Rainbow slowed down to catch her breath, when she felt her Signer Mark return. She glanced back at it with a small smile. “Knew you’d win, Twilight.” She looked on ahead, and saw a small village near the edge of the ocean. Taking a deep breath, she took off as fast as she could towards the village.

Just as she got up to speed, however, light flashed in front of her revealing Twilight had teleported directly into her path. “Look out!”

Twilight turned to see who shouted just in time for Rainbow to collide into her, and send them both tumbling across the ground through the village. “Ow… Rainbow! Watch where you’re flying, would you?”

“Why don’t you watch where you’re teleporting?” said Rainbow.

“Right,” said Twilight, rolling her eyes, “because I could clearly see this small town from all the way back in Canterlot!”

The two glared at each other for a moment, before giving a small smile. “Good to see you’re okay, Twilight.”

“Same to you, Rainbow,” Twilight replied. “You look exhausted, though.”

“Fighting in a duel of darkness right before speeding across the country is surprisingly painful and tiring,” said Rainbow. “What about you, though? You look even worse.”

“Long distance teleporting really takes it out of you,” said Twilight, rubbing her head. “And coming right off of my duel with Cheerilee… Well, I don’t think I’ll be able to cast spells again until I get some sleep.”

“Same with me and flying,” said Rainbow.

“Oh, are the Signers tired?” a voice rang out. “Well then, that won’t do. Here, let me sing you a lullaby so you can fall asleep…” Trixie appeared in a puff of smoke before them. “Fall asleep forever.”

“Trixie!” Twilight gasped.

“The one and only,” she smiled. “About one hour left. I was starting to think you wouldn’t show.” She gestured for them to follow, as she trotted to the edge of the village, were a large cave entrance was. Gates lined either side, but a large rune circle seemed to be holding them open.

“So this is the last rune circle, right?” Rainbow asked.

“Good guess,” smiled Trixie, before she broke into a frown. “Only two of you showed up, though? How disappointing. I was hoping I could show a larger audience the true power of Trixie.”

“We’ll just have to do, won’t we?” said Rainbow.

“Trixie,” said Twilight, “I know this isn’t you. You tried to stop the Ursa Minor, didn’t you? Why turn your back everypony like this?”

“Can it, Twilight,” muttered Trixie. “This isn’t a place for conversation, after all. Let the final duel of darkness begin! Tremble before the might of the Great Goddess, Trixie!”

Fluttershy sat alone on a piece of rubble, staring up at the sky, when she saw a shape approaching. “Princess Celestia!”

Celestia smiled, landing in front of her and letting Pinkie, Applejack, and Spike off her back. “Hello, Fluttershy.”

“Fluttershy!” Applejack smiled. “Good to see ya in one piece!”

“You too, Applejack,” Fluttershy smiled. “Pinkie Pie.”

“Look, Fluttershy!” said Pinkie, turning to show off her Signer Mark. “Cool, huh? I fit in with you all again!”

“You always did,” said Fluttershy, before she looked around in confusion. “Where’s Rarity?”

“It appears another alicorn already picked her up,” said Celestia, glancing towards Canterlot. “Hopefully she also picked up Twilight.”

Everypony looked to see Luna flying towards them from the direction of Canterlot, landing next to the group, and letting Rarity off her back. “Hello, girls.”

“Rarity!” Fluttershy smiled.

“Fluttershy, darling,” Rarity smiled, pulling her into a hug. “I owe you so much for defeating Gilda.”

“You don’t owe me anything,” Fluttershy mumbled.

“Sister,” Luna mumbled, looking at Celestia. “You’re back.”

“I’m sorry I left you alone like that,” Celestia said. “Can you forgive me, Luna?”

Luna’s eyes teared up, as she grabbed Celestia and pulled her into a hug. “Of course I forgive you! I was worried I’d never see you again, but you came back! How could I be upset about that?”

Celestia gave a small smile, returning Luna’s hug. “I still owe you an apology for the pain I must have caused you.”

“After the pain I caused you in the past?” Luna asked. “I’d say we’re more than even.”

“How sweet,” Applejack smiled.

“Hey, where’s Twilight at?” Pinkie asked.

“She wasn’t in Canterlot when I got there,” said Luna.

“Speaking of ponies that aren’t where they should be,” said Celestia, “where’s Rainbow Dash?”

Fluttershy looked down. “She flew on ahead to Tartarus.”

“What!?” Applejack gasped. “Ah thought we were supposed to handle Trixie together!”

“If we do a group teleport,” said Celestia, “we might still be able to catch them in time.”

Suddenly, all of the Signer Marks began burning. Everypony quickly looked towards the horizon, where the geoglyph of a condor was reflecting on the sky.

“Too late,” said Rarity.

