Alright everyone, this is a new chapter. I know things have been confusing with multiple updates, but that was just me checking the past chapters to make sure they were quality. After rechecking, changing, and combining chapters, it is up to snuff. Now, I hope you enjoy this latest chapter as we check in on characters we haven't seen in a minute. Hopefully, you all enjoy.

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.

Sweet Apple Acres:Day After Aaron, Twilight, and Spike Left…

Applejack stood with her brother, who had been injured, stood on a hill overlooking their orchard which contained numerous trees packed with apples ripe for bucking.

"Boy howdy." Applejack stated. "I got my work cut out for me. That there is the biggest crop of apples I've ever lain my eyes on."

"Yup." Big Mac agreed. "To big for you to handle on your own."

"Come on big brother, you got to rest yourself and get better." Applejack stated. "I haven't met an apple orchard yet that I can't handle." She touched her brother's injury making him recoil. "Oops, sorry. Look. I'll take a bite out of this job by days end."

"Biting off more than you can chew is just what I'm afraid of." Big Mac stated.

Applejack glared. "Are you saying my mouth is making promises my legs can't keep?"

Big Mac replied, "Yep."

"Why of all the…" Applejack put her hoof down. "This is your sister Applejack, remember? The most loyal and dependable pony in all of Ponyville."

"You're still only one pony, and one pony plus hundreds of apple trees doesn't add up." Big Mac stated.

"Don't you use your fancy mathematics to muddy the issue." Applejack stated firmly. "I said I can handle this harvest, and I'm going to prove it. I will get every apple out of those trees, by myself, by the end of Applebuck Season."

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.)

Ponyville

Ever since being put up by Rainbow Dash, and deciding to stay in Ponyville, Gilda had decided to get a job as not to be a bother. The way the griffon saw it, she was staying with Rainbow, so she should contribute to the house.

In addition, she still fostered a resentment towards the ponies. Just because she was willing to give them a chance, and wanted to change, doesn't mean the years of emotional pain vanished. As a result, Gilda picked a job she could do well while being around ponies regularly.

Thanks to a good word from Rainbow Dash, she became Ponyville's first weather griffon. It was the perfect job since she constantly worked with pegasi, was seen by the ponies on the ground, could do the work, and got to work with her best friend on occasions.

That said, there was one minor problem in the form of a gray coated and blond maned pegasus mare with strange eyes. Ditzy Do was rather accident prone. At first, Gilda had felt enraged as she was constantly struck by lightning or flew face first into clouds.

She didn't blow up and instead asked Rainbow about the mare. She learned that the mare was a hard worker who constantly tried to improve herself. It was just a rather difficult process. Learning this had calmed the griffon, but it didn't stop her from being peeved at times.

Gilda was currently busting some clouds, but her mind turned towards the human, fellow outcast, Aaron. Just yesterday he'd left with Twilight and Spike, but already the griffon was wondering when he'd return. Rainbow was supportive, but she just didn't get it.

This divided attention didn't help Gilda avoid a stray cloud which had 'drifted' into her path, so she flew straight into it. "Ditzy!"

Ditzy flew over and chuckled embarrassed. "Oops, sorry Gilda." She helped the griffon out and grabbed ahold of the cloud. "It just got away from me."

Gilda shook her head and sighed. "Apology accepted, but you really got to get this whole weather things down. Some of the fliers aren't as strong as Rainbow and me, and accidents like this can cause some serious trouble."

"Yeah, I'm working really hard to get better." Ditzy stated. "Believe me on that."

Gilda was about to speak only to notice vibrations running through the town below.

Then, Rainbow's voice caught her attention as it rang out through the town. "Stampede!"

Gilda left Ditzy and flew towards Rainbow while observing the havoc on the ground as practically every pony ran for cover. She also observed Pinky have a rather joyful time with the shaking ground.

"Dash, what's going on!?" Gilda asked as she arrived at her friend's location.

Rainbow pointed to the distance. "There's a whole herd of cattle running in this direction."

