Yu-Gi-Oh! Friendship is Dueling Finale: Endgame

Chapters

Duel 13: Dark Gathering 3
Duel 16: Dark Gathering 4
Duel 1: Enter the Dark Duelists
Duel 2: Savage Evolution Part 1
Duel 4: Savage Evolution Part 3
Duel 5: Dark Gathering 1
Duel 6: Upgrade Part 1
Duel 7: Upgrade Part 2
Duel 8: Upgrade Part 3
Duel 9: Upgrade Part 4
Duel 10: Dark Gathering 2
Duel 11: Shadow Showdown Part 1
Duel 12: Shadown Showdown Part 2
Duel 14: Clash for the Crown Part 1
Duel 15: Clash for the Crown Part 2
Duel 17: Rising Above Despair
Duel 18: Dark Gathering 5
Duel 19: Steel in the Spotlight
Duel 20: Dark Gathering Final
Duel 21: Ignite Your Heart Inferno!
Duel 22: Test Drive
Duel 23: Calm Before the Storm
Duel 24: Endgame
Final Duel: Prom
Epilogue Part One
Epilogue Part Two
Prologue
Duel 3: Savage Evolution Part 2

Duel 13: Dark Gathering 3

Blitz had just seen Akage and Shogun's resolution, and simply shrugged. Blitz pulled out a new card made of darkness, and gazed at it with a sinister smile. Then, a figure came in and Blitz dematerialized the card. "Master Blitz.", the figure said.

"What do you want?"

"After you defeat Burst, what do you plan to do?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I for one want the right to rule my homeland, I have assassinated a few distant relatives and plan to get rid of the rest when I am finished assisting you.", the figure answered.

"Well, Burst is just about unbeatable. If I triumph over him then that means I will replace him as the greatest duelist in the world. If I was the one on top, it wouldn’t be hard to force everyone beneath me to do whatever I say… but I suppose it is good food for thought after I handle the immediate goal."

The figure nodded. "Very well, I can understand. Ending the one person among Burst's group who is on my list of distant relatives to eliminate will be a challenge for myself after all."

"Well, Sir Ignoble Cause, would you care to go and do that now?"

Ignoble Cause smiled. "It would be an honor."

Duel 16: Dark Gathering 4

Blitz had just witnessed Ignoble's defeat and simply sighed before once again looking at the unfinished card he had materialized just yesterday. "You have yet to be complete. But soon that will change.", Blitz murmured to himself. It was then that Blitz looked over Burst's friends. "Only three remain that I can target. But this one..." Blitz focused on Golden Rise. "He was the first one to get wise to me when I swapped Burst and mine's bodies. Hmm. There's no one that holds a tie to him." Blitz then smiled. "But I do sense lonliness coming from him. Or at least...there was." Blitz focused. "If he has no villain to face, I'll make one. His despair made flesh." Blitz focused his dark powers and constructed a figure. As he finished the new minion, he pulled out the card he had based off of Crimson Dragon. Obsidian Dragon. Blitz handed the new minion the card. "Go. And see to it that Golden Rise falls." The new minion nodded and disappeared into the shadows. Blitz smiled. "That should keep Burst and his friends busy long enough for me to take what I need." Blitz opened a portal and focused on the location of Abyss. "Time I have some quality time with my dear mother..."

Duel 1: Enter the Dark Duelists

For Burst, it was just another day. Spring Break had come to an end, and he was back in school. Lunch period was about to hit, so Burst made his way to the cafeteria. Once he got his food, he went over to his friends at their usual table. "Hey guys! How's your first day back?"

"Pretty good.", Inferno said with a shrug. "Not a huge workload to deal with, so things could be MUCH worse." As the group continued chatting, a dark portal opened up in the cafeteria! Inferno let out a sigh. "I figured something like this would happen soon enough." However, Burst and his friends were shocked at who stepped out of the portal!

"Blitz?!", Burst said in disbelief.

Blitz sneered. "Hello 'brother.' Did you miss me?" Blitz then observed Burst and his friends. "Ah. And you were kind enough to bring your friends along. Well..." Blitz snapped his fingers. "...Meet my friends.

Song Used for intro of Dark Duelists

As if on cue, five figures cloaked in shadow stepped out of the portal. "You're not doing the poses.", Blitz said flatly as he flashed his dark power. "Rectify that. NOW." The group hastily complied, and mimicked the poses of the Giny Force from Dragon Ball Z. "Better." Blitz then addressed Burst and his friends. "Listen well all of you. This group was made with the specific purpose of defeating you. You don't know where or when, but we shall strike I assure you that! We are the Dark Duelists! And we will not stop until we see you crushed beneath our feet!" Blitz and his minions left through the same portal leaving all the students to panic. Burst steeled his gaze as he turned to his friends.

"It looks like our endgame has arrived. Whoever these guys Blitz recruited are, we can't afford to take them lightly." Burst sighed. "And that goes double for Blitz. He has a new more destructive dragon living in his deck." Blue-Eyes then materialized.

"Burst. I won't lie. This new monster Blitz has feels familiar." Blue-Eyes narrowed his eyes. "And its hatred rivals Blitz's. It chills me to my bones."

"I know Blue-Eyes.", Burst said sadly. "Blitz was just a bad-guy before. Now? He's a monster. And not even his new minions are safe from him."

"Hey Burst?", Inferno asked. "You think some of those goons hanging around Blitz were recruited specifically to take some of us down?"

Burst sighed. "Inferno? I think we're in for the duel of our lives. All of you keep your decks close to you. There's no telling how ruthless these minions of Bltiz are." Whatever you have planned Blitz, you can bet that I won't let you win! Burst and the others tried to carry on with their day, but the threat Blitz had made still lingered in their minds. "To think. Our fates literally rest on the luck of the draw." Burst carried on, but he couldn't lie to himself that he was troubled by the display Blitz had made.

Duel 2: Savage Evolution Part 1

Fluttershy was panicking as soon as school let out. Blitz had pretty much announced he'd be hunting down Burst and his friends, so it went without saying that all of them were in great danger. "Fluttershy?" Fluttershy froze when she heard someone call her, but relaxed when she saw that it was Tyrannus. "You're still on edge after that creep's announcement, right?"

Fluttershy nodded meekly. "He was so scary! I don't think the girls and I have ever seen anyone so evil before!"

"In that case, would you like me to walk you home?", Tyrannus asked. "You still seem pretty jumpy, so it wouldn't hurt to have someone looking out for you every step of the way."

"Yes." Fluttershy rested her head against Tyrannus's chest. "I'd like that very much Ty." Tyrannus walked Fluttershy home, and nothing out of the usual happened. That is, until a car was rushing toward them! Fluttershy froze in terror as Tyrannus pushed her away, but she was shocked at what transpired next! Tyrannus stopped the car with his bare hands! Tyrannus inspected the car, and found that there was no driver inside!

"...What? " Tyrannus continued his inspection of the car and saw dents that were made in the back of the car. Like someone had pushed it towards him and Fluttershy! That's when he caught sight of a figure standing from where the car was sent speeding from! The figure seemd to smirk and disappear in a flash! Tyrannus shook his head and went back to Fluttershy. "Are you alright?"

Fluttershy slowly nodded. "Y-yes! H-How were you able to stop a car with only your hands?!"

Tyrannus sighed. "My parents will explain." He then hoisted Fluttershy onto his back. "And we'd better hurry. We're not safe out in the open." Tyrannus ran off for his home with Fluttershy, and soon arrived home. Tyrannus knocked on the door, and his mom answered.

"Ty? What's going on? And why is your girlfriend shaking like she's seen a monster?!", his mom demanded.

"Mom. She saw me use my strength. But more importantly, HE'S back.", Tyrannus said gravely.

Tyrannus's mom went pale. "Bring her inside. There's a lot she needs to hear." Tyrannus's mom led Fluttershy to the couch and sat her down whil Tyrannus brought her a glass of water. "I'm sure you're wondering how Ty was able to stop a care with just his hands." She sighed. "The truth is,Tyrannus wasn't born. At least, not in the traditional sense. You see, me and Ty's father were scientists who specialized in dinosaur DNA. When I was pregnant with twins, it was revealed that they might not survive after birth. That's when my husband proposed a radical solution. Infuse dinosaur DNA into my developing babies. Dinosaurs were known for their durability and unparalled ability for survival. The procedure went off without a hitch, and I gave birth to twin healthy boys. You know Ty, but he had a brother. Evo. However, we thought it wise to monitor both of them for any mutations or side-effects. Ty, for all of his life, was normal. But Evo..." Tyrannus's mom shuddred. "Evo was unstable, and seemed to relish fits of rage. And when he learned the truth of his origin, he disappeared. He believed himself to be the evolved version of Tyrannus. A subject with the fury of the ancient lizards and the intelligence of a human. We haven't seen him in thirteen years."

"Until today.", a chilling voice said. The group jumped to their feet and saw what looked like a polar opposite version of Tyrannus! Instead of the muscular build of Tyrannus, Evo had a slender build. Evo's hair was grey, and his skin was a pale white! And while Tyrannus had hair like Terra from Kingdom Hearts, Evo had hair similar to Xemnas. But what terrified Fluttershy was the fang-filled smile and the horrid orange eyes on Evo's face as well as the claws that had replaced nails. "Hello my family." Evo then turned his gaze to Fluttershy. "Well, well. Who is this lovely creature?", Evo said as he licked his chops. Fluttershy shuddered in terror as Evo inched closer! Tyrannus stepped in front of Fluttershy and shielded her!

"Don't you dare step any closer to her!", Tyrannus roared! Evo let out a dark chuckle as he took a step back.

"Oh I'm not here for her, or our parents Tyrannus." In a blur, Evo stuck a syringe into Tyrannus's arm! "I'm here for you!"

Tyrannus screamed in pain as he fell to the floor! "AGH!"

"TY!", Fluttershy screamed!

Tyrannus glared at Evo from the floor. "What...what did you do to me?"

Evo laughed. "Heh heh heh! HA HA HA HA HA HA! A gift, dear brother! The gift of evolution!" Tyrannus was confused, but then doubled over in pain! Evo chuckled. "Don't worry. The pain is part of the process." Evo then sneered at Fluttershy and Tyrannus's mom. "I'll leave you two to bare witness to my fine work." Evo sprouted pteranadon wings and flew out the door! Fluttershy watch in horror as Tyrannus began to change! His nails became claws, and he seemed to burst out of his shirt! His eyes became more reptilian, and some of his teeth had sharpened into fangs! His feet also burst out of his shoes with the claws that had replaced his toe nails! When his transformation, Tyrannus let out a fearsome roar!

"RRRRAAAAAAUUUUGGGGGHHHHH!" Tyrannus's eyes were filled with fury from the pain of his transformation! Wanting to comfort him, Fluttershy reached her arm out, but Tyrannus scratched her! Tyrannus's eyes then widened at horror as his mind slowly returned to normal. "Fluttershy..." Fluttershy then back peddled away from Tyrannus in fear! "What...what have I done?" Tyrannus screamed in horror! "WHAT HAVE I DONE?!" Tyrannus then made a break out through the door! I can't go back! I can't! Not like this! Not when I hurt her! One of the few people to not fear me! The forest. That's the only place I'll know refuge from all of this!, Tyrannus thought as he ran! Fluttershy got up and attempted to run after Tyrannus! But his mother stopped her!

"Let me through! He...he didn't mean to hurt me!", Fluttershy pleaded! "Please! Ty needs me!"

"I know!", Tyrannus's mother screamed. "But you can't go out with that wound unattended, and it's getting late. Let me patch you up and take you home. Tomorrow, you can search for Tyrannus in the forest."

As her wound was tended to, Fluttershy's thoughts turned to Tyrannus. Please Ty! Please be safe! Just wait for me!

Duel 4: Savage Evolution Part 3

Fluttershy couldn't sleep that night. Each time she tried to go to sleep, she kept having terrible dreams about Tyrannus. Most of them involved him being hunted. Or worse, Evo brutally dueling against him. He was alone. All alone. Fluttershy woke up in a cold sweat. Morning had finally come, and she instantly got dressed and packed some food into her backpack. Fluttershy gathered herself as she made her way to the forest. It came as no surprise that some animals came up to her. Fluttershy smiled as she used the powers of her new magic to ask if they'd seen Tyrannus. Fortuantely, some birds had seen him. Fluttershy followed them and sur enough found herself in the area Tyrannus was last seen. At the same time, Tyrannus had heard footsteps as he stirred from his slumber. He frowned as he saw himself still in the altered form Evo had forced him into, and sighed. He decided to hid himself in the trees and observe whoever had just entered his sleep area. Tyrannus's eyes widened as he saw who was here. It was Fluttershy. She had come looking for him! And from the look of things, she was looking everywhere. Tyrannus was so nervous that he slipped a little in the tree he was hiding in! Fluttershy snapped her head in the direction of the sound! "Ty?", she called out. "If you're here, please come out. There's no one here but me. You don't have to hide. I'm here. You don't have to be alone or afraid."

"...I'm not afraid.", Tyrannus answered.

"Then why don't you come out?", Fluttershy asked.

"...Then you will be afraid.", Tyrannus said as he slowly crawled down from the tree.

"Ty. Please. I won't run.", Fluttershy pleaded. Tyrannus sighed as he finally climbed down fromt he tree he was hiding himself in and stood before Fluttershy. Fluttershy covered her mouth. "Oh my..."

Tyrannus winced. "That bad huh?" Tyrannus sighed. "Fluttershy. Why are you here? You shouldn't have looked for me."

"Because...because I love you Ty!", Fluttershy cried out! "You make me feel safe! When I'm around you, I can feel brave!"

"Safe? How can you feel 'safe' with me how I am now?!", Tyrannus yelled! "I...I hurt you! Lashed out at you with no reason!"

"Ty...that wasn't your fault.", Fluttershy said sadly.

"Yes it was! I might not have done this to myself, but I still hurt you!" Tyrannus pointed to the scratch mark he had made. "I'm still the one who made that mark. How can someone so beautiful...so kind...ever love a monster like me?"

"That's enough!" Fluttershy cupped Tyrannus's face. "You're not a monster! You never could be! Ty...you're still the same." Tyrannus turned his face away. "Ty, please. Look at me." Tyrannus returned his gaze directly into Fluttershy's eyes. "Just because you look different, that doesn't mean that you're a different person."

"But...but I hurt you!" Tyrannus broke into tears! "Each time I look at that mark, I still see that scared look in your eyes! I..I don't want to ever put you through that again!"

Fluttershy smiled lovingly. "Poor thing. Everyone makes mistakes. And I forgive you for yours."

Tyrannus fell to his knees weeping. "Thank you..."

Fluttershy smiled as she rested Tyrannus's head against her chest. "There, there. Everyone deserves a little kindness." A flash of magic went off, and Fluttershy saw that she had a ponied up! But in addition to her wings, she also had a horn now! "Oh my.."

Tyrannus smiled. "Looks like my butterfly's spread her wings."

"Well, well. Isn't this a touching moment between beauty and beast?", Evo said with a sneer as he landed. "I gave you a chance to stand with me. To be among the strong. And this is how you repay me?! By siding with these weaklings destined for extincition?! You and I have the DNA of dinosaurs within us! They ruled this planet far longer than these miserable humans! We're superior to them!"

Tyrannus glared at Evo. "I've heard enough out of you Evo. You're the one who's destined for extinction. Fury and brute force lost out to love and reson long ago. And if you can't see that, then you haven't evolved."

"So be it!", Evo said with a scowl! "Blitz has promised me the return of the old world once I defeat you!" Evo then pulled a duel disk from one of his coat's pockets!

"Um, Ty?", Fluttershy asked as she pulled a duel disk out of her backpack. "Kick his butt!"

Tyrannus nodded as he strapped on the duel disk and got out his deck!

"LET'S DUEL!"

Evo: 8000
Tyrannus: 8000

"I'll spare you no courtesy!", Evo hissed as he began his turn! "I play Evo-Diversity! This lets me add an 'Evoltile' or 'Evolsaur' monster from my deck to my hand! Then I'll summon the monster I add in defense mode! Then I'll set a card and end my turn!"

Tyrannus was confused. For a guy praising fury and brute strength, he's playing defensively. Chances are that face-down's pretty nasty.
But maybe I can get him to use it up early! "My turn! I draw! I play Terraforming! This lets me add a field spell from my deck to my hand! Now I'll activate it! The field spell Lost World! All monsters on the field lose 500 attack and defense points except for dinosaur-type monsters! Now I summon Sabersaurus! This activates Lost World's effect! Since I summoned a dinosaur-type monster, I can special summon a Jurraegg Token on your side of the field! Now you can't target monsters on the field with card effects except tokens!" Evo scowled in response. "Now I'll attack your monster! Saber Horn Charge!" Sabersaurus charged forward at Evo's monster! However, neither monster was destroyed! "Looks like your monster's got some pretty good defense. I end my turn."

Evo smirked as he gazed at his cards. Time for my monsters to evolve! I'll make sure Tyrannus is extinct! after this duel! "I draw! I flip summon Evoltile Westlo! Now I can special summon one 'Evolsaur' monster from my deck! I special summon Evolsaur Diplo! Now I play Evo-Force! This lets me tribute one Evoltile monster to special summon an Evolsaur monster from my deck! I tribute Evoltile Westlo to special summon Evolsaur Cerato! Now I overlay my two Evolsaurs!" A swirling galaxy appeared on the ground, and Evo's monsters turned into twim beams of red light that flew into the galaxy! A pale white dragon with a flame aura flew out of the galaxy as it faded! "I xyz summon Evolzar Laggia! Then I'll equip him with Xyz Unit! This boosts his attack by 200 points per rank! He's rank four, so he gains 800 attack! Destroy Sabersaurus!"

"Prepare to be sentenced to extinction primitive!", Laggia hissed as he fired a gigantic fireball at Sabersaurus!

"I don't think so! I activate Lost World's other effect! When a normal monster would be destroyed by battle or card effect, I can send the same number of dinosaurs from my hand or deck to the graveyard instead! I'll send a dinosaur from my deck!" A phantom image of the dinosaur Tyrannus sent blocked Laggia'a attack! "My dinosaurs work as a herd! That means they protect each other!"

Evo scowled. "I end my turn." Hmph. A tactic favored by weaklings.

"It's my move now! I draw!" Tyrannus narrowed his eyes. Hm. His monster's in the lead in terms of attack points. Not to mention it hasn't even used its effect yet! "I summon a monster in defense mode!"

Evo sneered! "I activate Laggia's effect! I detach two overlay units from Laggia to negate the summon and destroy the card!" Tyrannus winced as his monster was destroyed! "Now I'll attack your monster with Laggia! Evo Flare!" Tyrannus didn't take much damage, but now his field was empty! "I end my turn!"

Evo: 8000
Tyrannus: 7200

Well now my field's empty. Not good. But on the plus side, Laggia can't use his effect now! Tyrannus smiled as he drew his next card! "Now that I've got two dinosaurs in my graveyard, I banish them!" The sound of mighty footsteps sounded as Tyrannus banished two of the dinosaurs in the graveyard! "Come on out! Ultimate Conductor Tyranno!" Ultimate Conductor Tyranno let out a mighty roar as he took the field!

"You've been threatening my herd.", UC Tyranno growled. "And any who threaten my family deal with me!"

Laggia sneered. "So the king returns to this lost world. Very well then! Bare your fangs one last time you walking fossil!"

"Tyranno's roar is gonna be more than enough!", Tyrannus shot back! "I tribute a monster from my hand! This switches all of your monsters into defense mode! Also, since I summoned Tyranno, that puts another Jurraegg token on your field!" Evo's eyes widened as Laggia was forced into defense mode as Ultimate Conductor Tyranno let out a mighty roar as thunder struck! "And we're not done yet! Now Tyranno can attack all of your monsters once each!" Ultimate Conductor Tyranno charged at Evo's monster and the tokens! "And that's not all! At the start of the damage step, he deals 1000 points of damage points to you since he's attacking defense mode monsters! Last I checked, there were three monsters on your field! That means 3000 points of damage are dealt to you! Go! Tyranno Thunder!" Ultimate Conductor Tyranno fired three thunderbolts that fried all of Evo's monsters! Evo cringed as the shockwave knocked him to the ground! "I end my turn. Looks like the fury you pride yourself on blinded you."

Evo: 5000
Tyranno: 7200

Evo snarled at Tyrannus! "SILENCE!" Evo spat! "I draw!" Evo grinned with savage delight! "Oh this is just too good! I play the spell Dark Hole! This destroys all monsters on the field!" Tyrannus cringed as Ultimate Conductor Tyranno was sucked into a black hole! "Now I play Soul Charge! This lets me pay 1000 life points per monster I want to revive! But the price is worth it! I revive Evolzar Laggia, and Evolsaurs Diplo and Cerato! They may be weakened by your field, but not if I destroy it with Mystical Space Typhoon! Now attack him directly! Rip his life points to shreds!" A savage grin dawned on Evo's face as his monsters slashed away at Tyrannus's life points! "Forutnately, that new form I gave you had a thick hide. Though I wonder how long you can last? I end my turn with a face-down."

"TY!", Fluttershy screamed as Tyrannus fell to one knee! "Please! Please hold on!"

Evo: 2000
Tyranno: 1300

"Nngggghh!", Tyrannus groaned as he got to his feet. "Don't count me out....just yet!" Tyrannus shot Evo a gaze filled with determination! "As long as I've got even a single point...I WON'T BACK DOWN!" In response to Tyrannus's spirit, a rainbow-colored flash went off on the top of his deck! "What?" Tyrannus drew the glowing card! "Time for my monsters to evolve too! I play the spell card Absolute Evolution! I can banish a level 7 or higher dinosaur-type monster from my hand or graveyard!" Thunder began to crash around the field! " Stand proud! Absolute Tyranno!" A humanoid tyrannosaurus with a crown-like crest on his forehead let out a mighty roar as he took the field! He was boasting 4000 attack points! "Time for a little overkill! I activate Absolute Tyranno's effect! By banishing a dinosaur-type monster from my graveyard, I can force all of your monsters into defense mode! Tyranno's Majesty!" Evo scowled as his monsters were forced into defense mode! "Now you take 500 damage for each monster switched into defense mode! Tyranno Thunder Break!" Evo cringed as three bolts of thunder struck his life points! "But I'm not done yet! Since all of your monsters are in defense mode, I can attack you directly! Tyranno Impact!" Absolute Tyranno leaped into the air, and brought his fist down full force! Wiping out the last of Evo's life points and leaving him in a crater! "I'm not done-!"

"Ty!" Fluttershy latched onto Tyrannus's arm! "Please! Please stop! The duel's over! You won." Fluttershy's eyes began to tear up. "This isn't you. You're not like him." Tyrannus took a deep breath.

"Sorry if that scared you." Tyrannus carried Fluttershy bridal style. "Come on. Let's head to school."

Fluttershy smiled and shared a kiss with Tyrannus. Suddenly, Tyrannus's skin began to crack! Tyrannus was returned to his regular self. "That's the Ty I know and love." Fluttershy said happily as she nuzzled Tyrannus's bare chest. However, it wasn't over. Evo crawled out of the crater Absolute Tyranno had punched him into!

"I...I....!!!", Evo snarled. Evo pulled out a test tube filled with the same serum he had injected Tyrannus with! "...NOT LOSE TO AN INFERIOR LIFEFORM!" Evo popped the cap off of the test tube and swallowed the contents! "HURGH!" Evo fell to the ground on his knees as pteranadon wings sprouted form his back! Evo's claws began to grow longer and sharper! His face extended like that of a reptile, and his eyes had turned purely reptilian! He burst out of his shirt and grew a tail! Most of his clothes were now in tatters save for his ripped jeans! Evo let out a feral roar as he charged forth! "GRRROOOOOOAAARRR!" Evo roared as he flew at Tyrannus! Knocking him to the ground and snatching Fluttershy! "You seem to care a great deal for my brother!", Evo said as he licked his chops. "I wonder? How do you taste?" Tyrannus slowly rose as he saw Evo terrorizing Fluttershy! Then he heard a voice!

"Ty!", Ultimate Conductor Tyranno said! "There's a way to save her! But I must ask if you're ready!"

"You know it! For Fluttershy, I'd give my life!"

Ultimate Conductor nodded. "Then let out resolve fuse us!" Ultimate Conductor Tyranno became a beam of light and entered Tyrannus's body! When the light died down, a new figure stood! Evo was continuing to terrorize Fluttershy until a voice shouted out!

"YOU WON'T LAY A FINGER ON HER!", Tyrannus screamed as he punched Evo in the face and sent him flying! Fluttershy opened her eyes to find Tyrannus clad in armor modelled after Ultimate Tyranno! The helmet was complete with a visor and a crest just like Ultimate Tyranno! "Fluttershy! Are you okay?" Fluttershy nodded. Tyrannus cracked his knuckles. "Good. Stay back. Evo's extinction is long overdue!" Evo had just recovered and growled at Tyrannus.

"HOW?! HOW CAN AN INFERIOR LIFEFORM LIKE YOU HARM ME?!", Evo howled in rage!

