//------------------------------// // The Last Showdown Begins, A Draconic Battle // Story: Cardfight Vanguard EQG: The Cardfighting Club // by MechaTomX //------------------------------// The students of both schools watched with emotion the battle between Coconut Cream and Flash Sentry, the 2 gave their best when placing their units on the battlefield. Flash Sentry yelled as he set up his unit, "FLASH HEART WYVERN." (PWR8000/G1) Coconut Cream was not far behind, "COCONUT BISHOP." (PWR10000/G2) “You really are good, but you know I won't hold back,” Flash said as he placed another unit in his Vanguard circle, "FLASH HEART DRAKE." (PWR10000/G2) 10 minutes had passed, but the emotion could still be felt in the air. "Oh, I know I should be worried," Spike said, "But I'll admit I'm more excited about this cardfight, even more so than its outcome." “I get it, Cream seems to be keeping Flash on the ropes,” Ember added. “I know, but she's still at a disadvantage, just check the damage on both of you,” Thorax told them. They saw the damage they had accumulated during the cardfight. Coconut Cream: 4/6 Damage Flash Sentry: 3/6 Damage “Maybe Coconut Cream has more damage than Flash Sentry,” Ember said. "But we investigated her clan and if she plays her cards right, she can finish it all this turn," Spike added. “My turn, Stand and Draw,” Coconut Cream said as she drew a card from her deck and stood her units vertically. She smiled when she saw one of the cards in her hand, a detail that Flash Sentry did not miss. “It seems you have a powerful unit with you,” Flash Sentry told her. "That's right," Coconut Cream responded with a smile. Flash smiled with a determined look, "Alright then, surprise me, Cream." “SURE I WILL, TROPICAL MONARCH THAT REPRESENTS HOPE ON THIS ISLAND, SUPPORT YOUR SUBJECTS IN THIS WAR, RIDE,” Coconut Cream yelled as she placed a unit on top of her Vanguard, it showed a woman wearing a dress which seemed to be made of palm leaves, she had a scepter with a coconut on top and a shield made of coconuts, and her most remarkable feature, a crown on her head which had a flower which had a white color and black, “TROPICAL COCONUT QUEEN.” (PWR13000/G3) "Very good," Spike said. "I knew she would use the queen as her avatar," Ember added. “The mighty Tropical Queen, I've heard of her but this is the first time I've seen her in action,” said Flash Sentry, “It's quite a privilege for me.” “Thank you, and maybe what you heard is true because I will use her powerful skill,” Coconut Cream said as she removed 3 Plant Tokens in the back row, and flipped 2 cards in her Damage Zone, “I pay 2 Counter Blast and remove 3 Plant Tokens, that will allow me to have an extra drive.” “Oh, I see why she is so strong,” Thorax said. “This is bad,” Soarin said, “Since that skill only involves 2 Counter Blast, she'll be able to do it again on her next turn, as well as giving her more extra cards in her hand.” "And it'll be worse if she pulls out any Triggers," Fleetfoot added. “NOW, I CALL,” Coconut Cream placed in the front row, 2 copies of their Vanguard, “TROPICAL COCONUT QUEEN.” (PWR13000/G3)X2 Flash's eyes widened in surprise that Cream had more copies of her Vanguard in her hand. "When they are called to the rear guard, they have a different skill, now I can call a Plant Token and if I have a copy of Tropical Queen, the Token will gain 5000 power." “PLANT TOKEN.” (PWR6000/G0)X2 “Uh oh,” Flash said worriedly. “CALL,” Coconut Cream placed a grade 1 unit behind her Vanguard, "COCONUT SOLDIER." (PWR7000/G1) "Oh come on," Flash thought. “Time for my attack,” Coconut Cream said. “THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE CREAM, WITHOUT HOLDING BACK,” Toola Roola yelled. “I'll attack your Vanguard with my Queen,” Coconut Cream placed her left front row Queen and Token horizontally. (PWR 24000) “I Guard with Springer,” Flash Sentry placed his Critical Trigger in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 15000) “If so, then my queen Vanguard will attack,” Coconut Cream vertically placed her Vanguard and Soldier. (PWR 20000) "What a bad time not to have Perfect Guards," thought Flash Sentry, and he then decided to accept the attack, "No Guard." “Triple