"Ladies and gentlemen, tomorrow's Championship Duel is already the most anticipated match of the year. In what could be the most hard-hitting and physical duel of the World Champion's latest reign. Ms. Applejack, who has never been in this big of a main event spot, is looking to silence the doubters and win the title of 'World Champion.' However, don't count out the Prince. A duelist like him, who's in his prime and has already more history than anybody else has in their career, has shown to be a tall task to climb. Canterlot City, you better be ready for the incoming storm!"

Isaac was shown shutting off the radio he was listening to.

"They really know how to advertise you, darling," said a fashionista with the World Champion.

"This coming from a girl I knew who said you have to add a little pizzazz to spice things," stated Isaac as he turned around to look at the woman with a smirk.

"Well, that's different. In my line of work, darling, you have to sell the product to the customer."

"Well, that's the same thing that's happening here, Rarity. I'm the product that people need to buy," smirked Isaac.

The World Champion and fashionista shared a chuckle as he stood up.

"So, how's the decorating coming along?" asked Isaac as he walked with Rarity.

The pair entered the building as they saw many workers doing their jobs. Many support beams and other machinery were working on restoring the building and expanding it to fit the blueprints of the World Champion. As Isaac and Rarity entered the place, many finished sections of the building were shown, with painters adding fresh coats of paint as even parlor designers discussed what colors and materials to use.

"This place is coming along nicely," said Isaac as he looked about the building that would become his Duel Monsters Training School Gym.

"The colors could be different, but you know what's best, darling. I promised you that I would help transform this place into your dream, and I intend to do so," stated Rarity. "Oh, that reminds me. Follow me."

The fashionista led her friend to some stairs, and they began to climb to a small overhead room that looked about the main floor of the place. She opened the door to allow Isaac to step in. The room was an office and workspace that would be the World Champion's headquarters. Upon seeing the interior design all completed, Isaac let out a wolf whistle.

"I take it you like," asked Rarity as she leaned against the doorway.

"This is... way better than I imagined," said Isaac as he approached a desk and sat in a chair.

"I made sure to have all the finest luxuries installed."

"I appreciate this, Rarity. I really do. Just a few more months of construction and this place will be ready for the grand opening," stated Isaac as he spun around in his chair to look out the window to see it all.

A knock on the door was heard as Juniper came in.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," said the woman.

"What do you need, Juniper?" asked Isaac to his agent.

"Just need to go over some final signatures for you. And to approve some new shirt designs to be sold at the arena," said Juniper as she presented her tablet to her client.

"Alright," said Isaac as he began to look over the items.

"If I may make a suggestion for a valuable piece of merchandise? Ever thought about selling custom-made caps?" stated Rarity as she acknowledged how Isaac always wore one.

"Custom-made? Now, that's a thought. I'll write that down. Thanks, Rarity." said Juniper to the fashionista.

"And there we go," said Isaac as he finished signing off on some things that Juniper needed him for. "By the way, Juniper. Did you make the arrangements for my kids?"

"All taken care of, Isaac. I've arranged for a taxi driver to pick them up and drive them to the station. I've told the person at the booth to give them their tickets and escort them to their cabin." said Juniper.

"Excellent. I'll meet you downstairs in a bit," said Isaac as she left.

"Are you going somewhere with the kids?" asked Rarity.

"Well, it's... complicated. See, there's a small business meeting that I need to attend, and I have asked the kids to come with me to the place. We're going to be spending their winter vacation there."

"What's the place?" asked Rarity.

"Zepher Heights, from what I've heard."

"I've heard that the city has grown in popularity recently. I have plans to expand my fashion empire into there in a few years," stated Rarity.

"Well, it'll be our first time going there. And I hope the kids can enjoy themselves," said Isaac.

"Speaking of... how's Mario?" asked Rarity. "Does he... still envy you?"

"It's... complicated," said Isaac as he turned to look at his friend. "I had hoped he might change his outlook by sending him to CHS. He almost got suspended along with his sister."

"Oh, my. I do hope Celestia and Luna were merciful to them," stated Rarity, as she was concerned for the kids.

"She gave them a chance to duel their freedom. But for them to do something like this and not tell me or Twilight. I just..." Isaac let out a sigh as he leaned back. "I just wonder what's gotten into him. I love him. I love him and his sister. And I want nothing but the best for them. Maybe... maybe I'm doing a terrible job as a parent."

