Yu-EQ-Gi-oh:Linked Paradox

Yugioh: Road to Quantum Opening

( watch?v=WXx21ivOCLU)

Don't you dare replace

Your first and only want

(Young Flash Sentry stares up at Flash Industries with his father and brother as Magnus ruffles their hair.)

Don't give up on the chase

Keep holding on!

(Teenage Flash is riding through Canterlot atop a duel runner before coming to a stop outside the open gates of a large complex with multiple buildings.)

Everything had gone to failure

(Young Flash stands in front of Canterlot Middle Schools statue and watches in despair as young Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash leave him going separate ways from himself and each other.)

My ambition turned into my broken dreams

(Flash is sent flying outside a building and into the grace outside as lighting arcs through the sky followed by thunder. Soon, it begins to storm on him.)

I left a promise out to die

(Flash kneels beside his younger brother, Forward Base, who is currently crying. He stands before facing Ethan with a determined expression.)

Every word I still remember

(Young Flash is standing on the roof as a young Sunset is waiting for him.)

They've been ringing in my head on full repeat

(The scene transitions to the park at night as Flash stands across from Sunset in shock while she laughs at him. His fists clench and he activate his black duel disc causing a blue energy blade to appear.)

Can't get your talk to ever leave my mind

(Young Flash is panting with tears in his eyes as he stands in the middle of his father's home office with books having been scattered. Anything that could be wrecked was.)

But now, from the clouds

There's a wind that gives me a boost

(Young Flash sits on his knees before a coffee table. Laid out before him is a blank deck of cards, his laptop, and a flash drive. He inserts the flash drive into the computer and plays a video.)

My heart, burning hard

Is about to light my fuse

(Young Flash watches as his father appears on screen. After a moment, his expression changes from sorrow and anger to a proud smile.)

(Let's try again!)

Live in the now and break your confines

Take ahold of this precious time (precious time)

(Flash is in his room as the sun shines through the window and her finishes packing his things. He tucks the blank deck into his deck box before walking out of the room.)

Glory days (glory days)

'Cause your life is not to trade

(Flash is seen walking down the sidewalk with Shadow Lock conversing happily with him before they enter a car and drive off.)

(Let's try again!)

Bring back the color as you advance

Paint it red, and then take a chance (take a chance)

(Young Flash and Shadow Lock stand across from each other in a room of the decaying Duel Sanctuary. Both wield black duel disk as Flash's blue energy blade and Shadow's black energy blade come out.)

Shout it loud (shout it loud)

'Cause your style's worth a bow

(Flash stands outside the sanctuary and stares down the stairs as he imagines a transparent version of his brother running up to meet him before he vanishes. Rather than be sad, Flash gives a small smile before walking back inside.)

Don't you dare replace

Your first and only want

(Teen Flash gets off his duel runner and looks back at the transparent version of his younger self who smiles and gives him a thumbs up before vanishing. Flash smiles and puts his hands in his pockets before walking onto the grounds of the large complex.)

Don't give up on the chase

Keep holding on!

(Flash looks up at the building as he draws closer to the entrance with a look of resolve. He stops as transparent version of the Humane 6 as their current ages appear before him. Flash nods to them before they vanish. He then walks into the building.)

Training Room
Astral and Zack stood across from each other while Twilight and Flash stood far to the right and Celestia and Luna stood far to the left. After waking up to take note of Flash, Celestia, and Luna enter, Blaze had gone back to sleep in her corner.

“Let’s duel!”

(Zack 4000/Astral 4000)

“Alright, I’m taking the first move!” Astral declared. “I’ll start by normal summoning Silver Gadget(LV 4/1500/1000).” A silver machine appeared. “When this card is summoned, I can special summon a level 4 or lower machine from my hand. I choose Gold Gadget(LV 4/1700/800).” A gold version of Silver Gadget appeared.

“Interesting.” Celestia looked to her sister since she had been the one to scout these duelists. “Does that boy run a gadget deck Luna?”

“Those two are actually the only gadgets he has in his deck.” Luna replied. “Astral’s deck is fairly powerful. With his luck, much like a certain duelist out in Appaloosa, he seems to draw what he needs to string together coherent plays.”

