My Little Pony: Duel Monsters is Magic
by Trybien
Card List located at end.
A blue sky glimmered in the early morning. Was it a sign of good luck? Was it a sign that Harmony was present in the world? Either way, Twilight was happy looking up in the beautiful sky knowing that everything in Equestria was just right...
“Coming through!” an excited cyan-blue pegasus screamed while rushing past the purple unicorn with intense speed.
“Rainbow Dash! Why are you in such a hurry?!” Twilight remarked as she picked herself up from the powerful gust that her friend produced.
“Oh, hey there Twilight. What brings you to these parts?” Rainbow answered while quickly looking back in forth fretfully.
“I live here,” Twilight retorted. “Now quit avoiding my question.”
“Fine, but I can guarantee that you’re not going to be interested.”
“Oh really?”
“Well, I recently got some tickets to that Duel Monsters tournament in Canterlot. All the best unicorn duelists are going to be there, and I thought I'd maybe invite some of my friends. But I figured that you wouldn't be interested.”
“Well you’re right about one thing, I have no interest in a filly's card game,” the purple unicorn admitted.
“Ooh! Did you say you had tickets to the Duel Monsters tournament?! I've always wanted to go to one of those things!” Twilight's assistant said, running out of the library.
“Great! Now I don't have to find anypony to give this extra ticket too!” Rainbow exclaimed as if she had just completed a life goal. “But you’re going to have to lose the apron.”
“Right,” the baby dragon blushed. “So Twilight, can I go?”
“Hmph, boys,” Twilight said dismissively,” Sure you can go, as long as Rainbow can get someone more responsible to go along.”
“Are you trying to suggest something Twilight?” Rainbow Dash sneered. “Besides, the other four are going too.”
“Oh sorry, I didn't mean it like that,” Twilight quickly recovered. “Wait, other four? I thought Rarity was against ‘barbaric’ games like this?”
“She is, but she'd do anything to visit Canterlot.” Rainbow sighed.
“Ha ha, I guess you’re right.” Twilight chuckled. “So when is this tournament anyway?”
“It’s tonight, and we’re heading off at noon.” Rainbow noted.
“Noon huh? Looks like I'll have some extra reading time this afternoon then. Hope you have a good time!” Twilight smiled.
“Sure will!” The speedy pegasus yelled as she flew off.
“Um, Twilight, Is it really okay if I go in your place?” Spike asked softly.
“Yeah, Spike. Sure friends should do as much as they can with each other, but true friends understand when another friend is not interested in another subject. Therefore, a true friend should not force the other to take part,” Twilight wisely spoke.
“But how can you say that you don't enjoy something unless you try it for yourself?” Spike responded.
“True Spike, but when starting something new, you should take baby steps to ensure full enjoyment,” Twilight noted, patting her assistant on the head. She then returned to the library, leaving Spike with Rainbow Dash to go and collect the others.
The purple unicorn walked over to her pet owl and started to pace in her usual way. “Hey, Owliscious, what do you think about Duel Monsters?” Twilight asked openly, expecting no real response.
“Who?” The owl chanted.
“I know, the game is childish, but there is a finesse of strategy in it that I just cannot understand,” she muttered back at the owl. She walked over to Elements of Harmony Book and opened it up. There, a recreation of the indent from when Discord had taken over Equestria was present, but instead of the Elements residing in it, there were two decks of cards. The first deck was standard and had the brown border and with black dot design on the back, but the other was encased by a barrier of Twilight's own creation.
Twilight used her magic to pick up the free deck and slip it into her saddle bag. “How could I tell them that I like this game...they expect more maturity out of the Element of Magic than this... but there is something more to this game, and I am too curious to just ignore it.”
“Who?”
“Haha, your right, I'll have to tell them someday, but only when the moment is ripe.” Twilight responded then headed out the door. She wanted enough time to wish her friends goodbye.
*****
“Oh Spikey-wikey, don't you just look marvelous in that suit I made you!” Rarity squealed excitingly towards the blushing dragon.
“Ugh, do we really haf'ta wear these darn dresses to such an informal event?” Applejack questioned her purple maned friend.
“Why of course darling! I would never have my friends visit such an event in Canterlot wearing only the fur on their backs!” The fashion diva responded.
“I agree with A.J. I mean, this IS a Duel Monsters tournament not a wedding or gala,” Rainbow remarked.
“I... uh... really don't mind,” Fluttershy squeaked.
“See, if Fluttershy can go looking fabulous, so can the lot of you,” Rarity responded in an eloquent manner.
“Fine, I'll wear this, but only if you pinkie promise not to complain about the 'barbaricness’ of the game,'” Rainbow Dash smirked.
“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. There, happy,” Rarity uttered.
“Very!” Rainbow Smiled.
“All aboard the Friendship Express, departure is in 5 minutes.”
“Looks like that's our call Twi, see ya tomorrow!” Applejack exclaimed while tipping her hat.
“I hope you six have a great time!”
“Don't worry, Twilight, most of us will anyway,” Rainbow Dash remarked with her eyes rolling towards Rarity.
“Three minutes till departure!”
As the final call rang, Twilight's friends rushed onto the train leaving their purple colored friend on the loading dock. She stood there watching the train take off, and as soon as it was out of sight, she rushed straight out of the train depot towards her secret destination, the place she heads for whenever she knows she will not be interrupted. Twilight made her way towards the school yard where she planned on dueling the number one duelist in Ponyville.
*****
“Ugh! I can't believe we lost to this filly again Snails!”
“Well she is the top duelist in town.”
“Well how do you expect us to become the best duelists ever and impress the G.A.P.T.!”
“Seriously? You two are still gaga over Trixie...” the little white filly started to say.
“The Great and Powerful Trixie is what she likes to be called” The yellow colt interjected.
Sweetie bell sighed. "Even after the 'Great and Powerful' Trixie couldn't stop the Ursa Major you knuckleheads brought in.”
“Hey! It was only an Ursa Minor, besides, the G.A.P.T. was clearly off her game that day!” Snips remarked.
“Whatever.” Sweetie Bell said rolling her eyes. “So are you two just going to stand there and complain, or do you want another rematch?”
“Uh...” Snails drooled slightly, “as the voice of reason, I suggest we go home and work on our decks and strategies.”
