Twilight trotted down the stairs, having just put Spike to bed. Rainbow was pacing impatiently around the room, pausing on occasion to stare at the book, comparing the dragons in the image to her own Red Demon’s Dragon.

“What’s taking them so long?” Rainbow asked, as Twilight sat down at the table. “We asked them here over an hour ago! Fluttershy’s been hospitalized, gods are involved, and they’re dragging their pretty princess plots!”

“Rainbow, watch what you say!” snapped Twilight. She took a breath to calm herself before continuing. “They do have an entire country to run. They’re probably busy.”

Rainbow snatched up the reply letter they had gotten an hour ago. “‘My faithful student, Luna and I will be with you as soon as possible. From what you’ve described about recent events, it seems that you knowing about the legend of the Signers and Dark Signers is of the utmost importance.’ Yeah, if it was so important, they’d have been here an hour ago!”

“Keep your voice down!” snapped Twilight, before casting a sound-proofing spell at her bedroom. “There. Now that Spike can't hear us, you can scream pointlessly.”

“I’m not screaming,” said Rainbow. “I’m just asking-”

“What was taking us so long?” Celestia finished.

“Princess Celestia!” gasped Rainbow. “Uh, how long have you been here?”

“We just arrived,” said Luna. “So we didn’t hear most of what I’m sure was unsavory comments about us.”

“Uh, sorry,” blushed Rainbow.

“We’re sorry we’re late,” said Celestia. “We needed to get an expert in on this.”

“There’s an expert on these legends already?” asked Twilight. “Who is it?”

“You’ve met her before,” said Celestia.

“Twilight, my friend, it’s been awhile. I’ve longed to once again see your smile.”

“Zecora!” Twilight smiled. “It has been awhile, hasn’t it?”

“You’re the expert?” asked Rainbow. “How’d you learn so much?”

“You flatter me, Rainbow Dash, but you’ve yet to hear my speech,” said Zecora. Please don’t label me an expert, when you haven’t seen me preach.”

“I’m sure you’re being modest, since the princesses went to get you,” said Twilight.

“Before we begin,” said Luna, “perhaps you could clarify for us the details of your letter?”

“It gave us a brief summary,” said Celestia, “but I think we should hear it straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.”

“It started at my party,” said Rainbow, taking out Red Demon’s Dragon. “Twilight gave me a card she found in a book. She found another that she kept for herself. I noticed something strange when I was dueling her. Whenever they attacked each other, it would impact more than normal Solid Vision. Like, actual impacts.”

“The very next day,” Twilight continued, “I found out about the Crimson Dragon and the Signers from this book I had lent Cheerilee. It didn’t have much information, though.”

“Then the mayor went nuts!” said Rainbow. “I wasn’t there, but AJ, Rarity, and Twilight were. She called herself a Dark Signer, attacked Fluttershy, and completely tore up an entire street!”

“And that’s when Fluttershy awakened as a Signer, correct?” asked Celestia.

“That’s about it, yes,” said Twilight. “Could you tell us what exactly a Dark Signer is?”

“And what it means to be a Signer?” added Rainbow. “Because being chosen by a god sounds awesome.”

“The Signers are chosen to act as the world’s protectors,” said Zecora. “To fight against evil’s many specters.”

“So the Crimson Dragon picks Signers to act as heroes,” said Rainbow. “Okay, that’s cool.”

“But that still doesn’t explain the Dark Signers,” said Twilight.

“The Dark Signers are the opposite, chosen by evil,” said Zecora. “They're chosen by the underworld to enact an upheaval.”

“An upheaval?” asked Twilight.

“To simplify things,” said Luna, “the Dark Signers want to spread the influence of the underworld outside of Tartarus, and spread it over the entire planet.”

“What!?” gasped Rainbow. “But that would kill everything, wouldn’t it?”

“If we’re lucky, yes,” said Zecora, “however we fear there may be more duress.”

"More duress?" repeated Twilight. What could be worse than the death of everything?

“Basically,” said Celestia, “the Dark Signers are chosen by gods as well. The gods of the underworld.”

