It was an early morning at Card Capital with Rarity putting a sign on the doors of her stores.
Apple Bloom was in side opening a booster back of vanguard cards.
“All right nice it’s it’s a Royal Paladin.” said Apple Bloom in cheerful tone.
“Apple Bloom you seem pretty excited for today.” said Scootaloo
“I just got some awesome new cards in this booster pack look.”
“Hey your not planning to but those into your deck are you?”
“Well yeah.”
“If you randomly but cards in your deck you could have an unbalanced deck. You should see what would be good in there and that won't be. Then play test it to see if the changes work or not.”
“Yeah I understand that but…”
“Apple Bloom you just don’t get today is the regional qualifier.”
“I know, you guys are going to blow everpony away.” ‘We are entering as a four pony team so Spike, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo will fight luckily I’m just the alternat.’
Rarity entered the store. “Ok is everpony ready to the taxi is here to take us to the tournament.” announce Rarity
Apple Bloom looked around the store. “Oh where is Sweetie Belle?” asked Apple Bloom
“Oh she told me she would meet us there later.”
“Oh ok.”
“I have a question why are we taking a taxi we could just walk there.” asked Scootaloo
“It’s because I have to make this one delivery before the tournament begins. Unless you want to carry them for me?”
“Like I was saying let get on the taxi and head for the tournament.” said Scootaloo
“Oh Apple Bloom do you know where is Applejack I thought she was going to watch you at the tournament?” asked Rarity
“Oh Applejack went ahead she said Granny want her to sell some food at the tournament because she heard it was so popular. But she said she would still cheer use on.” said Apple Bloom
“I see I understand Apple Bloom. I guess there are things we just can’t control.”
Rarity, Spike, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom entered the taxi. and headed off.
In the taxi on there way to the tournament Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were working on Apple Bloom’s deck. “You think I should take this one out?” asked Apple Bloom
“If you're putting a grade three in you should try to take a grade three out or the balance will be off.” said Scootaloo
“Ok then how about this?”
“Actually you’ve got a lot of cards that go well with that one, so I think you should leave it in.”
“Then…”
“Crusader” said Spike
“Yes I thought team Crusader would be the perfect name for the team.” said Rarity
“So thats our team name.” said Apple Bloom
“Yes I thought you would like the name because your girls were the Cutie Mark Crusaders. So I thought it would a good team name. You don’t mind do you Spike?”
“No the name dosen’t matter to me.” said Spike
“Ok the it’s decided them.”
Team Crusader entered the tournament main entrance. Apple Bloom was shocked how big and crowded it was.
“Oh yeah thats right Apple Bloom this is your first time at a regional tournament is that right.” said Scootaloo
“Yeah I just didn’t imagined they would hold it in just a big place.” said Apple Bloom
Then a image of Stealth Dragon, Dreadmaster. Then they saw were the image came from.
“Whats this?” asked Apple Bloom
“This is a motion figure system. It uses holograms to produce 3D models of units in a card fight. Is this the first time seeing this too?” asked Scootaloo
“Actually I seen a machine like that’s sort of similar to this.”
“You're talking about that place you were told us about right? You said it was called PSY.” said Rarity
“Yes”
“Theres a place that has a one of these. Rarity why don’t you get one for Card Capital?” asked Scootaloo
“Because it would be worth more than the whole shop.”said Rarity
Then something happened with the motion figure system. Some came on it and it was the three princess appeared there. “Good afternoon”said the three princess.
“We welcome all of you and congratulations the the wild card team for entering your Vanguard Regional Qualifier.” said Luna
“Winning hear will secure your teams spot in the national’s.” said Cadence
“This might be the toughest battles you ever face.” said Celestia
“Good Luck Everypony” said all three then the image disappeared.
“Why are the princess here?” asked Apple Bloom
“It says here in the program they are fans of the game and wanted to be involved with the tournament.” said Rarity
“Hey Apple Bloom, Scootaloo.” said two voices
They turned around and saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.