“Now it’s time to kick things up a notch.” Astral declared. “I overlay my two level four monsters to build the overlay network. Dragon formed from darkness, heed my call, and descend. Xyz summon Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R 4/O 2/2500/2000).”

“No way!” Flash was shocked to see Dark Rebellion on another duelist’s field. “There’s other duelists out there with my dragons.”

Twilight looked at Flash. “Your dragons?”

Flash realized he had spoken out loud. “Oh, I mean there are duelists out there with dragons like the ones I use.” He chuckled. “Yeah, that’s what I meant.”

That wasn’t exactly what Twilight asked, and she was now staring at Flash for a good long moment before eventually turning back to the duel.

“I got to be more careful because this is not the time to go into my deck.” Flash looked at Dark Rebellion. “Still, how is this guy using my dragon? It was a card that didn’t exist until I made it.”

Zack thought, “That dragon looks a lot like my Starving Venom.”

“Now, just you wait because you haven’t seen anything.” Astral smiled. “Let’s go Dark Rebellion. I activate Rank-Up-Magic Astral Force. With this spell, I can target an Xyz monster I control and rebuild the overlay network to summon a monster 1 to 2 ranks higher.

Dragon of pitch-black darkness be reborn and show our opponent the requiem of victory. Rank Up: Xyz Change Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon(R 5/O 3/3000/2500).” A larger Dark Rebellion with bone plating all over its body and beautiful wings appeared.

“Impressive.” Twilight looked at the mighty dragon. “Not every deck can rank up their monsters into more powerful versions. Those that can often do not disappoint in effects.”

“He just ranked up Dark Rebellion.” Flash thought. “Even I can’t do that, but I do have a dragon in my extra that can rank up.”

“I shall end my turn with one set card.” Astral declared.

“My turn.” Zack drew.

“I active my set Secret Barrel.” Astral declared. “This card deals you 200 life points of damage for every card in your hand and that you control. 6 cards in hand means you take 1200 life points of damage (Zack 2800/Astral 4000).”

“An interesting use for an old card.” Zack nodded. “Allow me to return the favor by using one of my favorite cards. I activate Polymerization to fuse Predaplants Cordyceps and Lilzard in my hand. Dangerous predators of nature combine to create a flower of deadly fragrance.

Fusion summon Predaplant Chimerafflesia(LV 7/2500/2000).” A pink flower attached to a large, green stem and with flytraps for arms appeared. “Chimerafflesia will attack Requiem, and When he battles, I can have your monster lose 1000 ATK while he gains that same ATK.”

“That’s a good fusion monster, but my evolved dragon is one which can slay powerful effects.” Astral declared. “By detaching one overlay unit, Requiem can negate your monster’s effects and destroy it.”

“Looks like I lose my monster or use something I wanted to save.” Zack took a card from his hand. “I activate the evolved form of Polymerization known as Super Polymerization. By sending one card from my hand to the grave, I can perform a fusion summon.

That alone isn’t special; however, the fact that I use one monster I control and one monster you control is. Since my effect is on the same speed as yours, it’s dictated that my effect is used before yours.”

“Wait, that means you can use my dragon for your fusion summon?” Astral questioned shocked.

“Every extra deck method has their evolutions and variations.” Zack declared. “This is one of them. I combine your dragon with my fusion to create a dragon of true toxicity. Starving Venom Fusion Dragon(LV 8/2800/2000).”

A large and vicious purple dragon appeared roaring.

“That dragon kind of looks like my Starving Venom.” Flash thought. “Did Uncle Stygian reprint my four dragons? That would explain it, but he wasn’t around to see them. Maybe he got it from my duel disk’s data.”

“Those two are powerful duelists in their own right.” Twilight was staring at both duelists. “The evolution and variations of extra deck methods is vast; don’t you think Flash?”

Flash nodded. “Truly vast.”

“It took looking where most owners wouldn’t think of going, but this team is shaping up nicely.” Celestia stated.

“If the duelists you scouted are as good as you say, I concur.” Luna nodded. “I believe these four, with Blaze, will lead to the team becoming recognized around the world.”

“To think there are other monsters that look similar to Dark Rebellion.” Astral smiled. “This is what I’m talking about. It’s exactly what I wanted by coming into the world rather than staying in my town. Bring it on Zack.”

