Guest: Have you been posting this chapter over and over again?
Qullion9000: No I have not. I have been rechecking, combining, and changing certain chapter in an effort to make these first chapter the best they can be.
Co-Authors:
King-Dorado Gifts many deck ideas for characters.
Nitro Zeus Creator of Spencer and we bounce ideas off one another.
Flutter Knight Creator of Zeke Martin.
Canterlot Duelist's Side
Flash walked back to his side as Shining nodded. "You did well Flash but don't let this be the end of your growth. Remember, you can always grow no matter how strong you think you are."
"Of course, Captain Shining." Flash bowed to Celestia and Shining Armor. "On that note, as much as I would enjoy observing further duels, I would like your permissions to go continue my training."
Guardian smirked. "If you think I'm going to let you go alone, you got another thing coming fly boy." She bowed to them as well. "Permission to accompany my fellow recruit and ensure he doesn't slack on me?"
"Shining, this student of yours has spirit while the other has strength." Celestia giggled. "Allow them to go."
"You two are free to train." Shining stated. "Just keep in mind what you have experienced."
"We will sir!" They stated.
The two recruits took off.
Fleur stepped up. "Princess Celestia, I would like to offer my services next and effectively test the human duelist."
"That sounds like a lovely idea." Celestia nodded. "Step onto the stage for the next duel."
Ponyville Duelist's Side
Twilight walked back to her side as Spike cheered. "Twilight, that was your best duel yet!"
Thinking back on it, she had played better than any of her duels before.
"It was quite impressive for having no extra deck monsters." Zeke nodded. "If you're willing, I'd gladly teach you everything I know about Fusion."
Twilight looked at Zeke surprised he'd make such an offer considering they haven't gotten off to the best start. "You'd really be willing to train me?"
"To me, there's no point in keeping knowledge to one's self." Zeke stated. "Knowledge is meant for everyone and can be used to better the world. Before you say anything, I don't hold anything that happened against anyone. I understand why actions were taken against me."
"I agree with you on the use of knowledge." Twilight nodded. "I would love to learn an extra deck method."
"After you master Fusion, I can teach you the rest of the extra deck methods." Aaron chimed in. "For now, they've sent their duelist out, so it looks like I'm up."
Zeke patted his back. "I set the stage in the beginning, so continue the momentum and show them what we humans can do."
Aaron nodded. "I intend to."
He walked onto the stage.
Element of Dueling Opening #1
My Little Pony, My Little Pony
Ahh ahh ahh ahhh…
(A balloon holding Twilight and Spike floats down to Ponyville.)
Twilight Sparkle: I used to wonder what friendship could be
(The balloon lands with Twilight getting out while Spike seems to struggle.)
Until you all shared its magic with me
(Twilight looks around at the various citizens before focusing on a group consisting of Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Aaron(Still Human) seeming a little uncomfortable yet also at ease as he stood with this group.)
Aaron: Dueling together
(Aaron is standing in a field as he draws a card from his deck.)
Rainbow Dash: Big adventure
(Rainbow Dash quickly flies through the sky.)
Pinkie Pie: Tons of fun
(Pinkie Pie blows up a balloon in Sugar Cube Corner.)
Rarity: A beautiful heart
(Rarity is in her boutique as she flips her hair.)
Applejack: Faithful and strong
(Applejack bucks a tree on her farm)
Fluttershy: Sharing kindness
(She pushes an apple towards her rabbit, Angel, who eats it quickly.)
Twilight: It's an easy feat and magic makes it all complete
(Twilight uses her magic to appear with the entire group as Spike uses his fire to send a letter to Celestia.)
You have my little ponies
(The letter arrives at Celestia's throne room.)
Do you know you're all my very best friends
(Celestia uses her magic to opens the scroll and smiles as it a picture of Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Aaron all posing together happily.)
Arena
Aaron came to stand across from Fleur.
The former guard was observing him. "So, you are the first human to set foot in Equestria. Aaron is your name if I remember what I've been told."
"That is who I am; however, you seem to hold me at a disadvantage as I do not know who you are." Aaron stated.
"My name is Fleur de Lis, and there isn't much special about me." Fleur stated in a way that made Aaron think the opposite. "I look forward to comparing your skills to mine." She activated her disk. "Shall we get started without further delay?"
