Rarity and Applejack’s Signer Marks reappeared on their flanks, glowing briefly to signal their return. The hummingbird geoglyph in Cloudsdale faded away. Rarity let out a sigh of relief.

“Rainbow,” said Applejack, with a slight smile. “Ya did it.”

The train suddenly screeched to a halt, and Applejack fell into Rarity, as inertia sent them tumbling down the aisle and into the wall. “Ow…”

“Spike!” Applejack snapped. “Warn us next time!”

The door to the engine car opened, Spike giving an embarrassed smile. “Sorry. The station snuck up on me…”

“It’s quite alright, Spike,” said Rarity, as she and Applejack untangled themselves from each other. “Give us a minute, will you? I’ll knock when we’re ready to go on.”

“Uh, okay,” said Spike, closing the door.

Applejack opened the door to the station, and gazed out at the empty streets of Manehatten. “So Ah’m up, huh?”

“Applejack,” Rarity mumbled softly. “I know how difficult this must be for you.”

Applejack nodded, adjusting her hat to hide her eyes. “It’s something Ah’ve gotta do, though. Whether Ah want to or not, Ah can’t let her.”

“Applejack?” Rarity asked. “Are you crying?”

“Ah’m fine,” said Applejack, trotting out onto the platform. “See ya later, Rare. Good luck to ya.”

“…Good luck to you, Applejack,” Rarity replied.

Applejack kept trotting, pausing only to watch the train pull away from Manehatten Station. Once she lost view of the train, she turned to look down the street and saw Apple Bloom standing there.

“Apple Bloom!” Applejack gasped, galloping up to her.

“Glad ya made it,” said Apple Bloom, turning to trot down the street.

“Where do you think you’re goin’?” asked Applejack, trotting after her.

“To the rune circle,” said Apple Bloom. “Might as well duel near the thing yer lookin’ for.”

Applejack nodded, and they trotted in silence. Apple Bloom stopped by a park overlooking the ocean. “Aren’t ya gonna say something?” she asked, staring out over the water.

Applejack blinked in surprise. “Uh, y-yeah… Why are you a Dark Signer?”

“…Ah remember when you told me how you got your Cutie Mark,” Apple Bloom said. “Ya came here for a change of pace, Rainbow’s Sonic Rainboom led ya back home.”

“Yeah,” said Applejack. “What’s your point?”

Apple Bloom looked up at the dark clouds over the city. “It’s too dark and cloudy for a rainbow. There’s nothin’ for me to follow.”

“What do ya mean?” asked Applejack.

“Ah’ve been tryin’ to do anything Ah could to earn my Cutie Mark,” said Apple Bloom. “To help mah friends earn theirs. But it never turns out well, does it? Cutie Pox, Love Poison… Both were mah fault.”

“It’s not your fault,” said Applejack.

“Yes it is,” muttered Apple Bloom. “Even my efforts to help you and Fluttershy by finding the Dark Signers turned out badly. Ah killed mah friends, killed myself, and ended up hurting you.”

“Apple Bloom…” Applejack mumbled, pulling her into a hug. “It’ll be fine, sugar cube. Ah’ll help you.”

Apple Bloom narrowed her eyes, and pushed Applejack away. “Sorry, sis, but you’re not exactly the ‘rainbow’ Ah’m lookin’ for.”

“What do you mean?” asked Applejack.

“To become a Dark Signer, Ah needed a reason to live,” said Apple Bloom. “And mah reason was to help mah friends to finally earn our Cutie Marks and find our destinies. And the Earthbound God is exactly the guide Ah need.”

“What?” asked Applejack, taking a step back in surprise. “Apple Bloom, don’t you see what the Earthbound Gods are doin’?”

“If destruction is mah destiny,” said Apple Bloom, “then so be it. Ah will help mah friends. And if Ah follow the underworld’s instruction, Ah won’t screw it up.”

“There’s no such thing as destiny,” said Applejack. “Ponies do whatever they choose to do. Makin’ mistakes is a part of life.”

“And it’s what ended mine,” said Apple Bloom. “And your mistake will end yours.”

“What do you mean, mah mistake?” asked Applejack.

“You still have feelings for me,” said Apple Bloom. “That’s your mistake. If Ah win, the Earthbound God will kill you. If you win, the Earthbound God leaves me and Ah die again. There’s no alternative once the duel of darkness begins.”

Applejack’s eyes widened. “A-Apple Bloom…”

Apple Bloom’s Mark glowed, and purple flames erupted from the ground, slicing through the park, street, and even branching out to burn over the water. The flames reflected in the sky, as they formed the geoglyph of a killer whale. Applejack’s Signer Mark began burning, as did the Marks of all Signers.

