Yu-Gi-Oh! Friendship is Dueling 8: Reunions

Chapters

Prologue
Duel 1: Weekend Relaxation Part 1
Duel 2: Weekend Relaxation Part 2
Duel 3: Misunderstanding
Duel 4: New friends, New Foes
Duel 5: Reunion
Duel 6: Gentle Giant
Duel 7: Strike of the Sacred Beasts Part 1
Duel 8: Strike of the Sacred Beasts Part 2
Duel 9: Magnetic Attraction
Duel 10: The Duelist and The Designer
Duel 11: Dark Ambitions
Duel 12: Catching-Up
Duel 13: Reconciliation
Duel 14: Dark Dreams
Duel 15: A Rare Nightmare Part 1
Duel 16: A Rare Nightmare Part 2
Duel 17: Same Desire, Different Path
Duel 18: Battle Between the Blue-Eyes
Duel 19: Our Hero?
Duel 20: True Friends
Duel 21: Slay the Sacred Beasts!
Duel 22: Fathers and Sons
Epilogue

Prologue

After the events of The Legend of Everfree...

A boy with red hair, yellow eyes, an azure wrist band, brown-red pants, a dark red shirt, and a brown jacket noticed a bright red glow coming from his deck. Thunder Force pulled out Slifer the Sky Dragon from his deck. Yugi gave me Slifer because Slifer sensed the potential within me. So what's making him act-up?' "Thunder Force summoned the mighty Egyptian God Card. "Slifer? What's wrong?"

"I can sense them.", Slifer said calmly. "The Sacred Beasts are stirring from their slumber. I can sense two of them are together. And one seems to be separate from them. My brothers and I sealed them away when they ruled the monster world with terror and cruelty. We must stop them! They cannot be allowed to have free reign over this world!"

"Then it looks like there's a new threat to fight. Should we join forces with the guy bonded to Blue-Eyes?"

Slifer nodded. "He and his friends have the strength to vanquish the Sacred Beasts. This is a threat we must face together."

"Then I know who we're looking for on Monday. But until then, sweet dreams Slifer."

"Rest well Thunder." God Card and duelist slumbered awaiting the morning and their clash with the Egyptian Gods' dark counterparts.

Meanwhile in another house far away....

"YOU CANNOT HOPE TO GUARD ME FOREVER HUMAN!", Raviel boomed. "My brothers have already tainted your siblings with their power! They will find you! They will hunt you! And they will defeat you!"

"Shut up.", a boy with silver hair and blue eyes said flatly. "I'm counting on my siblings finding me. My partner and I are going to make sure they're freed. Right Dark Gaia?" Evil HERO Dark Gaia materialized.

"Indeed Silver Streak. I shall show the Sacred Beasts the dark justice of those who have been used.", Dark Gaia said with a nod.

"Yeah. Tomorrow's a new beginning. Moving here to Canterlot wasn't easy, but maybe things will look up tomorrow. Might even meet the girl of my dreams." Silver went to bed. Hoping that tomorrow would bring a brighter day.

Another time, another place...

"The pieces are all in place.", the hooded figure said with a smug smile. "Those new partners I found should complicate the lives of Burst and his friends quite nicely. Enough for me to get close. Get ready Burst Stream. Reunion is at hand..."

Duel 1: Weekend Relaxation Part 1

"Buuurst~!", Nightmare called sweetly. Burst stirred, and opened his eyes to find Nightmare smiling at him. "Good morning sleepy head. Did you enjoy your wake-up call?"

"Don't I always?", Burst said with a smile as he stretched. "You beat an alarm clock any day of the week. Good morning Moon."

"So what did you have planned for today?"

"Sharing with you all the things I enjoyed as a kid. But first Moon, we'd better eat." Burst and Nightmare made their way downstairs, and were surprised to find Blue-Eyes and Nyx helping Burst's mom with breakfast. "Huh. I'll be. Another pleasant surprise this morning."

"Mornin' Burst!", Blue-Eyes said cheerfully. "Hope you and Moon like pancakes!"

"We got up early just to get everything ready!", Nyx said with a wink. "Enjoy!" Nyx and Blue-Eyes returned to the monster world while Burst and Nightmare got their plates and food, and sat down in front of the TV. Burst made his way back to his room, and brought down a bunch of DVDs when he returned.

"Prepare for my entire childhood condensed into a whole day.", Burst said with a grin as he turned on the TV, and set the input to the DVD player. Burst then put one of the DVDs into the player, and it began to play. "First on the list: Power Rangers!" Nightmare watched with wide eyes as the opening credits rolled.

"This is one of the best theme songs I've ever heard! In fact, it's the only one I've heard. Still. AWESOME!"

"And this is only the first item on the list.", Burst said with a grin as he ejected Power Rangers and put in Transformers. Both Burst and Nightmare grinned whenever they saw Optimus Prime on the screen. "I've also got a few movies we could see." Burst showed Nightmare his movie collection. "Which one do you want to see first Moon?"

"Hmmmm. This Star Wars series seems interesting.", Nightmare said with a smile. Burst chuckled.

"Moon. You're in for the ride of your life." Burst put in Episode IV, and smiled as the iconic title crawl and score boom from the screen! Nightmare's jaw dropped as she watched the whole adventure unfold. "So did you like it?"

"BEST. MOVIE. EVER!", Nightmare screamed! "But...why are we starting at Episode IV?"

"....You don't want to know about Episodes I-III. I fell asleep at all of them." Burst shivered at the memory.

"Sorry I asked. What's next on the list?"

"Hope you like video games.", Burst said with a smile. Nightmare gasped as she hugged Burst tightly!

"I LOVE games! I wonder if I retained any of Luna's gaming skills...." Burst and Nightmare were playing a round of Street Fighter II. The round ended in a draw. "I knew you'd be able to give me a good round.", Nightmare said with a wink.

"Well, I like a girl who's got game.", Burst said with a playful smirk. "Now its time for some other classics." Burst showed-off The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., Metroid, and Devil May Cry.

"Huh. You've got hair like Dante.", Nightmare noted.

"Which version Moon?"

"DMC3.", Moon beamed. "I think I even quoted the first game after we saved Starlight."

"Well, its kinda true.", Burst said with a smile. Nightmare nuzzled Burst. "You were alone, now you've got me."

"And there's no one I'd rather be with.", Nightmare said with a loving smile. Burst shared a loving kiss with Nightmare.

"Hey. You're literally the girl of my dreams.", Burst joked. "I wonder how our fellow couples are doing..."

Duel 2: Weekend Relaxation Part 2

Inferno and Rarity's families had gotten together, and Rarity's parents were chatting up a storm with Inferno's. "You didn't tell me your Dad used to be a rock star, darling.", Rarity said with a sly smile. "Or that your mother was his bandmate for that matter."

"How else do you think I got my singing and guitar skills?", Inferno said with a smile. "They knew what they were doing when they had me. Dad even gave up his old lifestyle so that he could raise me and build a family. Like Red-Eyes, my family is pretty closely-knit."

"I could say the same about me and my family.", Rarity said with a sigh. "My parents are away on business a lot, but they always make sure to call me and Sweetie Belle. They make sure we're never alone." Rarity then noticed that Inferno was staring at her, and giggled. "It's rude to stare darling. But I don't mind since it's you."

"Sorry. I can't help it if I get captivated by your beauty."

"Well. I DO make it a point to look my best.", Rarity said with a proud smile.

"I didn't mean your looks." Inferno then wrapped his arms around Rarity. "I meant your heart. You're one of the kindest, most generous people I've ever known. Your heart's the treasure I'd protect no matter what."

"And your heart is what ignites my soul.", Rarity said with a dreamy look in her eyes as she put her arms around Inferno's neck.

"Gangway!", Sweeite Belle shouted as she chased Black Dragon's Chick!

"Siblings.", Rarity said with a pout.

"Tell me about it.", Red-Eyes said as he kept watch over Chick. Inferno and Rarity let out a small laugh as they gazed at each other.

Meanwhile with Sunset and Gold...

Sunset had went over to Gold's mansion for their date. Gold greeted her with a warm smile. "I've been expecting you."

"Hope I didn't keep you waiting. So are you ready to head to the movies?", Sunset asked.

"You misunderstand. We're using the personal theater here in the mansion."

"Looking to get cozy are we?", Sunset said with a smirk.

"Like you don't enjoy curling up with me.", Gold countered with a smile. The two went inside, and Gold got the snacks ready for the movie as he put it on. Sunset got close to Gold, and shared a kiss with him as the movie began to play. Once the movie was almost over, Sunset curled up with Gold. Gold looked down, and smiled. "Told you."

"No talking in the theater.", Sunset joked as she inched closer to Gold. "Don't make me silence you.", she said with a flirty smile. Gold grinned at hearing Sunset's banter.

"I wouldn't mind that." Gold and Sunset shared another kiss as the credits rolled.

Steel and Rainbow Dash...

"You're SURE this is safe Dash?", Steel asked. "I'm not so sure we should be using my shield to board down this hill."

"Ugh! There you go again with that annoying cool-and-cautionary attitude!", Rainbow Dash groaned. "We'll be fine!"

Steel sighed. "At least the shield can generate a barrier. LET'S GO!" Steel kicked-off the shield and held Rainbow Dash close to him. "WOOOO! THIS IS AWESOME!" Rainbow Dash grinned until she saw something in their path.

"TREE!" Steel noticed the tree, and activated his shield. The two hit the tree, but the barrier managed to cushion the impact. "That was close!"

"Says the girl who talked me into this fool idea in the first place.", Steel said with a smirk. Rainbow pouted, and kissed Steel!

"Shut up.", Rainbow Dash said with a smile.

"Gladly." Steel and Rainbow let out a laugh as they headed off to Sugar Cube Corner.

The Dazzlings and their boyfriends....

Fang was napping in Aria's lap. Aria smiled. "He looks so cute when he's sleeping." Aria scratched one of Fang's ears. Causing him to smile. Adagio smiled at the sight as she and Veenus watched TV.

"Never thought I'd see the day Aria ACTUALLY smiled.", Adagio said with a chuckle.

"And I bet you've never met a guy who could charm you.", Veenus said with a smile as he shared a kiss with her. "I guess you could say our relatioship has blossomed."

"Enough plant-puns you. More lip-locking!" Adagio almost tackeld Veenus as she made-out with him. Sonata and Ace laughed at the sight.

"They all make cute couples!", Sonata beamed.

"True. But I think we set the standard Sonata.", Ace said with a smile as Sonata curled up to him, and shared a kiss. "Its moments like this that I really enjoy."

Shadow and Starlight...

"Man it's nice to take a break from all the craziness.", Shadow said with a calm smile as he and Starlight were enjoying lunch together.

"You do know we're probably going to have to deal with a new set of villains soon, right?", Starlight asked with a sly smile.

"I know. But for now, let's just enjoy this. I think we both needed it."

"You're not wrong. After all, this is our first date. And it's been wonderful." Shadow and Starlight smiled as they enjoyed each other's company.

Nightfall and Twilight...

"This was a great idea for a date Night.", Twilight whispered. Night had taken her to a library for their first date.

"Well, I figured the best date would be something, or someplace you really enjoy.", Nightfall said with a smile. "You did spend a lot of time in the library. And here we are now."

"It is a nice and quiet place. But there is ONE way it could be quieter." Twilight brought Nightfall in for a kiss. "Thanks for always being by me Night." Night just smiled as he and Twilight continued looking at the card catalog they were reading.

Ice and Indigo...

"I did NOT see that coming.", Ice said with wide eyes. "Red, you didn't tell me you had this many relatives."

"Yeah....", Red Dragon Archfiend said as he scratched his head. "They kinda wanted to meet you ever since I became your monster partner. There's my mom Abyss, my dad Bane, Grandpa Calamity, my big brother Nova, and my cousins Scarlight and Tyrant." Red Dragon pointed to a huge family of fearsome-looking dragons. Ice and Indigo were nervous because of how intimidating they looked. That is, until the RDA family smiled.

"Nice to meet you!", the RDA family greeted.

"So....can they join the extra deck?", Red Dragon Archfiend asked.

"Sure.", Ice said with a shrug. "Why stay apart, right?" Several flaming cards flew into Ice's extra deck. Ice then turned to Indigo. "I'm sorry, where were we?"

"About to get ice cream.", Indigo answered. "Something to cool that hot-head of yours."

"I know. My parents gave me the most ironic name ever.", Ice said with a defeated smile. "Just one more day, and its back to the regular routine. Might as well enjoy your snarkiness while I can." Indigo giggled.

"You know you love me." The two got their ice cream and enjoyed their afternoon.

Duel 3: Misunderstanding

Silver Streak had journeyed to CHS on Sunday. Namely because he sensed two familiar presences. "So they were here."

"Yes...YES! My brothers have come for me!", Raviel boomed. "You cannot hope to match their might!"

"We'll see about that. Especially when I use you as material for Dark Gaia." As Streak was talking to Raviel, a new figure had arrived on the scene. Thunder Force and Slifer had sensed Raviel's presence. But since they had no idea of Streak's intentions, they only had one course of action on their minds.

"You!", Thunder called out as he summoned Slifer. Streak turned to face Thunder, and bowed before him and Slifer! "What?!"

"Lord Slifer. Fortune smiled upon me for meeting you.", Streak said with a sigh of relief.

"Why do you bow before me servant of the Sacred Beasts?", Slifer asked.

"It's gotta be a ploy Slifer!", Thunder said. "There's only one way to get him to drop the act!" Thunder activated a duel disk modeled after Slifer.

"This is crazy! But it looks like I've got no choice." Streak took out his own duel disk and activated it!

Thunder: 8000
Streak: 8000

"I've got the first turn!", Thunder said. 'This guy's got a Sacred Beast in his deck. I can't afford to underestimate him! So I can't hold any moves back!' "I summon Gamma The Electromagnet Warrior! Thanks to his effect, when he's summoned I can special summon a level 4 or lower 'Magnet Warrior' from my hand! I special summon Alpha The Electromagnet Warrior! This lets me add a level 8 'Magna Warrior from my deck to my hand!" Thunder searched his deck. 'Nice! One step closer to getting Slifer on my field! But in the meantime, I'd better build up my defenses!' "I set a card and end my turn!"

'This guy sure is headstrong!', Streak thought as he drew a card. 'Time to see if I can get a good hand by getting rid of my old one!' "I play Reload! By shuffling all the cards in my hand into my deck, I can draw the same amount of cards that I shuffled!" Streak shuffled his hand into the deck, and drew six new cards! "Next I'll play Cup of Ace! By tossing a coin, one of two effects will activate depending on heads or tails." Streak pulled out a coin, and tossed it! It landed on tails! "Since it landed on tails, you get to draw two cards. Not my best start. I end my turn by summoning a monster in defense mode."

'Odd...I thought for sure that he'd have rigged-up his deck to turbo summon his Sacred Beast! Then again, this gives me a good chance to bring out Slifer!' "I draw! I summon Beta the Electromagnet Warrior! Then I'll use Alpha's effect to add another 'Magna Warrior' to my hand! I end my turn!"

'He's got three monsters on the field, but why isn't he going for Slifer?', Streak thought. 'No time to worry about that now! I've got Dark Fusion in my hand and I've got a strong EARTH monster! I just need a DARK monster with decent strength!' "I draw! I play Magical Mallet! I'll shuffle three cards from my hand into my deck to draw three new cards!" Streak shuffled three cards into his deck, and drew three new cards! "Just what I need! I play Dark Fusion! I'll fuse Raviel with Valkytion the Magna Warrior! I summon Evil HERO Dark Gaia!" Dark Gaia appeared out of a cluster of rocks boasting 7500 attack! "Now! Attack Alpha the Electromagnet Warrior! Dark Terra Force!"

"Not so fast! I activate all three of my Magnet Warriors' effects! I tribute all three to special summon three 'Magnet Warriors from my deck!" All of Thunder's Electromagnet Warriors were replaced with regular Magnet Warriors! However, Thunder still took a massive hit from Dark Gaia destroying Alpha!

"I guess I'll end my turn with a face-down.", Streak said with a shrug.

Thunder: 1900
Streak: 8000

'Why?! Why didn't he try and bust-out Raviel? All he used it for was fusion material! Still, I can't let my guard down! I've got almost all I need to bring out Slifer!' "I draw! I play Raigeki to destroy all monsters on your field!" A massive thunderbolt wiped out Streak's field! "Then I play Card Advance! This allows me an extra tribute summon this turn! I summon Gamma the Magnet Warrior! Now I tribute the three monsters on my field to summon Slifer the Sky Dragon!" The skies darkened, and thunder boomed! Suddenly, a massive red dragon with two mouths descended from the sky! Lightning was crackling around his body! "There's no point in targeting him! The God Cards are immune! Now I'll activate my traps! My two Magnet Conversions! Each allows me to return three level 4 or lower 'Magnet Warriors' from my graveyard to my hand! And since I activated two, that allows me to add all six Magnet Warriors in my graveyard back to my hand! As you know, Slifer's attack points are equal to the amount of cards in my hand! I've got eight, so that boosts him to 8000! Time for a godly OTK! THUNDER FORCE CANNON!" Slifer opened his mouth, and fired a stream of divine thunder at Streak directly! Wiping out all of his life points in a single attack! Streak groaned as he got up. "Strange. I thought you'd have run off after I beat you."

"That's what I've been trying to tell you hot-head! I GUARD the Sacred Beasts! At least, now it's down to me."

"That would explain why I sensed no evil intent in his deck.", Slifer noted.

"Why didn't you tell me Slifer?!", Thunder demanded.

"You never asked me.", Slifer said with a small smile. "But if you are the last guardian, then who wields the other two Sacred Beasts?"

"That would be my brother and sister.", Streak said sadly. "They were tainted by Hamon and Uria's power. And now they seek Raviel to bring out the Chaos Phantom. I sensed that they were here a littel while ago. And I also sensed some other dark energies. But one...one in specific seemed to dwarf them all, and suddenly vanished."

"Then its a good thing we can find powerful allies here at school. In specific, the Duelist Kingdom champion."

"You mean Burst Stream goes here?", Streak asked.

"He holds a monster that surpasses the gods. And we'll need his help if we're to contend with the Sacred Beasts. As well as the rest of his friends. I'm sorry I jumped the gun earlier. I'm Thunder Force."

"Silver Streak. Guardian of Raviel." The two shook hands. "Nice to finally have some help in keeping the world safe."

Duel 4: New friends, New Foes

It was a regular Monday at CHS, and Fluttershy was going about her usual routine. However, there was little surprise this morning as she headed to class. She bumped into a guy. "Oh! I'm sorry! Are you....?" Fluttershy froze when she saw who she had run into. The guy was about as tall as Big Mac, and just as muscular. He had dark green skin, grey hair, and yellow eyes. His outfit consisted of ripped jeans, sneakers, and a tank top. In short, he looked quite intimidating. Fluttershy expected him to yell, or scowl, but he did neither. Instead, he picked up one of the cards she had dropped.

"Here.", the boy said in a voice Fluttershy hadn't expected. It was soft, and comforting. "This Kuriboh's yours isn't it?"

"Oh...thank you.", Fluttershy said as she nervously took the card.

"Sorry if you hit me. I should've watched where I was going. I'm Tyrannus. Tyrannus Thunder. But call me Ty please.", Tyrannus said with a small smile.

"I'm...Fluttershy.", Fluttershy whispered.

"Quite the lovely name."

"You can hear me clearly?", Fluttershy asked. Tyrannus nodded.

"Loud and clear. I have pretty good hearing. So you play Duel Monsters too?"

"Oh! Well..yes. I use Kuriboh." Fluttershy blushed. "You'd probably laugh because I use such a small monster."

"Not at all. Sometimes the smaller monsters have the best abilities. Me, I use a dinosaur deck. My partner's Ultimate Conductor Tyranno. Come on out boy." Tyrannus summoned his monster partner, and Fluttershy was quaking in fear! She was TERRIFIED of such big creature! That is, until Ultimate Conductor Tyranno licked her.

"Hi!", the large dinosaur said.

"Oh...h-hello.", Fluttershy said with a nervous smile. "He seems so nice...for a big scary dinosaur."

"You...don't like big creatures a whole lot, do you?", Tyrannus asked. "Well, sometimes the biggest ones are the sweetest."

"Kind of...like you.", Fluttershy said with a blush.

"I'm kind of new here. Can you help me find my way around?"

"Oh! Of course Ty.", Fluttershy said with a smile.

"Very kind of you.", Tyrannus said with a smile. "Lead the way." Fluttershy beamed as she helped Tyrannus find his first class. Meanwhile, another new student was trying to navigate his way through CHS. He was wearing mostly black clothing, but his hair was red. However, his methods were a bit more...covert.

'Hmmm. This place is certainly bigger than I thought.', Akage thought as he stuck to the shadows. He was moving about undetected until a girl with pink, poofy hair came out of nowhere.

"HI!", Pinkie greeted. Akage nearly jumped five feet in the air! "What'cha doin'?"

"How....how did you sneak up on me?! I'm a master of stealth!"

Pinkie shrugged. "So are ya new? What's your name? Do you like parties?!" Akage took a moment to process the girl's rapid-fire questions.

"My name is Akage Strider. I am new here, and yes. I love parties. But I'm a bit lost at the moment...." Akage then found himself being dragged as Pinkie volunteered to show him around. As she dragged him along, Akage smiled. 'This girl sure knows how to make people smile. I wonder if she likes Duel Monsters too...' Meanwhile, Burst and Inferno were at Burst's locker discussing their weekend.

"Sounds like you and Moon had a lot of fun.", Inferno said with a smile.

"And you and Rarity had quite the romantic moment. Until Sweetie Belle crashed it.", Burst said with a chuckle. Thunder and Streak noticed the two, and decided to approach them. Their presence didn't go unnoticed by Burst and Inferno. "Can...we help you two?"

"Burst. My name's Thunder Force. This is Silver Streak. And we need your help." Thunder pulled out Slifer. "Me and Slifer."

"Lord Slifer!", Blue-Eyes said in reverence as he materialized and bowed before the God Card.

"There's no need to bow Blue-Eyes. But I have need of your assistance. The Sacred Beasts have re-awakened."