"What do we…" Gilda began.

The griffon stopped as with her vision she noticed a familiar figure running amongst the herd. It was Applejack accompanied by a small dog. With some help from said dog, the farm pony lassoed the lead cow and directed the stampede away from Ponyville.

Gilda nodded. "Even I got to admit that's impressive."

"You know it." Rainbow smiled. "Of course, we could do that to, but it's best to leave these sorts of things to Applejack."

In the distance, Applejack calmed the herd and had them return to where they came from before running off. This left the citizens of Ponyville grateful for what she'd done. For what Applejack did, it was easy for the ponies to conclude that the farm pony deserved a party.

Deep Below: Temple, Roughly Before the Mini-Tourney…

Arno sat within a quartz temple, and in a room that was completely barren. He crossed his legs before taking deep, calming breaths. The seal of Orichalcos appeared beneath him before spreading along the floor to cover it.

The magically inclined human then let his red magic flow into the seal turning it from bright green to fire red. This red glow eventually produced spheres of red lights which floated around the room. After a few minutes, the sphere took on the shape of duel monster cards.

They solidified becoming actual cards; however, the front of the card was unlike anything which currently existed because the color was as fire red as Arno's magic. 15 cards in total floated before him, collected into a stack, and laid themselves before him.

With one, final breath, the seal vanished, and Arno opened his eyes before taking the stack of cards from the floor. He flipped through the cards to find that the results were unsatisfactory as each one was blank. No name, level, attribute, portrait, effect, ATK, and/or DEF.

"How disappointing." Arno torched the cards with his magic before standing as their ashes scattered, like many others before them, sticking to any surface in the room. "With each failure, I grow closer to developing the new method." He walked to the door. "It is only a matter of time."

He left the room and sealed it shut with his magic before whistling Kite's theme as he walked along the halls.

Main Room

Arno walked into the room to find Grogar observing Equestria through the eyes of a monster. This was nothing new since the ram had always done this every loop. With this being the last Arno needed, he was glad to have a partner so observant.

The man walked into the room. "Where is our third companion?"

Grogar looked up at his partner. "He's out back training with that deck you gave him. Ever since he gained some semblance of control over his anger, he's been working to harness its power. Before you ask, he's been as successful as every time before."

"Then, it seems it's time to bring up sending him to Nightmare." Arno walked by the ram before looking back at him with a convincing, sincere look. "Grogar, this partnership has been as invaluable as ever." He nodded. "Thank you, for your service."

"Hm." Grogar went back to the eyeball. "Say that to me after we've gotten what we want."

Arno smiled. "As you wish my dear friend."

He left the temple and started whistling once more.

Back of the Temple

Spencer currently stood in the center of a rather large training ground located well under the cavernous ceiling far above. The area currently lay in ruins, but that was his doing as the shadows of rather monstrous creatures vanished.

The human was panting and sweating while his current set of clothes were nothing but rags. "I still don't have control over the deck." He firmly panted his feet. "Just you wait Aaron and Arno because you will fall." He then heard that familiar whistling. "Speaking of Arno…" Spencer turned to see him approach. "What is it that you want?"

Arno stopped near him and the whistling ceased. "I've been keeping track of your progress Spencer, and given your newfound mastery over your emotions, I have decided to give you a mission that will start in the coming days."

"A mission?" Spencer asked. "Where to and what is it?"

"You must recall my trip to the moon, yes?" Arno asked.

"I recall you telling me about it." Spencer stated. "Am I to babysit Nightmare?" Arno nodded causing his fellow human to scoff and walk away. "You can forget it. Send your pet, and only call me in when Aaron is involved."

Arno teleported before him. "You forget your place Spencer, so allow me to remind you." He showed off his duel disk. "Once I win, yet again, you will fall in line like the soldier you are, or I will destroy you as I threatened before."

Spencer growled. "When I win, I will see you destroyed."

