//------------------------------// // Ride 45: Shadow Paladin // Story: Cardfight Vanguard Equestria Saga // by VanguardLuard //------------------------------// Ladies and Gentlecolts! It’s been a long wait, but now the Vanguard National Championship starts right now. Now are you ready to start?” asked Pinkie Pie as some fireworks startled her. “Now I will tell you how it’s going to work, the 32 teams will be divided into eight blocks.” Then Cadence and Celestia entered the stage. “Are you going to say the same thing as you said last year?” asked Cadence “That was the plan.” “Why don’t we skip this and head straight to the cardfights.” said Celestia “Ok, let’s start.” “Now let see the pairings.” The pairs came up on the screen. “It looks like we are in block C.” said Sweetie Belle “We’re with the Wonderbolts, team Spyder and…..” “Team Asteroid!” finished Sweetie Belle In the stands. “What! They are facing Flip Side’s team.” said Silver Spoon “It’s too soon!” said Snips “Yeah!” agreed Snails in the stadium. “It’s not the same team. Look, Flip Side’s team is in block F and Team Golden Lancer is in block A. As well all the big teams from last year are spread out throw the other groups.” said Apple Bloom “Well then block C should be a piece of cake.” said Scootaloo “Big talk!” said a pony behind her. They turned around to see three ponies two earth one male and one female and one female unicorn. “Who are you?” “Oh, we are one of those teams you will be fighting. In the elimination round. We play with team Asteroid but we are known as the Brilliant Song. I’m Noteworthy the caption." "nice to meet you.” “Sorry, she didn’t mean anything by that.” said Rarity “Yeah, I was just meager.” said Scootaloo “You mean eager.” “Brilly and Stars. That is a strange name for a team.” “He said Brilliant Song.” said Sweetie Belle “Oh, well I still think we can clean your clocks. After all you're just team Asteroid’s substitute team.” “I can see what you are saying. But let me ask you something how many ponies do you think are in Asteroid?” asked Noteworthy “Maybe 30.” “No, there are 500 fighters.” “What!” “All those fighters train again and again everyday. To get stronger everyday. Teams are chosen from those you can show their dedication. And that how are team came to be. So you might want to think again.” “So this is where you are Noteworthy.” said Sunset Shimmer as She and Lightning Dust came over. “Team Crusaders!” “I don’t see Spike.” said Lightning Dust “Well we could say the same for Flip Side. What’s the matter, he run away scared.” said Scootaloo “Of course he didn’t” said Sunset Shimmer “Sunset don’t play her game.” said Lightning Dust she walked over to Noteworthy and told him. “Flip Side wants to talk to you.” “Understood! Well it was good to meet you team Crusaders. Especially you Apple Bloom.” said Noteworthy “Yeah!” said Apple Bloom The five of them left. “How did he know your name. You never told him.” said Scootaloo “I don’t know! But I can’t wait to battle him.” said Apple Bloom “Yeah!” In the building. “You can leave us Lightning Dust.” said Flip Side “Ok!” said Lightning Dust then he left the room. “What do you think about Apple Bloom?” “We didn’t spoke much so I can’t say.” said Noteworthy “Realy! But it upsets you. There is no need to pretend. You're mad that I gave her the Shadow Paladin deck.” “Why? What did she do to earn your trust? I saw the way she played in last years Nationals and she cost her team their shot. So why did you intrust the deck to her?” “To give you a challenge. Even without the Shadow Paladin’s. You're more than capable of defeating her.” “Of course.” “If you prove to me you can the open spot on the team is yours.” “I won’t let you down.” then Noteworthy left the room. “The stage is set. Now show next evolution in your Psyqualia. Apple Bloom!” In princess champers. “Where is Luna?” asked Cadence In the stadium hall Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were walking down and meet Team Golden Lancer. “Hey long time no see.” said Shining Armor “Hey, you here to cheer us on?” asked Scootaloo “Yeah, you could say that.” said Flash Sentry “You made short work winning the first round.” said Sweetie Belle “Well, we haven’t secured a spot yet.” said Shining Armor “Apple Bloom!” said Twilight Sparkle “Yes!” said Apple Bloom “So, were you able to improve your deck?” “Yes, I have the perfect deck now.” Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry were shocked from what she said. “Wow, that what I call confidence.” said Flash Sentry “Will C block teams please get ready. C block teams please get ready.”said a voice “Alright lets go.” said Scootaloo “Well, good luck! We look forward to facking of against you in the finals.” said Shining Armor “Good luck? We are going to make it to the finals. Whether you wish us luck or not.” said Apple Bloom The three of them entered the dugout. “There is something different about her.” Apple Bloom walked out on to the field. “It’s been a while, Apple Bloom.” said Spitfire “Yes it has.” said Apple Bloom “It’s interesting, that we are battling in the first match of the first round. Just like last time. Victory was mine then. But how about now? Have you gotten any stronger?” “That question bores me. Everypony ask me the same thing and I’m tired of