The Signers jumped in shock as the gates of Tartarus burst open behind them, black sludge beginning to ooze out.

“Girls, get going!” said Luna, as she conjured up a shield in front of the sludge. “You need to defeat the last Dark Signer, now!”

“B-but-” Twilight began.

“There’s no time for arguing!” said Celestia, struggling to help Luna keep the shield up. “We’ll hold off the King of the Underworld as long as we can, but only you six can win this!”

Twilight’s eyes began tearing up. “I thought I lost you, Princess, but you came back. You expect me to risk losing you again?”

“Do you us to let the world die!?” Luna snapped. “Get moving, Twilight Sparkle!”

Twilight’s eyes widened from the outburst. Unable to speak, she merely nodded, before galloping away with the rest of her friends.

“Adviser, go help them get to the light!” said Luna.

Adviser nodded, before galloping as fast as he could away from Tartarus.

“We’re counting on you, Twilight,” Celestia muttered, as the shield began to crack.

“Because we can’t do much more than stall, at this point,” said Luna.

Stopping for breath, the Signers looked back, realizing they barely put any distance between them and Tartarus.

“The world will be destroyed long before we get anywhere near that light,” said Rarity.

“Can’t you do a group teleport like Celestia?” Adviser asked.

“Who are you?” Applejack mumbled.

“Does it matter?” he asked. “Just teleport already! If my calculations are correct, the last Dark Signer was producing the fog and is likely at the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters within the Everfree Forest.”

“I can’t,” said Twilight. “Two duels of darkness and teleporting across the country has left me burned out. I can’t levitate a card let alone teleport all of us.”

“And I’ve never teleported at all,” said Rarity.

“Can’t you do it?” Applejack asked. “You’re a unicorn, after all.”

“Yes,” said Adviser, “I can teleport. Short distances. In Canterlot Castle. I’m not that good at magic, okay?”

“Our hero,” said Rainbow.

“What about the Crimson Dragon?” Pinkie asked.

“The Crimson Dragon?” Twilight repeated. “How can the Crimson Dragon help us?”

“Well, its power is spread between us, right?” Pinkie asked.

“It’s worth a try,” said Rarity.

Fluttershy clapped her hooves together in a prayer. “Please, Crimson Dragon! We need your help to defeat the Dark Signers!”

Applejack gave a small snicker. “Uh, sugarcube? Ah don’t think it’s that-” Applejack was cut off when all six Signer Marks began burning. The clouds above them began glowing red, and a large, red dragon with flickers of yellow running through it descended from them, letting out a sorrowful sounding cry. Its head, wings, claws, and tail resembled the marks. The dragon itself seemed to be made of flames.

“T-that’s…” Rarity stuttered.

“You were saying, AJ?” Rainbow asked, a smirk on her face.

“Ah stand corrected,” Applejack mumbled.

“Crimson Dragon, please!” said Fluttershy. “We need your help to get to that light over there!”

The Crimson Dragon let out another roar, before opening its mouth wide, and diving down at the Signers. They didn’t even have time to gasp before they were swallowed whole and the Crimson Dragon vanished in a flash of light.

Adviser was left standing alone, blinking in surprise. “What just happened…?”

“W-what was that about?” Applejack stuttered.

“Wait, we’re here!” said Rainbow, as they took in their surroundings.

The Signers found themselves standing outside the ruins of the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. As soon as they realized where they were, the ground began trembling. Parts of the castle fell off as purple flames erupted from the ground, weaving around and through the castle and trees of the Everfree Forest. The light pillar disappeared as the geoglyph of a thorny tree reflected on the sky above.

“Welcome, my friends, I’m glad you’re here,” Zecora said, stepping out of the castle to greet them. “Now, to make you disappear.”

“No!” Twilight gasped.

“It can’t be…” Applejack mumbled.

“Zecora!?” Rarity gasped.

“You’re the last Dark Signer?” Pinkie asked, staring deep into the black sclera of Zecora’s eyes.

“Your powers of deduction astonish me,” said Zecora. “Now, are you ready to duel in this geoglyph of the tree?”

“Zecora, why!?” Twilight snapped. “Weren’t you the one that told Celestia and Luna about the Dark Signers? Why warn us if you planned on killing us?”

“Why are you even trying to kill us?” Fluttershy asked.

“Aren’t we friends, Zecora?” Pinkie asked.

“You don’t understand yet, but you soon will,” said Zecora. “Now I suggest we get on with this; there’s no time to kill!” She held up her hoof, and the air above her distorted.

Behind her, a vision appeared showing the gates of Tartarus. The Signers watched in shock as Celestia and Luna’s shield shattered, and the two alicorns were knocked back. The sludge leaking out of the gates rose up, shifting into a large, twisted shape. Two large wings extended from its back, and it crawled forward on four spindly legs. Its face was undefined from all the sludge, its only visible feature being two glowing, red eyes.

“That’s…” Twilight mumbled.

“T-The King of the Underworld…” Fluttershy stuttered.

“Once the King reaches the flames of this tree,” said Zecora, “then this world will cease to be.”

“And what if we beat you before it gets here?” Rainbow asked.

“Then the King and I, we’ll both die,” Zecora rhymed. “However, I’ve come too far to lose to you! I’ll destroy you Signers! This world is through!”

“What do you mean, you’ve come too far?” Applejack asked.

“Despite Trixie’s claims, the fog wasn’t her design,” said Zecora. “I gave my life so Equestria’s souls would revive the divine.”

“It was you that did that?” Pinkie asked.

“It would explain how Princess Celestia was able to be revived,” said Rarity. “If the fog really came from Trixie sacrificing her soul, Celestia would have been lost forever.”