“Voice of reason!? You can barely do basic arithmetic by yourself... then again you do pose a good point,” Snips noted.
“Mhm,” Snails muttered loudly and headed off.
“Okay, anypony else wanna go?” Sweetie hollered into the makeshift coliseum. At that moment, all of the student body sat back into their seats.
“Ya did it, Sweetie Bell! Ya secured another day as top duelist not only in school, but in all of Ponyville!” her red-maned friend chimed in.
“Apple Bloom is right; you especially wiped the floor with those two blunder-heads!” The orange pegasus agreed.
“Oh come on, I wasn't that great. I just took down two of the best colt duelists in our class two on one.” Sweetie Bell remarked.
“Ya know, Ah still wonder how those two actually made it as top colt duelists in our class, then again, ya don't see many colts dueling anyway.” Apple Bloom stated.
“I guess you’re right.” Sweetie Bell chuckled. “Ooh, before I forget, did I get my cutie mark!”
“Nope, and I'm gonna take it that Apple Bloom and I didn't get cutie marks in cheerleading either.” Scootaloo responded. The three friends laughed a bit then they heard a familiar voice in the distance.
“Hey, Sweetie Bell, mind if I get some practice in with you now? None of my friends are in town to interrupt us!”
“Perfect timing, Twilight! Our regular dueling session is over and there is still ten minutes left of recess!” Sweetie Bell proclaimed.
Twilight was then ushered over to the picnic table in the middle of the makeshift stadium and was greeted by the sound of cheering young fillies and colts. The audience was less interested with the fact that a duel was going to take place, but rather the fact that the purple mare would use her magic to make miniature monsters appear on top of the cards to do battle. Twilight took her deck out of her saddle bag spell and proceeded to place the table.
“I rebuilt my deck, and I can guarantee that it’s better than my last one.”
“That's great to hear Twilight, but can it really stand up to mine?”
“We'll just have to wait and see.”
The two competitors proceeded to draw five cards with their levitation spell and proceeded to look deeply in each other’s eyes with a glimmer of excitement.
“You can have the honor Twilight.”
“My pleasure!” The purple mare exclaimed while drawing her first card,
Duel Start!
Twilight Sparkle vs Sweetie Bell
Turn 1: Twilight
“Let's see what I got here... I play two cards face down and summon Dragon's Egg in defense mode. Then I end my turn!”
Dragon's Egg: Defense 1500
Turn 1: Sweetie Bell
“Not bad, but not good enough! I play one card face down and summon Ruby Warrior!”
Ruby Warrior: Attack 1700
“Ruby Warrior, attack her Dragon Egg!”
“Not so fast! You have activated my trap, Unicorns Grace, which allows me to search and activate a quick play spell from my deck, and I choose Magical Hatching. This allows me to hatch my Dragon's Egg and special summon Hatchling Dragon in its place.”
Hatchling Dragon: Attack 1500
“Nice move Twilight. However, that still isn't enough to defeat my Warrior.”
“I know that, but I still have my second trap card.”
“What!?”
“That's right! I activate Magical Overload; doubling the attack of my dragon for the rest of the turn!”
Hatchling Dragon: Attack 1500 → 3000
Hatchling dragon summoned a large fireball from inside its stomach and incinerated the charging warrior.
Sweetie Bell LP: 4000 → 2700
“Impressive, I didn't see that one coming. I guess I'll let you have one turn then.”
“All I need is one more turn anyway!”
Hatchling Dragon: Attack 3000 → 1500
Turn 2: Twilight Sparkle
“First, I will send Hatchling Dragon to the graveyard in order to tribute summon Heroic Dragon. Next I equip Lance of a Hero to Heroic Dragon to boost its attack to 3400.”
Heroic Dragon: Attack 2400 → 3400
“Now Heroic Dragon, attack Sweetie Bell directly and end this duel!”
“You have activated my trap, Radiant Diamond, which ends your battle phase!”
“Crud, I guess I end my turn then.”
Turn 2: Sweetie Bell
“This is it Twilight, it’s been a nice duel.”
“The duel isn't over until the final card has been played Sweetie Bell.”
“I know, and this is the final card. I summon Jasmine Dragon, but in order for the summoning to be complete, I must send all the monster cards in my hand to the graveyard, and that is all three of them.”
Jasmine Dragon: Attack 0
Audience
As the filly played her card, the audience erupted in an immense cheer.
“There it is. She played her signature card!”
“Yah, way t' go Sweetie Bell”
“That's it. The duel is definitely over now that Twilight has nothing on her field to counter Jasmine Dragon!”
Duel
“Twilight, you know the ability of Jasmine Dragon, you have seen it before in our past duels.”
“You're right, Jasmine Dragon gains the abilities of all gemstone monsters in your graveyard.”
“Correct, and the monsters in my graveyard are Ruby Warrior, Sapphire Warrior, Emerald Warrior, and Amethyst Warrior.”
“I guess that this really is game then.”
“Jasmine Dragon, first change Heroic Dragon to defense mode, then attack it to end the game.”
Heroic Dragon Def: 1800
Jasmine Dragon: Attack 0 → 5800
Jasmine Dragon flew straight up into the light of the sun and spread its wings, absorbing the sunlight. It then started charging a large energy ball right outside its mouth. Before the defending monster could make a single move, the large ball of energy was fired upon it sending him to the graveyard.
Twilight Sparkle LP: 4000 → 0
Winner: Sweetie Bell
“That was a nice duel Twilight, and I see you followed my advice and put single type strategies in your deck, but do you mind if I take a look anyways?"
“By all means, if I want to be a decent duelist, I should absorb all the advice I can.” Sweetie Bell proceeded to pick up Twilight's deck and went through it card by card; looking at the stats and abilities of the deck.
“Twilight, you do realize that over eighty percent of this deck is spell and trap cards.”
“Yeah, but they are all designed to help my monsters.”
“I guess they are. But to be honest, I am surprised you were even able to summon a monster at all," Sweetie Bell instructed hastily, "Only four of these monsters are four stars or less, so your chances of summoning a monster are limited even more. Notice how in my deck, the majority of the cards that go hand and hand with each other are monsters, not spell and traps. If you can at least try to model your deck like that, it should be much better.”
