(Midterms; Day 1)

Today is Monday, and it's been one full week since the Rainbooms had started watching Yu-Gi-Oh The Abridged Series. Right now, they are about to spend less time watching the show and more time studying for their midterms.

It was lunchtime in the cafeteria, and the Rainbooms, except Rainbow Dash, were having lunch together. Rarity looked behind her and noticed a couple of kids walking a bit slower than usual.

Rarity: Girls, is it just me, or does everyone here seem a bit too... different?

Fluttershy: What do you mean, Rarity?

Rarity: Take a look around! All of our peers have been acting very strange lately.

The girls looked around and realized that Rarity was right.

Sunset: Huh. Now that you've mentioned it, most of the students I've seen in the hall were acting the same way. They've all had some major bags under their eyes.

Pinkie gasped in shock.

Pinkie Pie: It must be the start of a zombie apocalypse, 'cause everyone I met today sounded like, "Uuuuhhh..."

Twilight comforted Fluttershy, who was a little creeped out by Pinkie's imitation of a zombie.

Twilight: Stop it, Pinkie. I'm sure it's nothing too serious. Everyone's obviously too tired after all of the studying they've done for the midterms.

AJ pointed at someone.

Applejack: They're not the only ones, Sugarcube.

Rainbow Dash took a seat at the table and rested her chin on the tabletop.

Rainbow Dash: Uuuuhhh...

Pinkie Pie: Oh no! Rainbow's a zombie!

Everyone deadpanned.

Rainbow Dash: Not... a zombie.

Applejack: Rainbow Dash, are you okay?

Rainbow Dash: Um?

Applejack: You look like one of them sleepin' sloths, only a lot less slower.

Rainbow Dash: No, I'm not okay, Applejack. I am not okay at all.

Rarity: Then what is it, darling?

Rainbow Dash: That entire weekend studying is killing me. I said that much studying would hurt my brain, and it looks like I was right.

Twilight: Woman up, Rainbow Dash! That means you're getting smarter and smarter with each study session. That's a good thing!

Rainbow Dash: It may be no problem for you, Twilight, but it's definitely a problem for me.

Pinkie Pie: Come on, Rainbow Dash. How much of a problem can studying be?

Rainbow Dash: You have to ask, Pinkie Pie?

RD pointed at her own face.

Rainbow Dash: Look at my face.

The girls were taken back by the bags under Rainbow's eyes.

Sunset: I told you girls everyone had major bags under their eyes.

Rainbow Dash: I can't take this anymore. No person should live like this.

She raised her arms up like she was desperate.

Rainbow Dash: I... need... comedy... specifically Yu-Gi-Oh Abridged. I don't think I can make it.

She planted her face flat on the tabletop and started sobbing. While the girls exchanged some concerned looks, Twilight sighed and patted Rainbow's back.

Twilight: There, there. Listen up, I don't want too many distractions that will stop us from doing great on the midterms. So I suggest we watch one episode per day until our midterms are over.

Rainbow let out a sniffle.

Rainbow Dash: Really? You promise?

Twilight: I promise, but only on one condition, Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow let out another sniffle.

Rainbow Dash: Okay. What's that?

Twilight: Do us all a favor and wipe the "fake" tears off your face.

Rainbow lifted her head up and wiped off the fake tears with a smile.

Rainbow Dash: Deal.

Rainbow's friends couldn't believe it while Pinkie Pie pulled up the next episode.

Applejack: You knew she was fake cryin'?

Twilight deadpanned.

Twilight: Yep!

Rarity: Are you going to blow your top?

Twilight shook her head.

Twilight: Nope!

Rainbow hugged Twilight.

Rainbow Dash: Thank you, Twilight! You are a saint!

Twilight sighed.

Pinkie Pie: Alright, girls. We've got plenty of time before lunch is over. So let's get this party started.

The girls gathered around Pinkie Pie as she played the next episode.

Yami: Last time, on Yu-Gi-Oh...

Sunset widened her eyes.

Sunset: (Thought) That's the Pharaoh's real voice!

The scene was cut to a commercial of an elephant ironing with its trunk.

Commercial 1 Announcer: Black & Decker's automatic shut-off iron.

The Rainbooms: Huh?!

Commercial 1 Announcer: Because even those with the best memories can forget to turn their irons off.

Applejack: Um, Pinkie Pie? Is this the right episode?

Pinkie Pie: Let me see.

Static was shown and cuts to Alan Partridge.

Alan Partridge: In America!

Applejack: Never mind!

The girls giggled.

Victor Kiam: I was so impressed, I bought the company.

Next up, Space Ghost was tapping cards onto his desk.