“You’ve been planning this from the beginning, weren’t you?” Twilight asked.

“You’ve figured it out, Twilight,” said Zecora, a small smile on her face. “Yes, I’m afraid you’re right.”

Rainbow gritted her teeth. “I hate being used like that… And I hate traitors even more. Zecora! You’re going down!”

“This time, we’ll fight together!” said Pinkie.

“One against six puts me in quite a fix,” Zecora rhymed. “We’ll play under Battle Royale rules. Are you ready to die, you pathetic fools?”

“The only one who will die is you, Zecora!” spat Rainbow.

“I’m sorry,” said Fluttershy, “but we’ve been through too much to back down now.”

“We will save this world, Zecora,” said Rarity.

“Even if it’s you standing in our way,” said Applejack.

Twilight took a deep breath. “Let’s do this!”

“Duel!”

Pinkie Pie: LP 4000. Rainbow Dash: LP 4000. Applejack: LP 4000. Rarity: LP 4000. Fluttershy: LP 4000. Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000. Zecora: LP 24000.

“I’ll go first!” said Pinkie. “Draw! I summon Vylon Soldier!” A legless, gold and white being of metal descended from the sky, purple jewels adorning its body. While the body and lower spike were white, its head, arms, and shoulders were gold. [ATK1700. LV4] “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I summon Flamvell Firedog!” The magma dog erupted from the ground, growling at Zecora. [ATK1900. LV4] “Turn end.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! Ah summon Lonefire Blossom!” The bomb flower blossomed in front of Applejack. “Ah release it to activate its effect, and Special Summon a Plant from mah deck! Ah Special Summon Gigaplant!” The bomb flower exploded, and in its place the massive wall of plant matter and insect claws reared up, its red maw opening to reveal rows of razor sharp teeth. [ATK2400. LV6] “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw! I summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus!” The large, white pegasus, with pale gold feathers on its wings and sapphire horn on its head flew around the geoglyph, before landing in front of Rarity. [ATK1800. LV4] “When Sapphire Pegasus I can place a Crystal Beast from my deck into my Spell and Trap Zone. I place Ruby Carbuncle!” Sapphire Pegasus’ horn glowed, and a chunk of ruby appeared in front of Rarity. “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw! I summon Wattwoodpecker!” A black, red, and yellow bird landed in front of Fluttershy, its beak twitching forward. [ATK1000. LV3] “I set one card. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I summon Crusader of Endymion!” A thin bipedal covered in yellow robes appeared. Large pieces of dark blue armor magically floated around him for protection. [ATK1900. LV4] “Turn end!”

“Well, my turn has come at last,” said Zecora. “I promise that I’ll end this fast. I draw and set a Monster and card. You may proceed, Pinkie Pie. Heads up, defeating me will be hard.”

“Wanna bet?” asked Pinkie.

Zecora gave a small smirk, and nodded.

“If you’re sure…” smiled Pinkie. “My turn, draw! I summon Vylon Cube!” A mechanical cube, with arms and a single leg appeared. A small head stuck out of the top. [ATK800. LV3] “I tune my level 3 Vylon Cube to my level 4 Vylon Soldier!” Vylon Cube burst into three green Tuning Rings, and began channeling the four level stars of Vylon Soldier. “Combine courage and power to protect the world’s peace! Synchro Summon!” A burst of light shot through the rings in front of Pinkie. “Come on out, Power Tool Dragon!” The mechanical, construction tool adorned dragon appeared, its metal segmented neck reflecting the flames of the geoglyph. Its eyes glowed red, as it flexed its shovel, before landing in front of Pinkie. [ATK2300. LV7] “Once per turn, Power Tool Dragon adds a random Equip Spell from my deck to my hoof!” Pinkie’s deck automatically shuffled itself and produced a card for her to draw. “I Equip Power Tool Dragon with Fairy Meteor Crush! Power Tool now has Piercing Damage! Battle! Power Tool Dragon, attack Zecora’s Set Monster! Crafty Break!”

“It appears you’ve lost our little bet,” said Zecora. “Continuous-Trap, activate! Depth Amulet! I discard a card to negate your attack! I bet you wish you could take your boast back.” Power Tool Dragon stabbed at Zecora with its screwdriver, only to be deflected away by a magical barrier.

“No!” Pinkie gasped.

“Fear not, for on my opponent’s third turn after being deployed,” said Zecora, “the Continuous-Trap, Depth Amulet, will be destroyed.”

“So,” said Rarity, “since she activated it on Pinkie’s turn, we’ll only need to deal with Depth Amulet halting our attacks until the end of Applejack’s turn?”

“In the meantime,” smiled Rainbow, “we might as well take advantage of this and make Zecora lose all of her hoof’s resources! My turn, draw! I summon Dread Dragon!” A brown dragon with red wings appeared. Its head was topped with a mane of purple dreadlocks. [ATK1100. LV2] “I tune my level 2 Dread Dragon to my level 4 Flamvell Firedog!” Dread Dragon burst into two green Tuning Rings, and began channeling the four 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] “Uruquizas can deal Piercing Damage when it attacks a defense position Monster! Battle! Flamvell Uruquizas, attack Zecora’s Set Monster!”

“I discard a card to stop Uruquizas!” said Zecora. “Two more shields, my Monster has…”

“Think you can take those shields out, Applejack?” Rainbow asked.

“Certainly,” smiled Applejack. “Mah turn, draw! Ah Normal Summon Gigaplant again to give it its Gemini Effect! Once per turn, Ah can Special Summon a Plant or Insect from mah hoof! Ah Special Summon Tytannial, Princess of Camellias!” The half-plant woman bloomed in front of Applejack. [ATK2800. LV8] “Battle! Mah two Monsters attack!”

