Canterlot Championship - Duel 1
Author's Note
Originally written during season 2, made some minor updates because of changes since then. This takes place before Twilight's ascension, so just before the end of season 3. This has no impact on the story, just helps you to place it canonically. +)
Canterlot Championship - Duel 1
The train from Ponyville to Canterlot meandered along its familiar path, the world outside the windows just a blur of pastel colors. As it passed a level crossing, a waiting stallion was privy to a snippet of conversation wafting out the window.
"I still can't believe we get to enter the Canterlot Championship!"
The voice was proud, and could have been mistaken as arrogant. Fortunately for her, the sky blue pegasus was in the company of her five best friends, and one regular friend/biographer/occasional body double.
Sat in a private carriage at the back of the train, the seven of them had been talking about only one thing since Twilight had finally revealed where they were going.
"Nor I Rainbow Dash. Attending one of the biggest events of the social year, invited by Celestia herself! I could just die!" Rarity squealed happily, a look of pure ecstasy plastered over her face.
"Twilight? Not wanting to look a gift dragon in the mouth or nuthin, but ain't this tournament normally for them big time league players. How did we get in?" The sober tone of Applejack brought them back to earth for a moment.
Twilight looked up from her reading material, smiled and leant back in her seat.
"I happened to mention how much we like playing Duel Monsters in one of my letters to Princess Celestia. She offered to let us enter this years tournament as a way of thanking us again for all the times we've helped to save Equestria.
Not to mention that the Princess adores the game and with us competing as well, they've decided to extend the championship from one day to three...
Fluttershy, are you alright?"
She broke off as she noticed her friend was slowly retreating both behind her mane, and beneath the seat. Her timidness made a nervous noise, mood not improved as Pinkie Pie somehow pulled her back out again, despite being on the other side of the room.
"Well, it just... crowds. Large, judgemental crowds watching us play against seasoned professionals." She stuttered.
"Hey, turn that frown upside down sister! It's just a bit of fun!"
Fluttershy offered a feeble smile to the joyful party pony, still hidden though under a flop of light pink hair. Her one visible eye danced nervously around them for a moment before settling onto the window. The winding track was beginning it's ascent into the mountain range, grey rock faces and low clouds zoomed passed.
"Pinkie's right, we're just going to play exhibition matches for laughs. Twilight's the only one who should be worrying." Dash said causally, turning in her seat, trying to find the best position for a quick forty winks.
"ME? Why am I the only one who has to worry?"
"All the other duelists are eggheads, who studied every card and rule in the game. They've made perfect decks. Face it Twilight, you're about be out egged."
"I hate to say it Twilight, but she may be right." Rarity chipped in.
"Ah hogwash. Them players might use fancy maths and such to put their decks together, but that'll never compete with a home grown one."
AJ routed round her pack for a moment before holding up a battered pack of cards. She fanned them out on the table, gazing fondly at the multitude of images staring back at her.
"I know every card in that deck like the back of ma hoof, took me a long time to get it just right and I'll wager that it still gives them big wigs a run for their bits."
"Is your deck made from eggs or heart then Twilight?" Pinkie asked, not looking up from the house she's started to build from her own deck. Credit given when due, not many ponies could do that on board a rattling steam train.
"Spike! You've been very quiet, what are you hiding?" Twilight accused him, her tone in no way implying that she was desperately trying to change subjects. The young dragon jumped, his copy of Scale Care Monthly flying out of his grip.
"Nothing, I'm not trying to save my voice. Just don't have anything to say at the moment, is that so unusual? I think not!"
"Ok then." Everypony said slowly before turning back to their own conversations. As Spike went to retrieve his magazine, Rarity started chewing Applejack's ear about fashions do's and don'ts in Canterlot, Rainbow Dash made snoring noises. Fake or not was any ponies guess.
The miles passed, marked only by the changing scenery and how far into her book Twilight was. Marking her place, she closed the great tome and stretched. Looking round, her keen mind picked up on a great many things, noticing what had changed in the last half hour. One thing caught her attention more than the others though.
"Pinkie, how many floors is that?"
"Oh only 8 or so. The East Wing will be taller."
"Ok, next question. How did you build that when you only have forty cards in your deck?"
She just smiled softly and tapped her hoof against her nose.
"Trade secrets Twilight."
"Here we are ladies. The Royal Tournament Grounds."
"Ooooh!"
At the station, they had been greeted by two members of the royal guard. After assuring Rarity that her luggage would be taken most carefully to her quarters, the armor clad stallions had lead them across Canterlot.
Through the wide, sunlit streets of the lower city, they had walked to the castle gates. One brief security spell later and they carried on towards the day's entertainment. Rich grass paths lead the way, soft and plush under hoof. One death glance from the fashionista to AJ reminded them all that this was not for eating.
The tournament was being held on the site normally occupied by the palace labyrinth. Miles of twisted hedge had been magically shrunk and now stood proudly on Luna's balcony. The majesty of the maze only slightly degraded by the flowery pink watering can she insisted on using to keep it fresh.
Winding through the sculpture garden, their goal came into view. In the center of the maze stood the main arena, a brand new dueling stage surrounded by raised seating and a modest royal box. Fanning outwards from there were rings of tents.
Sales ponies from all over Equestria spent most of the year fighting for prime spots in those rings. Everything from the latest cards to food stands and slightly questionable merchandise was available.
Duties performed, the guards quietly bowed out and left. No doubt eager to finish their shift and join the action themselves.
"So where do we go now darlings?" Rarity asked, already eyeing up a number of venues in the closest circle.
"I guess we're free to wander for now, they'll announce when the first match is due to start. Oh, almost forgot, you'll need these."
Reaching into her bag, Twilight pulled out six envelopes. Each one had a name written on it in a fancy sprawling script and was protected by a wax seal bearing the castle emblem.
"What do we do with these then?" Rainbow asked impatiently.
"I don't know. They just came with the invitation, and I was told to make sure you had them. The seal contains a time lock spell, we can't open them until we're meant to."