Tyrannus smirked under his helmet. "Easy. The rage you praise has no place in my heart. And with no fury blinding me, I can see clearly. Why I fight and who I fight for are laid bare. Now, nothing's going to stop me from preventing you from hurting anyone else!" Tyrannus focused and summoned his Duelist Arm! But before he could unleash it, Evo charged at him! The two grappled! Neither one was giving in to the other! But Tyrannus surprised Evo when he threw Evo across the forest! Evo recovered with his wings and began dive-bombing Tyrannus from the sky! However, Tyrannus's suit was well equipped as pteradactyl wings sprouted from his armor and took to the air! Renewing their titanic clash! "You're not the only one who's evolved!" Tyrannus slugged Evo in the face once again! Sending Evo plumetting to the ground! Tyrannus continued his attack by diving down with a kick to Evo's stomach! Winding Evo while a crater formed from the impact! "Wonder what else I can do?"

"Ty.", Ultimate Conductor Tyranno alerted. "Your armor also had velociraptor speed. I say we run Evo ragged!"

"Good call Tyranno!" Tyrannus got into a sprinting stance as Evo crawled out of the crater, then he zipped righ up to him and slugged him once again! He than kept speeding around Evo! Continuously landing punches and kicks faster than the mutant could keep up with! When Tyrannus was finished, Evo was battered and rage was still seething in his eyes!

"This....isn't...possible!", Evo howled as he struggled to get to his feet! "I...I...I HAVE EVOLVED!"

"No. You haven't.", Tyrannus said flatly as he readied his Duelist Arm. "TYRANNO MAGNUM!" Tyrannus unleashed a powerful blast of energy that knocked Evo out cold! Tyrannus picked him up and walked over to Fluttershy. "He'll be out for a long while. I made sure to wear him out that much."

"What're you going to do now?", Fluttershy asked.

"I'm taking him home. Hopefully, my parents can fix him. Maybe remove his dinosaur DNA. It'd be the best thing for him considering his current state. Come on. Let's get him home." Tyrannus removed his helmet and he and Fluttershy returned to Tyrannus's house. "Mom? Dad? See if you can do about his dinosaur DNA. If there's no other options, remove it."

His dad breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm just happy we have our whole family back."

Tyrannus smiled as he de-fused with Ultimate Conductor Tyranno, and the dinosaur returned to the monster world. "Well Fluttershy? Mind giving me a lift?" Fluttershy smiled as she led Tyrannus outside and flew them both to school! "Sorry for making you carry me."

"Aw, you poor thing! I don't mind! You'vebeen through a lot. It's the least I can do. But there is one extra thing." Fluttershy landed and kissed Tyrannus. "Hope you have a good day! I've got to tell the girls about this!" As Fluttershy left, Tyrannus smiled.

Her kindness knows no bounds., Tyrannus thought with a loving smile. The kind of girl I need in my life. Tyrannus walked off in search of Burst. Not only to notify them that one of Blitz's Dark Duelists was defeated, but about the new card that had materialized.

Duel 5: Dark Gathering 1

The Dark Duelists had assembled by order of Blitz. One of the members was glaring at another as they used infused dark energy into a machine. "Can't you not infuse your machines with that vile energy?", she asked.

The figure working on the machine rolled his eyes. "And let the chance to attain the perfect marriage of magic and technology not come to be? You’re out of your mind! Each infusion of the dark arts is a step toward perfection for machines, and each machine I fuse with me is a step towards making me the perfect being."

"But why dark magic?"

"Because it’s the one with the most pure destructive power behind it. I mean, look at who we’re following."

The other figure scowled as she replied. "I have my own reasons for siding with Blitz." Blitz sighed as he saw the bickering.

The figure working on a machine smiled. "Well speak of the devil. Greetings master."

"Evo has failed me.", Blitz said flatly. "I should have figured since he was so brazen as to question me."

The figure working on the machine smirked. "Ha! Serves the fool right! Thinking that a species advances through evolving. Perfection is straying away from our core organic beings."

Blitz frowned. "Dark Gear."

"Yes?"

"If you think you're so perfect, you can go next."

Dark Gear had a sinister smile as he saw the portal open. "With pleasure. Time to pay my son a visit." Dark Gear headed through the portal. Eager to clash with his designated opponent.

Duel 6: Upgrade Part 1

Former Principal Cinch was sitting in her home looking over old family photos of her and Nightfall. She'd made many mistakes over many years, but a least now things were at least starting to mend. Cinch sighed fondly, but snapped her head up when she saw a dark portal materialize in her home. Cinch glared at the figure that stepped out of the dark portal. "I had hoped to never see you again."

Dark Gear smirked. "Hey honey. I'm home. Could you be a dear and tell me where our boy is?"

"I will tell you NOTHING. As far as I'm concerned, Nightfall is better off knowing only what I told him about you!"

"You told him I died. Didn't you?", Dark Gear asked with a wicked smile. "But as you can see, I'm very much functioning."

"As far as I'm concerned, you ARE dead." Cinch then sighed. "At least, the man I loved is dead."

Dark Gear scoffed at the remark. "Why be a flawed man when I can be a perfect machine? That's a truth I realized when I began to advance my research. A truth I shall gladly teach to Nightfall with the cards I crafted for him."

Cinch's eyes went wide with horror! "You won't lay a finger on him!"

Dark Gear simply frowned as Cinch attempted to charge at him, and snapped his fingers. From out of nowhere, a swarm of gears weighed her down and bound her to a wall! "I have no intention of harming you. But I've got to give our son some form of incentive to seek me out." Dark Gear left through the same portal he had arrived in, and waited in what served as hsi lair. "Now all I have to do is wait." Back at CHS, school was just about out and Nightfall and Twilight were walking home.

"Looks like Tyrannus had a pretty crazy day.", Nightfall said with a sigh. "To think. Blitz sent Ty's own brother after him. That creep's got no limit to how low he'll sink. It's like he's trying to crush Burst by getting at us."

"I think that's his plan.", Twilight said sadly. "Fortunately, it doesn't seem to be going in his favor if Ty's victory is any indication. How about we try taking Cyber Dragon to your place Night?"

Nightfall smiled. "Sure!" Nightfall summoned his partner and he and Twilight climbed on board. However, something felt off to Night as he and Twilight dismounted. "It's too quiet..." Nightfall unlocked the door, and was shocked to see his mom bound to the wall by what looked like giant gears! "Mom!"

Cinch's ears perked up at hearing her son's voice. "Night. Only you can remove these restraints. Try focusing on them." Night blinked before doing as Cinch said. Suddenly, Night's hands were glowing with blue light that looked like curcuity! The gears then faded away into nothing but data!

"How...how did I do that?", Night said in awe.

Cinch dusted herself off before addressing her son. "You are a technomancer Nightfall. Like your father before you. Who has now returned to our lives. Though I wish he hadn't." Cinch hung her head in sadness.

"Mom...what do you mean? You told me Dad died in an accident with one of the devices he was working on!"

Cinch shook her head. "No. Something FAR worse occurred the night of that 'accident.' Gear was always trying to find a way to perfect his machines. And one day, he came upon a solution. Complete integration. He injected himself with experimental nanites in order to turn himself into a cyborg so he could be at one with his machines. However, it backfired horribly and damaged his mind. His previous ideology that man sought perfection with machines. He then believed that perfection was distancing himself from humanity. A virulent idea that he wished to force upon you." Cinch sighed. "Fortunately for you and I, he didn't come immediately. He was waiting for when you were older. Now he's returned. And he plans on making you join him."

Nightfall's eyes were blazing with fury as he grabbed his duel disk and deck! "Where. Is. He?"

"Night, you're not serious!", Twilight pleaded! "You can't face him like this!"

"I have to Twilight! This is my family's problem. And I'll be the one to fix it. Now if you'll excuse me, I believe a reunion is in order with my father."

Cinch sighed. "He'll be at his old workshop. Night, please. Be careful." Night nodded, and re-mounted Cyber Dragon. As he flew off, Twilight and Cinch watched him leave with worry in their hearts.

"Do you think Night's going to be able to beat his dad?", Twilight asked nervously.

Cinch sighed. "Dark Gear has made some upgrades to himself in the years he's been absent. At this point, all I can do is hope Night will emerge victorious." Meanwhile, Nightfall had just arrived at Dark Gear's lair. Night took a deep breath as the doors slowly creaked open, and went in.

"Time to send my dad's deck to the scrap heap...."

Duel 7: Upgrade Part 2

Nightfall entered the abandoned workshop, and kept aware of his surroundings. "Hello son.", Dark Gear called out from a metal throne. "I was wondering when you'd see my little surprise."

"YOU!", Night activated his duel disk! "I swear on my deck that I'm sending you to the scrap heap!"

Dark Gear chuckled. "Why fight me? All I want to do is perfect this world." Dark Gear removed his cloak to reveal that he was half machine and half man! "By distancing myself from humanity, I have achieved this form! Soon, it shall be completed! And Master Blitz shall help me reflect my image upon this flawed world!"

"You're insane.", Nightfall said flatly.

Dark Gear shook his head and sighed. "Night, Night, Night. If only you could understand my genius! But if there's only one way to make you understand..." A device on Dark Gear's left arm activated and attached to him forming a duel disk that was part of his arm!

"LET'S DUEL!"

Nightfall: 8000
Dark Gear: 8000

"I draw!" Night looked carefully over his cards. Gotta play smart here. Chances are, his monsters are pretty cutting edge too. "I summon a monster in defense mode! Then I'll set two cards and end my turn!"

Dark Gear smirked. "I draw! I summon Ancient Gear Hunting Hound! Now that he's been summoned, you take 600 points of damage!" Nightfall cringed as the mechanical hound fired a small blast into his life points! "Now I can activate his other effect! I can fusion summon an 'Ancient Gear' fusion monster using monsters in my hand or field as the fusion materials! I'll send Ancient Gear Hunting Hound and another Ancient Gear monster from my hand! I fusion summon Ancient Gear Howitzer!" A machine-type monster that seemed to be a robotic dragon with cannons for arms appeared on the field! "Now for Howitzer's effect! During my main phase, I can inflict 1000 points of damage to you!" Nightfall cringed once again as Howitzer fired a bombardment of projectiles into his life points! "Then I'll destroy your monster!" Ancient Gear Howitzer fired another barrage at Nightfall's monster! Sending it to the graveyard! "I end my turn."

Nightfall: 6400
Dark Gear: 8000

Just what I was hoping for!, Night thought with a smile! "I draw! Since you control a monster and I control no monsters, I can special summon Cyber Dragon from my hand! Now I banish Cyber Dragon Core from my graveyard to special summon another Cyber Dragon from my deck!" Two Cyber Dragons took Nightfall's field! "Now I overlay my two monsters! I xyz summon Cyber Dragon Nova!" Nightfall's Cyber Dragons turned into twin beams of yellow light and entered a swirling galaxy on the floor! A new Cyber Dragon flew out as the galaxy faded! "Now to upgrade him even further! I use Nova as Xyz material to summon Cyber Dragon Infinity!" Nova glowed with a bright light as he transormed into an even more powerful version! "Infinity gains 200 attack for each overlay unit attached to him! Now I activate Infinity's effect! I can target one attack mode monster you control and attach it to Infinity!" Ancient Gear Howitzer was turned into an overlay unit and attached to Infinity! "Attack him directly! Infinity Evolution Burst!" Infinity fired a powerful laser at Dark Gear's life points!

Dark Gear smirked. "I activate my trap! Curse of Anubis! This lets me switch all monsters on the field into face-up defense mode and reduces their defense to zero!"

"I don't think so!", Nightfall shot back! "I activate Infinity's effect! I can detach one overlay unit to negate the card you activated and destroy it!" A wave of energy shot out from Cyber Dragon Infinity that destroyed Dark Gear's trap! Cyber Dragon Infinity then fired a powerful laser at Dark Gear's life points! "I end my turn." Looks like his Ancient Gears are a bit rusty!

Nightfall: 6400
Dark Gear: 5300

Dark Gear chuckled. "So. You've brought out your ace. Well, it's time to show you mine! I draw!" Dark Gear smiled with evil glee as he stared at his card. "I play Soul Charge! This lets me revive as many monsters as I can fill my field with so long as I pay 1000 life points for each monster!" All of the monsters in Dark Gear's graveyard revived! "Now that my friends have been repaired, it's time for them to upgrade! I summon another Ancient Gear Hunting Hound! Now I'll use his effect to deal you damage!" Nightfall winced as Ancient Gear Hunting Hound pounced on his life points! "Then I'll use his other effect to send all of my monsters to the graveyard to fusion summon an Ancient Gear fusion monster! I fusion Chaos Ancient Gear Giant!" A gigantic dark grey robot with a single red eye stood on Dark Gear's field once all of his monsters had finished combining! "Attack Cyber Dragon Infinity!"

"Not so fast! I activate Infinity's effect!" Infinity was about to activate his effect, but sparks appeared instead and the energy died down! "What?! Why can't I use Infinity's effect?"

Dark Gear howled with laughter! "Heh heh heh! HA HA HA HA HAH HA HA! Fool! Chaos Giant's effect prevents you from activating card effects during the battle phase! Smash his Cyber Dragon!" Night looked on in horror as Cyber Dragon Infinity was reduced to a pile of molten slag by a blast from Chaos Ancient Gear Giant's cannons! "I end my turn with a face-down. I forgot to mention that Chaos Giant is unaffected by spell or trap effects as well."

Nightfall: 4600
Dark Gear: 5300

Not good!, Night thought! Not a monster in my deck can stand up to that thing in terms of sheer power! Wait...maybe there is! But it's too much of a risk! Still, I suppose I don't have many options. And I've got almost everything I need. It all comes down to this one draw... Nightfall cautiously drew his next card, and smiled once he saw it! "Time for Cyber Dragon to upgrade again! I summon Proto-Cyber Dragon! While he's on the field, his name becomes Cyber Dragon! Then I'll play Cybernetic Fusion Support! I pay half my life points to banish monsters from my hand or graveyard to fusion summon a machine-type monster! I banish the Cyber Dragons on my field and in my graveyard to fusion summon Cyber End Dragon!" A massive three-headed robotic dragon let out a mighty roar as it took the field! "Now to further power him up! I play the spell card Limiter Removal! This doubles the attack of all machine-type monsters on my field! Destroy Chaos Ancient Gear Giant!"

Dark Gear sneered! "Not so fast! I activate my face-down! Battle Fusion! Since you're carrying out an attack involving a fusion monster I control and a monster you control, my monster gains attack equal to the attack of your monster!" Nightfall's eyes widened in horror as Chaos Ancient Gear Giant surged with power and grabbed Cyber End Dragon by the throat! "Hmph. How obsolete. Crush him." Chaos Ancient Gear Giant threw Cyber End to the ground and smashed him with his foot as Nightfall watched in horror.

Nightfall: 100
Dark Gear: 5300

Nightfall fell to his knees. "I...end my turn..."

Dark Gear smiled. "Don't worry son. I'll see to it that you receive a far superior monster."

Nightfall scowled at his father! "You think I'm upset because my monster was weaker? No. I'm upset because my friend was destroyed so mercilessly!"

"Hmph. Your determination is admirable, but it won't save you. In case you haven't noticed, your turn is over. And now mine begins!" Dark Gear drew his next card. He ended the duel with one simple command. "End it." Chaos Ancient Gear Giant brought his fist down on the last of Nightfall's life points! Nightfall fell to the ground and struggled to try and stand. Dark Gear advanced on Nightfall and pulled three cards out of his pocket. "Now to bond you to your new partner. The Cyber Dark Dragon!"

Nightfall screamed in pain as the cards forcefully integrated themselves to him! "AUUUUGGGHHHHHHH!" Soon, metal wings similar to that of Cyber Dark Dragon sprouted on his back. Nightfall stood, but this time, his voice sounded more robotic.

"Well son? How do you feel?"

"So. This is what the gift of becoming one with machines is. Tell me. Can I share this gift with others?", Nightfall asked. Dark Gear nodded. "Good. Because I want to share this with the only one compatible with me." Night spread his new wings and took off.

Duel 8: Upgrade Part 3

Twilight was troubled as she headed home. Dark Magician took note of her unease, and decided to investigate. "Twilight? What's troubling you? Is it...about Night?"

Twilight nodded as she held herself. "He didn't come back from when he went to face Dark Gear. There's only one outcome I can think of that realistically happened." Twilight then shivered. "And...and I just don't want to even consider it!" Dark Magician put a hand on Twilight's shoulder.

"Or. It could be that his duel took a lot out of him and he collapsed from exhaustion.", Dark Magician said with a comforting smile.

Twilight managed a small smile, but her thoughts were anything but happy. Maybe....maybe DM is right. But still, I can't shake the feeling that something horrible's happened to Night! As Twilight walked home, she didn't realize that she was being watched. The now transformed Nightfall had been following her from out of sight, and smiled.

"Looks like I'll have to pay her a visit later. I can't wait to tell her the good news." Night flew off with his new Cyberdark Dragon wings and waited until night descended over the town.

Later on, as Twilight lay in her bed, she couldn't bring herself to fall asleep. Nightfall was still on her mind. He was out somewhere out there, and he was at the mercy of the heartless machine that once was his father. And it terrified Twilight to no end what might be transpiring. Then, she heard a sound! Like someone was tapping on her window! Twilight caught a glimpse of a figure's hand! As soon as she got out of bed, the hand left her field of vision! However, she caught the outline of a person moving! Twilight slipped on her shoes, grabbed her deck and duel disk, and gave chase. When Twilight caught up with the mysterious person, she saw it was Nightfall! "Night? You're okay! How did you escape? Did you lose consciousness?" But before she got any closer, she stopped herself. Something was off about Nightfall.

Nightfall let out a low chuckle. "Oh, I'm much more than okay. I feel great..." Night then revealed that he had the wings of Cyberdark Dragon! Twilight took a few steps backward. "Don't be scared Twi. I still love you. With all of my core."

"Night...no. This isn't you!"

"You're right. I'm better than the weakling that once stood before you.", Nightfall said with a smirk. "But if you don't like the new me..." Nightfall then pulled out a memory stick similar to the one Dark Gear had used on him. "...Then maybe I can make us more....compatible." Nightfall reached out to caress Twilight's cheek, but she swatted it away!

"NO!", Twilight screamed! "Listen to yourself Night! You know this isn't who you are! Whatever Dark Gear did, I'm going to fix!" Twilight then activated her duel disk. "One way or another."

Nightfall shook his head. "Why must you make things so much more difficult than they have to be? I'll admit it's cute sometimes, but now is one of those occasions that it's annoying." Night summoned a duel disk modeled after Cyberdark Dragon. "Ladies first."

Twilight: 8000
Nightfall: 8000

Twilight was nervous as she drew her cards. I have to snap Night out of this! But I don't want to hurt him either! But there's also no telling what sort of strategy he'll use in this state! I'd better play it safe for now. "I set two cards face-down and summon Magician's Robe in defense mode! I end my turn!" This should keep my life points safe. At least for now.

Nightfall smiled as he drew his next card. "My turn. I set a card and play Fusion Sage to add Polymerization to my hand."

"I activate my trap! Magician Navigation! This lets me special summon Dark Magician from my hand! And since I activated a spell or trap during your turn, I can special summon Magician of Dark Illusion from my hand! Now Magician Navigation's other effect activates! I can special summon a level 7 or lower DARK spellcaster from my deck! I'll bring out another Dark Magician!"

"Impressive field. I end my turn.", Nightfall said with a smirk.

I've almost got an OTK set up. But why is he so calm about it?, Twilight thought as she drew her next card. But if I pass up this chance, I might not get another shot! "Here I come! I'll have all three of my magicians attack you directly!" Twilight's magicians fired three beams of magic at Nightfall! However, Nightfall had prepared.

"Just what I was hoping for. I activate my trap! Power Wall! During damage calculation, if I would take damage, I can send one card from the top of my deck to the graveyard for every 500 points of damage I would take! Then I take no battle damage! I'm taking about 7000 points of damage, so I'll send fouteen cards from my deck to my graveyard!" A barrier formed around Nightfall that blocked the beams of magic that were flying towards him! "Your magicians are obsolete."

Twilight had a defeated look in her eyes. "I..I end my turn."

"Then it's my turn now.", Nightfall said with a smirk. "I play the spell card Cyberdark Impact! I return Cyberdark Edge, Horn, and Keel from my graveyard to my deck!" Phantoms of the monsters Nightfall returned to his deck combined and became solid! "This new machine puts the edge in cutting edge! I fusion summon Cyberdark Dragon!" A mechanical dragon that was the polar opposite of Cyber Dragon took the field! Instead of the sleek and smooth design of Cyber Dragon, this monster was jagged with sharp edges! "Now I'll activate his effect! I can select one dragon-type monster in my graveyard and attach it to Cyberdark Dragon! Then he gains that monster's attack points! Also, he gains 100 attack for each card monster card in my graveyard! Last I checked, there's eleven monsters in my graveyard! Now he's boosted by 2600 attack points counting both values! Destroy Magician of Dark Illusion! Cyberdark Deletion!" Cyberdark dragon fired a dark laser from his mouth that vaporized Magician of Dark Illusion! Twilight cringed as her monster was destroyed! "I end my turn with another face-down."

Twilight: 6500
Nightfall: 8000

There's not many card's that'll be able to help me! But I can't give up on Night yet! "I draw!" Twilight looked over her cards. Yes! This should help turn the tide! "I set a card and end my turn!"

"I draw!" Nightfall smirked. "You're tricks won't be able to win you this duel! Cyberdark! Destroy her Dark Magician!"

Twilight smiled as Cyberdark Dragon charged forth! "I don't think so! I activate my trap! Storming Mirror Force! When an opponent's monster declares an attack, I can return all attack mode monsters to my opponent's hand! But since your monster is a fusion monster, he returns to the extra deck!" Nightfall scowled as Cyberdark Dragon was destroyed!

"You may have escaped my dragon, but you won't escape taking damage! I activate my trap! Ring of Destruction! I can target one monster you control whose attack is less than or equal to your life points and destroy it! That monster's attack is dealt to both you and me as damage!" Both Night and Twilight winced as a ring of explosives surrounded and destroyed one of Twilight's Dark Magicians! "I end my turn."

Twilight: 4000
Nightfall: 5500

"I draw!" Twilight looked over her cards carefully. This new card could help a lot! But I'd better save it for the end of this turn. "Dark Magician! Attack him directly! Dark Magic Attack!" Dark Magician fired a powerful spell that knocked Nightfall to the ground! However, Nightfall recovered with his new metal wings! "I'll set a card and end my turn."

Twilight: 4000
Nightfall: 3000

"Maybe it wasn't such a wise move to pull a self-destruct earlier.", Nightfall muttered as he drew his next card. Nightfall smiled as he looked at the card he drew. "However, this should rectify my prior error! I play Swords of Revealing Light and Future Fusion! Swords will keep your monsters from attacking for three of your turns! Now I need only wait. I end my turn."

"Then it's my move! I activate Eternal Soul! Then I'll use its effect! I'll revive one Dark Magician from my graveyard! Then I'll end my turn."

"Since it's my first standby phase after its activation, Future Fusion lets me reveal a fusion monster in my extra deck! Then I send the fusion materials listed on it to the graveyard from my main deck!" Nightfall revealed Cyber Dark Dragon and sent the materials from his main deck to the graveyard! Now I'll draw and set a card to end my turn."

"In that case, I draw! I'll activate Eternal Soul's effect! I'll add Dark Magic Attack from my deck to my hand!" Twilight searched her deck, and added the desired card to her hand! "Now I'll play it since I've got Dark Magician on my field! This destroys all of your spell and trap cards on the field!"

"NO!", Nightfall hissed as his spell cards were destroyed!

"Looks like your boss monster's having technical difficulties! Now my other Dark Magician! Dark Magic Attack!" Nightfall cringed as his life points took a drastic drop! "I end my turn."

Twilight: 4000
Nightfall: 500

"I'm...not done...yet!", Nightfall groaned as he fell to one knee. "I draw! Since you control a monster and I control none, I can special summon Cyber Dragon!" Cyber Dragon took the field in a ray of light, but something was wrong. "Then I'll equip him with 7 Completed! Now attack!" When Nightfall commanded, Cyber remained where he was. "Cyber? Destroy!" Cyber didn't move an inch. Twilight was then shocked when she took a good look at Cyber Dragon! Tears were leaking down the robotic dragon's eyes.

"No.", Cyber Dragon replied sadly. "I will not. This isn't not truly you Night." Cyber Dragon then began to disappear from the field and turned into a memory stick! He then flew into Twilight's hand!

Nightfall scowled. "I guess you just had too much heart. Good thing I have a back-up. Dark Hole! This destroys all monsters on your field!" A black hole opened up on the field, and attempted to suck in Twilight's monsters! However, Twilight's Dark Magicians were still on the field!

"I hate to break it to you, but Eternal Soul makes my Dark Magician's unaffected by my opponent's card effects!"

"I end my turn.", Nightfall said with a growl.