“If that is what you wish, I will oblige.” Zack calmly readjusted his glasses. “Fusion Dragon attack our opponent with Toxic Breath!” Fusion Dragon shot poison at Astral (Zack 2800/Astral 1200). “With that, I will end my turn.”

“That means it’s back to me, and I’m activating Astral Force’s graveyard effect.” Astral declared. “By forgoing my draw, I can add this card from my grave to my hand.”

“I activate Chimerfflsia’s effect from the grave.” Zack declared. “Since this is the next Standby Phase, after he was sent to the grave, I can add another fusion card from my deck to my hand. I choose another Polymerization.”

“That’s such a cool effect.” Astral smiled. “Next, I’ll activate Roll of Fate. I roll a die, and that roll determines how many cards I draw. The only downside is that I must then banish an equal number of cards from the top of my deck.”

A dice was rolled and it came up three, so he drew and banished the needed cards. “Perfect. Since you control a monster and I don’t, I can special summon Cyber Dragon(LV 5/2100/1600).” A long, silver machine appeared. “I then activate Monster Reborn.

With this, I can resurrect Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R 4/O 2/2500/2000). Next, I normal summon Cyber Changer(LV 1/0/0).” A metal sphere appeared on the field. “By banishing a card from my deck, this card makes all monsters on my field that monster’s name.

I choose one of my Cyber Dragons.” A Cyber Dragon slotted out from the deck and Astral put it away. “Now, you’re not the only one who can fuse. Once I’ve changed the names of monsters on my field, I can fusion summon with those monsters.

Since I have three Cyber Dragons, I’ll combine them all into a machine with few peers above. Fusion summon Cyber End Dragon(LV 12/4000/2800).” A huge, three headed cyber dragon appeared in the room.

“That’s one of the fusions Zane Truesdale was known for.” Flash was amazed. “That’s so cool!”

Twilight smiled. “It’s good to know that Flash hasn’t completely changed since I last saw him. His fondness of the legends and their monsters is still there.”

“Let’s do this Cyber End Dragon.” Astral declared. “Attack Starving Venom Fusion Dragon with Super Strident Blast!”

The three heads all fire a beam as one which washed over and destroyed the dragon (Zack 1600/Astral 1200). Before Astral could celebrate, vines shot through a wormhole which opened beneath Cyber End Dragon starting to drag it through.

“What’s going on?” Astral questioned confused.

“It’s one of my dragon’s abilities.” Zack replied. “I don’t tend to destroy him myself as that is not my style, but if he is destroyed, he takes every one of my opponent’s special summoned monsters with him.”

“All special summoned monsters!?” Astral watched as his monster was sucked into the grave. “Cyber End!” Cyber End Dragon was gone. “Man, that stinks.” He sighed. “What can you do? I end my turn.”

“My move.” Zack drew. “On my Standby Phase, I activate the effect of my Predaplant Cordyceps from the grave. By banishing him, I can special summon two level 4 or lower Predaplant monsters from my grave; however, I can’t normal summon this turn.”

“Hold on a minute!” Astral called out. “I seem to recall you only got one level four or lower Predaplant in your grave. That means you’re missing one monster.”

“Not quite.” Zack retorted. “Remember, I had to discard a card to activate Super Polymerization. The card I discarded was a Predaplant which fulfills the prior requirements. Now come forth Predaplant Lilizard(LV 3/1200/1200) and Predaplant Darlington Cobra(LV 3/1000/1500).”

A green, plant lizard and a green, plant cobra with a purple flower for a tail appeared. “When Lilizard is special summoned from the grave, I draw a card. Cobra allows me to add a fusion card from my deck to my hand if he’s special summoned by a Predaplant’s effect.”

“Man, this guy’s deck is unlike anything I’ve seen back home. He just keeps adding cards to his hand like its nothing.” Astral smiled. “Alright, show me what you can do with those cards of yours, Zack.”

“I was planning on it.” Zack declared. “I activate Polymerization to fuse Lilizard and Darlington Cobra. Monster of Predator Counters and powered ATK come to my aid. Fusion summon Predaplant Venomsnapper(LV 6/2200/1400).” A black plant, snake like monster with claws arose on the field. “Finish this with a direct attack. Poison Claw!”

The monster rushed forward and thrust its claws through Astral (Zack 1600/Astral 0).

