“It’s the first round of the fight between team Crusaders and team Fragrance. With are returning champions returning in this fight, everypony is at the edge of their seats.” announced Pinkie Pike
“Well, every team here wants a chance to beat the champions.” said Fluttershy
Spike remembered what Apple Bloom said earlier. “I heard it, the card said. Hey use me if you want to win. I can help you.”
“Lets begin.” said the judge
“Stand up, Vanguard!”
‘I redrew my hoof, but….’ thought Apple Bloom
‘She doesn't have any grade three’s.’ thought Spike
The stallion sniffit. “I know that scent. Even after redrawing you still got a bad hoof.” he said.
“I ride Little sage Marron. I move Barcgal back and use his skill to call Flogal to the rear guard.”
“I ride the Oracle Guardian, Gemini. Then I attack your vanguard.” (Both players, no triggers)
Apple Bloom drawed her card and got Wingal. ‘Where are all my grade threes?’ she asked herself. “I use Barcgal skill and call Llew. Then, Llew’s counterblast. Stand up my avatar, superior ride Blaster Blade!”
“Still, that superior ride has a drawback. Llew’s ability just made you lose all your rear guard units.”
“I call Wingal. I’ll have Blaster Blade attack with support from Wingal. With Wingal’s skill I add 5000 power to this attack. Drive trigger check.” (no trigger but a grade three.) ‘Finally a grade three.’ Apple Bloom slashed her opponent with her sword and sent one damage to his damage zone. (no trigger)
“I ride Oracle Guardian Wisepony. Then I call Oracle Guardian, Red Eye and Blue Eye.” Two fox statues one red and the other blue appeared. “First Wisepony will attack with support from Sphere Magus. Drive check.” (no trigger)
In the stands.”Why is Apple Bloom taking so much damage this early in the fight?” asked Diamond Tiara
“She can handle this.” said Silver Spoon
In the match.
He fired lasers from his eyes hitting Apple Bloom. (no trigger) “Then Red Eye attacks with support from Blue Eye.” The fox summoned fire and shot them at her. (no trigger)
Apple Bloom was drawing her card. ‘I knew he come.’
“Gancelot.” mumbled Spike
Apple Bloom gotta vision of Gancelot. As her eyes glowed blue and purple.
Spike kept his eyes on the fight.
Her opponent was shock on what he smelled. ‘Surprise, confuse I can’t make out this scent.’
“Give me strength. White wings of noble pride, I ride Solitary Knight, Gancelot. I call King of Knights, Alfred.”
In the stands.
“Now there are two grade threes out.” said Diamond Tiara
“Why di she put Alfred in the rear guard?” asked Silver Spoon
“Just take a look Apple Bloom doesn’t have enough rear guards to support him.” said Rainbow Dash
in the match.
“I activate Gancelot’s counterblast! If Blaster Blade is in the soul he gains 5000 power and plus one critical. With a boost from Wingal, Gancelot attacks Wisepony.”
“I guard with Battle Sister, Chocolat.”
“Perfect defense! I attack with Alfred!” Then Alfred swung his sword sending a shock wave at her opponent.
“I check for a damage trigger. (no trigger) I ride I ride Oracle Guardian, Apollon. I call I call Meteor Break Wizard and Oracle Guardian, Gemini. With support from Gemini, Meteor Break Wizard attacks your vanguard. Counterblast for an extra 3000 power.” He lit his horn up and fired a blast at her.
“Damage trigger check.” (no trigger)
“I attack with Apollon.” His chest opened and shout a laser.
10000 to 9000
“I guard with Elaine!”
Twin drive, first, (no trigger) second!” (no trigger) Elaine stood in front of Apple Bloom and took the blast head on. “Now with support from Blue Eye, Red Eye attacks.” The fox summoned fire and shot them at her.
“Damage trigger check.” (no trigger)
“Just one more damage and this game is over.”
“I’m not going to give up till it’s over.”
The stallion sniffed. “I tell your serious. That’s fine. But this is your last chance.”
“I call Marron, Swordsman of the Blaze, Palamedes, and Young Pegasus Knight.” An armored pegasus colt with goat horns and a sword in his right hoof appeared.
In the stands.
“Now the rear guard is full. If only Alfred was her vanguard.” said Silver Spoon
“Its true she could have chosen to ride Alfred instead of Gancelot.” said Rainbow Dash
“I have to tell Apple Bloom how to play a grade 3.” said Diamond Tiara
Rainbow Dash laugh when she heard that.
In the match.
“I activate Gancelot counterblast, to add 5000 power and plus one critical. With a boost from Young Pegasus Knight, Palamedes attacks. Palamedes skill gives him 3000 power if I have two or more grade three Royal Paladins.”
17000 to 10000
“I don’t guard.” Fire appeared on Palamedes sword and he swung it at her opponent catching him on fire. “Damage trigger check.” (no trigger)
“With support from Marron, Alfred attacks.”
18000 to 10000
In the stands.
“If Alfreds attack goes throw. Gancelot attack can finish the game.” said Silver Spoon
In the match.
“I guard with Victory Maker and Faithful Angel.” A bird and a colt pegasus got in the way. “Thats to bad.”