“Thank you Sweetie Bell. I guess there is a reason why you’re the top duelist in Ponyvile,”
“Oh it's nothing, just common sense is all.”
“Well for common sense, it's not too common”
The white filly chuckled a bit. “Anyway, it looks like recess is almost over, so do you maybe want me to stop by later and help you set up a new deck.”
“That would be great. I’d feel better knowing that your aptness with this game will support me.”
“That's one way to put it.”
“Well, I'll be seeing you soon.”
“Bye bye”
“Hope you have a nice day.”
“Don't worry I will.”
Twilight headed off towards town. As she reached the edge of the arena, she looked behind to see Sweetie Bell getting praised by her friends. “I hope that one day my friends and I can be like that, with this game. Maybe sometime in the future.” The purple mare waved the foals one last good bye and then bolted off. Soon after, the three friends and their class hurried back inside the school house leaving the playground barren and empty.
“ACHOOOO!” a voice echoed from a tree followed by a blue mare falling from it. “Ugh, that's the last time the Great and Powerful Trixie holds in a sneeze for that long” She said rubbing her head. “Anyway, that isn't important. Priority number one is getting revenge on that purple mare. After witnessing her less-than-decent dueling skills, there is no doubt that her downfall in inevitable! With an opportunity like this at hand, how could I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, refuse to humiliate her in front of a large crowd with my powerful deck and magnificent dueling skills! HAHAHAHA!” Trixie quickly shut her trap after noticing she was gathering some unwanted attention from inside the classroom.
*****
A few hours flew by and Twilight once again appeared in front of her home, but this time with the white filly by her side. The two chatted away about the younger ones successes and dreams in the game.
“So um... Twilight, do you think I might someday win a duel monsters tournament?” Sweetie Bell asked while walking into the purple mare's humble abode.
“You obviously have potential Sweetie Bell, but there are many professional duelists who could school both of us.”
“For somepony who isn't open about their interest in the game, you do seem to know quite a bit about the pro league.”
“My brother used to be in the pro league for a while.”
“Brother...? Oh! Was it the one that got married last year?”
“Yes, in fact he used to be the top duelist in the Royal Guard.”
“Whoa! Your brother must have been a super famous duelist and must have won tons of tournaments!” Sweetie Bell yelped while hopping up and down.
“Well, I wouldn't go that far, but I guess he was pretty well known during his time as a duelist.”
“Wait, are you saying he quit dueling!? Why would anypony do that!?” The small white filly stammered.
“He never gave me a real response other than that it was too difficult to juggle between dueling, his job as a royal guard, and Cadence.”
“Wow, that pony must be really busy with all those responsibilities!”
“I'm not too sure he was being completely honest with me though.” Twilight motioned over to her book case and pulled out the book which contained the deck her brother gave her. Setting it on a nearby table, she proceeded to open it in revealing the cards within. “The only remnant of his dueling career left is this deck he left me.”
“So he gave you the deck he won tournaments with... I know, how 'bout you use this deck?!”
“It's not that simple Sweetie Bell! Besides, I guarantee it that giving me this deck is his way of testing me.”
“Testing you!? You've clearly had this deck for a while! If it were a test, wouldn't he have already have rewarded you for passing!?”
“I wish it were that simple, but he has told me numerous times about the importance of creating one’s own deck and being able to connect to it.”
“I don't follow Twilight.”
“Think about your own deck then, you built it, and you feel a connection to it right.”
“Oh... uh... yeah! I based my deck off the concept of my sister’s obsession with jewels and such, so I guess that the connection I feel with my deck is that it represents my sister. So would that meant that your current deck is based off of Spike?”
“That's pretty much covers it. Looks like you understand.”
The two ponies ended their discussion and began to work on building Twilight’s new deck. During this time period while their attentions were fixed on the cards, a blue haze surrounded the pet owl and pulled it out of the room quickly. Before Owliscious knew what happened, he was greeted by the face of a blue unicorn.
“Don't you even think about making a sound.” Owliscious nodded his head as Trixie tied a parchment to the right leg of her prisoner. Trixie lifted the Owl back up to the window and proceeded to smack him on the rump sending him flying back into his place of residence. With a sense of completion, Trixie hurried away to exact the final part of her plan.
“WHOOO WHOOO WHOOOOOOO!” Owliscious rampaged through the room.
“Owlisicious! What has gotten into you?” Twilight remarked getting up from her seat.
“Don't worry Twilight! Cutie Mark Crusader Bird Catcher at your service!” Sweetie Bell hollered jumping into the air and pouncing on the distressed bird.
“Nice job Sweetie Bell, but by the look of it though, that isn't your destiny either.” The purple unicorn chuckled.
“Aw, I was sure this time. Then again what kind of destiny would bird catching be?”
“I guess you have a point there.” Twilight chuckled a bit more. Then something caught her eye. “What the-There seems to be something attached to Owliscious' leg.”
“You're right. It looks like some sort of letter.”
Twilight undid the parchment from the leg of her most faithful pet and brought it to herself.
“So what's it say Twilight?”
“That's what I'm going to find out right now.” Twilight opened the letter and began to read it to herself.
Dear Twilight,
I understand that you share the same passion as me, dueling. Well, after much deliberation, I have decided that this is the perfect opportunity for me to exact my revenge upon you. I humbly request that you come to the Canterlot duel arena before the tournament tonight so I can duel you. Refusal is unacceptable, for I have taken something very important to you and can be retrieved only through defeating me. You have exactly 3 hours to begin the duel before things get ugly.
Sincerely,
An old 'friend'
Upon reading the letter, Twilight dropped it, grief stricken and worried. Sweetie Bell proceeded to pick the letter up and read it for herself. “So wait Twilight, this 'friend' of yours took something important of yours. It doesn't look like anything around here was taken. Your brother's deck is right there.”
“No Sweetie Bell,” Twilight muttered, “it wasn't one thing that was taken; it was six.”
“WHAT?!” the little white filly squeaked out.
“Don't you find it a little convenient that the place this mysterious pony wants me to meet him is exactly where my friends set out for.”
“Yeah, but aren't there only five of them.”
“No, I allowed Spike to go along, so that's six.”
