Cheerilee trotted into the classroom as the bell rang, looking out over her class with a smile. “Happy Friday, everypony!”

“Happy Friday, Miss Cheerilee!”

“Now, I don’t really want to start something new today,” said Cheerilee, “but I will tell you what I have planned for our next subject. I’m certain you all know what this is, right?” Cheerilee set down her saddle bags, before dipping her head in to pull out a card.

“A Duel Monsters’ card?” said Scootaloo.

“Ooh!” said Sweetie Belle. “Are we going to be dueling next week?”

“Maybe when we’re done with the subject,” said Cheerilee. “I recently received a book on history and legends from the Golden Oak Library, and I thought we could study the history of Duel Monsters.”

“How can we study the history of something that’s only a few years old?” asked Diamond Tiara.

Cheerilee shook her head. “As I hope to show you, it extends back thousands of years. But we’ll cover that next week. I need to run out to order some supplies. I’ve called in some ponies to watch over the class while I’m out, and keep you entertained for today. I’ll see you Monday, alright?”

Cheerilee waved to the class, before trotting out the door. Applejack and Rarity entered in her place.

“Sweetie Belle, no slouching,” said Rarity.

“Aw, man,” groaned Sweetie Belle, sitting up straight.

"Rarity?" asked Apple Bloom. "Applejack? Cheerilee asked you two to handle the class?"

"Doesn't this school have any other teachers?" Silver Spoon whispered.

"Forget that," Diamond Tiara whispered back. "With these two in charge, we won't be doing anything today. Might as well dismiss us right now."

"It's rude to whisper in class," Scootaloo butted in.

“Oh, Scootaloo,” said Applejack. “Rainbow told me to tell you that she can’t hang out with ya today.”

“She can’t?” asked Scootaloo. “Darn… That’s the third time this month she’s cancelled. When am I supposed to get flight lessons?”

“Sorry, sugarcube,” said Applejack. “She’s really worn out from yesterday, but she did say-”

“Excuse me?” interrupted Diamond Tiara. “We’re supposed to be learning something, not having a casual conversation with blank flanks.”

“If only I could put you in detention for that,” muttered Rarity. “But she is correct. Cheerilee told us to teach them something.”

“We could talk about apples,” suggested Applejack, a big smile on her face.

“Or perhaps fashion?” suggested Rarity. “Does the school still have a sewing club?”

“Uh, sis?” said Apple Bloom, raising a hoof. “We’re gonna learn about Duel Monsters next week, so maybe you could duel for us?”

“Hey, yeah,” agreed Scootaloo. “We still don’t have decks ourselves, so we don’t get to see dueling outside of passing them on the street.”

“Except for that tourney the fair held last weekend,” said Apple Bloom. “Though the tickets cost a bit more than expected.”

“I have a deck,” bragged Diamond Tiara.

“Same here,” smirked Silver Spoon.

“Well, goodie for you,” muttered Sweetie Belle.

“Girls, please,” said Rarity, before turning towards Applejack. “Well, I’m all for a duel if you are, Applejack.”

“If ya think ya can beat me,” smiled Applejack. “Yer on!”

“Duel!”

Rarity: LP 4000. Applejack: LP 4000.

“I’ll take the first move,” said Rarity. “Draw! I’ll activate my Field Spell Card, Ancient City – Rainbow Ruins!" The classroom took on the appearance of a large coliseum, the walls changing to look like sandstone ramparts. Pillars rose from the floor, stretching to a ceiling that now resembled a clear blue sky. A rainbow stretched across, completing the Field Spell's environment. "Additionally, I activate the Continuous-Spell, Crystal Tree!" A small, leafless stone tree sprouted from the ground beside Rarity. "Every time I place a Crystal Beast into my Spell and Trap card Zone, I place a Crystal Counter on this card. I set one Monster, and end my turn.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! …Say, Rarity? You have a Dragon-Type in that deck, right?”

“Yes,” Rarity said slowly. “Why, do you have some card to counter Dragons or something?”