Drive,” Coconut Cream said with a winning look, making the Wonderbolt Academy club shiver, “First check.” Coconut Cream smiled and showed the card she had drawn, "Sentinel Venus, Critical Trigger, when I draw another, victory will be mine." Flash frowned. “Second check,” Coconut Cream frowned, “No Trigger.” “THIRD CHECK,” Coconut Cream yelled as she pulled a card from her deck, her eyes closed. His clubmates were anxious. "Please, please," Spike was saying, "Pull a Critical." “You have to finish this now,” Ember said. "I hope she's lucky," Thorax added. “Come on Cream, you can do it,” said Toola Roola. Coconut Cream opened her eyes, but she could only see a normal unit, "Oh no." Flash raised an eyebrow. “No Trigger,” Coconut Cream said dejectedly. “That was really, really close,” Soarin said. “I almost peed my pants,” Spearhead added. "Damage Trigger," Flash Sentry said, "First check." Flash smiled, "Draw Trigger, Heart, The Fire Knight." Coconut Cream frowned. Flash drew a card from his deck when he put the Trigger his damage. Coconut Cream: 4/6 Damage Flash Sentry: 4/6 Damage "Second check," Flash placed another unit but smiled again at the sight of her, "Looks like my clan is with me this day." "Another Trigger?" Cream asked. “Exactly,” Flash replied, “Heal Trigger, Soul, The Healing Princess.” “Oh, come on,” Toola Roola yelled. “I heal one damage.” Coconut Cream: 4/6 Damage Flash Sentry: 4/6 Damage “Damn, I didn't manage to beat him now, so I attack with my last Queen,” Coconut Cream, who was frustrated, placed her last units horizontally. Coconut Cream: 4/6 Damage Flash Sentry: 5/6 Damage “I'm going to assume it's my turn,” Flash Sentry said. Coconut Cream didn't say anything, she just nodded silently. "Then it's my turn, Stand and Draw," Flash Sentry drew a card from his deck and placed his units vertically. “SHINE YOUR LIGHT OF VICTORY, SUPERIOR RIDE,” shouted Flash as he placed a card on top of Drake, his best unit, “FLASH HEART DRAGON.” (PWR12000/G3) “Ahhhhhh,” shouted Coconut Cream which, at that moment, could visualize the Dragon materializing in front of her, or rather, in front of Coconut Tropical Queen. "NOW FLASH HEART DRAGON, END THIS FIGHT," shouted Flash Sentry. “GYAHHHH,” Coconut Cream yelled as she felt the Dragon attack her. Coconut Cream fell to the ground. And in the blink of an eye, the battle was over. Coconut Cream: 6/6 Damage Flash Sentry: 5/6 Damage (Winner) The members of the Crystal Prep Cardfighting Club and even the student council had gaped, clearly in shock at that powerful final attack. "Wait a minute," Lyra said, "what happened?" “I don't know,” Twinkleshine replied, “But it looks like Flash won the battle.” Same for Wonderbolt Academy. "Wow, Flash can be scary sometimes," said Fleetfoot. "Tell me about it," Soarin added, "I've played him so many times that I can no longer watch the Gold Paladin clan without trembling." “Umm…. The…. The…. The winner is Flash Sentry from Wonderbolt Academy,” Lemon Zest announced. "Wow, sometimes I'm surprised at how much power Flash Heart Dragon has," Flash said as he walked over to Coconut Cream, whose eyes were like spirals, "Hey, you're alright." Coconut Cream shook her head and her eyes returned to normal, "Yeah, I'm fine, though, I lost I guess." "But you fought well," Flash replied as he reached out to help her up, "Are you sure this is your first Cardfight?" “Well, it's the first time it's not against my friend,” Cream replied. "Well, you and she will be great cardfighters," Flash Sentry told her. "Thank you," Coconut Cream thanked as she left, but before that, she said one last thing, "But there's still Spike and you better fight with all your might, because Spike is the leader of the club." “I'll do my best,” Flash replied. At that moment, Lemon Zest updated the marker. Crystal Prep. Spike Ember Thorax Toola Roola Coconut Cream Wonderbolt Academy. Flash Sentry Soarin Spitfire Fleetfoot Spearhead Coconut Cream returned to her team, "Sorry, I think I messed everything up." "Cream, that was a great fight," Spike told her, "You shouldn't be apologizing." “This was one of your first cardfights and it was against a pro,” Ember added. “Not to mention you didn't freeze to his attacks,” Thorax