“Twilight and Rainbow Dash are dueling already,” said Fluttershy. “Oh, please let them be okay…”

“Let’s not just sit here hoping for their well being,” said Rarity.

“Yeah!” said Pinkie. “Come on, Princess! Let’s get over there to cheer them on!”

“Very well,” said Celestia. “Are you ready, Luna?”

Before Luna could answer, a pony called out to her. “Luna!”

“Adviser?” Luna asked, glancing over as the frazzled unicorn galloped over. “That’s right, I almost forgot I had you doing something.”

“Was it something important?” Celestia asked.

“Nothing I can’t handle, sister,” said Luna. “You bring the Signers on ahead, and I’ll join you shortly. Just stay out of the geoglyph this time!”

Celestia nodded. “I will. Spike, do you mind staying here and helping the ponies of Ponyville? This trip could be dangerous.”

“Not at all, Princess,” said Spike, saluting her before running off into the town.

Celestia’s horn lit up, and she teleported herself and the four present Signers away to Tartarus. Luna turned towards Adviser who had spent the conversation catching his breath. “What do you have to report?”

“I discovered the source of the black fog,” he said.

“We already figured that out,” said Luna. “The last Dark Signer was producing it from Tartarus.”

“Tartarus?” Adviser asked. “That’s not right. According to my findings, the black fog, though it has died down, was coming from, and still is being produced in the Everfree Forest.”

“The Everfree Forest?” Luna repeated, looking out to the trees. “But the last Dark Signer is miles away from there. So, how…?”

"We'll be dueling under triangle duel Battle Royale rules," said Trixie. "Each of you will have 4000 Life Points, while I'll take a handicap and start with 8000."

"Taking a handicap in Life Points?" Rainbow asked. "So much for being a 'Great Goddess'."

"Oh, please," said Trixie. "Though this is a triangle duel, and all of us will be considered opponents, you two are obviously going to gang up on me. Tell me, does 8000 to 4000 sound fair?"

"I suppose not," said Twilight. "So, how does a triangle duel work?"

"Like I said," said Trixie, "all three of us are considered opponents of each other. No player can attack on their first turn. Other than that, it proceeds as normal. Any complaints?"

"None from me," said Rainbow. "Let's do this!"

"Duel!"

Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000. Rainbow Dash: LP 4000. Trixie Lulamoon: LP 8000.

“I’ll go first,” said Twilight. “Draw! I summon Summoner Monk!” A blue skinned, old bipedal appeared, draped entirely in purple and white robes. A red jewel adorned his hood, matching his glowing red eyes. [ATK800. LV4] “When Summoner Monk is Normal Summoned, he is changed to defense position!” Summoner Monk crossed his legs into a meditation pose. [DEF1600] “Summoner Monk’s effect! Once per turn, I can discard a Spell from my hoof to Special Summon a Spellcaster-Type Monster from my deck! Since Earthbound Gods rely on Field Spells, I see no reason to use mine. I discard Magical Citadel of Endymion to Special Summoned Tuned Magician!” The green robed biped appeared, twirling his short, white staff. [ATK1800. LV4]

“Pulling out all the stops, are you?” Rainbow asked.

“Of course,” said Twilight. “I set a card. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I summon Flamvell Firedog!” The magma dog erupted from the ground, growling. [ATK1900. LV4] “Then, since I have a Flamvell Monster on the field and you have less than three cards in your Graveyard, I can Special Summon Neo Flamvell Origin!” The blue flamed face, surrounded by a red flame body sparked to life on Rainbow’s field. [ATK500. LV2] “I tune my level 2 Neo Flamvell Origin to my level 4 Flamvell Firedog!” Neo Flamvell Origin burst into two green Tuning Rings, and began channeling the level stars of Flamvell Firedog. “Burning flames of my heart, pierce through my opponent’s defenses!” A burst of light shot through the Tuning Rings. “Synchro Summon! Flamvell Uruquizas!” A large biped, with fists coated in flames rose up out of the pillar of light. [ATK2100. LV6] “I set one card. Turn end.”

“Hah!” Trixie laughed. “Is that all you’ve got?”

“I thought it was rather impressive,” said Twilight.

“Then you might just die from the sheer awe my turn will instill in you!” Trixie laughed.

Rainbow gritted her teeth, when a flash of light appeared behind them. Trixie’s eyes widened, as Twilight and Rainbow turned around.

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow smiled. “Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, it’s great to see you!”

“Likewise, Rainbow Dash,” smiled Rarity, before glancing at Trixie. “If only it was under better circumstances.”

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight smiled. “You’re alive!”

“C-Celestia!?” Trixie gasped. “How? I thought I used your soul to fuel my fog!”

“Perhaps you used the wrong one?” Celestia suggested.

“Then who’s soul did she use?” Pinkie asked.

“We’ll worry about that later,” said Applejack. “Twilight, Rainbow, win as quickly as you can!”