“From what Zecora told us,” said Luna, “the Marks of the Dark Signers don’t make up parts of a whole, but represent an entire god by themselves.”

“So, Mayor Mare was chosen by a god of the underworld?” asked Rainbow.

“No,” said Twilight, “I think she was used by them. Fluttershy’s Signer Mark is still there, and doesn’t seem to be brainwashing her like the mayor’s Dark Signer Mark. Am I right in thinking this?”

“You’re assumptions are right, my clever Twilight,” rhymed Zecora.

“So the real Dark Signers are still out there,” said Twilight.

“Why attack Fluttershy, though?” asked Rainbow. “Are they just jerks that attack anyone?”

“As Fluttershy was revealed to be a Signer,” said Luna, “I’d say that it wasn’t an act of random violence. The Dark Signers targeted her deliberately.”

“And how would they know?” asked Twilight.

“Just like the Signers are drawn together,” said Celestia, “the Dark Signers usually have a connection to them as well.”

“We’re merely speculating on this,” said Luna, “but it seems the Dark Signers choose to ally themselves with the underworld for vengeance or other reasons that they’d want to survive.”

“Survive?” asked Rainbow. “They could survive better without doing this underworld nonsense!”

“Unfortunately, no,” said Luna. “You see, the Dark Signers are approached by the underworld to act on their behalf because they’re about to die.”

Rainbow was stunned silent. Twilight spoke slowly, trying to understand. “Wait, so… The Dark Signers are… dead?”

Zecora nodded. “The souls of the departed, holding reasons to live connected to the Signers are approached and asked to fight. They agree and live on by serving the underworld in their quest to kill the Signers and the world’s light.”

“S-so,” Rainbow stuttered, “somepony connected to Fluttershy died and came back to kill her?”

“Perhaps,” said Luna. “We understand that this comes as a shock.”

“I’m so sorry, Twilight,” said Celestia. “I wish that this wouldn’t fall to you and your friends, but if the dragons are being drawn to you, and if Fluttershy is already revealed to be a Signer…”

“Then it falls to you to face the Dark Signers,” said Luna. “According to legend, the battle of Signer vs. Dark Signer plays out every 5000 years. All other efforts failed in previous battles. Only the Signers and Dark Signers themselves can face one another with a chance of survival.”

“Rainbow Dash,” said Zecora, “you mentioned something when you and Twilight clashed?”

“Huh?” said Rainbow. “Uh, yeah. When Stardust Dragon and Red Demon’s Dragon attacked each other, almost real impacts would occur.”

Celestia nodded. “That makes sense. Even when dormant, a Signer’s strength can be called out by their dragon. In an ordinary duel, this would be meaningless, but if two dormant Signers were dueling…”

“Then you’d get some interesting results, wouldn’t you?” smiled Luna.

“I should take my leave, if you don’t mind,” said Zecora. “I’m sorry that destiny has put you in such a bind.”

“Goodnight, Zecora,” said Twilight, as Zecora left.

“Well, then,” said Celestia, “shall we?”

“I’m ready, sister,” said Luna. “Are you?”

“Who, us?” asked Rainbow.

“If you didn’t surmise from Fluttershy’s duel of darkness,” said Luna, “a Signer awakens to their true potential when pushed to the limit in a duel.”

“It’s incredibly likely you two are Signers,” said Celestia. “Rather than wait for the Dark Signers to attempt to harm you, though, we want to awaken your true powers now.”

“We’ll push you hard,” said Luna. “And though it won’t be a duel of darkness, as we don’t want to harm you, don’t expect things to be easy.”

“The two of you against us?” asked Twilight.

“If you’d rather not,” said Celestia, “then we understand.”

“We’re game!” said Rainbow.

“We are?” asked Twilight. “Rainbow, are you sure you want to? After what we’ve heard about the Dark Signers?”

“If we’re already destined to be Signers, then it doesn’t matter if we want to or not,” said Rainbow. “Besides, Fluttershy’s been my friend for as long as I can remember. If these Dark Signers want to mess with her, then they’ll have to go through me! And I want to be at my full potential for when that happens!”