Astral looked over at Blaze who hadn’t woken up since their duel began. “She’s still sleeping.” Her attitude was starting to irk the guy something fierce. “I may be out of the running to challenge you now, but I will still beat you one day.”

Astral heard Zack speaking to him. “Hey, your deck was unorthodox, but it seems to work for you.” The Predaplant user approached and held out his hand. “Good game.”

“Wow, this guy really isn’t like the smart people back home.” Astral smiled and shook the offered hand. “Yeah, the better duelist won.” He smiled. “Next time, that’ll be me.”

“Challenge me any time.” Zack let go and walked off to the side. “For now, we should clear the way for our teammates to duel.”

“Oh, yeah.” Astral followed him.

“With that match decided, we move onto Flash Sentry vs Twilight Sparkle.” Luna declared. “You two are free to come on out and start dueling.”

The two friends walked out and parted from one another before coming to stand where Astral and Zack had been.

“Looks like I’ll get to see if that training you left for was worth it.” Twilight declared. “Just so you know, this duel will determine whether or not I’m mad at you for ditching me.”

“Now, I’m really hoping it was worth it since I couldn’t really beat any of the girls before except for Rarity and Fluttershy. With Twilight likely improving these past two years, I may just have my work cut out for me.” Flash nodded. “We’ll see Twilight.”

“Let’s duel.”

(Flash 4000/Twilight 4000)

“Well, this should be interesting?” Zack stated. “It’s rare that I witness a duel with history like this outside of two pros going at it.”

“Really?” Astral asked. “Back home, anyone who duels has a history with somebody.” He shrugged. “That said, these two were scouted, so it might be interesting to see.”

“If I’m not mistaken, these were duelists you scouted Celestia.” Luna spoke to get the conversation going. “If I remember correctly, from the duels we saw before, neither were as impressive as their friends.”

“That may be true Luna, but these two have improved tremendously from their middle school days.” Celestia smiled. “Just watch.”

“Alright Flash, you can go first.” Twilight stated.

“If you insist Twilight, I’ll oblige.” Flash looked at his hand. “I’ll start by setting my Pendulum scale with Scale 1 Astrograph Warlord and Scale 8 Chronograph Warlord.”

A warrior in bulky light blue armor with a blue cape and lance made of light and a warrior in bulky red armor with a black cape holding a golden sword appeared in blue pillars.

“Pendulum monsters.” Twilight looked at the monsters in the pillars. “An interesting deck.” She smiled. “I think it fits you.”

“Thank you. I’m honestly really happy with it.” Flash nodded. “Now, I’m about to push my turn forward. I activate both Pendulum monsters’ effects allowing me to destroy them and bring out their different forms. I can special summon them or reset my scale.

I’ll reset the scales with Scale 1 Stargazer Knight and Scale 8 Timegazer Knight.” A knight in white armor wielding a staff and a knight in black armor appeared inside the blue pillars. I’ll then set two cards to end my turn.”

“He didn’t even summon any monsters.” Astral sighed. “Man, even if he didn’t have monsters in his hand, those scales were perfect to bust out the monsters he put in his extra deck.”

“We must keep in mind that Flash seems to know Twilight better than either of us.” Zack nodded. “Just from their earlier conversation, it’s plain to see they’ve dueled a fair bit. I’m certain he has a strategy in mind. One which Twilight will need to keep up with.”

“I’m starting to see why you scouted Flash, sister.” Luna stated. “If his skills hold true to the duel you saw, we may very well have a powerful Pendulum user.”

“He has those skills sister.” Celestia remembered how he took down Shadow. “Yes, he has the skills.”

Twilight drew. “My turn!”

“Sorry to interrupt, but I’m activating my first set card called Pendulum Switch. Once per turn I can either put a monster from my pendulum zone on the field or vice versa. So, I will play Timegazer Knight(LV 3/1200/600) on the field.” Flash declared.

“I don’t trust that face down since Flash is playing an unknown deck, so I’ll go with a play with comeback potential.” Twilight nodded. “I’m activating Polymerization to combine King of the Swamp, which can act as Dark Magician, and Magician’s Valkyrie.

Student and master work together to provide a full range of powerful abilities. Fusion Summon The Dark Magicians(LV 8/2800/2300).” A purple robbed male magician appeared with a female magician in light blue robes.