In the stands.
“Apple Bloom!” said Applejack in a worried tone
In the match.
‘I believe in you!’ thought Apple Bloom “With support from Wingal, Gancelot attacks your vanguard.”
20000 to 10000
‘Only a critical trigger, can win her the game.’
“Drive trigger check, first.” (no trigger)
‘Good.’
“Second check, (critical trigger) critical trigger I give all the effects to Gancelot. Butting him up to 25000 and three critical.” She flew up into the air then charged at him with her sword and slashed him.
“It’s not over yet. Damage trigger, triple check! (the first two were not triggers.) This is my last chance. (draw trigger) Draw trigger.”
“The winner is Apple Bloom.” said the judge
The crowed cheered for her.
“I did it!”
“I lost!”
“Apple Bloom is the winner of the first round.” announced Pinkie Pie
In the stands.
“They won Thunderlane.” said Rumble
“Well they won't lose in the first round.” said Thunderlane
Apple Bloom was walking back to her team.
“You did it, Apple Bloom.” said Scootaloo
“Yeah!” said Apple Bloom
“It looks like that training at camp paid off.” said Sweetie Belle
“Sure did!” soon after Apple Bloom said that she closed her eyes and started to fall. Sweetie Belle grabbed her before she could hit the floor.
“Apple Bloom what’s wrong?” asked Scootaloo
“Apple Bloom!!” said Applejack in a worried tone
“Are you ok?” asked Sweetie Belle
“Yeah, I guess that fight took alot out of me.” said Apple Bloom
“Do you need to go to the infirmary?” asked Rarity
“No, I just need to rest for a little bit.” Apple Bloom laid down on the bench to rest.
“If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Ok!”
“You just rest Apple Bloom and leave the rest to us.” said Scootaloo
“Sure!”
Sweetie Belle remembered the first time they went to PSY. “Now that I think about it this has happened before.”
“When?” asked Spike
“Her head heart the day we went to PSY. The day we meet Flip Side.”
“Really!” he said remembering as he catch Flip Side when he was out cold so he wouldn’t hit the ground. As he kept looking at Apple Bloom.
“Does that ring any bells?”
‘I thought Apple Bloom was getting stronger. But much more likely she has unknowing unlocked that ability. It’s too soon to be sure though. I’m going to have to keep my eye on her.’
In the Princess chambers.
“It looks like Apple Bloom has improved.” said Luna
“Do you think Apple Bloom, might be the one?” said Cadence
“Impossible.”
Celestia remembered the second time Apple Bloom was there and was thinking.
“Now it is time for the second match.” announced Pinkie Pie as Sweetie Belle walked to take her place.
“This is the one we are here to watch.” said Celestia
In the stadium.
“Let the second match begin.” said the judge
“Stand up, Vanguard!”
sometime has past.
“I call Battle Sister, Cocoa. With Cocoa’s skill I can check the top card of my deck. I’ll leave it on the top.”
She sniffed. ‘I smell a trap. She could have a choice to add it to the top or bottom. On top means it probably a trigger.’
“I attack your vanguard with Red Eye boosted by Cocoa.”
15000 to 10000
‘I could guard with Alabaster Owl. I better save it.’ “I don’t guard.” The fox summoned fire and shot them at her. (no trigger)
“Sweetie Belle has got her to five damage. Just one more to go.” said Scootaloo
‘Even boosted by Nike that Goddess of the Full Moon will only be 14000 power. Even if she draws a trigger her power will only be 19000 power. I’ll be able to guard with Alabaster. Even if she gives it to Gemini it’ll only be 13000. Witch I can guard with Margal.’
“I activate Red Eye’s skill.” Sweetie Belle’s opponent was shocked to hear what she said. “When his attack succeeds I get to soulcharge.” Sweetie Belle revealed the top card and she was shocked on what it was.
“Goddess of the crescent Moon Tsukuyomi. You mean it not a trigger.”
“Now with this card in the soul Goddess of the Full Moon Tsukuyomi power is 11000.”
“So this was your plain.”
“With a boost from Nike, Goddess of the full Moon attacks your vanguard.”
‘Her power is 16000 with a possibility of a trigger one card won't be enough.’ “I guard with Alabaster Owl an Margal.”
“Drive trigger check, (no trigger, draw trigger) draw trigger I add 5000 power to Gemini and draw.”
“What!”
“I attack with Gemini.”
“I don’t guard.” Gemini fired lasers at her. “Damage trigger check.” (no trigger)
“The winner is Sweetie Belle. So moving on to the second round is team Crusaders.” said Pinkie Pie the crowd cheered. “I guess we should not expect anything less from our returning champions.”
In the princess chambers.
“So she soulcharge to bring her vanguard up to full strength. It looks like we made the right choice to keep an eye on her.” said Cadence
“Does that mean she has that power?” asked Luna
In the stadium.
“We did it, Apple Bloom.” said Scootaloo
“Yeah, give it your all.” said Apple Bloom
“You got it.”
In the stands the blue pony with a black hat was watching. “Crusaders! Enjoy it while you can.”
