Yu-Gi-Oh! Friendship is Dueling: The Legend of Everfree

by Bahamut0

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Sparkle (EqG), Crossover, Alternate Universe, Original Character, Starlight Glimmer, Adventure, Equestria Girls, Sunset Shimmer
Length: 13388

After all the craziness that's happened, Burst and his friends are looking forward to the field trip to Camp Everfree. However, things aren't going to stay calm for long.

Sombra. Tirek. Paradox. Burst and his friends have faced many threats to the world, and have triumphed. But after all the duels and monster battles, they're glad to be having a break from the excitement with their school's field trip to Camp Everfree. This should be a nice, calm break from all the events that have happened. Right?

Arctic Ace, Shadow Thunder, Dark Ice, Veenus Bloomer, and Night Fang are owned by MLPFan1
Goldenrise and Nightfall Silvers are owned by goldenrise365

Published 2017-02-22 01:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2017-02-27 21:28:35 UTC

Prologue

After the party Pinkie had thrown for the defeat of Paradox, Burst and Nightmare headed home exhausted. "Man. That field trip's going to feel pretty nice after that ordeal." Burst collapsed onto his bed. Nightmare sat beside him.

"Indeed. It should be a nice break from all the excitement. Camp Everfree seems like the perfect place to escape it. Celestia and Luna spoke quite fondly of it.", Nightmare said with a smile.

Burst sat up. "Shouldn't you be tired of seeing a forest after living in those castle ruins in Equestria's forest?"

Nightmare giggled. "True. But this time I have people to enjoy it with. Plus, it'll be nice for Starlight and Twilight to take their minds off of their....incidents. I can tell Starlight's a little bit weighed down by what she's done, but Twilight still has nightmares about Midnight taking her over. However, that couldn't be farther from the truth."

"Because Midnight's living with Ace and his family, right?"

"Yeah. Though Midnight's made it a point to avoid Twilight." Nightmare sighed. "Though I can't blame her. If I ever saw Luna, I'd be cowering like a child before her. It's hard facing the one you caused pain. Especially if you never meant to hurt them. They're still scared of you, or wind-up hating you with all of their being. The thing that makes it sting more is that I view Luna as my mother. And in Midnight's case, she's scared of Twilight fearing her for the rest of her life. She thinks by her absence, Twilight will heal. If only she knew..." Burst wrapped his arms around Nightmare.

"Maybe she'll know on this trip Moon.", Burst said with a smile. "But right now? We'd better focus on packing." Burst and Nightmare got to helping each other pack, but Nightmare noticed something.

"You're packing your deck and duel disk?", Nightmare asked.

"Blue-Eyes and the others wanna join in on the fun. I can't leave them behind."

"Guess I'll bring my deck too.", Nightmare said with a smile as she headed for her room to continue packing.

Meanwhile at Ace, Ice, and Shadow's house...

"PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!", Midnight pleaded. Ice sighed.

"Midnight. You KNOW that Twilight's going to be at Camp Everfree, right?", Ice asked.

"But I've never been to a camp before! It sounds like so much fun! PLEASE let me come with you! I'll stay in your shadow during the day so no one will see me!"

"Ice?", Ace asked. "You know she's not going to stop asking. Out little sister is incredibly determined."

"Fine.", Ice said as he rolled his eyes. "But PLEASE try to keep out of sight? I don't want everyone freaking out."

"YES!" Midnight squeezed Ice tightly! Shadow and Ace couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

'The things we do for family....', Ice thought. "At least we don't have to worry about helping her pack."

Fang's house....

Fang was humming to himself as he packed his bags for Camp Everfree. 'This is nice. Heading into a place where I can freely indulge in my instincts.' Meanwhile, his parents were watching him with concerned faces. Out of his whole family, Fang was the only one to have wolf ears and a tail. Fang's mother approached him nervously.

"Fang? Are you sure that you want to go on this field trip?"

"What're you saying Mom? Of course I wanna go! I'm almost completely packed up! C'mon I'll be fine!", Fang said with a grin. Fang's Mom sighed as she left. "Wonder what's got them so down?" As they left their son to his business, Fang's parents went to talk.

"What're we going to do?", Fang's Mom asked.

"Hopefully, we won't need to do anything.", Fang's Dad said with a sigh. "That old story that was passed down in my family warned that he'd take over the next child born with traits of the wolf. And that he'd control that being to continue his service to Gaia. Whatever Fang faces at Everfree, let's hope he can overcome it.

Veenus Bloomer's house...

"It's going to be weird going to a place full of things to use my powers, and not even being able to use them.", Veenus thought out loud as he packed. While he was packing, his mother watched with a worried look on her face. Veenus's father than noticed her concern, and walked up to her.

"You're worried he'll meet her aren't you?"

Veenus's mother sighed. "In truth, I thought I'd left that part of my history behind. But something tells me Veenus will encounter that dark chapter of my family. The root of his powers. I just hope that he can stay strong."

Duel 1: Shadows of Midnight

Twilight couldn't sleep that night. After seeing Starlight being saved, it brought up many unpleasant memories. In specific when she had become Midnight Sparkle. In her dreams, Midnight constantly taunted her, and eliminated her friends. Until only she and Twilight were lift in the strange realm that resulted. "No...you can't be here! Sunset and the others helped me defeat you!"

"Oh you're wrong. I've always been inside you! Waiting for the right moment to strike!", Midnight said with a sneer. "And that time is now! When I'm done, you'll never see the light of day again!" Midnight prepared to fire a blast of magic until another blast vaporized her! Twilight peeked out from the cover of her arms, and saw Nightmare's hands smoking from the blast.

"Too bad. I forgot to say Kame-Hame-Ha.", Nightmare said with a shrug before walking over to Twilight. "Twilight. Its over. So why are you still having nightmares?"

"Moon....I can feel Midnight. Even after the Friendship Games, I could feel her inside of me. She's been clawing at my mind trying to get out! Don't tell me this is all just a bad dream!" Nightmare sighed.

"Twilight. Midnight isn't a part of you. She's not inside of you. Well....not anymore at least."

"Wait. What do you mean anymore?", Twilight asked.

"If you really want answers, seek them in the real world. If you take the time to understand, maybe Ace and his family will be more than happy to share their secret. Until then, sleep well.", Nightmare said with a smile as she exited Twilight's dreams. Back in the real world, Twilight woke up with a start.

"If what Moon said is true, then why do I FEEL like Midnight's inside of me? What did she mean when she said I should ask Ace and his brothers? What do they have to do with any of this?" Twilight then walked over to her mirror. "Midnight. Just what really happened to you after the Friendship Games? If no one else will tell me, I'll find out for myself." Twilight went back to bed. Hopefully, she would get her answers tomorrow.

Midnight's Dreams....

Midnight was dreaming of her family when Nightmare showed up for a visit. "Oh. Hi Moon! No need to vanquish any nightmares here."

"Midnight, that's not why I'm here. It's about Twilight."

"Did something happen?"

"Midnight...she's still having nightmares about you. I know you thought staying out of her life meant she would move on, but the fact is she believes you're still a part of her. Trying to gain control of her. If you're really going with Ice to Camp Everfree, then you're going to have to reveal yourself to her."

"But...." Midnight began to tear up. "But what if she hates me? What if she runs away?"

Nightmare took a deep breath. "Midnight, I'll say this. You're far braver than I was. You found a person who took you in, and made a family for yourself. Me? I spent my time as little more than a pile of magical mist. Waiting to become flesh and blood again. Hiding from all who so much as crossed my path. Please Midnight. Just try to make things right with Twilight."

"I'll.....I'll try to."

"Good. Now rest. You've a long trip tomorrow.", Nightmare said with a smile as she returned to her own dreams. Upon her return, thoughts drifted to a familiar place. 'Maybe....I should take my own advice.'

Duel 2: Welcome to Camp Everfree

The next day had come, and Burst and his friends had gotten on the school bus to Camp Everfree. Fang had a big smile as he enjoyed the ride. Aria decided to have a little fun with him. "I guess you're going to be heading back to your old den?", she asked with a smile. Fang laughed and decided to play along with her.

"Yup. I'll even give you the grand tour of where I chased my tail as a little kid."

"That's good and all.", Spike added. "Me? I'm looking forward to some good old squirrel chasing!" Fang blinked at Spike. He then picked up the puppy and held him close.

"I SHALL LEAD US TO GLORY!", Fang proclaimed loudly! Aria let out a giggle at Fang being so eager to go running around the forest.

'He's like a little wolf cub.', Aria thought with a smile. 'That's probably why I think he's so cute. Not to mention why he's able to get me to smile so much.' Aria scratched Fang's ears. "Good boy." Meanwhile, Twilight was still troubled by what Nightmare had told her in her dreams last night. Nightfall took notice, and decided to speak to her about what was on her mind.

"Twilight? You alright? You look like you've got something troubling you?"