“A spellcaster user, huh?” Zack was interested in the monster type. “Well, this might be more interesting than I thought.”

“A spellcaster user… She seemed nice, but so did Starlight before Sunburst left.” Astral crossed his arms. “Is she more like Starlight or Sunburst?”

“I remember that card.” Flash smirked. “A little early to bust him out, isn’t it Twilight?” Flash asked.

“Perhaps, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.” Twilight declared. “Now, The Dark Magicians will attack Timegazer. Go, Twin Magic Burst!” The Magicians put their rods together and created a ball of magic which they fired at Timegazer.

“I reveal my last face down card Bye Bye Damage.” Flash declared. “During damage calculations, this card prevents my monster from being destroyed; furthermore, you’ll be taking double the damage I take as effect damage.”

Timegazer held out his hands managing to withstand the stronger blast. The magic residue washed over Flash before collecting and firing back at Twilight as a sphere twice its size (Flash 2400/Twilight 800).”

“That’s what he was planning with that move.” Astral was impressed. “Not bad at all.”

“It was, all things considered, a simple yet effective combo.” Zack nodded. “Still, there are not many who could have pulled it off.”

“I remember a time when he could barely get me below 1000 life points.” Twilight smiled. “Looks like all that training wasn’t for nothing Flash, but this duel isn’t over yet. I set two cards ending my turn.”

“It’s my move!” Flash drew. “I’m resetting my Pendulum Scale with Scale 8 Fusion Warlord.” A bulky man in purple armor with a matching cape appeared in a blue pillar. “Now, it is time. Swing pendulum of my soul. Carve an arc through space and time. Pendulum summon.

Chronograph Warlord(LV 6/2000/1700)
Astrograph Warlord(LV 7/2500/2000)

“So, he can Pendulum summon.” Luna nodded. “I wonder what he’s got planned for those monsters?”

“When I scouted him, he Xyz summoned; however, none of those are the same level.” Celestia stated. “Perhaps he will Fusion summon if that Fusion Warlord is anything to go off of.”

“None of your monsters have the strength to overcome The Dark Magicians.” Twilight stated. “I can only assume you have something else in your hand.”

“I have something else in my hand, but it’s more of a road to the monsters I want rather than something to power up the monsters I have. Observe as I target my level 7 Astrograph Warlord and decrease its level by 3 to special summon Tuning Knight(LV 3/700/1400).”

A child in fire red armor with matching eyes and hair appeared wielding a short sword. “I now tune my level four Astrograph Warlord with my level three Tuning Knight. Beat your wings to whip up a whirlwind. Descend Clear Wing Synchro Dragon(LV 7/2500/2000).”

A white dragon with green crystals on its body appeared. “Now I activate Warlord’s effect allowing me to use cards on my field or hand for a fusion. I choose Chronograph Warlord and Timgazer Knight. Descend Starving Venom Destruction Dragon(LV 8/2800/2000).”

A crimson red dragon appeared roaring as fire orange orbs on its body glowed.

“No way.” Zack stared at the monster in shock. “He has a Starving Venom as well. What’s more, he summoned it using monsters on the field.”

Astral was just as shocked to see this monster, but those last words brought a question to his mind. “Why does that matter?”

“If that Starving Venom is anything like mine, it has an effect upon being summoned that way.” Zack stated.

“A Pendulum summon into Fusion and Synchro.” Luna was impressed. “I don’t doubt that he pulled off an Xyz from a Pendulum either. Truly, he is impressive.”

“I hope he is.” Blaze had woken up and joined the owners with a yawn. “I don’t want to get my hopes up for nothing.”

“He just might.” Celestia stated shocked that Blaze had woken up at all. “We won’t know until he’s potentially crowned rank two.”

“To think you could pull off three different methods of summoning in one turn.” Twilight stared at the dragons in awe. “You really have improved Flash.”

“Thanks Twilight, but my dragons aren’t just summoned monsters.” Flash declared. “Each one has their own effects. For instance, when Starving Venom Destruction Dragon(LV 8/5600/2000 effect) is summoned using monsters on the field, his ATK increases by your special summoned monsters’ ATK. Destruction Dragon attack The Dark Magicians with Toxic Breath!”