"You have no idea what my true power as a duelist is, do you?" Arno teleported the proper distance away. "Out of everyone, I always think you'll understand given how many times I must beat this lesson into your mind, yet you never do."

"What are you talking about?" Spencer questioned.

"I suppose I can reveal the answer, but not so soon." Arno stated as a deck appeared in his duel disc. "Now, prepare because you're about to lose again." He then took two cards from his pocket and inserted them into the deck before shuffling it. "I won't even use an action field to do it."

Spencer hated how Arno always talked down to him. "Do you see me as a joke!?"

"You're not a joke." Arno stated. "You are a valuable pawn given the right to hold a deck created by me, and I would not create such a thing for just anyone. That said, Grogar's deck is superior because I value my partner, not pet, more than you."

"I'll show you how wrong you are!" Spencer declared.

"No, you won't." Arno stated calmly.

"Let's duel."

(Arno 4000/Spencer 4000)

"You will go first." Spencer declared.

"Big mistake." Arno calmly stated. "If you had chosen to go first, you'd have at least gotten a turn. In fact, I insist you go first."

"You're insisting you will win in one turn?" Spencer scoffed. "I don't believe it, but I'll use this first turn to set up your defeat. You're D/D monsters can't beat me this time."

"D/D? Who said I was using my deck?" Arno chuckled. "I most certainly didn't tell you it was my only deck… in a manner of speaking."

"What are you talking about?" Spencer asked.

"I told you I was an Aaron and you assumed, by my appearance, that I am his future." Arno shook his head. "You were wrong and right. In a manner of speaking, I am his future, but you have no idea what my powers truly are."

"Get to the point!" Spencer shouted.

"Gladly." Arno stated. "In my time, I've dueled every duelist across Equestria and beyond at least once, and I've cultivated my magic to be on par with entities like Grogar and Discord. Grogar can create monsters, Discord is the Lord of Chaos, and I am an unmatched duelist."

"Please." Spencer rolled his eyes. "You just use a powerful deck which anyone could do with the right training."

"I won't argue that, but that's not why I'm unmatched." Arno chuckled. "I'm getting ahead of myself. Please, take your first turn."

Spencer stood firm. "I activate the effect of my Gimmick Puppet Bisque Doll(LV 8/1000/1000). By discarding 1 Gimmick Puppet from my hand to the grave, I can special summon her to the field." A female puppet with long red hair and in black clothing appeared

"I then activate Overlay Satellite and equip it to my Bisque Doll. Now, if I use her for an Xyz summon, she can count as two materials. I'll do so now. I overlay Bisque Doll to open the overlay network. Xyz summon Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Grinder(R 4/O 1/1500/2500)."

A huge, black puppet in a stone throne appeared. "What's more, since the equipped monster was used as a material for this summon, Overlay Satellite becomes a unit on Grinder. I'll then equip Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Grinder(R 4/O 1/2500/1500 effect) with Gimmick Shield.

This card not only switches the ATK and DEF of a Gimmick Puppet Xyz monster, but I can deal you 300 life points of damage for every one of their materials. I'll do just that hitting you with 600 life points of damage (Arno 3400/Spencer 4000). I'll finish by setting one card."

"See, isn't it better getting some damage in before you lose?" Arno questioned.

"Keep talking because that's all you have." Spencer stated. "You were just bluffing."

"Observe how wrong you are." Arno chuckled as he drew. "I activate Magical Mallet. Now, I can shuffle any cards I choose from my hand back into my deck and draw an equal number of cards. I'll choose three of my remaining five." Once the shuffle was done, Arno drew.

"With this, the duel is over. I activate Condolence Puppet." Spencer was shocked. "Now, for every monster you control, that was special summoned from the extra deck, I must send Gimmick Puppets from my deck to the grave equal to that number plus one.

Since you control one, I get to send two. I'll then activate the effect of one of those monsters I sent. By banishing the first Gimmick Puppet I sent to the grave, I can special summon Gimmick Puppet Dreary Doll(LV 8/0/0) from my grave." A blond-haired doll in a coffin appeared.