“No,” said Applejack. “Ah don’t think Ah do, it’s just Ah found a Dragon-Type in the orchard last night when Ah was cleaning up the party.”

“Well, I have two Dragons,” said Rarity. “I keep one safe and sound at home. It’s very rare, and I received it from Fancy Pants himself for a dress I made.”

“Fancy Pants wears dresses?”

“No, Applejack,” groaned Rarity. “His wife, Fleur does. But that’s beside the point. The only other Dragon I have I saw in my deck this morning.”

“Huh,” said Applejack. “Then where did-”

“ARE YOU GOING TO DUEL OR TALK!?” snapped Diamond Tiara.

“No outbursts in class,” Applejack snapped back. “Ah summon Lonefire Blossom!" A strange plant uncoiled itself in front of Applejack. If it weren't for the bulb looking like a lit bomb, it would appear to be an ordinary flower. [ATK500. LV3] "Then Ah release it by its effect to Special Summon a Plant-Type Monster from mah deck! Ah Special Summon Gigaplant!" Lonefire Blossom exploded and a large wall of twisting plants rose up in its place, a large red maw opening to reveal rows of sharp teeth. It let out a roar, as appendages resembling the claws of an insect sprouted from it. [ATK2400. LV6] "Battle! Gigaplant, attack Rarity’s Set Monster!” The card flipped over and an old tortoise with green gems sprouting from its back took its place. [DEF2000] It didn't remain for long, as Gigaplant sliced through as easily as a scythe through grass.

“Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise’s effect!” said Rarity. “When destroyed, I can place him into my Spell and Trap Zone instead of sending him to the Graveyard!" A lump of emerald remained drifting in front of Rarity. "And since I placed a Crystal Beast in my Spell and Trap Zone, Crystal Tree gains a Crystal Counter!” A glowing gem sprouted on one of the branches. [Crystal Counter: 1]

“Ah set a card,” said Applejack. “Turn end.”

“Cheerilee!” called Twilight, galloping towards her from across the market place.

“Hello, Twilight!” smiled Cheerilee. She frowned as Twilight got closer. “Are you okay? You look tired.”

“I’ve been up all night studying,” said Twilight. “Something happened at yesterday’s party and it’s left me curious.”

“Curious about what?” asked Cheerilee, as they began trotting down the street together.

“Remember those cards that we found in that book you returned the other day?”

“Those Synchro Monsters?” asked Cheerilee. “Yes, I remember. Did something happen with them?”

“I think so,” said Twilight. “But none of my books had anything about them, and then I remembered I lent you one before I could read it, so…”

“You think the book might have something in it, yes?” asked Cheerilee.

“I do,” said Twilight. “Is there any legends about dragons in it?”

“Just one,” said Cheerilee. “Have any of your other books mentioned a deity called the Crimson Dragon?”

“The Crimson Dragon?” repeated Twilight, racking her brain. “I don’t think they did.”

“Well, I haven’t been able to figure out much of it personally,” said Cheerilee, “but I’ll try to fill you in. There’s a legendary creature called the Crimson Dragon. It’s power is similar to the Elements of Harmony, in that it needs to be channeled through friends.”

“So is the legend based off of the Elements?” asked Twilight.

“Most likely,” said Cheerilee. “Legend says the there are dragons that serve the Crimson Dragon, and that these dragons find those worthy to bear the Mark of the Crimson Dragon. The ponies with these marks are called Signers.”

“Marks, huh,” said Twilight.

“Most likely inspired by Cutie Marks,” said Cheerilee. “They say the ponies who have these Marks of the Crimson Dragon, as well as the Crimson Dragon’s servants, are destined to find one another. The dragons are drawn to the ponies, and the ponies are drawn to each other.”

“But why would it feel the need to?” asked Twilight.

“It’s just a legend, Twilight,” laughed Cheerilee. “I doubt it’s real. Besides, it didn’t really explain it well in the book. There was just some artwork of the Signers standing against purple flames.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Did you say purple flames!?”