"Then it's my turn! Dark Magician! Attack him directly!" Dark Magician fired one final blast of magic that knocked Nightfall to the ground! It was then that Cyber Dragon spoke to Twilight.

"Twilight! Insert my memory form into the port scar on Night's neck!", Cyber Dragon instructed! "It'll have a faint glow to it! If I can jack in, I can delete Cyberdark Dragon!"

Twilight rushed over to Night, and stuck the memory with Cyber Dragon into Nightfall's neck! Nightfall's body seized up as lines of data and seemed to run through his body! At the same time, the Cyberdark cards began to disintegrate! The metal wings on Nightfall's body fell off and he had returned to normal. Twilight pulled Nightfall into a tight hug! "Nnnnggghh! That was NOT fun...", Nightfall groaned as he returned the hug. Cyber Dragon then materialized.

"You'll be happy to know, that the dark data has been purged.", Cyber Dragon said with a smile. "Also, it's time to take things to the next level. Because of our strong bond, we can now fuse!"

"Great! But first, I think I'd better get home. And when I meet Dad again..." Nightfall looked to Twilight. "I'll be sure to bring extra help." Night gave Twilight an exhausted smile as Cyber Dragon flew him home. Twilight smiled in kind as she returned home too. This time, she was able to sleep soundly knowing that Nightfall was safe.

Duel 9: Upgrade Part 4

Dark Gear scowled as he looked at the monitor. His son had been reduced to a waekling. "Looks like I'll have to escalate my tactics." Dark Gear snapped his fingers, and an army of Ancient Gear Monsters appeared. "All right you mechs. We have a school to march on."

Back at CHS...

Nightfall had just finished recounting the events that had occurred. "And now, here we are. One more bit of information that you might like to hear. My father said Blitz would help him achieve his ambition."

Burst narrowed his eyes. "First ther was Tyrannus's brother. Now it's your dad. That confirms my hunch."

Inferno was confused. "Burst, what are you saying?"

Burst let out a sigh. "Blitz is targeting each of you in the hopes of demoralizing me. That way he can crush me when I'm sad. So far, it's been backfiring. Especially since Tyrannus has come out stronger for it. In fact, I think you'll be gaining power soon as well Night."

"You mean my own Absolute card?", Night asked.

Burst nodded. "It's very likely. However, I suggest we keep our guard up. No telling when we'll be attacked next."

Steel then tapped Burst on the shoulder. "Guys? I think that might be now." Burst and his friends' eyes went wide as they saw an army of Ancient Gear monsters marching towards CHS. "Looks like this is gonna be a busy morning." The guys summoned their Duelist Arms.

"You guys handle these drones.", Nightfall said as he summoned his own Duelist Arms. He then gazed at his father waiting on a mobile platform. "I'll handle my dad."

"Not alone you won't.", Twilight said as she put a hand on Nightfall's shoulder.

"Didn't say I would.", Night shot back with a smile. "Come on out Cyber Dragon!" Nightfall and Twilight flew on Cyber Dragon over to the platform where Dark Gear was waiting. "My friends ar sending your army to the scrap heap. Now it's just me and my girlfriend against you."

Dark Gear chuckled. "So you've chosen to stay obsolete. So be it." Dark Gear activated the duel disk that was integrated into his arm.

Nightfall and Twilight: 16000
Dark Gear: 16000

"I got the first move!" Night looked over his card. Looks like I've got a pretty good start! "Alright! I summon Proto-Cyber Dragon! Then I play Polymerization to fuse it with the Cyber Dragon in my hand! I fusion summon Cyber Twin Dragon!" A Cyber Dragon with two heads took the field in a flash of light! Then I'll set a card and end my turn!" You're not hacking me again Dad!

"Hmph. You still cling to that out-dated piece of scrap?", Dark Gear asked with a frown. "Still, it possesses a strength that I can't bestow upon my own machines no matter how much dark magic I infuse them with. Maybe I shall dissect Cyber after I delete you and Twilight. Time for you to meet my own ultimate monster! First I'll play Terraforming to add the field spell Geartown! Now I play the spell card Ancient Gear Catapult to destroy my own field! Now that Gaertown's been destroyed, I can special summon an Ancient Gear monster from my hand, deck, or graveyard! Also, Catapult's effect lets me special summon another Ancient Gear Monster from my deck ignoring its summoning conditions! I'll use Geartown's effect to special summon Ancient Gear Gadget! Then I'll use Catapult's effect to special summon Ancient Gear Wyvern! Now Wyvern's effect activates! I can add one Ancient Gear monster from my deck to my hand!" Dark Gear smiled when he saw the monster he wanted to add. "Now I tribute my two monsters to bring out the ultimate machine of my deck! Ancient Gear Reactor Dragon! Activate!" A mechanical dragon took the field! It's core was pulsating with energy! "Now I'll have him attack Cyber Twin Dragon! And like all Ancient Gears, his effect keeps you from activating your card effects until the end of the damage step! However, because I tributed a 'Gadget' monster, Reactor gains another effect! He can make a second attack each battle phase! Go! Ancient Reactor Blast!" Nightfall cringed as Cyber Twin Dragon was annihilated! "Now for another strike!"

"AGH!", Nightfall screamed as he took the full force of Ancient Gear Reactor Dragon's attack!

Dark Gear sneered. "What's wrong? I thought you and your next-gen Cyber Dragons would put up a better fight."

Nightfall and Twilight: 12700
Dark Gear: 16000

"It's not over until the last card's drawn!", Twilight shot back. "Your monster can prevent activations when he's attacking, but now it's my turn! I draw! I play Dark Magical Circle! This lets me look at the top three cards of my deck! Then I can reveal one Dark Magician or one spell or trap card with Dark Magician in its text and add it to my hand! Then I can place the remaining two cards back on top in any order!" Twilight added the card to her hand and placed the other two cards back at the top of her deck. "Then I'll play Dark Magic Veil! I pay 1000 life points to special summon a DARK spellcaster-tyepe monster from my hand! I special summon Dark Magician! Now Dark Magical Circle's effect activates! Since Dark Magician was normal or special summoned to my field, I can target and banish one monster you control! I choose Ancient Gear Reactor Dragon!" Dark Gear stared in shock as his monster faded from the field! "Now I'll activate the card I added! Dark Magic Expanded! I can activate one of its effects depending on how many Dark Magicians are on the field or in the graveyards! There's one, so one DARK spellcaster on my field gains 1000 attack points! Attack him directly! Dark Magic Attack!"

"Analyze this!", Dark Magician cried out as he fired a gigantic blast of magic at Dark Gear's life points!

"I'll set a card and end my turn."

Nightfall and Twilight: 11700
Dark Gear: 12500

Dark Gear frowned. "You may have gotten rid of Ancient Gear Reactor Dragon, but he's far from the strongest monster in my possession! I draw!" Dark Gear smiled. "And now it's time to unleash it! I play the spell card Soul Charge! I pay 1000 life points per monster I want to revive from the graveyard! I'll revive Ancient Gear Reactor Dragon, Gadget, and Wyvern! Then I'll summon Ancient Gear Hunting Hound! Since he was summoned, you take 600 points of damage!" Nightfall and Twilight braced themselves as gears struck their life points! "Now I'll use Hunting Hound's effect! I'll fuse all four of my Ancient Gear monsters to fusion summon Ancient Gear Chaos Giant!" Ancient Gear Chaos Giant landed with a mighty thud!

"Twilight! Spells and traps won't work!", Nightfall warned! "This is the same card that trashed me when I first took him on! Monster effects won't work either! Chaos Giant prevents them from activating their effects during the battle phase!"

"Your warning shall save no one!", Dark Gear hissed! "Chaos Giant! Destroy Dark Magician!"

"AAAHHH!", Twilight screamed as Dark Magician was trashed by a single punch from Ancient Gear Chaos Giant!

"Another monster deleted.", Dark Gear said with a smirk. "I end my turn."

Nightfall and Twilight: 9700
Dark Gear: 8500

Nightfall groaned as he and Twilight rose to their feet. "If there's anything good about this, it's that we've got the advantage in life points. But I'm not giving in yet!" Nightfall drew his next card! I'm sorry I've gotta put you through this Cyber! "I special summon Cyber Dragon in defense mode since you control a monster and I don't! I end my turn."

Dark Gear sneered. "Fool. He won't be able to protect you! Ancient Gear Chaos Giant can inflict piercing damage when he attacks a defense mode monster! Smash Cyber Dragon into scrap metal!" Chaos Giant brought his foot down! Crushing Cyber Dragon! Night cringed in pain! Not only from the damage, but the destruction of his monster partner! "I end my turn. And soon, this duel shall end."

Nightfall and Twilight: 6800
Dark Gear: 8500

There's not a monster in our decks that can beat that thing in terms of attack points!, Twilight thought! Then, a rainbow-colored flash went off on top of her deck! "What?" Twilight drew the card and smiled. "You're right! This duel is going to end! And we're going to be the ones who win it! I play the spell card Magician's Harmony! I banish Dark Magician from my graveyard! A pillar of purple light appeared on Twilight's field! "I summon Dark Magician of Harmony!" Dark Magician descended from the pillar wearing a sleeveless robe and was without his hat leaving his hair flowing in the wind! He was also wearing two purple gauntlets on either arm and had no rod! "Now for his effect! I can send one DARK spellcaster from my hand to the graveyard! Then I can banish one monster my opponent controls!"

"Time to pull a disappearing act!", Dark Magician said with a confident smile as a magical circle appeared under Ancient Gear Chaos Giant! Causing the machine to vanish from the field!

"I'm not done yet! Go! Harmony Dark Magic Attack!", Twilight commanded! Dark Magician of Harmony fired a dark magic attack with a rainbow aura right at Dark Gear's life points! "I end my turn."

Nightfall and Twilight: 6800
Dark Gear: 4000

"I...still...function!", Dark Gear roared as he struggled to stand! "How? What keeps driving you?! How did you manage to turn the tide?! What makes you stand after near defeat?!"

"It's our spirit.", Night replied.

"How...how can I learn this? What technology can instill that upon me?!", Dark Gear demanded!

"It's not something you learn. It's something you're born with.", Nightfall replied. "One of the things you told me to never forget is that machines can only advance humanity so much! It's the human spirit that drives us to improve! Distancing yourself from humanity hasn't perfected you! It's made you a shell!" Night then noticed the glowing card on top of his deck! "Let me show you just how strong my spirit and Cyber Dragon's is! I play the spell card Absolute Network! This lets me target two monsters with the same level in my deck and overlay them to summon an xyz monster whose rank is two ranks higher than their levels! I overlay two Cyber Dragons from my deck! A swirling galaxy appeared on the floor and Nightfall's monsters flew into it! "I xyz summon Cyber Absolute Dragon!" A new Cyber Dragon with mechanical wings on his sides appeared! Instead of the raging appearance the other xyz versions of Cyber Dragon had, this one had a sleek and serene look to it. "Now I activate his effect! By detaching an overlay unit, I can double his attack points! End this Cyber Absolute! Absolute Evolution Burst!" Cyber Dragon fired a rainbow-colored laser from his mouth! Wiping out the last of Dark Gear's life points! However, the battle was far from over!

"I'm not offline yet...", Dark Gear growled as his body began to twist and shift so that it looked like he had fused with Chaos Ancient Gear Giant! "This time, you'll be deleted!" Dark Gear brought his fist down, but Nightfall grabbed Twilight and the two rolled out of the way!

"Time for an upgrade of my own!" Night summoned Cyber Dragon! "Alright! Let's see what us fusing can do!"

Cyber Dragon nodded. "Oh! We should yell that thing Blueblood cries out whenever he puts on a Masked HERO costume!"

Nightfall nodded. "HENSHIN!" Cyber Dragon fused with Nightfall in a flash of light! Nightfall then stood in armor modelled after Cyber Dragon! The armor was a brilliant silver while the visor was a bright yellow! Nightfall then summoned his Duelist Arms! "Cyber Blade!" Nightfall pressed a button on the side of his blaser and the blaster split open and ignited an energy blade! "Time to shut you down!" Nightfall charged at Dark Gear! Dark Gear swatted at Nightfall, but he jumped over Dark Gear's arm and slashed away at the arm! Dark Gear then brought his fist down, but Nightfall brought up a shield using the generator in one of his gloves! Nightfall then used the laser on one of his gauntlets to strike Dark Gear in the core! Dark Gear went wild and started swinging at Nightfall! That is, until Twilight summoned her own Duelist Arm and fired a blast of magic! Knocking Dark Gear to the ground!

"Night!", Cyber Dragon alerted! "I've isolated what's affecting your father! It's the Cyberdark energy! If we can purge it, he'll return to normal!"

"But how do we do that?"

"We need to jack in. Both of us.", Cyber Dragon replied. A memory stick device appeared in Night's hand. "Insert this into his core, and we'll be able to interface!"

"Time to get my dad back!" Nightfall charged forth and inserted the memory stick into the core of Dark Gear, and entered his father's mind! "Dad?", Nightfall called out. Nightfall and Cyber Dragon searched, and found his father chained by data! "DAD!"

Dark Gear slowly rose his head, and his eyes widened! "Stay back!" His warning was heeded just in time as Cyberdark Dragon dove down at Nightfall and Cyber Dragon!

"So. You've come for the fleshling.", Cyberdark hissed. "Well he's my link to this world! And I won't go without a fight!" Cyberdark fired a blast of flame from his mouth! "I'll melt you down into slag!" Cyber Dragon shot back with his laser!

"You're the only one who's going to be in the junkyard after this!", Cyber Dragon spat defiantly! As the two mechanical dragons clashed, Nightfall made his way over to his father.

"Hold tight Dad!" Night focused and managed to undo the data chains. "Looks like I wasn't the only one that thing hacked."

Dark Gear nodded. "You may have destroyed his cards, but the only way to destroy him for good is to defeat him here!"

"Then let's even the odds for Cyber Dragon!" The two focused as circuit-like magic snaked its way through the citcuitry and snared Cyberdark Dragon!"

"WHAT?!", Cyberdark hissed as he saw himself trapped by Nightfall and Gear's magic!

"CYBER! FULL POWER!", Nightfall cried out! Cyber Dragon nodded and fired his laser full power at Cyberdark's core! Destroying the dark machine dragon instantly! Suddenly, the data around them began to collapse! Nightfall and Cyber Dragon managed to return to their own body and card respectively while Dark Gear went under a transformation. The mechanical parts fell off him reverting him to human form. Gear slowly rose to his feet and clutched his head. "Feel any better Dad?"

Gear managed a small smile. "Yes Night. I think I feel better than that. For the first time, I feel alive. Now if you'll excuse me..." Gear collapsed, but Cyber Dragon caught him!

"I'll get him home. You and the others better head to school now.", Cyber Dragon said as he flew off. Nightfall smiled as he and Twilight returned to CHS. Burst and the others had finished sending the Ancient Gear Army to the scrap heap and followed suit. Meanwhile, Cinch had just seen Cyber Dragon land with Gear in tow. Cinch walked outside to meet him. Gear had regained consciousness.

"Hi hon.", Geat said with a weak smile. "I think from now on, I'll work on being a better man."

"What makes you say that?", Cinch asked.

"Because our son is one. And that girlfriend of his who we have to thank for it."

"You're still sleeping on the couch tonight.", Cinch said with a smug smile.

"To be honest? That couch is sounding pretty good right about now."

Duel 10: Dark Gathering 2

Blitz scowled as he viewed the latest defeat of one of his minions. "And another one fails me." Blitz then looked to the ceiling in annoyance. "Would you mind telling me what you're doing up there?"

A figure answered. "These are the daily techniques my family would enforce for the heir of each generation. I used to practice them to prove my worthiness as an heir, but now I do so in order to prepare my body for when I can wrest the status of heir from my brother as force."

Blitz growled in annoyance. "FINE. Take one of the others with you."

"NO.", the figure said sternly. "When I go to face Akage, it shall be my blade and deck alone that clash with him!"

"Might I ask why you're bothering to play fair?", Blitz asked in an annoyed tone.

"I may have not been chosen as the heir, but I shall still live by my clan's code of honor. To abandon that would be to turn my back on my family and their beliefs."

Blitz frowned. "You know, it would be easier if I just destroyed Akage for y-" Blitz was cut off when he saw a blade near his neck.

"Maybe you misheard me. I have no intention of destroying my brother.", the figure said coldly. "Though I am angered that he was chosen and not I, he is still my family."

"Well then...GET OFF MY CEILING AND GET HIM ALREADY!", Blitz screamed!

"Very well." The figure vanished in a puff of smoke. Soon brother. We will settle that score from years ago...

Duel 11: Shadow Showdown Part 1

Akage stared out the cafeteria window with a troubled look on his face. Blitz's Dark Duelists had been targeting his friends, but that wasn't the unsettling part. No. What truly bothered Akage was the fact that all of the enemies so far had some form of relation to his friends. There's a pattern here., Akage thought. And if I'm right, then HE'LL be the one to come after me. Akage then rubbed a certain part of his chest. It's been a couple years since that day. When we first clashed.

"AKAGE!", Pinkie screamed! Akage was snapped out of his thoughts when Pinkie screamed into his ear!

"...Yes Pinkie?", Akage asked calmly. He was rather fond of the girl's energetic nature and was quite accustomed to her craziness considering he was dating her. "Is there something you wnated to let me know?"

"Weeellllll, Ty fought a duelist who used dinosaurs. Night faced a guy who used old-school machines. Sooo, does that mean you'll be fighting a guy who uses a samurai deck?"

Akage blinked before laughing. "Ha ha ha ha! No Pinkie." Akage then returned his gaze to the window. Knowing him, he's probably training his deck so that its edge is as sharp as ever. Akage's smile then faded as he put a hand on his chest. It was only a couple years ago, yet the pain of that memory still stings my heart. Pinkie noticed Akage's mood and decided to investigate.

"Hey! Whatcha got in there?!", she asked.

Akage looked into Pinkie's cheerful face and sighed. "A reminder. And a painful one at that."

Pinkie tilted her head. "What makes it so painful?"

Akage sighed, and closed his eyes. "Pinkie? You're close to your sisters, right?"

Pinkie nodded. "Uh huh! Why?"

"Let's just say I was close with my sibling as well." Akage's mind drifted to his earlier years. Before he was scarred. Before he lost the one who had been his best friend. "...And we don't talk anymore."

Two Years ago...

"C'mon Akage! You're gonna be late!", a boy called out! Akage woke up with a start! He then found a boy about his age with blue hair instead of red and purple eyes instead of brown.

"Shogun. Couldn't you just let my alarm clock do its job?", Akage asked flatly.

"I'm your older brother. That gives me free reign to give you a hard time.", Shogun replied.

Akage grumbled as he got out of bed and dressed in his ninja garb save for his mask. "Shogun, we all know who's going to lead the clan next." Akage and Shogun stepped outside and gazed upon their village. Both of them gazed upon the clan of ninjas that made up thier nieghbors, comrades, and family. For generations, their clan had protected the world in secret.

"True enough.", Shogun said with a shrug. "When I lead this clan, there will be some changes. No longer will he hide in the shadows."

Akage frowned lightly. "Hope you can deal with the media." The two headed for the main building that served as their clan's meeting hall. The boys saw their father holding a crimson scarf in his hands while he sat. The whole clan had assembled. Both Akage and Shogun bowed before their father as they sat down.

"My sons.", their father began. "You both have been training since you could walk to be exceptional ninjas. But as you both know, only one shall take over for me. This is the way it has been for generations. Shogun." Shogun was about to walk up, but his father continued. "Please present Akage with this scarf." The whole clan save for Shougn bowed. "We bow in respect to you. Akage Strider. New leader of the clan." Akage was confused. Him? Lead? In truth, he wanted to leave the clan. He just wanted to live a regular life. All of the clan were allowed to leave when they saw fit. But to leave now? When everyone seemed to be looking at him expectantly, he caved and accepted the scarf. Shogun hesitantly handed over the scarf, and Akage bowed in return to the whole clan. However, this moment would be shattered later. Akage was talking with his father about the secret technique scrolls of the clan. Since Akage was the new head, he would be able to learn his clan's secret techniques. The two opened the door of the main building, and froze in their tracks when they saw Shogun holding the hidden scroll! "Shogun...what is the meaning of this?!"

Shogun scowled at his father and Akage. "Why? Why did you choose to have Akage succeed you?! I've trained as hard as he has, if not harder!"

"Because the designs you have for the clan are not our way.", his father said sternly. "A ninja's place is the shadows. As a silent and vigilant guardian. Not as a glory hound."

"But after all we've done...don't we deserve some form of recognition?!", Shogun shot back!

"Shogun...this is insane!", Akage pleaded! "Isn't it enough to know that our world is safe?"

"Silence Akage!", Shogun shouted! "Get out of my way, or you will regret this day!"

Akage woefully unsheathed his sword. "Don't do this Shogun."

Shogun set down the scrolls and drew his own sword. "I won't take the scrolls. I'll simply take back what's mine. Hand over that scarf Akage. Surrender the leadership of the clan, and we all walk away unscathed." Akage readied his sword and stayed silent. "So. Looks like we're doing this the hard way." Shogun hurled a series of throwing stars! Akage deflected them all with his sword, but Shogun charged at him! Akage rolled to the side and swung at Shogun with his blade! Shogun blocked and started swinging as Akage countered! A storm began to brew as the two of them crossed swords! The two were leaping over rooftops as they kept fighting! The sounds of their blades clanging struck at the same time thunder split the sky! The two then stood at the gate of the clan's shrine. Rain was falling heavily, and both Akage and Shogun were soaked. They readied their blades, and rushed at each other! Lightning flashed across the sky as the two engaged in their final strikes! Both Akage and Shogun stood completely still. Shogun fell to one knee with a hand clutching his cheek! Akage then sheathed his sword and went over to try and help Shogun up. Shogun swatted his hand away! "One day Akage. I shall return. Next time, our decks and blades will clash once again!" Shogun threw a smoke bomb, and vanished without a trace.

Today...

Shogun rubbed the scar Akage's blade left. Now we shall settle the score. Shogun looked down at CHS. We will find our answer in the clash of cards and steel Akage.

Duel 12: Shadown Showdown Part 2

School soon let out, and Akage stretched his arms. "Today felt longer than usual..."

"I know right?", Pinkie chirped as she popped up behind him! "But hey! The week's almost over!"

Akage smiled. "At least I can't stay in a bad mood with you around." Akage then froze as he felt a presence and heard something whistling through the air! Akage exteded his arm, and caught a single kunai with a note attached. He narrowed his eyes as he stared in the direction of where the kunai had been thrown. A shadow seemed to disappear as soon as Akage looked in that direction. Pinkie had a worried look on her face as she saw Akage read the note. "Pinkie? You're going to have to walk without me."

Pinkie noticed Akage's grim expression. ".....Akage? What's wrong?"

"...It looks like my brother and I will be having a conversation after all. I'm sorry, but this is something I have to take care of alone." Akage's face looked dead serious. "Excuse me. I need to pick some things up from home." Akage returned to his home and went into his room. He changed into his ninja garb. Akage then pulled a trunk out from under his bed. "Never imagined I'd pick this thing up again." Akage gazed upon the sword he had placed in the trunk, and hung it over his back. "Right about now, I really wish I could laugh about this." Akage leaped out his window and landed on the ground! He then ran towards the location Shogun had chosen for their confrontation. As Akage arrived, Shogun was waiting for him with his eyes closed.

"So. You have arrived.", Shogun said as he sensed Akage's presence. "I've had two years to prepare for this day."

"And I've been praying this day would not come.", Akage replied as he activated his duel disk.

"Our cards and swords clash at twilight. When the light and dark mix, and the shadows are everywhere.", Shogun began.

"The wind blows, and the land is silent.", Akage continued. "At this twilight, the answers are laid bare with steel and cards."

Music suggested:

Akage: 8000
Shogun: 8000

"I got the first move!", Shogun declared! "I summon Twilight Ninja Shingetsu! Then I play Double Summon to allow an extra normal summon this turn! I tribute Shingetsu to summon Twilight Ninja Nichirin, the Chunin!" A large ninja took the field!! "Then I set two cards face-down and end my turn."

"I draw!" Shogun wasted no time in summoning a high-level monster., Akage thought. But the key to a ninja deck is speed! "I summon Upstart Golden Ninja! Then I'll use his effect! By sending a trap card from my hand to the graveyard, I can special summon a level four or lower 'Ninja' monster from my deck in face-up defense mode! I special summon Strike Ninja!" Another ninja appeared on Akage's field in a puff of smoke! "Now I overlay my two monsters! I xyz summon Blade Armor Ninja! Then I equip him with Fuhma Shuriken! This boosts him by 700 points! Attack Nichirin the Chunin! Stealth Blade Strike!" Blade Armor Ninja moved as swift as a shadow and cut down Nichirin the Chunin! "But I'm not finished yet! By detaching an overlay unit, I can target one 'Ninja' monster I control and have it make a second attack during this battle phase!" Blade Armor Ninja detached one of his overlay units and struck Shogun directly! "I end my turn with a face-down."

