The ride back to CHS was rather quiet. Curfew was nearly upon the teens as they needed to return to school grounds before being discovered. As they exited the whaft, Mario tossed the keys to Zipp as she questioned why the boy handed her them while he just got into the passenger side quietly. During the drive, the heiress looked at her friend staring out the window since they left. She questioned, wanting to ask him, but with the deep expression he had, she doubted she'd get an answer even if she wanted to.
The teens entered the CHS parking lot and managed to make it just in time before curfew. As Zipp exited the car, she looked at Mario as the boy still had the same expression.
"Hey, Mario. You good?" asked the girl.
"Not tonight, Zipp," responded Mario as he didn't want to speak.
The boy walked past the heiress before she could pressure the question further.
"Hey! Just uh, thanks, you know, for the fun and the pegasus," said Zipp.
"Yeah, well… you're welcome," said Mario with a tilt of his head and walked on.
Zipp looked at Mario; a small smile came across her face as she looked at the prize he won and gave her, which made her heart beat a bit.
"Knew it!"
Zipp turned to see Flurry Heart standing behind her with her arms crossed and a devious smile.
"What do you want?" asked the heiress.
"You like my cousin, don't you?"
"What, no… Maybe?" confessed the heiress as she rubbed her neck.
"Girl. I know my cousin is hot," said Flurry Heart as she placed her hand on her hip.
"I mean, he is. I mean, no! He's my friend!" said Zipp.
"So? You can't admit your friend is hot?" countered the Crystal Prep.
"No, I mean… I know he's hot. I mean, I know your cousin is hot. I mean… shit!" said Zipp as she was mixing her words.
"Girl. You ain't the first one my cousin has this effect on," said Flurry, as she knew how girls were around her cousin. "Attractiveness runs in the family. I should know." The girl smiled as she had tons of boys interested in her. "So, what do you like about my cousin?"
"I don't know… I mean, he's… cool, smart, hot, wait a minute, why am I telling you this?!" said Zipp as she looked at Mario's cousin.
"Word of advice, princess. Don't take too long to shoot your shot unless you want to lose my cousin to your sister," smirked Flurry as she walked past Zipp.
The heiress looked at the Crystal Prep girl, and she gave her a look while watching her walk away. Zipp didn't appreciate Flurry mentioning her sister's name as she still had some anger toward her for what she did to Pipp, but she couldn't deny what she said about Mario. The girl kicked a stone in defiance as she headed to her dorm building.
"So, let me ask you, Isaac? Do you find some solace in your family life?"
The World Champion was currently doing a podcast as he was promoting the Super Showdown PLE that was already sold out. The pro duelist sat in a comfy chair as he leaned back, answering and talking with the podcast host about some questions.
"Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah. My kids are in school. They're the best. I couldn't ask for anything more." said Isaac. "I mentioned earlier the schedule I have. And I'm so blessed that despite my busy schedule for the past 15 years or so, I've been able also to spend time with my family. And my wife, Twilight. I give her props for putting up with my and my duties. If I'm being fair, if you asked me 20 years ago if I ever see myself starting a family, I'd probably say no. Mainly because Duel Monsters is my first love, and I'm not gonna put anything before that, including relationships and family. But nowadays, I get it. And now here we are, and we've had two kids, and uh, she's the best. No other way to put it. It's hard for me to shut down from the business because I'm in it so much, and I do love it so much, but like… if ever there had been a time where it wasn't my first love, having my wife and my kids probably has taken that over I would say. It's probably now number two."
"So if you two ever get into arguments or fights at home, is it… you know, are you two pulling out your decks and dueling right then and there?" asked the host with a chuckle.
"I wish! You know how much easier that would be than having to do with a woman's emotions?!" responded Isaac as he laughed hearing that statement. "A lot less dangerous, right? No, I mean, Twilight can hold her own. She's one tough duelist, you know. It's one of the reasons why she stole my heart. She can duel her ass off. Luckily, we don't argue very much; knock on wood, like we're pretty much on the same page, which is dope, but like the times that I have frustrated her, it's like, okay, let me just go get you a new book to calm down and I'll stay away for a minute and let you do your thing."
"You know, it's such a cool link up from an outside-looking-in standpoint and just like these two different people who share a similar work coming together. It's dope."
"Appreciate that, man. Thank you."
"Well, as you know, Super Showdown. The biggest PLE of the year when it comes to Duel Monsters. And this year, your opponent is someone who you know. Some who you have a history with. How are you feeling about this match?"
"Applejack is one tough gal. I've known her since high school and had battles with her before this. Our last duels with each other, we tore the house down. And when Super Showdown comes, I do not doubt we will do it again. As for the outcome, well… Before our big duel overseas in the UK, I told Aj that the best duelist may win. And I'm saying the same thing again. Applejack, I know you think this might be another main event for me. But this means just as much as it does to you. You've only had four appearances at Super Showdown, and this time around, you're in the main event. But understand there's a difference between a main event that lasts one night and a main event that's life-altering."
Once the podcast was done, Isaac rested in the lounge area of the studio as Juniper had her tablet and looked at their next set of duties.
"What's next?" asked the World Champion as he began to rub his neck.
"Well, we have to shoot some scenes for the hype package between you and Aj for Super Showdown. After that, charity event and then signing some autographs," said Juniper.