"Darling, you're anything but a terrible parent. You've been there for those kids your entire life. You have nothing to apologize for." said Rarity as he tried to comfort her longtime friend. "Twilight is lucky to have someone like you by her side. And an even luckier person to call her husband."

"I just hope Mario can see that too one day," said Isaac.

"I'm sure he will, darling. Now, come on. Let's go get lunch. Your duel with Applejack is tomorrow, and if you don't revitalize your stamina and rest, you won't be in the best shape to perform."

"Perhaps you're right, Rarity," said Isaac as he and Rarity began to head out of his office to meet with Juniper to get some lunch.


Nighttime had fallen as a limo was shown driving among the streets. The limo turned the corner and stopped in front of a building. The door to the limo opened as out stepped someone.

"I'll be quick, girls. Just need to get something," said Isaac as he stepped out of the limo to get something from his office space.

"Don't take too long, darling," said Rarity as he nodded.

Isaac was shown entering the building as he turned on the dimly lit lights. The World Champion headed toward his office space to retrieve what he needed. Upon entering, he began to head toward the front of his desk; he reached over to pull a drawer out as he saw the thing he needed. Isaac went to grab the item but held it up to his face before speaking.

"I was wondering when you'd show up," said the World Champion as the scene panned out to reveal a cloaked figure standing behind him, similar to the one he and Twilight encountered.

The World Champion sensed someone following him as his instincts were right. The figure took a few steps forward as Isaac turned to look at the mysterious figure. The person then reached into their cloak as they pulled out a phone. They touched a button, and seconds later, a voice began to play.

"Hello, Isaac," said the person on the other line as their voice was disguised. "I've been meaning to talk with you."

"What do you want?" asked the World Champion.

Back in the limo, Juniper and Rarity were waiting for Isaac to return. The fashionista was on her phone, going through her messages. The woman finished replying to her latest text as she rolled down the limo window to look at the building. Isaac had yet to come back from getting what he needed.

"Juniper, darling. I'm concerned. Isaac should have been back by now."

"That's not good. This is just like the last time it happened," said the agent.

"Last time?" said Rarity as she raised an eyebrow.

"He didn't say. Well, the last time Isaac didn't come back for an interview, I went to find him. And I found him dueling against someone with magical powers. And these powers... they make everything real. The damage, the pain, the attacks, all of it."

"Magic? Oh, dear. I thought those days were behind us." sighed Rarity as she knew how dangerous Shadow magic was.

"He might be in danger again," said Juniper.

"Then we best go look for him," said Rarity as she began to head out of the limo.

"Here. You're going to need this!" said Juniper as she stepped out of the limo and tossed the fashionista her purse over the car as she caught it.

Rarity began to take off to the building as Juniper approached the driver.

"After five minutes, if we're not back. Call the authorities!" said the woman as she went in after Rarity.

The fashionista was rushing into the building to check up on her friend. She came to where his office was. She looked up to see through the windows that Isaac was talking with someone. As she approached the stairs, another person appeared from the shadows, and she halted.

"Pardon me, but I need to get through," said Rarity.

"No one is to interrupt!" said the person as they flung their cloak open as the wind picked up.

Rarity covered up as her hair fluttered from the intense burst of gusts. Dark purple flames began to appear, surrounding the figure and the fashion designer as they were locked in. At that moment, Juniper arrived and saw Rarity trapped inside with Isaac in his office. The World Champion also took notice of the strange flames as he pressed against the glass to see the women down below.

"Rarity, Juniper!" said Isaac as he was concerned about them.

"I wouldn't worry about their safety. Now... let's continue our conversation," said the person on the phone.

"Rarity, are you okay?" called out Juniper.

"I'm fine," said the fashionista as the wind died, and she looked at the figure before her.

"You are not to interfere!" said the person.

"Very well, then. I may be a lady, but I know how to defend myself!" said Rarity as she reached into her purse and flung it backward. The fashionista was shown holding a small rectangular device as she tossed it into the air. The device spun before Rarity raised her left arm; it strapped to her wrist and activated as an indigo card tray appeared.

"Opponent detected. Streaming data. Duel mode set. Initiating. Commencing duel." said the devices.

