Inside the Hay Burger restaurant, multiple people had gathered to participate in the game known as Trivia Trot. Some of whom are long-time participants—including Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Sunburst, Fluttershy, Maud Pie, Mud Briar, and Twilight Sparkle who had already won this game twice. She had compiled data on each of the other player's trivia strengths and weaknesses in anticipation of being partnered with one of them. However, Pinkie Pie, who had never participated before showed up to participate just for the fun of it. That caused Twilight to panic at the possibility of being partnered with her and her Trivia Trot winning streak being jeopardized.
Trivia Trot hostess Granny Smith selected the game's teams—Sunburst with Cranky Doodle, Applejack with Dr. Hooves, Rainbow with Matilda, Fluttershy with Bulk Biceps, and Maud Pie with Mud Briar, leaving Twilight to be paired with Pinkie. Despite Twilight's concerns about her winning streak, Pinkie is happy and excited just to play as her partner. Big McIntosh volunteered to keep score during the game, while Spike cheered Twi on. As the game got underway, Pinkie immediately started giving incorrect answers, causing her and Twilight to fall to last place.
Twilight tries her best to pick up the slack, but Pinkie constantly distracted Twilight with her fidgeting, growling stomach, and overall inattentiveness. During the snacks/bathroom break, Twilight confided in Spike that Pinkie is holding her back from getting her third consecutive win, but she does not want to hurt Pinkie's feelings. Spike suggests that Twilight focus on herself rather than Pinkie, but Twilight decides to focus on the other teams instead.
When the game resumed, Twilight focused less on answering questions and more on getting the other teams deducted points or penalized for breaking the rules. As a result of Twilight's strict enforcement of the rules, Sunburst is disqualified from the game when Cranky is caught sleeping. In addition, she refused to let Pinkie answer any questions, even those that Pinkie knew the answer to. As the game progressed, Twilight perceived Pinkie only as a hindrance to her winning the game, and saw Sunburst as a much more potential and knowledgeable replacement. So Twilight tricked Pinkie into breaking the rules and got herself disqualified from the game. With both of their teammates disqualified, Twilight and Sunburst formed a new team together, much to Pinkie's disappointment.
Noticing Twilight's frazzled state, Sunburst took over answering all the following questions and refused to let Twilight answer any. This caused tension between the two, and Sunburst—not wanting to let his correct-answer percentage drop any lower—tried to trick Twilight into getting herself disqualified. However Twilight quickly caught on, and chastised Sunburst for trying to trick her. When Sunburst apologized for the deception, Twilight felt guilty for doing the same thing to Pinkie. As Sunburst teamed up again with the now awake Cranky Doodle, Twilight apologized to Pinkie for letting her obsession with winning get the best of her.
Pinkie admitted that even if she did not know the answer to every question, they still could have had fun together. Twilight decided to forget about her third consecutive win and offers to let Pinkie be her partner again, even if it means resetting their current score to zero. But surprisingly, Pinkie and Twi managed to win.
"Congratulations," said Granny Smith. "And, as a reward for winning today, you now have the opportunity to participate in one the biggest and newest game shows, 'Let's Make a Duel!' A new game show all about Duel monsters. Whatta say?"
"Absolutely!" replied Twilight.
"Congratulations, Twi!" said Pinkie.
"How awesome is this?" asked Rainbow.
"She is one lucky gal," said Applejack.
"I heard that the grand prize is like $5000!" said Fluttershy.
"What?!" asked Rarity. "Then she fainted.
"Oh my gosh!" said Twilight. Twilight could barely sleep that night.
The next day, Twilight was invited to the studio of the new game show, 'Let's Make a Duel.' Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rainbow, Applejack, and Sunset were already in the front row seats. After meeting the host, and all the other players, the game began. At the end of the game, Twilight ended up with the highest score and won. However, her score wasn't high enough to get the grand prize, so she only won $2000. However, afterwards, she was given the chance to duel the host, Bob Banter to win the full $5000. She immediately accepted and the battle began.
"Let's duel!" said the two.
Bob LP: 4000
Twi LP: 4000
Turn 1: Twilight
"Ladies first," said Twilight. "I summon Justice of Prophecy in attack mode. That's all for now. Your turn Bob."