"Right," said Isaac as he tried to get the crick out of his neck. "Juniper, do you mind?"
"My pleasure," smiled the woman as she got up and approached the duelist from behind.
Juniper leaned over and placed her hands on Isaac's shoulders as she began attending to her client's needs. The World Champion felt the tension leaving his shoulders as he leaned back and sighed, enjoying the stress fade away. As Juniper worked her magic, the small earbud in her ear rang as she tapped it to accept the call.
"Yes?" asked the woman as she spoke to the voice on the line. She then looked at Isaac as she whispered into his ear.
The World Champion gave a nod to the woman as she handed him his phone and tapped her earpiece to transfer the call to his device.
"Hello?" said Isaac.
Mane Melody was busy as usual. Pipp was shown in one of the backrooms as she was going through some stuff for the salon. Ever since her loss to Roxanne, the girl had lost her will to pick up her deck. She couldn't get over the fact that not only did she lose, but she embarrassed herself, her classmates, and Sweetie Belle by losing to their competition. The popstar teen felt that Roxanne might have been right and didn't belong on the field with the others and her sister. She could see they were miles above her and that she would only be a burden to her friends.
"Ms. Petals!"
The girl yelped as she nearly dropped the container of product she was holding. Ms. Prim Hemline then appeared as the door to the stockroom opened, and the woman glared at the teen.
"Yes, Ms. Prim Hemline?"
"Are you ready?! We are about to open!" shouted the woman.
"R-Right away!" said the girl as she grabbed the box of products and rushed past her boss for the salon's opening.
After a few minutes of restocking stuff and tools, Rocky, Jazz, and Pipp stood before Ms. Prim Hemline as she called for the teens to address them directly.
"Listen up! I am expecting a very special guest today! And today's performance hinders you all not messing up! Am I clear!"
"Yes, ma'am!" said the three student interns as they all went to their respective stations while Ms. Prim Hemline opened the doors and allowed the group of customers that had gathered out the door to enter.
"Okay, Pipp. Focus. Don't mess this up." said the girl to herself, as she didn't want to screw up another thing.
The shop performed and ran quickly for the first few hours of the salon's opening. As for Pipp, her mind was distracted from the self-doubt inside as she did her job of pleasing customers and performing when scheduled. All in all, the stylist was having a good time.
"Oh, I love it!" said the woman Pipp had just finished priming up as she looked at her hairstyle in the mirror.
"I totes agree!" smiled Pipp as the woman grabbed her phone, left a review of her experience, and rated Pipp's work five golden stars.
The teen saw it on her phone, and her eyes lit up with stars as she giggled.
"I'll be sure to come back!" said the woman as she handed the girl a decent-sized tip.
"We'll be waiting!" sang Pipp as she waved at the retreating figure. "Next person in line!"
The girl held her smile as a person sat down in her chair.
"Soo. What can we do for you at Mane Melody, where we sing while we style!" sang the girl as her voice harmonized.
"Can I just please look at your styles, darling?" asked the person in the chair as they had sunglasses over their eyes and wore a headscarf.
"We have tons of options available. Everything from perms to mohawks to even bangs!" said the girl as she did her job advertising the different styles.
"I only have one request. Surprise me," said the woman.
"W-What?" said the girl as she blinked a few times before looking in the mirror.
"Surprise me," confirmed the woman.
"Um… o-kay," said the girl, as she had no clue what to do with the lady's hair.
The teen gulped as she carefully removed the woman's headscarf while the sunglasses remained. The girl touched the woman's purple curvy hair as she tried to figure out what style to give it.
"You know, I heard this place used to be a boutique," said the woman.
"Uh, yeah," responded Pipp nervously, still trying to figure out what to do, and noticed the woman's phone on the table with the app open to rate her review. The girl grabbed a clipped and turned it on.
"I heard back in the day this was the premiere spot to get the latest fashion trends," said the woman in the chair.
Pipp was still nervous as she took the woman's words in one ear and out the other. All she looked at was the phone with the stars on it and felt the pressure starting to get to her; the girl felt a PSTD of Roxanne commanding her monster to attack her. The girl was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice she brought the haircut machine close to the woman's hair and cut off a part of it. Pipp saw what she did as she gasped in shock, seeing that she made a bald spot on the back of the woman's hair. Her gasp didn't go unnoticed as the woman in the chair heard it.
"What happened?" asked the woman.
"Uh, uh, n-nothing," responded Pipp nervously while backing away.
"Give me a mirror. I could feel it. Something happened to my hair, didn't it!" shouted the woman as Pipp nervously reached out to give the woman a small mirror.
Upon realizing the girl's error, she gasped and then screamed out loud that the entire building shook, and some passing people outside looked at the building for a moment.
"Oh, no," said Pipp.
"Ms. Petals!" yelled Ms. Prim Hemline as her boss appeared before the girl.
The teen gulped as she was in serious trouble.
The popstar teen sat in a chair outside of Ms. Prim Hemline's office. The girl's boss was inside talking with the woman Pipp had cut their hair as some noises were heard. Jazz and Rocky sat across from their friend as they worried Pipp's internship with Mane Melody was about to be terminated for what she did to a client.
"It's gonna be okay, Pipp," said Jazz as she tried to offer support for her friend.