"Oh. It's just...something Moon told me in my dreams last night."

"Burst's girlfriend?"

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. But its nothing that you need to worry about Night."

"Twilight. You're a horrible liar. Please tell me what's wrong.", Nightfall pleaded. "Is it about the Friendship Games? About....the incident?" Twilight let out a sigh before looking Nightfall in the eyes.

"Night. I've been having nightmares about Midnight Sparkle. In them, she's destroyed my friends. She hurt you. And in the end, she ultimately took over. But last night....last night was when Moon intervened. And she left me with some....interesting information."

"Really? What?"

"She told me that despite my nightmares, Midnight wasn't inside of me. At least...not anymore. But why do I still have nightmares? Why am I so scared of her if she's not a part of me, or inside me?"

"Was there...anything else?"

"Yes. There was. Moon said that if I really wanted answers, I should talk to Ace and his family about Midnight. But what do they have to do with any of this?" Twilight clutched her head. "I just don't get why I'm still so scared of Midnight." Nightfall put his arm around Twilight.

"Maybe...you just haven't let go yet. Twilight, what happened is in the past. And maybe that's where it should be left. Midnight isn't here..." Nightfall held one of Twilight's hands. "But I am. I'll always be right behind you. Even when things are dark, my arms'll be waiting for you to find them."

"Night falls after Twilight. Right?", Twilight asked with a smile. Nightfall smiled as he put both of his arms around Twilight.

"Always. When you go to find your answers, we'll get them together."

"Thanks Night. I really needed that."

"Twilight? I never got the chance to tell you this. But I've found you incredibly cute." Twilight blushed.

"You...find me attractive?"

"I do. And if you want to, I'd like to be there for you as more than a friend. It's a lot to take in, so I'll just let it be your choice." Veenus and Adagio were watching the potential couple with knowing smiles.

"I remember when we first met.", Adagio said with a fond smile.

"It was then that our love started to bloom.", Veenus said with a smile. "It seems that flower I gave you served as a poor comparison. Because nothing can truly be compared to you."

Adagio had a flirty smile as she snuggled up closer to Veenus. "Say anything more romantic, and it might be hilarious. But I do enjoy your flattery. Just make sure it doesn't get cheesy."

"Sorry. I was taught by my parents that love is rare. And once you find it, you hold onto it for as long as you can. And hearing your sweet siren's song just makes me want to hold onto you more."

"Oh, shush you!", Adagio said playfully. Meanwhile Shadow was talking with Starlight.

"You know Star? I'm surprised you've moved on so quickly from the Paradox Incident.", Shadow noted.

"Don't get me wrong Shadow. I still regret accepting Paradox's power. But the worst part about it is that my whole deck was destroyed when he was defeated. Now? I don't have the slightest clue of what deck to put together."

"Well, the others and me based our decks around the monsters we share a bond with. Maybe you just need to wait for the monster partner who's waiting for you.", Shadow said with a smile. "It might not be instantaneous, but when you and that monster find each other, you'll feel it deep inside of you."

"Thanks Shadow.", Starlight said with a smile. "Who knows? Maybe my monster partner's just a wish away." The bus soon arrived at Camp Everfree, and the students retrieved their bags.

"Ah! It's good to stretch my legs after that long ride!", Ice groaned as he stretched.

"You do know we could have just flew here on our dragons right?", Inferno asked.

"Yeah, but then we'd have trouble carrying a conversation over the sound of the wind.", Burst added. "Although I think falling asleep on dragons would be more comfortable than bus seats. But I had Moon as a pillow, so I really can't complain."

"Looks like we're about to be welcomed.", Steel noted as the speaker crackled on. The students gathered, and a girl came to greet them.

"Hello campers!", the girl greeted. "My name is Gloriosa Daisy. I'll be your counselor for your stay here at Camp Everfree."

"Hey Burst?", Inferno whispered. "You picking up on a weird energy?"

Burst nodded. "Yeah. And its coming from those crystals she's wearing. But the craziest thing is that each of the crystals seems to be attuned to one of the girls. But that's something we'll have to worry about later." As Burst and Inferno concluded their conversation, Gloriosa was asking the students about any activities. Trixie put her hand up.

"Trixie has a suggestion on how to REALLY kick off our time here!" Trixie then turned to Ace. "Trixie has some unfinished business with you Ace. How about we give everyone here a good show like back in Battle City?"

Ace smiled as he pulled his duel disk out of his backpack. "Then let's set the stage! If that's alright with Gloriosa."

"Sounds like fun! Go ahead you two."

"Then its show time!"

Trixie: 8000
Ace: 8000

"Trixie shall start the duel! Trixie summons Magician's Valkyria! Then I'll set two cards and end my turn."

"My move then! I draw!" Ace looked at the cards in his hand. 'Sweet! Just what I needed! Trixie's not the only one who knows how to have a few tricks up her sleeve!' "I'll set a card and summon Chocolate Magician Girl! Then I'll activate her effect! I'll send a spellcaster from my hand to the graveyard to draw an extra card! Then I'll end my turn."

"I draw! In terms of attack, Trixie's Valkyria is equal to your Magician Girl's. But not for long! Trixie activates Magical Dimension! I tribute Valkyria to special summon DMG-Trix! Now Magical Dimension's effect activates! I can target and destroy one monster you control!" As DMG-Trix hit the field, a bolt of magic destroyed Chocolate Magician Girl! "Attack him directly!"

"Not so fast! I activate my trap! Magician's Circle! Since you declared an attack, we can both special summon spellcasters with 2000 or less attack from our decks! I special summon another Chocolate Magician Girl! And since she's an attack target, your monster's attack is halved! Now her other effect activates! I can special summon a spellcaster from my graveyard and change the attack target to it! I'll bring back Apple Magician Girl! Now that she's being attacked, your monster's attack is halved! Now I can special summon a level five or lower spellcaster from my hand! Welcome Kiwi Magician Girl to the field! Now she's the new attack target!"

"I don't think so! Your trap helped me too! Now I'll summon another Magician's Valkyria!" Kiwi Magician Girl switched her attack to Magician's Valkyria! "Thanks to her effect, only she can be targeted for an attack!" Trixie winced as she took damage. "I suppose my monster's attack has been all but depleted. I end my turn."

Trixie: 7800
Ace: 8000

'She managed to decrease the damage greatly thanks to her Valkyria. But now DMG-Trix is vulnerable.', Ace thought. "I draw! I'll attack your DMG-Trix with Kiwi Magician Girl! Then I'll attack you directly with Apple and Chocolate Magician Girl!" Trixie cringed as most of her life points were blasted away by magic! "I end my turn with a face-down." 'Best to save this card for later when I'll really need it.'

Trixie: 3700
Ace: 8000

"Trixie draws!" Trixie smiled as she saw her next card. "Now this should make things really exciting! I play Dark Magic Veil to revive DMG-Trix! Then I'll play Raigeki! This should take care of your monsters." A massive thunderbolt wiped out Ace's entire field! "But I'm not done yet! I play the spell card Megamorph! This doubles DMG-Trix's attack points! Attack him directly!" Ace cringed as half of his life points were decimated in a single blast of magic! "Trixie ends her turn."

Trixie: 3700
Ace: 4000

'So she's gotten rid of most of my life points.', Ace thought. 'One more attack, and I'd be finished. Or at least, I normally would.' Ace drew his next card. "You're not the only one with tricks up their sleeve Trixie."

"Hah! All I need to do is attack you again, and I win! What could you possibly have lying in wait? If that face-down was any good, you'd have used it by now?"

"Then why don't you find out? I end my turn."

"Heh. I never could resist a good twist.", Trixie said with a grin. "Very well than. DMG-Trix! Attack him directly!" DMG-Trix fired a blast of magic right into Ace's life points! But when the smoke cleared, Dark Magician Girl was standing on Ace's field even when his life points were at zero! "What?! How did you do that?"

"You were right Trixie. My face-down was good. Which is why I saved it for the end! Relay Soul lets me special summon a monster from my hand, and I take no battle damage as long as that monster's face-up on the field! And since my life points are as low as they can possibly be, Megamorph reduces your monster to half its original attack points!" Trixie's eyes widened at DMG-Trix's attack points dropping to 1000. "Also, when the monster summoned by Relay Soul leaves the field, I lose the duel. But you've already used up all your actions."

"I end my turn.", Trixie said with a pout.

"Then its time for me to bring this duel to a close!" Ace drew his next card. 'Perfect! This is just what I needed!' "I discard Kiwi Magician Girl! This lets all 'Magician Girl' monsters on my field gain 300 attack and defense for each 'Magician Girl' monster with different names on my field and graveyard! last I checked there were four including Dark Magician Girl! That boosts her to 300 attack points! But I'm not done yet! I play Dark Magic Expanded! Since we both have a Dark Magician Girl, I can activate two of its effects! But I only need the first effect! I can target a DARK spellcaster on the field and have it gain 1000 attack points! Take down DMG-Trix! Final Burning Magic Attack!" Dark Magician Girl charged up her normal Dark Burning Attack! Resulting in a brilliant purple flame forming around her attack! Dark Magician Girl hurled the blast at DMG-Trix! Wiping out the last of Trixie's life points. "I'd say we've kick-started out time here with a bang.", Ace said with a smile. All the students cheered!

