Fiend, attack Fluttershy’s Set Monster!”

A small, green grasshopper with a blue back and red eyes appeared. [DEF0. LV1] It was quickly incinerated by an orb of blue flames Flamvell Fiend threw at it.

"Watthopper!" Fluttershy gasped.

“When Flamvell Fiend destroys a Monster,” said Rainbow, “I deal damage equal to the total number of Pyro-Type Monsters in my Graveyard times 200! Since I have two; Flamvell Uruquizas and Neo Flamvell Origin, so you take 400 points of damage!”

“Gah!” Fluttershy gasped. [Fluttershy: LP 500 –> 100]

“Turn end,” said Rainbow.

“If Rainbow can survive one more turn, she’ll win, right?” Spike asked.

“Looks like it,” said Applejack.

“Don’t give up, Fluttershy!” Pinkie cheered.

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw! [Rainbow Dash: SPC 4. Fluttershy: SPC 4] I activate Speed World 2’s last effect!”

“Uh oh,” mumbled Rainbow.

“I remove four Speed Counters to deal damage equal to the number of Speed Spells in my hoof! I have one: Speed Spell – Lightwave Tuning. So you take 800 points of damage!” [Fluttershy: SPC 0] Bolts of electricity coursed around Fluttershy’s D-Wheel and shot out at Rainbow.

“Gah!” Rainbow gasped. [Rainbow Dash: LP 600 –> 0] Panels on the front of Rainbow’s D-Wheel slid open, steam shooting out of them. Rainbow’s screen display changed to read out the word ‘Defeated’ as it automatically skidded to a halt.

Fluttershy did a small loop around Rainbow as she slowed to a halt on her own. “I did it!”

“Heh,” Rainbow smiled. “Great job, Fluttershy.” She turned to look at the stands. “So what did you think of that, Twi- hey, where’s Twilight?”

“Spike’s gone, too!” said Rarity, eyes wide in surprise.

“She must’ve slipped away while we were distracted,” said Applejack.

“Aw, man!” Rainbow groaned. “How are we going to impress that mare? She’s suddenly more stubborn than Applejack!”

“What was that?” Applejack asked.

“Nothing!” Rainbow laughed awkwardly.

Twilight shut the door of the library behind her, levitating Spike off her back, before trotting upstairs.

“Why’d you pull us away like that?” Spike complained. “You could’ve at least congratulated Fluttershy for winning like that!”

“Because,” Twilight sighed, trotting downstairs while levitating a bag of bits, a blush on her face, “it would be too embarrassing to admit that I really like and want to compete in Riding Duels!”

Spike snorted, before bursting out laughing. “Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha! Oh, Twilight, you’re so-”

“Shut up!” Twilight interrupted. “Just hold the library down while I buy some Speed Spells and a D-Wheel.” She trotted out the door, before suddenly sticking her head back in. “And don’t tell anypony!”

“Fine,” Spike sighed, as the door slammed shut again. “How did she know what I planned to do?”

“About time the highways opened again,” the stallion complained. “I was supposed to be back home in Ponyville hours ago.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience, sir,” the Security officer said.

“Yeah, yeah,” the stallion replied, before speeding his D-Wheel onto the highway, and set off towards Ponyville. “I thought these highways were supposed to make things convenient.”

The sun had set by now, and the stallion soon found himself driving alone in the dark. Or at least, that’s what he thought. As he switched his headlights on to help him see, he saw an all black D-Wheel in front of him, a dark colored pony, dressed in a strange, black Riding Suit.

“Whoa!” the stallion gasped. “Hey, buddy, could you switch some lights on, at least? I almost hit you!”

“Hm, hm, hm,” the strange, dark pony snickered, his voice sounding oddly mechanical.

“What’s so funny?” the stallion asked, before his D-Wheel answered the question for him.

“Duel Mode, on. Speed World 2, imposed activation.”

“W-what?” the stallion stuttered, as the pulse of light shot out of the two D-Wheels.

“Duel!” the strange pony laughed.

A short while later, the Ponyville highway circuit was closed again, bright lights illuminating it as Security officers lifted a badly bruised stallion off the wreckage that used to be his D-Wheel, and onto a stretcher before taking him not to his home, but to the hospital.

Author's Note

Just a heads up, I wrote the rough draft for the whole second arc while on painkillers. So, even though I'm doing my best to touch it up, it may still seem a little weird at times. My apologies.

Highway Terror - The Dark D-Wheeler, Ghost

“Ta-da!” Twilight declared, removing the sheet covering her new D-Wheel.

“It’s… great?” Spike said.

Twilight’s D-Wheel was a slightly bulky, basic frame. Two thin hoofrests served as the side protection for the seats. Painted on the front wheel covers was Twilight’s Cutie Mark, while the outer paint job was purple to match her coat. The seats were a bland grey, and the monitor had a basic color scheme to it.

“What’s with that uncertainty?” Twilight asked.

“Well,” said Spike, “it’s just so… simple.”

“It gets the job done, doesn’t it?” Twilight said. “And look, I even got directions from the shopkeeper on how to switch out parts!”

“You know,” Spike said, “if you just owned up to your mistake, I’m sure Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash would have been happy to help you build one.”

“I’m sure they’re busy helping Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie,” said Twilight. “Besides, it’s…”

“Embarrassing?” Spike suggested.

“Yes,” said Twilight. “It was hard enough apologizing to the shopkeeper at Ponyville Motors, how do you think Rainbow Dash will be when I apologize for not following the very lesson I taught her?”

“She’s your friend,” said Spike, “I’m sure she’ll forgive you.”

“I know that,” said Twilight, “but do you think she’ll ever let me live it down?”

“…Probably not, no,” said Spike.

“Exactly,” said Twilight.

“Though,” said Spike, “you know if you ever plan on actually, you know, riding the thing, you’ll have to tell them, right?”

“…I didn’t think this through,” said Twilight.

Spike’s eyes widened. “Wait, what? You didn’t think something through!? You? Twilight Sparkle?”

“I know, I’m just as surprised as you!” said Twilight.

“Is anypony in here?” a voice called from upstairs.

“Ah!” Twilight gasped, frantically tossing the sheet over the D-Wheel again. “Quick, Spike! Company!”

“Right!” said Spike, running up the stairs.

Twilight followed close behind, before tripping over the sheet, and falling into the D-Wheel, knocking it over.

“Oh, Adviser,” said Spike, as he entered the front room of the library.

“Hello,” Adviser smiled, when the crash of the falling D-Wheel echoed from downstairs. “What was that? Should I be afraid for my life?”

“It’s nothing!” said Twilight, limping up the stairs. “Just, tripped.”

“Over a D-Wheel, by the sound of it,” said Adviser. “Planning on entering the WRGP, Twilight Sparkle?”

“Yes,” said Twilight. “I mean, no. I mean, what brings you here, Adviser?”

“I was in the neighborhood, and I thought, hey, why don’t I visit my good friend, Twilight Sparkle while I’m here?”

“We’re friends?” Twilight asked.

“We don’t even know your real name,” said Spike.

“No one does,” said Adviser, before looking down at the floor. “Not even me, come to think of it.”

“What really brings you here?” Twilight asked.

“I’m sure you’ve noticed the occasional highway closings,” said Adviser.

“Yeah,” said Spike, “just last week Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had to have a Riding Duel on the dirt for us because of that.”

“Is that so?” Adviser said. “My apologies, but perhaps a Riding Duel off of the highways would is safer.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“For the past week, ever since that first closing,” said Adviser, “there have been incidents of Riding Duels gone awry. Ponies have been getting into violent crashes in duels that are forced upon them at night.”

“Forced Riding Duels?” Twilight questioned. “Why couldn’t they refuse? Why would they stick around long enough to get caught, anyway?”

“That’s the thing,” said Adviser. “The pony responsible appears only at night, and has all the lights on his D-Wheel turned off. He sneaks up on his victims, hacks in and forces Speed World 2 to activate.”

“That sounds only inconvenient and rude so far,” said Spike.

“Well,” said Adviser, “from what we could gather from the victims that managed to regain consciousness, the Riding Duels this pony forces on them deal real damage.”

“Real damage!?” Twilight gasped. “Like a duel of darkness?”

“I don’t know,” shrugged Adviser. “After the duelist loses, all duel data mysteriously vanishes and the pony vanishes into the night again like some kind of ghost or something. That’s why we at Security dubbed him ‘Ghost’.”

“Ghost, huh?” Twilight mumbled.

“I thought of the name myself,” Adviser smiled.

“That’s not much to be smiling about,” said Spike.

“It’s the biggest accomplishment I can remember, to be honest,” said Adviser. “Nopony remembers who balanced the budget thirty years ago, but they will remember a serial assaulter. Especially if I can hang this wanted poster with all the information we have on him up in your window.”

“Of course you can,” said Twilight. “Anything to help catch this guy.”

“Thank you,” Adviser smiled, trotting over to the window, and putting the poster up. “Hope we catch this guy before the WRGP. It wouldn’t do to have some maniac running amok while we’re hosting foreign teams.”

“Hm,” said Twilight, biting her lower lip in thought.

“Well, I’m off!” said Adviser. “Good luck with your Riding Duels, Twilight Sparkle.” Adviser trotted out the door, singing a song to himself. “♪It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing…”

“How old is he?” Spike asked after Adviser had left.

“I don’t know,” Twilight mumbled, trotting outside to read the Ghost wanted poster.

“Twilight, what are you thinking?” Spike asked.

“I’m thinking I’m going to catch Ghost, that’s what,” said Twilight, trotting off towards Carousel Boutique.

“Wait!” said Spike, running after her. “Think this over, Twilight! This guy has been hurting ponies all week!”

“Spike, my friends and I defeated the Dark Signers only a year ago,” said Twilight. “And I’m pretty sure they were more of a threat than some random madpony.”

“But you heard Adviser,” said Spike. “Ghost deals real damage like the Dark Signers did!”

“Yes,” said Twilight, “and as one of the Signers of the Crimson Dragon, I’ve been chosen to stop things like duels of darkness.”

“But-” Spike began.

“Hello, Spike!” Rarity called.

“Huh?” said Spike, only just realizing they were at Carousel Boutique. “Oh! H-Hi, Rarity.”

“Rarity, I need to talk to you about something,” said Twilight.

“As do I with you,” said Rarity. “Come, take a look!” She happily pranced ahead of them, leading them around to the back of the boutique. “Voilà!”

“Ah!” Twilight gasped, light shining in her face.

“Ooh,” Spike said, licking his lips.

Rarity was posing happily in front of a white D-Wheel made to look like a chariot. It was stylistically covered in light blue gems cut to resemble Rarity’s Cutie Mark, and coated in jewel trim. The seat was a royal purple color, and the monitor’s read out was written in fancy script, with a gold color scheme.

“Isn’t it fabulous?” Rarity asked. “Fluttershy helped me build it this past week!”