"And I guard one of them.", Streak added as he pulled out Raviel's card. The beast inside was pounding on the card's surface. Trying to break free of its prison! "My siblings, who were once fellow guardians, became tainted by the Sacred Beasts' power. You've faced two threats to both worlds once. And so we ask...will you help us free my siblings and defeat the Sacred Beasts once and for all?"

"From what you've said, these cards are serious trouble.", Burst said as he wieghed the information. "But if we work together, we should be able to defeat them."

"Count me in too!", Inferno chimed in. "Burst's not the only one who's got a card that surpasses the gods!"

"He is correct.", Slifer added. "I can sense these two have unlocked the ultimate forms of their legendary dragons."

"Then its settled.", Thunder said with a nod. "Burst and I will face the one who holds Uria, while Streak and Inferno handle Hamon and his user."

"May the heart of the cards guide us.", Burst said sagely. The group then separated to go about their day. The school day went by quickly, and students were soon on their way home. Ace, Ice, and Shadow had just arrived at their house, and were surprised to find a limo parked in front of their house.

"Hello boys!", their mother greeted.

"Mom? Why's there a limo parked here?", Ice asked.

"Your father and I signed up as a host family for an exchange student program. Our guest is a long-lost descendant of royalty. Meet Magnet North!"

"Great.", Shadow whispered. "A clone of the old Blueblood."

"Shadow!", Ace scolded.

"We were all thinking it."

"Boys. Say hello to Magnet North." A boy with grey skin, red and blue hair, a red shirt, blue pants, and red and blue sneakers.

"Hello lads. Pleased to meet you all. Call me North if you please.", North said with a pleasant smile.

"You were saying Shadow?", Ice asked with a smirk. "Nice to meet you. I'm Dark Ice. Call me Ice. These two are my brothers. The one to my left is Ace, and the one on the right is Shadow."

"Hey are forgetting me?!", Red Dragon Archfiend whined as he materialized.

"So you lads have monster partners as well, huh? Meet mine! Come on out Valkyrion!" North summoned Valkyrion from his deck.

"Nice to meet all of you.", Valkyrion greeted.

"Didn't expect you to be soo down-to-earth.", Shadow noted.

"I get that a lot.", North said with a shrug. "I really don't care that I'm descended from royalty. I'm not one who's eager to meet the paparazzi at every turn." The group let out a chuckle.

"Well since you're here, we might as well officially welcome youl.", Ace said. "Pinkie's throwing a party at Sugar Cube Corner. Wanna tag along?"

"I'd be honored. Lead the way lads!" The group made their way over to Sugar Cube Corner. When they arrived, the party was already underway. "Well, let's not delay!" North led the guys in, and grabbed a bottle of fizzy apple cider. "Sure seems like a lively party."

"Ain't that the truth?", Applejack said with a smile. "Never seen you around. Ya new here?"

North nodded. "I am. I'm an exchange student, and I'm here living with a host family." Ace, Ice, and Shadow waved. "Name's North. Magner North."

Applejack smiled. "Welcome to Canterlot North! Ah'm Applejack. Nice ta meetcha."

"Well, here's to my stay here!" North took a sip of his cider, and his eyes widened. "Goodness this tastes amazing!"

"Heh heh. It's mah family's. Sweet Apple Acres makes the best fizzy apple cider. Ah'll even give ya a case so you can have some at home."

"Sweet."

"Thanks Sugar Cube.", Applejack said with a smile.

"Wasn't referring to the drink lass.", North said with a wink. Applejack blushed.

"Not many guys hit on a gal like me..."

"What can I say? I like a girl who can handle herself.", North said with a smile. "I'd love to get to know you better. When you have freetime of course."

"Y'know North? Ah think Ah'd like that." As the party went on, Pinkie noted Fluttershy and Applejack talking to the boys they'd met earlier and wrote them down in her notebook.

"Keeping track of your friends?", Akage asked.

"Wow. You're good at sneaking up on people! Hmmmm. Are you a ninja?" Akage let out a chuckle.

"No. But I do use a Ninja deck. So do you play too?"

"Uh huh! I use a Madloche deck!" Pinkie then licked her slips. "Sooooo many sweet monsters!" Pinkie then noticed Burst and Nightmare step in. "Oh! Hi Burst! Hi Moon!"

"You know the Duelist Kingdom and Battle City champion?!", Akage blurted out.

"Yup!" Pinkie nodded. "He's only one of my best friends!"

"Good to see you too Pinkie.", Burst said with a smile. "So is this the guy you dragged across school today?"

Pinkie nodded happily. "Yep! Meet Akage!" Pinkie picked up Akage and presented him to Burst.

"It's an honor to meet you.", Akage said with a bow.

"You too. Pinkie must really like you. She's being pretty physical."

"Huh. Now I've got my own ship!", Pinkie chirped.

"What?"

Burst sighed. "Akage. We have an important rule when it comes to Pinkie: NEVER question her. EVER. You'll only know madness."

"A good rule to keep in mind. Is she usually this happy?"

"24/7. Are you tired of her already?", Nightmare asked.

"Nope. I actually find it quite attractive.", Akage said with a bashful smile. Everyone proceeded to enjoy the party while two figures watched Silver Streak from far away.

"So it appears he still has Raviel.", Silver Sword said as he observed his lyounger brother.

"Then that makes him our primary target.", Silver Heart said as she pulled Uria, Lord of Searing Flames out of her deck. "His deck will be little more than burnt paper when Uria and I are done with him."

"It appears he isn't alone.", Sword noted as he saw Burst and Thunder chatting with Streak. "The boy with red hair is bonded to one of the Egyptian God Cards. But the other...." Sword felt a chill run down his spine. "Has a power that surpasses the god cards. I shall attend to him and the boy bonded with the god card."

"Then that leaves Streak to me.", Heart said with a dark smile. The two teleported in a flash of lightning and a pillar of flame. Waiting for their moment to face their brother and claim his sacred beast.

Duel 5: Reunion

Burst and Nightmare left the party, and headed home. "Looks like Fluttershy, Aj, and Pinkie have some prospective boyfriends now.", Burst said with a small smile.

"It's nice to see people find that special someone.", Nightmare said happily. "Reminds me so much of you and me."

"That'll be a day I'll never forget Moon." Burst and Nightmare continued on their way, but Burst froze when he saw a car parked in front of his house. "Weird. Mom wasn't expecting any company." Burst knocked on the door, and prepared to summon his Blue-Eyes blaster until his mom answered the door. From the look of her, she had been crying. "Mom? What happened?!"

"Burst....there's someone you should see.", his mom answered. "They've been absent for a long time." Burst was confused by what his mom meant, but his curiosity got the better of him. Burst went inside, and saw a man who looked like him looking at an old picture of him and both his parents.

"So you're the guy who parked outside. Who are you?"

The man noticed Burst, and turned to face them. "Has it really been thirteen years? You've grown much since I last saw you.", the man said with a sad smile. Burst's eyes widened. It couldn't be true, and yet it had to be.

"....Dad?" Aether nodded. Burst's expression changed from shock to mild anger. "What're you doing here?"

Aether sighed. "Burst. I understand you may feel...resentment towards me. Especially since I left you and your mother."

"You could say that. Why did you leave!? You and Mom were so happy! Why?!"

"Because....you didn't need me.", Aether said sadly.

"....What do you mean?"

"You and your mother got along so well, and she seemed to take care of you phenomenally on her own. I realized then...you didn't need me in your life. We didn't want you to think I left because of you, so we made up the story about things not working out."

"You DO realize how stupid that decision was, right?", Burst said with a small chuckle. Aether let out a chuckle too.

"It was a pretty stupid idea."

"Like the time I tried to make the ultimate bionicle? I was searching for pieces for days." Burst and his father shared a hug. "I won't lie. It is good to have you back. I also have another testament to how much I've grown. Moon?" Nightmare entered. "Dad. Meet my girlfriend. Moon."

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Stream.", Nightmare said with a smile. "Burst spoke quite fondly of you."

"Please call me Aether.", Aether said with a smile. "Well Burst, there's someone you should meet too." A boy with dark grey skin and white hair identical to Burst's entered the room. He was decked out in black pants and blue jacket, and he had his hair styled after Vergil from Devil May Cry. "Meet your step-brother. Blitz Surge." Blitz Surge had a neutral expression on his face before he cracked a smile.

"It's an honor to meet you. Your victories inspired me to make my own Blue-Eyes deck."

"So you married again Dad?", Burst asked. Aether nodded.

"Blitz and his mother were on their own, and I started dating his mother. He was about your age when it began."

"Huh. No wonder we look so similar.", Burst noted as he looked over Blitz. "Well, welcome to the family."

"I take it you boys are getting along?", Lumina asked.

"Things are going great honey.", Aether said with a smile. As Burst's parents left to enjoy their company, Blitz approached Burst.

"Tell me Burst. Have you ever faced off against any villains who've tried to conquer both worlds?"

"There was Sombra at Duelist Kingdom and Tirek at Battle City. Why do you ask?"

"Let's just say I've had a run-in with some...similar individuals over the course of the past two days. And I've got the feeling they'll be striking soon. So do you have room for an extra duelist?"

"The more the merrier." Burst and Blitz fist-bumped. "Welcome to the team Blitz."

"Happy to join.", Blitz said with a small smile.

Duel 6: Gentle Giant

Another school day had come and gone, and Fluttershy found herself handing out volunteer flyers for the animal shelter. More people had taken up interest, but the one who was there helping her most of the time was Fang. Fluttershy sighed. However, she was about to gain a big help. "Something got you down?", Tyrannus asked.

"Oh! Ty! It's nothing. I'm just a bit understaffed at the animal shelter. So I've been handing out flyers to students so they can help. But not too many people are interested."

"How about I lend a hand?"

"R-really?"

Tyrannus nodded. "Of course. What kind of friend would I be if I couldn't help out those who need me?" Fluttershy beamed and hugged Tyrannus tightly.

"Oh, thank you Ty!"

"You're welcome 'Shy. But you're gonna have to let go of me if we're gonna get going."

"Oh. Sure! Just need to put the flyers in my backpack. I'll be a little slow because the flyers make my pack heavy."

"Easy fix." Fluttershy soon found herself being carried on Tyrannus's back. "Better?"

"Y-yes.", Fluttershy said with a slight blush. 'He's so warm.' Fluttershy held on a bit tighter to Tyrannus. 'Maybe I'll just take a little nap....' Tyrannus kept on walking, and soon arrived at the shelter, and noticed Fluttershy dreaming away.

'MAN she's adorable.', Tyrannus thought with a smile before lightly shaking Fluttershy. "Wakey, wakey sleeping beauty. We're here."

"Nnnhh? Oh! I'm so sorry!", Fluttershy blushed! "I must've fallen asleep on your back."

"Was I good pillow?" Fluttershy's face flushed red! "I'll take that as a yes. Well, no use keeping the critters waiting." The two went inside, and set to work caring for the animals. Fluttershy smiled at how much the animals seemed to like Tyrannus. Fang even took a break from playing with the dogs to see the animals warming up to Tyrannus. 'He's certainly good with animals. And he's kind of handsome too.', Fluttershy thought. The group's time soon ended, and they headed home. Tyrannus then approached Fluttershy.

"Hey Fluttershy?"

"Yes Ty?"

"You wanna duel? I've got a bit of time to kill."

"Oh...no thank you. There's no way my deck would ever win."

"Come on. You'll never know if you never try. I'll even let you have the first move. You don't have to be scared. I'll be with you every step of the way. OK?"

"O..okay.", Fluttershy said with a small smile. Tyrannus carried Fluttershy on his back, and headed for the duel park. The two pulled their decks and duel disks out of their backpacks, and got ready to duel.

Tyrannus: 8000
Fluttershy: 8000

"Okay." Fluttershy looked over her cards. 'Oh dear. There's no cards I can use right now! But maybe this trap can help.' "I s-set a card and end my turn. If that's alirght with you."

"I draw!" Tyrannus looked at his cards. "I play Trade-In to discard a level 8 monster from my hand to draw two new cards. Then I can draw two new cards! Now I summon Petiranodon! Now I'll attack you directly!" Petiranodon flew at Fluttershy directly!

"I activate my trap! Sakurestu Armor! Um, if that's okay with you Ty. It destroys a monster that chooses to attack." Petiranodon hit a barrier that shocked him, and sent him to the graveyard.

"That actually helps me out.", Tyrannus said with a smile. "If Petiranodon is destroyed by a card effect, I can special summon a level 4 or higher dinosaur-type monster from my deck! I special summon Black Tyranno! The only downside is that he can't attack this turn. That's all for me."

"I draw! If that's alright with you that is.", Fluttershy said timidly. "I summon a monster in defense mode." 'Good thing Winged Kuriboh prevents battle damage when he's destroyed. Oh, but I don't want him to get hurt!' "I end my turn."

"You're worried about your monster aren't you?", Tyrannus asked as he drew his next card. Fluttershy blushed! "Don't worry. It's good to care about them. And you won't have to worry about your monster. But first, I summon Soul-Devouring Oviraptor and activate her effect! I can take a dinosaur-type monster from my deck, and add it to my hand or send it to my graveyard." Tyrannus searched through his deck, and found what he was looking for. "I'll add this dinosaur to my hand. Then I'll banish the two dinosaurs from my graveyard to special summon the monster I added! Come on out Ultimate Conductor Tyranno! First, Black Tyranno attacks you directly because all you have are defense mode monsters!" Black Tyranno charged forward, jumped over Fluttershy's monster, and licked her! "Hope you're happy that he doesn't bite girls."

"Th-thank you.", Fluttershy said with a small smile as Black Tyranno stomped his way back to Tyrannus's field.

"No problem. But my attack is far from over! I'll attack your monster with Ultimate Conductor Tyranno! Now his effect activates! Since it's the start of the damage step, I can inflict 1000 points of damage since your monster's in defense mode! Then your monster's sent to the graveyard!"

"You kinda helped me too! Um, if you don't mind. When Winged Kuriboh is sent to the graveyard from the field, I take no battle damage for the rest of the turn! And since the battle phase is over, I can discard Kuribohrn to the graveyard to special summon one monster that was destroyed by battle this turn. Now Winged Kuriboh is back to my field."

"Not bad Fluttershy.", Tyrannus said with a kind smile. "Nice focus on revival."

Tyrannus: 8000
Fluttershy: 4400

"Oh...thank you Ty.", Fluttershy said with a slight blush as she looked at the next card she drew. 'Oh my. Just what I need!' "I play Transcendent Wings! I tribute Winged Kuriboh and discard two cards from my hand to special summon Winged Kuriboh LV 10 from my deck!" Winged Kuriboh transformed in a flash of light! When the light faded, he was wearing dragon-like armor and his wings had grown! "I end my turn. If that's alright with you that is Ty."

"Fine by me.", Tyrannus said as he drew his next card. 'Looks like she's starting to become a little less shy now.' "I'll attack your monster with Ultimate Conductor Tyranno!"

'Here goes nothing!' "I activate Winged Kuriboh LV 10's effect! I tribute him to destroy all attack mode monsters you control! Then you take their combined attack points as damage! Please don'w be mad about this!" Fluttershy closed her eyes as Winged Kuriboh exploded in a massive blast of light! Wiping out all of Tyrannus's monsters! Tyrannus was knocked to the ground from the force of the blast as his life points took a massive hit! "I guess...your field's extinct Ty."

Tyrannus let out a chuckle."I guess it is. I end my turn with a face-down. I told you some of the smallest monsters have the most powerful effects. I guess I was on the receiving end of it though."

Tyrannus: 100
Fluttershy: 4400

"Oh! I'm sorry!"

"Hey, no need to apologize Fluttershy.", Tyrannus said with a smile. "You're doing great. I've got only 100 life points left."

"Oh. In that case, I draw! I summon Kuriboh and attack you directly!"

"I activate my trap! Secret Blast! This inflicts 300 points of damage for each monster you control!" Fluttershy winced as she took a small bit of damage, but won the duel with Kuriboh scratching away the last of Tyrannus's life points!

"I...won?", Fluttershy asked. Tyrannus smiled as he walked over to her.

"You sure did. Great duel Fluttershy."

"Oh..." Fluttershy then decided to do something VERY out of character. She craned her neck, and KISSED Tyrannus on the lips! She blushed like crazy after she broke the kiss. "Thank you." Fluttershy then noticed the blush on Tyrannus's face. "Um, Ty? Are you okay?"

"Th-that was my first kiss.", Tyrannus stammered. "I'm glad it was from a beautiful girl."

"Y-you think I'm beautiful?", Fluttershy asked. Tyrannus nodded. "Well...want to do that again before we say goodbye?" Tyrannus smiled as he and Fluttershy shared a kiss before going their separate ways. "Goodbye Ty."

"See you tomorrow Fluttershy." As she watched him leave, Fluttershy's heart was pounding!

'My first kiss. THIS WAS MY FIRST KISS!', she thought as she headed home.

Duel 7: Strike of the Sacred Beasts Part 1

"So are we clear on the plan?", Silver Heart asked.

Silver Sword nodded. "You get to go at Silver and one of his buddies first. Make sure that he knows you've come."

Heart gave her eldest brother a wicked smile. "Oh, I know the perfect way to draw him out. Uria could stand to burn something."

As his siblings were plotting, Silver Streak was going about his day. 'I'd have thought Sword or Heart would've struck by now. But then again, they are the type to plan things out. But what was that huge dark presence I sensed? It seemed to just vanish as quickly as it showed up. Never mind that now. Better focus on the here and now.' Streak went on with his day, and noticed Burst showing a new guy around. "What's up Burst?"

"Oh. Hey Streak! This is my half-brother. Blitz Surge. He just enrolled."

"Pleased to meet you. I sense you've got quite the powerful monster dwelling inside your deck.", Blitz greeted.

"You could say that. Well, welcome to CHS." 'This guy seems like a strong duelist. Maybe it's a good thing Burst found him. We might need all the help we can get.' Lunch period soon arrived, and Streak felt a chill run down his spine! 'This fiery, raging energy. She's here and so is Uria!' Streak then noticed a bunch of people gathering around one of the windows. A ring of flames had appeared at the front of the school! "Looks like she's turning up the heat!" Streak grabbed his backpack, and made a bolt for the school's front doors. Blitz took notice of Streak's departure and followed him. Streak had just got outside, and saw a girl waiting for him at the center of the flames. "Heart. I wish I could say that it was nice to see you again."

Heart gave Streak a dark smile. "Did you really think you could keep Raviel from his brothers so easily? Much less even think we wouldn't find you?"

"Heart. This isn't you talking! And I'm gonna snap you out of this!"

"Mind if I join in?", Blitz asked coolly as he entered the ring. Heart was shocked at the sudden intrusion. "I trust you'd like some assistance Streak?"

"Two or two hundred.", Heart hissed. "Both of you are going down! And Uria will feast on the energy of your cards!"

Streak and Blitz: 16000
Silver Heart: 16000

"Ladies first! I'll set three cards and end my turn.", Heart said with a smirk. "I end my turn."

"My turn then! I draw!" Streak took a careful look at his cards. 'Not bad! This hand should be a pretty good starting point.' "I summon Gamma the Magnet Warrior! Now I'll attack you directly!"

Streak smirked. "I don't think so! I activate two of my traps! First, Metal Reflect Slime! I can use this trap as a monster with 3000 defense!" Gamma's punch bounced off of Metal Reflect Slime! Streak cringed as he took damage! "Then I activate my other trap! Royal Custom! This prevents you from destroying my other face-up traps!"

"I guess I end my turn.", Streak said with a frown. 'She's gearing up for her summon! I better prepare for when Uria hits the field!' "I end my turn with a face-down!"

Streak and Blitz: 14500
Silver Heart: 16000

"My move then!" Heart drew her next card. "Now your cards will burn! I activate my last face-down! Aqua Chorus! Now I tribute all three traps to unleash my sacred beast! Rise! Uria! Lord of Searing Flames!" A monster that looked like an evil version of Slifer appeared from a pillar of flame and let out a fearsome roar! "Now his effect activates! Uria gains 1000 attack for each continuous trap in my graveyard! Now for his other effect! Once per turn, I can target and destroy one set spell or trap card my opponent controls! And there's not a thing you can do about it! Say goodbye to your face-down Streak!" Uria launched a fireball that destroyed Streak's trap! "Now to reduce your monster to slag! Uria!" Uria breathed a jet of flames! Melting Streak's monster into little more than a puddle! "I end my turn with another face-down."

Streak and Blitz: 13000
Silver Heart: 16000

"You've got quite a monster. But I know just how to get rid of it.", Blitz said with a smirk as he drew a card. 'Time to unleash MY ultimate beast!' "I play Trade-In to discard a level 8 monster from my hand!"

"Not so fast! I activate my trap! Anti-Spell Fragrance! Now all of us have to set spell cards before activating them! And we have to wait until our next turn to use them!"

"If that's the case, I'll set two more cards and end my turn." 'A minor delay at best.'

"My turn I draw! Since your fields are wide open, I'll attack you directly!" Streak and Blitz cringed as flames licked away at their life points! "I end my turn."

Streak and Blitz: 10000
Silver Heart: 16000

'Great. With that trap, Heart's made our decks more vulnerable.', Streak thought as he drew a card. He then looked to Blitz 'He seems so calm. Like he knows how this is gonna end. And that smile. He's got something BIG planned! He's got to! Wait...his face-downs! by having our spells face-down, Heart's gotta fire blindly!' Streak then noticed Blitz give him a small nod. 'Looks like I was right! Here goes nothing! Our fates lie entirely on our back-row!' "I'll set almost all of my hand and end my turn!" 'Please let this work!'

"Hmmm. So many targets, so little time.", Heart said with a dark smile. "I think I'll destroy...the one on the far left!" Uria fired a blast of flame that destroyed Streak's Magic Mallet card! "So much for your draw power! Now I'll attack! Burn them to their cores Uria!"

'Now's my window!', Blitz thought! "I activate my trap! All effect monsters on the field are switched into face-up defense mode and their defense points become zero!"

"No!", Heart hissed as Uria was forced into defense mode!

"Don't even think about trying to change Uria's position! Monsters switched into defense mode by Curse's effect can't change their battle positions!"

Heart scowled. "I end my turn."

"I draw!" Blitz smiled as he saw the card he drew. 'And now the tide turns.' "I activate another one of my face-downs! Mystical Space Typhoon! I'll use it to destroy your Anti-Spell Fragrance!" Heart's trap was destroyed by a gust of wind! "Now to unleash MY best monster! I activate the Advanced Ritual Art I set earlier! I'll send Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my deck to ritual summon Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon!" Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX roared as he hit the field! "Now I'll attack your monster! And since he's in defense mode, I can inflict double piercing damage thanks to his effect!"