“I discard two cards to stop both attacks!” said Zecora. “As far as strategies go, yours certainly lacks.”

“Does it now?” Applejack asked with a smirk. “Turn end. Depth Amulet is destroyed, and your hoof is empty!”

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw! I summon Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger!” A white saber-toothed tiger with black stripes and a blade-like horn on its head leapt out in front of Rarity. On its neck was a chunk of topaz. [ATK1600. LV4] “Battle! Topaz Tiger, when it attacks a Monster, gains 400 ATK! Attack Zecora’s Set Monster!” Topaz Tiger bared his fangs, and lunged forward. [ATK2000]

On Zecora’s field, a black metal shield appeared. In the center of the shield was a skull surrounded by flames. [DEF1700] “Infernity Guardian’s effect activates. And unfortunately for you, that means its flames will never dissipate. While my hoof has a card total of zero, Infernity Guardian can’t be destroyed. So much for being a hero!”

“What!?” Rarity gasped.

“So, by making you discard your whole hoof,” Rainbow began.

“We set up an even stronger shield for you?” Twilight finished.

Zecora laughed. “This is the power of Infernity! You Signers are about to become ancient history!”

“I’ll admit they seem to have strong effects if Infernity Guardian is anything to go by,” said Twilight. “But a strategy based on having an empty hoof seems very risky and- Pinkie, what are you doing?”

Twilight turned to look over at Pinkie Pie, who was looking up at the sky in thought, mumbling under her breath. “Huh? Oh, I was trying to see if Infernity really rhymes with history.”

“They both end with the same sound, don’t they?” Applejack asked.

“Yeah, but does that really count?” Pinkie asked.

“We don’t have time to argue about rhyming!” said Rainbow.

“Um,” said Fluttershy, “should I just go ahead with my turn?”

“That would probably be for the best,” said Twilight.

“Okay,” said Fluttershy. “My turn, draw! I summon Wattkiwi!” A small, kiwi bird made out of a light bulb appeared on Fluttershy’s field. [ATK600. LV3] “Continuous-Trap, Wattcannon! Once per turn, when I summon a level 4 or lower Thunder-Type Monster, I inflict 600 points of damage to you, Zecora!”

“Gah!” Zecora winced, getting blasted by a burst of electricity. [Zecora: LP 24000 –> 23400]

“I tune my level 3 Wattkiwi to my level 3 Wattwoodpecker!” said Fluttershy. Wattkiwi burst into three green Tuning Rings, and began channeling the three level stars of Wattwoodpecker. “Electrical energy, gather and awaken these myths! Synchro Summon!” A burst of light shot down through the rings. “Surge, Wattchimera!” A large beast, resembling a manticore, with a snake replacing the scorpion tail, leapt out of the light, electricity coursing over it. [ATK1400. LV6] “I then activate the Continuous-Spell, Wattcine! When a Thunder-Type Monster I control deal battle damage, I gain Life Points equal to the damage dealt! Wattchimera can attack directly! Go, Wattchimera, attack Zecora!” Wattchimera lunged over Infernity Guardian, and slashed its electrified claws across Zecora.

“Gah!” Zecora winced. [Zecora: LP 23400 –> 22000]

“Alright, Fluttershy!” Rainbow cheered.

“Since you took 1400 points of damage, Wattcine increases my Life Points by 1400!” said Fluttershy, a small smile on her face. Small bursts of electricity ran over Fluttershy. [Fluttershy: LP 4000 –> 5400] “Turn end.”

“Didn’t see that coming, did you, Zecora?” Pinkie asked.

“Hmph,” Zecora snorted.

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I summon Tuned Magician!” A biped dressed in a pointed, ornate yellow hat and green, white, and yellow robes, armed with a short, white staff. [ATK1800. LV4] “Since your Infernity Guardian can’t be destroyed, I end my turn with that.”

“Then I begin my turn,” said Zecora. “I draw and reveal what should cause you concern. If I have this card in hoof, but no other card to be gleaned, I reveal and Special Summon Infernity Archfiend!” A dark blue biped in stylized green and blue robes appeared, his red eyes staring intensely. His hair was red and stuck up like flames. [ATK1800. LV4]

“If it’s the only card in your hoof, why Special Summon it?” Rarity asked.

“When Infernity Archfiend is Special Summoned, you see,” said Zecora, “to my hoof from my deck I can add another Infernity! Brace yourself for a barrage. I add and summon Infernity Mirage!” A deathly, skeletal biped in tribal robes appeared. Its head was adorned in dark red feathers. [ATK0. LV1]

“Brace for a barrage?” Rainbow asked. “What do you mean by that?”

“When my hoof is empty, Infernity Mirage can be released,” said Zecora. “Then, two Infernity Monsters will stop being deceased! From my Graveyard, I Special Summon, with Mirage’s effect; Infernity Caller and Necromancer! You’re about to be wrecked!” Infernity Caller was a deathly green bipedal in grey robes. His head was covered with a hood, shadowing all but his glowing red eyes. [ATK0. LV4] Infernity Necromancer was also a deathly green bipedal, though its lower half seemed to be missing. Its body was covered in purple robes, and its green hair stuck up wildly. Its eye sockets seemed to be empty. [DEF2000. LV3]

“Are you kiddin’ me!?” Applejack gasped. “She started out with only the card she drew, and she managed to get three more Monsters out of it!?”

“Infernity cards sure are scary,” Fluttershy mumbled.

“And I doubt she’s done yet,” said Rarity.

