Yu-gi-oh/MLP Season 1 Chapter 25
Battle of the Numbers
"Best of luck, Twilight!" Pinkie wished her friend. She, Spike, Tempus, Shining, and Applejack were all there to wish her luck, standing in the corridor leading to the stadium. "Kick his creepy ass." Spike added as he hugged Twilight. "Yeah, don't come all this way just to lose to a psycho midget with anger issues." Applejack added from the back of the group. "Make me proud, sis." Shining said with a smile.
"Twilight," Tempus began. "I heavily advise you to be careful. Tron won't be your only enemy out there." Twilight nodded and headed out to face Tron. The man didn't seem to have anything to say to her, already standing on his place at the stadium. That was fine by Twilight; she didn't want to hear his horrid taunting.
"IT'S THE FINAL MATCH OF THE WORLD DUEL CARNIVAL! TWILIGHT SPARKLE VERSUS TRON ARCLIGHT!"
As the crowd roared, a yellow grid-like sphere appeared out of the edges of the platform they were on. Starswirl floats back, attempting to view the whole thing, and finds that he is stopped by the edge of the barrier. He and Twilight look at each other in fright. Tron simply looks on in amusement as the platform rises into the air, high above the stadium.
"IN ORDER TO MAKE OUR FINAL MATCH MORE INTERESTING, DOCTOR FAKER HAS GRACIOUSLY SUPPLIED US WITH A NEW FIELD: THE SPHERE FIELD! WITH IT, THE TURN PLAYER CAN SUMMON A RANDOM NUMBER MONSTER USING TWO MONSTERS OF THE SAME LEVEL FROM THEIR HAND! BUT IF YOU DO, THAT MONSTER WILL BE DESTROYED WHEN IT HAS NO OVERLAY UNITS!"
"So we're encouraged to use our numbers to the fullest." Starswirl points out. Tron impishly giggled. "How interesting! Let's make full use of it. I draw! I use the effect of Sphere Field to overlay the Level 4 Heraldic Beast Aberconway and Eale in my hand!" Tron takes the two cards and throws them into the sky, where they overlay into Number 56: Gold Rat in defense position. (Rank 1/600) "Fascinating. I end my turn."
"Tron, it's time someone stopped you!" Twilight declared. "I draw! I also use the effect of Sphere Field, overlaying the level three Ebon Synchron and Cloud Magician in my hand!" Twilight casts the cards into the air, where they overlay into Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction. (Rank 3/3000) "Acid Golem, attack Gold Rat. Acid Splash!" Acid Golem raised his arm and crushed Gold Rat with ease. "A number that will take full advantage of Sphere Field's drawback, considering Acid Golem's drawbacks when it has no overlay units." Starswirl notes. "I set a card and end my turn."
Tron giggled again. "Time to stop playing. I draw!" "Brace yourself, Twilight." Starswirl warns. "I suspect he will bring out far more numbers than last turn." "Correct you are, Starswirl!" Tron replies, shocking Starswirl. "First, I use the effect of Sphere Field to overlay the second Aberconway with my Heraldic Beast Twin-Headed Eagle!" He tosses the cards into the sky, overlaying into Number 10: Illumiknight. (Rank 4/2400)
"I activate Illumiknight's effect to detach an overlay unit and replace a card in my hand." The knight absorbs an overlay unit into his sword as Tron discards and draws a card. "I then use the effect of Aberconway in my graveyard, banishing it in order to add another to my hand!" The spectral image of Aberconway appears and bows before disappearing as Tron adds the second copy to his hand.
"I then overlay my recently recovered Aberconway with Heraldic Beast Leo using Sphere Field!" Tron tosses the cards into the air, creating Number 20: Giga-Brilliant. (Rank 3/1800) "I use the effect of Sphere Field a third time, overlaying my two level four Heraldic Beast Unicorns!" Tron tosses them into the sky once more, creating Number 8: Heraldic King Genome-Heritage. (Rank 4/2400)
"WOW! THREE NUMBER CARDS AT ONCE! TRON HAS JUST PERFORMED A NUMBER HAT TRICK!"
"I activate the effect of Giga-Brilliant, spending an overlay unit to increase its attack by 300." The insect devours an overlay unit, then roars at Twilight. (Giga-Brilliant 1800-2100) "I then activate the effect of Genome-Heritage, spending an overlay unit so that it steals attack this turn." Genome-Heritage absorbs an overlay unit into its mask.