"Who knows, maybe you won't be fired," said Rocky nervously.
The door opened, and there stood Ms. Prim Hemline.
"Ms. Petals!" stated the woman in a fierce tone.
The girl gulped as she entered the office, and the door closed behind her.
"Maybe she will," stated Rocky as Jazz elbowed her crush in the side for jinxing their friend's firing.
Inside, Pipp leaned against the door as Ms. Prim Hemline sat at her office, with only the light from the window entering and allowing the teen to see her boss' face.
"Do you have anything to say, Ms. Petals!"
"I'm… sorry," said the girl as she felt like her career was over.
"You disgraced the very name of this establishment and profession. I told you everything needed to be perfect, and what did you do? You chipped off not just a client's hair but a very special one! That was the special guest I had invited to speak with!" shouted Ms. Prim Hemline, which made Pipp gasp. Knowing that the client she cut the hair off of was her boss' guest assured the girl she'd be terminated instantly.
"I would love nothing more than to fire you on the spot!" yelled the woman as she pulled out Pipp's contract and looked ready to rip it in half.
The teen felt like her world was crumbling before her. First, she lost at the hands of Roxanne, then her little mistake that would cost her her job. The buzz would transfer as she would lose her social media reputation and literally be the final straw to make her life crumble.
"But… you might be in luck."
"Huh?" said the teen, lifting her head to look at her boss.
Ms. Prim Hemline placed the contract on the table as she looked at her intern.
"The client is willing to give you one chance to redeem yourself. However, should you fail, you are terminated immediately."
Pipp gasped after hearing that proposition. On one hand, she was relieved she wasn't fired… just yet, but on the other, this was her last chance to make up for her mistake, and if she failed this, then it was over for her.
"So… what's your response?" asked Ms. Prim Hemline as she tapped her fingers rhythmically against the table, creating a sound that echoed Pipp's heartbeat.
The pop star was currently in the nearby alley next to Mane Melody. Jazz and Rocky were with their friend as the girl had informed them about her last chance to avoid being fired. Neither knew what this last chance involved until Ms. Prim Hemline found the three students and walked forward. The three looked at their boss before she stepped to the side and revealed to the client that Pipp cut their hair off. The headscarf hid the bald spot, but it became visible when the woman removed it. All three stylish tugged at their collars at how bad it looked exposed for all to see.
"Please. I'm sorry," said Pipp as she knelt and begged the woman to show her mercy.
"Get up, Ms. Petals! Have some dignity!" yelled Ms. Prim Hemline to the girl for embarrassing herself.
"You realize what you did to me, correct?" asked the woman as she peered through her sunglasses at the teen. "In my profession, my looks are a key point to what I do as a business."
"I'm sorry. I really am. I don't know what else to say." said Pipp. "I'm willing to do anything to make this right."
"Indeed you are. Very well then, pull out your deck," said the woman.
"H-huh?" said Pipp as she looked at the woman.
"Did I stutter?" asked the woman.
"You heard her, Ms. Petals!" yelled Ms. Prim Hemline.
The girl looked at her friends as they didn't know what to make. The popstar teen just complied, pulled out her duel disk, and looked at it briefly. The girl had more flashbacks to her duel with Roxanne as the girl's mocking laugh and taunts continued to remind her of her failure. As the girl strapped on her duel disk, the woman did the same as she took off the sunglasses she wore. In doing that, Jazz and Rocky gasped at seeing the woman's face. Pipp took a second to register the woman's face as she eventually did the same; she now realized the client she gave the bald spot to was not just anybody. It was none other than Ms. Prim Hemline's boss and owner of Mane Melody.
"You're… you're… you're…."
"Rarity, darling. Now… let's duel!" said the woman with a scowl at the girl who ruined her hair.
"Opponent detected. Streaming data. Duel mode set. Initiating. Commencing duel." said their duel disks as Pipp's device projected an aquamarine color card tray while the fashionista projected an indigo card tray.
Pipp's Life Points: 8000-
Rarity's Life Points: 8000-
Turn 1: Pipp (Hand 5)
"Go ahead and take the first move, dear," taunted Rarity.
"R-Right," responded Pipp nervously as her hand shook upon her reaching for the top of her deck.
As soon as she put her fingers on it, her mind raced with images of her duel with Roxanne as she clutched her head. The pop star winced as Rarity noticed it. Once she regained stability, she drew her card to look at her hand.
"I… summon Canon the Melodious Diva(1400/2000) in defense mode," said the girl as she nervously summoned her monster before her. "That's all."
Turn 2: Rarity (Hand 5)
"Very well," said Rarity as she expected more from the student of her little sister. "Now… I'll begin by playing this. My Crystal Tree." Out emerged a small blue crystal twig that had the pot it was in also a crystal with seven different color light bulbs that were also crystal.
"Looks more like a twig than a tree," said Jazz, as Rarity's tree wasn't all that grand.
"Don't be fooled by its appearance. Now… I summon my Crystal Beast Amythest Cat(1200/400)!" A violet amethyst gem appeared before it cracked open, revealing a white feline wearing a golden collar with the stone. "Now I activate Amythest Cat's special ability. She can attack you directly by slicing her attack points in half!" The cat rushed forward, leaped over Pipp's monster, and went straight for the girl. Pipp saw the feline coming at her as it lunged forward, and she covered herself up. The monster pinned her down and raised a claw to strike at her, which phased through but still hurt momentarily.
