" Sunset! Can you hear me?! Sunset!"

" Oh dear. Twilight, i'm afraid she can't hear you." Rarity says as she places her hand on the lavender teens shoulder.

" What in tarnation is goin' on here? Where'd all them vines come from?' Applejack huffs as she places her hand onto one of the vines.

" This must be the power of that Memory Stone artifact that Wallflower has. Equestrian Magic is behind this again." Twilight mutters as she fell to her knees. " Sunset was right all along. She was always there, even if we can't remember it. She knew, and we didn't listen to her. We were....we are her friends."

" Hey, don't sweat it Twi! If there's one thing I can remember about Sunset is that she's one tough duelist. Princess Twilight barely managed to beat her before, so this Wallflower doesn't stand a chance!" Rainbow declares as she gives Twilight a reassuring smile.

" Yeah! She's right! Back when she was the biggest meanie pants, nobody could beat her! Her and her big dragon buddy will beat that Wallflower, count on it!" Pinkie exclaims as she helps Twilight up with a wide grin on her face.

" Um... about that?" Fluttershy mumbles worriedly. " If Sunset knows how dangerous she is, why hasn't she summoned her monster?"

The girls look at each other intently. Fluttershy was right to wonder why Sunset hadn't summoned her dragon against Wallflower. Since the start of the duel, Sunset did nothing but burn away at her opponents life points and destroy her cards. She had been holding back since the beginning and the Rainbooms knew this. Whatever was happening inside the thorn dome was unknown even to them, but they all hoped that Sunset would be able to beat Wallflower and stop whatever dark Equestrian magic was holding their memories. They huddled close as they stared at the burning vines; praying that Sunset would win.

The sounds of sharp crackling of electricity and the roar of the flames reverberate throughout the dome. Sunset stares at her field and her two monsters. All that was left was her two Motor Parts and her set card. Looming over her was Wallflowers newly summoned dragon. With only 500 life points left, her mind races furiously as she stares at her hand.

" I barley managed to survive that turn. I have nothing in my hand that I can use... or at least nothing i'd want to use. Still, with two tokens on my field, I can stall for a bit."

" Are you done staring at your hand?! It's your move!" Wallflower yells as she points at Sunset.

" Fine! It's my move. I draw! I'll set two cards and end my turn." Sunset declares as she slides two cards into her disk.

" Heh! If that's all you've got, then it's my turn. I draw!" Wallflower declares. ' Now I activate my Spell, Cross Draw of Destiny! Here's how this works: Both of us draw a card and reveal it. Now, if we draw any monsters, we must summon that monster to our opponents side to the field."

" Alright then, I draw." Sunset says as she pulls a card from her deck. Her face scrunches up as she sees her drawn card." I drew the monster, Red Resonator."

" And I drew the card, Twilight Rose Knight." Wallflower replys, revealing their card. " So now we summon those monsters to each others field."

A ball of fire spurts onto Wallflowers field as a small fiend clad in a fiery cloak appears from the fire. It cackles as it bangs its iron tuning fork onto its baton and reveals its 600 attack points. Onto Sunsets field came a blizzard of rose petals as a small knight appeared. Its deep indigo armor shimmered under the flames as its cape flowed in the winds. Its long, icy blue hair drapes over its eyes as it unsheathes its sword. The knights sword glows as its 1000 attack points appear next to it.

" Now Cross Draws other effect activates! We both gain life points equal to the attack of the summoned monsters."

Both of the newly summoned monsters glow in a deep cerulean and crimson as streams of light sail towards the two duelists. The blue wave strikes Wallflower as her life rises to 700, while the red stream hits Sunset and restores her life to 1500. A smirk crawls onto Wallflowers face as Red Resonator begins to tap its baton to its tuning fork. A wave of sound vibrates from the fork as Black Rose Dragon roars.

" I hope you didn't forget your own monsters effect, because i'm activating it! Now, since Red Resonator was special summoned, I can target a monster on the field and gain life points equal to its attack. Naturally, I choose my Black Rose Dragon.

An angry howl comes from Wallflowers monster as Black Rose Dragon begins to glow a bright green. As the aura begins to pulsate and shine brighter, a similar aura begins to radiate from Wallflower as her life point counter begins to flash. The counter flashes as her life points spike to 3100.

" Grr... so much for my Volcannons effect. Now her life points are almost back to normal, while mine are in the dirt." Sunset grimaces.