Announcer: Yooou're watching the Card Game Channel, where we bring you all the hottest dueling action from across the globe. Tonight, we're bringing you live coverage of the Duelist Kingdom semifinals! I can barely contain my excitement! Who will be the next King of Games? We'll find out right after this commercial! Don't you go anywhere now.

All seven girls blinked a couple of times.

Twilight: Oh, I see what's going on. This whole episode must be one big television broadcast.

Sunset: Yeah, I think you're right, Twilight!

Rarity: Hmm. I am curious to see how this episode will play out in this... new style. Don't you girls agree?

Rainbow Dash: Oh yeah! You better believe it. I've waited over 48 hours for this.

Pinkie Pie: Me too.

Pinkie played the video.

Commercial 2 Announcer: Have you been injured in an accident during a card game that wasn't your fault? Suffered damages at the hands of your opponent? Do you like to blame other people for your clumsiness? If so, give us a call at 1-800-DUELINSURANCE, and we'll fix the problem by throwing lots of money around. Duel Insurance, because nothing heals pain quite like money.

The girls stared at the screen.

Sunset: Healing injuries with money instead of medical equipmment?

Fluttershy: That doesn't sound very helpful at all.

Applejack: She's right. Nobody in their right mind would ever think of-

Rainbow Dash: Hello, Duel Insurance?

The girls turned to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah, I was playing a card game, and my opponent sprained my ankle. So I'm gonna need like 10,000 dollars?

The girls couldn't help but laugh.

Fluttershy: Rainbow Dash...

Rainbow showed her phone screen to her friends.

Rainbow Dash: Just kidding. My phone's off.

Twilight: Okay. Okay.

Twilight wiped a tear of joy from her eye.

Twilight: Whew!

Announcer: We're back, and the Duelist Kingdom semifinals are already underway.

The scene cuts to the duel arena, where Yami Yugi and Mai are dueling each other.

Announcer: It looks like Yugi Muto is struggling to defeat Mai Valentine, and who can blame him? Mai Valentine is a seasoned competitor with a long list of victories. Let's take a look at her dueling history.

Pictures of Mai, Joey, Panik, and Tea are shown.

Announcer: First, she faced Joey Wheeler... and lost. Then, she went up against Panik... and lost. Her last match before entering the finals was against Tea Gardner, which, of course, she must have won. Oh, my mistake. She surrendered. I think I speak for everyone when I ask, "What's wrong with this picture?"

The girls couldn't help but chuckle.

Fluttershy: Now that I think about it, Mai didn't win a single duel on screen.

Sunset: I guess all her dueling victories happened off screen.

Pinkie Pie: You mean like the one where she dueled that boy in the bumble bee shirt in episode five?

Sunset: Exactly.

Mai: I summon Harpie's Pet Dragon!

Yami: You wanna play rough? Okay. Say hello to my little friend!

Yami Yugi summons Kuriboh while the girls laughed at what Yami said.

Applejack: I love that line.

Announcer: This could be a critical misjudgment on the part of the young up-and-comer with the ridiculous hairdo.

Applejack: Not gonna lie. His hair really is crazy.

Rainbow Dash: I don't think we're ones to talk. We have ridiculous-looking hairstyles ourselves.

The girls had another look at their hairstyles.

The Rainbooms: Yeeeaahh!

Announcer: Mai's dragon could destroy that Kuriboh with ease. I wonder what her next move will be.

Mai placed her hand over her deck.

Mai: I surrender.

Announcer: (Sarcasm) Yeah, that Mai Valentine. She's a great duelist, alright.

The girls failed to hold in their laughter.

Twilight: And once again, she lost.

Announcer: We take you now to a pre-recorded interview with one of the top players in the Duelist Kingdom tournament: Mako Tsunami.

Mako is shown in front of the ocean.

Reporter: Mr. Tsunami! Mr. Tsunami! Is there any truth to the rumor that Yugi Muto refused to duel with you because you're a freaky fish guy?

Mako: I am not a freaky fish guy!

Rarity: I beg to differ... Mr. Freaky Fish Guy!

While the girls laughed, Applejack rolled her eyes and shook her head with a smile.

Mako: And for your information, I fed his Dark Magician to my Fiend Kraken! It was just like the ending to Pirates of the Caribbean 2, except this was actually satisfying!

The Rainbooms: Oooohh!

Pinkie Pie: Sick Burn!

Reporter: In that case, why is he entered into the finals while you're out here on the beach talking to yourself?

Mako: I'm not talking to myself. I'm talking to the ocean.

Reporter: Oh... Okay.

The Rainbooms looked confused.

Sunset: Why would he...?

Mako: The ocean and I are getting married. Isn't that right, ocean?

The girls stared at the screen before facing to each other.

Mako: The ocean says yes.

Pinkie Pie: The ocean said nothing. Nothing, I tell you. NOTHING!