Turn 2: Bob
"You want it, you got it," said Bob. "I'll start off with the spell card Search Shock. Now I have to take one monster card in my hand and send it to the graveyard. (Quizzer Panel 9) Then I can take one Quiz Hour spell card, and add it to my hand, and then activate it. Now, are you ready for the ultimate challenge?"
"What kind of challenge?" asked Twilight.
A huge game board appeared behind Bob. It had 3 lines containing 3 sets of the numbers 10, 20, and 30. And an answer button appeared in front of Twilight.
"What is this?" asked Twilight.
"You know what time it is, don't you folks?" asked Bob. "It's quiz time!"
"A quiz?!" asked Twilight. "But I didn't study!"
"A game show?" asked Rainbow. "Cool."
"Who knows," said Applejack. "Maybe Twilight will win a new car or something."
"Or maybe a lifetime supply of cherry chimi changas!" said Pinkie.
"Check out the board," said Bob. "The categories today are… Give us a hand bunny." A virtual hologram of a lady in a bunny suit appeared and touched the numbered spaces, lighting up each of them. "Obelisk 10, Ra 10 and Slifer 10. Face down. For you at home, they're actually monsters, with zero attack and defense points."
"How can he fight with those?" asked Applejack.
"No clue," said Fluttershy.
"Wow," said Twilight. "A game show inside a game show. Okay, let's do it!"
"Survey says, today is your lucky day," said Bob. "And I'm your dueling host, Bob Banter! Now if you're ready Ms. Sparkle, let's make a duel! And round one is over."
Turn 3: Twilight
"Then it's my turn," said Twilight as she drew. "I summon Strength of Prophecy in attack mode. Justice of Prophecy, attack Obelisk 10!"
The number 10 at the bottom right of the game board lit up.
"Time for your first question," said Bob.
"If its multiple-choice go with B!' called Rainbow.
"And if it's a number pick three hundred and eighty-seven!" called Pinkie.
"Huh?" asked Fluttershy.
"The question is," began Bob. "To activate the trap card known as Huge Revolution, please name the three cards that have to be present on the playing field!"
"Easy!" said Twilight. "People Running About, Oppressed People, and United Resistance!"
"Correct," said Bob with a sigh. And since you guessed right, I lose 500 life points."
Bob LP: 3500
Twi LP: 4000
"Yes!" cried Twilight.
"Let's see who's behind curtain number two!" said Bob. "Nope. It's not a new car, its Obelisk 20! You see, every time a quiz panel is destroyed, another quiz panel with the next level appears face down on my field. And the questions only get harder from here on end."
"No problem," said Twilight. "I think I'd like phone a friend. I choose Strength of Prophecy. We'll take Ra 10 for a hundred Bob!"
"Okay, here's your challenge," said Bob. "Say these monster's names. Gagagigo, Giga Gagagigo, and Gogiga Gagagigo three times."
"Okay, here goes," said Twilight. "Gagagigo, Giga Gagagigo, and Gogiga Gagagigo. Gagagigo Giga…ga ga..blah. blah."
"There's the buzzer!" said Bob. "You know what happens next don't you?"
"Um…" said Twilight.
"We take away your monster, plus 500 of your life points," continued Bob
Bob LP: 3500
Twi LP: 3500
"This reminds me of the time Twilight tried to say Rock Quarry five times fast," said Rainbow.
"Well, better luck next time," said Bob. "Now Ra 20 come on down!"
"Can we take a break?" asked Twilight as she ended her turn.
Turn 4: Bob
"Survey says, not yet!" answered Bob. "Time to play, the classic "Right or Left Quiz!"
"How do we do that?" asked Twi.
"Simple," said Bob. "I hide this card behind my back, then you have to guess. Is it in my right hand, on my left? Guess right, and you gain 500 life points. Guess wrong, and you lose 500."
"I say left!" said Twilight as she pressed the button.
"Oh! I'm so sorry," said Bob. "It was right."
"Dang!" said Twilight.
Bob LP: 3500
Twi LP: 3000
"I place one card face down, and I'll be back after this!" said Bob
Turn 5: Twilight
"I draw," said Twilight. "I summon Hermit of Prophecy in attack mode. Justice of Prophecy, let's see what's behind card number one!"
"You just choose the Slifer challenge!" said Bob. "Do 5 push-ups with only 6 seconds on the clock!"