Twilight smiled. “You’re right, Rainbow. Okay, Princess Celestia. Princess Luna. We’re ready to be awakened as Signers. How are we going to duel?”

“We’ll duel by Tag Duel rules,” said Celestia. “Two against two, each side alternating the turn player. Though the cards in your hooves and decks will be separate, you’ll share everything else. A field, Graveyard, even Life Points.”

“Don’t hold back, because we’ll be going all out!” said Luna. “

“Duel!”

Celestia & Luna: LP 4000. Twilight Sparkle & Rainbow Dash: LP 4000.

“I’ll go first,” said Celestia. “Draw! I activate the Field Spell, Realm of Light!” The bookshelves of the library vanished, a large acropolis rising up towards the overcast sky. Stone buildings and spires arose around the ponies, a large temple sat behind Celestia and Luna, while a small stream ran behind Twilight and Rainbow.

“Whenever a card is sent from my deck to the Graveyard,” Celestia explained, “Realm of Light gets a Shine Counter. For each Shine Counter, Lightsworn Monsters gain 100 ATK. If this card would be destroyed, I can instead remove 2 Shine Counters. Next, I activate Charge of the Light Brigade! I send the top 3 cards of my deck to the Graveyard. Afterwards, I can add a level 4 or lower Lightsworn Monster to my hoof. I send 3 cards to the Graveyard and add Jain, Lightsworn Paladin to my hoof!”

“As cards were just sent to the Graveyard,” said Luna, “our Field Spell gains a Shine Counter.” A stream of sunlight cut through the clouds above, shining down upon the spires in the city.

“Now,” said Celestia, “I summon Jain, Lightsworn Paladin!” An armored biped stood at attention in front of Celestia, armed with a shield and a glowing broad sword. [ATK1800. LV4] “Thanks to the Shine Counter on Realm of Light, Jain gains 100 ATK! [ATK1900] Turn end. During the End Phase, Jain sends the top 2 cards of my deck to the Graveyard.”

“And our Field Spell gains another Shine Counter,” added Luna, “further increasing Jain’s ATK!” Another beam of sunlight pierced through the clouds. [ATK2000]

“Your turn, Twilight,” said Celestia.

“Why’s she get to go first for us?” Rainbow muttered. “I was the first to agree to this duel.”

“It doesn’t matter,” said Twilight. “Draw! I activate the Ritual Spell, Ritual of Grace! I release Monsters from my hoof or field whose total levels are at least 7 to perform a Ritual Summon! I release Endymion, the Master Magician from my hoof to Ritual Summon Divine Grace – Northwemko!” A female biped with long blond hair, dressed in a black and green robe and wielding a green staff stood in front of Twilight, a gentle smile on her face. [ATK2700. LV7]

“Northwemko’s effect!” said Twilight. “When she’s Ritual Summoned, I target a card on the field for every Ritual Material Monster used. As long as those cards are on the field, Northwemko can’t be destroyed by card effects. I target your Field Spell, Realm of Light!”

“Clever, Twilight,” said Celestia.

“Way to use their Field Spell against them!” cheered Rainbow.

“So it’s fine I went first now?” asked Twilight. “Northwemko, attack Jain!” Northwemko raised her staff, and pointed it at Jain before blasting a burst of white fire out.

“Ah!” gasped Celestia. [Celestia & Luna: LP 4000 –> 3300]

“And after such an impressive start, too,” said Luna. “Looks like we’ll have to play things more seriously. My turn, draw! Apologies for this, sister, but I can’t let Twilight Sparkle’s monster maintain her effect destruction immunity. I activate the Field Spell, Necrovalley!”

The sprawling acropolis that was Realm of Light crumbled away, large canyon walls reaching up around the duel field. The floor turned to coarse sand, and the clouds gave way to a red sky, the sun beating down on them from the canyon’s end. By the setting sun, the silhouette of pyramids could be seen.

“Wait,” said Twilight, “you got rid of Realm of Light?”

