On Planet Cray, two individuals were fighting, they were known to be great leaders in their clans, Crystal Scale and Flash Heart Dragon.
Flash Heart Dragon fired a blue beam from its mouth which headed straight for Crystal Scale, but the purple dragon managed to dodge it in time.
“You are good,” Flash Heart Dragon admitted, “But you still have much more to learn.”
“I know enough,” Crystal Scale replied, as he walked over to the yellow dragon to punch it in the chest.
But then.
PAM.
“Bwlarghh,” Crystal Scale spit out as he took a hit from Flash Heart Dragon, “I didn't see that coming….. Ouch.”
“You will become stronger, Crystal Scale, and when that day comes, duel me again, it will be a legendary battle that I am willing to look forward to,” Flash Heart Dragon said as Crystal Scale began to fade.
"It's a promise, I'll get stronger, Flash Heart," Crystal Scale said and a few seconds later it faded into a kind of glow.
At that moment, Spike woke up, he was lying in bed in his room, he looked at his watch, the time said 7:00 AM, after being quiet for a moment, he spoke, "What a strange dream."
He went to the place where he had his deck, he took out the Crystal Scale card that his brother Shining Armor had given him, "We must become stronger, even if we defeated Garble we cannot allow the power to go to our heads."
But at that moment, his stomach started to growl.
“Oh holy gems, apparently having epic dreams makes you really hungry,” he said as he rubbed his belly and then headed to the kitchen.
Several minutes later.
Twilight Sparkle walked into the kitchen, only to find her brother making breakfast.
"Oh hey Twi, you're in time for breakfast," said Spike who had made pancakes.
“Oh Spike, that look delicious, I just hope you haven't gone too far this time,” Twilight Sparkle said.
"Haha I get it, that time I ate a lot for several days and then you made me go on a diet," Spike said with a pout.
"Oh Spike, that wasn't so bad," Twilight said with a laugh.
"Speak for yourself witch, you didn't have to endure all that exercise," Spike replied.
"Did you call me a witch?" Twilight asked with fury in her eyes.
"Ummm...no," Spike said startled, obviously not thinking before he spoke.
After several seconds in silence, Twi began to laugh, seeing her, Spike tried not to laugh to stay serious, but he quickly began to laugh, at that moment the 2 began to have breakfast.
"So, will you tell me why you got up so early?" Twilight asked him.
"Hey, is it weird that for once I'm responsible and decide to get up at the right time?" Spike responded with another question.
"Yes, even for you, I've always woken you up since we were little," Twilight replied, "What happened Spike, is it something I should be worried about?"
“Wow, I know I always say this, but you sure are smart Twi, yeah, I actually woke up from a dream and you shouldn't worry, it wasn't a nightmare,” Spike replied.
"Wow, a dream, could you tell me what happened in it?" Twilight asked curiously.
"Well, in the dream I was fighting Flash Sentry," Spike answered, still hesitant.
"Flash was punching you?" Twilight asked in surprise.
"Ok, I guess I should have thought better of my choice of words," Spike said, "Well, it wasn't us, it was our Vanguards, Crystal Scale and Flash Heart Dragon."
“Oh, so it was your cards,” Twi said, feeling relieved.
"Well, in the dream, Flash defeats me, or defeats Crystal Scale however, and he told me to get stronger."
Twi smiled, she approached Spike, "Well, you helped Flash in the past and he helped you, he knows that you are very strong but he also knows that you can always be better than yesterday, it was thanks to Flash that you were able to show us how special you are, and I think I know how you can thank each other.”
"Thanks Twilight, that means a lot," Spike replied with a tear in his eye, "Well I think I'd have a worthy Cardfight against him," Spike continued, "Or I think he might like a cake made by me too."
Twi looked at him with a confused face.
"Ok, so I guess it'll be a cardfight," Spike said awkwardly.
After they finished eating breakfast, the two headed to their rooms to change into their Crystal Prep uniform.
After the 2 were ready, they both left their house to go to school.
On the way the 2 siblings were heading to Crystal Prep, but as they talked, Twilight slipped and dropped her backpack causing some of her items to come out of her backpack.
Spike reacted quickly and helped her up, "Twi, are you okay?"
"Yeah, thanks Spike, I'm fine," Twilight said as she dusted herself off, then she began to pick up the things she had dropped.
“Allow me,” Spike said as he helped her pick up her dropped items, but Spike was struck by one item in particular.
"This is..." Spike said as he picked it up, "Wow, Twi, you?"
Twilight smiled, "Well, I wanted to tell you at break time, but I think you figured it out earlier."