"Sounds good to me." Aaron stated as he activated his.
"Let's duel!"
(Aaron 4000/Fleur 4000)
"I will take the first turn." Aaron declared. "I'm starting with the spell Igknight Reload. With this card, I can reveal any number of Pendulum monsters in my hand to you, shuffle them back into my deck, and draw until I hold one more card than I shuffled.
On that note, I will reveal 4 Pendulum monsters from my hand, reshuffle them into my deck, and draw 5 cards. Now, I will activate Star Pendulumgraph which prevents you from targeting spellcasters I control with spell effects.
Once per turn, I can retrieve a Magician pendulum monster from deck if another leaves my Pendulum Zone or field. On that note, I will set my Pendulum Scales with Scale 1 Astrograph Magician and Scale 8 Chronograph Magician."
A magician in light blue robes with dark blue armor and a staff made of light, and a magician in dark red attire with black armor and a sword of light appeared in blue pillars. "Now I activate their effects allowing me to destroy both magicians and set them face up in my extra deck.
In turn, this allows me to reset my Pendulum Scales with two magicians from my deck. Come Scale 1 Stargazer Magician and Scale 8 Timegazer Magician." A white robed magician and a light black robbed magician appeared within blue pillars.
"Don't forget the one magician I add." "Swing Pendulum of my soul and create an arc that will lead to the future. Pendulum summon Astrograph Magician(LV 7/2500/2000) and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon(LV 7/2500/2000)."
A red and white dragon appeared. "I overlay my two level 7 monsters to Xyz summon Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon(7/O 2/2800/2500)." A brown dragon with ice armor appeared. "I then set one card."
"Most impressive, but you're not the only one capable of summoning multiple monsters." Fleur drew. "I activate Six Samurai United and Gateway of the Six Samurai. They gain 1 and 2 Bushido Counters, respectively, per normal or special summoned Six Samurai.
Since you control a monster and I don't, I can special summon Elder of the Six Samurai(LV 3/400/0)." A crossed legged man in a palanquin appeared. "Now I activate Asceticism of the Six Samurai to target a Six Samurai I control and special summon a Six Samurai from my deck.
The conditions are that that it must have a different name, same ATK, and it will be sent to the grave at the end of the turn. I choose Kagemusha of the Six Samurai(LV 2/400/1800)." A warrior in black armor and green attire appeared.
"Now, I remove the 4 counters my Gateway has accumulated to add a Six Samurai monster from my deck to my hoof. I'll then send my United, with its two counters, to the grave to draw cards equal to the number of counters on this card. That's two more cards."
"I activate Dimensional Barrier." Aaron declared. "With this, I can declare a monster card type and neither of us can play them for this turn. I choose Synchro."
"Well implemented." Fleur nodded. "Since I control 2 Six Samurais, I can special summon Great Shogun Shien(LV 7/2500/2400)." A warrior in red armor appeared. "Since I control 1 Six Samurai, I can special summon Grandmaster of the Six Samurai(LV 5/2100/800)."
A man with a long mane of white hair and robes appeared. "Since I still have my normal summon, I'll bring out The Secret Six Samurai-Zanji(LV 4/1800/1300)." Warrior with bronze colored armor appeared.
Ponyville Duelist's Side
"Hey guys, don't those monsters seem familiar?" Zeke questioned.
Twilight nodded. "Yeah, I see it."
Spike looked at them. "What are you two talking about?"
Look at the unicorn Spike." Zeke stated. "Tell me if her deck matches what you'd assume she'd use."
Spike looked at Fleur's monsters. "Now that you mention it, they don't seem to fit that unicorn."
"While decks don't need to match the pony, it's common we pick ones that match who we are in some way." Twilight stated. "Beyond that, those monsters are like those in Flash and Guardian's decks. Not a definite, but she does carry herself a certain way."
"I think Aaron's taking on a guard or former guard." Zeke stated. "Given her close proximity to that male unicorn in the tux, I'd say guard turned bodyguard." He turned to the field. "She's also not using a Goyo deck, so it's safe to say she's stronger than your average guard."
"That means Aaron's going to have a tough go of it." Spike stated.