"NO!", Heart screamed as Uria was obliterated in a gigantic blast from Chaos MAX!

"I end my turn." 'That should free us up to make more plays. Looks like we're out of the fire for now.'

Streak and Blitz: 10000
Silver Heart: 8000

"I draw!" Heart frowned as she looked at her hand. "I summon a monster in defense mode and end my turn."

"My move!" Streak smiled when he saw the next card he drew! 'Perfect! I've got Dark Fusion and a strong EARTH monster! Now let's see if this card I drew can help me score a decent DARK monster!' "I play Cup of Ace! I'll flip a coin and activate an effect depending on the outcome!" Streak tossed a coin into the air, and it landed on heads! "Now I can draw two more cards!" 'Just what I needed to give Dark Gaia decent attack strength!' "I fuse Brron, Mad King of Dark World with Beta The Magnet Warrior through Dark Fusion! I fusion summon Evil HERO Dark Gaia!" Dark Gaia erupted out of a mound of rocks with an explosion of shadow! "Since he was fusion summoned, he gains attack equal to the total attack of his fusion materials! Now I'll attack your monster! And since I'm attacking with Dark Gaia, your monsters are switched into attack mode!" Heart's monster was switched into attack mode! "Dark Terra Force!" Dark Gaia destroyed Heart's Giant Germ with a powerful punch! Causing debris to hit Streak and Blitz!

Heart smiled. "When Giant Germ is destroyed, I can inflict 500 points of damage to you and special summon two more Giant Germs from my deck!"

"I guess I'll end my turn."

Streak and Blitz: 9500
Silver Heart: 5500

"My turn!" Heart drew her next card, and smiled. "I overlay my two monster! I Xyz Summon Sky Cavalry Centaurea! Then I'll attack your monster!"

Streak was shocked! "What?! But you'll take damage!"

"I will. But Centaurea's effect will take care of your monster! Centaurea can't be destroyed by battle while he has an overlay unit! And after the battle phase, I can detach an overlay unit to return your monster to your hand!" Heart cringed as she took damage, but smiled as Centaurea detached an overlay unit! Returning Dark Gaia to the extra deck! "I end my turn. Let's see how your new friend deals with my monster!"

Streak and Blitz: 9500
Silver Heart: 4000

"I draw!" Blitz looked over his hand. 'Even if I deal damage, she still gets an edge by returning my monster to my hand. But then again, who says I plan on just having ONE monster on my field?' Blitz smirked as he looked to his face-downs. "I play Return of the Dragon Lords to revive Blue-Eyes White Dragon! Attack her monster!"

"Fool! Centaurea's effect will keep him on the field! Trying to get me to waste all my overlay units are you? You know I don't have to detach an overlay unit don't you?!"

"Maybe so. But that makes your monster vulnerable!" Heart cringed as she took damage from Blue-Eyes' attack! "Now I'll attack with Chaos MAX!" Heart's life points took another large hit! "You can choose to keep your monster on your field, but that makes him a huge target. If he isn't sent to the graveyard, then we have a target for almost limitless attacks. Not to mention we now have a sizable lead in life points." Blitz had a smug grin as despair sunk into Heart's face. 'Good. She understands just how vulnerable she's left herself.' "I end my turn."

Streak and Blitz: 9500
Silver Heart: 1000

'Blitz seems to have planned out this duel from the start!', Streak thought as he drew his next card! 'I don't know how, but he managed to make a perfect counter to Heart's strategy!' "It's my turn now! Heart...I'm gonna snap you out of this! I play Dark Calling! I can banish from my hand or graveyard fusion materials listed on a fusion monster that can only be summoned by Dark Fusion! I'll banish Brron and Beta The Magnet Warrior from my graveyard to fusion summon Dark Gaia to the field!" Dark Gaia materialized out of a swirl of shadow and earth! "Now! Attack Centaurea! Dark Impact!"

"AGH!", Heart screamed as her life points dropped to zero!

"Gaia. You know what to do."

Dark Gaia nodded. "Right." Dark Gaia caught Heart as she fell to the floor, and put his clawed hand to her face. A stream of darkness flew into Dark Gaia as it left Heart's body. "She'll wake up soon enough. But she won't have any memories of what happened." Dark Gaia was about to pick up Uria, but it vanished in a swirl of shadow! "Huh?!"

"Dark Gaia? What's wrong?"

"Nothing. But I don't think we'll have to worry about Uria anymore. His card vanished."

"Well, at least I've got Heart back.", Streak said with a smile as Heart began to wake up. "How're you feeling sis?"

"..Streak? What happened? The last thing I remember was hearing a voice...."

"Uria tainted you with his power. Hamon did the same thing to Sword. So I've still gotta save him."

"Oh man....did I do anything to hurt you?"

"No Heart. But you DID try to take Raviel from me. Let's just be glad you're safe now."

"Then it looks like I'd better head home. See ya bro." Silver Heart headed home, and Streak and Blitz went back inside.

'One down, one to go. I'd better leave Sword to Burst and Thunder.', Streak thought as he went about the rest of the day.

Duel 8: Strike of the Sacred Beasts Part 2

School had just let out, and Thunder met Burst by his locker. "So did you hear about Streak and Blitz beating one of Streak's siblings?"

Burst nodded. "Blitz told me about it at lunch. But the crazy thing is the card of Uria disappeared in a swirl of darkness."

"You think Streaks other sibling took it?", Thunder asked. Burst shook his head.

"From waht Streak said, he didn't sense the sacred beast that's controlling his brother. But I got the feeling we'll be facing him soon. Chances are he'll be looking for you since you're bonded to Slifer. And the god cards and the sacred beasts have quite the history from what Blue-Eyes told me."

"They do. Slifer, Ra, and Obelisk defeated the sacred beasts a long time ago in the monster world. A long time after that, Streak's family became the keepers of the sacred beasts. That is, until Uria and Hamon tainted Streak's siblings with their power."

"If that's the case, we'd better stick together. Besides, I've always wanted to see a god card up-close!"

"And I've wanted to duel alongside the champion of Duelist Kingdom!"

"Hey, there's been something I've wanted to ask. How DID you get Slifer? I thought only Yugi Moto had the Egyptian Goc Cards."

"Well, believe it or not, Yugi gave Slifer to me. Slifer is the god of potential back in the monster world, and he sensed great potential in me. So he bonded to me, and he's been my partner ever since. Helps to have a monster that's immune to all card effects."

"Yeah.", Burst said with a small smile. "I know how good that feels." The two began to leave when a lightning bolt struck outside the school's front door! "Well, well. Right on cue. Let's rock the dragon." Thunder and Burst opened the door to find Silver Sword waiting for them.

"So. It appears my brother and a friend of his managed to beat my little sister." Sword then activated his duel disk. "But I assure you. I am nowhere near as easy to defeat as she was!"

"Trust me. We weren't hoping you were.", Thunder said as he and Burst activated their duel disks.

"LET'S DUEL!"

Burst and Thunder: 16000
Silver Sword: 16000

"I got the first move!" Burst took a look at his cards. 'Let's see here. How to kick-off the duel? Ah! There we go!' "I'll summon White Stone of Ancients! Then I'll target him with Sage with Eyes of Blue! I'll send both to the graveyard to special summon a 'Blue-Eyes' monster from my deck! Come on out Blue-Eyes White Dragon! Then I'll set two cards and end my turn! Now that my turn's over, White Stone's effect activates! Now I can special summon another 'Blue-Eyes' monster from my deck! I'll bring out another Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"

Sword smirked. "You've set quite the field. Now to ready my field! I draw! I play the continuous spell card Card Trader! This lets me shuffle a card from my hand into my deck and draw a card!" Sword shuffled a random card from his hand, and shuffled it into his deck. He then drew a new card. "Ah. This should prove to be useful! I play the continuous spell Yellow Luster Shield! This boosts the defense of all monsters on my field by 300 points! Now to make use of it! I summon a monster in defense mode and end my turn."

"My turn!" Thunder drew his next card. 'Looks like he knows his monster won't survive this turn. But why bother with setting up a field composed of mainly continuous spells? Wait....he's gearing up his field to summon his sacred beast! Uria had to be summoned by sending three traps, so Hamon must need three continuous spells! He's already got two cards ready, so all he needs is one more! But at least I should be able to get in some hits before he brings out Hamon!' "I summon Alpha The Electromagnet Warrior! Now that he's been summoned, I can add a level 8 'Magna Warrior' monster from my deck to my hand!" Thunder searched his deck, and added a Magna Warrior to his hand! "Then I'll set a card and end my turn." 'Just gotta be patient now. I've already got one piece of my strategy ready.'

"Hm. I thought for sure you'd have taken down my monster.", Sword said as he drew his next card. "This should add some decent protection. I end my turn."

"My move!" Burst looked over his hand. 'Weird. He's only got one monster. And he's not made any moves this turn. Either his face-down has a good effect, or he's got a card that prevents battle damage in his hand. Well, there's only one way to find out! I gotta give Thunder extra time to get Slifer on the field!' "I draw! I'll attack your face-down monster with one of my Blue-Eyes!" Burst's first Blue-Eyes annihilated Sword's face-down monster with a blast of white lightning! "Now I'll attack you directly with my other Blue-Eyes!" Burst's second Blue-Eyes charged at Sword directly!

Sword smirked at the coming attack. "I don't think so. I discard Kuriboh to make all battle damage zero!" Kuriboh jumped in front of Sword's life points, and blocked all the damage! "And since Kryuel was sent to the graveyard by battle, I get to toss a coin and call it! And if I get the call right, I get to destroy a monster you control! I call heads!" Sword tossed a coin, but it landed on tails! "So much for that effect."

"I guess I'll end my turn." 'That would've been trouble if Thunder had brought out Slifer. Now we've bought some more time to build our strategies.'

"Since it's my standby phase, I can activate Card Trader's effect! I can shuffle a card from my hand into my deck and draw a new card!" Sword shuffled a card from his hand into his deck, and drew a new card. "Perfect. I play the continous spell Banner of Courage! Now all monsters I control gain 200 attack during damage calculation! But I have no need of these spells! I send all three to the graveyard to summon Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder!" Hamon took the field in a massive bolt of thunder! "Now I'll destroy your Blue-Eyes!" Burst cringed as one of his Blue-Eyes was destroyed by a bolt of lightning shot from Hamon! "Now Hamon's other effect activates! Since I destroyed one of your monsters by battle, I inflict 1000 points of damage to you!" Burst winced as another bolt of lightning struck his life points! "It doesn't matter how much you hide! I'll slowly chip away at your life points!"

'Now's my chance!', Thunder thought! "I tribute Alpha The Electromagnet Warrior to summon Alpha The Magnet Warrior!"

"So you've decided to make your move have you?", Sword said with a smirk. "Very well. I end my turn. Execute whatever pitiful strategy you have in the works."

Burst and Thunder: 14000
Silver Sword: 16000

"My move! I draw!" Thunder looked at the card he drew. 'Nice! Just what I needed!' "I activate Ties of the Bretheren! This lets me target a level 4 or lower normal monster on my field, and special summon two monsters with the same type, attribute, and level but different names from my deck! I special summon Magnet Warriors Beta and Gamma in defense mode! Then I'll switch Alpha into defense mode and end my turn!"

"So you think your monsters can keep you safe? Fool! Did you forget Hamon's effect? When he destroys a monster by battle, I can inflict 1000 points of damage! Destroy Alpha the Magnet Warrior!" Hamon fired a blast of lightning that fried Alpha! Thunder cringed as Hamon's effect kicked in! "Too bad you activated that spell. It only accelerated your defeat! I end my turn."

Burst and Thunder: 11000
Silver Sword: 16000

'Not good. His monster's got high attack and defense. Then there's that burn damage effect.', Burst thought as he drew his next card. 'But Hamon still has a key weakness! He's vulnerable to effects! And I know just the monster to explot it! And this card I drew should help!' "Your monster's pretty impressive! But I've found a work-around! I play Return of the Dragon Lords! I revive Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my graveyard! Now I'll contact fuse him with the other Blue-Eyes on my field! I fusion summon Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon! Then I'll attack your monster! Twin White Lightning!" Blue-Eyes Twin Burst fired a blast of lightning at Hamon! Burst winced as he took damage!

"Fool! Hamon has greater attack points than your monster!" Sword then noticed that Twin Burst was still on the field! "But it appears your monster is much more durable than he appears."

"I know. Twin Burst can't be destroyed by battle! Which is why I'm activating Twin Burst's effect! At the end of the damage step, if he attacked a monster you controlled and it wasn't destroyed, I can banish that monster!"

"NO!", Sword howled as Hamon was banished by a mighty roar from Twin Burst!

"That's all for me.", Burst said with a confident smile. 'That should even the odds a bit.'

Burst and Thunder: 10000
Silver Sword: 16000

"You may have destroye Hamon. But I'm far from finished!", Sword spat as he drew a card! "I set a card and end my turn."

"I draw!" Thunder took a look at his cards. 'Perfect! Now my board is set!' "I play Double Summon! I'll bring out Gamma The Electromagnet Warrior! Now I'll tribute all three of my monsters! I summon Slifer The Sky Dragon!"

"I activate my trap! Trap Hole!" A pit appeared below Slifer, but sealed up immedaitely!

"Slifer's normal summon can't be negated! Now Slifer gains 1000 attack for each card in my hand! Last I checked, I had three! Attack him directly Slifer! Thunder Force Cannon!" Slifer fired a blast of divine thunder from his first mouth! Striking Sword's life points full force! "I end my turn."

Burst and Thunder: 10000
Silver Sword: 13000

"Blast!" Sword scowled as he drew his card. "I end my turn."

"Then it's my move!" Burst drew his next card, and smiled. 'Time to take this duel to the next level!' "I play the spell card Harmony Absolute! I'll banish Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my graveyard to summon Blue-Eyes Absolute Dragon from my deck!" A ray of rainbow light appeared on Burst's field as Blue-Eyes flew up the ray, he soon descended in a new humanoid form wearing platinum armor! "And since he's on the field, he gains 300 attack for each monster in my graveyard! Now I'll attack you directly! Absolute White Lightning!" Blue-Eyes Absolute fired a gigantic blast of white lightning! Wiping out most of Sword's life points! "I end my turn."

Burst and Thunder: 10000
Silver Sword: 7100

'This power....this is the power that surpasses the god cards!', Sword's mind panicked as he drew his next card! "I...I...I summon a monster in defense mode and end my turn!"

"If you think that's gonna keep you safe, guess again! I draw!" Thunder looked over his hand. "And now to power up Slifer! I activate Magnet Conversion! This returns up to three "Magnet Warriors from my graveyard to my hand! This lets Slifer gain 3000 attack points! Then I'll play Trade-In to discard Valkyrion The Magna Warrior to draw two new cards! Then I'll activate Magnet Reverse! This revives a rock-type monster that's banished, or is in my graveyard that can't be normal summoned! Then I can special summon it! Welcome Valkyrion the Magna Warrior! Valkyrion will take down your monster while Slifer attacks you directly!" Valkyrion slashed Sword's monster to bits with his blade, while Slifer fired another blast of thunder at his life points! "I end my turn."

Burst and Thunder: 10000
Silver Sword: 2100

"Hamon...why has your power failed me?!" Sword fumed as he drew his next card, and his eyes widened in horror. "Impossible....I have nothing to protect myself!"

"Let's end this together Thunder!"

"Right!" Burst and Thunder then got both of their monsters ready to attack!

"ABSOLUTE THUNDER BLAST!" Both Blue-Eyes Absolute and Slifer fired a rainbow-colored blast of thunder! Wiping out the last of Sword's life points and purging Hamon's taint from him!

"Nnnnngggghhh!", Sword groaned as he recovered. "Feels like I got hit by a truck..."

"Yeah. Being hit purified of evil power tends to have that effect on people.", Burst said with a nod. "Now to get rid of the card that's causing so much trouble..." Before Burst could reach Hamon's card, it vanished in a swirl of darkness! "What?!"

"Just like Streak said.", Thunder noted. "But what could this mean?"

"I don't know. And I'm not too eager to find out." Burst then turned to Sword. "You'd better head home. I got the feeling your siblings are gonna be pretty happy to see you."

"Oh man. I have SO much to apologize for!" Silver Sword ran home leaving Burst and Thunder to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Well, the Sacred Beasts shouldn't be a problem anymore.", Burst stated. "But I got the feeling things aren't over just yet. Well, that's a problem for another day. Nice duel Thunder!"

"Same to you Burst. Neven thought I'd see a monster that's got even Slifer impressed!" Burst and Thunder went their separate ways.

'Man. Talk about your rough week.', Burst thought as he headed home. 'Never had to deal with badguys during the school week before. At least the week's almost over.'

"So how're we gonna celebrate the victory Burst?", Blue-Eyes Absolute asked.

"Isn't it obvious? Pizza."

"Sweet!"

Duel 9: Magnetic Attraction

Magnet North had a smile as he headed home for Ace and his family's house. It had been a good week so far, and nothing of note had gone on. That is, until Applejack came up to him. "Um...North?"

"Yes? Something on your mind lass?", North asked.

"Well...Ah was free after school today. And...Ah was wonderin' if you'd like ta hang out..."

"Yes."

"Beg pardon?"

"Applejack, I'd love to get to know you better.", North said with a smile. "I could use some more friends besides Ace's family."

"Heh. Guess Ah know how ta make a big deal over little things, huh?", Applejack asked with a small smile. "Ah don't know about you, but Ah've got a major sweets craving."

"Sounds lovely." Noth then offered Applejack his arm. "Shall we?" Applejack blushed!

'Rarity'd go CRAZY for this guy if she wasn't already with Inferno!', Applejack thought. "Sure." The two walked off to Sugar Cube Corner.

"So Applejack? Anything you want to share with me about yourself?"

"Well, Ah'm really honest. And Ah've got a lotta good friends. We've also got access to the magic of friendship. Plus, ever since a previous adventure, Ah've got super strength thanks ta this magic geode necklace. Ah'm also really close to mah family. Ah've got a little sister named Applebloom to take care of, so Ah wind-up worryin' about even the most minor things sometimes. So, yeah. That's me in a nutshell. How about you North?"

"I'm a pretty down-to-earth kind of person. Kind of like my Magner Warrior deck. Most people are surprised about my nature despite my lineage."

"Whadda ya mean by that?", Applejack asked.

"Oh. I'm the long lost grandson of the King of Britain. So in a way, I'm a prince. But I certainly don't act like one. And I'm pretty glad that I don't." Applejack let out a giggle. "Something making you crack a smile lass?"

"Rarity would be all over you if she hadn't found Inferno.", Applejack said with a smirk. "Never thought Ah'd wind-up walkin' with royalty."

"Heh. Funny how attraction works isn't it? You probably assumed I was into stick-thin super models!"

"And you probably assumed Ah like country-type guys.", Applejack said with a chuckle.

"Yeah. In reality, I like girls who're down-to-earth. And ones that have an actual body, and are quite strong and confident."

"Really now?"

North nodded and grinned. "I should know. I'm looking at quite the beautiful one right now."

Applejack blushed. "Gee....no guy's ever thoughta me that way before..."

"A shame.", North said with a smile. "They don't know what they're missing."

"Say...you wanna duel?"

"Smashing idea."

"How about....we make it interestin'?"

"Oh? What did you have in mind?"

"If Ah win...Ah get yer number. But if you win...you get a kiss."

"I think I'll do the first one regardless of the outcome.", North said with a smile as he pulled out his duel disk. "I'll take the first turn if you don't mind."

"Go ahead.", Applejack said as she pulled out her own duel disk and activated it!

Applejack: 8000
North: 8000

"I summon Alpha The Electromagnet Warrior! Since he was summoned, I can add a level 8 'Magna Warrior' monster from my deck to my hand!" North searched his deck, and found the card he was looking for. "That should do for monsters. Now I play Terraforming! This lets me add a field spell to my hand!" North searched his deck, and found the field spell he was looking for. 'This ought to give my monsters decent protection.' "I play the field spell Magnetic Field and end my turn!"

"Ah draw!" Applejack looked over her cards. 'His monster's got decent attack points. Maybe Ah need to go on the defensive.' "Ah play Gagaga Academy Emergency Network! Since you've got a monster and Ah've got none, Ah can special summon a 'Gagaga' monster from my deck! Ah special summon Gagaga Gardna! Then Ah'll summon Gagaga Magician! Now Ah overlay my two monsters! Ah Xyz Summon Gagaga Cowboy in defense mode!" Gagaga Cowboy crouched into defense mode as soon as he hit the field! "Now Ah'll activate his effect! Ah can detach one overlay unit to inflict 800 points of damage to you!" North flinched as Gagaga Cowboy fired a stun shot at his life points! "Ah set a card and end my turn."

Applejack: 8000
North: 7200

'Her monster's got quite the amount of defense points. Time to see if I can bring out a monster that can breakthrough!' "I draw! Now I'll activate Alpha's effect again! I'll add another level 8 'Magna Warrior' monster from my deck to my hand! Now I'll summon Gamma The Electromagnet Warrior in defense mode and end my turn!"

"Ah draw!" Applejack eyed North's field carefully. 'He's got two monsters on his field. Is he gearin' up for a tribute summon? Well, only one way to find out!' "Ah switch Gagaga Cowboy into attack mode! Then Ah'll equip him with Xyz Unit to him to boost his attack by 200 times each of his ranks! Attack Alpha the Electromagnet Warrior!"

"Not so fast! I activate Alpha's other effect! I tribute Alpha The Electromagnet Warrior to special summon Alpha The Magnet Warrior in defense mode from my deck!" Alpha The Electromagnet Warrior faded from the field, and a new magnet warrior stood in his place in defense mode! North winced as his monster was destroyed!

"Pretty good monster swap.", Applejack said with a smile. "Ah'll call it a turn. Your move sugarcube."