Pipp's Life Points: 7400-
Rarity's cat got off the girl and returned to her mistress's side. The feline growled at Pipp as it seemed to have gotten the dog scent from the girl and disliked it very much. Pipp managed to get up but was a bit scared after coming face-to-face with a killer feline.
"Next, I play the spell card, Crystal Bond. So now I add a 'Crystal Beast' from my deck to my hand and place one 'Crystal Beast' in my spell and trap card zone. So I add my Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle and place my Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle(300/300) in my backrow!" stated the fashionista as a red gem appeared behind her feline. As she did that, one of the light bulbs on Rarity's tree lit up the same color as the gem and glowed.
"Why did that light up?" asked Pipp as she noticed it.
"Simply, dear. My tree bears fruit for every Crystal Beast I place in my spell and trap card zone. Now, I place one card facedown and end my turn."
Turn 3: Pipp (Hand 5)
"My turn then," said the girl as she drew nervously.
"If I may…" said Rarity as she got Pipp's attention. "Please do something more this turn."
"I'll try…" said the popstar as she looked at her hand. "Since I control a 'Melodious' monster, I can summon my Sonata the Melodious Diva(1200/1000). And her special ability gives all my Fairy-type monsters 500 extra attack and defense points. Then, I'll switch Canon into attack mode. And now… I attack your Amythest Cat with my Canon. Singing Strike!" The monster opened her mouth, and a soundwave was shot toward the feline as it shattered upon impact. The soundwaves coursed toward Rarity, who stood there as a violet gem appeared alongside her red one. Another light lit up on her tree as it was violet.
Rarity's Life Points: 7300-
"Now, Sonata, your turn!" instructed Pipp as she commanded her second monster to strike. The other diva opened her mouth to fire another soundwave as Rarity covered up this time.
Rarity's Life Points: 5600-
"Next, I'll activate Canon's ability to switch her back into defense mode," stated Pipp as she turned her card sideways on her tray. "I end my turn."
Turn 4: Rarity (Hand 3)
"Not bad, dear," stated Rarity as she drew her card to look at it before looking at Pipp. "Why do you hold back?"
"Excuse me?" responded Pipp.
"I can tell you're holding back, specifically, out of fear."
Pipp took in Rarity's words as images of her previous bout flashed. The girl winced a bit as Rarity noticed it.
"Tell me, what are you afraid of?" asked the fashionista.
"It's… nothing," sighed the girl.
"Are you sure?" asked the fashion designer as she looked at her hand and picked out a card. "Now, I activate the other effect of my Crystal Tree. By sending it to the graveyard, for however many fruits it produces, I can place that many 'Crystal Beasts' in my spell and trap card zone. So, since I have two fruit, I can place two 'Crystal Beasts' in my backrow. So I choose my Topaz Tiger and Amber Mammoth!" Rarity held out her two cards as a yellow and orange gem appeared alongside the purple and red one.
"I'm jealous. I want priceless gems for my deck," commented Jazz, as she was slightly envious of Rarity's legendary deck.
"They say only a true duelist can master the Crystal Beasts," said Rocky to his friend, as it was clear Rarity's skills made her worthy of wielding such a powerful deck.
"Ready for the next part, Ms. Petals?" asked Rarity as she was shown holding a card before showing it. "I activate Crystal Promise. So now I target one of my 'Crystal Beasts' in my backrow and summon them. And I choose 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. The fashionista smirked as she looked at the popstar teen.
"When Ruby Carbuncle is special summoned, all of my crystalized Crystal Beasts in my backrow are released!"
"All of them?!" shouted the teens as Pipp was about to have trouble.
"Amber Mammoth(1700/1600), Topaz Tiger(1600/1000), and Amythest Cat, 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, orange, and violet gems behind it. The gems glowed brightly as they 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 collar studded with yellow gems stepped from the rubble, and Rarity's white lioness appeared beside her comrade.
All four animals appeared before Pipp as she took it all in. With her eye for detail, the girl noticed how Rarity and her monsters shined. The sparkle they had blended perfectly together, like the actual colors of the rainbow. Pipp looked at Rarity as the teen saw how confident the fashionista was. Her poise and grace, how she dominated the field and didn't sweat it. The pop teen wished she had the same confidence level as the fashion designer.
"Now, I activate my Amythest Cat's special ability!" said Rarity as her lioness took off, bypassed Pipp's monsters, and struck the girl.
Pipp's Life Points: 6800-
"Next, Topaz Tiger, attack her Sonata!" said the fashionista as her tiger raced forward.
"Sonata has more attack points than your tiger!" stated Pipp.
"Is that so? In my career, one must never judge so easily. Talent can be hidden deep inside anyone. Like my Topaz Tiger, whose special ability activates! It gains 400 extra attack points whenever it battles your monster!" said Rarity.
"What?" said Pipp as she saw the tiger leap high into the air. The tiger came down on her monster as an explosion happened.
Pipp's Life Points: 6500-
Pipp covered up with an arm as Rarity's tiger returned to its mistress' side. The fashionista looked forward through the smoke as her hair swayed in the wind. The wind died down as Pipp dropped to a knee, and her mental breakdown kicked in. She began to hear Roxanne's voice echo in her mind as she clutched her head.