“I activate Nutrient Z.” Twilight declared. “When I’m about to take more than 2000 life points of damage, I first gain 4000. (Flash 2400/Twilight 800-4800-2000). When The Dark Magicians are destroyed, I can special summon Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl from my deck. I’ll summon Dark Magician(LV 7/2500/2000) and Apprentice Illusion Magician(LV 6/2500/2000) which counts as Dark Magician Girl.”

The purple robed male magician appeared alongside a female spellcaster in purple robes with blond hair and dark skin.

“I could activate Starving Venom and use Clear Wing’s effect to negate and destroy Starving Venom; however, an ATK increase wouldn’t solve anything. No, it’s best to end this turn.” Flash nodded. “It’s your move Twilight.”

Starving Venom Destruction Dragon(LV 8/2800/2000

“Pendulum, Fusion, and Synchro.” Twilight smiled. “You really have grown stronger Flash.”

“I can also use Xyz monsters.” Flash stated. “It was a lot of hard work, but it allowed me to reach this point.” He remembered the girls and smiled. “The point where I finally match and surpass you girls.”

“I would say match, but this duel isn’t over yet.” Twilight drew. “Let’s see how well you can keep up with my next move. I activate Magicalized Fusion allowing me to combine monsters on my field or in the grave to fusion summon if I banish the materials.

I will banish Dark Magician from the field and King of the Swamp, acting as Buster Bladder, from my grave. Ultimate spellcaster who hunts dragons with arcane might come forth. Fusion Summon Dark Paladin(LV 8/3900/2400 effect).”

A blue skinned spellcaster wearing a combination of robes and armor appeared. “This monster gains 500 ATK for every dragon on the field or in the graveyard. With two on your field, he gains 1000 ATK.”

“Wow, those two are giving it there all.” Astral smiled and punched the palm of his hand. “This is what I’m talking about. If duels out here are half as cool as this one, then this is where I want to be.”

“It certainly is a spectacle, but I think we are reaching a conclusion.” Astral stated. “Monsters of this strength can’t keep clashing indefinitely given their life points. A victor will be decided soon.”

“It’s time Dark Paladin.” Twilight declared. “Attack Clear Wing with Dragon Slayer!” Dark Paladin spun his staff generating arcane magic. “To end things now, I activate Apprentice Illusion Magician’s effect. By sending her to the grave, I can grant paladin 2000 ATK.”

“I counter with my Clear Wing’s effect.” Flash declared. “When a monster with a level of 5 or above activates their effect, I can negate it and destroy the monster. My dragon then gains ATK equal to the destroyed monster’s ATK until the end of the turn.”

Clear Wing Synchro Draogn(LV 7/4500/2000 effect) glowed with green energy and roared as the magic blast remained its same size.

“You have some powerful monsters Flash. Next turn, I’d have nothing to defend myself leaving you with a great chance for victory. That’s why, I will at least make your victory closer than you think.” Twilight slapped a spell card into her duel disk.

“I pay half my life points to activate the quick play Arcane Revision (Flash 2400/Twilight 1000).” This spell rewrites the current battle swapping our monster’s ATK points and granting my spellcaster another 1000 ATK after the swap.”

Clear Wing Synchro Draogn(LV 7/3900/2000 effect)
Dark Paladin(LV 8/5500/2400 effect)

The magic increased in size while Clear Wing stopped glowing and became weaker. The blast washed over Clear Wing destroying him (Flash 800/Twilight 1000).

“Man, that was a risky move.” Astral smiled. “I like it.”

“It is a powerful spell that could potentially end games by getting the duelist out of an unfavorable situation.” Zack nodded. “Considering the ability of Pendulums, I think she made the right move.”

“My move!” Flash called out as he drew. “I activate the effect of my Fusion Warlord to combine Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon from my hand with Warlord himself. Dragon with dichromatic eyes and spirt of a roaring tempest. Fusion Summon Odd-Eyes Vortex Dragon(LV 7/2500/3000).”

A black dragon appeared with light green scales and white trim.

Dark Paladin(LV 8/4900/2400 effect)

“By his own effect, when he’s summoned, I can bounce a monster you control back your hand.” Flash continued. “I choose Dark Paladin. Now Starving Venom finish this with a direct attack. Toxic Breath (Flash 800/Twilight 0).”

“That’s it.” Celestia stated. “Flash has his victory.”

