Heart of the Cards

Chapters

Episode 1: New Trouble
Episode 2: Past or Present
Episode 3: The Challenge Awaits

Episode 1: New Trouble

Everybody in the academy all stay in the Main Duel Arena of the academy for over an hour watching annual opening exam duels. While watching, Twilight and her friends all talk about their final exams for the year.

“Applejack it's simple. Just get one of the best scores on the written exam and prove in the duel exam that you can do what you talk about. Nothing else necessary or included. Write, duel, results, end. There are 3000 ponies in this academy…and some dragons, so it's literally impossible for us 6 being here the longest out of any pony here to get below the top 50’s. For example, look at the current duel between Spitfire and Ember. Seeing how Spitfire abuses that “Black Luster Soldier” with 2 “Command Knights” with 1600 Life Points and how Ember uses “Blizzard Princess” for her signature card and always with a face down card and 2200 Life Points, Spitfire could’ve XYZ summoned “Number 39: Utopia” for protection from attacks, and “Tribute to the Doomed” followed by “Ring of Destruction” causing her to lose.”

“I activate “Tribute to the Doomed.” By discarding 1 card, I can target and destroy 1 monster on the field. Say goodbye to 1 of your “Command Knights, reducing your warrior monsters attacks by 400.

Black Luster Soldier [3800→3400]

Command Knight [2000→1600]

“Now I activate my face down Trap Card “Ring of Destruction” I can target 1 monster on the field, destroy it, and both of us take damage equal its attack. I target “Command Knight.”

Ember [LP: 2200→600]

Spitfire [LP: 1600→0]

The other girls look at Twilight surprised.

“Don’t look at me like that. You act like I don’t study.” Pinkie Pie looks back at the arena, then back at Twilight, replying to Twilights comment.

“Well we know that, but we didn’t know you studied to the point to know the next move of the duelist and who was gonna win.”

“It’s simple. A lot of there strategies are over used to the point to where you can easily tell. It’s not really that hard if you think about it. Just look at the obvious repeats that others do. Rarity and I see it all of the time. I’m just surprised she didn’t point it out before I did.”

“I’m currently too busy helping Fluttershy look for Rainbow Dash.” Everyone else looks around for about 5 seconds, until she found out by Applejack.

“Uh, Twilight? Does she have another exam today?”

“No, not that I know of.” Fluttershy gets the groups attention, placing her phone in her backpack.

“Girls, I just got off the phone with her, and she accepted to duel a new student. Chancellor Celestia allowed it due to her final exam scores last year. She never got rewarded for being the most improved score in her mechanics class.”

“Wait, Dash knows mechanics?” They all see her step onto the platform waving to everyone. 5 seconds later, the new student wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses comes out of the opposite side of the arena. They both meet up in the middle, shaking hooves.

“Welcome to the Academy. I guess I’ll be your first opponent. I’m Rainbow Dash.”

“Jack. Jack Crusher.”

“Wait, you mean,Jack “Doomsday” Crusher? As in the 4 time world dueling champion and motivational speaker star popular YouTube artist?”

“Don’t scream…but yes. I take it you’re a fan so we'll talk after the duel. Agreed?”

“Alright. Don’t go easy on me just because I’m a mare. I pack a pretty hard punch for a duelist.” They both walk back towards the ends of the platform for there duel. There duel disk activate and Nova Rings around their wrist light up. (A Nova Ring in this story is a clear wrist ring that lights up white in a duel for ponies. This is basically there hand. Since cards can’t be drawn themselves by hooves, the nova ring allows the ability to draw cards from the wrist movement when drawing an actual card, hold the cards in place by a gravitational pull around the ring, and summon them from the wrist movement from placing a card down).

“Let’s duel!”

Jack Crusher [LP: 4000]

Rainbow Dash [LP: 4000]

(Will always start →)

“I’ll start! I summon “Ancient Gear Hunting Hound” in attack mode.” [1000] “When this card normal summoned, my opponent takes 600 damage.”

Jack [LP: 4000→3400]

“Using his effect, I can Fusion summon “Ancient Gear” monsters from my hand or field as Fusion material monsters. By using “Ancient Gear Hunting Hound” and “Ancient Gear Knight,” I Fusion summon, “Ancient Gear Howitzer!” [1000] “I also activate its effect, causing 1000 damage to you.”

Jack [LP: 3400→2400]

“Then I’ll place him in defense mode.” [1800] “I’ll finish my turn by placing 1 card face down.”

“Alright then, I draw! I reveal from my hand 3 “Cubic” cards from hand with different names to summon of a monster. By revealing “Cubic Karma,” “Cubic Wave,” and “Unification of the Cubic Lords,” I special summon, “Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord!” [3000] “Then I summon “Duza, the Meteor Cubic Vessel” in attack mode.” [1600] “Then I activate the Continuous Spell Card “Cubic Karma.” By targeting 1 “Cubic” monster I control, I can send to the graveyard a number of “Vijam the Cubic Seeds” from my hand or deck to the graveyard, and increase that targets ATK by 800 for each. All of them are currently in my deck, so I target “Duza,” increasing it’s ATK by 2400.”

Duza, the Meteor Cubic Vessel [1600→4000]

“Now I activate the Quick Play spell Card “Twin Twisters.” By discarding 1 card in my hand, I can target up to 2 Spell/Trap cards on the field and destroy them. Seems like the only one currently out is your face down card.”

{Trap: Draining Shield}

“Crimson Nova,” destroy “Ancient Gear Howitzer!”

“Thanks cause now he was destroyed by battle, I can special summon any “Ancient Gear” monster from my deck I choose. “I summon “Ancient Gear Golem” in attack mode.” [3000] “(Since he can only attack with 1 monster per turn, this'll be a great defense and set up for my next turn).”

“Impressive Dash, but when “Crimson Nova” destroys a monster by battle, he’s allowed to declare another attack.”

“Your ATK and my DEF are the same. It won’t do anything.”

“I never said I needed “Crimson Nova.” “Duza” dispose of “Ancient Gear Golem!”

Rainbow Dash [LP: 4000→3000]

“(I completely forgot he had that. With a direct attack, I'm done for)."

“Crimson Nova” direct attack!”

Rainbow Dash [LP: 3000→0]

Everything goes silent while the smoke clears, seeing Rainbow Dash on her knees looking down. When she looks up, she sees a hoof held out in front of her by Jack. Taking it and getting to her feet, an applause comes from the rest of the students watching.

“You got skills Dash. I like your style. I don’t know my way around here, so if you don’t mind while we talk, can you give me a tour of the premises?” They walk off while talking, as Twilight glares at him from her seat.

“Something’s not right.” Rarity responds, trying to joke around.

“Besides the fact that the mechanical factory malfunctioned and got shut down?”

“About him. There's something not right about him. Those are cards I’ve never seen before, and Dash isn’t the one to just get OTK'd like that, especially with her style of dueling. There’s something up with him, and I want to know.” Rarity chuckles, getting up to leave with the rest of the group. “What's so funny?”

“Darling, it's obvious. She takes the hoof of some pony she doesn’t know, they walked together by themselves, she obviously can’t get away from him. She’s in love. Let it stay that way, and don’t bug her about it. C'mon, the girls are wanting to see her anyway. But keep it down about those being together. You know how she is with our involvement in her personal relationships. (Something tells me it isn’t a good idea to bring Twilight with us. She has that look, and that won’t leave until she gets what she wants).”

“(Alright Dash, time to find out who this mystery stallion is, and why you didn’t duel like you usually do).”

[2 Hours Later]

[Front of Academy Courtyard]

Rainbow Dash and Jack both walk around the outside of the school for there final trip, as Rainbow Dash gives him a tour telling him locations as they walk by.

“That’s the card shop. We get news ones ordered to us each month on the 5th. Luckily if you stay by my side, we can get all of the good cards without having to wake up super early. I know a couple of friends at the shop that could help us out.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” They start walking again until they're stopped by Rarity's voice.

“Rainbow Dash!” Both Jack and Rainbow Dash stop, looking back as the other girls catch up. “Dash we’ve been looking for you and-” Rarity looks up at Jack, with her eyes immediately widening. “Holy hunk of a stallion-” She’s quickly elbowed in her side by Fluttershy interrupting her. “I mean it’s a pleasure to meet you friend of Rainbow Dash. I’m Rarity, one of Rainbow Dash's close friends.”

Twilight comes in front of the group, facing Jack with an expression on anger and her arms crossed. Rainbow Dash looks at Twilight confused.

“Uh, Twilight? Is there a problem?”

“Besides the fact that you fell head over heels for this nobody and let him win all because you’re in love? Dash, what the heck? That’s never how you dueled before and I don’t know why you started all for him.” Twilight looks at Jack shaking her head. “And whoever the heck you are thinking you’re a big dog just because you beat one of the best in the Academy…beat it. I don’t want to see you around Dash, or any of us again.” Jack looks over at Rainbow Dash, seeing her shaking her head.

“Sorry Dash, I didn’t think I could be a criminal just for being in love. I hope my hypnosis technique didn’t scar you too much to give up on what you love. Rarity, please take care of her while I’m gone.” Jack walks off back inside the building, hearing Twilight sigh in relief. She turns back to face Rainbow Dash, getting punched by her in the process. Fluttershy and Applejack jump in the middle of the 2 to keep them apart while Pinkie Pie and Rarity hold back Rainbow Dash from going after Twilight. Twilight chuckles, looking at her surprised.

“Uh, you’re welcome. I did you a favor by getting rid of a distraction-”

“You ruined my relationship! It’s only been 2 hours of time with him being here and you already want him gone! You don’t know him like I do! I’m a huge fan of his work! I watch him on YouTube on my spare time! You have no right to treat a worldwide motivational speaker and 4 time world tournament champion like that!” Rainbow Dash break out of the grasp of Rarity and Pinkie Pie backing away from Twilight with tears coming down her face. “Jack “Doomsday” Crusher is not a criminal or a bad pony. Why'd you treat him like he was? I don’t care what you want for me, cause you don’t control what I do. I want to be with him. If you can’t accept that, then count me out of this what you call family since you created it and you want to control it.” Rainbow Dash follows the way that Jack went with Rarity following behind. Twilight looks over at Applejack with a shameful expression.

“I messed up pretty bad this time didn’t I?”

“Rainbow Dash quit because you interfered in her personal life with someone she's had a crush on for years, and broke her heart by not accepting him just because you don’t know him and you thought she purposely lost the match for him. What do you think?”

[Jacks Room]

Rainbow Dash and Rarity both peek into Jacks room, seeing him talking on the phone.

“Look there was a little complication here. Someone thought I was trying to trick a fan of mine to do everything I wanted. Oh she’s beautiful. Scratch that, beyond beautiful. Just getting a tour from her around the campus when this mare named Twilight comes from the back of the small group of friends telling me that I’m acting like a big dog all because I beat one of the best in the academy in which I had no idea of, and then tells me to leave. I didn’t know winning 1 duel and being in love was a crime. I gotta come back sis. Well, the disrespect wasn’t necessary, she didn’t even take the time to know me, and she’s a control freak. What? Of course I’m in love with Rainbow Dash, even though I barely know her. Yeah I’d like to get to know her more. Shut up Nova. You think she’ll take me back even though I just left her because someone else said so?” Rainbow Dash appears from behind the wall of the outside of his room leaning on the doorway.

“It’s not too late to ask.” Jack slowly turns around, seeing Rainbow Dash. “Before you ask, I was here on the complication part.”

“Nova, I’m gonna call you back.” He hangs up, placing his phone back in his jacket pocket. “Dash, I want you to know that I never had the intention of trying to-”

“Dude, here’s a thing about Twilight. She’s been very protective of us ever since her horrible break up with a guy named Flash Sentry. Just to keep it short, if we didn’t hide those two that day, none of us or this academy would be here right now. It’d be left with a crime scene. Yeah, it was that bad. Look, she can be crabby all she wants, but I don’t want to ruin the relationship we currently have. Besides, would you really wanna leave some pony as beautiful as you said I was?” Jack blushes with a surprised look. “Yeah, I heard that as well. It’s kinda cute if you ask me. So come on and stay for a while. I know you’ll be a good fit for our school. Besides, if you left, I wouldn’t be the only one feeling sad and lonely.” Rarity appears from behind the corner.

“Hi.”

“C’mon, we still got a little time to hang out before we unfortunately see Twilight again.” Jack smiles, walking out with them both, being stopped by the dean of the Academy. “Luna?”

“Ah, Rainbow Dash and Rarity. I didn’t expect to see you 2 up here. Come to think of it now that I’m here, Twilight was actually-”

“Looking for us yes we know. We currently don’t want to talk to her right now. There’s a little situation involving her that I’d rather deal with without her help right now. Besides, Rarity and I are planning to hang out with Jack here for a while.”

“Oh, so you’re Jack Crusher. I must say you have a very interesting style of dueling. One I’ve never seen any pony use before since I’ve been here. My sister was very impressed with your tactics as well. Well, I must get going. I have much business to attend to.” She leaves, walking passed them, as Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Jack all walk downstairs.

[East Wing Duel Arena]

The 3 end up at the East Wing Duel Arena, seeing 3 dragons and 3 ponies on opposite sides of the arena with a duel in progress with 1 from each. An explosion comes from the pony’s side of the field, seeing it on its back when the smoke clears. Rarity instantly realizes who the pony is, when seeing another dragon come towards her and taking a small bag of bits.

“Do my eyes deceive me, or did Starlight just lose?” Jack and Rainbow Dash rush over to the fallen pony, along with the other 2 on a team with Starlight. Rarity runs over with the rest of the group, helping her to her feet. “Starlight, are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine Rarity. I didn’t think an attack like that would knock me out cold. Also I lost some money.” A purple Dragon wearing a white trench coat from the other side calls out to them, holding the small bag that was taken from Starlight.

“Well that was a part of the deal. Your team lost, so you pay the cost.” Jack looks over at the group, glaring. “I’m sorry, but is there a problem?” Jack's duel disk activates and Nova Ring lights up.

“Whatever this little game is that you’re playing, I’m about to end it. What’s the cost to get back her money?”

“It’s simple. You have to have a team of 3, and each team member takes a turn facing one of us. All you have to do is beat all of us. But you do have to wager something. It doesn’t have to be that important, just something worthwhile. Also your team captain decides on what you all wager. Beat us fair and square, and you can get all of this back, including Starlight’s team stuff. I know how eager you want to get all of this back man, but before you ask, you have to have a team to win this back. It’s not gonna be a show with just 1 person. By the looks of it, you have a team of 3 already. By the way, you’re the new guy right?”

“Jack Crusher. Who are you 3 exactly?”

“That’s Garble my right hand man, and Ember my girlfriend. I’m Spike. I’m not sure if you’ve ever seen me before, but I’m grown now. I was a lot shorter than this before, so do me a favor and smack Rarity for me if she calls me Spikey-Wikey.” Starlight walks off the dueling platform with her teammates holding her up, as Rarity looks over at Spike glaring seeing her duel disk activate and Nova Ring light up.

“What ever happened to the Spike I knew before? I remember when you treated me like I was a princess when I needed you for help-”

“Well you’re not one and I’m over you so get over it.” Rainbow Dash sets up with the group as her duel disk activate and Nova Ring light up.

“We accept your challenge with Jack as the team captain. Is that alright with you Jack?”

“That’s fine with me. I go all out in gambling duels, so I always wager what’s worthwhile to me.” Rainbow Dash and Rarity look at each other and nod, holding up arms with the duel disk. “We bet our decks that we’ll use in this battle.” Spike smiles, nodding his head.

“We’ll bet our decks and Starlight’s teams’ money and leave it at that with the deal. Garble, you’re up.” Spike and Ember step off of the platform as well as Rainbow Dash and Jack, leaving Rarity to go first.

“Duel!”

Garble [LP: 4000]

Rarity [LP: 4000]

“I’ll start! I activate the Spell Card “Crystal Bond.” I can add 1 “Crystal Beast” monster from my deck to my hand and place 1 “Crystal Beast” monster from my deck to my Spell/Trap Zone as a Continuous Spell Card. “Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat” will come to my hand, and “Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle” will go to the Spell/Trap Zone. Now I summon “Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus” in attack mode.” [1800] “When this card is normal or special summoned, I can target 1 “Crystal Beast” monster from my deck and place it I’m my Spell/Trap Zone as a Continuous Spell Card. I choose “Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle.” Now I activate the Field Spell Card “Ancient City-Rainbow Ruins.” It has 5 effects for the amount of “Crystal Beast” monsters in my Spell/Trap Zone. Since I control 2, the first 2 come into play. This Field Spell Card can’t be destroyed by card effects and the battle damage I take from an attack is halved only once that turn. Now I place 1 card face down to end my turn.”

“I draw! I activate the Spell Card “Red-Eyes Fusion” I can Fusion summon 1 “Red-Eyes” monster from my Fusion deck, but the material can be from my hand, field, or deck.”

“(From his deck? That’s new).”

“From my deck, I fuse “Red-Eyes B. Dragon” and “Summoned Skull” to Fusion summon, “Archfiend Black Skull Dragon!” [3200] “Archfiend Black Skull Dragon,” Destroy “Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus!”

“The second effect of “Ancient City-Rainbow Ruins” activates. All battle damage I take is halved.”

Rarity [4000→3300]

“Also, when any of my “Crystal Beast” monsters are destroyed in the Monster Zone, they go down to my Spell/Trap Zone as a Continuous Spell Card.”

“That won’t protect you from the effect of “Archfiend Black Skull Dragon.” When it inflicts battle damage to you, I can target 1 “Red-Eyes” normal monster in my graveyard and inflict damage to you equal to its attack. Then it’s shuffled into the deck.”

Rarity [LP: 3300→900]

“Now I activate the Spell Card “Cards of the Red Stone.” I can send 1 Level 7 “Red-Eyes” monster from my hand to the Graveyard and draw 2 cards, then I can send another Level 7 “Red-Eyes” monster from my deck to the graveyard. I discard “Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon” and send from my deck to the graveyard “Red-Eyes B. Dragon.” Then I place 2 cards face down to end my turn.”

“I draw! By destroying 3 Continuous Spell Cards, I summon a scared beast monster. Come Forth, “Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder!” [4000] “Then I activate the Spell Card “Crystal Blessing.” I can target up to 2 “Crystal Beast” monsters in my Graveyard and place them back in my Spell/Trap Zone as Continuous Spell Cards. “Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle” and “Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle” will come back to my field. For my last card, I activate the Spell Card “Crystal Beacon.” Since I control 2 or more “Crystal Beast” monsters in my spell/Trap Zone, I can special summon 1 from the deck. I special summon “Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus.” [1800] “You know the deal with him. I can send 1 “Crystal Beast” monster from my deck to my Spell/Trap Zone as a Continuous Spell Card. This time I’ll bring “Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth.” “Hamon,” attack!”