"Don't mind if I do.", North said as he drew his next card. 'Just what I needed! Time for my magnet warriors to combine!' "I play Trade-In! I'll discard a level 8 monster from my hand to draw two new cards! Now I'll play one of the cards I just drew! Magnet Reverse! This lets me special summon a machine or rock-type monster that's banished or is in my graveyard that can't be normal summoned or set! I revive Berserkion the Magna Warrior!" A mighty new magnet warrior larger than any Applejack has seen took the field! "Now I'll activate his effect! I can banish one level 4 or lower 'Magnet Warrior' from my graveyard to destroy one card you control! I choose Gagaga Cowboy!" Berserkion fired a bolt of lightning from his sword! Destroying Gagaga Cowboy! "Then I'll attack you directly! Electro Magna Slash!" Applejack braced herself as Berserkion charged up his sword with electricity, and struck down a huge chunk of her life points with a single slash! "I end my turn with a face-down. Excellent job Berserkion."

"Hope she doesn't hate you after this.", Berserkion joked.

Applejack: 5000
North: 7200

"You kiddin'? Ah like a guy who doesn't use kid-gloves 'cause Ah'm a girl!", Applejack said with a smile. "Ah draw!" 'This oughta even the odds a bit!' "Ah play Gagagawind! This lets me special summon a 'Gagaga' monster from my hand as a level 4 monster! Ah special summon Gagaga Girl! Then Ah play the spell card Gagagabolt! If Ah control a 'Gagaga' monster, Ah can destroy one card on your field! Ah choose your monster!" A bolt of lightning fried Berserkion! "Ah can't make a dent in that other monster you have, so Ah end my turn."

'She's pretty good. Even managed to take down one of my best monsters.', North thought with a smile. "Good move Applejack. But now it's my turn!" North smiled when he looked at the card he drew! 'Nice!' "I play Fusion Conscription to reveal a fusion monster in my extra deck! Then I can add a fusion material whose name is specifically listed on that fusion monster from my deck or graveyard to my hand! I'll retreive Berserkion the Magna Warrior! Now I play Polymerization to fuse Berserkion with Valkyrion in my hand! I fusion summon Imperion Magnum the Superconductive Battlebot!" A monster that seemed composed of Valkyrion and Berserkion arrived on the field as the two monsters disassmbled and reassmbled! "Attack Gagaga Girl with Conductive Slash!" Imperion Magnum charged up his sword with energy and charged at Gagaga Girl!

"Ah activate my trap! Gagaga Shield! Up to twice per turn, a spellcaster-type monster Ah control can't be destroyed by battle or card effects!"

"Not if Imperion's effect has anything to say about it! Once per turn, during either of our turns, when my opponent activates a spell, trap, or monster effect, I can negate the activation and destroy that card!" Imperion fired a bolt of lightning from his sword! Destroying Gagaga Shield! Applejack shielded herself as Gagaga Girl was destroyed! "That's all for me. I'll end my turn."

Applejack: 2000
North: 7200

'That's a pretty strong monster he's got on his field. Hopefully my trap can help!' "Ah draw! Ah'll set a card and end my turn. Yer move North."

"In that case, I'll attack you directly!"

"Ah activate Negate Attack!"

"Not if I use Imperion's effect!" Imperion Magnum fired a blast of lightning from his sword! Destroying Applejack's Negate Attack!

"Just what Ah was hopin' for!", Applejack said as Imperion Magnum slashed at her life points! "Ah activate my other trap! The Golden Apples! Since Ah took damage while Ah had no monsters on my field, Ah gain life points equal to the damage Ah took! Then Ah can summon a token with attack equal to the life points Ah gained!" A token with 4000 attack points appeared on the field!

"Not a bad move lass!", North said with a smile. "I'll end my turn."

Applejack: 2000
North: 7200

"My move then! Ah'll attack your monster with my token! Ah might not do any damage, but at least Ah'll take down your monster!" Applejack's token collided into Imperion Magnum! Both monsters' equal attacks destroyed each other! "Ah end my turn."

"Not bad destroying my strongest monster." North drew his next card. 'Time to bring a close to this fun little duel.' "It's been quite a blast Applejack. But now I'm ending this! I activate Magnetic Field's effect! Since I have a level 4 or lower EARTH rock-type monster, I can special summon a level 4 or lower 'Magnet Warrior' from my graveyard! I special summon Alpha The Magnet Warrior! Now I'll switch Gamma the Electromagnet Warrior into attack mode! I'll attack you directly with both of my monsters!" Applejack braced herself as North's monsters wiped out the last of her life points!

"Well, Ah lost fair and square. So..." Applejack walked up to North and kissed him. She then blushed after she broke the kiss. "Us Apples are people of our word."

"Here's a little something for you too." North pulled out a piece of paper, and wrote down his number. "I know I wouldn't mind keeping in touch. And..." Applejack's eyes widened when North kissed her back! "Consider that a 'thank-you' for the fun duel. I believe we had a prior engagement at Sugarcube Corner?" Applejack smiled while still retaining the blush from the kiss North had given her.

'Shoot. Ah'm fallin' for 'im. Might as well enjoy it...', Applejack thought as she took hold of North's arm. ' 'Course it helps that he's my type.'

Duel 10: The Duelist and The Designer

Silver Streak was smiling like he never had before. He had his siblings back, and now his family was complete again. While it was troubling that the other two sacred beast cards had vanished, he was focusing more on the positive aspects. 'I guess maybe...this week was pretty good after all.' Streak was so caught up in his good mood that he didn't notice where he was walking and bumped into a girl! "Oof!" Streak hit the floor on his back. As he started to recover, he noticed a girl with cream colored skin and light blue hair standing over him with worry in her eyes.

"Oh! I-I'm so sorry! I should've been watching where I was walking!", the girl said with a blush. Streak's heart was pounding as he looked at her.

'Oh, man she's adorable!', Streak thought. "N-no need to apologize. My mind was somewhere else." Streak then noticed the papers the girl had dropped. "Oh man! Sorry if I made you drop these! Let me help you with those..." As Streak collected the dropped papers, he noticed they were designs. "Wow...these are really good." Streak then snapped his attention back to the girl. "Oh! Here you are."

"Oh...thank you.", the girl said with a shy smile. "Thanks for your help. I'm Coco. Coco Pommel."

"Name's Silver Streak.", Streak said with a smile. "But my siblings and I all have the first name. So call me Streak please. I noticed your papers were clothing designs. Are you a designer or something?"

"Oh! Yes!", Coco beamed. "I was on my way to work until...well...our run-in."

"Mind if I tag along? I bet you could use some company.", Streak said with a kind smile.

"That sounds...nice. I'd like that." Coco blushed lightly at Streak's offer.

"Then let's be off." Streak walked Coco over to her workplace. Carousel Boutique. "So is this the place?"

Coco nodded. "Yes. This is where I work. No use in putting things off." Coco opened the door. "Hello Rarity! I'm here!"

"Ah! Coco, darling! I've been expecting you!", Rarity greeted. "So how are things so far?"

"Well I've been making some new designs. But....I'm not sure they're good enough."

Streak went up to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "I wouldn't say that. You won't know until you show her your work. And if nothing else helps, I thought they looked nice." Coco gave Streak a small smile. "Well what're you waiting for? Show her what you've done!" Coco pulled out her sketches and showed them to Rarity.

"Darling....these are lovely! You simply HAVE to help me create them! They would not be the same without your touch!"

"I...I'd be honored!", Coco said with a smile. Streak smiled as he went to leave. However, he was stopped by Coco.

"Um...Streak?"

"Yeah? Is there something else that's got you bothered?"

"No..." Coco kissed Streak on the cheek! "I just wanted to say thank you for helping me get my ideas out there."

"Oh...n-no problem!", Streak said with a blush. "I...um....are you free this Friday? I've got nothing better to do, so...wanna hang-out?"

Coco smiled. "Sure! I literally bumped into you, so I might as well get to know you more."

"Great! See you then!" Streak left in an even more elevated mood than before. Dark Gaia took note of his good mood and decided to investigate.

"Well. Looks like someone's found a reason to be happy.", Dark Gaia said with a smile. "So what's got you in a good mood?"

"I met a cute girl and I've got my first date.", Streak said with a grin. "Couple that with getting my family back, and I'd say today was pretty good."

"Just hope that you don't mess up the date.", Dark Gaia joked as he returned to the monster world. Streak let out a chuckle, but froze soon after. He felt a dark presence near him. "Who's there?!" A dark portal opened, and a hooded figure stepped out. But it was what the figure was holding that sent Streak over the edge. "Hamon and Uria!"

"Yes.", the figure nodded. "And you have the missing piece of my set." The figure then activated his duel disk. "And I will be taking it. One way or another..."

Duel 11: Dark Ambitions

Silver Streak stared coldly at the hooded figure before him. 'So he's the guy responsible for making Uria and Hamon disappear!' "Those cards aren't meant to be handled by anyone! Give them back!"

The figure chuckled. "You misunderstand. I have no interest in using their power. I'm simply trying to complete my collection. So if you wish to avoid a swift defeat, hand over Raviel."

"I'm Raviel's keeper.", Streak said sternly. "I was chosen to guard him from all those that seek his power. And at the moment, that's you!" Streak pulled out his duel disk and activated it! "That means you're going to have to get through me!"

"You are committed to your duty. Most comendable. Sadly, that will only aid you so much." The figure activated his own duel disk! "Come then! Show me just how good of a keeper you are!"

Streak: 8000
????: 8000

"I got the first move!" Streak looked to his cards. 'Not bad! Dark Fusion on my first hand! Just gotta set up some defenses now! "I'll set two cards and end my turn!" 'I don't know what this guy's got planned, but I can't let him get Raviel!'

"I draw!" The figure looked at his hand. 'His resolve to his duty is truly admirable. That doesn't change the fact that he stands in my way. A pity he didn't make this easy on himself. But it can't be helped. I will claim Raviel. Then I can move on to the next stage of my plans.' "I discard a card to activate Twin Twisters! This lets me destroy up to two spell or trap cards on the field! I'll destroy your two face-downs!" Two twisters blew away Streak's face-downs! "Next I summon Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands and activate his effect! I add a ritual spell to my hand!" The figure searched his deck, and picked out the ritual spell he was looking for. He then shuffled his deck once again before putting it back in its slot. "Now it ends. I play the spell card Advanced Ritual Art to send a normal monster whose level equals the level of the monster I want to ritual summon! I'll send Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my deck to the graveyard!" Streak's eyes widened! "Now I ritual summon Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon! Attack him directly! Chaos Neutron Blast!" Streak cringed as half of his life points were decimated by a blast of chaotic energy! "Now Manju attacks you directly!" Streak braced himself as Manju punched him with his multiple arms! "I end my turn. Be thankful that I'm showing mercy by making this quick."

Streak: 2600
????: 8000

'Not good! REALLY not good!', Streak thought as he drew his next card. 'He wasn't kidding when he said he was making this quick! Almost down to a quarter of my life points! And in ONE turn! Who is this guy? There's only person known for a Blue-Eyes deck besides Seto Kaiba is...!' "Who are you?!"

"Wouldn't you like that answer?", the figure chuckled. "Don't you have a move to make?"

Streak glared at the figure before looking to his hand. "I play Magical Mallet! This lets me shuffle as many cards from my hand into my deck to draw the same amount of new cards!" Streak shuffled three cards into his deck, and drew three new ones! "Now it's time to turn the tables! I summon Alpha The Electromagnet Warrior! His effect lets me add a level 8 'Magna Warrior' from my deck to my hand! Then I play Dark Fusion! I'll fuse Raviel, Lord of Phantasms with Valkyrion the Magna Warrior! I fusion summon Evil HERO Dark Gaia! And since he was fusion summoned, he gains attack equal to the combined attack of his fusion materials! Destroy Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX! Dark Terra Force" Dark Gaia annihilated Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX in a single, devastating punch! "I end my turn." 'Good thing I scored these cards when I did thanks to Magical Mallet! Now I've got a monster that's got Chaos MAX beaten in terms of attack points! He pushed me to the wall. Now it's time for me to push back!'

Streak: 2600
????: 4500

'So he's managed to bring out a monster who outclasses Chaos MAX in terms of raw power. But there's always more than ONE kind of power that one can draw upon. Time to show him the truth of that fact.' "I draw." The figure smiled as he looked at the card he drew. "I play Cards on Consonance. I discard a dragon-type tuner with 1000 or less attack to draw two new cards. And since you destroyed a 'Blue-Eyes' monster on my field and I have a dragon-type monster in my graveyard, I can special summon Deep-Eyes White Dragon from my hand!" A magnificent looking dragon descended onto the figure's field! "Now that she's on the field, I can inflict 600 points of damage for each dragon with different names in my graveyard! There's three dragons, so you take 1800 in damage!" Deep-Eyes fired a ray of blue energy from the ring on her back! Striking Streak directly! "Now I can target one 'Blue-Eyes' monster in my graveyard and have Deep-Eyes gain its attack! I target Chaos MAX! Now I'll attack your monster!"

'Is he crazy?! He'll take damage!', Streak thought. Deep-Eyes crashed into Dark Gaia! "Not the smartest move! You've taken another hit and lost a monster!"

The figure smirked under his hood. "What makes you think I didn't plan on this? Now Deep-Eyes' other effect activates! When she's destroyed, I can destroy all monsters you control!" Deep-Eyes unleashed a wave of energy! Destroying Dark Gaia in the process! "Now I play Return of the Dragon Lords to revive Blue-Eyes White Dragon and end my turn with a face-down!" 'Let's see how strong his resolve is now.' "I'll give you one last out. Surrender Raviel to me and I'll forfeit the duel. And you leave with your pride intact."

Streak: 800
????: 1000

'My PRIDE?!', Streak's mind screamed! 'He obviously doesn't know what my pride lies in!' "You're wrong. If I give in to your offer, then I've lost all my pride! A real duelist duels until the last card is drawn! Go ahead and toss your offer in the trash! I draw!" 'This could be just what I needed!' "I play Reload! I shuffle my whole hand into my deck and draw the same amount of cards I shuffled in!" Streak shuffled his whole hand into his deck, shuffled it, and drew the same amount of cards! "I play Dark Calling! This lets me banish fusion materials from my hand or graveyard who are listed on a fusion monster that can only be fusion summoned by Dark Fusion! I banish Raviel and Valkyrion to summon another Dark Gaia!"

"No you won't!", the figure countered! "I activate my trap! Champion's Vigilance! This can negate the summon of a monster since I control a level 7 or higher normal monster!" Dark Gaia was destroyed as he tried to step onto the field! 'How foolish for him to think he could beat me. And the same fate awaits the one who robbed me of my victories...'

"I...I end my turn.", Streak said as he hung his head in defeat.

"I don't need to tell you what I'm going to do next. Blue-Eyes. Finish it." The figure's Blue-Eyes unleashed a blast of White Lightning! Wiping out the last of Streak's life points! "No need for you to hand me my prize..." The figure's hand leaked darkness, and Raviel faded in a swirl of darkness only to reappear in the figure's hand. "I applaud your valor. But you lack might. Farewell..." The figure vanished in a dark portal and arrived at a new location. The figure removed his hooded robe and hung it in a closet. He soon heard knocking on the room's door. "Come in." A woman walked in.

"I trust you were successful my son?", the woman asked. The figure nodded.

"I have the Sacred Beasts. Now can we make our move?"

"No. There's one last bit of craziness to throw their way. And maybe you can help orchestrate it.", the woman had an evil smile. "Don't worry my son. When this is all over, it's you who'll be recognized as the greater hero!"

Duel 12: Catching-Up

Sunset sat in her room and took a deep breath as her mind drifted to the past. Her own personal journey. The Dazzlings trying to take over the school, and being reformed as well as gaining lovelier voices. Sunset finding another being from Equestria and finding a new boyfriend in said being. Then there was Burst's wins at Duelist Kingdom and Battle City. The Friendship Games. Nightmare Moon coming to the human world and becoming Burst's girlfriend. So mush had happened and she had seen it all. Sunset then turned her attention to the journal Princess Twilight had given to her. With all the craziness that had happened over such a short amount of time, Sunset decided there was no better time than now to write. Sunset grabbed a pen and opened up a blank page in her journal. "It's been so short a time. And it feels like so long..." Sunset then set to work writint down all the events that had happened after the Battle of the Bands. "Dear Princess Twilight...."

Equestria, The Castle of Friendship...

Twilight was enjoying her library when she heard a particular book buzz. "Huh. I've been wondering what was keeping Sunset so busy. Time to see what she's been up to." Twilight levitated the journal over to herself. Twilight's eyes widened at hearing Burst's adventures and triumphs over evil. "Wow. Sounds like their Burst's been quite busy...." Twilight kept reading up to the point where they had met their world's Starlight Glimmer and how she'd found someone to love her. "Aw! Just like the Starlight here! Hmmm. I wonder how the lovelife of their Burst is." Twilight went back to the section that mentioned Burst Stream's exploits. Her heart saddened when she heard about Burst's break-up with that world's Celestia. "Poor Burst." But Twilight soon smiled again when she heard Burst had found a new girlfriend. "That's great! I wonder who the lucky girl is..." Twilight froze when she read who Burst's girlfriend was. Nightmare Moon. "It's not possible....there's no way!" Twilight's mind was panicking, but she soon regained her composure and did the only logical thing to do. "Spike? Take a letter to the princesses. This can't wait. Sunset and her friends might be in BIG trouble."

Duel 13: Reconciliation

Twilight had just arrived at Canterlot, and teleported into the castle! Princesses Celestia and Luna were waiting for her. "I came as soon as you received my letter!"

"I'm glad you could make it Twilight.", Celestia said with a nod. "It's most troubling to hear of Nightmare Moon's resurgence. But what's odd is that Sunset seemed so calm about it. Like she wasn't a threat."

"NOT a threat?!", Luna growled. "That monster was the reason I was stuck on the moon for a thousand years! If the nightmare wasn't over before, I'll be the one to end it with my own hooves! Even if it means we must journey to the human world ourselves to put an end to her!"

"Well....there's an even MORE unsettling part.", Twilight said nervously. "You see...the human world's Burst broke up his world's Celestia. And his new girlfriend is....well....Nightmare Moon." Both Celestia and Luna's eyes went wide at hearing this. "And she's living with him."

"Okay. We're going. As in NOW.", Celestia said sternly as she, Luna and Twilight headed for a carriage. The three soon arrived at the Castle of Friendship, and made their way towards the mirror portal.

"I know I'M one to say this, but aren't we going the LEAST bit overboard with all this? I'm sure Sunset and the others can use their magic to defeat her."

"This was problem born from OUR actions.", Luna hissed. "My sister and I will be the ones to resolve it. Now to put an end to the Nightmare." The three stepped through the portal and soon found themselves in the human world. But as opposed to their counterparts, Luna and Celestia were decked out in full royal regalia. "I suppose this should maintain a difference between our counterparts in this world." The three noticed the Dazzlings and their boyfriends walking out. "You there! Sirens!" Needless to say they were pretty surprised to see three of Equestria's princesses.

"Not that it isn't nice of you three to visit, but why are you here?", Adagio asked. Luna's gaze steeled.

"There is a great evil lurking this realm. Nightmare Moon has been living in this world. No doubt she plans to bring eternal night. Tell us where to find her. I'll personally put an end to all this."

Ace whispered into Fang's ear, and Fang nodded. Fang then transformed into his wolf cub form. "Maybe I can help sniff her out? Got anything with her scent on it?" Luna noticed Fang's tranformation, picked him up, and squeezed him tightly!

"HEY! He's my boy!", Aria snapped! "Quit hogging him!" Luna pouted. As the two were about to clash over Fang, Veenus and Fang went off to find Sunset. They didn't have to search very far.

"Oh. Hey you two. What's up?", Sunset asked.

"Sunset. We've got a problem.", Veenus said. "Princess Twilight's come here with Princesses Celestia and Luna."

"Wasn't expecting them to drop by."

"Sunset? They're not here for a visit.", Ace said. "They're here for Moon." Sunset's eyes widened. "And Luna's on the warpath." Sunset face-palmed.

"I should've figured that Twilight would freak-out.", Sunset sighed. She then got out her phone. "Burst's going to need to hear about this." Sunset text Burst about the princesses arrival and their intentions. "Well now that that's been taken care of, I need to have a few words with my former mentor." Sunset walked to the CHS entrance and addressed Princess Celestia. "Good to see you again teacher." Sunset was caught off-guard when Celestia ran up to her and hugged her.

"It's good to see you again Sunset.", Celestia said with a smile as she held Sunset close. Sunset had a smile smile as she returned the hug.

"Let's move on to why you and Princess Luna are here.", Sunset began. "Nightmare Moon's not a threat."

"Sunset. I know you and your friends can probably handle her, but this is a problem Luna and I need to take care of ourselves."

"But she hasn't hurt anyone during her time here!", Sunset protested!

"Time? She's been here for a while?"

"Well...yes. She's dating and living with Burst. The point is, she's not the same person who got Luna stuck on the moon! Moon's changed for the better."

Luna scoffed. "I doubt that. Surely you must be under her enchantment if you are so quick to defend her! But speaking of that mare, how is she even alive?!"

Sunset took a deep breath. "Princess Celestia told me that the elements have the power to purify, seal, or imprison. But there was never ANY mention of destruction. Moon told us that she'd been little more than a pile of magical mist. That is, until Burst came to Equestria. He left some residual magic. Moon used his magic, and reconstructed her body and came to this world."

"Why are you calling her that?!", Luna snapped! "Call her what she truly is! A nightmare! That's all she is, and all she shall ever be!"

"Why's it so hard for you to believe she's changed?!", Sunset spat. While Luna and Sunset were going at it, Burst was walking Nightmare to her locker. He then noticed a new text from Sunset. Burst opened the text, and his pupils shruk to pinpricks.

"Moon. I think you've got company."

Nightmare was puzzled. "What makes you say that?"

"Princesses Luna and Celestia just arrived in this world. And they're looking for you. From the sound of things, Luna's looking to destroy you. But...it's your call. You can either run, or face them." Nightmare took a deep breath.

"It's an easy choice...." Meanwhile, Celestia and Twilight had managed to calm things down with Luna and Sunset. Nightmare noticed things had become stable, she addressed the group. "Hello Luna." Luna glared at Nightmare the second she spoke.

"YOU!", Luna roared. Nightmare just shook her head at Luna's anger.

"Princess, please!", Burst pleaded. "Just hear her out!"

"So. You've fallen to her charms.", Luna said with her voice full of disgust. Burst was about to counter, but Nightmare stopped him.