“So... are you going to go and duel him?”
“I have no choice in the matter.”
“Well... no offense, but your deck kinda sucks, and we really don't have time to build a new one”
“I know. I think I’ll have to use yours.”
“Are you crazy!? You’re the one who told me that it is important to use a deck that holds meaning to you, and mine sure doesn't qualify!”
“Well what am supposed to use!? My brother's!?”
“That actually sounds like a good idea...”
“Sweetie Bell!”
“Hey! I want you to look at me and say there's a better option! Besides, it is probably what your brother would want.” Sweetie Bells words penetrated Twilight's skull and echoed in her mind. “What Shining Armor would want.”
“I guess your right” Twilight submitted.
“From one duelist to another, I know you can do it.”
“Thank you Sweetie Bell.” Twilight quickly picked up her deck and murmured a few words, breaking the seal. “One more thing before I go.”
“Yes Twilight?”
“Don't tell Apple Bloom or Big Mac about this predicament. I don't want them to worry about AJ's well-being in this situation.”
“You have my word. Sweetie Bell, Cutie Mark Crusader Secret Predicament Keeper at your service!” Sweetie Bell yelped. “Ugh... that sounded better in my head. What would that cutie mark look like anyway...?”
“Thanks once again,” Twlight chuckled. “Before you know it, I'll be back with your big sis and the rest.” This was the first time the white filly realized that her sister's life was in peril as well.
“Please Twilight, make sure that she... that they are all safe,” Sweetie Bell said sulkingly.
“No worries, I have learned much from you, and I have a powerful deck. Everything should turn out just fine.”
“I'll be waiting,” Sweetie Bell mentioned with one last mumble. With that, Twilight hurried out to where she watched her friends depart earlier today. She hurried to where she would start her quest to bring them back. Twilight knew that it was all or nothing now, and she would not let it end up being nothing.
*****
As the train pulled up to the Canterlot Station, Twilight was looking through her brother’s deck. To her surprise, the deck didn't hold a single card that her brother used. In fact, the majority of the cards she barely recognized.
Startled by the intruding loudspeaker announcing their impending arrival, the purple mare woke out of her slight trance and quickly stuffed her cards into her saddle pack. Once the train doors opened, she rushed out into the station and towards the large, looming presence of the stadium. There were only twenty minutes before the time stated in the letter was up, and she needed to hurry past the populated streets of the capital of Equestria. The sheer number of ponies was proof of the attraction the tournament brought, and it was due to start at the end of the hour. Not only did she have to hurry to her challenger, but Twilight needed to win before the tournament. Time really wasn’t on her side, but her friend’s needs outweighed those coming to view the simple tournament.
Ten minutes passed by and she found herself in front of the stadium's main gates. To her surprise, there were no guards or personnel there for the tournament about to happen. With haste, she made her way inside towards the light of the coliseum. Stepping into the arena, Twilight noticed a blue mare wearing a familiar purple hat and cape. Twilight galloped onto the platform in front of the duel field that proceeded to elevate herself up to eye level of her opponent.
“Twilight Sparkle, what a pleasure to see you once again.”
“Trixie.” Twilight stumbled under her breath. “What have you done to my friends!?”
“Friends huh, so that appears to be what I took, this pleases Trixie” the blue mare mumbled to herself. “Ah yes, your friends. I have them locked up right outside the coliseum leading out right behind me.”
Twilight snarled her teeth back. Nopony hurts her friends, especially an annoying, loudmouth show-horse. “Why in Celestia's name would you go this far?! To get revenge over you humiliating yourself when you first showed up in Ponyville!?”
“I'd hardly call it humiliating myself, I wasn't the one who brought in that Ursa Minor or the one who showed off her amazing magical talent by sending it home.”
“Hypocrite” Twilight stammered.
“We'll see who here is the real hypocrite after I humiliate you in front of millions.”
At that moment Twilight didn't know if she should be mad or sorry for Trixie. After all these years of harboring such a grudge that would manifest into hatred like this. It was something more, Twilight could hear it in the blue mares voice. The fact that Trixie didn't just have to defeat or humiliate Twilight in Ponyville, but in front of a crowd of millions. It was almost if she was not only trying to humiliate Twilight, but rather to prove how Great and Powerful she really was. Twilight's anger dropped and what almost seemed like a calm compassion shown through. If she was going to defeat Trixie, she was going to have to stay level headed and not get over emotional.
“You done wasting Trixie's time over there loser!?”
“More than ever!” With that, Twilight whipped out her deck and placed it onto the duel platform in front of her initializing the duel field’s start up.
*****
Up in the royal Canterlot throne room, Princess Celestia sat eating a piece of scrumptious chocolate cake. Before downing another bite, she was interrupted by the doors in front of her bursting open and a member of the royal guard bursting through.
“Your highness! We have reports of two unicorns using the duel field before the tournament!”
“Hm... this is interesting, have you thought about maybe removing them?”
“Yes, but one of them is identified as Shining Armor’s sister, and he refuses to make the call to remove them.”
“So Twilight is finally showing some interest in Duel Monsters I take it,” Princess Celestia chuckled.
“This isn't a laughing matter your highness, the tournament is scheduled to start at the end of the hour and this duel goes against Tournament Policy #33.5!”
“Oh so it does! Well, I guess the tournament will have to be pushed back a bit then.”
“Wait! But! Uh...” Before the stallion could finish his sentence, his princess sprang above him and flew out the door behind him. This was a perfect opportunity to watch her prized pupil play such an important game.
*****
The two unicorns proceeded to draw their five cards. “All right Trixie, I'll go first.” With that, Twilight drew a sixth card signaling that the duel had begun.
Duel Start!
Twilight Sparkle vs Trixie Lulamoon
Turn 1: Twilight
“Okay, I play Stalwart Guardspony in defense mode and end my turn.”
Stalwart Guardspony: Defense 1800
Turn 1: Trixie
“Your move amuses Trixie.”
“Well, I'm glad at least somepony here is enjoying themselves.”
“Trixie always is amused by petty moves, for Trixie can counter them with ease!”
“Trixie plays 2 cards face down and then I, The Great and Powerful Trixie, call upon the power of Magical Trick Apprentice!”