"Anything else we need?" Pinkie asked, bouncing on the spot.
"No, that's all." She had barely finished talking when a soft puff of pink smoke marked where Pinkie had charged off into the action.
"Tasty, no comfy, no tasty. Wait... SHINY!" Her voice carried a surprisingly long way.
"Well if that's that, I'm off too. The Wonderbolts never miss this tournament, I want to make sure they're watching when it's my turn."
"Ok girls, I'll see you when the first match begins, don't forget that all competitors have ring side seats."
Going their separate ways, Twilight began to walk through the barely organised chaos of the market. It was an intense assault on the senses. From all angles sellers beneath brightly colored canopies shouted, trying to tempt in buyers.
"Come on mares and colts, look lively! I'm not asking for ten bits and I'm not asking for five either! One price, three bits and I'm robbing myself!"
Meanwhile the smell of cooking foods wafted into the nostrils, tantalizing free tastes of what was on offer. All around, ponies of every age bustled among one another. It was like a slow motion stampede, what would have been terrifying normally made joyful by a shared passion.
She paused to look over a stall of stones etched with glowing runes and again at selection of classic cards, but bought nothing. Glancing round, she saw Spike staring at a nearby jewelry tent. A hungry look in his eye.
"Here," She handed him a small pouch. "That should last you for a day."
"Thanks Twilight, catch you later!" Taking the bag of bits, he was off like a greyhound.
Twi couldn't but chuckle at his enthusiasm. Returning to her walk, she wondered who her opponent would be. Since most league players and their decks were well known, the identities of those invited to the Canterlot Championship were keep secret until the last minute. This helped prevent cheating.
"Attention, attention please. We are pleased to announce that the Canterlot Championship will begin in one hour." The regal tones of Princess Luna boomed out from speakers all over the grounds. "All duelists are now to open their envelopes, inside is your personal number. You will need this for the match selection process, so do not forget it. Use this time well to prepare and good luck!"
Discreetly ducking behind a tent selling deep fried ears of corn, Twilight extracted her envelope. As she looked at the wax seal, it rotated itself through 180° and split neatly in half. Peering inside, there was a single piece of paper, a number 9 scrawled on it in the same fancy writing.
Having tucked the parchment back into her bag, she merged back into the crowd. No pony else seemed to have opened anything. Still blind to who she might be battling, Twilight wondered briefly what numbers her friends had drawn. This paled in comparison as her belly growled and she was distracted by a nearby waffle stand. Breakfast was long ago, and you can't duel on an empty stomach after all.
As time always does, the hour before the first match passed frighteningly fast. All too soon, she was being ushered through a private gate into the stands. Sloping rows of seats rose so high they threatened to block out the sun. Closer to the center, small white cloth gazebos showed where the cream of Canterlot were seated and the golden one could only belong to Celestia.
Wherever you looked, a thousand eager faces shone out. Chatting to each other, the hum of conversation clouded the air. All of them looked down on the dueling arena.
A seemingly uninteresting rectangle of polished metal, this was were the mares were separated from the foals. A light sweat suddenly sprung to life on the back of Twilight's neck.
Where's Spike and the others? She pondered quietly. Come to think of it, she couldn't see any other ponies in the discreet row of wing back chairs right next to the arena. Maybe they had to wait until they were called forth.
Scattered cheers joined into a crescendo, snapping Twilight out of her thoughts. Celestia had entered the royal box, followed closely by her sister. As the night goddess seated herself, the sun princess stepped forwards onto a raised podium and waved to the crowds. A discreet servant produced a microphone for her.
"Fillies and gentlecolts. Foals of all ages. I welcome you, to the one thousandth, four hundred and twentieth Canterlot Championship!" She paused as the cheering and applause reached deafening levels. As it died down, she started again.
"As you know, this game has long been popular in the royal house, perhaps a little longer than we care to admit to." She paused again as polite chuckles rang out. "To that end, I hope that over the next few days we will see the spirit of fair play, the joys of victory and some fine duels."
"Now before I surrender the mic to our official commentator, we will draw the first two duelists. Luna, if you would do the honors please."
From her seat, Luna cranked the handle on a large mounted cage. As she spun it, sixteen balls rattled around, settling again as she let go. Opening a small door, two balls rolled out along a gilded track. With a faint glow of magic, she levitated them over to Celestia.
"Duelist's number 2 and 9, please report to the arena. Your match is about to begin!"
Twilight felt her stomach drop, the weight of the moment falling onto her like a grand piano. Without meaning to, she started to walk towards the stage. All around her, fans exploded, some cheering on this new comer, other being less hospitable.
The dueling arena was roughly 12m by 10m, with a separate box at each end. As Twilight stepped into hers, she was vaguely aware of the box rising until she was high above the playing field. All around the crowd thundered, she just focused on putting her deck into it's slot without trembling too badly. The machine quickly shuffled it, identical plain backs flashing round. A booming voice cut over the spectators.
"Good morning everypony, the first match will begin shortly. But before that, we will give a brief overview of the tournament rules and introduce the competitors.
Each player will begin with four thousand life points, if at anytime their life point total hits zero, they will lose the duel. Direct attacks are allowed in the Canterlot Championship if you have no monsters on the field, so watch your flank. We are playing the sacrifice rule here if you wish to summon powerful creatures. Finally, decks must at least forty cards, and have no illegal or outdated cards in them. But you already knew that, am I right?"
The crowd roared their approval, Twilight's fear melted as she was dumbfounded. It was Spike, he was doing the commentary. Suddenly his attitude on the train made so much more sense.
"Our first contender is the protector of Ponyville, a legendary scholar in her own time and wielder of the Element of Magic. Give it up, for Twi-light! Spar-kle!"
Where do they get all this energy from? She thought, smiling and waving weakly to the crowd. It seemed that they got louder every time somepony talked to them.
"And now entering the ring, the slayer of stallions, the mare with flare. Lets hear it, for the Great and Powerful Trixie!"