" Now I activate the effect of my Black Rose Dragon. I'll remove an Evil Thorn from my graveyard in order to switch your Motor Token into attack mode!" Wallflower says as she retrieves her Thorn from her graveyard.

The giant dragon howls as a storm of vines erupt from the ground. The vines wrap themselves tightly around Sunsets token as its changed into attack position. The Motor Token vibrates and puffs out a small cloud of smog as its attack points remain at zero.

" Go! Black Rose Dragon! Black Rose Static Flare!"

" I don't thinks so!" Sunset declares. " I activate my Continuous Trap, Scrubbed Raid! Now by sending a card I control to the graveyard, I can end the Battle Phase!"

A beam of white light fires from Sunsets trap as it strikes her Motor Part. The pile of scrap suddenly leaps into the air and slams into the oncoming torrent of static flames. The flames scatter away as Sunsets token fades away and Wallflowers dragon returns to her side.

" So you managed to stall for another turn. Big deal. Next turn, i'll destroy that trap and finish you off! I end my turn." Wallflower scoffs.

" Then it's my move. I draw!" Sunset says, drawing her card. She stares at her field and her hand as her mind wanders.

" Ok... I managed to stop her attack for now. As long as I have Scrubbed Raid on my field, I can keep stopping her attacks, so long as I have cards to pitch away. Though i'm sure she'll figure out a way to destroy my Trap, unless I can do something."

" I'll pass this turn." Sunset says aloud.

" Is that all? Hmph! Then it's my turn. I draw!" Wallflower hisses as she draws. " And with this, my card will decide your fate. First, I switch your Red Resonator to defense mode. Next I play my Spell, Roll of Fate! With this, I roll a die, and I can draw cards equal to the result so long as I discard the same amount of cards from my deck."

A hologram of Wallflowers card materializes as its spits out a large, white, six sided die. The die springs onto the forest floor with a hollow thud as it spins on one of its edges. Both duelists stare intently at the spinning die as the die begins to slow down and wiggle oddly. The die finally halts from its spin and lands face up; revealing a glowing set of four black dots on the smooth face.

" Fate favors me today Sunset! I rolled a four, so I can now draw four cards, and mill four more." Wallflower says as she draws her cards and removes four of her cards from her deck. " And with this, the duel is over! I activate Break Stream! Thanks to this card, I can target my Black Rose Dragon and when she battles this turn, you can't activate Spells or Traps this turn! Furthermore, when my dragon destroys one of your monsters in battle, I can destroy one of your Spells and Traps! So say goodbye to your Scrubbed Raid! Now, I use my Black Rose Dragons effect! I'll remove my Evil Thorn from the grave to shift the battle position of your last Motor Part! Go, Break Stream!"

Black Rose Dragon lashes out more of its vines as the barbed appendages dig deep into the rusted token. The beast then unhinges its jaws and begins to charge a vile green ball of energy aimed squarely at the helpless scrap pile. With a snap of its head, the dragon unleashes the torrent of green energy that forms into a wide wave that washes over Sunsets cards. All of Sunsets set cards and her face-up Scrubbed Raid were suddenly grayed out and turned to stone. The wave then intensifies into a single, solid beam that headed straight towards Sunsets monster. Before the beam could strike, a tall, lanky, sharply dressed being suddenly springs in front of the Motor Token and stops the blast with one of its wide shoulders. The beam scatters and strikes the token; shattering it into pieces. Sunset holds her hand up as her life points remain unchanged.

" What? But your life points..." Wallflower mutters angrily.

" When a monster with 1000 attack or less is attacked, I can send my Devotion Gardna from my hand to the graveyard to prevent any damage this turn." Sunset replys as she send the monster from her hand to the grave. Sunsets monster nods toward her and adjusts its tie before fading away.

" Grr... even so, since my dragon destroyed a monster, my Break Stream will shatter your Scrubbed Raid!" she snaps back as the stone statue of Scrubbed Raid collapses into a pile of dust and rubble. "I'll set two cards and end my turn."

" Here we go. My move, I draw!" Sunset says as she pulls her card. Sunsets brow furrows as she stares at the field.

" She's backed me into a corner... What can I do now? ....no. I know exactly what she wants me to do..Damn! I really don't have a choice. I have to summon it. Ok Wallflower... as much as it pains me to prove you right, you asked for it." Sunset thinks as she bitterly stares at her hand.