Magical Trick Apprentice: Attack 1700
“Um Trixie, I know you like speaking in third person and all, but could you please refrain from doing so every time you play a card. It is kind of getting annoying.”
“Poppycockatrice! Trixie speaks how Trixie speaks! Then again, maybe I can humor you. Now my apprentice, attack Twilight's Guardspony!”
Stalwart Guardspony: Defense 1800 → 1600
The Apprentice lifted his front hooves off the ground and a purple mist radiated from Trixie's two face-down cards that would then surround the Guardspony. The enshrouded monster seemed limp and began to kneel on its front right leg. Soon following, the Magical Trick Apprentice fired a bolt of lightning from his horn, zapping the injured Guardspony in his place.
“What just happened?! My Guardspony had more defense points than your Apprentice's attack points!”
“Didn't you know my Magical Trick Apprentice's special ability? For every spell or trap card on the field, all my opponent's monsters lose 100 defense. You are supposed to be Celestia's number-one student aren’t you?”
“I am her number one student, and I'll prove it by defeating you in this duel!”
Turn 2: Twilight
“I activate the spell card A Warriors's Legacy which allows me to summon a monster from my hand without a sacrifice when a warrior type monster has been destroyed the previous turn, and I choose Legendary Flier.”
Legendary Flier: Attack 2400
“Attack!”
“Just as I thought! I activate my trap card Reduction Mirror!”
“Nice try, but Legendary Flier cannot be targeted by Trap Cards!”
“Trap cards, huh? In that case, I activate my quickplay spell, Magicians Curtain!
Legendary Flier: Attack 2400 → 1900
The golden armored pegasus Flew straight up into the air a couple hundred feet, then preceded to do a nosedive onto the opposing monster. As she was about to make contact, a red curtain appeared in front of her causing her to slow slightly, but she still nailed her target, sending it to the card graveyard.
Trixie LP: 4000 → 3900
“Ugh, you’re not as bad as Trixie predicted, but I'm only getting started, so I suggest that you be ready for what the Great and Powerful Trixie’s going to throw at you!”
“I wouldn't have it any other way, besides It’d be no fun if this were easy.”
“Then there should be no reason for Trixie to hold back! I draw!
*****
Up above the duel arena in the apex of the stands, Celestia slowly trotted to her sitting area while keeping an eye on the progression of the duel. The princess quietly sat herself in the Royal Throne Box and was greeted by a familiar voice.
“So you came to watch Twili too? I'm not surprised.”
“Nor am I surprised to see you here.”
“You see that deck down there that she’s using. I noticed that it’s the same deck I built for her when I retired from the game.”
“Oh, is that so? I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. This is the first time I've seen Twilight duel seriously after all. So, do you think she will win?”
“My sis has a powerful deck, but I don't know if she can pull through. This is the first time I've seen her duel at all, and who knows how skilled her opponent is.”
“I wouldn't fret too much, Trixie tends boast higher than her actual abilities. However, it is as you say, we can’t know her power for sure.”
“Either way, it looks like Twili's got the upper hand now, so I think she can do it.”
“You do realize that the tide can turn at any time though, right.”
“Whether she's in the lead or falling behind, I should believe in her. That is my duty as her older brother.”
“As her mentor, I guess I'm in the same boat as you.”
With that, the two turned quietly and proceeded to watch the duel as it continued.
*****
Turn 2: Trixie
“You know what? I think I'll let you enjoy having the upper hand while it lasts. I play Magical Trick Illusionist in defense mode and end my turn.”
Magical Trick Illusionist: Def 1200
Turn 3: Twilight
“Defending will only get you so far Trixie! Now Legendary Flier, destroy her illusionist”
Stamping her feet a bit, the Legendary Flier then pushed off with a powerful force toward the illusionist with wings spread. As she passed the defending monster, her right wing sliced the Magical Trick Illusionist in half.
“I play a card face down, and end my turn.”
Turn 3: Trixie
“Perfect, just the card Trixie needs. I play one card face down and then activate the spell card Gift of Generosity which allows both players to draw until they have five cards in their hand.”
As Trixie and Twilight drew that their cards, a full five for Trixie and one for Twilight, a smile appeared on the blue mare as she looked at her cards.
“I play 2 cards face down and summon Magical Trick Necropony in defense mode. Then I end my turn.”
Magical Trick Necropony: Defense 500
Turn 4: Twilight
“I'm sure that card has some unfavorable ability, especially with that look Trixie's giving me, but that card is the only thing between my monsters and her lifepoints. I'll play it safe and bring out another monster to attack it instead.”
“I summon Trained Swordspony and attack your Necropony with it!”
Trained Swordspony: Attack 1500
The brown colored earth pony grabbed his sword out of its holster with his mouth then rushed and slashed the opposing pony a good three times, destroying it on the spot.
“Well done Twilight Sparkle, you have activated my monster’s special ability, which lets me bring back a 4 star or lower monster for every spell or trap card on the field. Though there are three, including your own, I only have two monsters I can summon, so this is going to have to do.”
From the smoking remains of the Necropony, two black figures darted their way out and onto the field, revealing themselves to be the Magical Trick Apprentice and the Magical Trick Illusionist.
Magical Trick Apprentice: Attack 1600
Magical Trick Illusionist: Attack 1700
“It still doesn't matter; I'll just attack your illusionist with my Flier!”
“It's not that easy Twilight, for I activate the trap Illusion Void, which absorbs your attack into to the vastness of nothingness!
“I already told you, you can't target my Legendary Flier with trap cards.”
“That's why I am not targeting your filthy pegasus, I'm simply giving my Illusionist a secondary ability by equipping this card to him.”
“Oh no!”
The pegasus rushed towards the Illusionist like before, but before she could land a hit, a dark purple void appeared in front of it causing it to disappear from sight.
“Oh, might I also mention that this card sends your monster to the graveyard.”
“Ugh, that could have gone better.”
“No it couldn't, and Trixie will prove my point now!
Turn 4: Trixie
“The beginning of the end starts right now! I sacrifice my Apprentice and my Illusionist in order to bring out Trixie's strongest monster! Come forth Magical Trick Dragon!
Magical Trick Dragon: Attack 3000 → 3600
“Let me guess, your dragon there gains 200 attack points for every spell or trap card on the field...”