"Let's duel!" said both duelists.

Rarity's Life Points: 8000-
? 's Life Points: 8000-

Turn 1: Rarity (Hand 5)

"Ladies first!" said Rarity as she drew her card. "I'll begin by playing the spell card, Golden Rule! Thanks to this, I can place 2 'Crystal Beasts' from my deck in my spell and trap card zone. So I place my Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger and Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth." Two gems, one yellow and one orange, appeared before Rarity as they shined. "Then I can summon a different 'Crystal Beast' from my hand. So I choose to call forth my Ruby Carbuncle(300/300) in defense mode!" Within the rays of light appeared a small purple quadruple with large red eyes and a round red gem on its tail. It jumped down in front of Rarity and mewled. Rarity smirked.

"When Ruby Carbuncle is special summoned, all of my crystallized Crystal Beasts in the spell and trap zone are released! Amber Mammoth(1700/1600) and Topaz Tiger(1600/1000), I summon you!" Ruby Carbuncle held up its tail and cried. The gemstone on its tail lit up red and shot beams of energy into the yellow and orange gems behind it. The gems glowed brightly and shattered. From the orange gem came a large mammoth, a circular amber stone on a crest on its forehead. A white tiger with a horn and a collar studded with yellow gems stepped from the rubble of the other gem.

"I end my turn," stated the fashionista.

Turn 2: ? (Hand 5)

"It's my turn. And I'll summon my T.A.D.P.O.L.E.(0/0) and summon it in defense mode!" stated the cloaked figure as a tiny tadpole appeared on their field.

"That little thing? That's it?" said Rarity, expecting more from this mysterious figure.

"Patience. We Shadow Duelists don't like to reveal our hand to our opponents."

"Shadow Duelists?" stated Juniper.

"Well, you'll be disappointed to find that I'm not an easy target as you make me out to be," stated Rarity.

Turn 3: Rarity (Hand 4)

"Now, it's my turn, and I'll have my Amber Mammoth attack your tiny monster!" instructed Rarity as her giant monster trumpeted before stampeding over to the tiny thing and squashing it under its foot. "And with no monsters left to protect you, you're wide open."

"Not necessarily. See, when my T.A.D.P.O.L.E. is destroyed, I can add another one from my deck to my hand," stated the Shadow Duelist.

"Either way, you still have nothing on the field. So Topaz Tiger can strike you directly. Have at it him, my tiger. Topaz Inscizor Shred!" declared Rarity as her horned cat raced toward its prey and leaped high into the air before coming down on the Shadow Duelist to take a bite out of him.
Shadow Duelist's Life Points: 6400-

"I believe that's all for now," smiled Rarity.

Turn 4: Shadow Duelist (Hand 5)

"My draw. And I play the spell, Frog Resurrection. So I discard the T.A.D.P.O.L.E. that I added to my hand during your turn; I can bring back the original one you destroyed!" stated the cloaked figure as his tiny monster appeared.

"Why bring that thing back?" questioned Juniper.

"Because... I now tribute it. So that I can summon Des Frog(1900/0)!" stated the Shadow Duelist as a tiny monster began to change as it sprouted legs and arms and lost its tail; it was undergoing metamorphosis in front of Rarity as it was now a frog.

"Now, Des Frog's ability activates! Since it was tributed summoned, I can special summon any number of 'Des Frogs' from my hand or deck, equal to the number of 'T.A.D.P.O.L.E' in my graveyard. So that means two more join the field!" stated the Shadow Duelist as two copies of his monster appeared.

"This isn't good," muttered Juniper as Rarity was in trouble.

"I'll then activate Des Croaking. With the power of this spell, since I control 3 'Des Frogs,' I can now destroy every single card you control!" snickered the cloaked figure.

"But that'll leave Rarity defenseless!" stated Juniper as all of Rarity's monsters exploded in the blink of an eye, creating a veil of smoke.

"So much for your precious monsters," snickered the Shadow Duelist.

"I wouldn't be so sure!"

"Huh?"

The Shadow Duelist looked on as Rarity's outline was shown through the smoke. The fashionista had her duel disk arm raised as she stood defiantly, but a smirk was on her face. Soon, the veil of smoke cleared out, and by the woman's feet were three shiny gems: red, orange, and yellow.