it.” “What?” “I guess everypony thought I would be the same I was last time. I guess I’ll have to make an example out of you to show ponies how much I’ve grown as a card fighter since then. Just so you know I'm not going to hold back. So I’ll be going at you at full power.” “It’s only natural to do your best in a fight. Now show me what you got.” The tables came up and they put their cards on them. “Stand up, Vanguard!” The two of them turned into their units. In the stands. “Fullbau? That means her deck is….” said Flash Sentry “Shadow Paladin.” finished Shining Armor “Why? She took care of that Royal Paladin deck of hers.” said Twilight Sparkle Some time later. “The action in the plenary rounds are heating up. In block C the Wonderbolts are trying to get one game up on team Crusaders. With Apple Bloom vs Spitfire and it looks like this card fight is heating up.” “Go, Gigarex.” “No guard!” A dinosaur came up and slashed her with a blade. “Damage trigger check.” (No trigger) “And with that Apple Bloom is at five damage.” said Pinkie Pie “Lucky, Spitfire has no more units to attack with.” said Fluttershy “I end my turn.” said Spitfire “Apple Bloom is still in the game with five damage.” said Pinkie Pie “Spitfire on the other hoof also has five damage.” said Fluttershy “Final Turn” said Apple Bloom “What?” said Spitfire “Oh, Apple Bloom just announced Final Turn!” said Pinkie Pie In the dugout. “Again.” said Sweetie Belle In the stadium. “Stand and draw. Spreading it’s black wings to cast a shadow across the battlefield, I ride Phantom Blaster Dragon. “I call Dark Mage, Badhabh Caar.” A black unicorn colt appeared. “I activate Badhabh Caar’s skill I check the top card of my deck and if its a Shadow Paladin I can call it. I call Abyss Freezer. Now…..” In the room. “Yes unleash the power Apple Bloom.” whispered Flip Side In the stadium. “I activate Phantom Blaster Dragon’s counterblast. Corrupted Charging Lance!” Apple Bloom slashed Badhabh Caar, Abyss Freezer, and Doranbau. “You're sacrificing your rear guard.” “Sometime you have to make sacrifices for the win.” “Yeah, but I never thought you would use that kind of strategy.” “I call Blaster Dark and Witch of Nostrum Arianrhod. With a boost from Arianrhod, go Phantom Blaster Dragon. Crush Deathrex.” 28000 to 10000 ‘I don’t have enough cards.’ “I don’t guard.” “Twin drive.” (Both no triggers) “You didn’t get a trigger.” “No, but two damage is certain. The only way to get out of this is to draw two heal triggers in a row.” “Of course.” “This reminds me of are first match. A lucky draw saved you last time. But I don’t think it will happen this time.” “Damage trigger, first check (heal trigger) heal trigger activated.” “Now all you have to do is draw a second one.” Spitfire’s hoof was trembling as she checked the second card. (no trigger) “The winner is Apple Bloom.” said the judge “The match is over the winner of the first game is Apple Bloom.” said Pinkie Pie In the room. “Congratulations, Apple Bloom. But you still got a long ways. Fully embrace that power and who knows what you are capable of.” said Flip Side In the princess’s chamber. “Wow, she just keeps getting stronger.” said Cadence “Yes, but….” said Celestia “But….” In the stadium. “My units were defeated. You change a lot since last time. You’re strong.” said Spitfire “Now you understand I’m not the same pony you meet last time.” said Apple Bloom then she walked back. ‘Only honorable fighters deserve a salute and thats not you anymore.’ “Way to go Apple Bloom.” said Scootaloo as Apple Bloom made her way back. Then Apple Bloom just fainted. “Not again.” said Rarity “I’ve got stronger.” whispered Apple Bloom Apple Bloom found herself in a fogey place. She then saw Spike walking away. “Spike! Wait! I’m stronger now! Spike!” Then Spike disappeared, then a black cloud engulfed her and she screamed. Then she woke up in the infirmary. “You’re awake.” said Applejack “”Applejack! I collapsed again. What about the fight?” “Scootaloo is fighting right now. You can watch the end of it.” In the stadium. “Now Stern Blaukluger attack.” “And with that the Wonderbolts are defeated. Team Crusaders win their first pairing.” said Pinkie Pie In the stands. “Yes, we are of to a great start.” said Snips “They rock.” said Snail “It looks like they are doing better than last time.” said Silver Spoon “Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle enter the infirmary. “Hi Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle “Are you alright Apple Bloom?” asked Scootaloo “Yeah, I just needed a little rest. I’ll be fine for the next round.” said Apple Bloom as she tried to get up. “You're not ready Apple Bloom you need more rest.” said Applejack “I’m fine, I tell you.” Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo left and was outside the infirmary. “Haven’t you notice?” asked Sweetie Belle “Yeah! She has been passing out more and more after her fights. It happened after she battle team Fragrance and when she fought Trixie.” said Scootaloo “I don’t know, why it happens but it can’t be good.” “We have to make sure Apple Bloom doesn't have to fight again today.” “That means you and I are going to have to win the remaining matches.” “Ok!” Down the hall Luna listened to the whole thing. ‘There is no time to waste, hurry up Spike.’