Garble [LP: 4000→3200]

“Hamon” has a very special ability. When it destroys a monster by battle, my opponent takes 1000 damage.”

Garble [LP: 3200→2200]

“Well I hope you had your fun Rarity, cause I activate my face down Trap Card “Red-Eyes Spirit.” This card allows me to special summon 1 “Red-Eyes” monster from my Graveyard and special summon it. “I bring out, “Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon!” [2400] “If you were thinking about attacking directly, go through him first.”

“I’ll end my turn.”

“I draw! I activate my other face down card. The Quick Play Spell Card “Silver’s Cry” to bring back 1 normal dragon from my graveyard. Come on out, “Red Eyes B. Dragon!” [2400] “Then to end this, I activate the Spell Card “Inferno Fire Blast.” If I control a “Red-Eyes” normal monster, you take damage equal to its attack.”

“I won’t go down that easily. I activate the third effect of “Ancient City-Rainbow Ruins.” By destroying 1 “Crystal Beast” monster I control and sending it to the graveyard, I can negate the effect of your Spell/Trap Card and destroy it.”

“I activate the Spell Card “Cards of the Red Stone.” You remember this card right? I can send 1 Level 7 “Red-Eyes” monster from my hand to the Graveyard and draw 2 cards, then I can send another Level 7 “Red-Eyes” monster from my deck to the graveyard. I’m discarding “Red-Eyes B. Dragon” and sending from my deck to the graveyard “Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon.” Oh, and look at the card I drew to combo that.”

“No way.”

“Yep. Another “Cards of the Red Stone.” And guess what cards I have to discard and send from my deck to the graveyard again?”

“You’re kidding.”

“Another “Red-Eyes B. Dragon” and “Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon.” And this I perfect. I tribute “Red-Eyes B. Dragon” to summon and even greater monster. Rise, “Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon!” [2400] “Oh don’t worry about his attack. It won’t stay that way since his effect increases his ATK by 300 for each Dragon-Type monster in my graveyard.”

Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon [2400→4200]

“This monster in now stronger then “Hamon.” But before I forget, I activate the Spell Card “Stamping Destruction.” If I control a Dragon-Type monster, I can destroy 1 Spell/Trap card you control, and you take 500 damage for it. Say goodbye to your face down.”

“Not if I activate it first. Although your effect still activates, I can still activate my card before it’s destroyed. “Crystal Raigeki.” By sending 1 “Crystal Beast” monster from my Spell/Trap Zone to the graveyard, I can target 1 card you control and destroy it. I’ll send off “Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle” to destroy “Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon!”

Rarity [LP: 900→400]

“I’ll switch “Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon” to defense mode.” [2000] “Then I’ll end my turn.”

“I draw! I summon “Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise” in defense mode.” [2000] “Hamon,” destroy “Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon!” and you should know the effect by now. When Hamon destroys an opponent’s monster by battle, my opponent takes 1000 damage.”

Garble [2200→1200]

“I’ll activate the effect of “Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise.” I can target 1 monster I control that attacked this turn and switch it to defense mode.” [4000] “While “Hamon” is in defense mode, any attacks you want to declare have to be towards him. With that being said, I end my turn.”

“I draw! Getting through that monster won’t be a problem, when I activate the Spell Card “Dragon’s Mirror.” To Fusion summon a monster this turn, all I have to do is banish monsters from my side of the field or graveyard. I banish from my graveyard 2 “Red-Eyes B. Dragon’s,” 2 “Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon’s” and “Archfiend Black Skull Dragon,” to summon my legendary dragon. Claim the Field, "Five-Headed Dragon!” [5000]

“What on earth is that?!”

“You’re about to find out. “Five-Headed Dragon,” turn “Hamon” into waste!”

“Hamon!”

“I hope you have an idea in mind Rarity, cause if you don’t, that deck is gonna be mine.”

“You wish. I draw! I summon “Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger” in defense mode.” [1000] “Then I’ll end my turn.”

“I draw! I activate the Quick Play Spell Card “Silver’s Cry.” I can special summon 1 normal Dragon-Type monster from my graveyard. Come on back, “Red-Eyes B. Dragon!” [2400] “Red-Eyes,” destroy “Topaz Tiger!” “Five-Headed Dragon,” annihilate “Emerald Tortoise!”

“Both of my destroyed “Crystal Beast” monsters go down to my Spell/Trap Zone as Continuous Spell Cards.”

“Care to explain how that will help you next turn? You only have Spell Cards, no cards you’re currently holding, and if you only summon 1 monster, my other one can end you, halving the battle damage or not. Spike was right when he told me about you. You really are more pathetic than he says. You’re just, whiny, stuck up, dramatic, wanna be fashion star. The world doesn’t revolve around you, and it never did.” Tears start to run down Rarity’s face, looking over at Spike in shock.

“Spike, you said that? Tell me it isn’t true.” Spike slowly inhales, then exhales.

“Look, I had no way else to tell you…but you are really stuck up. I was helping you so you would like me, and the day you broke my heart…I gave up. Ember came into my life. And I actually feel like I’m somebody now.” Rarity looks down, with tears still coming down her face. “Rarity, honestly, you look so ugly when you cry-”

“Shut up! I don’t want to hear another word from you. I did care for you. I didn’t know how to tell you. We’re 2 different species, but I didn’t care. For everything I did for you, this is the thanks I deserve?” Alright, I’ll prove to you how much I care about you. How much I try and work, to make you satisfied.” She turns her attention back towards Garble, drawing her next card. “With the effect of “Ancient City-Rainbow Ruins” and by having 4 “Crystal Beast” monsters in my Spell/Trap Zone, during my Main Phase, I can draw 1 card. For my last move of this duel, I activate the Spell Card “Crystal Abundance.” All 4 “Crystal Beast” monsters in my Spell/Trap Zone go to the Graveyard, as well as all other cards on the field.”

“What?!”

“That’s right. “Five-Headed Dragon” leaves the field as well. Also, for each card that left your side of the field, I get to special summon that many “Crystal Beast” monsters from my graveyard. I’ll bring back “Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger” [1600] and “Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat.” [1200]

“This doesn’t look good for you Garble. Your strongest monster is gone, and your side of the field is empty. Too bad for a low class like you. “Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat,” finish him off!”

Garble [LP: 1200→0]

Garble drops to his claws and knees, looking down.

“I lost. My strongest monster was defeated by an amateur Spell Card? This can’t be right.” Rarity looks over at Spike, glaring at him again.

“That win…was for you. You’re welcome.” Garble stands up, walking back with the group, seeing Ember walk past him onto the platform facing Rainbow Dash.

“Alright, I’m not gonna let my guard down that easy like Garble did. You may have seen my deck earlier when I was dueling Spitfire. I took a change of route, and it never fails me.”

“Let’s go!”

Ember [LP: 4000]

Rainbow Dash [LP: 4000]

“I’ll start! I activate the Field Spell Card “Geartown.” This card allows me to normal summon “Ancient Gear” monsters with 1 less tribute. This card won’t be here for long cause I activate the Spell Card “Ancient Gear Catapult.” Since I control no monsters, I have to destroy 1 card I control, which the only card I control is “Geartown.”

“Are you a fool? You just left yourself with an open field.”

“Or did I?”

“Huh?”

“When a card I control is destroyed by the effect of “Ancient Gear Catapult,” I can special summon an “Ancient Gear” monster from my deck ignoring its summoning conditions. Come on out, “Ancient Gear Golem!” [3000] “And that’s not all. When “Geartown” is destroyed and sent to the graveyard, I can special summon and “Ancient Gear” monster from my hand, deck, or graveyard. From my deck, I special summon “Ancient Gear Wyvern.” [1700] “With its effect, when it’s normal or special summoned, I can add 1 “Ancient Gear” monster from my deck to my hand. I’ll take “Ancient Gear Hunting Hound.” Then I place 1 card face down and end my turn.”

“I draw! (Well this should be easy). I activate the Spell Card “Polymerization.” I fuse from my hand “Elemental HERO Avian” and “Elemental HERO Sparkman,” to Fusion summon, “Elemental HERO Great Tornado!” [2800] “When this card is Fusion summoned all of my monsters ATK and DEF are cut in half.”

Ancient Gear Golem [ATK: 3000→1500/DEF: 3000→1500]

Ancient Gear Wyvern [ATK: 1700→850/DEF: 1200→600]

“Great Tornado,” attack “Ancient Gear Wyvern!”

Rainbow Dash [LP: 4000→2050]

“I place 1 card face down to end my turn.”

“I draw! I switch “Ancient Gear Golem” to defense mode.” [1500] “Then I summon “Ancient Gear Knight” in attack mode.” [1800] “Now I activate the Spell Card “Ancient Gear Fusion.” This card is basically a “Polymerization” for “Ancient Gear” monsters. I fuse “Ancient Gear Golem” and “Ancient Gear Knight” to Fusion summon, “Ancient Gear Howitzer!” [1000] “I don’t need him for attacking, unless his effect counts for his attack. During each of my turns I can use this effect, which really only says, you take 1000 damage.”

Ember [LP: 4000→3000]

“I’ll switch it to defense mode and call it turn.” [1800]

“I draw!” (I know that little tactic of hers. When I destroy that Fusion monster by battle, she can summon another “Ancient Gear” monster from her deck regardless of the summoning conditions. And I can’t destroy that card by an effect because it’s immune to it all other effects. So I think I should go this route.) “I activate the Spell Card “Miracle Fusion.” This card allows me to Fusion summon a monster as long as I remove from play monsters from my field or graveyard. “Elemental HERO Sparkman” and “Elemental HERO Avian” will be removed from the game so I can Fusion summon a monster that’s brighter than you thought. “Elemental HERO The Shining!” [2600] “Oh and that’s not all. Since there are monsters removed from play, “The Shining” gains an extra 300 ATK for each.”

Elemental HERO The Shining [2600→3200]

“Great Tornado,” destroy “Ancient Gear Howitzer!”

“Thanks for that, cause now “Ancient Gear Howitzer” was destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, I can special summon another “Ancient Gear” monster from my deck. I know most of you expect me to bring out “Ancient Gear Golem,” but his power isn’t strong enough to match “Elemental HERO The Shining.”

“(She knew that was my target)?!”

“How about I bring out a familiar one from earlier? Say, “Ancient Gear Wyvern” I defense mode.” [1200] “If you remember this card, you should remember the effect. When it’s normal or special summoned, I can add 1 “Ancient Gear” monster from deck to my hand. I choose “Ancient Gear Box.” Oh and that’s not over. When “Ancient Gear Box” is added from my deck or graveyard to my hand except by drawing it, I can add 1 Earth Machine-Type monster from my deck to my hand with 500 attack or less that's not "Ancient Gear Box." I choose “Ancient Gear Cannon.”

“Elemental HERO The Shining,” take care of that scrap metal!”

“That’s just what I wanted. No monsters.”

“That means you’re wide open for an attack. Are you trying to lose? Ya know what, it doesn’t matter. I’ll finish you off next turn. I’ll end with 1 card face down. (She literally has no idea what’s coming for her).”

“I draw! I wanted no monsters so I could use this. My face down Continuous Trap Card “Ancient Gear Reborn.” If I control no monsters, I can special summon 1 “Ancient Gear” monster from my graveyard. I’ll bring back “Ancient gear Wyvern.” [1700] “And I forgot to mention about this Continuous Trap Card. When an “Ancient Gear” monster is special summoned by its effect, its gains an additional 200 attack.”

Ancient Gear Wyvern [1700→1900]

“Also, “Ancient Gear Wyvern” effect activates. I add “Ancient Gear Beast” to my hand. Now watch, cause this might get a little complicated for you. I summon “Ancient Gear Hunting Hound” in attack mode.” [1000] “When its normal summoned, you take 600 damage.”

Ember [LP: 3000→2400]

“Now I activate the effect of “Ancient Gear Hunting Hound.” I can target cards from my hand or field as Fusion material, and Fusion summon a monster. I fuse “Ancient Gear Hunting Hound” and “Ancient Gear Wyvern” to bring out a card you might know. “Ancient Gear Howitzer!” Remember last time? I place it in defense mode.” [1800] “Then I activate its effect, causing you 1000 damage.”

Ember [LP: 2400→1400]

“Now I activate the Spell Card “Ancient Gear Fusion.” I know you remember this. From my hand I fuse “Ancient Gear Cannon,” “Ancient Gear Box,” “Ancient Gear Beast,” and “Ancient Gear Knight” to Fusion summon my ultimate monster. “Claim your territory, “Chaos Ancient Gear Giant!” [4500]

“(This is exactly what I wanted. Now time to tale this piece of scrap metal down. All she has to do is attack, and I can discard this card to boost my monsters attack by 2500).”

“This is it! “Chaos Ancient Gear Giant,” attack “Elemental HERO The Shining!”

“It looks like your monster’s going in the dump.”

“Why’s that?”

“I’ll show you. I discard “Elemental HERO Honest Neos” to boost the ATK of “Elemental HERO The Shining” by 2500 points.”

Elemental HERO The Shining [3200]

“What?! Why didn’t it work?!”

“Good question. I have the answer. During the battle phase, my opponent’s monsters can’t activate their effects.”

“What?!”

“So this attack is going right through your monster, and to your life points.”

Ember [LP: 1400→100]

“I still have Life Points, so I’m not through yet.”

“Not exactly true. Another effect of “Chaos Ancient Gear Giant.” He can attack all monsters my opponent controls.”

“Well then, you take the damage with my face down trap card.” [!] “It’s not activating.”

“Bad news for you again. This card is unaffected by Spell and Trap cards. I though you would’ve learned that by noticing most of my “Ancient Gear” monsters. When they attack, my opponent can’t activate Spell or Trap cards until the end phase. What makes you think this one would be different? “Chaos Ancient Gear Giant,” eliminate “Elemental HERO Great Tornado!”

Ember [100→0]

“Game over.” Ember drops to her knees looking down.

“I can’t believe this. After so much studying, I can get passed anybody else’s deck…but yours. All because of effects I didn’t realize.” Ember looks back seeing Spike behind her. “Oh, uh, hey Spike-”

“You’re done.”

“What?”

“You heard me, we’re through. I don’t date weaklings, and I don’t work with weaklings. Both you and Garble can get out of my sight. Oh and one more thing.” Spike takes her deck away from her. “I gave you this to prove yourself worthy, and you’re completely unworthy of its power. Now get lost.” Ember slowly gets up walking away with her head down with Garble waiting for her by the door. Jack walks onto the platform facing Spike, seeing him holding 2 decks. “They don’t deserve the power I gave to them.” Jack looks back seeing Ember and garble walk out.

“Ember, Garble, hold on.” They both stop looking back at Jack. “You don’t wanna miss the finale of your ex-boss being embarrassed right? He humiliated you both, so I’m gonna return the favor.” Spike smiles when Jack looks back him. “Ya hear me Spike? I don’t like people who push around other people to get what they want. They both tried there hardest, so they deserve some credit. But I guess according to you, credit is only given when they win to impress you. They never needed your power to prove themselves. They fought till the end, and that should count.”

“What the heck are you, some sort of therapist? You don’t get it. Power has to be earned, and they earn that by winning. But look at them, they’re both losers just like Starlight’s crew over there. I gave them these, and I can easily take them right back.” He places them in pockets of his coat. “Failure isn’t an option in my book.” Spikes duel disk activates. “And I don’t plan to fail.”

“Well then, let’s see what you can do.”

Spike [LP: 4000]

Jack Crusher [LP: 4000]

“Alright, I’ll start this off! I summon “Duza, the Meteor Cubic Vessal” in attack mode.” [1600] “When this card is normal or special summoned, I can send 1 “Cubic” card from my deck to my Graveyard. “I’m sending “Cubic Karma.” But that’s not all, cause I banish “Cubic Karma” from my Graveyard to add a Cubic monster from my deck to my hand. I choose “Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth.” Now I place 1 card face down and end my turn.”

“That’s a move only an amateur would do. I, on the other hand, bring out the big guns. Like with drawing this first card. I activate the Spell Card “Polymerization.” I fuse from my hand 3 “Blue-Eyes White Dragon’s” from my hand to summon my ultimate dragon, “Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!” [4500] “I also activate the Spell Card “Stamping Destruction.” Since I control a Dragon-Type monster, I can target 1 Spell or Trap Card you control, and destroy it.”

{Trap: Unification of the Cubic Lords}

“And that’s not all that’s gone. Since that card’s destroyed, so are 500 of your Life Points.”

Jack [LP: 4000→3500]

“Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, attack!”

Jack [LP: 3500→600]

“It also has an effect. Since this is the only card I control and it attacked, I can send 1 “Blue-Eyes” Fusion Card from my extra deck to the graveyard and make another attack. And it looks like you don’t have a field.”

“Guess again. I activate “Unification of the Cubic Lords” in my Graveyard. Since you destroyed a face up “Cubic” monster I control, I can remove the trap card from play and special summon a level 4 or lower “Cubic” monster from my deck, completely ignoring it’s summoning conditions. Once again, I summon “Duza, the Cubic Meteor Vessel,” in defense mode.” [1600] “You know the deal. Since it was special summoned, I can send 1 “Cubic” card from my deck to the Graveyard. “Cubic Karma.” Then I remove it from play to bring a “Cubic” monster from my deck to my hand. “Geira Guile the Cubic King.”

“I’ll get rid of my other “Neo-Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon” to dispose of that monster. “Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, destroy!” Spike smiles when the attack hits, but instantly drops when the smoke clears. “What?!”

“You seem surprised that “Duza” is still on the field. “Unification of the Cubic Lords” allows the monster that was special summoned by the effect, to not be destroyed this turn.”

“Fine. Your move.”

“I draw! I reveal from my hand “Geira Guile the Cubic King,” “Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth,” and “Vijam the Cubic Seed” to special summon my strongest monster. “Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord!” [3000] “Now I activate the Spell Card “Cubic Wave.” Here's how it works. I target 1 “Cubic” monster I control and 1 monster you control. My monsters attack doubles. Yours unfortunately, cuts in half.”

“Not this time. I remove from play my “Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon” from my graveyard to negate that effect and destroy that card.”

“Alright, I summon “Vijam the Cubic Seed” in attack mode.” [0] “It may look weak, but I'm getting rid of all 3 monsters to summon something stronger. Perhaps I mentioned his name before. “Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth!” [0]

“I has no attack.”

“Wrong. Since it got summoned by 3 “Cubic” monsters, this monster gains 3000 ATK.”

Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth [0→3000]

“It still doesn’t match my dragon.”

“Then let’s mix it up, shall we? I activate the Continuous Spell Card “Cubic Karma.” By targeting 1 “Cubic” monster I control, I send from my hand or deck to the graveyard any number of “Vijam the Cubic Seeds,” and my targeted “Cubic” monster gains 800 ATK for each sent. 2 of them are coming from my deck, so “Buster Gundil” gains 1600 ATK points.”

Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth [3000→4600]

“Now your Dragon is weaker. And here’s another cool special effect. “Buster Gundil” can attack 3 times on this turn.”

“Say what?!”

“Buster Gundil,” the first attack is at his “Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!”

Spike [4000→3900]

“The second and final attack is directly! Finish this!”

Spike [3900→0]

When the smoke clears, Spike is flat on his back.

“That’s game Spike.” Jack looks back towards Starlight’s group, seeing Ember and Garble handing them their money back and talking. Jack looks back at Spike, seeing him slowly get up. “It’s over Spike. Now give up what we bet.” Rarity comes up from behind Jack, heading towards Spike. “Rarity?” Still hunched over, Spike looks up, seeing Rarity staring down him.

“Just say it Rarity. I’m the worst person you’ve ever met and you don’t ever want to see me again. I know it’s coming, so just say it.” Rarity smiles, holding his chin up to face her.

“Unfortunately for you, I cannot. The Spike I know still lives in you. I could never hate you for anything. Strongly disappointed?Absolutely. But hate, never. I want you to come back with me. By the looks of it now, you kicked away the closest people to you, and that means you’ll be alone. I couldn’t bear to see this lovely dragon alone.” Spike smiles, standing up straight, seeing her hold his claws.

“Uh, Rarity-?”

“Don’t ruin the moment.” They start to walk back towards Rainbow Dash, as Starlight and her group meet with Jack on the Platform.

“Jack, thanks.”

“No problem Starlight. I’d do anything to help out. I don’t know who you other 2 are though.”

“I’m Sunset Shimmer. I guess you can say I’m the hot head of the group since I’m the one trying to protect us most of the time.”

“I know exactly how that feels.”

“I’m Trixie Lulamoon. One of the greatest magician’s ever known to make you see stars.”

“…”

“It’s a phrase for battle to let my opponents know that I don’t intend on losing. I’m still working on it though.” A voice calls out from the entrance of the arena, seeing a group of 4 other mares.

“Actually Trixie, that’s one of the best I’ve heard so far.”

“Don’t taunt me Twilight Sparkle. Trixie will best you someday.”

“No Trixie, I mean it. You’ve been trying hard on those phrases trying to cover up the last ones, and that’s one of the better ones.” Twilight turns her attention towards Jack. “So you stayed.”

“I had a little change of thought thanks to Dash. What do you want Sparkle? Come to insult me some more?”

“Wrong. I came to apologize. I judged a book by its cover and didn’t take the chance to get to know who you actually were. My actions ran before my thoughts, all because of 1 duel. Knowing Dash, she wouldn’t just let someone win all because of love. She wanted to impress you by trying. I realized I was wrong, and I’m sorry.”

“…I don’t trust this.”

“Huh?”

“You kick me away for not knowing me, and it took you all of that time to realize what I felt?” Jack jumps off the platform, walking passed Twilight to exit the arena. “Well you can save your apology for someone who actually believes anything you say. As far as you’re concerned…you’re nothing to me. Now leave me be.”

“Before you go, answer me this. I’ve never seen a duelist use “Cubic” cards before nor have I ever heard of them. How’d you get ahold of those cards?”

“Oh trust me, I have more powerful cards than you’d expect besides my “Cubic’s.” If you want answers, be the book nerd as usual and find them out yourself, cause there’s no way I’m gonna spill anything out to you. Now for the last time Sparkle, leave me alone. This conversation with you is over.” Jack leaves out of sight, with everyone looking towards the direction where Jack left. Applejack walks up next to Twilight, staring into the distance with her.

“Well, the good news is ya found him. The bad news is, he still hates ya.”

“Let him, cause I’m gonna find out the answers sooner or later. But I don’t need him to do it. I’ll do what he says I’m good. Being a nerd. Except it won’t be books. Need to do some research in the Library on the computer."

[Flashback]

“You have no right to treat a worldwide motivational speaker and 4 time world tournament champion like that!”

[Reality]

“And I have all of the information I need.”

[Library]

“(Alright, so since I know he’s a motivational speaker, it should be easy to find him on YouTube. Maybe one of his speeches will give me a sign. What about this video? Oh, it’s just a tournament duel, but it’s with that “Cubic” deck, and he’s in the finals. He plays well with it, especially against this guy. Even though he can’t special summon with that Continuous Trap Card “Royal Oppression,” he’s still finding a way to get past this guy. I just don’t get it. Great he just won. Huh, what’s this? A history on his “Cubic’s? Jackpot. Let’s see what’s hiding in this article. Are you serious? It’s just saying how he uses his “Cubic’s.” This sucks. I’ll never get my answers. Wait, what does that say? They call him Doomsday? Why’s that)?” [!] “(No way. In his past, he used those cards to duel anyone who he thought was trying to bully people. One day, his parents disappeared without a trace, leaving himself to watch over his brother and sister. Apparently his whole family were duelists. When they got sick, that’s when he entered into tournaments. Winning got him money to help his relatives recover. One day, he was entered into a tournament, but before the battle begun, it looked like he was possessed).” [!] “(Oh no. The cards in his deck. It’s the Cubic’s. They’re taking over him and doesn’t even know it. The more he uses them, the more he loses himself. And showing by this picture, they’ve done quite enough. His eyes are completely black. Are here are some pictures of his brother and sister. They’re duelist too. Wait a sec, his parents left without a trace, these cards are possessing him, and that nickname “Doomsday.” I knew it! He caused all of this, they call him “Doomsday” cause wherever he goes, there destruction. And it’s not that hard to tell due to this picture of a destroyed stadium right after that tournament duel. The opponent disappeared without a trace, just like his parents. Also shocking, Jack Crusher isn’t even his real name. Its “Kurētā do~umuzudē,” a Japanese name. Now I have you right in your tracks, “Crater Doomsday. Time for everyone else to know who you really are).”

Episode 2: Past or Present

Twilight rushes towards Jacks room with printed papers, stopping by the lunchroom and hiding behind the corner, seeing him sit by himself at an empty lunchroom table, looking over some of his decks and reflecting on some of his memories from the past of his tournament victories. Then he takes out his “Cubic” deck looking over the cards and sighing. Unexpectedly, a golden figure places its hand on Jacks shoulder.

“Was it that obvious that I’m troubled “Venus?”

“I can always tell when your troubled Jack. I promised to help you after you took me into your fairy deck. What's the real reason you’re troubled? I know that duelist Twilight Sparkle isn’t a major worry of yours currently. Something is different, like memories haunting you.”

“Some memories that I wish would go away. I’m not what others think. A lot of people think of me as a good guy and a motivational pony…but I’m really just a demon ever since I took that “Cubic” deck into my hooves. I’m known as Crater Doomsday, and wherever I go there’s always destruction that seems to come with me.”

“Jack, you can’t mean that. The deck is the problem. It’s taking over your abilities when you don’t have enough strength to fight back. You’re not a demon. You’re a great duelist with major potential to help others.”

“And you’re a Yu-Gi-Oh Fairy-Type monster that’s happens to be a planet card. What are the odds that we're stuck together? You've helped me through a lot of battles Venus. I just wish I could change the past damage I’ve done and get rid of this “Cubic” deck for good. I don’t want to be looked at as the bad guy. I want to show others that I’m different. I’m not a monster, and I’m tired of being looked at as that or labelled. Twilight already sees the bad side of me because of how I rejected her apology and left, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she already found out some of my info. Don’t really have much else to lose.” Twilight peeks around the corner, seeing Venus disappear and Jack place his cards back in his jacket.

“(Now I realize what he’s going through. I went through all of this trouble to try to make others see the truth, but come to find out, he’s already dealing with enough. I can’t do this to him. I’ll just be placing more stress on him.” Twilight holds up the paper in a motion to shred it, until she hears more voices inside the lunchroom. She peek around the corner, seeing a group of 3 duelists surround him. Looking closer, she see them all wearing white hoodie jackets with a different picture of one of the “Egyptian Gods” on each jacket. “(Oh great. The Spirit Busters. These guys are bad news.)” One Jack stands up, looking around at them.

“What do you want? If you need something from me you can make an appointment. Otherwise, get lost.” One of the members remove its hood, revealing itself.

“Jack Crusher, am I right?”

“Why are you concerned with him?”

“Easy, we’re friendly.” The rest of the Spirit Busters remove there hoods, revealing themselves. “The name’s Soarin. These are my friends Lightning Dust and Thunderlane. You can call us the Spirit Busters. We wanted to just talk. We’ve seen how you duel with that Cubic deck of yours and we’re impressed. It’s truly a gift what you can do with that. We were actually wanting to take a swing at it if you have some time to spare.”

“I feel like I’m missing something here. What’s at stake if I accept?”

“Chill bro, we’re not the bad guys if that’s what you think. We just heard a rumor that you were one of the best around, and we wanted to see for ourselves. What do you say for a little fun?” Twilight shakes her head no, looking in on the incident.

“(Don’t you dare).” Jack looks down at his duel disk, concerned of the offer.

“Well, it would be nice to have a friendly duel once in a while. Alright, I acce-” Twilight rushes inside meeting up with jack.

“Jack, we need your help. Dash is in trouble.”

“What? Where is she?”

“On the roof. I know a shortcut. Follow me.” They both run off, with Soarin glaring at them as they run off.

“(Just this once Twilight. Just this once).”

[Academy Rooftop]

“Dash, I’m here! I’m…uh, Twilight? Nobody’s up here.” Jack turns back, seeing Twilight place a wooden log under the door handle. “Alright, start talking. What’s going on? You lied to me to get me here. Why?” Twilight turns back facing Jack, holding up the printed off papers.

“This is your information I found. I you don’t want this to accidently end up Chancellor Celestia’s hooves, you’ll stop and listen. First off, your info right now gives me everything I need to get you out, but in the process of looking for you to confront you, I saw you talking with Venus in the Lunchroom. That dueling planet card? I heard everything you both were saying, and it seems like you already have enough going on. I couldn’t place more pressure on you than you already have, especially while being labelled that other name. And second, you should be thankful that I got you away from that group. The Spirit Busters isn’t just a group that likes to duel for the fun of it. There’s a price to pay if you lose. In your case, it would be everything you worked for. Your cards, fame, fans, all of that would be taken from you. It is true that they look around for the strongest, but that also makes you a target. I’m not sure if you noticed anything unusual about them, but they each have a different picture of an Egyptian God card on the back of their jackets. Thunderlane holds “Obelisk the Tormentor,” Lightning Dust holds “Slyfer the Sky Dragon,” and Soarin, the leader of the group holds all 3 forms of “The Winged Dragon of RA.” When anyone faced them, it was game over. In the last year staying here, there were reports of 30 students who decided to leave, and 5 of them are still missing without a trace. Individual duels are different with these guys, but when it comes to the group, they’re basically invincible together.”

“So this could mean an open opportunity for me. It’s not all of the time that I get to face 3 forms of an Egyptian God. If Soarin and his group are still doing this, then they have to be stopped somehow.”

“Have you lost your mind? The point I was trying to make is to stay away from them.”

“And your point made me want to go closer. I know how little clans like this work. They start you from the weakest and work your way up to the strongest. I know taking on all 3 God cards at once would be difficult, so the best way for them all to lose is if you take out the head in charge. It’s like trying to kill a hydra. If it has five heads, the only way to kill it is to cut off the middle. Think of it as Soarin is a king and Thunderlane and Lightning Dust are disciples. Defeat the king, his empire falls along with his disciples. Take down 1 and take down all. Now I just need to think of what deck I should use.”

“If you’re really gonna go through with this, then you’re not doing it alone. The main reason I brought you up here is to offer you help. I know how hard it must be to fight off the possession in that deck by yourself. I don’t want you to do this alone…and neither would Dash. I can talk to the girls and get them to help, but I need you to trust me on this. They don’t have to know about these documents. For as far as I’m concerned, they’re just words from other people that don’t know you. Let me help you.” Jack looks away towards the mountains on the west, seeing a shine of light from over the hill. “I know it’s hard to trust new people since so many in the past have been hurt and are scared…but I not scared of you. I’m not scared of what I have to do to make this right. The more you use that “Cubic” deck, the more it feeds off of you. I can help you get rid of it.” Unexpectedly, the door behind Twilight get banged on, seeing the wooden log fall. Twilight turns back, seeing the door open with Pinkie Pie and Applejack coming out. “Girls? What’re you doing here?” Pinkie steps in the way of Twilight while Applejack staying a distance away from Jack, seeing her Nova Ring light up and duel disk activate.

“Just one thing Jack. I win, you leave for good, ya hear?”

“Did something happen that I missed? Wait a second. Twilight, you set this up didn’t you?!”

“No, I swear. I had nothing to do with this. Applejack, what’s gotten into you?” Applejack smiles, looking back at Twilight.

“Pinkie and I found out the truth with a little research. Everywhere he goes with that “Cubic” deck, there’s destruction. He’s the main cause for disappearances at his hometown, including his own parents. And here’s a funny fact. Jack Crusher isn’t even his real name. Its Kurētā do~umuzudē, also known as Crater Doomsday. I wouldn’t be surprised if you went by Kronos.”

“He didn’t change his name Applejack. The documents are wrong.”

“I beg ya pardon?” Applejack looks back at Jack, seeing tears run down his face. “Oh I see, so he was labelled. Well it suits him for everything he’s done, especially with that destroyed stadium. Put up your disk Doomsday. You’re gonna face me whether you like it or not.” Jack reaches inside his jacket, pulling out a deck and placing in his disk, seeing it activate as well as his Nova Ring lighting up. “That’s right. Now stand up straight and face me for who you really are. I’m gonna take you down.” Jack slowly stands up straight to face her, seeing more tears run down his face. “Save the water works for when you leave.”

“Jack, don’t duel! Remember what I said?!” Jack wipes his eyes, then smiles looking over at Twilight.

“Of course I do Twilight. That’s why I have a little surprise for Applejack here. Trust me on this one, alright?” He looks back at Applejack, seeing her glaring at him and smiling. “If you want a show, than you got one.”

“Let’s Duel!”

Jack [LP: 4000]

Applejack [LP: 4000]

(Readers, be aware that I did change the set up for life point count. The player who is mentioned second will start).

“I’ll start this off! I summon “Amazoness Fighter” in attack mode.” [1500] “Next I’ll activate the Field Spell Card “Amazoness Village.” It has 2 effects, but the second one should be a surprise for later. For now, all “Amazoness” monsters I control gain 200 ATK.”

Amazoness Fighter [1500→1700]

“I’ll place 1 card face down to end my turn. Let’s see what you’re actually made of Doomsday.”

“Very well. I draw! I summon “Shining Angel” in attack mode.” [1400] “Then I activate my Field Spell Card. “The Sanctuary in the Sky.” Like you left a surprise for me, I’ll leave this one for you. I place 2 cards face down and end my turn.”

“I thought you’d be an actual challenge, but I guess I was wrong.” (Strange. He isn’t using the “Cubic” deck like I hoped). “I draw! I summon “Amazoness Sage” in attack mode.” [1400→1600] “Amazoness Sage,” take out that pathetic angel!”

“I activate my face down Trap Card “Magic Cylinder.” I negate your attack and you take damage equal to your monsters attack.”

Applejack [LP: 4000→2400]

“Good to know that you wasted a card. “Amazoness Fighter,” pound that angel into dust!”

“Thanks for that, cause since “Shining Angel” was destroyed by battle, I can special summon 1 light monster from my deck in attack mode. “I special summon “The Agent of Force-Mars.” [0] “I realize it has zero attack, but that changes since “The Sanctuary in the Sky” is on the field. This card gains attack equal to our difference in life points, and that would be 1600.”

The Agent of Force-Mars [0→1600]

“Well I followed all of that, but shouldn’t you have lost some Life Points?”

“Surprise. While I control Fairy-Type monsters, any battle damage that would be received by them is dropped to 0 due to the effect of “The Sanctuary in the Sky.”

“Well that’s now good to know, cause that card’s no longer gonna be in use. If “Amazoness Sage” attacks, she can destroy 1 Spell or Trap card at the end of the damage step. Your Field Spell is a goner, which mean “The Agent of Force-Mars” effect is cancelled. That’s what I meant by wasted a card.”

The Agent of Force-Mars [1600→0]

“I end my turn.”

“Alright, I draw! Well, this should be fun. I remove from play “The Agent of Force-Mars” from the game to special summon its king. “Master Hyperion!” [2700] “I’ll activate its effect. By banishing 1 Light Fairy-Type from my graveyard, I can target 1 card you control and destroy it. I banish “Shining Angel” to destroy your Field Spell “Amazoness Village.” I guess that surprise will have to wait, won’t it?”

Amazoness Fighter [1700→1500]

Amazoness Sage [1600→1400]

"Anyway, I summon “The Agent of Mystery-Earth” in attack mode.” [1000] “When this card is normal summoned, I can add 1 “Agent” monster from my deck to my hand except this same card. I’ll take “The Agent of Judgement-Saturn.” Now “Master Hyperion” destroy “Amazoness Sage!”

“I activate my face down card Continuous Trap Card “Amazoness Archers.” Since you’re in a battle with an “Amazoness” monster I control, all of you monsters lose 500 attack during the battle phase.”

Master Hyperion [2700→2200]

The Agent of Mystery-Earth [1000→500]

“I know that doesn’t stop your attack, but you’re gonna take damage as well. With the effect of “Amazoness Archers” all of you monsters have to attack mine. Since you’re “Master Hyperion” is busy with “Amazoness Sage,” “Amazoness Fighter” is wide open for “The Agent of Mystery-Earth.”

Applejack [LP: 2400→1600]

Jack [LP: 4000→3000]

“I end my turn.”

“I draw! I summon “Amazoness Princess” in attack mode.” [1200] “When she’s normal or special summoned, I can add 1 “Amazoness” Spell/Trap card from my deck to the hand. I choose “Amazoness Call.” Now I activate that quick play Spell Card. I can add 1 “Amazoness” card from my deck to my hand or send it to the graveyard. I add to my hand “Amazoness Fighting Spirit,” which I’ll activate. This Continuous Spell card allows my Amazoness monster to gain 1000 ATK during the battle phase if my monsters ATK is lower than my opponent’s monster ATK. Now I activate the Continuous Spell Card “The A. Forces.” All Warrior-Type monsters I control gain 200 ATK for each Warrior or Spellcaster-Type monster I control.”

Amazoness Fighter [1500→1900]

Amazoness Princess [1200→1600]

“I’ll attack with “Amazoness Princess!” And with “Amazoness Fighting Spirit” on the field, she gets a 1000 ATK point boost. Destroy “Master Hyperion!”

Jack [LP: 3000→2600]

“Due to her effect, when she attacks, I can send 1 card from my field or hand to the graveyard to special summon an “Amazoness” monster from my deck in face up defense position. I’ll discard my last card my last card to special summon “Amazoness Queen.” [1800] “She has a cool effect as well. “Amazoness” monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle. Tough break for you since she’s an “Amazoness” monster as well. And my attacks aren’t over just yet. “Amazoness Fighter,” hit him directly!”

