It's Your Move! Friendship is Trading Cards!

Chapter 4

Meanwhile…

“Whoa, did you see that?” Spike asked as a great rainbow coursed through the sky.

“Was that a…Sonic Rainboom?” Adam asked, resting against a large diamond-shaped rock which until recently, Rarity had refused to part with.

“And wasn’t it just fabulous?” Rarity murmured as she gazed at it.

“At least we know where the others are,” Adam continued. “Hey Spike, you wanna lead the way?”

“You’ve got it!” The baby dragon replied smartly. With that, they sprinted out of Carousel Boutique and towards their friends.

Fortunately, it was a short run to the war zone, upon reaching which they were greeted with gratitude and relief.

“Oh man, I thought you guys would never get here!” Shawn exclaimed, shaking Adam’s hand. “And it’s great to see you guys too,” he added to Spike and Rarity. “I’m in a bit of a bind here and…I think I’ll just let Twilight explain it.” As Twilight did so, Shawn filled Adam in on the situation.

“That bad, huh?” Adam mused. “Man, that’s one full Graveyard. He just keeps stopping everything you try, eh?”

“Mostly. If it weren’t for them, this would’ve been over a long time ago,” Shawn replied, gesturing towards the ponies congregated around them. “I just don’t know what to do right now. If I try to overpower him, he overpowers me. If I try tricks and effects, they blow up in my face. I’ve only managed to do a bit of damage and even then, he just gets the points back anyway!”

“Hmmm…” Adam thought about it. “Can you stall long enough to gather all the Elements together?”

“To be honest, I don’t think I can last that long,” Shawn said, his head drooped slightly. “If it weren’t for that psycho making everything up as he went along, I’d be having a better time for sure.”

“That might be the only thing you can do,” Adam continued. “Look, I’ll get the gang together and we’ll find Kali and Fluttershy. I don’t know where they are but we need to get them here ASAP if you plan to win.”

“I think you’re right,” Shawn conceded. “I’ll just have to do the best I can, then. Rally the troops, Adam, and let’s get this party started!”

“Ooh, I love parties!” Pinkie Pie said excitedly as they left to search for the others. While Shawn was uneasy about letting all of his help leave, save for Spike and Rarity, he knew that in order to find the others quickly, they would need to spread out and cover more ground.

“Well Spike, I guess it’s just you and I and Rarity now,” Shawn said with a sigh as the baby dragon hid behind his leg. “I know that you’re scared, Spike. Believe me, I am too. The only way we’re gonna survive the next few minutes is if we work together. Ready to help me out?”

“I…” The dragon gulped.

“Y’know,” Shawn leaned down and whispered to him. “The chicks dig a hero…” Following a nudge and a wink, the dragon’s attitude changed so rapidly it threw Shawn for a loop.

“Yes sir! Private Spike reporting for duty!” Spike saluted as Rarity smiled with approval.

“Ahem!” The marshmallow-colored pony cleared her throat. “Please allow me to assist you as well.” She closed her eyes and her horn began to glow and after a moment, highlighted one of the cards in Shawn’s Deck. Shawn watched as the card flew into his hand…and grinned.

“You’re a quick learner,” Shawn said with a smile. “Thanks; this is just what I needed.” He turned to Discord who looked as if he were about to fall asleep. “Thanks to Rarity’s generosity, I can add one monster with 1500 ATK or less from my Deck to my hand during either player’s turn.” Now if he does what I think he does, I’ll be ready for him.

“Very well, have your fun,” Discord replied in tone of boredom. “I activate the power of Chaos World! I’ll pay 1000 points to not only take your monster but use its effect as well! Since you would normally be able to destroy two cards with it per its effect, I’ll use that against you!”

“I thought you might try something like that,” Shawn exclaimed. “Since you’re about to destroy two cards I control, I activate Starlight Road! Spike, you’re up! Wanna be a hero?” The small dragon nodded. “Then let’s do this! Thanks to Starlight Road, I’ll combine its power with Spike and Summon Stardust Dragon...er, Stardust Spike...whatever!”

“Whoa, what’s happening?” Spike gasped as he suddenly started glowing with white light. Both Shawn and Rarity watched in amazement as he grew and grew until hovering before them was Spike as Stardust Dragon. He roared and flapped his great shimmering wings and soared over the field.

“Spike, you’re…you’re…” Rarity struggled to find the right words to describe the shining dragon. “…fabulous!”