"Genome-Heritage, attack Acid Golem with Flash Impact!" Genome-Heritage twists its body into a masked duplicate of Acid Golem. (Heraldic King Genome-Heritage 2400-3000) (Acid Golem of Destruction 3000-0) The beast then clobbers the original golem, the force of the attack pushing Twilight and Starswirl back to the end of the barrier. (Twilight 4000-1000) Genome-Heritage then switches back to its normal form. (Heraldic King Genome-Heritage 3000-2400)
"I activate my face-down Shatter-Stop!" Twilight replies. "Since Acid Golem was just destroyed, your monsters with less attack can't attack!" Acid Golem returns, blocking Tron's remaining monsters. Tron smiles. "I end my turn. You know, Twilight, a thought occurred to me. Why are you treating me with such hostility? After all, it's Doctor Faker who kidnapped Ruby Rose, not me."
"But you were the one who hurt Sunset all her life and abused your daughters." Twilight replies. "Don't get me wrong, Doctor Faker will answer for what he's done, but you're first in line. I draw!" "Twilight, I suggest you match Tron's display of numbers." Starswirl advised, which Twilight agreed with. "I overlay the two level one Magical Pupils in my hand using the effect of Sphere Field!" Twilight throws the cards into the sky, creating Number 34: Terror-Byte in defense position. (Rank 3/2900)
Not what I was hoping for, Twilight thought. But I can work with this. "I activate the spell Xyz Treasure, drawing one card for every xyz monster on the field." All the xyz monsters on the field glow as Twilight draws four cards. "I then use the effect of Sphere Field with the level 3 Flare Magician and Cloud Magician in my hand!" Twilight throws the cards into the air, creating Number 39: Star Sparkle. (Rank 4/2500) "I then overlay my level four Break Magician and Necromancer with Sphere Field!" Twilight tosses the cards into the air, creating Number 6: Critter Fighter Dragon. (Rank 6/0)
"TWILIGHT HAS JUST MATCHED TRON'S NUMBERS WITH HER OWN! IT'S A BATTLE OF THE NUMBERS!"
"You'll be able to use Critter Fighter Dragon's ability without fearing Genome-Heritage's reprisal, due to the drawback of Sphere Field." Starswirl noted. Twilight smiled. "I'll show you the wishes of your daughters, Tron. I activate the effect of Critter Fighter Dragon, detaching an overlay unit to make it the strongest monster on the field. Draconic Dominance!"
The dragon devours an overlay unit, then lets out a mighty roar. (Critter Fighter Dragon 0-2600) It felt kinda funny to Twilight, wielding the monster that had previously frightened her, even if it was due to Fluttershy's crest. "I attack Giga-Brilliant with Star Sparkle. Star Power!" Star Sparkle fires an energy beam at Number 20, devastating it. (Tron 4000-3600)
"Critter Fighter Dragon, attack Genome-Heritage with Fiery Fury!" The dragon flies over to the beast, and Tron is about to activate his monster's effect, but reminds himself of the field spell and lets the attack go through. (Tron 3500-3300) "The effect of Critter Fighter Dragon would deal damage to you equal to Genome-Heritage's attack, but I activate the spell Damage Transfer, destroying a monster you control with equal or less attack."
Critter Fighter Dragon fires on Illumiknight, destroying it. "I end my turn." Twilight felt a growing sense of uneasy. Despite just wiping out Tron's monsters, he was in as good a mood as ever. In fact, he seemed to be even more chipper than usual. Something wasn't right. "You think you've accomplished anything?" The dwarf asked. "All you've done is get me worked up! I draw!"
"I activate the effect of Heraldic Beast Unicorn in my graveyard, banishing it to revive an xyz monster with its effects negated." Number 10: Illumiknight appears from the graveyard, lacking his color. "I then use the other Unicorn's effect in my graveyard, reviving Genome-Heritage." Genome-Heritage joins Illumiknight. "I then activate Heraldry Reborn, bringing back my Heraldic Beast Berners Falcon." The falcon flies out of the graveyard, joining the two numbers.
"I then activate Berners Falcon's effect, making all other monsters I control level four." The falcon flies into the sky and creates into a display of light that shines down on the two xyz monsters. (Illumiknight Rank 4 – Level 4.) (Heraldic King Genome-Heritage Rank 4 – Level 4) "I use my level four Illumiknight, Berners Falcon, and Heraldic King Genome-Heritage in order to build the overlay network! I xyz summon the embodiment of my hate, Number 69: Heraldry Crest!" (Rank 4/2600)
A wave of power sweeps out of the new number, chilling Starswirl and Twilight to the bone. "What is that thing?" Twilight asks. Tron cackles in triumph, taking off his mask to show his full face. "You see, there's been a reason for all my despicable acts over the years. Despite the fact that they're all good fun, they've been inspiring hatred and anger, which Heraldry Crest is empowered by. Now, witness his terrible power, as he towers over all other monsters like a parent to a child. While Heraldry Crest is out on the field, it steals the effects of all other monsters! God Medallion Hand!"