It can't be, oh wait, yes, yes it can be.
Sure enough, in the other box stood the same blue unicorn who had come to Ponyville. She even still had her star studded cloak and hat on.
"I must now call for quiet in the crowd. Ladies, let the games begin!"
A stilted hush fell over the stands. Trixie calmly placed her deck into it's slot and gave a wave to the crowd. Apparently she was still quite at home in the spotlight.
"Hi Trixie, it's been a while hasn't it?" Twilight called over to her, not quite sure what to say.
"That's Great and Powerful Trixie to you, Twilight Sparkle. You may have bested us, twice, at trials of magic, but now I've learnt my true calling in Duel Monsters. The Great and Powerful Trixie has been waiting a long time for this, now you will suffer defeat by my hooves and in front of this vast audience no less."
"Oh, I'm sorry you still feel that way. Well good luck."
"Trixie does not rely on luck, now lets get this over with so I can duel somepony with talent."
Her smirk during those words was fast approaching lethal levels. Twilight endured in silence. Clearly Trixie had cut a chord with the spectators, some murmurs were trickling down from the stands. Largely seeming to voice an opinion that certain unicorns didn't belong in a tournament like this.
"You heard it here first folks, this battle is now a grudge match complete with some epic smack talk! The duelists are now drawing their opening hands. Before the match begins, we've received data from one Honest Joe. Seems that Trixie has won tournaments in both Manehatten and Fillydelphia."
There came a sound over the speakers like papers being rustled.
"He also adds that the odds of Twilight winning this match are 12 -1 against, and that he will, be taking bets until the first card is played... Gees man, find somewhere else to advertise will ya? Anyway, as a new comer, Twilight is to go first. She's lining up her move now."
Twilight was indeed staring at her cards. This was it, the moment she'd been preparing for.
Just need to relax and put on a good show. If I do my best, I'll have no regrets.
"I'll start with this. I'll play my Talented Unicorn level 3, in defense mode."
She threw the card down onto the playing surface before her. Despite the gravity of the situation, she couldn't help but be impressed as a symphony of interwoven spells kicked in.
First a detection spell read her card and compared it to a central crystal core containing all known cards. That information was then sent to crystals dotted around the arena. These crystals were infused with powerful illusion spells and created a large 3D image of the card.
In this case, a laughable cute unicorn foal wearing a deep purple mages hat, several sizes too big, appeared on the field. Next to it hovered a small box displaying that card's stats. Atk - 900 / Def - 1500.
"Next, I'll place four cards face down."
The crystals shimmered again, behind her monster sat the magic and trap card zone. Four of the five slots became filled, simple brown rectangles like the backs of the real cards appeared.
"And end my turn."
Trixie laughed from behind her cards. "Talented Unicorn? Isn't that a starter deck monster? You'll need better cards than that to beat me."
Hmm, she must be planning to use magic cards to keep that monster safe until it evolves into it's final form. Time to bait a trap of Trixie's own.
"I'll play one monster face down in defense mode, and set one card face down."
Two plain rectangles appeared on her side of the field. Her monster's was turned long side on, detonating that it was indeed in defense mode. She shot patronizing look before hiding behind her cards.
Expecting something grander weren't you Twilight? Well lets just see what you make of this then.
"An interesting first turn. Twilight could be said to be ahead with more cards on the field, but she did use most of her hand. It will take her some time to rebuild a good stock of cards."
"My move, I draw." She looked at the new card and added it to the remaining one in her hand. "Now I activate my unicorn's special ability,"
The hologram foal aged rapidly, growing from foal into colt in seconds. The hat fitted now atop a powerful brow. Next to it, the stats box changed as well. Atk - 2000 / Def - 2100
"At the beginning of my turn I can send level 3 to the graveyard, to summon Talented Unicorn level 5 from my deck. Now I'll attack your face down monster. Talented Unicorn, attack with lightning strike!"
The unicorn's horn glowed, unleashing a hell storm of lightning towards the face down card. Trixie laughed derisively at her.
"Trixie would like you to know two things. Firstly, you don't have to ham up your attacks with fancy names. Secondly, you've just attacked my Vengeful Unicorn."
Lightning struck the card, revealing the form of a unicorn with a dark coat and wild mane. It whinnied in pain, sending four blasts of evil looking magic towards Twilight's cards before shattering into pieces.
"Not only was my card in defense mode, so I lose no life points. But when Vengeful Unicorn is destroyed in battle, it automatically destroys all magic cards on your side of the field."
Twilight's side was covered in a virtual fog as the blasts struck her cards, sending up plumes of smoke. As they cleared, three cards were gone, but now a giant purple card floated face up on the field. A picture of two spells bound into a circle was on its face.
"Twilight has two points to make as well. Firstly you've activated my trap card, Eternal Energies. Now for every magic card that goes to my graveyard, I get to draw one card. Plus it's a permanent trap. So I'll draw three cards and make my second point. Talented Unicorn level 5 deals damage, even if the monster is in defense mode."
Trixie looked round as the counters on either side of her changed. The four thousand written in solid navy blue numbers ticked down. It settled on 3,800, changing from blue to a light green colour. A polite round of applause rang out, an irritated look flickered over the blue unicorn before she composed herself again.
"So you dealt me two hundred points of damage, big deal. It's my turn now. First, when I draw baby chick to my hand, I can automatically summon it"
A tiny blue bird appeared in one her monster slots. From somewhere in the audience, Twilight was sure she heard Fluttershy saying aah.
"Now I activate my facedown card, Unfinished Business. For the cost of five hundred points, I can bring Vengeful Unicorn back from the graveyard for a turn."
As her life point counter trickled down, her monster reappeared, clawing it's way out of it's own card. It leered at the crowd, flicking its greasy mane in a show of contempt.
"Now I sacrifice both my creatures to summon Illusion Mage!"
The pair of monsters disappeared, replaced by a single unicorn. It was hard to make out details of this beast, the air around it seemed distorted and thick. Atk - 2000 / Def - 2500
"Finally, I give up six hundred more life points to gain three illusion tokens and end my turn."