"What?!" asked Twilight. "Oh boy."
"Aww man," asked Applejack. "Twi is not the physical type."
"I heard that," agreed Rainbow.
Twilight tried, but ran out of time.
"Darn it!" said Twilight.
Bob LP: 3500
Twi LP: 2500
"And now, our special guest, Slifer 20 will now join us," said Bob. "Stay tuned, because after these messages, the real fun begins with round 2.
"Okay, I think I'm ready for my next challenge," said Twilight. "Hermit of Prophecy, see what's behind card number 2! I really hope it's not more push-ups."
"No, just a simple question," replied Bob. "How many turns have passed since the start of the Duel?"
"Five!" answered Twilight.
"Correct, said Bob. "But you're not done yet. Because I activate this, Question Change! So my points are safe, and you get a new question. Obelisk 20 to be precise. Here's the question. What's the total level of all monsters in the graveyard?!"
"Let's see," thought Twilight. "He said ALL monsters in the graveyards. I have the Strength and Justice of Prophecy. And he has five Quiz Panels… Wait! He sent an unknown monster to the grave with Search Shock, so there's no way I'll get it right! Well, the best thing I can do is guess. I say 21!"
"I'm so sorry," said Bob. "Close, but no cigar. It's 16! Which means you lose 800 points. Turn your attention to the board folks, please help us welcome Obelisk and Slifer 30."
"That wasn't a fair question!" said Twilight. "You had the advantage with that mystery monster of yours!"
"Well thanks for the feedback," said Bob. "But broadcast standards clearly state, that all complaints, must be submitted to the network in writing."
"You know Bob," said Twilight. "I think you watch way too much TV."
Bob ignored her. "We're back folks!"
"This show needs to be canceled," said Rainbow quietly.
"No kidding," said AJ.
Bob LP: 3500
Twi LP: 1700
Turn 6: Bob
"Now, Hunter Channel spell card, come on down!" said Bob. "This adds Ra 20 to the board and activates its effect, ignoring the activation conditions. Now draw a card, and if it has less than 50 letters in its text, I lose 800 life points!"
"Here goes," said Twilight. "It's Dian Keto the Cure Master! It says, increase your life points by 1000 points. That's less than 50."
Bob LP: 2700
Twi LP: 1700
"Alright, but we're not finished yet," said Bob. "It's that time in our show when we add a new quiz panel to the board, so please welcome Ra 30! I place one card face down that's all for now."
Turn 7: Twilight
"Back to me," said Twilight. "I wish I had better cards," thought Twilight. "All I have is Dian Keto, Spellbook of Judgement, Spellbook Library of the Heliosphere, Spellbook of Miracles, Prophecy Destroyer, and Spellbook of Eternity. Hopefully this next card is a good one. Yes! First I'll play Dian Keto to regain those extra points."
Bob LP: 2700
Twi LP: 2700
"Then I'll play Card Destruction so we both have to discard our hands and draw a new set of cards." Twilight looked at her new cards. "That's much better. Now that I have 3 spell-books in my graveyard, I can special summon Prophecy Destroyer from the graveyard by banishing 3 of my Spellbooks! I choose Spellbook of Judgement, Spellbook Library of the Heliosphere, and Spellbook of Miracles. Then I'll summon Amores of Prophecy and reveal my Spellbook of Secrets! That way, I can use his effect to special summon Charioteer of Prophecy in attack mode. Then I'll play Spellbook of Secrets to add another Spellbook to my hand. (Spellbook of Fate) Then I'll play Spellbook Organization to arrange the top three cards of my deck. Spellbook of Power, Reaper of Prophecy, and Wheel of Prophecy. Now Prophecy Destroyer, attack Ra 30!"
"Here's your challenge!" said Bob. "I pick one random card from my deck, and you have to guess how many monsters are pictured on it. I choose The Big March of Animals!"
"24!" answered Twilight.
"What?!" asked Bob. "Um… that's correct."
Bob LP: 1500
Twi LP: 2700
"How did she know that?" asked Applejack.
"I was curious about that card myself," said Twilight. "So I looked it up on the internet a while back."
"Yeah, well no prize for you yet!" said Bob.
"Alright then," said Twilight. "Charioteer, attack Slifer 30!'
"Here's your challenge," said Bob. "Drink a bowl of water in one minute!"