"Burst. It's alright. If they don't believe me, then I see no reason in trying to say otherwise. Sunset. Gather the rest of the girls. I believe you know what Luna has in mind. There's no escaping it." Sunset sighed as she texted the other girls. They soon arrived. "All of you. Use your magic on me. If it gets Luna some closure, I wouldn't mind enduring another thousand years of isolation." The girls' hearts sank. "Don't try to stop me." The girls powered up and readied themselves to unleash the magic. Nightmare closed her eyes. 'I found a new life only to leave it once again. I guess it ends the same way as it began. Me being...' Nightmare then felt a familiar pressure around her waist. '...Alone?' Nightmare opened her eyes to find Burst holding her tight! "Burst....what are you doing?!"

"I'm not letting you go Moon. At least, not alone. You were alone for a thousand years Moon. And you shouldn't have to go back to being alone." A tear trickled down Burst's face. "It'll be alright. Because I'll be with you." Nightmare held Burst tight and smiled as tears fell from her closed eyes as the other girls unleashed the magic.

"Thank you...." The magic hit both of them full force! Leaving the two in a pillar of blinding light! When the light died-down, Luna's jaw dropped as she saw both Nightmare and Burst still standing! But most surprising was that Nightmare had sprouted her wings and gained a horn as well! Nightmare opened her eyes to see Burst standing before her. "I guess we're not going anywhere.", Nightmare said with a small smile as she let go of Burst.

"Would you REALLY wanna be somewhere else?", Burst asked with a grin.

"But...how?", Luna asked. Celestia let out a sigh.

"Because when you think about it, it's our fault Luna. My ignorance of how neglected you felt, and your jealousy of how beloved I was. Your jealousy gave her life. She's your child. In a way, all she wanted to do was make her mother happy. And all we've ever done was pin the results of our actions on her." Luna wanted to protest, but she knew that Celestia was right. Nightmare Moon was born out of her own jealousy, and Celestia's ignorance of her plight had only fueled Nightmare's creation. She was her daughter. And all she had done was curse Nightmare's name. Luna approached Nightmare feeling so disgusted and ashamed. Not with Nightmare, but herself.

"I'm sorry...." Luna grabbed Nightmare and fell to her knees. "I'm so sorry!" Nightmare knelt down to Luna's level and pulled her into a hug.

"No tears Luna. Now, the nightmare is truly over.", Nightmare said with a smile. "For you and me both." Both of them stood once again. Smiling that things had been patched-up. "From now on, call me Moon."

"I'll see you when you dream my little Moon."

"Looks like things are done here.", Celestia said with a smile. "It's time for us to return home. You're welcome to come with us."

Nightmare shook her head. "My place is here." Nightmare then looked to Burst and her friends. "And I have plenty of reasons to stay."

"Before I leave...here." Luna pulled out a necklace from the bag she had brought with her. "It's a piece of the armor we wore. Just so you can have a little piece of home." Luna returned to Equestria with Celestia and Twilight. Nightmare smiled at the piece. Rarity took an interest in the piece of armor.

"Moon, darling? May I borrow that?"

"Sure.", Nightmare said with a smile. "Hoping to get an idea for new designs?"

"You know me so well! I promise I won't keep it long!"

"Just be careful with it." Nightmare handed over the piece of armor, and Rarity happily accepted.

Later that night...

"Aaaannd, done!" Rarity smiled at her latest design which was inspired by the piece of armor Nightmare had given her. "Looks like I'll be dreaming well tonight." Rarity let out a yawn, and got into bed. However, a dark substance leaked from the armor piece, and entered Rarity's dreams. Rarity was unaware, and continued to sleep as if nothing was wrong. That is, until she saw her dreams.

Duel 14: Dark Dreams

Rarity stirred as her dreams changed. In them, she saw all of her friends having a good time. But in the place of her, there was another girl. One who seemed to have her beat in every field. And they seemed toignore Rarity each time she called out to them. "Everyone! I'm right here!", Rarity called out. But it was of no use. Her friends couldn't hear her, or they chose to ignore her. Soon, Rarity was all alone in a black area and a single spotlight shined down on her. "Maybe...I'm not so rare after all..." Rarity began to cry. The black substance that had seeped into her dreams began to twist and condense into a familiar form and approached Rarity. Rarity heard footsteps, and saw Nightmare looking down on her. "Oh. Moon. I'm so sorry you have to see me like this."

"Bad dreams?", the false Nightmare asked.

"Yes.", Rarity said with a sigh.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"In my dreams...I was replaced with another girl. One who was far more generous than I ever was, and my friends kept ignoring me no matter how loudly I cried out to them! Not even Inferno heard me..." The false Nightmare smiled.

"What if I told you there was a way to make sure that dream never comes to pass?"

"What do you mean?"

"Allow me to give you my power. Power that will make sure those fears never trouble you again. All you need do is Let. Me. In."

Rarity hesitated before taking a deep breath. "Proceed." The false Nightmare smiled, and entered Rarity! Back in the real world, Rarity underwent a transformation. She grew in height and her skin turned dark purple. Her hair grew longer and became more ethereal and gained a streak of white. As the transformation finished, she opened her eyes. They had become pale, cold blue and had vertical pupils like Nightmare's. Diamond-like glimmers were withing her irises. "So my friends think they can find a replacement? Well I'll show them. Bacuse now...there's nobody quite like me. And Inferno..." Nightmare Rarity briefly flared her power and smiled. "It's you who will become MY treasure." A new deck materialized in her hand. "And now I also have the tools to make it all possible."

Duel 15: A Rare Nightmare Part 1

Nightmare Rarity drifted through the dreamscape until she found just the dreams they she was looking for. "Ahhh. Perfect." She was gazing at her friends' dreams. "I was afraid they'd leave me behind. But I know just how to fix that...." By using her new powers, Nightmare Rartiy made her friends suffer through their worst nightmares. Fluttershy was being chased by a dragon, Applejack's whole farm was destroyed, Rainbow Dash was stuck in a dimension full of singing flowers, Pinkie was stuck in a world where no one wanted a party, and Twilight and Sunset saw Nightfall and Gold respectively abandoning them. "HA HA HA HA HA! Oh this is just lovely!" Nightmare Rarity revelled in seeing her friends suffer through their worst nightmares. "I'll make them stay by my side for eternity. That will be the price they pay for the end of their nightmares. And if they don't, I'll torment them with nightmares every night." Nightmare scanned the rest of the dreamscape, and smiled. "Now for my prime target." Nightmare Rarity drifted over to Inferno's dreams. "I'll be sure to give this one my own personal touch..." Nightmare Rarity entered Inferno's dreams and assumed Rarity's normal appearance. In Inferno's dream, he was waiting for her.

"Hey gorgeous! It's always nice to see my treasure.", Inferno said with a grin.

"A pity I can't truly say the same for you.", Nightmare Rarity said with a smirk.

"..What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that I can't believe I EVER loved someone as replusive as you.", Nightmare Rarity said with a sneer. "I couldn't possibly ever fall for a dragon." Nightmare Rarity then stroked Inferno's cheek with her hand. "Farewell darling. I'm off to find a much more suitable boyfriend." Inferno's heart sank as Nightmare Rarity's words pierced through his heart.

"Rarity please! Don't leave me!", Inferno pleaded as Nightmare Rarity exited his dreams and resumed her true form.

"Don't worry darling. In fact, now that you fear losing me, I'll be able to keep you forever. Now, you shall be MY treasure.", Nightmare Rarity said with an evil smile. She then picked up on something! "Well, well, well. It appears there's another great source of malevolence. Perhaps I should investigate." Nightmare drifted over to the source,and found a door. She opened it to find a room. "Hmmm. Not your typical villain's lair."

"It appears I have a guest." A hooded figure noted. Nightmare Rarity spun to find the figure sitting in a chair. "Please. Have a seat."

"Looks like you're awake while you sleep.", Nightmare Rarity said a smirk. "My friends don't have the priveledge of being fully aware of the terror they're going through. Well as interesting as this was, I have to move on to Burst's dreams."

"As in...Burst Stream?", the figure asked. Nightmare Rarity paused.

"Yes. Is he a friend of yours? You're welcome to try and stop me..." Nightmare Rarity flared her magic.

The hooded figure chuckled. "I have no love for him. In fact, I want you to give him the worst nightmare possible!"

"What did he ever do to you?", Nightmare Rarity asked.

"Let's just say that it would serve our best interests to make the lives of him and his friends difficult.", the figure said with a smile.

"Then I'll be sure to make his the worst. He's the strongest duelist, so that makes him the biggest threat." Nightmare Rarity left. "Next stop: Burst Stream." She floated over to Burst's dreams. "Oh the terror I'll inflict here..." Nightmare Rarity watched as Burst's nightmare began. In it, Nightmare Moon was leaving him. Walking away and leaving him by himself. Burst ran after her! Reaching out to grab her! But the more he ran, the farther he reached, the farther away she slipped. Burst began to cry as she got farther and farther away. "Oh this is good.", Nightmare Rarity said with an evil smile. She wasn't smiling for long. Nightmare Moon was coming back to Burst! "WHAT?!" In the dream, Moon pulled Burst in for a tight hug. "What's happening?! Who's changing the dream?!" Moon then turned and stepped out of the dream to face Nightmare Rarity! "YOU?!"

"You thought I wouldn't notice the disturbances in the dreamscape?", Moon asked. "I don't know what made you accept this power. But you have to stop this Rarity. This isn't you."

"Well I guess I was wrong. There IS another one like me. Though soon....THAT WILL BE RECTIFIED!" Nightmare Rarity fired a blast of magic at Moon! However, Moon reflected it!

"You may have power similar to mine." Moon then activated her full power and ponied-up! "But what you accepted was only a remnant. I'm the original!" Moon fired a powerful blast of magic! Knockning Nightmare Rarity to the ground! "Rarity, please! I'm your friend. Let me help you."

"This isn't over!", Nightmare Rarity hissed as she retreated from the dreamscape! Moon sighed as she set to work undoing the damage Nightmare Rarity had done.

"I guess a piece of my past self must have hidden in that armor plate. Rarity has to be saved. Someone has to bring her back." Moon then noticed Inferno's dream. "And that someone is you Inferno." Moon vanquished Inferno's nightmare.

"Thanks Moon! That was one really bad dream.", Inferno said with a sigh of relief.

Moon sighed. "Inferno. That dream was more real than you think. And you'll be in danger of losing Rarity forever."

"What're you talking about?"

"Rarity's been overtaken by a remnant of myself.", Moon said sadly. "It latched onto her when I gave her that piece of my armor. Now Rarity has been turned into a nightmare creature similar to me. She may look like her, but make no mistake. There is little to nothing left of the girl you loved Inferno. Save for her love of fashion."

"So when Rarity said those things....that wasn't her talking? It was that...thing she's become?" Moon nodded. "There's gotta be a way to fix this! There has to be a way to save her!"

"There is. But it's incredibly dangerous."

"I'LL DO IT! Even if I have to face her alone!", Inferno declared.

"Good. Because you will need to face her alone. The way to wake her from the nightmare's power, she must be awoken by one who holds her close to their heart. It must be you Inferno."

"Just point me in the right direction!"

"She'll come to you Inferno. But take the advice of a former villain. She'll try to trick you into joining her. Maybe by assuming the form of the Rarity you know and love. But remember: that ISN'T her. She's still asleep within that creature. Waiting to be woken up. When the time comes, it'll just be you and her. Until then, goodnight." Moon returned to Burst to inform him of the situation. Leaving Inferno to his thoughts.

"Rarity...." Inferno clenched his fist. "I WILL save you. Even if I need to protect you from yourself."

Duel 16: A Rare Nightmare Part 2

Moon informed the rest of the group the next morning. Needless to say, everyone was reasonably troubled about it. "Don't get too sad. There is a way to save Rarity from what she's become. And it lies with Inferno."

"Then I'm going in with him!", Burst declared! Moon shook her head.

"Burst. You and the others can't do this. It has to be Inferno. He's the one Rarity holds close to her heart, and the one that wants to save her more than any of us."

"Great. We don't get to see any action!", Rainbow Dash groaned.

"I wouldn't be too sure about that Rainbow.", Nightmare said with a small smile. "Thanks to her new nightmare powers, Rarity can summon nightmare forces. Chances are, we'll have our hands full dealing with them. We've got to protect our home don't we?"

"...I guess that's better. So when can we expect Nightmare Rarity to hit us?"

Inferno tried sensing for Rarity's energy. He found something! It was faint, but it was still present! And from the feel of it, it was pretty close. 'Either she's baiting me...or she intends for me to go to her.', Inferno thought. As if on cue, the sky began to darken. "I'd say right about now." Inferno narrowed his eyes. "And it looks like we're gonna have company." A castle made of diamond appeared almost out of nowhere. Soon, pools of shadow slithered across the ground and condensed into dark creatures. Inferno summoned his Duelist Arms. "Hope you guys are ready for a long morning." The others summoned their own Duelist Arms. "I'll take care of any in my way. You can handle protecting the school." Inferno charged forth! Firing his blaster at any of the creatures that took a swing at him! "NONE OF YOU ARE GONNA STOP ME!" Inferno slashed at any nightmare creatures unfortunate enough to get in his way! Burst and the others decided to engage any nightmare creatures that were advancing on CHS.

"Well guys. At least we can't say it was a dull morning!", Burst joked as he lead the charge against the creatures! At the same time, Inferno was burning her way through the horde of nightmare creatures that stood in his way! Either by blasting them, or by slashing them down! The further he advanced, the harder Inferno fought!

"So it looks like Nightmare Rarity's not bothering to deal with us herself.", Inferno noted. "Time to show here we can't be ignored!" Inferno sent out a wave of fire in a single slash by charging up his sword! Incinerating a large number of nightmare creatures in the process and clearing a path to Nightmare Rarity's castle. "I guess I'll just stroll up to the front door now." As Inferno walked toward the castle, remains of the nightmare creatures began to slowly piece together. As Inferno got closer to the castle's front door, the pieces created a giant pool of shadow! A gigantic nightmare creature formed from all the pieces, and blocked Inferno's path. "Heh. Looks like she wants me to earn an audience with her. Well the bigger they are...." Inferno activated his powers, flew up to the giant's face, and unleashed a charged shot from his blaster! Taking its head off! Inferno then dove down with his sword! Splitting the creature down the middle! Shadow leaked from the area Inferno had slashed. Inferno then slowly sheathed his sword. As he almost sheathed it, he uttered a single word. "Ignite." The creature burst into flame! Leaving nothing behind but ash. "...The brighter they burn." Inferno then noticed the castle's doors open. "Looks like I've been invited in." Inferno walked through the doors, and they slammed shut once he was inside. "Ok...this just got a little bit creepy.", Inferno said as he noticed how empty the castle was. In another part of the castle, Nightmare Rarity was watching Inferno through a gem orb.

"Most impressive darling.", she said with a dark giggle. "Now. Come to me...." Nightmare Rarity sent out a series of gem beacons to lead Inferno to her. "It's rude to keep a lady waiting." Inferno noticed the beacons, and followed them.

"Seems like she was expecting me." Inferno followed the beacons to a set of grand doors. "I guess there really is little left of Rarity left in her." Inferno then steeled his gaze. "Just means I've got to fight harder to get her back!" Inferno kicked down the door, and found an empty throne room. "Rarity?! Where are you?!"

"I knew you'd come for me darling.", 'Rarity' said as she stepped out wearing an azure dress and matching fingerless gloves. For a moment, Inferno felt unrestrained joy!

"You're alright." Inferno smiled. Rarity smiled as she walked over with her hips swaying.

"You told me that you'd always protect me Inferno. Now I have a question for you..." Rarity leaned in and whispered into Inferno's ear. "Inferno. Would you forget about the others and stay with me? To guard and love me forever?" Inferno froze. He remembered Moon's warning, and what Rarity had just said confirmed it.

"Rarity? Do you remember that necklace I gave you?"

"That old thing? It was cute, but not really my color..." 'Rarity' was pushed away by Inferno!

"You're not her. This is probably the first time I've hated you saying the word cute.", Inferno glared at her. "You're not Rarity. YOU'RE NOT THE GIRL I LOVE!" Inferno fired a blast of flame at her! Dispelling the illusion and revealing Nightmare Rarity. "Don't you DARE try to hide your face with hers!"

"Impressive darling.", Nightmare Rarity said with a dark smile. "Truly a shame you didn't except my offer. You could've lived a life of great luxury and power. Plus, I'm MUCH more attractive than the Rarity you know."

"No. You're hideous.", Inferno said harshly. "What really made Rarity so beautiful wasn't anything trivial like her body. It was her heart!" Inferno was about to draw his sword, but Nightmare Rarity just giggled.

"Can you really strike me?", she asked with a sneer. "Who knows? That could hurt me as well as Rarity." Inferno flinched, and sheathed his sword. "Good boy. Now I can really have some fun!" Nightmare Rarity shot a blast of dark magic! Knocking Inferno to the floor! "I've been waiting for someone to entertain me. Now that you're here..." Nightmare Rarity picked up Inferno with her magic, and stroked his cheek with her hand. "...I plan on playing with you for a good while." She flung Inferno across the room with her magic! "I know your dragon powers make you durable. So I won't have to worry about you breaking on me." Inferno slowly rose to his feet, and began to walk towards Nightmare Rarity. "Oh? It appears you want more punishement. Well fortunately for you...." Nightmare Rarity fired another blast of magic! Knocking Inferno to his knees! "I have plenty in store for you." Inferno grimaced as he got to his feet again, and walked towards her once again. "My, my. Ever the determined one are we? No wonder Red-Eyes partnered with you. Maybe after I've worn you out, I'll put that potential to good use by making you my slave. Blasts of magic are so trivial. Time to change-up the formula!" Nightmare Rarity used her magic, and several small but sharp gem shards levitated in the air. "Shard storm." Nightmare Rarity snapped her fingers, and an endless stream of gem shards were sent flying at Inferno! Inferno put his arms up to shield himself, and pressed on! "Someone's determined to get to me.", Nightmare Rarity said with a slight purr in her voice. "I hope you don't mind I'm playing hard to get."

"Yap all you want...", Inferno growled. "Nothing's gonna stop me from getting to you!"

"More power to you.", Nightmare Rarity said with a smirk as she increased the intensity of gem shards that were sent flying at Inferno! Inferno had dragon scales for skin now, so the shards didn't cut into his skin. However, that didn't mean that them striking his skin didn't sting. Inferno winced in pain! The closer he got, the more furious the barrage of shards grew!

"You can hurt me all you want...BUT I'LL NEVER SURRENDER!", Inferno roared. "Rarity...would never forgive me if I ever gave up easily...." Inferno was no more than a foot away from Nightmare Rarity as he reached out to her. Only for a gem barrier to block his hand. Inferno fell to his knees as his hand slid down the barrier. He was exhausted from fighting his way here, and the nearly endless barrage of gem shards striking him didn't help in the matter. Nightmare Rarity smiled as she dropped her barrier, and walked over to Inferno. Kneeling down to his level. "It hurts so much..."

Nightmare Rarity caressed Inferno's cheek. "Shhhh. There, there. Let me end this. Just submit Inferno. It'll all end then." Inferno looked up to her eyes, and wrapped his arms around her tightly.

"Rarity. I don't know if you can hear me in there, but please listen. I told you were my treasure and that I'd guard you with my life. That also means me protecting you from yourself. Because there's no one like you Rarity! I couldn't replace you even if I tried!" Tears began to fall from Inferno's eyes. "Please Rarity....wake up from this dream...." Deep inside of Nightmare Rarity's mind, Rarity slowly opened her eyes.

'Inferno...' Rarity's eyes snapped open, and she gazed in horror at what had happened and saw herself chained up. 'What have I done?...No. NO! I won't let things end this way!' Nightmare Rarity's eyes widened as she felt a pain in her chest!

"AGGH! WHAT'S....HAPPENING.....?!", she howled as she tore herself from Inferno! A bright white light shot from the core of her being! "NO! NOOO!" Rarity forced her way out of the light, and landed on the floor! Rarity quickly regained her senses, and ran over to Inferno! She gently picked him up and caressed him.

"Oh darling....I'm so sorry.", she said sadly.

"Hey...no need for that.", Inferno said with a weak smile. "That wasn't you...it never could be. You'd never be so selfish or cruel."

"And I'd never call your gift to me simply 'cute'.", Rarity said with a small smile as she and Inferno shared a hug as she clutched the necklace Inferno had given her. "But now it's time to bring this bad dream to an end!" Rarity turned to face Nightmare Rarity, and summoned a duel disk modeled after Gem-Knight Master Diamond! Nightmare Rarity gazed at her hatefully and summoned an obsidian duel disk!

"LET'S DUEL!"

Rarity: 8000
Nightmare Rarity: 8000

"You may have your body back. But I'll be the one to make sure you sleep forever!", Nightmare Rarity hissed as she drew her hand! "I summon Gem Shard Onyx! Then I'll set a card and end my turn." A monster made of pure black gemstone full of jagged edges materialized on Nightmare Rarity's field!

"And I'll be the one to make sure you never hurt anyone else!", Rarity spat as she drew a card! 'Time to show this knock-off how a true gem shines!' "I summon Gem-Knight Garnet in attack mode! Destroy Gem Shard Onyx!"

Nightmare Rarity smirked as Garnet charged at her monster! "My shard will be the one to shatter your knight! Whenever a shard monster battles, their attack points double! So now Onyx's attack is boosted to 3000! Shatter her Garnet!" Gem Shard Onyx cut Gem-Knight Garnet to pieces! "I end my turn."

Rarity: 6900
Nightmare Rarity: 8000

'Her gem monsters reflect how dark and twisted she is!', Rarity thought as she drew her next card. 'And only a few of my monsters can actually beat her shard's effect in terms of attack points!' Rarity then looked at her hand. 'Blast! These cards can help me. But it'll mean wasting them this early in the duel! But if I want to keep my life points safe, I'll need to make use of them.' "I summon Gem-Knight Alexandrite in defense mode and end my turn with a face-down!"

"If you think you're safe, think again!", Nightmare Rarity said with a savage grin! "I activate my trap! Shard's Edge! Now all 'Gem Shard' monsters I control can inflict piercing damage! Destroy Gem-Knight Alexandrite!" Gem Shard Onyx charged at Gem-Knight Alexandrite! Shattering the monster!