“It sure is… shiny,” said Twilight.

“It looks great,” said Spike, drooling. “Especially those gems…”

“I appreciate your enthusiasm,” Rarity smiled, grabbing Spike with her magic, and levitating him away. “But please, don’t touch it. I don’t want my brand new D-Wheel to be… drooled on or eaten.”

Spike’s face fell into a frown, as Rarity placed him onto Twilight’s back. “So what did you want to discuss?”

“Adviser came by earlier today,” said Twilight.

“Who?” said Rarity.

“You remember him,” said Twilight. “That unicorn stallion that worked for Princess Celestia and Princess Luna before becoming Vice Director of Security?”

“Oh, right, Adviser!” said Rarity. “What did he want?”

“He told me about some strange pony he called Ghost attacking ponies on the highways at night.”

“Oh my,” said Rarity, her eyes wide. “That sounds awful.”

“He deals real damage like the Dark Signers did, too,” Twilight added.

“And Twilight thinks we should all go out and stop him,” said Spike. “I say we should just let Security do their job, but-”

“Of course we should stop him!” Rarity interrupted, fire in her eyes. “After all that work Fluttershy did, I won’t stand by and let him destroy my new D-Wheel!”

“And we should help the citizens he’s attacking too,” Twilight added in a deadpan voice.

“Yes, that too,” said Rarity. “Wait, ‘we’? Twilight, did you get a D-Wheel?”

Twilight’s eyes widened, and she looked down, blushing. “Y-yeah… I bought one from Ponyville Motors and picked up just this morning, actually.”

“Oh, Twilight,” Rarity smiled, “no need to be embarrassed! It’s great news!”

“Thanks, Rarity,” Twilight smiled. “I even built a whole new deck for it. Spellcasters aren’t exactly the best when Speed Spells are my only option for Spell cards.”

“I’ll look forward to seeing it in action,” said Rarity. “Now, shall we go round up the others for a Ghost hunt tonight?”

“Sure thing,” Twilight smiled.

“I’m never going to convince you how bad an idea this is, am I?” said Spike.

The sun was starting to set, and Twilight was waiting patiently with Rarity by the highway for the others to arrive, a purple helmet on her head. Rarity was passing the time polishing her white, gem encrusted helmet while Twilight was flipping through her new cards, reading over their effects.

“Is that a D-Wheel I hear?” Rarity said after awhile.

“More like four of them,” said Twilight, as the others arrived.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were in the lead, skidding to a halt in front of Twilight, while Applejack and Pinkie Pie were in the rear, pulling up next to Rarity. Pinkie Pie’s D-Wheel was, predictably, pink. It was made up of several angles and shapes tacked together in an apparent homage to her Vylon Monsters. The seat on the inside and the monitor had a pink color scheme, and the monitors text was written in a manner reminiscent of a comic book. Her helmet was, obviously, pink as well.

Applejack’s D-Wheel was unsurprisingly simplistic. It seemed to be a modified version of a green, standard model D-Wheel, but it looked much more sturdy. Like Fluttershy’s D-Wheel, Applejack’s had two large storage boxes attached to the back. The wheels were also more thick and rugged than the average D-Wheel, and she seemed to have built it to be more practical than fast. The seat was brown and the monitor’s scheme and color seemed to be based on Sweet Apple Acres. She wore a red helmet that, if you only took a quick glance, resembled an apple.

“What do you think, Twilight?” Pinkie asked. “Rainbow and Fluttershy spent all week helping us out.”

“We barely got any sleep,” said Fluttershy.

“Sorry we kept you two up so long,” said Applejack.

“It’s fine,” shrugged Rainbow, before looking at Twilight. “First off, I knew you’d be into this sort of thing. So score one for me.”

“Yes,” said Twilight. “I’m sorry I doubted you.”

“No big deal,” said Rainbow. “I’ll just be constantly reminding you of this for the rest of your life whenever you doubt me again.”

“I knew you would,” Twilight grumbled.

“Second thing,” said Rainbow. “Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!” Her laughter would have caused her to fall out of her D-Wheel, if the seat hadn’t been enclosed. “You bought a basic store model!?”

“To be fair,” said Applejack, “it does do that job.”

“Yeah,” said Rainbow, “but if you ran fast enough, you could probably do that same, but that’s just ridiculous. Let me tell you, Twilight, you’re going to be outstripped by everypony if you enter the WRGP!”

“I’m sure I will,” Twilight sighed, “now can you stop laughing? The sooner we catch Ghost, the sooner you and Fluttershy can get to sleep.”

“That would be nice,” Fluttershy yawned. “And I do want to stop innocent ponies from getting hurt, too.”

“Right,” said Rainbow, looking at the horizon as the sun finished dipping beneath it. “Lights on, everypony. We’ll communicate through the D-Wheel com-link system on these monitors. Here, Twilight, I’ll help you program our IDs in.”

“Alright,” said Twilight, climbing out and letting Rainbow fiddle with the monitor.

“We’ll each take a different area of the highway,” said Fluttershy. “If we don’t run into him near Ponyville, we’ll head out towards a different city.”

“Done,” said Rainbow, climbing out of Twilight’s D-Wheel, and hopping back into her own. “Ready?”

“Stay safe, everypony,” said Applejack.

“If any of you encounter Ghost, the rest of us will be on our way to assist,” said Rarity.

“Let’s stop this mean old Ghostie!” said Pinkie, speeding off onto the highway.

“Good luck, Fluttershy,” said Rainbow.

“Good luck, Dashie,” Fluttershy replied, before the two pegasi sped off.

“Did you see that?” Rarity asked, her face lighting up.

“Don’t start,” said Twilight, before speeding off as well.

Rarity frowned, before speeding off with Applejack. They six ponies quickly separated and found themselves driving alone in the dark. They brought up a six-way com-link on the monitors to talk while they drove.

“Any sign of him?” Fluttershy yawned.

“Not yet,” said Pinkie. “I’ll try calling him.”

“We don’t have his com-link ID,” said Applejack.

“I know that,” said Pinkie. “I meant like this. Ahem. GHOSTIE! WHERE ARE YOU~!”

“Yeah, that will flush him out,” said Rainbow.

“Ugh,” said Rarity, “its been hours already! I’m going to have such horrible bags under my eyes by the end of this!”

“How do you think we feel?” said Rainbow.

“Oh, right,” said Rarity. “Sorry.”

“Keep it up, girls,” said Twilight. “We’re bound to run into him eventual- huh?”

The com-link suddenly cut out, and the screen brought up a duel field. “Duel Mode, on. Speed World 2, imposed activation.”

“Ghost!” Twilight gasped, turning around as the light pulsed out of both D-Wheels.

“Hm, hm, hm,” Ghost laughed, pulling up next to Twilight as they sped on the highway towards Canterlot.

“You’re the one that’s been attacking those ponies for the past week, aren’t you?” Twilight asked.

“Duel me and find out,” Ghost replied, his voice sounding oddly mechanical.

Is he disguising his voice? Twilight asked herself.

Ghost quickly pulled ahead, and rounded the corner. “The first turn is mine. Face me!”

“Very well,” said Twilight, narrowing her eyes. “For all those innocent ponies you hurt, I’m taking you down!”

“Riding Duel, Acceleration!” A light in the shape of an infinity symbol briefly flashed around the two duelists.

Ghost: LP 4000. Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000.

“My turn, draw!” said Ghost. “I summon Wise Core!” An egg shaped machine made of white metal appeared. It had red marking running on its outer shell. It cracked and slid open at the middle to reveal a glowing blue sphere. [ATK0. LV1]

“Zero ATK?” Twilight asked. “What are you up to?”

“I set two cards,” said Ghost. “Turn end!”

“He’s baiting me,” Twilight muttered. “But I can’t back down! My turn, draw!” [Ghost: SPC 1. Twilight Sparkle: SPC 1]

“What happened to Twilight?” Pinkie asked. “She just cut out!”

“You don’t think Ghost got to her, do you?” Fluttershy asked.

“If something bad happened, I’m sure we’d know,” said Rarity.

“Doesn’t mean she’s not dueling him, though,” said Rainbow. “What direction did she head off in?”

“Canterlot, Ah think,” said Applejack.

“Well, we better get over there…” Rainbow yawned.

“No, you and Fluttershy need some sleep,” said Rarity.

“We’ll handle Ghostie for you!” said Pinkie.

“But,” said Rainbow.

“No buts,” said Applejack.

Rainbow sighed. “Fine. Stay safe, girls.”

“Thanks for doing this for us,” said Fluttershy.

The two pegasi ended communication, leaving Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie to chat with each other.

“Okay, girls, let’s get to Twilight!” said Pinkie.

“Right!” said Rarity and Applejack.

“Time to see how well I built this deck,” said Twilight, taking a deep breath. “I summon Krebons!” A strange, bipedal jester with disconnected joints appeared. He was dressed in orange and purple and his eyes were displayed on a green visor across his face. [ATK1200. LV2]

“Hm, hm, hm,” Ghost laughed. “A Psychic-Type deck, huh?”

“Battle!” said Twilight. “Krebons, attack Wise Core!” Krebons conjured up orange blocks of psychic energy, and fired them at Wise Core.

“Trap activate!” said Ghost. “Twin Vortex! When a Monster I control is targeted for attack, I destroy both it and the attacking Monster!” Bolts of lighting struck down and hit both Krebons and Wise Core causing them both to explode.

“You leave yourself wide open just to stop an attack?” Twilight questioned.

“Hm, hm, hm,” Ghost laughed again. “Looks like you haven’t predicted this.”

“Predicted what?” Twilight asked.

“When Wise Core is destroyed by a card effect, I destroy all Monsters on my field and Special Summon one of each from my hoof, deck, or Graveyard: Meklord Emperor Wisel Infinity!” A metallic, disembodied, white chest appeared. An infinity symbol was inscribed on the front. [ATK0. LV1] “Wisel Top!” What resembled a metallic, white cobra without a face appeared. [ATK500. LV1] “Wisel Attack!” A small, white, metal ellipsoid with small, black metal prongs on the front and a blade coming out of the top appeared. [ATK1200. LV1] “Wisel Guard!” What looked like a white, metal clam, its mouth parted to reveal a white pearl appeared, black prongs sticking out of its shell. [DEF1200. LV1] “And Wisel Carrier!” What looked like two white, metal leeches appeared, a small white metal frame holding them together. [ATK800. LV1]

“Five Monsters at once!?” Twilight gasped.