Rarity glanced back at her Signer Mark as it began burning. “Applejack… I know how difficult this must be for you, but you need to be strong. If you, of all ponies, can’t bring yourself to defeat your sister…”

She turned to look out the window towards the direction of Fillydelphia. “…then what chance do I have against Sweetie Belle?”

Apple Bloom: LP 4000. Applejack: LP 4000.

“Ah’ll go first,” said Apple Bloom. “Draw! Ah summon Karakuri Soldier mdl 236 “Nisamu”!” A wooden biped machine appeared, wielding a sharpened piece of bamboo. [ATK1400. LV4]

“Karakuri?” Applejack questioned.

“Then,” said Apple Bloom, “Ah activate the Field Spell Karakuri Showdown Castle!” Lighting struck down, as gear began turning, raising a large, traditional temple up. Several cannons slid out of the walls about half way up.

“Ah didn’t know you were into Neighponese things,” said Applejack.

“Ah also activate the Continuous-Spell, Field Barrier!” said Apple Bloom. “As long as this card is on the field, we can’t activate another Field Spell and current Field Spells can’t be destroyed!”

“Is your Field Spell that important?” asked Applejack.

“Didn’t you know?” asked Apple Bloom. “Ah can only play mah Earthbound God when a Field Spell is active.”

“So you’re already settin’ up for that?” Applejack asked.

“Turn end,” said Apple Bloom.

“Apple Bloom,” mumbled Applejack. “At least try to talk to me.”

“The Signers and Dark Signers are destined to fight to the death,” said Apple Bloom. “Ah don’t think talking with each other is listed anywhere in the legend.”

“Gah, you’re so stubborn!” said Applejack. “There’s no such thing as destiny! Even if Ah was always meant to be a Signer or whatever, doesn’t mean everythin’ is meant to be! Ponies choose what to do on their own!”

“Then Ah choose to follow the underworld,” said Apple Bloom.

Applejack felt her eyes water a bit, before shaking her head. “Then Ah guess Ah do have to fight ya, because Ah choose to stop the underworld! Mah turn, draw! Ah summon Bird of Roses!” A bird made of plants appeared, flapping its rose tipped wings. A third rose topped its head. [ATK1800. LV4] “Battle! Bird of Roses, attack Nisamu!”

“Nisamu’s effect activates!” said Apple Bloom. “When this attack position card is targeted for attack, it is changed to defense position!” [DEF200] Bird of Roses flapped its wings and sent a blast of wind that tore apart Nisamu. “Nisamu’s effect activates! When destroyed by battle, Ah Special Summon a Karakuri from mah deck! Ah Special Summon another Nisamu!” Another wooden machine, armed with a spear of bamboo appeared. [ATK1400. LV4]

“Dang it,” muttered Applejack. “Ah end mah turn!”

“Mah turn,” said Apple Bloom. “Draw! Ah summon Karakuri Ninja mdl 919 “Kuick”!” A tall, bipedal machine made of wood appeared, wielding a different knife in each hand. In its left was an ordinary dagger, while the right hand held a kunai. Around its waist, three shide were hanging from a rope belt. From the back of its head, black hair styled like a ponytail stuck out. [ATK1700. LV4]

“Why would you summon a Monster with less ATK than mah card?” asked Applejack.

“Battle!” said Apple Bloom. “Kuick attacks Bird of Roses! At this time, Ah activate the effect of Karakuri Showdown Castle! When mah Karakuri targets mah opponent’s Monster for battle, Ah can change that Monster’s battle position! Ah change Bird of Roses to defense!”

“What?” gasped Applejack. The cannons on the temple blasted the ground near Bird of Roses, who instinctively raised its wings for protection. [DEF1500]

“Mah Monster is now capable of destroying yours,” said Apple Bloom. “Do it, Kuick!” Kuick slashed its dagger, slicing Bird of Roses in half.

“Bird of Roses’ effect!” said Applejack. “When destroyed, Ah’m able to Special Summon 2 Plant-Type Tuner Monsters! Ah Special Summon Spore!” A fluffy, white fuzz covered seed with big blue eyes appeared. [DEF800. LV1] “And Cherry Blossoms!” A cluster of cherry petals appeared, drifting in front of Applejack. [DEF500. LV1]

“Kuick’s effect,” said Apple Bloom. “When it destroys a Monster by battle, Ah Special Summon a level 4 or lower Karakuri from mah Graveyard in defense position. Ah Special Summon Nisamu back to the field!” [DEF200]

“Are you kidding me?” asked Applejack.