Spencer had been rendered speechless but seeing that monster snapped him out of it bringing about his anger. "How do you have a Gimmick Puppet deck!?"

"It's quite simple." Arno showed his deck which briefly turned a transparent red before solidifying. "This is my magic combined with countless loops. I've copied to many decks to count, and thanks to my past duels, I can use them with the needed experience."

"Y-You're just lying." Spencer declared.

"I did withhold some information as I inserted two cards into this deck." Arno smirked. "You can believe what you want, but this is the truth. Now, since you control a monster, and I only control Gimmick Puppets, I special summon Gimmick Puppet Magnet Doll(LV 8/1000/1000)."

A doll made of magnets appeared. "I then overlay my monster to Xyz summon Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Grinder(R 4/O 2/2500/1500 effect). Like Magical Mallet, this next card is another card I added called Overlay Barrage.

With this, I can remove all of Grinder's overlay units to deal you 500 life points per material removed, so that's 1000 life points total (Arno 3400/Spencer 3000). Next, I'll activate Rank-Up-Magic Argent Chaos Force.

Thanks to that spell, I can target Number 15 and rebuild the overlay network to Xyz summon a monster 1 rank higher. Come forth, Number C88: Gimmick Puppet Disaster Leo(R 9/O 1/3500/2500)." A golden lion on a sphere appeared.

Spencer stepped back with a clear look of rage on his face. "Impossible. My face down only works if he attacks, but he doesn't need to attack with that monster to end this duel!"

"Look at yourself Spencer." Arno declared. "You let your anger at me, and Aaron cloud your judgement. As a result, this duel is over." Spencer growled. "Without control over your anger, you'll never have control over the deck I gave you let alone the Gimmick Puppets."

"You don't know what you're talking about." Spencer denied.

"I thought you'd have learned I know exactly what I'm talking about, but I suppose you still have much to learn. Either way, I get the desired result. I activate Leo's ability by detaching his only overlay unit to deal you 1000 life points of damage (Arno 3400/Spencer 2000)."

Spencer grit his teeth. "Bring it on Arno because I don't fear defeat."

"There's no hesitation on my part." Arno declared. "I'm putting you back in your place by ending my turn which activates Leo's other effect. Since it's my end phase, and Leo has no materials, I automatically win. (Arno: Winner)."

The deck in Arno's disk vanished save for the two cards he inserted which he tucked away and approached Spencer. "You're anger not only limits your power, but uncontrolled anger limits a duelist in generally. Now come along, for you have lessons effective immediately."

Spencer looked at Arno fiercely. "What of Nightmare?"

"She can be left to her own devices for a while." Arno stated. "Right now, I'm more concerned with setting you straight." He walked off. "Follow me."

Spencer clenched his fist and closed his eyes. "I will defeat you one day Arno."

Outside Town Hall, Days Later…

Everypony helped to decorate including Gilda. The ponies still weren't sold on her being there, but their opinion on her had improved since she arrived. While everypony was now waiting for the celebration to begin, Gilda stood relatively close to Rainbow Dash.

This meant she was near the others who were talking about how Applejack was going to help them with some task or another. The farm pony was going to help Dash with some new trick, aid Pinkie with baking, and give Fluttershy a hand counting some baby bunnies.

"Huh, ponies really think Applejack is dependable." Gilda stated. "Considering the lengths, you've all gone to for her, I think I believe it."

"Of course, she's dependable Gilda." Pinkie chimed in. "Applejack is always ready to lend a hand to anypony who asks."

"Even if the tasks are not something she enjoys." Rarity stated. "That said, I sometimes just don't understand such things."

The mayor took the stage. "Without further ado, it is my privilege to give the Prized Pony of Ponyville Award to our beloved guest of honor. A pony of utmost trustworthiness, relatability, and integrity. Ponyville's most capable and dependable friend, Applejack!"