Three simple orbs of white light jumped out of thin air and floated serenely round Illusion Mage's head. Her life points fell to 2700, fading from green to bright orange.
The crowd was murmuring again. Looking round Twilight could see looks of confusion on some of the closest faces. She didn't blame them, that was a costly move with a fairly weak outcome for Trixie. But then again, she'd never seen Trixie play before, or even heard of this card. Perhaps it was best to dispose of it quickly.
"Eleven hundred points to summon a monster that's weaker than mine already. I think your cape's on too tight. My draw. First, my level 5 unicorn goes to the graveyard to summon level 7 from my deck."
The unicorn seemed to age rapidly again, the hat gaining patches and the unicorn gaining a large quantity of beard. Atk - 2800 / Def - 2500
"Now I summon Striking Pegasus to the field in attack mode and attach my Steel Wing magic card to it."
The crystals glowed brighter as a ruby coated pegasus appeared on the field. With a flash of grey, its wings turned into steel. More than a fashion statement, its attack also rose as the magic card kicked in. Atk - 2300 / Def - 1700
"Next I play Card Destruction."
On both sides of the field, flaming meteors rained down onto the players hands. Holographic fires licked at the cards, finding them to their liking.
"We have to discard our entire hand and redraw the same number of cards. Thanks to my trap card though, for every magic card gone I get an extra card. Plus, since Card Destruction is a spell card, I get an extra one for that as well."
Trixie said nothing. Just placed her hand into the graveyard and drew fresh ones without comment,
"Finally I attack your Illusion Mage with Talented Unicorn. That activates it's new special ability by the way. Whenever my monster attacks, it's target loses three hundred attack points."
Illusions mage's attack dropped as lightning began to ripple off Twilight's unicorn. With a clap of thunder, it blasted across the field. At the last moment, one of the orbs drifted into the path of the attack. Everyone watched with baited breath as the energies smote the sphere and with a bang, both vanished Two orbs remained on the field, but not a scratch on the mage.
"What happened there?" Twilight asked, very much confused.
"I can activate special effects as well. By surrendering one illusion token, The Great and Powerful Trixie can redirect one of your attacks."
"Redirect?"
"Look closer at the field."
She looked, but what was she supposed to be seeing? Wait, there it was! On her side of the field, the lost illusion token was floating behind her Striking Pegasus. Trixie brought her hoof down in a sweeping motion. Lightning, the same that Twilight had used earlier blasted out the orb, destroying itself and her monster. Twilight could only gasp at the smoldering crater that was left, as her life points counted down to 3500.
"Because my pegasus was equipped with Steel Wing when it was destroyed, I draw one extra card and end my turn." She said a little halfheartedly.
"Not much else you could do." Trixie smirked.
It sounded like a bomb had gone off. After a brief second of panic, Twilight realized the crowd was cheering again. They were loving this, although who's move they were cheering for was beyond comprehension. Well at least they were warming to her.
"What a move that was folks! Twilight summons an incredibly powerful monster, but Trixie turns it back on it's master. Who knows where this duel could go next?"
"It will go like this. First I give up another six hundred life points to gain another three illusion tokens. But don't worry, these ones aren't for stopping your pathetic attacks. These three will remove them all together! I use three tokens to activate grand illusion!"
As her counter ticked down to 2100, three orbs drifted away from the mage and surrounded Talented Unicorn. They spun, faster and faster until Twilight's monster was hidden in a cone of pure white light. Without warning, the light vanished, and the unicorn along with it.
Trixie laughed as Twilight's jaw hit the playing surface.
"Don't worry, your monster isn't gone for good. In five turns, it returns and gains another five hundred attack points into the bargain. It's a shame you won't survive that long. Now since you have no monsters left, I can do this. Illusion Mage, attack her directly!"
Illusion Mage obeyed without question, thousands of distracting images flashed before Twilight's eyes. A hint of something shady lunging at her was all she could make out clearly. When she could see again, the mage was back on Trixie's side of the field. Next to her, Twilight's life points ticked down 1500.
"If Twilight doesn't come up with a plan soon, she is sunk. Lets watch folks!"
Thanks for pointing that out Spike, real confidence booster. She though scathingly. That damnable sweat on her neck was back and the weight of the eyes on her felt very real.
Calm down Twilight. Celestia wouldn't have invited us if she didn't think we stood a chance. You can do this, time to prove it.
Hoof trembling slightly, she reached for her next card. That might work.
"I'll use polymerization to fuse two monsters from my hand, in order to summon Majestic Crow to the field in attack mode."
The crowd had a fleeting glimpse of two creatures melding into one, before the crow came out. Tall and slender, it's feather a glossy black. Atk - 2100 / Def - 1000
"Now attack her Illusion Mage!"
"The Great and Powerful Trixie see now that you are trying to lose on purpose, since you clearly know that I can redirect your attack."
Now it was Twilight's turn for a slightly smug smile.
"Normally yes, but watch what happens when I send one card to the graveyard."
The crow rose high, making a beeline for her mage. The illusion tokens moved in, but just couldn't seem to catch the bird. Every time they got close, he'd dive out the way. The crowd even cheered as he barrel-rolled to avoid both tokens at once and finally struck it's mark.
Illusion Mage stumbled back, cracks spreading all over it from the impact point. Accepting it's fate, the mage shattered into pieces and was no more. With no more magic to fuel them, the tokens winked out of existence as well.
"But how did you do that?" Trixie shouted shrilly. "My Illusion Tokens should have taken care of you!"
"Simple, if I send a card to the graveyard, Majestic Crow is unaffected by any monster effects that turn. And don't forget, I sent a magic card to the grave, so I draw another card."
Trixie stared blankly at the field for a few seconds, she seemed to be miles away. There was a pause, then she threw her head back, and laughed like Twilight had just told the best joke ever.