"Well then. Let's all get you to your tents. Girls, Timber will be helping you out with your tent assignments. Boys, you're with me." The students went to Gloriosa and Timber respectively. Burst and Inferno wound up in the same tent, as did Ace and Shadow, Steel and Ice, Gold and Nightfall, and Veenus and Fang.

"Well, looks like we lucked out in our tent placement.", Burst said with a smile. "Let's see who the girls wound up with." The guys went over to check up on Sunset and the others.

"Hey girls.", Gold greeted. "Who'd you end up with?"

"I'm with Twilight.", Sunset answered.

"Sonata and I are together!", Pinkie chirped.

"Aj and I are bunking together!", Rainbow Dash boasted.

"I'll be with Starlight.", Nightmare said with a smile.

"Looks like we've both lucked out.", Night said with a smile.

"Well, I guess we'll see you girls around.", Veenus said as he hugged Adagio. "Hope you don't get lonely without me."

Fang was about to hug Aria when he felt a shiver run down his spine. Aria took note. "Fang? You alright?"

"Y-yeah. Just a weird feeling.", Fang said as he shook his head. "Nothing major. See you soon." As the guys gathered together, Ace noticed Hermos's card glowing. Ace took out Hermos's card, and summoned the dragon.

"What is it Hermos?"

"I thought you'd like to know that I've finished more Duelist Arms for you and your friends. I can't bring them to you now, but you will receive them later.", Hermos said proudly.

"Great news Hermos. You'd better return to the monster world." Hermos disappeared in a flash. Twilight then approached Ace, Shadow, and Ice. "Twilight? What's up?"

"Ace....tell me the truth about Midnight."

Ace panicked! "I...don't know what you're talking about."

"Moon told me in my dreams that you and your family know something about Midnight. Ace...please. I just want to know."

Ice sighed. "Meet me, Ace, and Shadow tonight. You can hear from Midnight herself."

"Ice are you crazy?!", Shadow shouted.

"If it means ending this whole nightmare, I'd gladly go insane.", Ice said with a determined gaze. "Midnight's story needs to reach this final chapter."

Ace sighed. "I guess we'd have gotten to this point eventually."

"Thank you.", Twilight said. "And tell Midnight..I just want to talk." The groups then departed for their tents. Each hoping that this trip would let them take a break from the magic and excitement.

Duel 3: Midnight Reveal

Night soon fell on the students' first night at Camp Everfree. Everyone was gathered around the campfire while Timber was telling them the legend of Gaia Everfree. Most of the the students were shivering after Timber told his story. Blue-Eyes and the other monster partners wer scarfing down marshmallows as Timber had finished his story. Night on the other hand, was more focused on Twilight. As soon as the other students went to leave, Night walked over to her. "That story bring up any bad memories?"

Twilight shook her head. "No, Night. But...I am getting answers from Ace and his family tonight. And at the same time I'm scared to find out by myself." Night then took Twilight's hand.

"Then don't find out by yourself. Twilight, I said I'd be there for you. And right now, you need me. Whatever we find out, we'll see it through. Together."

"And here I was thinking you were jealous of Timber.", Twilight said with a small smile.

"If you do choose him, I see no reason to deny you your happiness. Now let's meet up with Ace and his family." Night and Twilight met Ace's family outside their tent.

"Twilight. What you're about to see MIGHT freak you out.", Ace warned.

"Considering we can summon our monster partners, and Sunset came from a land of talking ponies, I think I can handle it."

"Alright then.", Ice said with a sigh of relief. "You can come out now Midnight." Twilight's eyes widened as part of Ice's shadow split from his being and took form. It was Midnight, but not as Twilight remembered her. Instead of a fearsome magical being, in its place was a little girl. One who hid behind Ice's leg cowering. Cowering from HER. "Meet our little sister." Ice then gave Midnight a kind smile. "Go on Midnight. Say hello." Midnight nervously stepped out to face Twilight.

"H-h-hi.", Midnight stammered. Twilight knelt down to Midnight's level. "D-do you hate me?" Twilight was shocked! THIS was the thing that had been giving her nightmares? She looked so small, so afraid. How could this be the same thing she'd turned into?

"No...Midnight. I don't.", Twilight said with a sigh. "But...how are you here? I thought you were a part of me."

"Emphasis on 'were'.", Ice added.

"The magic purified you.", Midnight answered. "But a little piece of me survived and re-formed. Then Ice found me." Midnight flew over to Ice and hugged him tightly. "And the rest of his family met me soon enough."

"Namely because they discovered you were raiding the fridge.", Shadow said with a small smile.

"Hey. You've got enough food.", Midnight joked. Midnight then looked back at Twilight. "So as you can see, I'm pretty happy. And I figured if I stayed out of your life, you'd be happy too. At least, that was before Moon showed up in my dreams."

"So she told you about my nightmares?"

Midnight nodded. "Twilight, you can't forget. But just move on. I have. It's time for you to do the same. I'm not a part of you, and I don't ever want to be. I've found what I want to be a part of. Now you need to find who completes you." Midnight let out a yawn as she returned to Ice's shadow.

Twilight was puzzled. "Who....completes me?"

"I think the perfect candidate is standing right next to you.", Ice said with a smile. Twilight turned to look at Nightfall. "Think about it. He was one of the first to comfort you after the Friendship Games."

"That's nice and all Ice, but are you sure? Twilight seemed to be pretty comfortable around Timber.", Nightfall stated. "They were chatting up a storm about gem stones."

"Night...the fact is you were the one I always went to talk about whenever I felt troubled about that incident back at the Friendship Games. If I were to have a boyfriend, I'd want someone I can be that comfortable talking to about everything with. That's you." Twilight then blushed. "So, uh, what happens next?" Nightfall wrapped his arms around Twilight, and held her close.

"Now we start over. I know a great library back at Canterlot."

Twilight smiled. "I'd love to go once we get back." As the two shared a loving moment, Burst and Nightmare were watching with proud smiles as they approached the group.

"Looks like the two of you are starting something quite lovely.", Nightmare said with a smile.

"I guess it helps you pushed me to get answers.", Twilight said sheepishly.

"And congrats to you too Night.", Burst said with a grin. "You've found the girl of your dreams."

"Thanks!", Night said with a smile.

"Well, now I know I'm not the one causing those crazy magic occurrences.", Twilight said with a sigh of relief.

"Wait. What occurrences?", Burst asked.

"You must've missed out.", Nightmare replied. "Sunset and the other Elements began experiencing new magical abilities. It must have something to do with this location. And I assume you've experienced an occurrence similar to Sunset and the Elements. Right Twilight?"

Twilight nodded. "I can lift objects with my magic. And Sunset and the others have new magic abilities too."

"Hmmmm.", Burst scratched his head. "Any other weird events as of late?"

"Well, there was the sudden gust of wind, and the trail of gem dust that's been seen. Maybe Timber's story was more true than we thought."

"If it is, then there's two explanations. Either this Gaia Everfree wound-up here from Equestria, or she's from the monster world. Either way, this warrants some investigation."

Ace then noticed Hermos's card glowing, and summoned him. "What's up Hermos?"

"I thought you'd like to new I've finished some of the new Duelist Arms.", Hermos said with a proud smile as he set a chest on the ground and opened it. "For you Ace, I was able to make a spell grenade gauntlet. Modeled after DMG the Dragon Knight." Hermos tossed the spell grenade gauntlet over to Ace. "Although, the drawback is the cool-down period after firing." Hermos then turned to Nightfall. "Ah. You're the one partnered to Cyber Dragon. I've made some cutting-edge Duelist Arms for you in specific." Hermos dug around in the chest, and brought three weapons over. "The Cyber Barrier Glove can let you block attack. Then there's the Cyber Laser Gauntlet I made. The laser cannon on it is small, but it can let you fire a concentrated laser. Also, the standard Cyber Dragon Blaster also has another mode. Press the button on the side."

Nightfall pressed the button on the side of the Cyber Dragon Blaster, and it turned into a sword and projected a laser blade! "I did always want my own lightsaber."

"And there's a guard that deploys for when you activate saber mode. Wouldn't want you cutting off your own hand." Hermos then turned to Twilight. "And don't think I've forgotten about you." Hermos dug around in the chest, and pulled out a collapsable staff modeled after Dark Magician's own staff. "And its easy to store."

Twilight smiled. "It's beautiful."

"Hermos is the greatest smith in the monster world.", Ace said with a smile. "He's made all of the Duelist Arms so far. Speaking of which, are there any more ready for the others?"