"What did you do?" asked the Shadow Duelist.

"It's not what I've done. But what you've done, darling. See, my Crystal Beasts were destroyed, but they have a certain unique ability. One that I find fascinating and very helpful. Instead of going to the graveyard, they stay. Turning them into precious crystals that occupy one of my spell and trap card zones." explained Rarity.

"Impossible," muttered the Shadow Duelist.

"They say jewelry is a girl's best friend, and I couldn't agree more. I do so love a functional accessory."

"Well, you may be able to retain your monsters, but as you said, it takes up a spell and trap card zone, which means the more of your Crystal Beast you choose to save, the fewer options you have to activate or play any of your spells or traps. And right now, you have nothing protecting you. Des Frogs, get in there and attack!" declared the Shadow Duelist as his monsters opened their mouths and let out a wailing sound that shot out at the fashionista, who was helpless to block their assault, resulting in her losing some major Life Points.
Rarity's Life Points: 2300-

"Rarity!" shouted Juniper as she saw her drop to a knee. "Are you okay?"

"I'm... fine, darling," said the woman, putting on a fake smile. That attack felt real... I haven't felt something like that since CHS. It looks like the rumors are true; Shadow Magic is back.

"I now play Polymerization. So I combine all of my Des Frogs so that I can bring out D.3.S. Frog(2500/2000)!" said the Shadow Duelist as his monsters were sucked into a vortex and out came a giant frog appeared to stare down the woman.

"I hate disgusting creatures," mumbled Rarity as she stared at the slimy animal.

"Then you'll really hate what I have him do on my next turn," stated the Shadow Duelist.

Turn 5: Rarity (Hand 5)

"My draw, darling!" said Rarity.

"She better have something for that amphibian," stated Juniper.

"I play my Crytal Beast Emerald Tortoise(800/2000) in defense mode!" stated Rarity as a tortoise with green gemstones appeared, but its limbs were retracted in its shell, and only its eyes glowed. "Then I'll set one card facedown."

Turn 6: Shadow Duelist (Hand 2)

"That's it? Quite pathetic, if you ask me. Now watch!" said the Shadow Duelist as he drew. "I play the spell Foolish Burial. Now, I send one card from my deck to the graveyard, and the card I choose is my Treeborn Frog. Then I play my Flute of Hamelin spell card. This is where your demise begins. First, I pick a monster in my graveyard that was sent there this turn. Then, both players must send that same card from their hand and deck to the graveyard. So that means I get rid of two more Treeborn Frogs." stated the Shadow Duelist as he sent two copies of the monster away.

"Seems like a waste to me!" stated Rarity as her opponent's spell didn't affect her.

"I beg to differ because now... take a look at my giant frog!" stated Shadow Duelist as Rarity looked at the large monster, which seemed to have strengthened. "Because for every 'Treeborn Frog' in my graveyard, he gains 500 extra attack points!"

"But that puts its total at 4000 attack points!" stated Juniper as she witnessed how much more trouble Rarity was in.

"Indeed, and now you're about to croak. Take out that turtle!" stated the Shadow Duelist as his frog opened his mouth and fired its tongue at Rarity's monster.

"Two things! First, it's a tortoise, not a turtle. Put some respect on his name! He's not a slimy, disgusting creature like yours. He may be a bit old and have a few grey hairs, but that's more reason for me to love him!" declared Rarity, defending her monster. "And second... I activate my facedown, Last Resort! I can activate one Field Spell from my deck when you declare an attack." Her duel disk ejected the card she wanted as she held it out for everyone to see.

"I think a change of scenery would be loveable. And what better place than good old Rome? I activate Ancient City - Rainbow Ruins!" said Rarity as she slotted her card into the Field Spell slot of her duel disk. Around them, the environment changed as the two were now in a rundown colosseum ground.

"Even with this change, your monster is still destroyed!" said the Shadow Duelist as his frog's tongue grabbed Rarity's tortoise and began pulling it back. It entered its mouth and swallowed as it exploded in its stomach as a green gem appeared on the fashionista's field.

"Now almost all of your spell and trap card zones are filled, and with my monster having 4000 attack points, you don't have any moves left to make," snickered the Shadow Duelist.