"I activate my trap!", Rarity said with a smirk! "Brilliant Spark! Since you destroyed a 'Gem-Knight' monster I controlled, I can inflict its attack points as damage to you!" Nightmare Rarity winced as a bolt of energy struck her life points! "So much for a flawless duel."

"I end my turn.", Nightmare Rarity said coldly. "Now the effect of Shard's Edge activates. I have to discard a 'Gem-Shard' monster from my hand or deck." Nightmare Rarity discarded a card from her hand.

Rarity: 5100
Nightmare Rarity: 6200

'It's not much of a start. But I've at least gotten in a small hit on her life points! But I know my Gem-Knights won't let me down! Let's show her how bright we truly shine!' "I draw!" 'Yes! Just what I needed!' "I play Brilliant Fusion! This lets me send monsters from my deck as the fusion materials! I fusion summon Gem-knight Master Diamond!" Master Diamond appeared in a brilliant flash of light!

"I stand ready to fight by your side my lady!", Master Diamond said proudly!

"Unfortuanately, Master Diamond's attack points are reduced to zero by Brilliant Fusion's effect. But that won't be for long! I can discard a spell card from my hand to restore his strength! Now I can make use of Master Diamond's other effect! He gains 100 attack for each 'Gem-' monster in my graveyard! Now I'll have him attack your monster! Master Prism Slash!" Master Diamond shattered Gem-Shard Onyx in a single slash!

Nightmare Rarity smiled as he monster was destroyed."Since he's been destroyed, my shard's effect activates! You take his original attack points as damage!"

Rarity winced as gem shards cut into her life points! "I end my turn." 'Looks like her monster is as jagged as she is! Not to mention my life points are falling quite low! I'm going to need to be careful with how I proceed with this duel.'

Rarity: 3600
Nightmare Rarity: 5800

"Now it's my turn!" Nightmare Rarity grinned at the card she drew. "AHHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA! And now it all ends! I play shard fusion! I can banish fusion materials listed on a fusion monster from my hand, deck, or graveyard! I banish three 'Gem-Shard' monsters from my deck!" A dark vortex appeared on her field! "Now to bring out the monster that will shatter your hopes and send you into eternal rest! I fusion summon Dark Gem-Knight Aerneth!" A monster wearing pitch black armor with jagged black crystals on it stepped out of the vortex. It boasted 4000 attack points! "Now I'll attack your Master Diamond! This activates Aerneth's effect! The attack and defense of your monster is cut in half! I call it the luster drain!" Master Diamond's color began to fade as Aerneth advanced upon him and shattered him with a single slash! The force of the attack brought Rarity to her knees! Nightmare Rarity let out a dark chuckle at the sight. "I wonder how you were EVER the Element of Generosity. You were so eager to keep your friends that you let me in! And now? You'll lose them all the same. Once I'm finished with you, I think I'll pay them all a visit. But before them, I'm going to enjoy making your precious Inferno my slave."

Rarity: 1300
Nightmare Rarity: 5800

Rarity instantly stood up at hearing Nightmare Rarity go on! Rarity took a deep breath before staring down Nightmare Rarity. "You're right. I was selfish in wanting to keep my friends because of one silly nightmare. But I want to fix my mistakes. No matter how long it takes, or how much it hurts, I WILL make things right and to protect the people I love! And to do that, I would gladly throw myself in harm's way to keep them safe! I AM the Element of Generosity!" Rarity then felt a surge of power well up inside her! In a flash of light, Rarity had ponied up! But in addition to the tail, ears, and horn, she had a pair of wings that looked like they were made of diamonds they shone so beautifully! Rarity then noticed a rainbow-colored glow coming from the card on top of her deck! "All you are...is a knock-off! I draw!" Rarity smiled as she saw the card she drew. "I play the card Brilliant Harmony! This lets me banish materials listed on a Gem-Knight fusion monster! I banish Gem-Knight Lady Brilliant Diamond and Gem-Knight Master Diamond!" Both the fusion materials jumped into a swirling vortex! "I fusion summon Gem-Knight Lady Adamant Harmony!" A female Gem-Knight made of pure diamond and wearing a purple cape stepped out of the vortex as it faded! "Now I'll attack your monster!" Adamant Harmony charged at Aerneth with her blade drawn!

"We'll see how impressive your monster truly is when Aerneth activates his effect!" Aerneth unleshed an aura of shadow, but Adamant Harmony shined right through it! "WHAT?!"

"Adamant's name is very fitting. She's unaffected by card effects! Making her unyeilding and unbreakable! And her attack points match! 4500! And all of them are directed at your monster! But I'm not done yet! I'll activate another one of Adamant Harmony's effects! I can banish one 'Gem-Knight' fusion monster from my graveyard and have her gain that monster's attack! I banish Gem-Knight Seraphinite to boost her by 2300! Destroy Aerneth! Adamant Prism Slash!"

"AAAAGGGHHH!", Nightmare Rarity screamed as her life points took a massive hit as Adamant Harmony destroyed Aerneth!

"A flawless attack Adamant.", Rarity said with a smile.

"Always a pleasure to assist my lady.", Adamant said with a bow.

Rarity: 1300
Nightmare Rarity: 3000

Nightmare Rarity scowled as she got to her feet! She then noticed her body fluctuating on her. "No...NO!"

"Struggling to keep it together darling?", Rarity asked with a sly smile.

"You....you think you're better off without me? My power can get you anything you want! You would be nothing without me!"

"There's nothing from you that I want.", Rarity said sternly. "I have all that I need. And considering you need a host, it's YOU who are nothing without anyone."

"I draw!", Nightmare Rarity hissed. She thenscowled at her cards in anger! "Impossible....I can't make a single move!"

"Then you won't mind me making mine!", Rarity said as she drew her next card! "Finish this Adamant Harmony! Radiant Harmony Slash!" Adamant Harmony's blade began to glow radiantly with the colors of the rainbow as she charged forth! Slashing away the last of Nightmare Rarity's life points! Nightmare Rarity growled as she got to her feet again. "You beat me in the duel....BUT NOW I CAN DESTROY YOU MYSELF!"

"You got to her while she was alone ugly.", Inferno said as he drew his sword. "Let's see how tough you are when I'M by her side!" Inferno then looked to Rarity. "That is, if you don't mind the company." Rarity smiled.

"No one I'd rather be with right now darling." Rarity summoned her own Duelist Arm. "Let's put an end to this bad dream!"

"RRRRAAAAUUUUUGGGHHHH!" Nightmare Rarity roared as she unleashed a storm of gem shards at Inferno and Rarity! Rarity saw it coming, and generated a gem shield! Blocking the shards from hitting them! Nightmare Rarity scowled and fired blast after blast at Rarity's shiled!

"Time for a little misdirection Inferno!"

"I gotcha gorgeous!" Inferno rolled away from the shield and fired some shots from his blaster into Nightmare Rarity! Nightmare scowled at him, and began to fire blasts of magic at him! Rarity saw her chance and charged forth! Striking Nightmare across her back!

"YOU INSECTS!", Nightmare howled as she fired a flurry of magic blasts all over the throne room! Inferno and Rarity took to the air to dodge the blind fury! Nightmare Rarity's rage left her incredibly vulnerable, and both Inferno and Rarity took note. Nightmare was at the center of the storm. Inferno and Rarity powered up their swords, and dove down! Executing powerful twin slashes that caused darkness to leak out of Nightmare!

"Well Rarity? Would you like to finish this together?", Inferno asked.

"Time for a dazzling finish Inferno!", Rarity said with a smile. Rarity and Inferno crossed their blades, and combined their energies.

"I...IMPOSSIBLE!", Nightmare roared!

"BLAZING PRISM SLASH!", Inferno and Rarity shouted as they launched a blazing energy projection of a gem! Causing Nightmare Rarity to be trapped in a flaming prism! Destroying her with the series of burning slashes that burned away her dark essence!

Rarity breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad that's over." Rarity then turned to Inferno and gave him a loving smile. "Looks like I'm the one who saved you this time around darling."

"Nice change of pace isn't it?", Inferno said with a grin. Rarity pulled Inferno into a hug, and they wrapped their wings around each other. the castle then began to fluctuate! "I guess our make-out scene will have to wait."

"Indeed. No sense in staying here any longer!" Rarity and Inferno took off out the nearest window and watched as the castle faded away into nothing. The others had finished destroying the last of the nightmare creatures, and cheered at seeing the two of them make it out okay. "Now. Where were we?", Rarity said playfully as she pulled Inferno into a deep kiss which he gladly returned. The two soon landed on the ground, and their friends rushed over to them. "It's good to see all of you again too."

"Welcome to the alicorn club Rarity.", Moon said with a smile.

"AWESOME wings Rares!", Rainbow Dash said with a grin.

"Yes, yes. They are quite lovely." As the group celebrated, Blitz Surge approached.

"I take it I missed all the fun?", he asked.

"Oh. I was wondering where you were at Blitz.", Burst said. "I forgot to introduce you to everyone we've been so busy lately. Everyone. Meet my half-brother. Blitz Surge." Most of Burst's friends were quick to greet Blitz, but Rarity was hesitant. "Rarity? You alright?"

"Sorry Burst. Just a bit tired." Inferno shot her a puzzled look. The group then dispelled their Duelist Arms and headed inside. Once they were inside CHS, Inferno stopped Rarity.

"Rarity. You looked like you recognized Blitz earlier. What's up?"

"Inferno. While that creature was using my body, I could hear everything she said. She met with someone in the dreamscape and agreed to give all of you nightmares. That person's voice..." Rarity then looked to Inferno. "Inferno. I think Blitz is bad news. Especially for Burst."

"So what're we gonna do? Burst would snap at us for accusing without any proof."

"I don't know darling." Rarity let out a sigh. "But let's hope I'm wrong..."

Author's Note

Card Stats.

Name: Gem-Knight Lady Adamant Harmony
Attribute: EARTH
Level: 9
Type: Rock/Fusion/Effect
ATK: 4500/DEF: 4000
Effect: Must be fusion summoned by the effect of "Brilliant Harmony". This card is unaffected by card effects. Once per turn, you can banish one "Gem-Knight" fusion monster and have this card gain attack equal to that monster's attack until the end phase.

Duel 17: Same Desire, Different Path

'From the day I was a child, I was taught a lesson by my mother.', the figure thought. 'All that matters in your life is your own desires. How you obtain them and who you use doesn't matter. So long as you get what you want. But at the time I had no desires. And she looked at me in disgust. To her that meant I had no reason for being. Then...HE came into my life. My mother's desire was to find one who could be a worthy spouse for her a woman of her caliber. She found it in Aether. He was a kind man. Our first meeting went very well. Whoever my father was, he couldn't compare to Aether. Aether made sure that he was there for me. He raised me like I was his own, and it was no surprise that he constantly mentioned his old family that he had left behind. But most frequently, he mentioned his son who he had left behind. Aether would go on about how he thought that one day, his son would become a hero. It was then that I found my desire. I would become a hero. I didn't care how. I would become a hero that would make Aether proud where his real son couldn't! So I began to learn Duel Monsters. I'd seen great duelists like Yugi Moto face-off against threats that would have brought an end to everything. So I built a deck based on the most legendary dragon. Blue-Eyes. But it occurred to me that something was lacking. There was no evil for me to face and destroy. Then my mother's words played in my head. If I couldn't find an evil to defeat, I would create one. I told my mother of my desires, and for once she seemed pleased with me. She led me to a chamber where evil monster cards dwelled. Ones she had assembled. She even gave me dark powers to assist in acheiveing my desires. From then, my path was clear. I would seek out duelists who desired to rule, or wished to gain great power and give them these evil monsters. Then, I would defeat them as all hope seemed lost. I would stand triumphant as the champion! And Aether would forget about the son he left behind. Each time he mentioned his actual son, my heart seethed with envy. However, my plans hit a wall. Instead of me standing triumphant, another duelist had defeated Sombra at Duelist Kingdom. One who used a Blue-Eyes White Dragon deck. At the time, it was of no concern. For as strong as Sombra and Zorc were, they were weak compared to the Wicked God cards I had given to Tirek. But yet again, they were bested by the same duelist. One who wielded a deck identical to mine! It was then that I found the name of the one who had robbed me of my glory. Burst Stream. Aether noticed my frustration and tried to dispell my foul mood. But when he heard the name of the duelist that had been defeating the foes I had made for myself, he froze. It was then revealed to me that this duelist was Aether's real son. The one that he had left behind. And now...here we are.' Blitz removed his hood and stared hatefully at the mental image of Burst. 'You robbed me of my victory. You and that stupid smile! But what I hate most of all...YOU became the hero Aether thought you would be! The one he constantly talk about. But soon....soon that will all be rectified. When I'm done with you, I'll have everything that is rightfully mine! And I'll be the one hailed as the hero!' Blitz then noticed Burst and Moon strolling towards the cafeteria and grab a seat with their friends.

'Tonight Burst. Tonight is when I take back what's MINE...'

Duel 18: Battle Between the Blue-Eyes

Burst had a troubled look on his face. He had noticed Silver Streak's bad mood. 'That sacred beast card Thunder Force and I faced off against faded away. And the same thing happened to the one Silver Streak and Blitz faced-off against did the same thing. Streak mentioned that he was the keeper of the last sacred beast. Raviel. Maybe something's happened.' "Streak?"

Silver Streak picked his head up. "Oh. Hey Burst."

"So what's got you down?"

"Well....I've got a date."

"...How is that bad?"

"I meant to say what happened after I got my date. Some guy wearing a hood showed up and dueled me. Then he stole Raviel. Raviel vanished in the same swirl of shadow that took Uria." Streak sighed. "I failed in my responsibility of guarding Raviel."

"Not quite Streak.", Burst said with a smile. "Now we know who's responsible for taking the sacred beast cards."

"In that case, I think I'll be able to help.", Blitz answered. "I'd looked into the disappearance of the sacred beasts. And I think I've found the one responsible. Burst. You and I could finish this on our own!"

"You sure about that?", Burst asked. "This is a force that can capture monsters whose power is on the level of the god cards."

"You took on monsters who had power on the level of the god cards. I'd say we'll be enough. I got a good look at their lair. They summoned the Castle of Dragon Souls. One way or another, it ends tonight."

Burst sighed. "Fine. But if we don't make it, I'm having the others on standby in-case we don't make it. Better safe than sorry."

"I'm glad you saw it my way.", Blitz said with a smug smile. As the school day came to an end, Burst texted his friends about the information Blitz had found out and that the two of them were prepared to take down the duelist who'd taken the sacred beast cards.

'Why do I have a bad feeling about this?', Burst thought as he looked over his deck. Moon noticed Burst's troubled state and came up to him.

"Feeling a bit scared?", she asked.

Burst sighed before looking at Moon. "Moon. For once I don't feel like everything's going to turn out alright." Burst shook his head. "Maybe it's nothing. All the same, I can't help but wonder how strong this next foe is and what power they have to subjugate monsters on the level of the god cards..." Burst was interrupted as Moon shared a deep kiss with him.

"Listen to me.", Moon said as she pulled out of the kiss. "Whatever you face, I know you'll make it Burst. Because you always have hope. And you know that even if we're not right by your side, we're always in your heart. This time, it's my turn to tell you this. Everything will be fine."

Burst smiled as he pulled Moon into a tight hug. "Thanks Moon. You don't know how much I needed that." Night had soon fallen, and Burst and Blitz headed for the Castle of Dragon Souls that had been summoned by the duelist who'd taken the sacred beasts. "I guess this is it. No use in delaying any further." Burst and Blitz headed inside while Burst's friends watched the two head in. "Don't know why this duelist would pick a place like this to serve as their base. I thought they'd try to stick to something more along the lines of the sacred beasts."

"I think I've got a good feeling where this duelist is waiting to challenge us.", Blitz said. "This way..." Blitz lead Burst to an empty courtyard.

"Okay...so where's the duelist we've gotta beat?"

Blitz had a dark smile as he pulled out three cards and faced Burst. "Closer than you think Burst." Blitz had the three sacred beasts in his hand.

"You're behind all this?!"

Blitz let out a dark chuckle. "Oh I've been behind MUCH more than this Burst."

"What're you talking about?", Burst asked sternly.

"Sombra and Zorc. Tirek and the wicked god cards. I was the one who gave them their power. The plan was going so well. That is....until YOU showed up.", Blitz said with a scowl as he pointed at Burst.

"Let me guess. The three of you were gonna split-up the world after one of you took over?"

"No. I was going to defeat them. I would be hailed as a hero and receive glory!" Blitz then glared at Burst. "And most of all, I would prove to Aether he didn't have to bother thinking about YOU all the time! I would become the hero he thought you would be! But then YOU beat Sombra at Duelist Kingdom and then Tirek at Battle City! YOU became a hero and stole my chance for glory! And worst of all...AETHER'S COME BACK FOR YOU!" Blitz's eyes were full of hate. His heart brimming with rage! Burst closed his eyes, and opened them.

"I pity you Blitz. But I could care less about the glory that came with my victories. I pity you because you wanted to be a hero for the glory and fame. You wanted it for all the wrong reasons. I wanted to become a hero because I wanted to do what was right. But Blitz...you can still be a hero too! Please. Just hand me the sacred beasts. We can walk away with no one getting hurt. Come on. Let's go home."

Blitz sneered at Burst. "I have no need of the sacred beasts. I was just delivering them. Are you here yet mother?" A dark portal appeared, and a woman with pale white skin and pitch black hair wearing a black dress stepped out. Abyss smiled at Blitz as he handed her the sacred beast cards. "Just as you wanted them."

"Perfect Blitz.", Abyss said with a dark smile. "I'll be sure to be at full power when you defeat me." Abyss returned to where she had come from. Leaving Burst and Blitz alone to face each other.

"It's you and me now brother." Blitz spat as much venom as he could into that last word. "Time to see who's Blue-Eyes will stand as the victor. And who will truly be recognized as the hero!" Blitz activated his duel disk.

"Looks like you're not giving me a choice in the matter.", Burst said as he activated his own duel disk.

Burst: 8000
Blitz: 8000

"I got the first move!" Burst looked carefully at his cards. 'This is going to be like fightning my own reflection. Blitz uses the same Blue-Eyes build I have minus Blue-Eyes Absolute. Good thing I don't depend on Absolute to win!' "I'll reveal Blue-Eyes White Dragon in my hand to special summon Blue-Eyes Alternative! Then I'll summon White Stone of Ancients and target it with Sage with Eyes of Blue from my hand! I'll send both to the graveyard to special summon Dragon Spirit of White from my deck! Then I'll activate Spirit's effect! I'll tribute him to bring out Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my hand! Then I'll contact fuse my two Blue-Eyes to fusion summon Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon! Then I'll end my turn. And since I ended my turn, I can special summon a 'Blue-Eyes' monster from my deck thanks to White Stone of Ancients' effect! I'll bring out Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" 'We've got pretty much the same deck. Now let's see if we have the same strategy.'

"I draw!" Blitz grinned in sinister glee at his hand. 'You may have the first move Burst. But I'll be the one to get the first strike! And I'll make sure it's extra devastating!' "I play Trade-In to discard a level 8 monster from my hand and draw two new cards! Then I'll play Cards of Consonance to discard a dragon-type tuner with 1000 or less attack and draw two new cards! And since I discarded White Stone of Legend, I can add Blue-Eyes White Dragon to my hand!" Blitz searched his deck, and added Blue-Eyes! "Now I'll reveal the Blue-Eyes White Dragon in my hand to special summon Blue-Eyes Alternative! I'll then play Dragon Shrine to send Blue-Eyes Alternative from my deck to my graveyard! Then I'll play Dragon's Mirror!"

'Not good!', Burst thought! 'If I'm right about what he's gearing up for, then I might not last that long! However, I'll at least have one monster left standing on my field.' Burst looked to Blue-Eyes Twin Burst. 'I only regret that I've gotta put my monster through such a beating.'

"I banish the two Blue-Eyes in my graveyard and the one on my field!" A vortex appeared above Blitz's field, and a fearsome roar thundered from it! "I fusion summon Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!" Neo Ultimate descended onto Blitz's field! "Now! Destroy Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" Burst cringed as Blue-Eyes was destroyed in a massive neutron blast! 'No. He doesn't get off that easy!' "Your suffering isn't done yet! I'll send Blue-Eyes Twin Burst from my extra deck to the graveyard to let Neo Ultimate attack once again! Attack Blue-Eyes Twin Burst!" Burst braced himself once again as his monster tanked a devastating hit! But thanks to his effect, Twin Burst was still standing! "I'm satisfied with the damage I've done. For now.", Blitz said with an evil smile.

Burst: 5000
Blitz: 8000

"Hey...Twin Burst...you alright?", Burst asked.

"A little banged-up.", Twin Burst grunted. "But I'm far from broken!"

"That's good....", Burst said with a weak smile as he drew his next card. 'Looks like I've got a chance after all.' "Sorry to ask this of you Twin Burst. But I need to use your effect!" Twin Burst nodded in response. "Twin Burst! Attack Neo Ultimate!" Twim Burst charged at Neo Ultimate, but was swatted out of the air! "Now Twin Burst's effect activates! Your monster is banished since it wasn't destroyed by battle!" Blitz frowned as Neo Ultimate left the field. "I end my turn." 'I didn't do any damage. But at least I was able to get rid of Neo Ultimate!' Burst then steeled his gaze at Blitz and looked at his life points. 'Although...I don't know if that's really much of an accomplishment now. But the duel's not over yet! If I can still draw a card, I've got hope!'

Burst: 3500
Blitz: 8000

'How cute. He really thinks that he can somehow win this.' Blitz sneered at how damaged Burst looked. "Well, well. Still standing are we? In that case, TIME TO FIX THAT!" Blitz drew his next card, but frowned at the sight of it. 'Curse this hand!' "You're fortunate that I can't make any plays that would really do any harm to you. So I'll end my turn for now." 'This is but a delay. Nothing will stop my victory! NOTHING!'