“With my hoof at zero, I can release Infernity Caller,” said Zecora, “to summon a Monster that I’m sure will make you all holler. Thought the Monster must have 1000 ATK or less, I’m certain this card will cause you all much distress.”

“Just get it over with,” said Pinkie, looking nervously at the vision behind Zecora. The King of the Underworld, though stuck crawling over the land, was making great speed in spite of Celestia and Luna’s efforts.

“Let your screams echo across the land,” laughed Zecora. “I Special Summon Dark Tuner Nightmare Hand!” A bipedal with a black body, and purple decorations acting almost as clothing appeared. Its face was made of glowing green tribal markings that seemed to give it the appearance of grinning creepily. [ATK0. LV10]

“A Dark Tuner!?” Twilight gasped.

“Infernity Necromancer can call upon dead lives,” said Zecora. “From my Graveyard, Infernity Dwarf revives!” A small, bearded bipedal dressed in mountain region clothes appeared, wielding a burning axe. In the lighting of the geoglyph, his skin seemed to be pale green. [ATK800. LV2]

“It’s coming!” Rainbow gasped.

“The Dark Synchro,” Rainbow mumbled.

“I’m dark tuning the level 10 Nightmare Hand to my Infernity Dwarf; level 2!” said Zecora. “My Dark Synchro is coming to get you.” Nightmare Hand dissolved away into black fog, which completely enveloped Infernity Dwarf. The ten level stars of Nightmare Hand pierced into and shattered the two level stars of Infernity Dwarf. The remaining eight turned black, before bursting out and spinning around in the dark sphere, black lightning coursing between them. “Upon the darkness curtain’s rise, they will open; the underworld’s eyes. Swoop down darkness, and bring their demise! Dark Synchro! Hundred Eyes Dragon, come kill my former allies!” The orb of darkness melted away, revealing a black dragon with leathery wings. Glowing purple eyes opened up all over its body; face, legs, chest, arms, and tail. [ATK3000. LV-8]

“Those eyes are really making me uncomfortable,” mumbled Rarity.

“I switch Infernity Guardian from defense to attack,” said Zecora. [ATK1200] “Regrettably, in terms of strength to kill, I still lack. Though, since you did damage me, Fluttershy, I think its only right that I at least make you cry. Hundred Eyes Dragon, make her scream! Attack Wattchimera! Infinity Sight Stream!” All the eyes glowed brighter, before Hundred Eyes Dragon shot out a blast of dark energy, incinerating Wattchimera and blasting into Fluttershy.

“Agh!” Fluttershy gasped, getting tossed back. [Fluttershy: LP 5400 –> 3800]

“Infernity Archfiend, your turn to crush her!” said Zecora. “Direct attack! Hell Pressure!” An enchanted circle of runes appeared in front of Infernity Archfiend and another appeared above Fluttershy. A large, red hand reached down from the sky, and slammed Fluttershy into the ground.

“Ah!” Fluttershy gasped, the air knocked from her lungs as more of her ribs snapped. [Fluttershy: LP 3800 –> 2000]

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow gasped.

“Zecora, stop!” Pinkie begged.

“Infernity Guardian will attack as well,” said Zecora. “Fluttershy, dear, welcome to hell.” A burst of flame shot out of Infernity Guardian, engulfing and burning Fluttershy.

“Agh!” Fluttershy gasped. [Fluttershy: LP 2000 –> 800]

“If she didn’t have Wattcine,” said Rarity, “just now, she would have…”

“Zecora!” Twilight snapped. “Tell me now! Why did you choose to become a Dark Signer? Why are you trying to kill us?”

“You want to here my motivation?” Zecora asked. “Then listen to my relation. It all started when a pony visited my hut. She told me of a certain destiny, that the world was in a rut. I speak of course of this current war, my dears. It repeats itself every 5000 years.”

“We know that part already,” said Rainbow. “What’s this have to do with you?”

“As long as the Crimson Dragon of Underworld King remains alive,” said Zecora, “then every 5000 years the Signers and Dark Signers revive. If one were to die, the cycle would end. That’s why I had to do this, Twilight, my friend. On the side of the Crimson Dragon was the six of you. That’s why this was this was all I could do. If I brought the Crimson Dragon and King of the Underworld to a direct fight, I could finally end this endless plight.”

“So that’s why you became a Dark Signer?” Twilight asked. “To end the 5000 year cycle?”

“Though the Earthbound Gods would still be asleep,” said Zecora, “without the King, the souls of this world wouldn’t freely be theirs to reap.”

“So you want to lose, then?” Fluttershy asked weakly, shakily pulling herself up.

“No,” said Zecora, “I’ve come too far to give in quietly. We’ll still fight to the death, to put it mildly.”

“Damn it, Zecora,” Rainbow muttered. “I really don’t want to kill another friend, but you leave me no choice.”

“One more question, Zecora,” said Twilight. “You said you got the idea for all this from a pony. Who was she?”

“I never learned her name, just that she was some sort of pastor,” said Zecora. “She preached for a group known as Yliaster.”

“Yliaster?” Twilight repeated.

“Who cares who or what she preached for?” Pinkie asked. “Right now, we’ve got bigger issues! I’ll avenge Fluttershy right now, Zecora!”

“I’m still alive, Pinkie,” Fluttershy mumbled.

“Right,” said Pinkie. “Anyway, my turn, draw! I activate Power Tool Dragon’s effect! I add a random Equip Spell from my deck to my hoof!” Pinkie’s deck shuffled and stuck out a card for her to draw. “Battle! Power Tool Dragon, attack Infernity Archfiend! Crafty Break!” Power Tool Dragon stabbed its screwdriver through Infernity Archfiend and into Zecora.