Turn 7: Rarity (Hand 4)

"A lady is never helpless. And as for me having no moves left to make, you should rethink that statement because my field spell comes with some perks. For example, I can draw an extra card since I have at least four 'Crystal Beasts' in my spell and trap card zone. So that's two for the price of one!" said Rarity as she drew. "Then I'm activating the spell card, Rare Value. With this little thing, I'm getting more bling for my buck, as they say. Now you choose which of my Crystal Beasts to send to the graveyard, so I'm allowed to draw two more additional cards."

"In that case, I'll get rid of your Ruby Carbuncle!" stated the Shadow Duelist as the red gem on Rarity's field disappeared, allowing the fashionista to draw her cards.

"I now summon my Crytal Beast Sapphire Pegasus(1800/1200)!" A blue gemstone appeared in front of Rarity and shattered, a winged white horse flying out of the shards. "When my Sapphire Pegasus is summoned, I can place a 'Crystal Beast' from my hand, deck, or graveyard in my spell and trap card zone. So my Ruby Carbuncle is back!" snickered Rarity as her duel disk ejected her card, and a red gem reappeared. "And now it's time I clear some space in my backrow. And so I play the spell, Crystal Promise. So now I can summon my Ruby!" The red gem cracked as her monster appeared.

"And you remember what Ruby's ability does. When it's summoned, I can release every other 'Crystal Beast' that I have in my spell and trap card zone!" smiled Rarity as her Ruby's tail glowed and caused the other gems to crack as out came her monsters.

"Nice! Now, Rarity has a field full of monsters!" exclaimed Juniper as she wasn't defenseless.

"You managed to clear your backrow and bring out your beasts. But remember, they pale compared to my frog's attack!" said the Shadow Duelist.

"For now, yes. But I have something in mind. I set two cards facedown and end my turn!" said Rarity.

Turn 8: Shadow Duelist (Hand 1)

"Time to end this! D.3.S. Frog, attack her Sapphire Pegasus!" said the Shadow Duelist.

"You can't, not when my Amber Mammoth is on the field. Thanks to his special ability, you can't attack any of my other 'Crystal Beasts' without going through him!" said Rarity as the frog fired its tongue at the giant mammoth; it wrapped around the pachyderm and squeezed as it shattered and exploded, causing an orange gem to appear before Rarity.

"Well, I'm not done. Because from my hand, I play the spell card, De-Fusion. So my D.3.S. Frog splits into the three frogs it was made up of!" said the Shadow Duelist as he had his three normal frogs appear. "And since I summoned them during the Battle Phase, they can still attack. So Des Frog #1, attack her Ruby Carbuncle!" The frog opened his mouth and let out a wailing sound that took out Rarity's small monster, creating a red gem in her backrow.

"And now, Des Frog #2, attack that Sapphire Pegasus!" said the figure as his second frog took out Rarity's winged beast, creating a blue gem.
Rarity's Life Points: 2200-

"At least it's over," said Juniper.

"Now, I tribute all three of my Des Frogs!"

"Oh, no!" said both women, fearing what was coming.

"I summon Amphibian Angel - Mifrog(1400/800)!" said the Shadow Duelist as a large horned frog with angel wings appeared, warts and all.

"Why that? It doesn't have much attack points," commented Juniper.

"Indeed, but have a look at his special ability. Depending on how many 'Frog' monsters I sacrifice to summon him grants him several powers. For instance, since I sacrificed a 'Frog,' you can't target him for an attack."

"At all?" said Juniper.

"Indeed. And now, since I sacrificed 2 'Frogs,' all your spell and trap cards are destroyed."

"In that case, I reveal my facedown, Crystal Protection. This makes my spells and traps invulnerable to your monster's effect until the end of the turn," stated Rarity.

"You may have saved your cards, but let's see how you handle this. Since I sacrificed 3 'Frogs,' I can bring back every single one that I summoned!" stated the Shadow Duelist as his three Des Frogs reappeared alongside the bigger D.3.S. Frog as it gained the extra power boost from all three Treeborn Frogs still in the graveyard.

"Things just went from bad to worst!" said Juniper at how Rarity now had to deal with an army of monsters.

"Indeed, they did. Now take your last turn before I end you," said the Shadow Duelist.