"I don't know what to say folks, Twilight makes a brilliant come back and Trixie appears to have lost it. Could somepony with a phone please call the mares in white coats?"
"Trixie, are you alright?" She asked gently.
"I'm better than alright, The Great and Powerful Trixie is pleased. Almost no one can take down my Illusion Mage, it's so rare I get to play anything else. This is somewhat refreshing. Sadly, that means that you've jumped out of the frying pan and into the oven. My draw!
I'll start by playing the magic card, Timeless Illusion. To activate this card, I need to give up a thousand life points and remove an Illusion monster from my graveyard. Now I get to summon Trick Deck Dragon to the field!"
Life points falling to just 1000, the numbers turned red. A magic card appeared on the field, an image of a vast hourglass on it. With a bellowing roar, a great crimson dragon came bursting out. It flew a lap of the field and landed on Trixie's side. On closer inspection, the beast was not made of scales as dragons normally are, but instead it seemed to made entirely of millions of cards. All the seven of diamonds. Atk - 3000 / Def - 2500
"Do you like my monster Twilight? I hope so. Only a hoof-full of duelists have ever seen it. Now my great beast, attack her Majestic Crow!"
Taking to its wings, the dragon hovered towards the crow and let off a blast of black flames. Twilight's crow squealed as it was destroyed by the burning hate of the ace of spades.
"Finally I'll place one monster down in defense mode, lay a card and end my turn."
"This duel just gets better and better by the round! Twilight has just 600 life points left, but it's her turn now and I can't wait to see what she has to offer. One way or another, this duel ends now."
How right you are Spike, I might just make it out of this after all.
"That's an impressive card Trixie, but I think I'll have to take it down."
"You can't! You have no monsters on the field, and I doubt you can pull off a fusion that powerful. The game is mine!"
"Watch and learn Trixie. First I play the magic card Change of Heart."
The spell card flickered into life on Twilight's side. A split picture stared out at the crowd. One side showed a beautiful pegasus holding a simple red heart, the other a changeling clawing desperately for it.
"Nice try, but my Trick Deck Dragon is immune to magic and trap cards."
"I never said I was targeting your dragon, I want your face down card, now it's mine."
The changeling jumped out Twilight's card and vanished into Trixie's. The face down glided across the field, flipping over to reveal another Vengeful Unicorn.
"Going out fighting? Well at least now you have a monster on the field for your futile last attack, not that it'll achieve anything."
"Actually I don't want your unicorn to attack with, I want it as a sacrifice to activate this card; Resurrection Ritual. Now by sending your monster to the graveyard, I can summon one of my most powerful monsters. Star Swirl the Bearded, come forth!"
A pillar of azure light shot down from the heavens, blasting Vengeful Unicorn to pieces. The light faded, leaving behind a very old looking unicorn in its place. His cloak and hood were festooned with bells, and his beard stretched from his chin to his hooves. Atk - 0 / Def - 0
"That's your best monster, your last hope? An old geezer with zero attack points?!"
"Check again Trixie, looks aren't every thing. Star Swirl the Bearded may have no attack points when he's first summoned, but he has a special ability. He knows the value of magic, and the strength gained by practicing it. That's why he gains 400 points for every spell card in my graveyard."
Trixie visibly paled. "But, that means, no that can't be! How many spell cards have you got in there?"
"By my count, 10. Meaning that this duel is over."
Tiny spheres of grey rose from the magic card zone, flowing into Star Swirl. As the crowd watched with baited breath, his attack and defense both raised to 4000.
"Now Star Swirl the Bearded, attack her Trick Deck Dragon. Ancient Might!"
Pale blue light swelled round the old unicorn's horn, a beam bursting forth, striking the dragon in the chest. For a second, it looked like the attack failed. Nothing seemed to happen. Then the beast broke down, a cascade of cards falling over the field. They held there, all now jokers grinning roguishly at Trixie before vanishing completely. A single flat note sounded that her life points had hit zero.
"I don't believe this, Twilight has pulled back from the brink of oblivion and won the duel! She will proceed to the next round. Great and Powerful Trixie, you'll have to find yourself a new title!..."
Spike kept on talking, but Twilight didn't hear him. She was busy retrieving her cards and trotting round the ring before Trixie could disappear again. The showmare was indeed trying to make a hasty exit, but saw Twilight coming and accepted what was coming.
"Go ahead and gloat Twilight Sparkle, you've bested me again." There was a hint of tears in her eyes.
"I just wanted to say that you played an excellent game, no pony could have called it."
"Re-really? You're not just saying that?"
"Its the most fun I've had in a while, and I know that you enjoyed it. If you're ever in Ponyville again, I look forward to a rematch."
"The Great and... I mean, I would, like that someday."
"Happy travels Trixie, and the best of luck in the future."
Trixie swept her deck into a saddle bag and with a swish of her cloak vanished into the crowd. Just before she left, Trixie looked back for a second.
"Thanks Twilight."
End Duel 1
Canterlot Championship - Duel 2
Applause was still ringing round the stadium as Twilight trotted forwards in a daze, the last few moments of the duel still running through her mind. It was incredible! She'd taken on a seasoned professional and won, all these ponies were cheering for her performance!
"Your attention please," Luna's voice rang out, just cutting over the noise of the crowd. "There will now be a fifteen minute intermission before the next match. You are welcome to leave for refreshments or purchase them from the tray bearing folk doing rounds of the stands. And could Twilight Sparkle please report to the royal box."
Moving on, the noise around her began to bleed away as some of audience started to talk amongst themselves or swiftly depart to snag a takeaway crystal corn on the cob. Approaching the golden walled tent, Twilight made to pause before the two armored stallions guarding the entrance. However they both parted silently as she came within seven paces.
Stepping into the cool interior, Twilight could see the shimmering rainbow mane of her mentor falling over the back of the chaise lounge by the opening at the far end. To her left, Luna reclined in a similar comfortable fashion. Although, she noticed, the lady of the night was seated a good few feet from where the light of sunlight fell into the tent.