You don't belong here, Ms. Popstar.
You'll never be a true duelist.
Gem-Knight Master Diamond, attack her!
You're a phony! You're a fake!
"No! No! No!" said Pipp as her hands shook. "I can't do this. Not again! Not again."
Rocky and Jazz saw their friend in disarray as they knew how badly her loss in that duel with Roxanne shook her. The girl was struggling to silence the echoes in her mind as she wanted nothing more than to crawl under the covers of her bed and forget about it.
"Get a hold of yourself!" shouted Rarity.
Pipp heard Rarity's voice through the echoes as she looked at the fashionista.
"Let me tell you something. You may not know this, but I had my share of screw-ups before I became famous in fashion. I screwed up with dresses, the looks, and even the styles as well!" stated Rarity as she recounted her time when she was Pipp's age and working for Ms. Prim Hemline as an employee. The woman also recalled Rarity's service to her back then as she began to recollect her mistakes. "And as for my dueling skills, I was in the same position as you."
"You… you were like me?" said Pipp as she was curious upon hearing someone like Rarity say that.
"I had more screwups with dueling than I could count. I never had the same initial passion for the game as my friends, but I didn't let my mistakes stop me. I kept going, and I finally achieved my goal. I may have encountered some bumps in the road, but I didn't let that stop me. I kept going, no matter how many mistakes I made." Rarity told Pipp that she improved her skills as a duelist and realized her dream of creating a fashion empire from scratch.
Pipp took Rarity's words of wisdom as they resonated with the girl. She began to reflect on her own life and friends.
"Not everyone can become a great artist. But a great artist can come from anywhere," spoke Rarity.
"A great artist can come from anywhere," muttered Pipp as she let those words sink in.
The popstar teen soon found herself starting to stand up as she firmly planted her feet. Rarity smiled as Pipp had a different expression than the one before. The teen raised her hand and placed it on top of her deck.
Turn 5: Pipp (Hand 5)
"It's my turn! I draw! And I summon Opera the Melodious Diva(2300/1000)!" A tiny girl with pink hair appeared, wearing a blue opera dress with the trim having musical notes. "She can't attack the turn she's summoned, but that's not an issue. Because I'm switching my Canon back to attack mode and equipping her with this. Cestus of Dagla! This gives her 500 extra attack points!" stated Pipp as her other diva strengthened. "Now, Canon, attack her Amythest Cat!"
"I activate Amber Mammoth's special ability. So, like the big hero he is, he steps into the line of fire!" stated Rarity as her giant pachyderm moved in front of its comrade and tanked the soundwave from Pipp's monster before exploding and leaving behind an orange gem that floated to her backrow.
Rarity's Life Points: 5400-
"I must say, Ms. Petals. Now, you're starting to come out," said Rarity with a smile.
"I place one card facedown and end my turn," said the teen.
Turn 6: Rarity (Hand 3)
"It's my move now! Here goes! And I'll begin by playing my Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle(1400/800) in defense mode!" A blue gem appeared as it cracked and revealed a brown eagle wearing a collar with the gem as bits of it along its wings. "Now I activate my Cobalt Eagle's special ability. Once per turn, I can target a 'Crystal Beast' I control and place it on the top of my deck. So I choose my Ruby Carbuncle!" Rarity's small monster returned back to her hand in its card form as she placed it on top.
"Next, I activate my Amythest Cat's special ability again!"
"Oh, boy," said Pipp as she knew what was coming. The feline rushed at her as she raised her duel disk to block the cat's jaws; it sank into the device before she pulled away and retreated.
Pipp's Life Points: 5900-
"I end my turn."
Turn 7: Pipp (Hand 3)
"It's my move! And I activate the field spell, The Sanctuary in the Sky!" Around Pipp, the field changed to show them above the clouds with a sanctuary behind her. "With this field spell, I don't take any battle damage involving my Fairy-type monsters. Now, Canon will attack your Amythest Cat!" Pipp's diva opened her mouth to belt out her soundwave attack as the cat flinched before being destroyed. A violet gem appeared in Rarity's backrow next to her orange gem.
Rarity's Life Points: 4700-
"I now reveal my facedown, Crystal Boon! Thanks to this trap, I can summon my Amber Mammoth and Amythest Cat back to the field!" said Rarity as she snapped her fingers, and both gems shattered to release both animals.
"I just got rid of that cat," muttered Pipp.
"I do so love a functional accessory. And these gems are well worth their weight and more," smiled Rarity at her beloved creatures. "Furthermore, I get a boost to my Life Points based on the total attack strength of my two Crystal Beasts."
Rarity's Life Points: 7600-
"Well, I'll just get rid of that feline again. Opera, your turn!" instructed Pipp.
"Amber Mammoth, do your thing!" said Rarity as her monster stepped before its comrade to tank the hit and was destroyed, causing an orange gem in her backrow.
Rarity's Life Points: 7000-
"Thank you. Because now I activate the second effect of my Crystal Boon."
"Second effect?" said Pipp.
"Indeed. Since a 'Crystal Beast' was placed in my spell and trap card zone while in the graveyard, I can banish my trap to excavate the top card of my deck. And if it's a 'Crystal Beast,' then I can either add it to my hand or summon it." smiled the fashionista.
