Heart of the Cards

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).”