“I don’t use Lightsworn Monsters,” said Luna. “See if you can figure out what my deck consists of. Necrovalley increases the ATK and DEF of all Gravekeeper’s Monsters by 500. Furthermore, not only can cards in the Graveyard not be banished, any effect that would move a card in the Graveyard elsewhere, other than that very card itself, will have that effect negated!”

“A Gravekeeper’s deck,” said Twilight. “Interesting match up to a Lightsworn deck…”

“I set a Monster in defense!” said Luna. “My turn is finished. Proceed, Rainbow Dash!”

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw! I summon Flamvell Firedog!” A dog made of magma erupted out of the ground in front or Rainbow. [ATK1900. LV4] “Battle! Flamvell Firedog, attack Princess Luna’s set monster!”

“Wait, Rainbow!” gasped Twilight.

A robed biped, that seemed to fade into shadow by his lower half replaced the set card, kneeling down in front of Luna. [DEF2000]

“2000 DEF!?” gasped Rainbow.

“Not for long,” said Luna. “Gravekeeper’s Spy gains 500 DEF from thanks to Necrovalley!” [DEF2500]

Firedog was blasted back by a pulse of shadow from Gravekeeper’s Spy, crashing into Rainbow. “Agh!” [Twilight Sparkle & Rainbow Dash: LP 4000 –> 3400]

“What were you thinking?” asked Twilight. “You need to take your opponent’s cards into account when strategizing, not just your own!”

“It’s fine,” muttered Rainbow. “We’re still winning.”

“Gravekeeper’s Spy’s Flip Effect!” said Luna. “I can Special Summon a level 4 or lower Gravekeeper’s Monster from my deck! I Special Summon another Gravekeeper’s Spy!” Another biped that seemed to fade into shadows appeared, kneeling next to the first. [DEF2000. LV4] “And, of course, Necrovalley increases his DEF!” [DEF2500]

“Damn,” muttered Rainbow. “It’s still the Battle Phase, though! Divine Grace – Northwemko, destroy Gravekeeper’s Spy!” A burst of white flames was sent blasting into the first Gravekeeper’s Spy, burning him away. “I set two cards. Turn end.”

“My turn, then,” said Celestia. “Draw! From my hoof, I Special Summon Judgment Dragon!” A large, quadruped, white dragon, with feathers covering it’s large wings, head, and neck soared above them. It majestically landed in front of Celestia, raising its red claws as it looked up towards the sky. [ATK3000. LV8]

“What!?” gasped Rainbow.

“Wait,” said Twilight, “you can only summon that card if there are 4 or more Lightsworn Monsters in your Graveyard, right?”

“And we only destroyed Jain!” said Rainbow.

“Sister milled 5 cards total from her deck with Jain and Charge of the Light Brigade,” said Luna. “Among them were 3 Lightsworn monsters.”

“Damn,” muttered Rainbow.

“Sister,” said Luna, “if you want, feel free to destroy my cards. I’d much rather attack directly for 3000 now than keep Necrovalley.”

“If you insist,” said Celestia. “Judgment Dragon’s effect! I pay 1000 Life Points to destroy all other cards on the field!” [Celestia & Luna: LP 3300 –> 2300]

“I chain Effect Veiler’s effect from my hoof!” said Twilight. “I discard it during my opponents Main Phase to negate the effect of one of my opponent’s Monsters until the End Phase! I negate Judgment Dragon’s effect!”

“Clever,” said Celestia. “Waiting to negate it after we paid the cost. We can still attack, though. Judgment Dragon, attack Divine Grace – Northwemko! Judgment Ripper!” Judgment Dragon’s claws glowed, as it slashed through Northwemko and struck both Twilight and Rainbow.

“Gah!” [Twilight Sparkle & Rainbow Dash: LP 3400 –> 3100]

“Turn end,” said Celestia.

“My turn,” said Twilight. “Draw! I activate Double Summon! I can Normal Summon twice this turn! 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] “Thanks to Double Summon, I can Normal Summon twice this turn! I Normal Summon Tuned Magician again to activate its Gemini Effect! Tuned Magician is now a Tuner Monster!” A green Tuning Ring appeared, rotating around Tuned Magician.

Rainbow had been watching silently, when she suddenly realized what Twilight was doing. “Wait, Twilight, hold on!”