Everyone cheered for the pony who they thought would come to the stage right away, but when she didn't, there was an awkward pause. Eventually, Applejack did work her way through the crowd seeming off.

She seemed disoriented and had problems keeping her eyes open as she walked onto the stage accepting her award. Almost immediately after, she dragged it off heading back to the farm. Just like that, everyone one was confused.

"Normally, I wouldn't be the type to get involved in pony affairs… and that's my previous mind set talking." Gilda thought. "Even though I'm not close to Applejack, I should try to help her. That's what friends do, right?"

Gilda had little idea on the whole friend front, but she figured she'd get it by following the examples of others like Rainbow or Aaron. Gilda ultimately resolved to visit the farm pony after her next shift on weather.

Skies, Later…

Gilda's current shift was almost done when she noticed a stray rain cloud floating over her head. "That's not right." The griffon thought. "We're supposed to make it rain at the end of the week." That's when the rain started prompting the griffon to get out from under it. "This has to be Ditzy."

As if on cue, the pegasus in question flew on over. "Sorry about that Gilda."

Gilda sighed as he worked to keep her anger in check. "It's okay Ditzy, but why have you pulled out one of the rain clouds meant for the rain shower?"

Ditzy was working to corral the cloud, so Gilda flew along with her. "We were a couple of clouds short for today, so I thought taking some of the extra from the rainstorm batch would work since we got extra. Honestly, I was just trying to help."

"You had the right idea, but you forgot proper protocol." They were over a lake now, so Gilda stopped the pegasus before working the water out of it. "If we're low on clouds and have extra of any type we can work the elements out to get a suitable replacement."

"Oh, that's what I did wrong." Ditzy nodded. "Gilda, you think we couldn't tell the supervisor about this. He's understanding, but I'm starting to wear even his patience down."

"You had good intentions, so I don't see why not. It's not like I'm a by the book kind of griffon anyways." Gilda stated as the cloud now looked more like the ones they were working with. "Plus, it's not like it's a huge problem."

"That's a relief." Ditzy sighed. "I think I'm on thin ice, and I can't lose this job."

"What, you couldn't get back on your feet or something?" Gilda asked.

"I might be able to, but I don't want to risk it." Ditzy stated. "I have a little muffin to take care of back home and making sure she can live a good life is what matters most to me."

"A little muffin?" Gilda questioned. "Do you mean a kid?"

"Yeah!" Ditzy nodded as they got the cloud in place. "She's my pride and joy and being a weather pony pays well."

"What am I going to get myself into." Gilda shook her head. "Ditzy… if you wanted… I suppose I could give you some lessons."

"Really!?" Ditzy asked hopefully.

Gilda turned to face her. "I do mean it…" Ditzy moved to hug the griffon out of happiness, but said griffon held out her claws. "First rule of my lessons is that I don't do hugs, understood?"

"I understand!" Ditzy backed off, but she was extremely happy. "Still, thank you Gilda. I promise I'll work hard to learn from you."

Gilda nodded. "I don't doubt that, but I'm clocking out because I got something to take care of."

The griffon flew off and Ditzy waved after here. "See you tomorrow Gilda!"

Later…

Gilda had clocked out before flying over to the area where Applejack was going to help Rainbow with a trick. She stopped in midair as said pegasus took an uncontrolled flight through the air. The griffon immediately acted catching her friend.

Once they were stable, Rainbow smiled at her friend. "Whoa, thanks G. I owe you."

"Forget that Dash." Gilda stated. 'I want to know what happened?"

"It was Applejack." Rainbow stated. "She was totally out of it when she came to help me."

Gilda couldn't help the well of anger that formed over Rainbow being launched like that since it could have really hurt her friend. Then, she remembered how angry Aaron had once been at her, and the fact that Rainbow wouldn't like her pulverizing a friend.

"Come on Dash, I think you need to rest." Gilda took a deep breathe. "Afterwards, leave Applejack to me."

"I mean this in the nicest way possible G." Rainbow looked at her friend. "Are you sure you should be talking to Applejack?"