“Gah!” Zecora winced. [Zecora: LP 22000 –> 21500]

“I activate the Equip Spell, Lock On Shield!” said Pinkie. “I equip it to Power Tool Dragon! Power Tool is changed to defense, but you can’t target another Monster for attack!” [DEF2500]

“In Battle Royale, all duelists are your opponents,” said Rainbow. “Pinkie, I get what you’re trying to do, but you just prevented all of us from attacking!”

“…Oops,” said Pinkie. “I… I’m sorry…”

“It’s fine,” sighed Rainbow. “My turn, draw! I summon the Tuner Monster Flamvell Baby!” A small cluster of flames ignited on Rainbow's field, taking the form of a small imp. [ATK800. LV1] “I tune my level 1 Flamvell Baby to my level 6 Flamvell Uruquizas!” Flamvell Baby dissolved into a green Tuning Ring, while Flamvell Uriquizas became stars. The stars lined up in the ring's center, as Rainbow chanted. “Ancient god of fire, burn my adversaries to a crisp! Synchro Summon! Ancient Flamvell Deity!" A pillar of light shot through the center of the ring, and a large being made of stone and flames rose up out of it. [ATK2500. LV7] “I set a card. Turn end.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! Ah summon Botanical Lion!” The wooden lion with the flower mane leapt forward. [ATK1600. LV4] “For each Plant Ah control, Botanical Lion gains 300 ATK!” [ATK 2500]

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw! I summon Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat!” A lean, pink panther with gold adornments on her ankles and chest leapt out in front of Rarity. Centered on her chest plate was a large amethyst gem. [ATK1200. LV3] “Pinkie’s Equip Spell only redirects attacks made against Monsters, so I can use Amethyst Cat’s effect to attack you directly, Zecora! Though the battle damage will be halved, every bit counts!” Amethyst Cat leapt over Zecora’s Monsters, slashing her claws across Zecora’s face.

“Gah!” Zecora winced. [Zecora: LP 21500 –> 20900]

“That’s it for me,” said Rarity.

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw. I set a Monster. Turn end.”

“Fluttershy,” Twilight mumbled. All that damage she took seems to have hurt her confidence. “My turn, draw! I Normal Summon Tuned Magician again to activate its effect! He’s now treated as a Tuner Monster!” A green Tuning Ring appeared around Tuned Magician.

“Going to Synchro Summon Stardust?” Zecora asked. “Go ahead, if you must.”

“I tune my level 4 Tuned Magician to my level 4 Crusader of Endymion!” said Twilight. Tuned Magician burst into three more Tuning Rings, joining the one already present to channel the level stars of Endymion. “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 spinning around. With a roar, she flexed her wings, stopping it from spinning and sending a shower of sparkles out. [ATK2500. LV8] “Turn end.”

“My turn, draw!” said Zecora. “Pinkie, your plan has another flaw.”

“What do you mean?” Pinkie asked.

“Hundred Eyes Dragon gains the effects of DARK Monsters in my Graveyard,” said Zecora. “Think, Pinkie, this isn’t that hard.”

“Your Graveyard is full of Infernity Monsters,” Pinkie mumbled. “So it gains all of their effects!?”

“I set a card so my hoof is at zero,” said Zecora. “This is what you get for trying to be a hero! I banish Infernity Dwarf to give Hundred Eyes Dragon a Piercing Effect! It’s over Pinkie, my plan is perfect! With Infernity Necromancer, I Special Summon Archfiend back to the field!” Archfiend rose up from the ground. [ATK1800] “Now, to make all your defenses yield. First Archfiend lets me add an Infernity. I then set the card to give back the effects to my Monster trinity! Hundred Eyes Dragon, make that machine steam! Attack Power Tool Dragon! Infinity Sight Stream!” Hundred Eyes Dragon’s eyes glowed, and it sent out another blast of dark energy, chipping parts away from Power Tool Dragon and blasting Pinkie.

“Gah!” Pinkie winced. [Pinkie Pie: LP 4000 –> 3500] “Power Tool Dragon’s effect! I destroy the Equip Spell Lock On Shield to negate its destruction!”

“All my Monsters can deal this same effect this turn,” said Zecora. “Infernity Archfiend, see if you can’t leave Fluttershy bloody and torn!”

“Fluttershy!” Pinkie gasped.

“It’s over for her!” said Zecora. “Hell Pressure!” Infernity Archfiend called up another large fist to strike down Fluttershy’s Set Monster. A small, multicolored dragonfly with electricity coursing over it appeared. [DEF100. LV2] The fist crushed it and quickly moved to crush Fluttershy.

"Ah!" Fluttershy flinched.

“Trap activate!” Rainbow countered. “Damage Intercept! If a player would take damage, I take that damage instead!” The fist above Fluttershy vanished, and appeared over Rainbow, crushing her instead. “Ah!” Rainbow collapsed, the air knocked from her lungs. [Rainbow Dash: LP 4000 –> 2300]

“Rainbow!” Fluttershy gasped.

“I’m fine,” said Rainbow. “For every 1000 points of damage I took by this effect, I can draw one card!”

“Wattdragonfly’s effect activates, too!” said Fluttershy. “I Special Summon a Watt Monster from my deck! I Special Summon Wattgiraffe!” A small giraffe, with light-bulbs for ears and electric prongs for horns appeared in front of Fluttershy. [ATK1200. LV4] “Wattcannon’s effect activates!”

“Ah!” Zecora winced, a blast of electricity striking her. [Zecora: LP 20900 –> 20300]

“Well, what now, Zecora?” Rarity asked. “Infernity Guardian only has 1200 ATK, after all. Not strong enough to beat any of our Monsters.”