"So that's why you used your Cobalt Eagle's ability last turn," said Pipp, as she already knew Rarity's top card was her Ruby Carbuncle she purposely placed there.
"Correct," smiled the woman as she showed off her Ruby Carbuncle. "I think I'll keep my sweet and adorable little Ruby."
"She's good," stated Rocky as Rarity's skills blew away him and Jazz. To think their head boss had this level of dueling, given her line of work, really added to the testament she gave to Pipp earlier about how she worked hard to improve her skills just as she did for her fashion dreams.
"I end my turn!" stated Pipp.
Turn 8: Rarity (Hand 4)
"My turn. I think I should introduce another one of my Crystal Beasts. Meet my Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus(1800/1200)!" An indigo gemstone appeared in front of Rarity and shattered, and a winged white horse with an indigo horn appeared, flying out of the shards.
"Amazing!" said Jazz as she and Rocky were in awe at how majestic Rarity's Sapphire Pegasus was.
"Dashing, isn't he?" smiled Rarity.
"Yeah," confirmed Pipp with a smile at the awe of the creature. "But uh… why does it have a horn? Shouldn't it be called Sapphire Alicorn instead of Pegasus?" questioned the teen at naming the creature despite the key detail.
"Details, details, darling.… 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 I choose my Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise!" stated Rarity as a green gem appeared next to her orange one.
"That's all seven!" said Rocky as Rarity had managed to bring out each of the seven monsters her deck centered around.
Pipp also saw the shining glow emitting from Rarity's field as it was bathed in a rainbow light. The teen then remembered the portrait hanging on the wall in Mane Melody, which showed a dragon surrounded by seven different colored gems. At that moment, the girl looked at Rarity with a new outlook.
"So… that picture hanging on the wall?" asked Pipp.
"Like I said, I wouldn't be where I am if I didn't know my humble roots. My Crystal Beasts have been with me since the very start. I couldn't possibly forget them." said Rarity as she looked at her monsters, who all turned to look at their mistress as she saw them smiling at her.
"Amazing," said Pipp as she looked at her monsters and then her deck, wondering if she might have that same connection with hers as Rarity.
"However… I am far from done. I play the spell card Crystal Beacon! Since I have at least 2 'Crystal Beasts' in my spell and trap card zone, I can bring out a different one from my deck."
"But, but, but… I thought there were only seven 'Crystal Beasts,'" stuttered Pipp.
"Correct. But thanks to a dear friend of mine, I've got a bit more support for my deck. So please welcome 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.
"No way!" said Pipp as she was in awe at Rarity's new beast.
"Now, I activate my Amythest Cat's special ability. Slashing her attack points in half allows her to strike you directly!" instructed Rarity as her feline rushed forward and took another bite out of Pipp's Life Points.
Pipp's Life Points: 5300-
"Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon, attack her Canon!"
"Due to my field spell, I won't take any battle damage!" said Pipp as she covered up while her monster was destroyed. "And before my monster is destroyed, I'm gonna activate my facedown, Musical Mayhem. Now you take 800 points of damage for every 'Melodious' monster I control!"
Rarity's Life Points: 5400-
Rarity's beast fired a white energy beam as it took out Pipp's diva, resulting in the girl covering up.
"I then activate the spell card, Rare Value! Since I control 2 or more 'Crystal Beasts' in my backrow, you decide which one to send to the graveyard, and in exchange, I draw two cards. So, what's it gonna be?" asked Rarity.
"I choose your Amber Mammoth," said Pipp as she pointed at the orange gem and disappeared.
"Very well," said Rarity as she drew and looked at the cards she picked up, "I place one card facedown and end my turn."
Turn 9: Pipp (Hand 3)
"My turn!" said Pipp, hoping to draw something to help her. "Perfect! I play Polymerization! And fuse my Opera with my Mozarta the Melodious Maestra in my hand!" said Pipp as both of her monsters appeared and were sucked into a swirling vortex. "I Fusion Summon! Bloom Diva the Melodious Choir(1000/2000)!" A flower bud appeared as its petals began to drop to reveal the songstress inside.
"Now, Bloom Diva, attack her Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon!" instructed Pipp. "Due to my monster's ability, it can't be destroyed by battle or card effects. Not only that but any battle damage I would have taken, you take instead of me!" declared Pipp as the small songstress put her arms out and opened her mouth to send a soundwave toward its foe.
Rarity's beast opened its mouth to repel the attack. The two met as the small diva pushed the attack back and destroyed the bigger beast. A white gem appeared in Rarity's backrow as it shined.
Rarity's Life Points: 3400-
"I end my turn."
Turn 10: Rarity (Hand 3)
"You've dueled well, Ms. Petals," smiled Rarity; Pipp couldn't help but smile as she looked at her hands and saw they were no longer shaking. The fear that was once in her following her loss was gone, as if the battle with Rarity reminded her of why she loved to play.
"Now then… I play this. Crystal Overfusion!" shouted Rarity, holding her card between her fingers.
Rays of violet light shone from Rarity's card. Above her in the air, the images of Sapphire Pegasus, Cobalt Eagle Topaz Tiger, and Amythest Cat appeared. In front of her, the crystalized forms of Emerald Tortoise, Amber Mammoth, and Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon appeared and glowed.