Turn 9: Rarity (Hand 3)

"My turn!" said Rarity as she drew. "I play Crystal Beacon. Since I have at least 2 'Crystal Beasts' in my spell and trap zone, I can bring out a different one from my deck."

"Whatever you summon won't be enough to get past my frogs," snickered the Shadow Beast.

"Well, why don't we test that, hmm. I summon... Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon(3000/0)!" shouted Rarity as she held her card up high, and it shined with a rainbow flash. Out came a white dragon with gold assets on it as it roared.

"What is this beast?" demanded the Shadow Duelist as he looked at Rarity's brand-new monster.

"Say hello to one of my many new additions to my deck. See, I still have the original Rainbow Dragon card in my deck. But this, here, is a different version compared to that. For one, it counts as a Crystal Beast, which means it's affected by my other spells and traps focusing on them." Rarity smiled as her dragon wrapped its body around its mistress, showing its loyalty to her.

"Now... Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon. Attack one of his Des Frogs!" commanded the fashionista as her dragon raised his head and opened its mouth. It fired a powerful white energy attack as it took out one of the frogs.
Shadow Duelist's Life Points: 5300-

"And then, my Topaz Tiger will take out another frog."

"My frog has more attack points than that overstuffed bag of fur!" stated the Shadow Duelist.

"Hmm, why don't I explain my Topaz Tiger's ability? He gains 400 extra attack points when he attacks your monster!" smiled Rarity as her tiger gained strength and leaped onto another frog as it was taken out.
Shadow Duelist's Life Points: 5200-

"Now my tortoise's effect activates once per turn; when a 'Crystal Beast' of mine is attacked, I can change their battle position. So I'll switch my Topaz Tiger into defense mode." stated Rarity as she strengthened her defenses. "And with that, I'll pass it over to you. So, what was that about this being my last turn?"

Turn 10: Shadow Duelist (Hand 0)

"You lucked out," said the figure as he drew. "Now... I summon Unifrog(400/400)." A blue frog with a unicorn horn appeared. "Thanks to my Unifrog's ability, he can attack you directly!" The blue frog leaped toward Rarity as it aimed its horn at her; it stabbed into the hand of the fashionista, and she felt the pain as the frog hopped back.
Rarity's Life Points: 1800-

"Rarity!" shouted Juniper, concerned for her as she rubbed the back of her hand.

"I'm good," said the fashionista, trying to put on a brave face despite her pain. "Stupid, little..."

"Now, I activate my Unifrog's special ability!" said the Shadow Duelist as he cut off what Rarity would say. "Since it attacked successfully, if I control a 'Frog' monster, I can destroy one spell or trap card you control. And since your Crystal Beast counts as continuous spells when they're in your back row. It's fair game. So, I'm getting rid of Ruby Carbuncle!" The red gem on Rarity's field disappeared.

"D.3.S. Frog, take out her Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon!"

The giant frog opened its mouth and let out a screech.

"In that case, let me introduce you to another of my field spell abilities. Since I have at least 2 'Crystal Beasts' in my spell and trap card zone, I can cut the damage I take in half!" declared Rarity as she held on while her dragon was blown away.
Rarity's Life Points: 1300-

A white gem appeared in Rarity's backrow as the fashionista looked back at her opponent.

While the duel was happening, Isaac continued to talk with the Shadow Duelists' leader.

"I've been watching and learning about you for quite some time, Mr. World Champion."

"Didn't realize I had a fan," smirked Isaac as he crossed his arms.

"Oh, you'll find I'm more than just a fan. I know this isn't your first time dealing with Shadow Magic. You've had your fair share in high school and thought it was all behind you. But you're mistaken."

"Is that so? Well, then, why don't you actually show yourself, and we can settle this little dispute right now?" said Isaac.

"All in due time, my Prince. Besides, what's a game if it ends too early? Not very fun, I admit. Besides, some things need to happen. For instance, you might not be the main event player this time around. In this era, there's a new generation of duelists. A new crop of talent. Things like... your kids."

Isaac's right eye twitched at the mention of hearing his kids from this stranger's mouth.

"Tell me, how does it feel to be away from your family sometimes?"

"I know what you're doing. I'm used to this tactic in my line of work. So, I will tell you what I say to everybody. Stay away from my family."

"Mmm. That's a promise I can't make. But perhaps, maybe somebody else," chuckled the figure.