“Not so fast. I activate my face down Trap Card “Counter Gate.” If you declare a direct attack, I can negate it and draw 1 card. If it’s a monster card, I get to normal summon it. Let’s see who it is shall we?” [!] “(It’s you. I hope you’re ready, cause playtime’s over). I bring forth to the field my planet card. The “Splendid Venus!” [2800]

“I hope you don’t think that card’s supposed to scare me. My monster can still wipe that card out. (With “Amazoness Archers” and “Amazoness Fighting Spirit” on the field, my attacks can’t be stopped with his monsters attack decreasing and mine increasing. Since “Amazoness Queen” is on the field my barrier can’t be broken. He can’t do anything). My turn’s over.”

“I draw! I activate the Quick Play Spell Card “Twin Twisters.” By discarding 1 card, I can destroy up to 2 Spell or Traps cards on the field. Looks like your “Amazoness Archers” and “Amazoness Fighting Spirit” are the cards making their way to the graveyard.”

“Ya think that’s supposed to scare me?”

“This might. I forgot to tell to about the effect of my Planet Card. “While Venus is on the field, all non-Fairy-Type monsters on the field lose 500 ATK and DEF.”

Amazoness Fighter [1900→1400]

Amazoness Princess [1600→1100]

“And don’t think I’m finished yet. I activate the Equip Spell Card “Cestus of Dagla.” By equipping this with a Fairy-Type monster I control, it gains 500 ATK. Also if it destroys an opponent’s monster by battle and you would take damage, any damage you would take increases my life points.”

Splendid Venus [2800→3300]

“Now I think it’s time to end this by attacking “Amazoness Princess!” I know she can’t be destroyed in battle, but who said you couldn’t take any damage. 2200 to be exact.”

Applejack [LP: 1600→0]

Jack [LP: 3000→5200]

Applejack drops to her knees defeated, looking down.

“I lost. But my defenses…I had everything I needed. How did I lose?”

“This doesn’t mean you should give up Applejack.” She looks up at him, seeing him walking over towards her. “A good duelist accepts defeat no matter what the cost is. You proved yourself in that duel that anything is possible. Your strategy was nearly impossible to get by. I know I would’ve lost if I didn’t keep a certain card in my hands at all times.”

“You kept “Twin Twisters” in your hand for the entire duel?” Jack takes a knee in front of her.

“I keep certain cards in my hands for some duels only for desperate times. It’s a strategy I’m sharing with you to help you with future duels. Now stand up with me. A great duelist who accepts defeat doesn’t belong on the ground.” Both Jack and Applejack stand up.

“I’m really sorry about this Jack. I guess I just jumped to conclusions too quick.”

“I understand wanting to defend your friends, as I wanted to protect my family…from me. I was only 12 when I got the “Cubic” deck, and I should’ve just left it where it was.”

[Flashback]

“My whole family were duelists, and we always trained together. I originally ran an “Elemental Hero” deck before all of this happened. I just got out of school one day, when I came across a black deck box when walking home. Being curious as I was, I took it. It had little weight to it, so I opened it and found the “Cubic.” When I got home, I was so excited about it, instantly showed my brother and sister. They never saw cards like it before like myself, but our parents were gonna be back very late, so we had to wait. During the next day, I studied my deck while talking a walk. I ended up at the park, seeing my brother getting bullied by a group of five teenage colts. I ran over to protect him, seeing one of them had my brother’s deck in his hooves. I knew him. Streak. He was the neighborhood bully in our town thinking he could take what he wants. Our uncle gave us each a deck before he passed. I just got really angry that a family deck was in the hooves of someone else, so I did what I thought was good to protect my brother.”

“Alright Streak, that’s my brother’s deck. There’s a certain way we solve situations like this around here. You. Me. Duel. Now. If I win, that deck goes back to my brother and you leave us alone. If I lose, you can take mine.”

“A deal’s a deal. But we’re doing this my way, in a shadow game.” Back then I had no idea what a shadow game was, but I didn’t care at the time. Protecting my family was my number 1 priority. I used the “Cubic” deck for the first time, and I ended him on my first turn. He easily got “Vampire Curse” on the field, but I destroyed it with “Crimson Nova.” The way he dueled was different, and with 2 face down cards, I felt like if I attacked again with “Crimson Nova’s” effect, I would’ve fell into a trap he set up, so I ended my turn…and the game ended with “Crimson Nova’s” effect. Each player takes 3000 damage at the end of the turn. Since I destroyed “Vampires Curse” in attack position, he already took 1000 damage. I won with 1000 life points left. All of the sudden, dark smoke surrounded him chaining him, and dragged him underground. When the smoke cleared, his friends ran off with my brother’s deck on the ground next to where Streak was taken. They never saw their friend leave like that, so I guess they got spooked. But in the place streak was standing, was a card. My brother got his deck back, and I took the card, and that’s how “Venus” and I became friends. I went everywhere with that “Cubic” deck and dueled people with it who I thought was causing trouble. I didn’t show my “Cubic” deck to my parents until my 15th birthday. I was in a tag duel with my parents in the backyard. My sister and were on a team. The both had the Continuous Trap Card “Royal Oppression” on the field, and since I was so eager to try out my new deck, you can probably guess how hard it was since it was mainly about special summoning. It was supposed to be a fun duel, for a bigger piece of my birthday cake. My sister just got knocked out of the game due to an attack on her monster. I didn’t want to let her down. I wanted to show her what I can do. “Twin Twisters” did the trick for their “Royal Oppressions.” I was able to the fusion card of “Crimson Nova” on the field.

“Alright mom and dad, here I come. I activate my face down trap card “Unification of the Cubic Lords.” This card allows me to fusion summon a “Cubic” monster using cards from my hand or field. From my hand, I fuse 3 “Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lords” to Fusion summon, “Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord!” [4500] My mother was excited to see the new card, and my father was proud of me for how much I trained. Then something happened, something I never thought would happen in my life.

“Son, I’m so proud of you for what you accomplished. Let’s see what this monster can do.”

“Alright dad, you asked for it. You’re first. I attack with “Crimson Nova Trinity!” When this monster attacks, you’re life points are cut in half.”

Father [LP: 1800→900]

“Go “Crimson Nova Trinity!” Destroy “Gilford the Legend!”

Father [LP: 900→0]

He was out cold on the ground, then I saw a spiraling dark cloud surround him and lift him. It seemed like it was taking him apart. “Dad, what’s happening!?” “Crimson Nova Trinity” decided to attack, and my mother was the next target. If it destroys a monster by battle, I can attack again. I tried to call off the attack, but there was nothing could do. It took her out as well, with the dark cloud absorbing her with my father. I ran over to try to save them, but there was a Flash that threw me back. I ended up waking up in a hospital. My brother and sister were by my side. I asked about our parents, and there was no trace of them. I was left to watch over them being the oldest. I didn’t know how to take care of them, and they were getting sick, so they both thought that I could enter into a World Tournament to get some money to help. I did, and destruction carried along with me through 3 years. My last year in the tournament, I made it to the finals, but like those documents you saw and maybe some pictures, the stadium was destroyed. I wasn’t myself after that, and neither did the ponies of the neighborhood. One day, they surrounded our house calling out “Kurētā do~umuzudē,” or as you now know, Crater Doomsday. They wanted to get me for the disappearances around the town. I did what I could to protect my brother and sister.

“Taz, Nova, you both have to get out of here. If they want me, then they can get me. This situation doesn’t involve you 2 and I don’t want to place you in danger. Nova, I know how much you like to prove a reason why you should stay with me, but I can’t do it this time.”

“Jack, you can’t just give up. You don’t know what they’ll do to you. Family is family, and we stick together. So you’re escaping with us, or were going out there with you.” My brother Taz agreed. I’m still not sure, but I think he had some Australian in him.

“She’s right Jacky boy. We’re not leaving you behind. They’re circling us like vultures, so we find a way to escape, or we charge out there at them like a stampede of Rhino’s and give em all what we got. I got nothing to lose from that. What do ya say Jacky boy?”

“I say we all have something to lose from an attack. Each other. We’ll escape together.” But I didn’t mention that we we’re going to have to depart soon after. Nova was the smart one, so we took what was most important to us, got into the garage and escaped with her driving.

We drove across state from Atlanta, Georgia to Miami, Florida. There we stayed with my father’s cousin. We couldn’t stay for long, so he helped us get plane tickets to go with our Grandma. Secretly, I asked him to get me a ticket somewhere else so they would be safe if I wasn’t around. He found out about this place from the web while Taz and Nova got ready. I knew leaving them wasn’t going to be easy, so I told them I was going to the bathroom at the airport, but what I really did was leave the airport. I saw them leave, then I left 3 months later. When Rarity and Rainbow Dash came to get me after that incident with meeting Twilight, that was the first time I talked to my sister in 3 months. To hear her voice and to know that she was alright made me feel great, but still heartbroken about leaving them the way I did.

[Reality]

“If I could, I’d go back a redo everything, even when I found that deck. Applejack, when I dueled you, I didn’t use the “Cubic” deck for a good reason. The more damage it does, the more it consumes its owner. By getting rid of the deck, I feel like I’d be getting rid of my parent’s spirits. That’s why I hold onto this.” Jack drops to his knees starting to cry. “I didn’t want to hurt anybody else. I left my brother and sister, I destroyed everything around me, and I killed my parents…because I’m the actual monster.” Pinkie takes a knee beside him, hugging him.

“It isn’t your fault. The deck controlled you. If you want to get rid of the darkness inside of it, then count me in. I’ll help in any way I can.” Applejack looks over at Twilight and nods.

“Same here. I’m always up for a challenge, and to help out a friend like you would be amazing.” Jack stops crying wiping his eyes, looking up at Twilight standing in front to him.

“We already had this plan before, so I’m not backing out of it now. Let’s get the other girls.” The door opens behind them, seeing Soarin, Lightning Dust, and Thunderlane walk out, seeing the hood covering Soarin’s eyes “First, we should get passed these guys. Remember what we talked about Jack?”

“Right.” Soarin stands 10 feet away from the girls and Jack. He looks at Twilight with an evil grin.

“Twilight, it was very rude of you especially to Jack to drag him out here for no problem that you said there was. And to ease drop and take him away from a conversation I was having with him.” He turns to face Jack, smiling. “So Jack, what do you say? It seemed like you were about to accept our challenge earlier.”

“On one condition, I'll accept your challenge. You’re the only one I’m facing for this. I know about your little group here. I know about what the cost is if I lose. That should explain about the disappearances around this school from the last year.” Lightning Dust rushes towards with Jack raising her hoof.

“How dare you disrespect us. I oughta beat-” Sorain moves his hoof in front of her to stop her from continuing.

“Jack Crusher, you really should learn to respect your masters.” Soarin’s hood is removed, revealing dark red eyes glaring at him. His voice changes to a deep tone. “But what you hear is true. I sent them away in a form that nobody else has seen.” Thunderlane grabs Lightning Dust, pulling her away from Soarin as heavy wind starts to blow around them.

“Soarin, what’s going on with you?”

“Soarin you say? Wrong, I have his body. Don’t worry, Jack should know me all too well from…from the last tournament duel. You should remember Jack. I helped you win.” A shocked expression appears on Jacks face.

“It can’t be. Comet, your back? The destruction you caused, the innocent ponies you hurt, and you used me to do it. I was looked at as the enemy for years. I had to abandon my brother and sister on a plane by themselves. I…I killed my own parents because of you!”

“So I guess a thank you for the win isn’t what I get. Very well, but be warned, I am one of many you will see for your stay here. That you all will see. Jack, you can’t escape from me forever. I can help you get what you want back, like your parents, or your brother and sister-”

“ENOUGH!!!” Jack’s duel disk activates and Nova Ring lights up. “I’m taking you out once and for all Comet!”

“You’re challenging me? Very well, I accept. With this body, I get to see you hurt your friend. And one more thing.” 3 rings of dark shadow clouds surround Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie pie, Thunderlane and Lightning Dust, bringing them together. “They will be involved as well. They are unable to move in this match until it’s over. You’ll be free to move wherever you want in the Shadow Realm. From this shadow game, any damage you take will be caused to them.”

“But…I can’t hurt them.” Twilight calls out to Jack.

“Jack! You have to fight him!”

“Huh? Twilight?”

“You have to fight him Jack. Don’t worry about us in the process. I know you can do this. It’s time to face your fear.” Jack looks down for 3 seconds, then looks back up at Comet glaring.

“You’ve hurt too many ponies I cared about….well, no more! I’m ending you now!”

“That’s right, get angry. I want to see your full potential of it so I can crush you with it.” Soarin’s duel disk activates and Nova Ring lights up. “Prepare for your destruction.”

Comet [LP: 4000]

Jack [LP: 4000]

“I’ll start, draw! I summon “Armageddon Knight” in attack mode.” [1400] “When this card is summoned, I can send 1 Dark monster from my deck to my graveyard. I choose “Stygian Street Patrol.” Then I place 4 cards face down to end my turn.”

“I admire your effort, but it won’t be enough to defeat me. I draw. For a change of scenery, I activate the Field Spell Card “Mound of the Bound Creator.” While this card’s on the field, all level 10 or higher monsters on the field cannot be targeted or destroyed by card effects. Also, if a level 10 or higher monster destroys a monster on the field, the owner of the destroyed monster takes 1000 damage. Then I activate the Spell Card “Dark World Dealings.” We each draw 1 card, then discard 1 card. Now I activate the Quick Play Spell Card “Photon Lead.” I can special summon I level 4 or lower Light-Type monster from your hand. I special summon “RA’s Disciple” in attack mode.” [1100] “Since this card was summoned, 2 more “RA’s Disciples” get to come out to play from my deck.” [1100] [1100] “Now that I have that, I tribute all 3 to summon the beast of the gods sealed form. “The Winged Dragon of RA-Sphere Mode.” [?] “Yes, its attack is questionable, but its effect isn’t however. I tribute it from the field to summon from my hand, the almighty, the all-powerful, Egyptian God! “The Winged Dragon of RA!” [?] “Since it was summoned by the effect of “The Winged Dragon of Ra-Sphere Mode,” it automatically gains 4000 ATK and DEF!”

The Winged Dragon of RA [ATK/DEF:?→4000]

“RA,” destroy his pathetic monster!”

“I activate my face down Continuous Trap Card “Spirit Barrier.” Since I control a monster, any battle damage I take from attacks involving my monster are reduced to zero.”

“Battle Damage, yes, but effect damage is different. “Mound of the Bound Creator” activates. Since your monster was destroyed by a level 10 or higher, you take 1000 damage. You and your friends I should say.” Lightning strikes from the sky above “RA,” hitting both Jack and the group. They all shout out in pain, seeing Jack struggling to stay on his feet.”

Jack [LP: 4000→3000]

“(Sorry guys).”

“I’ll end my turn.”

“I draw! I activate my face down Continuous Trap Card “Call of the Haunted” I can target 1 monster in my graveyard and special summon it in attack position. I choose “Armageddon Knight.” [1400] “Since he was summoned, his effect activates. I can send Dark monster from my deck to the graveyard. I choose “Dark Summoning Beast.” Then I’ll use its effect in the graveyard. By banishing it, I can add 1 of the 3 Sacred Beast from my deck to my hand. Out of “Uria, Lord of Searing Flames,” “Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder,” and “Raviel, Lord of Phantasms,” I choose “Uria.” Just to help, I activate another “Call of the Haunted.” The only one I can bring back is “Stygian Street Patrol.” [1600] “These monsters won’t be here for long, cause 3 Trap Cards were just to help for something else. A stronger monster to be exact, like the one I mentioned earlier. I destroy all 3 face-up Continuous Trap Cards to summon, “Uria, Lord of Searing Flames!” [0] “Yeah, it has 0 attack right now, but it gains 1000 ATK for each Continuous Trap Card in my graveyard. That’s 2 “Call of the Haunted” and 1 “Spirit Barrier.”

Uria, Lord of Searing Flames [0→3000]

“For my last card in my hand, activate my personal Field Spell Card “Fallen Paradise.” This effects only the 3 Sacred Beast I mentioned while they’re face up on the field. “Uria, Lord of Searing Flames,” “Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder,” and “Raviel, Lord of Phantasms,” can’t be targeted or destroyed by destroyed by card effects. Then I’ll activate the effect of “Fallen Paradise.” Since I control at least one of these Sacred Beast, I can draw 2 cards. Now I activate my last face down Continuous Trap Card called “Escape from the Dark Dimension.” I can target 1 of my banished Dark monsters and special summon it. I bring forth “Dark Summoning Beast.” [0] “Now I activate its effect. I can tribute it to special summon 1 of the 3 Sacred Beast I mentioned earlier from my deck. This time, I bring out “Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder!” [4000] “Since “Dark Summoning Beast” left the field with the effect of my Continuous Trap Card, so does the card I used to summon it. Since it’s a Continuous Trap Card, “Uria’s” ATK increases by another 1000.”

Uria, Lord of Searing Flames [3000→4000]

“I hope you payed attention, cause my Sacred Beast are level 10 as well, so “Mound of the Bound Creator” effects my monsters as well. Now I remove from play “Dark Summoning Beast” and activate its effect. I can add 1 Sacred Beast monster from my deck to my hand. Who other than “Raviel.” Also I haven’t normal summoned this turn yet. I summon “Phantom Skyblaster” in attack mode.” [1100] “When its normal summoned, I can special summon any number of “Skyblaster Tokens” to the field equal to the number of monsters I control. “Uria” and “Hamon” make 2 tokens appear on the field. [500] [500] “Since the Tokens are counted as fiends, it gives me the privilege to do this. I sacrifice “Phantom Skyblaster” and both “Skyblaster Tokens” to summon my last Sacred Beast. “Raviel, Lord of Phantasms!” [4000] “That’s right, all 3 Sacred Beast are on the field before you.” Twilight smiles, looking over at the duel.

“With that kind of attack power, one of his monsters would have to be sacrificed, but it could end Comet right now.” Lightning Dust looks up, shaking her head.

“Wrong Twilight. Since he used the effect of “Dark Summoning Beast” to summon just one of those monsters, none of them can attack this turn. Watch.” Comet smiles, looking up at the 3 Sacred Beast.

“Congratulations Jack. You managed to get all 3 Sacred Beast on the field, but unfortunally for you, you can’t attack this turn due to the effect of “Dark Summoning Beast.”

“Then how about I end my turn with switching “Hamon” to defense mode.” [4000] “Good luck with trying to get to my monsters, cause since Hamon is in defense mode, if you want to attack any of my monsters, you’re gonna have to go through “Hamon” first.”

“Very well. I draw. How about I make this entertaining? I activate an Equip Spell Card “Mist Body.” With any monster I equip this card to, it can’t be destroyed by battle. So now, “The Winged Dragon of RA” is invincible!”

