//------------------------------// // Ride 39: Return To Regionals // Story: Cardfight Vanguard Equestria Saga // by VanguardLuard //------------------------------// Apple Bloom was heading to Card Capital and meet Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Rarity. and Spike. “Ok, it time to head for the region tournament.” said Rarity Then the five of them headed over to the tournament hall. On the way to the region tournament. ‘After losing my temper with Spike. I left the team leaving them to themselves. And they lost in the prolemeraters round. This time I will do all I can to so we can win this.’ thought Scootaloo Sweetie Belle remembered what Sunset Shimmer said. “Listen up, there is no way you’ll be able to beat me. Not with that deck.” ‘Next time I face her it’s going to be different. I can’t afford to loss at regionals.’ thought Sweetie Belle ‘I didn’t beat Lightning Dust, when we battled before. I used to be happy whether or not I win. But after that battle I felt so helpless. Like I was loss, but Spike helped me believe in myself again.’ thought Apple Bloom remembering what Spike said. “That’s right, you are the one to blame. With your skill, you're not going to beat anypony on that team. Not yet.” ‘Tuse that mean he thinks I’ll get stronger. I want to get stronger. Losing isn’t fun but it’s what I need to developed into a cardfighter. When we were training with Team Golden Lancer, I now know more about the game and I love it more than ever. I’m much more confident going into this tournament and of course there is that feeling I get. Like my cards are talking to me. I’m picturing the battle just like Spike told me. Every time I cardfight I can feel it. It’s like the cards want me to win and it getting stronger each game. Like cards and I have a shared connection or something. Like we shared a vision of victory. Rainbow Dash was impressed on how much I’ve improved. If I keep this up I could be stronger than I am right now. Then Spike will finally accept me as a equal. I can do it.’ As they walked Spike remembered what Rainbow Dash said the other day. “Though she did say something weird to me. That she felt like her cards are talking to her.” When team Crusader entered the tournament hall all the team looked at them. “Why is everypony staring at us?” asked Apple Bloom “Isn’t obviously, we won the last region tournament. So we are a big deal.” said Scootaloo “Or rather we are a big target.” added Sweetie Belle “Yeah, everypony wants a piece of you.” said a pony They looked to see how said that and they saw Thunderlane, Blossomforth, and Pipsqueak. “Hi, Thunderlane.” said Apple Bloom “Oh no, I forgot team Handsome would be here. Which also mean Rumble will be here.” said Scootaloo Rumble run towards Scootaloo from behind. “SCOOTALOO!” Scootaloo looked behind her and saw Rumble jump at her and she ducked just in time making Rumble miss. “You won't get away from me that easy.” As Rumble flew back and tackled Scootaloo. “Told you!” “Why won’t you just leave me alone?” shouted Scootaloo “But your cute to leave alone.” “Well either way its good to see you again. You haven’t changed much.” said Apple Bloom “Well looks can be deceiving. You're not going to beat us like you did last time. Since the last tournament we went thru a tough training regimen. So don’t underestimate us.” said Thunderlane “Well if you must know that team crusaders went through training as well. In matter of fact I wouldn’t be surprised if all the teams here went through train as well.” said Rarity “Really!” said Sweetie Belle “I think she has a point.” said Spike “Yeah, I beat they have.” said Apple Bloom “Now listen here, we did like missing out on nationals. So we are totally going to beat you.” said Thunderlane “We are not going to lose to you. We still have unfinished business with team Asteroid.” said Apple Bloom “Is that so?” “Yeah!” On the other side of the room was a blue pony with a black hat. “Team Crusaders!” Sometime later. “Alright ladies and gentlecolt the vanguard region qualifiers is about to start. Out of are sixteen team competing only one will go to the vanguard national championship. All your training and hard work come down to this. And now I’m pleased to introduce the princess of Equestria.” announced Pinkie Pie “And that was the princess. Let give them a round of applause.” The crowed cheered as the left the stage. “It’s time, let image, lets play vanguard.” “Well that was fun.” said Cadence “Why are we here? I like Ponyville, but I want to know why we are doing this again?” asked Luna “It’s because, we still haven’t found who we were looking for.” said Celestia “Yeah, thats right!” said Cadence “And while we are here. We might as well watch the cardfights.” “Yeah!” “We already know it’s not Apple Bloom.” said Luna “Yeah, but there is somepony else.” said Celestia “Sweetie Belle.” “Yeah, I think Sweetie Belle might be the one.” “You really think, Sweetie Belle has that ability.” “Wow, so it’s a unicorn this time.” said Cadence Sometime later. “We are ready to start the fights here at the vanguard regional tournament. I am your host Pinkie Pie.” said Pinkie Pie “An I’m Fluttershy. Thanks for have me again Pinkie Pie.” said Fluttershy “It’s no problem. Now are first match has team Handsome. Who got second at the last regional tournament.” “SCOOTALOO! I’ll do my best.” said Rumble “Without further a duo lets play vanguard!” “Ready, let’s start.” said the judge “Stand up, vanguard!” In the stands. “It begins at last!” said Scootaloo “Yeah, lets do our best.” said Apple Bloom in the match. With the mane of courage and the roar of justice, I ride Lion Heat. I attack with Lion Heat, boosted by Shining Lady.” said Rumble as the sixth card went to his opponents damage zone. “Winner of the first match, Rumble from Handsome.” said the judge Some more time later. “Counterblast for five. Then I soulblast for eight. I call two Commodore Bluebloods and two Dandy Guy, Romarios to the rear guard circle.” “The winner is Thunderlane.” said the judge. “What a quick victory for team Handsome as former contenders at the national level. I think they send a message that they are not going down without a fight.” said Pinkie Pie In the stands. “He wasn’t kidding Thunderlane and the rest of them have gotten stronger.” said Scootaloo “Yeah, there matches were near perfect.” said Sweetie Belle “Yeah, we know who we are facing in the final round and it doesn't look like it’s going to be easy.” “Don’t worry! We’ll beat them no problem.” said Apple Bloom. When she did Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Rarity had a shock look over what Apple Bloom said. “Did I say something strange?” “N-No you're right. Lets win this.” said Scootaloo ‘I have never hear Apple Bloom say she will win. That confident before.’ thought Sweetie Belle The tournament continued. “We have seen a lot of intense battles here in the first round. With all of our teams aiming for the championship. But there is no telling which two will make it to the finals. Some of the newcomers have beaten some veterans.” said Pike Pie “That how it works sometime. One day you could be on top then the next you could be on the bottom. That is what vanguard exciting.” said Fluttershy In the main hall. “By the sound of it we might have a tough match in the first round.” said Rarity “That may be so. But I’m not going to let this other team win.” said Scootaloo ‘It doesn't matter who we are up against I won’t loss.’ thought Sweetie Belle Spike looked and saw Apple Bloom sitting down. “I’m going to look thru my deck one more time before the match starts.” said Apple Bloom. As Apple Bloom looking thru her deck and when she got to one card she got a feeling. “I heard it, the card said. Hey use me if you want to win. I can help you.” As she looked at Solitary Knight Gancelot. “What’s up.” she said noticing Spike staring at her. ‘Spike was watching me look thru my deck mostly he ignores everything I do. Is he finally starting to pay attention to me. I got to keep getting stronger.’ “We are near the end of the first round and what amazing upsets we have seen. the new teams are put are veterans threw their pace.” said Pinkie Pie “Yes they are.” said Fluttershy “Our first match is coming up.” said Scootaloo “That means we’ll have to decide on turn order. So who is going to start us of?” asked Rarity Then Apple Bloom raised her hoof. “You want to go first?” asked Scootaloo a little shocked. “We’ll if its alright with you. I just have this feeling that I now I can win. Is that alright?” said Apple Bloom as her eyes glowed blue and purple for a second. “Of course you can go first some of the times you're shy but now you’re full of confidence. So go out there and kick some flank. Don’t you agree.” said Scootaloo Rarity nodded her head. ‘All of that training, must have had an effect on her.’ thought Sweetie Belle “I don’t care if you go first.” “This should be interesting.” said Spike “You heard them Apple Bloom this is your big chance. Now that only leaves the second and third matches.” said Rarity “I really want to fight. Is that ok?” asked Scootaloo “Yeah, thats ok I just want to sit back a watch any way.” said Spike “Are you sure?” asked Apple Bloom “Yeah I’m sure. You girls can win this round without me.” “Trying to look cool again. Then save me for the third battle.” said Scootaloo “Then that means I’m going second.” said Sweetie Belle “Better be careful Spike or you might not even play in this tournament.” “You say that as if it was a bad thing.” said Spike ‘Is Apple Bloom stronger or is it something else.’ ‘If Spike is sitting out then he must trust me to get the win that we need. This is it he is finally seeing that I’m not as weak as I was before.’ thought Apple Bloom “We got this right Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle?” “Yeah!” said Scootaloo In the arena. “Now we are in the match you all have been waiting for. Our last years champions team Crusaders.” announced Pinkie Pie “All right here it come.” said Rainbow Dash “Come on Apple Bloom.” said Applejack “And they will be facing team Fragrance. This is their first time at regionals. But I have heard that group is determined to get to the finals. Witch one of this group is going to win?” said Pinkie Pie “It’s a shame, but team Crusaders is going to be out in the first round.” said a stallion with green mane and tail. “What you must be out of your mind saying something that brownless.” said Scootaloo “Groundless.” corecketed Sweetie Belle “Don’t get so worked up.” said a mare with a red mane and tail who sprayed a bottle. “What is that I can smell it from her?” asked Scootaloo “It’s lavender.” said Sweetie Belle “Thats right. The scent of lavender has a calming effect on the emotions.” said the mare “We're perfumers.” said the stallion “Performers?” asked Scootaloo “Perfumers.” corecketed Sweetie Belle “So thats why you have the bottle.” said Apple Bloom “We're scent specialists. We can analyze and reproduce any aroma.” said the stallion “I beat you didn't know that everypony has a scent.” said the mare “And the scent changes according to the ponys mood. Meaning if you're happy or angry will smell it.” said a young colt with a blond mane and tail. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle were shocked at that. “That means!” said Sweetie Belle “Thats right, its impossible for you to hide your feeling from us. If the opponent is agitated, we attack. If their confident we defend.” said the stallion “You really think you can beat us?” asked the mare “There is no way.” said the colt “Thats a great talent. But we don’t need a gemek to win.” said Apple Bloom Their opponents were shock of what she said. In the stands. “It looks like Apple Bloom is in the zone today.” said Silver Spoon “Good luck, Apple Bloom!” said Applejack “Go Scootaloo!” said Snips “Yeah.” said Snails “Well nopony likes to be left out. So go Sweetie Belle.” said Rainbow Dash Apple Bloom was ready to fight. “I can smell it. Your nerves right now. Will you really be able to win like that?” said the stallion In the stands team Handsome were watching here match as well as the mystery pony with a black hat. As well the princess were watching in their room. “Stand up, Vanguard!”