Fluttershy found herself surrounded by purple flames. The flames were reflected in the sky, and seemed to form the shape of a spider. Other shapes reflected nearby, and she could only hear the screams of her friends as large black shapes rose up from the geoglyphs.

“H-help me,” she stuttered weakly, too scared to move.

A bright red light began to shine behind her. She turned around to see six dragons soaring up towards the monsters that erupted from the ground. The strange thing was, she recognized two of them.

“Aren’t those…”

Fluttershy woke up to an angry bunny beating her on the head. “Ow! S-sorry, Angel. I didn’t know I was asleep for so long.”

Angel hopped off, and stared at her with a look of almost worry. “Oh, don’t worry. I don’t think I’m sick. I was just having a nightmare, I think.”

“A nightmare?” repeated Cheerilee.

Twilight nodded. “Purple flames were raging all across Equestria.”

“I’m sure it was just because you fell asleep reading the legend,” said Cheerilee.

Twilight shook her head. “That can’t be it, though. I hadn’t had the chance to read this legend yet. Until you told me, I didn’t know it even existed.”

Cheerilee frowned. “That is odd… Well, the book’s back at my house. Feel free to pick it up. I’d join you, but I have more errands to run.”

“Don’t you have a class right now?” asked Twilight.

“I left them under Rarity and Applejack’s care,” said Cheerilee. “I’m sure they can handle them.”

“If you’re sure,” said Twilight. “Thanks, Cheerilee.”

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw! I summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus!" A large, white pegasus, with pale gold feathers on its wings flew around the room, before landing in front of Rarity. A sapphire blue unicorn horn adorned its head. [ATK1800. LV4] By Sapphire Pegasus’s effect, I place a Crystal Beast from my deck into my Spell and Trap Zone. I place Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle!" Sapphire Pegasus' horn glowed, and a lump of ruby materialized behind it, drifting in front of Rarity. "Then, Crystal Tree gains another Crystal Counter!” Yet another glowing crystal sprouted on the otherwise empty tree. [Crystal Counter: 2]

“What do those Crystal Counters even do?” asked Applejack.

“You want to know?” asked Rarity. “Okay, you asked for it! By sending Crystal Tree to the Graveyard, I can place a Crystal Beast from my deck into my Spell and Trap Zone: one Crystal Beast for every Crystal Counter! I send Crystal Tree to the Graveyard to place Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth and Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger into my Spell and Trap Zone!” The stone tree shattered, and the two crystals fell changing color until they became a lump of amber and a lump of topaz respectively.

“Ya could have just told me,” said Applejack.

“But that wouldn’t be as fun,” said Rarity. “I activate the effect of Ancient City – Rainbow Ruins! Since I have 4 Crystal Beasts in my Spell and Trap Zone, I can draw a card! Then I set one card, and end my turn.”

“Mah turn,” said Applejack. “Draw! As Gigaplant is a Gemini Monster, I can Normal Summon it again to give it its effect!”

“And since you can’t Normal Summon twice in one turn,” smiled Rarity, “now’s the perfect time to activate my Trap! Crystal Raigeki! By sending a Crystal Beast from my Spell and Trap Zone to the Graveyard, I can destroy a card my opponent controls! I send Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise to the Graveyard to destroy Gigaplant!” The lump of emerald shattered, and the shards went flying towards Gigaplant.

“Counter-Trap!” chained Applejack. “Destruction Jammer! Since Crystal Raigeki is going to be destroying mah Monster, ah can discard a card to negate and destroy it!” The emerald hard glowed, dissipating before they reached Gigaplant.

“Well, darn,” said Rarity.

“Ah activate Gigaplant’s effect!” said Applejack. “Once per turn, Ah can Special Summon a Plant or Insect-Type Monster from mah hoof or Graveyard! Ah Special Summon Tytannial, Princess of Camellias!” A large rose blossomed in front of Applejack, opening to reveal a primate with smooth hairless skin. Her outfit and crown were, like her lower half, made of plants. [ATK2800. LV8]

“This might not go as well as I hoped,” said Rarity.