added. "And you gave your best, that's something you shouldn't forget, I couldn't expect less from my best friend," Toola Roola finished. "Thanks guys, but be warned Flash is stronger than he's made out to be." Thorax nodded as he himself had seen that power emanating. "But we still have one last Cardfighter left," Ember said, looking at Spike. Spike gulped, it was his turn. Spike got up from his seat, but not before receiving a few words of support from his teammates. "It's all up to you, Spike," Thorax said. “This fight will decide everything,” said Coconut Cream. “The fate of our club,” said Toola Roola. "But we know that no matter how strong the enemy is, you can beat them," Ember told him, "You have the strength within you, Spike." Spike smiled, "Thanks guys, I didn't think I'd be so happy to create this club because of that, I won't let the student council screw it up." Spike headed to the table, although he was still nervous, despite what his friends had told him, he was afraid, afraid of losing, afraid of disappointing everyone and afraid of disappointing himself. Upon arrival, Lemon Zest made the announcement. "This is the last battle, the one that will decide the fate of the Crystal Prep Cardfighting Club, a battle between 2 great cardfighters, from Wonderbolt Academy, Flash Sentry." Flash listened to the praise of his teammates, he smiled. "And from Crystal Prep, Spike." Spike arrived at the table as he listened to the praise of his teammates, he smiled nervously. “A battle between 2 club leaders, this is going to be exciting,” Lemon Zest announced. “Hehe must be kidding,” Indigo Zap laughed. “That brat won't even last a turn against someone like Flash Sentry,” Sugarcoat scoffed. “I bet he won't even be able to touch a card in his life after this, especially since we're disbanding his stupid club,” added Sunny Flare. “That weakling, he doesn't even deserve to be here,” Sour Sweet said. The worst thing is that the student council didn't even make an effort to lower their voices, making everyone hear them, even Spike and Flash, Spike just lowered his head. Hearing that, Twilight was about to tell them to stop, but was interrupted when she heard Flash's voice. “SHUT YOUR MOUTHS.” The council looked at Flash with an expression of fury. “You are going to know about the dedication of a cardfighter when creating his deck, about playing with his strategies, about the experiences he gets, that's why I'm not going to allow you to made fun of Spike, he's a powerful cardfighter, something much more valuable than your positions on the council.” The council girls were about to respond but were startled by Flash's change of attitude. But Twilight Sparkle and Lemon Zest smiled. "Thanks Flash," Spike thanked. Flash smiled, "You're welcome Spike, I was just telling the truth, but enough of that, it's time to start our cardfight." Spike smiled, he began to shuffle his deck, "It's time I show you just how strong I've gotten Flash." "Remember, no turning back, no holding back," Flash told him as he shuffled his deck. At that moment, Spike drew 5 cards from his deck. "If I win, our club will be officially approved," Spike thought as he looked at his cards, he was glad that he had a balanced hand he just decided to return a card to his deck, shuffled and drew another, but then he remembered who his rival was, "But this battle will be very hard, since I will face Flash Sentry." Flash took out 5 cards from his deck and began to analyze them. "And while I've said encouraging things to my friends," Spike thought, but at that moment Flash said something that made his blood run cold, "I'm not returning any cards." "Oh no, that means he must have a perfect hand, even if his deck specializes in Superior Rides," Spike thought scared, "I don't know if i can win." But at the thought, Spike hit his head, something that was not lost on Flash Sentry, “Hey why did you do that? are you OK?" "No, I shouldn't think like that, I should win," Spike thought, "No, rather, I'M GOING TO WIN." "Yeah, don't worry, I'm fine," Spike told him. After that, they placed a card face down in the Vanguard circle. The 2 stared at each other, this battle represented so much that they were going to take it