As time past so have the matches with team Handsome winning another round.
“With that win Team Handsome has got themselves a spot in the semifinals.” said Pinkie Pie
At the infirmary.
“I’m sure we will have to fight team Handsome in the final round. Thunderlane you gotten strong.” said Scootaloo
“Of course,We didn’t do all that training for nothing.” said Rumble
“Having a nice nape? You can’t fight us if your in bed.” said Thunderlane
“Don’t worry, because team Crusaders is going to the finals without a doubt.” said Apple Bloom
“I hope you're right.” he said before the two of them left.
“Everypony, I’m sorry I spoke for all of you.”
“There is no need to apologize.” said Sweetie Belle
“Yeah, I’m glad you said it.” said Scootaloo
“But I can’t play right now.” said Apple Bloom
“Don’t worry I’ll keep our win streak up. You just rest until you feel better.”
“Thanks.” Then Spike left.
Some time later.
Begin the match.” said the judge
“Stand up the Vanguard!” said Spike
“Stand up, Vanguard!” said his opponent.
“Win this battle for Apple Bloom. We have to make it to the finals.” said Scootaloo
sometime later.
Final Turn! I activate Vortex Dragon megablast. Set your flames on this battlefield and burn everything in this world to ashes, cataclysm! Three of your rear guards retire.”
“What?”
“I attack with Dual Axe Archdragon boosted by Bahr.”
“I guard with Lucky Girl. Your at is 18000 my defense 20000.”
“You must be rattled, because you miscalculated. If my opponent's rear guard is two or fewer then he gains 3000 power, it’s 21000.”
“What?”
“Fade away in terror, despair in the might of his blades. Dual axe bomber.” Archdragon swung his axe at his opponent. As the sixth card went to the damage zone.
“The winner of the match is Spike.” said the Judge
“What a great win and with that team Crusaders move on to the semi finals. Now we are down to the final four. Which includes team Crusaders and team Handsome. Both have won before. Standing in their way are two new teams. Will we see a rematch against these two team. Only time will tell.” said Pinkie Pie
“Let the match begin.” said the judge
“Stand up, Vanguard!”
in the stands.
“Go, Scootaloo!” said Snips
“Do your best!” said Snails
“Are you going to root for her too?” asked Rainbow Dash
“I am in my head.” said Diamond Tiara
sometime later.
“I activate Ultimate Lifeform, Cosmo Lord skill by resting a rear guard unit he gains 3000 power. I rest Battleraizer and Army Guy. I retire Battleraizer and call Army Lady. Then I rest her. Now support from Tough Boy, Cosmo Lord attacks”
27000 to 10000
‘Her power is 27000. Even if I guard with Brutosaurs and Sparksaurus I’ll only have 20000. Even if I intercept with Savage Destroyer it still would not be enough. I can’t defend.’ “I don’t guard.”
(Both no trigger) “Feel the power of the universe, Dangerous Cosmo Storm!” She lit her horn and fired blast at her opponent.
“Damage trigger check!” (no trigger)
“The winner Scootaloo!” said the Judge
“With that team Crusaders advance to the finals.” said Pinkie Pie
“With how much stronger they have gotten since the last tournament I’m not surprise.” said Fluttershy
“We’ve got one fight left in the semifinals. Witch one of this teams will fight team Crusaders.
In the main hall.
‘lean my your strength once more.’ thought Apple Bloom then see saw Spike standing in front of her. “Spike, I’m ready to get back out there.”
“You don’t have to fight anymore today.” said Spike
Apple Bloom was shocked what she heard Spike said to her. “But I want to fight!” ‘I want you to be proud of me.’ “I know I’ve gotten stronger. Because lately my cards have shown me the way to win my battles.” When Spike heard this he know what was going on. “Its weird its like the cards want me to win and they are telling me how to. It didn’t make much sense, but now I finally understand you mean by picturing the battle.”
“NO!” he said with some fear in his tone.
Apple Bloom was surprised what Spike said and in his tone. “What's wrong Spike?”
“Don’t forget your the one how fights.”
“Scootaloo run up to them and said “You two won’t believe this, team Handsome….” in a shocked tone
“Wait did they lose?” asked Apple Bloom
“When we went to watch the match, it was already over.” said Sweetie Belle
“I don’t believe it, no way!” she said in shock.
a short time later.
“I’m sorry, but we won't be meeting you in the finals. They’re strong, be careful and don’t be careless.” said Thunderlane
“We’ll win. We’ll definitely win.” said Apple Bloom
In the stadium.
“The big moment is here. It’s the final round of the Vanguard Region Qualifiers. We have our returning champions. Team Crusaders and appearing for the first time appearing, team Avengers.” announced Pinkie Pie
“Avengers we seek revenge.” said the mystery pony with a black hat
“Wait I know that voice.” said Apple Bloom
“Yes, I’ve come to take my revenge on you crusaders.” the pony as she removed her hat revealing Trixie. Team Crusaders except Spike were shocked. The two ponies next to her were Flim and Flam. “Saying by the looks on your faces that you remember me. You're going to pay for what you did at nationals.” Then she did a evil laugh.