“And that’s just the beginning! Because of Spike’s toughness and loyalty to his friends, he is immune to all card effects until the end of this turn! This is it, Discord!” Shawn shouted.

“Fine. Go ahead and throw that overgrown lizard at me!” Discord challenged. “I Set two cards face down and end my turn.”

“I draw!” Shawn exclaimed. Okay, Stardust’s got a great effect but if I know Discord, he’ll find a way around it and I don’t feel like losing my only offensive option right now. I’ll have to take this to another level. “I’ll Set two cards face-down and Summon Symphonic Warrior Basses!” Thanks Rarity, Shawn thought as he continued. “Since I control a Tuner monster, I can Special Summon Boost Warrior from my hand. Now I’ll Tune them to Synchro Summon Formula Synchron!” Hey Spike, it’s upgrade time!” Shawn shouted to the shimmering, towering dragon, who nodded and gave him a thumbs-up. “I Tune Stardust Dragon with Formula Synchron to Accel Synchro Summon Shooting Star Dragon!” With that, Stardust Dragon changed into eight Level Stars and aligned within two green gear-like circles. There was a burst of light that seemed to tower into the heavens and from the highest point at which the light pierced the sky, a great dragon descended with a shimmering trail, making the night come to life with stars.

“So…much…shiny…” Rarity said in awe at the spectacle. If that doesn’t get him somewhere with her, nothing will, Shawn thought with a grin.

“Now since I happen to know that you can only activate certain effects at certain times, let’s see if we can’t bleed some of those excess Life Points!” Shawn exclaimed. “I activate one of Shooting Star Dragon’s effects. I’ll reveal the top five cards of my Deck and for each Tuner I find, my dragon gets to attack you!” He picked up the top five cards and with a smile, revealed Junk Synchron and Quickdraw Synchron. “Shooting Star Spike, attack Discord directly for double the damage!” Without hesitating, Spike reincarnate unleashed a shimmering beam at Discord, which struck the Draconequis perfectly. Discord roared as 6600 Life Points were obliterated.

“You think that’s enough?” Discord growled. “I activate Chaos Damage Shift! Any damage I take this turn gets halved and added to my Attack Points!”

“Oh, come on!” Shawn protested as Discord’s ATK rose to 5300. I’d better end my turn before I make any more hasty moves. He had three cards face-down for fuck sakes! What am I, some kind of rank amateur? “I end my turn.” His foot tapped in anticipation of his friend’s arrival. While Rarity’s help had been invaluable thus far, he needed everyone if they were to be victorious. At least he still took 3300 damage. 5700 Life Points are better than 9000.

“I believe it’s my turn,” Discord announced as a card appeared at the snap of his fingers. “This has been an amusing little game but I’m afraid that it must end. I think I’ll take you out with your own pet dragon!” Oh no, Shawn thought, forgetting about Discord’s ability to steal monsters. Shooting Star Dragon’s effect can’t stop him! This is supremely bad! Roaring with fury and defiance, Shooting Star Dragon, aka Spike on ferocious steroids, was dragged to Discord’s side by the same puppet strings as before. Faced with one of his most powerful monsters and new friends, Shawn had no idea of how to handle it. As the dragon prepared to attack, gathering charged energy between its fangs, Shawn just stood there. So dumbfounded was he that he failed to hear the sound of approaching hoofsteps.

“Huh?” Pinkie Pie gasped at the scene. “Is that big old mean dragon bothering you?” Shawn looked up and over at the pink pony. She stood beside him with an expression of determination, staring up at the attacking beast with no fear.

“Hey, who are you calling a “big mean old dragon”?” Rarity cried as Pinkie Pie’s Element began to glow. Don’t tell me, Shawn thought as his Life Points fell to 1000. Here we go again! Just as the dragon was about to unleash Hell, it suddenly disappeared in a star-studded flash.

“What?” Discord demanded.

“Teeheeheehee bahahahaha!” Pinkie Pie rolled on the ground with laughter as everyone stared at her. “Did you see the look on his face when that dragon disappeared? Priceless!”

“Nice!” Adam exclaimed. “Looks like she was able to use Shooting Star Dragon’s effect to Banish itself during the Battle Phase! I think she just saved your ass again!”

“My ass?” Shawn protested. “I think you mean all our asses. Anyway, good job, Pinkie Pie. Thanks for that.”