"There are.", Hermos said with a nod. "But I doubt it'd be good to wake them now." The group was about to depart when they heard a howl coming from one of the tents!

"What was that?!", Inferno cried.

"I say we find out.", Night said with a steeled gaze. "We might just get a chance to use these new Duelist Arms after all...."

Duel 4: Eyes of the Galaxy

Starlight was sitting out looking at the stars, and sighed. It was sad being a duelist without a deck. But then again, she had betrayed her monsters by accepting Paradox's power. She'd hunted and captured legendary dragons for him, and all the while she was used as a puppet. Maybe she didn't deserve a deck in the end. Shadow noticed her mood, and decided to check on her. "Down in the dumps about your deck?"

"Yeah.", Starlight said with a sigh. "I know my actions weren't my fault. But it still cost me my old deck. Looking at the stars...it kinda reminds me of this dream I had as a little girl."

"Really? What kind of dream?", Shadow asked with a smile.

"Well...it was about a dragon. A dragon with swirling galaxies for eyes! It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.", Starlight said with a fond smile. "She told me...that I'd find her when the time was right." Starlight then shook her head. "It's probably crazy to say something like that."

"I don't think so. I had dreams about Dragluon when I was little too. Maybe this dragon's waiting for you." Shadow then looked up at the sky. "Maybe you'll meet it someday. It's just waiting in the stars."

"That day has come sooner than you think.", a voice answered. Shadow and Starlight were startled, and then looked to the sky. A star was glowing brighter than all the others. And even stranger, it seemed to be moving! Moving towards them! Shadow and Starlight hit the deck as the star came closer! Stopping when it was a few feet away from them! The light then exploded and then condensed into a dragon made of pure light! Its eyes were made of swirling galaxies. "Hello Starlight.", the dragon answered with a kind smile. "You've grown much since I last saw you."

"You...", Starlight said in awe. "You were the dragon I saw in my dreams when I was little. You're real? Who are you?"

"I am a dragon made of light itself. I am Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. Your partner, and new friend."

"That's...very kind of you. But I don't have a deck you can call home or monsters you can call friends.", Starlight said sadly. "I don't even know if I can call you my partner." Galaxy-Eyes then put her hand on Starlight's shoulder.

"I'm afraid its my fault you're thinking this way. Paradox got to you before I could reach you. And you needn't worry about a deck. I've brought a few friends along on my expedition." Galaxy-Eyes opened up a portal, and monsters that seemed to hail from space materialized. "You may not THINK you're ready Starlight. But I KNOW you are."

"Galaxy-Eyes....thank you. Time to start this new chapter of my story.", Starlight said with a smile as Galaxy-Eyes and her comrades turned into a deck, and floated into Starlight's hands. "This new deck....it feels right. This is that feeling you were talking about. Right?"

Shadow smiled and nodded. "Exactly." The two held each other when they heard a howl come from the tent site! "Doesn't sound good." Shadow summoned his Duelist Arm. "Let's find out what's going bump in the night." Shadow and Starlight headed towards the source of the howl. Hoping to find what was causing it.

Duel 5: The Beast Within

Fang stirred in his bed that night. That chill he felt earlier was back. But this time, there was something new. A voice ringing in his mind. The voice clawed away at Fang's thoughts! "Show yourself!", Fang growled. "Who are you?! And why're you in my head?!"

"Insolent cub.", the voice snarled as a figure materialized. Fang was shocked! The figure looked like an older, darker version of himself. "So. You are the next child born with the wolf spirit within you. I am your ancestor. Savage Howl. I was sealed away here after my master was weakened. I served her as her protector. And now....YOU will do the same. My master Gaia has need of my services once again."

"Gaia? You mean like Gaia Everfree? Whatever you two are planning, I won't let you!", Fang cried out in defiance! Savage just let out a dark chuckle.

"You misunderstand cub. You'll have no choice in the matter.", Savage Howl said with an evil smile as he turned into a black wolf, and pounced on Fang! Back in the real world, Fang let out a howl as his body had altered! His skin had turned black, and his hair and tail turned a deep shade of red-violet. And his eyes became devoid of pupils. Leaving only black white voids present. Veenus awoke to Fang's howl, and was horrified to see what had become of his friend!

"Fang?! What happened to you?", Veenus demanded. Savage turned to Veenus, and gave him a dark smile.

"Ah. One who bears the blood of my master. Your presence has been requested by her."

"Sorry. But I'm not going anywhere!"

"A pity you did not make this easy on yourself." Savage channeled darkness into his hand, and grabbed Veenus by his face! The darkness forcing Veenus into an artificial sleep. Savage picked up Veenus and slung him over his shoulder. "We've a pressing engagement that can't avoided." Meanwhile, Aria had heard Fang's howl and bolted awake!

"Adagio, get up!", Aria said as she lightly punched Adagio in the arm. Waking her instantly.

"Hnnnnn. Aria? Can't it wait until morning?", Adagio groaned.

"That howl came from Fang and Veenus's tent! You really wanna wait until its too late?!"

Adagio's eyes widened as she leaped out of bed. "C'mon slowpoke!" As the two ran toward Veenus and Fang's tent, and saw that Burst and the others had arrived on the scene. Both groups were shocked to see who walked out of the tent.

"Well, well. Aren't we popular tonight?", Savage said with a dark smile. Aria was horrified.

"...Fang?", she whispered. Savage turned his head to her, and sneered.

"So. That's this cub's name." Savage then sniffed in Aria's direction. "Your scent is on this cub's body. He's your lover isn't he?"

"Shut up fur ball!", Adagio snapped. "What're you doing with Veenus? Let him go!"

"Hmph.", Savage scoffed. "Why would someone of my master's lineage ever show interest in a human? Master Gaia has need of this boy, and I need the cub's body to continue my service. You will see neither of us for the rest of your lives!"

"Fang! Don't do this!", Aria pleaded as she charged and tried to tackle Savage Howl! "If you're in there, fight this guy! Whoever this creep is, he's not you! You're my good boy!"

"How disgraceful." Savage smacked Aria back. "My descendant has demeaned himself by becoming some human's pet. Now he shall be restored to the glory those of my lineage are worthy of!" Savage ran off to the woods! "Follow me humans. If you dare!" As Savage faded into the darkness, Aria bolted after him with Adagio close behind!

"Let's follow them.", Burst said as he summoned his Duelist Arms. "Who knows what's lurking in the forest now." Inferno, Ace, Ice, and Nightmare summoned their own Duelist Arms while Twilight and Night readied their own. But before they left, Hermos materialized before them. "I assume you've got another delivery for us?"

"In specific, for Veenus and Fang.", Hermos said as he produced two weapons from the chest he'd brought.

"Then we're gonna have to deliver it ourselves. IF Fang snaps out of whatever's got him acting like this." Burst and the group rushed towards the forest! Hoping to find out what was going on with their friends.

Duel 6: Family Roots

Veenus stirred as the sleep spell Savage Howl cast on him wore off. "NNnnggggh." Veenus then opened his eyes to find himself in some sort of grove in the forest. "Where...where am I?"

"So you awaken.", Savage Howl said with a dark smile. "My master Gaia has been waiting for you."

"What do I have to do with her?!", Veenus demanded.

"Ask me yourself child.", a new voice said. Veenus turned to the figure leaving a trail of gem dust in her wake. "I was wondering when that seed I planted would bear fruit for my plans."

"So. You're the famous Gaia Everfree. What do you want with me?"

Gaia let out a dark chuckle. "Oh, Veenus. Haven't you ever wondered where your powers come from? How you can do the things you can with plants?"

"What are you saying?!"

"I suppose your mother never truly told you about her history.", Gaia said with a dark smile. "But first, come out of that cub Savage. I've a new body waiting for you." Gaia levitated a humanoid body made of wood with wolf ears and a tail. Savage grinned as he left Fang's body as a black mist, and entered the body his master had constructed for him. "Much better. Now then Veenus. It's time for you to know. Your mother is not human. She was a seed I planted to give me a successor to carry-on my legacy. But I never imagined Rose would ever find interest in a human. But I suppose it worked out in the end. That relationship has bloomed fully in you."

"You mean...."

"Yes. I am your grandmother. For years I have protected this forest. I let those humans have their time to share this land. But now the time has come to reclaim it. And I will reclaim it through you."

"What gives you the right to call this forest yours?!", Veenus demanded. Fang then got to his feet, and snarled at seeing Savage Howl in a new body. "I'll never help you! I don't care if we are related! Maybe Mom wanted nothing to do with you!"

"YOU! You hurt Aria!", Fang growled!

"Silence cub. Your parents should have taught you to respect your alpha.", Savage said with a scowl.