Akage: 8000
Shogun: 4500

"You've not lost your edge Akage.", Shogun said with a nod. "Now to show you how mine has sharpened! I play Soul Charge to revive Shingetsu at the cost of 1000 life points! Now I tribute him to summon Twilight Ninja Getsuga, the Shogun!" A large ninja appeared as Shingetsu vanished in a puff of smoke! "Now for his effect! I switch Getsuga to defense-mode to special summon Shingetsu and Nichirin from my graveyard! Now I'll activate Shingetsu's effect! I can discard a 'Ninja' monster from my hand to activate one of his effects! I'll have Nichirin gain 1000 attack points! Attack Blade Armor Ninja!"

"You may make good use of your blade, but there's more to a ninja than that!", Akage cried out as Nichirin charged! "I activate Armor Ninjitsu Art of Decoy! By targeting one 'Ninja' monster I control, it can't be destroyed by battle!" As Nichrin struck Blade Armor Ninja, it turned out that he merely struck a tree! Blade Armor had escaped destruction, but Akage winced as he still took damage!

"I end my turn with a face-down.", Shogun said flatly. "Your tricks won't keep you safe forever."

Akage: 7400
Shogun: 4500

"Looks like your eagerness to seek the light is reflected in your deck.", Akage shot back. "Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why we worked in the shadows? Everything is done for a reason in our clan. Turning your back on our arts, seeking to reveal us, is the complete opposite of our nature!"

"But why?!", Shogun yelled! "For generations we've guarded the world in secret! And with all the evil duelists and monsters that showed up at the last two tournaments, the world needs to know that now more than ever it has protectors! People it can depend on!"

"it already does. I should know because I've befriended the one who defeated the evil duelists and monsters that reared their heads. He is the same enemy your master wishes to destroy. The people of the world don't need to know we exist because HE still stands! And it'll be him standing triumphant when Blitz Surge is no more!" Akage drew his next card! "I activate my trap! Ninjitsu Art of Shadow Sealing! I tribute Blade Armor Ninja to banish Nichirin, the Chunin!" Nichirin's shadow was struck with a kunai and he faded away into the shadows! "Now his monster card zone can't be used! And since you've got monsters and I don't, I can special summon Earth Armor Ninja from my hand! Then I'll summon Fire Armor Ninja and use his effect! I'll increase Flame Armor's level by one! Now I overlay my two monsters! I xyz summon Number 12: Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja!" As Crimson Shadow took the field, Shogun smiled.

"Just what I was hoping for! I activate my trap! Armor Ninjitsu Art of Rust Mist! Since you special summoned a monster while I control a 'Ninja' monster, that monster's attack is halved!" Crimson Shadow fell to one knee!

"Akage...", Crimson Shadow groaned. "I can't move..."

"I...I end my turn.", Akage said as he hung his head in powerlessness.

"My turn. I draw!" Shogun smiled as he drew his next card! "I switch Getsuga into attack mode! Then I'll equip him with Magnum Shield! This boosts his attack by his defense points!" Getsu's attack points rocketed to 5000! "Now attack Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja! Shogun Strike!"

"I activate Crimson Shadow's effect!", Akage cried out! "I detach one overlay unit so a face-up 'Ninja' monster I control isn't destroyed by battle or card effects!" Akage cringed as Crimson Shadow took the force of Getsu's attack, but stayed on the field!"

"Impressive. You're still standing.", Shogun said with a nod. "I end my turn."

Akage: 3600
Shogun: 4500

Not good..., Akage thought as he looked over his cards. Nothing in my hand help me. What I wouldn't give for Pinkie to show up right about now. Even at this point...she'd help me find a way to smile....

"AKAGE!", Pinkie yelled as she popped out of nowhere! Both Akage and Shogun were shocked! Akage because she showed up, and Shogun because he had no idea how she'd gotten here so fast! Pinkie ran over to Akage and hugged him!

"PINKIE?!...What're you doing here?!", Akage asked!

Pinkie smiled. "Please! Like I'd miss a chance to see an awesome ninja showdown?"

"I'd...hardly call a situation like this awesome...", Akage said with a wince. Pinkie looked him over and nodded.

"Here's what you need to do! Just think of something that's funny! Even if you lose, at least you won't lose your smile Akage!", she said with a small smile. "I don't like seeing the people close to me unhappy."

Akage paused for a moment, then he thought of the reason why Shogun was fighting him. And he burst into laughter. "Pfffft! HA HA HAH HA HAHA HAHAHA HA!"

Shogun was looking at Akage like he had succumbed to madness. "What...what's got you laughing so hard?"

Akage clutched his ribs. "Shogun. The reason you're fghting me right now is what's got me cracking up! It's pretty hilarious! Here you are here trying to wrest leadership of the clan from me, and I didn't even want it in the first place!" Akage again burst into laughter. Shogun took a moment before he himself began to chuckle.

"You know...heh heh! The more I think about my whole reveal-our-clan-to-the world plan is pretty dumb! I just realized, I'd have painted a bullseye on our home! The press would eat us alive! Heck, imagine if they caught dad singing at karaoke!" Shogun then began to laugh as well! Pinkie smiled, and soon found that she had ponied up and gained wings and a horn.

"Laughter really is a good medicine!", Pinkie said with a smile. Akage soon recovered from his fit of laughter and noticed the glowing card on top of his deck.

"Sorry Shogun. You can lead the clan, but I'm gonna win this duel!", Akage said with a smile.

Shogun chuckled. "Well what're you waiting for?"

Akage drew his next card! "I play the spell card Absolute Ninjitsu Art! I tribute a 'Ninja' from my field! I tribute Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja!" Crimson Shadow disappeared in a puff of smoke! "I special summon Strider the Absolute Ninja!" A ninja wearing a crimson scarf with red hair and a simple black ninja outfit stood on the field! "Now her effect activates! When she's summoned, I can destroy all spell and trap cards on the field! Then my opponent takes 300 damage for each one destroyed! Last time I checked, there were four spells and traps! That means you take 1200 damage!" Shogun winced as a wave of wind blew across his field as Strider made gestures with her hands to summon the gale! "Now for her other effect! For every monster on your field, I can special summon one Strider Shadow Token!" Two copies of Strider appeared on Akage's field! "Each token has the same attack as Strider! 3000! Now my tokens will take down your monsters!" The two tokens leaped into the air and hurled twin windmill shurikens that slashed Shogun's monster into ribbons! "Now Strider! Attack him directly! Strider Swallow Drop!" Strider leaped into the air and readied her blade as she struck at the last of Shogun's life points! After she returned to Akage's field, she bowed to Shogun.

"You dueled with honor Shogun. May you lead your clan well. Farewll Master Akage. I must return to my own home.", Strider said with a pleasant smile as she vanished in a puff of smoke. Akage ans Shogun shook hands.

"So...how're we going to tell dad?", Shogun asked.

"Who says you need to?" Both boys and Pinkie snapped their attention to the trees and saw Akage and Shogun's father smiling down from the top of a tree. He then jumped down, and bowed to them. "I must apologize to both of you boys. Never once did I consider to explain to you Shogun why we worked from the shadows, or whether you Akage truly wished to lead." He then turned to Pinkie. "And I owe you a debt I cannot repay. You've made my sons truly smile."

Pinkie beamed. "Thanks! Akage makes me smile too!" Pinkie then nuzzled up against Akage who blushed.

Akage chuckled. "Shogun..." Akage then removed his scarf. "This belongs to the leader of the clan."

Shogun smiled. "No. I'll make my own symbol of leadership. You're worthy of wearing that scarf Akage. It's bright crimson reflects that smile of yours." Shogun then turned to his father. "I will become a leader in my own right back home." The boys' father smiled.

"Then let's head back home." The two vansihed in a swirl of leaves. "Farewell Akage. Good luck with helping her at her party sevice."

Pinkie gasped as Akage's father and Shogun vanished! "How did he know?"

Akage let out a chuckle. "We're ninjas. We're good at finding out secrets. In the meantime, let's head to Sugar Cube Corner. I don't know about you, but I could use a little pick me up from all this excitement."

Pinkie smiled. "I'll be sure to have your favorite cupcake ready!"

"You're sweet Pinkie.", Akage said with a small chuckle.

Pinkie giggled. "That one was too easy, but it's the icing on the cake for this chapter!"

Duel 14: Clash for the Crown Part 1

The next day had come, and Akage was chatting with Burst and the others before school. "Looks like Blitz' plan is going up in smoke so far!", Akage said with a smile. "We're almost in the clear!"

"Doesn't mean we should get over-confident.", Steel cautioned. "Maybe Blitz is just saving the worst for last."

"True. But let's not forget lads, most of Blitz's minions were people who lost their way.", North added. "So chances are, he's just been preying on those with weak hearts."

"If that's true, that makes his actions even worse.", Burst said with a grim nod. Blue-Eyes then materialized.

"Weaker hearts are easier to lure down the path of evil.", Blue-Eyes nodded. "Or those who seek to gain power no matter the cost. There's an old part of history in my world of the Noble Knights. But you humans know it better as the legend of King Arthur. His real name was Artorigus. And he was betrayed by a knight of his order that sought to become king. The saddest part of the story is that the knight who turned on him was once his best friend."

North was amazed. "I never would have imagined that legend was based off of something that actually occurred in the monster world." The guys continued with their conversation until they noticed all the girls swarming outside. "What on earth's got all girls going crazy?"

"That's what Ah's like to know sugarcube.", Applejack said as she approached the guys. "North. Apparently one of your cousins decided to drop-in to find his prospective girlfriend."

"Another member of the royal bloodline huh?", Inferno said with a smirk. "Well North? You up for a reunion?"

North stayed put. "Uh...no thanks lads. I'd rather not bother him.", North said with a strained smile.

Applejack pouted at North's words. "Uh huh. Well, Ah'm gonna scope things out to see how many of the girls are going ga-ga over your cousin." Applejack met with the rest of the Main 7 and Dazzlings. "So how crazy is this thing gettin'?"

"I don't think we've ever caused THIS much of a crowd when we first showed up!", Adagio said in shock. "And this is all over one guy who MIGHT pick them as a girlfriend?"

"The guy's descended from royalty.", Sunset noted. "I guess a bunch of them are hoping for a fairy tale ending."

Applejack shrugged. "Eh. From what North told me, these royal types aren't worth it." As Applejack began to leave, Ignoble Cause noticed her.

"Sorry ladies. But I think I've found the girl I'm looking for." As soon as the crowd dispersed, Ignole headed into CHS. He then spotted Applejack at her locker. "Hello there." Applejack closed her locker to find Ignoble staring at her.

"...Somethin' Ah can help ya with?", Applejack asked flatly.

Ignoble smiled. "You could let me continue looking at you. I find you intriguing. I'd be honored if we could take some time to get to know each other better."

"That's mighty flatterin' of you, but Ah'm afraid I'm not interested..." Applejack began to leave until Ignoble grabbed her by the wrist.

"But I must insist. Give me the chance, and I could give you the best time of your life."

"Ah said no! Now let go!", Applejack snapped! Ignoble frowned.

"You've no idea the honor you've refused..."

"Leave her alone!", North shouted! North was glaring at Ignoble! Ignoble released Applejack and walked up to North.

"You know, I thought a fellow denizen of our homeland would recognize and respect royalty.", Ignoble warned.

North scowled. "As far as I'm concerned, you're not fit to even be of the royal bloodline. Especially if you can't get that when the lass says no, she means it. Now leave before I have half a mind to strike you where you stand!" North held his glare and fire burned within his eyes. Ignoble gazed back in annoyance.

"Peasants such as you should know your place...", Ignoble threatened.

"And how would the lass react to you beating up someone right in front of you? Not very becoming of a member of the royal bloodline to fly off the handle with his temper, now is it?", North shot back. Ignoble paused and then scowled. "Now. Would you be so kind as to leave?" As Ignoble walked off, he shot a glare at North.

He's the one I'm looking for. Looks like he'll actually be a challenge as opposed to the other members of the bloodline I've eliminated.
And maybe after I get rid of him, I'll take his woman as a trophy., Ignoble thought with a sinister smile as he left. North had walked over to Applejack to check up on her.

"You all right lass?", North asked with a worried look on his face.

"Boy...Ah can see why you don't speak too fondly of yer family.", Applejack said with a sigh of relief.

"...They're not my family.", North replied flatly.

"Ah'll say! Yer a mile apart from that varmint.", Applejack said with a smile.

"No Applejack. I mean they're really NOT my family." North let out a heavy sigh. "Do you remember when you said that you'd let me reveal the truth when I was ready? Well, now's as good a time as any."

"North?...What're you saying?"

"I'm saying I'm not going to be living a lie anymore." North sighed. "Applejack, I'm not related to royalty at all. And after seeing that brute treat you the way he did, I don't think I'll ever want to be. You say that honesty is a large part of who you are. Well, allow me to be completely honest with you. Back in Britain, I worked for people who stole from teh rich and nobles and gave to the poor. It sounds honorable, but the fact was that we ourselves were the poor. I got sick of living the life I had, and so I made up my mind to leave Britain. I made up a fake backstory, and soon found myself here. I wanted to escape from stealing and the nobles that made me want to retch. So in truth, I'll be staying here for the rest of my days." North sighed once again. "But it looks like I just screwed up again. I'll be leaving Canterlot after today. For what it was worth, you really did make me feel like I had a home here and a reason to stay.." North hugged Applejack, and left for what would be the rest of his last day at CHS. "But it looks like I just ruined that. At least now, I'm not living a lie anymore." Applejack pulled down her hat to hide the fact that tears were starting to fall down her face.

".....What we had wasn't a lie....", she said to herself.

Duel 15: Clash for the Crown Part 2

So I guess this is it., North thought to himself as the bell that signalled the end of the school day rang. Might as well gather my things as soon as I can. No point in bidding anyone farewell. North sighed. But...I am going to miss her. Then again, how would she feel about me? I lied to her about who I was. I'd not be surprised if the lass cursed my name for as long as I live. North let out a small chuckle. Ironic. That a liar like me has a thing for girls who are genuine. Maybe it was fate that I met her. North then frowned. But I guess something like this would have happened sooner or later. I'm just glad the lass let me tell her on my own terms. The school day soon let out and North headed for Ace's family's house. At the very least, I didn't leave without saying goodbye. North was about to continue on his path until he came to a realization. Again. I'm running away again. North took a deep breath. I'm ashamed that I lied. But to run away AGAIN, after I found happiness, and not even TRY to keep it would make me a coward! I could never look at myself if I ran now. North then clenched his fist and steeled his gaze. I've only told Applejack my secret. If I love her...if I REALLY love her...then I'll find a way to stay here! North made a break for Sweet Apple Acres! Applejack...I'm not running away anymore! As soon as North arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, he knocked on the door and Apple Bloom answered.

"Hi North!", she greeted cheerfully! "Ya come for more fizzy cider?"

"I'm afraid not Apple Bloom. Is Applejack here? I need to talk to her. It's important."

Applebloom motioned for North to lean in and listen. "She's been crying her eyes out ever since she got home! Ah don't know what happened, but could you try to make her feel better?

North smiled. "That's exactly why I'm here." North marched over to Applejack's room, and sure enough he heard her crying her eyes out. Summoning his courage, he knocked on the door as loud as he could. "Applejack? It's North. I...I was wondering if we could talk about earlier at school." North heard faint sniffling and footsteps. Suddenly, the door opened to reveal Applejack with tear-stained eyes.

"Did you come just to say goodbye?", Applejack asked.

North shook his head. "No lass. That's not why I'm here. I'm here because of us. Can we talk in private? I'd rather keep this between us until we're sure we can tell everyone we know." As soon as they were alone, North began to speak. "I know it was...troubling...to hear the truth about me. But...but I don't want to leave you!" Tears began to fall down's North's face. "I know you probably hate me for lying. I really can't blame you. Heh. You probably can't even stand to look at me now. But I want us to work Applejack. You're the first person to make me feel like I have a home. The first one to make me truly happy. And to just leave without even trying to hold onto that happiness..." North balled his fists. "...I'm ashamed that I lied. But if I just ran away again I'd be a coward!" North's fists were trembling with sorrow. Applejack got up from her bed and walked over to North. She took one of his fists and held it in her hands.

"You lied about what you were North. But you never lied about who you were.", Applejack said with a kind smile. North's trembling stopped as Applejack lifted his head to look her right in the eyes. "What we had? That was real. Ah don't know about you, but Ah'd like to keep it up." North burst into a crying fit as Applejack rubbed his back to soothe him. "There, there sugarcube. There's no need to cry."

"There's plenty a reason lass...", North said with a smile as tears stained his eyes. "...I've many things to be happy about..." North dried his tears and gazed into Applejack's eyes. "And you're the best among them." The two then leaned in for a kiss until Apple Bloom called from the living room.

"Hey North! There's somebody here to see you! He's carryin' a sword!", Apple Bloom called out.

North froze and sprung to his feet and bolted to the living room! The sight before him chilled him to the bone. Ignoble Cause was smiling down at Apple Bloom and had one of his hands near his sword. "Ah! There he is! I hope you don't mind me borrowing North for a bit. There's a bit of business I'd like to discuss with him in private.", Ignoble said in a pleasant tone that contrasted with his vile nature. Applejack had just entered the room, and her eyes went wide in horror.

"Apple Bloom. Get over here. NOW.", Applejack said in a strict tone. Apple Bloom shrugged and walked over to her sister.

North was happy that the two were safe before turning his glare to Ignoble. North was about to raise his fist to slug Ignoble until Ignoble wagged his finger in the air. "I don't think so. We wouldn't want to expose young Apple Bloom to such ghastly behavior now would we?" Ignoble then looked at Applejack. "Let's leave the ladies to themselves shall we?"

North growled at Ignoble. "You villain...you dare to have the title of knight?!"

Ignoble smirked at North's anger. "Very well. We shall settle this in a duel. I trust you are familiar with the local Duel Park?"

North narrowed his eyes as he slipped his duel disk out of his backpack and strapped it on. "Let's go." North and Ignoble headed for the duel park while Applejack watched them leave.

"Apple Bloom? Stay here."

Apple Bloom cocked her head in curiosity. "Sis? Where ya goin'?"

Applejack narrowed her eyes. "Ah've got a bad feelin' about that Ignoble feller..." Applejack followed North and Ignoble to the duel park. Ah just hope that I can help out North before Ignoble pulls whatever he's got planned. Meanwhile, North and Ignoble were staring each other down.

Ignoble smirked at North. "I must say. You're more fun than the other relatives. You've actually got some fight in you."

North narrowed. "What do you mean I've got more fight?"

Ignoble let out a dark chuckle. "Have you never heard of the mysterious circumstances that those with ties to the royal bloodline have been disappearing? The line for the throne is thinning out. And here's why..." Ignoble reached into his coat pocket and pulled out cards with people sealed inside them! "I eliminated them personally. And you're about to join them!" Ignoble then unsheathed his sword halfway! "And with this blade, I have sealed their fates!"

North smirked. "I hate to disappoint you lad, but I'm not related to royalty. All I am is a former thief who's made a better life for himself. But since you've decided to threaten my new home, my friends...there's no way I'm letting a villain like you run free!"

"I admire your nobility.", Blitz said with a smirk. "But now that you've heard my dirty little secret, I'll see to it you never live to see that precious girl again!"

"LET'S DUEL!"

Ignoble: 8000
North: 8000

"I'll take the first move!", Ignoble said with a smirk. "I summon Noble Knight Medraut! Then I'll special summon Noble Knight Gawayn from my hand in defense mode since Medraut counts as a normal LIGHT monster!" Two knights took Ignoble's field! "I end my turn."

He's certainly got an ironic taste in monsters., North thought. "I draw!" None of my monster on their own can beat his monsters in attack points, but these cards should be able to set up my field! "I summon Delta the Magnet Warrior! Now that he's been summoned, I can send a level four or lower 'Magnet Warrior' from my deck to the graveyard! Then I play Ties of the Brethren! By paying 2000 life points, I can target one level four or lower monster I control! Then I can special summon two monster with the same type, attribute, and level from my deck but with different names! I summon Alpha the Electromagnet Warrior and Beta the Electromagnet Warrior in defense mode! Then I'll end my turn."

"So you attack my knights with pebbles? How disappointing.", Ignoble said with a sneer. "I summon Lady of the Lake! Now I tune her with Noble Knight Medraut!" Lady of the Lake turned into a green ring that hovered over Medraut, and a dark mist began to flood Ignoble's field. "I tune Lady of the Lake with Medraut to synchro summon Ignoble Knight of High Laundsallyn!" A knight with dark armor, black hair, red eyes, and a crimson blade materialized from the shadows! "Since he was synchro summoned, I can equip one 'Noble Arms' equip spell from my deck to him! I choose Noble Arms of Destiny!" A mighty sword appeared in High Laundsallyn's hand! "Destroy Delta the Magnet Warrior!"

"Since it's your turn, I tribute Alpha and Beta the Electromagnet Warriors from my field to special summon two level four 'Magnet Warrior' monsters from my deck in defense mode!"

"No matter. High Laundsallyn still destroys your Delta!" North cringed as Delta was struck down! "And since he destroyed a monster by battle, High Laundsallyn's effect lets me add a Noble Knight or Noble Arms card from my deck to my hand! I'll add another Noble Arms card! I end my turn. Take note of my monster's majesty. It'll be the last thing you see."

Ignoble: 8000
North: 7500

That high-and-mighty attitude of his will be his downfall., North thought as he drew a card. "Time for my Magnet Warriors to strike back! Since Delta was sent to the graveyard, I can banish three level four Magnet Warriors from my graveyard to special summon Valkyrion the Magna Warrior from my deck ignoring its summoning conditions!" Valkyrion assembled onto the field! "Now I'll attack your monster! Magna Slash!" Valkyrion brought down his sword on Ignoble Knight of High Laundsallyn! But to North's shock, High Laundsallyn was still on the field! "That attack should have sent your monster to the graveyard!"

Ignoble had a dark smile on his face. "It's the effect of Noble Arms of Destiny. Once per turn, the equipped monster can't be destroyed by battle or card effects! Just as it will be my destiny to rule my homeland!"

North frowned. "I end my turn. Your equip spell may protect your monster from destruction, but I can still deal you damage!"

Ignoble: 6600
North: 7500

"We shall see. I draw!" Ignoble smirked at the card he drew. "I summon Noble Knight Drystan! Now I'll equip him Noble Arms-Arfeudutyr! Now that he's been equipped, Drystan's effect lets me destroy a face-up card on your field!" North winced as Valkyrion was destroyed! "Now to take care of your other monsters! Gawayn will destroy Alpha, while Drystan attacks your Beta!" Both of North's monsters were destroyed! "They may have kept your life points safe, but now you're wide open! Attack him directly High Laundsallyn!"

High Laundsallyn smirked as he struck North's life points directly! "Ah. It has been a long while since my blade has tasted noble blood. Such a refreshing sensation."

"I end my turn.", Ignoble said with a smirk.

Ignoble: 6600
North: 5400

It looks like his monsters depend on equip spells to activate their effects! Maybe it's time I disrupt his strategy! "I draw! I play Burial from a Different Dimension to return up to three banished monsters to my graveyard! Then I'll play the spell card Magnet Reverse to revive Valkyrion! Now I'll fuse Valkyrion from my field with Berserkion in my hand! I fusion summon Imperion Magnum the Superconductive Battlebot!" A gigantic monster that looked like Valkyrion and Berserkion fused into a single monster landed on North's field! "Now I'll have him attack Noble Knight Drystan!" Ignoble cringed as his monster was destroyed. "I end my turn."

Ignoble: 4400
North: 5400

"When a Noble Arms card is destroyed, I can attach it to another Noble Knight monster I control! I attach the one you just destroyed to High Laundsallyn!", Ignoble said with a dark smile.

"I think not! Imperion Magnum's effect activates!", North called out! "During either of our turns, when a spell, trap, or monster is activated, I can negate the activation and destroy it!" Ignoble scowled as his equip spell was destroyed! "You're not fit to wield those cards!"

"No matter. I play the spell card Hidden Armory to add an equip spell from my deck to my hand! Now I activate the spell card Megamorph and Shrink! I'll halve your monster's attack and double High Laundsallyn's! Destroy Imperion Magnum!" Ignoble rusted Imperion Magnum with a single slash! North fell to his knees! "And soon you shall fall. I end my turn. Maybe I'll pay that lovely girlfriend of yours a visit after I'm through with you."

Ignoble: 4400
North: 3200

Got to get up...I won't...I won't let him get his hands on Applejack or her family!North slowly rose to his feet. "I'm not through yet...", he groaned. "When Imperion Magnum's destroyed, I can special summon both Valkyrion and Berserkion from my hand or deck ignoring their summoning conditions! Now I'll use Berserkion's effect! I'll remove a level four or lower Magnet Warrior from my graveyard to destroy one card you control! I'll destroy Megamorph!" Ignoble scowled as his equip spell was destroyed! "Now I'll attack High Laundsallyn with Berserkion! Electro Magna Slash!" Berserkion charged at High Laundsallyn and slashed with his blade!