“Mah attack position Nisamu attacks Spore! Thanks to Karakuri Showdown Castle, Spore is changed to attack position.” [ATK400] Nisamu raised its bamboo spear, and stabbed it right through Spore and into Applejack.

“Agh!” gasped Applejack, a trickle of blood dripping out of the new wound on her chest. [Applejack: LP 4000 –> 3000]

“Ah end mah turn.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! Ah summon Lonefire Blossom!” The bomb-flower sprouted up in front of Applejack. [ATK500. LV3] “Ah then release it to Special Summon Gigaplant!” Lonefire Blossom exploded and the twisted wall of plant matter and insect claws that was Gigaplant rose up, opening its mouth to reveal rows of razor sharp teeth. [ATK2400. LV6]

“Ah recognize that combo,” Apple Bloom mumbled.

“Did ya say something?” Applejack asked.

“No,” said Apple Bloom, avoiding Applejack’s eyes. “Just attack already.”

Applejack sighed. “Fine. Battle! Gigaplant, attack Kuick!”

“Kuick changes from attack to defense position when targeted for battle!” said Apple Bloom. [DEF1500] Gigaplant slashed Kuick to pieces.

She keeps avoidin’ damage, Applejack thought. “Ah set a card and end mah turn.”

“Mah turn, then,” said Apple Bloom. “Draw! …It’s over.”

“What do you mean?” Applejack asked.

“Ah release mah two Monsters,” said Apple Bloom. “along with the souls of this city!” Both of Apple Bloom's Nisamu vanished, and a stone heart rose into the air, and drifted out to pulse over the ocean. The black fog hanging over Manehatten was sucked in with each beat.

Applejack’s irises shrank, and she took a step back. “No… Apple Bloom, please don’t!”

“Sorry,” said Apple Bloom, “but its destined to be. Descend, Earthbound God Chacu Challhua!” A beam of light shot down from the heart into the water. The waves began crashing over the rails on the side of the street, as the ground shook beneath the two ponies’ hooves. Splashing above the surface was a large, black killer whale. Its underside was solid purple, while purple markings ran along its back and where its eyes should be. It opened its mouth to reveal a pitch black abyss inside it. [ATK2900. LV10]

Applejack gulped, as she stared up at Chacu Challhua. “So this is your Earthbound God…?” She looked down at Apple Bloom, and her eyes widened. “Apple Bloom? Are you cryin’?”

A tear ran down Apple Bloom’s cheek, as she kept her gaze fixed on the ground in front of her. “Battle! Earthbound God Chacu Challhua, attack Applejack directly!” Chacu Challhua dove into the water, its fin sticking above the surface as it swam beneath the ground. Its fin carved through the street, and slammed into Applejack, tossing her back.

“Agh!” Applejack screamed, as her body bounced and rolled a few yards down the street. [Applejack: LP 3000 –> 100]

“Ah set two cards,” said Apple Bloom. “Turn end.”

Applejack shakily got to her hooves, limping slightly as she staggered back, stopping near the crevice Chacu Challhua tore in the street. “Mah turn… Draw… Ah Normal Summon Gigaplant again to give it its Gemini Effect. Once per, Ah can Special Summon a Plant or Insect from mah hoof or Graveyard.”

“The Earthbound God can’t be targeted for attacks,” said Apple Bloom, “leaving me open to attack. It wouldn’t take much to beat me…”

Applejack paused, and took a deep breath. “Ah Special Summon Botanical Lion from mah hoof!” The wooden lion with a mane of flowers appeared. [ATK1600. LV4] “For every Plant Ah control, Botanical Lion gains 300 ATK! Ah have three Plants! [ATK2500] …Ah’m sorry, Apple Bloom. Gigaplant, direct attack!”

“Continuous-Trap activate!” countered Apple Bloom. “Brilliant Shrine Art! All attacks are now redirected to mah Earthbound God!”

“No!” gasped Applejack. “Trap activate! Urgent Tuning! This card lets me Synchro Summon during the Battle Phase! Ah tune mah level 1 Cherry Blossoms to mah level 6 Gigaplant!” Cherry Blossoms burst into a green Tuning Ring, as Gigaplant burst into six level stars, which were then channeled through the ring. “Chilling flames engulf the whole world. Pitch dark flower, set into bloom!” A burst of violet light shot through the ring, shining behind Applejack. “Synchro Summon! Bloom, Black Rose Dragon!” The rose adorned black and red dragon spread her wings, letting out a roar at Chacu Challhua. [ATK2400. LV7] “When Black Rose Dragon is Synchro Summoned, Ah destroy all cards on the field! Black Rose Gale!”