"You called for me, Princess?" She spoke politely, unsure suddenly as to which of them had actually wanted to see her.
The answer came forth as Celestia rose, a kindly smile on her lips. "Indeed, my little duelist. I just wanted to congratulate you on winning the first round, and in such an exciting manner as well. I'm proud of you Twilight."
"We also wish to exclaim our admiration, many bits will have been lost in the gambling pools after that show I'll wager." Luna chipped in, raising her glass.
"Thank you both. I don't know how much further I'll progress, but I plan to play the best moves I can and have fun along the way."
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you." Celestia said pleasantly, pulling Twilight into a hug. "Now I'm sure your friends will want to praise you as well, you'll most likely find them in the pavilion next door. Tell them all that we will be rooting for them. Not that Luna and I pick sides of course..." She trailed off with a guilty smile Twilight couldn't help but return.
"Of course I will." Twilight said, gently removing herself from Celestia's hooves. "Will I get to spend anymore time with you Princess? It's been a while" She asked hopefully.
"No Twilight, you are to be staying in the castle for the duration of the competition, I sincerely doubt if you will see Celestia again." Luna deadpanned. An awkward silence fell.
"We were joking, was that not clear?"
"I'm sure we'll get to talk more at dinner this evening Twilight. Now go find your friends."
With a nod and a bow, she turned and left the royal box. Glancing both ways, she clocked the large tent on the right bearing the royal seal on its door. Ducking under the canvas, it was surprisingly spacious inside. Tables and chairs sat in neat rows facing the transparent flaps that looked over the duel arena.
A few well off looking sorts, all donned in top hats or tiaras chatted idly and sipped champagne. One noticed her enter and tipped his hat, Twilight flashed a polite smile back, her grin growing wider as she saw her friends lined up along the bar.
"Hiya Twilight!"
Pinkie nearly jumped out her seat at the sight of her friend, earning a chorus of "ssh" from the nearest table. She just pulled a face back, felt a slight itching in her elbow and bent down to retrieve a bit that had fallen to the floor. Narrowly missing being clocked round the ear-hole by Rarity.
"Hey girls, have you been in here all this time? You did see my match didn't you?"
"Don't you worry about it none suga'cube. We saw the whole thing from here, sorry we weren't ringside cheering you on. But once Rainbow found out that all competitors got free drinks, she hasn't moved from that spot. Rarity's been mingling with the upper crust most of the morning and you know how Flutters is in front of crowds. Still steeling herself aren't you sweetie?"
Fluttershy nodded, a pensive look on her face and chugged deeply from the cider mug in her hoof.
"Ah stayed with the girls and made sure that things didn't go pear shaped."
"And I'm just here for the food." Pinkie chipped in cheerfully, through a mouthful of sandwich.
"You played a right good game out there Twilight, told y'all that them professional weren't all that special."
"Indeed darling, and you taught Trixie not to be so big headed, yet again. Lets hope the lesson sticks this time."
"Hear hear!" Rainbow Dash croaked, raising her head off her legs for a second.
"Are you alright there Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked quietly.
"Never better, just nicely buzzed." She gave a lop sided smile and raised another mug to her mouth.
"Maybe you should slow down a bit, you don't want to miss your match after all." Twilight replied, sitting with them and waving over the bartender.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to mish it Twilight."
"Mish?" Rarity said quietly, looking at the others meaningfully.
"Two minutes left everypony!" Spike's voice echoed around them. "If you haven't got your flank back in a seat by now, I'd suggest you do it sharpish!"
"Wise words from our commentator there, as the next contestants will now be decided." Behind Celestia's voice, the soft rattling of a bingo cage could be heard. "Would numbers 7 and 15 please report to the ring, you match begins shortly."
"That's ME!" Pinkie shouted with glee, oblivious to those around her cringing and covering their ears. With one "sproing" she was halfway to the door and proceeded to bounce her way out.
"Good luck." Her friends all called, more than a little shell shocked.
Bouncing out into the stadium, Pinkie's eyes went wide as saucers and she couldn't help but beam at what she saw. Ponies, ponies everywhere. But none of them bore the mark of sadness. Instead a thousand smiles and happy voices rained down on her. It was beautiful.
With a casual flip she landed in the box, both legs raised above her head like an athlete. Earning a score of cheers, her booth rose above the playing field. Waving to the crowd with one hoof, Pinkie slapped her deck down with the other.
"Well this is a first, seems our player is even more eager than you guys to get started! Put your hooves together for the pastry producing pink party pony who gives no parlay to preservatives, procrastination or pouting! The Mistress of Mirth, baker supreme and Element of Laughter. Pink-IE! PIE!"
"Awesome alliteration, you daringly delightful drake!" She called back with a wink.
"Here comes her opponent now, all the way from Las Pegasus! Veteran of the Bellagio Grand Tournament and the Mint 400. Show some love for the one, the only, Rifle Shuffle!"
As the crowd erupted again, an olive stallion walked calmly across to his box. Looking out from beneath the translucent green eye shade he sported atop a neat platinum blond mane, Rifle Shuffle gave a lazy smile and entered his booth. As it rose, he pulled a deck out of his pack with a wing, cut it a few times and placed it down on the table.
With a whir, the machine began to randomize their cards and a reclined shelf unfolded itself by each player. Seconds later five cards slid out onto it.
"OooH, fancy. Saves me holding the cards in my teeth."
"The contestants are ready and the field is set. Pinkie to play first, go!"
Without even glancing at her cards, Pinkie grabbed one and played it facedown.
"I'm done." She beamed as a card back hologram lit up in her magic and trap zone.
"Well that was, an unexpectedly underwhelming opening move. Lets see how Rifle responds."
Drawing a card, he looked over his hand. "I'm sorry about this Miss Pie, but I can't bring anything less than my A game, even for some pony as charming as yourself. I'll start by playing,"
"I activate my trap card!"
Rifle's jaw dropped. "What? I haven't done anything yet‽"
"Exactly. That's the point of this card, Penalties of Prophecy!"