“Hey girls what are you doing here?” asked Apple Bloom
“Did you really think we wouldn’t come and see you playing in the regional’s. We are going to be cheering you on the whole way.” said Silver Spoon
“Hey don’t forget about me.” said Rainbow Dash
“Yeah and we're here too.” said Snips with Snails
“Rainbow Dash you're here to cheer me on.” said Scootaloo with excitement in her voice.
“Well sort of I here to cheer for the team so yeah you too.” said Rainbow Dash
“This is so awesome.”
“Scootaloo” said a voice all too familiar. Then Scootaloo was tackled. “Scootaloo I love you.” said Rumble hugging her.
“I didn’t know Scootaloo had a coltfriend.” said Rarity
“Not really it’s more like Rumble is in love with Scootaloo, but she is not in love with him and he think she is in love with him.” said Apple Bloom
“Oh I see, so he’s kind of obsessed with her.”
“Eeyup!"
“Long time no see Apple Bloom.” said Thunderlane
“I’m surprised that you decided to show up.” said Blossomforth
“I respect you for that.” said Pipsqueak
“Team Handsome.” said Apple Bloom
“Big brother” said Rumble
“Don’t move Scootaloo stay down.” whispered Snips
“Play died.” said Snails
‘So this is the team that Scootaloo chose over us.’ thought Thunderlane “Huh would you look at this bunch I bet they're not even in the same league as us.”
Blossomforth and Pipsqueak laugh.
“The weaker the dog, the more it howls.” said Spike
“What did you just say.”
“Hold on there we can’t fight in here.” said Apple Bloom
Thunderlane stared at Spike then took a deep breath. “We are all here for the same reason. listen, I don’t know who they're going to but use up against. But you better not lose until you face us.”
“Same goes for you.” said Spike
“Gotta get the last word in. I like that lets go.”
“Goodbye for now my love.” said Rumble
In the center stage the announcer about to announce the pairing for the first round. The ponies were in their seats to watch the fights .
“Our computer is randomly selecting teams for the first round. But before we do that I would like to introduce myself. I’m your host Pinkie Pie. But you all probably know my name but if you didn’t you know it now. And now without further ado the first two teams facing each other in todays Regional Qualifier will be.” said Pinkie Pie as two team names appeared on the screen.
“It looks like we’re playing the first round.” said Scootaloo
“I wonder how are The Three Blacks?” asked Apple Bloom
“It looks like we’re playing against a bunch of kids.” said a pony form behind them. They looked back and saw three ponie in black robes.
“So who are you?” asked Scootaloo
“Oh you know who we are I'm Zecora.” She said taking of her hode.
“I’m Lyra.”She said doing the same.
“And I’m Bon Bon.” She said doing the same.
“And we are…” said Zecora
“Oh I think I got it your are a opponents for the first round The Three right.” said Apple Bloom
“of course I mean there are three of them and they are all wearing black robes.” said Scootaloo
“Way to ruin our introduction.” said Bon Bon
“Oh I’m sorry.” said Apple Bloom
“Yeah we won't try to rain on you parade.” asked Scootaloo
“I guess we'll see you on the battlefield team Crusader.” said Zecora
“Well are team sure has an interesting first match. Come to think of it Sweetie Belle isn’t here yet.” said Apple Bloom
“Yeah she told me she wouldn’t be here until the afternoon. I think she will be here in time for the final fight.” said Rarity
“Oh thats good to heard. What but the first round of the tournament is just moments away without Sweetie Belle we’re not going to have enough players.”
“What are you talking about we have the three ponies we need right here.”
“No we don’t It’s just Spike, Scootaloo, and me. What do you me I’m going to have to fight.”
“Yes Apple Bloom thats what I mean”
The first round of the tournament was about to start and Apple Bloom was ready.
“Hey Apple Bloom stop worrying already.” said Scootaloo
“She’s right even if you play a really bad game as long as your teammates win their matches your still going to move on to the next round.” said Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon just nodded her head in agreement.