“I tune my level 4 Tuned Magician to my level 4 Flamvell Firedog!” said Twilight, ignoring Rainbow. Tuned Magician burst into three more Tuning Rings, the 4 rings stacking over Flamvell Firedog, who turned into level stars to channel through the Tuning Rings. “Clustering wishes will create a shining new star! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!” In a burst of light, Stardust flew out, her white wings stretching out, dramatically sending a shower of sparkles out over the field. [ATK2500. LV8]

“That’s definitely one of the Signer Dragons,” said Celestia.

“Twilight!” snapped Rainbow. “You messed up the strategy I had planned!”

“You had a strategy?” asked Twilight. “It would help if you mentioned it.”

“I tried to, but you ignored me!” said Rainbow. “I may need to pay attention to my opponent’s cards more, but you need to pay attention to the other duelists!”

“I’m sorry,” said Twilight. “Now then, I activate Mystical Space Typhoon! I destroy the Field Spell, Necrovalley!”

A gust of wind spiraled around the field, and when it died down, the library and bookshelves were back, with no sign of the canyon remaining.

“Without Necrovalley,” said Luna, “Gravekeeper’s Spy loses 500 DEF, making it weaker than Stardust Dragon.” [DEF2000]

“Stardust Dragon, attack Gravekeeper’s Spy!” said Twilight. “Shooting Sonic!” Stardust shot a blast of white energy out at Gravekeeper’s Spy, burning it away. “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Luna. “Draw! I banish Jain, Lightsworn Paladin and Gravekeeper’s Spy from the Graveyard to Special Summon Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning!” A burst of light and dark energy rippled out in front of Luna, as a black and yellow armored biped stepped out. He slashed his sword, gazing coldly at Twilight and Rainbow. [ATK3000. LV8]

“W-what!?” stuttered Twilight.

“Thank you for destroying Necrovalley,” said Luna. “I wouldn’t have been able to summon him without you.”

“Damn it, Twilight,” muttered Rainbow.

“I activate Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning’s effect!” said Luna. “Once per turn, in lieu of his attack, I can banish one monster my opponent controls! I banish Stardust Dragon!”

“Rainbow!” said Twilight. “May I use your Trap?”

“What?" asked Rainbow, before smiling. "Oh, I gotcha. Go ahead, Twi!"

“Trap activate,” said Twilight, “Interdimensional Matter Transporter! I banish Stardust Dragon until the End Phase!” Stardust glowed briefly before vanishing, just before Black Luster Solider's blade could touch it.

“Impressive,” said Luna. “You've dodged my Monster's effect. However, you still leave yourself open to attack. Judgment Dragon, attack Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash directly! Judgment Ripper!” Judgment Dragon once again slashed Twilight and Rainbow with glowing red claws.

“Gah!” [Twilight Sparkle & Rainbow Dash: LP 3100 –> 100]

“I set a card. Turn end,” said Luna.

“Stardust Dragon returns to the Field!” said Twilight. In another shower of sparkles, Stardust Dragon flew out to the field. [DEF2000. LV8]

“My turn,” said Rainbow. “Draw!”

“Quick-Play Spell, activate!” said Luna. “Synchro Control! As we have no Synchro Monsters, I can pay 1000 Life Points to gain control of Stardust Dragon until the End Phase of my next turn!” [Celestia & Luna: LP 2300 –> 1300]

Rainbow paused, looking at the cards in her hoof, and at the cards on the field. “Twilight, I have a plan. Stardust can only negate destruction effects while on the field, correct?”

Twilight nodded. Not noticing the glowing red marks that were appearing on their flanks, Rainbow nodded back, and proceeded with her turn.