"By banishing Crystal Beasts cards in my graveyard, and on my field, either as monsters or as spell cards, I can conduct a Fusion Summon!" The crystalized 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 these 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. 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 and scales, light in seven colors pulsing within them. It hovered above Rarity and roared, the force shaking the field.
"Magnificent…" said Pipp in awe at the sight of Rarity's beautiful beast.
"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 Pipp in disbelief.
Rainbow Overdragon spread its wings as Bloom Diva lit up in seven-colored lights 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. Pipp's monster vanished, and she was left with nothing.
"I now activate the effect of my 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." Rarity's duel disk ejected the card she used and held it out as its appearance changed to that of her monster. "Rainbow Dragon(4000/0), appear!"
The vanishing particles of Rainbow Overdragon came together behind her and formed the visage of Rarity's new beast. The light in the air above them shone brighter, the silhouette of a long, serpentine dragon appearing within it. With the sound of a mighty roar, the light cracked and broke apart. From the shards came a giant white and gold dragon in a rainbow aura, massive white wings spreading into the air, and gemstones in seven colors embedded in its scales. It descended behind Rarity and coiled in the air above her, glaring at Pipp with golden eyes beneath a crested helmet of white and gold.
Pipp's eyebrows lifted, and she gasped. She had seen the card design several times, but this was the first time she had to see it in its natural beauty. Safe to say it didn't disappoint.
"Oh… my… glitter!" squealed the pop star at the sight of such a majestic card, "Such a beautiful beast! The size, the colors! I almost feel jealous."
"Thank you," said Rarity with a bow, "I'll let you see its power for itself. But first, I play this spell card, Flock Together."
"What is that?" asked Pipp as the card appeared right side up on Rarity's field.
"Simple. I place one monster in my deck faceup in my spell and trap card zone as a continuous spell."
"But you're out of monsters. The only one left is your Ruby Carbuncle in your hand," said Pipp as Rarity banished all her monsters to summon her Rainbow Overdragon and then banished that to bring out her Rainbow Dragon.
"First rule of fashion, dear. Always have backup designs. Which is why I have more than just one copy of my Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon," said Rarity as another white gem materialized before her.
"Uh oh," stated Pipp, as she knew what that meant.
"Quite so. Now I play Crystal Promise to release my Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon and summon it!" shouted Rarity as she held out her card that shined brightly and caused her white gem to crack before revealing said beast.
The roar from Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon got Rarity's other dragon to roar as two power behemoths stared down Pipp.
"Now, my beloved darlings, finish her!" commanded the fashionista.
Both dragons opened the command of their mistress as they opened their mouths to charge their attacks. Pipp could only watch as she had nothing to save her; within seconds, both dragons fired their attacks as it conversed into one solid beam and pelted the popstar teen, knocking her to the ground with a scream.
Pipp's Life Points: 0-
Winner: Rarity
Rarity's portrait showed as it had the words: winner beneath it. The field began to change back to normal as the fashionista dusted herself off before ensuring her hair was still in place. She then began to approach her challenger as Pipp sat up. The girl just looked at her hands before seeing Rarity standing before her; the fashionista extended her hand, which Pipp accepted and allowed her to pull her to her feet.
"How do you feel?" asked Rarity.
"I feel… confident," said Pipp as the nerves of dueling again were gone. "Thanks."
"My pleasure," smiled the fashionista. "But… I was serious about giving you one chance to redeem yourself."
The teen gulped as Rarity walked over to speak with Ms. Prim Hemline. The two ladies talked as they shifted glances at Pipp, deciding what her future would be in regards to Mane Melody. The popstar teen had her nerves return as she feared she would still be fired. After a few minutes, the two ladies finished speaking as they approached the teen.
Inside Mane Melody, Rarity sat in a chair as Pipp was behind her. Pipp cracked her fingers and stretched before she grabbed the haircutter and hairdryer. The girl looked determined as she looked ready to finish what she started before leaning the chair Rarity sat back on to wet her hair in a sink.
One, two, three, four
Bring that hind right through the door
Pipp then reclined the seat Rarity was on as she wet her hair with soap and water and washed it down to eliminate the poofiness.
Five, six, seven, eight
You're not leaving here 'til you feel great
Pipp then brought more tools as she ruffled Rarity's hair in determination to get it done. She styled the fashionista's hair with four tools at the same time, with the first two sets she started out and the other two, which were with a brush and a straightening iron while fixing Rarity's hair.
Shine bright, sparkling glow
Flick that hair with a flow like woah
She then bit down on the hair as she straightened it out with the straightening iron and cut a piece of loose hair that was sticking out as Pipp smiled at her progress.
Vibe... you're on it
You're a brand new person so flaunt it
Hey
Pipp continued to brush, comb, blow, and straighten out until she covered Rarity's hair and got the hair dryer blowout machine on top of her. She twirled the woman around and did some style as Rocky and Jazz in the shop gasped at Pipp's amazing work as she struck a pose on the stage, holding the haircutter machine in her left hand.
Pipp then took off the kiwis in Rarity's eyes as the fashionista looked at her reflection and tried to process how she looked. "It's... it's...!" She tried to find the right words for it.
The girl's friends bit their nails nervously while Ms. Prim Hemline stood with her arms behind her back as she awaited her boss' opinion to determine whether Pipp still kept her internship.