“That’s not good.”

“I’ll end my turn.”

“Alright, I draw! I activate the effect of “Fallen Paradise” so that I can draw 2 cards. I place 1 card face down. I activate the Quick Play Spell Card “Twin Twisters.” By discarding 1 card I control, I can destroy up to 2 Spell or Trap cards you control. How about I get rid of “Mist Body” and “Mound of the Bound Creator.” You’re god isn’t so invincible now is he? Especially when I do this. I banish all 3 Sacred Beast monsters I control to Fusion summon, “Armityle the Chaos Phantom!” [0]

“You destroyed your monsters to summon a weaker one. Typical.”

“Pay attention to this. “Armityle,” Destroy “The Winged Dragon of RA!”

“Destroy “RA” with 0 attack? Impossible. You fail to win this duel.”

“Like I said, pay attention. When “Armityle” attacks, it gains 10,000 attack during the battle phase. That’s enough to take out your god and you! You’re finished!”

Armityle the Chaos Phantom [0→10,000]

A huge explosion erupts with smoke covering the whole rooftop as the entire floor beneath them shake. “Finally, it’s over.” Smoke clears where the group was, still seeing them trapped in darkness. “What? They should be free, unless-”

“That’s right Jack, this duel isn’t over.” Jacks looks back towards Comets direction, seeing him still standing in Soarin’s body.

Comet [LP: 4000]

“No, this can’t be. That attack should’ve finished you.”

“Fool. I still had 1 card in my hand to discard so I didn’t take any battle damage right before the attack went through. “Kuriboh.” And I get to summon a monster from the graveyard since “The Winged Dragon of RA” was destroyed. You wanted to see all forms of “The Winged dragon of RA,” you got your wish. I reveal, “The Winged Dragon of RA-Immortal Phoenix!” [4000] “This monster can only be special summoned from the graveyard when “The Winged Dragon of RA” is destroyed and sent to the graveyard. You probably don’t remember how this card got to my graveyard. I’ll give you a hint. In the beginning of my turn, I activated the Spell Card “Dark World Dealings.” We each draw 1 card, then discarded a card.”

“That means you discarded that monster.”

“You catch on very quick. Also, since you destroyed “Mound of the Bound Creator,” I can add 1 Divine-Type monster from my deck to my hand. Who else than the original “Winged Dragon of RA.”

“I guess I end my turn. (Sorry guys. I thought I had it. Hang on for a little longer).”

“Since your turn is ending, I activate the effect of “The Winged Dragon of RA-immortal Phoenix.” During the end phase, this card goes back to the graveyard, and out comes back “The Winged dragon of RA-Sphere Mode.” [?] “Remember him?”

“(The next turn is mine Comet).”

“I draw! I place 1 card face down. Then I activate the effect of “The Winged Dragon of RA-Sphere Mode.” I tribute him to summon from my hand, “The Winged Dragon of RA!” [4000]

“Again?!”

“Do you think of me as a fool to take the body of someone that would only hold 1 copy of a powerful creature? Let us continue. Your monster only gained that much attack points on your battle phase only, but now it’s at 0. So now it’s my turn to attack! “RA,” destroy him!”

“You’ve been with me so much, you can say we’re somewhat alike. I discard Kuriboh from my hand so I don’t take any battle damage from this battle. Good luck destroying my monster, cause it can’t be destroyed by battle.

“I end my turn.”

“I draw!”

“Allow me to activate my face down Continuous Trap Card you know as “Spirit Barrier.” When I monster I control is destroyed by battle all battle damage I would take is reduced to 0.”

“(Great. Now he takes no battle damage and has a god on the field. so much for next turn being mine). I activate the effect of “Fallen Paradise,” allowing me to draw 2 cards. Then I activate my face down Continuous Trap Card “Escape from the Dark Dimension.” I can target 1 of my banished monsters and special summon it. How about and old friend known as “Dark Summoning Beast.” [0] “I activate its effect, so I tribute it to summon a Sacred Beast monster from my deck. You’re right Comet, it is good to have more than 1 of the same powerful monster in your deck. I summon “Uria, Lord of Searing Flames!” [4000] “Since my “Dark Summoning Beast” was summoned with the effect of my Continuous Trap Card and now it’s off the field, my Trap Card leaves and “Uria’s” ATK increases by another 1000.”

Uria, Lord of Searing Flames [4000→5000]

“I know I can’t attack with the effect of “Dark Summoning Beast,” so I summon “Giant Germ” in defense mode.” [100] “I’ll end my turn.”

“I draw. I place 1 card face down and end my turn.”

“(He’s toying with me. I just know it). I draw! I activate the effect of “Fallen Paradise” to draw 2 cards. Then I activate the effect “Stygian Street Patrol” in my graveyard. I can banish it and special summon 1 monster from my hand with 2000 ATK or less. Guess who? It’s “Dark Summoning Beast.” You know its effect well enough, so I destroy it to summon from my deck “Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder!” [4000] “Now I activate the effect of “Uria.” I can target 1 set Spell or Trap card my opponent controls and destroy it. You’re face down card is toast.”

“Before you do that, I’ll activate it. “Jar of Avarice.” I can choose 5 cards in my graveyard and add them to my deck, shuffle it, and draw 1 card. “Mound of the Bound Creator,” “Kuriboh,” “Dark World Dealings,” and for my last 2, “The Winged Dragon of RA-Sphere Mode” and “The Winged Dragon of RA.”

“I can’t attack, so I’ll end my turn.” The duel is interrupted by the door of the roof is slammed open, seeing Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Spike, Fluttershy, Chancellor Celestia and Dean Luna appear in the opening. “This I bad. You all have to run right now!” They all look up at the god before them with the duel in process. Luna looks at the duel, seeing Soarin in the middle of it.

“Soarin’s dueling? This can’t be right. Celestia, we have to stop this.”

“We can’t interfere Luna. From the darkness we’re seeing, this is a shadow game. A shadow game can’t be stopped until someone wins the duel.” Comet looks back, smiling at the group. “Well what are the odds of you doing this Soarin?”

“Allow me to introduce myself Chancellor. My name is Comet. Soarin is a lost soul of a duelist that I have taken control of. He’s given himself into the darkness.” Comet turns back towards Jack. “Don’t worry Jack, I won’t let them suffer this late. I want them to see you fall when you’re defeated. Now I draw. I activate the Spell Card “Terraforming.” I’m allowed to add 1 Field Spell Card from my deck to my hand. By doing that I activate it. “Mound of the Bound Creator.” I shouldn’t have to explain what it does. How about I show your friends who just showed up what it can do while I have a level 10 monster on my field. “RA,” destroy “Giant Germ!” Jack and the captured group get struck with Lightning above “RA,” screaming in pain again. Jack drops to a knee, trying to catch his breath.

Jack [LP: 3000→2000]

Luna calls out towards the duel.

“Wait, Jack’s monster was in defense position, and “RA” doesn’t have an effect that does piercing battle damage. How’d he lose life points?” Fluttershy looks up at the Field Spell around “RA.”

“It has to be the Field Spell Comet used. If a level 10 or higher monster destroys a monster in battle, the player who controlled the destroyed monster takes 1000 damage.” Comet laughs, looking down at Jack.

“Stay down Jack. It suits you for the position you’re currently in.” Jack looks up at Comet, then slowly stands up. “You still fight. How unwise. Very well, it’s your move.”

“I’ll always have fight in me. You didn’t know my “Giant Germ” had an effect. If it’s destroyed by battle, my opponent takes 500 damage.”

Comet [LP: 4000→3500]

“And since it was destroyed, 2 more come from my deck in attack position.” [1000] [1000]

“Good effort, but not enough.”

“I draw! I tribute 1 “Giant Germ” to summon “Dark Summoning Beast.” [0] “I’ll use its effect and tribute it to special summon from my deck “Raviel, Lord of Phantasms!” [4000] “Then I switch my last standing “Giant Germ” to defense mode and call it a turn.” [100] Rarity looks down shaking her head.

“This is hopeless. He can’t attack with the effect of “Dark Summoning Beast,” and “Giant Germ” is still on the field. There’s no way he can win like this.” Comet smiles with an evil grin.

“Do you hear that Jack? Your own team is doubting you. Such a shame that you would fail like this. I draw. “RA,” destroy “Giant Germ!” Jack and the group get hit with lightning again, screaming as Jack drops to both knees, trying to catch his breath.

Jack [2000→1000]

“Don’t you realize Jack? You’ve already lost. The fate of your friends were in your hooves, and you let it go. Forfeit the duel, and I’ll spare you to be my pet.” Jack slowly gets up, them looks up at Comet smiling. “What’s this, you enjoy your own defeat?”

“Thanks for that attack, cause “Giant Germs” effect comes into action, causing you 500 damage.”

Comet [LP: 3500→3000]

“I knew you would destroy 2 “Giant Germs” so that I can lower your life points. I waited for you to destroy weaker monsters of mine to make it seem like you were going to win. All you really need to do now is destroy 1 other monster I control with the same attack or lower, and I take 1000 damage. Which means I would lose. But I didn’t attack for a good reason. I had to build up my field again, with monsters you knew of. Monsters that you couldn’t destroy except by a sacrifice.” Rarity looks at the duel, confused.

“Can someone translate what he just said?” Rainbow Dash smiles, pointing her hoof at “Uria.”

“He had to build more attack power and waste a little time to power up his monsters, like “Uria.” By summoning weaker monsters, Jack kept him distracted.”

“Wait, so you’re saying-”

“That’s right Rarity. He had this planned out from the beginning.” Comet looks at Jack with a shocked expression.

“That’s not possible. You couldn’t have known. Jack, I know you’re lying.”

“Dueling for long time with you helped me realize a lot of things Comet. It gave me time for strategies. I used to duel out of anger, but that’s all changed now. I draw! “Uria,” destroy “The Winged Dragon of “RA!”

“I take no battle damage from my effect of “Spirit Barrier.”

“That may have kept you safe, but “Mound of the Bound Creator” can still help me since “Uria” is a level 10 monster, causing you 1000 damage.”

Comet [LP: 3000→2000]

“Good job Jack, cause now you have to deal with a monster from my graveyard. “The Winged Dragon of RA-Immortal Phoenix!” [4000]

“I didn’t say my turn is over. I overlay “Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder” and “Raviel, Lord of Phantasms” to XYZ summon…”Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max!” [3000] “I don’t need attack power to finish you off, I just need to use its effect. By detaching 1 XYZ material from this monster, I can automatically hit you directly with 2000 damage.”

“I won’t let this end like this.” A dark spirit escapes from Soarin, seeing it form into a stallion’s body with a grey coat and black hair, floating above the duel. “If you want to finish this, go ahead. Attack your friend Soarin.” Soarin looks around, confused of the situation.

“Uh, someone mind explaining to me what’s going on?” He looks up, seeing Comet. “Now it’s coming back to me. You said you would help me get the “Cubic” cards Comet. You didn’t say I’d place my own group in danger.”

“Are you really dumb enough to believe me?” Soarin looks over at Thunderlane and Lightning Dust, seeing them looking over at him in shock.

“I know how this should end then since it’s a shadow game.” Soarin looks at Jack. “Finish this Jack. I’m not gonna fight you. This duel has to end one way or another, and I can’t place anyone life at risk. I wanted to face you to see the weakness of your cards so that if we ever dueled again, I’d place my deck on the line. Comet wanted to see you fall with your “Cubic” deck as well, but there are too many lives at stake at this point. You have to finish this right now. I always wanted to win, but not like this. I’m not asking you Jack, I’m telling you to end this duel.”

“Soarin, your life is at stake. If you lose, you’ll be sent to the shadow realm. I can’t hurt you like this.”

“Jack, I’m willing to sacrifice myself for the life of 6 others. That includes you. There’s too many lives I’ve hurt since I’ve been here. If I go down, I go down fighting…and by the hooves of a friend. Please Jack, end this.” Tears start to run down Jacks face as Soarin looks over at Thunderlane and Lightning Dust, seeing tears run down there face. “Don’t worry about me guys. The fight isn’t over. Do what you can to stay up.” Soarin looks back at Jack smiling. “Watch them for me alright?” Jack closes his eyes looking down.

“I…I detach “Raviel, Lord of Phantasms” to inflict 2000 damage to your life points.” Jacks monster cannon fires, going right passed Soarins monster and hitting him directly. He screams when the attack strikes, seeing him drop to his knees and hooves when the explosion is over.

Soarin [LP: 2000→0]

Jack runs over to Soarin, dropping to his knees in front if him seeing his body slowly disintegrating into the air while trembling.

“Thank you Jack. Now, listen close. Comet wants that “Cubic” deck, and if he gets ahold of it, the academy is in trouble. There are more of his spirits around here, and you and your team have to work together to stop them.” Soarin takes his deck out from his disk, holding it out to Jack. “Take it. You never know when there’s a chance you might need it.” Jack takes it, seeing Soarin slowly stand up, looking over at Thunderlane and Lightning Dust. He raises his arm up with his duel disk on smiling, seeing Thunderlane and Lightning Dust doing the same while crying. “A spirit of a duelist…always lives on, and always fights.” His body fully disintegrates seeing his duel disk fall from his disappearing arm. Jack catches it before it hits the ground, not wanting it the break.

“Soarin. Don’t worry, I’ll do what I can to get you back.” Jack stands up looking up at Comet glaring. “Alright Comet, what’s this game that you’re trying to play?” Comet grins, turning away from the situation.

“Very well. You’ll find clues in your bedroom. Until then…” He disappears into air, making the darkness from the roof fade away and the captured group free to roam around. Jack looks down, seeing Rainbow Dash run over to him and hugging him, while the others met up with the captured group.

“Jack, are you alright?”

“…no…I’m not Dash. I did it again. I sent someone away. An innocent victim in the case. He didn’t need to pay the price of for Comet. He was used as a pawn in this game…and I sent him away.” Tears start to run down Jacks face again. “I’m the monster that everybody knows of again. But this monster now-” Jack takes off his sunglasses, crushing it in the grip of his hoof. “Has taken control. He looks up opening is eyes, revealing one of them blue, and the other closed with a double slash scar over it. “There’s something else I didn’t tell you all.” Everyone stops looking over at Jack, seeing him turn back to face them. “Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie pie, when I was in the hospital, I woke up only being able to see out of one eye. My other was bandaged. I’m guessing it got this during the duel with my parents when I tried to save them.” Jack pulls out a roll of a bandage from his jacket pocket, wrapping it around his eye to cover it up. “The damage in that battle was real, as you saw in the battle against Soarin. The electricity in the sky that struck us, was definitely real. That was real pain when facing Comet.”

[Flashback]

“I am one of many you will see for your stay here. That you all will see.”

“There are more of his spirits around here, and you and your team have to work together to stop them.”

[Reality]

“Due to what Comet and Soarin said, this new battle with these Spirits have just begun. I won’t risk putting the rest of you in danger, so these battles are mine and mine only.” Jack turns back, walking away. “Just sit this one out alright?” A blue deck box hits him in the back of the head, making him quickly look back. They all point there hooves at Lightning Dust.

“Yeah, that was me trying to get some sense back into you. Look jack, I don’t know your whole story with Comet and everything, but you remember what Soarin said. We need to beat him as a team. We need to work together in this case no matter what the cost is. If this is all real, then this battle needs to be a team effort. I know sacrifices will need to be made, but I’m willing to give up everything to help everyone around me. Soarin gave up his life to protect us, and I don’t want him to go down in vain. I don’t care what you say during this time, but I’m helping you whether you like it or not. Better learn to deal with me soon, cause I’m not leaving until this is over. I threw my deck at you to give it to you, as Soarin did. You might need some cards to help you if you want to do this. He said your team. I was a part of his. I’m not gonna be much use to duel, but I’ll protect who I can around us.” Thunderlane walks up next to her, tossing Jack a red deck box.

“That’s mine as well. I’m gonna help Lighting Dust with a barrier. Both of our decks have the Egyptian God cards in them. Keep those on you.” Rainbow Dash walks up next to Thunderlane, pulling out her deck and placing it in her duel disk holding it up.

“I really don’t know what’s going on, but don’t think you’re gonna count me out of this. I’ll duel next to you till the end.” Twilight walks up next to Rainbow Dash, holding up her duel disk.

“I’m always ready for a new challenge. Especially to help a friend.” The rest of the girls and spike all walk up next to each other smiling. Jack looks around, seeing none of them backing out.

“You all realize you could be risking your lives for this right?”

“I don’t see any of us backing out, so I’m pretty sure we’re all well aware.”

“Knowing Comet for a while, he doesn’t like to play fair. Since we’re in his game, we’re gonna have to go by his rules. We have to stop by my room first. He said that’s where the clues would be. For the rest of you, I’ll fill you in on my situation along the way. Luna and Celestia, we know you can’t leave at this point since you have an academy to watch. Try to keep everyone safe and don’t mention what we’re saying to any of them. Thunderlane and Lightning Dust, do your best to keep everyone safe. We have to stay in contact. If anything is about to go down, we’ll let you know to move everyone close to that area away from there. Let’s move.”

[Jacks Room]

Jack walks inside, letting the others in as well.

“That’s when my passed problem became my future.” He turns back, seeing a glow of light from his window. Looking closer, he sees a white coat and gold hair Pegasi staring out the window with angel wings. "And speaking of problems, I’m surprised to see you here at this time. Where were you about 10 minutes ago when I actually needed you?”

“It’s a lovely view of the mountains, isn’t it Jack? A view that might be forever lost due to the actions of Comet. Forgive me for trespassing into your domain at this time, but we must speak of this incident.” The Pegasi turns back to face him making his glow fade, seeing others in the room as well.

“And I see you brought guest. Since I know they’re in on this situation now, I mine as well explain my appearance. My name I Spark, a protector of Jack.

As all of you now know, Comet is an evil spirit from Jacks past, and also an evil spirit within him. The more Jack uses that Cubic deck, the powerful Comet gets. I hope he brought you all up to speed on the situation, because it gets worse. The clue Comet was talking about is on Jacks dresser.” Everyone looks over, seeing 2 decks of cards. “It may look like a regular deck of playing cards, but it holds more information than you know. Unfortunately, I am unable to look at them or give you any answers to their secrets, but I trust that all of you will work together to defeat Comet. After all, he is my brother.” Everyone stares at Spark in shock. “I know, it’s shocking. He used to be like me, living in peace in our utopian land, until he gave into evil and greed using that “Cubic” deck. He wanted power, so he fought with everyone with that those monsters in that deck. “Crimson Nova Trinity” was equipped with his soul. After I thought all was lost, I gave everything I could to defeat him. I managed to victor, but it only weakened him. I knew what he was capable of, so I had no choice but to banish him in the darkness. I wasn’t happy about it though. He’s my family, and the only one I had left as family where I lived. Sending him to the darkness was a great mistake. Since he was already possessed by it, he managed to escape with help from recruits. Darkness is coming for every duelist they can find, and they won’t stop until they have the power they want. They search for strong duelists with spirits who they can connect with in there deck. Jack can connect with his cards due to their bond.” Twilight looks at her deck in her duel disk.