“That’s right,” Fluttershy mumbled. “It’s almost midnight, isn’t it?”

Trixie laughed. “Perfect! An audience worthy of displaying my true power to! Watch carefully! Though in life I was a failure, in death as a Dark Signer I surpass even Celestia and Luna! Watch as I make even the sun and moon dance to my performance! My turn, draw!”

“In life I was a failure?” Twilight repeated. “Trixie, is this all about-”

“Yes,” Trixie interrupted. “Not only did you upstage me with that Ursa incident, but I also had my caravan completely destroyed and my reputation dragged through the mud!”

“Trixie,” said Twilight, “that’s not my fault. If you stuck around long enough-”

“Shut up!” snapped Trixie. She took a deep breath to regain her composure. “My turn. Watch the power of the Great Goddess, Trixie! Since you control a Monster and I don’t, I Special Summon Oracle of the Sun!” A dark skinned bipedal dressed in tribal clothes appeared. His chest had a sun pattern on it, and his staff was adorned with white feathers. [ATK1000. LV5] “Then, I summon the Tuner Monster, Fire Ant Ascator!” A large, red ant crawled forward. [ATK700. LV3]

“A Tuner Monster?” Rainbow questioned.

“Not a Dark Tuner?” Twilight asked.

“As if a Great Goddess must only be restrained to the land of the dead,” laughed Trixie. “I have domain over the living now, too! A domain I will end for the King of the Underworld! I tune my level 3 Fire Ant Ascator to my level 5 Oracle of the Sun!” Fire Ant Ascator burst into three green Tuning Rings, and Oracle of the Sun was channeled through them. “When the sun rises, it will illuminate all darkness! May you flood in, light!” A burst of light shot through the Tuning Rings. “Synchro Summon! Show yourself, Sun Dragon Inti!” A large, yellow stone in the shape of a sun with a face appeared. Four red dragon heads extended from the sun, their green eyes scanning over everything around them. [ATK3000. LV8]

“Sun Dragon Inti, huh?” Rainbow mumbled.

“I consider that an affront to Princess Celestia!” said Twilight.

“It’s fine, Twilight,” Celestia sighed.

“Celestia is obsolete in the new world of the dead,” said Trixie. “The sun and moon shall fall under my command as I make them dance for the King of the Underworld’s amusement! Speaking of the moon… I banish Fire Ant Ascator from my Graveyard to Special Summon Weeping Idol from my hoof!” A small, stone sculpture of a bipedal creature in tribal clothes appeared. [ATK0. LV2] “Then, I pay 1000 Life Points to Special Summon from my hoof Dark Tuner Black Goddess Witaka!” [Trixie Lulamoon: LP 8000 –> 7000] A flowing black cloak with a weird mask for a face, and detached, puppet like arms appeared. A dark sphere in its head dress was glowing with dark energy. [ATK0. LV3]

“There’s her Dark Tuner,” Rainbow muttered.

“I activate Witaka’s effect!” said Trixie. “I target a Synchro Monster I control and her level becomes equal to that Synchro Monster’s level! Since Sun Dragon Inti is level 8, so is Witaka!” [LV8]

“Brace yourself, Rainbow!” warned Twilight.

“I’m dark tuning my level 8 Black Goddess Witaka to my level 2 Weeping Idol!” said Trixie. Black Goddess Witaka burst into eight stars, which pierced into Weeping Idol. Two of the stars shattered, while the remaining six turned black. They burst out of Weeping Idol, spinning around with black lightning coursing between them. “When the moon is full in the darkness, the whispering of the Devil will be heard! Entice them over to death!” Dark energy spread out from the center of the spinning stars. “Dark Synchro! Show yourself, Moon Dragon Quilla!” A blue stone in the shape of a moon with a face appeared. Four dark blue dragon heads extended out of the stone, their yellow eyes scanning over the entire area around them. [ATK2500. LV-6]

“A Synchro and Dark Synchro Summon on your first turn!?” Twilight gasped.

“This is going to be trickier than I thought,” Rainbow mumbled.

“As part of the rules of this triangle duel,” Trixie said, “I can’t attack on my first turn. I activate my Continuous-Spell, Temple of the Sun! With that, I end my turn. By its effect, Moon Dragon Quilla is destroyed during my End Phase.”

“Then why even summon it?” Applejack asked.

“She must have a reason,” said Rarity. “Don’t let your guards down, you two!”