Arena
Fleur continued her turn. "I activate Six Strike - Triple Impact. Since I control at least three Six Samurai, I can destroy all you monsters meaning your Absolute Dragon is destroyed leaving you open for multiple attacks."
"Not quite." Aaron declared. "There's are reasons I try to go with Absolute Dragon on my first turn. His defensive options in battle are excellent, and there's his powerful recovery effect. Upon being sent to the grave, I can special summon any Odd-Eyes from my extra deck.
I choose Odd-Eyes Bolide Dragon(LV 11/3300/2800)." A huge, deep red dragon with fiery wings appeared. "When he's summoned, all effect monsters on your field have their effects negated."
Fleur said, "I will set one card and end my turn resulting in Kagemusha's destruction."
"It's my move!" Aaron drew.
"I activate Ring of Self Sacrifice." Fleur declared. "By giving up 1000 life points or two monsters, I can destroy one monster on the field and deal half their ATK or DEF to my opponent. I sacrifice 1000 life points to destroy Bolide Dragon (Aaron 2350/Fleur 3000)."
"With nothing left to protect you, save your monsters, this duel is over." Aaron declared.
"Do you have the card to achieve that in your hand?" Fleur questioned.
"You've seen Xyz, and I summoned a Synchro monster; however, you have yet to see Fusion." Aaron nodded. "With this card, I will show you one of my best monsters. I activate Dragon's Mirror allowing me to banish monsters on my field or grave for a Fusion summon.
I'll banish Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Astrograph Magician from my grave to Fusion summon Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon(LV 8/3000/2000)." An angular, red dragon appeared. "Rune-Eyes is unaffected by card effects the turn he is summoned.
Not to mention, his number of attacks are based on the spellcaster used to summon him. Since Astrograph, a monster with a level of 7, was used in this fusion summon, my dragon has a total of three attacks every battle phase."
Fleur was shocked before smiling. "Go ahead and finish this."
"My dragon will attack your Elder, Zanji, and Grandmaster ending this duel (Aaron 2350/Fleur 0)." Aaron declared.
"You dueled well Fleur." Aaron stated.
"Likewise." Fleur stated. "You are a strong duelist, and I will be intrigued to see how far your skills can take you."
Ponyville Duelist's Side
Aaron walked back to his friends with Spike and Twilight cheering.
"Quite the interesting performance Aaron." Zeke walked to the stairs. "Now, it's time for me to duel again, correct?"
"Be careful Zeke." Aaron stated. "Despite how many life points I may have had, these duelists are strong."
"Don't misjudge my want to duel with letting my guard down." Zeke nodded. "I am usually in control of myself."
Zeke stepped onto the stage.
"He certainly does seem eager." Spike shook his head. "Frankly, if he didn't defeat three guards at once, I'd say his confidence seems misplaced."
Canterlot Duelist's Side
Fleur approached the other duelist. "Sorry, but that human was just too strong for me."
"No apology needed Fleur." Fancy stated. "Your skills were a great example of why you're by my side."
"Indeed." Cadence stated. "I can see why Shining and Fancy recommended you duel today."
"It was a splendid duel." Celestia looked from the arena to Fancy. "On that note, it seems as though the other duelist is ready to go. Fancy Pants, would you mind going next?"
"Not at all Princess Celestia." He walked onto the stage. "In fact, I'm looking forward to dueling the Gardener of Tartarus."
Fancy Pants walked onto the stage.
Arena
Zeke came to stand across from Fancy Pants. "I'm uncertain, but I don't think the three before or those after can claim the title of best outside of the castle."
"An astute observation." Fancy stated. "My name is Fancy Pants, and even though I am not the best in all of Canterlot, the princess graciously allowed me to have that tittle. My skills are only comparable to our head guard."
"Interesting." Zeke stated. "That means, should I beat you, I could likely beat Shining Armor."
"Not quite." Fancy stated. "As our record stands, Shining's got two wins over me. If you win, you have a chance, but nothing is guaranteed."
Zeke said, "Let's see how well I can do against someone like you then."
Canterlot Duelist
"Shining Armor, is what Fancy Pants said true?" Luna asked.
"We're fairly comparable." Shining stated. "Dueling against him keeps my skills sharp."
Arena
"Let's duel!"