"You should learn to respect your elder boy.", Gaia said sternly. "And you have no choice! But I suppose we can make your joining us a game." Gaia threw two flowers that stuck themselves to Veenus and Fang's chests! "We shall duel for your cooperation. And those flowers aren't just for show. When you take damage, they shall bloom. When you lose all your life points, they shall seal your souls! But take heart. We shall still care for them even after we win."

Veenus glared at Gaia as Fang growled at Savage. "Fine." Meanwhile, Adagio and Aria had arrived.

"Veenus!" Adagio threw Veenus's duel disk to him while Aria did the same for fang!

"Thanks!", Fang called out before facing Savage Howl. "We accept the fact that we have your blood in us..."

"...But we refuse to accept you as our family!", Veenus declared as he activated his duel disk!

"Then let's keep this little reunion to ourselves.", Gaia said with a dark smile as she brought up a barrier of thorns.

"LET'S DUEL!"

Gaia and Savage: 16000
Veenus and Fang: 16000

"This is our domain. We shall take the first move!", Gaia declared. "I set a card and summon Predplant Spinodionaea! I end my turn."

'Looks like her garden's full of thorns!', Veenus thought as he started his turn. "I draw!" Veenus then took a look at the cards in his hand.'Nice! Time to show her the thorns of my roses!' "I summon a Lonefire Blossom! Now I'll tribute it to special summon a plant-type monster from my deck! I special summon Queen Angel of Roses!" A magnificent monster materialized in a storm of rose petals! "Attack her Predaplant! Thorn Lance Charge!" Queen Angel of Roses charged at Predaplant Spinodionaea! Destroying it with a single jab of her lance! "Then I'll set a card and end my turn."

Gaia and Savage: 15400
Veenus and Fang: 16000

"My turn!", Savage Howl said with a wicked grin. "I summon Gene-Warped Warwolf and end my turn."

"I draw!" Fang said. 'Not good! His monster's stronger than most of the main deck monsters I have! And the only monsters I have that are strong enough to take him down take three tributes! But strong attack isn't everything! Duels also need to be won by strategy!' "I summon Destiny HERO Diamond Dude in defense mode! Then I'll set a card and end my turn!"

"My turn. I draw!" Gaia looked at her cards. "I activate my trap! Predaplanet! Now I summon Predaplant Flytrap! Now I'll activate his effect! I can place a Predator Counter on one monster you control! And since your angel's level was greater than two, her level becomes one! Now I'll attack her with my monster!" Flytrap lunged at Queen Angel, but was destroyed! But before it left the field, it bit down on Queen Angel of Roses! "At the start of the damage step, if Flytrap battles a monster whose level is lower than his, that monster's destroyed!" Gaia cringed as she took damage! "Now Predaplanet's effect activates! Since a monster with a Predator Counter left the field, I can add one 'Predap' card from my deck to my hand!" Gaia searched through her deck, and smiled when she found the card she was looking for. "I end my turn."

Gaia and Savage: 13400
Veenus and Savage: 16000

'Looks like I was right about her deck.', Veenus thought as he drew his next card. 'Her monsters' thorns are pretty sharp! She managed to get rid of one of my best monsters! But in the meantime, Fang and I have the lead in life points.' "I summon Bird of Roses in attack mode! Attack her directly! Thorn Talon Strike!" Rose Bird dived into Gaia's life points! Striking her directly! "I end my turn."

Gaia and Savage: 11600
Veenus and Savage: 16000

"My turn!" Savage drew his next card! "Now I can truly bare my fangs! I summon The Fabled Cereburrel! I tune Gene-Warped Warwolf with him!" Cereburrel turned into two green rings and hovered over Gene-Warped Warwolf! A column of light shot from the rings, and a three-headed wolf stood when the light faded! "I synchro summon Celestial Wolf Lord, Blue Sirius! Then I'll play Stop Defense to force your monster into attack mode! Then I'll play Anti-Magic Arrows! This should prevent your traps from stopping me! Now I play Megamorph to double Sirius's attack! Destroy Diamond Dude!" Sirius crushed Diamond Dude in a single blow from his fist! "I end my turn."

Gaia and Savage: 11600
Veenus and Fang: 12800

"Nnnnngggh!", Fang groaned as he got to his feet. "Time to see how hard I can bite back! I draw!" 'Darn! I got Dogma in my hand, but I'm still missing Plasma for Dragoon! Not to mention I need Polymerization or Chain Material to fuse them! And if I use Destiny Draw, I'll need to ditch one of my Destiny HEROES! Looks like I don't have much of a choice. My hand is mostly spells and traps, and I've only got two monsters including Dogma!' "I activate Destiny Draw! I'll discard Destiny HERO Dynatag and draw two new cards!" 'This'll trap could help me! It'll at least help me get to Dragoon faster!' "I set a card and end my turn!"

"I draw!", Gaia said with a dark smile. "Ah. Excellent! I play Predapruning to revive Predaplant Spinodionaea! Now that he's been summoned, I can place a Predator Counter you control! Then I'll play Polymerization! I'll fuse my Predaplant on my field with another in my hand!" The two monsters leaped into a swirling vortex, and a new monster emerged from the vortex! "I fusion summon Predaplant Chimerafflesia! Now I'll activate his effect! I can banish your monster since she has a lower level than mine!" Chimerafflesia destroyed Bird of Roses with a blast of poisonous pollen! "Now I can attack you directly!" Veenus cringed as Chimerafflesia bit into him! The damage done was real! "I end my turn." Veenus then noticed the flowers on him and Fang blooming.

Gaia and Savage: 11600
Veenus and Fang: 10300

'Not good! These are one of the few flowers I DON'T want to grow!', Veenus thought! "I draw!" 'I gotta uproot this old weed!' Veenus looked at his cards carefully. 'Darn! I've got what I need, but that monster of hers could banish even Black Rose! However, Black Rose's ability could be just what I need! Here goes nothing!' "Time to bring out my best monster! I summon Twilight Rose Knight! Now I'll use his effect! I'll special summon a level four or lower plant-type monster from my hand! I special summon Botanical Lion! Now I'll tune Twilight Rose Knight with Botanical Lion!" Twilight Rose Knight turned into three green rings, and Botanical Lion leaped into them as they lined up! A beam of light shot through the rings, and a new monster stood! "Black Rose Dragon!"

"I see your dragon is in full bloom. I can't wait to use her as my next servant.", Gaia said with an evil smile.

"You won't get the chance! I activate her effect! When Black Rose is synchro summoned, I can destroy all cards on the field! Rose Storm!" Black Rose Dragon unleashed a storm of rose petals that wiped out all other cards on the field! "Attack her directly! Black Rose Flame!" Black Rose Dragon fired a spiral of purple flame! Scorching Gaia's life points! "I end my turn with a face-down."

Gaia and Savage: 9200
Veenus and Fang: 10300

"When Sirius is sent to the graveyard, I can target one face-up monster my opponent controls and lower its attack by 2400! I choose Black Rose Dragon!" Black Rose withered as her attack points dropped! Savage then turned to face Fang. "Prepare to say your goodbyes cub!", Savage spat as he drew his card. "HA HA HA HA! Perfect! I play Soul Charge! I pay 2000 life points to revive Gene-Warped Warwolf and Celestial Wolf Lord, Blue Sirius! Now I summon Pitch-Black Warwolf! Now my pack! Attack him directly!"

"AGGGHH!" Fang cringed as Savage's pack bit a large chunk of his and Veenus's life points! Forcing Fang to the ground! "I activate my trap! Fusion Reserve! This lets me reveal one fusion monster in my extra deck and add one of the fusion materials to my hand!" Fang searched his deck, and picked out Destiny HERO Plasma! Fang then noticed that the flowers on him and Veenus were almost in full bloom!

"All it'll take is one more turn.", Savage said with a wicked grin.

Gaia and Savage: 7200
Veenus and Fang: 4300

'He's right.', Fang thought. 'He's got my field out-numbered! And his pack of monsters is baring their fangs at me! Aria....I'll miss you holding onto me.'

"FANG!", Aria screamed. Fang's ears perked up as he heard Aria scream his name! "Don't you dare leave me now! You made me happy! If you lose now, I'll never forgive you!" Fang slowly got to his feet, and a rainbow-colored flash was going off on top of his deck.

'Aria!' Fang then noticed the rainbow flash at the top of his deck.

"You will become my vessel cub.", Savage mocked. "It is only a matter of time!"

Fang drew his card, and smiled. "You're right. It is time. Time to bare my fangs! I draw!" 'Is this...my own Harmony card?', Fang thought as he looked at the card. "I play Absolute Destiny! This lets me send fusion materials from my hand, deck, or field to the graveyard to carry out the fusion summon of a fusion monster! I'll fuse Destiny HEROES Dogma and Plasma from my hand!" A vortex appeared on the field, and Dogma and Plasma flew into it! When the vortex began to fade, a new monster stood, and Fang had sprouted wings like Destiny End Dragoon! "Come on out! Destiny HERO-Absolute Justice!" Unlike Destiny End Dragoon, Absolute Justice sported smooth, pure and white armor. He was also armed with a wrist-mounted blade and a plasma cannon on his left arm modeled after a dragon, and had large grey angel wings on his back! "Now his effect activates! I can destroy all monsters my opponent controls!"