“Trap activate!” countered Apple Bloom. “Fake Trap! This card is destroyed in place of mah other Trap card! And Field Barrier is destroyed instead of mah Field Spell!”

“But you still lose your Earthbound God!” said Applejack.

Black Rose Dragon flapped her wings, calling up gale force winds filled with razor sharp rose petals. The petals tore through Chacu Challhua and Botanical Lion, shredding them to bits. Once she destroyed all the cards she could, Black Rose Dragon burst apart in a shower of soft petals, drifting away on a gentle breeze.

“Chacu Challhua is already destroyed…” Apple Bloom mumbled. “Ah sacrificed innocent ponies… for nothin'…”

“Cherry Blossoms’ effect activates!” said Applejack. “As Ah used it for a Synchro Material Monster, and the Synchro Monster Ah Summoned was destroyed, Ah can Special Summon a Monster from mah hoof with the same type as the destroyed Synchro Monster! Ah Special Summon Blue Rose Dragon!”

A small dragon with a similar body type to Black Rose Dragon appeared. Its tail was covered in thorns, and its wings and body were covered in thick, blue rose petals. Green leaves grew off its head and tail, and its wide, orange eyes stared around in curiosity. [ATK1600. LV4]

“It’s still the Battle Phase,” said Applejack. “Blue Rose Dragon, direct attack!” Blue Rose shot out a small burst of blue flames, which engulfed Apple Bloom.

“Agh!” [Apple Bloom: LP 4000 –> 2400]

“Apple Bloom!” Applejack gasped, as Apple Bloom fell to the ground sobbing.

“Ah’m fine…” Apple Bloom mumbled. “Stop carin’ for me…”

“Stop carin’?” Applejack asked, leaping over the crevice in the street. She winced in pain upon landing, but shook it off and limped over to Apple Bloom. “Ah thought you said that was mah mistake? Wouldn’t a Dark Signer want me to make mistakes?”

“Not if…” Apple Bloom sniffled.

“You didn’t want to be a Dark Signer?” Applejack asked, as she reached her sister.

“Ah tried, Applejack,” Apple Bloom mumbled, pulling Applejack into a hug. “Ah thought… if Ah followed destiny Ah’d still be fine, but Ah still screwed up… Ah can’t stand lookin’ at you knowin Ah’m supposed to kill you… Ah can’t do this…”

Applejack smiled. “Then choose not to. Ah keep sayin’ destiny is nonsense.”

“Ah…” Apple Bloom mumbled, wiping the tears from her eyes. “Ah choose… to stop. Ah’m sorry, sis…”

Applejack smiled, tightening the hug. “Ah forgive you, sugar cube…”

“The rune circle yer lookin’ for is in the fountain over there,” said Apple Bloom, as the two stood up.

“Got it,” nodded Applejack, limping over towards it.

Apple Bloom started to follow, before a dark aura washed over her, causing her to collapse to the ground. “AHH!”

“Apple Bloom!?” Applejack gasped, turning around. “What’s wrong!?”

“Ah… Ah…” Apple Bloom stuttered, her muscles slackening momentarily. She stood back up, and looked up at Applejack, her eyes glowing purple. When she spoke, her voice echoed. “I am a Dark Signer. It is destined that we fight to the death.”

“Apple Bloom?” Applejack asked again. “W-What are you sayin’? What’s goin’ on?”

Apple Bloom let out a short laugh. “You don’t get it, do you, Signer? The pony you knew as Apple Bloom is dead. I am a Dark Signer. Her body is nothing but a puppet for the underworld, forced to do what I please.”

“You…” Applejack mumbled. “You took control of mah sister?”

“My turn,” said Apple Bloom. “Draw! I set two cards, and end my turn! Proceed, Signer! Kill your sister if you can!”

Applejack trembled, narrowing her eyes in anger. “And after she wanted to quit, too…”

“Does the Crimson Dragon let you quit?” asked Apple Bloom. “Why should I release control over her after I went through the trouble of reviving her, then?”

Applejack gritted her teeth. “Mah turn, draw! Ah summon Rose Witch!” A bipedal female with thorny vines for arms, and a red rose on her head appeared. [ATK1600. LV4] “Battle! Blue Rose Dragon, direct attack!”