"Dash, just trust me." She started to help Rainbow fly home. "I think I can get Applejack to see reason." She shook her head. "Look, I almost hurt and lost you not to long ago, so rest assured that I won't make that mistake to another friend. Your friends are my friends."

Rainbow smiled at that. "Normally, I wouldn't say our type could handle this, but I'll trust that you can G."

"I'll try not to let you down." Gilda thought.

Sweet Apple Acres

After making sure Rainbow was alright at home, Gilda immediately went over to Sweet Apple Acres. "Alright, no matter how peeved you are at Applejack, stay calm Gilda. Give her the same understanding you were shown."

The griffon flew above the trees and looked down at the countless baskets filled with apples; however, no one seemed to be working the field until she spotted Applejack. The farm pony was picking up an apple only to stand seemingly not noticing the branch above her.

Gilda quickly landed and managed to pull Applejack forward to the farm pony's confusion. "What'd ya do that fer Gilda?"

Gilda pointed a talon at the branch. "If I didn't stop you, you'd have bashed your head against that branch."

Applejack looked back and wobbled. "Oh, I reckon I would have." She started to walk away. "Thanks, but I need to get back ter work."

Gilda looked around at all the cleared trees and many baskets of apples. This gave her an idea why Applejack was out of it and Rainbow almost crashed down somewhere. The griffon noticed that the farm pony had walked off to do more work, so she followed.

"AJ, what is all of this?" Gilda questioned.

"This is Applebuck Season." Applejack replied. "It's what the Apple family calls harvesting time. We gather all the apple from the trees so we can sell them."

Gilda raised an eyebrow. "You're doing it all alone why?"

"Big Macintosh hurt himself, Apple Bloom is to young, Granny is to old, and every other Apple has orchards of their own." Applejack walked on. "Now, don't any of you three worry none because I am just dandy."

"Don't you have, you know, friends you could call onto help you?" Gilda asked. "Granted, normally a griffon wouldn't ask for help, but I learned that some help may be what you need. Without Aaron and Dash, I'd be back in Griffonstone and miserable."

"I don't need help from anypony." Applejack began bucking another tree, but her skills weren't up to what the griffon has seen before. "I'll prove it to you and everypony by doing this all myself."

Gilda growled at how stubborn Applejack was being because it reminded her of how stubborn she could be at times. Fortunately, the griffon had an idea. She immediately flew off to get some help since she didn't want to cause an unnecessary commotion.

Ponyville, Later…

Applejack was on her way, very erratically given her overworked state, to Sugar Cube Corner where she was to help Pinkie with the baking. As she turned the corner down a street multiple ponies came running by her in a panic.

Even in Applejack's state, this drew her attention. "Huh, what's got everyone in such a tizzy." Then, she saw Pinkie Pie, and Rarity battered as they approached her. "
Girls?" She moved over to them. "What's wrong? What happened"

"Applejack it is simply awful!" Rarity shouted. "All the best duelists in town have been defeated. Not only that, but Gilda and Rainbow Dash were captured."

"What!?" Applejack shouted. "Who did it?"

"It was The Pony of Shadows." Pinkie stated in her usual way.

"You mean the same pony said to be the remnant of Nightmare Moon's magic?" Applejack questioned in shock before becoming firm. "Alright, where is this varmint? She hasn't beaten all the best duelist. I'll take her down and force her tell us where they are."

"I'm touched Apple Pony." A voice stated from the roof. "I haven't even done my worst, yet you already view me as a threat." The three ponies on the ground looked up at a rather large, pony shaped figure under a black cloak. "The question is, can you really beat me?"

"I know I can." Applejack activated her duel disk. "Get on down here, and I'll prove it."

POS jumped down and came to stand across from Applejack activating her duel disk. "I suppose we'll see simple farmer."

"Be careful darling." Rarity stated. "This remnant may not be as strong as Nightmare, but she's defeated all of us."