“You mean like when I saw Jack talking to “Venus?”

“There are many more cards and spirits he connects with Twilight Sparkle. The planet card the “Splendid Venus” is only but 1 mere spirit he connects with. But you must protect your cards, for they are the light to this upcoming darkness.” Fluttershy looks down, hiding her duel disk behind her. “Fluttershy, there is no need to feel ashamed to use dark monsters in your deck to win a battle. You must do what you have to and end this nightmare. Comet has used some of his power to create replicas of himself. They all don’t look like him, but they have the power to possess others around them and use them for their strength. Duelists here are not safe.” Spike points his claw at the door.

“So now we all have to evacuate the academy? Oh sure, we’ll just tell everyone over the intercom that darkness is coming to kill everyone that currently duels. I won’t even be able to count how many ponies and dragon’s freak out.”

“And that’s a heart of a dragon dear Spike. Facing fear with telling other’s about it. Go and tell them all, and count how many stay and try to fight. You all must look after each other, but remember this, the final battle must be between Comet and Jack only. Nobody else must interfere. Reason is, jack is destoned for it, to free anyone that was hurt by Comet.” Spark places his hoof on Jack’s head, seeing his eye turn white showing him an image of his Brother and Sister together fighting Comet.

“Nova? Taz? They lost to him.” Spark removes his hoof, seeing Jacks eye turn back to his normal blue color.

“You must do what needs to be done Jack. That goes for all of you. I will be watching, but I am unable to participate. You all must stay strong.” Spark vanishes, as Jack goes to his dresser and takes one of the stack of cards. Flipping one over, it’s a picture of him on an ace card. He flips over the top card of the other, seeing a location outside at the front of the academy. He takes the rest of the decks off, spreading them out on his bed.

“Ace through 8, and each one of us have a picture on them. This other deck contains locations of the academy, inside and outside. We just need to do the work in matching it together to see who goes where.” The rest of them pick up their cards with there images, as Spike picks up one of the cards with a picture location on it.

“If we’re playing by Comets rules, and he gave us a deck of cards of us on them, then it’s a gamble. We shuffle the locations like a regular deck of cards. When the time is needed, the top card of the deck will be flipped, revealing one of the locations we’re needed at.” All cards the crew are holding all disappear out of there hooves into the dresser in a deck, as well as the cards with picture locations on them. They see both decks shuffle itself, then stop 5 seconds later. “…Twilight?”

“Wasn’t me.”

“Rarity?”

“Not a chance.”

“Then, who did that?” They all hear a voice on the intercom. A voice they’re not too happy to hear from.

“Is this thing on? Testing, testing. Oh good it works. Greeting all duelists of Sun & Moon Academy. My name is Comet, and I’d like to propose a little competition. A tournament in a way. Here’s how it works. All students of the academy will show up on multiple big screens around the campus. It will tally victories, defeats, and draws. Here’s the twist, I put out something called a Life Point Bonus Zone. If you manage to win duel and have some remaining life points, it will be your bonus score. Continue winning with life points left and your score increases. It is unlimited on how much you can win. If you lose, your score is subtracted from your opponents remaining life points. If your score reaches -10,000 or below, you are eliminated and can no longer compete. If a draw occurs, both duelists will gain a 2000 bonus score. Every duelist will start with 10,000 points. For the next 10 days, this tournament will occur. At the end, the top 32 students in the academy will face off in an official bracket. Simple right, but there’s more. Any tournament illegal card is now legal, and you can have 3 copies of any card in your deck. Have fun everyone.” When the intercom turns off, Jacks door opens, seeing Luna walking inside, followed by a mare and a stallion carrying Celestia inside, who seems to be injured and unconscious.

“Jack, he took over. We couldn’t stop him.” They lay Celestia down on Jacks bed. “She got knocked out trying to defend us, by a card of his. It’s like it came to life.”

“Just like that duel on the roof. The pain was real. Comet set up this tournament as a distraction to see if we could be eliminated so he won’t have a problem with us.” The stallion who carried Celestia walks over to Jack, giving him a card.

“I managed to swipe this before we got away. I think it’s a card of his. “The Wicked Avatar.” The names Shining Armor. My wife Cadence here is the director. I help out of the sidelines. Look, I don’t know what’s happening or what caused this, but if you plan to fight back, count the rest of us in.”

“Jack we’re gonna need all the help we can get. (Hopefully it will be more than enough).”

Episode 3: The Challenge Awaits

The group makes their way towards the front of the academy courtyard, seeing many duelists in battle when they walk outside. Jack looks around, not seeing an open ground.

“Well that’s wonderful. No space anywhere. If this challenge is gonna be crowded like this, then we have to stay close and keep away from distractions.” Unfortunately for that case, Trixie walks up to the group. “(Speaking of distractions). Hello
Trixie.”

“Hey Jack. Mind if I talk to Twilight really quick?” Twilight comes out from behind the group. “Twilight, would you mind giving Trixie a rematch? I’d really like to give it another go this time with my new strategy.” Coming closer from behind Trixie was a familiar face and voice.

“Back off illusionist. I deserve this rematch with Twilight.” Trixie looks back, seeing Flash Sentry glaring at Twilight. “I know I deserve this for the way you treated me last time, and I’m not taking no for an answer.” Twilight takes a step towards Flash, until she’s stopped by an arm in front of her by Shining.

“How about you take me on since you’re so eager. She has work to do, but I’m available.”

“You? Are you serious? Do you realize what you’d be getting yourself into? Besides, this business involves her, not you.”

“Well when my family is involved with something, it’s all of our business. Don’t tell me you’re just scared to lose to me again Flash.”

“Please, scared to lose to you? With this new deck and strategy, you don’t stand a chance. I already won 5 duels. Alright, I accept your challenge. If you win, I’ll leave you alone. If you lose, you and Twilight follow by my rules and do whatever I say.”

“It’s a deal.” Flash turns back, walking a short distance to give each other some space for the duel. Cadence walks up next to Shining, looking at him confused and worried. “Don’t worry. I’m sure this deck will do the trick. Celestia entrusted me with it. I promise you I won’t fail.”

“Just be careful. After we saw “The Winged Dragon of RA” on the roof, things have changed here and a lot of students have
gotten hurt. I just don’t want to see you end up like Celestia. I know it’s already hard enough for Luna to watch over her sister, I couldn’t bear to see you get hurt. Be very careful alright?” Cadence steps back, as Shining looks back towards Flash, seeing Flash drop a card on the ground. It lights up purple, then sinks into it. Dark clouds start to spiral around them in intense speed. Trying to stay up, Shining sees Flash smiling.

“Flash, what’s going on?”

“I used a Seal of Darkness spell card. It infuses with our battle grounds making it so none of us could leave until one of our life points hit zero. Oh, and to add to the fun, in this duel we feel real pain from cards. I guess you can say Comet sees that I have potential, so he gave me that card.”

“I never heard of that card before.”

“That’s because it’s not a card for battle, but for the battle grounds. Don’t worry too much Shining. Even though every card is now legal, I’m not the type of guy to just bail and place in cards that cheat. I know how to win fair and square.”

“(That snake! He wanted to use this card on Twilight. Alright Comet, let’s have some fun).” Shining’s duel disk activates and Nova Ring lights up as well as Flashes. “Alright Flash, let’s go!”

Shining Armor [LP: 4000]

Flash Sentry [LP: 4000]

“Alright, I’ll start! And I activate the spell card “Double Summon” to normal summon or set 2 monsters this turn. I summon 2 “Exploder Dragon’s” from my hand in attack mode.” [1000] [1000] “Then I activate the Continuous Spell Card “Supply Squad.” If a monster I control is destroyed and sent to the graveyard, once per turn, I can draw a card. You’re move Shining.”

“I draw! I summon “Goblindberg” in attack mode.” [1400] “When this card is normal summoned, I can special summon 1 level 4 or lower monster from my hand. I summon “Heroic Challenger-Extra Sword” in attack mode.” [1000] “Due to the effect of “Goblindberg,” it switches to defense mode after using that effect.” [0] “Now I activate the Continuous Spell Card “XYZ Change Tactics.” You’ll find out what it does after this. I overlay “Goblindberg” and “Heroic Challenger-Extra Sword” to XYZ summon, “Number 39: Utopia!” [2500] “Now my Continuous Spell Card activates. By paying 500 Life Points, when a “Utopia” monster is XYZ summoned to my side of the field, I can draw an extra card.” Electricity from the ground below him emerges, shocking him, seeing him drop to his knees holding his chest.

Shining Armor [LP: 4000→3500]

“Well, I can say it was worth the extra draw.” Shining stands back up. “Since “Heroic Challenger-Extra Sword” was used for an XYZ summon, my XYZ monster gains 1000 attack.”

Number 39: Utopia [2500→3500]

“Now I activate the Spell Card “Utopia Buster.” I can target 1 monster you control with the lowest attack, destroy it, and you take damage equal to its attack, so one of your “Exploder Dragon’s” is gonna take the bullet.” One of Flashes “Exploder Dragon’s”, seeing the ground below him build up electricity like Shining. When it emerges, Flash smiles, taking the shock that was caused to him as damage. “Don’t tell me you didn’t feel that.”

Flash [LP: 4000→3000]

“When you know the power you have, you tend to ignore the pain. Due to the effect of “Supply Squad,” I get to draw 1 card.”

“I’ll place 1 card face down to end my turn.”

“I draw! I tribute summon “Exploder Dragon” to summon, “Zarborg the Thunder Monarch!” [2400] When this card is tribute summoned, I can destroy 1 monster my opponent controls. Say goodbye to Utopia.”

“Nice try Flash, but I activate my face down Continuous Trap Card “Number Wall.” By targeting 1 number monster I control, it can’t be destroyed by battle or card effects. The only way it’ll be destroyed is by battle and it’s by another Number monster.”

“Well then, I guess I’ll have to change. I activate the spell card “Double Summon.” I can summon 2 monsters this turn. I tribute “Zarborg the Thunder Monarch” to summon, “Mobius, the Mega Monarch!” [2800] “When this card is tribute summoned, I can target up to 3 spell/trap cards on the field and destroy them, so “Number Wall” is no longer in play. I place 1 card face down to end my turn.”

“I draw! I summon “Command Knight” in defense mode.” [1900] “While she’s on the field, all Warrior-Type monsters I control gain 400 ATK points.”

Number 39: Utopia [3500→3900]

“Utopia,” take down that “Mega Monarch!”

“Not so fast. I activate my face down Trap Card “Draining Shield.” Your attack is negated and my life points are increased by your monsters attack power.”

Flash [LP: 3000→6900]

“I’ll end my turn.”

“I draw! I summon “Marshmacaron” in defense mode.” [200] “I’ll end my turn.”

“I draw! I summon “Field-Commander Rahz” in attack mode.” [1600→2000] “When this card is normal or special summoned, I can choose from my deck 1 Warrior-Type monster and place it at the top. (Let’s see. This card should work). Let’s battle! “Utopia,” take down that “Monarch!”

Flash [LP: 6900→5800]

“The effect of “Supply Squad” activates, allowing me to draw a card.”

“Doesn’t mean my turn is over. “Field-Commander Rahz,” slice and dice that pink blob!”

“Thank you Shining, cause now you have double the trouble. Since “Marshmacaron” was destroyed, 2 more from my deck get 2 come onto the field.” [200] [200]

“I’ll end my turn.”

“I draw! Let’s have some fun. I activate the Field Spell “Domain of the True Monarchs.” You’ll find out what it does after I tribute 1 “Marshmacaron” to summon “Kuraz the Light Monarch!” [2400] “When this card is tribute summoned, I can destroy up to 2 cards on the field, then for each card destroyed, the owner of the destroyed card can draw 1 card for it. I’ll take out my spare “Marshmacaron” and your “Utopia.” And now the effect of my Field Spell activates. While I control a tribute summoned monster and no Extra Deck, your Extra Deck is completely worthless Shining.”

“What?! Are you saying I can’t use it as long as you control a tribute summoned monster?!”

“Correct. Since “Kuraz” was just summoned this turn, it can’t attack, but the effect of “Supply Squad” activates since my monster was destroyed by a card effect, so another card comes to my hand. Now I activate the Continuous Spell Card “March of the Monarchs.” All tribute summoned monsters I control can’t be targeted or destroyed by card effects. My turns over.”

“I draw! (I don’t know what to do now. My whole deck is about having Utopia on the field. With “Domain of the True Monarchs” on the field, I can’t do anything that involves him). I summon “Necro Gardna” in defense mode.” [1300] “I’ll end my turn with that.”

“Looks like the Knight in Shining Armor can’t do much now. I draw! I activate the Spell Card “Tenacity of the Monarchs.” By revealing 1 monster from my hand that has 2400 ATK & 1000 DEF, or 2800 ATK & 1000 DEF, I can add 1 “Monarch” Spell/Trap from my deck to my hand. I’ll show you this. “Zarborg the Mega Monarch” to add to my hand “Return of the Monarchs,” then I’ll activate the Continuous Spell. Now I tribute “Kuraz the Light Monarch” to summon, “Zarborg the Mega Monarch!” [2800] “If this card is tribute summoned, I can target 1 monster you control, and destroy it. I choose “Command Knight,” which lowers your Warrior-Type monsters ATK points.”

Field-Commander Rahz [2000→1600]

“Return of the Monarchs” activates. When I tribute summon a monster, I can add to my hand I monster with 2400 ATK & DEF 1000, or 2800 ATK & 1000 DEF from my deck with a different name than the monster I tribute summoned. I choose “Caius the Shadow Monarch.” “Zarborg,” destroy “Field-Commander Rahz!” And in case you didn’t know, “Domain of the True Monarchs” gives my tribute summoned monsters an 800 ATK point boost when it declares an attack!”

Zarborg the Mega Monarch [2800→3600]

Shining [3500→1500]

Electricity from the ground below Shining charges up, hearing him scream when it shocks him. Shaking, he stays on his feet while looking down.

“Look at you, your trembling where you stand. I’ll let you surrender if you want, and your life might be spared.” Shining looks up, glaring at Flash.

“A great warrior never surrenders from battle, no matter what the outcome looks like. I always fight to the end. I was entrusted with this deck, and I promised not to lose. I’m gonna keep that promise. I draw! I summon another “Necro Gardna” in defense mode.” [1300] “Then I’ll end my turn.”

“I draw! I set 1 monster face down in defense mode and my turn. Don’t worry Shining, I don’t wanna kill you off to early yet. I wanna see you tremble.”

“I draw! I place 2 cards face down and end my turn.”

“You’re making this too easy for me Shining. I draw! Now the fun begins. I flip summon my face down monster “Scapeghost.” When this card is flip summoned, I can special summon any number of “Black Sheep Tokens” to my side of the field. 3 open spaces mean 3 will come to the field. I’ll keep them in defense mode.” [0] “I tribute “Scapeghost” to summon, “Caius the Shadow Monarch!” [2400] “When this card is tribute summoned, I can target 1 card on the field and banish it. If it happens to be a monster of a DARK attribute, you take 1000 damage. I think “Necro Gardna” will do.” Shining screams again when getting electrocuted, seeing him drop to his knees.

Shining [LP: 1500→500]

“Also, “Return of the Monarchs” activates again, so I’m adding “Granmarg the Rock Monarch” from my deck to my hand. Shining, it’s no use to keep fighting. You can’t win no matter what you do. Last chance to give up, and I’ll cut you a deal to only take your sister.” Very slowly, shining stands back up, not saying a word. “So that’s a no. Fine, we’ll do this the hard way. “Caius,” take down his defense!” Cadence yells out from the back.

“Shining no!”

“You’re finished! Zarborg, end him!” Zarborg attacks, seeing an explosion from Shining’s side of the field. “Game over Shining. I thought you would be different this time, but once a failure, always a failure.”

“That’s what you think Flash, but you’re wrong.” Flashes eyes widen with shock, seeing Shining still standing on the other side of the field.

“What?! You should’ve been finished! I ended you!”

“Not quite Flash. When you sent “Necro Gardna” to the graveyard, you helped me out. I activated its effect before your attack went through. By removing it from play, I can negate one of your attacks.”

“You’re finished next turn Shining.”

“You’re not gonna have a next turn Flash. I’m ending this. These cards in my deck I always believed in, and even now, I don’t give up hope. Let’s just say a relative of mine taught me that. This next draw will change this duel around.” Shining draws his next card, smiling when seeing it. “It’s over Flash. I activate the Spell Card “Glorious Numbers.” Since I control no monsters, I can target 1 “Number” XYZ monster in my graveyard, and special summon it. I know I can’t use my extra deck since “Domain of the True Monarchs” is on the field, but my graveyard is still available. “Come on back “Number 39: Utopia!” [2500] “With the effect of “Glorious Numbers,” I can draw 1 card. Also, by removing that Spell Card from play, I can attach 1 card from my hand to it as XYZ material, but I think I’ll save these. I activate a monster effect from my hand. “ZW-Lightning Blade.” By equipping this card with “Utopia,” it gains 1200 ATK.”

Utopia [2500→3700]

“I now activate an Equip Spell Card “Reverse Breaker.” While it’s equipped to Utopia, whenever it attacks, 1 can destroy 1 Spell/Trap card you control. “Utopia,” destroy “Caius the Shadow Monarch!” since I’m attacking with “Utopia,” I’m destroying “Domain of the True Monarchs!”

Flash [5800→3500]

“Now my Extra Deck is open for business, which give me the ability to activate my face down Trap Card “Halfway to Forever.” I can target 2 monsters in my graveyard and special summon them to the field. I special summon “Heroic Challenger-Extra Sword” and “Command Knight” to the field in attack mode.” [1000] [1200] “You know the effect of “Command Knight,” but due to the effect of my Trap Card, the effects are negated and I have to immediately XYZ summon with those 2 monsters. I overlay both of my special summoned monsters to XYZ summon, “Number 39: Utopia!” [2500]

“What a waste. You XYZ summoned the same monster you already have on the field but with XYZ material on it.”

“That’s what I wanted so I could do this. By using “Number 39: Utopia” as XYZ material, I can XYZ summon, “Number S39: Utopia Prime!” [2510] “Now I activate my other face down Trap Card “XYZ Effect.” When I XYZ summon a monster, I can target 1 card on the field and destroy it. I’ll get rid of “March of the Monarchs.”

“No! My defenses!”

“Now you’re available for anything. Since your life points are at least 3000 higher than mine, I can pay life points till I only have 10 left and detach 3 XYZ materials from this card and destroy all special summoned monsters you control. When they’re destroyed, they’re banished, and you take 300 point of damage for each. The only ones I see are your 3 “Black sheep Tokens,” so you’re taking 900 points of direct damage.”