The girls chuckled while Applejack's imaginary boyfriend appeared next to her.

Mako: Just my luck!

AJ turned to him while Mako facepalmed.

Mako: They just took "freaky fish guy" on a whole nother level. This is so humiliating.

Applejack: (Thought) Don't feel bad, Mako. It's just a little harmless fun.

Mako sighed.

Mako: I know, but I still don't like it one bit.

Mako disappeared.

Back in the show, the scene cuts back to the duel arena, where Joey faces Bandit Keith.

Announcer: We're back to live-action, and Bandit Keith's Barrel Dragon is causing Joey Wheeler big problems!

Joey: I summon Copycat! It gives me the power to copy your catchphrase... in America!

The girls widened their eyes and then smiled.

Rarity: Oh no, he did not.

Fluttershy: Oh yes, he did.

Rainbow Dash smirked.

Rainbow Dash: This oughta be good!

Bandit Keith: Hey, that's my joke! It only works when I say, "In America." It loses all meaning when you say it!

Joey: Nyeeeeh? What's that? I couldn't hear you. I was too busy being American.

The girls couldn't help but laugh. Applejack even pounded the table a few times while Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy wiped a few tears from her eyes.

Bandit Keith: You're not American! You're not even wearing a flag on your head!

Joey: You're right! I must've left it back home...

The Rainbooms smirked.

The Rainbooms and Joey: In America!

The Rainbooms laughed while two guards took Bandit Keith away while he sings the National Anthem.

Announcer: Uh-oh! It looks like Bandit Keith has snapped, and he's being forced to abandon the duel!

Bakura: Hooray! Joey won! Lashings of ginger beer for everyone!

The girls blinked.

Bakura: I'm British, you know.

The girls giggled while Rarity giggled and blushed.

Bandit Keith: I won't go down without a fight! Pegasus, I pledge allegiance to your death, you sorry excuse for an American!

Fluttershy gasped.

Fluttershy: Oh no! Invisible gun alert!

Pegasus: I learned this trick from watching Excel Saga.

Pegasus activated a trapdoor, causing Keith to fall through it.

Bandit Keith: AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

Twilight shook her head.

Rainbow Dash: Three...

Rarity: Two...

Fluttershy: One.

Bandit Keith: In America.

Keith fell into the water.

Announcer: And on that note, let's go to a commercial.

The girls giggled at Keith's scene.

Twilight: I definitely saw that coming!

Commercial 3 Announcer: Next week, on a very special episode of Zorc & Pals...

Yami Bakura: Zorc, what's wrong? Why haven't you destroyed the world?

Zorc: Because I have a terminal disease.

Yami Bakura: But you can't die! What about our adopted daughter? Who's going to take care of her when you're gone?

Zorc: She also has a terminal disease.

Commercial 3 Announcer: Don't miss this very special award-winning episode of Zorc & Pals, because we really need the ratings.

The girl's memories of Zorc & Pals came back to them.

Sunset: Yeah, um... I think we'll pass.

The girls muttered in agreement.

Announcer: You're watching the Card Game Channel. We show card games, and that's about it.

The girls rolled their eyes and shook their heads.

Once again, the scene cuts to the duel arena, where Yami Yugi is dueling Joey.

Announcer: This match will decide everything! One of these men will return home with either three million dollars in prize money or the prestige of being the new King of Card Games. But no matter who wins this duel, in the end, they're both losers. I mean winners. Yeah, winners.

Rainbow Dash: You better believe they're winners. (Thought) Nobody gets away with calling Joey a loser.

Sunset: (Thought) My money's definitely on the Pharaoh. He'll win for sure.

Fluttershy: (Thought) My Yugi-muffin is not a loser.

Joey: This is it, Yug. Only one of us can win this tournament. And even though you're my best friend, I'm not gonna hold back. I'm gonna give it my all. And what's more, I'm gonna beat you!

Yami: Like Hell!

The girls were taken back.

Joey: Nyeh?

Yami: Face it, Joey, you're a terrible duelist! You only got this far because I've been telling you how to win all the time! I mean, come on, you've got Baby Dragon in your deck.

Baby Dragon is shown on screen.

Yami: Baby freaking Dragon!

Fluttershy: (Thought) Aww, he's so adorable! I hope the dragon Spike doesn't get jealous.

Yami: You probably don't even remember why you entered the tournament in the first place!

Joey: Sure I do! I entered because... uh... you told me to?

The girls laughed while Rainbow facepalmed with a chuckle.

Rainbow Dash: Seriously?

Yami: It was your sister, you silly little man! She needs an operation!

Joey: Why, is she sick?

Yami: No, but you will be. MIND CRUSH!

Joey: Nyeeeh!

Announcer: And now for a word from our sponsors.

The girls widened their eyes with their mouths open.