"I'll be fine." Applejack wobbled a bit, but she shook her head. "You two just need to get a message to Aaron and Twilight in case I can't do this."

"You kidding? We sent a letter with the nearest pegasus we could find." Pinkie smiled as she and Rarity moved to the side. "Since it's already done, Rarity and I will be over here cheering you on."

"Right." Applejack focused hard on her opponent. "Alright you spooky specter. No one attacks Ponyville and gets away with it while I'm around. I will defend my home."

"We'll see farm pony." POS stated.

"Let's duel!"

(POS 4000/Applejack 4000)

"I'll go first." POS stated. "I summon Raidraptor-King Lanius(LV 4/1300/1200)." A purple and black Lanius appeared. "With him on the field, I can special summon a level 4 or lower Raidraptor from my hand.

I'll choose Raidraptor-Vanishing Lanius(LV 4/1300/1600)." A green and light blue Lanius appeared. "If this card is normal or special summoned, I can special summon a level 4 or lower Raidraptor from my hand. I'll choose Raidraptor-Mimicry Lanius(LV 4/1100/1900)."

A blue, silver, and gold Lanius appeared. "Since I control 3 Raidraptor monsters, I can play my Raidraptor-Sanctuary allowing, me to draw two cards. I'll then activate my Mimicry Lanius' effect. Since it was normal or special summoned this turn, all my Raidraptors can gain a level."

Raidraptor-King Lanius(LV 5/1300/1200).

Raidraptor-Vanishing Lanius(LV 5/1300/1600

Raidraptor-Mimicry Lanius(LV 5/1100/1900)

"Now, I overlay my three monsters to Xyz summon Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon(R 5/O 3/1000/2000)." A red and black metal falcon appeared. "I will end my turn with a set card. You're move."

"Man, that Pony of Shadow is strong." Pinkie stated as cheerfully as ever.

Rarity quickly nodded. "I agree. It's easy to see why she beat us."

Now, if Applejack wasn't overworked, she may have noticed the bad acting of her friends and the fact that the Pony of Shadows was using Gilda's deck. As things stood, she noticed none of this.

"Uh, alright." Applejack was seeing three hands of 5, so she shook her head before drawing. "Let's see. Since you control a monster, and I do not, I can special summon Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight(LV 7/2300/2100)."

A knight atop a yellow dragon with two, large red lances appeared. "I'll then equip Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight(LV 7/3300/2100 effect) with Axe of Despair increasing his ATK by 1000. Go, attack my opponent's Blaze Falcon."

"It's dubious that she has no monsters, so her current state must have made her forget to normal summon." POS held out her cloak covered arm. "I activate my face down Overlay Armor. If a Raidraptor would be destroyed by battle, I can return a material to my hand instead."

"You save your monster, but you still take damage (POS 1700/Applejack 4000)." Applejack declared. "Ha, take that yer big bully."

"Even if those were monster, she should have had a trap card in her hoof that could be useful. Will she set it?" POS nodded. "Since I took damage, I can special summon Raidraptor-Avenge Vulture(LV 4/1700/100)." A brown, metal vulture appeared.

"Ha, that's nothing." Applejack was wobbling again. "You may have six monsters on your field, but my three Gaia monsters are more than strong enough to beat them. I end my turn."

"No, she didn't." POS drew. "I activate Raidraptor-Pain Lanius(LV 4/100/100 effect) allowing me to target Avenge Vulture to deal damage to me equal to his lowest stat, and then I can special summon Pain Lanius with a level equal to Vultures (POS 1600/Applejack 4000)."

"Don't let her beat you Applejack." Pinkie stated. "Show her the strength of Ponyville."

Rarity nodded. "Yes, don't let her intimidate you."

"Let her scare me?" Applejack shook her head. "Don't be silly. These monsters are nothing."

"That is what you think, but this duel is over." POS stated. "I overlay Pain Lanius and Avenge Vulture to Xyz summon Raidraptor - Force Strix(R 4/O 2/100/2000)." A brown feathered strix with blue metal on its body appeared.