“Hang in there, sis!” cheered Sweetie Belle.

“Battle!” said Applejack. “Tytannial, attack Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus!” Prehensile vines coated in thorns lashed out and whipped straight through Sapphire Pegasus and into Rarity.

“Gah!” winced Rarity. [Rarity: LP 4000 –> 3000]

“Yer wide open,” smiled Applejack. “Gigaplant, direct attack!”

“I activate the effect of Ancient City – Rainbow Ruins!” countered Rarity. “Since I have at least two Crystal Beasts in the Spell and Trap Zone, once per turn I can halve the Battle Damage I take!” The lumps of crystals glowed, and a small barrier formed around Rarity, cushioning the blow. [Rarity: LP 3000 –> 1800]

“Turn end,” said Applejack.

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw! Oh, Applejack… I’m afraid this duel is mine.”

“What do you mean?” asked Applejack.

“I activate Crystal Beacon!” said Rarity. “Since I have two Crystal Beasts in my Spell and Trap Zone, I can Special Summon a Crystal Beast from my deck. I Special Summon Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle!" An eagle soared down to land in front of Rarity. Blue colored gems adorned each wing and its neck. [ATK1400. LV4] "Then, 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] "Now everything is set for my ace monster.”

“Your ace monster?” repeated Applejack.

Rarity smiled. “Brace yourself, darling.”

Fluttershy was trotting frantically through her garden, trying to make up for lost time in feeding the animals. “Sorry, sorry, I didn’t intend to keep you waiting so long. I just slept in a lot. No, I’m not sick, it was just a nightmare.”

Angel hopped along behind her, helping her carry more food with her, when Fluttershy finally stopped for breath. A few birds flew up, and twittered about her head.

“It involved fire, and darkness,” said Fluttershy, describing her nightmare to them. “And there were some dragons… And I saw two of them before. Red Demon’s Dragon and Stardust Dragon were there. But I’ve never seen the others.”

“Fluttershy…”

“Eep!” Fluttershy gasped, ducking behind her a bush. “W-who’s there?”

Angel looked around the garden, and shrugged at his owner, rubbing his ears in an attempt to clear them.

“You didn’t hear anything?” asked Fluttershy. “But I could have sworn…”

“Fluttershy…” the voice called again.

Fluttershy whimpered a little, before turning towards the source of the noise. Got in the briars of a bush was-

“A card?” Fluttershy mumbled, picking it out of the brush. She looked around the garden. “Did somepony lose a card? Is that why you were calling me?”

Upon receiving no response, Fluttershy decided to inspect the card more carefully. She leapt back as soon as she took a look at the card’s image. “That dragon! She was in my dream, too! I’m sure of it!”

Angel glanced at the card as well, scratching his head, before pointing towards Ponyville.

Fluttershy nodded, putting the card into her Extra Deck for safety. “You’re right, Angel. If anypony knows what this all means, it would be Twilight. Can you care for the others for me?”

Angel saluted, and Fluttershy set off in a trot towards Ponyville. Hidden in the trees beside the road, a cloaked figure watched as she passed, before smirking. The mark of a purple spider adorned her flank, glowing in the shadows. She opened her talons as two of the mark's spider legs vanished. In a puff of smoke, two small, black spiders appeared in her talons.

“See that pony down there? She’s the first target.” The figure tossed the spiders out into the wind, watching them glide into town. “Heh, things should be getting interesting now. So you like animals, Fluttershy? Well, let’s see how you like these spiders, you animal-obsessed dweeb!”

The figure stretched her wings, and flew away into the Everfree Forest, cackling to herself, as Fluttershy entered Ponyville none the wiser.

Author's Notes:

As requested, I have tried to give more vivid descriptions and details to the duels. How did I do? Would you like me to be less or more descriptive in future chapters? I would greatly appreciate any and all feedback!