"Face the light of justice fiends!", Absolute Justice boomed as he fired a gigantic blast from his arm cannon! Wiping out all of Savage Howl's monsters!

"Now that all your monsters are destroyed, you take half of their total attack points as damage!" Savage cringed as his life points took a massive hit! "The only downside is that I can't attack after I activate this effect, he can't attack and is forced into defense mode."

"Don't worry Fang. My power to attack is equal only to my capacity to defend.", Absolute Justice said with a nod.

"I end my turn."

Gaia and Savage: 4200
Veenus and Fang: 4300

"You may best my servant. But I shall defeat both of you!", Gaia hissed as she drew a card. "I had considered sparing your dragon. But now, nothing would please me more than destroying it! I play Miracle Fertilizer! This lets me special summon a plant-type monster from my graveyard! I revive Predaplant Chimerafflesia! I would banish your monster, but I will take great pleasure in destroying it!" Black Rose Dragon shrieked in pain as Chimerafflesia crushed her with his tendril!

"Black Rose!", Veenus cried as he soon felt a sharp pain as the flower Gaia had put on him opened up more! Causing Veenus to fall to his knees from the pain!

"I end my turn.", Gaia said with a vicious smile.

Gaia and Savage: 4200
Veenus and Fang: 1800

"C'mon Veenus! You really gonna let that old weed beat you?!", Adagio cried out! "If you're gone, I'll miss your corny romance lines!" Adagio was blushing as she said that. Veenus smiled weakly.

"You...really liked those lines?"

"They were....sweet. I wish half the guys I met when I first came here would talk to me like you do."

A rainbow-colored flash went off on top of Veenus's deck! Veenus noticed, and drew his card! "Gaia, you were wrong! Now my dragon will truly be in full bloom! I play Rose of Harmony! This lets me banish a tuner and a synchro monster from my extra deck or graveyard, or send them to the graveyard from my hand or extra deck! I'll banish Twilight Rose Knight and Black Rose Dragon from my graveyard!" A storm of rose petals circled around Veenus! Soon, he sprouted wings like Black Rose Dragon! The two monsters became a pillar of light! "I synchro summon Black Rose Full Bloom Dragon!" A humanoid version of Black Rose Dragon stood when the pillar of light faded! Petals fell from her wings as she let out a melodious cry. "You've seen her petals, now you'll feel her thorns! Since she was synchro summoned, I can banish all monsters you control!"

"NO!", Gaia screamed as her monster vanished in a storm of petals

"Now that I've taken care of the weeds on your field, its time to uproot you! Rose Harmony Flare!"

"Every rose has its thorn!", Black Rose said with a smile as she fired a rainbow storm of rose petals! Wiping out the last of Gaia and Savage Howl's life points! After Gaia was defeated, the thorn barrier around the area vanished and the flowers of Veenus and Fang withered away into dust. Aria and Adagio then ran up to Fang and Veenus respectively.

"Easy Aria. I'm alright.", Fang said with a small smile. Aria was crying tears of joy.

"You...you idiot!", she sobbed. "Don't scare me like that!"

"I guess your love for me made me truly bloom.", Veenus said with a smile as Adagio hugged him.

"Like I said. Cheesy, but sweet. The kinda stuff I can't get enough of..." Adagio then shared a deep kiss with Veenus.

"If you two aren't too busy....", Ice said with a smirk. "Hermos made some new Duelist Arms for you two. Here!" Ice tossed Veenus's Duelist Arm to him. A whip modeled after Black Rose Dragon.

"I guess you have thorns of your own now.", Adagio said with a small smile.

"Don't worry Fang. Hermos didn't forget you.", Ace said as he threw Fang the Duelist Arms that were made for him.

"Huh. One gauntlet modeled after Destiny End Dragoon.", Fang said as he put on the gauntlet. "Looks like the claws pull back for the plasma caster shaped like a dragon's head. Nice! Time to see what else it can do!" Fang aimed his gauntlet out, and the claws shot out like grappling hooks! "Cool!"

"I think you two have more pressing concerns!", Burst noted as he saw Gaia and Savage slowly rise!

"This isn't over!", Gaia hissed.

"Yes..." Veenus leaped into the air with his wings, and tied-up Gaia with his Duelist Arm! "Black Rose Whip! Ignite!" Purple flames danced along the whip and enveloped Gaia!

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!", Gaia screamed as the flames drained her magic and she reverted into a seed! Part of her magic flowed into Veenus boosting his control over plants. Meanwhile, Savage Howl's spirit left the body Gaia had made for him, and was circling Fang.

"So. The cub bares his fangs at his alpha.", Savage scoffed.

"And you spoke of our noble wolf spirit. Ironic considering how you've lost your way. If you truly protect this forest, then you know that the people here mean no harm!"

"Silence!" Savage snarled. "You did not have your mate taken from you by humans! Serving Gaia gave me purpose! " Savage charged at Fang and Aria, but Fang was ready!

"LUNAR REAVER!" Fang's right hand soon grew white claws made of moonlight! Fang leaped into the air, and sunk his claws into Savage Howl's spirit! Savage's spirit then exploded, leaving his true spirit in its wake. A white wolf. "So that's your true form."

"I let the darkness in because I grieved my mate being taken away from me.", Savage said with splayed ears. "But it appears you've had a happier tale than mine. Now I must move on. Farewell child. Take care of your pack." Savage's spirit went through Fang before fading away with a final howl. "I wonder what that was about?" Fang then twitched as he transformed in a flash of light! He then found he had turned into a full-grown wolf! "Huh. This is new." In another flash of light, Fang was an adorable wolf pup. Aria could barely contain herself, and scooped him into her arms!

"Cuuute!", Aria squealed as she nuzzled him! Fang then turned into his human form again.

"What? Was I uglier as a human?", Fang joked.

"Fluttershy's going to freak when she hears about this.", Burst said with a smile. "But right now? Let's head back to our tents. We need some sleep...." The group then headed back to their tents. Hoping to get some rest after the ordeal that had just went on.

Author's Note

Card Stats.

Name: Destiny HERO-Absolute Justice
Attribute: DARK
Level: 10
Type: Warrior/Fusion/Effect
ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000
Effect: This card can only be fusion summoned by the effect of "Absolute Destiny". Once per turn, you can destroy all monsters your opponent controls. Inflict half of their total attack points as damage to your opponent. This card cannot attack after you activate this effect and if switched into defense mode. If this card is destroyed, you can special summon it from your graveyard during your next standby phase.

Name: Black Rose Full Bloom Dragon
Attribute: FIRE
Level: 10
Type: Dragon/Synchro/Effect
ATK: 3500/DEF: 2900
Effect: This card can only be synchro summoned by the effect of "Rose of Harmony". When this card is synchro summoned, banish all cards your opponent controls. This card cannot be targeted or destroyed by card effects. If this card is destroyed, special summon it from your graveyard during your next standby phase.

Duel 7: Time to Shine

The next morning had come, and Burst and his friends had put the events of last night behind them. They informed the rest of their friends, and Fluttershy begged Fang to transform for her. Fang went with his wolf pup form, and Fluttershy nearly squeezed him! "Fluttershy...", Burst asked. "Maybe you could let him go so he can breathe?"

"Oh! Sorry!", Fluttershy said sheepishly as she released Fang, who leaped into Aria's arms as she held him tight. Thankfully, not as tight as Fluttershy had.

"So Sunset.", Gold said. "You said you and the girls have been seeing signs of new magical abilities?"

"Yeah.", Sunset nodded. "Fluttershy can talk to animals, Pinkie can throw exploding sprinkles, Rainbow Dash has super speed, Applejack has enhanced strength, Twilight's magic is psychokinesis, Rarity can make gem shields, and I've got telepathic empathy."

"Who knows? Maybe we can go a few rounds with you guys!", Rainbow Dash boasted.

"Great to hear you think you can take us on Dash, but we've got more pressing matters.", Steel noted. "Namely that the source of these new powers is tied to this camp."

"And I think we've got a good idea of where that source is.", Inferno added. "Burst and I picked up on some energy signatures unique to each of you. The crazy thing is, they were coming from that necklace Gloriosa was wearing! Maybe she's also the reason some of those odd events like that sudden gust of wind at the lake."

"I think they've got the right idea.", Starlight said. "We DID see that Rich guy making a bid to try and buy this place. Gloriosa loves this place, and its been in her family for years. I'm willing to bet she'd use any power she can to save it. I know what its like when you accept a power you don't understand."

"You and me both.", Twilight said with a small smile.