“I won’t,” said Twilight. “My turn, draw! I Normal Summon Tuned Magician again to give him his Gemini Effect! He’s now a Tuner Monster!” Tuned Magician spun his staff, summoning a green Tuning Ring around him. “I tune my level 4 Tuned Magician to my level 4 Summoner Monk!” Tuned Magician burst into an additional three green Tuning Rings, and the four rings began channeling Summoner Monk’s level stars. “Clustering wishes will create a shining new star! Become the path its light shines upon!” A burst of light shot through the Tuning Rings. “Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!” Stardust Dragon flew out of the light, dramatically spiraling into the sky, before spreading his wings, letting a shower of sparkles drift down to the duel field. [ATK2500. LV8]

“The Signer Dragon already appears, does it?” Trixie asked. “Pity its not powerful enough to defeat my Sun Dragon Inti, huh?”

“Are you sure?” Twilight smiled. “Trap activate! Assault Mode Activate!”

“Assault Mode?” Trixie repeated, her eyes wide.

“I release Stardust Dragon to Special Summon Stardust Dragon/Assault Mode!” said Twilight. Stardust Dragon let out a roar, as she stretched out. Pieces of blue armor flew out of nowhere, latching on to Stardust’s chest, wings, and claws. Stardust let out another roar, flexing her joints and landing in front of Twilight. [ATK3000. LV10]

“Stardust Dragon/Assault Mode?” Trixie asked, her eyes fearful. Suddenly she just burst out laughing. “Mutual destruction is the best you can hope for, and that will leave you wide open!”

“Will it?” Twilight asked. “Let’s find out! Stardust Dragon/Assault Mode, attack Sun Dragon Inti! Assault Sonic Burst!” Stardust roared, before blasting out multiple blasts of energy. Sun Dragon Inti retaliated by blasting out a burst of yellow energy from the stone sun, engulfing Stardust as the bursts tore it apart.

“They’ve both been destroyed!” said Applejack.

“I’m sure Twily knows what she’s doing!” said Pinkie.

“I do,” smiled Twilight. “When Stardust Dragon/Assault Mode is destroyed, I Special Summon the original Stardust Dragon from my Graveyard!” The light faded away, and the unarmored Stardust was revealed, unharmed. [ATK2500. LV8]

“I know what I’m doing, too, Sparkle!” laughed Trixie. “When Sun Dragon Inti is destroyed, Moon Dragon Quilla revives from the Graveyard!” Moon Dragon Quilla rose up from the ground. [ATK2500. LV-6]

“What!?” Twilight gasped.

“So Stardust Dragon/Assault Mode was wasted?” Rainbow asked.

“What’s more,” smiled Trixie, “Temple of the Sun’s effect! All Monsters I control that have been Special Summoned from the Graveyard gain 300 ATK!” [ATK2800]

Twilight gritted her teeth. “I set a card. Turn end.”

“My turn, then,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I activate Rekindling! I Special Summon as many FIRE Monsters from my Graveyard that have 200 or less DEF as I can! I Special Summon Flamvell Firedog!” The magma dog erupted from the ground again. [ATK1900. LV4] “And Neo Flamvell Origin!” The two colored flame burst to life on Rainbow’s field. [ATK500. LV2] “I tune my level 2 Neo Flamvell Origin to my level 6 Flamvell Uruquizas!” Neo Flamvell Origin burst into two green Tuning Rings, which channeled Flamvell Uruquizas. “The ruler’s heartbeats now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power! Synchro Summon! Red Demon’s Dragon!” In a burst of light and fire, Red Demon’s Dragon appeared. With a roar, he dispelled the flames, baring his claws and glaring at Trixie. [ATK3000. LV8]

“Alright, Rainbow!” Pinkie cheered.

“Hah,” Trixie snorted, completely unconcerned.

“Battle!” said Rainbow. “Red Demon’s Dragon, attack Moon Dragon Quilla! Absolute Power Force!” Red Demon’s Dragon’s claws began burning. With a roar, he smashed them through Moon Dragon Quilla and into Trixie.

“Gah!” Trixie gasped. [Trixie Lulamoon: LP 7000 –> 6800] “How dare you hurt me, Trixie…”

“Oh get over yourself,” muttered Rainbow.

“And why should I?” Trixie asked. “Before Equestria was founded, it took whole teams of unicorns to control the sun and moon, but I can do it on my own! When Moon Dragon Quilla is destroyed, I Special Summon Sun Dragon Inti back to the field!” Sun Dragon Inti rose up from the ground, its four heads growling. [ATK3000. LV8]

“You know, I think its cheating if its your Monster’s effect and not your own magic that’s controlling the ‘sun and moon’,” Twilight muttered.

“Shut up!” Trixie snapped. “Thanks to Temple of the Sun, Sun Dragon Inti gains 300 ATK!” [ATK3300]

“Damn,” Rainbow muttered. “During the End Phase, Flamvell Firedog is banished by Rekindling’s effect.” Flamvell Firedog growled, before fading away.

“My turn,” smiled Trixie. “Draw! Sun Dragon Inti, attack Red Demon’s Dragon!” The four dragon heads of Inti grabbed Red Demon’s Dragon with their jaws, clamping down hard to hold him in place. The yellow sun then fired a blast of energy, incinerating Red Demon’s Dragon and blasting Rainbow backwards.