"Next, I'll activate Rank-Up-Magic Raid Force to target Force Strix, overlay him, and Xyz summon a monster 1 rank higher. Come forth, Raidraptor-Stranger Falcon(R 5/O 2/2000/2000)." A yellow and blue machine falcon appeared.

"If Stranger Falcon has an Xyz monster as a material, I can detach an overlay unit to destroy a monster you control and deal half their original ATK to you. I choose Lord Gaia (POS 1600/Applejack 2850). Finally, my monsters will attack you directly (POS 1600/Applejack 0)."

Applejack blinked in shock. "I lost."

"Oh no, our last hope lost." Rarity wailed. "It's over."

"You mean she lost?" Pinkie questioned. "How? She's usually such a great duelist."

"It's simple." POS stated as she approached Applejack. "Farm Pony was nothing special because just look at her. She's completely out of it. Whatever she's been doing, she's overworked. Probably did everything alone, and because of it, your last hope failed."

"Give me another chance." Applejack stated. "I can beat you if only I get some rest."

POS walked past her. "Perhaps I will if your reason for going without rest is a good one."

"I…I…" Applejack sighed. "No, I refused help when I needed it most. I let my stubborn pride dictate my actions, so my friends will pay for it. They shouldn't have to because I could have asked for help myself. I failed everypony and myself by discarding their loyalty to me."

"That's what I wanted to hear." POS removed her cloak to reveal Gilda.

"Gilda, you're the Pony of Shadows?" Applejack questioned, but she probably wouldn't without the lack of sleep. "You're threatening Ponyville?"

Gilda rolled her eyes. "No, I'm not." She walked back over. "No one was ever in any danger. Isn't that right Rarity and Pinkie Pie?"

Applejack looked at her friends.

"She's right darling." Rarity stated. "We were never in any real danger."

"None of us even dueled her to begin with." Pinkie stated.

"What about all those ponies, where's Rainbow Dash, and what about Sugar Cube Corner?" Applejack asked.

"The whole town was in on it." Rarity stated. "Gilda got us together and explained what was happening to the most loyal and helpful pony in town. We all jumped at the chance to make you realize this important lesson darling."

"Rainbow agreed to help Fluttershy with her bunnies while Ditzy was more than happy to make muffins at Sugar Cube Corner." Pinkie stated. "I know how good she is at it, and Mare Mayor was more than happy to assist her."

"AJ, I know you might be angry, but if you're going to blame anyone, this is all my fault." Gilda stated. "This was my plan because I figured…"

Applejack stood up and shook her head. "No, I'm not angry because you tried to talk to me before, but I was too stubborn to listen. Honestly, while I don't like that this was necessary, I do recognize that it was needed. Without it, who knows how many folks I could have hurt."

"What a relief." Pinkie sighed. "I was worried you'd hate us for this."

Applejack looked at each of them. "There's no hard feelings. In fact, I could use some help."

Sweet Apple Acres

Applejack was taking it easy, on everyone's insistence, as Rainbow and Gilda bucked trees while Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity collected them. With all their efforts combined, the group would be done well before Twilight, Spike, and Aaron returned.

No doubt those three would have helped as well, but they just weren't there right now. With everything coming up much better now, Applejack wheeled out some fresh apple juice for them leading to a genuinely great moment.

Flutter Night: I'm glad you enjoyed the previous chapter. You know, there is a youtube video out there that has a theory as to what happened to Zane in Arc-V since he was mentioned in the series during the Fusion arc. The guy goes onto theorize that Zane was a commander during the initial invasion, he carded Hart, and Kite ended up dueling and carding him. I recommend finding it because it was interesting.

Guest: I get that my way of writing may not be for everyone, and that's understandable. Not everyone is going to like what you write. Feel free to keep reading or not. Eh, I always say everyone is free to do whatever they want, and I'm not going to exclude people. Thank you for the review.