“Trixie is truly impressed. I guess that somepony really did do her research”
“Well, I wouldn't call it research, rather the fact that each of you monsters had an ability reliant on spell and trap cards and that with three of those types on the field raising your monster's total attack by 600, it is quite easy to assume that.”
“I guess, but it won't change the outcome. Magical Trick Dragon, obliterate her Swordspony!
The dark dragon flew up a bit into the sky while charging up dark energy. Once the energy reached its limit, the dragon aimed its head at the opposing monster and fired a laser beam originating from the dark energy that completely engulfed and destroyed the swordspony.
Twilight LP: 4000 → 1000
“Not bad, I'll say, but losing is not an option! I draw!”
Turn 5: Twilight
“To begin, I'll play Rebound Healing which boosts my life points by half the attack points of a monster in my graveyard as long as I remove it from play, and I choose Legendary Flier!”
Twilight LP: 1000 → 2200
“Next I play three cards face down and then I’ll play my own Gift of Generosity!”
“Adding more cards to your hand won't help, besides you just boosted my dragons attack by 600!”
Magical Trick Dragon: 3600 → 4200
“We'll see about that! I play Fearless Filly in Defense mode and end my turn!”
Fearless Filly: Defense 900
Turn 5: Trixie
“Playing defense will only last you so long” Trixie said drawing her card, “Trixie will show you why right now! I summon the union monster Magical Trick Parasite and attach it to my Dragon!”
Magical Trick Parasite: Attack 0
“Next I play the spell card Magical Trick Mirrors which allows me to summon from my hand as many monsters that share the same name as a four starred or lower monster on the field, and I choose my Magical Trick Dragon!”
“Hold it! Your dragon is at least eight starred or higher, so your spell card should have no effect!”
“Actually, it's quite the contrary Ms. Sparkle, with my parasite attached to it, my dragon loses a star for every spell or trap card on the field, and I spot 6, thus dropping my dragon's star level down to two!
Magical Trick Dragon 2: Attack 3000 → 4200
Magical Trick Dragon 3: Attack 3000 → 4200
“Now my dragons! Attack Twilight Sparkle and her feeble monster to end this duel once and for all!”
*****
“Oh no, looks like this is it Shining.”
“Come on Twili, I know you have got to have something up your sleeve.”
*****
“Hahaha! There was no way you could stand up to the awesome might of the Great and Powerful Trixie!”
“Not quite Trixie” Twilight said with her two trap cards standing up right in front of her.
“What, but Trixie was sure!”
“Your cockiness has gotten to you again Trixie, and you failed to notice my trap cards activate neutralizing your attack and skipping your battle phase for the next four of your turns, but it comes with a small price.”
Twilight LP: 2200 → 200
Magical Trick Dragons 1,2, & 3: Attack 4200 → 3800
“Those cards won't make a difference; all you're doing is delaying the inevitable.”
“I'd prefer the term buying time so I can draw the right cards, but that won't change your mind.”
“Like Trixie cares, we both know the outcome, so I might as well just end my turn.”
Turn 6: Twilight
“Okay, Twilight, you need to organize your thoughts. I bought some time, but if I can't draw the cards I need, then it will have been all for naught. I have five cards in my hand, and I don't need to play anything in the next few turns. Of these five cards, three of them are part of the Harmonious Element set that I saw while looking at the deck. If I can securely draw the rest of the set, I might just be able to finish the duel.”
“Are you done wasting Trixie's time!?”
“Patience Trixie, I activate my spell card Assertive Trading which allows me to send as many cards from my hand to the graveyard as I want. Then I get to draw that exact amount.”
Magical Trick Dragon 1, 2, & 3: Attack 3800 → 3600
Turn 6: Trixie
“Hm... you’re not giving Trixie a lot to work with, but playing one card face down shall do.
Magical Trick Dragon 1, 2, &3: Attack 3600 → 3800
Turn 7: Twilight
“Darn it! Not the card I need!” “Erg, I end my turn.”
Turn 7: Trixie
“Ah, music to Trixie's ears. I activate the spell card Trick Hand allowing me to draw until I hold the same amount of cards as you, but I must discard any cards I don't use. Perfect, first I detach my parasite from my dragon. Then I play three cards facedown and summon Magical Trick Pyromancer!”
Magical Trick Pyromancer: Attack 1400
Magical Trick Dragons 1, 2, & 3: Attack 3600 - 4200
“I activate my trap card, Summon Break, which sends a monster you summoned back to your hand.
Magical Trick Dragon: Attack 4200 → 4000
“Oh well, looks like Trixie won't have to spare you its ability this time since it was removed from the field. Though, I still have my dragons that can attack in two turns!”
“Don't remind me.”
“Well, Trixie ends her turn, so you may continue.”
*****
As Trixie ended her turn, a large commotion could be heard closing in and surrounding the two dueling ponies. Twilight looked around in awe from the sheer number of ponies watching them.
“What is going on?! This is clearly not part of the duel tournament!”
“Who are those two ponies down there?! They shouldn't be dueling at this time!”
“Hey guys, looks like that purple one is getting slaughtered out there!”
“Oh my gosh, is that really Trixie over there? I thought she went into hiding or somethin'.”
“I personally don't care, I came to watch duels with giant monsters, and that is exactly what I'm getting.”
*****
“Shocked? No surprise, not everypony is as suited for an audience, except for the Great and Powerful Trixie of course.”
“Don't get distracted Twilight, you need to win.”
“You might as well just forfeit now and save yourself the disgrace!”
“Not a chance Trixie, I came to save my friends, and that is exactly what I'm going to do!”
Turn 8: Twilight
“Ugh! Just another card I do not need.” “I end”
Turn 8: Trixie
“Ooh, Trixie can hear the excitement in the coliseum raising, makes me want to shed a tear. Anyway, I'm not left with many options this turn, so I think I'll end.”
Turn 9: Twilight
“This is it, moment of truth, I need to be able to draw the right card, but the chance of drawing that final card is nearly impossible. I've been careless, and I misused this deck. The deck seems to motion away from me, as if it doesn't deem me worthy of using it. There's no use, this duel is over.”