Turn 11: Rarity (Hand 3)

"It's my turn. And I'll begin by activating my facedown, Crystal Brilliance! Thanks to this trap, my monsters gain attack points equal to defense points!" said Rarity as her tiger and tortoise strengthened (1600 β†’ 2600, 800 β†’ 2800). "Then I'll switch my tiger back to attack mode and have him attack your Unifrog. And remember, he gains 400 attack points when he battles!" instructed Rarity as her feline raced forward and stomped the tiny frog under its paw.
Shadow Duelist's Life Points: 2600-

"I'll end turn," stated the fashionista.

Turn 12: Shadow Duelist (Hand 0)

"My draw, and I play Pot of Greed to draw two more cards. Then I'll play my own field spell, Wetlands! Now, all Aqua/Water-type Level 2 or lower monsters gain 1200 extra attack points." stated the Shadow Duelist as his side of the field transformed into a grassland with rain coming down. "And next, I'll bring out my Dupe Frog(100/2000) in defense mode." A clear frog wearing a graduate's hat on its head appeared and croaked.

"Thanks to the power of this little guy, you can't attack any of my other frogs other than him. And now, D.3.S. Frog, wipe out her Topaz Tiger!" instructed the Shadow Duelist.

"I reveal my facedown, Rainbow Path! By sending one of my 'Crystal Beast' in my spell and trap card zone to the graveyard, I can negate your attack!" stated Rarity as she got rid of her Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon; the white gem disappeared from her field as a barrier appeared over her monster to shield its destruction.

"And there's more because now, I can add 'Rainbow Dragon' to my hand!" stated the fashionista as her duel disk ejected the card for her to grab.

"You're really starting to annoy me," gritted the Shadow Duelist.

Turn 13: Rarity (Hand 4)

"My draw. And I play the spell card, Crystal Bond. Now, I can add a 'Crystal Beast' from my deck to my hand and place a different one in my spell and trap card zone. I'm placing my Cobalt Eagle in my backrow while I choose to summon my Crystal Beast Amythest Cat(1200/400)!" An indigo gem appeared before Rarity as out next to her tiger, and a purple gem appeared before cracking as a white feline cat with a necklace appeared and growled.

"And remember, due to my Crystal Brilliance, she gains attack points equal to her defense points!" stated Rarity(1200 β†’ 1600).

"Your little kitty can't even harm my weakest monster," snickered the Shadow Duelist.

"Then it's a good thing I'm not attacking with her. Because... I play this. Crystal Overfusion!" shouted Rarity, holding her card between her fingers.

"What is that?!" shouted the Shadow Duelist over the blinding light as he covered his eyes.

Rays of violet light shone from Rarity's card. Above her in the air, the images of Sapphire Pegasus, Ruby Carbuncle, and Emerald Tortoise appeared. In front of her, the crystallized forms of Amethyst Cat, Amber Mammoth, Topaz Tiger, and Cobalt Eagle began to crack apart, glowing the same light.

Rarity's voice echoed as she spoke. "By banishing Crystal Beast cards in my graveyard and on my field, either as monsters or as spell cards, I conduct a Fusion Summon!" The crystallized monsters shattered, and the shards rose into the air, swirling around each other in a sphere. Rarity slid her card into her duel disk, and a seven-colored light shot up into the sky, engulfing the gem dust and lifting it into the clouds. The clouds twisted and swirled around each other, white light flashing within.

"By combining the lights of the seven gems, I create the bridge to a new future and summon forth a crystal guardian like no other. I Fusion Summon! Descend, Rainbow Overdragon(4000/0)!" The clouds parted, and Rarity's new monster slowly lowered from above them. A massive white and gold dragon spread its wings across the field and raised its head, eyes glowing white beneath a gold and silver horned crest. Its stomach was shining violet scales, light in seven colors pulsing within them. It hovered above Rarity and roared, the force shaking the field.

"That dragon has the same attack points as my D.3.S. Frog, so you just sealed your fate. 'Cause once I attack, they'll both be destroyed, and you just gave up the rest of your monsters to summon this beast." stated the Shadow Duelist.

"I activate Rainbow Overdragon's special ability! By offering it as Tribute, all other cards on the field are shuffled into the deck!"

"What?" said the Shadow Duelist.