“That’s not the end of it,” Ghost smiled. “Combine, Meklord Emperor Wisel!” The chest flew up high into the air, panels inside the infinity sign opening up to reveal a dark void inside, lit up by a blue atom-like core. The metal ellipsoid stretched out, and clicked into place on the left side of the chest forming an arm and hand, with a sword extending from the wrist. The clam opened and extended as well, attaching to the chest to form the right arm, the back of the hand covered in what seemed to be a shield. The two metal leeches twisted around, and spread out, connecting to the bottom to act as a pair of legs, energy boosters on where the back thighs would be propelling it along. Finally, the cobra slid into the top as its head, panels sliding away to reveal a black screen, with glowing red markings like the ones on Wise Core, completing its face. With all the parts in place, Wisel clenched its right fist, before slashing its sword, an infinity symbol flashing behind it as it completed its pose. [ATK2500. LV1]

“W-What the hay is this?” Twilight stuttered, staring up at the machine that towered over.

“Hm, hm, hm,” Ghost laughed. “This is the beginning of the end for you. Get comfortable, because the real fun has only just begun!”

Author's Note

Trying out duels that span multiple chapters so I'll be less tempted to rush through duels like I was in the first arc. Let me know what you think.

Synchro Killer? Meklord Emperor Wisel Infinity

Applejack and Rarity pulled up behind Twilight and Ghost, looking up with wide eyes at Wisel. “What the hay is this thing?”

Rarity looked down at her D-Wheel, tuning her monitor to the duel. “It’s five different monsters?”

“Ah didn’t know monsters could combine like that,” said Applejack.

“I’m guessing Ghost’s victims didn’t either,” said Rarity.

“Be careful, Twi!” Applejack called.

“Girls,” Twilight smiled. “Good to see you here.”

“Hmph, an audience, huh?” Ghost muttered.

“Did you think you could get away with your attacks forever?” Twilight asked. “I set three cards and end my turn.”

“I don’t need to get away with them forever,” Ghost laughed. “My turn, draw! [Ghost: SPC 2. Twilight Sparkle: SPC 2] Go, Meklord Emperor Wisel! Attack directly!” Wisel raised its arm, the blade extending further, as it brought it down to slash Twilight.

“Trap activate!” Twilight countered. “Draining Shield! I negate your Monster’s attack and gain Life Points equal to its ATK!” A barrier appeared around Twilight, deflecting Wisel’s strike. [Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000 –> 6500]

“Hm, hm, hm,” Ghost laughed. “You won’t be able to hide forever. Turn end.”

“I won’t have to!” said Twilight. “My turn, draw! [Ghost: SPC 3. Twilight Sparkle: SPC 3] I activate my Continuous-Trap, Psychic Tuning! I Special Summon a Psychic from my Graveyard, however I’ll take damage equal to its level times 400 when it leave the field again.”

“So Twilight uses Psychic Monsters, now?” said Rarity. “Interesting choice.”

“I Special Summon Krebons!” said Twilight. The disjointed jester appeared in front of Twilight. [ATK1200. LV2] “Then, since I control a Psychic-Type Monster, I can Normal Summon this card without releasing. I summon Armored Axon Kicker!” A biped covered in green and purple metal appeared. Large, long tubes were hanging off it. [ATK2200. LV6]

“Twilight, AJ, Rarity!” Pinkie called, speeding up from behind them.

“Just in time, Pinkie,” said Rarity.

“Twilight’s about to teach this wacko a lesson, Ah reckon,” said Applejack.

“You’re right about that, Applejack!” Twilight smiled. “I tune my level 2 Krebons to my level 6 Armored Axon Kicker!” Krebons burst into two green Tuning Rings, lining up next to Twilight as they channeled the six level stars of Armored Axon Kicker. “Clustering wishes will create a shining new star! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!” A burst of light shot through the rings, and Stardust Dragon flew out, a trail of sparkles falling off behind it into the wind, as its wings stretched. With a roar, Stardust spun around in the air, taking place above Twilight to fly over the highway. [ATK2500. LV8]

“Synchro Monster…” Ghost muttered.

“Ooh, Stardust Dragon’s here!” cheered Pinkie. “You’re going down, Ghostie! You and your… holy cow! What’s that giant robot!?”

“You only just noticed?” Applejack asked.

“First, since Krebons left the field, Psychic Tuning deals 800 points of damage to me” said Twilight. Energy enveloped Twilight, seemingly burning her. [Twilight Sparkle: LP 6500 –> 5700] “Ah! That stung… But that’s nothing compared to what I’m going to do to you! I activate my Trap! Synchro Striker Unit! I equip it to Stardust Dragon, raising its ATK by 1000!” [ATK3500]

“Go for it, Twilight!” Pinkie cheered.

“Stardust Dragon, attack Meklord Emperor Wisel!” said Twilight. “Shooting Sonic!” Stardust turned around to face Wisel, letting out a roar. She reared back, and let out a blast of white energy.

“Wisel Guard’s effect!” countered Ghost. “I redirect the your attack against Wisel Infinity to it!” [DEF1200]

“What!?” Twilight gasped. Wisel held its right arm up, the armor plating on the back of the hand glowing with energy. Stardust’s blast hit the energy, and the whole arm exploded. The rest of Wisel, however, remained untouched.

“So even though they combined they’re still different cards?” Applejack asked.

“And it seems each part is meant to compensate for something,” said Rarity.

“What do you mean by that?” Pinkie asked, a sly smile on her face.

Rarity’s eyes widened. “Nothing dirty! I meant effect wise! Get your mind out of the gutter, Pinkie Pie!”

“If you two are finished,” said Twilight, “I end my turn. During the End Phase, Synchro Striker Unit lowers the equipped Monster’s ATK by 800.” Stardust let out a roar that sounded almost of annoyance. [ATK2700]

“She’s still stronger than Wisel, at least,” said Applejack.

“Hm, hm, hm,” Ghost laughed.

“I don’t think you’re in a position to be laughing,” said Twilight.

“Don’t be so sure,” said Ghost. “My turn, draw! [Ghost: SPC 4. Twilight Sparkle: SPC 4] I summon Wisel Guard 3!” What appeared to be a white, metal snail, with black prongs on its bottom and claws clenched together to form a point for its head appeared. [DEF2000. LV3] It quickly bent and unfolded to form a new arm and hand, a much larger shield on the back of the hand, before snapping into place on Wisel.

“So he has parts to replace the ones Twilight breaks?” Pinkie asked.

“Twilight Sparkle, is it?” Ghost asked. “I heard you were regarded as a noble heroine. It seems those rumors were false.”

“False?” Twilight questioned.

“Look at that disgusting creature on your field,” said Ghost.

“Disgusting?” Pinkie questioned.

“Personally, I find Stardust to be beautiful,” said Rarity.

“Then you are no better,” said Ghost. “Synchros are proof of how self-centered you all are!”

“How does that work?” Pinkie asked.

“A Synchro Monster is nothing but a way for a duelist to surpass others in any way they can,” said Ghost. “They aspire to be better than others for no reason but to reign over their peers.”

“…Come again?” Applejack said.

“What are you talking about?” Twilight asked. “Synchros are about monsters resonating together, like friends! I would think you’d understand with how your monsters works together to act as one!”

“Hmph, as if a Signer could understand,” said Ghost.

“You know I’m a Signer?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight, quit wasting your breath on this lunatic!” said Rarity. “You can debate the philosophy of Synchro Monsters AFTER you stop his reign of terror!”

“Right,” said Twilight.

“You won’t be able to stop me,” said Ghost. “Not as you are. Behold the power of my Synchro Killer!”

“Synchro Killer?” Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie repeated.

“Meklord Emperor Wisel Infinity’s effect!” said Ghost. “Once per turn, I absorb an opponent’s Synchro Monster!” The cavity on Wisel’s chest opened, glowing as tentacles of light shot out and ensnared Stardust Dragon.

“Stardust!” Twilight gasped. Stardust Dragon let out a roar, as it struggled against her bindings. The tentacles reeled her in. With a final roar, Stardust collapsed into light, and was sucked into Wisel, the infinity-shaped cavity closing behind it.

“What just happened?” Pinkie asked.

“Stardust Dragon was…” Applejack began.

“Absorbed into Wisel!” Rarity finished.

“Wisel Infinity’s effect!” said Ghost. “Wisel’s ATK is increased by an amount equal to the ATK of the absorbed Synchro Monster!” [ATK5000]

“5000 ATK!?” Pinkie gasped.

“And Twilight’s wide open,” said Rarity.

“Stardust was taken just like that…?” Twilight mumbled.

“Twilight, stay focused!” said Applejack.

“Meklord Emperor Wisel, attack directly!” said Ghost. Wisel raised its hand, the blade on the back of its wrist extending, before slashing it down, striking Twilight across the back.

“Agh!” Twilight gasped. [Twilight Sparkle: LP 5700 –> 700]

“Twilight!” Pinkie gasped, as Twilight’s D-Wheel began swerving across the highway, scraping against the side.

“Gah!” Twilight gasped, as she pushed herself away from the edge, struggling to steady her D-Wheel. Blood trickled down from her back as her Signer Mark began burning.

“Twilight,” Rarity mumbled, her Signer Mark as well, as well as the Marks of the others began burning, too.

“It’s been over a year since Ah felt this thing burn,” said Applejack.

“Ghostie sure is tougher than we thought,” said Pinkie, a small frown on her face.

“My turn…” said Twilight. “Draw!” [Ghost: SPC 5. Twilight Sparkle: SPC 5] Without Stardust, what can I do? Even if I summoned another Synchro Monster, Wisel would just absorb it! Twilight slammed a hoof against her Duel Disk. “I can’t do anything!”

“Twilight, get ahold of yourself!” said Applejack.

“What can I do!?” Twilight cried. “This is my first time using Psychics, and my first time in a Riding Duel! I’m not used to any of this, and my first opponent under these conditions is somepony that deals real damage! Somepony that’s doing what only a Dark Signer was capable of, hurting me and making the Signer Marks burn!”

“Twilight,” said Rarity, “I understand this is a trying situation for you. But you can’t give up here!”

“Sure, Ghostie is tough,” said Pinkie. “But you’re tougher! We saved the world, after all!”

“Girls…” Twilight mumbled. “…I set a Monster, and two cards. Turn end!”

“Such a rousing speech to encourage her to stall?” Ghost asked. “Pathetic, grasping at survival like that! My turn, draw!” [Ghost: SPC 6. Twilight Sparkle: SPC 6]

“It’s not pathetic if it allows me to win!” said Twilight.

“Unfortunately it won’t!” said Ghost. “Speed World 2’s effect! I remove four Speed Counters to deal 800 points of damage for each Speed Spell in my hoof! In my hoof is Speed Spell – Lightning Rod, so you take 800 points of damage!” [Ghost: SPC 2]

“Trap activate!” Twilight countered. “Energy-Absorbing Monolith! I negate an instance of damage a player would take and increase my Life Points by an equal amount!” Lightning shot out of Ghost’s D-Wheel at Twilight, but a large, stone tablet appeared blocking it. The tablet glowed, enveloping Twilight in light. [Twilight Sparkle: LP 700 –> 1500]

“Hmph, you think that’ll help you?” Ghost asked. “You forget that I have Meklord Emperor Wisel on my field! And the Synchro Killer’s power will only increase further! Trap activate! Wise A3! I release Wisel Attack to Special Summon Wisel Attack 3 from my hoof!” Wisel’s left arm detached and vanished in a flash of light. [ATK3800] A white, metal machine appeared, blades jutting out of it from all sides. [ATK1600. LV3] The part quickly unfolded to form an arm with what appeared to be a crossbow made of blades sticking out of the back of its hand. The arm attached itself to Wisel, replacing the missing arm. [ATK5400]

“It’s even stronger now?” Pinkie asked.