Her card flipped over, a large crystal ball rising out of it. The orb hovered there, dense white smoke curling in its center.
"With this trap sprung, I can guess what the first card you play each turn is going to be. If I'm right, you lose five hundred life points."
"And if you're wrong Miss Pie?" The stallion asked, leaning forward slightly.
"Then I lose the life points of course."
"Sounds like a risky move, not sure I like the odds on that gamble."
"Don't be silly, gambling means I might lose." She replied slyly, shaking out her leg. "I'm getting a predication, you were about to...play a monster card!"
To his credit, Rifle Shuffle's face didn't change at all as he laid a card down and watched his life points trickle down.
"Not bad, but that was the penny ante round, I'm going to raise the blinds. Starting by summoning Diamond Pegasi Nine!"
A pale, almost albino pegasus flickered into being before him. The crimson diamond on her flank matched nicely with her long following mane. Atk - 300 / Def - 700
"Next I'll play two cards face down, and end my turn by attacking you directly."
As two plain backs appeared, Diamond Pegasi took to the air. Hovering high above the playing field, she touched a hoof to her cutie mark, then pointed it straight at Pinkie Pie. Nine spears of red light erupted and shot towards her target, each one exploding on contact, small clear stones fragmenting out from the blasts.
Evidently Pinkie wasn't overly concerned about this, at least not at the moment. She was more preoccupied trying to scoop up an armful of gems from around her. As Diamond Pegasi landed again, the stones twinkled and faded back into nothing.
"First turn over, and Pinkie is leading by two hundred life points, but has nothing but a trap card on the field. The ball is still in any ponies court!"
"My turn again," Pinkie called out with a giggle. "First I'll draw, and then I'll,"
"Sorry to interrupt you Miss Pie, but I believe that it's time to activate a trap card of my own. The House Always Wins!"
"The house always wins? I didn't know that buildings could win, or that they have competitions. Is that where the term shoplifting comes from? What about street hockey, or,"
"I fear you've got the wrong end of the stick," Shuffle called back, an amused grin on his face. "It's a saying about casinos. More relevantly, it's a trap card that lets me summon a random monster with less than five hundred attack points from my deck at the start of your turn."
One of his facedowns rose, morphing as it did so into a slot machine. Diamond Pegasi sauntered over and pulled the lever. The reels began to spin, various symbols blurring into 3 black lines. Slowing down again, each reel settled onto a jackpot.
No bits poured into the winnings tray, instead another pale pony jumped out of the machine.
"Say hello to Heart Seven."
Raising a hoof, the earth pony waved to the crowd. A stallion, he was nearly identical to the pegasi next to him, only with a crimson heart for a cutie mark. Atk - 400 / Def - 600.
"Two monsters already? I'd better pick up the pace then." Pinkie called back, smiling almost too sweetly. "I'll play this monster in attack, then these two cards face down."
True to her word, a pair of plain backs appeared, along with, a plate. The silver cover lifted to reveal a large croissant, topped with a cube of butter and a small jar next to it. There came an odd, squelchy noise from the crowd as most of them took a surprised blink in unison.
"Now my Carnivorous Croissant, polish off Diamond Pegsi Nine!"
To the amazement of those watching, the croissant stood up. A cracked line split across the middle, flakes of pastry falling to the floor. Opening up, a row of teeth glittered within as two more cracks above slid up into eyes. Standing over three feet tall, it suddenly looked a lot more intimidating. Atk - 1200 / Def - 1000
Tilting forwards Croissant put its lips to the jar and took several deep gulps. Leaning back again with cheeks bulging, it spasmed and let fly a glob of red goo towards Diamond Pegasi. Striking her head on, her hologram shattered, leaving only a comically pony shaped gap in the mess of jam.
"I'll think you'll agree that was a, pretty tasty move. Your turn."
Groans came from the audience, Pinkie could barely contain some giggles. Riffle just took his next card. looked over his hand and then singled one out. Delicately picking it up with a wing tip, he hovered it above the playing area.
"Care to place another bet Miss Pie?" He asked, giving her a cocksure look.
"Hmm, lets see now. You've already played a monster and a trap card, so its probably a spell card. But then what if you knew I'd guess like that, and it is actually another trap card? But then what if you knew that I'd know that you know...too many variables! Hang on a second."
Reaching a hoof to her mane, she delved into the fizzy pink depths and moments later pulled out a small alligator. It looked out at the stadium as Pinkie put him down, his blank stare mirrored by the stunned crowd.
"So what do you recon Gummy?" she asked, leaning down to his level.
"Is this, tournament legal?" Spike asked in amazement.
"Technically, yes." Luna came across the tannoy. "The beast shows no sign of physic or magically abilities, so its not cheating. Just an, unusual way to make a choice."
"Aha, yes, I see. Thanks Gummy." Lifting the gator, she placed him on top of her mane where he began slowly sinking back in. "You were going to play another monster card and hoped to slip it by me."
"Right again, I've heard of some in Las Pegasus keeping a rabbit close for luck, but never an alligator. You are an extraordinary mare Miss Pie."
"Thanks!"
"However the game is still in my favor. As you predicted, I summon a monster to the field. Club Unicorn Nine."
A surly looking unicorn materialized onto the field. His pale coat clashed with the black of his mane and tail. Sure enough, a dark club adorned his flank. Atk - 400 / Def - 600
"Next I'll activate my facedown card, a spell called Nothing Up My Sleeve. With this I can return a card type monster from the graveyard."
An oriental looking screen unfolded in front of Heart Seven and vanished seconds later. Now sporting a waistcoat and bow-tie, Seven pulled a pack of cards out and began vigorously shuffling them. With a tap to the bottom of the deck, one card sprang out and fluttered down to the floor. It exploded in a puff of smoke and there stood Diamond Pegasi Nine fully restored.
"Now to show you the special abilities of my card monsters. On their own, they are easily beaten. But together? They become so much more. I believe you and your friends are familiar with this principle Miss Pie.