" I'll begin by summoning my Red Gargoyle to the field." Sunset declares as she slams down a card from her hand.

In flash of flames from Sunsets card came a large, red humanoid creature that was wrapped in flames and covered in green markings. The creature flexes its four thick, muscular arms as its crimson skin ripples under its gigantic, burning wings. A devious, sharp smile creeps along its beady head as it lets out a long, dark howl. It floats beside Twilight Rose Knight as its counter shows its 1200 attack.

" Next, I activate my Spell card, Plus Star 1 2 3! This lets me target a monster I control and I can increase its level by one, two, or three. Now my Gargoyles level goes to 5!"

A hologram of Sunsets card appears above her Gargoyle as a hail of bright, cartoony stars rain down onto her monster. The stars harmlessly shatter onto the red demon as a counter appears beside it. An additional yellow star appears along with the other four as its level rises to five. Wallflowers expression changes to a sly smirk as she waits for the inevitable. Her gaze is averted to one of her set cards as Sunset continues her turn.

" Now I tune my level five Red Gargoyle with your level three Twilight Rose Knight!"

The little knight raises its sword skyward as its body begins to glow in a familiar neon green aura. Its body shatters into 3 neon green rings that flip into the air as Red Gargoyle flys through the the rings as the demon fades away and five, sparkling white orbs line up inside the rings. The stars extend into a dazzling pillar of light that pours through the rings.

" The heartbeat of the former ruler burns through here. Bear witness as its existence shakes the heavens! Synchro Summon! Descend, level eight! My immemorial soul, Red Demons Dragon!"

The pillar of light suddenly bursts into a wall of flame as a deep groan is heard from the flames. In one giant wing beat, a pair of wide, tattered crimson wings part through the flames and reveal the beast behind them. The dragon was gigantic; dwarfing even Black Rose Dragon with its wings. Its body was a dark onyx coloration with many scarlet scales and protrusions. The dragon shifted its heavy scarlet shoulder pauldrons as it shook its tri horned head and scattered any lingering flames on its body. A deep, enraged roar escapes the creatures mouth as it lowers itself next to Sunset. A flash from the counter reveals the dragons hefty 3000 attack.

The dragon raises its head and howls skyward. The howl sends shockwaves throughout the dome as the vines begin to quiver and shake. In one swift motion, Red Demon slams its right claw into the center of the arena. A plume of savage flames erupts from the newly created crater as multiple fissures rip apart the field. The fissures strike the edges of the barbed dome as even more torrents of flames burned towards the vines. The raging flame caused by the strike begins to engulf the dome as the vines writhe and twist in the crimson flames. It isn't long before the entire dome and arena is drowned in the raging blaze.

" Ohh... I hope Sunset is ok..." Fluttershy mumbles, huddled next to Applejack on the forest floor.

" Argh.... come on! What's going on in there?!" the rainbow haired teen exclaims as she angrily paces back and forth in front of the vines.

The rest of the girls stared intently at the dome. With no openings in the vines nor any sound from the thorn prison, all of the girls remained on edge as they all wondered what was happening inside. Rarity continues to fan herself whilst seated on a log next to Twilight and Pinkie. Twilight stares worried at the dome as Pinkie wraps her arm around Twilight.

" Hey Twi, don't worry! I'm sure Sunsets got everything aaaaalll under control! She's probably giving that creepy witch a wallop of the ages!"

" I guess so..." Twilight responds. " Still... we've seen what Wallflower was capable of. All of those injured students and lost memories... and if Sunset can't beat her-" She shudders at the though of Sunset losing the duel.

" Why darling, even if we don't remember Sunset as our friend, I can assure you that she has more than enough dueling skills to defeat this...Wallflower Blush." Rarity says, stammering at Wallflowers name. " If what happened during the Fall Formal is anything to go by, Sunset shall win this duel."

" She's right sugarcube. Ah can't rightly remember anythin' bout Sunset changin', but I know that she's one tough apple, and it'll take more than just some old rock to beat her." Applejack says consoling Fluttershy. " Shucks, even Princess Twilight barley managed to whup her then. Trust me, she'll be ok."