As Twilight lowered her hoof over her deck, ready to forfeit the field around her flashes bright light causing Twilight to squint a bit. Once her eyes adjusted, she saw five ponies standing around the deck, five friends. “Don't give up sugar cube” “Yeah, are you seriously going to allow Trixie of all ponies to defeat you” Were with you darling, no doubts about it” “Mhm. You are our friend Twilight, and you shouldn't let that meanie push you in a corner” “Just remember Twilight, dueling is all about having fun, and not having fun dueling is just not fun!” The voices of her friends made her smile.
“You guys really don't get it, there really is nothing else that I can do.”
Twilight shed a tear down the right side of her face, but it was intercepted by the hoof of a white stallion.
“Huh, Shining, is that really you?”
“Of course Twili, how could I allow you to just give up like this.”
“But there is nothing I can do, absolutely nothing!”
“Come on Twilight, I know I taught you that the duel doesn't end until the last card has been played.”
“But it has already-”
“And how do you know that?”
“Well, I mean it's quite obvious, I mean.”
“How can you be so certain that you can't use the next card?”
“Because the probability of drawing the card I need is still too low!”
“Then calculate for me, what is the percentage of drawing the card?”
“If I'm right, approximately fifty percent”
“Then embrace that fifty percent and draw that card.”
“Wait, don't go! What do you mean embrace that fifty percent?!”
“I believe in you Twili, now win this duel.”
The world materialized in front of Twilight's eyes as she regained her place of being.
“So are you going to forfeit or what!”
“Why would I forfeit if I am so close to winning!”
“Just keep saying that to yourself and draw your last pathetic card!”
“My brother's deck has no pathetic cards!”
As the card left the deck, a white light glistened over the card revealing its identity to be the final piece of the puzzle.
“It can't be-the probability of drawing this card was way too low.”
“Will you hurry this up already? Trixie is almost ready to completely humiliate you!”
“Don't think so, I sacrifice my filly in order to summon Harmonious Element Magic!.
Harmonious Element Magic: Attack 1000
“You honestly want me to believe that this is the card you are going to destroy my monsters with!?”
“In fact, yes, but with added power of friendship by its side! You see, since my hand consists of the other five Harmonious Element cards, I am able to activate my trap card Elements of Harmony!”
“It can't be!”
“Oh it can! My trap card destroys all your monsters. Additionally, you take damage equal to each of their attack points!”
“No! That's impossible!”
“It is very possible! Now, Harmonious Elements, use your light to rid Trixie's field of darkness!”
The crystalline unicorn wearing the crown symbolizing magic began to rise into the sky followed by the rising of five other ponies floating behind her wearing their respective necklace. An aura began to surround the six ponies, and once the front one opened her eyes, a massive rainbow shot out from the top of them and cascaded through Trixie's field turning her monsters to stone. As the attack ended, the three dragons stood there immobilized. Once the attack ended, cracks begun to appear on the statues and proceeded with them crumbling into a pile of rock and dirt. At that moment, the six ponies faded to the graveyard, for their energy was greatly spent.
Trixie LP: 3900 → 0
Winner: Twilight Sparkle
“I... I lost...” Trixe uttered whilst falling on her knees. “It can't end like this! IT JUST CAN'T” She yelled tears rolling down her face. “WHY MUST I ALWAYS LOSE TO THE LIKES OF HER!?”
“It's over Trixie, I won! Now release my friends!"
“Just SHUT UP Twilight Sparkle! Look around, can't you see what you have done to me!?”
Twilight looked up into the stadium, and then it was clear, her suspicions before the duel were right. Up in the crowd, a large commotion was taking place, a commotion centered around the fallen mare and her feeble feats of attention. Getting ready to reply to Trixie, Twilight turned her head back to notice that her former opponent was now running out of the stadium from the large door on the other end.
“Erg! I can't let her get away!” Twilight said to herself. Quickly, the purple mare got off the duel platform, but when she made it to the ground, she was met by the shining white presence of her mentor.
“Well, well, might I say that was quite the interesting duel.”
“Princess!? What are you doing here!?” Twilight remarked.
“Now come on Twilight, do you really think I don't have any hobbies? Anyway, it seems something has gotten you in a rush.”
“As a matter of fact, there kind of is.”
“Care to explain?”
“Well, you see... Trixie has apparently got my friends locked up out where she was headed, and I need to hurry up and set them free.”
“Oh, you mean these friends, Twili?”Shining Armor sarcastically asked while stepping down the stadium while followed by five other ponies and a petite purple dragon.
“Way ta go! You looked really good out there.” Fluttershy stated.
“That was some totally awesome dueling Twilight!" The blue pegasi praised.
“I agree with Rainbow, though I think it could have done done with a bit more grace.” Rarity noted eloquently.
“She don't know what she's talkin' 'bout Twilight, she was screamin' louder than the rest of us combined.”
“Man that was a vicious battle! You were all like rahh! And Trixie was all like erg! And then you were like I summon this! Then you blew her socks off! Though I'm unsure if she was really wearing socks, I would figure that they'd be to saucy for her. On the other hand, it's not like this is canon or anything.” Pinkie Pie exclaimed while hopping around her purple friend.
“Girls... but... uh... what!?” Twilight questioned while in shock from seeing her friends safe and sound.
“What's got'ya in such'a tisy sugarcube” the cow girl proceeded to ask her startled friend.
“Maybe she's broke,' Rainbow whispered to Applejack's ear.
The purple unicorn stood there wide-eyed for a couple seconds before it finally dawned on her. Now that she noticed her friends, Twilight remembered that the note never stated anything specific was taken. She couldn't believe that she hasn't thought of this sooner. It was obvious that Trixie hadn't taken anything. From the vagueness of the letter to the fact that she would have to capture them all first made it hard to believe that Trixie actually foalnappend her friends.
“Ooh! Did you think of a really funny joke Twilight! Sometimes when I think of a funny joke, I stare into space a bit, but then I can't help but to laugh really, really loudly! Wait! I think I have one coming!” Pinkie stood there for about a second, and then hysterically, she found herself rolling on the ground laughing at her own joke.
“You know what, I guess it was a really good joke, almost too good,” Twilight chuckled.