The item was a deck.
"Wow, that means you're a Cardfighter now," Spike said beaming.
“Technically yes, but the girls and I barely understand the rules, could you teach us how to play after school?” Twilight asked him.
Spike nodded happily and then asked, "Yeah, when did you girls get decks?"
"Three days ago, a few days after your battle with Garble," Twilight replied.
3 days ago
Twilight Sparkle, Moondancer, Lyra Heartstrings, Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine entered the Dragon Booster card shop.
Upon entering, they were greeted by the store owner, Mr. Torch.
"Welcome to Dragon Booster, one of the best TCG shops in Canterlot," Mr. Torch greeted them since he hadn't seen them and assumed they were new customers.
"TCG?" Twinkleshine asked.
"What does it mean?" asked Lemon Hearts.
“It means Trading Card Game,” Ember replied as she walked over to them.
“Ember,” the girls said at the same time.
"Hey girls," Ember greeted them.
"Do you know these girls Ember?" asked Mr. Torch.
“Yeah dad, they go to Crystal Prep too, they're a year older than me,” Ember replied.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Torch, my name is Twilight Sparkle, we're coming…." Twilight said but was interrupted by Mr. Torch.
“Twilight Sparkle? Of course, you must be Spike's older sister."
"Oh, yeah i am, has Spike told you about me?" Twilight asked him.
"He's mentioned you several times, he's said a lot of funny things about you, but it's clear that he loves you and respects you like a little brother should," Mr. Torch told her to which Twi smiled with a tear in his eye.
"Hehe, he's special," Twilight said.
Ember approached and spoke to them, “And why are you here? No offense."
“We're very interested in Cardfighting,” Minuette replied.
“So we want to play too, it sounds like a lot of fun,” Lyra added.
“So we came here to see if you could help us choose our decks,” said Moondancer.
“Yeah, it's really fun, come on, I know what decks you can use,” Ember said as the girls joined her.
"That's great, the girls definitly will have fun," Spike said.
Spike looking at the deck politely asked Twi, "Umm, can I?"
Twi smiled and nodded.
Spike began to look at Twilight's cards with excitement and curiosity, he realized that the clan she had was the Oracle Think Tank, a clan specialized in seeing the future.
While Spike looked at his sister's cards, one of them caught his attention, in the image there was a kind of witch wearing a pointy hat and a purple robe, in addition to using a golden scepter which had a 6-pointed star.
“She… is she your avatar?” Spike asked.
"Yes Spike, she is my avatar, I present to you Harmony Witch, I don't know why, but when Ember showed her to me, I felt that the card was calling me, as if we were connected," Twilight Sparkle answered.
Spike was surprised by what Twilight said, he never thought that his sister would take it so seriously, he continued reading the power of the unit.
HARMONY WITCH (PWR12000/G3/CRITICAL 1/ORACLE THINK THANK/ UNITED SANCTUARY)
"Hey Spike, have you ever felt any kind of spiritual connection with Crystal Scale, because if so, then that's what I feel," Twilight asked him.
Spike smiled and took out Crystal Scale card from his backpack, "Yes, I understand you perfectly Twi, it's not something easy to explain, it's something that the heart and soul feel, having that connection with your avatar."
Twi smiled, after a few minutes they were already at the entrance of Crystal Prep.
"Well, I'll be doing a little more work today, so I'll see you after school brother," Twilight said as she retreated to her classroom.
“Okay, and don't overdo your homework sister or you'll have another one of your panic attacks,” Spike replied as he too retreated to his classroom, but he caught a glimpse of Twi frowning at the earlier comment.
As Spike made his way to his classroom, he noticed that all the students he encountered were acting normally, which surprised him because a week ago they considered him a celebrity for defeating a champion.
But as he was processing that fact in his mind, he heard a voice greet him, "Hey Spike."
Spike turned and saw Thorax approaching, he greeted him, "Hey Thorax."
But when Thorax got closer, he realized something, "Is something wrong, Spike?"
"Excuse me?" Spike asked confused.
"Spike, I know when something's going on and someone won't tell me," Thorax said.
"It's nothing Thorax," Spike said trying to change the subject.
But Thorax didn't give up, "Spike, I'm not leaving here until you spill the beans."
Seeing that she couldn't escape, Spike told her the truth, "Well, it's just, it looks like my 15 minutes of fame is up."
"Oh, you mean all the students idolizing you and being the center of attention?" Thorax asked to which Spike nodded.
“Well, that's how it works, one day you can be a big guy with a lot of admirers, but the next you're just a normal person again,” Thorax told him.