Ignoble cringed as he took damage! "You may have done some damage...but thanks to Noble Arms of Destiny my monster remains on the field!"

North smiled. "But you forget. I've got more than one monster to attack with!" Ignoble's eyes widened in horror! "Go Valkyrion! Vanquish his ignoble knight! Magna Slash Onslaught!" Valkyrion flew at High Laundsallyn and cut him down with a series of swift slashes! Causing High Laundsallyn to explode! "Even gathered pebbles can hit with the force of a boulder! I end my turn." Ignoble was knocked to the ground by the force of the explosion!

Ignoble: 2100
North: 3200

"YOU.....", Ignoble growled as he slowly crawled to his feet. "How am I brought to my knees...by a lowly commoner!" Ignoble drew his next card and scowled. "I tribute Gawayn to summon Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn! Now I equip him with Gwenhwyfar, Queen of Noble Arms to him! Black Laundsallyn gains 300 attack points! Now I'll attack Berserkion!" Black Laundsallyn charged at Berserkion! "Now that the damage step's starting, I can destroy Gwenhwyfar to destroy the monster I'm attacking!" North shielded himself as Berserkion was destroyed! "The queen is very protective of her knights. I end my turn with a face-down."

That face-down of his could prove to be trouble! But better to have him wast it now rather than have it bite me later!, North thought as he drew his next card! "I'll attack your monster with Valkyrion!" As Valkyrion charged forth, a fissure opened in front of him and sucked him in! "I expected you'd have some form of trickery in store for me."

Ignoble grinned savagely. "Dimensional Prison! When you attack me, I can target the attacking monster and banish it!"

"I end my turn."

"In that case, I draw!", Ignoble said with a smirk! "I'll attack you directly with Black Laundsallyn!" Laundsallyn sharged forth and slashed away at a good chunk of North's life points! North fell to his knees from the force of the damage! "You know, I'm glad you were able to last longer. All of my relatives that I eliminated barely got in a scratch on me. But I shall enjoy hearing you scream once you fall!"

Ignoble: 2100
North: 1200

North was struggling to keep himself conscious. He hasn't let up for a second. His monster of choice reflects that ruthless nature of his.
Blast. That was my last copy of Valkyrion I brought out. It was then that in North's blurring vision that something odd happened. A blue light flooded North's vision, and a monster spirit materialized before him! Before North was the spirit of the king of the noble knights. Artorigus.

"Are you really going to let your story end this way?", the spirit of Artorigus asked.

He's taken out most of my life points. And there's not a monster in my deck at base power that could beat his current monster., North answered. What can I do?

"You hold my spirit North.", Artorigus began. "Within you sleeps the power to have the happy ending my stor never had. Rise again,
and show once and for all that honor and nobility triumph over deceit and treachery!" The words of Artorigus reinvigorated North's spirit and he stood tall once again! He then noticed the rainbow glow coming from the top of his deck!

"I can't lose now. Not when...." North drew the glowing card! "NOT WHEN APPLEJACK'S WAITING FOR ME!" North looked at the card and smiled. "I play the spell card Absolute Magnetism! I banish Valkyrion and Berserkion!" A red and blue light appeared on North's field! "I summon Omega the Absolute Magna Warrior!" A red-and-blue magnet warrior with the legs and arms of Berserkion and the torso and head of Valkyrion stood tall on North's field! "Now I'll activate his effect! I can banish up to three Magnet Warriors from my graveyard to destroy the same number of cards on the field! I'll banish one to destroy your monster!" A bolt of lightning destroyed Black Laundsallyn! "Now Omega! End this! Omega Magna Slash!" Omega executed a series of devastating slashes that wiped out the last of Ignoble's life points! As soon as the dust cleared, Ignoble snarled and drew his sword! But as he was about to charge, he was stopped. Applejack slugged him right in the face! As soon as Ignoble fell to the ground, Applejack helped North stand.

"You've been through a lot sugarcube.", she said with a loving smile.

"Heh. I didn't expect you to show up lass.", North said with a tired smile.

"Well what we have is real.", Applejack said as she leaned in for a kiss. "And that ain't a lie..." The two shared a kiss to cement their love.

North smiled, but then pushed Applejack out of the way to avoid Ignoble's coming slash! "So. Your true nature finally boils to the surface." North then felt something stir inside him, an held his arm out. A blade modelled after Valkyrion's soon materialized in his hands! The two then charged at each other and locked blades! Neither was giving the other any ground! The sounds of their clashing blades echoed through the duel park! North's sword began to glow with a red and blue light. "Time to finish this!" North readied his sword for one final strike. "MAGNA IMPACT!" North executed a devastating slash that broke Ignoble's sword and the energy rippled through Ignoble! Ignoble then feel to his knees! "Because of your dark deeds, the negative energy that's rippling through you will obliterate you!" Ignoble then glowed red before exploding in a flash of red light! North then dematerialized his sword and went over to Applejack. "I don't know about you, but I'm parched after all this insanity." Applejack smiled as she ponied up and found she had wings and a horn now.

"Well, might as well break these in." Applejack held North tight and smiled. "Hope you don't mind me holding this tight sugarcube."

North smiled. "No one I'd rather be held by lass." Applejack flied home and kissed North as she set him down. Looks like, I've got a place to call home after all., North thought happily as he and Applejack enjoyed some fizzy cider and the sunset.

Duel 17: Rising Above Despair

Abyss and Narico were walking together in the hallway, and were talking about the recent string of attacks made by Blitz's minions. "Makes you glad Burst and his friends are on the job, huh?", Narico said with a smile. Abyss smiled in return.

"This wouldn't be the first time. Burst's taken down threats to the world more than once.", Abyss replied. "I should know. He defeated me too. But it's thanks to him that I've got a new life here. I can't tap into my dark power anymore, but for me it's no major loss." Abyss then held onto Narico's hand. "Especially when I look at what I've gained in comparison." Narico blushed lightly. However, the two were soon interrupted by a familiar face.

"Well, well. Isn't this hearwarming?" Blitz Surge stepped out of a dark portal and stared down at Abyss. "Hello mother." He then looked at Narico. "Isn't he a little young for you?" Blitz leaned down and smirked at Narico, and Narico glared at him.

"Get lost creep!", Narico growled! "Leave her alone!" Abyss then put her hand on Narico's shoulder.

"Narico, please. Just let me talk to him." Abyss stepped in front of Narico. "Blitz. My son. I know I've made many mistakes. Mistakes that led you down the path you walk on now. I know I can't ever erase what happened in the past, but maybe I can try to fix things here and now. I'm sorry Blitz. I turned you into a monster. So please. Let me fix this." For a moment, Blitz was shocked. He then reached his arm out, and grabbed Abyss! Pinning her against the wall of lockers!

"Let her go!", Narico screamed as he charged at Blitz! But Blitx knocked him to the ground out cold!

"NARICO!", Abyss cried out!

"How sweet.", Blitz said with a smirk. "You actually CARE about him. Let me say that I don't accept your apology. Namely because I don't care about it in the least. Or YOU for that matter. I want your power!" Blitz's hand phased through Abyss and he began to siphon her dark powers! "And I must also thank you for leading me to this point! Why be hailed as a hero, when I could be worshipped as a god? The only piece I'm missing is your power..." Blitz then pulled his hand out of Abyss and she fell to the floor unconscious! "...And now I have all that I need. I'll leave your little friend to tend to you. In the meantime, I have work to do. Farewell mother." Blitz opened a new portal and stepped through. Narico was still out cold, and Abyss sat up against the other wall of lockers.

"What have I done?", Abyss muttered to herself. "This is all my fault..."

"So...what happened here?", Gold asked himself as the heaviness of the air became immediately noticeable to the two as they found themselves needing to catch their breath solely from walking.

"I don't know... but it really weighs you down... I've never felt so... pitiful," Sunset replied a little bit in.

Gold felt the same way, however he found himself able to keep a bit of tolerance to it, a tolerance his girlfriend clearly lacked. "I don't know what's going on. But we should see if the others are here."

"Yeah"

The two did not end up walking for long before they found some people. Narico lay in front of the lockers, passed out, sitting against the other wall was Abyss, clutching her face as she muttered "I made a monster... it's all my fault." She was completely oblivious to Gold's attempts to talk to her.

"Well. If I were to guess I'd say Blitz decided to pay a little visit here and left this fog behind. I think it's caused everyone to be overcome with despair," he turned to look at Narico again, "some people are taking it better than others... Sunset?"Gold turned to see her in the same position as Narico. "Sunset!" Gold ran to her and saw that she was, indeed, passed out. The fresh tears still on her cheeks showed that the despair had overcome her while he wasn't looking. The atmosphere became so much less tolerable as the pure despair of the fact that he left her like this sank in. Sunset, who had been there for him when he was an emotional wreck. The light of his life, who lived up to her name with the beauty and kindness she had shone him! The fact that he could not be there for her when she needed him made him want to lie down and wait to dissolve into the thick fog that he could barely breathe.

"Yeah buddy, I get it." Gold was brought to reality by a voice that sounded exactly like his, but softer.He was shocked when he looked to his side to see a guy who looked like him! But what set him apart from Gold was his colors and clothing. Unlike the gold skin Gold had, this boy's skin was obsidian and his eyes were a poisonous purple. His hair was unkempt and messy and his clothes were worn and tarnished. The bags under his eyes and his hunched posture made him look like the exact guy Gold viewed himself as. "No... I get it. You're wondering who I am... and how I'm so much of a downer that everyone here is like... well..." He looked to Sunset, then back at Gold, "this."

"You're doing this?" Gold found himself asking, suddenly feeling a sharp hatred for this boy who looked just like him.

"Yeah, I can't really help it... happens when you're the living embodiment of someone's despair... you can call me Skyfall."

"Gold get back," his trusted partner, Crimson Dragon, said in the back of his head.

Gold was confused, he fought off the urge to strangle the pathetic guy and slowly backed away. "Crimson? What's going on?"

"That dark clone Blitz made of me is here! I can sense him in this boy's possession.", Crimson said gravely.

"What? You mean Obsidian?" Skyfall said as he held up the sinister looking card, "Blitz gave him to me within seconds of giving me form."
Gold ignored the shock of knowing Skyfall could hear Crimson from within his head and put two and two together. Blitz sent this guy after Gold to be his enemy!

"Do you really think that highly of yourself?" Skyfall asked his doppelganger, "Blitz made me to be a distraction... buying time before he sends someone in his posse after someone who ACTUALLY matters to Burst."

"Jeez! Must you reinforce my urge to-"

"Hurt me? Yeah I know you hate me..." He looked straight into Gold's eyes, "I am you after all..."

"Gold" Crimson cut in, "Whatever the reason for him being here may be doesn't matter, you still have to stop him!"

"Right!" Gold said as he slipped on his duel disk from his backpack.

"Oh... we're doing this now? Okay..." The shadows condensed around Skyfall's arm, after a second they cleared up revealing an identical duel disk, he then placed Obsidian on top and shuffled his cards.

Gold: 8000
Skyfall: 8000

"Since we're on your turf, I'll let you have the first move.", Skyfall sighed.

Gold glared at his opponent. "I summon a monster in defense mode and set two cards! I end my turn."

"My turn... I play the spell card Despair Aura. This halves the attack of all face-up monsters on my opponent's field. But considering your monster is face-down, I can't make much use of it. But I can't leave myself defenseless like this. So I'll summon Despair Vanguard." A soldier wearing tarnished black armor appeared on Skyfall's field! "Then I'll set a card and end my turn..."

"My turn then! I draw!" Gold smiled at the cards he had! "I play Trade-In to discard a level 8 monster and draw two new cards!" Gold sent one card from his hand to the graveyard and drew two cards from the top of his deck! "Just what I needed! I play Return of the Dragon Lords to revive a level seven or eight monster from my graveyard! Come on out! Gold-Eyes Crimson Dragon!" Crimson appeared on the field in a ray of crimson light, but his attack was halved due to Despair Aura's effect! "Now that Crimson's on the field, his effect activates! I can target and destroy one monster my opponent controls!" A bolt of plasma destroyed Despair Vanguard while Crimson's wings glowed with crimson light, clearing a small amount of the fog before it closed in on him, "You might've halved Crimson's attack, but he can still do some damage! Attack him directly! Crimson Plasma Blast!" Skyfall showed no emotion as the blast of plasma scorched his life points! "I end my turn."

Gold: 8000
Skyfall: 6350

Skyfall sighed, as if he was disappointed in Gold. "You've actually accelerated your fall Golden Rise... I activate Despair Vanguard's effect. When he's destroyed, I can special summon one Obsidian Wyvern from my deck or hand." An armless dragon with obsidian scales and sickly purple wings made of crystal took the field! "But I only really need it for its effect... I tribute him to special summon Obsidian Dragon from my hand or deck." A pillar of darkness engulfed Obsidian Wyvern! Two sickly purple crystal wings sprouted out of the pillar! Once the pillar of darkness faded, a dragon with obsidian scales let out a terrifying roar! "Now for his own effect. He gains attack equal to the combined attack points of all monsters you control." An eerie purple light began emanating from Obsidian's wings! "Now I'll activate this trap... Despair's Shroud. I can target a DARK attribute monster I control and equip it to that monster... allowing the equipped monster to attack twice. Your monster won't be destroyed, but it'll wish it was" Obsidian Dragon slashed at Crimson twice! The force and agony of the attack forced Crimson to his knees! Gold winced as he took damage! "I end my turn. Isn't this feeling of isolation something you should be used to Gold?", Skyfall asked with another hint of disappointment.

Gold: 2000
Skyfall: 6350

Gold panted as he fell to one knee as Skyfall looked down on him. "I have something to show you..." Skyfall moved to the side, showing Sunset laying on the ground still. "Remember her? You gave her someone to hold on to. You gave her hope when everyone else was so quick to hate her. Despite what people said, you stayed by her side. Yet look at her now, this fog makes the source of all sadness people have in their mind the thing in the forefront. You're only standing because your despair is here in the flesh. You could have helped her, but you were always useless. It's why nobody gave you time of day after you lost your family... we both know that you deserve the same fate in this world too... You're alone Golden Rise and you always will be." Skyfall looked away from Sunset and back to Gold, expecting to have finally broken the boy he had been weighing down for years. But much to his shock, Gold didn't shed a tear! In fact...he was starting to laugh!

"Heh. Heh heh! HA HA HAHHA HA HA HA HAH HA!"

"What...what's so funny?!", Skyfall questioned, for the first time not getting what was going on in Gold's mind.

"Isn't it obvious?", Gold said with a smile as he rose to his feet. "I'm laughing because you're pathetic! You say you're my despair made flesh. And by that logic, you no longer exist! I learned that trying to fix my own problems by myself only digs a deeper pit! I used to think that if I kept my troubles to myself, I'd come out stronger. But I was wrong. Dealing with things alone only made my despair worse! But then I realized, I wasn't alone. I've got people who love me, and are always with me! Even if I can't see them...even when they're not right there with me...KNOWING I HAVE THEM MAKES ME RISE!" Gold sprouted Phoenix wings as he drew his next card! "And it's time for Crimson to rise too! I play the spell card Rise from the Ashes! I tribute Gold-Eyes Crimson Dragon to special summon his strongest form!" A pillar of flame surrounded Crimson! "I summon Crimson Absolute Phoenix Dragon!" Crimson now stood in red crystal armor with wings made of flames! A fiery mane ran down his head! His golden eyes matched their master's: gleaming with confidence! "Now for his effect! I tribute Crimson to destroy all cards on the field!" Crimson Absolute Phoenix Dragon burst into flames and fire washed over the field! Wiping out all the cards on the field! "Now you take 500 damage for each card destroyed!" Skyfall cringed as flames ate away at his life points! "You say you're my despair made flesh. But all you are is a walking pile of my past insecurities! I end my turn! Now Crimson comes back to my field!" Crimson Absolute Phoenix Dragon revived in a pillar of flame!

Gold: 2000
Skyfall: 4850

"I summon a monster in defense mode.", Skyfall said with a scowl, the presence of his opponent's best card allowing him to show emotions. "I'll end my turn with a face-down."

"I draw! Then I'll activate Crimson's other ability! I can banish one monster from my graveyard and have him gain attack equal to that monster's original attack until the end phase! And when Crimson Absolute Phoenix Dragon attacks a defense-mode monster, you take piercing damage! Go! Phoenix Plasma Flare!"

"Time to burn away this shadow of despair!", Crimson cried out as he fired a flaming streak of plasma that was sent hurtling towards Skyfall's monster!

"I activate my trap... Despair Prison.", Skyfall muttered, growing weaker as the duel went on. "Since you're attacking, this switches your monster into defense mode!" A black cage tried to ground Crimson, but he burned it away! "huh?"

"Crimson's other effect! He's unaffected by card effects!" The final strike was so intense that it simultaneously removed the fog and brought Skyfall's life points to zero.

The fading boy did not completely leave though. "You think that beating me...is going to get rid of me? I would've been gone back at Paradox's lair if that were-" A single blast left a hole in Skyfall's stomach. Gold took a fighting stance with his duelist arm in hand. The blaster was suddenly replaced with his sword.

"You should've stayed in my head, because now that you're out I'll never let you back in!" Gold charged at the parasite and drove the sword right through Skyfall's chest!

Gold looked up to his fading despair, only to see that he had a smile on his face. "Enjoy your life Gold..." he said as he completely faded away, with the wind carrying the words "You've earned it." Gold then heard a groan coming from right in front of him. Sunset barely had time to get up on her feet before she was suddenly caught in a hug from her boyfriend. She separated from the boy, but when she saw tears on his face she immediately pulled him back into a hug.

"Gold..."

"I know," Gold told her, "You're here." Gold then held her tighter. "And I know you'll never leave."

Duel 18: Dark Gathering 5

Blitz rematerialized the card he was working on and added the dark power he had stolen from his mother Abyss. "And my endgame nears closer..." Blitz smiled as the card fully formed. "Now I just need to determine a good test subject. But I suppose I should summon Nova." Blitz reached for his cloak but found it was gone! "What the-?" Blitz was shocked to see a young man running around in his cloak and giggling like mad! "WHO ARE YOU?!", Blitz bellowed! The intruder stopped and walked up to Blitz.

"Aneris Ouroboros. I'm an OC made by the friend of the author. Man this cloak is so much more comfortable than the outfit my creator gave me! Can I keep it?!"

Blitz's eyes twitched. "Fine. Whatever. What're you doing here?"

"I'm here to force the spotlight on one of Burst's friends and teach him a lesson!", Aneris answered with a grin.

Blitz blinked. "That...is somewhat helpful to me. But why are you here? You aren't a member of my minions."

Aneris rolled his eyes and looked to the audience. "He doesn't have much of a short-term memory does he folks?" Aneris turned back to Blitz. "The rest of the opponents got intros. I didn't want to be cheated."

Blitz just face-palmed. "Just....get out. "

Aneris nodded. " 'Kay bye!" The last cloaked figure at Blitz's side walked in and observed the frustrated expression on his face.

"....Do I want to know?", she asked.

"No. Trust me.", Blitz groaned.

Author's Note

Aneris Ouroboros is owned by my good friend HorribleFrenRen.

Duel 19: Steel in the Spotlight

Steel was moping about as Burst and the others were discussing Blitz's plan. Honestly, I don't even know what I'm doing here. I haven't really been a key part in any of the crazy events that've happened so far or before, so why am I even listening in? It's not like I've ever done anything that really helps the guys out. Steel sighed. But at least Dash thinks a lot of me. But still, what I wouldn't give to actually help fight off creeps like Blitz. As if one cue, a commotion began at the front of the school. "What's going on?!" Steel went out the front door and saw one guy wearing the cloak of Blitz's minions just shouting at his monsters.

"Hey!", Aneris said.

....Yes?

"No more explanations out of you! It's my turn!", Aneris said with a pout. "I think the audience is getting tired of your voice."

Oh. Have at it.

"Thank you." Aneris then turned to the audience. "Hi! My name's Aneris! And as the title suggests, I'm dueling Steel! Now some of you may be wondering why I've got my monsters just roaring out here. Well I had to get his attention SOMEHOW didn't I? Oh! See you later! He's here right now!" Aneris turned to Steel and waved! "HI!" Steel blinked.

I know Discord can be odd. Same as Pinkie. But THIS guy? I...I have no words., Steel thought to himself. "Um...why are you here?"

"Did you NOT see the bunch of monsters I summoned? Imma duel you!" Aneris then activated his duel disk.

Steel said nothing as he activated his duel disk. Why do I feel like I shouldn't have been lamenting my lack of screentime earlier?

Aneris: 8000
Steel: 8000

"Me first!" Aneris smiled at the cards in his hand. "Since I've got no cards in my spell and trap zone, I can summon out all these monsters! I special summon Alich, Farfa, and Barbar! Malebranches of the Burning Abyss!" Three fiends took Aneris's field! "Now I overlay two of my monsters to xyz summon Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss in defense mode! Now I'll activate his effect! I'll detach an overlay unit and choose a number between one and three! Then I send that many cards from the top of my deck to the graveyard! I'll choose to send three!" Aneris took three cards from the top of his deck and sent them to the graveyard. "Now the effect of the overlay unit I detached activates! Barbar's effect deals 300 points of damage for each Burning Abyss card in my graveyard, and I can target up to three! That means you take 900 points of damage! I end my turn!" Steel winced as sparks of flame hit his life points!

Aneris: 8000
Steel: 7100

Looks like his deck is focused on his cards getting sent to the graveyard! But at least their effects only work when they're sent to the graveyard!, Steel thought! "I draw!" Steel smiled at the card he drew! "I play Super Soldier Synthesis! This lets me send one LIGHT and one DARK monster from my hand and deck to the graveyard whose combined levels equal eight!" A swirling portal of chaos appeared on Steel's field! "Now I summon Black Luster Soldier-Super Soldier! Now the effects of Beginning Knight and Evening Twilight Knight activate since I used them as tributes for a Black Luster Soldier! I'll have Super Soldier attack your monster!" Super Soldier charged at Dante, and cut him down instantly! "Super Soldier's effect lets him deal that monster's attack points as damage!"

"I don't think so!", Aneris said with a grin! "Since you sent Dante to the graveyard, his materials go with him! Now their effects go off! I'll use Farfa's effect to banish your monster!" A portal of fire enveloped Steel's monster and banished it! "Also, I'll use Alich's effects to negate your monster's effects! And since you sent Dante to the graveyard, I can add one Burning Abyss card from my graveyard to my hand!"

"Unbelievable! You got rid of my best monster and you didn't take any damage! I guess I'll end my turn.", Steel said with a frown. Suddenly, a portal opened up returning Super Soldier to Steel's field! "What?!"

Aneris rolled his eyes. "I know my monsters look gruesome, but they're not jerks! Their effects only last until you end your turn. Speaking of turns...I draw! I summon Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands to add a ritual monster from my deck to my hand!" Aneris searched through his deck, and added the ritual spell he was looking for and then shuffled his deck. "Now I'll activate it! Good and Evil in the Burning Abyss! I tribute two monsters from my hand whose levels equal six! I ritual summon Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss!" A fearsome looking fiend crawled up from a flaming crater on Aneris's field! "Now for his effect! I can send one Burning Abyss monster from my hand to the gravyeard and target one monster my opponent controls! That monster loses attack and defense equal to the attack and defense points of the monster I discard! I discard Cir! That means your monster loses 1600 attack and 1200 defense! Attack Malacoda! Burn his monster to a crisp!" Malacoda fired a blast of flame that incinerated Super Soldier! "I end my turn. Having fun Steel?"

Aneris: 8000
Steel: 5800

Steel was fairly confused about his opponent. ...Fun? FUN? He's working for a guy who's trying to waste Burst, and he's worried about his opponent having FUN? "...What's wrong with you?! The fate of the world is in the balance of the luck of the draw and you're asking me if I'm having fun?!" It was then that Rainbow Dash showed up to see how Steel was faring. Aneris blinked.

"Gee. He's sure wound tight isn't he?", Aneris asked the audience.

"...Whatever. I draw!" Steel looked carefully over the cards in his hand. Maybe there's a way I can turn the tide! "Since you destroyed Super Soldier, I can special summon a 'Gaia the Fierce Knight' monster from my deck! I special summon Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight! Then I'll banish Beginning Knight and Evening Twilight Knight from my graveyard to add a ritual monster and ritual spell from my deck to my hand! Then I'll set a card and end my turn!"

"In that case, I'll have Malacoda attack your monster!", Aneris said with a smile! Malacoda charged at Charging Gaia! But Steel was ready!

"I activate my trap! Quaking Mirror Force! When an opponent attacks one of my monsters, this trap forces that monster into face-down defense mode! And that monster's position can't be changed!" Malacoda was hit with an eathquake that forced him to hide behind his wings!

Aneris shrugged. "Eh. I end my turn."