“It was a most impressive duel from the two of them regardless.” Luna stated

Blaze walked towards them. “I wouldn’t go that far, but perhaps I have found a challenge.”

“Blaze, what are…” Luna questioned.

“I want to see where this goes.” Celestia put a hand on her sister’s shoulder. “We haven’t really seen that new deck she’s acquired in action. Even if we don’t see it, it is rare for Blaze to be spurred into action outside of duels that matter.”

Luna stopped herself. “I suppose that is true.”

Twilight and Flash had approached each other smiling after an excellent duel.

“Man Twilight, those fusions of yours are as tough as ever.” Flash shook his head. “If I hadn’t had Clear Wing, I’d have been in trouble.”

“You’ve become an expert duelist with a deck that truly fits you.” Twilight held out her hand. “Even though I wish the girls were here with us, I’m glad at least we’re on the same team.”

Flash shook the hand. “Yeah, good to be on the same team.”

“Flash Sentry.” Blaze interrupted sounding as bored as ever. “You are the only duelist with potential, and a clear-cut rank two. That is why I’m challenging you to the prize duel now

“What?” Flash questioned confused. “You want to duel me now?”

A seething Astral decided to speak up. “This is totally unfair.” The more Blaze spoke, the more he came to dislike her. “We have a set tournament in place to determine your opponent. If you’re itching for a duel, you can just take me on.”

“No thanks.” Blaze stated nonchalantly. “I’ve made it clear that you do not interest me.”

“You are being really disrespectful to your fellow duelist.” Astral declared.

Zack calmly assessed the situation. “I don’t care what other duelist think of me, but this could be my chance to garner some valuable information and see Blaze’s skills first hand.”

“Respect or disrespect. Power or friends.” Blaze yawned. “Give me a break. I never could stand the constant battles between ideals.” She looked at Astral with no emotion. “All I care about is finding a challenge; otherwise, I waste my time. That’s what dueling you would be.”

Astral grit his teeth. “This girl really gets on my nerves.”

“I think you’re being unfair.” Twilight spoke up. “You’re free to respect or disrespect the rules of this tournament all you want, but if Flash wants to continue respecting them, then you’re out of luck. After all, you can’t force him into a duel.”

“Good point.” Blaze admitted. “There’s also nothing stopping me from leaving. I don’t have to be the prize in this tournament.”

“No way! You can’t do that!” Astral exclaimed before looking to the owners. “Can she?”

“Blaze is our best duelist.” Celestia stated. “While we don’t allow her complete freedom to do as she pleases, we do tend to grant her some freedom. If she weren’t as good as she is, we’d be stricter about this.”

“We did give her a choice in this matter.” Luna added. “She’s right in that she’s not forced to be here.”

“So unfair.” Astral crossed his arms. “Her arrogance is out of this world.”

“How about a compromise?” Zack came to stand beside Flash. “Duel both us.”

“Not a bad idea.” Blaze managed a smile. “How about I take it a step further with a little deal?” Everyone looked at her. “I’ll duel you and Flash in a 2 v 1 for a little extra entertainment. If the two of you win, I’ll respect this tournament and be a good little duelist.

If I win, this event comes to an end, I decide your rankings, and no other duels can be held today. Of course, I’m being generous by even thinking of compromising, so if you deny me, I’ll leave anyways. This is a limited time offer, and the clock is ticking.”

“What do you say Flash?” Zack looked to him.

“I don’t know.” Flash looked to Celestia and Luna. “Is this even allowed?”

Celestia was quite intrigued to see what the outcome of this duel would be. “I’ll allow it.”

“You heard her.” Luna stated.

Flash was still uncertain.

“I give you my blessing.” Astral declared. “I’m out of the running to duel her anyways. While I would have liked to duel your spellcaster friend, I think it’s more important that Blaze gets knocked down a few pegs.”

“Astral does raise a good point.” Twilight stated. “Blaze has already made her intent clear. No one gains anything if you back out Flash.”

“Well, what I just heard solved my dilemma, and Astral and Twilight do make sense. Blaze may be skilled. She may even have the right to be arrogant. If she’s going to be disrespectful, I got to duel.” Flash thought. “Alright, I’m in.” He looked to Zack. “Let’s work together.”

Zack nodded. “I look forward to seeing what we achieve together.”

Blaze moved back from the two of them. “Let’s get started then.”