'Seems like I've still got a turn or two left in me!' Burst drew his next card! 'Nice! A chance to turn the tide! It's a good thing that I saved this card in my hand!' "You might've started this duel pretty strong Blitz! But I'm gonna end it!" 'Or at least, this turn should bring me pretty close to the finish!' Burst then thought of all his friends, his family, and Moon. 'Not yet! I can't fall yet! Everyone's waiting for me! I can't hold back anything!' "I play the ritual spell Chaos Form! I'll banish Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my graveyard! Now I ritual summon Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon!" A swirling vortex of chaos appeared on Burst's field, and Chaos MAX stepped out! "Then I'll have both of my monsters attack you directly!" Both of Burst's dragons fired powerful blasts of energy! Wiping out most of Blitz's life points! "I end my turn. Nice work you two." 'If I didn't beat him in this turn, I at least managed to get rid of most of his life points. I got in at least one good hit.'

Burst: 3500
Blitz: 1000

'One turn....he's managed to push me this far back in ONE TURN!', Blitz screamed in his mind! 'I shall make him pay dearly for damaging me this much!' "I draw!" Blitz grinned savagely at his next card. "I set a card and end my turn." 'This should keep at least his current monsters in check.'

'Chances are that face-down's his big game changer.', Burst thought. 'And I bet he's waiting for my monsters to trigger it! Well, better to find out what he's got lying in wait now! That way he wastes it!' "I draw! I play Return of the Dragon Lords to revive Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"

'NO!', Blitz mentally screamed!

"Let's rock the dragon Blue-Eyes! White Lightning!", Burst cried out!

"You're a disgrace to the Blue-Eyes users Blitz!", Blue-Eyes cried out! "Let's see how you like being on the receiving end of our power!" Blue-Eyes fired a massive blast of white lightning! Wiping out the last of Blitz's life points and knocking him to the ground! Blitz growled as he got to his feet. He then sneered and laughed.

"AAAHAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHHA!"

"Something funny?", Burst asked.

"You may have won the duel. But I win the fight!" Blitz began to channel a massive blast of darkness!

"So you're gonna take both of us out?!"

"Wouldn't you like to know?", Blitz said with a smirk. Blitz unleashed the blast! It was so big that Burst's friends saw blast from the outside! They rushed inside the castle and found both of Burst and Blitz unconscious! They breathed a sigh of relief as Burst slowly rose.

"Dude...what happened?", Inferno asked.

"Turns out Blitz was responsible for taking the sacred beast cards. He revealed himself here and he was also responsible for giving Zorc to Sombra and the Wicked God Cards to Tirek. Fortunately, it looks like he won't be a problem anymore."

"So this creep's been behind everything! Maybe I oughta rough him up a bit for good measure!", Rainbow Dash said. But Burst stopped her.

"No." Burst looked down at Blitz, and smiled. "He's beaten. I made sure he learned his lesson. Let's all head home." Burst and his friends headed home. But the second they were out of sight, Blitz began to rise.

"Nnnnngggh! My head....", Blitz groaned. "Last I remember was the blast and...." 'Blitz' stared at his body in shock. "...No...."

Duel 19: Our Hero?

The next day had come, and Burst and his friends went about their day. Gold went over to talk to Burst about the last duel he had. But as he got close, he stopped. Burst noticed and approached him. "Something you wanted to talk about Gold?"

"...Not really. Just wanted to see how you're feeling after beating Blitz Surge. That's all."

"The happiest I've ever been.", 'Burst' answered as he walked off. Gold went on his way and decided to look for Sunset. He soon found her.

"Sunset. I think something's up.", Gold said with a grave tone.

"Gold, what are you talking about? Burst beat the badguy.", Sunset said with a puzzled look. "End of story."

"I'm not so sure. You know how I can sense energy?"

"Yeah?"

"When I went to talk to Burst this morning...I got a completely different energy reading from him. And no. A person's energy signature doesn't just up and change completely. A person's energy can alter and shift, but the overall feeling is still the same for that person's energy. What I picked up from 'Burst' was a dark energy and full of malicious intent. It was NOTHING like the energy I've picked up on from Burst in all the time I've known him."

"What're you saying?"

"Sunset. I don't think that's Burst walking around in that body. Which is why I'll need the help of you and the others. See if you can get a read on his thoughts."

"What are you gonna do?"

"If I'm right..." Gold patted the duel disk he had in his backpack. "...I'm gonna get answers out of this imposter." As the day went on, 'Burst' and his friends went about their day. Moon was at her locker getting books for her next class when Burst showed up at her locker.

"Oh. Always nice to see you Burst.", Moon said with a smile. "How're you feeling?"

"Better than I've ever felt before.", Burst answered with a grin. "But enough about me..." Burst slid up to Moon with a devious smile. "I'd like to know what you'd like to do. In specific, with me. Maybe we could make a little bit of trouble together."

"This....isn't like you Burst...."

Burst frowned. "I thought you'd appreciate a guy like me getting in touch with his dark side."

"Sorry. It just doesn't suit you."

"Maybe this will change your mind..." Burst leaned in and kissed Moon. And she immediately shoved him off the second his lips made contact! "What was that for?!"

"Don't come any closer.", Moon said with a cold glare. "You're not Burst. Not the one I love."

"Maybe I'm better than I once was.", Burst said with a scowl. Moon shook her head.

"No. You never could be." Moon walked off leaving Burst to fume. 'That's not Burst. Whenever I look at him, I see someone else.' Moon then looked at a picture she had taken of her and Burst. 'Burst...where are you? And what's happened to you?' Lunch period soon arrived, and Moon had discussed her encounter with Burst. "And now her we are."

"Well darling...people change in a relationship.", Rarity said with a small smile. "I know Inferno got a bit more romantic since we started dating."

"Yeah. But did he act like a totally different person?" Moon sighed. "Trust me. Whoever this is, it's not the Burst we know and love."

"Looks like Gold was on the right track.", Sunset thought out loud. "But there's one way to find out..." Sunset got up and walked over to where Burst was sitting and put her hand on Burst's shoulder. Using her magic, Sunset looked withing Burst's thoughts. And she was shocked by what she saw! In it, she saw Burst facing off against Blitz. However, she was watching from the perspective of Blitz! She then saw the massive blast of darkness and found herself staring at Blitz! But the mosti horrifying thing was Burst was smirking at Blitz's body as he fell to the floor. Sunset pulled out and was met with a confused 'Burst' looking at her.

"Is there something wrong?"

"No...I just needed to talk to Gold. In private." Sunset grabbed Gold and took him out of the cafeteria. "You were right. I picked up on 'Burst's' thoughts. And that wasn't Burst in there."

"Then who is is?", Gold asked.

"Blitz Surge. I think he used that blast of darkness to switch his body and Burst's."

"Then I'm gonna find out how to get Burst back. You'd better head back to the girls." Sunset returned to her table while Gold approached 'Burst'. "Burst. Could I have a word? It's important."

"Why not?" The two went outside the cafeteria. "So what's up?" Gold pulled out his duel disk and activated it!

"You can drop the act Blitz. We both know Burst's not in there."

Blitz sneered. "Well, well. Nothing gets by you does it? Bravo Gold. Bravo."

"So you used that blast to switch bodies. But why?"

"Simple. I was behind Sombra and Tirek. I was supposed to defeat them. Then I would be hailed as a hero! But each time Burst showed up, HE beat them! His life should have been mine! Now I have it.", Blitz answered with an evil smile.

"Nor for long. One way or another, I'm going to find out how to get Burst his body back!", Gold spat. "And you'll never be a hero! You intentionally unleashed evil just so you could defeat it! Burst fought because if no one took a stand then, no one ever would! And it's because of him I'm taking a stand now!"

"And soon you shall fall." Blitz summoned a duel disk from the darkness.

Gold: 8000
Blitz: 8000

"I got the first move!" Gold looked carefully at his cards. 'Nice! Not a bad hand to start with!' "I summon Phoenix Spirit in defense mode and set two cards! I end my turn!" 'I just hope I can last long enough to find out how to get Burst's body back! But since this guy's got Burst's deck, I won't stand a chance if he summons Blue-Eyes Absolute!'

"My move!" Blitz grinned savagely as he looked at his cards. 'Time for me to strike first!' "I play Advanced Ritual Art to send Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my deck to the graveyard to ritual summon Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon! Destroy his monster! Chaos Neutron Blast!" Gold crigned as his monster was destroyed! "Now the effect of Chaos MAX activates! Since he battled a defense mode monster, you take double piercing damage! I end my turn." 'Fool. You think you can beat me? My deck and Burst's are identical. You stand no chance.'

"Forgive me.", Chaos MAX said sadly. "I can't control my actions."

Gold: 6800
Blitz: 8000

'Scratch that. I might not last long with Chaos MAX on the field!' Gold then drew his next card. 'Then again, maybe not!' "Phoenix's special ability lets him revive from the graveyard!" Phoenix Spirit returned to the filed in a burst of flame! "Now I play the spell card Free of Charge! I can normal summon a level 5 or higher monster with not tribute cost! I summon Gold-Eyes Crimson Dragon!" Crimson descended onto the field in a pilar of crimson light! "Now I'll attack and discard Honest to boost Crimson's attack by the attack of your monster! Go! Crimson Plasma Arc!" Blitz scowled as Chaos MAX was destroyed in a blast of plasma! "Then I'll have Phoenix Spirit attack you directly!" Phoenix Spirit wrapped itself in flames and crashed into Blitz's life points! "I end my turn." 'Looks like he's not too big on strategy! Unlike Burst, he's just relying on brute force!'

Gold: 6800
Blitz: 4000

Blitz dusted himself off and gazed at Gold-Eyes Crimson Dragon. "An impressive monster.", he said with a smirk. "Hope you don't mind if I use it for...inspiration." Blitz focused dark energy, and a card materialized in his hand.

"What did you just do?!", Gold demanded. Blitz sneered at him.

"I've improved upon your dragon. Allow me to show you what I mean! I draw! I play Trade-In to discard a level eight monster in my hand to draw two new cards!" Blitz grinned as he saw the two cards he drew. "Now I play Return of the Dragon Lords to revive a level 7 or 8 monster in my graveyard! Rise! Obsidian Dragon!" A pool of shadow appeared on Blitz's field, and a pitch black dragon with purple crystal wings crawled up out of the pool of shadow. But unlike Gold-Eyes Crimson Dragon, this dragon's crystal wings were jagged and purple.

"Hello weakling.", he said with a sinister grin.

"Now for his effect! He gains the attack of all monsters that you control!" Obsidian let out a fearsome roar as an aura of shadow erputed around him! "Destroy Gold-Eyes Crimson Dragon!" Gold cringed as his monster was destroyed! "And now that there's one less monster on your field, Obsidian's attack points drop. So I'll end my turn with a face-down." 'This should prove to be a fitting taste of despair for him.'

Gold: 2800
Blitz: 4000

'That thing's like a twisted version of Crimson!', Gold thought as he drew a card. 'And it looks like the monster he's created reflects his twisted nature! This dark power. I can't believe it lets him create dark versions of monsters! I might've been off guard and forgotten to use my traps. But that won't happen a second time!' "It's my move now! I play Return of the Dragon Lords to revive Gold-Eyes Crimson Dragon!"

"No. You won't. I activate my trap! Dark Bribe! Your spell is negated. But hey. At least you can draw another card.

Gold frowned as he drew a card. "I guess I'll end my turn."

"Wise choice.", Blitz said with a sneer as he drew his next card. "Hmmm. Harmony Absolute."

"NO!", Gold screamed.

"A good card I take it?", Blitz asked with a smug grin. "Well now I have to play it! I play Harmon Aboslute to summon Blue-Eyes Absolute Dragon!" Blue-Eyes Absolute descended in a pillar of light. "Magnificent! Now! Attack him directly!" Blue-Eyes Absolute remained rooted in place. "Perhaps you didn't hear me right. ATTACK!" Blue-Eyes Absolute didn't budge. "STUPID BEAST! OBEY ME! I AM YOUR MASTER!"

"....No.", Absolute said with a gaze full of cold fury as looked down on Blitz. "I follow my partner. Not a master. And you're not my partner. You're not Burst." And with that, Blue-Eyes Absolute faded from the field.

Blitz was about to counter when he clutched his chest in pain! "AGH! What's....happening....?" Blits removed his hand and saw what looked like his soul trying to be forced out! "NO! NOT NOW!" Blitz was literally struggling to keep himself together! GRRRAAAHHHH!" Blitz was panting heavily as he finally regained control. "I....end....my turn...."

"My turn then!" 'Looks like the power of harmony rejects Blitz! That gives me a chance!' "I draw! I play Soul Charge! I pay 1000 life points to revive a monster from my graveyard! Welcome back Crimson! Now I'll activate his effect! I can target and destroy one monster you control! I choose Obsidian dragon!" Obsidian Dragon was destroyed by a bolt of crimson energy! "Now Crimson gains that monster's attack points! Attack him directly Crimson! This is for Burst! Crimson Plasma Arc!"

"Time to free my brothers from your chains!", Crimson shouted as he fired a searing blast of plasma into the last of Blitz's life points! Knocking him unconscious! While Blitz was out, Gold rushed over and reclaimed Burst's deck. He then bolted over to the others and told them the news. "That blast of darkness we saw last night? Blitz used it to swap bodies with Burst. I just dueled him earlier and reclaimed Burst's deck while he was out."

"Then where's Burst?", Inferno demanded. "We gotta get him back to his real body! We left him back there at the Castle of Dragon Souls! And I'll never forgive myself if we let that creep run around in his body!"

"Burst's probably moving on his own now. He's probably trying to get a grip on this.", Gold answered. "In the meantime, we'd better be careful around Blitz while he's in Burst's body. He was able to create an evil version of my dragon. And there's no telling what twisted version he'll make of your monster partners." Moon was listening in and sighed.

'Burst. Where are you?', she thought. Outside, Burst stood in Blitz's body.

"Blitz is in there doing who knows what." Burst then thought of Moon and his friends and family. "If he's done ANYTHING to hurt them, I'll never forgive him." Burst walked home. Hoping that if anyone would understand, if anyone would know it was him in there, that it would be his parents. "I just hope they haven't bought whatever lies Blitz told them..."

Author's Note

I would like to mention that most of Gold's cards are custom cards created by goldenrise365.

Duel 20: True Friends

Burst had arrived at his house still in Blitz's body. 'I hope they don't try to tackle me or anything. There's no telling how much they're convinced that I'm not in this body.' Burst was about to knock on the door, but his mom opened it.

"...Blitz...no. Burst." Lumina pulled Burst into a tight hug. "You're alright."

"Mom? How did you know it was me in here?"

"Burst, I'm your mother. Do you think I wouldn't know my own son when I see him? You have the body of Blitz, but I can still see your heart clear as day. Your father also sensed that it wasn't you in your body.", Lumina said with a smile. Burst smiled in kind, but his stomach grumbled. "I'm guessing you could use something to eat." Burst ate the lunch his mom fixed up. "So what's your next move from here?" Burst finished eating before speaking.

"I guess that'd be convincing my friends. Chances are Blitz already told them plenty of lies about me not being in this body." Burst sighed. "I just hope they don't blast me with magic the second they see me. No use putting it off. I'm off to Sugarcube Corner. Wish me luck." Burst walked over to Sugarcube Corner, and took a deep breath before headin through the doors.. 'Here goes nothing....' Burst opened the door and was tackled when Pinkie hugged him!

"BURST!", Pinkie cheered.

"Pinkie?! How did you know I was in this body? Or that I was outside for that matter...."

"Your smile silly!", Pinkie chirped. "The meanie running around in your body had an awful fake smile. It was never genuine either! C'mon! Everyone's waiting for you!" Pinkie dragged Burst inside. "Hey everyone! Look who came by!" Applejack was the first on to inspect Burst.

"If that's really you in there Burst, how did we first meet?", Applejack asked.

"I was really digging into the lunch your granny whipped up. You even told me she made all the food for the cafeteria. Fluttershy. You comforted me when Hoops and his cronies made fun of me. I met you outside the school. Rainbow Dash, you crashed into me. Pinkie threw me a party, and I met Sunset during my first time at Discord's card shop. Rarity, I didn't meet you until my birthday party during Freshman Year. I met Twilight during the Friendship Games. My advice about tuning out the crowd helped you almost win against me in that duel." All the girls smiled. "Inferno. You're the one that got me into dueling by taking me to Discord's shop. Steel, I met you at the tournament held Sophomore year. Your first move was a self-destruct that wiped out most of my life points. Gold. I remember when you joined out band. You took up the bass position. It was also the first time we saw the spirits of our monster partners. Ace and Ice. I met the both of you after the Battle of The Bands. Ace joined my band, and he was dueling to free Ice from the monster controlling him. I also met Veenus and Fang at that time. Night, I met you at Battle City. Your Cyber Dragons put up a pretty good duel. As for the new faces, I've not met you yet. But all the same, nice to meet you." Burst looked at his friends. "Is that everything?"

"You're forgetting someone very important." Moon stepped forward. "So what do yo know about me?"

Burst sighed before wrapping his arms around Moon. "Does this feel familiar? I held you like this when I chose to-" Burst was cut-off as Moon kissed him. "...I take it you believe me?" Moon smiled.

"I knew before. I just missed kissing you. I knew it wasn't you at schol today. You'd never act like such a flirt. You're too sweet for that. And Blitz tried to force a kiss onto me. You just let it flow." Moon then hugged Burst tightly. "Right now I'm just glad you're back."

"Yeah. Now it's time to get my body back!", Burst said confidently.

"Then you'll be needing this." Gold handed Burst his true deck. Burst took out Blitz's deck.

"Time to have a little chat with my 'brother.' " Burst left to find Blitz. He didn't have to look far. Blitz was standing outside. "You're a pretty sore loser."

"I've worked so hard to get this point. And I won't have you messing up my plans again!" Blitz snarled. Burst tossed Blitz's deck back over to him. "This time I'll make sure you never get back up!"

"We'll see about that.", Burst said with a smile as he and Blitz activated their duel disks.

Burst: 8000
Blitz: 8000

"I'll take the first move!", Blitz declared! "I'll reveal Blue-Eyes in my hand to summon Blue-Eyes Alternative! I end my turn with a face-down."

"I draw!" 'Good to have you back Blue-Eyes.', Burst thought as he looked at his cards. "My turn! I play Trade-In to discard a level 8 monster from my hand to draw two new cards! Now I'll play Return of the Dragon Lords to revive Dragon Spirit of White from my graveyard! Now I'll use his effect to banish your face-down!" Blitz scowled as his face-down was banished in a flash of light! "Now I'll reveal Blue-Eyes in my hand to special summon Blue-Eyes Alternative! I'll use his effect to destroy your monster!" Blue-Eyes Alternative fired a bolt of lightning that struck down Blitz's Alternative! "Now I tribute Dragon Spirit of White to special summon Blue-Eyes from my hand!" Blue-Eyes let out a might roar as he took the field!

"Good to be dueling under you again Burst!", Blue-Eyes said with a grin.

"You too Blue-Eyes! Now on to business! White Lightning!" Blitz cringed as he took a huge chunk of damage from Blue-Eyes' attack! "Then I'll set a card and end my turn." 'Now that I've got my friends back, nothing's gonna stop me now!'

Burst: 8000
Blitz: 5000

'Years of plotting. So much planning. And he comes along and ruins it in a matter of days!', Blitz screamed in his mind as he drew a card! 'I've been planning for this for a long time. And this time he will not stand in my way!' Blitz had a savage grin. 'Now to make him and that stupid smile fade away forever!' "I play Chaos Form to banish Blue-Eyes Alternative from my graveyard! I ritual summon Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX!"

"No you don't!", Burst countered! "I activate my trap! Champion's Vigilance! Since Blue-Eyes is a level 7 or higher normal monster, I can use this trap to negate the activation of a spell or trap, or the summon of a monster! Then I can destroy that card!I'll negate your monster summon!"

"NO!", Blitz roared as Chaos MAX was destroyed before it even hit the field! Blitz scowled hatefully at Burst. "I end my turn."

"My turn then! I draw!" Burst smiled as he looked at his cards. "I'll attack you directly with Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" Blitz once again cringed as he took another large hit to his life points! "Too bad you're relying on only one card to win. You also treat your monsters as tools. My monsters are my friends! And because I stand by them, they stand by me! You should try talking to them.", Burst said with a smile.

"SHUT UP!", Blitz screamed! "I can't stand you! Treating your monsters as friends?! Having others to support you?! But worst of all...I HATE THAT STUPID SMILE ON YOUR FACE! YOU AND YOUR STRENGTH DISGUST ME! YOU'VE NOT PURSUED YOUR DESIRES BY USING WHATEVER MEANS NECESSARY! IS THERE NOTHING YOU WANT?! THE ONLY WAY ONE CAN BE STRONG IS TO BE ALONE!"

Burst sighed. "I pity you Blitz. It's because I have people to fight for, people who give me a reason to take a stand that I've been able to come so far. I've got a family who loves me and taught me to be a good person! And as for my smile, the reason for me is far from stupid. I smile because I enjoy every duel I fight! No matter how high the stakes or how close to losing I am! Because at those last few turns, anything is possible!" Burst smiled. "And with that remark, I end my turn. Your move."

Burst: 8000
Blitz: 2000

"Spare me that trash!", Blitz snarled as he drew his next card! "I play The Melody of Awakening Dragon to add two dragons with 3000 or more attack and 2500 or less defense from my deck to my hand! 'NO! There's nothing to summon! And I've got no traps that can protect me! How?! How is he beating me again?!' "I end my turn."

"I draw!" Burst smiled as he saw his next card! "Now everything can be made right! I play Harmony Absolute!"

"YES!", all of Burst's friends cheered!

"I tribute Blue-Eyes from my field to summon Blue-Eyes Absolute from my deck!" Blue-Eyes Absolute descended onto the field in a majestic pillar of light! The second Absolute hit the field, Blitz clutched his chest in pain!

"GAAAGHH! WHAT'S....HAPPENING?!" Blitz stared in horror as his soul was dragged out of Burst's body! "No...NO! NOOOOOOO!!!" Blitz's sould was ripped from Burst's body while Burst's soul floated out of BLitz's body! Both duelists' souls returned to their original bodies and their decks did the same! When the light faded, Blitz scowled. "NO! I spent so much time on that plan and you ruined it in less than a day!"

"That's not all I'm about to spoil for you!", Burst said as he stretched in his real body."You forget. It's still my turn. And you've got an empty field. And I've got Absolute on my field. Time for some overkill. Would you care to do the honors buddy?"

Blue-Eyes Absolute grinned as he cracked his knuckles. "It would be my pleasure punishing this creep for running around in your body."