"Anyone else willing to bet that she got them from that 'forbidden' gem mine?", Veenus added.

"Then that's where she'll be.", Sunset said. "Twilight? Starlight? I think its time we had a word with our counselor." Sunset, Twilight, and Starlight journeyed to the gem mine that had been closed-off, and found two crystals on a pedestal. However, there were also five empty holds for other crystals. "Looks like Burst and the guys were right about Gloriosa's necklace."

"That wasn't the only thing they were right about." Gloriosa stepped out of the shadows to face the girls.

"Gloriosa...why?", Sunset asked. "Why're you causing events that could ruin Camp Everfree?!"

"What? No...I'd never do anything to harm this place." Sunset was confused, and held Gloriosa's shoulder. Memories of her finding the crystals and using them to try and make their stay the best ever.

"You were only trying to help...but you have to stop!"

"Why should I? These crystals give me great power, and I control it!"

"No you can't.", Starlight said sternly. "I found a great source of power too once. But when I wielded it, I wasn't controlling it. It was controlling me! Gloriosa, if you keep this up it'll consume you!" Gloriosa slowly made her way to the remaining crystals.

"Maybe. Or maybe I just need more power!" Gloriosa snatched the remaining crystals, and transformed into a creature similar to Gaia Everfree! "It's been fun girls, but I can't have you messing up my plans!" Gloriosa flew out of the cave, and buried the entrance with one of her vines!

"So much for reasoning with her.", Sunset said with a sigh.

"Then it looks like we'll have to do this the old fashioned way.", Starlight said as she summoned a new duel disk modeled after Galaxy-Eyes.

"I'll take care of our exit.", Twilight said. Twilight fired-up her magic, and cleared the boulders. "That should do it. Let's go!" Back at the campsite, Hermos had shown up with Burst and the guys.

"For Steel, the Super Soldier Saber and Shield.", Hermos said as he tossed a sword and shield modeled after BLS-Super Soldier. "Then we have the Adamant Edge for Rarity." Rarity was handed a sword modeled after Master Diamond's, but made of diamond itself.

"Its lovely.", Rarity said in awe. "Great form AND function!" Rarity slung the sword on her back in its sheath. "It shall go nicely with my ability to make gem shields."

Hermos smiled proudly as he continued to hand out Duelist Arms. "Pinkie. I think you'll like these sprinkle bombs. I had the Madolches themselves help me get them just right."

"SWEET!", Pinkie beamed. "Especially since I can also throw exploding sprinkles now!"

"Maybe that wasn't such a wise idea.", Hermos muttered under his breath. "Moving on...here's a set of twin stun blasters for Applejack, and for Fluttershy we've got a staff modeled after Winged Kuriboh Level 10." Fluttershy nervously took the staff from Hermos. "Okay. Just gotta focus on the other Duelist Arms for your other friends." Hermos returned to the monster world.

"Can't wait to try these things out!", Steel said with a grin. Burst snapped his attention to the great energy signature he sensed.

"I think you just got your chance..." The students found the transformed Gloriosa hovering above them!

"Attention campers! There are people who're trying to tear this place down! But don't worry! I've got this!" Gloriosa made vines rise up from the ground! Creating a dome around the camp! "There's no need to be scared. Here we'll have all that we need."

"Why don't I believe you?", Burst asked sternly. Gloriosa hovered over to him and his friends.

"You needn't worry. I have everything handled."

"DO you? I know that's you Gloriosa. You can't handle this power! Don't make me fight you."

"Pffft! AHAHAHHAHA! YOU? Fight me? What makes you think you stand a chance?"

"Because you're not the only one who's got powers!" Burst summoned his Duelist Arms and fired a shot from his blaster! Sending Gloriosa reeling! Burst then turned to his friends. "I'll hold her off while you guys work at getting everyone free!"

"Like heck we're letting you handle this alone! I'm with ya Burst!", Inferno said as he summoned his Duelist Arms. "But we gotta be careful! Sunset and the others should be able to purify her!" Burst and Inferno charged at Gloriosa! Cutting any vines she sent their way with their swords! "I guess she's taken 'one with nature' to a whole new level!"

"There's just no end to these things!", Burst groaned as he fired off more shots to destroy the swarm of vines that kept trying to entangle him and Inferno! Meanwhile, Steel and Ice were slashing away at the wall of vines that kept the students imprisoned. However, Gloriosa wasn't having any of that and summoned a swarm of plant creatures!

"I'll take care of the walking shrubbery! You keep trying to break through Ice!" Steel raised his shield and put up a barrier! Blocking the plant monsters from the students! Ice went back to the wall, and slashed away!

"Dang it! Just slashing at it isn't getting me anywhere! Time for something new...Power Force Shot!" Ice fired a small, but powerful fireball from his sword! Blasting a hole through the wall of vines! But new vines quickly replaced the ones that were destroyed. "You've gotta be kidding me!" Meanwhile, Steel had to drop his shield's barrier to engage the plant creatures Gloriosa had summoned. Fortunately, his Super Soldier Saber had great reach. Allowing him to cut the plant creatures to pieces. Sunset, Twilight, and Starlight had arrived by getting pulled through the wall of vines! Burst and Inferno were doing well against Gloriosa until she surprised them by making the ground sink around them!

Burst's eyes widened! "We gotta fly!" Burst and Inferno summoned their wings, and took the fight to the air! However, Gloriosa only increased the intensity of her attacks! Sending out barrages of thorns and wildly swinging vines at them! Burst and Inferno dodged like crazy, but the equal insanity of Gloriosa's attacks grounded them with a powerful swing of one of her viens! Knocking them over to the other students! Rarity gasped, and put up a shield.

"Darling, are you arlight?"

"Yeah....", Inferno groaned. "Still breathing and in one piece." Gloriosa then wrapped her vines around Rarity's shield, and began to squeeze it! Slowly causing cracks! "No you don't!" Inferno fired a shot from his blaster at one of the vines that had gotten through! Causing the vines to slightly retreat! "Just focus on the vines that're outside Rarity! I'll take care of any that get inside!" As her friends struggled in the barrier, Twilight turned her attention to the crystals on Gloriosa's necklace. Twilight focused her magic on the crystals, and freed them from Gloriosa! Inside the barrier, Inferno got an idea! He charged up his blaster, and turned to Rarity. "Rarity! Drop the shield! NOW!" Rarity dropped the shield, and Inferno fired the charged shot! Burning away the vines that had entrapped them! "Ace! See if you can distract Gloriosa!" Ace nodded, and fired a spell grande from his gauntlet! Causing Gloriosa to scowl in his direction!

"I think I did my job too well!" Ace dodged like crazy as Gloriosa sent her vines after him! Meanwhile, the crystals Twilight had freed flew into the hands of her, Sunset, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. Once they had the crystals, the magic within them was unlocked! Causing them to pony-up! Twilight met with the others, and Starlight joined them.

"Gloriosa!", Starlight called out! "I challenge you to a duel! If I win, you let everyone else go!"

"I guess I have a few minutes to deal with you. But first..." Gloriosa used her powers to summon a duel disk. "I needed to get equipped!"

Starlight: 8000
Gloriosa: 8000

"Since we're on my turf, I get the first turn!", Gloriosa said with a cocky grin. "I summon Lonefire Blossom! Now I tribute him to bring out Chirubime, Princess of Autumn Leaves in defense mode! Then I'll play Trade-In to discard a level eight monster from my hand to draw two new cards! Then I'll set a card and end my turn."

'She's like me.', Starlight thought as she drew her card. 'There's gotta be a way to snap her out of this!' "Listen to me Gloriosa! You're not yourself! This power, I know it may feel like you're unstoppable, but you can't control it! You can't handle it!"

"NO! I've got this!", Gloriosa snapped.

"Then it looks like I've got no choice. I discard a LIGHT monster from my hand to special summon Galaxy Soldier in defense mode! Now that he's been summoned, I can add a 'Galaxy' monster from my deck to my hand! Since I've got a level five or higher 'Galaxy' monster on my field, I can normal summon Galaxy Knight without tributing! Then I'll end my turn." 'I guess this is where I find out how bright my galaxy deck shines.'

"I draw!" Gloriosa smiled as she looked at her cards. "I summon Lord Poison in attack mode, and have him attack your Galaxy Knight!"

'Is she crazy?! Her monster has less attack points than mine!' "What're you planning?!"

"You'll see." Gloriosa smiled as Galaxy Knight slashed Lord Poison to bits! "I may have taken a hit, but now that Lord Poison has been destroyed by battle I can special summon a plant-type monster from my graveyard! Bloom once again! Talaya, Princess of Cherry Blossoms! Now that she's on the field, plant-type monsters can't be destroyed by card effects! Also, she gains 100 attack for each plant-type monster I control! But I've done all I need for my turn, so that's all for me."