“Gah!” Rainbow gasped. [Rainbow Dash: LP 4000 –> 3700]

“Rainbow!” Fluttershy gasped.

“I’m fine,” Rainbow mumbled, standing back up. “Is that all you’ve got, Trixie?”

“For now, anyway,” Trixie replied. “I set a card. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I activate my Trap, Synchro Striker Unit! This card equips to a Synchro Monster I control, and increases its ATK by 1000! I equip it to Stardust Dragon!” [ATK3500]

“Oh?” smirked Trixie. “You haven’t learned yet, have you?”

“Battle!” said Twilight. “Stardust Dragon, attack Sun Dragon Inti! Shooting Sonic!” Stardust shot out a blast of white energy, breaking through Sun Dragon Inti and knocking Trixie back.

“Ah!” Trixie gasped. [Trixie Lulamoon: LP 6800 –> 6600] “Sun Dragon Inti’s effect! When this card is destroyed by battle, the Monster that destroyed it is also destroyed and my opponent takes damage equal to its ATK! Your Stardust Dragon is history!”

“No!” Twilight gasped. “Stardust Dragon’s effect! I release it to negate an effect that would destroy a card on the field! Victim Sanctuary!” Stardust roared, and dissolved away into a shower of sparkles before Inti could incinerate it.

“Oh, you are just the worst,” Trixie muttered. “Doesn’t matter, though. Sun Dragon Inti sets, and Moon Dragon Quilla rises!” Moon Dragon Quilla rose up in front of Trixie. [ATK2500. LV-6]

“This is really getting on my nerves,” Rainbow muttered.

“Thanks to Temple of the Sun,” smiled Trixie, “Quilla gains 300 ATK!” [ATK2800]

“I set a Monster,” said Twilight. “Turn end. During the End Phase, Stardust Dragon revives itself from my Graveyard!” In a burst of sparkles, Stardust Dragon flew up from behind Twilight, spinning around dramatically. [ATK2500. LV8]

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I activate Monster Reborn to Special Summon Red Demon’s Dragon from my Graveyard!” Red Demon’s Dragon rose up behind Rainbow in a burst of flames, letting out a roar at Trixie. [ATK3000. LV8] “Then I set two cards and end my turn.”

“Not attacking me?” Trixie asked. “Did you learn your lesson, Rainbow Dash? That’s not fun.”

“Just take your turn, Trixie,” said Rainbow. “I don’t have time to waste chatting.”

“Fair enough,” Trixie sighed. “I don’t want to talk to you losers, anyway. Draw!”

“Trap activate!” said Rainbow. “Battle Mania! You’re forced to conduct your Battle Phase this turn, and attack with all the Monsters you can!”

“Rainbow!” Twilight gasped.

Trixie laughed. “Good, you didn’t learn!”

“What do you mean?” Rainbow asked.

“If it was just one on one,” said Trixie, “then this would have been clever. Make me attack Red Demon’s Dragon with the weaker Quilla and I’ll take damage. I’m guessing you have a Trap lying in wait to disrupt my sun and moon combo as soon as Quilla is destroyed, too.”

“Y-yeah,” Rainbow stuttered.

“But you aren’t my only opponent, are you?” Trixie asked. “You just forced me to attack Twilight.”

“…I messed up,” Rainbow mumbled. “Sorry, Twilight…”

“It’s alright, Rainbow,” Twilight smiled. "She likely would have attacked me, anyway. It's not your fault."

“Yes, it’s perfectly fine,” smiled Trixie. “Because I found a way to hurt Twilight without having to conduct my Battle Phase at all!”

“What do you mean?” Rainbow asked.

“I activate the Field Spell, Mausoleum of the Emperor!” said Trixie. A large altar rose up behind Trixie. In the center of it was a large flame, flanked on either side by an obelisk.

“A Field Spell…” Twilight mumbled.

“Thanks to Mausoleum of the Emperor,” said Trixie, “a player can Normal Summon a high level Monster by paying Life Points, 1000 for each Monster you’d ordinarily need to release.”

“You’re going to summon it, aren’t you?” Rainbow asked.

“The Earthbound God,” Celestia mumbled, taking a step back.

“Be careful, Rainbow!” Fluttershy called. “You too, Twilight!”

“I pay 2000 Life Points!” laughed Trixie. [Trixie Lulamoon: LP 6600 –> 4600] “And I sacrifice the lingering souls of Equestria!” A stone heart rose up behind Trixie, beating as it sucked in the black fog hanging over the area. “Descend, Earthbound God Wiraqocha Rasca!” A pulse of light shot down behind Trixie. The ground trembled, as a large black condor rose up. Pink markings ran over its body and wings, glowing softly in the dark. It flapped its wings, knocking everypony except Trixie back, as it flew high above them. [ATK1. LV10]

“…Is that it?” Pinkie asked, as everypony pulled themselves back up. “Only 1 ATK?”