“Nice pep talk girls.” said Rainbow Dash
“Hey quit tell her it’s ok to lose.” said Scootaloo
Then Rarity came up to her with a box that looked like the one she brought with her. “Apple Bloom I have something for you.”
“What is it?” asked Apple Bloom looking in the box. “Gloves”
“This are vanguard fight. Your supposed to wear them when your cardfighting on a motion figure system. The red crystal in the back will enhance your connection with the planet Cray during the battle.” Rarity gave Apple Bloom a set a pair of gloves. “Putting this on will allow to see the battlefield right in front of you eyes. Instead of imagining it in your mind. At least that thats what they told me they do when they ask me to make them.”
“You made this.”
“Yeah they ask me every year to make gloves for the new teams that enter. I just do Ponyville though. I think they only do local shops so they can get them faster.”
“Thanks Rarity.”
“You mean what were in the boxes were gloves.” said Scootaloo
“Yes and here you go scootaloo. I had to make a special glove for you Spike, and I’ll just hold on to Sweetie Belle’s until she gets here.” said Rarity giving the gloves to Scootaloo and Spike
“Thanks Rarity.” said Scootaloo
“Thanks” said Spike
“We are now ready for the first fight. Will both teams send a fighter out on to the floor.” said Pinkie Pie
When Pinkie said it Zecora came on out. Apple Bloom took a deep breath then walked out.
“Good luck Apple Bloom” said Scootaloo
When Apple Bloom got into position a table came out of the floor and folded out in front of Apple Bloom. ‘I guess this is where I put my cards.’ thought Apple Bloom
“So you decided to go first.” said Zecora
“Yes I’m going to fight first.” said Apple Bloom
“Just to let you know just because we are friends doesn't mean I’m going to go easy on you ok.”
“Yes and I won’t go easy on you.”
“That what I would expect.”
“Ok all the decks are shuffled, players ready let play some vanguard.” said Pinkie Pie
“First cardfight began” said the Referee
“Stand Up Vanguard”
When the flipped the cards face up a light glowed turning them into the units. Apple Bloom turned into Barcgal. Zecora turned into Lizard Runner, Undeux.
“What’s is this?” asked Apple Bloom
“What's wrong Apple Bloom? You get to go first.” said Zecora
“It’s a Kagero deck. I draw first I ride Wingal. I move Barcgal to the rear guard. With Barcgal’s skill I superior call Flogal from my deck. I end my turn.”
(Barcgal) (Wingal) (RG)
(Flogal) (RG) (RG)
“I draw and ride the Embodiment of Armor, Bahr.”
‘That pattern it’s the same way as Spike plays. If Zecora is at the same level as Spike is I could be in serious trouble.’ thought Apple Bloom looking at Spike who was sitting down.
“I don’t know what you're scared of. But as I said before I’m not going to hold back. I call the Demonic Dragon Madonna, Joka.” An earth pony mare with a lower torso of a snake with a spear in both hoofs.
“Joka”
“Do you have something against Joka?”
“No”
“Come on Apple Bloom focus.” said Scootaloo
“This is no time to get scared.” said Silver Spoon
“But you gotta admit Joka’s kind of scary.” said Diamond Tiara
“Diamond Tiara are you scared of snakes?” asked Rainbow Dash
Snips, Snails and Rainbow Dash chuckled.
“Quit it.” said Diamond Tiara
“What is wrong with Apple Bloom?” asked Rarity
‘ I hate fighting against cards i don’t know. It’s the same deck as Spike but with brand new units.’ thought Apple Bloom
“She is getting freaked out over nothing.” said Spike
“Then here I go Bahr will attack Wingal, drive trigger check.” (No trigger) She ran up and swung her sword at her.
“Damage trigger check.” (No trigger)
“I attack with Joka.”
“I guard with Epona.” Joka started to slither up then Epona appeared in front of here.
“I end my turn.”
‘What should I do? How is she going to fight me after this turn? I’ll just have to play like I would anypony else.’ “Stand up my avatar ride Blaster Blade, I call Wingal. With Wingal’s support I raise my attack by 10000. Drive trigger check no trigger.” She ran up and swung her sword at her.