What?" asked Twilight. The real game show assistant brought Twilight a real bowl of water. "Okay… here goes nothing." But she didn't make it in time.
"So close," said Bob. "But close doesn't count, so it's time for your penalty. But wait! I activate Double It! This trap doubles the damage done to you. Good news is, your Charioteer gets to stick around for a while."
Bob LP: 1500
Twi LP: 300
"Gee thanks," said Twilight. "Looks like there's only one question left. Now Amores of Prophecy, attack!"
"For your final question," began Bob. "Name 3 special ways to win a duel!"
"No problem," said Twilight. "Exodia the Forbidden One, Destiny Board, and Final Countdown!"
"That's correct," said Bob in a non-pleased tone.
Bob LP: 300
Twi LP: 300
"I place one card face down and end my turn," said Twilight.
"I'm just glad this guy is out of questions," said Rainbow.
"Me too," said AJ.
"Not me," said Pinkie. "That just makes it fun."
"They're right," said Twilight. "Looks like your show is off the air."
Turn 8: Bob
"You forgot something," said Bob. "Our bonus round!" Twilight's face down card might be a trap that could hurt my life points. Like Magic Cylinder or something. I better play it safe. I place one card face down, (Reversal Quiz) then I play Emergency Provisions! By sending my face down and quiz hour to the graveyard, I regain 1000 life points."
Bob LP: 2300
Twi LP: 300
"And now for your final "Question!" said Bob. "Ready? What's the name of the monster card at the bottom of my Graveyard?"
"Wait!" thought Twilight. "He sent his first monster to the graveyard with Search Shock. I never saw it, so there's no way I'll get it right. Oh well. I know it's wrong, but I say Obelisk 10." The buzzer rang.
"And because you guessed wrong, the right monster is automatically summoned to the field!" said Bob. "So welcome to the game, Quizzer Panel 9! And with this on the board, all previous Quiz Panels return to my deck!"
"Oh great!" said Twilight. "You mean, I have to answer all of those questions again?"
"Not quite," answered Bob. "We're out of time. You get a consolation prize! Your Amores of Prophecy wins an all expensed paid trip to the graveyard. But wait, with your mere 300 life points, why not make it a one way trip for two?! Quizzer Panel, attack!"
"I don't think so!" said Twilight. "I activate Spellbook of Fate! Here's how it works, I can banish 1, 2, or 3 spell-books for my grave, what happens next depends on how many I banish."
"What could happen?" asked Bob.
"Here's how it works," explained Twilight. "If I banish one, I can return a spell/trap back to the owner's hand. 2, I can flip a monster face down. 3, I can banish one card on the field."
"Banish?!" asked Bob.
"That's correct," answered Twilight. "Option 1 is no good, so I can choose between 2 and 3. Let's see… which to choose?"
Bob was sweating bullets. "M-maybe she'll have pity on me and just flip my face monster face down. I sure hope so!"
"I choose 3!" said Twi.
"No!" cried Bob as his monster disappeared.
Turn 9: Twilight
"Looks like it's my turn again," said Twilight. "Prophecy Destroyer, attack him directly!"
"Aahh!" cried Bob.
Bob LP: 0
Twi LP: 300
"Congratulations," said Bob with a small sigh. "Here is a check for $5000! Way to go, and thanks for playing. We'll see you next time ladies and gentlemen!"
Once Twilight received her check, her and the girls when a huge shopping spree.
The next day, Rarity was talking with her friend Strawberry Sunrise when Applejack walked by.
"Howdy," said AJ.
"Hello, Applejack," said Rarity. "This is Strawberry Sunrise. Strawberry, this is Applejack."
"Hi," said Strawberry.
"Nice to meet cha," replied AJ.
"Strawberry and I were just about to head to the Hay Burger for lunch," said Rarity. "Would you like to join us?"
"Sure, why not," answered AJ. "Thank ya kindly."
"So Strawberry, do you like apple pie?" asked Rarity. "I have a couple of coupons for free some slices at the-"
"No thanks," interrupted Strawberry. "I can't stand apples."
"What?! Why?!" asked Applejack. "They're sweet, they're crunchy, they're delicious."
Strawberry chuckled. "They're not strawberries."
"You're right!" said Applejack. "Apples are better than strawberries!"