“Wisel Attack 3’s effect!” said Ghost. “When Meklord Emperor Wisel attacks a defense position Monster my opponent controls, Piercing Damage is inflicted!”

“Piercing Damage!?” Applejack gasped.

“Go, Wisel!” said Ghost. “Attack Twilight Sparkle’s set Monster!” Wisel pointed at Twilight, and fired a blade off at her. On Twilight’s field, a small, bipedal girl with blonde hair and light yellow robes with inner red lining appeared. She wielded a staff with an electrified spike ball on the end. Cables extended out of the staff and seemed to plug into the girl’s back. [DEF300. LV2] The launched blade quickly sliced through her, continuing towards Twilight.

“Esper Girl may have been destroyed,” said Twilight, “but I won’t be just yet! Trap activate! Defense Draw! I reduce an instance of battle damage to zero!” A barrier appeared around Twilight, deflecting the blade.

“Persistent, little…” Ghost muttered.

“Afterwards,” said Twilight, “Defense Draw lets me draw a card!”

“Turn end,” said Ghost.

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! [Ghost: SPC 3. Twilight Sparkle: SPC 7] Speed World 2’s effect! I remove four Speed Counters to deal 800 points of damage for each Speed Spell in my hoof! Since I have Speed Spell – Emergency Teleport, you take 800 points of damage!” [Twilight Sparkle: SPC 3]Twilight’s horn lit up, as she spun around to face Ghost. She sent out a shot of magic, striking him.

“Gah!” [Ghost: LP 4000 –> 3200]

“She finally damaged him, at least,” said Applejack.

“Then I summon Grapple Blocker!” said Twilight. A green and purple biped creature appeared. Tentacles grew from its back, the suckers glowing orange, as did spots on his legs. [ATK1200. LV4] “When Grapple Blocker is Normal Summoned, I target a Monster my opponent controls. As long as Grapple Blocker is on the field, that Monster can’t attack or be released. I target Meklord Emperor Wisel Infinity!” Grapple Blocker let out a growling roar, flexing his muscles and producing a shield of psychic energy, encasing Wisel in it.

“What!?” Ghost gasped.

“Alright, Twilight!” Pinkie cheered.

“If she can keep up this defense,” said Rarity, “she may be able to stall long enough to turn things around.”

“I end my turn,” said Twilight. “During each of my End Phases, I have to pay 500 Life Points for Grapple Blocker’s effect.” [Twilight Sparkle: LP 1500 –> 1000]

“My turn,” said Ghost. “Draw! [Ghost: SPC 4. Twilight Sparkle: SPC 4] I may not be able to attack, but I can still burn you! Speed World 2’s effect! I remove four Speed Counters to inflict 800 points of damage for the Speed Spell in my hoof!” [Ghost: SPC 0] Lightning coursed out again, striking Twilight.

“Gah!” Twilight gasped. [Twilight Sparkle: LP 1000 –> 200]

“Hm, hm, hm,” Ghost laughed. “Next turn’s shaping up to be your last, Twilight Sparkle. Turn end!”

“My last turn?” Twilight repeated. “I suppose… if I don’t get a good card now, I’ll… My turn, draw!” [Ghost: SPC 1. Twilight Sparkle: SPC 5]

“What did you get, Twilight?” Pinkie asked.

"A Speed Spell,” said Twilight. “One that could help me recover Stardust. But even if I did that…”

“Twilight, there’s no other choice!” said Applejack. “If you wanna win, ya gotta press on!

“We believe in you, Twilight!” said Pinkie.

“Now you need to believe in yourself!” said Rarity.

Twilight looked up, a smile on her face. “Girls… You’re right! I believe in myself, and my cards! Ghost! You may claim Synchros are proof that ponies are selfish, but I’m about to prove otherwise!” The Signer Marks burned brightly, and vanished, appearing on Twilight as the full Mark of the Crimson Dragon.

“W-what is this…?” Ghost asked.

“I activate Speed Spell – Reawakening!” said Twilight. “Since I have at least 3 Speed Counters, I can release a Monster I control to Special Summon all Monsters that are currently being treated as Spells or Traps to their owners’ fields!”

“What!?” Ghost gasped.

“I release Grapple Blocker!” said Twilight. Grapple Blocker vanished into a flash of light, and the panel on Wisel’s chest opened. “Only one Monster is in the Spell and Trap Zone, and it isn’t yours! Return to me, Stardust Dragon!”

With a roar, Stardust soared out of Wisel, stretching her wings as she took to the skies, before flying above Twilight again.

“Stardust is back!” Pinkie cheered.

“And since it’s no longer absorbed by Wisel…” said Rarity.

“It’s ATK drops!” cheered Applejack. [ATK2900]

“Even if you saved your Synchro Monster,” said Ghost, “it doesn’t matter! Wisel is still stronger, and on my next turn, I’ll just absorb Stardust again!”

“If you have a next turn, that is!” said Twilight. “Speed Spell – Reawakening’s other effect! For every Monster a player Special Summons by its effect, that player can draw a card!” The top card of Twilight’s deck glowed as she drew it. “This is the power of the Crimson Dragon! The power of my friends! I summon the Tuner Monster, Savior Dragon!” The sleek, pink dragon spun around, flying next to Twilight. [ATK0. LV1]

“Savior Dragon!” Applejack smiled.

“And with that last card in Twilight’s hoof,” said Rarity, “her victory is guaranteed!”

“Go for it, Twilight!” cheered Pinkie.

“I activate Speed Spell – Emergency Teleport!” said Twilight. “I remove four Speed Counters to Special Summon a level 3 or lower Psychic Monster from my deck! [Twilight Sparkle: SPC 1] Come, Doctor Cranium!” A tiny, purple biped in a white lab coat appeared, a metal helmet covered in light bulbs on his head. [ATK100. LV1] “I tune my level 1 Savior Dragon to my level 1 Doctor Cranium and my level 8 Stardust Dragon!” Savior Dragon flew up high into the air, expanding into a bright, pink light that enveloped Doctor Cranium and Stardust Dragon. “Gathering starlight will enlighten a new miracle! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Arrive in light, Savior Star Dragon!” The light dissolved in a blue burst that enveloped Twilight, lifting her into the sky as it faded away to reveal a streamlined, serpentine version of Stardust Dragon. Her wings grew to a much larger side, and seemed to be made of blades, while her legs lost their ability to hold her on the ground, and became clawless points to act as stabilizers in high speed flight. Savior Star’s whole body shimmered as if it was made of light itself as it rocketed over the highway, barely visible in the light of the rising sun. [ATK3800. LV10]

“This is the power of the Signers, is it?” said Ghost. “It’s not enough, though! Even if you attack Wisel, I’ll still have Life Points remaining!”

“If I attacked Wisel Infinity, maybe,” Twilight smiled.

“Tsk, you figured it out?” Ghost muttered.

“I activate Savior Star Dragon’s effect!” said Twilight. “Once per turn, I can negate and gain the effects of a Monster my opponent controls! I negate the effects of Wisel Guard 3! Power Drain!” A blue light shown down from Savior Star, and Wisel’s right arm seemed to go limp. “It’s over! Savior Star Dragon, attack Wisel Top! Shooting Blaster Sonic!”

“Wisel Top only has 500 ATK!” cheered Rarity.

“Twilight wins!” Pinkie cheered.

Savior Star rocketed down, and pierced through Wisel Top, slicing the head off of Wisel. The whole body exploded, knocking Ghost off the highway, and sending him careening down into the forest below.

“Agh!” Ghost screamed, his voice distorting into incoherent static. [Ghost: LP 3200 –> 0]

“Ghost!” Twilight gasped.

“He’s crashed!” said Rarity, as she brought her D-Wheel to a halt.

“After all he’s done, Ah hate havin to help him, but…” Applejack began.

“We can’t just leave him, either!” said Pinkie.

Ghost’s wreckage was spitting out sparks, the smashed D-Wheel resting against a tree. Decima stood over the wreck, his horn levitating Ghost’s deck and a piece of electronics out of the crash site. He looked up through the trees at Savior Star Dragon, as it placed Twilight back onto the highway.

“It took years to develop a machine as capable as this one, and you smashed it in a single duel… Interesting. So this is the extent of the Signers’ powers.” Decima looked at the electronic chip. “This Duel Data will be useful for us. Look forward to a rematch, Twilight Sparkle.”

Placing the deck and microchip into a pocket in his robes, Decima trotted away from the crash site, teleporting once he was safely obscured by the trees.

“Ghost!” Twilight called, as she, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie galloped up to the crashed duelist.

“Is he okay?” Pinkie asked.

“Hey,” said Applejack, poking Ghost with her hoof. His front leg detached, landing on the ground and sparking some more.

“Ah!” Rarity gasped, jumping backwards.

“It’s a… machine?” said Pinkie.

“W-what does this mean…?” Twilight asked.

“So Ghost was this pile of metal?” Adviser asked. He and the Signers had gathered at the library, where Twilight had placed Ghost’s wreckage on the table.

“It appears that way,” said Rarity.

“Well, you stopped him,” said Adviser. “I’m very grateful to you, Twilight Sparkle. Hopefully this will keep ponies from being turned off on coming to the WRGP.”

“Yeah, hopefully,” said Rainbow.

“Well, I’d best be off,” said Adviser. “The new Directors will need debriefing on this matter. Take care.”

“Bye, Adviser,” said Twilight, as Adviser trotted out the door, once again singing to himself.

“♪It don’t mean a thing, all you got to do is sing…”

“Seriously, how old is that pony?” Applejack asked. “That song was outdated when Granny Smith was a filly.”

“I think we have more important things to worry about,” said Fluttershy, looking down at the pile of scrap. “It took the full power of the Crimson Dragon to beat a robot?”

“Yeah,” said Twilight, “that is a bit strange, isn’t it?”

“It looks like the Duel Data is missing,” said Rainbow, poking around the scrap. “Did you leave any pieces behind?”

“No,” said Rarity, “we made sure we got everything.”

“Speaking of things missing,” said Pinkie, “where’s Ghost’s deck?”

“Yeah,” said Rainbow, “I want to know more about that Meklord Emperor thing.”

“That’s a good question,” said Twilight.