“That doesn’t mean anythin’,” said Applejack. “Apple Bloom’s Earthbound God was able to deal damage without attackin’.”

“And Trixie did say she would hurt Twilight without her Battle Phase,” said Rarity. “Careful, girls!”

“How unfair,” Trixie muttered. “You aren’t underestimating it enough.”

“We don’t look down on others just because we can’t see their full potential,” said Twilight.

“Don’t lecture me!” spat Trixie. “Wiraqocha Rasca’s effect! I skip my Battle Phase to reduce my opponent’s Life Points to 1!”

“What!?” everypony gasped.

“Suffer, Twilight Sparkle!” laughed Trixie. “Bury her, Wiraqocha Rasca! Polar Star Obey!” Wiraqocha Rasca opened its mouth, letting out a stream of energy.

“AGH!” Twilight screamed, the energy blasting her backwards. She skidded along the ground, colliding with a rock. [Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000 –> 1]

“Twilight!” Rainbow gasped. “Get up, please!”

Twilight groaned, struggling to stand, before collapsing to the ground.

“Twilight!” Celestia called.

“Come on, Twilight,” Pinkie mumbled. “Please…”

“Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha!” Trixie laughed. “How do you like that, Sparkle!? How’s it feel to have your whole life destroyed!?”

“Trixie…” Rainbow muttered. “You’re taking things way too far…”

“And Gilda and the others didn’t?” Trixie laughed. “I end my turn. During my End Phase, Moon Dragon Quilla destroys itself, and Sun Dragon Inti rises from the Graveyard!” Moon Dragon Quilla sank into the ground, and Sun Dragon Inti began rising. [ATK3000. LV8]

“No!” snapped Rainbow. “I’m not letting you have your way any more! Trap activate! Bottomless Trap Hole! I destroy and banish Sun Dragon Inti!” Inti’s four heads roared, before Inti dissolved away completely.

“Damn,” muttered Trixie. “Well, it doesn’t matter to me anymore. I’ve summoned my Earthbound God, after all. Your turn, Twilight. If you can stand that is.”

Twilight moaned in pain, but wasn’t able to replay. Stardust seemed to be staring at her as she lay twitching on the ground.

“Twilight, please!” Rainbow urged. “If we don’t finish this soon, the King of the Underworld will revive!”

“Not even half an hour remains,” said Rarity.

“Two duels of darkness, one after the other,” said Fluttershy.

“Not to mention how exhausting it must be to teleport across the country,” added Pinkie. “No wonder Twilight’s out cold like this.”

Rainbow gritted her teeth. “Since she can’t move, can I go ahead with my turn, Trixie?”

“Hm? Whatever, go ahead. The sooner I can go again, the sooner I can hurt the ponies that ruined my life.”

“I’d say you ruined it yourself,” said Rainbow, “but right now I’m having a hard time even thinking about trying to talk you out of this Dark Signer induced insanity. My turn, draw! Since I can’t target the Earthbound God, I’ll attack you instead!”

“Continuous-Trap!” countered Trixie. “Spirit Barrier! As long as I control a Monster, I can’t take Battle Damage!”

“Damn it,” Rainbow muttered. “I set two cards. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Trixie. “Draw!”

“Trap activate!” said Rainbow. “Threatening Roar! This turn, you can’t declare an attack!”

“Damn,” Trixie muttered. “Well then, if you’d rather I target you than Twilight, then I’ll graciously grant your request. Wiraqocha Rasca’s effect! I skip my Battle Phase to reduce your Life Points to 1! Polar Star Obey!” Wiraqocha Rasca shot out another blast of energy, which quickly engulfed Rainbow, and sent her tumbling back into Twilight.

“AGH!” [Rainbow Dash: LP 3700 –> 1]

“Rainbow!” Fluttershy cried.

“Come on, RD!” Applejack called.

“Rainbow, Twilight, you can do it!” cheered Pinkie.

“We’re counting on you two,” said Rarity.

“Hah!” laughed Trixie. “They’re too weak to stand up to me! I set a card and end my turn. Not that I need to. Since I let Rainbow Dash skip a turn when Twilight Sparkle couldn’t move, I could easily just skip their turns again, can’t I?”

“Not if we can move…” Twilight groaned, pulling herself to her hooves. “My turn… Draw…”

“Impossible…” Trixie mumbled. “How can you…”

“We can’t let our friends down, can we?” Rainbow asked, pulling herself up as well. “They’re counting on us to win this…”

“W-what…” Trixie stuttered. “So what if they are!? You can’t honestly expect me to believe that they can give you strength just like that!”