Three pink strands of energy fly out of Heraldry Crest in the form of hands and reach into all three of Twilight's monsters, draining them of their power. "AHAHAHAHA! You walked right into my trap, making all those delicious xyz monsters for Heraldry Crest to absorb! I activate the effect of Critter Fighter Dragon, spending an overlay unit to make Heraldry Crest the strongest monster on the field. Draconic Dominance!" Heraldry Crest devours an overlay unit and lets out a mighty roar. (Heraldry Crest 2600-2700)
"I then activate the effect of Heraldic Beast Leo in my graveyard, banishing it to decrease the attack of Critter Fighter Dragon by its own." Leo appears from the graveyard and roars at Critter Fighter Dragon. (Critter Fighter Dragon 2600-600) "Heraldry Crest, attack Critter Fighter Dragon with God Rage! Realize the folly of your precious bonds, Twilight Sparkle, and fall to the power of hate!" Heraldry Crest fires an energy beam from its horn towards the dragon. "Don't count me out yet. I activate the effect of Shatter-Stop in my graveyard!" Twilight counters. "By banishing it and an xyz monster from my graveyard, I can reduce the damage I would take by that monster's attack." Acid Golem reappears to block the fire from hitting Twilight. However, the dragon is still destroyed.
"How cute." Tron mocks. "But I activate the effect gained from Critter Fighter Dragon, dealing damage to you equal to your destroyed monster's attack." Heraldry Crest lets loose a barrage of fire at Twilight. (Twilight 1000-400) "You cannot do anything but mope and cry! I end my turn."
Twilight turned to Starswirl. "We only have one chance. We have to form Zexal!" Starswirl nodded in agreement, and the two took on a purple and golden glow, respectively, before crashing into each other, forming Zexal. "It's our turn. I draw!" Tron rolled his eyes at the form. Even combined, the two stood no chance against him. The crowd, on the other hand, starts to cheer for Zexal.
"I use Star Sparkle in order to rebuild the overlay network! Chaos Xyz Evolution!" Star Sparkle retracts into his sealed form before entering the overlay network. "Appear, Chaos Number 39: Star Sparkle Nova!" (Rank 4/2500) "Yawn." Tron emphasized. "In case you hadn't noticed, Heraldry Crest still has your monster's effects, so your little redressing of Star Sparkle was pointless."
Zexal shakes their head. "There is always a chance, Tron. I activate the spell Seven Store, tributing Terror-Byte to draw one card, plus another for every overlay unit attached to it." Terror-Byte and its overlay units explode in a blinding flash of light. "Shining Draw!" Zexal declares as they draw their three cards. "I equip Star Sparkle Nova with the Zexal Weapon Lightning Blade in my hand!"
A white tiger appears only to be transformed into a sword that Star Sparkle picks up. (Star Sparkle Nova 2500-3700) "Star Sparkle Nova, attack Heraldry Crest with Lightning Nova Power!" Star Sparkle charges forward, his sword in hand. "Impotent fool." Tron replies. "I activate the original effect of Heraldry Crest. When your monster declares an attack, I can detach an overlay unit to destroy your monster. God Shatter!"
Heraldry Crest fires one of its overlay units at Star Sparkle. "I activate the effect of Lightning Blade, returning it to the hand to prevent Star Sparkle's destruction!" Star Sparkle throws the sword at the overlay unit, destroying it in mid-air. (Star Sparkle Nova 3700-2500) "But now your precious Nova is powerless. Heraldry Crest, counter attack with God Rage!" Heraldry Crest fires an energy beam at Star Sparkle.
"I activate the spell Spacial Fold! My xyz monster isn't destroyed, and you take the battle damage I would have taken." A portal appears in front of Star Sparkle, absorbing the energy beam. Another portal appears behind Tron, releasing the energy beam at him. (Tron 3300-3100) "I re-equip Star Sparkle Nova with Lightning Blade!" The tiger reappears and forms a sword for Star Sparkle once more. (Star Sparkle Nova 2500-3700) "I set a card and end my turn."
Tron drops his smile. "I've indulged this little fantasy long enough, but now it's time for you to die like your stupid, naive parents! I draw! I then activate the effect of Star Sparkle Nova, spending an overlay unit to increase Heraldry Crest's attack by 1000 for every spell in my graveyard. Magical Potency!" Heraldry Crest absorbs its last overlay unit into its horns, and lightning gathers around it. (Heraldry Crest 2700-3700)
"I then activate the effect of Twin-Headed Eagle in my graveyard, banishing it to grant two overlay units to a Heraldry xyz monster I control with no overlay units." A two-headed eagle appears next to Heraldry Crest and fires out two overlay units for the monster. "I activate the effect of Star Sparkle Nova once more. Magical Potency!" Heraldry Crest uses another overlay unit, and gathers more lightning around it. (Heraldry Crest 3700-4700)
"Now, this time you lay down and die!" Tron yells out. "Heraldry Crest, fire on her monster with God Rage!" The number monster fires an energy beam, with lightning following it. "I activate my face-down Scrap-Iron Scarecrow, which negates the attack before resetting itself." A metal scarecrow appears and blocks the attack before lying back down on Zexal's side of the field.