“Thanks for what?” She asked as if oblivious to the fact that she had just saved them yet again. Shawn sighed and for the first time in quite awhile, had a smile on his face. “Oh, you mean this cupcake?” Shawn stared at her with a dumbfounded expression as she produced a white cupcake topped with chocolate icing and pink sprinkles. “I was saving it for a snack later but I think you need it more than I do. Here!”

“Thanks, I sure could,” Shawn agreed as he happily ate it. “Damn, that’s good! Now, where was I? Oh yeah, I think it was my turn. I draw!”

“Don’t forget about me!” Rarity exclaimed as she added Junk Synchron to Shawn’s hand.

“How ‘bout some more points there, sugah?” Applejack added as Shawn gained 1000 Life Points. Shawn grinned as everyone’s Elements began to glow. It was then that reality kicked him in the face and he realized what he was up against.

“What’s the matter?” Twilight asked, seeing his grin fade.

“Look, I really appreciate all the help but unless I can actually destroy this guy, there’s no way to win! We’re just not strong enough!” Shawn replied as he studied his hand for an answer. “There’s nothing else I can do. That dragon’s my best weapon and if he’s not enough, then what can I do?”

“You mean, what can we do?” Shawn sun around just in time to see Zoe return with Fluttershy. Zoe must have given the shy pony one Hell of a pep talk because Shawn had never seen the yellow pony with fire in her eyes before.

“Um…you sure that’s Fluttershy?” Shawn asked hesitantly.

“Oh dear, did I scare you?” The shy pony asked meekly. “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be sorry!” Shawn exclaimed. “That look of determination just now was awesome! You think you can help me out?”

“Oh yes, I think so,” Fluttershy agreed. “What do you want me to do?”

“You see that big evil dragon-goat thingy up there?” Shawn asked, pointing at Discord.

“Eeep!” Fluttershy squeaked and hid behind Twilight.

“I’ll take that as a “yes”. Anyway, I need you to help me beat him! I need everyone for that.”

“B…but what can I do?” Fluttershy asked quietly.

“Well, so far I’ve been asking everyone to aim their Elements of Harmony at this machine when they start glowing,” Shawn explained, pointing to the V-Disc. “And it’s worked pretty well so far.”

“Except for the fact that Discord’s still kicking your ass,” Adam reminded him.

“Man, whose side are you on?”

“Would you two get it together already?!” Adrian shouted, much to everyone’s surprise. “If you don’t find a way to pull this off, Equestria’s done for!” He paused as everyone stared at him. “I mean, if you lose, we’ll never get out of here.”  Shawn rolled his eyes.

“Okay, we’ve got one last shot at this,” Shawn continued as everyone gathered around. “I’m down to just a few cards left and no offensive options that can stand up to him. We need to win soon. Can I count on everyone?” A chorus of “yes” and “let’s do it” rang loud and clear. Shawn grinned. “Good. Now that everyone’s here, I’ve got one last plan. Everyone, make a half circle around me and make sure your Elements are aimed at Shooting Star…I mean, at Spike. As soon as those Elements start glowing, I’ll make the final move and then it’s up to you guys. Focus everything you’ve got and concentrate on beating Discord. If you do that…I think we’ve got a chance. Everybody ready?” Another chorus of confirmations rang as they took up their positions.

“It’s my turn!” Discord exclaimed with an evil grin. “I think I’ve had enough of this little game. It’s time for me to end this!” Oh crap, Shawn thought as Discord suddenly took up a position on the field. I wasn’t expecting him to make his move so quickly! He quickly looked around. Damnit, none of the Elements are glowing! This could be it!

“This is the end for you, I’m afraid!” Discord shouted as he prepared to attack. “I will bring chaos to your world as well as this one! Ah hahahahaha!” Shawn was forced to shield himself from the elements as a storm of chaos erupted around them. It was clear that Discord was preparing his final assault.

“Not this time, Discord!” Twilight Sparkle shouted in protest. “I…won’t…let you!” With that, the Elements suddenly came to life and showered Shooting Star Spike with energy. Discord roared and took a huge swipe at Shawn’s monster.

“I activate the effect of Shooting Star Dragon! If he’s attacked, I can Banish it until the End Phase and negate your attack!”

“You can’t control Chaos with that cheap trick!” Discord roared as his attack continued.