Twilight smiles as she nudges her black rimmed glasses. She may not have known Sunset before the events of the Friendship Games, but she felt relieved to hear about Sunsets dueling skills. If she truly was the best duelist at CHS, then she would be the one to help restore the memories of the Rainbooms. A bright aura emanating from Twilights skirt pockets snaps her from her thoughts as it startles her. Reaching in her pockets, she pulls out a single, glowing card and stares at it. The rest of the girls also pulled out their own cards; each of them glowing just as brightly as Twilights.

" Huh? Wise Core? Why is my card..." Twilight thought as she stared.

" Hey! My Smile World is all shiny and sparkly again!' Pinkie says waving her card in the air.

" Yeah, my Clear Wing is glowing, just like it did during the Fall Formal and the Friendship Games!" Rainbow replied.

Fluttershys Gao, Guardian of the Sacred Tree, Raritys Gem Knight Lady Brilliant Dia, and Applejacks Naturia Exterio continued to glow even brighter as they stared whimsically at their cards. An earthquake suddenly shook the the forest as the girls fell over and braced themselves. The rumbling intensifies as the vine dome bursts into flames. The vines writhe and burn away into ash; finally freeing the field from the prison and leaving the field free from and lingering vines or flames. All that remained was the two duelist, now staring at each other with a burning hatred in their eyes, and their behemoths roaring and snarling in defiance next to their masters.

" Sunset! Are you...." Twilight exclaims as she recovers from the sudden earthquake.

" Alright! That weird vine dome is gone, and look! Sunset got out her dragon!" Rainbow says cutting Twilight off with a wide smirk on her face.

" Oh my... we've missed quite a lot. Sunsets life points are so low, and Wallflower has nearly recovered all of hers." Rarity says worriedly.

" Umm... girls?" Fluttershy says meekly. " I think something's wrong with Sunset... she can't hear us."

The shy girls words don't go unnoticed as the Rainbooms all notice Sunset. Despite the destruction of the vines, she had made no attempt to notice the girls and had kept her focus on Wallflower and her Black Rose Dragon. A fiery crimson aura had surrounded her as her hair flowed and glowed brightly; not unlike the starry manes of the rulers of Equestria. Something about her eyes gave off an unsettling aura of anger and melancholy. One could almost mistake seeing a burning flame deep into her pupils from her riled expression. Despite the ensuing heat that radiated throughout the field, a cold shiver ran up the spines of the girls. A feeling of dread the girls haven't felt in ages loomed over their heads as they all showed their concern over Sunset.

" Sunset darling.. Are you ok?"

" Heya Sunny? Is everything alright?"

" Ya doin' alright Sunset? "

" Yo! Sunset! What's wrong with you?!"

" Sunset! What's going on?"

All of her friends words of concern fell on deaf ears as Sunsets focus was on the duel. She could feel a fire coursing through her veins as her dragon roars in a bloody rage; a feeling she hadn't felt since her rule over CHS back before Princess Twilight appeared to place her on the right path. Her dragon, Red Demons Dragon, had always been her symbol of power and fear during her old reign and served as a constant reminder of her past. Ever since her defeat at the hands of the Princess of Friendship, she neglected her old symbol and modified her deck. Had it not been for the events of the Cup, she would have vowed never to use her dragon ever again. The jeers, the looks, the passing glances; Sunset felt it all during the events of the Cup and the summoning of her old beast. The removal of all good memories of her brought about something inside of her. She was robbed of stopping the one behind this chaos before and she wouldn't let Wallflower get away again.

" I didn't want to have to do this..." Sunset whispers, before raising her voice. " But you leave me no choice! I'm not the same person I was before, but if you won't believe that, then so be it!"

" Hehe... there you go Sunset.." Wallflower thinks slyly. " You've shown your true colors. I was right all along. One foot in the grave, and i'll be there to nudge you the rest of the way!"

As Sunsets Fenix did before, Red Demons let out a ferocious roar at Wallflowers monster as the Witches monster did the same. However, the roars and howls now were far more bloodcurdling and enraged. The howls shook the trees and made the earth rumble under the duelists feet as a powerful gale whipped from behind Wallflower. Likewise, as if to answer the wind, a wave of heat blasted from behind Sunset as both collided in the center of the field. All of the Rainbooms cards shone as bright as the few scattered stars left in the sky as Twilight stared at the events unfolding in front of all of the girls. Something was wrong with Sunset, and she could almost feel it; a familiar feeling that she had only felt once before...

" Sunset..."

Author's Note

Here we go! Time for the duel to really heat up