Rarity gulped. “Girls, I’d hate to jump to conclusions, but given that this pony wasn’t even a pony, and the missing deck and Duel Data…”

“Somepony was controlling Ghost,” said Fluttershy. “Somepony else was behind this.”

“It looks like I was wrong,” said Twilight. “I told Spike some random madpony couldn’t be that big a threat, but…”

“You weren’t wrong, Twilight,” Pinkie assured her.

“Because whoever was behind Ghost and Wisel,” said Rainbow, “is no random pony.”

Fluttershy pressed up close against Rainbow. “I thought our job as Signers was over after we beat the Earthbound Gods, but…”

“It looks like we have a new enemy to deal with,” said Twilight.

Fleur de Représailles

“Good morning, Twilight,” said Rarity, trotting into the library.

“Morning, Rarity,” Twilight yawned in reply. She was sitting in the middle of the floor, surrounded by books.

“Good morning, Rarity,” said Fluttershy. She and Rainbow Dash were sitting at a nearby table, looking over D-Wheel schematics.

“How long have you two been here?” Rarity asked.

“Since last night,” said Rainbow. “It’s top priority that we get Twilight a better D-Wheel for the WRGP. I mean, do you want to be seen on a team with a generic store model?”

“You don’t have to keep insulting it, Rainbow,” said Twilight.

“Um,” said Rarity, biting her lip, “maybe not so rudely, but you know, constructive criticism is always useful.”

“What is constructive about this at all?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight, let’s be serious,” said Rarity. “For somepony with a tight budget or who is first learning about D-Wheels, yes, I can see wanting to go for the basic model, but you managed to defeat Ghost, AND you have friends capable of building you better looking D-Wheels. And at a low budget, too!”

“Thank you, Rarity,” smiled Rainbow.

“Yeah, thanks,” muttered Twilight.

“So if Rainbow and Fluttershy are working on your D-Wheel’s new design, what are you doing?”

“Trying to find info on what Ghost could be,” said Twilight.

“He was a machine, wasn’t he?” said Rarity.

“Yes, but the thing is, even with all the advancements we’ve made in technology over the course of a few years, to have a machine that sophisticated is unheard of. Considering the metal used to assemble it is of Equestrian origins, it's unlikely he was made by a Duel Spirit.”

“But if we had the stuff to make something like that in Equestria all this time, couldn’t it be made whenever?”

“I don’t think it quite works that way,” said Rarity.

“Actually, she’s right,” said Twilight.

“She is?!” Rarity gasped.

“I am?” Rainbow asked.

“Sort of,” said Twilight. “Although the technology to make it would need to be made first, which would of course require certain technology to be made to make that, the materials were always present, so…”

“If somepony was smart enough, they could advance technology fast enough to build Ghost?” Fluttershy finished.

“Yes,” said Twilight. “That’s how D-Wheels and Duel Disks were made as fast as they were. Scientists in Baltimare and Canterlot knew what they wanted the technology to do and were able to piece together what they needed to work on to produce results. It took a lot of trial and error, and they’re still coming out with improvements. But Ghost had a fully functioning AI with intelligence and thoughts on par with living ponies.”

“AI?” Rarity repeated.

“Artificial Intelligence,” Twilight clarified. "To make an AI like that sounds like pure science fiction."

“Well, while you two talk about Ghost,” said Rainbow, “Fluttershy and I are going to go look at D-Wheel parts. We want to know how much it will cost to improve the build of yours.”

“Bye,” waved Fluttershy, as the two pegasi trotted out the door.

Rarity gave a small smile, and turned towards Twilight.

“Don’t even start,” said Twilight. “You’ve already completely convinced Spike those two are together with your crazy theories. I can’t even have him in the library when they visit now.”

“It’s not crazy,” said Rarity. “Trust me, they’ll confess their relationship to us one day, and I’ll be there. There to rub it in.”

"We'll see," said Twilight.

Rarity sat down next to Twilight. "So where is Spike?"

“Visiting Apple Bloom and the other Crusaders,” said Twilight. “I’m hoping he can get something out of them. I’ve been pretty worried.”

“What’s there to worry about?” Rarity asked.

“Has Sweetie Belle said anything about the Dark Signer incident since they came back?”

“No,” said Rarity. She paused in thought. “…that is troubling, actually.”

“Exactly,” said Twilight. “Anypony would be traumatized after going through something like that. I myself had nightmares for weeks. But they…” Twilight trailed off as a loud yawn escaped her mouth.

“I’ll let you rest, Twilight,” said Rarity, standing up and trotting towards the door. “Thanks for bringing this all to my attention.”

Twilight nodded as the door closed, giving a weary glance at all the books she had on the floor, before trotting up towards her bedroom.

Rarity was riding her D-Wheel along the highways, trying to clear her head. Sweetie Belle would tell me if she was still upset by that incident, wouldn’t she? Even if she didn’t, I’d notice it, right? Though, thinking back this past year… She and her Crusader friends have been a bit more… subdued, more reclusive than usual. I don’t want to seem rude asking her all of the sudden, though... What the?

Rarity snapped out of her thoughts as she was what appeared to be a crashed D-Wheel up ahead. And standing over the crashed driver was a strange, masked pony. The two didn’t seem to notice Rarity approaching, as the masked pony smacked the crashed one across the face.

“Stop playing dumb, and tell me!” the masked pony snapped.

“I’m not playing,” groaned Adviser, rubbing his cheek. “I really don’t know anything about-“

“I know you do,” the masked pony interrupted. “My sources tell me that Spitfire quit, yet the Director’s chair isn’t vacant. Now, what is the new Director of Security planning to do with the WRGP?” The masked pony’s horn glowed pink, lifting and pinning Adviser to the barricade

“Leave him alone!” Rarity snapped.

The masked pony dropped Adviser, glancing over at Rarity. Without another word, she jumped onto her D-Wheel, which was designed to resemble a rose, and sped off. Adviser looked at Rarity. “Don’t just sit there, catch the criminal!”

“Oh, uh, right!” nodded Rarity, speeding off after the masked attacker.

Adviser stared after the two of them, before shakily starting to stand. “Sheesh, who knew hiring Yliaster members would cause so much drama.”

“So you do know something, at least,” said a voice from behind him. “Forgive me, but we really need all the information we can get on Yliaster.”

Adviser closed his eyes. “Why me?” he sighed, as a yellowish magic aura pinned him back against the wall.

“Slow down!” Rarity called after the masked pony.

“As if saying that will make me stop,” she replied. “You need to back up your requests with something that shows authority, Rarity!”

“So you know me, do you?” Rarity asked. “Should I be flattered or concerned?”

“You sure haven’t been clued in,” she answered.

“Clued in to what?” Rarity asked.

“You know, there’s nothing making me answer you, right?” asked the masked pony, beginning to accelerate away.

“Well, I’d hate to reduce myself to your level,” muttered Rarity, “but given how violent you acted to an innocent pony, perhaps I could beat the answer out of you!”

“You think Adviser is innocent, do you?” the masked pony mumbled. “Fine. I suppose I could try to open your eyes while my friend gets the answers I need from Adviser. Speed World 2, set on!”

Two pulses of light shot out of Rarity’s and the masked pony’s D-Wheels. They turned off onto another branch of the highway, bringing them further away from Ponyville.

Seems somepony doesn’t want this duel being observed, Rarity thought to herself.

“Ready, Rarity?” the pony smiled.

“Riding Duel, Acceleration!”

Rarity: LP 4000. ???: LP 4000.

“I’ll go first,” said Rarity. “Draw! I summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus!” The golden feathered white pegasus soared out, flying along next to Rarity, his blue horn gleaming in the sun. [ATK1800. LV4] “When Sapphire Pegasus is summoned, I can place a Crystal Beast into my Spell and Trap Zone. I place Ruby Carbuncle!” Sapphire Pegasus’ horn glowed, and a chunk of ruby appeared, drifting next to Rarity. “Turn end!”

“My turn, then,” the masked pony said. “Draw! [Rarity: SPC 1. ???: SPC 1] I summon Sacred Knight Joan!” A female bipedal with smooth skin and silver armor appeared. Her helmet and shoulder blades were designed to bear resemblance to wings. [ATK1900. LV4]

“1900 ATK?” Rarity asked.

“Don’t worry,” the pony said. “If Sacred Knight Joan attacks, she will lose 300 ATK so instead, I’ll set five cards and end my turn.” Five set cards briefly flashed next to the pony’s D-Wheel before fading from sight.

“The five set cards are more worrying,” Rarity muttered. “My turn, draw! [Rarity: SPC 2. ???: SPC 2] I summon Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger!” A white saber-toothed tiger with black stripes and a blade-like horn on its head leapt out, running along the highway next to Rarity. [ATK1600. LV4] “When Topaz Tiger attacks, he gains 400 ATK. Battle! Topaz Tiger, attack Sacred Knight Joan!” Topaz Tiger leapt forward, baring his teeth. [ATK2000] He tore effortlessly through Sacred Knight Joan and went on to slash the masked pony.

“Gah!” she winced. [???: LP 4000 –> 3900] “Trap activate! Liberty at Last!! When a Monster I control is destroyed by battle, I return two Monsters on the field to the deck! I return Sapphire Pegasus and Topaz Tiger!”

“No!” Rarity gasped. Topaz Tiger and Sapphire Pegasus glowed brightly, before dissolving into light and flying back into Rarity’s deck, which shuffled automatically. “I knew those set cards would cause problems… I end my turn.”

“My turn, then,” the masked pony said. “Draw! [Rarity: SPC 3. ???: SPC 3] I summon Horse of the Floral Knights!” A brown horse, clad in silver armor that was decorated in gold appeared. On his back was a red saddle. [ATK400. LV3]

“Only 400 ATK?” Rarity asked.

“When this card is Normal Summoned, I can add Sacred Knight’s Spearholder to my hoof,” said the masked pony. “Now, since you’re wide open, I think I’ll attack you directly. Go, Horse of the Floral Knights!” The horse galloped forward, rearing up to batter Rarity with her front hooves.

“Gah!” Rarity winced. [Rarity: LP 4000 –> 3600]

“That ends my turn,” the pony smiled.

“It was only 400 damage,” said Rarity. “So I wouldn’t get too confident. My turn, draw! [Rarity: SPC 4. ???: SPC 4] I summon Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth!” A large mammoth with a piece of amber on his head trumpeted with his trunk, before charging forward, running to keep up with Rarity’s D-Wheel. [ATK1700. LV4] “Amber Mammoth, attack Horse of the Floral Knights! Amber Stomp!”

“Blindly attacking, again?” the masked pony asked. “Trap activate! Floral Shield! When my opponent’s Monster declares an attack, that attack is negated and I can draw a card!” A large, white flower bloomed around Horse of the Floral Knights, taking the brunt of Amber Mammoth’s attack.

“Darn,” Rarity mumbled. “But on the plus side, you’re steadily losing resources. I set one card and end my turn.”