“Maybe not but when you’ve got true magic on your side, anything’s possible!” Shawn shouted, turning to Twilight. “Twilight, you’re up!”

“By using 500 Life Points, I can stop your effect and save Shooting Star Dragon from your attack!” A beam of purple light exploded from her horn and restrained Discord long enough for Shooting Star Spike to escape.

“Noooooooo!” Discord roared as the dragon disappeared in a bright flash.

“This is it!” Shawn exclaimed as Discord’s turn ended and Shooting Star Spike returned. He looked over at Rarity, who smiled and presented him with Junk Synchron. “I Summon Junk Synchron and use its effect to revive Boost Warrior! Now I Tune them to Synchro Summon Armory Arm, which I’ll equip to Shooting Star Dragon!” Spike roared in triumph as the large claw-like weapon attached itself to his arm. “That gives him a 1000 ATK boost and if he destroys a monster, you lose Life Points equal to the ATK of your destroyed monster! Anyone else have anything to add?”

“My turn!” Rainbow Dash added excitedly. “Hey Shawn, how about a hoof?”

“You’ve got it.”

“Awesome! I can use 1000 points to make Spike way stronger!” Spike roared as his Attack Points grew to

5400.

“I won’t let you hurt Spike, you big meanie!” Fluttershy added as angrily as she could, much like her outburst at the Grand Galloping Gala.

“Nice!” Shawn exclaimed as Spike became shrouded in a mystical field, all for the cost of 1000 Life Points. “Looks like he’s immune to all effects for one turn too!”

“Oooh, pick me next, pick me next!” Pinkie Pie shouted excitedly. Shawn smiled and rolled his eyes.

“Okay, Pinkie Pie, what’ve you got for us this time?”

“Ooh, how about this?” With that, Pinkie Pie’s party cannon appeared and fired at Discord.”

“What?” Shawn gasped. “Did she just…take away all of his Attack Points?” Discord stood stunned and smoking as every single Attack Point was taken from him. “This is it, Discord! I activate Pot of Avarice and place two Quickdraw Synchrons, Junk Synchron, Boost Warrior, and Synchron Explorer into my Deck and draw two cards.” Shawn drew and grinned. “You’re done! I activate the power of Shooting Star Spike! I reveal the top five cards and for every Tuner among them, he gets an additional attack and it looks like I’ve got three here!”

As the Elements bathed Shawn’s dragon in radiant multicolored light, he took a second to reflect and savor the feeling, the feeling that he had just saved a very important part of their world…and his. He opened his eyes and smiled as everyone kept their focus on Discord. He looked over at Twilight and nodded. She nodded back and suddenly, her eyes became white with light and she rose up into the air along with the others. A rainbow colored stream erupted from the gathered Elements and struck Shooting Star Spike just as he attacked the helpless Discord. There was a brilliant, blinding flash as the struggling Discord was transformed into a life-sized stone statue, rendered completely immobile and harmless. Shawn covered his eyes as the wave of energy washed over the world of Equestria, restoring it to its former, non-chaotic state. As it swept over him and the rest of his friends, he felt exhaustion take him and he fell to the ground and passed out.

***

Ugh, what the Hell happened, Shawn thought as he slowly awoke from his slumber. I had the weirdest dream. I could’ve sworn I used my Synchron Warriors to help Twilight Sparkle and her friends save Equestria from Discord. Man, I’ve gotta stop eating sea salt ice cream so late at night, he thought as he slowly sat up and shaded his eyes from the sun streaming in from his open window. He sat on the edge of his bed and yawned and stretched his tired limbs. He cocked his head to one side as a shiny object on his bedside table caught his attention. He picked it up and studied the glossy actress-autographed picture and smiled as the faces of Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Spike all smiled back at him. Hmm, looks like I forgot to hang you up last night, Shawn thought as he carried it over to his desk.

A sudden breeze from outside caught the picture just as he set it down, sending it cascading to the floor. Shawn picked it up and was about to put it down again when something else caught his eye. Written on the back of the picture in fine script was a message that he had never seen before. What the hay is this, he wondered as he read it. As he did so, he wiped a tear from his eye and nodded in appreciation.

Dear Shawn,

Today I learned a very valuable lesson about friendship. Just because someponies are from different worlds, that

doesn’t mean that they can’t be friends. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping us the way you did. It was wonderful meeting you and your friends and I hope we get another chance in the future.

Your friend,

Twilight Sparkle

The End