seriously, although because of the difference in height, Spike had to look up a bit and Flash had to look down a bit. "I wish you the best of luck," Flash told him, "But don't think that's why I'm going to make it easy on you since I'm not one to give away victory." "Thanks Flash, I wish you luck too," Spike responded with more confidence as he thought of his friends, "And for your information, I'm not one to easily accept defeat." “Come on, Flash, you can beat him,” his club cheered. “You can do it, Spike,” his club cheered. “Fight bravely, Spike,” Nurse Chrysalis called out as she waved flags of the Narukami clan. "Mom, do you have flags from all of our clans?" Thorax asked. "No sweetie," Chrysalis answered, "But since I always saw you play with Spike, I only recognized your clan and his, these 2 were the only ones I could print in a short time." "Oh no, Spike and Flash, who should I cheer for?" Twilight Sparkle wondered. "Obviously Spike, he's on our team," Minuette responded with a deadpan look, "Oh besides one other thing you should cheer him instead of Flash, HE'S YOUR LITTLE BROTHER." That last part was said yelling. "Ahh, no need to yell at me," Twilight complained as she placed a hand to her ear. “Ladies and gentlemen, if you are all ready, let this last battle begin,” Lemon Zest announced. And at that moment, Flash and Spike started the cardfight. STAND UP, THE VANGUARD. Spike: 0/6 Damage Flash Sentry: 0/6 Damage Spike flipped his card over, “HARMONY EGG.” (PWR4000/G0) As Flash flipped his, "FLASH HEART DRACOKID." (PWR5000/G0) "It's my turn, I discard a card from my hand and Superior Ride" Flash Sentry said as he drew a card and discarded one from his hand to Superior Ride, "FLASH HEART WYVERN." (PWR8000/G1) "They both added a 'The' to the sentence," Twilight Sparkle thought with a smile, "Clearly my older brother has managed to take the better of those 2." "My turn, Ride," Spike said as he placed a card in his Vanguard, it was the same purple dog that supported his clan, "BRAVE AND GLORIOUS HOUND." (PWR7000/G1) "The Harmony Egg skill allows me to draw an extra card when a Narukami Rides it," Spike said as he drew an extra card from his deck. “He has an extra card, but if he put that low power card down, maybe he doesn't have good units in his hand,” Flash Sentry thought. “Damn, I think I should have gone first,” Spike thought as he looked at his hand, since that was his only grade 1 unit, “But there's hope, if I can get a Trigger, I can damage it and if not, at least I'll have an extra card in my hand." Flash raised an eyebrow at seeing him hesitate. "This is no time to hesitate," Spike thought. “I attack with Brave and Glorious Hound,” Spike brought his Vanguard horizontal. "That kid doesn't seem to know math," Spearhead said. "Or maybe he is forgetting Flash's Vanguard is stronger," Fleetfoot added. "No, they're wrong, that boy is very smart," Soarin said making Spearhead and Fleetfoot confused, "Spike is applying pressure, if Flash gets scared, he can use a card from his hand to secure a defense, but if Spike doesn't pulls out a Trigger, that defense wouldn't have worked, so he's at a point where he'll have to make the most sensible decision." Flash thought about it for a moment, but decided to let the attack go, "No Guard." "I guess that's the best you can do," Soarin said. "Drive Trigger, check," Spike said as he pulled a card from his deck, the surprise on his face turning into a smile, "Looks like my deck is also with me today." Flash gritted his teeth, that was an obvious sign that Spike had gotten a Trigger. “Angry Sea Dragon, Critical Trigger, I managed to overwhelm your power and will deal some extra damage,” Spike said. “Dammit and on your first turn,” Flash said as he placed 2 normal units into his Damage Zone. Spike: 0/6 Damage Flash Sentry: 2/6 Damage "My turn is over," Spike said with a confident smile, he thought, "It's true, I must not be afraid, I must only fight as I always have, I am determined to achieve a great victory." “Grrr, lucky to get a Critical on the first turn,” Soarin growled. "So what Flash said about that kid, it wasn't an exaggeration," Fleetfoot said. "That's right, that's how it's done, Spike," Thorax encouraged. “I