“Now of you don't mind, my little ponies, I do believe that this tournament has been delayed for long enough, and we don't want to leave the crowd waiting.” Princess hinted towards the ponies. With that, the six ponies found their way up the stairs of the coliseum to the box reserved to them by the princess.
“I'm still in shock that Twilight actually is interested in duel monsters. She always said that she thought it was childish.” The young dragon remarked.
“Shut up Spike” Twilight noted with the laughter of her friends following.
End
Card List (In order of appearance)
Monsters
Name Attribute Type Stats
Dragons Egg Earth Dragon Attk: 0 Def: 1500
Ruby Warrior Fire Gemstone/Effect Attk: 1700 Def: 1200
Effect: If this monster destroys a monster in defense position, apply the difference of Attack and defense to opponents life points.
Hatchling Dragon Earth Dragon Attk: 1500 Def: 900
Heroic Dragon Earth Dragon/Warrior/Effect Attk: 2400 Def: 1800
Effect: Cannot be special summoned Can only be tribute summoned by sacrificing a Hatchling Dragon. If in battle with an opponent’s monster, send opponents monster to graveyard after damage calculation regardless if its attack points or higher or not.
Jasmine Dragon Light Dragon/Gemstone/Effect Attk: 0 Def: 0
Effect: To summon this monster, you must first send all monster cards in your hand to the graveyard. At the end of the turn, this card is sent to the graveyard. This card gains the abilities of all Gemstone monsters in your graveyard.
Saphire Warrior Water Gemstone/Effect Attk: 1500 Def: 1000
Effect: Once per turn, as long as this card remains on the field, you can change one of your opponent’s monsters to defense mode.
Emerald Warrior Earth Gemstone/Effect Attk: 1600 Def: 1500
Effect: This monster's attack points raise 100X the number of gemstone monsters on the field (excluding this one.)
Amethyst Warrior Dark Gemstone/Effect Attk: 1000 Def: 100
Effect: Add the attack points of all gemstone monsters in your graveyard to the attack of this monster when in battle with a monster with higher attack points than this monster.
Stalwart Guardspony Earth Pony/Warrior Attk: 1600 Def: 1800
Magical Trick Apprentice Dark Pony/Unicorn/Effect Attk: 1600 Def: 800
Effect: For every trap or spell card on the field, reduce opponent's monster's defense by 100.
Legendary Flier Wind Pony/Pegasus/Effect Attk: 2400 Def: 1900
Effect: This card cannot be targeted by spell cards.
Magical Trick Illusionist Dark Pony/Unicorn/Effect Attk: 1700 Def: 1200
Effect: When you declare an attack against an opponent's monster with Magical Trick Illusionist, his attack is raised by 100 for every spell and trap card on the field.
Magical Trick Necropony Dark Pony/Unicorn/Effect Attk: 500 Def: 500
Effect: When this card is sent to the graveyard due to battle, you can special summon a monster with four starts or lower for every spell or trap card on the field. (Not including this card.)
Trained Swordspony Earth Pony/Warrior Attk: 1400 Def: 1300
Magical Trick Dragon Dark Dragon/Spellcaster/Effect Attk: 3000 Def: 2700
Effect: For every spell or trap card on the field, this monster's attack raises by 200.
Fearless Filly Earth Pony Attk: 1200 Def: 700
Magical Trick Parasite Dark Insect/Effect Attk: 0 Def: 0
Magical Trick Pyromancer Fire Pony/Unicorn/Effect Attk: 1400 Def: 1000
Effect: As long as this card is on the field, whenever your opponent draws, the take damage equal to 100 x the amount of spell and trap cards on the field.
Harmonious Element Magic Light Pony/Unicorn Attk: 1000 Def: 1000
Harmonious Element Kindness Light Pony/Pegasus Attk: 500 Def: 500
Harmonious Element Generosity Light Pony/Unicorn Attk: 1000 Def: 1000
Harmonious Element Loyalty Light Pony/Pegasus Attk: 1300 Def: 1000
Harmonious Element Honesty Light Pony Attk: 1400 Def: 1000
Harmonious Element Laughter Light Pony Attk: 900 Def: 1000
Spells
Name Type Effect
Magical Hatching Quickplay Tribute one Dragons Egg on the field to special summonone Magical Hatchling from your hand or deck.
Lance of a Hero Equip Boost the attack of a Warrior Type by 1000.
A Warrior's Legacy Normal During the turn preceding the destruction of a warrior type through battle, you can summon a level 5 or 6 monster without tributing a monster.
Magician's Curtain Quickplay When a monster of yours is in battle, reduce the attack of opposing monster by 500.
Gift of Generosity Normal Players draw until there hands hold 5 cards.
Rebound Healing Normal Remove from play one monster in your graveyard and add half of it's attack to your lifepoints.
Magical Trick Mirrors Continuous Designate one four starred or lower monster on your side of the field and then summon as many monsters that share the same name from your hand.
Assertive Trading Normal Send any amount of cards from your hand to the graveyard then draw an amount equal to the cards sent to the graveyard.
Traps
Name Type Effect
Unicorns Grace Normal Search and activate any quick play spell from your deck.
Magical Overload Norma When a monster is special summoned by the effect of a spell card, double that monster's attack for the rest of the turn.
Radiant Diamond Normal When your opponent declares an attack, end their battle phase.
Reduction Mirror Equip A monster equipped with this card's attack points are subtracted from the weakest monster on the field.
Illusionist's Void Equip This card can only be equipped to a monster with 'Illusionist' in its name. A monster with this card equipped gains the ability to stop an enemies attack then send it to the graveyard. This card is sent to the graveyard after ability is used.
Royal Canterlot Shield Normal This card prevents your opponent from attacking a turn for every 500 lifepoints you give up.
Summon Barrier Normal When your opponent summons a monster, return it to their hand.
Elements of Harmony Normal This card can only be activated when Harmonious Element Magic is on the field and the Harmonious Elements Kindness, Generosity, Loyalty. Honesty, and Laughter are in your hand. When activated, all of your opponent's monsters are destroyed and he/she takes damage to their life points equal to their monster's attack points. After effect ends, send all Harmonious Elements on field and in hand into graveyard.
I give all my thinks to The_Unnamed_Pawn for the time he has dedicated in editing and helping me throughout the creation of this fanfiction.