“I switch my Guardian back to defense position,” said Zecora. [DEF1700] “It seems you’ve further stalled my ambition.”

“That’s what we’re good at!” said Pinkie.

“But how much longer can you stall me?” asked Zecora. “The King of the Underworld is almost at this tree.”

The Signers all looked up at the distortion behind Zecora. The King of the Underworld didn’t even seem to notice Celestia and Luna’s assaults, as it continued to drag itself across Equestria, smashing everything in its path.

“She’s right,” said Twilight. “We’ve no time to lose! We have to win this fast!”

“Right!” said Pinkie. “My turn, draw! I switch Power Tool Dragon back to attack position! [ATK2300] Then, by his effect, I can add an Equip Spell from my deck to my hoof!”

“Counter-Trap, Infernity Barrier, can activate when I have an attack position Infernity!” interrupted Zecora. “With this, as my hoof is empty, your effect activation is barred. Furthermore, your Monster is destroyed. I bet you wish that effect of yours never deployed.” Power Tool Dragon crumbled apart in front of Pinkie’s eyes.

“W-what…?” Pinkie mumbled. “…I set a card. Turn end.”

“Pinkie,” Twilight mumbled. “It’s okay. We’ll still be able to turn this around.”

“Yeah,” said Rainbow. “Battle! Ancient Flamvell Deity, attack Infernity Archfiend!”

“And you fall for my Trap, of course,” said Zecora. “Trap activate, Infernity Force! As my hoof has no cards, I destroy your attacking creature. Then, I Special Summon an Infernity from my Graveyard. Isn’t that a useful feature?”

“What!?” gasped Rainbow, as Ancient Flamvell Deity exploded.

“I Special Summon Infernity Beast!” said Zecora. A black dog with two large, green sacks on the sides of its face appeared. [DEF1200. LV3] “It seems your confidence has ceased.”

“I set one card,” said Rainbow. “Turn end.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! You’re outta Traps, Zecora. Ah’d say our confidence has just come back. Battle! Tytannial attacks Infernity Archfiend!” Large thorns shot out of the ground, slicing through Infernity Archfiend and stabbing into Zecora.

“Gah!” Zecora winced. [Zecora: LP 20300 –> 19300]

“Then, Gigaplant will attack Infernity Necromancer!” said Applejack. Gigaplant grabbed Necromancer in its mouth, and shredded it to bits with its teeth. “Finally, Botanical Lion attacks your Infernity Beast!” Botanical Lion leapt forward, and ripped Infernity Beast in two. “Ah set a card. Turn end!”

“Excellent work, Applejack!” said Rarity. “Now we only need to get rid of that Dark Synchro Monster and Infernity Guardian. My turn, draw! I summon the Tuner Monster, Buten!” A cute, stylized pig with big blue eyes, and small white wings fluttered out in front of Rarity. [ATK200. LV1] “Before I Synchro Summon, Amethyst Cat attacks you directly!” Amethyst Cat lunged past Zecora’s Monsters, slashing her across the face again.

“Ah!” Zecora winced. [Zecora: LP 19300 –> 18700]

“Now I tune my level 1 Buten to my level 3 Amethyst Cat and my level 4 Sapphire Pegasus!” Buten burst into a green Tuning Ring, and began channeling the seven level stars of Sapphire Pegasus and Amethyst Cat. “Darkened gales, become the wings that soar from resolved hope! Synchro Summon! Soar, Black Feather Dragon!” A beam of light shot down, and the legless dragon soared out, its large wings stretching dramatically, as its feathered tail and mane fluttered in the breeze behind it. [ATK2800. LV8] “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw! I summon Wattberyx!” An electrified goldfish with large, orange eyes appeared, seemingly swimming through the air. [ATK300. LV3] “Take the effect of Wattcannon!”

“Gah!” Zecora gasped, a blast of electricity striking her. [Zecora: LP 18700 –> 18100]

“Wattgiraffe can attack directly, so that’s what I’ll have him do!” said Fluttershy. Wattgiraffe sent out a blast of electricity from its horns.

“Gah!” Zecora gasped again. [Zecora: LP 18100 –> 16900]

“Wattcine increases my Life Points by 1200!” said Fluttershy. [Fluttershy: LP 800 –> 2000] “Then, I tune my level 3 Wattberyx to my level 4 Wattgiraffe.” Wattberyx burst into three green Tuning Rings, and began channeling the four level stars of Wattgiraffe. “Oh holy light of protection, shine now and become eternal life! Synchro Summon! Be born, Ancient Fairy Dragon!” A burst of light shot down, and Ancient Fairy Dragon appeared from it, stretching her large, butterfly-like wings, as her long, green hair trailed down her slender neck. Her serpentine tail curled around Fluttershy protectively, and her large, orange eyes gazing at her warmly. [ATK2100. LV7]

“Alright, Fluttershy!” Rainbow cheered.

“Way to bounce back, darling,” smiled Rarity.

Fluttershy smiled back. “Thanks. I end my turn.”

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw!”

“Quick-Play Spell!” said Applejack. “Rush Recklessly! Ah increase Stardust Dragon’s ATK by 700 until the End Phase!” [ATK3200]

“Applejack!” Twilight smiled.

“Go for it, sugarcube,” Applejack smiled back.

“Stardust Dragon,” said Twilight, “attack Hundred Eyes Dragon! Shooting Sonic!” Stardust shot out a blast of white energy, which stabbed through the large eye on Hundred Eyes Dragon’s chest, and caused it to explode. The blast knocked Zecora back.

“Gah!” Zecora winced. [Zecora: LP 16900 –> 16700]

“We did it!” Pinkie cheered.