"It would seem that Ruby Rose doesn't need to be present to be a thorn in my side." Tron grumbles. "I set a card face-down and end my turn." As he does, the lightning around Heraldry Crest dissipates. (Heraldry Crest 4700-2700) This is our last chance, Twilight, Starswirl comments inside Zexal. Are you ready? Zexal smiles. You know I am, Twilight answers, with a confidence built over all the time the two have been together.
"Shining Draw!" Zexal declares. "I equip Star Sparkle Nova with the Zexal Weapon Rainbow Peacock in my hand!" A multicolored peacock appears before transforming into a cloak for Star Sparkle to wear. "Rainbow Peacock will protect Star Sparkle from being targeted by your cards or effects. Now, Star Sparkle Nova, attack Heraldry Crest with Lightning Nova Power!"
As before, Star Sparkle charges towards Tron's monster with his sword in hand. "I've had enough of your games." Tron bitterly replies. "I activate my face-down Heraldry Burst! All spells and traps on your side of the field are returned to your hand, and the battle phase ends." A wind pushes Star Sparkle back, causing Lightning Blade and Rainbow Peacock to vanish alongside the face-down Scrap-Iron Scarecrow. (Star Sparkle Nova 3700-2500)
"During your end phase, you'll take 500 damage for every card returned to your hand. That means you lose, both of you! And I will finally get my revenge after all this time!" Tron bellows out his rant in a tirade of frustration. Zexal looks on him with pity. "You think you would have learned from Sunset, how living in nothing but blind anger and rage will do nothing but hurt yourself. But I guess there's only one way to show you the light."
"Since I control a Star Sparkle xyz monster, I can summon Rainbow Peacock without tribute." (Level 5/2100) "Then, it's effect lets me special summon a Zexal Weapon from my hand. Appear, Lightning Blade!" (Level 5/1200) "So what?" Tron spits out. "They're useless, just like you!" "Because now I can use my level 5 Rainbow Peacock and Lightning Blade in order to build the overlay network! The power of our bonds is to create miracles. Descend now, and show the power of hope everlasting! Xyz Summon! Appear, Zexal Weapon Alicorn Armaments!"
A shining stallion with the wings of a pegasus and the horn of a unicorn appears. (Rank 5/3000) "It doesn't matter!" Tron replies, trying to hide his fear. "Heraldry Crest will render whatever effect it has worthless. God Medallion Hand!" Heraldry Crest fires a pink energy hand at the stallion, but Alicorn Armaments creates a magical barrier that blocks the hand. "What?" Tron asks, bewildered.
"Alicorn Armaments is unaffected by the effects of your monsters." Zexal explains. "I now use its effect to equip itself onto Star Sparkle Nova!" Star Sparkle mounts the mighty steed, and the two take off into the sky. (Star Sparkle Nova 2500-5500) "I then activate Alicorn Armament's special ability! By detaching an overlay unit, it can destroy one monster you control with less attack than Star Sparkle, and deal damage equal to Star Sparkle's attack. Full Magic Shot!" An overlay unit is absorbed into Alicorn Armament's horn, and it fires a huge beam at Heraldry Crest. "NOOOOOO!" Tron cries out in vain as his monster is vaporized. (Tron 3100-0)
"TWILIGHT SPARKLE WINS THE WORLD DUEL CARNIVAL! WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!"
A sudden shift in the platform stops Zexal from appreciating the victory. Electricity arcs through the platform, hitting both duelists, causing them to react in pain. Once the electricity fades, their number cards fly away from them towards a hole in the center of the platform, save for Star Sparkle, as it was secured to the duel disk.
"I was honestly expecting Tron to win." Faker comments from the speakers. "But it doesn't matter. Your numbers are mine, as are your lives. Goodbye, Tron, or as your name was, Byron." The base of the platform explodes, causing the tower to lean towards Zexal. Tron is helpless to watch as he falls from his side towards Zexal's.
Zexal, quick on their feet, summons Lightning Blade and stabs into the platform, then grabs Tron as he passes them. "What are you doing, Sparkle?" Tron asks, bewildered. "Why would you save me after all I've done to you and your friends?" Zexal smiles. "Don't you remember anything from my parents? We always help those in need, no matter what!"
They then drop from the platform and change Lightning Blade into Alicorn Armaments, who catches them mid-air and flies them to the ground as the platform plummets. Zexal sets Tron down before Alicorn Armaments disappears and Zexal splits back into Twilight and Starswirl. "I suppose that is why you were able to beat me." Tron muses. "Your bonds really were stronger than my hate."
Twilight nods before looking up to Heartland Tower. "There's only one thing left to do; take down Doctor Faker and end this once and for all!"