“But they can,” said Twilight. “They were the only reason I could protect Ponyville from the Ursa Minor. When you tried, Trixie, what were you fighting for? For the town, or for your ego?”

“I…” Trixie stuttered. “I’m not the weakling I was back then! Who cares what I was fighting for?”

“Trixie,” said Rainbow, “I know what it’s like trying to be cool and impressive, but it doesn’t mean you are. When all you have is yourself, is that really a big accomplishment?”

“Are you seriously trying to give me a friendship speech now of all times?” Trixie asked. “I’m about to win, and the King of the Underworld is about to revive!”

“And you’ll be the only one left alive in the world,” said Rarity. “Is that what you want?”

“Why’d you start performing, Trixie?” Pinkie asked. “To humiliate ponies?”

“No!” Trixie snapped. “I thought I could entertain them, but…”

“Your ego got in the way?” Applejack asked. “Ah’ll admit ours did, too. We could have handled things better back when we first met.”

“Yeah, well, you didn’t, did you?” Trixie asked.

“You weren’t acting very nicely, either,” Fluttershy mumbled. “The difference is, we’re trying to make things up to you. Can’t you accept that?”

“Of course I can’t!” Trixie snapped. “How can I be your friend? I’m about to kill you! I’m a Dark Signer! We can’t just end the duel with a friendship speech, it’s a fight to the death! A fight I need to win!”

“You don’t!” said Twilight.

“I know the Earthbound God won’t let you surrender,” said Rainbow.

“So we’ll just need to help you by beating that thing down!” said Applejack.

All of the Signer Marks burned brightly, before vanishing. They all gathered on Twilight, forming the full Mark of the Crimson Dragon. The top card of Twilight's deck began glowing.

“What!?” Trixie gasped.

“I Flip Summon Crystal Seer!” said Twilight. The red robed, masked biped appeared. [ATK100. LV1] “Thanks to his Flip Effect, I look at the top two cards of my deck and add one to my hoof! I add and summon Savior Dragon!” The sleek, pink dragon appeared, spinning around dramatically. [ATK0. LV1] “I tune my level 1 Savior Dragon to my level 1 Crystal Seer and my level 8 Stardust Dragon!” Savior Dragon expanded into a large glow of light, that enveloped Crystal Seer and Stardust Dragon. “Gathering starlight will enlighten a new miracle! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon!” A burst of blue light shot out, enveloping Twilight and healing some of her bruises. “Arrive in light, Savior Star Dragon!” The streamlined, serpentine Stardust appeared, soaring around the whole geoglyph, before dramatically posing where Twilight once stood. [ATK3800. LV10]

“Trap activate!” chained Rainbow. “Tuner Capture! When a Synchro Monster is Synchro Summoned by my opponent, I Special Summon the Tuner used for that Synchro Summon! Since Twilight’s considered an opponent in a triangle duel, I Special Summon Savior Dragon to my field!” The sleek, pink dragon appeared in front of Rainbow. [ATK0. LV1]

“No!” Trixie said. “Stop trying to save me! Trap activate! Synchro Rivalry! When my opponent summons a Synchro Monster, I prevent my Monsters from being destroyed this turn!”

“Savior Star Dragon’s effect!” countered Twilight. “I release her to negate my opponent’s card effect and destroy all cards they control! Your field is empty, Trixie! Stardust Force!” Savior Star gently placed Twilight on the ground, before rocketing towards Trixie, dividing into four to destroy all four of Trixie’s cards.

Wiraqocha Rasca screeched in pain as Savior Star pierced through it before it exploded. Savior Star continued onwards, destroying Trixie’s Traps, and smashing Mausoleum of the Emperor to pieces. With her job done, Savior Star Dragon merged back together, and dissolved into sparkles.

“N-no…” Trixie mumbled. “I… I’m alone…”

“You don’t have to be, Trixie!” said Twilight. “I set a card, and end my turn!” The Mark of the Crimson Dragon vanished from Twilight’s flanks, appearing on Rainbow Dash instead.

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I summon Flamvell Poun!” An ape with a head, hands, and tail of flames appeared. [ATK200. LV1] “I tune my level 1 Savior Dragon to my level 1 Flamvell Poun and my level 8 Red Demon’s Dragon!” Savior Dragon once again expanded into a large field of pink light, engulfing Flamvell Poun and Red Demon’s Dragon. “A lone single polished light, become the true high-ruler and illuminate the earth! Shine your light! Synchro Summon!” A burst of red light shot out, engulfing Rainbow Dash, healing some of her injuries. “The great soul, Savior Demon Dragon!” The serpentine Red Demon’s Dragon appeared, its shiny red and white wings stretched wide as it glided around drift above where Rainbow Dash was standing. It’s mane of red fur gently danced in the breeze. [ATK4000. LV10]

“Trap activate!” said Twilight. “Synchro Library! I banish all Synchro Monsters from my Graveyard! This turn, Monsters that declare attacks gain 300 ATK for each Synchro Monster banished! I banish Stardust Dragon and Savior Star Dragon!”