“Trap activate!” countered Apple Bloom. “Premature Revival! I Special Summon an Earthbound God from the Graveyard. However, whenever it battles, my opponent will take no damage! Return, Earthbound God Chacu Challhua!” The killer whale rose out of the ocean behind Apple Bloom. [DEF2400. LV10]

“No!” Applejack gasped. “It can’t be back already!”

“Chacu Challhua’s effect!” said Apple Bloom. “As long as it is in defense position, my opponent cannot conduct their Battle Phase!”

“Are you kiddin’ me!?” Applejack gasped. “Ah set a card, and end mah turn.”

“My turn,” said Apple Bloom. “Draw! Chacu Challhua’s effect! Instead of attacking, I can deal damage to you equal to half of Chacu Challhua’s DEF! Signer, it’s over! Take 1200 points of damage!”

Chacu Challhua dove into the water, and began to swim towards Applejack, its fin carving into the street again.

“Trap activate!” countered Applejack. “Hallowed Life Barrier! Ah discard a card from mah hoof to reduce damage Ah take this turn to zero!” A shield formed around Applejack, deflecting Chacu Challhua away.

“So you prolonged your death?” Apple Bloom asked. “Fine. I end my turn.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw!" Ah’ve gotta get rid of that damn Earthbound God this turn. "Ah activate the Quick-Play Spell Trap Booster! Ah discard a card from mah hoof to activate a Trap from mah hoof! Ah activate Two-Pronged Attack! By destroying mah two Monsters, Ah can destroy a Monster you control!”

“Oh?” smirked Apple Bloom.

“Ah destroy Blue Rose Dragon and Rose Witch!” said Applejack. “And you lose your Earthbound God again!”

“Continuous-Trap, activate!” countered Apple Bloom. “Safe Zone! I target a Monster I control. As long as this card is on the field, the targeted Monster can’t attack my opponent directly, but in exchange it can’t be destroyed! I target my only Monster, Earthbound God Chacu Challhua!”

“No!” gasped Applejack, as her two Monsters were destroyed while Chacu Challhua remained unharmed.

“Your hoof is empty, as is your field,” smiled Apple Bloom. “I’m afraid you’ve lost, Signer.”

“…Sorry to disappoint you, but Ah’m not done. Blue Rose Dragon, when destroyed, lets me Special Summon Black Rose Dragon back to the field!”

“What!?” gasped Apple Bloom, as Black Rose Dragon flew up from behind Applejack, roaring at the Earthbound God. [ATK2400]

“Ah activate Black Rose Dragon’s effect!” said Applejack. “Ah banish a Plant-Type Monster from mah Graveyard to force Chacu Challhua into attack position and lower its ATK to zero. Ah banish Gigaplant! Rose Restriction!”

Black Rose Dragon roared, and her thorny tendrils grew out, ensnaring Chacu Challhua, and dragging it out of the ocean, slamming it in front of Apple Bloom. [ATK0]

“Impossible…” muttered Apple Bloom. “Don’t you know what’ll happen once you win? Your sister will perish!”

Applejack felt her eyes tear up. “Ah guess that’s the mistake Ah’ll need to live with. Battle! Black Rose Dragon, attack Earthbound God Chacu Challhua! Black Rose Flare!” Black Rose Dragon shot a stream of dark purple flames out of its mouth, which pierced through Chacu Challhua , striking Apple Bloom.

“Agh!” Apple Bloom screamed, as she was knocked back into the railing at the edge of the ocean. [Apple Bloom: LP 2400 –> 0]

Applejack’s Signer Mark stopped glowing, as the flames of the geoglyph died down and dissipated. Applejack limped over to Apple Bloom, who opened her eyes on her approach.

“Looks like you’re back to normal,” Applejack said, giving a soft smile.

Apple Bloom smiled back. “Way to go, Applejack… Ah... Ah know Ah’m supposed to clean up mah own messes, but… This one time, could you…?”

Applejack pulled Apple Bloom into a hug. “Don’t worry. Ah’ll fix things.”

Apple Bloom sniffled a little. “Thanks, Applejack. You’re the best…”

Apple Bloom dissolved into dust, leaving Applejack hunched up by the ocean on a torn up street. Applejack forced herself to stand, shaking slightly from the pain, as she limped over to the fountain, and stepped into the rune circle.

She held up Black Rose Dragon’s card, causing the circle to change from purple to bright crimson before it shattered. Upon shattering, orbs of light began falling from the sky, turning back into the ponies of Manehatten upon reaching the ground.

Applejack paid them no mind as the ponies returned, instead choosing to sit in the fountain. She removed her hat, and held it to her chest, as tears ran down her cheeks.