Why is he being so chill about this?, Steel thought as he drew a card. "In that case, I activate another Super Soldier Synthesis! I'll send one LIGHT monster from my hand and one DARK monster from my deck! I ritual summon another Super Soldier!" Super Soldier stood on Steel's field once again! "I'll have Charging Gaia destroy your monster while Super Soldier attacks you directly!" Charging Gaia destroyed Malacoda with a single charge of his lances while Super Soldier slashed at Aneris's life points directly! "I end my turn with a face-down."

Aneris: 5000
Steel: 5800

"MAN did it feel good getting a hit in.", Steel said with a sigh of relief.

Aneris smiled. "Well. Time for a field wipe! I play Dark Hole to wipe out all monsters!" A black hole appeared that sucked in all monsters on the field! "Now I can special summon a few Burning Abyss monsters! Come on out Draghig and Calcab! Attack him directly!" Steel cringed as the two monsters clawed into his life points! "I end my turn."

Aneris: 5000
Steel: 3300

Okay. Not good., Steel thought as he got to his feet. I've got no monsters on my field, and I've got nothing in my back row. Which means next turn, I could potentially be obliterated.

"C'mon Steel! You really gonna let this punk beat you laying down?!", Rainbow Dash called out!

Steel let out a chuckle. "Dash? I didn't think you'd show up. Much less cheer me on. Especially considering the sorry shape I'm in."

"You kidding? I'm the Element of Loyalty! Now way I'm ditching you! Besides, what girlfriend would I be if I left you just because you lost a duel?" Rainbow Dash then ponied up and found she had a horn in addition to her wings. "And that makes me 100% cooler!"

Steel smiled. "Glad to know you'll always be by my side. I draw!" Steel smiled when he saw the card he drew! "I'll set this card and end my turn." Now all I gotta do is wait.

Aneris surveyed the field. "Hmmm. Think I'll...xyz summon! I overlay my two monsters to xyz summon Dante Traveller of the Burning Abyss!"

Steel smiled! "Sorry! But I activate Solemn Strike! I pay 1500 life points to negate the summon of your monster and destroy it!" A bolt of lightning struck down Dante! "You know, I am having fun! I guess I needed to take things a little less seriously. But it's too bad that last trap spent most of my life points."

Aneris smiled. "Well I'll be. You've learned your lesson. And all it took was your girlfriend giving you a pep talk!" Aneris then turned to the audience. "And you guys thought I was a badguy!"

"Wait...you're not working for Blitz?", Steel asked.

"Nope! Just here to help finish an arc by order of the author. Aaaaand, I end my turn."

Aneris: 5000
Steel: 1800

Steel then saw a rainbow-colored glow coming from the top of his deck. "Looks like I am a main character after all. I activate the spell card Absolute Soldier Ritual! I can tribute monsters from my hand or deck! I tribute my last copy of BLS-Super Soldier from my deck!" A portal of chaos appeared on Steel's field! "I ritual summon BLS-Absolute Soldier!" A new Black Luster Soldier took the field! But while its armor looked like the standard BLS armor, it had metal wings sprouting from the back! He also had the sword and shield of Super Soldier! "This is the pinnacle form of BLS! He's got all the best abilities from his previous incarnations! Like Envoy of the Beginning, he can attack more than once! He's also got Super Soldier's ability to inflict a destroyed monster's attack points as damage! And from Eveneing Twilight's abilities, he can banish one card at random from your hand! But out of all those effects, I know the one I'm gonna use to end this! Go Absolute Soldier! Dual Chaos Slash!" Absolute Soldier executed twin powerful slashes that wiped out the last on Aneris's life points!

"Welp. I lost. See ya!" Aneris popped out of existence leaving Steel to just shake his head as he went over to Rainbow Dash.

"I'd say that concludes my part in the story quite nicely.", Steel said with a smile.

Rainbow Dash grinned. "And now that you've got your absolute card, you're 50% more awesome!"

Duel 20: Dark Gathering Final

Blitz smiled at the card materializing in the darkness. "Soon you shall be complete. And all that stands in our way shall fall before our might. I just need a bit more time." Blitz then heard knocking on his door and dematerialized the card. "Enter." A girl with white skin and hair with red streaks in it and pink eyes walked in. "Ah. Nova. I'm sure you've noticed that the others have all failed."

Nova nodded. "Yes Master Blitz. But there's one thing I must ask."

"What would that be?"

"Burst Stream. He uses a monster with the power of light as well. Correct? So then why are you so determined to defeat him? Why are you so determined to get at him through his friends?"

Blitz faked a sad sigh. "It is because he is being controlled. The one who weilds Red-Eyes in his group has been influencing him and the rest of his friends. I know what you think of darkness. So I took it upon myself to try and free Burst. However, it seems Inferno's hold on him is quite strong. And in my rage, my nature has turned me to what you see before you. I beg of you Nova! See that Inferno is crushed so that Burst and his friends may be saved! And I will be as ruthless as I need to be in order to save him."

Nova was unsure for a moment, but simply nodded. Blitz's nature seems hardly fitting of his monster. But he uses a Blue-Eyes deck. One of the monsters that's a great champion of light. That must mean his intentions are true!

Blitz chuckled as soon as Nova left through her own portal. "You fool. Darkness is not the only force that can blind a person."

Duel 21: Ignite Your Heart Inferno!

Burst had called for his friends to assemble after the latest duel. "Okay. How about each of you recap the progress of your former-villain relatives? I think it's best if we keep track."

"I'll go first.", Tyrannus said. "My parents finished removing the dinosaur DNA from Evo. He'll have memory loss from the past, but that's probably for the best if you think about it in the long run."

"Dad's back to normal.", Nightfall said with a smile. "However, he's been confined to the couch in terms of sleepin arrangements."

"Shogun's back home and leading my clan now.", Akage answered. "So things are good on my end."

"Ignoble won't be coming back period.", North said with a nod. "I saw to that."

Steel shrugged. "Eh. Aneris wasn't working for Blitz, and he just poofed out of existence. So I'd say we shouldn't worry about him."

"Skyfall faded away with a smile.", Gold said with a smile. "I'm glad I've moved on from that chapter of my life."

Burst nodded. "Looks like Blitz's plan has backfired so far. But..." Burst then looked at Inferno. "You're the only left who hasn't been targeted."

Inferno scratched his head. "Huh. I thought for sure he'd have sicked a minion on me. Especially since I helped you take down Abyss."

"Or maybe she just had to find you.", Nova answered. Burst and the guys were shocked! None of Blitz's minions had ever had the guts to just up and confront them in public! "I bet you're all wondering why I'm making myself known in the open. Well, I'm not a fan of shadows and darkness. I am Nova Flare..." Nova then pointed at Inferno. "And I've come to defeat you Inferno! That should free Burst and his friends from your dark influence! You and your Red-Eyes will be judged by my light!"

Inferno blinked. "Are you crazy?! Blitz is the badguy, not me! Just because I have dark power doesn't make me a villain!"

"SILENCE!", Nova hissed! "All creatures of darkness are nothing more than vile beasts! Hiding in the shadows, spreading deceit! But worst of all is their passions! Their spirits are consumed with drive and ambition! But don't worry. I'll soon purify you and your Red-Eyes!"

"You MUST be joking.", Inferno said with a groan. "Everything's got a passion! Even you with your misguided crusade! Maybe the reason some monsters stick to the darkness is to avoid people like you who are so eager to condemn them just because they come from a place no one understands! And I've fought against villains who use darkness! Total light, total darkness, either is horrible because the whole world is walking around blind! But if my words can't teach you that..." Inferno slipped out his duel disk and deck. "..Then I'll let my cards do the talking!"

Nova activated her own duel disk. "Very well. But by the end of this duel, you will see the light..."

Rarity and the other girls gathered to see Inferno squaring off against Nova. Rarity clutched her chest. Please darling. Make it out of this duel safe.

Nova: 8000
Inferno: 8000

"Ladies first.", Inferno said with a nod.

"How polite. I should've expected such charm from one who uses darkness.", Nova said with a cold smile. "I summon The Black Stone of Legend. Now I tribute him to special summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my deck!" A pillar of flame shot up on Nova's field, and a Red-Eyes soon took the field!

Inferno was shocked! "What?! But you say you hate DARK monsters! Why are you using a Red-Eyes deck?"

"Because my Red-Eyes have seen the light! As you're about to find out! I play the spell card Awakening Nova! By tributing a 'Red-Eyes' monster, I can special summon a new dragon to the field!" A pillar of white flame engulfed Nova's Red-Eyes! "I summon Red-Eyes Nova Dragon!" A Red-Eyes with brilliant white scales and pink flaming wings took Nova's field! "Now I'll activate her effect! I can banish one DARK attribute monster from my hand or graveyard and you take damage equal to half that monster's attack points! I'll banish the Red-Eyes I tributed!"

Inferno cringed as flames licked away at his life points! "AGH!"

"The only drawback is that she can't attack after she uses this effect. So I end my turn with a face-down."

Nova: 8000
Inferno: 6800

Looks like her monster can burn away a good chunk of my life points! But it's still got the standard attack of a Red-Eyes Black Dragon! Time for me to light up this duel!, Inferno thought! "I draw! I play Red-Eyes Fusion! I'll send the fusion materials listed on a fusion monster that had 'Red-Eyes' as a material!" A pillar of flame appeared on Inferno's field! "I send Summoned Skull and Red-Eyes Black Dragon to the graveyard to fusion summon Archfiend Black Skull Dragon!" Archfiend Black Skull let out a mighty roar as soon as he hit the field! "Now I'll attack your monster!" Archfiend Black Skull brought his fist down on Red-Eyes Nova, but she was still on the field! And Nova hadn't taken any damage! "WHAT?!"

Nova smiled. "Do you like Red-Eyes Nova's effect? She can't be destroyed by battle with DARK monsters and I take no battle damage, and any DARK monster she battles is banished during the end phase!"

Inferno smiled. "Maybe...but Archfiend's effect still activates! I'll shuffle Red-Eyes back into my deck to deal his attack points as damage!" Nova cringed as flames crashed into her life points. "And then I'll end my turn with a face-down." Inferno then looked to Archfiend Black Skull as the dragon vansihed in a white light. "I'm sorry I couldn't keep you on the field longer buddy...."

Nova: 5600
Inferno: 6800

"Don't be sad. When I purify you, you and your dragon will be reunited.", Nova said with a smile. "Now then, I draw!" Nova smiled at the cards in her hand. "I'll have Red-Eyes Nova attack you directly! Nova Flare Blast!" A white blast of flame shot from Red-Eyes Nova's mouth! Wiping out a good chunk of Inferno's life points and knocking him to the ground! "I know the light hurts right now. But the pain will end soon."

Nova: 5600
Inferno: 4400

Does she really think I'm gonna call it quits? I live for duels that are close!, Inferno thought as he got to his feet. "Hate to break it to you Nova, but all you've done is motivate me to duel harder!" Inferno drew his next card! "I play the spell card Red-Eyes Insight! This lets me ditch a Red-Eyes monster from my hand or deck to the graveyard! I'll send a Red-Eyes monster from my hand! Then I can add a Red-Eyes spell or trap from my deck to my hand!" Inferno searched his deck for the card he was looking for! "Here we go! I activate another Red-Eyes Fusion! I'll send Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon and Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact from my hand and deck to fusion summon Meteor Black Comet Dragon!" A dragon with fiery wings took Inferno's field and let out a fearsome roar! "Now that he's been fusion summoned, his effect activates! I can send a Red-Eyes monster from my deck to the graveyard to deal effect damage equal to half that monster's attack points! I'll send Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon to deal you 1400 in damage!" Nova winced as flames licked away at her life points! "I end my turn."

Nova: 4200
Inferno: 4400

Nova frowned. "It's time I put an end to this. I activate my trap! Nova eruption! This banishes all DARK attribute monsters you control and deals you 1000 points of damage for each one you control!" Inferno winced as a flare of white light erupred from Nova's field and banished Meteor Black Comet Dragon! "Now...BE BATHED IN THE GLORIOUS LIGHT!" Red-Eyes Nova then unleashed a mighty blast of white-hot flame into Inferno's life points! The blast engulfed him completely!

"INFERNO!", Rarity screamed! When the light faded, Inferno's skin and hair had turned white and his eyes were a dull grey.

Nova smiled. "You are all free now! He has been purified. I end my turn."

Nova: 4200
Inferno: 1000

Rarity ran over to Inferno and grabbed onto him! "Inferno! Inferno are you alright?!"

Inferno blinked before smiling and speaking in a calm voice. "I feel fine Rarity. In fact, I feel better. Now I can have a calm life. I no longer need to get so worked up over dueling anymore. In fact, I think I'll quit the game right now..." Rarity was horrified!

"Don't you DARE say that!" Rarity then glared at Nova! "What have you done to him?! What did you do?!" Nova was puzzled. Shouldn't they all be thanking her for purifying their friend. Rarity then began to shake Inferno! "Inferno, listen to me! You can't give up dueling! You just can't! It's what you love to do above all else! It's your passion! That fiery spirit...IT'S WHY I LOVE YOU!" Tears began to fall from Rarity's eyes as she fell to her knees. "Please darling....don't let the fire in your heart die...."

Inside Inferno's heart...

is this really light?, Inferno thought as he lay drifting in his heart. It feels so cold....so lonely....I feel like my entire being is fading away. Is this how it's gonna end for me? Just as Inferno was about to close his eyes, something got his attention! A spec of darkness? But...it's shining. What is it? Inferno floated over to the spec and started to hear Rarity's voice.

Inferno., Rarity's voice said. Are you really going to abandon your passion, the thing you love, so easily?

No...I'd never! But...it's so cold..., Inferno answered. I...I don't know if I can come back from this...

Rarity's voice changed to a loving tone. You can darling! I KNOW you can! You only need to reignite the fire in your heart! Just remember why you duel, and who you duel for! Remember me...

Inferno smiled and reached out for the spec of shining darkness! A flaming aura appeared around him! Back in the real world, a brilliant red aura surrouned Inferno as he sprouted his dragon wings and held Rarity close! His hair, skin, and eyes had returned to normal and his eyes blazed with a new found fire! Rarity smiled as Inferno looked down at her lovingly. "I knew you'd find that fire again..."

Inferno smiled. "Out of all my passions, you're the one that ignites my soul." Nova was in shock!

"You...WHY IS YOUR AURA OF DARKNESS SHINING?!", Nova screamed!

"Because it doesn't matter where you draw from. Any attribute can be used for good. As long as you let your inner light burn strong! Let me show you just how bright my darkness shines! I draw!" Inferno smiled. "Now to end this! I play Black Stone of Legend and tribute him to special summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon! Then I play Harmony Absolute! I tribute Red-Eyes to summon Red-Eyes Absolute Dragon!" Red-Eyes Absolute appeared in a pillar of flame! His meteor ore armor shining on the field! "Now for his effect! I can target and destroy one monster on my opponent's field! Then they take that monster's attack points as damage!" Red-Eyes Absolute snapped his fingers and a column of flame incinerated Red-Eyes Nova Dragon! Nova Flare shielded herself as flames licked away at her life points! "Then I'll end my turn."

Nova: 2000
Inferno: 1000

Was I wrong?, Nova thought to herself as she tried to draw a new card. If any attribute and monster can have inner light, isn't it also possible that darkness can come from anywhere? Could it be that...I was the one doing wrong? Nova's thoughts reflected on all the past dark monsters she'd 'purified'. Each one cried out for mercy. Each one looked at her in fear and pain. "I...I pass."

Inferno smiled. "Then it's time to end this. You know what to Red-Eyes." Red-Eyes Absolute nodded. "Time to test out that new attack." Red-Eyes Absolute gathered energy, and unleashed a dome of rainbow-colored flame that bathed the field in brilliant light! Nova watched in awe! "Do you get it now?"

Nova nodded. "Yes. Blitz is the true evil. I should have known from the dark nature in him."

"At least you were smart enough to realize your mistake.", Burst said with a smile. "That's more than I can say for Blitz." Burst's thoughts then turned to his 'brother'. Blitz. Whatever you've got planned, I've got a feeling it's going to lead to only one of us standing.

Duel 22: Test Drive

Blitz saw Nova defeated and simply shrugged. "I figured she'd suspected me. They just saved me the trouble of eliminating her. Besides..." The card Blitz was creating fully manifested. "Now that you're complete, I now have the perfect chance to test you out. Let's see...." Blitz surveyed the many faces of Burst's friends. "...Who has the honor of being my first victim?"

Back at CHS...

"So much for Blitz's plan to demoralize you Burst.", Inferno said with a smile. "We've beaten all his minions!" But Inferno noticed that Burst wasn't cheering or happy at all. "Burst? What's up man?"

"Yes. We beat all his minions. But that means only one thing. Blitz is going to come himself now. And chances are he's gotten a lot stronger than when I faced him last."

"You beat him before, you'll beat him again!", Inferno said trying to cheer up his best friend.

"I'm not so sure Inferno. Blue-Eyes and I felt something from Blitz when he returned. He's done something to his monsters."

Blue-Eyes then materialized. "I could smell the evil pouring from this new monster he whipped up. However, it's not yet fully formed. Whatever I sensed, it was but one stage. Completed? I don't know what it would be capable of."

"You two better worry about it when things come to that.", Inferno said with a nod.

Burst sighed. "I guess...." School soon let out, and the students started to head home. Burst told Moon that he was going to get in some training with his Duelist Arms, so Moon headed home without Burst.

Blitz's return really has Burst on edge..., Moon thought as she headed home. ...But his plan failed. All of his minions were defeated.
Then again, Blitz himself is a force to be reckoned with. Moon then sensed something and saw a portal open up behind her! Blitz stepped through.

"Ah. The lovely Nightmare. Just the girl I was looking for.", Blitz said with a smirk.

"Your plan backfired Blitz!", Moon said with a smirk of her own. "We beat all of your followers! Now all that's left is you!"

"Oh you're quite mistaken. I KNEW you'd defeat my pitiful excuse for a team. I just needed to buy myself some time for the card that will destroy Burst. And as it happens, I'm looking for a decent candidate to test it out."

"If you think I'm easy to beat..." Moon activated her duel disk! "...You're gonna be sorry."

Blitz smiled. "Oh I intend to make this little dance last." Blitz summoned his own duel disk. "Ladies first."

Moon: 8000
Blitz: 8000

Moon looked over her cards carefully. "I summon a monster in defense mode and set a card! I end my turn." I can't afford to get careless. No telling what this new card Blitz has in store can do...

Blitz smirked. "I draw! I summon Maiden of the Fallen Dragon!" A maiden with a tattered black dress and mangled white hair and pale blue eyes was summoned onto Blitz's field! "Now that she's been summoned, I can add the spell card 'Dark Dragon Rising' from my deck to my hand!" Blitz searched his deck and added the spell card to his hand! "I end my turn."

A monster with no attack or defense points? Just why would he summon her?, Moon thought as she drew a card. "My turn!" Moon smiled at the card she drew! "This'll be over quick! I banish Kuriboh from my hand! Now I special summon Queen Nyx to the field!" Nyx materialized on the field in a blue mist! "Now I'll attack your monster! Lunar Magic Strike!" Nyx fired a blast of magic that destroyed Maiden of the Fallen Dragon! Taking out a good portion of Blitz's life points! "I end my turn. Your move."

Moon: 8000
Blitz: 5000

Blitz smiled as he drew his next card. "Time to spring my trap. Fallen Dragon's Agony! For every 500 points of damage I take, I get to send that many dragons to my graveyard! I took 3000 points of damage, so I send 6 dragons to my graveyard!" Blitz searched through his deck and sent six dragons to the graveyard. "Now I'll play The Melody of Awakening Dragon. I'll discard a card to add two dragon-type monsters from my deck to my hand!" Blitz smiled at the two dragons he added! "I activate Dark Dragon Rising! I tribute Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my hand!" A pillar of darkness erupted on Blitz's field, and a pure black aura surrounded him! "I summon Blue-Eyes Darkness Dragon!" The dragon that stepped out had none of the sleek and graceful appearance of the other Blue-Eyes. It had pitch black scales, pale blue lifeless eyes, fangs like daggers, and tattered wings! It's very appearance screamed an evil version of Blue-Eyes! "Now that he's on the field, I can activate his effect! If there's a difference in life points, I can have Blue-Eyes Darkness gain half that difference!" A dark aura appeared around Blue-Eyes Darkness! "Then I can banish a 'Blue-Eyes' monster from my graveyard to attack again! Now attack her monster! Dark Oblivion Stream!" Blue-Eyes Darkness fired a pure black energy blast that hit Nyx full force! Moon cringed as she took damage! However, Nyx was still on the field! "One thing I forgot to mention is that Blue-Eyes Darkness doesn't destroy monsters after he attacks. I told you I planned on making this duel last. Or at the very least, the pain I plan on inflicting on you!", Blitz said with a sinister smile. "Attack her again!

Moon screamed in pain! "AAAGGHH!" Moon could actually feel the damage be inflicted on her! It also reflected on her body!

"I end my turn.", Blitz said with a smirk. "Now that there's no longer a life point difference, Darkness's attack goes back to normal."

Moon: 5000
Blitz: 5000

This card's powerful. But I can still beat it! Burst wouldn't have any trouble dealing with it!, Moon thought as she got to her feet! "I draw!" Perfect! "I play the spell card Harmony's Light! I tribute Nyx to special summon Nyx the Night Paladin from my deck!" A ray of moonlight fell on Nyx and transformed her! "Destroy Blue-Eyes Darkness Dragon! Lunar Slash!" Nyx charged forth and cut down Blue-Eyes Darkness in a single slash! "I end my turn."

Moon: 5000
Blitz: 3500

Blitz drew his next card, and started to chuckle. "Heh. Heh heh! AHHAHAHAHAHHAH HAH HA HA HA HAH HA! PERFECT!"

Moon tensed up. "What's got you laughing?!"

"Isn't it obvious? Now I can bring out my ultimate monster! Even Burst will stand no chance against it! I play the spell card Absolute Darkness! Now I banish Blue-Eyes Darkness Dragon from my graveyard!" A pool of darkness lay on Blitz's field, and a giant clawed hand emerged! "Rise! Tiamat the Absolute Dark Dragon!" The hideous dragon fully emerged as the pool of darkness faded away. It's massive tattered wings fully extended as it let out a terrifying roar! It's soulless blue eyes gazed hatefully at Moon's field! It wore tarnished black armor and had two gnarled horns sprouting from its head! Four smaller heads crept from Tiamat's neck! One had acid-green eyes, another had blood-red eyes, one of the other heads had poison-purple eyes, and the last one had lifeless white eyes! But by far the most unsettling thing was that it's attack points. Five thousand attack points blared on Moon's card data display. Blitz smiled. "Now for his effect! For every dragon-type monster in my graveyard, he gains 500 attack!" A dark aura surrounded Tiamat! "But I think I'll use his other effect! For every two dragons I banish from my graveyard, Tiamat can attack that many times!! I banish six dragons, so Tiamat gets to attack three times this turn! Attack Tiamat! Absolute Oblivion Stream!" Tiamat fired a stream of pure black energy that engulfed Nyx the Night Paladin! However, Nyx was still standing! But Moon cringed as the damage also reflected on her and she fell to one knee! Some portions of her clothes were torn! "And I'm not done yet! Tiamat still has two more attacks! Slash at her monster Tiamat!" Tiamat struck Nyx twice with his claws! Both Nyx and Moon cried out in pain as they took damage! Moon and Nyx were in pretty bad shape! "I end my turn.", Blitz said with a dark smile. At the same time, Burst picked up on the massive spike in dark energy and summoned Blue-Eyes!

"C'mon Blue-Eyes! Floor it!" Burst also sensed Moon's energy growing fairly weak. "Moon's in danger!" Burst and Blue-Eyes took off for Moon's location! Hoping to intervene in time!

Moon: 500
Blitz: 3500

"Nyx...", Moon groaned. "Can you get to your feet?"

Nyx shook her head. "I don't think I can take much more Moon..."

Moon nodded as she struggled to her feet. "I'll switch Nyx into defense mode...Ngh!" Moon switched Nyx's card sideways. "And end my turn..." Blitz smirked as he drew his next card, and then saw Burst and Blue-Eyes land.

"Uh-uh." Blitz cast a dark barrier that prevented Burst from coming any closer! "I won't have any interruptions." Burst bangedon the barrier repeatedly in a vain attempt to shatter it! Blitz just chuckled in response. "Look Moon. Burst's come for you. Just in time." Blitz then looked up to Tiamat. "End it." Tiamat simply fired another blast of dark energy that ripped through Nyx's defense and struck Moon directly!

"MOON!", Burst screamed as he saw Moon's life points drop to zero! Blitz then dropped the barrier, and Burst ran to Moon before she fell to the ground out cold! She was hurt pretty badly from all the merciless attacks Blitz had executed. However, she was still breathing. Burst lifted his head and glared angrily at Blitz who just sneered at the sight of Burst holding Moon close. "BLIIIIIIITTZ!"

"I'll be back for you soon enough 'brother'.", Blitz said as he vanished into a portal! Burst clenched his fist in anger as he held onto Moon.