“Meaning this turn,” said Rainbow, “Savior Demon Dragon will gain 600 ATK when it battles!”

“Is this what friends can do for one another…?” Trixie mumbled.

“Go for it, Rainbow!” Fluttershy cheered.

“Savior Demon Dragon, attack Trixie directly!” said Rainbow. “Ultimate Power Force!” [ATK4600] Savior Demon Dragon enveloped itself in flames, before blasting itself at Trixie.

“Agh!” Trixie gasped, being knocked back by the impact. [Trixie Lulamoon: LP 4600 –> 0]

Savior Demon Dragon gently placed Rainbow Dash back on the ground, before dissolving into a shower of red sparks. The Mark of the Crimson Dragon vanished, and the individual Signer Marks returned to their respective owners, no longer glowing as the purple flames of the condor geoglyph died out.

“Trixie!” Twilight gasped, as everypony galloped over to her.

“Are you seriously concerned over me…?” Trixie asked, her slowly cracking open revealing her sclera had returned to their normal white color.

“Friends look out for one another,” said Twilight.

“Assuming you want to be our friend, of course,” said Rarity.

“You’re willing to forgive me this easily?” Trixie asked.

“Ah’ll admit it’s kind of hard to forgive you after what you’ve done,” said Applejack.

“But friends are forgiving of each other,” said Fluttershy.

“You’re all so stupid,” Trixie mumbled, giving a small smile. “But thank you… It means a lot to me…” She closed her eyes and crumbled away into dust.

Twilight let out a sigh, before trotting into the middle of the final rune circle, holding Stardust Dragon’s card up. The circle glowed crimson, before shattering, letting the gates slowly slide shut again.

“We did it!” Pinkie cheered, pulling everypony into a group hug.

“Ouch!” everypony winced.

“Oops,” said Pinkie, letting them go. “Sorry. Forgot we were all kind of beat up…”

“It’s fine, Pinkie,” said Rainbow.

“I’m proud of all of you,” smiled Celestia. “I know how painful this whole ordeal must’ve been.”

“Thank you, Princess,” said Twilight.

“I’m looking forward to a nice, long nap, personally,” said Rarity. “Perhaps it’ll help me forget what I’ve had to do…”

“Ah know what ya mean,” said Applejack.

“Rainbow,” Fluttershy mumbled.

Rainbow nodded. “Yeah, we’ll talk. A nice nap to rest up and we’ll talk, okay?”

Fluttershy smiled. “Okay.”

A burst of light from behind them signaled the arrival of Princess Luna and Adviser by teleport. “Sister! Signers!”

“Luna?” Celestia asked. “What’s wrong?”

“You missed the duel!” said Pinkie.

“The duel against the last Dark Signer?” Luna asked.

“Yep,” said Pinkie. “It was awesome, you should have seen it! Rainbow and Twilight totally owned that Earthbound God!”

“Wait, so they’re the Dark Signers, now?” Adviser asked, his head tilted in confusion.

“Huh?” Pinkie asked.

“Your slang confused him, I think,” said Twilight. “No, we’re not Dark Signers.”

“We’re the good old, normal Signers,” said Rainbow. “And we just won this war against the underworld.”

“Oh, I see,” said Adviser. “Well, I’m happy for what you’ve done, and would hate to ruin your happiness, but…”

“You didn’t win,” Luna finished.

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.

“All the Dark Signers were defeated, weren’t they?” said Rarity.

“The seven that challenged you did, yes,” said Luna. “But according to Adviser’s findings, the Dark Signer produced fog that slayed our citizens for sacrifice to the Earthbound Gods is still being produced.”

“What!?” Twilight gasped. “How!?”

“It seems,” said Luna, “that we were wrong in our assumption that Trixie was producing it from here at Tartarus.”

“She did say she meant to use my soul to fuel it,” said Celestia. “But since I was revived upon Gilda’s defeat, that doesn’t seem to be the case.”

Everypony’s eyes were wide, and Twilight began trembling. “S-so… there’s still one more Dark Signer…?”

Off in the distance, a pillar of purple light shot up into the sky, seeming to be acting as a beacon to them.

Luna began trembling. “It’s midnight. The last Dark Signer is calling the King of the Underworld.”

“But who is it?” Rainbow asked. “Who’s the last Dark Signer!?”

In the ruins of the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters, the eighth rune circle glowed a bright purple before shooting up a pillar of purple light to the sky. Standing before the circle, the sclera of her eyes having turned black, and her right flank adorned with the glowing outline of a purple tree stood Zecora.

“Come to me, my Signer friends,” Zecora said. “Come face me before your world ends.”