“Oh, but I have all the resources I need to survive,” the pony said. “My turn, draw! [Rarity: SPC 5. ???: SPC 5] I activate Speed Spell – Speed Fusion! Since I have at least four Speed Counters, I can send two or more Monsters from my hoof or field to perform a Fusion Summon!”

“You’re Fusion Summoning!?” Rarity gasped.

“I fuse my Horse of the Floral Knights from my field with the Sacred Knight’s Spearholder in my hoof!” said the masked pony. “Fusion Summon! Appear, Centaur Mina!” At first glance, the monster seemed to be a brown horse with a red haired, armored, female biped riding it. However, the female wasn’t riding it at all. Rather, the top half of the biped grew out from where the neck of the horse would be, and made up the front half of Centaur Mina. She galloped alongside the masked pony’s D-Wheel, her long sword shining in the sun. [ATK2200. LV6]

“A centaur…” Rarity mumbled. “How odd. Yet, appropriate for a Fusion Monster…”

“Sorry you won’t have long to admire it,” said the masked pony. “I summon Fleur Synchron!” A flower bud with arms and legs sprang out, fluttering in the slipstream behind the masked pony, I crazed look in its eyes. [ATK400. LV2]

“That’s a Tuner Monster, isn’t it?” Rarity asked, eyes wide.

The masked pony smirked. “I tune my level 2 Fleur Synchron to my level 6 Centaur Mina!” Fleur Synchron burst into two green Tuning Rings, lining up along the highway. Centaur Mina galloped through the center of them, dissolving into six level stars. "Body born from the speed of light, the time for revolution has come! Bring victory into my grasp!” A burst of light shot through the rings. “Synchro Summon! Sparkle, Chevalier de Fleur!" Pink petals spun around in the wind, as a female bipedal, completely covered in silver and pink armor appeared. Her helmet was designed to look like a large, pink flower. A large, red cape bellowed behind her as she swung her rapier sword dramatically. [ATK2700. LV8]

“You managed to Fusion and Synchro Summon from practically nothing?!” Rarity gasped.

“Were you expecting me to go easy on you because you’re a Signer?” the masked pony asked.

“You know I’m a Signer?” Rarity asked.

“Battle! Chevalier de Fleur, attack Amber Mammoth! Fleur de Orage!” The sword moved so quickly, that Rarity wouldn’t have even seen it if not for the large, flame shaped crossguard. It quickly sliced Amber Mammoth to ribbons, before stabbing into Rarity herself.

“Gah!” Rarity gasped. [Rarity: LP 3600 –> 2600] “Instead of going to the Graveyard, Amber Mammoth is sent to my Spell and Trap Zone!” A chunk of amber appeared on Rarity’s field, drifting alongside her. “Next, I activate my Trap, Crystal Pair! Since one of my Crystal Beasts was destroyed, I can place another one from my deck into the Spell and Trap Zone!”

“As if I’ll let you get that big of an advantage with that deck,” the masked pony smiled. “I activate Chevalier de Fleur’s effect! Once during each of my turns, I can negate a Spell or Trap’s activation and destroy it!” The rapier moved swiftly, slicing Rarity’s Trap to shreds.

“What?!” Rarity gasped.

“You seem surprised,” said the masked pony. “Did you think it wouldn’t have an effect or something?”

“Of course I knew it would have one!” Rarity snapped. “My turn, draw! [Rarity: SPC 6. ???: SPC 6] I activate Speed Spell – Crystal Promise! Since I have at least two Speed Counters, I can Special Summon a Crystal Beast from my Spell and Trap Zone! I Special Summon Ruby Carbuncle!” A small, furred, four-eared quadruped with ruby red eyes, a small ruby in its forehead, and a sphere of ruby on its tail burst out of the chunk of ruby and landed on Rarity’s D-Wheel, riding along with her. [ATK300. LV3] “When Special Summoned, Ruby lets me Special Summon as many Crystal Beasts from my Spell and Trap Zone!”

“There’s only one there, though,” said the masked pony. “Not much of an accomplishment.”

“I Special Summon Amber Mammoth!” The chunk of burst apart, and Amber Mammoth ran next to Rarity again. [ATK1700. LV4] “Then, I summon Buten!” A small, winged pig appeared, flying next to Rarity. [ATK200. LV1]

“A Tuner?” the masked pony asked.

“I tune my level 1 Buten to my level 3 Ruby Carbuncle and my level 4 Amber Mammoth!” said Rarity. Buten burst into a green Tuning Ring. Ruby Carbuncle leapt off Rarity’s D-Wheel and onto Amber Mammoth’s back as he ran into the Tuning Ring. The two of them burst into a total of seven level stars. ““Darkened gales, become the wings that soar from resolved hope! Synchro Summon! Soar, Black Feather Dragon!” A burst of light shot through the ring, clearing away as the legless dragon flew out, its mane of black feathers fluttering in the wind. His long, ribbon like tail feathers danced behind him as he flew next to Rarity. [ATK2800. LV8]

The masked pony smiled. “I was wondering when your Signer Dragon would appear. Tell me, are you treating my old card well?”

“Your old card?” Rarity questioned. “I received Black Feather as payment from… It can’t be!” Rarity brought her D-Wheel to a halt. “Fleur?! Fleur Dis Lee?!”

The masked pony stopped next to Rarity, taking off her helmet, and lowering her mask down, letting it hang around her neck like a scarf. “About time you figured it out, Rarity,” Fleur smiled.

“But, I don’t understand,” said Rarity, biting her lip in confusion. “What reason would you have to attack Adviser? Why would you even do that? You’re a supermodel!”

“So what if I am?” Fleur asked. “Wasn’t one of your friends a supermodel once, too? And considering she’s a Signer, I doubt she’s just eye candy.”

Rarity blushed. “I- I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just, when we first met, you seemed so… relaxed? Airy? You didn’t strike me as the type to launch unprovoked attacks.”

“There’s more to everypony that what you see in passing,” said Fleur. “In public, in high society, yes, I act airy. But the truth about me, Rarity? It’s deeper than you know.”

“Deeper than just a front to mindless violence?” Rarity scoffed. “Does Fancy Pants know you act like this?”

“Of course he does,” said Fleur. “He’s probably dealing with the interrogation of Adviser while we dueled.”

“He’s what?!” Rarity gasped.

“Don’t worry,” sighed Fleur. “We won’t hurt him too badly. He is relatively innocent.”

“Relative to whom?” Rarity asked.

“Yliaster,” Fleur replied, looking down.

“Yliaster?” Rarity repeated. “I heard that word before…”

“Have you?” Fleur asked. “How unfortunate. They’re ruthless. No idea what they’re planning, what their overall goal is, but Celestia help you if you end up in their way.” Fleur paused, and gave a short, bitter laugh. “Actually, I doubt even Celestia can do anything to them.”

“What did they do to you?” Rarity asked.

Fleur looked up, and glanced around. She beckoned Rarity to follow, before speeding off down the highway. Rarity obliged, and as soon as she caught up, Fleur began speaking.

“What I’m about to tell you is something I’ve only told Fancy Pants,” said Fleur. “I was a little filly when it happened. I had gone to a friend’s house for a sleep over when my parents were killed by an Yliaster assassin.”

Rarity’s eyes widened in shock. “O-oh, Fleur… I’m so sorry.”

Fleur nodded. “I don’t know what they did to provoke Yliaster, but they were killed and the house was burned to the ground because of it. They were simple school teachers in Baltimare.”

“How can Yliaster still exist if they’re doing stuff like that?” Rarity asked.

“You think they make themselves public?” Fleur asked, a forced smile on her face. “It took me years to find out they existed. I thought I was just chasing some murderous psycho at the beginning.”

“You’ve been after them all this time?” Rarity asked.

“Of course,” said Fleur. “A house fire in a rain storm? There was no way that was an accident and no way I’d let it go.”

“But why be a supermodel?” Rarity asked. “Why marry Fancy Pants?”

“I’m married to him because I trust him,” said Fleur. “And as for my supermodel role? Do you have any idea how much information you can learn from high society gossip? You need to read between the lines a lot, but it’s still there. Heck, at the top of the social ladder, you can even get info from the black market and underground.”

“Wouldn’t two of the most respected members of the Canterlot elite draw suspicion if they frequently contacted criminals like that?” Rarity asked.

“Not at all,” said Fleur. “Besides, you’d have to be rich to afford most of the things they sell anyway.”

“Fair point, I guess,” said Rarity. “But what’s Adviser have to do with all this?”

“Sources suggest, and I was merely seeking confirmation, that Yliaster may have sent some agents as the new Directors of the Highway Security Task Force.”

“They’ve taken over Security?!” Rarity gasped.

“Keep it down!” Fleur snapped. “You know, I’m telling you this while driving to try and drown the noise out because the highways are bugged, right?”

“Sorry,” said Rarity. “But why?”

“Security is hosting the WRGP,” said Fleur. “I’d bet they have something planned there.”

“Like what?” Rarity asked.

“How should I know?” Fleur asked.

“Well, don’t you worry,” said Rarity, a confident smile on her face. “My friends and I will stop whatever scheme these brutes are planning.”

“Hah!” Fleur laughed, actual amused this time. “I’ll admit you Signers are tough, but considering you can’t even beat me, you stand no chance reaching Yliaster.”

“Oh really?” Rarity asked. “Well, maybe I’m about to win right now. Black Feather Dragon, attack Chevalier de Fleur! Noble Stream!”

“Wow, I go out of my way to tell you all this and you immediately stab me in the back?” Fleur asked sarcastically.

“If you aren’t going to trust us to help,” said Rarity, “then I’ll just have to prove to you we can!”

“Hmph,” Fleur snorted, a smirk on her face. “Then give it your best shot! Trap activate! Fleur Guard! A Monster I control can’t be destroyed by battle this turn! So even with your higher attack power, Chevalier de Fleur will remain on the field!” A burst of red light shot out from Black Feather. Chevalier de Fleur braced for the attack, which bounced off her, merely grazing Fleur Dis Lee. [Fleur Dis Lee: LP 3900 –> 3800]

“Of course you’d have a way out,” Rarity sighed. “I set two cards. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Fleur. “Draw! [Rarity: SPC 7. Fleur Dis Lee: SPC 7] I summon Sacred Knight’s Shield Bearer!” A heavily armored bipedal appeared. Both her arms were being used to hold up a large blue and gold shield. [ATK800. LV4] “When this card is Normal Summoned, I can banish a LIGHT Warrior-Type Monster from my Graveyard to draw a card! I banish Sacred Knight Joan!”

“Was drawing another card worth summoning a low ATK monster?” Rarity asked.

“I’d say it was,” Fleur smiled. “I activate Speed Spell – Speed Energy! For every Speed Counter I have, my Chevalier de Fleur gains 200 ATK until the End Phase! Since I have seven, her ATK goes up by 1400!” [ATK4100]

“4100 ATK?!” Rarity gasped.