"Blitz. I swear. If it's the last thing I do...I"LL MAKE YOU PAY!" Burst then carried Moon and set her on Blue-Eyes. "We've gotta get her some help first. I'll see to Blitz once I know Moon makes it out okay..."

The Monster World, The Domain of the God Cards....

Ra was enjoying the serenity of the domain he and his brothers inhabited. That is, until he felt an evil presence disturb the peace of his home. "Brothers. We have an unwanted guest." Ra opened his eyes and Slifer and Obelisk stirred from their slumbers. The Egyptian God Cards looked around, and found Blitz once they looked down.

"You've done well to travel to this place mortal.", Obelisk boomed. "But what is your business with us?"

Blitz smirked. "Isn't it obvious? I've come to dethrone you three!"

"Watch your words child.", Slifer cautioned. "My brothers and I are benevolent beigns, but we will not hesitate to put you in your place should you continue with this arrogance."

Blitz chuckled. "Allow me to show you your replacement." Blitz summoned Tiamat, and the God Cards froze!

"Such...such terrifying power!", Ra exclaimed!

"This power...Only a select few mortals have monsters of that strength!", Obelisk said in shock!

"I thought only Burst and his friends had such power!", Slifer said!

"I made my own power.", Blitz said with a dark smile. "Now you shall experience it!"

"Ready yourselves brothers! We must not let this evil triumph!", Obelisk shouted as he and the other gods prepared to attack Blitz and Tiamat with all the divine strength they had!

Duel 23: Calm Before the Storm

Moon groaned as she started to open her eyes. Once she could see that she was in the nurse's office and all her friends breathing sighs of relief . "Thank goodness you're awake!", Sunset said. Moon tried to move more when she felt a weight on her lap. She found Burst sleeping with his head on her lap.

"...How long has he been there?", Moon asked weakly.

"Ever since you got a room.", Inferno said with a nod. "Burst slept on your lap ever since he heard you were going to make a full recovery. He's been out for hours. Said he wouldn't leave until he knew you'd be alright."

Moon looked down and smiled lovingly at Burst before nudgning him gently. "Burst. Burst, wake up." Burst slowly rose his head.

"You're alright." Burst pulled Moon into a hug. "I'm so glad...", Burst said with a sigh of relief as his eyes teared up. "I should've never left you alone earlier." Moon cupped Burst's face.

"Hey. We didn't know Blitz would attack so soon. What matters is you and everyone helped me.", Moon said with a loving smile. Soon, Pegasus entered the room! Needless to say, everyone was pretty surprised!

"Dad?!", Gold said. "What's going on?"

Pegasus turned to Burst. "Burst." Pegasus pulled a Duel Monsters card from his pocket. "Here's a gift from the god cards."

"From the god cards?", Burst asked. "Pegasus, what're you going on about?"

"Only a few hours earlier, I saw the divine energy of the god cards gather and condense in this card. But when I tried to trace the god cards, their energy was weak. VERY weak." Pegasus then looked to Moon. "And from the looks of things, I'd say they sent it just in time."

"What do you mean the energy of the god cards is weak?", Inferno asked.

"I can't explain it, but someone or something must have bested the god cards in battle.", Pegasus said sadly.

"But what could defeat the god cards?", Sunset asked. "We're the only ones with cards that are even capable of something like that!"

"Not anymore...", Moon answered. "My trip here is courtesy of Blitz. He's got his own 'Absolute' card now."

Burst looked to the card Pegasus had given him. "This card. It's blank."

"The god cards gave this card to you for a reason Burst.", Gold said. "I'm sure you'll be able to unlock it."

"No. WE'LL be able to.", Burst said. "All the duel's I've fought, the villains I've defeated, all of you have been by my side. You all gave me a reason to fight. I wouldn't have made it without friends like you all. Bring it in." As Burst and his friends brought their hands in, a rainbow-colored energy flowed into the card and it fully formed. Burst looked at the card. "Something tells me I might need this later." Pinkie snapped a picture of the moment before the whole group heard thunder crash across the sky! A portal opened up and three massive forms plummeted to the ground! Obelisk, Slifer, and Ra lie on the ground beaten and battered! Then, a lone figure descended from the portal and landed on the ground. Blitz rose to his feet and smirked.

"BURST STREAM! I KNOW YOU"RE HERE! COME ON OUT! I'VE DEFEATED THE GOD CARDS AND YOU'LL BE THE NEXT TO FALL! FACE ME! OR I'LL LEVEL THE WHOLE CITY TO GET TO YOU!", Blitz screamed!

Burst narrowed his eyes as he stood up. "Looks like this is his endgame." But before he could leave, Rarity stopped him.

"Since this is your final battle, I thought I'd give you this! One can't go in without style!"

Burst slipped on a white jacket that fell to his calves and summoned his Duelist Arms before strapping on his duel disk and addign the new card to his deck. "I'm ready..." And with that, Burst left for his final battle.

Duel 24: Endgame

Burst's friends and family had gathered with Principal Celestia and Mirror Sombra who were watching from the crowd. Celestia then turned to Sombra. "Sombra? How's this going to play out?"

Mirror Sombra gulped. "I'll only say this much. Only ONE of them is going to survive this." Meanwhile, Burst took a deep breath as he stood at the doors that led to Blitz Surge. Every duel he'd fought, every friend he'd ever made, it all came down to this moment. This was the final battle. Blue-Eyes then materialized.

"So this is it. Isn't it Burst?", Blue-Eyes asked. Burst nodded. "Aren't you terrified?"

Burst sighed. "I won't lie Blue-Eyes. I'm mortified. If there's anything I know about moments like these, it's that only one will be left at the end of the battle. But if I don't stand now, Blitz will terrorize everyone. If I have the power to stand against him, then I'll do just that." Burst steeled himself and stepped out the doors. The wind causing his jacket to billow in the wind. He then came face to face with Blitz, and the whole crowd was silent. "So this is what it all comes down to."

Blitz smirked. "Surely you knew this day would come didn't you?"

"I knew. I just hoped it wouldn't.", Burst answered as he activated his duel disk. "One shall stand..."

Blitz activated his own duel disk. "...One shall fall. But this drab highschool isn't the proper setting for this moment...." Blitz snapped his finger and a portal appeared! "I've a far grander stage for our final battle!" Burst and Blitz went through the portal and stood atop the Castle of Dragon Souls. "This was where our first battle took place. Fitting that it should end here, isn't it?"

"No point in delaying with pleasantries."

Blitz smirked. "You're right. I've been awaiting this moment since I first met you!"

Blitz: 8000
Burst: 8000

"I'll start this duel!", Blitz said with a smirk! "I reveal Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my hand to special summon Blue-Eyes Alternative! Then I'll play Trade-In to discard Blue-Eyes from my hand and draw two new cards!" Blitz sent Blue-Eyes to the graveyard and drew two cards from the top of his deck! "Ah! Perfect! I summon Maiden of the Fallen Dragon! And now that she's been summoned, I can add one 'Dark Dragon Rising' from my deck to my hand!" Blitz searched his deck, added the card, and shuffled the deck. "Now I'll tune Blue-Eyes with my maiden to synchro summon!" A pillar of darkness appeared as Maiden of the Fallen Dragon turned into a green ring that hovered over Blue-Eyes Aternative! "I synchro summon Azure-Eyes Rust Dragon!" A dragon that looked like a sinister version of Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon! But instead of shining silver scales, thei dragon's scales were rust-colored, and it looked like it was nothing more tha skin and bones. But the craziest thing was that it had only 1250 attack points! "I end my turn."

"In that case, I draw!" Burst looked to his cards and nodded. I'd better not waste any time in getting rid of his monsters! No tellin what trouble they could cause later! "First, I'll reveal my own Blue-Eyes White Dragon to special summon Blue_Eyes Alternative! Then I'll use his effect to destroy your monster! White Lightning Break!" A single lightning bolt destroyed Azure-Eyes Rust Dragon! However, a cloud of rust fell over Blue-Eyes Alternative! Alternative fell to one knee as rust began to gather on him! "Alternative! What's going on?"

Blitz chuckled. "Do you like Azure-Eyes Rust Dragon's effect? When he's destroyed by either battle or card effect, I can target one monster my opponent controls and halve it's attack points. Also, the monster's effect is negated! I made this deck specifically to be the opposite of yours! Where you empower others and yourself, I weaken my opponents so I can crush them! Just as I'll crush you before all those you hold dear!" Back in the human world, Burst's friends were watching with concern!

"Oh man! Looks like Blitz just wasted one of Burst's best monsters!", Inferno cried out!

"Darling. He hasn't just crippled Burst's dragon. He's ruined it!", Rarity said in horror! "That rust! It..it looks like it's eating away at Alternative's scales!"

"I wouldn't be too sure you two!", Steel noted. "It looks like Burst's not done with his turn yet!

"Burst's been in worse scrapes before! He'll make it!", Rainbow Dash declared!

Burst smiled. "You've actually helped me out a bit! I play Return of the Dragon Lords to revive Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my graveyard! And since I've got two monsters with the same level, I can xyz summon!" A swirling galaxy appeared on Burst's field, and his two monsters turned into yellow beams of light that flew into the galaxy! "I xyz summon Number 38: Hope Harbinger Dragon Titanic Galaxy! Now I'll have him attack you directly! Galaxy Hope Stream!" Titanic Galaxy fired a blast of light energy from his mouth! Wiping out a good chunk of Blitz's life points! "I end my turn."

"Burst got in the first hit!", Ace cheered!

"Kick his butt!", Sonata chimed in!

"It's a pretty big one too!", Shadow noted with a smile!

"Let's hope Burst and Blue-Eyes can keep it up.", Starlight added.

"Don't get too excited guys.", Ice cautioned. "It's Blitz's turn now." Ice then noticed Indigo Zap had come to watch.

"So is this just another day for you?", Indigo asked with a smirk.

"This is no time for joking Zap.", Ice said sternly. "Right now, the fate of my friend rests on the luck of the draw...."

Blitz: 5000
Burst: 8000

"It appears you've decided to bring out your big guns. Well then, it's only fitting I do the same! I draw!" Blitz smiled at the next card he drew! "I summon Egg of the Fallen Dragon!" A pitch black dragon egg with a midnight blue aura appeared on the field! "Now that it's on the field, I can activate its effect! I can banish this card and a dragon-type monster in my graveyard to perform a synchro summon!" A new pillar of darkness appeared on Blitz's field! "I banish Blue-Eyes Alternative from my graveyard and Egg of the Fallen Dragon from my field! I synchro summon Blue-Eyes Wraith Dragon!" A dragon with a tail that had disheveled grey hair at the end, and tarnished white scales appeared on Blitz's field! "Now for his effect! I tribute him!" Blue-Eyes Wraith Dragon exploded! Suddenly, a mist entered Hope Harbinger Dragon Titanic Galaxy! "When I tribute Blue-Eyes Wraith Dragon, I can negate the effects of all monsters on the field! Also, that monster's attack drops by 500 each of your turns! On that note, I'll end my turn with a face-down. Oh. Did I mention that the monster with its effects negated can't attack?"

"Not good.", Veenus noted. "That wraith's going to sap Burst's monster of its strength!"

Adagio held Veenus tightly. "It's like he plans on torturing Burst's monsters...."

Fang sniffed the air. "I've got a feeling that Blitz's trap down is pretty nasty!"

Aria frowned. "That creep must be enjoying every second of Burst getting backed against the wall."

Back at the duel, Burst was weighing his options. Now that it's my turn, Titanic Galaxy loses 500 points. If I attack now, I could deal some decent damage and be one step closer to ending this! But...there's his trap. Chances are, it's something pretty nasty. Let's see if my next draw can help out... Burst hesitantly drew his next card. Maybe this can help! "I summon Manju of the Ten thousand Hands to add a ritual spell from my deck to my hand!" Burst searched his deck and found the carrd he was looking for! He then shuffled his deck. "I'll end my turn."

"I draw!" Blitz smirked at the cards in his hand. "Ah. Perfect. I play Ancient Rules to special summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my hand!" The Blue-Eyes on Blitz's field had tarnished white scales as opposed to the regular brilliant white! "Now I'll attack Manju!"

"I don't think so! I activate Titanic Galaxy's effect! By detaching an overlay unit, I can change the attack target to him!" Burst winced as Titanic Galaxy was destroyed by a blast of white lightning!

"How noble. And how foolish.", Blitz said with a smirk. "You wasted a stronger monster for the sake of a weaker one. Especially since it was all in vain! I activate my trap! Fallen Dragon's Fury! This lets me attack twice per battle phase! Now destroy Manju! White Lightning!" Blitz's Blue-Eyes let out a savage roar as it annihilated Burst's monster! Burst cringed as he took damage! "I end my turn." Blitz grinned savagely. "Making you and your monsters suffer pleases me greatly."

Blitz: 5000
Burst: 6300

"Blitz isn't giving Burst any ground.", Tyrannus said gravely. "He's not letting up for a minute..."

"I can't bear to see Burst's monsters suffer...", Fluttershy said sadly as she saw Blitz tear apart Burst's field!

"He's even worse than Ignoble..." North noted.

"That varmint just ain't playin' fair!", Applejack fumed! "Burst doesn't even have a minute to breathe!"

Burst's mind was nearly frenzied at the moment. Blitz may have wiped out my field, but my next draw might change that! "It's my move! I draw!" Burst smiled at the card he drew! "I play the ritual spell Advance Ritual Art to send a level eight normal monster from my deck to the graveyard!" A chaos portal opened on Burst's field! "I ritual summon Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX! Attack his Blue-Eyes! Chaos Neutron Blast!" Blitz scowled as his monster was destroyed! "I end my turn."

"Alright! Burst's got one of his bes monsters out on the field!", Sunset cheered!

"Looks like Burst's got a chance now.", Gold said with a smile.

Blitz: 4000
Burst: 6300

Blitz growled as the smoke cleared from his field. "One of the strongest forms of Blue-Eyes.", Blitz said with a smirk. "The only way to beat it is sheer force. Fortunately..." Blitz drew his next card, and smiled at it. "I have just what I need! I play the spell card Dark Dragon Rising! I banish Blue-Eyes from my graveyard! Now I summon Blue-Eyes Darkness Dragon!" Blue-Eyes Darkness hissed as he crawled out of a pillar of darkness! "Now his effect activates! He gains half the difference between our life points!" Blue-Eyes Darkness had a small aura of darkness raise around him! "Destroy Chaos MAX! Dark Oblivion Stream!"

"AGH!", Burst cried in pain as Chaos MAX was attacked! But to Burst's shock, Chaos MAX was still on his field!

Blitz smirked. "Blue-Eyes Darkness doesn't destroy your monster. Rather, he lets them stay on the field. I want to make sure you suffer through this duel! However, Blue-Eyes Darkness's attack points can't stay constant. So I end my turn with a face-down."

Blitz: 4000
Burst: 5150

Burst looked to Chaos MAX. Okay. So Blue-Eyes Darkness's attack strength doesn't stay constant. It's boost ability depends on life point difference. That means Chaos MAX can take it down right now! But still... Burst looked to his hand. It looks like I might be able to hit it with something harder! "I draw!" Burst smiled at the next card he drew! "I play the spell card Harmony Absolute! I banish Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my graveyard! Now I summon Blue-Eyes Absolute Dragon!" Blue-Eyes Absolute let out a might roar as he landed on the field! "Now I'll attack your Blue-Eyes Darkness Dragon! Absolute Neutron Blast!" Blue-Eyes Absolute fired a rainbow-colored neutron blast that destroyed Blue-Eyes Darkness! Blitz cringed as his life points took a hit! "I end my turn."

"HE DID IT!", Pinkie cheered!

"I'm not so sure.", Akage noted. "Something tells me Blitz isn't done quite yet."

Blitz: 1425
Burst: 5150

As Blitz rose to his feet, he began to chuckle. Slowly but surely, his chuckle escalated into evil laughter. "Heh. Heh heh! AHH HAHHA HAH HA HA HA HAH HAHA HA! FOOL! This is just what I wanted!", Blitz said with a sneer! "I draw!" Blitz looked to his card with sinister glee. "I play the spell card Absolute Darkness!" A pool of shadow appeared on Blitz's field. "I banish Blue-Eyes Darkness from my graveyard!" A massive clawed hand appeared out of the pool of shadow and dug into the ground! "Rise! Tiamat the Absolute Dark Dragon!" The hideous dragon fully emerged as the pool of darkness faded away. It's massive tattered wings fully extended as it let out a terrifying roar! It's soulless blue eyes gazed hatefully at Moon's field! It wore tarnished black armor and had two gnarled horns sprouting from its head! Four smaller heads crept from Tiamat's neck! One had acid-green eyes, another had blood-red eyes, one of the other heads had poison-purple eyes, and the last one had lifeless white eyes! "Now his effect activates! He gains 500 attack for each dragon-type monster in my graveyard! But that's not all! I banish four dragons from my graveyard! For every two dragons banished, Tiamat can attack that many times this turn! However, there's one additional surprise! Attack Blue-Eyes Absolute Dragon!" Tiamat fired a stream of pure black energy at Blue-Eyes Absolute! And to Burst's shock, Tiamat DESTROYED Blue-Eyes Absolute! Burst cringed as he took damage! "When Tiamat is summoned, the effects of all 'Harmony' or 'Absolute' monsters are negated regardless of card text! I'm not done breaking you just yet! Tiamat can now attack Chaos MAX! Obliterate him Tiamat!"

"AGGHHH!", Burst cried in pain as Tiamat's last attack knocked him to the ground and damaged him!

Blitz sneered at the sight of Burst on the ground. "I could have chosen to keep your monsters on the field with one of Tiamat's other effects, but I wanted to shatter your hope. Knowing that the most powerful card in your deck was helpless. Just. Like. YOU."

Blitz: 1425
Burst: 2150

Burst's mind was panicking. I guess this is it. Blue-Eyes Absolute was my best monster. And he just decimated him. Everyone....I'm sorry... Back in the regular world, Burst's friends were horrified! Moon watched in shock. This was the first time she'd ever seen Burst beaten so horribly. And she knew from facing Tiamat first hand that Burst would need a miracle to turn this duel around.

"Please, Burst...", Moon said quietly. "Get up...."

Burst slowly rose to his feet and groaned in pain. "I...I draw!" It's not what I was hoping for, nor is this the strategy I want. But I don't have many options. Blue-Eyes. Forgive me... "I play Silver's Cry to revive a normal monster from my graveyard! I special summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon in defense mode!" Blue-Eyes appeared on Burst's field with his wings as a shield. "I end my turn. Sorry to use you as a living wall Blue-Eyes."

"I'm not ditching you Burst.", Blue-Eyes said with a nod. "If it means we have a chance to end this, I'll take any attack!"

Tiamat sneered. "Be mindful or your words welp. You may come to regret them soon."

"Actually, he'll come to regret them now!", Blitz said with a smirk as he drew his next card! "Time for another devastation effect! I'll return Tiamat's attack points to normal! Now I'll decrease his attack by 2000 points!" Burst and Blue-Eyes were shocked! Why would Blitz decrease his own monster's attack? "For every 500 points decreased, Tiamat can attack that many times! However, monsters he battles won't be destroyed. Also, Tiamat can inflict piercing damage! Make them suffer." Tiamat kicked Blue-Eyes in the stomach! But that was only the beginning of his assualt! Tiamat then whipped Blue-Eyes' head with his tail and punched him across the face twice! Blue-Eyes and Burst fell to their knees while Burst's friends and loved ones watched in horror. "I end my turn.", Blitz said with a sadistic smile.

Blitz: 1425
Burst: 150

"Blue-Eyes....", Burst moaned in pain.

"I'm...still kickin' Burst. NGH!" Blue-Eyes winced as he tried to move! "Though I don't think that's a good thing at this point."

"Well. If we go, at least we go out fighting.", Burst said with a strained smile.

Blitz sneered at the two. "How touching. The two of you can enjoy oblivion together!"

Burst struggled to rise to his feet and prepared to draw his next card! Burst's friends and loved ones where shocked and awed! After all the punishment he'd taken, Burst was standing once again! "We're not through yet. As long as I can draw a card, I can still win this!"

"If you think we're done...", Blue-Eyes began. "You don't know a thing about us! Burst and I aren't gonna stop until the last card is drawn!"

Blitz just chuckled. "Then it'll all end now. Draw your last pathetic card!"

Burst then noticed a faint aura covering him and Blue-Eyes. "You're right. It is gonna end! Because since Blue-Eyes and I have a bond, because we're friends, we can generate the card we need!" A brilliant white light shone from the top of Burst's deck! "I draw!" Burst smiled. It was the new card he had added to his deck. "Looks like I'm going to find out what this new card can do! I play Rock the Dragon!" A brilliant white aura exploded around Burst! "I tribute Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my field!" A pure white light surrounded Blue-Eyes! At the same time, Burst sporuted his dragon wings! But this time, something new appeared. Burst also gained brilliant white angel wings! "I summon Bahamut! The True Absolute Blue-Eyes!" A humanoid Blue-Eyes with platinum scales and brilliant blue eyes! He was wearing whitish-silver armor! Except this time, he was wearing no helmet and had white angel wings in addition to his platinum dragon wings!

Song used for this moment and the rest of the Chapter:

"YOU!", Tiamate hissed!

Blitz looked on in utter shock! "Where...where did you get such power?!"

Burst smiled. "Because I'm fighting for the people I love. Not to establish my own glory. You said this duel would end after I drew my last card. And you're right! I activate Bahamut's effect! I banish every dragon in my graveyard!" A rainbow aura surrounded Bahamut, and the spirits of all the dragons in Burst's graveyard appeared around him! "For each dragon banished, Bahamut gains 1000 attack points! Let's finish this Bahamut! ABSOLUTE NEUTRON STEAM!" Bahamut nodded.

"This is the end of you Tiamat!" Bahamut fired a rainbow-colored stream of energy that completely vaporized Tiamat!

"NOOOOO-AAUUUUUGGGHHHH!", Blitz howled as his life points dropped to zero and he and Burst returned to the human world! When the two landed, Burst found his friends and loved ones cheering for him!

"You did it!", Moon cheered. Burst was about to go over, but noticed Blitz was getting back up.

"It's not over...", Blitz growled. "If I can't beat you in a duel..." Blitz then summoned a katana modelled after Blue-Eyes Darkness as Tiamat's card disintegrated. "...THEN I'LL JUST DESTROY YOU WITH MY OWN HANDS!" As Blitz charged at Burst, Burst drew his sword and blocked Blitz! "WHAT?!"

"You're not the only one who played Devil May Cry 3.", Burst said with a smirk. "Speaking of which..." Burs then drew one of his blasters. "This party's gettin' crazy! Let's rock!" Blitz roared as he tried to slash at Burst again! Burst blocked with his own sword again and fired a shot at Blitz's face! Knocking him back and onto the ground! Blitz snarled!

"YOU...." Blitz then began to gather dark energy! "I'LL CUT YOU TO PIECES!" And then, Blitz slashed wildly at the air! Then spheres of darkness shot out from the blade of his sword! Each one seemed to cut through anything in their path! Fortunately, Moon put up a barrier with her own Duelist Arm.

He's gone completely insane!, Burst thought. I've gotta end this quickly! Before he does any more damage! Burst charged at Blitz as he was tiring out from his frenzied assault! Burst promptly kicked Blitz in the side and punched him in the face! Blitz was reeling from the blow, and Burst slashed him across the chest! As Blitz staggered, Burst charged up his blasters and aimed. "JACKPOT." Burst fired twin charged blasts at Blitz! Blitz howled as the energy englufed him! Everyone was blinded by the flash of light from the blast! When the light died down, Blitz's body was smoking and he was on the ground. Burst breathed a sigh of relief and holstered his blasters. "Finally it's-"

"GRAAAUUUGGGHHH!", Blitz roared as he leaped to his feet!

"You've gotta be kidding me!", Burst yelled.

"Burst...BURST....", Blitz rambled as he hunched over! His skin started to turn black and tattered dragon wings sprouted from his back! His fingers gained claws and his clothes were torn as Blitz continued his monstrous transformation! When it was completed, Blitz looked like he had fused with Blue-Eyes Darkness Dragon! "BUUUUURRSSSTT!"

Burst narrowed his eyes. "I can do that trick too. Let's fuse Blue-Eyes!" The spirit of Blue-Eyes enetered Burst's body, and he was engulfed in a bright light! When the light faded, Burst was standing in armor modelled after Blue-Eyes! "Bring it ugly!" Blitz simply roared as he charged at Burst and attempted to slash him across the chest! But instead, Burst punched Blitz in the face before he could swing! As Blitz was reeling, Burst continued his assault! Burst repeatedly punched and kicked Blitz in the stomch! Blitz dropped his guard on his face and clutched his stomach in pain! As Blitz fell to one knee, Burst got into a stance! Blitz snarled once he recovered and charged at Burst again! Burst then executed a devastating uppercut! "SHORYUKEN!" Blitz was scarred across the chest from Burst's attack and teeth were knocked from his head! Blitz landed on his feet, but he was barely holding himself together! Burst powered down his armor and took a deep breath. He then began to focus his energy in his right fist. With his eyes still closed, Burst got into a final stance.