(Zeke 4000/Fancy 4000)
"I will take the first turn." Zeke declared. "I'm starting with Predaplant Cephalotusnail(LV 4/1300/1200)." A white, plant snail appeared. "I will then set one card ending my turn."
"No fusion on your first turn and leaving a monster in ATK mode." Fancy stated. "Either you're banking on that face down to stop me or that monster has a powerful effect."
"Why don't you find out?" Zeke questioned.
"I believe I will." Fancy drew. "Since you are the only one to control a monster, I can special summon Cyber Dragon(LV 5/2100/1600) from my hand." A silver, metal dragon appeared.
Ponyville Duelist
"If he can use that deck correctly, and depending on what he has, I can see why Fancy Pants is among the best in Canterlot." Aaron stated.
"What do you mean?" Spike asked.
"Cyber Dragons are an archetype of powerful machines that were once used by a truly skilled duelist." Aaron stated. "Well, he did lose quite a bit, but that was due to character over a true lack of skill. Regardless, they have great support and may have more in this world."
"They're really that powerful?" Twilight questioned.
"If Fancy can use them well, we'll likely see quite the duel." Aaron stated.
Arena
Fancy continued his turn. "I normal summon Cyber Dragon Spark(LV 1/500/100)." A transparent, smaller Cyber Dragon appeared. "I activate his effect allowing me to increase or decrease the level of a Cyber monster up to the number of Cyber monsters I control.
I will increase Cyber Dragon from level 5 to 6. Now, my level 1 Spark will give my level 6 Cyber Dragon a tune up to Synchro for 7. Synchro summon Cyber Dragon Impulse(LV 7/2600/1700)."
A large cyber dragon with wings appeared. "I activate one of his effects allowing me to target a machine monster in my grave and add it to my hoof. I'll choose Cyber Dragon. My dragon will then attack Cephalotusnail."
"My monster has quite the effect, but I believe I'll take this chance to destroy your monster." Zeke stated. "I activate Mirror Force destroying your attack position Impulse."
"You triggered the last effect of my Synchro monster." Fancy declared. "If he is sent to the grave by my opponent's card effect, I can special summon a Machine-Type Fusion monster from my extra deck. I choose Cyber Twin Dragon(LV 8/2800/2100)." A two headed Cyber Dragon appeared. "He will attack Cephalotusnail."
"Cephalotusnail can't be destroyed by battle and any damage I take from battles involving this card is halved (Zeke 3250/Fancy 4000)." Zeke declared.
"Impressive, but my Twin Dragon has an effect of his own." Fancy declared. "Every Battle Phase he can attack twice, so I'll attack your Predaplant once more (Zeke 2500/Fancy 4000). I'll finish by setting 1 card."
"My move!" Zeke drew. "I activate Predaplast allowing me to reveal Predap cards in my hand and target a number of monsters equal to the cards I reveal. Those monsters will then gain a Predator Counter. So, I will reveal Fusion to place a counter on Twin Dragon.
I'll now normal summon Predaplant Chlamydosundew(LV 2/600/200)." A green lizard with plants around its neck appeared. "This monster can act as a Polymerization while on the field and can use monsters with Predator Counters as material."
Ponyville Duelist
"He's not only using a monster to conduct a fusion summon, but his opponent's monster as well." Spike stated. "He really does know his stuff concerning Fusion summons."
"I agree Spike." Twilight stated. "I think he'll be an excellent teacher."
"I can't argue with that." Aaron nodded. "I may be an expert at Fusion, but Zeke's a master."
Arena
Fancy was shocked. "That means you can use my Twin Dragon."
"Exactly." Zeke nodded. "I will use Chlamydosundew's effect to combine itself with Twin Dragon and Fusion summon Predaplant Dragostapelia(LV 8/2700/1900)." A large green with purple belly plant monster appeared. "He will attack you directly."
"I activate Power Wall." Fancy countered. "For every 500 life points I'm about to take, I can discard a card from my deck to reduce that damage. Since you're attacking with 2700 ATK, I can discard 5 cards to bring the damage down to 200 (Zeke 2500/Fancy 3800)."
"Well done." Zeke gave a small smile. "My Cephalotusnail can still attack though (Zeke 2500/Fancy 2500). I end my turn by setting a card."