Club Nine and Diamond Nine, One Pair Attack!"
Both monsters looked at each other and nodded in agreement. In a flurry of feathers, Diamond Nine was airborne. Below Club Nine had already touched a hoof to his cutie mark, a nimbus starting to build round his horn.
Firing a stream of dark orbs into the sky, Diamond swatted them with her hoof towards the other side of the field, her own ruby light releasing. Detonations flared all around Pinkie as her life points trickled down.
"And lastly, I play Crystal Force-field, to defend my monsters till next turn."
The air between them seem to grow thicker, little glimmers of light appeared and disappeared at random.
"All right! This is what you paid for right here folks. New comer Pinkie has a lead at three thousand life points after Riffle Shuffle's last direct attack, compared to his twenty-one hundred. But with three interacting monsters to compete with and another on the way, how is she going to respond now?"
"Well I'll start by drawing silly, then I'll see what Shuffle gets to summon."
As she spoke, the slot machine came to life. Moments later another pegasus tumbled out.
"Excellent, Diamond Pegasi Seven."
"Now I'll..."
What am I going to do? She thought to herself. I can't attack, can't defend from those special attacks and nothing in my hand to help. Ok Pinkie, play it cool. Lets tries and psyche him out...
"I'll play this one card facedown and end my turn. Trump that if you dare!"
"We'll see who comes away with the pot here Miss Pie. First things first though, time for your prophecy."
"Obviously going to be a spell card this time, need to work on that poker face Rifle old son."
"Seems you're not omnipotent after all. I told you this game was tilting in my favor, and I'll prove it by summoning Spade Seven."
Rifle couldn't help but let a smile slide onto his face. Across from him Pinkie looked a little crestfallen as her life points trickled down.
"Time to cash in. I'll set this facedown and call on my monsters. Combine your forces for a Full House Attack, nines full of sevens!"
Club Nine reared back on his hooves and fired three rings of gold into the air. Orbiting round each other, they made a rough sphere as the others raised their hooves. Streams of red and black collided together and left a haze of multicolored mist in between the rings.
Slowly the sphere moved across the field, going off like a bomb above Pinkie. Every pony blinked as strobing light blared out, accompanied by the gentle patter of casino chips bouncing around the stadium floor.
"Words fail me folks! First he gets the best of Pinkie's trap, then gets in a direct attack for two, that's two thousand points! Leaving her on just five hundred, but you know what they say about cornered bakers. Are we due a repeat of the last match or is Rifle Shuffle moving onto the quarter finals? Don't blink, that's for sure!"
In her box, Pinkie's face had settled into a pensive look.
"Hey, no need for the frumpy face Miss Pie." Riffle called to her gently after she'd been like that for nearly a minute. "You given them quite the show and me a game to remember, no shame in losing now."
"It's not that," Pinkie looked over at him, a smile returning. "I'm just taking it all in. All these ponies are so happy, so hyped because of what we're doing here. How often do you get to bask in something like that?
But you were right, one pony can fall, together we're like crystal rock candy. I know all my friends are down there cheering me on, and I don't plan to disappoint them today. My turn!"
Without even looking at her hand, she reached down and flipped over a card.
"First I'll equip my croissant with Marzipan Mortar to raise it's attack by one thousand points."
On the field, a large metal tube appeared, tilting on its base towards Rifle Shuffle. Behind it Carnivorous Croissant stood to attention as a green tin hat and bandolier materialized on him.
"Next I'll play The Baker's Dozen."
Laying down another spell card, thirteen cupcakes came into being.
"Choose a treat, but choose wisely. Two of those will make my monster attack me directly, one will affect you the same way and the rest are random monsters on the field. It can even make my monster attack itself."
"Keeping me guessing to the end? Ok then, lets find out where this is going, I choose the one of the far left."
The confectionery vanished as the mortar began rotating slowly. Croissant pulled a slice of batten berg off its bandolier and stuffed it into the breach, idly chewing a cigar as he did so.
Grinding to a halt, it pointed firmly at Pinkie. With a cough, smoke billowed out as a round launched high into the sky. Seconds later, an impending whistling noise crept into hearing.
"Ouch! It's all over for her when that lands, a well fought game brought to an end by luck of the draw, how art imitates life." Spike lamented.
"I wouldn't say that." Pinkie said under her breath, gently turning a card over.
A flaming piece of sugary doom surged down, drawing a bead on Pinkie's box. Already some fans were getting up, some about to leave the stadium when gasps of surprise made them turn back. The attack had come square on Pinkie's head, and hit something. It was struggling to penetrate some invisible barrier.
"My final trap card, Celestial Blessings. It stops any attack at me in its tracks and sends it back at my opponent." She called to the astonished crowd.
At her words, the cake above ceased struggling to get at her and bounded toward Rifle Shuffle. He had just enough time for a surprised blink before getting covered in icing. All around them, ponies starting clapping loud enough to drown the noise of his life points hitting zero.
"They thought it was all over, it is now! Pinkie pulls one out of her hat and will move onto the next round! I don't believe it!..."
As Spike kept the crowd happy, Pinkie bounced out of her descending box and made her way over to Rifle Shuffle. He meet her eyes with a wide smile.
"Well played, that was quite an act you put on. I really thought that I'd won there, although," He paused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Why didn't you play that trap when I used the Full House attack? Why that final gamble?"
"Because your facedown would have dealt with it then, I needed to make sure that I had another ace in the hole."
"Ah, my little bluff worked out then. Just another spell card to pull monsters back from the grave."
"Wait, that really was bluff? I thought for sure that you'd put a trap down, so you can't read minds then?"
Shuffle thought a few different responses to this, before giving into the manic charm of the pink party pony and laughing.
"You truly are one of kind. No I can't read minds, not yet anyways. Thank you again for an excellent match." He moved to leave, then turned back again. "By the way, would you care for a drink before the next match starts Miss Pie?"
"Call me Pinkie." She smiled back.
End Duel 2