"It's… Fabulous!" said Rarity as she adored what Pipp did to her hair to fix her bald spot.
"One more thing," said Pipp as she pulled out a purple leather jacket with studs from a nearby clothing rack.
Rarity grabbed the jacket and put it on before leaving her seat. The fashionista looked at herself in the mirror as she liked her new look. In addition to the purple studded leather jacket, the fashionista had a spiked cuff around her left wrist. However, the most amazing thing was her hair which Pipp had styled in a punk fashion, died yellow and green along with some of her purple hair.
"I love it!" said Rarity as she pulled out her phone and pressed the five-star review. Pipp's eyes widened.
"Congrats, Ms. Petals. You stay," said Ms. Prim Hemline the girl couldn't believe it before Rocky and Jazz hugged her, glad to see their friend wasn't getting terminated.
While the three teens were celebrating, Ms. Prim Hemline approached Rarity and whispered.
"You really believe her?" asked the woman to her boss.
"She's just like me," confirmed Rarity as she saw a bit of herself in the popstar teen. "Keep an eye on her. Who knows, she might run this place once you've decided to retire."
"That'll be the day," said Ms. Prim Hemline as she felt Pipp had a long way to go if she ever had any intentions of owning this salon.
"Well, as much as I'd like to stay, I believe my time is up," said Rarity as she grabbed her purse and began to walk before turning to her former boss. "I'll send you the new designs I want you to start selling in the salon."
"Of course. Take care, Rarity," said Ms. Prim Hemline as she watched her former employee leave out the door.
Pipp noticed the door closing as she broke free from her friend's hug. A limo was pulled up as Rarity entered the back and was about to leave when she noticed Pipp approaching the vehicle. She had the driver halt before rolling down the window to eye the teen.
"Thank you. For helping me get out of my flunk," said Pipp.
"It's no trouble at all, dear. I wouldn't be generous if I didn't help others see the beauty inside them. By the way, I was instructed to give you this from someone you might know." Rarity reached into her purse, pulled out a single card, and held it between her fingers. Pipp took the card and looked at it before glancing back at the fashionista, who began to roll up the window.
"I want to be like you!" declared Pipp as the window began to close.
"Darling, you can't possibly be me. For one thing, you're a trend follower… I'm a trendsetter!" smiled Rarity as the window closed.
Pipp was left with an open mouth at the roast Rarity gave her. The limo drove off before the girl could throw a fit at the little shade that Rarity threw at her. The fashionista held back a chuckle as she enjoyed a little fun with the teen. She reached into her purse to pull out her phone and tapped the video call button. Seconds later, the face of her contact appeared.
"Hey! Whoa!" responded Isaac as he saw Rarity's punk rock look.
"Well, do you like it?" asked the woman, wanting to get her friend's opinion.
"I don't know if like is the right word," said Isaac, "More like awesome."
"Well, I had someone special give me this," smiled the fashionista, "I did what you asked. She's got potential."
"Just like you, right?"
"Yes," confirmed the fashion designer with a smile. "By the way, I've completed your request, darling. I've got an outfit for you to wear for your duel with Applejack. A big stage and a big-time duel require you to wear magnificent attire."
"I appreciate that, Rarity. Send the images, and I'll have Juniper pay you," stated the World Champion.
Mario was in the school gym at CHS as he was practicing basketball shots. The boy bounced the ball before taking a position and jumping to take his shot. The ball went in, and he recovered it on the rebound before standing in front of the hoop and looking to make another basket. He stopped when he sensed something behind him as there was Pipp.
"What do you want, chica?" asked the boy as he bounced the ball and took another shot.
"Thanks."
"For what?" asked Mario as he scooped the ball and took another shot.
"For sticking by me when I was crybaby. I know you probably didn't want me to keep using you as a cry pillow."
"Eh," shrugged the boy as he made another basket.
"But I'm ready now. I got my confidence back. And I'm ready to help Sunny and the others." said Pipp, wanting to get back into the swing of things.
"Yeah, well, good for you," said Mario as he didn't pay much attention.
The boy made another throw as the ball hit the backboard before going in. The teen smiled when Pipp quickly snuck in and kissed him on the cheek. He turned to look at the girl, who winked and smiled at him before walking away. Mario watched the girl leave before walking over to the ball and looking to pick it up. As he bent over, he began to recall something.
"Hello?"
"Dad."
"Mario.…"
"Listen. I'm not calling you because I want to talk to you! I'm doing this to help someone. That's it!"
"... Alright. What do you need, son?"
"Can you get ahold of Aunt Rarity? There's someone at Mane Melody who could use some advice."
"Pipp, right. You're in luck; that's who I was referring to during Winter Break. I'll talk to her and see what I can do."
"Thanks."
"Mario… I love you. You know that. No matter what, son… I will always love you."
"Yeah, right…."
The call ended as Isaac sighed, hearing his son's response.
Author's Note: Well, it seems Pipp had finally gotten her confidence back. With some help from everyone around her, our social media popstar girl is back and ready to be a part of Sunny and the others for the Friendship Games. However, it seems Flurry does know about Zipp's little fascination toward her cousin and trying to tell her not to wait and risk losing him to her own sister. But Sunny now has one less thing to worry about assembling her team, apart... from the obvious.