“Enough to beat Black Feather Dragon by 1300,” said Fleur. “Battle! Chevalier de Fleur, attack Black Feather Dragon! Fleur de Orage!”

“Trap activate!” Rarity countered. “Wave Force! When a Synchro Monster I control is targeted for an attack, all attack position Monsters my opponent controls are destroyed!”

“I doubt you’ve forgotten,” said Fleur, “but in case you did, Chevalier de Fleur’s effect, once during my turn, negates and destroy an opponent’s Spell or Trap’s activation! I negate Wave Force!” Chevalier de Fleur sliced through Rarity’s Trap.

“I didn’t forget,” said Rarity.

“That’s nice,” said Fleur. “So I’m guessing you were hoping I would do that so you could use that other card you set? In that case, Counter-Trap, Chain Close! When a card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, like your Trap just was, you can’t use Spell or Traps until the End Phase!”

“No!” Rarity gasped.

“My attack continues!” said Fleur. Chevalier de Fleur quickly tore Black Feather Dragon apart.

“Gah!” Rarity gasped. [Rarity: LP 2600 –> 1300]

“Now, Sacred Knight’s Shield Bearer attacks directly!” said Fleur.

“Agh!” Rarity winced. [Rarity: LP 1300 –> 500]

“Turn end,” said Fleur. “During the End Phase, Chevalier de Fleur’s ATK returns to normal.” [ATK2700]

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw!” [Rarity: SPC 8. Fleur Dis Lee: SPC 8]

“Please tell me that isn’t all you’ve got,” sighed Fleur. “I thought you Signers were supposed to be tough, but if this is all the fight you’re putting up... I’m starting to regret bringing up Yliaster to you at all.”

“I still have Life Points, you know,” said Rarity. “And I just drew the exact card I need to turn this around.”

“Oh really?” Fleur asked, a skeptical smile on her face.

“I activate Speed Spell – Crystal Blessing!” said Rarity. “Since I have at least four Speed Counters, I place two Crystal Beasts from my Graveyard into my Spell and Trap Zone! I place Ruby Carbuncle and Amber Mammoth!” A chunk of ruby and amber appeared next to Rarity. “Then I activate Speed World 2’s effect!” said Rarity. “I remove seven Speed Counters to draw a card!” [Rarity: SPC 1] Rarity looked at the card she drew, and gave a sigh of relief. “I set two cards. Turn end.”

“That sure made a big difference,” smirked Fleur. “My turn, draw!” [Rarity: SPC 2. Fleur Dis Lee: SPC 9]

“Trap activate!” said Rarity. “Crystal Raigeki! I send Amber Mammoth from the Spell and Trap Zone to the Graveyard to destroy Chevalier de Fleur!” The chunk of amber shattered, and the pieces went flying towards Chevalier.

“And Chevalier de Fleur will negate that Trap’s activation!” countered Fleur. Chevalier’s sword moved quickly, slicing and jabbing the amber shards into harmless dust.

“But now that you can’t use the negation effect again,” smiled Rarity, “I can activate the Continuous-Trap, Call of the Haunted, to Special Summon Black Feather Dragon back to the field!” Black Feather rose up, stretching his wings with a roar. [ATK2800]

“I see,” said Fleur. “You think you’re safe now, do you? Speed World 2’s effect! I remove four Speed Counters to deal 800 points of damage for each Speed Spell in my hoof! Since I have Speed Spell – Overboost, you take 800 damage!” [Fleur Dis Lee: SPC 5] Fleur spun around to face Rarity, a blast of energy launching out of the front of her D-Wheel.

“Black Feather Dragon’s effect!” countered Rarity. “I can place a Black Feather Counter on him to negate an instance of effect damage!” Black Feather Dragon flew down, opening his mouth and swallowing the energy before it hit Rarity. A few of the feathers on his wings turned black, with red highlights. [Black Feather Counter: 1]

“However,” smiled Fleur, “for each Black Feather Counter on him, Black Feather Dragon loses, what, 700 ATK?”

“That’s right,” Rarity mumbled. [ATK2100]

“Now it’s weak enough to be beaten by my Chevalier de Fleur!” said Fleur. “Attack Black Feather Dragon! Fleur de Orage!”

“Trap activate!” countered Rarity. “Cut Jewel! I send a Crystal Beast from my deck to the Graveyard to halve the original ATK of Chevalier de Fleur! I send my Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger!” [ATK1350]

“No!” Fleur gasped.

“Destroy Chevalier de Fleur!” said Rarity. “Noble Stream!” Black Feather Dragon shot out a blast of red and black energy at Chevalier de Fleur.

“Trap activate!” countered Fleur. “For Our Dreams! I release Sacred Knight’s Shield Bearer to prevent Chevalier de Fleur’s destruction by battle!” Shield Bearer dissolved into energy, which coated itself around Chevalier.

“No!” Rarity gasped. “No matter, you still take battle damage!”

“Gah!” Fleur gasped. [Fleur Dis Lee: LP 3800 –> 3050]

I’m so close, Rarity thought.

“I activate Speed Spell – Overboost!” said Fleur. “I gain six Speed Counters at the cost of having my Speed Counters reduced to one during the End Phase!” [Fleur Dis Lee: SPC 11]

“Uh oh,” Rarity mumbled.

“With Speed World 2’s effect, I remove ten Speed Counters to destroy Black Feather Dragon!” said Fleur. [Fleur Dis Lee: SPC 1] Another blast of energy shot out of her D-Wheel, striking Black Feather Dragon. Black Feather let out a roar, before exploding.

“Black Feather Dragon!” Rarity gasped.

“Turn end,” said Fleur. “Well, you just may have a chance, Rarity. Chevalier de Fleur can no longer be destroyed by battle, but her ATK remains halved. On the other hoof, I have far more Life Points than you.”

“Yeah, you do,” said Rarity. “My turn, draw! [Rarity: SPC 3. Fleur Dis Lee: SPC 2] I summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus!” The sapphire horned pegasus flew out to gallop next to Rarity again. [ATK1800. LV4] “When he’s summoned, I place a Crystal Beast into my Spell and Trap Zone. I place Emerald Tortoise!” A chunk of emerald appeared next to Rarity.

“What are the odds you’d draw him again?” Fleur mumbled.

“Battle!” said Rarity. “Sapphire Pegasus, attack Chevalier de Fleur!” Sapphire Pegasus shot a blast of blue energy out of his horn.

“Gah!” [Fleur Dis Lee: LP 3050 –> 2600]

“That’s all I can do, though,” sighed Rarity. “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Fleur. “Draw! [Rarity: SPC 4. Fleur Dis Lee: SPC 3] I switch Chevalier de Fleur to defense position.” [DEF2300]

“Well, so much for winning that way,” said Rarity.

“I set a Monster, and end my turn,” said Fleur.

“My turn, then,” said Rarity. “Draw! [Rarity: SPC 5. Fleur Dis Lee: SPC 5] I activate Speed Spell – Angel Baton! Since I have at least two Speed Counters, I can draw two cards! However, I must send one card to the Graveyard afterwards. I draw and discard Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle. Then I summon Amethyst Cat!” !” A lean, pink panther with gold adornments on her ankles and chest leapt out to run next to Rarity. Centered on her chest plate was a large amethyst gem. [ATK1200. LV3]

“So all seven Crystal Beasts are now either on the field or in the Graveyard, huh?” Fleur mumbled. "That could be bad for me."

“Amethyst Cat can attack directly,” said Rarity. “However, the battle damage will be halved. Go, Amethyst! Amethyst Nail!” Amethyst Cat leapt over, and slashed her claws across Fleur’s back.

“Ahh!” Fleur gasped. [Fleur Dis Lee: LP 2600 –> 2000]

“I don’t have enough Life Points to be willing to risk an attack on your set Monster,” said Rarity, “so I’ll end my turn with that.”

“My turn, then,” said Fleur. “Dr-“

Fleur stopped as another D-Wheel sped up and pulled to a halt in front of them. Rarity stopped as well, a slightly confused look on her face.

“Fancy Pants?” Fleur asked. “I take it you finished interrogating Adviser?”

“Indeed I did,” he replied. “Oh, hello, Rarity.”

“Hello again, Fancy,” said Rarity.

“I take it Fleur has filled you in on Yliaster?” Fancy asked.

“Yes,” said Rarity. “I’m still a bit shocked, it’s hard to believe.”

“Can we discuss this later?” Fleur asked, turning towards Fancy. “Did he tell you anything?”

“Well, your guess was right,” said Fancy. “Yliaster is indeed running Security and will be involved in the WRGP, but he’s in the dark on anything else.”

“Well confirmation of the rumors is better than nothing,” said Fleur. “Well, Rarity, I’ll say I’m impressed you managed to hold your own as long as you did. A shame we won’t be able to finish our duel this time.”

“What do you mean we can’t finish?” Rarity asked, as Fleur reapplied her mask.

“My dear Rarity,” said Fancy, “we just assaulted the Vice Director of Security. They take things like that very seriously.”

“I do apologize, Rarity,” said Fleur, “but we’ll have to settle this next time. Dawdling on the highway after doing something like that wouldn't be a smart move, because I doubt Security will just let this go.”

“What do you mean I should just let it go?” Adviser asked. The dirty, bruised unicorn stood in the Director’s office at Security HQ.

“Exactly what you think we mean,” said Decima. “So a supermodel beat you up. Big deal.”

“She already spoke of our existence to a Signer,” said Morta. “Stopping her now would be pointless.”

“And it’s not like the Signers weren’t on alert already!” laughed Nona. “What, with that whole Ghost incident.”

Decima scowled, but said nothing.

“If anything, the Signers knowing of us will just force things to accelerate,” said Morta. “A bit inconvenient, but easily something we can adapt to.” He looked up at the monitors lining the wall. “Especially with god’s will on our side.”

Everypony turned to look. One of the screens depicted a stone tablet, almost identical to the first one, plummeting down from the sky, before colliding into the desert, by the highway out of Dodge City.

“Ah-ha-ha-ha!” Nona laughed with a screech that hurt Adviser’s ears. “My tablet has arrived!”

“Hmph,” Decima snorted. “Adviser, go collect it. Close off the highways near there and let nopony see it.”

“Y-yes, sir,” Adviser stuttered, wincing slightly as he trotted out the door.

The three ponies remaining in the room turned to look at the monitor showing Rarity on her way back to Ponyville.

A secret, murderous group that even Princess Celestia is in the dark about? Rarity thought. Sounds like a crazy conspiracy theory. And yet… There’s not only confirmation that they’re running Security right now, but that’s a name I’ve heard before somewhere, I’m sure of it. She shook her head. I’d better tell the others. If Yliaster is as dangerous as Fleur thinks they are, I may have a lead on just who made that robot.