Sunset: Now I know for certain that wasn't even a real mind crush!

The girls nodded and chatted in agreement.

Twilight: Anyway, I wonder what this next commercial will be.

Kaiba: Your own personal deck, ten dollars. A brand spanking new Duel Disk system, thirty dollars. Bribing the school bully so he won't beat you up for playing card games, fifty dollars. Activating Swords of Revealing Light so your opponent is unable to attack your Life Points directly, leaving him wide open for a frontal assault on all his monsters, priceless. There are some things money can't buy. For everything else, there's KaibaCorp.

Twilight: I think this might be my favorite commercial so far.

Pinkie Pie: Yeah? Why's that, Twilight?

Twilight immediately blushed as she didn't know what to say.

Twilight: Because, uh... I'd like to see how I look wearing a Duel Disk? Hehehehe!

Twilight friends faced each other and shrugged.

Announcer: We now return to our live feed from the Duelist Kingdom, and it looks as though the finalists have something to say to each other.

Joey: Here, Yug. Since I lost the match, it's only right that you get the prize money.

Yugi: No, Joey. You take it. How else are you going to afford professional therapy after suffering such a humiliating defeat at my hands?

The girls tried covering their laughter.

Pinkie Pie: Don't hear details like that everyday.

Joey started sobbing.

Joey: Nyeeh... Nyeeh... This is the happiest moment of my life.

Joey let out a sniffle.

Joey: Nyeh... If only my sister were alive to see me now.

The Rainbooms facepalmed and shook their heads.

Sunset: OMG!

Announcer: The semifinals are over, but the final round of the tournament is just around the corner! Don't touch that remote! We'll be right back with more card game action, right after this commercial!

Some static was shown once again before the show's logo appeared, which caused the girls to aww in disappointment.

Rainbow Dash: Show's over already? And right before the final round of the tournament?

Rarity: It would appear so.

Pinkie Pie: Don't worry, Rainbow Dash. We can watch the show again tomorrow. Same time, same place.

Rainbow Dash: Thanks, Pinkie Pie.

[mai valentine... worst duelist ever]

The Rainbooms couldn't help but giggle.

Sunset: Here's a thought. Start being really good at card games, Mai.

Yami Marik appeared on screen and started imitating the Hypnotoad from Futurama.

The Rainbooms shrieked in fear before falling onto the floor. While the others grunted in pain, Fluttershy lifted her head above the tabletop.

Fluttershy: Is it over?

Sunset: I think so.

The girls stood right back up.

Twilight: Well... that was pretty scary!

Rarity: Indeed! What in the world did we just witness?

Rainbow Dash: Just another Futurama reference? That must've been that... Hypnotoad, right?

Applejack: Oh yes. LittleKuriboh done got us pretty good, didn't he?

The girls chatted in agreement while Pinkie Pie checked the video.

Pinkie Pie: Wait, hold on, girls. There's still some left.

Pinkie Pie pressed play.

Priest: Do you, Mako Tsunami, take the ocean to be your lawfully wedded wife, till death do you part?

Mako: I do!

Priest: And do you, ocean, take Mako Tsunami to be your lawfully wedded husband, till death do you part?

The wedding music stops, followed by a long pause of silence.

The girls stared at the screen with widened eyes. Rainbow Dash even checked her watch before turning back to the screen.

Mako: The ocean says yes.

The Rainbooms had a nice laugh as the episode ended.

Pinkie Pie: That's not how it goes. Hahaha!

Rarity: Well, that was quite another enjoyable episode.

Rainbow Dash: You bet it was. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Twilight: Well, I'm afraid you have to, Rainbow Dash.

The school bell rang as Rainbow's friends gathered their things.

Twilight: Because we have to get back to class right now.

Applejack: And we've got our midterms to think about, remember?

Rainbow Dash: Oh, right. Sure.

Rainbow watched her friends and everyone else exiting the cafeteria.

Rainbow Dash: Same time, same place tomorrow, right?

Pinkie Pie: You know it!

After everybody left, Rainbow Dash looked around to make sure she was all alone. She then pulled out her phone and started dialing a number.

Caller: Hello, you have reached Duel Insurance! How may we be of service to you?

Rainbow Dash: Hello, Duel Insurance? Yeah, I was playing a card game, and my opponent sprained my ankle. So I'm gonna need like 10,000 dollars?

Caller: I'm sorry, but the motto "Nothing heals pain quite like money" was last month. This month's motto is, "Nothing heals pain quite like soft pillow cases."

Rainbow widened her eyes while her hands were shaking with her phone in her hands.

Caller: Would you like some soft pillow cases, ma'am? A few pillow cases should heal you right up.

Rainbow looked angry as she hung up.

Rainbow Dash: DANG IT!