“Not yet,” said Rarity. “Remember, there’s still her Earthbound God left to deal with.”

“Speaking of which,” said Zecora, “by destroying the Dark Synchro Monster, I can make that very switch. When Hundred Eyes Dragon is destroyed, an Earthbound God is added to my hoof to help fill the void!”

“What!?” Twilight gasped.

“It’s fine,” said Applejack. “There’s still no Field Spell on the field.”

“Don’t jinx it!” Pinkie gasped.

“I set a card and end my turn,” said Twilight. [ATK2500]

“My turn begins,” said Zecora. “And the underworld rewards my sins. I activate the Field Spell, Realm of the Earthbound Gods!” The area inside the geoglyph seemed to decay around them. “With this I have the favor of this duel’s odds. By paying 1000 Life Points, and forfeiting my Battle Phase, my Earthbound God can be summoned, and its my opponent who pays! I release Applejack’s Tytannial and Gigaplant! Equestria’s souls, from your bodies to me, decant!” [Zecora: LP 16700 –> 15700]

“No!” the Signers gasped.

“I told you not to jinx it!” said Pinkie.

“Watch in awe,” said Zecora. “Descend, Earthbound God Sacha!” A stone heart appeared above Zecora, pulsing. Off in the distance, ponies could be heard screaming, their bodies vanishing and their souls turning into orbs of light which were quickly sucked into the stone heart.

“And we just saved them, too,” Rainbow muttered. “Damn you, Zecora!”

“Hmph,” Zecora snorted, a smile on her face. The stone heart shot a pulse of light down. The flames of the geoglyph danced wildly, as the ground cracked, and parts of the ruined castle crumbled away. A large, black, thorn covered tree shot up from the ground behind Zecora. White tribal markings ran all over it. One of its roots wrapped around Zecora, and lifted her high into the air above the Signers.

The projected image of the King of the Underworld’s approach vanished, as the tree grew tall enough for Zecora to see it clearly. “The King approaches, my Signer friends! Soon… this world soon ends! Ah-ha-ha-ha!” [ATK?: LV10]

“Undetermined ATK?” Pinkie questioned.

“Sacha can’t attack on the turn it is played,” said Zecora, “but still, your lives will all be flayed! Your Life Points will all be cut in half. Sacha’s ATK will then increase on your behalf!”

“I think it’s cheating to rhyme half with behalf,” said Pinkie, before a large, thorny root shot out of the ground and ensnared her. “Ah!”

“Gah!” the other Signers gasped, as similar roots shot out beneath them, quickly ensnaring all of them. [Pinkie Pie: LP 3500 –> 1750. Rainbow Dash: LP 2300 –> 1150. Applejack: LP 4000 –> 2000. Rarity: LP 4000 –> 2000. Fluttershy: LP 2000 –> 1000. Twilight Sparkle: LP 4000 –> 2000]

“It’s sucking the life right out of us,” Twilight gasped, blood trickling down the thorn and being sucked into the root.

“Thank you for the blood,” smiled Zecora. “Soon your bodies will be buried in the mud!” [ATK9900]

“Damn it,” Rainbow muttered.

“Unless we manage to pull something off this round,” said Twilight, “at least one of us is going to die.”

“Not just one,” said Zecora. “Soon, the King of the Underworld will join in on the fun.”

A sudden blast of energy shot out over head. The Signers were too stunned to speak as Celestia and Luna, singed from the blast, spiraled down and crashed within the confines of the geoglyph.

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight gasped.

“Princess Luna!” Rarity gasped.

“At least I won’t be left alone, huh sister?” Luna mumbled, slowly turning into and orb of light.

Celestia gave her a small smile, before looking up at Twilight. “The King of the Underworld is minutes away. We’re counting on you girls…” The two princesses collapsed into orbs of light, which were quickly absorbed by Earthbound God Sacha.

“No…” Twilight muttered, narrowing her eyes. “Not again! Pinkie! I’m counting on you!”

“Right!” said Pinkie. “My turn, draw! I activate my Trap, Call of the Haunted to Special Summon Power Tool Dragon from my Graveyard!” Power Tool Dragon rose up in front of Pinkie, its eyes flashing. [ATK2300. LV7] “Then, I summon Vylon Hemicube!” A mechanical creature made of reflective metal, similar in shape to a cube but with only three faces appeared, it arms sticking out from behind it. [ATK500. LV1] “I tune my level 1 Vylon Hemicube to my level 7 Power Tool Dragon!” Vylon Hemicube burst into a green Tuning Ring, which began revolving around Power Tool Dragon. “The courage and power to protect the future of the planet is a revolution! Synchro Summon! Evolve, Life Stream Dragon!” The armor on Power Tool shattered, revealing the scaly flesh of a dragon in the same shape and color below. His claws were red, and where the screwdriver was on Power Tool was now a long, grey spike. [ATK2900. LV8]

“So that’s Pinkie’s Signer Dragon,” said Rarity.

“Life Stream Dragon and Vylon Hemicube’s effects!” said Pinkie. “First, Life Stream Dragon increases the Life Points of all players beneath 2000 to 2000!” Life Stream Dragon stretched his wings, sparkles of light drifting down to the Signers. [Pinkie Pie: LP 1750 –> 2000. Rainbow Dash: LP 1150 –> 2000. Fluttershy: LP 1000 –> 2000] “Then, Hemicube lets me pay 500 Life Points to equip it to Life Stream Dragon!” The three faces of Hemicube appeared, latching on to Life Stream Dragon. [Pinkie Pie: LP 2000 –> 1500] “Once per turn, Hemicube lets me pay 500 Life Points to change Life Stream Dragon’s effect to the effect of a Monster with a lower level than it! I pay 500 Life Points to change Life Stream Dragon’s effect to the effect of…”

“Choose Ancient Fairy Dragon!” said Fluttershy. “She can destroy Field Spells, and without one, the Earthbound God will be destroyed!”