“Damage trigger check, no trigger here either.”
“With Flogal’s support Barcgal attacks your vanguard.” Barcgal ran up hit her with his sword.
“Damage trigger check. (no trigger) Good work Apple Bloom it looks like you have taken the lead. But not for much longer. Now you’ll feel my power. I ride the Dragon Knight, Nehalem. Then I call Tejas and Jarran. I move Joka back and then I call Berserk Dragon.” A two headed dragon appeared. “I activate Berserk Dragon’s counter blast.”
“I see that Zecora really knows what she is doing.” said Rainbow Dash
“By paying the cost of two I’ll move you Wingal from the the rear guard to the drop zone. But thats not all Joka’s skill activated because I destroyed one of your rear guard units she gain 3000 power until end of turn.”
“So there was more than one reason for using that counterblast. She also triggered Joka’s skill.” said Rainbow Dash
“All that from a grade two.” said Diamond Tiara
“Man what a combo.” said Silver Spoon
“I’m hoping you're not thinking that is as bad as it gets. When I sent that rear guard to the drop zone I had much bigger plans than just powering up Joka. Slithering up from the depths of the underworld supper ride Demonic Dragon Berserker, Yaksha.” She turned into an earth pony stallion like Joka but hold two daggers made of fire.
“Even though Apple Bloom had the first turn. Zecora got a grade three first.” said Scooatloo
“Those cards work so well together it’s amazing.” said Silver Spoon
“And now it’s finally time for my attacks. First I’ll attack Barcgal with Berserk Dragon supported by Joka.” He opened both mouths and shot fire from them. “Then I’ll attack Flogal with Tejas supported by Jarran.”
“But if Flogal sitting in the back row she shouldn’t be able to attack it.” shouted Diamond Tiara
“Tejas has the ability allows him to as long as it is the same row.” said Scootaloo
“That’s a troublesome unit.” said Silver Spoon
“Don’t forget Jarran’s skill adds 4000 power to Tejas.” He opened his mouth and fired his gun. “All that’s left is you. I attack you with Yaksha, twin drive.(both no triggers)” She slithered up and slashed her with her blade.
“Damage trigger check. (no trigger) Enter the fray, kneel before your king ride the King of Knight Alfred.”
“All right It’s Apple Bloom’s best card.” said Silver Spoon
“Now they both have grade three’s vanguards.” said Diamond Tiara
“Don’t celebrate just yet. Apple Bloom finally got Alfred into play but she doesn't have any other units out.” said Rainbow Dash
“Oh yeah that’s right for every royal Paladin unit in the rear guard Alfred gains 2000 power.” said Diamond Tiara
“Having Alfred out is only going to attack for 10000 unless she can get some support out on to the battlefield.” said Scootaloo
“I thought you would play that card you’r using Royal Paladin’s the clan that fights together. Thats why I cleared them from the field. So what are you going to do now.” said Zecora
“We stand as one. I call the Solitary Knight Gancelot, the Little Sage Marron, the Yggdrasil Maiden Elaine, and the Knight of Truth Gordon.” All the units appeared also an armored earth pony with a fencing sword.
“Alright Apple Bloom” cheered Diamond Tiara
“She replenished her forces just like that.” said Silver Spoon
“Well the situation isn’t as good as it seems. Just take a look at her hoof.” said Rainbow Dash
“Her hoof?” asked Snips
“No cards.” said Snails
“It look like Apple Bloom has been pushed so far that she had to up all of her cards. And even with that Alfred’s power is only 18000. Not at full power. Zecora is a really tough opponent. I guess we shouldn’t expect anything less at this level.” said Rarity
“On top of that Gordon was just added to her deck this morning.” said Scootaloo
“So whats your point.” said Diamond Tiara
“We made those changes on the way over here. We never had time to play test it. So we don’t know if the changes are any good or not.”
“Seriously” said Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara
“I’m not sure about this new cards will they actually help her.”