"I guess you're right," Spike said.
“I'm surprised though, I didn't think you'd like this, I thought you were someone a bit more laid back,” Thorax said.
“At first I was overwhelmed by so many people coming up to me, but then I got used to it and well, in the end it felt good to be Spike the Brave and Glorious in front of my classmates,” Spike said.
"Spike the Brave and Glorious?" Thorax asked.
"It's the nickname they gave me, I think Twi's friends were the ones who called me that," Spike replied.
"You know they call you that because they also see the resemblance you have to the Brave and Glorious Hound?" Thorax asked again.
"WHAT?" Spike yelled as he realized, "Oh crap, why did you have to ruin my illusion, Thorax."
Thorax laughed, "Relax Spike it's no big deal, I don't think anyone knows the origin of that nickname."
“And that's another thing I'm bummed about,” Spike said.
“I don't understand,” Thorax said.
Spike began to explain, "This wasn't just about fame, after my win against Garble, I thought most of the students at this elite school would give Vanguard a try, it's a really fun game, but it seems it wasn't a big change, almost nobody knows the game, they were only interested in beating a celebrity without caring about the context."
Thorax understood what Spike said, he knew how he felt, then he put his hand on his shoulder and tried to comfort him, "I know how you feel Spike, you feel that everything was in vain, and sometimes the changes are not so sudden, but always, you have to have hope, because the smallest things lead to other bigger things.”
"Are you serious," Spike asked.
“Yeah, and don't think you didn't get the game going, look to your right,” Thorax pointed out a few lockers later.
Spike turned around and saw his classmates Toola Roola and Coconut Cream who were talking while holding Vanguard cards, he and Thorax heard the conversation.
"And that's why Draw Triggers are so important," Toola Roola told Coconut Cream.
"You're right, I guess I'll add some for more stability," Coconut Cream replied, then she showed him a card, "So this unit will work for me."
“Well, soon we will play like professionals,” said Toola Roola.
“You see Spike, it was a small thing, but you managed to push the game forward,” Thorax told him.
"I guess so, thanks Thorax," Spike smiled.
"You're welcome Spike, I'll see you at break," Thorax said as he left.
In the classroom.
Spike was writing down the homework that was left for him in his notebook, "Ughh, what a bummer."
But at that moment the bell rang, indicating that it was break time.
"Finally," Spike sighed happily, but the class rep made an announcement before his classmates left the room.
“I remind you that it is mandatory for students to join a club, the deadline is in 2 weeks, so students who are not in a club yet, still have time, otherwise this will affect their grades, that is all."
Hearing that, Spike felt frustrated, "Oh not again, why clubs are mandatory, plus I'm not interested in any club at this school."
But at that moment he was approached by Toola Roola and Coconut Cream.
"Hi Spike," they greeted them at the same time.
"Hey girls, how are you?" Spike greeted them, this time he felt more comfortable talking to them.
“We are fine and we were wondering…” Toola Roola said.
“If you could teach us how to play better, in case you have free time,” Coconut Cream continued.
Spike smiled, "Of course I would."
But then he remembered what they told him about the clubs, "I just hope the clubs don't take away my free time, I don't even know what I can do."
But at that moment, Spike began to think, "Wait a minute, club, Vanguard?"
"Yeah, that's it," Spike said out loud which surprised the girls.
Spike thanked them, "Thanks girls, for helping."
“Umm, what exactly do we help with?” Toola Roola asked.
"In everything," Spike said in a tone like he was crazy.
"Ummm, you re welcome?" Coconut Cream said nervous.
At that moment Spike ran out of the room leaving a small trail of green flames behind him, "Thorax, where are you, I thought of something."
"What was that?" the girls asked at the same time.
In the halls.
After a few minutes Thorax and Spike were talking.
"A Cardfight Club?" Thorax asked smiling excitedly.
“Yes, so we could spend our free time as well as teach Vanguard to those who want to join, so I'm determined to create that club,” Spike said.
"But, starting a club, that seems complicated," Thorax asked.
Spike took out a book and began to read, "If it can be hard, I read the rules, apparently we need 5 members plus a permit from the council and the headmistress."
"Well, it doesn't seem that complicated, plus you know the headmistress so I think it'll be possible, I'll definitely sign up."
"Excellent, now let's tell Ember, I think she'd like to join in too," Spike said, then he and Thorax proceeded to find Ember.
They found her in one of the hallways on the second floor, Spike approached her to tell her about the club, "Ember."
But as he got closer, Spike slipped, "AHHH."