“I activate Card Rotator!” said Rainbow. “I discard one card from my hoof to change all of my opponent’s monsters!” Judgment Dragon curled up and lay down in front of Celestia and Luna. [DEF2600] Black Luster Solider lowered his sword, and raised his shield up in front of him. [DEF2500] Stardust Dragon folded her wings in front of her, lowering her head behind them. [DEF2000]

“Then,” Rainbow continued, “I activate Rekindling! I Special Summon all FIRE monsters from my Graveyard that hold 200 or less DEF! I Special Summon the Flamvell Firedog and the card I just discarded, Flamvell Magician!” The magma dog erupted from the ground again. [ATK1900. LV4] A nearly bald biped wielding a staff of fire followed. [ATK1400. LV4]

“I tune my level 4 Flamvell Magician to my level 4 Flamvell Firedog!” Flamvell Magician burst into 4 green Tuning Rings, surrounding the 4 level stars Flamvell Firedog had become, and began channeling them. “The ruler’s heartbeats now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power! Synchro Summon! Red Demon’s Dragon!” In a spiral of flames, Red Demon’s Dragon rose up, with a roar, he spread his wings, dispelling the flames. [ATK3000. LV8]

“Go, Red Demon’s Dragon!” said Rainbow. “Attack Stardust Dragon! Absolute Power Force!” Red Demon’s Dragon punched a burning fist of claws into Stardust. “When Red Demon’s Dragon attacks a defense position Monster, all defense position Monsters on my opponent’s field are destroyed! Demon Meteor!” Red Demon’s Dragon formed a sphere of flames within his claws, hurling them into Black Luster Solider – Envoy of the Beginning.

“Way to go!” said Twilight. “I'm impressed you've paid attention to your opponent's field!”

"Yeah, well," Rainbow smiled, "since you asked for permission to use my Trap, I figured I owed you enough to take your advice. Thanks, Twilight."

"I should thank you, Rainbow."

"Trap activate!" Rainbow continued. "Lineage of Destruction! As I destroyed a defense position Monster, I can target a level 8 Monster I control and allow it to attack again this turn!"

“Uh oh,” said Luna.

“Relax, sister,” said Celestia. “We did what we needed to.”

“I target Red Demon’s Dragon,” said Rainbow. “Go, Red Demon's Dragon! Direct attack! Blazing Crimson Hell Flare!” Red Demon’s Dragon breathed out a blast of crimson flames, striking Celestia and Luna.

“Ah!” [Celestia & Luna: LP 1300 –> 0]

“Princess Celestia!” gasped Twilight. “Princess Luna! Are you both okay?”

“We’re fine,” said Luna.

“It was an ordinary duel, after all,” said Celestia. “Though, you two did exert quite a bit of energy, didn’t you?”

“What do you mean?” asked Rainbow, glancing back at her flanks. On the right side, the rainbow lightning bolt was gone, replaced with the Crimson Dragon’s wings. “I’m a Signer? Awesome! I knew a god couldn’t resist my amazing skills!”

Twilight didn’t have time to roll her eyes, as she saw the starburst on her right flank was gone, the Crimson Dragon’s head having appeared in its place. “Just like Fluttershy, we’re both Signers. This would be rather exciting, if these Dark Signers weren’t dead ponies connected to us.

“It doesn’t matter who they are,” said Rainbow. “If they’re against us, they must have been evil. Show some excitement, Twilight.”

Twilight thought about it, before smiling. “You’re right, Rainbow. This is… awesome!”

The two laughed, while Celestia and Luna cleaned up the books the duel had knocked from the shelves. “They’re too happy for this situation, sister.”

“Let them laugh,” smiled Celestia. “Why shouldn’t they be allowed to be happy, considering they’ve got a miserable fight ahead?”

“I suppose you have a point,” said Luna. “Any happy moments we can get should be treasured and enjoyed for all their worth.”

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie burst into the room, gasping for air. “T-Twilight! Rainbow! Come quick!”

“Pinkie?” asked Twilight.

“What happened?” asked Rainbow.

“Fluttershy and Applejack were attacked at the hospital by those same guys from earlier!” said Pinkie, running in place.

“The Dark Signers attacked them?” asked Celestia.

“What are you standing around for, they’re at Sweet Apple Acres waiting!” said Pinkie, before darting off. Rainbow and Twilight were quick to follow.

“Should we get involved, sister?” asked Luna.

Celestia paused, before nodding. “We need to ensure both their safety and their grasp of the situation. Let’s go.”