“Great idea!” Pinkie smiled. “Thanks, Fluttershy! I change Life Stream Dragon’s effect to match Ancient Fairy Dragon’s effect!” [Pinkie Pie: LP 1500 –> 1000]

Zecora’s eyes were wide in shock. “No, this can’t be! Please, stop this, Pinkie!”

“I will stop this!” said Pinkie. “Assuming ‘this’ refers to your evil ways! I activate the copied effect of Ancient Fairy Dragon! Once per turn, I can destroy a Field Spell to increase my Life Points by 1000! Plain Back!” The reflective surfaces on Life Stream Dragon glowed, showing a reflection of Ancient Fairy Dragon. Ancient Fairy’s wings glowed, and area inside the geoglyph seemed to get some color back. [Pinkie Pie: LP 1000 –> 2000]

The white lines on the tree seemed to fade, and the roots ensnaring the Signers crumbled away. Zecora’s eyes were wide in panic, as Earthbound God Sacha began to crumble around her.

“Trap activate!” said Twilight. “Stardust Strike! When a card my opponent controls is destroyed while I control Stardust Dragon, I can banish a card my opponent controls! I banish Infernity Guardian!”

“Infernity Guardian isn’t immune to banishment,” said Zecora. “It seems that all of my resources are spent...”

“Battle!” said Pinkie. “Life Stream Dragon, attack Zecora directly! Life’s Beauty Howl!” Life Stream Dragon shot out a blast of crimson energy, which enveloped and burned Zecora.

“Agh!” Zecora gasped. [Zecora: LP 15700 –> 12800]

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! Trap activate! Descending Lost Star! I Special Summon a Synchro Monster from my Graveyard in defense. It loses one level and has its defense reduced to zero. I Special Summon Flamvell Uruquizas!” Uruquizas appeared in front of Rainbow, kneeling in front of her. [DEF0. LV5] “Then I summon Flamvell Archer!” A flaming haired biped, armed with a red bow and burning arrows appeared. [ATK1000. LV3] “I tune my level 3 Flamvell Archer to my level 5 Flamvell Uruquizas!” Flamvell Archer burst into three green Tuning Rings, which channeled the level stars of Uruquizas. “The ruler’s heartbeats now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power! Synchro Summon! Red Demon’s Dragon!” A spinning torrent of flames surrounded a red and black dragon, with three large horns upon his head. He spread his wings to dispel the flames, roaring to the sky, bearing his claws. [ATK3000. LV8]

“Alright, Dashie!” Pinkie cheered.

“Battle!” said Rainbow. “Red Demon’s Dragon, attack Zecora directly! Absolute Power Force!” Red Demon’s Dragon roared, its claws bursting into flame which in punched into Zecora.

“Agh!” Zecora gasped again. [Zecora: LP 12800 –> 9800]

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! Ah summon Twilight Rose Knight!” A small, blue haired bipedal decked out in black armor and white cape appeared, slashing a small sword. [ATK1000. LV3] “Ah tune my level 3 Twilight Rose Knight to mah level 4 Botanical Lion!” Twilight Rose Knight dissolved into the green Tuning Rings, while Botanical Lion burst into stars, channeling through the center of the rings. “Chilling flames engulf the whole world. Pitch dark flower, set into bloom!” A burst of violet light shot through the rings, shining behind Applejack. “Synchro Summon! Bloom, Black Rose Dragon!” The large, black dragon, its rose petal wings stretched appeared from the light, roaring at Zecora. [ATK2400. LV7] “Black Rose Dragon, direct attack! Black Rose Flare!” Black Rose Dragon’s eyes narrowed into a glare as it shot out a blast of dark purple flames, burning Zecora.

“Agh!” Zecora gasped yet again. [Zecora: LP 9800 –> 7400]

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw! Battle! Black Feather Dragon, attack Zecora directly! Noble Stream!” Black Feather breathed out a blast of red and black energy, further burning Zecora.

“Agh!” Zecora gasped once more. [Zecora: LP 7400 –> 4600]

“My turn,” said Fluttershy. “Draw! Go, Ancient Fairy Dragon! Attack Zecora directly! Eternal Sunshine!” Ancient Fairy Dragon spread her wings, sending out a flare of bright light.

“Ah!” Zecora winced, flinching from the light as it engulfed her. [Zecora: LP 4600 –> 2500]

“My turn,” said Twilight, the Signer Marks all burning intensely.

“Hurry, Twilight!” Pinkie urged, the King of the Underworld beginning to loom over them.

“Stardust Dragon!” Twilight screamed. “Finish this! Attack Zecora directly! Shooting Sonic!”

Stardust Dragon sent out a blast of white energy, shooting through Zecora and the remains of Earthbound God Sacha. Upon breaking through the dead tree, the white energy turned crimson, dissolving into the Crimson Dragon. With a sorrowful roar, the Crimson Dragon dove into the King of the Underworld.

The King of the Underworld let out a final moan, before a burst of light shot up from inside it. The light quickly spread across the geoglyph, engulfing the seven duelists and causing the flames to dissipate.

“I’m proud of you, my friends,” Zecora said. “With this, this endless cycle finally ends…” [Zecora: LP 2500 –> 0]

Author's Notes:

I'm not too happy with this chapter, to be honest. But it is really difficult trying to work rhymes to Yu-Gi-Oh! terminology into dialog, so I'm just happy I'm done with this duel. Hopefully the chapter is still enjoyable to you.