"You're doing well, but let's see if that can continue this momentum when I start playing some of my more powerful cards." Fancy drew. "Once again, you control a monster while I do not, so I will special summon Cyber Dragon(LV 5/2100/1600) from my hand.
Then, I activate Cyber Revsystem to special summon a Cyber Dragon(LV 5/2100/600) from my grave which was sent there due to Power Wall. I will overlay my two level 5 monsters to Xyz summon Cyber Dragon Nova(R 5/O 2/2100/1600)."
A silver and black cyber dragon with red lining appeared. "By detaching one overlay unit from my monster, I can special summon a Cyber Dragon(LV 5/2100/1600) from my graveyard. "Now, I could special summon this monster, but I'll normal summon it instead.
Come forth Cyber Synchron(LV 3/600/1100)." A sleek, silver ball with a floating ring around itself appeared. "My level 3 Synchron will give my level 5 Cyber Dragon a tune up to Synchro for 8. Synchro summon Cyber Dragon Prominence(LV 8/2900/2400)."
"Powerful, but not powerful enough." Zeke stated. "I activate Predaprime Fusion to combine Predaplant Cephalotusnail and level 8 Predaplant Dragostapelia. Fusion summon Greedy Venom Fusion Dragon(LV 10/3300/2500)."
A huge, dark purple dragon with glowing, purple wings appeared.
Canterlot Duelist
"This is something else." Luna stated. "Those two are going all out."
"It's definitely impressive that Zeke is keeping up with Fancy using Fusion alone." Cadence stated. "Even I have some trouble doing that."
"There's a reason I'm by Fancy's side, and it's not because he needs my dueling skills." Fleur stated. "On the occasions where those skills aren't enough, I'm there."
Ponyville Side
"Neither of them want to lose." Spike stated.
"They just keep going move for move." Twilight nodded. "I didn't even know he had a stronger dragon than Starving Venom Fusion Dragon."
"I was aware." Aaron nodded. "That dragon is one factor that can make a Predaplant user dangerous to duel."
Arena
"You had a dragon like that up your sleeve!?" Fancy questioned in shock. "It looks like an empowered version of your Starving Venom Dragon."
"That's because this is my dragon's evolution." Zeke stated. "I didn't exactly want to bring him out, but when faced with a Synchro and Xyz monster, you got to step up. If I didn't, I risked a loss."
"I end my turn." Fancy declared.
"I draw!" Zeke drew.
"Considering that is an evolved form of your Starving Venom, I shall counter any negative abilities your monster may have by banishing Breakthrough Skill from my grave to negate you monster's effects." Fancy declared.
"My dragon will destroy Nova Dragon (Zeke 2500/Fancy 1300)." Zeke stated. "I then set one card."
"My move!" Fancy drew. "You've met me move for move Gardener of Tartarus, but how will you deal with my strongest fusion? Especially when it's summoned with my most powerful fusion spell."
"I'm not one to back down from a challenge." Zeke stated. "Show me what you got."
"I activate Power Bond 2." Fancy declared. "To activate this card, I must enact several restrictions. First, my entire graveyard is banished save the monsters I designate as Fusion Materials which can come from my hand, grave, or field.
Thanks to you, I have 3 Cyber Dragons in my grave whom I will designate as my materials. Next, I must cut my own life points in half (Zeke 2500/Fancy 650). Thirdly, I return all cards in my hand to my deck to be redrawn next turn.
Finally, all monsters that may be on my field are destroyed. Now, I get to combine the designated fusion materials into a new monster. Fusion summon Cyber End Dragon(LV 10/4000/2800)."
A huge, three headed Cyber Dragon with wings appeared.
Zeke looked at the monster. "That's a great deal of restrictions for a monster with 4000 ATK. I suspect there's more."
"Power Bond 2 grants my monster a few effects for the price I've paid, but only for this first turn he's on the field." Fancy declared. "His attack cannot be negated, any damage my monster deals to you is doubled, and your monsters' effects are negated." Fancy declared. "This is my ultimate combo. End Dragon destroy Venom Dragon (Zeke 1100/Fancy 750."