Author's Note

Apologies for any mistakes or awkwardness that may be present in this chapter. I'm a bit rusty on this story.

Duel! A New Legend Begins

Twilight found herself drifting high in the sky, surrounded by dark clouds. She glanced around in nervous confusion, as lightning struck around her. Looking down, she saw Equestria spread out beneath her. As if knowing she was now looking, Equestria began to tremble. Purple flames erupted from the ground, weaving themselves into a pattern, and taking care to destroy everything in their path.

“No!” Twilight cried out as she sat up, waking from her dream.

“Uh, yes?” said Spike, a confused look on his face.

“Huh?” asked Twilight, glancing around.

“I was just telling you to wake up, or you’d be late for Rainbow’s birthday party,” said Spike.

“Oh, right,” said Twilight, rubbing the back of her neck with her hoof. “I just had a bad dream, I guess.”

Spike groaned. “I told you to stop studying so late, but you never listen! Wouldn’t you rather sleep in your bed instead of these old books? So you’d actually wake up refreshed and ready to meet your friends at, say, Rainbow’s birthday?”

“Spike, don’t you realize the importance of these studies?” asked Twilight. “Duel Monsters may be older and more influential than those ruins first suggested! So many societies seem to have a link to them! Scandineighvia, Haygypt…”

“Rainbow’s birthday?” Spike cut in.

“Rainbow’s birthday?” repeated Twilight, slightly confused. “Oh, right! I’m late for her birthday! Thanks for the reminder, Spike!”

“It’s only the third time I’ve mentioned it,” said Spike, as Twilight strapped on her Duel Disk.

“Do you have those cards I found the other day?”

Spike nodded, opening a drawer, and pulling them out. “You said your research found nothing?”

Twilight nodded. “I traded one of those history books Celestia sent me with Cheerilee for a Card Guide. Apparently, these cards don’t exist.”

“But the Duel Disk still registers them okay,” said Spike.

Twilight nodded. “So they’re probably just really rare. I’m sure Rainbow will love it!”

“She’d really love it if she got it at her party,” said Spike.

“R-right,” said Twilight, levitating the cards from Spike. “Well, I’m off!”

“Have fun!” called Spike, as Twilight galloped out the door.

Twilight moved as quickly as she could without running into anypony on the streets. By the time she made it to Sweet Apple Acres, she saw that Rainbow Dash had already opened all her gifts and had moved on to dueling.

“Sorry I’m late, girls,” called Twilight, once she caught her breath. “I overslept.”

“No biggie,” said Rainbow.

“Yeah,” said Pinkie, “it’s not like we only get this chance once a year, oh wait, yes we do!”

“Pinkie, darling,” said Rarity, “what did I tell you about drinking too much sarsaparilla when you haven’t had a good night’s sleep?”

“It makes me too sassy,” sighed Pinkie. “I’m sorry, Twilight.”

“It’s quite all right,” said Twilight. “So, how’s the duel going?”

“Right now, Rainbow is winning, with Fluttershy tryin’ to stall,” said Applejack. “But the question is for how long?”

“Oh, Fluttershy finally got a deck?” asked Twilight, as she turned to watch the duel.

Rainbow Dash: LP 3400. Fluttershy: LP 2000.

On Fluttershy’s Field was Wattkiwi, Wattcannon, and Messenger of Peace. She had three cards in her hoof. On Rainbow Dash’s Field was a set card and Flamvell Uruquizas with 2400 ATK. She had four cards in her hoof.

“What, you think she’s going to win?” asked Rainbow. “She’s only safe because of that Continuous-Spell. Once I can destroy it, the duel is mine.”

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw. I pay 100 Life Points to keep Messenger of Peace on the Field. [Fluttershy: LP 2000 –> 1900] Then I summon Wattwoodpecker." A black, red, and yellow bird landed in front of Fluttershy, its beak twitching forward. [ATK1000. LV3] "By the effect of Wattcannon, once per turn, when I summon a Level 4 or lower Thunder-Type Monster, I inflict 600 points of damage to my opponent.”

“Uh huh,” nodded Rainbow, as the cannon burst hit her. [Rainbow Dash: LP 3400 –> 2800] “See? That’s all she’s able to do.”

“Um, Rainbow, dear,” said Rarity, “I’d hate to contradict you on your birthday, but she has a Tuner and a non-Tuner Monster on the field.”

“Huh?” asked Rainbow.

“I tune my Level 3 Wattkiwi to my Level 3 Wattwoodpecker,” said Fluttershy. “Electrical energy, gather and awaken these myths. Synchro Summon. Wattchimera.” A large beast, resembling a manticore, with a snake replacing the scorpion tail, leapt forward, electricity coursing over it. [ATK1400. LV6]

“Well,” said Rainbow. “Crap.”

“Oh, it’s even better,” said Rarity. “Since it has less than 1500 ATK, Messenger of Peace can’t prevent it from attacking.”

“It has less ATK than Flamvell Uruquizas, though,” said Pinkie. “So wouldn’t that hurt Fluttershy instead of Dashie?”

“Wattchimera can attack directly thanks to its effect,” explained Fluttershy. “Battle. Wattchimera, direct attack.”

“I was waiting for that!” smiled Rainbow. “Trap activate! Malevolent Catastrophe! When my opponent’s Monster declares an attack, I can destroy all Spells and Traps on the field!”

“So my Wattcannon and Messenger of Peace are destroyed?” asked Fluttershy.

“Wow,” said Twilight. “I’m impressed, Rainbow. That was pretty clever.”

“Why are you acting like that’s a surprise?” Rainbow muttered.

“Even with the Spells and Traps destroyed,” said Fluttershy, “the attack continues.”

“Gah!” [Rainbow Dash: LP 2800 –> 1400]

“When Wattchimera inflicts Battle Damage,” continued Fluttershy, “I place a random card from my opponent’s hoof to the top of their deck. I then set a card and end my turn.”

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I summon Flamvell Baby!" A small cluster of flames ignited on Rainbow's field, taking the form of a small imp. [ATK800. LV1] "Battle! Flamvell Uruquizas, attack Wattchimera!” Uruquizas delivered a sudden, fiery punch to Wattchimera, destroying it and continuing on to hit Fluttershy.

“Ah!” gasped Fluttershy. [Fluttershy: LP 1900 –> 900]

“When Uruquizas deals damage, his ATK increases by 300. [ATK2700] Flamvell Baby, direct attack!”

“Gah!” flinched Fluttershy, as Flamvell Baby tackled her. [Fluttershy: LP 900 –> 100]

“I tune my Level 1 Flamvell Baby to my Level 6 Flamvell Uruquizas!” said Rainbow. Flamvell Baby dissolved into a green ring, while Flamvell Uriquizas became stars. The stars lined up in the ring's center, as Rainbow chanted. “Ancient god of fire, burn my adversaries to a crisp! Synchro Summon! Ancient Flamvell Deity!" A pillar of light shot through the center of the ring, and a large being made of stone and flames rose up out of it. [ATK2500. LV7] "When Ancient Flamvell Deity is Synchro Summoned, I banish cards from my opponent’s Graveyard up to the number of cards in their hoof! You have two, so I banish Wattchimera and Wattwoodpecker from your Graveyard! Then, since two cards were banished, Ancient Flamvell Deity gains 400 ATK!” [ATK2900]

“Oh, so close to winning, Dash!” called Pinkie.

“Turn end,” said Rainbow.

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw. I summon Wattgiraffe." A small giraffe, with light-bulbs for ears and electric prongs for horns appeared in front of Fluttershy. [ATK1200. LV4] "Then I activate my Continuous-Trap, Wattcannon.”

“Another one?” asked Rainbow, her eyes going wide. “How many do you have?”

“Uh,” said Fluttershy, “three, I think. I mean, the rules let you have up to three of each card, so…”

“Yeah,” nodded Rainbow. “Okay, so I take 600 damage, right?”

“Oh, right,” said Fluttershy. [Rainbow Dash: LP 1400 –> 800]

“Oh, I was looking at a guidebook last night about different cards and their stats,” said Twilight.

“No offense, Twilight,” said Applejack, “but why are you bringing this up now?”

“Because I saw Wattgiraffe and I remember its effect,” said Twilight. “It can attack directly. It’s also classified as Super Rare, but that’s beside the point.”

“Oh, so Rainbow’s going to lose, then,” said Rarity. “Go, Fluttershy!”

“Wattgiraffe, direct attack.”

“Gah!” gasped Rainbow, as she fell over from Wattgiraffe's lightning strike. [Rainbow Dash: LP 800 –> 0]

“Wow, way to go, Fluttershy!” said Pinkie.

“That was impressive,” said Twilight. “When did you find the time to build this deck, though?”

“I kept buying a few packs every so often,” said Fluttershy, “and traded with my customers for any other cards I needed. It took a few months, and I wanted to surprise you.”

“Well I am surprised,” said Twilight. “You beat Rainbow Dash in your first duel.”

“Uh, I let her win,” said Rainbow, as she sat up.

“Really?” asked Fluttershy, glancing over.

Rarity took a look at the cards Rainbow still had in her hoof, and shook her head towards the others.

“Well, thank you for letting me win, Rainbow!” smiled Fluttershy, and pulled her into a hug.

“Heh, no problem,” smiled Rainbow, returning the hug. “Figured a victory against me of all ponies would encourage you to keep dueling.”

Applejack facehoofed. “I can’t believe Shy bought that.”

Twilight smiled. “Her naivete is a part of her charm. Oh, Rainbow, I have a gift for you. Happy birthday.”

Rainbow grabbed the card. “Red Demon’s Dragon, huh? Never heard of it. Looks pretty cool, though. Thanks, Twi.”

“Well, come on then, Rainbow!” smiled Twilight. “Why not try it on me? And I won’t accept it if you ‘let me win’, alright?”

Rainbow smirked, as she slid Red Demon’s Dragon into her Extra Deck. “Bring it, Twilight!”

Above the party, on one of the branches of the apple trees, was a small spider web, with the spider seemingly staring at them. Through the eyes of the spider they were watched by three dark figures.

“It seems you were right,” one of them said in a bored voice. “The dragons seem to be gravitating towards those dweebs.”

“Of course I’m right!” laughed the second. “Twilight Sparkle and her little gang of friends are always the center of attention, so of course destiny would choose them!”

“How should we proceed, then?” asked the third. “Even with the dragon, they still don’t possess the marks. We’re merely speculating on whether they’re chosen.”

“Don’t sweat it, Chief,” said the first. “I’ll just manipulate some of the Ponyville drones to activate them. If they kill them too, that’s just a plus for us.”

“And you’re certain you can accomplish this?”

“I’m certain she can,” said the second. “The lesser ponies are but pawns in this game, their will easily bent to our will. Enact your plan.”

“As you wish,” smirked the first, as she resumed spying upon the party. “Enjoy your party, little ponies, for tomorrow is the beginning of the end for you."