"Then let's rock the dragon Blue-Eyes! ABSOLUTE BURST KNUCKLE!" Blue-Eyes Absolute chraged his fist full of energy and brought it down hard on the last of Blitz's life points and leaving a crater in its wake! Blitz was revealed to be unconscious once the dust cleared. Burst stood triumphant! "Now that's how you finish a duel!" Blitz slowly rose, and scowled at Burst before fleeing through a portal. Burst's friends ran up to him and squeezed him! "Yeah. I'm happy to be back too.", Burst said with a smile. "But something tells me we haven't seen the last of Blitz. And his mother should be showing up soon too."

"Then we're just gonna have to kick their butts again!", Inferno boasted. "And this time you won't be going it alone!"

"Thank you. All of you. I couldn't ask for better friends than you."

Duel 21: Slay the Sacred Beasts!

"So what's this Abyss woman look like?", Gold asked.

"She's got pale white skin and pitch black hair.", Burst answered. "I saw her when Blitz gave her the Sacred Beast cards. Meaning that the Sacred Beasts must have some sort of combined form that requires all three to be used. Whatever she has planned, it can't be good. And chances are she's gonna put it into action really soon. Especially since I just defeated her son."

"I guess we know where Blitz gets his dark nature from.", Inferno noted. "But where'd he get the desire to be a hero?"

"Probably from my dad. Before he left, I told my dad about a dream I had as a little kid. It was that one day I'd be a superhero. I thought he'd laugh at it, but he just smiled and told me that he thought I'd be one sometime.", Burst had a fond smile as he remembered those happy days. "I guess you could say that now I've been living that dream. I've taken on foes that threatened two worlds, and triumphed over them. But I think Blitz is probably the most dangerous villain so far. Not because he's driven to conquest like Sombra or Tirek, but because he wanted to unleash evil just so he could prove himself as a hero. The worst villains are the ones that wear the mask of a hero."

"Well said..." Burst and his friends turned to see Abyss step out of a portal. "So nice to meet you formally Burst Stream. I am Abyss. You're quite well-acquainted with my son. Blitz Surge."

"Funny. I can't say it's nice to meet you.", Burst said with a frown. "Aren't you concerned that your son's unleashed multiple threats to the world?"

Abyss had a proud smile. "Actually, I couldn't be more proud. He finally gave me a reason to acknowledge his existence."

"How....how can you say that about your own child?!"

"It's simple really. I live by one code. All that matters in your life is your own desires. How you obtain them and who you use is irrelevant. I taught that same lesson to Blitz when he was but a chiled. But he had no desires at the time. So I saw little to no reason for him being. But the answer to my own desires solved that problem. My desire was to find a mate who was worthy of a woman of my caliber. And I found it in your father. Aether. He raised Blitz as his own. Fitting since Blitz had no father. Oh how Aether would talk about you. He'd go on about how he thought you'd become a hero. That was all it took for Blitz to want to become a hero. It was then that I finally acknowledged him as my son. So like any good mother, I did my best to support him. There was no evil for Blitz to defeat, so I helped him unleash it. I gave him Zorc and the Wicked God Cards. Now I have the cards that were meant for me. The Sacred Beasts! And now, I'll unleash them on you!"

"Someone's got to put an end to you.", Burst said sternly as he activated his duel disk.

"Don't leave me out of the fun!", Inferno said with a smile as he activated his own duel disk. "I let you take on Blitz alone and look what happened. I'm not making the same mistake this time! No way I'm missing out on this duel!"

"Oh, I don't mind you inviting your friend on the fun Burst.", Abyss said with a sneer. "The Sacred Beasts would like nothing more than to destroy the champions of the God Cards!" Abyss activated her own duel disk! "Ladies first!"

Abyss: 16000
Burst & Inferno: 16000

"I play Banner of Courage! This boosts the attack of all monsters on my field by 200 during the damage step! Now I'll play Card Trader! I'll also set two cards and end my turn."

"I draw!" Burst looked carefully at his hand. 'She's already got two continuous spells on the field. She's only one away from bringing out Hamon. If I'm gonna strike, I shoud do it now! However, her traps could be trouble. Only one way to find out!' "I summon White Stone of Ancients! Then I'll discard a card to activate The Melody of Awakening Dragon! This lets me add two dragons with 3000 or more attack and 2500 or less defense to my hand! Now I'll reveal the Blue-Eyes I added to special summon Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon! Then I'll tune him with White Stone of Ancients! I synchro summon Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon! Now I'll activate his effect! I'll tribute him to special summon a LIGHT dragon-type synchro monster from my extra deck! I summon Stardust Spark Dragon!" A dragon similar to Stardust Draogn appeared on Burst's field! Only he had markings on the orbs in his chest. "Now I'll play Return of the Dragon Lords to revive Blue-Eyes Alternative! Attack her directly!" Both of Burst's dragons snet out blasts of energy from their mouths!

"I don't think so!", Abyss said with a smirk! "I activate my trap! Wall of Revealing Light! I pay 4000 life points! Now monsters with attack less than or equal to the amount of life points can't attack!"

'Darn! She's locked down most of my monsters! Too bad I don't have Twin Twisters in my hand. That card would be poison to her deck right about now! I guess now I'll just try and brace for the coming assault.' "I guess I'll end my turn."

'This is the same pest who messed up my son's plans? Hmph. How disappointing.' "I draw! I'll activate the effect of Card Trader! I can shuffle one card from my hand into my deck since it's my standby phase! Then I can draw a card!" Abyss shuffled a card from her hand into her deck, and drew a new one. "Ah. Perfect! I play Yellow Luster Shield! Now I tribute my three spells to summon Hamon! Lord of Striking Thunder! Then I'll activate another one of my face-downs! Skill Drain! I pay 1000 life points to negate the effects of all face-up monsters on the field as long as they're face-up! Now I'll attack your Blue-Eyes Alternative!" Hamon fired a gigantic blast of thunder at Blue-Eyes Alternative! Destroying him instantly! "I end my turn. Since your monster was destroyed, you take another 1000 points of damage!" Burst winced as another blast of lightning struck his life points! 'Only my second turn and I've already crippled both of their decks.', Abyss thought with an evil smile. "If you think the Sacred Beasts are bad right now, wait until you lose! Not only will they drain your cards of their energy! They'll sap you of your very will to duel!"

Abyss: 11000
Burst & Inferno: 14000

'Not good! She's locked-down our monster's effects! Even if we activate our monsters' effects! Meaning I can't make any use of the burn damage effect of Red-Eyes! Not to mention we still can't attack thanks to Wall of Revealing Light! Also, Hamon's effect makes it so we take damage no matter what battle position we put our monsters in! But it's like Burst says! The duel's not over until the last card's drawn!' "I draw!" Inferno smiled as he looked at his cards! "I summon Black Stone of Legend! Now I'll tribute him to special summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my deck in defense mode! Then I'll set a card and end my turn!" 'This trap might set us back a bit. But at least it'll get a good hit in on Abyss! You mess with a Red-Eyes, you get burned!'

'I suppose I could humor them by triggering whatever trap they've set.', Abyss thought with a smirk as she drew her next card. "I set a card and attack your monster with Hamon! " Inferno cringed as Red-Eyes was destroyed "Now his effect is triggered!"

"So's my trap! Red-Eyes Burn! Since you destroyed a 'Red-Eyes' monster, I can inflict that monster's attack as damage to both our life points! Burst, Inferno, and Abyss cringed as flames crashed into their life points! "I might've taken a chunk out of our life points, but at least you got burned too! Not to mention we've still got a good amount of life points left!"

"That won't last long.", Abyss said with an unnervingly calm smile. "I end my turn by switching Hamon into defense mode. Now his other effect activates! When he's in defense mode, he's the only monster that can be attacked. How ironic considering I've prevented your monsters from attacking me or using their effects to strike down Hamon."

Abyss: 8600
Burst & Inferno: 10600

"I draw!" Burst looked over his cards carefully. 'She put Hamon into defense mode just to rub it in our faces! And chances are that her face-down is a continuous trap! I'd better build up my defenses!' "I'll switch Stardust into defense mode and set a card. I end my turn." 'Now I just have to get her to attack!'

"I draw!" Abyss had a dark smile as she saw the card she drew. "Things are about to get wrose for you two! I activate my face-down! Metal Reflect Slime! This continuous trap also counts as a monster! Now I sacrifice my three traps to special summon Uria! Lord of Searing Flames!" Uria hit the field in a pillar of flame! "Now that he's on the field, Uria gains 1000 attack for each continuous trap in my graveyard! And once per turn, I can destroy one face-down spell or trap card my opponent controls!"

"No!" Burst watched in horror as his Mirror Force trap burst into flame!

"I've let Hamon have his fun attacking you. Now Uria will burn your field!" Uria unleashed a blast of flame at Stardust Spark Dragon!

"I don't think so! I activate Stardust Spark's effect! I can target one monster on the field and protect it from being destroyed by battle and card effects! I choose Stardust!" Stardust Spark Dragon put up a barrier around himself as the flames crashed upon him! When the smoke cleared, he was still standing! "We're not out of this duel yet!"

"You two have spirit. I'll grant you that much. But that alone won't save you.", Abyss said with a sneer. "I end my turn."

'Abyss made a BIG mistake in getting rid of her traps! Now I can use my burn effects as much as I want!', Inferno thought with a smile. "You know, I should thank you for giving me such a big target to shoot for Abyss! I draw! I play Dragon Shrine to send a dragon from my deck to my graveyard! I'll send Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon! Now I'll play Return of the Dragon Lords to revive Black Flare! Then I'll summon another Black Flare Dragon! This unlocks his effect because he's a gemini monster! Then I'll equip Black Flare with Black Metal Dragon to boost his attack by 600 points! Since Hamon's in defense mode, I can only attack him! But he's the perfect target! Attack Hamon! Black Flare Inferno!" Red-Eyes Black Flare launched a huge fireball at Hamon, but it bounced off and Inferno took damage! "Just what I was hoping for! Since damage calculation was performed, I can inflict the original attack of Red-Eyes Black Flare as damage!" Abyss winced as flames crashed into her life points! "I end my turn."

Abyss: 6200
Burst & Inferno: 9600

'How irritating.', Abyss thought with a scowl. 'They've barely landed an attack on me and they've depleted most of my life points.' "I draw!" Abyss smiled as she saw her next card. "Ah. Just what I needed! I play Fires of Doomsday to special summon two Doomsday Tokens! Then I summon Giant Germ! Now I tribute my three fiend-type monsters to special summon Raviel! Lord of Phantasms!" Raviel appeared out of a haze of shadowy mist! "Now the time has come to unleash the true power of the Sacred Beasts! I banish Uria, Hamon, and Raviel!" The three Sacred Beasts swirled together in a vortex! "Rise! Armityle the Chaos Phantom!" A fearsome monster that looked like the three Sacred Beasts stepped out of the vortex! "Now for his effect! He gains 10000 during my turn! Now. I think I'll destroy Red-Eyes Black Flare! Chaotic Oblivion!" Armityle fired a blast of chaos energy at Inferno's monster! Destroying it and wiping out a good portion of his and Burst's life points.

"I end my turn with a face-down. Now Arimtyle's attack drops back down to zero." Abyss smirked at Burst and Inferno at the edge of their defeat. 'Even if they do decide to attack, my face-down will ensure that they can do no harm to me. Also, Armityle is immune to destruction by battle.'

Abyss: 6200
Burst & Inferno: 2600

'Her monster's nearly unstoppable in terms of attack. But it's still vulnerable to effects!', Burst thought. He then noticed a glow coming from the top of his deck. 'Time to show Abyss the power we have when we duel as one!' "Hey Inferno!"

"Yeah?"

"Let's show Abyss the power of our dragons combined!" Burst flashed the new card to Inferno, and both got the idea. "I play the spell card Absolute Fusion! It allows me to banish fusion materials listed on an 'Absolute' fusion monster from my extra deck from my hand, deck, or field! And since Inferno and I have the same field, I can banish from his deck too! I banish Blue-Eyes Absolute Dragon and Red-Eyes Absolute Dragon!" Both monsters entered a swirling vortex! "Storm forth! Dragon who wields both power and potential! Let your coming herald endless possibilities! Purple-Eyes Ultimate Absolute Dragon!" A humanoid dragon with purple eyes and grey scales that looked like Blue-Eyes and Red-Eyes fused together stepped out of the vortex! It boasted 7000 attack points! "This fusion of friendship is gonna finish you next turn!"

Abyss let out a dark chuckle. "Are you serious? One attack from Armitylem and you're done for! It's my turn now! That means he gains 10000 attack points! Destroy their dragon!" Armityle unleashed a blast of energy, but Purple-Eyes was still standing! Not only that, but Burst and Inferno's life points had increased! "WHAT?!"

"Hope you like Purple-Eyes' effect!", Inferno said with a grin. "Purple-Eyes can't be destroyed by card effects or by battle! And if we would take damage, we gain life points equal to the damage we would take instead!"

"It can't be! Armityle should be unstoppable!", Abyss howled! "I end my turn."

"Let's end this Burst!"

"Right!"

"ABSOLUTE AETHER BLAST!", Burst and Inferno yelled as Purple-Eyes fired a blast of rainbow-colored aether! Wiping out the last of Abyss's life points! Armityle faded from existence once the blast hit! Abyss slowly rose as he body began to distort and twist.

"IT'S NOT OVER! I HOLD POWER THAT RIVALS THE GOD CARDS!" Abyss's then looked like the Sacred Beasts had fused into her body!

Burst and Inferno summoned their blasters and began to charge them up! "Inferno? You know what to say?"

"Haven't we both beenhoping for this moment?"

Burst and Inferno then aimed their blasters at Abyss, and uttered a singleword before firing. "JACKPOT." Twin energy projections of Blue-Eyes and Red-Eyes shot out from their blasters! The blasts hit Abyss full force! Destroying her as the enveloped her in a blast of blue and red light!

"AAAUUUUGGGGHHHHHhhhhhhhhh!", Abyss screamed as her body crumbled into nothing! Burst and Inferno's friends ran up to congratualte them on their victory.

"Way to go you two!", Ace cheered.

"Figured you guys could handle this.", Ice said with a smile.

"Eh. Would've been more awesome if ALL of us took her down.", Steel said with a shrug.

"Wouldn't that take up too much of the chapter?", Akage asked.

"What?"

"Nothing. Just something Pinkie told me."

"You two rose to the occasion.", Gold said with a smile.

"Well done lads! Well done!", North congratulated.

"Now THAT'S how you rock the dragon!", Shadow cheered.

"That was a fantastic finish darling!", Rarity said as she held Inferno tight.

"As much as I'd like to enjoy your praise, I can't.", Burst said solemnly. "There's still one matter of business to take care of. Something tells me we haven't seen the last of Blitz just yet."

Duel 22: Fathers and Sons

The battle was over. But Burst had told Pinkie to hold off on the party. "There's someone I need to talk to. I won't be too long. I promise." Burst summoned his dragon wings, and flew off for his home. Once he landed, he went inside and found his dad sitting in the kitched. Burst was nervous before speaking to him. "...Dad?"

Aether's head picked up as soon as he heard his son call for him. "Oh. Burst. It's been a while since we last spoke. Is something wrong?"

Burst sighed. "I haven't really caught you up on some of the events that happened during your absence. In specific, events in my Senior Year. And also...events from today."

"Burst. I'm your father. I always have time to listen."

"Here we go." Burst took a deep breath before starting. "You know that I won Duelist Kingdom and Battle City right? Aether nodded. "Well, what you don't know is that during those two tournaments villains showed up who tried to take over our world and the monsters'. But each time I was able to defeat them. I destroyed Sombra, but was able to save Tirek at Battle City. Since then, my friends and I have fought villains and saved the world a lot of times. But this time? This time was probably the hardest battle I've fought." Burst sighed. "Dad...this isn't easy to say. And it's probably even more impossible for you to believe. Dad. Blitz and your new wife were behind Sombra and Tirek and the evil monsters they received. But the worst part is, Blitz did all this so he could become a hero. He'd defeat Sombra or Tirek and be hailed as a hero by everyone. But I foiled his plans without even knowing it when I defeated those two. And he hated me for it. He thought that the life I had should've been his. And so, he lured me to a duel and revealed himself to me. I tried to convince him that he could still be a hero. All he had to do was abandon the path he was walking on. But he refused and switched our bodies after he lost the duel. Fortunately, I got my body back and defeated him again. But after that, he disappeared. Then Abyss showed up. Inferno and I destroyed her and the Sacred Beasts Cards." Burst's eyes began to tear up. "So know that you know this...I've got a question. Do you hate me because of what I did to the new family you had? You raised Blitz as your own son. And I'm sure you loved Abyss like when you met my mom. And I took it all away in a matter of days."

Aether stood up and put his hand on Burst's shoulder. "No Burst. I don't hate you. I never could. To be honest, I'm proud of you. I never told you this, but part of the reason I left was because of that dream you had. The dream you had that you were a hero. Burst. I KNEW you'd become a hero one day. And your actions have proved that to be true. But whenever I saw you get to this point, I was nowhere there on your journey. As for Blitz, I should have known something like this would happen. When I was raising him, I always brought up how I thought you'd become a hero. And the teachings of his mother drove him on the dark path he so freely walks. But you tried to change his mind. You tried to get him to see a different way. As for Abyss, she never truly returned my love for her. I knew I held no place in her heart. I don't blame you for what's happened to Blitz. For that, I have myself to blame. As for Abyss, I have the feeling you'll be seeing her again. She wasn't evil. She just wanted someone to love." Aether then smiled. "You're my son Burst. And I'm proud of how far you've come. But remember. Me and your mother love you. No matter what." Burst pulled Aether into a tight hug.

"...Thanks Dad.", Burst said as a tear trickled down his face.

"I wasn't there for you for a long time Burst. But I'm here now. And speaking of now, I'm sure you and your friends want to celebrate your triumph over evil. Better get over to them.", Aether said with a smile. Burst smiled and summoned his dragon wings as he left the house and flew off. "That's my boy."

Epilogue

Burst landed at Sugarcube Corner and smiled. "Well what're you all waiting for? It's party time! Pinkie. You know the drill." Pinkie smiled as she bolted inside and Akage went after her. The two set up the party in almost no time! "Now we're talking!" Everyone had a good time until Thunder Force showed up. "Thunder? What's up?"

"Well...see for yourself.", Thunder said nervously. Peeking out from behind Thunder was a younger version of Abyss. Judging by the look of her, she was about the age of the CMC. "I'm guessing you want an explanation?"

"Yes. I think we'd ALL like to know why she's alive again." Burst had a puzzled look on his face as he stared at the younger Abyss.

"Well...the God Cards brought her back to life. She's got all the memories of what she's done but none of the evil intent."

"It's nice to know she's not gonna try and waste us. But why would the God Cards leave her memories?", Inferno asked.

"Her rebirth came with a price. She must find someone to love her despite her acts.", Thunder answered. "The God Cards are firm, but fair when it comes to second chances. She should count herself lucky." Abyss walked up to Burst and was shaking when she was about a foot away from him.

"I...I'm sorry!" Abyss closed her eyes expecting Burst to scream his lungs out at her. But to her surprise, Burst just smiled.

"You were insanely prideful. But you were also very lonely. Not many people get another shot at life. Just try not to make the same mistakes as last time. Now come on! It's weird if you're sad at a party!" Abyss managed a small smile. "That's better." Everyone had a good time as the party raged on.

Far away....

"Curse him. Curse him!", Blitz scowled before he slammed his fist into the ground! "CURSE HIM!" Blitz then threw his deck to the ground! "You failed me! All of you are worthless! WHY?! Why can't I use you like Burst's Blue-Eyes?!" Blitz then had an idea. And a cruel smile creeped onto his face. "If I can't have a Blue-Eyes like Burst....I'll MAKE one of my own!" Blitz channeled his darkness and pictured his Blue-Eyes White Dragon. The card that materialized, and the dragon that was born of it soon stood before Blitz. It looked like a twisted version of Blue-Eyes. "Yes. YES!" Blitz then materialized an entirely new deck as the white of his eyes turned black. "Perfect. Now I have a deck that reflects me. But maybe there's something else I should consider. Burst has plenty of friends to stand by him." Blitz then sneered again. "Maybe I should get some 'friends' as well." Blitz sensed for any large evil auras, and smiled when he found them. "Yeeesssss. They'll do nicely. But first, I need to prepare." Blitz vanished in a dark portal. Planning his next strike against Burst and his friends.

Back at the party...

Gold was stroking his chin in thought. "Hey Moon?"

"Yes?"

"Could you bring Abyss over here? There's something I want to check." Moon shrugged, and brought Abyss over. "Thanks. I'm going to sense the energy of both of you." Gold focused, and sensed both Moon and Abyss's energies. His eyes snapped open when he was done. "Abyss. I think I know how you were able to tap into your dark powers and why you were able to find those evil monsters. You're this world's version of Nightmare Moon. Your energies are almost identical." Moon and Abyss's eyes widened. Moon then smiled at Abyss.

"Welcome to the reformed villain club Abyss. Trust me. Things are only gonna look up from here. You never know. You might find that special someone." Moon then looked at Burst. "I know I did." Fang noticed Abyss and Moon talking and walked over.

"Hey you two! Thought I'd introduced my little brother to Abyss!", Fang said with a smile.

"You have a brother?", Moon asked.

"He's adopted. But he's still family. Come on out Narico." A young teenage boy stepped out from behind Fang. with grayish skin and a purple scar on his eye wearing brown pants and a purple shirt. Narico blushed when he saw Abyss.

"H-Hi.", Narico said nervously. "I'm Narico." Abyss blinked and smiled.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Abyss." Abyss then noticed Narico's deck box. "You like Duel Monsters too?"

Narico beamed. "You kidding? I love it!" The two seemed to hit things off pretty well. Moon went over to Burst.

"Another happy ending.", Moon said with a smile. Burst was about to answer when his mom and dad entered Sugarcube Corner.

"Mom? Dad? What're you two doing here?", Burst asked.

"Me coming back made me realize something Burst.", Aether said with a smile. "Your mother is the best thing I've ever had in my life next to you. I was an idiot to leave both of you."

Burst smiled. "Welcome back. ....Dad." Burst shared a hug with his reunited family. Now his life was truly complete.

Author's Note

So what should Abyss's new deck be? Leave your suggestions in the comments section!