see great hope for our club,” said Ember. "Very good Spike, that was quite a blow," Twilight Sparkle said but then remembered that she was also cheering for Flash Sentry, "And Flash, good luck, I'm sure you can recover from this one." "Really Twi?" Lyra Heartstrings told her with a deadpan look. "My turn, Draw, Ride," Flash said as he drew a new card and placed a unit on top of his Vanguard, "FLASH HEART DRAKE." (PWR10000/G2) This action confused almost all the members of the Crystal Prep club, including Spike himself, normally Flash Sentry towards Superior Rides, because this time he did a normal Ride? "What are you up to?" Spike asked. Flash smirked, "I see nothing escapes you Spike, the reason I did a normal Ride, was to use Flashheart Drake's other skill." “Oh boy,” Spike exclaimed. “If Drake is called with a normal Ride, I can discard a Gold Paladin unit of the same rank or higher,” Flash Sentry said as he discarded a card from his hand. "And what does that do?" Spike asked. "It allows me to Superior Ride a Gold Paladin unit from my hand," Flash replied. "WHAT?" Spike asked. “SHINE YOUR LIGHT OF VICTORY, SUPERIOR RIDE,” shouted Flash as he placed a card on top of Drake, his best unit, “FLASH HEART DRAGON.” (PWR12000/G3) "Oh no," Spike said worriedly. “This is crazy,” Thorax exclaimed, “Flash already has his grade 3 on the field.” "And it's only his second turn," Ember added worriedly, "But there's a good thing, that skill has a horrible side effect." "Nice move Flash, I knew you wouldn't give up," Twilight Sparkle said but then remembered she was cheering for Spike, too, "And Spike, don't let him intimidate you." Nurse Chrysalis just rolled her eyes and then started waving her flags, "Fight Spike, you must fight." “Unfortunately, by using this effect, I can't call any more units to the field and their skills are negated,” Flash Sentry said. "Well, that's a relief," Spike said, feeling more secure since there would be no extra Critical. "But that doesn't stop me from attacking you," Flash said as he brought his Vanguard to a horizontal position. "Since it's just an attack, I don't see the need to protect myself," Spike said, "No Guard." "Twin Drive, first check," Flash pulled a card from his deck and smiled, "Draw Trigger, Heart, The Fire Knight." Spike frowned, "You have an extra card now." "Second check," Flash drew another card, "Alright, Springer The Powerful Jakhowl, a Critical Trigger." "You've got to be kidding me," Spike said. “This is amazing, Flash even tied the score,” said Spearhead. “And not only that, now he Ride Grade 3 so soon, which will put pressure on his opponent,” added Fleetfoot. Soarin just smiled, since knowing Flash for a long time, he knew his way of playing and could see in his expression that he was enjoying this battle. “Damage Trigger, first check,” Spike placed a card in his Damage Zone, though he was glad to see it, “Gambler Drake, Draw Trigger.” "So he drew an extra card too," Flash thought. “Second check,” Spike placed a normal unit in his Damage Zone, “No Trigger.” Spike: 2/6 Damage Flash Sentry: 2/6 Damage “So far so good,” said Toola Roola. “None of them seem to have this Cardfight in their pocket,” added Coconut Cream. “But Spike has to be careful, even though the score is even, his Vanguard will barely be able to reach Grade 2 this turn,” Ember reminded them. “My turn, Stand and Draw,” Spike said placing his unit horizontally and drawing a card. "I have to think about it, to get the Crystal Scale Skill, I have to have a full field, I could do it this turn, but I don't have units that strong, so doing that would be a foolish and desperate move," Spike thought, "Besides, Flash is smarter than he already is." "I think he noticed," Flash Sentry thought with a smile. "Having only one unit in his field makes several of my Narukami's effects useless, after all, Narukami focuses on destroying the opponent's units, it was a good move, that not only put him at an advantage, but that it put me at a disadvantage, too," Spike thought. "But I won't let a factor like that stop me, I'll keep fighting until the end, ARISE MY AVATAR, RIDE," Spike placed the card Shining gave him in his Vanguard, "CRYSTAL SCALE." (PWR10000/G2) "So