"Only if, by "better", you mean "better at being disgusting"," said Strawberry.
"Wha… You'd better apologize!" demanded AJ.
"What for?" asked Strawberry.
"Oh my," said Rarity. "Um… let's just calm down. Um… Applejack, maybe we should do this-"
"Are you challengin' me?" asked Applejack.
"Maybe," answered Strawberry as she took out her duel disk.
"Then bring it on!" said AJ as she took out her disk and deck.
"Oh no…" said Rarity.
"Let's duel!" said AJ and Strawberry.
Applejack LP: 4000
Strawberry LP: 4000
Turn 1: Strawberry
"I'll go first," said Strawberry. "I summon Naturia Strawberry in attack mode! I then place two cards face down and end my turn."
Turn 2: Applejack
"Ma turn!" said AJ. "I summon Apple Magician Girl in attack mode!"
"That activates my monster's effect!" interrupted Strawberry. "My Naturia Strawberry gains 100 ATK points for each one of your monster's levels until the end of the turn. So my Strawberry gains 300 more points." (Naturia Strawberry ATK: 1600 – 1900)
"Really?" asked Applejack. "Then I guess it's a good thing I have this. The spell card Riryoku!"
"Yikes," said Strawberry.
"It cuts your berry's points in half, and adds it to ma gal's ATK power," explained AJ. (Naturia Strawberry ATK: 1900 – 950) (Apple Magician Girl ATK: 1200 – 2150) "Apple Mage Gal, squash that berry!"
"I don't think so," said Strawberry. "I activate Sakuretsu Armor! It'll turn your Magician Girl into apple sauce!"
"Dang!" said Applejack as her monster was destroyed. "Fine, I place three cards face down and end ma turn."
Turn 3: Strawberry
"Back to me," said Strawberry as she drew. "I summon another Naturia Strawberry!"
"Which means I can play this here trap!" said AJ. "Slip Summon! When ya'll summon a monster, I can special summon a level four of lower monster from ma hand. Bull Blader, you're on!"
"That also activates both of my berry's effects," reminded Strawberry. "Not both of my monsters gain 400 ATK points." (Naturia Strawberry x2 ATK: 1600 – 2000)
"I know," said AJ. "But any monster that tries to ride ma Bull, will be destroyed afterwards."
"Then I better play this," said Strawberry. "The Fissure spell card!"
"Ah, dang it!" said Applejack. "Just kidding. I thought ya'll might do something like that, so I set this. Powerful Rebirth! It lets bring back ma Bull, except with 100 extra ATK and DEF points, plus one extra star." (Bull Blader ATK/DEF: 1600 – 1700/1200 – 1300 Level 4 – 5)
"Oh boy," said Strawberry. "Guess I have no choice. Strawberry number 1, attack her Bull Blader!"
"Fine," said Applejack. "It's your fruit's funeral, and I won't lose any points."
"Not yet," said Strawberry. "But now you will. Strawberry number 2, attack her directly!"
Applejack LP: 2000
Strawberry LP: 4000
"You know what they say," said Applejack. "An apple a day, keeps the damage away. I play The Golden Apples!"
"And I activate Bad Reaction to Simochi to reverse it!" said Strawberry. "Now instead of gaining your points back, you lose the rest."
"What?!" asked AJ. "Damn!"
Applejack LP: 0
Strawberry LP: 4000
"Guess you win," said Applejack.
"Guess so," said Strawberry. "But… I'll apologize anyway. I'm sorry, that you actually bite into those tasteless mealy worm-filled things… See you later Rare."
"What?!" asked Applejack. She got so mad that her face turned red and started to sizzle.
"Applejack!" said Rarity. "Just try and calm down. It's just Strawberry's honest opinion. And, she is entitled to it."
"Well, that's fine if she doesn't like 'em!" said Applejack. "But if she knew how hard we worked to make our apples perfect, maybe she wouldn't be so mean about—!"
"Remind you of something?" asked Rarity. "Like that time when you said fashion is ridiculous! Remember? Doesn't feel very good, does it?"
Applejack sighed. "Nope. No, it does not at all. I am really sorry bout that Rarity. I never should have said that."
"Apology accepted," said Rarity. "Well, since Strawberry left, why don't we make good use of these apple pie coupons?"
"Ma pleasure," said AJ.