Shining [LP: 500→10]

Flash [LP: 3500→2600]

“Since I control a “Utopia” monster, I activate this last card from my hand. The Spell Card “Utopia Buster.” I can target 1 monster you control with the lowest attack on your side of the field, destroy it, and you take damage equal to your destroyed monsters attack. You’re finished Flash!”

“(I was actually defeated. He managed to bypass all of my defenses).”

“Fire “Utopia!” Destroy “Zarborg the Mega Monarch.” An explosion comes from Flashes side of the field, seeing him drop to his knees looking down.”

“(I’m sorry Comet…)”

Flash [LP: 2600→0]

“(I have failed you).” A large purple spiral portal behind flash appears, with 4 chains exiting out of it, wrapping around flashes wrist and ankles, dragging him back towards the portal.

“Flash!” Shining runs over to Flash to try to help, but is too late as the portal closes with him dragged inside. The dark clouds around the duel disappear, only seeing the Seal of Darkness spell card appear from the ground where it dropped, then vanishes. “…Flash…” Cadence runs up and hugs him from behind, seeing tears run down her face.

“I was so scared for you. I thought you would’ve lost.” She looks into his eyes, seeing him disappointed. “Shining, what’s wrong?”

“…Flash. This shadow game killed him. That Seal of Darkness Spell Card is not an existing card, and it was given to him by
Comet.”

“You mean-?”

“They made a deal. I guarantee that’s not that only one that was made, and not with that only student. Comets using others to try to get rid of us.” Luna’s voice is heard from a radio in Jack’s pocket.

“Jack? Jack are you there? Can anyone hear me?” Jack pulls out the radio, responding to Luna’s call.

“Luna, this is Jack. What’s going on?”

“Jack, my sister’s awake. I don’t know how, but I saw a dark spiral of clouds outside. I thought that must’ve meant you guys were in trouble. When it left, I heard my name from her. She’s fully awake now. I’m trying to get her to see if she remembers anything.”

“Good to hear Luna. Keep us updated.” Jack places the radio back in his pocket. “Guys.” Everyone looks back at Jack. “Chancellor Celestia is awake now. Luna doesn’t know how, but when Shining won the duel, apparently she woke up. All we need now is information from what she remembers. All we can really do right now is wait it out.” Another voice from a distance from a mare comes closer to them.

“While you rejects are waiting on whatever this is, I have something to take care of with you know who. Cadence, shall we?” Cadence looks over, immediately glaring when making eye contact. “Is that a yes or a no?”

“You really need to get over yourself Moondancer. You don’t know what we’re doing, so I don’t have time for you right now.”

“You have time to replace me though right? Yeah, I still remember. For those of you that don’t know, I’ll explain. When this academy opened, I was the one that helped Cadence with the preparations along with Shining Armor to make this place look presentable. I had an idea of a tournament to rank the duelists the came here, but she wanted to have everyone just be equal. That’s not how things work when I’m around. There has to be at least a top 10 ranking list, but apparently there was no time for that. She kept stalling and pushing back all of my ideas. Shining’s ideas were perfect for her, but once I had one, there was no thought put to it. I got so sick of my ideas being pushed aside that I challenged her for her place as the director. We didn’t get chance to finish, but by the looks of it, I was about to win until security was called in, stopping the duel and escorting me to Luna and Celestia. I was suspended from dueling for 2 weeks and my deck was confiscated. I know you were the one that called them Shining, so I should have a real bone to pick with you, but I’ll deal with you after I beat Cadence and take my place as the new director. I’m gonna make a lot of changes around here, starting with expelling certain students and firing some employees.” Jack whispers over to Rainbow Dash standing next to him.

“Talk about obsessed.”

“I heard that. Anyway, we still have unfinished business Cadence. I’m not letting you walk away this time. Get over here and face me. What you need is new lesson to be taught to you.” Cadence walks away from the group towards Moondancer with her duel disk activating and Nova Ring lighting up.

“What you need is a therapist. You’re right, we still have unfinished business, and it’s about to end right now.”

“Let’s Duel!”

Cadence [LP: 4000]

Moondancer [LP: 4000]

“I’ll start off Cadence. Since this tournament allows any card to now be put in play with 3 of the same card in 1 deck, I’ll start by placing a face down card. Then I activate the Spell Card “Pot of Greed.” I draw 2 cards. Then I activate another Spell Card “Graceful Charity.” I draw 3 cards and discard 2. I then activate this Spell Card “Upstart Goblin.” You gain 1000 life points and I get to draw 1 card.”

Cadence [LP: 4000→5000]

“Catching on yet Cadence?”

“You keep drawing cards and not laying any monsters down to protect you. Judging by this, you’re waiting for “Exodia.”

“You actually found out. With your Synchro deck, you dont stand a chance. Now, let’s continue. I set 1 monster face down in defense mode. Then I set 2 more cards face down. I end my turn.”

“(A monster set face down with an “Exodia deck?” This’ll be different). “I draw. I set 3 cards face down. Then I activate the Quick Play Spell Card “Fires of Doomsday.” 2 “Doomsday Tokens” appear on my side of the field in defense mode.” [0] [0] “I can’t summon anything else for the rest of this turn due to the effect of “Fires of Doomsday,” but I can set. I set 1 monster in face down defense mode to end my turn.”

“I draw! I flip summon my face down monster. “Des Lacooda.” [500] “When it’s flip summoned, I can draw 1 card, then place it back face down. I set another monster face down defense mode. Then I activate my face down card “Reckless Greed.” I draw 2 cards and skip my next 2 draw phases.”

“I activate my face down Trap Card “Present Card.” You discard your entire hand and draw 5 new cards. I count 8 now that you’ve drawn 2 more with reckless greed, so all of those are gonna go to the graveyard. Then I activate my face down Continuous Trap Card “Magical Thorns.” With this card, any card that you discarded to the graveyard, you take 500 damage for each.”

“What!? But if 8 cards were sent, that means that’s 4000 damage. Wait a second, “Present Card?” That’s my card from my deck that was confiscated. Come to think of it, so is “Fires of Doomsday” and “Magical Thorns.” Wait, that’s my Damage Draw deck.”

“That’s right Moondancer. This is you’re confiscated deck. Everytime we tried to return it to you, you refused. I made some arrangements and decided to use it as my own. See, I knew you we’re gonna use an Exodia deck from the last time I visited you. In your room, I saw you placing the 5 pieces in your deck along with many other drawing cards. I heard you won your duels from that day on. Knowing that you were still upset with me, I knew you would come back for a challenge again, so I came prepared with your deck.”

Moondancer [LP: 4000→0]

Moondancer drops to her knees looking down.

“I can’t believe this. I lost against my own deck. I had everything I needed to get my revenge, and I still lost.” Cadence walks over to her, taking a knee by her, seeing tears run down Moondancer’s face. “I’ll always be a failure. A disappointment.”

“Moondancer, I know what potential you have. You were so obsessed with power and wanting that ranking list so you could be on top of it, you’d do what you can to make anything you wanted happen. Not everything is about power or control. I pushed your ideas away since all of them were based around power and control. You don’t need power to show yourself, that brain of yours already does it.” Cadence takes out the deck from her disk, giving it to Moondancer. “This original deck belongs to you. Please, take it. It’s not mine to control.” Moondancer wipes her eyes, taking her deck and holding it to her chest. A smile slowly grows on her face.

“Thank you Cadence.”

“Just to let you know as well, I didn’t say at any time that you were fired. I was just waiting for you.”

“You mean?”

“I look forward to any ideas you might have in the future.” Moondancer stands up, removing the “Exodia” deck from her disk and replacing it with her original deck. Cadence stands back up, smiling. “I guess I’ll see you soon.”

“Without a doubt.” Moondancer leaves towards the field with other ponies dueling.

“Well that finally got settled.” A voice on the intercom calls out for a name in the group.

“Will Fluttershy please report to room 1150?” Fluttershy looks back at the academy, confused.

“That’s strange. I recognized that voice. That sounded like…my brother, Zephyr Breeze. Something telling me this isn’t good. Especially since room 1150 is the Main Duel Arena.” They all hear a scream from inside the academy. “Zephyr!” Fluttershy runs towards the Main Duel Arena with the others following. As everyone runs inside, Twilight stops, looking back seeing Shining Armor and Cadence staying behind.

“Aren’t you coming?” Shining smiles, crossing his arms.

“Now why would you need us? Whoever that was called for someone in your group specifically, which means you need to be there to support them. Cadence and I are gonna keep things safe out here.”

“Alright, just don’t get hurt.” Twilight runs back towards the Academy to catch up with the rest of the group.

[Main Duel Arena]

They all run inside, seeing Zephyr Breeze in a duel with an unknown pony with a dark blue coat and a white mane. Fluttershy yells out to him, heading towards the platform.

“Zephyr what are you doing?”

“I heard what was happening Fluttershy. I didn’t want you to get hurt, so I tried to warn others in the academy. Then I ran into her. She challenged me to a duel for your freedom in this situation, but it doesn’t look like it’s going well right now.” The unknown mare smiles, looking down at Fluttershy.

“So, you’re Fluttershy? The names Zer0. It’ll be an honor defeating you right after I’m done with your pathetic brother.” Zer0 Looks back at Zephyr, seeing him shaking, trying to stay standing.

“Now, where were we? Ah yes, It was my turn. I draw. I tribute “Mad Archfiend” to summon “Skull Archfiend of Lightning.” [2500] “Since “Pandemonium” is on the field, I don’t have to pay life points for its effect. Then I activate “Raigeki” to destroy all monsters on your side of the field. Say goodbye to all 3 “Fire Hands.”

“I guess we’re gonna make a trade. You have 3 monsters on the field as well. When “Fire Hand” is sent to the graveyard, each one can destroy 1 monster you control. Also, I get to special summon “Ice hand” from my deck in replacement.”

“Not if there effects activate first. If they’re targeted by an effect of a card, all I have to do I roll a die with each of their effects. “Skull Archfiend of Lightning” will go first. To negate your card, I need a 1, 3, or a 6.” Let’s see what the dice says.” A single dice is tossed by Zer0, landing on a 6. “First one is negated. Now for “Terrorking Archfiend.” I have to roll a 2 or a 5.” She tosses the dice again, seeing it land on a 2. “Tough break. Finally “Desrook Archfiend.” All I need is a 3.” She tosses the die, seeing it land on a 4.

“Ha. I guess your luck ran out.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure handsome. I still have a face down that I’m activating since the number I rolled wasn’t the one I wanted. The Trap Card “Dice Re-Roll.” The effect of my last roll is now negated and I get to roll again.”

“You’re kidding.” Zer0 tosses the die, seeing it land on a 3.

“All of your “Fire Hands” are negated, which leaves you wide open for a direct attack by “Skull Archfiend of Lightning.” With only 1600 Life Points left, you lose.” When Zephyr gets attacked directly, he fly’s back from the attack, managing to flip while in the air and lands hard on his stomach.

Zephyr [LP: 1600→0]

Zephyr looks up, seeing Zer0 walk towards him.

“I’m sorry Fluttershy. I tried my best.” Zer0 looks down at him smiling. “Do your worst you witch. I’ll never join your side.”

“My, such language and disrespect from someone as handsome as you. I’m afraid you don’t have a choice in the matter. The deal was if you won I’d let you go. I won, and I’m gonna keep up my end of the deal.” Dark chains arrive from the ground under him, wrapping around his wrist, ankles, and neck. The chain wrapped around his neck pulls back, making Zephyr face Zer0. “Now, you shall do my bidding.” She pulls out a card from her jacket seeing Fluttershy recognize it.

“The Seal of Darkness Spell Card. Zephyr no!” Zer0 throws it on the ground in front of him, seeing dark clouds surround, him creating a powerful wind moving back Fluttershy. He screams as Fluttershy pushes herself forward to get to him. Twilight calls out to her, while blocking trying to stay in place from the wind.

“Fluttershy come back! It’s too dangerous!”

“(I don’t care. He's my brother, and I’m gonna help him).” The darkness around Zephyr fades away at the same time the wind calms. The chains holding him release him, seeing him look down with his eyes closed. Zer0 walks closer towards him. “Stand up. You shall do my bidding, Deadnight.” Zephyr slowly stands up, facing Zer0.

“Yes, my mistress. I am at your command.”

“Even more cute when you’re like this.” Fluttershy calls out to him, still walking towards him.

“Zephyr?” He turns back, staring at Fluttershy smiling with pitch black eyes. “No.” Zer0 laughs, walking up next to Zephyr.

“Adorable isn’t he? The Seal of Darkness card isn’t only for battle grounds. It has an amazing use with possession as well. That intercom call you heard earlier was from Comet. He wanted you to see your brother fail in front of you, and that wish came true. Now since Deadnight is under my control, he shall do my bidding, starting with getting rid of some of the ponies in control of this place. Comet likes a work area big and not crowded so he can work in without any distractions, so getting rid of the heads will make things easier for him.” Fluttershy’s duel disk activates and Nova Ring lights up, jumping onto the arena.

“That’s not gonna happen. I’m dueling you in a shadow game to release my brother. No isn’t gonna be an answer I accept, so let’s throw down.”

“A duel for a family member? How touching. It would be a shame if he got hurt in the process of this wouldn’t it? What do you think about this challenge Deadnight?” His duel disk activates and Nova Ring lights up.

“Challenge accepted.”

“Very well. The duel will commence, but I have to go talk to Comet about this little incident, but since your brother is doing my bidding, he’s completely available. If you do manage to defeat him, I’ll be waiting for one of you. You’ll know where to find me.” Dark clouds appear from beneath Zephyr and Zer0, seeing Zephyr appear on the other side of the arena, and Zer0 completely gone. Fluttershy looks over at Zephyr, seeing him glaring at her.

“(I have to face him? I can’t. He’s my family, and if I hurt him…wait Fluttershy, you have to do this. Even if he gets hurt, this isn’t currently your brother you’re looking at. This is Deadnight, and he’s being controlled and you have to save him. You can’t be scared now. You have to do this). Alright, bring it on.”

“Very well. Since you don’t seem scared, let’s make this interesting.” The ground beneath them shakes, seeing metal bars appear from beneath the ground moving over them and creating a cage. “Now nobody can go in or out until this duel is finished.” Dark clouds spiral around Fluttershy for 10 seconds, then when they disappear, they all see a different Fluttershy, with fangs, extra fur, and red eyes. “Bat pony suits this situation even more. You’re welcome.”

“I’ll make you pay for this!”

Deadnight [LP: 4000]

(Bat Pony) Fluttershy [LP: 4000]

“I’ll start! I discard 1 card from my hand to special summon “Apprentice Illusion Magician” from my hand!” [2000] “When it’s normal or special summoned to the field, I can add 1 “Dark Magician” from my deck to my hand. Now I summon “Magician’s Rod” to attack mode.” [1600] “When this card is normal summoned, I can add to my hand 1 Spell/Trap card the specifically lists “Dark Magician” in its text. I choose the Continuous Spell Card “Dark Magical Circle,” in which I’ll activate now. By using this, I look at the top 3 cards of my deck and add to my hand any card that has “Dark Magician” in its name or text. I choose “Dark Magic Inheritance.” Next I’ll activate the Spell card “Monster Reborn.” I can target 1 monster in my graveyard and special summon it, and the only one there is “Dark Magician Girl!” [2000] “I’ll end my turn with that.”

“Very well, I draw! For a change of scenery, I activate the Field Spell Card “Pandemonium.” Any “Archfiend” monster that either of us summon on the field doesn’t require you to pay life points for the standby phase. Next I activate the Continuous Spell Card “Field Barrier.” This card keeps my Field Spell safe from being destroyed. I summon “Shadowknight Archfiend” in attack mode.” [2000] “Any damage you take involving this card is cut in half. “Shadowknight Archfiend,” destroy “Magician’s Rod!”

Bat Pony Fluttershy [LP: 4000→3800]

“I place 2 cards face down to end my turn.”

“I draw! I activate the Spell Card “Dark Magic Veil.” I pay 1000 life points to special summon a DARK Spellcaster-Type monster from my hand or graveyard. From my hand, I special summon, “Dark Magician!” [2500]

Bat Pony Fluttershy [LP: 3800→2800]

“Dark Magic Circle” activates. Since “Dark Magician” was special summoned to the field, I can target 1 card you control and banish it. Your “Shadowknight Archfiend” is leaving the field.”

“Not so fast. The effect of “Shadowknight Archfiend” activates. When targeted by a card, I get to roll a six sided die. Shall it land on a 3, you Spell Card effect is negated and destroyed.” Deadnight tosses a die towards the middle of the arena, seeing it stop on a 3. Fluttershy’s Continuous Spell Card leaves the field when the die stops. “Too bad Fluttershy. It seems your plan has failed.”

“Not just yet. “Dark Magician,” destroy his monster!”

“I activate my face down Trap Card “Negate Attack.” Your monsters attack is blocked and your battle phase is ended.”

“I end my turn.”

“I draw! I summon “Vilepawn Archfiend” in attack mode.” [1200] “While this card is on the field, no monsters you control can attack “Archfiend” monsters I control except this one. I’ll end my turn.”

“I draw! I place 1 card face down. “Dark Magician Girl,” attack “Vilepawn Archfiend!”

“I activate my face down Quick Play Spell Card “Ego Boost.” 1 monster I control gains 1000 attack, which will be “Vilepawn Archfiend.”

Vilepawn Archfiend [1200→2200]

Bat Pony Fluttershy [LP: 2800→2600]

“I end my turn.”

“I draw! I activate the Spell Card “Upstart Goblin.” You gain 1000 life points and I can draw 1 card.”

Bat Pony Fluttershy [LP: 2600→3600]

“I summon “Terrorking Archfiend” in attack mode.” [2000] “Then I switch “Vilepawn Archfiend” to defense mode.” [200] “I place 1 card face down to end my turn.”

“I draw! I activate the Spell Card “Dark Magic Attack.” Since I control a “Dark Magician,” all Spell/Trap cards you control leave the field.”

“Foolish mare. You forget that “Field Barrier” protects my Field Spell “Pandemonium.” Not every Spell and Trap card leaves my side. Also, I’m activating my face Quick Play Spell Card “Fires of Doomsday” before it’s destroyed. This card allows me to summon 2 “Doomsday Tokens” to my side of the field in defense mode.” [0]

“Well I’m not done. “Apprentice Illusion Magician,” destroy “Vilepawn Archfiend!” “Dark Magician,” take out one of his Tokens!”

“Is that all Fluttershy? I surely expect more from you. It’s a shame that you won’t be here long enough to see your team fail.”

“Are you gonna lecture me or are you gonna fight?”

“Eager to lose I see. Very well, I draw! Let the fun begin. I sacrifice all 3 monsters to summon and evil god! Rise, “The Wicked Dreadroot!” [4000] “When this card is normal summoned to the field, all monsters on the field beside this monster gets there ATK and DEF cut in half.”