"I'LL DESTROY YOU!!!", Blitz howled as he mounted a last charge at Burst. As BLitz inched closer, Burst's eyes snapped open and he executed one final punch!

"WHITE LIGHTNING....", Burst screamed! ".....FINAL OVERDRIVE!" Burst punched Blitz through his chest full force! Energy and pain rippled through Blitz's body! Blitz staggered as he saw his body crumble away as streams of energy shot out of his body!

"You can destroy my body...but ..." Blitz then noticed that his body had crumbled into nothing and his soul began to fade! "WHAT?!"

"There's a reason I called that attack the final overdrive.", Burst replied. "It doesn't just destroy your body. It also attacks your soul! in short..." Burst stared trimphantly at the fading remnants of Blitz. "...Nothing can save you from this fate!"Blitz coudln't even scream as his soul disintegrated. Burst sighed. "I did it..." He was then swarmed by his friends and loved ones. They all made their way for Moon. "I take it you know what happens next?" Moon simply smiled as she and Burst kissed. "Yup. I'd say this counts as a happy ending." Burst and his friends then noticed the god cards had awakened. However, no one expected the god cards to BOW before Burst. Burst blinked and bowed in return.

"You've proven yourself more than enough Burst...", Slifer began.

"...And we have come to a decision...", Ra continued.

"..We have decided to reward you with eternal happiness.", Obelisk concluded. "You and all those you hold dear."

Burst was in shock! "I...thank you! But what do you mean by that?"

Slifer emitted a beam of red light on Burst and his friends! "I, Slifer, grant you noble souls and all you hold dear eternal life."

Ra emitted a beam of golden light. "I, Ra, grant you and your families eternal youth. However, it will only immediately affect those over the age of twenty-one. You all will have to wait three years. You'll want to celebrate beign immortal and eternally young! Burst and his friends chuckled at hearing this part before Obelisk emitted a beam of blue light.

"I, Obelisk, grant you all eternal wealth. Like Slifer's gift, its hall immediately go into effect. It shall also pass down to your families and your descendents. May you all enjoy your lives!" The god cards left in a flash of light leaving Burst and his friends to celebrate Burst's final victory!

Burst smiled. "Now all that's left is prom..."

Final Duel: Prom

The school week had finished, and Burst was excited. Tonight was prom. And he had just the outfit to wear. He was wearing the jacket Rarity had made for him that he wore during his final battle with Blitz. However, Burst was wearing dress pants and a shirt. He still kept his sneakers on though. "Moon said she and the girls were travelling separate from me and the guys..." Burst thought out loud. "Good thing I plan on arriving with the guys." Burst finished getting dressed and saw the limo leave with Moon and the other girls. "Rarity said she made the dresses for all the girls. Wonder how Moon's turned out?" Burst took a moment to fix his hair before anew limo pulled up. Burst smiled. "Well, tonight's the big night!" Burst went outside and said goodbye to his parents. "Hope you guys are ready."

"You kidding?", Inferno said with a smile. "After the week we've had, this'll be the perfect way to end it!"

"Plus, we'll be able to dance with our girlfriends.", Gold noted.

"I think that's the moment we're all hyped for.", Akage said with a nod.

"Chances are Dash'll try to start some sort of competiion about it. Like who can get in the best kiss during the slow dance.", Steel said with a shrug. "But I can't say I didn't see that coming."

"One things for sure.", Tyrannus said with a smile. "I think we're all going to have one memorable night."

"I hear ya.", Nightfall said with a sigh. "Good thing the place is going to have a photo center so we can all take a picture."

"The best night of our four years.", Ace said with a smile. "Hey. You guys thinking what I'm thinking?"

Burst smiled. "One last performance. To eternally remember this night. I know which song we're thinking of." Burst and the guys soon arrived at prom, and stepped out. As soon as they entered, they immediately made their way over to the girls. Each of the guys rushed up to their respective girlfriends. Rarity had modelled their dresses upon their interests and for some their ponied-up forms. Needless to say, the guys were awed by their radiance. Then, Burst heard a familiar voice. "Well Burst?" Moon stepped forth. She was wearing silver, fiingerless gloves that were modelled after her old armor. Her dress was azure and was cut to show off her body modestly. She had lovely smile on her face, and was wearing a necklace with a crescent moon on it. Her hair had an ethereal look to it. Burst couldn't help but simply gaze at her. Moon giggled. "I take it I've left you breathless?"

Burst smiled as he walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. "And I thought it was already a beautiful night. C'mon. Let's hit the dance floor." The group headed to the dance floor and proceeded to have the time of their lives! Rainbow Dash was having a dance-off against Steel. The two of them were busting out all their moves as they tried to one-up each other. Tyrannus and Fluttershy were over by the punch having a drink. They seemed to be away from all the noise so they could talk. Rarity and Inferno were having a good time on the dance floor, and were getting pretty hands-on with each other. Not that either of them minded getting personal. Ace, Veenus, and Fang were dancing with the Dazzlings. Some students were recording how fluidly they moved. Pinkie and Akage were over by the refreshments. Akage was doing his best to keep Pinkie from inhaling every last cupcake. Nightfall and Twilight were making dancing fools of themselves, but that didn't stop them from having fun. The same went for Shadow and Starlight. As Burst and Moon danced together, Burst heard Moon giggle. "Something funny Moon?"

"It's odd.", Moon said with a fond smile. "I just remembered the old eternal night plans I had back in Equestria. Luna wanted the night to last forever because she wanted her subjects to love her. Me? I have different reasons."

"Really?", Burst asked.

Moon nodded as she got closer to Burst. The two's bodies were almost touching. "If there's any night I want to last forever, it's this one." The dance music then changed to something slow and the couples in the crowd began to slow dance. Burst took Moon's hands as the two danced. Burst leaned his head to Moon's ear.

"Why this one in specific?", Burst whispered.

Moon kissed Burst's neck and trailed her kisses up to his ear before whispering. "So moments like these would last forever..."

"Thanks to the god cards, now it can.", Burst answered. "But I know what you mean." Burst and Moon gazed lovingly into each other's eyes, and engaged in a kiss as time seemed to stand still. If anything, this night would last forever in their memories. Burst and Moon then looked at all their friends and smiled. "Looks like we all got our happy endings." Burst and Moon just held each other close before the slow dance drew to a close. "One last thing to remember this night forever!" Burst gathered Inferno, Ace, and Gold. The four grabbed microphones and music began to play.

Burst
Inferno
Ace
Gold

Everybody! Rock your body! Everybody! Rock your body right!
Backstreet's back! Alright!
Oh my god we're back again!
Brothers, sisters, everybody sing!
Gonna bring the flavor show you how!
Am I original? (Yeah)
Am I the only one? (Yeah)
Am I sexual?(Yeah)
Am I everything you need? You better rock your body now!
Everybody! Yeah! Rock your body! Yeah!
Everbody, rock your body right!
Backstreet's back! Alright!

Now throw your hands up in the air!
Wave 'em around like you just don't care!
If you wanna party, let me hear you yell!
'Cause we've got it going on again!
Am I orignal?(Yeah)
Am I the only one?(Yeah)
Am I sexual?(Yeah)
Am I everything you need? You better rock your body now!
Everybody! Yeah! Rock your body! Yeah!
Everybody, rock your body right!
Backstreet's back! Alright!

So everybody, everyhwere. Don't be afriad, don't have no fear!
We're gonna tell the world! Make it understand!
As long as there'll be music we'll be coming back again!
Everybody! Yeah! Rock your body! Yeah
Everybody! Rock your body right!
Backstreet's back!
Everybody! Yeah! Rock your body! Yeah!
Everybody! Rock your body right!
Backstreet's back! Alright!

The whole crowed was screaming after Burst and the guys' last performance! The guys returned to their respective girlfriends and shared kisses with them. The group then headed to the photo area, and took a picture together. Each of them took their copy of the picture and looked to the night sky as prom winded down. Their paths after graduation were set, and their futures awaited them. But tonight? Tonight was all that mattered.

Epilogue Part One

The end of summer after graduation...

Burst and all his friends had gathered at Sugar Cube Corner for a send-off party. The summet had been short, but it was sweet nonetheless. However, that didn't make saying goodby any easier. It seemed hardest for Ace's family. Midnight was crying her eyes out as Ace, Ice, and Shadow prepared to leave. "Y-You promise to visit right?", Midnight sobbed as she held on to Ice tightly. Ice smiled as he knelt down and hugged Midnight tightly. A gesture his brothers replicated with great care.

"I'll still be living in Canterlot Midnight. So will Shadow.", Ice said with a smile. "So you don't have to worry about me visiting. I'll be able to buy my own house thanks to the god cards giving us all infinite wealth."

Shadow nodded. "You should be crying over Ace. He'll be going around the country. Heck, maybe even the world." Midnight latched onto Ace and hugged him tightly.

"Y-You'll call on webcam right?", Midnight sobbed as she held on to Ace.

Ace smiled. "I promise to call every week." The two then received a crushing hug by Sonata!

"Oh! I hate to see a sad goodbye!", Sonata sniffled. Narico was also taking Fang leaving pretty hard too.

"Don't worry Narico. I'll be sure to stay in touch.", Fang said to a teary-eyes Narico.

"And I'll make sure to remind him.", Aria said with a kind smile. Abyss then took Narico's hand.

"And you'll always have me." Abyss then kissed Narico on the lips! Narico blushed as he wiped his tears. Fang shared a tight hug with Narico and Aria joined in.

"You'll always be a part of my pack Narico.", Fang said with a smile. Narico managed a small smile. Veenus noticed Adagio shed a tear or two at the sight before her, and hugged her to comfort her. Rainbow Dash was struggling to keep her tears in.

"Don't go and do something stupid like losing you first duel!", Rainbow Dash said to Steel with a pout.

Steel gave her a sad smile. "I'll always picture your face in the crowd." Steel then hugged Rainbow tightly. "Just picture me in your dueling class over at Canterlot Duel Academy." The waterworks burst from Rainbow Dash's eyes as she returned the hug.

Sunset and Gold were also sharing a goodbye of their own. However theirs was less tearful. "Hope you can handle coming up with crazy new cards.", Sunset said with a small smile. Gold kissed her, and smiled in return.

"And good luck to you in helping some other lost kid find their way." The two embraced one last time. Nightfall and Twilight were discussing visiting Dark Magician's village in the monster world. The two even joked that it would be a good place to vaction. However, they were still saddened that most of their friends would be going their separate ways. Applejack and North were discussing their sleeping arrangements over at Sweet Apple Acres. The god cards may have given them immortality, eternal wealth, and agelessness once their reached twenty-one, but Applejack wanted to keep on working so she wouldn't get bored. North smiled and nodded in agreement. They agreed to share a room and a bed since North would be moving in. Akage and Pinkie were making plans on buying their own space so that it could house supplies for their party service that way they wouldn't have to bother with a spare storage unit. Fortuantely, the Cakes agreed to have Sugar Cube Corner serve as the storage space. Fluttershy and Tyrannus would still live their parents while working at the animal shelter. Shadow and Starlight were discussing a good place to set up their cosplay shop. Blueblood was more than happy to help them pick out a space, and the two were then set on their futures. Rarity and Inferno were sharing a fond farewell of their own.

"I hope you inspire your students to duel with same passion you have darling.", Rarity said with a loving smile.

Inferno smiled in return. "I'll make sure to." The two shared a kiss. "Maybe after I become a teacher, we can have a place of our own."

Moon walked up to Burst and held him close. "You know, the house is going to feel pretty empty without you."

Burst sighed. "I know Moon. During my time getting certified, Rainbow and Inferno will also be living at the academy. But...at least we can still go on dates in our dreams." Burst wrapped his arms around Moon. "I love you Moon." The two shared a final kiss. "Be sure to make your class smile."

"You too..." The next day, each of the friends left on their own roads. But they took heart in knowing that later on, their paths would cross once more. And they would be together once again.

Epilogue Part Two

Three years after graduation...

The bell had just rung, which meant class had ended. "Alright class! Have a good day!"

The CMC and the other students smiled. "You too Miss Moon!" And with that, the class headed off for lunch. Moon smiled as she watched her students go off to enjoy the rest of their day. Moon looked into a window and gazed at her reflection. She had grown into a woman whose beauty was on par of that with Celestia. Moon's look had also matured in her time as a teacher. She had swapped out her jeans for a skirt and her tank-top for an azure blouse. She still had boots and her jacket, which made her look intimidating to her students at first. But once they got to know her, her students got to love her. Many of her students said she was their favorite teacher. Hearing that always made Moon smile. While she and the others didn't need to worry about aging since they had hit twenty-one thanks to the gifts of the god cards. They also didn't need to worry about money or passing away either. No, Moon did this job solely because she loved working with the children. Moon then heard a knocking on her door. "Come in..." Sunset walked in. For the most part her outfit was the same as it was during her time as a student. However, she had a megenta shirt as opposed to her old sea-green blouse. "Hi Sunset."

Sunset smiled. "Wanna take a walk? You look like you could use some catching up." Moon smiled in return as she and Sunset walked around CHS. "So summer's coming up pretty soon. Wanna hear about how everyone's doing?"

Moon nodded. "I'd love to hear how all our friends are faring."

"Well, Fluttershy and Ty are now in charge of their own animal clinic that doubles as an adoption center. They're doing pretty well especially since Ty's brother Evo joined up. Ty and Fluttershy are also living together."

"Wow. That's a pretty bold step on Ty's part.", Moon said in surprise.

Sunset giggled. "Actually, it was Fluttershy's idea." Moon's jaw dropped! "Yeah. That was my reaction too. Moving on, Pinkie and Akage's party service is taking off! Heck, we've had them cater us since Pinkie's so good with making treats. She and Akage have their own place now. Surprisingly, Pinkie's pretty quiet around Akage. But that doesn't mean she's not a bundle of energy whenever she's on business. Also, Akage's brother Shogun pops in to check-up on them."

"That's to be expected.", Moon said with a smile.

"Rarity's become quite the name in fashion...", Sunset continued. "Everyone's going nuts over her clothing based on some of the monsters from Duel Monsters. Speaking of the game, Inferno's become quite the teacher at Duel Academy. He and Burst were even inducted into the Duelin Hall of Fame! Inferno is also living with Rarity. Somehow, she got Carousel Boutique to double as her residence and Inferno moved in. She's also got an extra assistant in Nova."

"I heard about that.", Moon said with a nod. "Sweetie Belle's face always lights up because it means she can play with Black Dragon's Chick more often. Speaking of her,the CMC and their guy friends plan on enrolling at Duel Academy here in Canterlot."

Sunset chuckled. "I sure hope they don't plan on Burst, Inferno, or Dash going easy on them. Speaking of Dash, she and Steel are moving in together. Not to mention, Steel's become the best in the pro dueling world. You wouldn't believe how red her face went!"

"Speaking of relationships, how are you and Gold doing?"

Sunset sighed happily. "Gold goes all-out on our dates. What they lack in frequency, they more than make up for it in quality. He and I are pretty lucky to have each other. Since we're still on the topic of couples, Celstia and Sombra are engaged now!"

"That's so wonderful!", Moon cheered.

"Yeah. Starlight and Shadow are sharing an apartment, and their cosplay shop is getting a lot of acclaim. Especially since Blueblood's such a die-hard cosplayer and a prominent member of the cosplay community."

"So how are Twilight and Nightfall doing?"

Sunset chuckled. "Surprisingly, they're a lot more outgoing. They've got their own place now, and Night's dad helps out with any machinery they need. That technomancy is pretty incredible."

"So how're the Dazzlings faring on the charts? And how're their number one fans faring?", Moon asked.

"Where do I even begin? They're straight-up dominating the pop charts. With how good their new voices are, none of the other artists stood a chance. But they're always humble about it, and they love their fans a lot. They've also gotten involved in a lot of charity concerts. As for their boyfriends, they'gotten pretty close. Veenus learned how to play guitar, and he'll usually perform when Adagio has a solo. The two of them share a kiss as soon as Veenus finishes his guitar solo. Fang always helps Aria de-stress after a performance, and Ace and Sonata have performed some duets. They got voted as cutest couple in the band. Moving on, North and Applejack are thinking of making things official." Sunset then paused. "You know, that only leaves you. How're you and Burst doing?"

Moon sighed. "We really haven't seen each other except in our dreams. However, we're the age we were when we last met in our dream dates. It's not that I don't appreciate them though. I...I just want to actually feel Burst in my arms again. I want to see how he's grown." Moon then held herself. Sunset smiled.

"You'll get your chance this weekend. Burst sent me a text that everyone's schedule is clear for the summer, so we're having a little gathering at Sugar Cube Corner as soon as school lets out this week for summer."

Moon smiled. "Just like old times..."

That weekend...

Moon and Sunset smiled as they walked into Sugar Cube Corner. They were nearly tackled by Pinkie when she rushed up to hug them! "Sunset! Moon! You came!", Pinkie chirped! Her new outfit consisted of blue jeans, pink sneakers, and a pink shirt with balloons on it. Akage smiled, and waved at them. His outfit hadn't changed a bit ever since high school. Rainbow Dash soon arrived on Rainbow Dragon.

"The awesomeness has returned! Ra Yellow's head teacher is in the house!", Rainbow boasted! Her new outfit consisted of a tank-top modelled after rainbow Dragon and a skirt to match. She then dismissed Rainbow Dragon as she walked in. "What's up everyone?" Steel then pulled up on a motorcylce sporting a jacket modelled after Black Luster Soldier.

"Miss me Dash?", Steel asked with a joking smile. Rainbow playfully punched Steel in the arm before swiping a kiss. "As expected." Fluttershy and Ty soon arrived. Ty's outfit consisted of a vest over his standard grey shirt, and ripped blue jeans. Fluttershy now wore light green pants, pink shoes, and a white blouse.

"It's nice to see you all again.", Fluttershy said with a warm smile. Tyrannus smiled.

"Boy. We sure had a lot of good times here.", he said with a fond sigh. "Any word on Burst of Inferno yet?"

Sunset shook her head. "No word from Burst, but Inferno's going to showing up with Rarity."

"Someone call my name?", Rarity asked as she and Inferno arrived on Red-Eyes. Inferno then dismissed Red-Eyes. Rarity's new outfit consisted of purple skirt, a light blue long-sleeve shirt and black boots. "It's been far too long darlings!" Rarity hugged her friends tightly. Inferno's outfit was mostly the same, but he had a new red coat that fell to his knees with Red-Eyes ont he back of it.

"Yo Ty! Steel! Akage!", Inferno called out! The guys shared a fist bump. "You all look great!"

"So how's the head teacher of Slifer Red?", Steel asked.

"The kids love me!", Inferno said with a smile. "A lot of them like how I've got a fiery passion in my dueling. They really like when Burst and I duel too! It's good to know that the game is still loved by a lot of people."

"Glad to hear you're enjoying your job like the rest of us.", Akage said with a smile.

"True.", Ty said with a nod. "I think we've all found our dream jobs." Shadow and Starlight walked in next.

"Hey everyone!", Shadow greeted! His new outift being grey jeans, a tank-top with Dragluon on it, and his signature black beanie cap.

"Long time, no see!", Starlight said with a smile. as she went over to the girls. Her new outfit consisted of a teal shirt, blue jeans, and blue sneakers. "I'd have come in costume, but I'm saving it for our Comic Con booth."

"That big a shop already?", Inferno asked as he nudged Shadow.

"Yup.", Shadow said with a nod. "We've gotten pretty popular!" Ice soon arrived on Red Dragon Archfiend with Indigo Zap. "Speaking of people who'll be at the Con, Ice has gotten to be a pretty good voice actor."

"Don't I know it?", Ice said with a chuckle. "Zap tunes in whenever the anime I do voice work for airs."

"Heh. You should see the legion of fans that gather when they see him!", Indigo said with a chuckle.

Soon, a limo pulled up. Adagio and her family stepped out. "Heard there was a party.", Adagio said with a smile as she removed her sunglasses. "Hope you don't mind us joining?" Veenus, Ace, and Fang stepped out. Sunset and the girls hugged Adagio and her family. "Couldn't have picked a better time to take a hiatus. It's great seeing you all again."

"It's nice seeing how far you've all come." The whole group turned to see Principal Celestia with Sombra in tow. "You've all grown up so much since Freshman Year."

"We had a good principal.", Sunset said with a smile.

Sunset then saw Gold land on Gold-Eyes Crimson Dragon. She ran into his arms and kissed him! "Nice to see you too.", Gold said with a smile as he dismissed Crimson. "I made this custom card for you."

"Sunset Daydreams...", Sunset read aloud. "It's perfect."

Moon scratched her head as she surveyed all the people present at the party. "Hey Inferno?"

"Hm?"

"Where's Burst at?", Moon asked.

Inferno shrugged. "He said you'll know him when you see him." Moon was confused as to what he meant. It was then that the door opened and a figure walked up to Moon. The others fell silent as the figure spoke.

"Excuse me?", the figure asked as he addressed Moon. "I'm looking for someone."

"Oh. What do they look li-?" Moon put her hands over her mouth. Before her was Burst. His outfit was still the same, but the jacket now had Blue-Eyes on the back and was refitted to Burst's new size. He also had fingerless black leather gloves. But what hadn't changed at all, was the loving smile Burst had on his face.

"The girl of my dreams.", Burst said as he held Moon closed and the two shared a passionate kiss. "You look even more beautiful than I remember. I've only dreamed of this moment."

"You and me both.", Moon said with a blissful smile.

Burst then let go of Moon. "Hey Moon? There's an important question I've gotta ask you..." Everyone watched in awe as Burst knelt on one knee and pulled a small box out of his pocket and opened it up. Inside was a ring! "Would you marry me?" Moon gasped before tackling Burst to the ground! "I'm guessing that's a yes?"

"Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!", Moon screamed happily as she held Burst tight! Burst and Moon soon got to their feet and still held each other.

"It's you and me...", Burst said with a loving smile

"...Forever...", Moon finsihed with a kiss! All of their friends cheered! "Looks like we've got our happy ending."

Author's Note

To all my readers, Thank You.

Prologue

Blitz smiled at the figures who he had assembled. "I bet you're all wondering why I've gathered us here? Well it's quite simple." Blitz snapped his fingers and conjured up images of some of Burst's friends. "It's because we have unfinished business with this lot. Each of you are free to pursue any of the others. But Burst?" Blitz gazed hatefully into the image sphere that had Burst in it. "Burst is MINE." One of the figures scoffed.

"Why should I follow your lead? You don't look that tough!", The figure said with a sneer. Blitz blinked, and approached the figure. He then grabbed the figure by the throat and held him against a wall!

"Do you still doubt my strength?", Blitz asked with a sneer before addressing the others and releasing the figure. "Would anyone else like to contest my leadership?" The other figures were silent. "Good. I can tell we're going to have a lot of fun together. Heh heh heh! AHHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA!"

Duel 3: Savage Evolution Part 2

Tyrannus had reached the forest, and collapsed on his knees near a river. As he leaned in to drink, he gazed in fear and disgust at his own reflection. This new face, this...monster, had hurt the one person who hadn't run away from his because of his appearance. The one girl who had actually grown to love him. And he had hurt her. Slashed at her with his claws. Tyrannus screamed in rage! "AGHH!" He swiped away at the reflection in the water! Hoping to do away with the being in the reflection! But it was still there. HE was still there. As his heart sank, Tyrannus heard a low chuckle coming from above.

"Yes. That's it. Use the rage in your body. It's your strength now." Evo glided down from one of the trees and was carrying a fresh kill. "Here. Thought you might like a meal." Tyrannus glared at Evo and swatted away the prey he had caught. Evo frowned. "Can't a brother show some concern for his sibling?"

"You're not my family.", Tyrannus growled. "And this 'gift' you gave is nothing but a curse! Change me back to a human!"

Evo shook his head. "You would side with those primitve weaklings?" Evo then grabbed Tyrannus by the throat and pinned him against a tree! "Only the strong have a right to survival! Which brings me to my plan! To put the world into a constant state of dueling in which we're at the top of the food chain! Everything below us is simply food to sate our hunger for battle!"

"If you truly believe that....you're the real primitve one...", Tyrannus spat back. "You've got no place in this world..."

Evo released Tyrannus and frowned. "Fine. So be it. I'll give you one last chance to make your choice. Either evolve alongside me, or join the weaklings in extinction. I hope you'll make the wise decision." Evo once again summoned his wings and flew off. Tyrannus slowly rose to his feet and drank from the stream. He then caught a fish with his newfound reflexes, and ate it.

"I guess I'd better find a place to sleep." Tyrannus ventured around, and soon found a nice firm branch on a tree. "That should do just fine." Tyrannus climbed up, and set his back against the trunk. As he started to fall asleep, Tyrannus thought of Fluttershy. He wondered if she would look for him, or if she would just pretend to forget everything about him. And if she does look for me, what'll she do? She didn't run away when she first met me. But now? Tyrannus let out a heavy sigh. I just hope that she doesn't run away screaming. Tyrannus fell asleep. Hoping that the next day would have a brighter outcome.