Rainbow Overdragon spread its wings as all the frogs lit up in seven-colored lights and croaked as it was drawn across the field. Rainbow Overdragon swept its wings around them and bowed its head. Sparks crackled over its wings, and the dragon dissolved; the Shadow Duelist's cards vanished from within its grasp.

The cloaked figure clenched his fist. "You lost just as much as I did with that move, and you have nothing left! On my next turn, I canβ€”"

"I was not finished," Rarity interrupted calmly. She reached for her duel disk as a card ejected from her graveyard slot and held it up. "I activate the effect of Crystal Overfusion in my graveyard. By banishing it when the monster it summoned leaves the field, I can search my deck, hand, graveyard, or banished zone for a Rainbow Dragon card and summon it."

"No!" said the Shadow Duelist.

"Rainbow Dragon(4000/0), appear!"

The vanishing particles of Rainbow Overdragon came together behind her and formed into the visage of Rainbow Dragon, the beast roaring proudly. Rarity's hair fluttered softly as she spun in place, hand brought back over her shoulder, and thrust it out, her clothing and hair sweeping in her wake.

"Rainbow Dragon, attack!"

Rainbow Dragon opened its jaws as it summoned energy from the seven gemstones in its scales. It thrust its head forward and fired a beam of searing light. The figure gritted his teeth and closed his eyes as the attack struck him.

The flames surrounding the two disappeared as Rarity started to feel a bit dizzy and fell back.

"Rarity!" shouted Juniper as she caught the girl from hitting the ground. "Are you okay?"

"Quite, darling. I just... felt a bit light-headed, is all," stated the fashionista, leaning back to her feet with Juniper's assistance.

The fashionista placed a hand on her forehead as she tried to keep her head from pounding. It faded as the two looked to see the downed Shadow Duelist but were surprised he wasn't there. They both looked up to see Isaac still talking, and they decided to make their way to him.


"Well, it seems our time has unfortunately come to an end. But rest assured, Isaac. We will meet each other again." said the voice on the phone as it sensed Rarity and Juniper coming closer. "The pieces are starting to fall in place, and this game will be unlike anything you've experienced. Good luck in your duel tomorrow against your friend; one wonders if she's part of this game as well."

A dark mist surrounded the Shadow Duelist, holding the phone as the person began to laugh; the smoke soon disbursed evilly, and the stranger was gone. The evil laugh was fading in the distance as Isaac looked up. The door to his office burst open as Juniper came in.

"Isaac! Are you okay?" asked Juniper as she approached her client.

"I'm fine, Juniper," said the World Champion as he pulled her in for a quick hug to assure her he was okay. "What about you two? Are you good?"

"Well, a little banged up. But nothing a trip to the spa can't handle," said Rarity as she appeared with her hair a bit messy and some scuff marks on her flawless skin. "So... darling, what was all that about?"

"I have no idea. But... it's clear there's something big coming," said Isaac as he turned his back to both women and leaned against the window, giving a farout look.

The scene changed to show someone wearing a dark cloak with their face hidden. In front of them was a chessboard, and they stood behind the side with all black pieces. The person sitting in the chair was shown as they extended their arm and pointed at the other side of the board. Three white pieces then appeared as they retracted their arm.

"All the pieces are starting to come together," snickered the figure.

The three white pieces began to glow, as the first was a king's chess piece.

"Isaac."

The piece next to the king glowed as it was the Queen piece.

"Twilight."

Soon, the piece next to the king began to glow, a Bishop piece.

"Rarity."

The figure smiled under the shadows as three pieces of the opposite board had already been taken. The remaining spots on the board remained empty as the figure put their fingers together.

"Soon... the 13 pieces will reveal themselves. And then... the game begins," cackled the figure as it echoed around them.

Author's Notes: It seems things are starting to slowly become more and more clear. Also, since I last wrote a Yugioh story, there has been more cards added to the Crystal Beast archetypeso that means Rarity will have more firepower for her deck, including her new monster, Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon to match her other monsters. And as for the fashionista herself, her fashion empire has been doing well. And the minions of this evil identifythemselves as Shadow Duelists; and the conversation between Isaac about how this game is like a chessboard and that pieces are needed. Now the question is: Who are the remaining 13 pieces that will be a part of this game?