Apprentice Illusion Magician [2000→1000]

Dark Magician [2500→1250]

“The Wicked Dreadroot, attack “Dark Magician!”

“Hold on! I activate the effect of “Apprentice Illusion Magician.” During the battle phase, if any DARK Spellcaster-Type monster I control is battling, I can send this card to the graveyard and increase my monsters ATK by 2000.”

Dark Magician [1250→3250]

Bat Pony Fluttershy [LP: 3600→2850]

Twilight looks at the play Fluttershy just made confused.

“I don’t get it. Even with that move, Fluttershy still didn’t have enough power to defeat “The Wicked Dreadroot.” Why would she do something like that knowing that both of her monsters would be gone?” Jack smiles looking up at Fluttershy’s determined expression.

“She knows that she’ll draw a better card. She’s willing to give up what she has to fight for her family. I could tell before that she didn’t want to fight him, but doing so and defeating him would be the only way to set him free. She knows what she has to do to win this. The only thing we can do now I hope for the best.” Deadnight laughs, seeing Fluttershy looking down.

“What’s wrong dear Fluttershy? Your teammates believe in you though you’re going to fail. Your field is empty, and you have nothing else to do.”

“…wrong Deadnight. There’s always a trick up my sleeve, just wait. I draw! I’m reveling this card to you to special summon it. “Palladium Oracle Mahad!” [2500] “I know it’s a level 7 monster, but since I came to my hand during a draw phase, all I have to do is reveal it to special summon it on the turn it is drawn. He also has an effect. If it battle a DARK monster, its attack automatically doubles. That would make it stronger than “The Wicked Dreadroot.” I guess certain gods do fall after all, especially the evil ones. “Palladium Oracle Mahad,” destroy “The Wicked Dreadroot!”

Palladium Oracle Mahad [2500→5000]

Deadnight [4000→3000]

“My turn is over.”

“Lucky shot for that. You won’t be so lucky next time. I draw! I activate the Spell Card “Pot of Greed,” allowing me to draw 2 cards. I activate another “Pot of Greed” to draw 2 more cards. I place 1 card face down. Then I summon “Archfiend Calvary” in defense mode.” [0] “I activate the Equip Spell Card “Mist Body.” While “Archfiend Calvary” is equipped with this card, it can’t be destroyed by battle. My turn is over.”

“I draw! (His monster can’t be taken out just by an attack, so I gotta figure out a way around this).” I activate the Continuous Spell Card “Dark Magical Circle.” You should remember this from earlier. I look at the top 3 cards of my deck and add 1 card to my hand that list “Dark Magician.” I happen to have “Dark Magician” in the 3 cards I just pulled, so that card will be added. Now I activate the Quick Play Spell Card “Dark Magic Inheritance.” I can banish 2 Spell Cards from my graveyard and add to my hand 1 Spell/Trap card that list “Dark Magician” in its text from my deck. I banish “Dark Magic Attack” and “Dark Magic Veil” to add to my hand “Thousand Knives.” (Wait, I still only have 1 monster on the field. I can’t bring out “Dark Magician” just yet).” I end my turn.”

“So much effort with so little to do. I draw! I activate the Spell Card “Graceful Charity.” I draw 3 card and discard 2. Now I activate the Spell Card “Pot of Avarice” I can target 5 monsters in my graveyard, shuffle them into my deck and draw 2 cards.”

“Nice try, but you only have 4 from when I counted.”

“Count again after “Graceful Charity.” I discarded a monster and a Spell Card to keep this card. Now “Shadowknight Archfiend,” “Vilepawn Archfiend,” “Terrorking Archfiend,” “Infernalqueen Archfiend” and “The Wicked Dreadroot” will all go back to my deck and be shuffled, allowing me to draw 2 cards. Now I activate my face down Trap Card “Jar of Avarice.” I target 5 cards in my Graveyard, shuffle them into the deck and draw 1 card. “I choose “Fires of Doomsday,” “Upstart Goblin,” “Negate attack,” “Ego Boost” and “Graceful Charity.”

“(He’s just increasing cards in his hand while keeping his deck together. Something tells me this isn’t good).”

“I place 1 card face down and end my turn.”

“(He didn’t summon anything? This definitely isn’t good.) I draw! I place 1 card face down and end my turn-”

“Before that, I activate the Quick Play Spell Card “Fires of Doomsday.” 2 “Doomsday Tokens” come to my side of the field in defense mode.” [0]

“(Again? He must’ve drawn “The Wicked Dreadroot” with those drawing effect cards).”

“I draw! I sacrifice both “Doomsday Tokens” to summon, “Imprisoned Queen Archfiend!” [2600] “I’ll end my turn.”

“(Still not attacking)? I draw! “Palladium Oracle Mahad,” destroy “Imprisoned Queen Archfiend!” And remember, “Palladium Oracle Mahad” attack doubles when it battles a DARK monster.”

Palladium Oracle Mahad [2500→5000]

“Nice try, but that damage is going to you instead. I activate my face down Trap Card “Half Counter.” Half of the original attack of your monster gets added to my monsters attack, so now my monster gets a 2500 ATK point boost as well, leaving your monster to be destroyed.”

Imprisoned Queen Archfiend [2600→5100]

Bat Pony Fluttershy [LP: 2850→2750]

“Palladium Oracle Mahad” effect activates. When it’s destroyed by battle or card effect, I can special summon 1 “Dark Magician” from my hand, deck, or graveyard. This one’s gonna come from my graveyard.” [2500]

“Do you realize what you just did? Bringing out a weaker monster from a stronger monster won’t help you Fluttershy.”

“Not unless this weaker monster is what this deck is based off of Deadnight. That’s why I had this face down card from my last turn. I know “Dark Magician” can’t destroy “Imprisoned Queen Archfiend” with an attack. That’s why I’m not attacking anymore and moving to my second Main Phase. I activate my face down Trap Card “Magician Navigation.” I can special summon 1 “Dark Magician” from my hand.” [2500] “Then I’m allowed to special summon a DARK Spellcaster-Type monster from my deck. I choose “Apprentice Illusion Magician” in defense mode.” [1700] “Since it’s no longer the battle phase, you know what that means.”

“Wait, you played this out?”

“That’s right. I was waiting for a while till I got the right cards. Enough chit chat, let’s get back to action. “Dark Magical Circle” only activates once per turn, so I’m banishing your “Pandemonium.” Now for any “Archfiend” monster that requires you to pay life points during your standby phase, you’re gonna pay no matter what. Here’s the real fun part. I sacrifice “Dark Magician” to special summon, “Dark Eradicator Warlock!” [2500]

“1 tribute for a level 7?”

“That’s part of its effect. It requires only “Dark Magician" for tribute. Since I still a "Dark Magician" on my field, I activate the Spell Card “Thousand Knives.” Since 1 control “Dark Magician,” I can target 1 monster you control and destroy it. “Archfiend Calvary” is gonna take 1000 shredding’s.”

“Fool. You didn’t know the effect of “Archfiend Calvary.”

“Actually, I did. Since it couldn’t be destroyed by battle while “Mist Body” was equipped, I was betting it had an effect for being destroyed by card effect. I was guessing it falls under special summoning from the graveyard when destroyed, but who do you have in your graveyard to summon since you used “Jar of Avarice?”

“No way.”

“You should keep track of that next time as well as your life points. While I control “Dark Eradicator Warlock,” if either one of us activates a Normal Spell Card, you’re taking a 1000 life point damage hit for it.”

Deadnight [LP: 3000→2000]

When Zephyr takes damage, she notices his body is fading with the damage he takes. She looks down at herself, seeing her legs as shadows. (So this is how we pay. Alright Zer0, I’m gonna end this and take you down for good).”

“I draw!” Deadnight takes 1000 damage from the effect of “Imprisoned Queen Archfiend,” seeing his body fade away even more.

Deadnight [LP: 2000→1000]

“I must admit, that was an attempt that would’ve been successful if you would’ve thought first. I activate the Field Spell Card “Pandemonium.” I always keep spare of my cards. I activate the Equip Spell Card “Megamorph,” equipping it to “Imprisoned Queen Archfiend.” Since my life points are lower than yours currently, the monsters current attack that this card is equipped to doubles.”

Imprisoned Queen Archfiend [2600→5200]

“Now, your “Dark Eradicator Warlock” is gonna take the hit!”

“I’m using the effect of “Apprentice Illusion Magician” again to give my monster a boost of 2000 ATK.”

Dark Eradicator Warlock [2500→4500]

Bat Pony Fluttershy [LP: 2750→2050]

“Now that trouble is out of the way, I activate the spell card “Pot of Greed” to draw 2 cards. Now I activate the Spell Card “Raigeki” to destroy all monsters you control.”

“Nice try, but I activate the effect of the Trap Card “Magician Navigation” in my graveyard. Since I control a “Dark Magician,” I remove from play “Magician Navigation” from my graveyard to negate the effect of “Raigeki.”

“You should’ve accepted your fate. I activate the Spell Card “Pot of Desires.” 10 cards from the top of my deck get removed from play, then I draw 2 cards. How about I activate another “Pot of Greed” to draw 2 more cards. Now I activate the Quick Play Spell Card “Mystic Wok.” I can target 1 monster I control, destroy it, and gain life points equal to its ATK or DEF. I’ll increase my Life Points by the ATK of “Imprisoned Queen Archfiend.”

Deadnight [LP: 1000→3600]

Parts of his body that were faded away come back clear.

“Now I activate the Spell Card “Monster Reborn.” I can target 1 monster in either of our graveyards and special summon it to my side of the field. “Archfiend Calvary” will be special summoned in attack mode.” [1900] “Now I activate the Spell Card “Dark Hole” to destroy all monsters on the field.”

“But your monster is gone as well. You just summoned it.”

“But the effect of “Archfiend Calvary” activates. Since it was destroyed by a card effect and sent to the graveyard, I can target 1 “Archfiend” monster in my graveyard and special summon it. Rise again, “Imprisoned Queen Archfiend!” [2600] “Pandemonium” has an effect as well. Since an “Archfiend” monster was sent to the graveyard except by battle, I can add 1 “Archfiend” monster from my deck to my hand with a lower level than the destroyed one. I’ll bring to my hand “Desrook Archfiend.” I normal summon “Terrorking Archfiend” in attack mode.” [2000] “My turn is over. Don’t you see how easily the tables can change Fluttershy? Your field of monsters was almost full, and now look. You have nothing to protect yourself. Nothing you do will save you. You've lost.”

“…no…I’m not giving up that easily. I know you’re still in there Zephyr, and I’m gonna get you out. I draw!” [!] “Alright, this is it. I place 1 card face down to end my turn.”

“Something tells me that card is gonna be a problem. No matter, I draw! I activate the Spell Card “Mystical Space Typhoon” to target and destroy that face down card.”

“Thanks, cause it was the Continuous Trap Card “Magicians' Defense” you just destroyed. Since it was sent from the field to the graveyard, I get to special summon a Spellcaster-Type monster from the graveyard. Who else other than “Dark Magician!” [2500]

“That face down card wasn’t going to cause me trouble. If I would’ve attacked, it would’ve been over. You were bluffing.”

“Of course I was. I needed you to destroy this card to use the effect of my Continuous Spell Card “Dark Magical Circle.” “Dark Magician” was summoned while this card is on the field, which means one of your cards has to be banished. “Imprisoned Queen Archfiend” will leave this game. Now you have nothing to take me out with.”

“Hmph. I switch “Terrorking Archfiend” to defense mode.” [1500] “I end my turn.”

“I draw!” (What the, this card was never in my deck before. How'd this get here)?” There’s a flash of light that appears in the middle of the field, revealing Spark.

“Hello Fluttershy.”

“Spark?”

“It is I Fluttershy. I have the ability to freeze time in certain situations. Everyone and everything around you is frozen in place, so nobody knows I’m here. I don’t have much time, but I wanted to tell you that I placed 5 Spell Cards in your deck. I know you were hesitant earlier about you deck and it’s a DARK attribute, so while you were watching the duel between Shining Armor and Flash Sentry, I happened to slip them inside your deck. It wasn’t the card that you see now, but it appears to be what you need now. Use the first card Fluttershy, then the rest will come to you and you can end this duel.”

“But I don’t know what you mean. I need your help.”

“I cannot guide you Fluttershy. This is your destiny to control. I know you can do this.” He disappears, seeing everything back to normal. “(My destiny to control. Alright, I hope this works). I activate the spell card “Pot of Greed” to draw 2 cards.” Pinkie Pie points out a situation in the middle of the duel, surprising her.

“Wait a second. Fluttershy never had that card nor ever placed that card in her deck. She doesn’t use any banned cards even for this offer in the tournament.” Jack smiles, slightly looking to his left seeing Spark watching the duel, then disappearing.

“(Spark you sly little spirit).” Fluttershy looks up at Deadnight, with tears slowly forming.

“(I’m sorry for this Zephyr, but this has to end here and now). I discard 1 spell card to activate the effect of the Spell Card “Double Spell.” By discarding 1 Spell Card, I can target 1 Spell Card in your graveyard and use it as my own. I’m targeting “Pot of Avarice.” By using it, I can target 5 monsters in my graveyard, shuffle them into the deck and draw 2 cards. I'm targeting “Palladium Oracle Mahad,” “Dark Eradicator Warlock,” “Dark Magician,” “Apprentice Illusion Magician” and “Dark Magician Girl.” Now that I’ve done that, I activate a Spell Card from my graveyard known as “Galaxy Cyclone.” Deadnight looks at her surprised.

“You never had that card in your graveyard before.”

“I needed to discard a card to use the effect of “Double Spell.” This is the one I discarded. With the effect of “Galaxy Cyclone,” I just have to remove it from play to target 1 face up Spell/Trap card you control and destroy it. “Pandemonium” seems like a good fit since that’s the only one you have. Now I summon “Magicians Rod” in attack mode.” [1600] “When this card is normal summoned, I can add from my deck to my hand 1 Spell/Trap card that list “Dark Magician” in its text. I’ll take “Thousand Knives.” I also activate the Spell Card “Spellbook of Knowledge.” I can send to the graveyard 1 Spellbook card in my hand or on my field or another face up Spellcaster-Type monster I control and draw 2 cards. I’ll send away “Magician’s Rod.” (This is it. The last new card). I activate the Spell Card “Monster Reborn.” I can target 1 monster from either of our graveyards and special summon it to my side of the field. I bring back a monster from my own graveyard. “Dark Magician!” [2500] “With the special summon of “Dark Magician,” “Dark Magical Circle” activates, allowing me to remove from play I card you control. The only one protecting you is “Terrorking Archfiend.”

“(My monsters. They’re gone. My field is completely empty).”

“You’re finished Deadnight. There’s nothing you can do with “Desrook Archfiend” being the only card in your hand.”

“(I was outsmarted in my own arena. I have failed to proceed with Comets acts. Out of all of this that happened…)”

“First “Dark Magician,” attack him directly!”

Deadnight [LP: 3600→1100]

“Second “Dark Magician” end this now!”

“(I accept my fate).” When the attack lands, dark clouds surround Fluttershy, seeing her go back to normal when they disappear. Deadnight drops to his knees, looking down with his eyes closed.

Deadnight [LP: 1100→0]

Seeing Zephyr’s body slowly disintegrating, Fluttershy runs over to him, instantly drooping to her knees and hugging him.

“I’m sorry Zephyr. I didn’t want to hurt you.” Zephyr opens his eyes, seeing them as normal color again, smiling when hugging his sister back.

“Fluttershy, for the sake of the academy, your friends, and family, be strong. Don’t give up, and don’t give in.” His body fully disappears, seeing Fluttershy holding his duel disk to her chest while crying. The ground shakes as it did before, seeing the steel cage seal back in the ground beneath them. Twilight walk over to Fluttershy, sitting on her knees beside her.

“I know it hurts Fluttershy, but promise we’ll get him back. This’ll all be over before you know it. Once this is over, you and your brother will be reunited. Trust me Flutter, we’ll get him back no matter what it takes.” Fluttershy wipes her eyes and stops crying, standing up and smiling at Twilight.

“I know. That's why we have to keep fighting.” They turn back, walking towards the rest of the group.

“By the way, I noticed 5 spell cards in your deck that you never used before.”

“Oh, um, well.” Fluttershy looks over at Jack, seeing an image of Spark next to him. “I found one of Jacks card binders by the door of his room. I thought they would come in handy later on.”

“Thinking ahead huh? Smart.” Twilight and Fluttershy meet back up with the group, seeing Applejack “Amazoness Fighter” appear out of Applejacks deck.

“Hello Applejack.”

“Amazoness Fighter? You’re real? Wait a sec, this is like what Spark said before in the room.”

[Flashback]

“Darkness is coming for every duelist they can find, and they won’t stop until they have the power they want. They search for strong duelists with spirits who they can connect with in there deck. Jack can connect with his cards due to their bond.”

[Reality]

“The connection. Alright “Amazoness Fighter,” I can only guess you’re here to help us.”

“Isn’t that what friends are for Applejack? That scream came from a way’s away. My guess, it echoed down the halls from the far side of the academy. The target is moving quickly for a spirit.” Unexpectedly, a 2 headed bird comes out of the hall, landing on “Amazoness Fighters” arm. “Did you find anything?” It drops small note from its beak into her hand. “Thanks. I can always count on you.” It flies off, as “Amazoness Fighter” gives the note to Pinkie Pie. “It has your Cutie Mark symbol. This must be for you. That bird friend of mine that you all saw was “ZW-Eagle Claw.” He’s a helper of Utopia.”

“Utopia? That’s what Shining Armors deck is based off of. Must be his card.” Applejack turns back to Pinkie, seeing her open the note. “Well, what’s it say?”

“It burns from the ground beneath, so be careful where you turn. Lose this battle in the kingdom of fire, you and your family will drop and burn.”

“Pinkie, ya know I hate riddles. Explain that to us.”

“It’s Zer0. She wants me to duel her at the Volcano. Not only to stop her, but for the freedom of my family. She’s taken my sisters captive.” Pinkie crumbles the note in her hoof, seeing her hair deflate and go flat. “She chose the wrong family to mess with, especially with my family. The Pie family. We’re moving now. Let’s go.” Pinkie starts to walk off, followed by the rest of the crew, seeing Jack stay in the back with Spark, that nobody else currently notices.

“You’re a real sly spirit, you know that Spark?”

“I do what I can to help. Pinkie looks very determined, do you think she knows what she’s getting into?”

“Point is, she really doesn’t care. She’s determined as the rest of us are to get through this mess. This is the first of the Spirits that we’re facing, but Zer0 is nothing I’m sure we can’t handle. (At least I hope so. First time some pony else besides me is facing a threat like this. I just hope Pinkie knows what danger lies ahead).”