"I may have lost my dragon, but he can return." Zeke stated. "You did negate my dragon's effects, but one of his effects had gifted his materials effects that I can use. By banishing Cephalotusnail, I can special summon Greedy Venom Fusion Dragon(LV 10/3300/2500)."
"I'm not done." Fancy declared. "I can banish Cyber End Dragon to special summon its materials, but they cannot attack. You will also take 300 life points for each material summoned, so I will banish Cyber End Dragon to retrieve my Cyber Dragons(LV 5/2100/1600)x3 in defense mode (Zeke 200/Fancy 750). With that, I end my turn."
"That dragon may be powerful, but this duel is far from over." Zeke drew. "I activate Monster Reborn to special summon Predaplant Dragostapelia(LV 8/2700/1900). Now Dragostapelia and Greedy will destroy two of your Cyber Dragons."
"It's my turn, and in addition to my draw, I get my card back to my hoof." Fancy declared. "I then activate Limiter Removal doubling the attack of my Cyber Dragon(LV 5/4200/1600 effect). He will attack Greedy Venom Fusion Dragon."
"I activate the effect of Predaplant Mistletoe Wasp." Zeke countered. "Since you declared an attack, I can equip him from my hand to your monster preventing your Cyber Dragon from attacking."
"Then, I activate Dark Hole destroying every monster on the field and preventing your dragon from ending this duel with his effect this turn." Fancy stated. "I end my turn."
Canterlot Duelist
Celestia thought about how hard Twilight and the others have dueled and decided to go to the announcer to make a change in plans.
Arena
"Venom, this next move is for you." Zeke was calm on the outside but enraged inside as he drew. "I summon Violet Witch(LV 4/1100/1200)." A gray skinned, elfin female in purple robes appeared. "Violet Witch attack Fancy directly (Zeke 200/Fancy Pants 0)."
Fancy smiled as he approached Zeke. "That was a splendid duel, and you have certainly earned your tittle." He held out his hoof. "Congrats my good one for you gave it your all, and it paid off with a victory."
Zeke had begun to calm down, so when Fancy said this, he couldn't stay mad at the guy. Thinking about it, how else was the unicorn supposed to destroy two, powerful fusions.
"You are a powerful duelist as well Fancy Pants." Zeke shook the hoof. "If you ever want to duel again, I'd be up for it." They stopped shaking. "Whether it's here or in Ponyville."
"Ponyville, huh?" Fancy nodded. "I have yet to visit the town, but I hear it is charmingly rustic. I may drop by if I feel the need to duel a powerful opponent."
With a mutual respect, the duelists walked back to their respective sides. Before they could speak with anyone, the announcer walked onto the stage.
"Attention everyone." The announcer stated. "I have been informed that Princess Celestia has decreed this event will be split between today and tomorrow. The duelists from Ponyville have fought valiantly and deserve a break. We shall reconvene here tomorrow."
The Canterlot side began to disperse.
Ponyville Duelist
"Well, I don't know about all of you, but I feel as though a rest is well deserved." Zeke stated. "Fancy Pants was a strong duelist."
"You still managed to take him down." Aaron stated. "I'm not certain I could have done the same."
"Most impressive of all, you did it with only Fusions." Spike stated.
Twilight nodded. "It was quite impressive."
"Thanks for the compliment, but if Fancy had just one monster in his hand, he'd have won." Zeke stated. "It was close and could have gone either way."
"It could have gone either way, but I've learned that you can't worry about what could have been. Weather it was defeat or victory, what just happened is in the past. If you fail, pick yourself up and keep going." Aaron stated.
"Wise words." Zeke stated. "So, what are you guys going to do with the rest of today?"
Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis approached the group.
"Hello, you four." Fancy stated.
Zeke turned to the pair. "Fancy Pants, how may we help you?"
"Fancy and I merely came by to talk with you and Aaron." Fleur stated. "We are aware of the suspicions our illustrious captain has of you and Aaron. Personally, I don't blame his thought process. Being the captain of Celestia's guard comes with a duty to the people."
"I think Zeke and I get where he's coming from." Aaron stated. "We're something no pony in this land has seen. We're strangers to this land, and that comes with unknowns. It takes time and effort to show that we have no ill will."