here it is," Flash Sentry said, "It's an honor to see Crystal Scale in action again, but in this time, against me and Flash Heart Dragon." Yeah, Spike's best card, Moondancer thought. "So the rumors were true," Soarin said, "That kid has an original Crystal Scale artwork." "And that artwork makes it more powerful than other versions?" asked Fleetfoot. “No, but great Cardfighters who use Narukami, at some point in their lives they used that version of Crystal Scale, legend says that it brought them spectacular luck, and to think that we are seeing original artwork delivered by our coach, the legendary Shining Armor , it's amazing,” Soarin replied. "Crystal Scale skill, I can superior call his partner from my deck," Spike reached into his deck and placed a card right behind Crystal Scale, "CRYSTAL HATCHLING." (PWR8000/G1) Flash gritted his teeth, Spike was increasing his power without losing cards from his hand. "I'll call another unit to help me," Spike placed a card in the upper right corner, the card showed a kind of knight riding a dragon similar to Crystal Scale, only that this one was not anthropomorphic, “KNIGHT OF THE PURPLE DRAGON." (PWR9000/G2) "And again, Call," Spike placed behind Knight of the Purple Dragon another copy of his hound, "BRAVE AND GLORIOUS HOUND." (PWR7000/G1) Flash stared in amazement at the formation Spike had put up, "Bring it on." “That's what I'll do, Knight of the Purple Dragon supported by Brave and Glorious Hound, will attack,” Spike said placing their respective units horizontally. (PWR 16000) “Damage Trigger check,” Flash Sentry placed a card in his Damage Zone, “No Trigger.” Spike: 2/6 Damage Flash Sentry: 3/6 Damage “Crystal Scale supported by Crystal Hatchling, attack,” Spike placed their respective units horizontally. Flash was thinking, "I should cover that, um, no, the chances of him getting a Crit are low right now, fine I'll take it." “No Guard.” "Drive Trigger check," Spike said as he pulled out a card, he frowned when he saw it, "Tskk, no Trigger." Flash placed another normal unit in his Damage Zone. Spike: 2/6 Damage Flash Sentry: 4/6 Damage "Very well, Spike is recovering, if he keeps this up, victory will be his," Thorax said. "Something's wrong here, why does he look so calm?" Ember wondered seeing Flash's expression, he didn't seem worried. “My turn, Stand and Draw,” Flash Sentry said as he drew a card from his deck and placed his unit vertically, “I must admit Spike, you really are Shining Armor's brother, you've managed to put up a very good fight in this battle, despite everything I've thrown at you." "Thanks Flash," Spike replied with a smile. "However" Flash continued, "You haven't seen the full power of my clan yet." "What?" Spike asked his smile fading. "A cardfighter will always look for strategies and become one with his cards, until he reaches a point where he can overcome his limits, and believe me when I say, that I overcome mine." Spike gulped at that. “Oh no, what is he going to do?” Thorax wondered. "No, it can't be," Ember said. "SHINE YOUR LIGHT OF VICTORY AND BRING HOPE TO THE UNITED SANCTUARY, RIDE," Flash placed on top of what was supposedly his best card and avatar, a unit that looked like a more powerful version of Flash Heart Dragon, it was a bipedal yellow dragon with golden armor, it had blue spines on its back, shoulders, and knees, like Flash Heart Dragon, he also had on its chest it had a shield that had a lightning bolt in the center, but this time he had a real shield with in his left claw with that design and, furthermore, the dragon used a golden sword only this one was bigger and was being consumed by blue flames, “FLASH HEART DRAGON…X” (PWR13000/G4) "This is impossible," Spike said startled, "A Grade 4." Everyone present was shocked. Spike who was still scared, had been paralyzed when imagining himself on Planet Cray, he imagined himself as Crystal Scale and Flash as Flash Heart Dragon X. “I hope you are prepared,” Flash Heart Dragon X said, “Because we are going to prove to you the superiority of the Gold Paladin clan.” Crystal Scale didn't say anything, he was scared, the only thing he could do at that moment was to put his guard up. “What kind of powers will it have?”