Starlight: 8000
Gloriosa: 6600

'So she's trying to get a bunch of monsters with the same level on the field...she's planning on an Xyz summon! But what monster needs so many high-level monsters? Most xyz monsters need at least two materials. I guess I'll find out as the duel goes on.' "I draw! I summon Galaxy Wizard! Then I'll tribute him to add a 'Galaxy' card to my hand! There's no use in trying to attack your monster, so I end my turn." 'Now I just need to wait for whatever monster she's trying to bring out! I just hope my monsters can handle it.' Starlight then looked at the card she added. 'Something tells me I'm going to need this later.'

"I draw! Perfect! I summon Copy Plant! Now I'll make him level eight like my flower princesses! Now I overlay all three of my monsters!" A swirling galaxy appeared on the ground, and Gloriosa's monsters became beams of blue, green, and orange light, and dove into the galaxy! A flash of light went off, and a new monster emerged as the galaxy faded. The number 87 was on her waist. "Welcome to the field! Number 87: Queen of the Night! Now I'll equip her with Thorn of Malice! This boosts her attack by 600 points! And if she attacks a defense mode monster, I can inflict piercing damage! I'll attack your Galaxy Soldier!" Starlight cringed as Galaxy Soldier was shattered by the thorn whip Queen of the Night now wielded. But there was something more. Queen of the Night was crying as she attacked! "I end my turn."

Starlight: 4200
Gloriosa: 6600

'Her monster's pretty strong! Not to mention that equip spell gave her a little boost and a nasty bonus ability.', Starlight thought as she drew her next card. Galaxy-Eyes then materialized in her mind.

'There is no need to fear Starlight. My abilities were made specifically to handle xyz monsters! Let's show her how bright our spirit shines!'

"Time for you to meet my partner Gloriosa! She's out of this world! I play Galaxy Expedition! Since I have a level five or higher 'Photon' or 'Galaxy' monster on my field, I can special summon a level five of higher 'Photon' or 'Galaxy' monster from my deck! I special summon Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon! Come on out girl!" Particles of light began to pull together on the field, and condensed into a dragon made of pure blue light! Her eyes were swirling galaxies! "Now I'll attack your monster to activate her effect!" Galaxy-Eyes charged at Queen of the Night! "I won't have you make your monsters cry! I can target the monster Galaxy-Eyes is battling, and banish both of them!" Both Galaxy-Eyes and Queen of the Night disappeared in a flash of light! "Now I'll attack you directly with Galaxy Knight!" Galaxy Knight charged at Gloriosa, and slashed at her life points! "Now that the battle phase is over, the banished monsters return. But Galaxy-Eyes gets an added bonus! She gains 500 attack for each overlay unit on your monster since she was an xyz monster! I end my turn." 'I don't know about you Galaxy-Eyes. But I'd say our souls are shining pretty bright right now.', Starlight thought with a smile.

Starlight: 4200
Gloriosa: 3800

"You've done well to cut down most of my life points.", Gloriosa said as she drew her next card. "But I'll be the one left standing after this duel! And this camp will stand forever!"

"Gloriosa, please! There's a better way than this! Is this really how you want things to be?! Can't you see your monster is crying because you've done this to yourself?"

"Be quiet! It's my turn! I activate Queen of the Night's effect! I'll detach one overlay unit to boost her by 300 points! Attack Galaxy Knight!" Starlight winced as Galaxy Knight exploded in a cluster of stars! "I end my turn with a face-down. Now you don't have an extra monster to get at my life points."

Starlight: 3500
Gloriosa: 3800

"I draw!" 'Looks like she's going to stick to that attack boost effect. Too bad Galaxy-Eyes has enough attack points to take down her number! I can worry about that trap card soon enough.' "Attack her monster Galaxy-Eyes! Photon Stream of Destruction!" Galaxy-Eyes charged up a beam of pure light, and fired it from her mouth! Striking Queen of the Night! But when the light faded, she was still standing! "What?"

"Do you like my trap?", Gloriosa said with a smirk. "It's called Number Wall. Number Monsters I control can't be destroyed by battle or card effects! That is, unless you control a number of your own!"

"I end my turn with a face-down.", Starlight said with a frown. "But at least your monster can't beat mine in terms of attack points!"

Starlight: 3500
Gloriosa: 2800

"I wouldn't be too sure about that.", Gloriosa said with a smirk. "First I'll activate Queen of the Night's attack boost effect again! Then I equip Queen of the Night with Xyz Unit! This boosts her attack points by her rank times 200! Boosting her to 5400! Destroy Galaxy-Eyes!" Queen of the Night swatted Galaxy-Eyes out of the sky! Causing the dragon to explode in a cluster of light! "I end my turn."

Starlight: 2600
Gloriosa: 2800

'Not good! She just crushed Galaxy-Eyes, and there's not a monster in my main deck that can take down her monster! And even if I could, Number Wall is keeping Queen of the Night on her field! What do I do?!', Starlight thought. She then noticed the number 62 glowing in her extra deck! 'Galaxy-Eyes...is this a new form of yours? Only one way to find out!' "I draw! I play Call of the Haunted to revive Galaxy-Eyes from my graveyard! Then I'll play Soul Charge! I pay 1000 life points to revive a monster from my graveyard! Welcome back Galaxy Knight! Now I overlay my two monsters!" A swirling galaxy appeared on the field, and Starlight's monsters turned into swirls of yellow light! Flying right into the vortex! "Light of the galaxy! Shine on this duel! Come on out!" The number 62 glowed in the vortex, and a new form of Galaxy-Eyes emerged! Number 62: Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon!" Galaxy-Eyes Prime let out a mighty roar as she took the field! "Now I'll attack your monster! Then I can activate Galaxy-Eyes Prime's effect! I'll detach one overlay unit! Now Prime gains attack equal to all the ranks of all Xyz monsters on the field times 200! There's two rank eights, so Prime gains 3200 attack points!"

"NO!"

"Let's go Galaxy-Eyes! Prime Photon Stream!" Galaxy-Eyes Prime fired a beam of pure light from her mouth! Destroying Queen of the Night! As Queen of the Night was destroyed, Number Wall also left the field! "Since I've got a 'Galaxy-Eyes' Xyz monster, I can attach Galaxy-Eyes Cloudragon from my graveyard as an overlay unit. I end my turn."

Starlight: 1600
Gloriosa: 1000

"I draw!" Gloriosa smiled when she saw the card she drew. "I play Trade-In to discard a level eight monster in my hand! Now I can draw two cards! I play the Miracle Fertilizer I just drew! I'll use it to revive Queen of the Night in defense mode! Try getting to my life points now!"

"I won't need to try! I will!" Starlight drew her next card. "And this card will help me prove that! I play Return of the Dragon Lords to Revive Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!" Galaxy-Eyes revived in a flash of light! Her body glowing a blinding blue! "Prime! Take down her monster! Galaxy-Eyes, end this!" Both of Starlight's dragons unleashed streams of photon energy! Prime's wiped out Queen of the Night, while Photon's wiped out the last of Gloriosa's life points! "By the way, watch out for the rainbow of light headed your way." Gloriosa was confused as to what Starlight meant when Sunset and the others fired a rainbow of magic at her! Turning her back into her old self. Starlight helped Gloriosa up. "Feeling better?"

"Yeah...", Gloriosa said with a weak smile. "I guess....I didn't have a handle on things as much as I thought."

Starlight smiled. "Yeah. Messing with crazy magic can mess with your head. As for your problem, I think I've got an idea on how to save Camp Everfree...."

Epilogue

Sunset and the other girls had finished performing for the Save Camp Everfree Fundraiser, and enough money had been raised to keep the camp up and running. Pinkie gave a fond sigh as she saw everyone enjoying themselves. "Ah. I love these happy endings." Starlight and Shadow were enjoying each other's company.

"I guess you could say that your new deck is out of this world.", Shadow joked.

"Sorry! But I beat you to that pun.", Starlight said with a giggle. "But to be honest, I'm just happy I found the right deck for me." Starlight and Shadow then shared a kiss. "And that I had someone with me every step of the way. My Shadow." The other couples watched proudly as the two spent time together.

"You think we're gonna get shipped soon?", Applejack asked.

"I know who has the answers~!", Pinkie chirped.

"Really? Who?", Fluttershy asked.

"No spoilers!" Everyone continued to enjoy the party until it was time to head home. Each of them looking forward to what lie ahead.

CHS after dark....

Two figures appeared at CHS. They observed the place as if they were feeling around for something. One was a boy, and the other was a younger girl. "So he's still in this city. And here's where he spends his days.", the boy stated.

The girl nodded. "Raviel is still with him. But we'll soon see to that. And we shall prove ourselves as unstoppable." The girl then tensed as she sensed a new presence. "It appears we aren't alone."

"Indeed.", A hooded figure said. The boy and girl turned to face the hooded figure. "So. You two wish to gain more power." the figure removed his hood. "I can help you get it. That is, if you follow my plan..."