Zeke agreed. "If any of you appeared where we were… well… a great deal of complicated things would arise. The main thing is that it wouldn't be all sunshine and roses. I think we're acting how we hope one of you would act if you appeared where we come from."
"What you two said reveals how strong your characters are." Fancy stated. "If either of you are in Canterlot, feel free to drop by my place. I believe talking with you two would continue to be interesting. My door will always be open."
"On my end, I think you two are true, and that your dueling has spoken volumes." Fleur stated. "I believe Captain Shining Armor has heard you. He may not trust you yet, but the seeds are there. Continue to duel as you have, and I think any future interactions will be better."
"We thank you for your words." Aaron stated.
"We simply felt this had to be said." Fancy Pants stated. "There's only so much any pony can take without the reveal of people in your corner. Until we meet again."
Fancy and Fleur took their leave.
"I think I'm going to go visit someone I haven't yet." Aaron stated. "Catch you guys later."
"Wait." Twilight stated getting his attention. "This evening meet Spike and I at Donut Joes, and that goes for you as well Zeke. I want you guys to try the best donuts in all of Equestria."
"Sounds like a nice treat for what we managed to achieve." Aaron walked off. "See you there."
"I'll be there, but I'm heading to the library right now." Zeke walked off. "See you."
After Zeke left Spike hopped onto Twilight's back. "So, what are we going to do?"
Twilight thought about it. "It has been a minute since I practiced my magic." She looked back at Spike. "Up for helping me?"
"You know it." Spike stated willingly.
Canterlot Castle Hallways
Night Watch had awoken early to prepare for the Lunar guard's night shift when he heard Aaron behind him. "Night Watch, wait up!" The bat pony turned to face the human. "I heard you were made head of the Lunar Guard. Congrats."
The bat pony was shocked before laughing. "That's one of the first things you say to me?" He shook his head. "When we dueled, I thought you were a bit weird, but this confirms it."
"Weird is good." Aaron shrugged. "We do know each other, so I figured talking casually was okay."
"That's not exactly what I meant." Night Watch's smile dropped as he looked at the ground. "I threatened those other ponies and damaged you through our duel. I didn't expect you to treat me this way after that."
Aaron shrugged. "At this point, intent is all it was, and I healed. Plus, I like to think of myself as someone who wants to make friends not enemies. You genuinely regret what you did, so I'm content to give you the benefit of the doubt. Like Luna which I haven't regretted."
"Are you sure about that?" Night Watch questioned.
"It's all water under the bridge." Aaron chuckled. "Anyways, I just wanted to check how you've been adjusting. Luna's had some difficulties, so it's likely been the same for you."
"As a soldier, I can adjust to foreign situations, but having Luna ignore me was rather difficult. Especially since I had retaken my role as her head guard." Night Watch stated. "She's started getting out more, so things are fine now." He looked at Aaron. "Thank you, by the way."
"No need to thank me." Aaron stated. "I just couldn't accept someone locking themselves away like she was, and I just wanted to make sure you are doing alright since I believe, by your guard attire, that you are about to go on duty."
"Not exactly." Night Watch stated. "This is the equivalent of getting an early start." He nodded. "I am actually free for the next hour or, if you wish, you could join me in preparations."
"Awesome." Aaron stated. "I wouldn't mind helping out."
Canterlot Library
Zeke had taken many books from the shelves before plopping himself down at a table content to spend hours reading. Given the fact that he was learning about Equestria from firsthand sources, even if he knew a great deal given his preexisting knowledge, was the icing on the cake.
Zeke sighed contently as he opened the first book to the first page. "There's nothing better than being surrounded by good literature."
"Excuse me, are you Zeke Martin?" A voice whispered with familiarity behind him.
Zeke turned to face what appeared to be a full grown, griffon. That is what the shape looked like, but this figure was dressed in a full, dull white suit of armor with a helmet. The suit itself seemed far more advanced than anything the human remembered seeing in the show.
"That is my name." Zeke whispered with a raised eyebrow. "Who are you?"
"Who I am is unimportant, but you can call me G." G whispered. "I am here to offer you some advice."
Zeke thought this was rather bizarre, but he didn't hear any malice in the griffon's manly sounding voice. "What is this advice?"
"Aaron is a powerful duelist, but he will need a friend in the future." G stated. "You must beware the unknown which lies within."