He accidentally fell on Ember who was on her back and didn't notice who was behind her, when she felt the touch, she reacted instantly punching Spike, "Take this pervert."
POW.
This caused Spike to fall down the stairs landing on the first floor, at which point Ember realized that the boy she hit was Spike, "Oh no, Spike."
“Uh oh,” Thorax said, seeing his friend fall from the second floor, at which point he and Ember headed over to see if he was okay.
"Spike I'm so sorry, I didn't know it was you," Ember said to Spike who was unconscious, he had a lump on his head.
"Don't blame yourself Ember, besides this is nothing compared to other things that have happened to him hehe," Thorax laughed.
A few minutes later, Spike, Ember and Thorax were in the Crystal Prep infirmary, Spike was still unconscious, he was being attended by the nurse who was a tall woman with long blue-green hair.
“And how is it?” Ember asked concerned.
The nurse smiled, "Don't worry, he'll be fine, it's nothing serious."
“Thanks for helping him mom,” Thorax said.
"Mom?" Ember asked.
"Oh yeah, I think I forgot to mention, she is my mother, the nurse Chrysalis," Thorax replied.
“Nice to meet you,” Chrysalis greeted Ember, “Are you friends with Thorax too?”
“Yes, yes I am,” Ember answered.
"That's excellent, Thorax never had any friends, until now Spike was the only one he had," Chrysalis said.
“Oh, I didn't know that,” Ember said, looking at Thorax.
"Well you didn't need to know that," Thorax said.
"Though I have to ask you, how did Spike get hurt?" Chrysalis asked them.
Ember, feeling sorry for what she did, was going to tell her, "Well, the truth is that I..."
But she was interrupted by Thorax.
"He slipped."
“That was what happened?” Chrysalis asked.
Ember looked at Thorax so she continued with that lie, but she wasn't the best at lying, "Yeah, he, um, tripped on a banana peel."
"And fell to the ground," Thorax added.
"Yeah, that's exactly what happened," Ember said.
“Clumsy Spike hehehe,” Thorax said.
But Chrysalis looked at them with a serious face, "I don't believe anything you said, I wasn't born yesterday son, but since Spike is fine I guess I'll let it go."
“Hehe,” Thorax and Ember laughed nervously.
And at that moment Spike woke up.
"Whoa, what happened?"
"We'll explain later, but what was it you wanted to tell me?" Ember asked.
"We thought about starting a Cardfighting Club, we wanted to know if you wanted to join," Spike said, ignoring the pain he felt.
“Are you kidding? It is the coolest thing that has happened to me since I was transferred to this elitist hell, of course I accept,” said Ember.
"Then it's decided," Spike said thinking how awesome it would be to have a club to hang out playing Vanguard.
Meanwhile in the student council room, there were 5 girls, one of them spoke.
“You've heard the rumors of possible new clubs,” said a girl with short purple hair.
"I don't know, but we always have the last word," said a girl with blue hair and glasses on her forehead.
"Oh come on, shouldn't we be a bit more respectful of student proposals," said a long green-haired girl wearing headphones.
“It's not our problem that students have pathetic ideas when they want to start a club,” said a girl whose fuchsia hair was wrapped in a ponytail.
"She's right, Crystal Prep is a prestigious school which will train the best students, we can't have clubs that don't follow that rule," said a girl with two long ponytails on the back of her head with a bun tracing on the back of her head from a widow's peak.
Meanwhile at the military academy.
There was Flash Sentry and Soarin who were in a room along with 3 other students.
One was a girl whose orange hair looked like a flame.
The other girl had a similar hairstyle only her hair was a bluish-white color.
And then the other boy who was the older in the classroom had blue hair in a military cut except for his topknot which seemed to be a little disheveled.
“This club has been formed, I want to tell you that we are proud that you have wanted to belong to this team,” said Flash Sentry with emotion causing the others present to applaud.
"Soon we will be more, and we will show that this is not just a game," Soarin announced to which everyone nodded.
After several minutes everyone went to their rooms except for Flash who stayed there a little longer, "Well I guess I have to go back."
But he was interrupted by a voice from someone entering the room, "That was a great motivational speech, if I could tell your passion."
Flash Sentry turned to see Shining Armor walk in, "Shining, I mean, Coach Armor, I still can't believe you've offered to be our coach."
“Well, we all have our reasons, keep it up and soon this will be more than just a military academy school club,” Shining told him.
Flash Sentry gave a military salute, "I will sir."
"And stop calling me Coach Armor, forget the formalities, only Shining is fine."
"Oh alright, umm Shining,"
“Ok that sound weird but I'll take it,” Shining Armor said.