"What does that mean?" Zeke questioned.
G moved past Zeke. "Tell Aaron I will duel him one day when he is stronger." He looked back at him. "Hopefully, he will be strong enough."
The griffon walked to another figure which seemed to be a unicorn mare. A safe bet since Zeke could see a midnight blue horn. Other than the horn, all he could see were orange eyes which matched Aaron's. The rest of her was obscured by a white cloak and matching, faceless mask.
The pair walked behind a counter causing Zeke to stand and run after them. "Wait!" All the guy found were a group of ponies who wanted him to be quiet. "Sorry." Zeke whispered before retreating to his previous reading spot.
"Was I imagining that? Not impossible but unlikely. I think I have something to discuss with the others this evening. Still, that mare's eyes reminded me much of Arron's. What is going on here? What is there relation to one another?"
Castle: Twilight's Room
"Come on Twilight." The purple unicorn stood across from Spike who was cheering her on. "You can do it!"
"Okay, here goes." Twilight stated.
Her horn glowed as did Spike's upper lip which eventually sprouted a mustache.
"You did it!" Spike put a check on a nearby list. "Growing Magic is number 25. 25 different tricks and counting." He then looked in a nearby mirror. "I think this is the best trick so far. Hello Rarity. What's that?" He felt the mustache. "Oh, it's nothing save my awesome mustache."
Twilight smiled as she rolled her eyes. "Sorry Romeo. As attractive as you look, it's just for practice, and has to go."
"Wait!" Spike shouted only for Twilight to remove it. "Ah, rats."
Twilight giggled.
Donut Joe's: Evening…
Twilight walked into the donut shop with Spike hoping off her back. Behind the counter there was a light-yellow coated unicorn stallion with a brown mane, pink frosted donut cutie mark, and wore an apron.
"Twilight Sparkle and Spike." The stallion chuckled. "Been awhile since I last saw you two."
Twilight smiled. "Hey Donut Joe, good to see you to." She approached the counter. "I meant to come in earlier, but it's been a rather busy visit."
"It's no problem." Donut Joe stated. "Can I get you the usual?"
"Sounds good." Twilight stated.
"Hey Joe, have you seen a human around here?" Spike asked.
"He's sitting over there by the window." Donut Joe stated. "Said his name was Aaron and that he knew you two. Wasn't entirely certain about it, but even though he looks rather strange, guys pretty well mannered."
The two of them looked towards the window to see Aaron who waved.
"That's him." Twilight stated. "Bring our donuts with his as well as a few extras because we're expecting someone."
"You got it." Donut Joe stated.
Twilight and Spike joined Aaron. "You're right on time."
"You're early." Spike stated.
Aaron shrugged. "I decided to make my way here and ended up arriving about 15 minutes ago. Not to worry because I asked Donut Joy to bring my donuts with yours."
"I did the same." Twilight stated as she and Spike sat down.
"Now all we need is Zeke before we can celebrate today." Aaron stated.
As if on cue, Zeke walked in, surveyed the shop, spotted them, and walked over. "Guys, I have something to tell you." He sat down. "At the library, I was approached by what seemed like a males griffon who had some interesting things to say."
Zeke explained his brief encounter with G. "He vanished with what looked like a unicorn mare before I could ask anything, and there was no sign of them even being there. What do you guys think?"
"It might have been a duplication spell on the mare's part." Twilight stated. "That or she created transparent versions since teleportation usually has an effect."
"As for the messages, if they meant harm, they could have sent a more damaging message by trying to take you out." Aaron shook his head. "I have no idea what this griffon or mare could mean, but I think they are genuine warnings."
"What do we do?" Spike questioned.
"The griffon made sure Zeke knew at least he'd return, so I suggest we keep our eyes peeled for potential danger and/or his reappearance." Aaron stated.
"Sounds reasonable." Twilight stated. "Neither of them have done anything wrong, so it's not like we can involve the guards."
"Anyways, let's not let a them get in the way of our celebration." Aaron stated as he grabbed a donut. "As a team, we effectively won this day, so let's have a good time."
The others picked up a donut. "Yeah!"
For the night, they pushed the strange griffon and mare from their minds as they ate donuts to celebrate a day well dueled.